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.
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.
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.
Do you remember reading Bread and Jam for Frances when you were a child? I do! This is a great one for developing readers and includes a lesson about the importance of eating a variety of foods in a gentle, loving manner.
The pictures are darling, and the story is delightful. Frances books have endured the test of time well. I think our daughter may love them more than I did when I was her age.
Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee is a silly rhyming story filled with bright, colorful illustrations. It reminds me of the whimsy found in Dr. Seuss classics. It would make an exceptionally fun read-aloud for preschoolers as well as early elementary students.
Finding high interest books that bridge between beginner readers and chapter books has been a challenge as I have looked for books for our daughter. The Mercy Watson series was love at first sight for her. The books include bright, colorful illustrations and approximately half the text of a regular chapter book on each two page spread which is just about perfect at this point. Additionally, the books are organized into chapters which she knows “grown up books” are so it adds to her interest.
Mercy Watson is a pig who is treated more like an adored child by her owners the Watsons. They refer to her as a “porcine wonder” and supply her with large amounts of her beloved buttered toast. One night when Mercy feels afraid she leaves her room to join the Watsons in their bed. Soon the bed starts to fall through the floor under the weight of the Watsons and Mercy. Mercy quickly escapes the bed and undertakes an adventure of her own culminating in her return to the family home with the fire department to assist with the rescue of the Watsons.
Silly as can be…these books are a huge hit at our home!
Wind in the Willows is a HUGE favorite at our home! This classic tale is filled with adventure and animals that behave like human beings. Grahame’s descriptive detail helps the reader “see” Mole, Water Rat, Badger, and Toad as well as appreciate their unique personalities and ultimately the friendship they share with one another.
As is often the case with classic tales, although enjoyed by children, this book is also loved by adults. It truly is a great story that is a delight to read.
I think every preschool age girl is a “Fancy Nancy in Training”. I say this after watching our daughter prepare to leave the house today by accessorizing her sundress with two necklaces from her dress up box, a purse filled with treasures, and purple and white polka-dot sunglasses. It was quite a look! Just like the heroine in the Fancy Nancy book series, she likes to accessorize and be fancy!
Fancy Nancy’s Favorite Fancy Words takes the reader through the alphabet with Fancy Nancy sharing new words that are indeed fancy. From accessories to zany, each word is used in context to assure that the reader understands the definition of each word. This is a great book to use to introduce more sophisticated word choices to young readers as well as being a truly entertaining read for young and old alike!