Books and Movies

It’s lonely when you move and meeting people can be really hard. But finding friends becomes easier for Opal with the help of a scruffy dog she names after the place where they meet — a Winn Dixie grocery store. Don’t miss the original book Because of Winn-Dixie (opens in a new window) by Kate DiCamillo, just right for ages 6-9 alone or aloud. And be sure to meet other memorable dogs in these books:

Henry & Mudge: The First Book (opens in a new window)
by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Sucie Stevenson
There are no other kids on Henry’s block so his parents agree that a dog to play with will ease Henry’s loneliness. This is the start of an unforgettable friendship between a boy and a big pooch named Mudge.

Where’s Spot? (opens in a new window)
by Eric Hill
Where’s the small spotted puppy named Spot? He’s hiding, so lift the flap and see if he can be found! Young readers will enjoy looking for Spot in this colorful, interactive, and engaging book.

CS Lewis’ classic Narnia series, starting with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (opens in a new window), explores themes of loyalty, good and evil, family ties and more though for more sophisticated readers (and viewers). Similar ideas can be found in magical books made to share with younger readers.

My Father’s Dragon (opens in a new window)
by Ruth Gannett
Join Elmer Elevator as he travels to an island to save a baby dragon using quite ordinary things in unexpected ways. Awarded a Newbery Honor, this quirky, satisfying fantasy makes a fine read aloud (as do others by Ruth Gannett).

Where the Wild Things Are (opens in a new window)
by Maurice Sendak
Max’s temper gets him sent to his room where he takes a journey to the land of the Wild Things. There he regains control but wants to return to where he is loved best of all and so travels back into the night to his very own room.

Monkeys are known for their silly antics and few are as mischievous as George — whose curiosity is legendary! (Be sure you read the first Curious George (opens in a new window) by H.A. Rey.)

Caps for Sale (opens in a new window)
by Esphyr Slobodkina
A traveling peddler takes a nap under a tree and wakes up to find his hats on the heads of monkeys on the branches overhead. How he retrieves his hats is real monkey business in this colorful, repetitious classic.

Good Night, Gorilla (opens in a new window)
by Peggy Rathman
When is a gorilla like Curious George? When he (and a parade of animals) follow the zookeeper home at bedtime — and snuggles in with the zookeeper’s wife with very fast and funny results.

The story of the boy wizard who works to destroy evil grows more sophisticated as he goes through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. Harry’s adventures begin with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (opens in a new window). Fantastic creatures can also be met in books more appealing to younger readers, many steeped in tradition.

The Little Green Witch (opens in a new window)
by Barbara McGrath, illustrated by Martha Alexander
The little green witch gets no help from her companions (a ghost, bat, and gremlin); that is until she brings a tasty pumpkin pie out of the oven! The small witch comes up with a satisfying and funny comeuppance for her uncooperative chums!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz:
A Commemorative Pop-Up (opens in a new window)
based on the novel by Frank Baum
Meet a very special wizard and other magical creatures on a journey to the Land of Oz with Dorothy and her companions. Their adventures literally come off the pages in this entirely fresh and refreshing version of Baum’s classic novel (also made into a now-classic film).

Dr. Seuss’ classic picture book about the stalwart elephant has been embellished and expanded for a rollicking film ride. Be sure to read Horton Hears a Who (opens in a new window), the book that inspired this tale, then try these other books about unique friendships.

I Will Surprise My Friend (opens in a new window)
by Mo Willems
Like Frog and Toad, Piggie, a pig, and Gerald, the elephant, are the best of friends. In their latest adventure, the friends play together and surprise each other — in surprising and a gently humorous way.

Where Is My Friend? (opens in a new window)
by Simms Taback
Who are the animals’ friends? Where are they? Lift the flap on these sturdy pages and find out in this colorful, study book in which friends are hidden!

Everyone feels different sometimes, even someone who is not really all that different. But like Shrek and other characters from folktales, making one’s own way can be the key to happiness! Be sure to read William Steig’s picture book, Shrek! (opens in a new window) in which ugly takes on new meaning and wordplay abounds (for readers 3-6).

Babushka Baba Yaga (opens in a new window)
by Patricia Polacco
Baba Yaga, the feared but misunderstood witch who rules the forest, disguises herself so that she can experience the joys of a grandmother just like the village babushkas. Others learn that appearances and rumor are not the way to judge a person — even a witch.

Frog Prince Continued (opens in a new window)
by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Steve Johnson
Everyone knows that once the poor frog was turned into a handsome prince by a kiss, the royal duo lived happily ever after, right? Well, maybe not! Being a prince comes with its own special set of problems, revealed in this traditional tale…continued.

Have you ever thought about what happens to toys when you leave the room? Let your imagination soar with Woody and Buzz — and the toys you meet in books.

Corduroy (opens in a new window)
by Don Freeman
Corduroy, a teddy bear, comes to life to search for his lost button after the store closes. Though he doesn’t find the button, he does find friendship in this enduring tale.

Corduroy is the selected book for the 2008 Read for the Record campaign. On October 2nd, join readers everywhere to break the world record for the largest shared reading experience!

My Toys/Mis Juguetes (opens in a new window)
by Rebecca Emberley
Though these toys don’t come to life, the simple illustrations and words in two languages, show objects that young children will likely be familiar with while building vocabulary in English and Spanish.