Early Elementary – Page 5 – Sneak Peek Books

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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. 

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PAW Patrol: The Clean, Green Rescue!

The PAW Patrol is helping fix up Main Street Park for the We Love the Earth Fun Fair! The pups are extra excited for Luke Star’s concert. But that night, a big storm hits Adventure Bay. Lightning strikes a big oak tree and Farmer Al can’t make it to the fair. But don’t worry, the PAW patrol is on the roll!

Before the day is over, another call comes in from Cap’n Turbot. Litter is covering the beach! If the litter isn’t cleaned up fast, turtles and seals might think the floating bags are food. Cap’n Turbot and the pups get right to work. Zuma even uses his hovercraft to collect litter from the ocean. This section shows the importance of picking up and recycling trash.

But the PAW Patrol’s work isn’t finished. Luke Star is stuck in a mudslide! He’ll never make it in time without the PAW Patrol’s help. Everyone must work together to make sure the We Love the Earth Fun Fair is fun for everyone! At the end of the day, Luke Star calls Ryder and the pups on the stage and dedicates a song to them! With teamwork, the PAW Patrol saves the day!

The Clean, Green Rescue! is an environmentally focused book that shows the importance of teamwork and conservation. Each new conflict shows how people can do small things to help save the planet. For example, when a tree falls into the road, Farmer Al says, “[The tree] was two hundred years old. Squirrels, deer, and other animals ate the acorns that fell from its branches. Birds, bugs, and animals lived inside the tree, too. It helped clean our air, and it gave us shade.” When Farmer Al uses the wood to make a picnic table, he enforces the importance of reusing items instead of wasting them.

When Luke Star gets stuck in the mud, readers learn about the effects of global warming. Ryder explains, “The weather is warmer this year. The snow melted quickly and loosened the dirt that held the rocks. The storm washed everything down the hill.” While the book doesn’t explore the topic in more detail, readers are reminded to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

The Clean, Green Rescue! is the perfect book for an adult to read to their child. Each page has one to seven sentences, but beginning readers will need help with the advanced sentence structure and some of the more difficult vocabulary. Full-page illustrations use bright colors that will help readers imagine the events in the story.

The Clean, Green Rescue! uses familiar PAW Patrol characters to highlight the need to be environmentally conscious. While the pups work hard to save the day, when the work is over everyone enjoys the concert. The Clean, Green Rescue! is an engaging story that reminds readers of the importance of taking care of the environment. Because facts are incorporated into the story, the lessons never feel like a lecture. To reinforce the environmental lessons in The Clean, Green Rescue!, readers should also read Rocket Says Clean Up! by Nathan Bryon.

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Dinosaurs: The Fastest, The Fiercest, The Most Amazing

Which dinosaur could run as fast as a modern-day racehorse? Which dinosaur used its razor-sharp claws to rip apart its prey? Which dinosaur laid eggs as big as watermelons?

You’ll find the answers to these questions—and more!—inside Dinosaurs: The Fastest, The Fiercest, The Most Amazing. Readers will meet 21 of the most amazing dinosaurs ever to roam the earth. Spectacular illustrations bring all of the excitement and drama of the prehistoric era to life. Plus, there’s a combination timeline and comparative size chart that will help readers imagine how they would feel standing next to a Seismosaurus (which was half as long as a football field) or a Compsognathus (which was as small as a pigeon).

Dinosaurs is similar to a picture book because each page has a full-page illustration with a short paragraph about the dinosaur that appears on the page. The realistic dinosaur illustrations make readers feel as if they have stepped into the dinosaurs’ world. The illustrations also allow readers to see each dinosaur’s habitat. Several pages include fighting dinosaurs, but only one illustration shows blood.

Any readers who are interested in learning more about the dinosaurs who roamed the earth millions of years ago should read Dinosaurs. The book includes interesting facts about each dinosaur. Many of the passages explain details in easy-to-understand language. For example, the Gallimimus could race “as fast as any racehorse” and the Pterosaur was “as big as a small airplane.” The book is organized in a way that helps readers make comparisons. For instance, the fastest dinosaur and slowest dinosaur appear on the same two-page spread. Because the book’s format focuses on the illustrations, the book is a quick read that doesn’t go into extensive detail about each dinosaur; this makes the book perfect for young readers as well as reluctant readers.

Dinosaurs will take readers on a walk from the Triassic Era to the Quaternary Era. The wonderful illustrations will give readers a sense of being in the scene, and the facts are interesting and educational. Each dinosaur is only given a paragraph of facts, but readers can learn more by reading

Finding the First T. Rex by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and Ancient Animals: Plesiosaur by Sarah L. Thomson. However, if you want some fabulous dinosaur fiction instead, take a bite out of Don’t Disturb the Dinosaurs by Ada Hopper or The Dino Files Series by Stacy McAnulty.

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Dinosaurs’ eating habits are discussed. For example, “Tyrannosaurus attacked other dinosaurs by running into them with its jaws wide open. Then it used its tiny but strong front arms to hold on to its dinner.” The illustration shows the Tyrannosaurus stepping on a dead dinosaur.
The Deinonychus “held on its dinner with its strong fingers and used the big claw on each of its back feet to rip apart its prey.”
The Triceratops had “the biggest skull of a land animal ever found. Some skulls have been found with holes in them, which tells scientist that Triceratops also used their horns when fighting each other.”

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Gilbert, the Surfer Dude

Gilbert is excited for a perfect day at the beach, but Lola is scared of the water and Gilbert forgets his bathing suit! Even after buying a cool new suit that says “Surfer Dude” on it, will Gilbert end up in deep water?

Gilbert, the Surfer Dude shows Gilbert and his family spending time at the beach. When Gilbert tries to surf, a big wave knocks him down, water gets in his eyes, sand gets in his suit, and his boogie board goes surging without him. Gilbert thinks of quitting, but with the help of his dad, Gilbert rides the waves!

Readers will enjoy the large, full-color illustrations that bring the story to life. Gilbert’s family is shown in a positive light. Gilbert and his family treat each other kindly and enjoy spending time together. Readers will relate to Gilbert’s frustration when he has trouble surfing and they will also be able to empathize with Lola, who is afraid of the water. Even though Gilbert’s sister Lola is afraid to go into the water, no one makes fun of her. Instead, they encourage her to have fun playing in the sand. Finally, everyone finds a perfect way to have fun at the beach.

With its relatable conflict and high-interest topic, Gilbert, the Surfer Dude will captivate young readers and make them want to read the book again and again. Almost every page has a large, brightly colored illustration to help younger readers visualize the story’s actions. Each page has two to four longer sentences and has some challenging words that readers may need help with. The book has a super fun conclusion that will leave readers smiling. Gilbert, the Surfer Dude is a highly entertaining book that uses humor to teach the value of trying new things.

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Attack of the Underwear Dragon

Cole’s wish comes true when he becomes assistant knight to Sir Percival, his favorite Knight of King Arthur’s Round Table. Cole learns how to ride a horse, swing a sword, cheer for Sir Percival when he goes to battle, and bandage his boo-boos when the battle is over. Cole loves practicing every skill a Knight-in-Training must master, and he is determined to be granted knighthood.

Sir Percival is a great knight in every way, except for one thing: He is terrified that an Underwear Dragon will come and destroy the kingdom. But when the unthinkable happens and Cole is the only knight left standing (and just an assistant knight at that!), Cole must use his newly acquired skills to battle the fearsome dragon and avoid catastrophe. Luckily, an unfortunate underwear mishap changes everything, and Cole triumphs.

Readers of all ages will love the hilarious story, which shows that even knights “cry at sad plays and bad plays, when they step on something sharp or run into a hard wall.” When Cole goes to work as an assistant knight, he has a lot to learn including, “How to ride a horse, and swing a sword. How to paint Sir Percival doing awesome knight poses.” When Cole finally faces the dragon, “he was scared,” but that doesn’t stop him from fighting the Underwear Dragon. In the end, Cole earns his place at Arthur’s Round Table, which will leave readers cheering.

Attack of the Underwear Dragon has a fun storyline with many interesting events. The story is perfect to read out loud because many of the words rhyme. For example, “Underwear Dragons can’t read letters . . . jesters’ sweaters. . . billboards. . . signs for Gil’s Swords. . . party invitations. . . poems about crustaceans. . . royal decrees. . . bath oil recipes. . .” Each page has one to four sentences, making the story a quick read. Not only is the text laugh-worthy, but the pictures give the story an extra dose of silliness. For example, when Cole learns to ride a horse, he slides to the horse’s underside and is clearly confused about how to get back in the saddle.

Readers will fall in love with Cole’s bravery. Despite the difficulties he faces, Cole never complains and keeps getting up even when he’s “knocked down by a knight, knocked over by a princess, and knocked out by a catapult.” Even though the Underwear Dragon is the villain, readers will feel slightly sorry for him and will be eager to see what new trouble the dragon gets into in the next installment of the adventure: Return of the Underwear Dragon. Introduce readers to the joy of reading by pairing the Attack of the Underwear Dragon with Clovis Keeps His Cool by Katelyn Aronson.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

While training, Cole gets “knocked down by a knight, knocked over by a princess, and knocked out by a catapult.” He is not injured.
When Sir Percival jousts with another knight, he is injured. The illustration shows the knight in a full body cast with a band-aid on his head.
The Underwear Dragon “destroyed the kingdom.” The dragon sits on top of the castle and the kingdom is shown with broken towers and smoke coming out of them.
Cole fights the dragon, who breathes fire at him. During the battle, Cole jousts, wrestles, and catapults the dragon. The battle is illustrated over five pages. No one is injured.

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

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Spiritual Content 

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The Story of Stan Lee: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers

Stan Lee is one of the most famous comic book icons in history. His life revitalized the graphic novel industry and showed people that comic books could encourage kids to read and write more. He completely changed how people reacted and received comic books, and his legacy continues to be seen today in society’s biggest media stars, like Spiderman and Iron Man. However, Lee’s journey to stardom didn’t happen in a day, and his rise to fame required hard work and perseverance.

Born on December 28, 1922, Lee grew up in Manhattan, New York, during the Great Depression. As a kid, Lee was an avid reader, and his love for reading soon inspired him “to create marvelous tales of his own.” Before long, Lee began working at a publishing company called Timely Comics, where he quickly became a renowned and respected writer. However, when Lee becomes the new publisher for the recently renamed Marvel Comics, he discovers that his future success would depend on the strength of his stories.

The Story of Stan Lee tells the biographical story about Stan Lee’s journey as a renowned graphic novel writer. Told from the perspective of an outside narrator, the book follows Lee’s life, beginning with his childhood love for reading and ending with his lasting impact on the world of comic books, television, and movies. While other people briefly appear in the story, the story primarily focuses on Lee. As a result, Lee is portrayed as an inspirational figure whose dedication to his love for storytelling can be admirable and influential for readers. Many readers can relate to Lee’s love for his hobbies and his desire to change the world through his work. Even though Lee’s rise to stardom was messy, his story comes across as authentic and genuine for readers.

The biography displays a positive outlook on the themes of hard work and dedication. Although Lee experienced difficulties at Marvel Comics, his passion for delivering exciting stories highlights the book’s message about using one’s skills to better the world. It challenges readers to identify their own ambitions and how they can change the world through their talents. After all, Lee’s life exemplifies this message and has “inspired generations of writers, artists, and others with his amazing adventures.”

The Story of Stan Lee is part of the Story Of: A Biography for New Readers Series. As a result, the book is educationally oriented and includes additional supplementary material, like fun facts, discussion questions, a reading quiz, and a glossary. Simple, hand-drawn illustrations are found every one to three pages, and the back of the book contains a small section for reflection, where the author asks questions for readers to dwell on, like “How can you embrace diversity?” or “What can you do to inspire others?” While some of the text can be challenging for younger readers, The Story of Stan Lee delivers an engaging tale about one of history’s most influential comic book creators.

The Story of Stan Lee’s short chapters will engage independent readers and encourage critical thinking skills as they learn new words. The captivating story will interest readers who love the Marvel Universe, comic books, and television.

Sexual Content

None

Violence

None

Drugs and Alcohol

None

Language

None

Supernatural

None

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None

Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants!

Gilbert has trouble coming up with ideas. He couldn’t think of a springtime poem, and now he needs an idea for an Earth Day project! Everyone else in Mrs. Byrd’s class is busy working on posters about recycling, saving water, and electricity—but Gilbert wants to do something original. When a distressing class picnic becomes a source of inspiration, Gilbert finally comes up with an Earth Day project that even Mrs. Byrd thinks is the best idea yet!

Gilbert is a loveable and relatable protagonist who has difficulty concentrating in class. Gilbert “wiggled, and jiggled and squirmed in his seat.” Throughout the day, he tries to come up with an Earth Day project, but he doesn’t have any good ideas. But then, Gilbert sits down and gives himself time to think, and he finds the perfect solution. Readers will be eager to see Gilbert’s Earth Day project, but it’s not revealed until the end of the story. This keeps readers in suspense as they learn about the other students’ projects.

Readers will learn how simple actions can make a big impact in caring for the earth. From recycling to riding bikes, and turning off lights. All of the ideas presented are easy enough to be implemented by young readers. Gilbert’s project—planting a tree—shows that while the tree is small, “someday it will be big enough to shade this hill and make it a perfect place for a picnic.” Even though Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! teaches the importance of caring for the planet, the lesson is never preachy. Instead, each character gives an example of how they can make the world better.

Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! is intended for readers five and older. Beginning readers will need help because of the book’s complex sentences and unfamiliar words. While the book is engaging, it will not make a good bedtime story due to the text-heavy pages, which have up to five long sentences. Each page has a full-page illustration that uses bright colors. The illustrations will help readers understand the plot as well as visualize the many animal characters.

Learn about Earth Day and conservation by reading Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! Much of the story’s action takes place at Gilbert’s school, but his two-parent family is also portrayed positively. When Gilbert is unable to come up with an Earth Day project, his family gives him suggestions, but Gilbert doesn’t use any of them. Instead, he uses quiet time to come up with his own idea. Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! is an excellent book to read with a child. If you’d like to encourage readers to care for the earth, add Rocket Says Clean Up by Nathan Bryon to your reading list. If you’d like to introduce readers to more educational subjects, Mr. Tiffin’s Classroom Series by Margaret McNamara would be a good series to check out.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

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None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Gigi and Ojiji

Gigi can’t wait for her Ojiji—Japanese grandpa—to move in. Gigi plans lots of things to do with him, like playing tag, reading books, and teaching Roscoe, the family dog, new tricks.

But Gigi plans don’t work out quite the way she’d hoped. And her grandpa doesn’t seem to even like Roscoe. Will Gigi find a way to connect with her Ojiji?

Readers will relate to Gigi, who struggles to connect with her grandfather because of their cultural differences. Gigi is a biracial six-year-old girl who learns about her Japanese culture from her grandfather. Several times, Gigi cries because she doesn’t think Ojiji likes her. However, Gigi’s mother calmly explains how Ojiji’s culture is different. For example, when Gigi gives her grandfather a gift, he doesn’t open it and Gigi thinks he doesn’t like the present. However, her mother says, “Most people his age think it’s rude to open a present in front of the person who gave it to them.” Gigi’s mother doesn’t scold Gigi for her tears, instead, she helps Gigi understand Ojiji’s behavior. Gigi’s mother’s patient explanations help Gigi see that although Ojiji can’t play tag or read with her, they can still have fun together.

As part of the I Can Read Level 3 Series, Gigi and Ojiji 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 illustrations capture Gigi’s emotions and have cute details, such as showing Gigi’s artwork hanging on Ojiji’s wall. The back of the book also includes a Japanese vocabulary wordlist.

Gigi and Ojiji is an adorable story that shows readers how cultural differences do not have to keep people apart. Gigi’s family is portrayed positively, and they demonstrate the importance of communication. Adults who want to help readers learn social-emotional skills should read Gigi and Ojiji with them. Young readers will easily connect with Gigi and gladly read about her adventures.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Her Right Foot

If you had to name a statue, any statue, odds are good you’d mention the Statue of Liberty.

Have you seen her? She’s in New York. She’s holding a torch. And she’s in mid-stride, moving forward. But why?

In this fascinating and fun take on nonfiction for kids, Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris investigate a seemingly small trait of America’s most emblematic statue. What they find is more than history, more than art. What they find in the Statue of Liberty’s right foot, is a powerful message of acceptance that is essential to an entire country’s creation.

Her Right Foot is filled with facts about the Statue of Liberty, beginning with why she was made, who made her, what supplies were used, and how she was constructed. As the building process is explained, illustrations show the statue’s scope and scale by including humans in the pictures. For example, one picture shows two exhausted workers sleeping on the statue’s crown. The story educates readers about everything—how many rivets were used, why the statue is green, what every part of the statue represents, etc.

Although Her Right Foot is written in picture book format, the concepts and vocabulary are suited to older readers who have some type of understanding of the Statue of Liberty. Each page has zero to four complex sentences with advanced vocabulary. The illustrations use bold primary colors and blocky illustrations. The book includes illustrations of diverse people, which reinforces the idea that Americans come from all over the world. While most of the book focuses on the statue, one illustration shows a refugee camp where people are suffering from “oppression.”

While all of the facts are interesting, the focus on the statue’s right foot gives the story heart. Eggers points out that the Statue of Liberty is “going somewhere! She is on the move.” Her foot is mid-stride because “Liberty and freedom from oppression are not things you get or grant by standing around like some kind of statue. No! These are things that require action. Courage. An unwillingness to rest.”

When it comes to immigrants, the statue reminds readers about the importance of being like her. “This statue has welcomed millions of visitors and immigrants to the USA. After all, the Statue of Liberty is an immigrant, too. And this is why she’s moving. This is why she’s striding. In welcoming the poor, the tired, the struggling to breathe free. She is not content to wait.” Her Right Foot leaves no doubt about American’s duty to welcome immigrants from all over the world.

Her Right Foot will appeal to older readers interested in learning more about the Statue of Liberty. However, if you’re looking for a picture book that will appeal more to young children as well as teach about the importance of inclusion, All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold would be a better choice. Readers looking to reinforce concepts found in Her Right Foot, including the difficulties that immigrants face, should also add A Thousand White Butterflies by Jessica Betancourt-Perez & Karen Lynn Williams and Mango Moon by Diane De Anda & Sue Cornelison to their reading list.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

The Story of Babe Ruth: A Biography Book for New Reader

Babe Ruth is one of the greatest players in the game of baseball. Known as the “Colossus of Swat” and the “King of Crash,” Ruth cemented his legacy as the game’s most prolific homerun hitter, amassing over 714 home runs throughout his career. His talent and character on and off the field inspired millions of rising big leaguers, and his career forever changed the sport. However, Ruth wasn’t always a baseball legend.

Born on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Babe Ruth grew up as a mischievous little boy who is constantly picking fights and getting into trouble. But when his parents send him to St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys, everything changes: Ruth falls in love with the game of baseball. For the next ten years, Ruth’s dedication to baseball helped him climb the ranks of teams, and he eventually earned a roster spot in the major leagues. Under the big spotlights of New York, Ruth knows that this is his big chance to experience his dream. But can he handle the pressure as a major league player? Or will the challenge prove too difficult?

The Story of Babe Ruth tells a biographical story about Babe Ruth’s journey as a baseball player. Told from the perspective of an outside narrator, the book follows Ruth’s life, starting with his early childhood years and ending with his retirement from baseball. While other characters appear throughout the story—like Ruth’s wife, Helen—the story mainly focuses on Ruth.

Ruth is portrayed primarily as an exemplary figure whose perseverance through hardships and commitment to baseball can be admirable and inspirational for readers. Although many readers can’t relate to Ruth’s experience as a major league baseball player, they can find similarities in his messy journey to stardom, where his successes and failures feel realistic and genuine.

The biography displays a positive outlook on sports, difficulties, and dedication. Although Ruth encountered many obstacles as a rising baseball star, he showed “everyone that it was possible to come from nothing and make it all the way to the top.” Ruth’s fortitude in the moments of adversity will be very encouraging to readers, as it teaches about the power of perseverance. The Story of Babe Ruth challenges its audience not to fear the difficulties in their own lives.

Of course, Babe Ruth’s life wasn’t perfect. While the book mainly portrays Ruth in a good light, it also acknowledges that his life was messy and imperfect. There are multiple instances of his struggling marriage or his habit of partying after baseball games. While younger readers may not understand the depth of these actions, these details are minimal, and the biography’s joyful and heartwarming nature is still readily apparent throughout the book.

The Story of Babe Ruth is part of a series called Story Of: A Biography for New Readers. Thus, the book is educationally oriented and includes supplementary material like fun facts, discussion questions, a reading quiz, and a glossary with real photos from Ruth’s time as a baseball player. Several illustrations are sprinkled throughout the eight short chapters of the book. They typically appear every one to two pages and enhance the plot and message. The text may be challenging for younger readers, and the inclusion of the darker aspects of Ruth’s life can be heavy, The Story of Babe Ruth is a wonderfully simplified tale about one of baseball’s greatest players. Its engaging story will keep readers, young and old, hooked from page one.

Sexual Content

None

Violence

Babe Ruth’s teammates didn’t like that he participated in batting practice because he was a pitcher. As a result, “Babe came to the park to find all his bats had been sawed in half.”

Drugs and Alcohol

None

Language

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content

None

Pets to the Rescue: Dolores and the Big Fire

Dolores is a very timid cat. Her owner, Kyle, keeps a light on all night so she won’t be scared. One night Dolores pokes at Kyle’s face while he is sleeping. The house is on fire! Can Dolores wake Kyle up in time?

Readers will be in suspense as Dolores leads Kyle through the smoke of the burning house. When Kyle gets to the door, the doorknob comes off and he falls to the floor. But again, “Dolores scratched Kyle. And again, Kyle slowly woke up.” Thanks to Dolores, Kyle makes it safely out of the house.

Unfortunately, Dolores isn’t so lucky. “She had been burned, but she was still alive.” Kyle takes care of Dolores and after she heals, “Dolores was not so fearful. She even liked to sit on Kyle’s lap and let him pet her.” After the fire, Kyle is glad that he didn’t “lose the most important things—my own life and the life of my cat, Dolores.”

As part of the Ready-To-Read Level 2 Series, Dolores and the Big Fire is intended for children who can read independently. The story is told using short chapters. Each page has two to four sentences of various lengths; however, most sentences are short. The story has a simple plot that follows Dolores and Kyle’s relationship. Each page has a full-colored illustration that will help readers visualize the story’s events. While Dolores is shown after the fire, her wounds are not illustrated. However, her fur is matted, and she is curled up.

Animal-loving readers will enjoy the true story of how Dolores saves Kyle’s life. The happy ending shows Dolores getting an award for saving Kyle’s life. However, the most heartwarming part of the conclusion is that Dolores no longer fears Kyle. For another story about a heroic animal, read Pigeon Hero by Shirley Raye Redmond, which tells the story of how a pigeon saved a town during World War II. Readers who are ready for more advanced books can read more true stories about heroic animals by reading Dog Heroes by Mary Pope Osborne & Natalie Pope Boyce.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

My Football Family

Football runs in this family’s blood. Whether it’s the baby’s first steps, bicycle rides, recreational football games, or marriage, football plays a significant role in this family’s identity and journey through life. But as the family grows and changes, will football continue to be a presence in their life? Or will their love for football slowly fade away?

My Football Family tells a story about a family’s exciting love for football. The sport encompasses all aspects of their life, and their excitement for the game strengthens their love for each other. Told from the perspective of an outside narrator, the book follows a family’s life as their son grows up in a household where football is a vital part of their family’s love, fun, and memories. Although the story doesn’t identify any specific main characters, its plot centers around the family’s child as he grows up and readers will find its depictions of the different seasons of life relatable and genuine.

From the start, the book displays a positive outlook toward sports, family, and memory. The activities and stages of life are very authentic and relatable. Plus, the story’s main lesson encourages readers to love and support one’s family. Although the plot and character development are thin, the story excels in connecting with its audience, and it recognizes that “while seasons have their ups and downs . . . we’ll forever love our superstar, our favorite player—YOU.” This genuine and heartfelt message will challenge readers to reflect on what love looks like in their own families.

My Football Family highlights the family’s progression through life with colorful, full-page illustrations that enhance the plot and deepen its message about loving and supporting one’s family. Each page features one to two sentences accompanied by bright pictures and the text is straightforward—perfect for beginner readers. Although the story’s plot is weak and might leave older readers bored, its message on family remains its focal point. Overall, My Football Family is an enjoyable, heartfelt tale about family and football that will leave readers smiling with joy.

Sexual Content

None

Violence

None

Drugs and Alcohol

None

Language

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content

None

Hello, Horse

While paying his friend Catherine a visit, a boy encounters something unexpected: Catherine’s horse. The boy isn’t sure if he likes horses, but Catherine shows him that he has nothing to worry about with her horse, Shannon. “Shannon likes people,” she assures him. “And you’ll like Shannon.”

Catherine takes the boy to the fenced-in field behind her house. There, the boy meets Shannon. Although apprehensive, the boy listens to Catherine as she teaches him how to feed Shannon, how to lead her, how to groom her, and finally how to ride her. The boy might have been scared of horses at the start of the day, but as he rides Shannon across the field, he knows he has made a new friend.

Hello, Horse teaches readers the dos and don’ts of cooperating with a horse through a short, pleasant story and beautiful, hand-painted art. Readers will follow Catherine’s lessons as she explains them to the boy. At the bottom of each page, an additional fact about horses elaborates on Catherine’s lesson. For example, as the boy feeds Shannon a carrot, a small caption informs the reader that all horses are herbivores. The book is easy to read, with one to five short sentences printed in large font on each page.

The book is brought to life by Catherine Rayner’s stunning artwork. The characters are outlined in pencil and colored in soft strokes of watercolor, resulting in a clean and vivid art style that matches the book’s sweet and simple narrative. Rayner’s greatest achievement in the book are her backgrounds, which enliven the flourishing field behind Catherine’s house with a beautiful mix of spring colors.

If you are looking for a book that provides young readers with a thorough lesson about how to interact with horses, Hello, Horse is right for you. All readers will enjoy its warm and heartfelt story about a boy’s budding friendship with a horse. Horse-loving readers will also enjoy reading the picture book My Pony by Susan Jeffers and The Sneaky Pony Series by Hadley Higginson. However, if you’re looking for another book in the Read to Wonder Series, check out Otters Love to Play by Jonathan London.

Sexual Content

None

Violence

None

Drugs and Alcohol

None

Language

None

Supernatural

None

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Wild, Wild Wolves

Learn about one of nature’s most enduring and misunderstood creatures—the wolf. The book begins by explaining the difference between dogs and wolves and then delves into wolves’ habits, including how they must hunt to stay alive. Readers will learn about wolf packs and how wolves communicate with each other. The book also explains how pups are raised.

While most of the book focuses on wolves’ lives, readers will also learn how wolves are portrayed in fairy tales and horror movies. The book ends with a story about a Sioux Indian who was saved by wolves. Since wolves are wild animals, people should not try to tame them like dogs. Instead, the book encourages readers to “live in tune with nature, as wolves do. [People] want to save some of the wild places left on earth. If that happens, there will be wild, wild wolves howling in the forest for years to come.”

Wild, Wild Wolves is part of the Step into Reading Level Three Series, which targets readers in first grade through third grade. With three short chapters, Step Three books are both longer and slightly more difficult than Step Two books. Each page has three to seven sentences and a large illustration. This level includes some more challenging vocabulary and concepts, though the meaning is made clear through context and illustrations. 

Readers who are curious about nature will enjoy learning interesting facts about wolves. Wolf-pack behavior, body language, and the meaning of howls are all demystified in this natural history book. There are several pages dedicated to wolves’ need to hunt other animals, which might upset sensitive readers. However, the overall message of the book is that wolves are not to be feared, but respected.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

The eating habits of wolves are described. “The wolves chase many moose. Most of them run away. But one big moose stands and fights. It kicks out with its powerful hooves. An angry moose can kill a wolf. Soon the pack leaves it alone.”
The wolves surround an “old, sick moose. It is too weak to run or fight. . . One wolf charges. It bites the moose’s nose and hangs on tight. In minutes the fight is over. The hungry wolves can eat.” The illustration shows the wolf biting the moose’s nose; there is no blood.
People used to think wolves “were their enemies. For a long time hunters shot every wolf they could find. They even shot wolves from airplanes.” The illustration shows a man holding a gun out of an airplane’s window. A wolf is lying in the snow under the plane.
Because wolves “learn that a lamb or a calf makes a good dinner. . . Some [ranchers] kill wolves with poison, traps, or guns.” A wolf is shown near a trap.

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Construction Site: Taking Flight!

When an airport needs an expansion, the Construction Site crew is on the job! With help from fun new vehicles from the airport, they’ll build new roads and runways, prep planes for their trips, and clean up after a surprise snowstorm.

The airport is a busy place—Belt Loader, Tractor, Snowplow, and many other vehicles pull the planes, pump the fuel, move the luggage, maintain the runways, and much more. Working together, the team will get all the planes in the air in time for a sweet and sleepy goodnight.

Anyone who loves trucks will want to read Construction Site: Taking Flight. The picture book shows how each truck uses its special talent to complete specific parts of the job. For example, Excavator “digs and scoops to make a hole—a huge foundation, wide and deep.” Once Excavator completes his part of the job, Loader and Dump Truck work together to “haul the dirt away.” Even though expanding the airport is a huge job, by working together, the trucks finish the task. This reinforces the value of teamwork and the joy of a job well done.

Some readers may be overwhelmed with all of the activity taking place at the airport because the story doesn’t only focus on the construction project. The book also includes trucks that help keep the airport running smoothly, such as trucks that carry luggage, trucks that pull “a plane away to tech,” cargo planes, a rubber removal machine, and others. There is also a snow removal team that works hard to clear the runway. The airport is a busy place, which is reflected in the story.

Even though Construction Site: Taking Flight is a picture book, it is intended to be read aloud to children instead of having them read it independently. The story uses rhyming and onomatopoeia, which make the story fun to read. The illustrations use primary colors and show each vehicle with a smile on its face. Each page has one to four sentences that keep the story flowing at a fast pace.

In the conclusion of Construction Site: Taking Flight, the trucks “roll into bed, drift off to sleep, and dream of flight.” The book’s conclusion makes it the perfect bedtime story. After playing hard all day, little readers will want to snuggle up and drift off to sleep, just like the trucks. And after reading Construction Site: Taking Flight, readers will dream of all the places they could go.

Sexual Content 

None

Violence 

None

Drugs and Alcohol 

None

Language 

None

Supernatural

None

Spiritual Content 

None

Ty’s Travels: Beach Day

Ty turns an ordinary day in the sandbox into a fun beach day. He wiggles his toes in the sand, finds seashells, builds a castle, and splashes in the ocean. Splish, splash! When his neighbor’s beach ball flies into his backyard, Ty learns that a beach day is even better with a friend.

As Ty plays in his sandbox he imagines being at the beach. While Ty is using his imagination, the illustrations look like coloring book pages, which makes it easy to distinguish what is real and what is imaginary. The book encourages kids to use their imagination by asking, “What will they see next?”

Ty’s Travels is part of the My First I Can Read Series, which uses basic language, word repetition, and illustrations that are ideal for shared reading. Each page has one to three simple sentences with large, brightly colored illustrations. Plus, the cute illustrations will help young readers understand the plot.

Ty’s Travels: Beach Day is perfect for young readers who love playing outside. The story shows readers how they can have fun playing outside by walking like a crab, eating a popsicle, hitting a ball, etc. Throughout the book, Ty’s father appears and plays along with Ty, reinforcing the idea that a parent can be part of the fun. Explore more imaginative books by reading Juniper Kai: Super Spy by Laura Gehl and Rocket Says Look Up! by Nathan Bryon.

Sexual Content 