Knights of the Kitchen Table

Knights of the Kitchen Table 

by Jon Scieszka

Joe receives a magic book for his birthday present from his uncle. Joe, Fred and Sam are transported to a time when evil knights, fire-breathing dragons and vile-smelling giants roamed the land.                                                     

This humorous story is part of Time Warp Trio series. This is an excellent book for reluctant readers and is popular among boys. It is appropriate for both young children reading on a high level and older children reading on a lower level.

Interest Level: grades 4-6

Reading Level: grade 5

Nonna Tell Me a Story

Merry Little Christmas!

 

Nonna Tell Me a Story: Lidia's Christmas Kitchen

 by Lidia Bastianich

Summary: Italian-American chef Lidia Bastianich shares her memories of the Christmases she spent in Italy, where she learned to cook with her Nonna Rosa, and provides holiday recipes and decorating ideas.

This is a superb Christmas story. It is fantastic for discussing holiday traditions across cultures, and the importance of family.

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

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

Librarianjk recommends I Am the Dog

I Am the Dog

by Daniel Pinkwater

Summary: Jacob trades places for the day with his dog Max and discovers the joys of chasing balls, eating kibble, and getting scratched behind the ears.

This humorous book is super, simply for entertainment. I was surprised to find that the book does not contain a didactic message by any means.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-2
Reading Level: grade 1

Dragon Reads for Grades 6-8

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Where the Mild Things Are: A Very Meek Parody

by Maurice Send-Up

Summary: When his monster parents become angry with him for being so mild, Mog is transported to Dullsville, a place so boring that Mog heads back home to his parents and promises never to be mild
again.

This an amusing parody of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Although its intended audience is 4-8 years old, I think only an adult who heard this as a child can truly appreciate it. Adult readers will be able to clearly identify the citizens in Dullsville as parodies of celebrities. This book is “Winner of the Cheap Gold Sticker” award, clearly mocking the prestigious Caldecott Award that Maurice Sendak won for Where the Wild Things Are. I think this book will mostly be enjoyed by librarians, school teachers, and other adults involved with children’s literature, although it may be used with older students to discuss what a parody is.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Gruff the Grump

 

Gruff the Grump

by Steve Smallman

Summary: When a grizzly bear, called Gruff the Grump by other animals, grudgingly listens to a small rabbit's pleas for help, she thanks him with simple gifts that reveal to him how dark and lonely his life has become.

This is a fantastic story for discussing moodiness in children themselves or adults. The moral is you have to give up being grumpy in order to be happy.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3 

Reading Level: grade 3