Rrralph

by Lois Ehlert

Summary; The narrator describes discovering how Ralph the dog can talk, appropriately saying words such as "roof," "rough," "bark," and "wolf."

This is a short, humorous story. It is excellent to read aloud to preschoolers or for primary age children to read to themselves. The illustrations are in an interesting collage format. For example, objects, such as a piece of a soda can, are incorporated into the characters.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 1

Camp K-9

by Mary Ann Rodman

Summary: Roxie is keeping a secret from her fellow campers--a blankie that she keeps hidden but wants desperately every time Lacy, a big, mean poodle, causes trouble.
This book can be used to discuss many things including bullying and being oneself. I do not recommend reading this to younger children only because of its’ length. The story itself is appropriate for younger children.

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

Leap Back Home to Me

by Lauren Thompson

Summary: A little frog makes increasingly bold leaps out into the world, and then comes back to his mother after each excursion.

This is a sweet mother-child story. The rhythm of the text makes the book great for sharing with very young children at bedtime.

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

Summer Reading Theme 2011: One World, Many Stories Reads for Grades 3-5

Pig Kahuna

by Jennifer Sattler

Summary: Fergus and his little brother, Dink, love collecting the things that wash up on the beach, especially if it means that Fergus doesn't actually have to go in the water. Then one day, they spy the greatest treasure of all—an abandoned surfboard. But when it accidentally gets cast back into the ocean, can Fergus find the courage to rescue it?

This is a humorous book that can be used to discuss overcoming fears, namely, swimming in the water.

Interest Level: ages 2- grade 3
Reading Level: grade 4

Blackout

 by John Rocco

Summary: When a busy family's activities come to a halt because of a blackout, they find that they enjoy spending time together and not being too busy for once.

This is a super book for children who are afraid of the dark. An adult can discuss with a child that a blackout can be fun! Also, this book lends to a discussion on how a break from technology can be fun, too.

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

The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-tale Detectives

  by Michael Buckley

Summary: Orphans Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are sent to live with an eccentric grandmother that they have always believed to be dead.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fractured fairytale. It is the first book in the Sister’s Grimm series. This is a wonderful book to recommend to older children that enjoy fractured fairytale books such as The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. The beginning of the book is somewhat sad, but the majority of this book is light-hearted and entertaining. The sisters’ spunky personalities soften the blow. These strong female characters will resonate with less “girly” children as well as the feminine fairy tale loving crowd.

Interest Level: grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 5