These simpler books are a transition to independent reading for first and second grade readers.
Published: 2003 Theme: First Chapter Book Best for: 6 to 9 "And the strange thing was - which Horace noticed- the strange thing was, the baby carriage...was barking." This "first chapter book" is a treat - it has some humor, as well as unusual elements such as maps and timetables for the reader to follow. It has a simple plot, with an attempt for the story to be a mystery to be solved, but the clues are present on every page.
Published: 2012 Theme: Light-hearted Mystery Best for: 6 to 9 "Nice people smile a lot, and Precious Ramotswe was one of the nicest girls in Botswana. Everyone said so." Oh joy! My favorite adult author, Alexander McCall Smith, has recreated his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency as a series for young children.
Published: 2013 Theme: Growing up Best for: Girls 8 to 10 "As she handed me back my most worn-out underwear, I realized she wasn't going to be at camp with me at all. Not even to help me put my things away...Or tuck me in, under my thin sleeping bag." In this children's book, we go away with Eleanor to summer camp, which starts out dreadful, and ends up wonderful. It's a great book for any young girl going off to sleep-away camp for the first time
Published: 1958 Theme: Early Reader Best for: 5 to 8 "If you can count," said the big, hungry alligator, "maybe you will count my teeth. I have always wanted someone to count my teeth. I will open my mouth wide. Then you two can get in and count all my teeth. All the way to the back of my mouth." In this easy reader, a young girl has the ideal way to deal with her two young cousins who are pinching, and fighting, and biting. Tell a tale about crocodiles...
Published: 1961 Theme: Early Reader Book Best for: 5 to 8 "One spring day, when Mother Bear was little, she found a baby robin in the garden. A baby robin, too little to fly. "Oh how sweet you are," she said, "Where did you come from?" "From my nest," said the robin..." When a child can pick up a children's book and read it on their own, it's as big as learning to ride a bike. The "I Can Read" series is perfect for new readers...
Published: 2011 Theme: Growing up Best for: 7 - 9 "After her very important call my mom sat on the couch with me and read five whole chapters of a book to me... And when we got to the happy ending, my mom's eyes got red...My mom always cries at happy endings." Here's one of the absolute best early readers/ first chapter books I've come across. The writing is simple, laid out with only a few words on a line for ease of reading...
Published: 2014 Theme: First Chapter Book Best for: 5 to 8 "Being an explorer's assistant is hard work," said Harold. "Being an explorer is even harder!" said Pigsticks. Harold wasn't convinced. He hadn't realized that The Ends of the Earth would be so far away." Interspersed with delightful illustrations, filled with humor and jokes, this is a fabulous first chapter book...
Published: 2014 Theme: Emily Dickinson Best for: 7 to 9 "She needs our eyes to see these things for her, for --playful as she is with us-- she isn't part of the world's hubbub anymore. She is getting old!" This poetic children's book is a wonderful addition to bringing Emily Dickinson to young people, depicting her playful nature with children.
Published: 2014 Theme: Friendship, First Chapter Book Best for: 5 to 8 "Under the kitchen sink, where the beetles live, there is an art studio just for Marvin. James gives him paper and ink. He can draw and draw. Marvin loves making pictures. But today he just doesn't feel like it." This children's book succeeds on several counts - imagination (the world as seen by beetles), clear simple writing, and a single message: friendship.
Published: 2010 Theme: First Chapter Book Best for: 5 - 8 “The cat ran out of the kitchen. The pig ran after him. It was a chase. Mercy loved a chase.” It’s easy to love Kate DiCamillo’s writing, as she seems to know just what children enjoy...
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