Early Elementary – Page 4 – Sneak Peek Books

Parker’s Big Feelings

Parker is not having a good day at school. When she gets home, all she wants is some time alone to read her book, but her brother and sister will not stop following her around. Parker is feeling lots of big feelings. How can Parker turn a bad day into something good?

When Parker has a meltdown and starts to cry, her mom helps her write a list of things that she can do to feel better—breathe, exercise, and have some quiet time. Parker goes to her room and “I close my eyes. I breathe in. I pretend I am smelling a flower as I count to five.” Next, Parker goes outside and rides her bike. Finally, she reads a book. After taking all of these steps, Parker feels better and plays with her siblings. The last page explains other ways readers can get help understanding their feelings.

As part of the Ready to Read Level 1 Series, Parker’s Big Feelings is intended for children who are just starting to read. The story is told using word repetition and simple sentences. The story has a simple plot that follows Parker through her day. Each page has a full-colored illustration to help readers visualize the story’s events.

Parker’s Big Feelings will help readers deal with “big feelings” such as sadness, frustration, or fear. By focusing on Parker’s bad days, the book helps readers understand that having a bad day is normal. Even though people have bad days, Parker shows that it is possible to turn a bad day into a good day. The simple story will appeal to all readers because everyone can understand Parker’s conflict. For another story that deals with having a bad day, check out Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang. 

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Trouble at School for Marvin & James

Trouble at School for Marvin & James is an enchanting narrative that takes readers on a captivating journey with the unlikely duo of Marvin, a small, intelligent beetle, and his human best friend, James Pompaday. The story unfolds as Marvin and James embark on a typical day at school, filled with learning, fun, and the occasional challenge.

The day starts with them heading to school, both equally excited for the day’s activities. One highlight of their day is art class, where they indulge in the joy of creativity. Together, they work on creating a vivid picture of a butterfly. Their camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for art is evident in their teamwork.

However, their day takes a sudden turn when lunch arrives. Disaster strikes in the most unexpected way when Marvin, with his tiny size and unsuspecting nature, finds himself trapped inside a cafeteria trash can. The story then spirals into a thrilling adventure as Marvin tries to navigate this predicament. Ultimately, Marvin finds his way back to James.

Without a doubt, readers will find themselves falling more deeply in love with the exquisitely crafted characters, Marvin and James. Their enduring friendship, which is tested and proven throughout the narrative, is the heart and soul of the story. Despite the challenges they face, their unwavering determination to reunite serves as a testament to their unshakable bond, beautifully illustrating the true essence of friendship. Their story is not just a thrilling adventure, but also a heartwarming exploration of love, loyalty, and the lengths to which one will go for a friend.

This enchanting tale offers more than just an engaging narrative that captivates the reader’s attention. It is subtly embedded with important life lessons that children can easily understand. The story beautifully illustrates the concept of friendship, showing the bonds between characters and how they care for one another. It also presents problem-solving in a way that is relatable for kids, demonstrating that challenges can be overcome with determination and creativity. Most importantly, the story underscores the value of experiencing school life, depicting the joy of learning and the precious memories made within the classroom’s walls. In essence, this charming story is a rich tapestry of lessons and experiences, wrapped up in an appealing narrative that children will undoubtedly enjoy.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

James to the Rescue

James to the Rescue is an engaging and delightful sequel to the enchanting story of Marvin, the beetle, and his human friend, James Pompaday. This captivating installment delves deeper into the life of Marvin’s beetle family, shedding light on their daily escapades and activities, offering readers a charming and intimate glimpse into their world.

The narrative takes a turn when Uncle Albert, a beloved beetle, accidentally falls onto a pair of scissors posing a major threat to his life. It’s here that Marvin turns to his trusted human friend James, seeking his assistance in this dire situation, further solidifying the enduring bond of friendship shared between them.

The story is a masterful blend of thrilling adventure and heartwarming friendship, and it’s certain to deepen readers’ fondness for both Marvin and James. The narrative is beautifully interwoven with camaraderie, bravery, trust, and love, making it a compelling read for audiences of all ages. This installment stands as a testament to the power of friendship, underscoring its significance even in the smallest and most unexpected corners of life.

Readers will fall even more deeply in love with Marvin and James. They will connect with Marvin’s unwavering love and trust towards his human friend, and admire James’s courage as he steps up to save his tiny friend’s life, demonstrating the true essence of friendship.

Overall, James to the Rescue is an effortless read. The book is filled with adorable black-and-white illustrations that are subtly highlighted with hints of blue. These artistic elements add depth to the narrative, helping to bring the story to life, and making it a truly immersive experience for readers. This adorable story can be enjoyed on its own, or as a part of the larger series. The charm and warmth of James to the Rescue are truly hard to resist, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

Marvin’s Uncle falls onto scissors injuring his shell. “He falls against the sharp point of the scissors. ‘Oomph! Ohhhh!’ He cries. Oh no! The sharp point of the scissors has pierced Uncle Albert’s shell. Marvin can see the yellow goo oozing out.” Marvin, his father, and Elaine worked to wrap Uncle Albert’s wounds. Uncle Albert’s wounds heal with the help of James.

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Hot Rod Hamster: Monster Truck Mania!

It’s Fair Day, and Fearless Franco’s famous Monster Truck Mania has come to town. Hot Rod Hamster and his friends are geared up for a roaring, soaring great time, so they set out to find the best ride at the fair. The water boats, spinning teacups, and bumper cars are great, but Hot Rod Hamster can’t seem to find the BEST ride. That is, of course, until Fearless Franco needs a last-minute back-up driver for his monster truck. Can Hot Rod Hamster help him out, and still find the best ride of all? In this rollicking new adventure, Hot Rod Hamster proves once again that being small doesn’t mean you can’t think BIG!

Hot Rod Hamster and his friends, Dog and three mice, enjoy a day at the county fair. To keep readers engaged, they are asked what rides they would choose. For example, when going on the bumper cars, the text reads, “Sports car, race car, fun in outer space car. Cop car, mail car, make the siren wail car. Which would you choose?” The surprise ending will leave readers dreaming about having the perfect treat.

One of the best aspects of this picture book is the detailed and humorous illustrations. The three mice are adorably cute and also funny. Readers will love exploring the pictures to find the mice. In one illustration, the mice are riding tea cups while one mouse is drinking tea, one is holding a clipboard, and one is collecting the doggie treats that are flying out of a bulldog’s cup. Each page is full of bright colors, interesting details, and funny situations.

With one to six sentences per page, Hot Rod Hamster is a quick read. The animal’s dialogue appears in quote bubbles, making it easy to keep track of the speaker. Some of the words appear in large colorful font to highlight each ride’s qualities. All of the fun graphic elements perfectly complement the story’s words. Any child who enjoys going to the fair will love Hot Rod Hamster: Monster Truck Mania! The fun topic, cute animal characters, and interactive text make reading fun. Readers who love trucks should zoom to the library to check out Bulldozer Helps Out by Candace Fleming and Otis and the Puppy by Loren Long.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Arlo, The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep

Arlo is an exhausted lion. Arlo can’t sleep a wink while his family sleeps soundly each night. He tries to sleep beside his family, but they wriggle too much. He tries to sleep beneath a tree, but its leaves and branches make too much noise. Try as he might, Arlo cannot manage a single night’s rest.

Arlo’s fortune changes when an owl visits him. As a nocturnal animal, the owl is all too familiar with difficult sleeping conditions such as noise and heat. However, the owl sleeps peacefully each day by taking a deep breath and imagining all the places she would like to visit. With the owl’s advice, Arlo finally drifts to sleep. Feeling excited and rejuvenated the next morning, Arlo mistakenly wakes up the owl. After apologizing, Arlo repeats the owl’s advice to her. Soon enough, the owl is sound asleep.

Arlo, the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep is a sweet bedtime story perfect for restless readers. Parents who may share Arlo’s dilemma can also benefit from the owl’s advice. Along with its central message of how to get a good night’s sleep, the book teaches the importance of supporting your friends. Just as the owl helped Arlo with his problem, Arlo returned the favor at the end of the story.

The book is a short and easy read, with only one to four sentences per page. The story is brought to life by Rayner’s beautiful mixed-media illustrations. Characters and backgrounds are drawn with pencil and colored in with various shades of watercolor paint. Each illustration is a double-page spread, emphasizing the environment’s vast, sweeping landscapes and the scale of its towering animals. Rayner also makes an excellent use of color. Arlo’s restless days are drawn in vibrant shades of yellow and orange, conveying the sun’s harsh heat. The peaceful nights are drawn in shades of dark blue and black, evoking a sense of much-needed calm and quiet.

If you are looking for a gentle bedtime story with a strong central message, Arlo, the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep is an excellent, beautifully illustrated choice. To help reinforce the importance of sleep, pair Arlo’s story with The Pout-Pout Fish and the Can’t-Sleep Blues by Deborah Diesen.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Stuck with You

In Chapter 1, Unicorn shows Yeti her sticker collection. She wants to save the stickers, but Yeti wants to stick them everywhere! When Yeti uses a sticker without asking first, Unicorn is upset. But when Yeti apologizes, Unicorn forgives him. By the end of the chapter, both Unicorn and Yeti have stickers stuck all over their bodies.

In Chapter 2, Unicorn and Yeti roller skate under the sparkly ball. But soon, Yeti wants to try rollerblading outside, on the rocks and the ice. But skating outside is really hard. Once Unicorn and Yeti go back to the skating rink, they have fun making a train, dancing, and doing the limbo.

In Chapter 3, Unicorn teaches Yeti how to blow bubbles with gum. Yeti blows a bubble so big that both Unicorn and Yeti float into the air. When they pop the gum bubble, they fall back to the ground, but Unicorn and Yeti are stuck together by the gum that is all over them.

Children learning to read will enjoy Unicorn’s and Yeti’s adventures. The text is simple and when each character speaks, their words appear in different colored quote boxes. Each page has large illustrations and three or fewer sentences. Beginning readers should be able to read the text alone and will enjoy flipping through the story multiple times to look at the colorful pictures.

Stuck with You is a fun book for young readers. The brief chapters make it a perfect short read. Unlike the other books in the series, Stuck with You focuses more on the mischief that Unicorn and Yeti get into and less on teaching lessons about friendship. However, young readers will enjoy the story and the sparkly illustrations.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

Unicorn uses magic to create a path in the snow.
Unicorn uses magic to remove the gum that is sticking her to Yeti.

Spiritual Content 

None

The Golden Ghost

Delsie knew it wasn’t a good idea to dare her best friend Todd to explore the abandoned houses by the old mill. But she couldn’t back down after the words slipped out of her mouth. Together, the two friends bike to the mill and try the door of each abandoned house. They are all locked . . . except one. Delsie and Todd sneak inside and discover two strange things. Someone is living there. And something doesn’t want Delsie to leave. It’s a dog, a strange golden dog, that only Delsie can see!

Newbery Honor-winning author Marion Dane Bauer spins a fourth spooky tale to complement her previous stories, The Blue Ghost, The Red Ghost, and The Green Ghost. The Golden Ghost will grab readers’ attention right from the start and keep them reading until the very end. Many readers will relate to Delsie, who wishes she could have a dog. However, her dad says, “No dogs. No cats. No hamsters. No guinea pigs. No bunny rabbits. No little white mice. No groundhogs. I’m allergic.” Instead of having a pet, Delsie must be content spending time with her friend Todd and his dog, Bug.

When Delsie begins to see a ghost dog, it looks like “a collection of fireflies, glimmering in the evening light.” Delsie confides in her best friend Todd, and at first, he thinks Delsie is “positively nuts.” The mystery of the dog and the friendship conflict combine into a compelling story. In the end, Todd proves he is a true friend by believing Delsie even though he cannot see the ghost dog himself. In addition, the heartwarming conclusion shows how a dog’s love can transform a person’s life.

Readers who are ready for chapter books will enjoy The Golden Ghost’s format because of the short chapters, large font, and illustrations. The Golden Ghost is perfect for readers who want to explore the world of ghosts without being frightened. The suspenseful story explores the bond between a person and their pet. Unlike the companion books, The Golden Ghost doesn’t have a positive life lesson. However, the enjoyable story will appeal to readers who love animals, as well as those curious about ghosts. For more ghostly fun, read Ghost Ship by Erin Soderberg and Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon by Kate Dicamillo. 

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

When a dog named Bug begins jumping near an older man, the man “swung at Bug. First, he swung one of his bags of groceries. The bag missed. Then he swung a booted foot. The foot connected. Bug yelped, a single piercing cry. He turned and barreled back toward the house.”

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

When a dog named Bug begins jumping near an older man, the man yells, “Dad-blasted dog! Get away from me!” Later the man thinks to himself, “Blasted kids!”
When Delsie tells her best friend that she sees a ghost dog, her friend says, “Sometimes I think you’re nuts. Positively nuts.”

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Dino-Gro

Cole is very excited about his new Dino-Gro toy. He can’t wait for it to reach its full size! But when Dino-Gro becomes much larger than intended, Cole goes so far as to put Dino-Gro on a liquid-free diet and an exercise regimen, which don’t seem to make a difference! As Dino-Gro becomes so big that he can’t fit in the house, Cole learns that growing up and getting bigger can have advantages too, even if you’re not a dinosaur.

Dino-Gro is a super sweet story about Cole and his Dino-Gro. When the cute blue dinosaur first begins to grow, Cole has fun playing with him. But soon Dino-Gro is so big that he can’t fit into the house. This makes Cole and Dino-Grow sad, but when Cole gets stuck in a tree house during a terrible storm, Dino-Gro’s size makes him the perfect dino to save Cole. In the end, Cole realizes that “Dino-Gro stayed big. And that was just fine.”

Cole and Dino-Gro’s relationship is heartwarming and humorous. Readers will laugh when Cole tries to get Dino-Gro to stay out of the water, and they will cry when Dino-Gro leaves because he is too big to stay in the house. However, the conclusion will have readers cheering when the two friends are reunited. Plus, the ending has a silly surprise.

Dino-Gro is a quick and fun story to read out loud. Dino-Gro is an adorably cute blue dinosaur who has wonderfully expressive facial expressions. In addition, readers will have fun seeing Dino-Gro interact with Cole and his family. The large illustrations use primary colors and cartoonish illustrations that are packed with emotion. Each page has one to four short sentences that use easy vocabulary. Matt Myers’ humor shines through in both the text and the illustrations.

Young readers will have so much fun reading Dino-Gro that they will want to read it again and again. Even though no one wanted Dino-Gro to grow so big and so strong, it is these very characteristics that make him the hero of the story. Dino-Gro uses the concepts of little and big to humorously show that growing up includes changing, which is “just fine.”

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

I Am Extraordinary

It’s the first day of school for Zoe, a young girl with hearing loss who dreams of playing on her school’s soccer team. But, self-conscious of her hearing aids, Zoe is too nervous to try out. With the help of and perspectives from new friends, what begins as a bumpy, anxiety-filled start for Zoe, soon transitions into an eye-opening experience about what it means to be different—and what it means to be extraordinary.

With her friends’ encouragement, Zoe learns that “Your dedication to practicing soccer and your hearing aids are what makes you extraordinary.” Zoe gains confidence, and with practice, she makes the team. To reinforce the theme of being extraordinary, the book features several people with disabilities. For example, a boy in a wheelchair is playing baseball, and a girl with a prosthetic foot is running.

While the book has a positive message, the story is not well developed, and it’s difficult to determine the target audience. Zoe and her friends look like elementary school students, but Zoe is trying out for soccer and is worried about not making the team. Getting cut from a team usually doesn’t happen in elementary school, so younger readers may not relate to Zoe’s conflict. The book begins with Zoe’s first day of school, but it’s unclear why she is attending a new school since her brother has already been attending the school, and he offers to show Zoe “the ropes.”

The book moves through events, but it’s difficult to keep track of the time changes. For example, one page shows Zoe at recess, and on the next page, she is at soccer practice, and then she is at a city park. In addition, one page races through events: “Zoe practiced every day. . . Soccer tryouts were held on the big field, and Zoe made the team with ease. In a few weeks, the season began.” The very next page shows the team making it to the championship game. The time lapses are confusing and make the plot difficult to understand.

I Am Extraordinary comes to life through illustrations that have bright colors. The illustrations show Zoe’s facial expressions which helps readers understand her emotions. The characters’ thoughts and emotions are in quote bubbles and the narration is in regular text. Each page has one to ten sentences which include the use of complex sentences.

Readers with disabilities will see themselves in the pages of I Am Extraordinary. The characters include children with different abilities as well as diverse characters. The story encourages readers not to give up and to accept their differences. However, the confusing plot and underdeveloped story take away some of the enjoyment of reading the book. To help young readers understand the importance of self-acceptance, read these picture books: The Mermaid with No Tail by Jessica Long, Angus All Aglow by Heather Smith, and I Am Enough by Grace Byers.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought

Ohayo! It’s breakfast time and Gigi can’t wait to make her favorite meal—Peanut Butter Toast. Yummy! But her grandfather, Ojiji, doesn’t like peanut butter. How can anyone NOT like peanut butter? Ojiji prefers Japanese foods—like natto, made from fermented soybeans. Will Gigi learn to love a new breakfast treat? This story highlights the close relationship of Gigi and her grandfather and the importance of trying new things!

Young readers will relate to Gigi, who tries natto even though she thought it “smelled funny. It was sticky and slimy.” Because Ojiji loves natto, Gigi doesn’t want to tell him that she doesn’t like natto so she hides her natto in her napkin, but her dog Roscoe knocks the napkin off Gigi’s lap. Instead of being upset, Ojiji says, “You don’t have to like everything, even if other people love it. The important thing is you tried it.” The cute ending shows that even though Gigi and Ojiji don’t like the same foods, Roscoe does.

As part of the I Can Read Level 3 Series, Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought is intended for independent readers who are ready for more complex plots and challenging vocabulary. Each page has three to six sentences and large illustrations. The cute illustrations capture Gigi’s emotions while the back of the book has a Japanese vocabulary wordlist.

Gigi is a biracial six-year-old girl from a biracial family who is portrayed in a positive light. Although Gigi and Ojiji love each other, they sometimes have misunderstandings. However, they use positive communication skills to solve their problems. Gigi’s conflict lets readers see that you can love someone even if you don’t enjoy the same things. Gigi’s relatable conflict and the adorable illustrations will have children reading Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought again and again.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Time for School, Little Blue Truck

Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad are excited to meet a bright yellow school bus on the road. They see all the animals lined up in the school bus’s many windows, and Blue wishes he could be a school bus too. What a fun job—but it is too big a job for a little pickup like Blue. Or is it? For when somebody misses the bus, it’s up to Blue to get his friend to school on time. Beep! Beep! Vroom!

When Piggy misses the school bus, Little Blue zooms in to help. Since the bus is so far ahead, Little Blue takes a different path—through a forest full of animals that readers will have fun finding. Little Blue makes it to school at just the right time and when the school bus sees Little Blue Bus, he says, “You’re not big, not yellow, not long and wide, but you had room for a friend inside. You did this job your very own way. We needed a tough little truck today!”

Get ready to use your animal voices, because Time for School, Little Blue is full of fun words to say! The book is full of animal sounds and other onomatopoeia. It also rhymes, which makes it great to read aloud. Each page has two to four short lines of large text, and each number and onomatopoeia is in a different color font. The illustrations use bright colors and are full of details, showing the wonder of nature with flying bugs, flowers, and animals that appear on almost every page.

Young readers will love how Little Blue helps his friend get to school. In the end, the yellow bus and Little Blue both get student to school, but they do it in their own unique way. Time for School, Little Blue is a great read to get young readers excited about going to school.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Raymond and Roxy: Ready? Set. Rides!

Raymond and Roxy are going to Wild World Park! They try all sorts of rides. But Raymond loves speed, and the pony rides aren’t fast enough. He tries the Wild Cat Racer but it’s still not fast enough. Will Raymond be able to find the perfect ride before the day is over?

Ready? Set. Rides! is part of the Step into Reading Level Two series, which targets readers in preschool through first grade. Each page features one to four short sentences in large font, making it an easy read. The book uses basic vocabulary and familiar words to create a simple story. Many of the pages include illustrations of Raymond and Roxy. The full-page illustrations use bright colors and focus on the characters’ facial expressions so readers can understand their emotions.

Raymond’s excitement over going to an amusement park is contagious. Raymond wants to go on all of the rides — “rides that are high and rides that are low. Rides that spin and rides that bump.” Even though Raymond wants to go on the fastest ride, when he goes on the roller coaster, he finds that the fastest ride isn’t as fun as he thought it would be. Instead, the rollercoaster is “scary fast.” Through all of the rides, Raymond is accompanied by his best friend Roxy, and his parents.

Ready? Set. Rides! is an enjoyable story that features the adventure of going to an amusement park. Readers who are looking for summer fun will find it on the pages of Ready? Set. Rides!

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Class Clown Fish

When a silly prank lands Squizzard in deep trouble, he comes down with a case of the barnacle blues. Instead of going to the Coral Carnival with his friends, he’ll have to do the impossible and turn Seaweed Elementary’s junk-filled basement into an activity room for after-school clubs. But there just may be hidden treasures to discover . . . if Squizzard can stop all his funny business long enough to find them.

After pulling a mean prank, Squizzard gets sent to the office and the principal tells him, “This bad behavior cannot go unpunished. I’ll have to do something drastic. I’m going to have to call your mother!” As punishment, Squizzard is not allowed to go to the carnival but instead must help clean out the school’s basement. While in detention, Squizzard hears about several instances of bullying, which helps Squizzard realize that not all pranks are funny—some can make people feel embarrassed or sad. Squizzard finally realizes that “No one should have to feel left out or made fun of.”

In the end, Squizzard’s time in detention teaches him an important lesson about understanding people’s feelings. Squizzard also proves that his humor can be used in a positive way—by making comics for the school newsletter. Still, not all of Squizzard’s time in detention is projective. While there, Squizzard draws a duck with a butt and helps his friend make photocopies of his butt. Young readers will giggle at Squizzard’s behavior, even if it doesn’t make adults grin.

Class Clown Fish will appeal to young readers because of its fun design. As a graphic chapter book, it has easy-to-follow paneling and artwork that supports text comprehension. Squizzard’s ocean world comes to life in bright colors and cartoonish illustrations that show exaggerated facial expressions in order to help readers understand the characters’ emotions. The story is broken up into six chapters and each pages has two or more simple sentences. Class Clown Fish is perfect for beginning and newly independent readers aged six to eight.

Squizzard’s outrageous behavior will leave readers giggling. However, the book isn’t just a series of silly events. Through Squizzard’s experiences, readers will learn that bullying is not a laughing matter. In addition to learning how to be a better friend, Class Clown Fish also teaches about cephalopods, sea urchins, jellyfish, and other ocean creatures. To reinforce the lessons Squizzard learns about bullying, add these titles to your reading list too: The Bully Blockers Club by Teresa Bateman and The Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark by Deborah Diesen.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

Squizzard is upset and wants to distract himself, so he does a “funny prank.” He grabs a first-grade pufferfish and puts him on the teacher’s chair. When the teacher sits down, both the puffer fish and the teacher are hurt. The puffer fish cries and Squizzard gets sent to the principal’s office.
A shark is being mean to a jellyfish so the jellyfish’s friend, a sea urchin, purposely stands under the shark’s foot. The shark hurts himself, and the sea urchin is given detention.
The sea urchin remembers a time when he was invited to a birthday party. The sea urchin says, “But when we got there, I found out the joke was on me. They used me to pop balloons.”

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

The Library Fish Learns to Read

The Library Fish is very happy living in her fishbowl on the desk of Mr. Hughes, the librarian. Library Fish loves welcoming visitors and seeing the books come and go as they are borrowed and returned.

All the children seem so happy reading stories of faraway places, castles, and unicorns and listening to Mr. Hughes read at Story Time. Library Fish wants to read, too! Night after night, after Mr. Hughes says good night and locks the door, Library Fish gets busy. She learns the alphabet, puts sounds together to make words, and practices reading with all the wonderful books in the library. For Library Fish, a new world is opening up—and she is ready to explore!

The Library Fish Learns to Read doesn’t have the same whimsy as The Library Fish; however, readers will still enjoy watching Library Fish learn to read, especially because the fish is so obviously proud of her accomplishments. It takes Library Fish “hour after hour, night after night,” to learn every letter and the sounds they make. As Library Fish learns to read, she has favorite words such as glub, wiggle, and bubble. Library Fish’s persistence pays off and soon she is reading books about oceans, vampires, and more!

Library Fish is an adorably cute fish who encourages readers to learn to read on their own. One positive aspect is that Library Fish doesn’t learn to read quickly. Instead, she has to practice letters first, and then words. All the hard work makes Library Fish’s accomplishments even more rewarding in the end.

Even though The Library Fish is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. While some pages have no words, others have up to seven sentences. A few pages are text-heavy, but short sentences keep the pace going. Most of the story focuses on Library Fish, but the illustrations showcase humans with different skin tones.

The Library Fish Learns to Read introduces the library to young readers and shows how reading can be an adventure. If you’re looking for a picture book that shows the joy of reading, then both Library Fish books are perfect for you.

To teach young readers important library etiquette, check out If You Ever Want to Bring a Circus to the Library, DON’T! by Elise Parsley; the book will leave readers giggling as they learn.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

A Daring Rescue

Abby’s family has just moved to the Florida Keys to run an island resort. She’s excited to feel the surf, sand, and ocean breeze every day! And when Bella, a visitor to the island, discovers a hidden cove that’s home to a pod of dolphins, Abby knows she’s right where she should be. But Bella makes Abby swear to keep the dolphins a secret. Can Abby keep her promise, or will their friendship be over for good?

Abby is a relatable character who is eager to be friends with Bella. Even though she is eight, Abby is given a phone because she is responsible. Abby helps at the resort when needed and is kind to the workers. However, Abby doesn’t always follow her parent’s rules. For instance, even though Abby knows it is wrong, she wades into the water to get closer to the dolphins. And when Abby’s parents discover that Abby is keeping secrets and disobeying their rules, they don’t discipline her.

Unfortunately, Bella isn’t a good friend because she is secretive and dishonest. Bella keeps sneaking off to see the dolphins. Abby tries to find out why Bella keeps disappearing, but Bella doesn’t tell her the truth. When Abby discovers the dolphins, Bella makes Abby promise to keep the dolphins a secret. Bella says she’s afraid that if others come to the secret cove, the dolphins will leave. Even though Abby makes the promise, she is conflicted and, in the end, she accidentally tells her parents about the dolphins.

A Daring Rescue’s plot is easy to understand, but readers may struggle with the advanced vocabulary. Black and white illustrations appear every eight to nine pages. The illustrations focus on the characters in the story and give the reader a visual of the island’s habitat. Each of the twelve chapters has five to nine pages, which makes A Daring Rescue a great book to read as a bedtime story.

A Daring Rescue will appeal to young readers because of the dolphins and the mystery of the parrot. Abby’s adventures on the island are suspenseful and the surprising ending will leave readers with a smile. However, adults may want to discuss when it is acceptable to keep secrets as well as the danger of swimming alone. Splash into more ocean-related books by reading The Wishing Pearl by Paula Harrison, Lana Swims North by Lisa Ann Scott, and The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales by SJ King.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

A raccoon tries to eat a parrot named Bogart. “The raccoon was there—and he was creeping toward Bogart! The macaw edged toward the water, dragging his injured wing.” Abby and Bella save Bogart. The raccoon chase is described over four pages.

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

A kid tells Abby that, “Mr. Robinson was kind of a jerk. . . He was rude to everyone.”
Bella apologizes by saying, “I’m sorry I was such a jerk.”

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl

It’s time for the talent show at school, and eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is excited to show her stuff. But as Jasmine thinks about her strengths—tree-climbing, mochi-making, collage—none of them feel quite right to perform on stage. Jasmine’s friends already have talents: Tommy yo-yo’s, Daisy dances, and Linnie plays piano. Plus, Maggie Milsap (aka Miss Perfect) is saying she’ll have the best talent of them all.

When Jasmine’s mom introduces her to the taiko, a traditional Japanese drum, Jasmine finally finds an activity that feels just right. But will she be good enough at taiko in time to beat Maggie Milsap?

Jasmine feels as if she is the only person in her class who isn’t talented. She also believes that all her classmates are talented and don’t have to practice. However, her sister Sophie helps Jasmine realize that “talent” doesn’t make a person good at a skill. Instead, “practice is what makes you good.” With Sophie’s encouragement and her parents’ support, Jasmine is (mostly) ready to go on stage. And most importantly, Jasmine has fun during her performance. She describes, “My arms were strong. My voice was loud. My heart lifted.” Through her experiences, Jasmine discovers the difference between being the best and trying your best.

The story is accessible to fluent readers who are ready for a book with multiple plots. Black and white illustrations appear every two to three pages and show Jasmine’s daily life. Many of the illustrations show the characters’ facial expressions which will help readers understand the characters’ emotions. Another positive aspect of the story is that most of the Japanese words are explained within the text. In addition, readers can use context clues and illustrations to understand the unfamiliar words’ meanings. For more fun, the back of the book has directions on how to make a hacchi-maki, which is a headband. Even though Jasmine Toguchi is a series, the books do not need to be read in order because each book focuses on a new storyline.

Young readers will relate to Jasmine’s insecurities and admire her determination to learn a new talent. While some of the story takes place at school, readers also get a glimpse into Jasmine’s home life, where she is surrounded by supportive adults and a bossy big sister. However, all of them encourage Jasmine to try her best and none of them expect her to be perfect. When Jasmine is afraid of making a mistake, her mom tells her, “Nobody ever died from embarrassment. I’ll be proud of you just for being on that stage.” As Jasmine learns how to play taiko, she learns the importance of practicing and having fun.

Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl is an engaging book that showcases a spunky protagonist, who is extra loveable because she’s imperfect. While young readers will enjoy the plot, adults will appreciate the story’s positive life lessons. If you’re looking to teach a child about the importance of perseverance and practice, grab a copy of the nonfiction books A Girl Named Misty: The True Story of Misty Copeland by Kelly Starling Lyons and She Persisted in Sports by Chelsea Clinton. 

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School

Mr. Fish’s biggest worry was his first day of school. When he arrives, Mr. Fish feels out of place. Every other fish knows exactly where to go. They go to their lockers and classes in a fixed routine.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fish, a new student, does not know what to do. He wanders into a writing class, but he does not know how to write any letters. He wanders into a math class, but he does not understand long division. At the end of the day, Mr. Fish swims towards the exit, tired of school.

But Mr. Fish’s mind changes when a teacher, Miss Hewitt, stops him and says that all students begin this way. She says that with her help, Mr. Fish can learn. Miss Hewitt takes Mr. Fish to a classroom of new students who are each just as confused as him. By listening to Miss Hewitt, Mr. Fish begins to understand each subject. Finally, Mr. Fish is enjoying school!

The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School is a fun and light-hearted picture book that is sure to connect with young readers who are dreading their first day of school. The book teaches readers that although school may seem overwhelming and challenging at first, it can be a rewarding experience if they are patient and attentive.

The book is an easy read, with only one to six short sentences per page. Diesen uses a unique rhyming scheme to keep readers engaged. Like other Pout-Pout Fish books, this book includes a four-stanza chant (“Trouble One: I’m not smart! Trouble Two: I’ll never get it! Trouble Three: I don’t belong! So four: I should forget it!”) which Mr. Fish repeats throughout the book. At the end, he chants a positive, altered version (“Fact One: You are smart. Fact Two: You can get it. Fact Three: You belong. So Four: Don’t forget it!”).

The art in The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School is drawn by series regular Dan Hanna and has a beautiful variety of colors. The hallways of the school are decorated with student drawings. Several jokes are hidden in the background too; the best of which is a series of posters with inspirational quotes from such names as “Shark Twain” and “Sharkspeare.”

If your young reader is nervous for their first day of school, or simply having trouble learning something new, The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School is an entertaining story with a lesson about the importance of patience when facing a new experience.

Sexual Content:

None

Violence:

None

Drugs and Alcohol:

None

Language:

None

Supernatural:

None

Spiritual Content:

None

Get Well, Crabby!

Oh no! Crabby doesn’t feel well, and Plankton is determined to play doctor. But Plankton’s ideas aren’t always the most helpful. He takes his own temperature, wraps Crabby in bandages, and caters to Crabby’s increasingly outrageous demands. Will Crabby get better before Plankton finally loses his cool?

Beginning readers will fall in love with Plankton’s enthusiasm and Crabby’s grumpiness. This easy-to-follow, silly plot comes to life in the brightly colored artwork that appears on every page. The pages are broken into colorful panels, which makes it easy for readers to follow along. Get Well, Crabby is perfect for children who are learning to read. The text uses simple sentences and easy vocabulary, and the speech bubbles are color-coded to distinguish each speaker. Each page contains five or fewer sentences, which makes the story accessible to new readers. 

Get Well, Crabby shows how Plankton tries to help Crabby while he is ill. Readers will giggle when Plankton protects himself against Crabby’s snotty sneeze and bandages Crabby’s entire body. Crabby, in his usual style, goes a little overboard when Plankton offers to help. Crabby asks Plankton to wash the dishes, mow the lawn, and take out the trash. A clam and a nurse shark make a short appearance and they both add humor. As part of Scholastic’s early reader line, Acorn, the Crabby Series makes learning to read fun.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

The Pet Store Sprite

Violet and her fairy friend Sprite have to send more pixies back to the Otherworld! This time, they team up with Violet’s cousin, Leon, to stop a water sprite named Aquamarina who loves the drip, drip, drip of leaky faucets. But there’s something terribly fishy about Aquamarina’s fun and games. Can Violet stop this tricky fairy and stay out of the deep end?

The Pet Store Sprite starts with adults worrying about five people who have gone missing. However, the story turns humorous when Violet and Sprite discover that Aquamarina has changed the people into fish. All of the people are now swimming around in a pet store’s fish tank. The fish, who have some human accessories (such as eyeglasses), add silliness to Aquamarina’s mischief. The humor is ramped up when Leon is partly turned into a fish and begins craving fish food. In the end, Aquamarina confesses to all of her misdeeds and is transported back to the Otherworld.

Newly independent readers who love fairies and magic will enjoy the Pixie Tricks Series. The story uses easy-to-read text and a fast-paced plot with lots of fairy mischief. Black and white illustrations appear on every page, which will help readers visualize the characters and understand the plot. For example, when a character is under Aquamarina’s spell, his eyes have stars in them and he has a blank expression.

Readers will giggle their way through The Pet Store Sprite. Unlike the gremlin who appeared in the previous book, Aquamarina isn’t mean or cruel and she only changes people into fish to protect her identity so she can stay in the human world. And this time, Sprite and Violet don’t send the water sprite back to the Otherworld by tricking her. Instead, when Leon accidentally breaks the fish tank, Aquamarina lands on dry ground, which sends her home.

The book’s only flaw is that Sprite is seen as an ineffective fairy, who doesn’t come up with a solution to the problem. Despite this, readers will find The Pet Store Sprite a lot of fun to read. Readers who want to step away from mischievous fairies and spend some time with a group of sweet fairies should instead check out the Candy Fairies Series by Helen Perelman. 

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

Violet’s aunt says, “Five people have disappeared in the last few days. . . Each one of them was near a lake, a pool, or a pond when they vanished!” Later, the reader learns that Aquamarina has turned the people into fish. Aquamarina tells Sprite, “Five humans saw me. That’s why I turned them into fish.”
Leon, who is partially turned into a fish, hungers for fish food. “He tried to jump into the fish tank. But he knocked it over instead. The tank fell to the floor with a crash. Smash! The glass shattered into a million pieces, and water gushed everywhere.” The fish “flopped around on the floor.”

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

Aquamarina is a water sprite who lives in water and breathes underwater. She has “blue-green skin” and wears “a dress made out of fish scales. . . She almost looked like a mermaid, but she didn’t have a fishtail. Instead, she had legs and webbed feet. Her hands were webbed, too.”
Violet goes into Mr. Miller’s pet store. Mr. Miller is acting strange and Violet notices “his eyes were sparking with blue lights.” Aquamarina had put him under a spell.
While in the pet store, Violet’s friend Brittany gets close to a fish tank. Then, “two beams of blue-green light shot out of the tank. They zapped Brittany. Brittany’s body glowed brightly. Then she disappeared . . .” Brittany is turned into a fish.
When Aquamarina tries to turn Violet’s cousin Leon into a fish, Sprite uses pixie dust to transport Violet and Leon to the parking lot.
Aquamarina’s spell changes Leon partially into a fish. “Leon’s eyes were big and bulging, like fish eyes. He had shiny scales on his face. His ears looked like fins.”
When Sprite needs help tricking Aquamarina, he reaches into his bag and “pulled out a glowing purple stone. The light on the stone faded. Then a picture began to appear. . . It was a woman’s face.” Queen Mab appears and tells Sprite and Violet, “You two must not give up.”
When the fish tank that Aquamarina is in breaks, she “lands outside the [pet store’s] door and skidded across the sidewalk. . . a whirling tunnel of wind appeared out of nowhere. The wind scooped up Aquamarina.” Aquamarina is transported back to her world.

Spiritual Content 

None

Stacey’s Remarkable Books

Stacey’s favorite day of the week is Thursday because on Thursday the whole class goes to the library and she gets to lose herself in her beloved books.

But on one of these special days, Stacey discovers a new student named Julie has trouble reading in English. So Stacey and Julie begin sharing books and stories to practice reading. Soon, more students start to join them. The group goes on magical adventures through their books, exploring other worlds and cultures—but best of all, the books bring them together as friends.

Stacey’s Remarkable Books is beautifully written and shows the power of books. At first, Stacey spends her recess reading books alone. But once Stacey meets Julie, everything changes. Julie has a difficult time reading because she recently moved from Vietnam, so Stacey helps Julie practice reading in English. Stacey and Julie connect through stories. Both girls believe that “Maybe if we read together, we can make our dreams come true.” The girls’ experiences reinforce the idea that friendship can be built by sharing a common interest, such as reading.

Another student, Haddy, moves from Gambia, and Stacey and Julie quickly bring her into their group. Soon, the book club grows to include several children of different cultures. While the girls connect over books, they also share their unique perspectives: “Each brought their own words and different histories.”

Stacey’s Remarkable Books highlights the importance of inclusion and respecting each other’s differences. But the lessons don’t end there! Even though Stacey loves to read during recess, her friendship with Julie gives her the ability to try something new. Stacy realizes, “If she tried, she could be out on the playground too. Spinning in circles and running like a cheetah. Laughing and having fun. Like her favorite characters in her favorite books.”

Stacey’s Remarkable Books is an engaging story that uses full-page illustrations to show Stacey’s love of books. Some of the illustrations also include fun details that bring books to life. For example, when Stacey and Julie are reading a book about an octopus, the octopus is shown playing a violin. Many illustrations show Stacy’s friends, who are a diverse group. Each page has three to seven sentences and many of the sentences are complex.

Anyone who wants to introduce young readers to the magical world of books should read Stacey’s Remarkable Books to their child. The story is beautifully written and teaches the importance of inclusion and practicing a skill. The back of the book includes a two-page author’s note and a “List of Stacey’s Remarkable Books,” such as Hair Twins by Raakhee Mirchandani, I Am Enough by Grace Byers, and Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’O.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

My Pet Goldfish

In My Pet Goldfish, prolific children’s author Catherine Rayner recounts her first experience owning a goldfish. Rayner was only four years old when she got her goldfish named Richard. Although Richard was no bigger than her hand, Rayner quickly realized that caring for a goldfish is not as simple as it may seem. Rayner had to learn about the proper tank size and food type for goldfish to provide her pet with a suitable environment. Regardless of these challenges, Rayner grew attached to Richard. With the help of her friend, Sandy, Rayner learned how to properly take care of a pet fish.

My Pet Goldfish is a straightforward story that provides new owners with instructions on how to care for a goldfish. Along with Sandy’s advice, the book features small captions with additional information in the corners of each page. For example, one caption reads: “Goldfish need plenty of space to grow properly, so you need a BIG tank to keep them in.” Along with these tips, each page features a piece of trivia about goldfish, such as, “scientists believe goldfish can remember things for up to five months.”

Along with Rayner’s story, the book includes a list of tips for caring for a goldfish. These tips include how to change the water in a tank and the proper tank size for goldfish. Rayner also provides a list of additional resources for curious readers, including a website all about goldfish and a recommendation to read How to Look After Your Goldfish, an instructional novel by David Alderton about tending to pet goldfish. Although this is an informative book, Rayner’s passionate narration invites the reader to look at this straightforward story with the same curiosity and wonder she felt as a child. For example, Reyner writes: “[Richard] would swim over when he saw me, wiggling his tail. If I gently touched the glass, he would follow my finger.”

By telling the story through a child’s point of view, Rayner turns the common experience of owning a pet goldfish into an exciting adventure. Rayner’s beautiful watercolor illustrations also create a sense of wonder. Rayner’s fish tank is painted in soft blues and greens. Fish of many species swim about with their own unique color scheme. The book is a relatively easy read, with one to five short sentences per page. My Pet Goldfish is a short, informative book written with a clear passion for its subject and is perfect for readers considering getting their first goldfish.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

The Story of Neil Armstrong: A Biography Book for New Readers

Neil Armstrong is one of the most famous astronauts in history. He became the first person to walk on the moon because of his hard work, admirable fortitude, and determined attitude. His experience with NASA changed the course of space exploration forever and he cemented a legacy that continues to be recognized and praised to this day. However, Armstrong’s journey to this life-changing moment wasn’t easy, and his life was full of ups and downs.

Born on August 5th, 1930, Armstrong grew up in the small town of Wapakoneta, Ohio, during the Great Depression. Despite the challenging economic times, Armstrong loved airplanes, and his dedication to studying and flying them led to his eventual enrollment in college and the Navy. Armstrong’s life took a turn when he applied to become an astronaut for NASA. He was dedicated to NASA’s big mission: to land a man on the moon. But NASA’s training proved difficult for Armstrong, and he struggled to balance his economic issues, familial matters, and astronaut training. How did Armstrong handle the pressure to become the first person to reach the moon?

The Story of Neil Armstrong is a biographical story about Neil Armstrong’s journey as an astronaut. Told from the perspective of an outside narrator, the book follows Armstrong’s life, starting with his early childhood and ending with his retirement from NASA. While other characters appear throughout the story, such as Armstrong’s wife, Janet, the story mainly focuses on Armstrong. As such, Armstrong is portrayed as an aspiring leader whose dedication to succeed will inspire and motivate readers. Although readers won’t be able to relate to Armstrong’s experience as an astronaut, they can relate to the ups and downs that accompanied him during his life. In fact, it is because of his successes and failures that his life comes across as very realistic and genuine.

The biography displays a positive outlook on the themes of exploration, fortitude, and perseverance. Although Armstrong encountered difficult situations, his calming attitude and unbreakable courage highlight the book’s message about pursuing one’s dream and never giving up. The Story of Neil Armstrong challenges readers to chase after their passions and not shy away from trying new things. After all, Neil Armstrong is known “as the man who led the way.”

The Story of Neil Armstrong is part of a series called Story Of: A Biography for New Readers. As such, the book is educationally oriented and includes additional supplementary material like fun facts, discussion questions, a reading quiz, and a glossary. Hand-drawn illustrations are sprinkled in every one to three pages, and the back of the book contains real-life photographs that highlight the important aspects of Armstrong’s life. While some of the text may be challenging for younger readers, The Story of Neil Armstrong presents an exciting tale about one of history’s most famous astronauts. It’s an engaging story that will hook readers, young and old, from page one and challenge them to shoot for the stars.

To learn more about space exploration and Neil Armstrong, read Apollo 13 by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and The Race to Space Countdown to Liftoff by Erik Slader & Ben Thompson.

Sexual Content

None

Violence

None

Drugs and Alcohol

None

Language

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content

None

Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer

At the age of three, Michaela DePrince found a photo of a ballerina that changed her life. She was living in an orphanage in Sierra Leone at the time, but soon she was adopted by a family and brought to America. Michaela never forgot the photo of the dancer she once saw, and she quickly decided to make her dream of becoming a ballerina come true. She has been dancing ever since and is now a principal dancer in New York City. She has also been featured in the ballet documentary First Position, as well as Dancing with the Stars, Good Morning America, and Oprah magazine.

Ballerina Dreams is told from Michaela’s point of view. The story uses a friendly tone that makes the reader feel as if they know Michaela personally. While in the orphanage, Michaela’s teacher said, “You can become a ballerina, too, if you take lessons for many years, if you work hard, and if you practice every day.” While Michaela’s story has a happy ending, she acknowledges her fears and explains how she overcame them. Her motivational story shows the importance of hard work and perseverance.

As part of the Ready To Read Level 4 Series, Ballerina Dreams is intended for children who can read independently. The story is told using short chapters. The paragraphs are short and use simple sentences. Most pages have full-color illustrations or photographs of Michaela to break up the text. However, some pages do not have pictures.

Ballerina Dreams is an inspiring story that encourages readers to aspire to great heights. The informative book explains how Michaela was able to make her dreams come true. Michaela encourages readers by saying, “It doesn’t matter if you dream of being a doctor, a teacher, a writer, or a ballerina. Every dream begins with one step. After that, you must work hard and practice every day. If you never give up, your dream will come true.” For another inspirational biography, pair Ballerina Dreams with A Girl Named Misty by Kelly Starling Lyons. Readers who love ballet should also read the picture books Tallulah’s Tutu by Marilyn Singer and Parker Shines On by Parker Curry & Jessica Curry.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

Michaela was born in Sierra Leone and her parents “died there in the ongoing war.”

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

One Tiny Turtle

Unlike their notoriously slow counterparts on land, sea turtles travel thousands of miles each year. This makes them very difficult to research, and much is still unknown about their mysterious lives. In One Tiny Turtle, zoologist and author Nicola Davies describes the known life cycle of the loggerhead turtle, one of seven species of sea turtles. Readers will follow the turtle from her time as an infant living beneath a patch of seaweed to her adulthood when she lays her own eggs on a beach before disappearing back into her mysterious life beneath the sea.

One Tiny Turtle is an informative book that grabs readers’ attention through Davies’ beautiful prose and illustrator Jane Chapman’s vibrant, realistic art. Like all books in the Read and Wonder series, One Tiny Turtle includes a fun fact about its subject on every page. For example, in a page describing the loggerheads’ swimming process, a small caption informs readers that sea turtles can spend hours underwater while asleep and only come up for air every four or five minutes while awake.

One Tiny Turtle is an accessible book for younger readers, with one to eight short sentences per page. A prolific children’s author, Davies captures young readers’ imagination through her rich and descriptive writing. For example, she describes a baby turtle as “not much bigger than a bottle top, she hides in the green shadows.” The colorful and detailed illustrations help readers understand the turtle’s life and habitat. Chapman’s photorealistic sea creatures blend beautifully with the greens and blues of the sea.

Although it is a nonfiction book, One Tiny Turtle is sure to engage readers’ curiosity and leave them wondering about a species whose mysteries are still being uncovered. As part of the Read and Wonder Series, One Tiny Turtle is meant for younger readers. It is intended to be read aloud to a child, rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. The book is fascinating and educational and will help readers understand the mysteries of turtles.

Introduce your young readers to more lovable sea creatures by reading Otters Love to Play by Jonathan London. Sea-loving readers can also learn life lessons by reading the Pout-Pout Fish Adventure picture book series by Deborah Diesen. 

Sexual Content