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How to Read a Book

Alexander, Kwame. How to Read a Book. HarperCollins Children’s Books, 2019. How to Read a Book is written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. It is the winner of the 2020 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award. It is a poem describing the juicy experience of how one can savor the reading experience. ItContinue reading “How to Read a Book”

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale

Steptoe, John. Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1987. Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale is written and illustrated by John Steptoe. It is the winner of the Coretta Scott King Award (1988) and a Caldecott Honor (1988). It is a story about the value of true kindness. It is designedContinue reading “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale”

Baby Monkey, Private Eye

Selznick, Brian and David Serlin. Baby Monkey, Private Eye. Scholastic Press, 2018. Baby Monkey, Private Eye is written by Brian Selznick and David Serlin. It has earned multiple accolades: it is a Kirkus and Booklist starred review, 2019 Gryphon Award winner, and ALSC 2019 notable children’s book. Baby Monkey, Private Eye tells about the adventuresContinue reading “Baby Monkey, Private Eye”

Pet Costume Party

Hooks, Gwendolyn. Pet Costume Party. Stone Arch Books, 2011. Pet Costume Party is written by Gwendolyn Hooks and illustrated by Mike Byrne. It is a story about a boy and his pet goldfish hosting a Halloween costume party, but what will their costume be? It is targeted for beginning readers (grades 1 – 3). ThisContinue reading “Pet Costume Party”

Wild Animal Babies

Kratt, Martin and Chris Kratt. Wild Animal Babies. Random House, 2016. Wild Animal Babies! is written and illustrated by Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt. It is a non-fiction book that introduces readers to baby animals in the wild and teaches them what they do. It is targeted for beginning readers (grades preschool through first grade).Continue reading “Wild Animal Babies”

The Littlest Leaguer

Hoff, Syd. The Littlest Leaguer. Harper Collins, 2008. The Littlest Leaguer is written and illustrated by Syd Hoff. It’s a story about a boy sticking with baseball despite his role as a bench warmer. He is rewarded by winning the series for his team by using his small size to his advantage. It is targetedContinue reading “The Littlest Leaguer”

Ballet Dreams

Depken, Kristen. Ballet Dreams. Random House, 2013. Ballet Dreams is written by Kristen L. Depken and illustrated by Ulkutay Design Group. It is a story about a girl who dreams of being a ballet star. It is targeted for beginning readers (grades PS – grade 1). This seems appropriate based on the simple sentence structureContinue reading “Ballet Dreams”

Fox the Tiger

Tabor, Corey R. Fox the Tiger. Balzer Bray, 2018. Fox the Tiger is written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor. He is the 2019 Geisel Award winner for this work. The story communicates a positive message that each individual is special. It is targeted for children in grades preschool through grade 1; however, it includesContinue reading “Fox the Tiger”

Bear is Awake! An Alphabet Story

Harrison, Hannah E. Bear is Awake! An Alphabet Story. New York, Dial Books for Young Readers, 2019. Bear is Awake! An Alphabet Story was written and illustrated by Hannah Harrison. It is a 2019 Kirkus star review recipient. It is an alphabet book targeted for children between age 3 and 7 years, although this storyContinue reading “Bear is Awake! An Alphabet Story”

I Walk With Vanessa

Kerascoët. I Walk With Vanessa. New York, Schwartz & Wade Books, 2018. I Walk With Vanessa is a story created by Kerascoët. It is a 2019 Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Notable Book recipient. It is designed for children ages 4 to 8, but really could be read to children who are youngerContinue reading “I Walk With Vanessa”