Ruby in Her Own Time 

by Jonathan Emmett

Summary: Ruby, the last of Mother Duck's and Father Duck's eggs to hatch, is slower to develop than her four siblings, until the day that she flies further and higher than any of them.

This is a sweet story about self-perception. I liked that the parents are concerned for Ruby, but also have faith in her. This is a great story to read to a child who is behind his/her peers, or to classmates who may tease such a child.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2 

Waiting for the Magic
by Patricia MacLachlan

Summary: When Papa goes away for a little while, his family tries to cope with the separation by adopting four dogs and a cat.          

This chapter book will be most enjoyed by advance primary school readers. It may be enjoyed by older elementary school students, especially those who love cats and dogs.

Interest Level: grade k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

How Dalia Put a Big Yellow Comforter Inside a Tiny Blue Box 

by Linda Heller    

Summary: After learning about the Jewish tradition of tzedakah boxes, Dalia shares her knowledge with her younger brother, Yossi, by telling him what her savings can help to provide for someone in need.

This is a sweet story that is great for discussing helping others. It is also appropriate to use this book as part of a unit lesson on world traditions.

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 3

 

Goldilicious 

by Victoria Kann

Summary: A little girl and her brother play with her imaginary gold-horned unicorn that can float on water, fly, and turn herself into a fairy princess.                           

This book is one of the sequels to the very popular book, Pinkalicious. The story is not particularly noteworthy, but it will be enjoyed by fans of the series.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3 

Big Little Brother

by Kevin Kling

Summary: A four-year-old boy explains that his little brother is bigger than he is, follows him everywhere, and is annoying, but his presence becomes indispensable when bullies are around.

This is a sweet story about sibling rivalry and love. Self-perception, specifically size-perception, is effectively addressed in this story.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 2

Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus

by John Grandits

Summary: Before Kyle rides a school bus for the first time, his older brother gives him a list of rules he must follow, but after breaking every single one the first day, Kyle discovers the rule his brother left out. (Catchy summary!)

This is a humorous read for parents to share with children who are having school anxiety. This book is not ideal for reading aloud because of its length and occasional use of crude words.

Interest Level: grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 4

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Summary: Two children in a small southern town in the l930s are thrust into an adult world of racial bigotry and hatred when their lawyer father chooses to defend a black man charged with raping a white girl.

This book is one of the most frequently banned books of the 20^th century; therefore, it is an excellent book. There is mature content and the story allows for much discussion. However, I do not think it is inappropriate for a secondary education student to read.  I read this story for pleasure in tenth grade. I was very sensitive at that age in comparison to my classmates, but thoroughly enjoyed this book. Honestly, I found other books we discussed in my English class that year much more disturbing. I recommend this story to anyone interested in reading classic literature or understanding the time period in which the book takes place.

Interest Level: young adult

Reading Level: young adult

Itsy-bitsy Babies 

by Margaret Wild

Summary: Rhyming text describes a variety of things babies love to do, including playing peek-a-boo, clapping, and banging a drum.

This is a very cute book. When read aloud, the reader may engage listeners by encouraging them to copy the behaviors of the babies in the story. This book may be helpful to prepare children for the birth of a new sibling. 

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

 

Home Field Advantage

  by Justin Tuck

Summary: New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck observes that growing up with five sisters helped make him tough, and he tells of when twins Christale and Tiffany gave him an unforgettable haircut.

This is a mediocre story, but it is fun to see that a huge NFL star was once just a younger brother whose five older sisters made him tough. This book is most appropriate for younger children but may be enjoyed by older children who are fans of Justin Tuck.  

Interest Level:grades k-6

Reading Level: grade 2

The Three Billy Goats Fluff

by Rachael Mortimer

Summary: When Mr. Troll threatens to eat the three billy goats Fluff for being too noisy while going over his bridge, Mother Goat comes up with a plan.

I love this book! In this fractured fairytale, the traditionally-portrayed bad character, the troll, is the focus. I liked the goat mother who is strong and diplomatic.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

Caramba and Henry

by Marie-Louise Gay

Summary: When Caramba's mother asks him to watch his brother while Henry learns to fly, Caramba ties a string around his waist and lets him soar.

This is a unique story that allows for discussions about new siblings. I do not recommend reading it in preparation for a new sibling, but it is helpful in discussing what can be frustrating about a baby.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

Hornbooks and Inkwells

by Verla Kay

Summary: Two brothers spend a year attending a one-room schoolhouse on the frontier.

This picture book is written in rhyme and flows like a poem. This is a great book to share with a class as an introduction to historical fiction or as a supplement to a lesson on frontier life. The story addresses discipline for children at that time. I liked that an illustration of such punishment does not show the teacher actually hitting the child, but raising a rod to do so. This book allows for a great deal of discussion about schools and may have students thinking that their school is not that bad after all.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 2

Just Because

by Rebecca Elliott

Summary: A younger brother describes all the fun he has with the big sister he loves so much—just because— in this heartwarming picture book about being perfectly loved, no matter what.

This is a very heart-warming story. I really appreciate this book because I was a special education teacher. The book challenges children who ask, “Why are they different?” to consider “why do I like certain things?” The younger brother’s reason to why his sister is different and why he loves her is “just because.” I love the message of this story and recommend it to parents and educators of children who are curious about disabilities. I also recommend it for class discussions on disabilities, especially when a new student has a disability.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

Another Mouth to Feed

Another Mouth to Feed

 by Michael Dahl

Summary: When young monster Harvey hears his parents refer to the new baby they are expecting as "another mouth to feed," he imagines his new sibling as an enormous mouth--and nothing else.

This is a humorous story with vibrant illustrations. It is stupendous for discussing idioms and can be paired with an Amelia Bedelia book.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 2

We are Extremely Very Good Recyclers

 

We are Extremely Very Good Recyclers

by Lauren Child

Summary: Lola does not ever want to be stinky and messy, so she's throwing out all her old toys. After Charlie suggests she recycle them, she wants to recycle everything!

Though the title is a little over the top, this is an excellent read aloud for Earth Day or environmental discussions with young children. The book contains ideas for protecting our Earth that even the very young can do!

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 2

Once Upon a Royal Superbaby

Once Upon a Royal Superbaby

by Kevin O'Malley

Summary: Cooperatively writing a story for school, a girl imagines a king and queen who have a baby named Sweet Piper who can talk to birds, while a boy names the baby Sweet Viper and gives him super-strength, cool wrestling moves, and a motorcycle and sunglasses.

Though stereotyping boys’ and girls’ favorite types of stories, this book is humorous and creative.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 5

Book of Big Brothers

 

Book of Big Brothers 

by Cary Fagan

Summary: The story of a younger brother's life with his two older brothers as they entertain, protect, and tease him.

This story is somewhat lengthily but a great story celebrating siblings. I would not recommend reading this book aloud to a class or a child with a short attention span. A parent can read this to discuss sibling rivalry and the benefits of having siblings. I think it would be most appropriate for a second or third grader transitioning to chapter books to read.

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 4

Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly

Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly

by Carolyn Parkhurst

Summary: Five-year-old Henry, along with his two-year-old sister, pretends to make waffles on a make-believe television show.

This is an amusing story, especially for anyone who has had a younger sibling interfere with their plans. I would use it simply for entertainment, perhaps using different voices for the sibling, but it can also be used to discuss why older siblings do not always want to play with younger children.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

The Field Guide

The Field Guide

by Tony DiTerlizzi

Summary: When the Grace children go to stay at their Great Aunt Lucinda's worn Victorian house, they discover a field guide to fairies and other creatures and begin to have some unusual experiences.

This book is a little slow in the beginning; therefore, I would not recommend it to reluctant readers. Those who enjoy reading fantasy will enjoy this book and will find the second book more of a fast-paced treat. 

Interest Level: grades 3-6
Reading Level: grade 4

Librarianjk recommends But I Wanted a Baby Brother!

But I Wanted a Baby Brother!

By Kate Feiffer

Summary: Oliver Keaton wants a baby brother more than anything but when he gets a baby sister instead, he sets out with his dog Chaplin to trade his sister for the perfect baby brother.

This is a wonderful book for children who are disappointed with the gender of their new sibling. It is great for discussing that each baby is special, as well.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grade k-3
Reading Level: grade 3