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

Books to discuss values for preschool-grade 2

The Cat's Pajamas

 by Wallace Edwards

Summary: Depicts twenty-six idioms contextualized within a sentence along with illustrations that bring new meaning to each, and includes explanations of the sayings.

This book has bright, beautiful illustrations. The text and pictures work together to create a wonderfully imaginative and humorous story. This book can be used to introduce a lesson on idioms.

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

Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up Her Wash

by Sarah Weeks

Summary: Mrs. McNosh hangs up her wash with such gusto that her clothesline ends up holding the dog, a Christmas wreath, a kite, and other odd items.

This is a comical story that is great to read simply for entertainment.

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

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by Roald Dahl

Summary: A young boy named Charlie finds a golden chocolate wrapper that is his ticket to a special tour through a chocolate factory.

I read this book in fifth grade and thoroughly enjoyed it. Many parts are funny in an obscure way, and I will admit I did not understand all of the humor until I re-read it later in life. It would be fun to have a class chocolate party after completing this book. Of course, a teacher would need to identify any allergies.

Inerest Level: grades 3-6
Reading Level: grade 5

Doodleday

by Ross Collins

Summary: Despite his mother's warning, young Harvey draws on Doodleday. But when his drawings come to life in frightening ways, only his mother can help.

This is an entertaining book. It is a unique tale with There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly elements.

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

No Fair Science Fair

by Nancy Poydar

As his class science fair approaches, Otis has trouble even thinking of an idea; but once he has built a bird feeder, he is determined to make some good observations, no matter how long it takes.

It is appropriate to read this story to a class before they are assigned a science fair project. This book is great for discussing determination, as well.

Interest Level: grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 2