Bathing

by Liesbet Slegers

Summary: A book filled with illustrations that celebrate bathing at bath time.

This is a short small board book. The sturdy pages allow very young children to hold this book. This is an excellent read for young children who do not want to take baths. It also may be helpful for older children with special needs who are reluctant to take baths. In a special school, where I worked we “scripted” everyday matters for students up to age 21, as many educational institutions for special needs children do. The scripts would include steps involved in common situations that certain students regularly become frightened, angry, or confused during (for example, doctor visits, fire drills, and bathroom usage). To overcome the anxiety associated with these situations, we scripted steps to make those overwhelming daily activities manageable for children with special needs.

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

Great Biographies of Lesser Known People

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How Dalia Put a Big Yellow Comforter Inside a Tiny Blue Box 

by Linda Heller    

Summary: After learning about the Jewish tradition of tzedakah boxes, Dalia shares her knowledge with her younger brother, Yossi, by telling him what her savings can help to provide for someone in need.

This is a sweet story that is great for discussing helping others. It is also appropriate to use this book as part of a unit lesson on world traditions.

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 3

Bear's Birthday 

by Stella Blackstone

Summary: Bear celebrates his birthday with a party, games, and ten balloons that disappear one at a time throughout the day.

This is a cute book for first exposing children to counting down. The thick board pages make it an ideal book for young children.

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Reading Level: grade 2

  

The Pirates of Plagiarism 

by Kathleen Fox

Summary: A pirate crew's plan to capture Mrs. Finch, the librarian, and a treasure chest in the library is foiled when a group of students come into the library to do research.

The humorous aspect of this story will be enjoyed by young ones, but most likely not completely comprehended by primary school students. I recommend this book as a read aloud for older elementary school students. The story is wonderful for discussing values, especially cheating and plagiarism. 

Interest Level: grades k-6

Reading Level: grade 4

Be Quiet, Mike! 

by Leslie Patricelli

Summary: Monkey Mike is reprimanded for making noise when he taps pencils and clangs trash cans until he sees a drum set in the music store and puts his hands-on talents to work in a most impressive way.      

This is an amusing story that will be enjoyed the most by young children. This book is excellent for discussing that everyone has a niche.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3

Reading Level: grade 2

Waiting for the BiblioBurro 

by Monica Brown

Summary: When a man brings to a remote village two burros, Alfa and Beto, loaded with books the children can borrow, Ana's excitement leads her to write a book of her own as she waits for the BibliBurro to return.

This is an amazing fictionalized tale of a real library that travels on a donkey. This book is a great read aloud for National Library week. This story allows for a discussion on how a library is not necessarily a place and the power of reading. Additionally, it is motivating to begin a service project for those who live in poverty. 

Interest Level: grades k-3

Reading Level: grade 4