Gaston is a cute story which features two darling dog families and focuses on being happy with yourself and your surroundings. This book would make a terrific read aloud as well as a great discussion starter.
Gaston – Kelly DiPucchio
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Category Archives: Favorites
Poppy (Tales from Dimwood Forest) – Avi
The Tales from Dimwood Forest series has truly delighted our daughter. They are stories of adventure and suspense which feature woodland creatures. Poppy is a sweet and kind little deer mouse who exhibits determination which inspires young readers. A great series that has quickly become a favorite.
Little Elliot, Big City – Mike Curato
Little Elliot lives in a big city and often thinks that life would be better if he were just a bit bigger. After some struggles, he discovers that all he really needs is a good friend who he finds in the most unlikely of places.
This is a darling book that would make a great read aloud. We loved it!
Calvin, Look Out! A Bookworm Birdie Gets Glasses – Jennifer Berne
Calvin the Bookworm Birdie is back! This time with the help of librarian Mrs. Readalot, he discovers that he needs glasses. At first the other starlings are not very kind about Calvin’s need to wear glasses, and Calvin retreats to the woods. Although he soon finds himself in trouble, he is able to use his book-smarts as well as his glasses to find a solution and transform the other starlings views regarding wearing glasses.
This is a very cute story. I especially liked the use of more sophisticated language within the book. Since Calvin is a bookworm, the language in these stories always displays his exposure to more sophisticated vocabulary.
Flashlight – Lizi Boyd
Flashlight is one of the best books I have come across in quite some time. It is a wordless picture book that features a small child exploring the night in the forest with a flashlight. Additionally, each page has a cut out that features a preview of what is to come next in the story. This book is truly a delight. I cannot recommend it enough.
I am Amelia Earhart – Brad Meltzer
Bright colorful pictures and engaging text make this book a delightful find. This book is written in first person which instantly grabbed out daughter’s attention. She liked the idea that Amelia Earhart was telling her own story. The message within the story – work hard and pursue your dreams is presented in an entertaining manner and provides an opening for further discussion. We liked this one so much that we have already requested the others in the series from the library!
How to Train Your Dragon – Cressida Cowell
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is the most unlikely hero. As he attempts to become part of the Viking clan, the Tribe of the Hairy Hooligans, he endeavors to catch and train a dragon which makes for a very funny and engaging story.
This series has become a fast favorite for our daughter. She is reading and giggling thru the series as quickly as I can find the books at the library!
Ellie McDoddle: Have Pen, Will Travel – Ruth McNally Barshaw
I am always on the hunt for new chapter books that are engaging yet still appropriate for our little reader. The Ellie McDoodle series has been a great find. Each book is a combination sketch book and diary that Ellie is keeping to chronicle her adventures. They make for an easy, enjoyable read. Our daughter particularly enjoys the craft ideas, games, jokes, and riddles that are included within the books.
The Midnight Library – Kazuno Kohara
The Midnight Library is a sweet, gentle tale about a little girl who serves as the librarian of a special library that is only open at night and has animals as library patrons. For our daughter, who has a BIG imagination and loves books and animals of every sort, this one was a big hit.
Way Back Wednesday ~ The Kissing Hand – Audrey Penn
This post is a flash from the past. It was originally published in 2011.
The Kissing Hand is an old favorite to read at the start of the school year. Little Chester Raccoon is hesitant to leave his mother’s side and go to school. She assures him that he will love school once he is busy playing with new toys, new books, and new friends. She also shares a special secret that has been in their family for years – the kissing hand. The kissing hand allows a little love from home to be with Chester at all times and gives him the confidence he needs to tackle his first day of school. Quite simply a heartwarming story that provides true comfort to little ones and perhaps a few Mommies and Daddies too!