Can Hens Give Milk?

by Joan Betty Stuchner

Summary: On a small farm in Chelm, a man and his daughter set out to find a way to get milk from their hens, and the results are not only funny, they're wacky.

This is a humorous story that is based on the Jewish tales of a place called Chelm. In this fictional land, people do not have a great deal of common sense. This is a fantastic read for this summer’s reading theme “One World Many Stories.” Anytime of the year, it is great to incorporate in a unit lesson on folk tales and fairytales. A reader can activate a listener by asking questions such as “Can that happen?” or “Does that make sense?” throughout the story.

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

Zoomer's Summer Snowstorm

by Ned Young

Summary: When a young dog's snow-cone machine fills the backyard with snow, his imagination runs wild and turns a hot summer day into a cold wintry one.

This is an entertaining book for a hot summer day. During the winter, teachers or parents can freeze snow, and play with the snow after this read. This is a fantastic idea for a sensory time with young children or students with autism.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 5

I Love Vacations

by Anna Walker

Summary: A young zebra named Ollie enjoys his vacation by the sea.

This simple story is terrific for reading before a child’s first beach vacation!

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 1

Librarianjk recommends Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail: A Story about Pablo Picasso

Picasso and the Girl with a Ponytail : A Story about Pablo Picasso

by Laurence Anholt

Summary: Sylvette gradually begins to gain self-confidence during the summer. She models for the renowned artist Pablo Picasso in the French village of Vallauris.

This is a wonderful historical fiction book. When read with a child, do not forget the end note about the truth in the story! I always loved these as a child, and I am sure others do too!(period) I also love the photograph next to the note of the real Sylvette and Picasso.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Olive's Ocean

Olive's Ocean

by Kevin Henkes

Summary: On a summer visit to her grandmother's cottage by the ocean, twelve-year-old Martha gains perspective on the death of a classmate, on her relationship with her grandmother, on her feelings for an older boy, and on her plans to be a writer.

I recommend this book to students who enjoy realistic fiction and coming of age stories.

Interest Level: grades 4-6, grades 7-8
Reading Level: grade 6

Creativity Reads for Grades 1-2

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Make a Splash! Summer Reading 2010 for Pre-School and Kindergarten

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Make a Splash! for Third to Fifth Grade (Summer Reading Theme for 2010)