Way Back Wednesday ~ Frog and Friends – Eve Bunting

I was recently asked for independent reading book suggestions.  This was one of our daughter’s favorites because it featured so many cute animals.

We are always on the hunt for independent reader books that feature colorful pictures.  Our daughter is delighted with our newest find ~ The Frog and Friends series.  It features Frog and his friends: Rabbit, Raccoon, Squirrel, and Possum who enjoy spending time together and highlights their adventures.  Each book is made up of three short stories and the text of each story is enhanced with the use of colorful pictures.

Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds – David A. Adler

The Cam Jansen series has been a quick favorite for our daughter.  She instantly seemed to want to know more about the little girl with the photographic memory, and the stories have not disappointed.  This is a great early reader chapter book series which introduces the reader to the genre of mystery and the element of suspense.

Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade – Stephanie Greene

The Princess Posey series in a cute early reader chapter book series geared toward little girls.  Tutu wearing Posey is nervous about first grade.  With the help of a very special teacher, she makes the transition to “big kid school” with ease.

The Princess Posey books include pictures and minimal text which makes them highly accessible for early readers.  As a parent, the questions for further discussion at the end of the book were a nice discussion starter with our daughter.  Additionally, I appreciated that Posey was a sweet spirited little girl but also had a little spunk.

 

Violet Mackerel’s Brilliant Plot – Anna Branford

Violet captured our daughter’s heart and imagination within the first few pages of Violet Mackerel’s Brilliant Plot.  Violet is a little girl of substance who has a big imagination and often finds answers to problems she encounters with “out of the box”  solutions.  Ultimately, her kind spirit triumphs when faced with a big decision that is key to her brilliant plot.

Violet Mackerel’s Brilliant Plot provides great messages about working toward a goal as well as kindness.  The next book in this series will be released in February, and our daughter is looking forward to it with great excitement and enthusiasm.

Frog and Friends – Eve Bunting

We are always on the hunt for independent reader books that feature colorful pictures.  Our daughter is delighted with our newest find ~ The Frog and Friends series.  It features Frog and his friends: Rabbit, Raccoon, Squirrel, and Possum who enjoy spending time together and highlights their adventures.  Each book is made up of three short stories and the text of each story is enhanced with the use of colorful pictures.

Houndsley and Catina – James Howe

Houndsley and Catina is a great early reader chapter book series which focuses on the unlikely friendship of a dog and a cat. Houndsley and Catina are opposites in every sense, and their differences help to bring out the best in each other.  Each book includes strong character based lessons which focus on being a good friend. Additionally, the pictures are truly charming and enhance the text.

Frogs – Sarah Courtland

We are always on the hunt for non-fiction beginning reading books.  Our daughter really loves learning about the world around her.  Astronomy and animals have both particularly captured her interest.  Usborne does a great job with their beginning readers.  Many are non-fiction and they include bright, colorful pictures and text which is a bit larger which makes for easier reading for a preschooler. 

Frogs is part of the Usborne First Reading Series.  It includes details about how frogs grow from tadpoles to adult frogs and how they eat, swim, and keep safe.  The illustrations are charming and help to bring the text to life for the reader.

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa – Erika Silverman

I am always thrilled to find engaging beginning chapter books for our daughter.  Much like the Mercy Watson series, Cowgirl Kate books include great colorful pictures and text which is a bit larger than the norm within a chapter book format.  Additionally, I love that Cowgirl Kate handles situations with confidence as well as a healthy does of spunk.

The Cowgirl Kate series is a cute one.  Cowgirl Kate always tries to do her best.  Her horse Cocoa on the other hand is more interested in eating most of the time and is never very interested in going to bed which makes for some funny situations.