Annie and her big (big) brother Simon have a special relationship. Simon is very patient and quite the opposite of his sister, but together they share summertime adventures, including Annie getting a bee sting and going out in a boat to hear a loon. Cartoon-like illustrations complement each short chapter in this warm book.
Annie and Simon
Manatees can grow to up to 13 feet long and weigh up to 3,000 pounds. They harm no other wildlife but are often victimized by human water traffic. These gentle mammals are distant relatives of the elephant but live in warm water. Arnosky’s illustrations and straightforward text provide an introduction to these gentle giants.
All About Manatees
Lilly is an effervescent child who enjoys each season and the special things that can be done during them. Comic book-like format and conversation balloons clearly depict her delight and make this book easy to follow and to read.
Silly Lilly and the Four Seasons
Scaredy Squirrel comes by his name honestly; he’s a bit frightened of just about everything! Can his preparation for a day at the beach protect him adequately? Readers will laugh at Scaredy Squirrel’s ultimate realization that there is a lot to enjoy at the beach!
Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach
Maisy the mouse is used to introduce opposites. Maisy stops and goes; she’s messy and clean; says hello and goodbye. Signature illustrations use bold color and broad line with limited text create a fresh look at the two sides of many things.
Maisy Big, Maisy Small
A full-color, close-up framed by black and a repeated text focuses the reader’s eye. Look closely. What do you see? Turn the page to discover an ochre sea star, sea anemone, a coastal rock, and more. Brief text and crisp photographs introduce children to a different way of seeing and looking.
Looking Closely Along the Shore
Instead of taking a nap, Carl, the loveable large dog, and his human charge, Madeline, use the time to go boating, explore the playground, and even play a bit of baseball. Tired out, dog and toddler sleep through dinner and fireworks. Their adventures are related through realistic watercolor illustration.
Carl’s Summer Vacation
Benny is busy being a pirate and doesn’t want to play with his little sister. But when Penny seems to be lost, Benny realizes that sometimes playing alone isn’t all that much fun. Words and illustration in a comic book-like format create an appealing, short novel for emerging readers.
Benny and Penny in Just Pretend
Bonnie takes ballet classes while her little sister, Sylvie, waits outside for her. That is, until Sylvie follows Bonnie in one day and wins a place in the class. The warm relationship between the girls is revealed through Bonnie’s voice. Expressive illustrations are sure to be appreciated by dancers and non-dancers alike.
Ballet Sisters: The Newest Dancer
Pigeon — like most young children — wants a puppy and he wants it now. He wheedles, begs, and promises to get it. Will pigeon change his mind when a puppy shows up? Readers will appreciate that the indomitable pigeon speaks directly to them on each appealing page.
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy
Four young sisters spend their summer in the Berkshires in this humorous tale. Each of the sisters is well drawn and unique, as are the supporting characters. If you enjoy the first, the “autumn” sequel, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street is also available.
The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy
Kind and attractive Miss Nelson goes missing, replaced by a substitute teacher named Viola Swamp. The children come to appreciate — really appreciate — Miss Nelson’s softer ways as they are whipped into shape by mean, strict, and not very pretty Ms. Swamp. Be sure to look for Miss Nelson Is Back (Houghton, 1986) and Miss Nelson Has a Field Day (Houghton, 1988) for more of Miss Nelson’s classroom adventures!
Miss Nelson is Missing
Jamaica and Brianna are excited about their new substitute teacher. And Mrs. Duval doesn’t disappoint — she inspires and engages all the children. So much so, that even when Jamaica makes a bad choice, she decides to confess to Mrs. Duval. Wise and calm, Mrs. Duval helps Jamaica learn from her mistake.
Jamaica and the Substitute Teacher
Impetuous Clementine is concerned that she’ll lose her much loved 3rd grade teacher, Mr. D’Matz, when he’s recommended to study in Egypt for a year. Clementine cooks up a letter to assure that Mr. D’Matz doesn’t get the fellowship. Humor abounds in this third book about spontaneous, likeable, and ultimately honorable Clementine.
Clementine’s Letter
Ramona loves kindergarten and her wonderful teacher, Miss Binney. But even the best teacher and the most enthusiastic kindergartner can have a rough day or so. This leads to laughs for readers as they empathize with Ramona, who can be rather a pest and perhaps the first-ever kindergarten dropout.
Ramona the Pest
A Hispanic family’s preparation for dinner is presented in easy words in both Spanish and English. Warm illustrations depict an affectionate family enjoying their daily routine. This is the first book in Pat Mora’s My Family/Mi Familia series, a four-book collection of easy-read bilingual books.
Let’s Eat!
It was spring in the barnyard and the wee little chick … was not only brand new but the smallest of all his brothers and sisters. That didn’t stop him from doing his best — and being just right for his Mama Hen. Soft illustrations complement the gentle text.
Wee Little Chick
Fans of the young girl who likes fancy everything — from words to clothing — will appreciate her angst when she must miss her friend Bree’s butterfly-themed birthday party. Instead, Nancy must attend her grandparents’ special anniversary celebration. Detailed line and wash illustrations and fancy (but clear) language create a memorable tale.
Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly
A small chick finds his true voice with the help of Bow-Wow, a small, expressive terrier. Strong lines in simple illustrations convey humor and movement — for both child and adult — in this short tale.
Bow-Wow Hears Things
A four-book series featuring reluctant princess Cimorene, warring factions of dragons and wizards, and tons of humor.
Enchanted Forest Chronicles
This was the first in the popular “ology” series, now featuring Wizardology, Pirateology and Egyptology. A study guide to dragon knowledge, the book is attractive to reluctant readers, with its many foldouts and 3D illustrations.
Dragonology
In this retelling of a beloved Mexican folktale, Tomie dePaola presents Lucinda, a young girl who is helping her mother weave a new blanket for Baby Jesus to be used in the Christmas procession to the church. When her mother falls ill, however, Lucinda tries to continue weaving and is distraught when the blanket’s threads get tangled. She is sure that she has ruined the celebration — until a Christmas miracle brings forth the flaming red-star flowers that we still enjoy each December. Beautiful artwork will enthrall readers.
The Legend of the Poinsettia
What should a pink pig don for Halloween? A pink princess costume, of course. Mercy is reluctant until the mention of treats is made. This is as lively and funny as the other books about this porcine prima donna.
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise
Mercy loves buttered toast, so she assumes someone is making it when she hears the noise in the kitchen. What she finds, however, is a thief trying to steal the toaster! What follows is funny, fast, and very much in keeping for Mercy Watson.