Baker,
Keith. ON THE GO WITH MR. & MRS. GREEN.
Illus. by author. Orlando, Florida:
Harcourt
Books, 2006. 72p.
ISBN: 978-0-15-205867-8 hb. $5.95 Gr. K-2
Easy Reader
Mr. & Mrs. Green are a loving alligator couple who have three
adventures in this book: Magic
Trick, Cookies, and Inventions. These stories are full of fun and
adventure, making them good read-alouds for younger children. Mr. &
Mrs. Green are a charming pair and the illustrations are very well done.
Bettina Graber, Library Trustee, Munising School Public Library
Holiday House, 1998. 48p.
0-8234-1339-X, hb. $14.95. Gr. 1-2. ER
All children can relate to
Bear's feelings of, "It's all mine!" While the reading level is appropriate
for beginning readers, the content is inviting to the higher level readers
as well. Bear has to deal with the blistering heat of a midsummer
day and he ertainly doesn't appreciate any "countryside friends" getting
in his way. When one does just that, it sets up the mystery and suspense
that will entice readers to actively predict and read on to discover the
ultimate outcome. The plot is kept simple, yet interesting.
There is repetition of some phrases, which also encourages active reader
participation. The illustrations, a complimentary addition
to the text, are especially beneficial in adding to the elements
of humor and emotion. Without being "preachy", this book is a great
example of how sharing applies to everyone, big or small. Sequel
to TURTLE DREAMS.
Kathy Amsbury; NMU Student Teacher, K I
Sawyer Elementary School, Gwinn, MI
Bauer, Marion Dane. FROG’S BEST FRIEND. Illus. by Diane
Dawson Hearn. New York:
Holiday House Reader, Level 2, 2002. 48p.
0-8234-1501-5 hb. $14.95 Gr. 1-3 ER
All six chapters of this story feature frog.
Other pond animals are bird, otter, turtle, squirrel, and a mother bear and
her cub. This versatile easy reader can be used to introduce pond creatures,
spring, and friendship. Recommended.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director, Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, MI
Black, Sonia W. PLENTY OF PENGUINS. Illus by Turi MacCombie.
Hello Reader Science, Level 1.
New York: Scholastic
Cartwheel, 1999. 30p. 0-439-0932-7; pb., $3.99 PreS-Gr.1 ER or 598.1
This easy reader begins with a note to family
members for before, during, and after reading. Told in the first
person by a penguin, this rhyming nonfiction book imparts information about
where they live, what they eat, predators they avoid, and how they live
in groups. Eight different types of penguins are shown and labeled
on the last page. Readers are asked “Can you find these penguins
in your book?” This book should have been classed as fiction because
the penguin is anthropomorphic. If purchased, please place in the
easy reader rather than bird section.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Boegehold, Betty. A HORSE CALLED STARFIRE. Illus.by Neil Waldman. Bank Street
Reader Series,
Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens, 1998. 48p. 0-8368-1763-X; lib.bdg., $18.60
Gr.2-3 ER
This easy reader is about a horse named Estrella that
is eventually renamed Starfire. Estrella comes to the new world from Spain
as the mount of an explorer. The explorer gets sick but before he
dies, he frees Estrellla. The horse wanders. Lone Owl and his
son Wolf Cub discover the horse while they are hunting for game.
Wolf Cub adopts the horse and names him Starfire. The pastel watercolor
illustrations evoke the mood of the Southwest. The dream-like drawings
expand the text. Although not completely satisfying, the text will
appeal to boys. The illustrations will appeal to girls. This
does provide another selection for horse fans.
Susan Mustatia; Burt Township School Library,
Grand Marais, MI
BoltSimons, Lisa &Gail Saunders-Smith,PhD. AIRMEN
OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE. North Mankato,
MN:
Capstone Press, 2011. 24. ISBN:
978-1-4296-6115-7 hb. Gr.
K-3 Easy Readers
This book
describes what is involved with being a U.S. Airman. It include four chapters:
joining,training, living on a base and serving the country. Full page sized
photos add to the readers interest. There is some repetition of words and
phrases to help early readers learn new words and a glossary defines new terms.
This is a bilingual text- English and Spanish.
Joyce
Hoskins, Teacher- L'Anse School Public Library, L’Anse, MI
Brenner, Barbara. GOOD NEWS. Illus.by Kate Duke.
Bank Street Ready-To-Read Series,
Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens,
1999. 32p. 0-8368-1775-3; lib.bdg. $18.60. PreS-Gr.
1 ER
Canada Goose is so excited because she has four lovely
eggs to hatch. She tells her good news to Wood Duck, who tells
it to Green Frog, who tells it to Beaver, who tells it to... And,
in the telling, the news gradually changes. By the time Muskrat
hears, the good news has become terrible news and the animals decide they
must go inform Canada Goose because she probably doesn't realize she is
in such dire straights. But now the animals are puzzled because when
they go to warn Canada Goose, there is no terrible problem. Brenner
has written another delightful story that is accompanied by more of Kate
Duke's equally delightful illustrations. Brenner's book would be good
to read or listen to just for fun, and an end of the year first grader can
probably read it without help. This story would also easily lend itself to
a lower elementary classroom discussion about gossip and rumors and about
evaluating things you hear before your accept them as truth.
Alice Johnson; First Grade Teacher,
Sawyer Elementary School, Gwinn, MI
Brenner, Barbara. THE PLANT THAT KEPT ON GROWING. Illus.
by Melissa Sweet.
Bank Street Ready-To-Read Series, Level
1. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens Publishing, 1999.
32p. 0-8368-1776-1 lib.bdg, $18.60
98-38481 PreS-Gr. 1
ER
A strange plant--in fact, the only plant in the twin's
garden that has survived the garden pests--has gone on to win the grand
prize at the 4-H fair. As this fanciful rhyming story progresses,
the twins, as well as the reader, become more and more curious about the
unusual plant. The delightful colored illustrations by Sweet help
build suspense by the use of simple, but effective, expressions on the children's
faces. The rhythm of the poetry makes this story fun to read, and
the fact that it lends itself to role playing during the reading is another
plus.
Alice Johnson; First Grade Teacher, Sawyer
Elementary School, Gwinn, MI
Buck, Nola. OH, CATS! Illus. by Nadine Westcott.
My First I Can Read Book Series,
Level 1. New York: HarperCollins,
1998. 24p. 0-06-025373-8, hb., $12.95
0-06-025374-6; lib.bdg. $12.89 0-06-444240-3;
pb. $3.95 PreS-Gr.1 ER
A little girl deals with the independent nature of
three cats which whom she would like to be friends. Sometimes they
delight her and sometimes they frustrate her, but all the while they keep
her busy with their antics. This is a very simple story uses a very
basic reading vocabulary, some rhyming, and a minimum of words on a page
making it suitable for use with a very early reader. The colorful
line drawings by Westcott, especially those showing the girl's facial
expressions, generally enhance the story and help interpret some text that
seems a bit awkward.
Alice Johnson; First Grade Teacher, Sawyer
Elementary School, Gwinn, MI
Caple, Kathy. DUCK
& COMPANY. New York:
Holiday House, Inc. 2007.
32p. ISBN: 13: 978-0-8234-1993-7 hb. $14.95. Gr. K-2
Easy Reader
DUCK & COMPANY is a very short chapter book about Rat and Duck,
friends who run a bookstore. Let the jokes begin: Cat is shopping for a book on
how to cook rats. He goes away happy with a book on cooking carrots. Mother Hen
wants a book to read while waiting for her eggs to hatch; Badger is looking for
a funny joke book-he takes humor very seriously. And so it goes. Helped along by
the colorful illustrations, young
readers will be entertained. Designed
for beginning readers at Level 2 (grades 1-2).
Judy Bennett, Ironwood Carnegie Library, Ironwood, MI
Catrow, David. FUNNY
LUNCH. Illus. by author.
New York: Orchard Books,
2010. 30p. ISBN
978—545-057479 hb.$16.99 Gr. K-1
ER
The book cover art featuring Max Spaniel is enough to invite new readers
to explore each page inside. My
daughter was instantly excited to see the pictures of Max with food and kitchen
tools, and spent ten minutes on the first two pages.
All children will love this humorous story about Max Spaniel and laugh
out loud at the very funny illustrations.
Mary Koshorek, Spies Public
Library, Menominee, MI
Cazet, Denys. MINNIE AND MOO GO DANCING.
Illus. by author. New York:
DK, 1998. 48p. 0-7894-2536-X; pb., $3.95 97-39416
Gr. 1-3 ER
On a particular evening two cows, Minnie and Moo are
feeling a bit melancholy because it seems to them the grass is greener
on the human side of the fence. So, they dress up in old prom dresses
and venture out to a human birthday party where they are eagerly, but
mistakenly, welcomed as the guest of honor's sisters from California.
They are so attractive they quickly acquire boyfriends and spend the
evening dancing up a storm and having a wonderfully exciting time until--the
hamburgers are served! Hamburgers are beef. They are beef.
Just who is it they are eating at this party? It is time to run for
it! It is time to re-assess their original premise on their own
side of the fence. And they do. Cazet has skillfully developed
a fast paced, funny, easy-to-read chapter book with sufficient suspense
to keep the pages turning until the very end. Though the text is
simple, it contains some subtle humor which is an added bonus to those
readers who are able to grasp it. Denys' colorful illustrations are
a delight and visually compliment his text. This book will entice
children to read other titles about Minnie and Moo.
Alice Johnson; First Grade Teacher, Sawyer
Elementary School, Gwinn, MI
Cazet, Denys. MINNIE AND MOO MEET FRANKENSWINE.
I Can Read series.
Illus by author. New York: Harper, 2001.
48p. 0-06-623748-3; hb., $14.95
0-06-623749-1; lib.bdg., $14.89 0-06-444311-6;
pb., $3.99 Gr. 1-3 ER
Chapter One begins “It was a dark, dark night” and
ends “There was a scream in the night.” Moo and Minnie go to see what
is wrong even though it is “the kind of night that curdles your milk.”
Rooster thinks it is a monster who has taken the pig. Frankenswine
turns out to be something other than what they expect. Other books
about these likeable cows are MINNIE AND MOO GO DANCING (DK, 1998)
MINNIE AND MOO GO TO PARIS (DK, 1999) to name only
a few. This is a good for reading practice at Halloween time or
any time.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland
Preview Center
Christopher, Matt. HEADS UP. Illus. by Daniel Vasconcellos.
Boston: Little, Brown
and Company, 2002. 54 p. 0316135046; $13.95 hb.
00-041229 Gr 1-2 E
Short and sweet...in chapter and content.
Whose afraid of a ball? Nobody, right? Right! That is, not until Amanda
Caler takes a hit in the face and is momentarily knocked out. Mother is
called to the scene, but like mother, like daughter. Upon seeing Amanda's
blood-soaked shirt, she too becomes faint and crumples to the ground. In
the meantime it appears that one of Amanda's teammates is scheming to steal
her halfback spot. Chaos leads to comedy and comedy leads to solution.
Vasconcellos' line drawings cartoonize the characters of this addition to
the Soccer Cats series supporting the humor of the text. Beginning
readers will feel they are a part of the team as they score with this title.
Patricia Fittante; Children’s Librarian, Escanaba
Public Library, Escanaba, MI
Cohen, L. Caron. HOW MANY FISH? Illus. by S. P.
Schindler. My First I Can Read Series.
New York: Harper, 1998. 24p.
0-06-027713-0 hb. $12.95 PreS-Gr. 1 ER
The title and cover illustrations are inviting and
informative to the reader and participants. The format is done well.
The type size is large and displayed up and down to swim the reader along.
The fish and feet are given character that keeps the audience involved
in the story. You can go to the seashore, cool off your toes,
use your counting and color skills, and witness the saving of one happy
yellow fish.
Sue Danielson; Birchview & Central
Elementary School Libraries, Ishpeming, MI
Cook, Lisa Broadie.
MARTIN MacGREGOR'S SNOWMAN. Illus.by Adam Cauley. New York:
Walker &
Company, 2003. ISBN=0-8027-8858-0 hb. $16.95. Gr. K-2
Easy Reader
Martin is waiting and waiting for snow so he can build a snowman.
While he waits, he uses other materials that look like snow to build his
snowman. This gets him to quite a bit of trouble with his family. Finally it
snows and he makes his own snowmen. This book was entertaining and showed
what creativity a young mind has. It is recommended for early elementary grades.
Laurel Miller, K.I.Sawyer Learning Center and Library
Copeland, Cynthia L. and Alexandra P. Lewis. SPLASHY FINS, FLASHY
SKINS: DEEP-SEA
RHYMES TO MAKE YOU GRIN. Silly
Millies , Level P. Illus. with photos. Brookfield, CT:
Millbrook, 2002. 32p. 0-7613-2906-4; lib.bdg.
,$17.90 2002-012374
PreS-Gr.-4 ER
The photos of fish in their natural habitats
are labeled and information is imparted in rhyme. The note to parents
provides tips for reading and discussion. Some of the 18
sea creatures are Mudskipper, Puffer fish, Stonefish, Red-lipped Batfish,
and Frogfish. This is a worthy addition to easy reader collections
in school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Cosby, Bill. THE MEANEST THING TO SAY. Illus.
by Varnette P. Honeywood. Hello Reader! Series.
Little
Bill Books for Beginning Readers Series. New York: Scholastic Cartwheel, 1997. unp.
0-590-13754-9, hb., $13.95 590-956167, pb. $3.99 96-32791
Gr. 1-4 ER
When Little Bill tells his parents about his
contest with the new boy at school, his father says that "Playing the Dozens"
or contests to see who could say the meanest things about someone else was
called "ranking" in his day. When Big Bill counters Little Bills statements
with "So," he provides his son with a weapon to disarm the bully.
Little Bill asks the new boy to join his basketball team at the satisfying
ending. The introduction, a letter by a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry
at Harvard Medial School, gives parents ideas for helping their children
solve conflicts when others pick on them. Public libraries should
purchase this book and school library media specialists should show
it to their counselors. Both should add it to their Easy Reader collections.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland
Preview Center
Emmett, Jonathan. TERRY TAKES OFF.
Illus. by Peter Rutherford. Read-it!
readers. Minneapolis, MN:
Picture Window Books, 2007.
32p. ISBN: 9781404831322
hb. Gr. K-3
ER
This book is an orange level Read-it-Reader,the highest level in this
easy reader series. Terry is a pterodactyl who is afraid of heights and
thus doesn't fly. When his
friends get in trouble he overcomes his fear. This is an interesting story
and has coloful illustrations to appeal to beginning readers. This book
should also appeal to older students who are reading at a lower grade level.
Because the book is about dinosaurs it should appeal especially to boys.
Denise Engel, Director, Wakefield Public Library
Fitch, Sheree. POCKET ROCKS. Victoria, B.C. Canada:
Orca Book Publishers, 2004.
ISBN: 1-55143-289-7 K-3 Easy Readers
Red-haired Ian Goobie dreaded school and wished he could
be anywhere but there. He believed he couldn't write as well
or do what came naturally to the other kids. One day he found an ordinary
rock on the playground. Whenever he held it against his face, extraordinary
flights of fancy ensued. He was even inspired to try harder in school. If
one rock did all this, imagine what a pocketful of rocks could do! Oh-oh,
disaster. Pockets full of rocks can cause a young boy's pants to fall down.
But, inspired by his rocks, Ian could survive even that humiliation. Fanciful,
colorful illustrations add humor to the story.
Judy Bennett, Ironwood Carnegie Library, Ironwood,
MI
Gallagher, Diana. CAMP CAN'T: THE
COMPLICATED LIFE OF CLAUDIA
CRISTINA
CORTEZ. Illus by Brann Garvey.
Mankato, MN: Stone Arch Books,
2008. 81p. ISBN:
9781598898408 hb. $23.93
Gr. 1-3 Easy Readers
CAMP
CAN’T is a selection from The Complicated Life of Claudia Cristina Cortez.
This high-interest realistic fiction series for struggling and reluctant readers
is targeted at elementary girls. In the story, Claudia attends summer camp for
the last year as a camper. Her goal is to be asked back as a junior counselor
the following summer and she faces a number of obstacles, like horrible bug
bites, a pesky neighbor, passing her swimming test and dealing with bullies. To
help out struggling readers, there are simple sentences, a glossary, discussion
questions and related Internet sites.
Heather
Crozier, Public Librarian, Munising School Public Library
Gerver, Jane E. GROW A PUMPKIN PIE. My First Hello
Reader series; level 1.
Illus by Rammy Speer-Lyon. New York:
Scholastic Cartwheel, 2000. 32p.
0-439-20056-3; pb., $4.95 99-087748
PreS-Gr. 1 635.62 or ER
Learn how to make a pumpkin pie from planting to seed
to eating the pie and saving seeds for next year. There are stiff
cards in the middle that have perforated edges so readers can take them
part and match a picture with the word. Five other activities and
answers are included. The rhymes in this book are natural and easy
to read. Use in the fall for Halloween or Thanksgiving for reading
practice for beginning readers but always couple it with Levenson’s PUMPKIN
CIRCLE (Tricycle, 1999).
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland
Preview Center
Goodman, Susan E. WHAT DO YOU DO AT THE ZOO? Illus by
Steve Pica.
Silly Millies series. Brookfield, CT:
Millbrook, 2002. 32p. 0-7613-2755-X; l
lib.bdg., $17.90 0-7613-1787-2;
pb. 2001-006481 Gr. 1
ER
A female zookeeper wearing modern clothing says
“Please feed the lion…What do you do? Then she and a boy feed the
lion and readers learn that it can eat 70 pounds of meat for lunch. The
same pattern is repeated when she asks about feeding a baby camel but they
back off because Mother camels are like other mother because they like
to keep their babies safe and besides--they kick hard. Readers learn
something about giraffes, elephants, monkeys, and hippos. This
is interesting easy reading for emerging readers.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Goodman, Susan E. WHAT DO YOU DO ON A FARM? Illus by
Steve Pica.
Silly Millies series. Brookfield, CT:
Millbrook, 2002. 32p. 0-7613-2756-8; lib.bdg.,
$ 17.90 0-7613-1786-4;
pb. 2001-006482 Gr. 1 ER
There are lots of children’s books that show
farmers in stereotypical situations and this one is one of the worst.
The farmer, wearing overalls and what might be a straw hat, is milking
a cow using a bucket. He speaks to a young girl, “We need some eggs,
he says./What do you do? You do not go to the store. You go to the
hen house.“ The hen house shows hens on shelves sitting on nests
like they did in the 1940s. When the girl looks for an egg in the
hay she hears a peep and sees a new chick that can‘t be her breakfast egg.
Modern hens are in cages and never get near a rooster that might fertilize
the egg. The farmer goes on to repeat the same pattern with some pigs
that are hot. The girl puts water on the dirt so the pigs can roll
in the mud to stay cool. This is a misleading book about farm life.
A similar pattern appears in Goodman‘s WHAT DO YOU DO AT THE ZOO?
(Millbrook, 2002) where the zookeeper is a woman wearing modern clothing.
Forget the farm book and purchase the zoo book.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Granowsky, Alvin. AT THE PARK. My World series; Level
2. Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech, 2001.
24p. ISBN 0-7613-2167-5
lib.bdg. $15.90 ISBN 0-7613-2288-4 pb. $3.99. PreS-Gr. 3 ER
Photos, drawings, and text intertwine to describe what
it is like to go to a park. A recurring sentence is “That is why
(the dog, Dad, etc.) like the park.” A review at the end shows words
and phrases labels for pictures so readers can review the vocabulary.
This easy reader is better than many in this series. Purchase for
emerging readers.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Granowsky, Alvin. CAN I HELP? My World series; Level
2. Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech, 2001.
24p. ISBN
0-7613-2172-1 lib.bdg. $15.90 ISBN 0-7613-2291-4 pb. $3.99
PreS-Gr.3 ER
Pardon the pun, but this easy reader is “meatier” than
some of the others in the series. The scene is a barbecue and Jenny
asks, “Can I help?” Mom gives her a job and thanks her for helping.
Others who offer to help and are given jobs include Dad, Sasha and her
Mom, Sam, Mrs. Lee, and the three children together. Review words
and phrases appear next to pictures or photos in a double page spread at
the end of the book. The repetition of words and predictable pattern
make this an excellent easy reader. This is a fine addition to easy
reader collections in school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Granowsky, Alvin. COLORS. My World series; Level
1. Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech, 2001. 24p.
0-7613-2458-5;
lib.bdg., $15.90 0-7613-2292-2; pb., $3.99 PreS- Gr.
2 ER or 535.6
Each of the ten colors in this easy reader receives
a double page spread except for black and white, which share pages.
Photos and drawings express the color and the sentences describe objects
that contain those colors. Readers are involved because there is
at least one question about each color. A small square picture is
next to each color word. Except for a blue peacock, almonds, and
a zebra, the object is the same color as the background and fades into
it so that the object is not clearly delineated; i.e., tomato on red, banana
on yellow, grapes against purple, etc. The peas are especially difficult
to recognize. Because this is an easy reader, some specific words
are not used. The almonds are called nuts and the jack-o-lantern
is called a pumpkin. At the end of the book, nine colored squares
are labeled with the color word. On the next page, readers are asked
to name colors in six pictures and then to make up a story using words
that are labels for the pictures. The last picture shows three Venn
diagrams of six colors and what they look like combined. Despite
the recognition problem in the small photos, his book is still a suitable
easy reader.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Granowsky, Alvin. DIGGERS AND CRANES. My World series;
Level 3. Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech,
2000.
32p. 0-7613-1222-6; lib.bdg., $17.90 0-7613-2293-0; pb., $3.99 Gr. 1-3
ER or
621.8
The illustrations in most of the books in this series
are a combination of drawings and photos and in many instances that
detracts from the message. This book completely utilizes color
photos to accompany the easy text that explains what each digger does
making it more realistic than others in the series. The review section
of the book labels those machines that have wheels and those that have tracks.
The second review labels activities of diggers. This book is highly
recommended for emerging readers but use it with new adult readers also.
This is one of the best titles in this easy reader series and is a first
purchase.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Granowsky, Alvin. HOT AND COLD. My World series;
Level 1. Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech, 2001.
24p. 0-7613-2463-1;
lib.bdg., $15.90 0-7613-2298-1; pb. $3.99
Gr. 1-3
ER
Sonia and Greg learn about hot and cold at the animal
park when they learn about places where animals live. Vocabulary
that begins double page spreads is: hot, cold, getting warm, staying
cool, fire, ice, warm and damp, wind, and just right. The first
entry is hot and cold together. Paintings and photos alternate in
this easy reader. Vocabulary words and pictures appear in
a double page spread at the end. Three facts about water and heat
appear at the end of the book.
An odd feature of this book is two sections that
do not seem to fit with the theme of animals living in varied climates.
Fire is hot and father is shown cooking on a grill in a drawing opposite
a page showing hot rocks, not called lava. In another section, the
wind is cool and dry and towels are shown drying on a clothesline.
Although these incidents are not within the theme of the book, there is
still much information of value that emerging readers can find out for themselves.
Purchase based on curriculum needs.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Granowsky, Alvin. MY PET. My World series; Level 2.
Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech, 2001.
24p. 0-7613-2171-3 lib.bdg. $15.90
0-7613-2328-7 pb. $3.99 PreS-Gr.
3 ER
The narrator’s friend Pete has a kitten and she wants
a pet too. There is no discussion with mother about taking care
of a puppy. The puppy she chooses is pictured in the illustration
on page 5 and looks a lot like the photo of a pup on page 7 but the
girl’s pup has black ears and this one has white ears. At first readers
will wonder if a mistake has been made but further illustrations show a
variety of breeds of dogs that do not look anything like the girl’s dog.
Although the pattern of alternating photos and drawings is common in other
books in the series, it is not successful in this book. It rather
breaks up the story of the girl and her puppy and their period of adjustment
to each other. Dog words and phrases along with illustrations conclude
the book. This is also not the only book in this series where a sentence
ends with a preposition. Emerging readers will be able to read
this easy reader and will enjoy the photos of the variety of adorable puppies
so they may be willing to overlook the interruption in their reading.
However, it makes the book less effective.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Granowsky, Alvin. NIGHT AND DAY. My World series;
Level 1. Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech,
2001. 24p. 0-7613-2460-7;
lib.bdg., $15.90; 0-7613-2329-5 pb., $3.99 Gr.
1-3 ER or 525.35
Emerging readers learn words like dawn, morning, day,
noon, sunset, evening, night, bedtime, midnight, night, and day through
double-spreads that include text, photos, and drawings. The review
consists of labels on drawings and photos from the book from the aforementioned
words as well as activities. The last page shows six alarm clocks
that divide the 24 hours into midnight, early morning, morning, noon, afternoon,
and evening. Purchase this easy reader to reinforce reading and the
concept of time or for easy reader collections. This is one of the
best books in this series.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Granowsky, Alvin. RAIN OR SHINE. My World series;
Level 1. Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech,
2001. 24p. 0-7613-2460-7;
lib.bdg., $15.90 0-7613-2329-5 pb., $3.99 Gr.
1-3 ER
The headings in these double page spreads include weather,
hot, cold, sun, clouds, rain, wind, storm, thunder and lightning, snow,
and the rainbow. A vocabulary review of weather at the
end of this easy reader places labels on photos and drawings. Created
for emerging readers, this book makes a good addition to weather units or
easy reader collections.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Granowsky, Alvin. SHAPES. My World series; Level 1.
Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech, 2001.
24p. 0-7613-2462-3 lib.bdg., $15.90
0-7613-2333-3 pb., $3.99 PreS-Gr.
2 ER
Amy and Jon discover shapes at the beach in this easy
reader. Vocabulary, explained in double page spreads, includes:
shapes, square, rectangle, triangle, curved, circle, special shapes, machine
shapes, adding shapes, and lots of shapes. A review of words about
shapes is shown in pictures and photos at the end of the book. Another
page asks readers to identify shapes and encourages readers to write stories
about shapes. Facts about shapes appear on the last page. Purchase
for emerging readers if the subject matter is needed.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Granowsky, Alvin. SLOW AND FAST. My World series; Level
1. Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech,
2001. 24p. 0-7613-2464-X;
lib.bdg., $15.90 0-7613-2334-1-1; pb., $3.99 Gr.
1-3 ER
Kate and Dan learn about fast and slow at a fun park.
The illustrations are a combination of photos and drawings. Their
car is fast like a cheetah. The traffic jam is slow. At the
park the slides are considered fast and readers are asked to guess which
child is faster and gets to the bottom first. Each of nine vocabulary
words is explained in a double page spread. The words are fast,
slow, faster, slower, going faster, fastest, slowest, spinning, and falling.
Slow and fast are the words on the last double page spread. Words
about speed are pictured and labeled at the end of the book in a review
secton. The next page involves readers by asking them to tell whether
the labeled pictures are fast or slow. Several interesting facts
about objects that measure speed finish the book. Although there are
good picture books about this subject, this is an acceptable easy reader
to help understand this concept.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Guest,
Elissa. IRIS & WALTER AND
COUSIN HOWIE. Illus.by
Christine
Harcourt Books, 2006. 44p.
ISBN: 978-0-15-205656-8 hb. $5.95 Gr.
K-2 Easy Reader
Iris and Walter are best friends who encounter all the fun and
difficulties that come along with being best friends.
This series of Iris and Walter books are good easy readers or read alouds
for younger children with valuable lessons about friendships.
They are well illustrated to help transitional readers make the leap to
chapter books.
Bettina Graber, Munising School Public Library, Munising, MI
Gunderson, Jessica. FRIENDS AND FLOWERS.
Illus. by Cori Doerrfeld. Minneapolis:
Picture
Window Books, 2008.
32 p. ISBN: 9781404822917
hb. $19.93 Gr.
1-3 Easy reader
This is a delightful book that describes true friendship while focusing
on the complexity of the tulip bulb. Lindsay's best friend Julia moves away, but
leaves her with
a tulip bulb that will help Lindsay remember her friend.
The story follows Lindsay as she plants and protects the bulb throughout
the seasons. The illustrations throughout describe the life of the tulip bulb as
it is planted and continues to grow. Along with the blooming of the tulip, a new
friendship for Lindsay blooms also. This book is recommended for elementary
students with an extended vocabulary range.
Stacy Painter, Crystal Falls District Community Library
Hayward, Linda. IT TAKES THREE. Illus by Robin Micihal
Koontz. Silly Millies series.
Beginning to Read Alone, Level 2. Brookfield,
CT: Millbrook, 2003. 32p.
9-7613-2902-1; lib.bdg., $17.90
2002-011410 Gr. 1-3
ER
Children join a circus-like Compare-A-Thon where
a stork, horse, and a giraffe explain tall, taller, and tallest and a
snail, slug, and sponge explain slow, slower, slowest Other comparisons
are large, small, wide, long, odd, and fast. The easy reader ends
with a note to parents and tips for reading and discussion. Children
can practice reading, meet various creatures, and learn some grammar
at the same time. Consider this rhyming book for easy reader collections
in school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Helmer, Marilyn. CRITTER RIDDLES. Illus by Eric Parker.
Kids Can Read Alone series,
Level 3. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can, 2003.
32p. 1-55337-445-2; lib.bdg., $14.95
1-55337-411-8; pb., $3.95
C2002-901546-4 Gr. 1-4
ER or 818.54
These 28 animal riddles are fun and contemporary.
The first one is “What do you call a lion who never tells the truth?”
The answer is “The Lyin’ King.” There is a riddle per page;
each riddle appears on the top of the page and the answer is at the bottom.
The illustration in the middle often provides a clue to the answer.
Emerging readers love riddles and this book has kid appeal.
Helmer’s YUMMY RIDDLES (Kids Can, 2003) and this title are both
good values for school and public libraries. “A Note to Parents and
Teachers” also makes the paperback a good home purchase.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Consultant: LLW, third grader at Sandy Knoll
Elementary, Marquette, MI
Helmer, Marilyn. YUMMY RIDDLES. Illus by Eric
Parker. Kids Can Read Alone series,
Level 3. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can,
2003. 32p. 1-55337-446-2-0 lib.bdg. $14.95
1-55337-412-6 pb. $3.95
C2002-902989-9 Gr. 1-4 ER
or 818.54
The 28 riddles are about food. There is a riddle
per page; the riddle appears on the top of the page and the answer at
the bottom. The illustration in the middle often provides a clue
to the answer. The riddles are “tasty” and provide good practice
for emerging readers. This and a companion title, CRITTER RIDDLES
(Kids Can, 2003), are valuable purchases for school and public libraries.
“A Note to Parents and Teachers” also makes the paperback a good home purchase.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Consultant: LLW, third grader at Sandy Knoll
Elementary, Marquette, MI
Henkes, Kevin. OH! Illus by Laura Dronzek. New
York: Greenwillow, 1999. 24p.
ISBN 0-688-17053-6; hb. $15.00 ISBN
0-688-170054-4; lib.bdg. $14.93
PreSr. 3 ER
The animals that play with children in the new snow
are: squirrel, rabbit, cat, dog, and birds. This title is good
for sight reading the word "Oh" for even the youngest child. The
cardinals are called birds but can be identified as cardinals to children
when the book is read aloud to them. This cozy book ends with children
returning to a cozy house. School and public libraries needing easy
to read picture books will purchase this book which is an essential purchase
in schools where the elementary curriculum includes the study of woodland
biomes.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Hill, Susan. STUART LITTLE: STUART AT THE FUN HOUSE.
I Can Read series.
Illus by Lydia Halverson. New York: Harper,
2001. 32p. 0-06-029539-2; hb., $14.95
0-06-444304-3; lib.bdg., $14.89 00-050557
Gr. 1-3 ER
Stuart Little and his brother George go to an amusement
park. Everything they try doesn’t work for Stuart because he is
not strong enough, not heavy enough, or not tall enough. The brothers
go into the fun house where they both can enjoy the mirrors. George
realizes that he needs to allow Stuart to pick a ride that they both can
enjoy. Fans of the movie/video will enjoy reading this book which
is preferable to those by Shaymalan and Brooke, like STUART LITTLE: STUART’S
LITTLE BROTHER (Harper, 2000) which has fuzzy illustrations taken from
the movie/video frames.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Hillert, Margaret. WHO GOES TO SCHOOL?
Illus. by Nan Brooks. Beginning
to Read series.
Chicago:
Norwood House Press, 2006. 32p.
ISBN: 1599530325 hb. $18.60 Gr. K-1
ER
This "Beginning-to-Read Book" features common sight words to
assist the emerging reader. The text uses only 65 words. Bright,
colorful illustrations accompany the text. Activities are included at the
end of the book to assist the parent in helping their child to read. These
include: Phonemic awareness, Phonics, Vocabulary, Animal Sounds, and
Fluency: Echo Reading and Text Comprehension: Discussion Time.
Because of the frequency of the words used in the text, this book would not be a
good choice to read at a storytime, but it is a good book for the new reader to
achieve success in independent reading.
Denise Engel, Director, Wakefield Public Library, Wakefield, MI
Hoban, Lillian. JOE AND BETSY THE DINOSAUR. Illus.
by author. I Can Read Series.
New York: HarperCollins, 1995. 48p.
0-06-024473-9; hb., $14.00 0-06-024474-7;
lib.bdg., $14.89
0-06-444209-8; pb., $3.95 93-44725
Gr. 1-2 ER
Joe has a huge friend, Betsy the Dinosaur. When
the days are warm they play outdoors together, often in the company
of the other forest and plains animals. But then winter comes and
no one comes out to play because they are now all tucked away in snug homes.
With high hopes of being snug and warm, too, Joe and Betsy decide
to go visiting. But visiting other animals' homes is a problem..
Several disastrous mishaps caused by Betsy's size such as the collapse
of Bear's den, when she checks via the chimney to see they have the kettle
on, make them unwelcome guests everywhere. At last they discover
a way to use Betsy's size to their advantage, and the story ends with Joe
and Betsy as snug and warm as they can be. Hoban has created
wonderfully gentle pictures that enhance the text of this simple story
with a happy ending. Joe and Betsy the Dinosaur is appropriate for
a good first grade reader later in the year. It would also make a
fine read aloud for any younger child.
Alice Johnson; First Grade Teacher, Sawyer
Elementary School, Gwinn, MI
Hoban, Lillian. SILLY TILLY'S VALENTINE. Illus.
by the author. I Can Read Series.
New York: HarperCollins, 1998. 48p.
ISBN0-06-027400-X hb. $14.95
ISBN0-06-027401-8 lib.bdg. $14.89 ISBN0-06-4223-3
pb. $3.95 Gr. 1-2 ER
Silly Tilly and Mr. Mail-Mole make a snowman in this
valentine story for beginning readers. When her glasses
become fogged, Tilly thinks the valentines the wind is blowing around
are colored snowflakes. When Tilly slips in the snow, Mr. Mail-Mole
thinks she is making snow angels. There is just enough silliness
for first graders to enjoy while sharpening their new reading skills.
Hoban has created an entertaining and snowy easy reader.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Hoff, Syd. DANNY AND THE DINOSAUR GO TO CAMP. New York:
Harper I Can
Read series, level 1. Harper, 1996.
32p. 0-06-444244-6; pb., $3.75. 0-06-026440-3;
lib.bdg., $15.89 0-06-026439X; hb., $15.95
95-12410 PreS-Gr. 2 ER
Danny and his friend go off to camp and the dinosaur
is game to try everything that Danny does. The dinosaur helps
out Danny like when he carries Danny on a tiring hike or offers to let
Danny row him instead of a boat. Although this easy reader is a series
of events instead of a story with a beginning, middle, and end; fans of
Danny and his dinosaur will enjoy this easy reader.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Hoff, Syd. OLIVER. Illus. by author. I Can Read
series. HarperCollins, 1960, 1988.
64p. ISBN0-06-028708-X; hb., $14.95
99-25591 K-2
ER
Should a book that was originally published in
1960 still be purchased for emerging readers? The answer in this
case is a resounding yes. This book has many elements of a good easy
reader. The cartoon illustrations help convey the story, there is
lots of action and repetition, and the interesting story flows from beginning
to end. School and public libraries who have never had a copy
or have worn out a copy, should purchase this book.
When Oliver is the eleventh elephant to
walk off the boat, the circus man does not want him because he expected
only ten elephants; so Oliver spends the whole book looking for a home.
Oliver is rejected bya taxi driver, the zookeeper, and many people who
don’t want or need him as a pet. Children can identify with Oliver,
“Oliver was all alone. He didn’t know where to go.” The book has
a happy and satisfying ending. This versatile book also contains
numbers from 1-10, names of pets, names of careers, as well as works with
circus units.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Hood, Susan. PUP AND HOUND AT SEA.
Illus.by Linda Hendry. Tonawanda,
NY: Kids Can Press Ltd.,
2006.
32p. ISBN: 1553378040 hb.
$14.95. Gr. K-1
Easy Reader
This charming story starts with a question to engage the reader.
Follow these two friends as they go on a high sea adventure. Two-page
illustrations grab the reader's attention and give visual clues to the beginning
reader. The text is written in rhyme and has one to two sentences per
page. This is an entertaining book which will appeal to the beginning
reader and will also make a good read aloud story.
Denise Engel, Director, Wakefield Public Library, Wakefield, MI
Hood,
Susan. PUP AND HOUND LOST AND
FOUND. Illus.by Linda Hendry. Toronto, Ontario,
Canada: Kids
Can Press, 2006. 32 p.
ISBN: 1553378067 hb. $14.95. Gr. K-1
ER
Hooks, William. THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING TOOTH. Illus
by Nancy Poydar.
Bank Street Ready-To-Read Series.-Level
1. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens, 1998. 32p.
0-8368-1758-3, lib. bdg. $18.60.
97-28946. PreS-Gr.2 ER
This is an appealing story about a major milestone
to a child-losing his or her first tooth. Kara, the last child
in her class to have a loose tooth, is feeling left out. When the
time finally comes for her to lose a tooth, she is too busy to notice,
and it is lost. She writes a letter to the tooth fairy and gets an
interesting response, which ties in with the arrival of her baby brother
Jon's first tooth. This would be an appropriate and comforting book
to children just learning to read and beginning to lose teeth.
Ann Best, Menominee Catholic Central
School Library, Menominee, MI
Howe, James. HOUNDSLEY
AND CATINA. Illus. by
Marie-Louise Gay. 40p.
Candlewick, 2006. ISBN-10:
0763624047 hb. $14.99
Gr. 1-2 ER
An unlikely
friendship between dog and cat is the set-up for a series of easy readers, the
first of which introduces us to Houndsley and Catina.
Catina is an aspiring writer, currently on Chapter 73 of Life
Through the Eyes of a Cat, certain that she will be a famous.
Houndsley, with aspirations of his own, enters a cooking contest to win new pots
and pans. When these ambitions don't turn out exactly the way Catina and
oundsley expect, the pair take time to reflect on their goals and decide that
you don't have to win awards to enjoy your chosen activities. Choosing the
right friends might be just as important.
The illustrator, Marie-Louise Gay, adds an element of fun to the story
with watercolor and collage portraits of Houndsley, Catina, and neighbor, Bert.
Their unusual looks make the characters look friendly and humorous at the same
time. The second offering in this
series is HOUNDSLEY AND CATINA AND THE BIRTHDAY SURPRISE.
Lynette Suckow, Youth Services, Peter White Public Library, Marquette,
MI
Hudelhoff, Alleln H. CATS AND KIDS. Illus by Anne Canevari
Green. Silly Millies series.
Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 2002.
32p. 0-7613-2668-5; lib.bdg., $17.90
Gr. 1 ER
The double page spreads alternate by showing
cats and humans. The first pages say “So many cats. So different,
but alike.” The pages with the humans say “So many kids. So different,
but alike.” The book compares other items, eyes, hair, playing love and
friendship. The book ends on positive note about friendship.
The tips for reading and discussion for parents on the last page is written
in red ink which is OK when it appears on a white star background but is
difficult to read against the pink background.
Young children learn as they read. They read and
see different kinds of eyes in cats and different colors in different
faces in human children because the children represent different ethnic
groups. Teachers who are looking for books about values will find
this book helpful. The message is clear but not didactic.
This is a valuable purchase for school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Hurd, Edith Thacher. JOHNNY LION’S BAD DAY. Illus
by Clement Hurd. New York: Harper, 1970,
1998, 2001. 64p. 0-06-029335-7 hb. $14.95
0-06-029336-5 lib.bdg. $14.89 K-Gr. 2 E
What makes this book a new edition of an old favorite?
The front cover and title page are different and the red accents throughout
the illustrations have been changed to blue; changing a warm color to
a cool color does not improve the mood of the book. The rich gold
color of the lions has been changed to a yellow color, making them less
lion like. The text remains the same. If you are desperate
to replace a worn out copy, by all means purchase this new edition.
If not, keep the old one; it is more appealing.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Hurd, Edith Thacher. JOHNNY LION’S BOOK. Illus by Clement
Hurd. New York:
Harper, 1965, 2000, 2001. (Harper I Can
Read series) 64p. 0-06-029333-0; hb., $14.95
0-06-029334-9; lib.bdg., $14.89 0-06-444297-7;
pb, $3.95 K- Gr. 2
E
The cover on the old edition is charming; the new one
is less appealing. Otherwise the illustrations throughout the book
are the same except for the color accents and a different looking title
page. All the red colors have been changed to the same turquoise
that appears as a border on the front cover of the new edition. The
color of the lions has been changed from gold to yellow, making them look
more like kittens than lions. Thankfully, the text of this old favorite
has remained the same. If your old copy has been damaged or lost, by
all means purchase this new edition. Otherwise, keep the old one.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Hurd, Edith Thacher. JOHNNY LION’S RUBBER BOOTS. Illus
by Clement Hurd. New York:
Harper, 1972, 2000, 2001.
(Harper I Can Read series) 64p. 0-06-029337-3; hb. $14.95
0-06-029338-1; lib.bdg. $14.89 0-06-444295-0; pb, $3.95
K- Gr. 2 E
This is the third of the Johnny Lion easy readers that
are out in new editions. Like other titles about this engaging cub,
the text and illustrations are the same but the cover, title page, and
color of the illustrations are different from the previous edition.
In this case, however, the blue color suits the mood and theme of the book
better than the original color. On some pages, 22-23, in particular,
the blue with yellow and red accents are even better than the original
because they make the illustrations livelier and more interesting.
If you need replacement or new copies, this is a good choice.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Jackson, Garnet. THE FIRST THANKSGIVING. Hello Reader
series, Level 3. Illus by Carolyn Croll.
New York: Scholastic/Cartwheel,
2000. 48p. 0-439-20628-6; pb., $3.99 Gr. 1-3 ER or 394.26
This is a straight-forward account of the Pilgrims
from the sea voyage to the first Thanksgiving. Although the illustrations
are undistinguished, they are adequate. Emerging readers will
find information about Samoset, Squanto, Massasoit, and Bradford.
Although there are lots of picture books on this topic, this easy reader
will be useful for reading practice during November for beginning readers.
The paperback price makes this book attractive for classroom libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Jennings, Patrick. THE TORNADO WATCHES. Illus. by Anna Alter.
New York:
Holiday House, 2002. 64 p. 0823416720; $15.95
hb. 2001052765 Gr 1-3 ER
Good things come in little packages. Although
this beginning chapter book is small in format, it is a hugh find for
a novice reader. Ike lives in tornado country, so one night when
a tornado warning is issued, the family takes shelter in the basement.
When the warning is lifted, Ike is concerned that if he goes to sleep,
they fill miss any further alerts. So he secretly sneaks the TV into
his room and plans to watch it all night. Needless to say, he falls asleep in school the next day...and the
following day. Alas, his teacher and parents are led to believe Ike
is sick. Much to Ike's alarm, one night he wakes up to discover that
he is in the
basement. Being in a state of exhausted sleep, Ike did not wake up
when the alarm sounded, so his parents carried him down to the basement
shelter. Tragedy strikes the nighbors who have the roof of their house
blown off, which results in Ike learning about emergency first-hand.
The plot is simple, the pace just right, and the text complex enough without
being beyond youthful comprehension. Alter's pencil illustrations provide
just the right breaks and bring comfort to a young worrier. A great
little find that will help any youngster familiar with natural catastrophies,
wait out the storm.
Patricia Fittante; Children’s Librarian, Escanaba
Public Library, Escanaba, MI
Jennings, Sharon. FRANKLIN STAYS UP. Illus by Sean Jeffry,
Shelley Southern, and
Jelena Sisic. Based on a TV episode written by Brian Lasenby.
Based on characters
created by Paulette Bourgeois
and Brenda Clark. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can, 2003.
32p. 1-55337-371-5;
lib.bdg., $14.95 1-55337-372-3; pb., $3.95 Gr. 1- 3
ER
Fans of Franklin who watch his TV series will
enjoy reading this book for themselves. Readers, like Franklin,
have probably wanted to stay up past 9:00. So he plans a “stay-up-over
in my tent” party with his friends Bear, Rabbit, and Snail. The
prize if they stay up is mother’s pancake breakfast. Franklin keeps
his friends from being scared, provides a variety of entertainment, including
eating, but one by one, his friends fall asleep. Readers will enjoy
guessing how this book ends. Franklin is the only one who stays
up until dawn but falls asleep and misses breakfast. This is a very
satisfying easy reader that should be purchased by school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette,
Michigan
Consultant: LLW, third grader at Sandy Knoll
Elementary, Marquette, MI
Jennings, Sharon. FRANKLIN‘S TRADING CARDS. Illus by
Sean Jeffry, Shelley Southern,
and Jelena Sisic. Based on a TV episode
written by Brian Lasenby. Based on characters created
by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can, 2003. 32p.
1-55337-463-0; lib.bdg., $14.95 1-55337-464-9; pb., $3.95
Gr. 1- 3 ER
Knowing that kids are interested in prizes in
cereal boxes, in this case trading cards that are also popular, this book
is of interest to emerging readers. Franklin eats Fly Krispy cereal
and enjoys getting Superhero Trading Cards and talks his friends, fox and
beaver, into collecting them also. He and his friends have all of
the cards except Super Cat so Franklin eats two bowls a day, makes Fly Krispy
squares for desert, but is disappointed when his mother won’t purchase new
boxes until he finishes what they already have. When he finally gets
two Super Cat cards he and his friends begin heavy duty trading. Franklin’s
creative solution will tickle readers. Fans of Franklin who watch
his TV series will relish reading this book for themselves. Recommended
for school and public library easy reader collections.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Consultant: LLW, third grader at Sandy Knoll
Elementary, Marquette, MI
Karlin, Nurit. I SEE, YOU SAW. Illus. by author.
My First I Can Read Series, Level 1.
New York: HarperCollins, 1997. 24p.
PreS-Gr. 1 ER
Karlin makes extensive use of homonyms common in a young
child's speech. Two cats provide the simple conversation on each page,
and the facial expressions provide added humor when the homonyms prove to
be particularly confusing to the characters. This book is perfect for
introducing homonyms to young readers who have had only a few weeks of reading
instruction and are eager to read a real book on their own and provides a
challenge to the reader to correctly interpret the homonyms when they occur.
There is lots of repetition in the text with only a few words per page
and the colored line drawings provide clues to figuring out the words if
a young reader gets stuck, besides adding to the enjoyment of the story
as a whole.
Alice Johnson; First Grade Teacher, Sawyer
Elementary School, Gwinn, MI
Keane, Dave. BOBBY
BRAMBLE LOSES HIS BRAIN. Illus. by David Clark. New York:
Clarion Books, 2009. 32p.
ISBN: 978-0-547-05644-9 hb. $16.00.
Gr. K-3 ER
Have you ever lost your mind, -
make that your brain? Bobby Bramble has. Bobby is an active boy who
was warned numerous times by his mother not to climb, somersault, jump, bounce,
slide, swing, saprint, flip, hang upside down. Bobby does not listen, and
he looses his brain. It runs off. After a prolonged search, the brain is
found and Bobby puts it back in his head. Bobby's fanciful story might
help children understand what it means to be careful, but who knows? They
may want their brain to run away!
Christine
Collins, Library Director, L'Anse Area Schools/Public Library
Keller, Holly. A BED FULL OF CATS. Illus.by author. Green Light Readers Series.
New York: Harcourt,
1999. 20p. 0-15-20233-13
hb., $13.00 0-05-202262-7; pb. $3.95
PreS-Gr.2 ER
True to tradition, Keller comes through with another
appealing easy reader that is sure to strike the fancy of students in
the early grades. This entertaining title is generously illustrated,
yet has fully developed characters. The link between the text and
the art is subtle, yet the playful story will keep the reader holding on.
Flora is Lee's cat...soft as silk. She likes to sleep on Lee's bed.
Lee likes it too. One day Lee discovers that Lee is lost.
As the story grows---so does the family of cats. A purr-fect
ending, wouldn't you say?
Patricia Fittante, Children's Librarian, Escanaba
Public Library, Escanaba, MI
Keller,
Holly. THE HAT.
Illus. by author. Orlando, FL: Harcourt,
Inc., 2001.
20p. ISBN 0-15-205179-1 hb. $12.95
Gr. K-1 ER
This is a level one book in the Green Light Reader series for the
beginning reader. The story is about Pam and Dan and their efforts to catch
Pam’s hat, which has blown away. The
book has very few words, and the repetitive vocabulary will make a beginning
reader feel successful. The story
shows how friends help friends. The
book includes thinking and hand-on activities, plus a list of other titles in
the Green Light Reader series.
Marsha Gleason, Assistant Librarian, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library
Kindley, Jeff. SCAMPER'S YEAR. Illus.by Laura Rader Bank Street Ready-To-Read Series,
Level l. Milwaukee: Gareth
Stevens, 1999. 32p. 0-8368-1777-X; lib.bdg. $18.60
PreS-Gr. 1 ER
This easy reader follows Scamper, a young squirrel,
as he experiences nature's changes and watches the seasonal activities
of several children through the year. Each season intrigues him
and he finds they all have something to offer. Rader's
colorful illustrations portray exactly what is happening in the text
on each page. Besides being a delightful story to read, this book
could be used as an aid in a discussion or with a unit on the characteristics
and activities of each season.
Alice Johnson; First Grade Teacher, Sawyer
Elementary School, Gwinn, MI
Kleinhenz, Sydnie Meltzer. PLEASED TO EAT YOU. Illus
by Beth Griffis Johnson.
Silly Millies series. Beginning to Read
Alone, Level 1. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 2003.
32p. 9-7613-2909-9; lib.bdg., $17.90
2002-007499 K-Gr. 2
ER
Readers learn about carnivores, herbivores, and
omnivores in a humorous way in this rhyming easy reader. Because
he is a carnivore, an alligator says to a girl, “Pleased to eat you.”
A horse won’t eat her because he is a herbivore but the bear says he is
an omnivore who eats everything. The easy reader ends with a note
to parents and tips for reading and discussion. This title is a good
choice for easy reader collections in school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Consultant: LLW, third grader at Sandy Knoll
Elementary, Marquette, MI
Klier, Kimberly Wagner. YOU
CAN’T DO THAT, AMELIA! Illus. Kathleen Kemly.
Honesdale, PE: Boyds Mills Press, Inc., 2008. 32 p.
978-1-59078-467-9; hb.
$16.95. Gr. 2–4
Easy Reader
This is the story of Amelia
Earhart’s dreaming to do more than what was expected of her.
She was frequently told “You can’t do that, Amelia!”
But, she followed her dreams and did what couldn’t be done.
In the early years of flight, she even became a pilot and broke many
flying records. Her story is told
in this colorfully illustrated book. Included
in the book are information about Amelia, Important Dates, Web Sites and DVDs to
explore, Places to Visit, and a selected bibliography.
The book would add to any Women’s History collection.
Chris Collins,
L’Anse Area School/Public Library, Director
Koontz, Robin Michal. HOW IS A MOOSE LIKE A GOOSE? Illus
by author. Silly Millies series.
Brookfield, CT:
Millbrook, 2002. 32p. ISBN0-7613-2669-3 lib.bdg. $17.90 Gr. 2
ER
Not only is this book fun for beginning readers
to tackle by themselves, but they will also learn something about animals.
Two animals are compared with each other on double page spreads. Many
of the features are opposites. The last sentence asks what the two have
in common. For example a moose is tall, fuzzy, and doesn’t make much
noise while a goose is short, has feathers, and makes a lot of noise.
The question is “How is a tall, fuzzy moose/like a short, honking goose?”
When readers turn the page, they find the answer on a double page spread.
The pattern is repeated for a bee/manatee, gorilla/chinchilla, sloth/moth,
cockatoo/ kangaroo, and warthog/bullfrog. It will be interesting
to see which readers realize that the animal names in each pair rhyme with
each other. There is a double page spread at the end that asks readers
questions about the animals that appear in the book. The next double
page spread provides more facts about the animals mentioned in the book.
The last page includes tips for reading and discussion for parents.
This is an OUTSTANDING easy reader. If you purchase only one book
in this series, this is the book to buy for school and public library collections.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Labatt, Mary. PIZZA FOR SAM. Illus by Marisol
Sarrazin. Kids Can Read series,
Level 1. Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can,
2003. 1-55337-329-4; lib.bdg., $14.95
1-55337-331-6; pb., $3.95 C2002-901431-x
PZ7 Gr. K-2 ER
Sam is an adorable shaggy dog. Joan and
Bob make food for a party but do not make any for Sam. Guests also
bring food. As Sam eyes each type of food, he is told that “[they]…are
not good for puppies,” providing lots of repetition for emerging readers.
Readers become hungry with Sam. When pizza is delivered and left
unprotected, Sam decides that “Pizza is for puppies.” The story is
better than many found in easy readers. Make this book and the companion
book, SAM FINDS A MONSTER. (Kids Can, 2003), a first purchase.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
32 years of experience as a school library/media
specialist
Consultant: LLW, third grader at Sandy Knoll
Elementary, Marquette, MI
Labatt, Mary.
SAM AT THE SEASIDE. Illus.
by Marisol Sarrazin. Kids Can Read
Series.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Kids
Can Read Press, 2006. 32p.
ISBN: 13: 978-1-55337-876-1 hb. $14.95. Gr. K-3
Easy
Reader
Bob and Joan take their
fluffy, lop-eared, lovable puppy "Sam" to the beach for a day of fun
and exploration. Sam
experiences the joy and peril of confronting new creatures. Crabs and seagulls
are not friendly, but digging in the sand and rolling in the remains of a dead
fish are true delights. The illustrations capture Sam's doubts as well as his
rollicking good time. This book is certain to delight young readers.
Judy Bennett, Clerk, Ironwood Carnegie Library, Ironwood, MI
Labatt, Mary. SAM FINDS A MONSTER. Illus by Marisol
Sarrazin. Kids Can Read series, Level 1. Tonawanda, NY: Kids
Can, 2003. 1-55337-3551-0; lib.bdg., $14.95
1-55337-352-9; pb., $3.95 C2002-901432-8PZ7
Gr. K-2 ER
A shaggy dog named Sam was watching a scary big
green monster on TV. When the monster disappeared from the TV, Sam
wondered where the monster went. Then, with lots of repetition,
Sam checks under the bed, behind sofas, under tables, in kitchens.
In a small room off the kitchen, Sam encounters a big green monster next
to the broom, mop, and pail. No matter what Sam does, including barking
and jumping up and down, the monster does not move. So Sam bites the
monster several times and out come cookies, then doughnuts thus providing
more repetition. After a good shaking, out come bones, cake, and
pizza. The monster leaves just as the door opens and the family returns
so Sam expects to be treated as a hero. Readers have fun being able
to identify the monster as a garbage bag and for knowing that Sam will
not get the praise he expects. This easy reader has several elements
that make it exemplary: an engaging hero, lots of meaningful repetition,
chances to make projections, and humor. Make this book and the
companion book, PIZZA FOR SAM (Kids Can, 2003), a first purchase.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Labatt, Mary. SAM
GOES NEXT DOOR. Illus. by
Marisol Sarrazin. Kids Can Read
Series.
Toronto, Ontario: Kids
Can Read Press, 2006. 32p.
hb. $14.95.
Gr. K-3 Easy
Reader
Sam, the fluffy, lovable puppy, is inquisitive about the big truck which
has arrived next door. He watches from his own yard as a new family with two
small children moves in. The story unfolds as Sam and the children get
acquainted and even learn to compromise in their playing together. Well, Sam
doesn't compromise, much--the children do most of it in a most delightful,
entertaining way. Marisol
Sarrazin's illustrations portray Sam's true feelings. There is no mistaking
whether Sam is happy or not.
Judy Bennett, Clerk, Ironwood Carnegie Library, Ironwood, MI
Labatt, Mary.
SAM AT THE SEASIDE. Illus.
by Marisol Sarrazin. Kids Can
Read
Series.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Kids
Can Read Press, 2006. 32p.
ISBN: 13: 978-1-55337-876-1 hb. $14.95. Gr. K-3 Easy
Reader
Bob and Joan take their
fluffy, lop-eared, lovable puppy "Sam" to the beach for a day of fun
and exploration. Sam
experiences the joy and peril of confronting new creatures. Crabs and seagulls
are not friendly, but digging in the sand and rolling in the remains of a dead
fish are true delights. The illustrations capture Sam's doubts as well as his
rollicking good time. This book is certain to delight young readers.
Judy Bennett, Clerk, Ironwood Carnegie Library, Ironwood, MI
Laurence, Daniel. CAPTAIN AND MATEY SET SAIL. I Can
Read. Illus by Claudio Munoz.
New York: Harper, 2001. 64p. 06-028956-2;
hb., $14.95 0-06-028957-0; lib.bdg.,, $14.89
0-06-444285-3; pb., $3.95 00-0350080
Gr. 1-3 ER
The four stories in this pirate book are self-contained.
The first is about how the Captain and his first mate acquire and name
their parrot. The parrot helps the two men resolve their squabble
over their songs in the second story. The third story is the least
effective and is about a pirate they pick up swimming in the ocean.
In the last story, the two pirates talk about how they will spend their
treasure even before they find it and in the process they discover the importance
of friendship. Pirates are a crowd pleasing topic and the stories
will interest beginning readers
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Levinson, Nancy Smiler. NORTH POLE SOUTH POLE. Illus
by Diane Dawson
Hearn. Holiday House Reader series, Level
2. New York: Holiday, 2002. 40p.
0-8234-1737-9; hb., $14.95
Gr. 1-2 ER or
508.31
A globe and then maps of the top and bottom of
the earth show the North and South Poles. Within the text readers
learn about the axis, role of the sun, animals, people, and visits by
scientists and explorers. This is a versatile nonfiction easy reader
that will be useful in studies about the Poles, winter, animal habitats,
and continents.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Levinson, Nancy Smiler. PRAIRIE FRIENDS. Illus
by Stacey Schuett. An I Can Read
Book series. New York: Harper, 2003. 63p.
0-06-028001-8; hb., $15.99
0-06-028002-6; lib.bdg., $16.89
2002-020538 K-Gr. 2 ER
There are five chapters to this book and in each
one Betsy, who lives on the Nebraska prairie, wants to have a friend.
When Emmeline finally moves into a dugout near them, they have
an adventure while berry picking. Throughout the story, readers
learn about frontier life: husking bees, food, children’s games, and corn-husk
dolls. In an “Author’s Note,” Levinson discusses dugouts and
soddies as well as the isolation on the prairie one hundred and fifty years
ago. This is an exemplary easy reader that has potential for enhancing
studies of frontier life.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Lexau, Joan M. DON'T BE MY VALENTINE: A CLASSROOM MYSTERY.
Illus by Syd Hoff. I Can Read series.
New York: Harper, 1985, 1999. 64p.
0-06028239-8; hb., $14.95 0-06-023873-9;
lib.bdg., $15.89 PreS-Gr.3
ER
Sam is bugged by Amy Lou's constant advice so he writes
a mean valentine verse for her that goes to his teacher instead.
Then Sam blames his best friend, Albert, for the mix-up. The
problem is realistically solved to the satisfaction of all parties.
Because of the variety of interpersonal relationships, teachers and librarians
can use this book for discussion purposes. This book has more meat
to it than most easy readers. The problem isn’t whether or not to
purchase this book but where to shelve it— with easy readers, mysteries,
or holiday books.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, MI
Little, Jean. EMMA'S MAGIC WINTER. Illus by Jennifer
Plecas. I Can Read Series.
New York: HarperCollins, 1998. 64p.
ISBN0-06-025389-4 hb. $14.95;
ISBN0-06-025390-8 lib.bdg. $14.89.
97-49667 K-Gr.3
ER
There are seven chapters in this easy reader about
how shy Emma makes friends with a new girl next door and her baby brother
through magic boots and reading aloud. Because the story takes place
in winter, the girls play outside in the snow. The winter setting is
a natural part of the story. By the time spring comes, Emma's self
confidence has improved. This easy reader moves emerging readers toward
chapter books.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Little, Jean. EMMA’S YUCKY BROTHER. Illus by Jennifer
Plecas. Harper I Can Read
series. New York: HarperCollins, 2001.
64p. ISBN0-06-028348-3 hb. $14.95
ISBN0-06-028349-1 lib.bdg. $14.89. 99-34515
Gr. 1-3 ER PAULIN’S PICKS
Here is an easy reader with some “meat” in it.
This is a book about siblings and adoption in particular. In the
first of five chapters, Little tells about Emma’s excitement about her
new adopted brother who will be coming shortly. Sally, her best friend,
says “He will be a pest…All brothers are pests.” Of course her little
brother Josh does not agree. When Max arrives for a visit he does
not appreciate Emma’s cookies and toy car. To further hurt her feelings,
he likes Sally better and calls her Yucky Emma. Needless to
say, Emma is not happy when Max comes to live with them. The plot
is substantial for an easy reader but not overwhelming and the ending,
while happy, is arrived at naturally and without saccharine.
This book can be enjoyed as a brother/sister story, not just for the adoption
theme. Place this book at the top of the order list for school and
public libraries of all sizes. Media specialists should tell their
counselors about this one. Little has upheld her considerable reputation
as a great storyteller. This is an essential purchase.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Lowry, Lois. GOONEY
BIRD IS SO ABSURD. Illus. by Middy Thomas.
New York: Houghton Mifflin,
2009. 105p. 978-0-547-11967-0 hb.
$15.00 Gr. 2-3
Easy Reader
The title leads readers to think the story is about a
second grader called Gooney Bird, but that’s not the case. The story is really about Mrs. Pidgeon and how she teaches
poetry to her classroom by taking advantage of teachable moments.
The school principal and several other notable characters in the
classroom inspire lessons in couplets, Haiku, limericks, and poems for many
voices. This is an intermediate
reader, the perfect way for young readers to launch themselves into the juvenile
collection.
Lynette Suckow, Youth
Services, Peter White Public Library, Marquette, MI
Macdonald, Maryann. RABBIT'S BIRTHDAY KITE. Illus.
by Lynn Munsinger.
Bank Street Ready-To-Read Series, Level 2.
Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens, 1999. 32p.
0-8368-1779-6; lib.bdg., $18.60
98-38745 GR. 1-2 ER
Rabbit had never had a kite so Hedgehog decided to
make one for his birthday. As soon as he received it, Rabbit was eager
to get it into the air. He ignored Hedgehog's directions because, after all,
he knew about kites--he had watched others fly them. After a series
of misfortunes due to Rabbit's know-it-all attitude, the long-suffering
and ever patient Hedgehog finally succeeded in coaching Rabbit to
a successful launch. Finally, they were able to enjoy the kite
as it soared over the sea until the string broke. Macdonald's story
is a good study of how attitudes, as well as how love and patience within
a relationship, can affect outcomes. Munsinger's whimsical illustrations
are a delight to the eye and add much to the enjoyment of the story.
This would be a great addition to an elementary child's bookshelf.
Alice Johnson; First Grade Teacher, Sawyer Elementary School,
Gwinn, MI
McMullan, Kate. FLUFFY MEETS THE GROUNDHOG. Hello
Reader series,
Level 3. Illus by Mavis Smith. New
York: Scholastic Cartwheel, 2001. 32p.
0-439-20672-3; pb., $3.99 00-035812
Gr. 1-2 ER
Ms. Day explains to her class that tomorrow is Groundhog
Day. There is a Guinea pig named Fluffy in a cage in that room.
The bold print is dialogue for Fluffy. On Feb. 2, renamed Groundpig
Day, classes take their Guinea pigs outside on the playground to see
if they can see their shadows. Fluffy wanders off and falls into
a tunnel and meets a grumpy groundhog. The twist at the end of the
story makes it especially interesting. There are few picture books
and fewer easy readers about Groundhog Day so this book will be doubly
welcome in school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Maestro, Marco and Giulio. GEESE FIND THE MISSING PIECE: SCHOOL
TIME
RIDDLE RHYMES. Illus. by Giulio
Maestro. I Can Read Series. New York: Harper,
1999. 48p. 0-06-026220-6; hb.,$ 14.95
0-06-02621-4; lib.bdg., $14.89 98-41513
K-Gr. 3 793.7
or ER
What an exciting way to learn to read! The 22
riddles depend on rhyme for students to guess the answers. The riddle
and the rhyming hint are on one page and the answer is on the reverse.
If by chance the reader does not guess the answer, the illustrations
depict it. The rhyming hint on the riddle page is in bold type
and the answer on the next page is also in bold type. "How do the
noisy ducks play with blocks? They stack while they... [turn
the page] quack." The question is not should school and public
libraries purchase this book but where they should put it-- with the easy
readers or with the riddle books. This book is a first purchase.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Michaels,
Anna. BEST FRIENDS. Illus.
by Brian Karas. Orlando, FL:
Harcourt, Inc, 2004. ISBN
0-15-205136-8 hb. $12.95 Gr.
K-1 ER
Dan and Zack enjoy a snack together, then through rhyming phrases,
repetition and questions, Dan has a surprise for Zack.
There are only two short chapters to provide a transition for beginning
readers. To get readers thinking
about the story, there are questions and two great hands-on activities are
included at the end of the book.
Debra Ely, Children’s Librarian, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library
Michelson, Richard. OH NO, NOT GHOSTS!
Illus. by Adam McCauley. Orlando, Florida:
Harcourt,
Inc., 2006. ISBN: 13:
978-0-15-205186-0 hb. $16.00 K-3
E R
This book is about a brother teasing his little sister at bedtime.
Brother's imagination takes flight as he describes all the scary night creatures
he will protect his sister from: werewolves, giants, ghosts, demons, skeletons;
all illustrated in action-packed exaggerations which older children would not
take seriously. As Miss Muffett said, "We little girls aren't afraid of
spiders any more." A word of caution: illustrations
show the little girl cowering in fear. This book encourages the stereotype of
helpless little girls depending on big, brave (and bullying) brother.
Judy Bennett, Clerk, Ironwood Carnegie Library, Ironwood, MI
Minarik, Else Holmelund. LITTLE BEAR’S VALENTINE. Illus
by Heather Green. New York:
Harper, 2003. 32p.
0-694-1712-4; hb.,$14.99 0-06-052244-5 lib.bdg. $15.89 PreS-Gr. 1 ER
The original illustrations for the “Little Bear”
books were created by Maurice Sendak. In this title, Green illustrates
a bear reminiscent of Sendak’s. While Mother Bear is making cookies,
Little Bear makes valentines for Emily, Hen, Owl, and Duck. Before
he leaves to deliver his valentines, Little Bear hides his mother’s valentine
in the cookie jar. A stop at the mailbox provides Little Bear with
an unsigned valentine which his mother says comes from a “secret admirer.”
While delivering his valentines, Little Bear learns that none of his four
friends are his secret admirer. This quest provides repetition as
well as a mystery that is resolved at the end of the story. Add this
easy reader to holiday collections in school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan
Nagel, Karen Berman. SNOW? LET’S GO! Illus
by Carolyn Croll. My First Hello Reader
Series, level 2. New York: Scholastic
Cartwheel, 2000. 32p. 0-439-09906-4; pb., $3.99.
99-30154 K-Gr. 2
ER
The paperback format makes this easy reader accessible
for home and classroom use. Reading the few words per page, learners
read about clothing necessary to wear out in the snow. The humorous
ending and rhyming text make the book fun to read. The flash cards
in the middle of the book can be removed for word recognition of winter
clothing. There are activities at the end of the book that include
identifying rhyming words and items that are not winter clothing, , finding
pictures that do not belong in a winter scene, and placing items of clothing
in the order they should be put on. Answers appear on the last page.
Because of the potential for writing in the book and loosing the flash
cards, this book is recommended for library use only if encased in a plastic
checkout bag.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Nielsen-Fernlund, Susin. HANK AND FERGUS. Illus.Laliberte
Louise-Andree. Victoria, BC Canada:
Orca Book Publishers, 2003.
34p. ISBN: 1-55143-245-5 hb. $16.95 PreS-Gr2 ER
This book is about Hank who has an imaginary dog Fergus.
Hank has a birthmark that makes him fel insecure. He meets a boy named
Cooper with a scar on his stomach from an appendix operation. They
become friends after Cooper challenges his imaginary dog. Very nice
illustrations accompany this story. Recommended for school and public
libraries.
Sharon Evans, Assistant Librarian, Engadine, MI
Novak, Matt. LITTLE WOLF BIG WOLF. Illus by author.
Harper I Can Read Series,
level 2. New York: Harper, 2000.
48p. 0-06-027486-7 hb., $14.95 0-06-0274487-6;
lib.bdg. $14.89 0-06-4423330-6;
pb., $3.95. 99-10610 Gr. 1-3 ER
All three of the stories in this easy reader are exceptional.
In “New Friends,” Little Wolf and Big Wolf decide that they can be friends
even though they like different activities. Mothers may not
like “The Visitor” but kids will. Little Wolf hires a cleaning service
to clean his house so that Big Wolf will feel at home. After cleaning each
item, Mrs. Bear of the Busy Bear Cleaning service admonishes him not to
touch, sit on, or wear anything and Little Wolf is afraid to move
around in his house. When Big Wolf comes and muddies, rumbles, and
creates a mess, Little Wolf is worried he won’t feel at home but he does.
The last story is the best, “A Fun Party.” They divide the
tasks, Big Wolf will get the food and Little Wolf will invite the guests.
Big Wolf gathers up all the animals he sees and puts them in a sack.
When he arrives at the party, Little Wolf is crying because he can’t find
any of his friends. To make him feel better, Big Wolf empties his
sack and out comes--you guessed--the friends. These stories are fun
for beginning readers and are a first purchase for school and public library
easy reader collections.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Oppenheim, Joanne. DO YOU LIKE CATS? Illus. by Newsom
Carol. Bank Street
Ready-To-Read Series.-Level 1. Milwaukee:
Gareth Stevens, 1993. 32p.
0-8368-1757-5, lib. bdg., $18.60. 70-030215
ER
This book may convince you to get a sweet, cuddly,
and playful cat. If not, it is still an enjoyable rhyming book that
would be good for readers and non-readers. The pictures flow very
well with the story. Did you know that not all cats have two eyes
that are the same color? You will learn this and other unique facts about
cats by reading Oppenheim's book. The book shows some types of cats
and places where cats can live. Recommended especially for children
who are interested in cats.
Summer Wells, Volunteer; Engadine
Library/Consolidated Schools, Engadine, MI
Otto, Carolyn B. WOLVES. Scholastic Science Readers
series, Level 2. Illus with photos. New York:
Scholastic Reference, 2000.
48p. 0-439-29584-X; pb., $3.99
Gr. 2-3 599.773
ER
The colorful photos and easy sentences provide information
about wolves to beginning readers. The words in bold print within
the text are found in the glossary at the end of the book right before
the index. Difficult words like regurgitated have phonetic spelling
in parenthesis after the word; the accented syllable is in bold print.
The word domesticate appears on both lists. The book begins with
a gray wolf on the Alaskan tundra. After reading aloud Jean
George’s JULIE OF THE WOLVES (Harper, 1972) to second or third graders,
children can read more about wolves for themselves. Use the book
when studying biomes (tundra), mammals, endangered species, and ecology.
Shelve with animal books or easy readers. This is a first purchase
for school or public libraries but is essential in Alaska, Idaho, Michigan,
Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, and Wyoming because they are mentioned in
the text.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Papademetriou, Lisa. LUCKY ME! Photos by Dorothy Handelman.
Brookfield:
Millbrook Press, 1999. 48p.
Real Kids Readers series. 0-7613-2071-7; lib.bdg.,
$18.90 0-7613-2096-2; pb.,
$3.99 Gr. 1-3 E
Illustrated with photographs of real kids, and using
content dealing with real kids' problems, this book is relevant and
interesting to young readers. The series uses a blend of whole
language and phonics instructional methods which is useful for remediation
or reading practice. The phonics guide and advice for parents on
teaching young children to read provide support for use in the home.
Ted's grandma lives with them. Ted sees
this as a mixed blessing; although he loves his grandma, she embarrasses
him by wearing slacks, playing baseball and soccer, and publicly calling
him "Teddy Bear.” Ted wishes she would act more like other grandmas.
His friend Tony gives him some good advice and the title of the story
hints at the outcome.
Carolyn Anderson, retired elementary teacher;
Member of the L’Anse (MI) Public Library Advisory
Board
Papademetriou, Lisa. REALLY? Photos by Dorothy Handelman.
Brookfield:
Millbrook Press, 1999. 48p. Real Kids
Readers series. 0-7613-2072-5; lib.bdg.,
$18.90 0-7613-2097-0; pb., $3.99
Gr. 1-3 E
Illustrated with photographs of real kids, and using
content dealing with real kids' problems, this book is relevant and
interesting to young readers. The series uses a blend of whole
language and phonics instructional methods which is useful for remediation
or reading practice. The phonics guide and advice for parents on
teaching young children to read provide support for use in the home.
Samantha and her new friend, Fern, have a great
time pretending but Fern tells Sam some things that sound like outright
lies. How much of what Fern says can Sam believe? Can she really be
trusted? When Sam is invited to sleep over at Fern's house, her dilemma
is resolved.
Carolyn Anderson, retired elementary teacher;Member of the L’Anse
Public Library Advisory
Board
Porte,
Barbara. HARRY’S BIRTHDAY.
Illus by Yossi Abolafia. New
York:
Publishers, 2003. 47p.
ISBN 0-06-0503564 hb. $16.89
Porte and Abolafia come together for a another story about Harry.
In HARRY’S BIRTHDAY, the main character relates the story of his
birthday party. Harry had a bad
experience with his previous birthday and would like to correct that with a big
party, pizza and clowns. Most of all, he wants a cowboy hat. Dad decides on a party at home where Harry helps with
planning and recruiting his aunt and uncle to assist in the entertainment.
This easy reader is a hit with early elementary students.
Amy Becker, Technical Services Librarian, Peter White Public Library
Porte,
Barbara. HARRY’S PONY. Illus.
by Yossi Abolafia. New York:
2003. 56p.
ISBN 0-06-050658-X hb. $16.89
In HARRY’S PONY, Harry has won a contest where his choice of prizes is
a pony or a bicycle. On course,
Harry wants the pony, as he already has a bicycle.
As he talks to the various people in his life about the reality of owning
and boarding a pony, he is able to come up with an alternative course of action.
He concedes the bicycle and he is able to visit the pony whenever he
wishes. Throughout the Harry
series, the engaging narration lets readers into Harry’s thoughts.
The well-chosen vocabulary and the illustrations aid in moving the story
along. These books and the entire
Harry series is recommended for elementary school libraries and public libraries
for students in grades 1 - 3.
Poydar, Nancy. THE BIGGEST TEST IN THE UNIVERSE. Illus.
by author.
New York: Holiday House, 2005. Unp. Gr. K-3
Easy Readers.
The dreaded "big test" has been announced by teacher,
Mr. Albright. Word spreads and stress levels increase as the
children anticipate a test on everything they ever learned. Exaggerated
stories of past tests quickly make the rounds, and stomachs churn in expectation.
To their surprise, the children survive and become part of the initiated who,
with an air of bravado, perpetuate the tradition of stress-and-dread before
the test. Nancy Poydar is a former elementary school teacher who
knows whereof she writes. She also provided the colorful,
comical illustrations.
Judy Bennett, Ironwood Carnegie Library Clerk, Ironwood,
MI
Rau, Dana Meachen. YAHOO FOR YOU. Compass Pointe Early
Reader series, Level B.
Illus by Cary Pillo. Minneapolis:
Compass Point, 2002. 32p. 0-7565-0177-6; lib.bdg.,
$18.60 2002-004727 K-Gr. 3
ER PAULIN'S PICKS
The list of 42 words that appear in the text are given
at the end of the book. The story is interesting and helps readers
to discover themselves as they face their fears. A “Parent’s Page”
offers activities to help children try new things. All this is commendable
but it is the story that is riveting. Told in the first person by
a girl who visits her Grandmother, there is lots of repetition. The
older woman wants her granddaughter to try new things; i.e., climb, swim,
eat pea soup, and ride ponies. Grandmother says “Give it a try.“
The girl tries and likes the new experiences. At the end of the
book she turns the tables on her grandmother and asks her to do something
she thinks she doesn’t like. The repetition, universality, and surprise
ending make this story a great easy reader. After the girl and/or
her grandmother enjoy something new, the recurring refrain is “Yahoo for
you (us)!” I say Yahoo to Rau.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Ruelle, Karen Gray. SNOW VALENTINES. Holiday House
Readers, Level. 2. New York:
Holiday, 2000. 32p.
0-8234-1533-3; hb., $14.95 Gr. 1-2 ER PAULIN’S
PICKS
It is difficult to write an easy reader that sustains
the story while making it fascinating for emerging readers. Ruelle
does so admirably using sufficient repetition in four chapters about
a cat named Harry and his sister, Emily. The kittens get hugs from
their mother and drawings from their father for special occasions and know
this will be true for Valentine’s Day also. The cat kids want to do
something special for Valentine’s Day but after unfavorable feedback from
their parents, they discard paper hearts, a dance, a song, a dessert, and
finally settle on the newly fallen snow to help them express their love
for their parents. This is a humorous and tender story which is totally
believable. Although this title is a holiday and winter
book, it can be read year long because love and family don’t have boundaries
dictated by the calendar. Consider shelving it with the easy readers
rather than with the holiday books, especially in snowy climates.
Even if your easy reader budget is limited, make sure that this is one of
your selections.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Ruelle, Karen Gray. SPOOKIER THAN A GHOST. Illus by
author. New York: Holiday House Readers,
Level 2, 2001. 32p.
ISBN 0-823-1667-4 hb. $14.95. 00-053854 Gr. 2-3
ER
Harry and his sister Emily are preparing for Halloween.
The setting for the first chapter is Oct. 1 and the cat children discuss
previous costumes. Emily has Harry guessing what her costume will
be this year. In the second chapter, the two cats make a variety
of spooky pictures to put in the windows and carve their jack-o-lanterns
but Emily won't even tell her mother what her costume will be. In
the third chapter, Emily helps Harry make his dinosaur costume but works
on her costume in secret. In the fourth and final chapter, Emily
is crying because she wanted her costume to be spooky, beautiful, big,
and a surprise but it turned out dumb. Harry cheers her up and when
they go out trick-or-treating, Emily gets two extra surprises. Primary
students will enjoy reading this book for themselves.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, MI
Ruelle, Karen Gray. THE THANKSGIVING BEAST FEAST. Illus.by the author.
Holiday House Reader
series, Level 2. New
York: Holiday House, 1999. ISBN0-8234-1511-2 hb. $14.95.
Gr.1-2 ER
There are four chapters to this holiday easy reader.
In the first chapter two cat kids, Harry and Emily, talk about what
they like to eat at Thanksgiving time. Emily prefers pumpkin-shaped
cookies to pumpkin pie. The two cats discuss how the American Indians
helped the Pilgrims grow corn and how they had a feast together because
they were thankful. In the second chapter they watch a squirrel,
a bird, and a chipmunk look for, but not find food. In chapter
3, Harry and Emily make plans for their beast feast. In the last
chapter, the cat family is getting ready for the Thanksgiving feast for
their relatives. But Harry and Emily take time to put out food
so the animals can have Thanksgiving too. They even share Emily's
pumpkin-shaped cookies with them for dessert. This is a satisfying
story for emerging readers. It even works as a read aloud; teachers
may want to read it aloud and then pass out pumpkin-shaped cookies before
putting the book in the back of the room for students to read individually.
Or teachers may choose to read only the first three chapters aloud and
let the students finish it by themselves. Although easy readers and
early chapter books are not the read aloud choice for public library
story hours, this one would work before children frost pumpkin-shaped cookies
as a culminating activity. The cat children are as appealing as the
story. Librarians may decide to put this one in with the easy readers
or chapter books rather than with the holiday books. Wherever
they put it, it belongs in every library.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Rylant, Cynthia. HENRY AND MUDGE AND THE SNOWMAN PLAN.
Illus. by
Sucie Stevenson. Ready-to-Read Series, Level
2. New York: Simon and Schuster,
1999. 40p. 0-689-81169-1; hb., $14.00.
98-108942 Gr. K-3 ER
This is the 19th Henry and Mudge easy reader written
by Rylant and illustrated by Stevenson using her usual watercolors.
Three chapters are listed in the contents. In the first
chapter Henry learns about the snowman contest and asks his father to
enter with him. His father is green from painting a chair.
While Henry and his father build their snowman, Henry visits with his
dog friends. The last chapter shows a variety of entries:
snow people, cats, dogs, and aliens. The judges are mystified by Henry
and his Dad's snowman until Henry tells them it is his dad painting a
chair. Winners are varied: Abraham Lincoln, a snow leopard and third
place to the snowman with paint in his mustache. They receive
a ribbon for most original and a box of snowman cookies. Snowman
cookies would be a great treat after reading this book. First and
second grade teachers can have a box of snowman cookies in the reading corner
for students to eat after reading the book to themselves. This winning
combination has produced another winner.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Schecter, Ellen. DIAMONDS AND TOADS: A CLASSIC TALE.
Illus by Ami Blackshear.
Originally published by Byron Preiss,1994. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens, 1999. 48p.
0-8368-1781-8; lib.bdg., $18.60. 98-038483 Gr.2-4. ER or
398.2
This easy reader is intended for second and third graders
to read on their own. Although no source notes for the story are
given, this favorite folktale is known by this title in French but is called
"Mother Holle" or "Mother Hulda" in German. In this retelling,
the daughters are called Caire and Malina. A fairy disguised
as an old woman, and later as a princess, appears to the two sisters.
Claire, kind and pretty, gives the woman a drink at the well and is rewarded
when diamonds fall from her mouth. The greedy mother sends Claire's
older sister to the well but Malina is rude to the princess so toads
and snakes spew forth from her mouth. A prince conveniently comes
along and after hearing Claire's story, falls in love with her.
The illustrations are pale but in keeping with the story. Add this
story to the easy reader collection rather than the folklore collection
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland
Preview Center, Marquette, MI
Schlepp, Tammy J. BABY ANIMALS. My World series; Level
3. Brookfield, CT:
Copper Beech, 2000. 32p. 0-7613-1218-8;
lib.bdg., $17.90 0-7613-2289-2;
pb., $3.99 00-055600
Gr. 1-3 ER or
591.3
The illustrations in this easy reader alternate between
realistic drawings and photos. The printed information includes
the name of the animal babies, i.e., puppy, foal, joey, duckling, when
there is one. Otherwise they are simply called baby crocodiles or
baby spiders. Six are born from their mothers, four come from eggs,
and three are surprises like tadpole/frogs or caterpillar/butterflies.
The book is interactive and readers are asked to identify animals by
pictures of their skin. Another double spread has children identify
which ones lay eggs. This series, first published in London, contains
an index and answers to the two sets of questions.
The problem with this title is that it is classified
as nonfiction and the information is nonfiction. However, the information
is presented in the first person through the voice of each animal.
The same two sentences are found at the beginning of the section on each
animal. “Hi, I’m a little (puppy, baby gibbon, penguin, etc.)
Do you know what I do?” All of the information is imparted
through the baby animal. Each sentence either begins with I or contains
the pronoun in the sentence. The illustrations and photos are realistic
rather than anthropomorphized, but the text confuses the issue and moves
the book into that realm by having the animals provide the information.
There are plenty of books about baby animals that are less confusing;
pass on this one.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Schlepp, Tammy J. FARM ANIMALS. My World series;
Level 3. Brookfield, CT:
Copper Beech, 2000. 32p. 0-7613-2295-7;
pb., $3.99 Gr. 1-3
ER
Using colorful photos and drawings, Schlepp introduces
a variety of farm animals to children. There are a number of problems
with this book. A photo shows nursing piglets and their mother
but the caption identifies only the piglets with no mention that this
is the name for baby pigs. The drawing that is labeled “Pig” shows
a dirty pig standing in the mud, reinforcing the misleading information
that pigs are dirty animals. The double page spread showing chickens
includes many hens in a photo, a drawing of a rooster, and a photo of a
chick. The lone chick fills two thirds of the opposite page and makes
the chickens and rooster look small, leaving the impression that a chick
is larger than its parents. The cows are shown with “udders are full
of milk for you to drink.” However, if a child does not know what
and where the udder is, there is no label or written description.
Two kids (baby goats) appear on page 12 and one of them looks more like
a cat than a goat. The lamb on the opposite page is much larger
in size. The intervening pages are about milk cows, beef cattle,
and a bull. Pages 18 and 19 return to sheep and shearing. Pages
20 and 21 are about goats and pages 22-12 are about sheep dogs. There
is no reason to jump back and forth; the result makes the book disjointed.
The best part of the book is two double page spreads at the end where children
have to identify farm animals by their parts or by things we get from
them. There are better books where children can learn about
farm animals; pass on this one.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Schlepp, Tammy J. GAMES I PLAY. My World series; Level
2. Brookfield, CT:
Copper Beech, 2001. 24p. 0-7613-2173-X;
lib.bdg., $15.90 0-7613-2296-5;
pb., $3.99 00-065799
PreS-Gr. 3 ER
This story, told in the first person, is about a girl
who invites her friend Jerry to play with her. Illustrations
are a combination of photos and drawings. Because it is raining,
the two decide to play “dress-up” with the girl being a princess and Jerry
being the knight. The children decide to build a castle out of a
table. When the rain stops, they play outside on a trampoline, play
hopscotch, and watch her brother Will play soccer. During halftime,
Jerry and the girl play catch with the ball and after the game, Will plays
with them. On the way home, the kids play “I spy” and readers are
involved in the game. At home, while Mom cooks dinner, Dad plays
checkers with them and again readers are involved in the game. Jerry
goes home and after dinner Mom plays “Go Fish” with Will and his sister.
A list of words and phrases with photos and illustrations concludes the
book.
Although this book portrays a white nuclear family
that is not the norm today, it is still a good easy reader for students
to practice independent reading and learn about using time wisely in constructive
play.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Schlepp, Tammy J. GOING TO SCHOOL. My World series;
Level 2. Brookfield, CT:
Copper Beech, 2001. 24p. 0-7613-2168-3;
lib.bdg., $15.90 0-7613-2297-3;
pb., $3.99 00-052393
PreS-Gr. 2 ER
Alex has butterflies before his first day at school.
He asks his mother numerous questions and her answer always begins,
“Don’t worry.” There is a mixture of photos and drawings
and many of the photos, like the one with supplies, are all labeled.
Mr. Adams is Alex’s teacher. Alex and his friend Sally invite Jin
Soo to eat and play with them. During art, Jin Soo returns the favor
and loans Alex his paintbrush. A number of activities like raising
your hand and listening to a story are introduced. Words and phrases
are reinforced through words and pictures at the end. Although
there are better picture books to prepare children for school, there are
few easy readers on this topic. However, if the children are going
into kindergarten, many will not be able to read a book labeled for level
2. Perhaps emerging readers will find this book a nostalgic trip
back to the “olden days.”
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Schlepp, Tammy J. MINIBEASTS. My World series; Level
3. Brookfield, CT:
Copper Beech, 2000. 32p. 0-7613-1223-4;
lib.bdg., $17.90 0-7613-2325-2;
pb., $3.99 00-055598
Gr. 1-3 ER or 592
The photos in this book bring hairy spiders, cockroaches,
Tarantulas, slugs, maggots, stinkbugs up close and personal. Much
information is imparted through simple informative sentences. The
illustrations are either enlarged photos or realistic drawings.
Two double page spreads at the end provide a review for readers who are
asked to match parts of minibeasts to the photos and drawings or are asked
to match pictures of four creatures with pictures of four homes. The
information is factual; the illustrations are repulsively appealing to make
an interesting read for beginning readers or remedial adults.
This book is a great easy reader for students who are studying insects.
This is one of the best titles in this series and is a first purchase for
easy reader collections.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Schlepp, Tammy J. MY HOME. My World series; Level 2.
Brookfield, CT:
Copper Beech, 2001. 24p. 0-7613-2174-8;
lib.bdg., $15.90 0-7613-2327-9;
pb., $3.99 00-065788
Gr. 1-3 ER
Homes come in all sizes and appear in many places.
This easy reader begins with Rosa who lives in an apartment building
in a city. Life in the city is shared. Rosa says “The city
is the best place to be!” This refrain is repeated by others;
Jack who lives in the country near the Jackson family who live on a farm,
and Nicky who lives in a town or suburb and lives next door to his friends
Joe and Billy. Readers are asked where they live and what they like
about their home. The review shows the photos and drawings from the
book and labels them. Readers are asked to use the words to write a
story of their own. The only illustration that is unrealistic is the
drawing of a very dated tractor in an otherwise modern world.
Despite this inaccuracy, this is an acceptable easy reader.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Schlepp, Tammy J. SEASONS. My World series; Level 3.
Brookfield, CT:
Copper Beech, 2000. 32p. 0-7613-1224-2;
lib.bdg., $17.90 0-7613-2332-5;
pb., $3.99 00-055575
Gr. 1-3 ER or 508.2
Each of the four seasons is shown in clear and informative
photos and drawings. Questions are asked of readers within the
main text to keep them involved. “How can you tell when it’s spring?
The answers follow. At the end there are two double page spreads
in which readers review what they have learned. Readers are asked
to tell what season it is by looking at pictures of plants and animals.
The second double page spread has readers identify the season based on
pictures of trees. Answers to the questions appear on the index page.
This easy reader provides readers with practice in reading as well
as imparts interesting science information. Just when adult readers
are wondering why Schlepp is leaving the impression that the whole world
has four seasons, she provides a double page spread that shows the rain
forest, the South Pole, and Desert so readers will know that there are
other patterns. However, those who live in these other areas might
not like having their area labeled as having “strange seasons.”
Purchase for independent readers, especially where enhancement of the
science curriculum is important.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Schlepp, Tammy J. THINGS ON WHEELS. My World
series; Level 3. Brookfield, CT:
Copper Beech, 2000. 32p. 0-7613-1219-6
lib.bdg. $17.90 0-7613-2336-8 pb. $3.99
00-060132 Gr. 1-3
ER or 629.2
The first sentence is “Wheels are everywhere!”
After a few explanatory sentences, the author provides a variety of
examples. “A wheel is shaped like a circle. A wheel moves
round and round. A wheel is used for moving things.”
The photos are appealing and the items with wheels will appeal to readers;
i.e., in-line skates, ambulances, fire trucks, motorcycles, tractors,
caterpillars, moon buggies, and roller coasters. Two sets of double
page spreads at the end of the book involve readers. The second
question is more difficult and asks readers to tell what the wheels are
made of. Answers are provided on the index page. The answers
to the last question is either wood or metal. This is an excellent
addition to easy reader collection and is a first purchase.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Shyamalan, M. Knight & Greg Brooker. STUART LITTLE: STUART’S
NEW BROTHER.
New York: HarperCollins/Avon, 2000. 32p.
0-06-444290-X pb. $3.99. Gr. 2-3 ER
This should have been an excellent idea--capitalizing
on the popularity of the movie STUART LITTLE to entice beginning readers.
One would expect the photos from the Columbia Pictures feature film
to be crisp and clear but they are fuzzy, cluttered, or both. Another
annoying feature includes the pastel bars that intrude on each page.
The most annoying feature is that kids will probably like this series.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Silverman,
Eric. COWGIRL KATE AND COCOA.
Illus. by Betsy Lewin. New York:
Harcourt Inc., 2005. 40p. ISBN
0152021248 hb. $15.00 Gr. 1-3
ER
Stadler, John. READY, SET, GO! Illus.by the author.
I Can Read Series. New York: HarperCollins,
1996. 32p. 0-06-024947-1 lib.bdg., $15.89
0-06-444238-1 pb. $3.75 PreS-Gr. 2 ER
Although the story is simple to read, this easy ready
has a theme and plot. Little Sasha, a dog, wants her cousin Oliver
to play with her but he takes pride in building a bigger snowman and
a bigger fort only to be outdone by his friend Juliet. However,
Sasha saves Juliet from disaster while they are skating and the bigger
dogs decide to let her play with them.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Stamper, Judith Bauer. FIVE HAUNTED HOUSES. My First
Hello Reader series.
Illus by Tim Raglin. New York: Scholastic
Cartwheel, 2001. 48p. 0-439-20546-8; pb.,
$3.99 00-026572 Gr. 2-4
ER PAULIN’S PICKS
These five separate stories about haunted houses are
exciting for primary readers. In the first story Jake does not believe
in ghosts or that the old house on the hill is haunted. Because
of the illustrations, readers will enjoy the joke that the girl whom Jake
talks to inside the house is really a ghost. In the second story,
Lisa is warned not to take the socks off a marble statue in the old house
owned by her aunt and uncle. The third story is a counting rhyme that
goes up to five. Luis’s new home is haunted and he convinces his parents
they can’t live there. In the last story, a boy stops at his friend’s
house so they can go trick-or-treating. The endings to the last two
stories are priceless. This is an exceptional holiday and
easy reader. Shelve with or easy readers rather than Halloween
books because scary book are popular all year.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Taylor, Barbara. DINOSAUR DINNERS. New
York: Dorling Kindersley, 1998. 32p.
Eyewitness Readers Series, Level 2. 0-7894-2959-4,
pb., $3.95 Gr. 1-3 ER
Thank goodness for the phonetic inclusions for
pronouncing the names of the dozen dinosaurs in this easy reader because
most have five syllables. DK has used the same vividly colored
dinosaur paintings in several bigger versions of its dinosaur books.
Sidebars provide additional information. This is an excellent
beginning science book.
Virginia Foreman, retired teacher,
lifelong reader of books about paleontology
Udry, Janice May. THUMP AND PLUNK. Illus. by Geoffrey
Hayes. New York:
HarperCollins, 1981,
2000. 30p. 0-06-02858-1 hb. $12.95 99-10510 K-2
ER
Numerous books in the I Can Read series have
been recently been reissued. Udry’s title makes a good addition or
replacement copy. This title is a play on the names of two ducks, Thump
and Plunk whose dolls are named Thumpit and Plunkit. As proper nouns
they are humorous names but as verbs they are hilarious: “Then
Plunk plunks Thump’s Thumpit.” Although most easy readers are not for
adults to read aloud, this one is excellent for promoting reading for understanding
by modeling expressive reading aloud to children.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Van Laan, Nancy. MOOSE TAILS. Illus by Amy Rusch.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1999.
unp. 0-395-90863-9; hb., $15.00.
97-41273 K-Gr.3 ER
There is lots of interesting repetition in the three
stories about Moose, Beaver, Mouse, Rabbit, and Squirrel that is central
to the action.. In the first story Moose takes a walk and wants
the company of the others but each suggests he take another. In
the second story Beaver gnaws a tree which Moose causes to pin Beaver
to the ground and the animals try to free him. In the last story,
the woodland animals each add features important to them to make a snow
creature. Have primary students read this book when studying woodland
animals. The first story is good for playing out with live actors
or with puppets and the last lends itself to an art project. The
humorous animals are appealing. This is a good addition to easy reader collections.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
Vernon, Ursula. NURK. Orlando, FL:
Harcourt, Inc., 2008. 131p.
ISBN 978-015-206375-7 hb.
$15.00 Gr. 2-4 FIC
Life takes a turn for adventure when a timid shrew named Nurk receives a
mysterious letter in the mail that convinces him he must set out to find his
long-lost grandmother, Surka, the warrior shrew. He builds a sailing ship
from a snail shell, giving him time to build up his courage as well.
On his first trip down the river, Nurk meets a royal dragonfly named
Scatterwings who is on a rescue mission to free her brother from the wicked
Grizzlemole. Nurk relies on his wits and finds courage to complete his
journey, transforming himself into a confident adventurer.
This story has all the elements of a hero's quest. The characters,
such as talking fish hanging in trees and slimy caterpillars, are quite
interesting to read about. The author uses new and unusual ways to save
the main character with a pair of socks. NURK is a good choice for
introducing students to chapter books.
Lynette Suckow, Youth Services, Peter White Public Library, Marquette,
MI
Weeks, Sarah. SPLISH SPLASH. Illus. by Ashley Wolff.
My First I Can Read Series.
New York: HarperCollins, 1999.
32p. 0-06-027892-7; hb., $12.95.
0-06-027893-5; lib.bdg., $12.89
98-20028 PreS-Gr. 1
ER
This early reader is a delightful rhyming story about
a fish who shares his tub with so many other animals that, by the end,
there is barely room for the bubbles! At regular intervals the refrain
occurs and draws the text together into a neat package. The words
are simple and most pages have only 2 lines. There are a few challenge
words; but, while they are more difficult, they are words that are
in a young reader's speaking vocabulary and are logical words for use in
the story. Other words are decodable because they rhyme and need only
the initial sound change. Wolff's animal illustrations are wonderfully
expressive and lend charm to this story which would be a good one to find
on any emerging reader's library shelf.
Alice Johnson; First Grade Teacher, Sawyer
Elementary School, Gwinn, MI
Wilkinson, Philip. SPACEBUSTERS: THE RACE TO THE MOON.
Illus with photos.
Eyewitness Readers Series; Level 3. Dorling Kindersley, 1998. 48p.
0-7864-2961-6
pb. $3.95. Gr. 2-3.
629.45 or ER
This easy reader, accompanied by photos and drawings,
tells of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Information in the text
makes it easier to understand, for example the size of the entire spacecraft
is taller than a skyscraper or when the outside of the spacecraft becomes
heated it is 25 times hotter than a kitchen oven. At the
end of the book there are recent photos of the three Apollo 11 astronauts
and what they are going now. Helpful features are a glossary and
a sidebar on each page which provides additional information.
All children, even second and third graders, should know about the first
human landing on the moon and this well illustrated book contains lots
of interesting facts. The only drawback is that the danger is minimized,
making a complicated task look too easy. Highly recommended for
easy reading by emerging child or adult readers.
GUEST REVIEWER: Scott Stobbelaar; Director,
Shiras Planetarium, Marquette, MI
26 years of experience as a high
school science teacher at Marquette Senior High School.
Ziefert, Harriet. HEY, IRMA! THIS IS HALLOWEEN. Illus.
by Barry Gott. Maplewood,
NJ: Blue Apple Books, 2003. 36p. 1-59354-022-1 hb. $7.95
Gr. K-3 ER
This is a story about a boy named Hank and his dog,
Irma. Hank is preparing for Halloween and Irma keeps messing up his
costume. Irma is hurt when Hank yells at her. Finally Hank realizes
that Irma wants a costume and to go
trick or treating. This a happy Halloween story.
Nancy Klingbeil, Librarian, Houghton School Library
Media Center, Houghton, MI
Ziefert, Harriet. HEY, IRMA! IT'S MOTHER'S DAY. Illus
by Barry Gott. Maplewood,
NJ: Blue Apple Books, 2004. 28p. ISBN: 1-59354-027-2
hb. $7.95 Gr. K-3 ER
A little boy named Hank is in a dilemma about what to
give his mother for Mother's Day. His friends are no help and
some ideas are just silly. He finally gets help from his dog,
Irma, who leads him to the perfect gift.
Nancy Klingbeil, Librarian, Houghton School Library
Media Center, Houghton, MI
Zoehfeld, Kathleen Weidner. FALL LEAVES CHANGE COLORS.
Scholastic Science
Readers series, Level. 1. Illus with photos.
New York: Scholastic Reference, 2001.
32p. 0-439-38195-9; pb., $3.99
K-Gr. 2 ER
Terms in the glossary are emphasized in bold
print and many have phonetic spellings to aid pronunciation. Readers
learn about chlorophyll’s role in color change and why leaves fall.
Photos are close-ups and long range. Needles are also shown.
There is a note for parents and a suggested activity. This is a colorful
and informative easy reader that is suitable for school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director; Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, Michigan