Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Seaside Shenanigans

by Chris Monroe

Summary: Chico, the clever monkey, helps his friend Clark, the elephant, (Maybe include an adjective to describe Clark in order to keep it parallel to your description of Chico) solve a problem at a seaside resort.

This is a humorous “who-done-it” mystery. Since it is a fairly lengthy story and written partially in graphic novel format, I do not recommend this book as a group read aloud. This book may be enjoyed by an advanced primary school student who reads it to his/herself, or when read one on one to a younger child. The only flaw in this story is that the clues do not match with the general behavior of the culprit, which makes it difficult to guess which animal did it. This is the newest book in a series.

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

Happy Hanukkah!

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My Rhinoceros 

by Jon Agee

Summary: If you should ever get a rhinoceros for a pet, you're in for a surprise. It won't chase a ball, stick, or a Frisbee. In fact, according to the experts, a rhinoceros does only two things: pop balloons and poke holes in kites.

This nonsensical story is of mediocre value. Younger children with a silly sense of humor may enjoy this story. 

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

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

The Jewel Fish of Karnak

by Graeme Base

Summary: Two thieves, caught stealing from an Egyptian market, are brought before the Cat Pharaoh who agrees to pardon them if they bring back a treasure that was stolen from her. They must not take anything else or get the precious Jewel Fish wet.

This is the coolest picture book I have seen a long time. The back cover contains a movable puzzle. The Cat Pharaoh challenges readers to go to the author’s website with the answers. Even without this feature, the book contains a fantastic fable, and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend this book to any primary grade student and older children who are up for a fun challenge.

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

Happy December!

Celebrate the holidays with a great book!

Christmas is December 25th

Hanukkah starts December 20th

Winter Solstice is December 22nd

Kwanzaa starts December 26th

New Year's Eve is December 31st

Click on the tabs below for previous bibliographies and books

 

Note to authors: Please write more Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve stories! These are the underrepresented holiday books this December.

 

Eli, No! 

by Katie Kirk

Summary: Eli is an adorable dog who likes to get into trouble, and when he eats too much, chases squirrels, or hogs the bed, his family yells, "Eli, no!"

The text of this story is very similar to David Shannon’s No, David! and Good Boy, Fergus. Still, it is sure to be enjoyed by young children and dog lovers. 

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 1