February 1st, 2010
By Harry Horse
A Friend for Little Bear
A toy bear alone on a tiny island learns that of all the things that he has pulled from the sea the wooden horse is the most important.
Rating: *****
A very sweet story about friendship and what can happen when you take it for granted.
Posted in Age 3 reading list, friendship | No Comments »
January 30th, 2010
By Kevin Henkes
Sheila Rae The Brave
A mouse both boastful and fearless, Sheila Rae decides to go home from school by taking a new route.
Rating: ****
Even the bravest of mice can get scared, but with the help of a friend or sister in this case these fears can be conquered.
Posted in Age 3 reading list, fear, friendship | No Comments »
January 29th, 2010
By Diana Hendry
The Very Noisy Night
Little Mouse keeps Big Mouse awake with his worries about nighttime noises. Big Mouse offers him earmuffs, but the quiet only makes Little Mouse feel lonely. By morning, both mice are sound asleep in Big Mouse’s bed.
Rating: ****
A cute story about night time fears, but not a good ending if you’re trying to teach your child independence.
Posted in Age 3 reading list, fear | No Comments »
January 28th, 2010
By Sue Heap
Four Friends Together
A lighthearted tribute to story time and the fidgety little listeners whose humorous squirming is portrayed
Rating: ****
There’s not much to this story but it does show the value of friendship very nicely.
Posted in Age 2 reading list, friendship, reading | No Comments »
January 26th, 2010
By Yumi Heo
One Sunday Morning
Minho and his father have an active morning at the park, taking a carriage ride, seeing the animals in the zoo, and riding the merry-go-round.
Rating: ****
This book focuses more on sound and sight rather than text allowing your youngster to tell the story as well.
Posted in Age 2 reading list | No Comments »
January 24th, 2010
By Wilhelmina Harper
The Gunniwolf
A classic-beloved by readers, storytellers, and teachers. Unavailable for years, it is back with new illustrations by Barbara Upton. Its vibrant, rhythmic read-aloud text-sprinkled with dialect-tells the story of Little Girl, who is forbidden to enter the jungle for fear of meeting the Gunniwolf.
Rating: ****
This book has a great song that my preschooler is still singing. The only controversy is the broken English, which may be seen as offensive.
Posted in Age 3 reading list, fear | No Comments »
January 23rd, 2010
By Carol Greene
Where is that Cat
While trying to give away the cat she has found, Miss Perkins gradually grows fond enough of him that she decides to keep him.
Rating: *****
A really sweet store. Your preschooler will have fun trying to find the hiding cat in each photo
Posted in Age 3 reading list, friendship | No Comments »
January 22nd, 2010
By Bob Graham
Queenie One of the Family
Caitlin and her parents rescue a hen from a lake, name her, and take her home with them, but even after they return her to the farm where she lives, her presence is still felt in Caitlin’s family.
Rating: ****
A month later my preschooler is still talking about Queenie. She definitely made an impact.
Queenie, One of the Family
Posted in Age 4 reading list, animals, family, routine | No Comments »
January 21st, 2010
By Valeri Gorbachev
Chicken Chickens
On their first visit to a playground, two little chickens are afraid to play until a beaver helps them go down the slide.
Rating: *****
A lot of children are afraid of trying new things. This book shows how friendship and trust in others can help overcome those fears.
Posted in fear, friendship, teamwork, trust | No Comments »
January 20th, 2010
By Helen Cooper
Pumpkin Soup
What’s cooking in the old white cabin? Pumpkin Soup. The best you ever tasted! Made by the Cat who slices up the pumpkin. Made by the Squirrel who stirs in the water. Made by the Duck who scoops up the salt, and tips in just enough. But one day the Duck wants to stir. Then there is trouble, a horrible squabble, and the Duck waddles away.In this funny, observant, and highly original story, three animal companions discover the ups and downs of friendship and sharing, and what really makes the Pumpkin Soup taste so good.
Rating: *****
A great book to talk about sharing, job roles and even responsibilities and friendships.
Posted in Age 3 reading list, friendship, responsibilities, routine, teamwork | No Comments »