Cat Secrets

Cat Secrets

by Jef Czekaj

Summary: Important secrets about how best to live a cat's life will be revealed only to those who can prove that they are genuine cats.

This is a precious picture book that could be used as an easy reader. It is also a great interactive read-aloud. For example, when the cats test the reader to see if they can purr, an adult can ask a group of children to purr.

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

Secret River

 

 

Secret River

 by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Summary: Young Calpurnia takes her dog, Buggy-horse, and follows her nose to a secret river in a Florida forest. There she catches enough fresh fish to feed her hungry neighbors, even after giving some to the forest creatures she meets on the way home.

This new book contains beautiful, vivid illustrations added to a previously published story. This tale is most appropriate for older readers. The rich text can be used to discuss several life concepts. If read as a class, teachers can discuss the economy in this community and today’s economy on a basic level.

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

Small Saul

Small Saul

by Ashley Spires

Summary: Small Saul is a different kind of pirate. Will Small Saul be able to prove his worth as a pirate or will he be thrown overboard?

This is an amusing story that can be used to discuss the idea that height is not necessarily important and that everyone has worth.

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

Friends (Mostly)

Friends (Mostly)

by Barbara Joosse

Summary: Henry and Ruby are best friends forever, even though they do not always get along

This is a great book for young children beginning to feel the hardships of first friendships. An adult can aid children in making amends when two or more friends are having difficulties.

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

Mean Soup

Mean Soup

by Betsy Everitt

Summary: Horace feels really mean at the end of a bad day, until he helps his mother make Mean Soup.

This is a fantastic book for discussing that everyone has bad days and that it is okay if one takes it out in a harmless way.

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

Recommended Reads for Fourth Graders

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One More Hug for Madison

One More Hug for Madison

 by Caroline Jayne Church

Summary: Madison the mouse keeps asking her patient mother for just one more thing before she goes to sleep.

This is a very cute story with an ending that surprised me. This book is great for discussing why parents should not be woken up at night for “just one more thing!”

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