Books for Kids Who Haven't Yet Moved to Chapter Books

A first/second grade parent's frustration - your child can read, but he/she just doesn't want to pick up a chapter book.  They will flip through magazines, they will listen to you read to them, they just won't pick up that book and read it cover to cover for themselves!  I had two like this and I know your frustration!

Thankfully there are more and more fun and clever books out there that will appeal to this type of reader.  Author's are channeling their creativity towards these children, which means greater opportunities to get really good early reader books into kid's hands.  In fact, Scholastic has started a whole new division, Branches, to target just these children, and I am reviewing two of their new book series today.

Enjoy this weeks picks and please refer to my older blogs, Calling All Early Readers, I Want a Good Early Reader and Conquering the Early Chapter Book for more spot on selections.  Whether you child needs to work up to chapter books, or whether they need a light read to add to the mix, these books are a great addition.

Title:       Bink & Gollie: Best Friends Forever

Author:   Kate DiCamillo & Allison McGhee

Target:    Kindergarten - Grade 2

Series:     Yes

What this book is about:
Bink and Gollie are the odd couple of kid’s books.  Bink is short, blond and a mess, Gollie is tall, brunette and put together.  However, together they are the best of friends and they bring out the best in each other.  In their third set of adventures, Gollie finds out she comes from royalty, but when she lets it go to her head, Bink is there to set her straight.  In the second story, Bink buys a contraption to help her get taller, but finds a much better use for all the parts in the end.  In the final story, the girls decide that they should collect something to get their picture in a book.  Well, they do get their picture in the book, but not the way they expected.

Why I love this book:
I was not a huge fan of the first Bink & Gollie set of adventures.  They second book came out, and I found it much more appealing.  Well, let’s just say that the third time is a charm.  This book is my favorite one by far.  The quirky humor, the site gags and even the relationship between the girls is spot on in this installment.  The authors have truly found their rhythm and I can’t wait for book number four!

The stories definitely have two levels and they really are quite profound if you think about them carefully.  However on the surface they are charming, funny and quite endearing.

Who this book is for:
This is an early reader book with challenge words.  A sentence or two per page with bountiful illustrations.  Even though the main characters are girls, this book should appeal to either sex.  Nothing gender specific in the stories.

Final thoughts:
Kudos to you Bink and Gollie for your lovely and funny friendship!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog, at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Title:       Boris on the Move

Author:   Andrew Joyner

Target:    Grades 1-2

Series:     Yes

What this book is about:

Boris lives in a motor home that doesn’t motor anywhere anymore.  His parents used to be explorers, but since Boris was born, staying close to home has been more important.  Boris begs them for an adventure and when the motor starts up and they drive away, Boris is sure they are headed for an amazing journey.  But when they stop at the local conservation park, Boris is sure his chances for adventure are ruined, or are they?

Why I love this book:

Boris is a cute character with charm and heart.  You completely feel for him when he ends up at the local park and the illustrations are well done and tie nicely with the story.  

Who this book is for:

This book is for kids who are either intimidated by chapter books or want a simpler read.  The vocabulary is for older kids, but there are only one or two sentences per page with large illustrations throughout.  

Final thoughts:

Boris is a cute character and I will be interested to see where the author takes him.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Boris #1: Boris on the Move (A Branches Book)  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog, at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Title:       Missy’s Super Duper Royal Deluxe Picture Day

Author:   Susan Nees

Target:    Grades 1-2

Series:     Yes

What this book is about:

Missy is all about the sparkle, the razzle, the dazzle, the stripes and the ruffles.  When picture day rolls around, she can’t wait to make an impression.  However, her vision does not quite align with her mom, who makes her wear the most boring outfit ever.  Will she be able to save the day and make her class picture as memorable as she hoped?

Why I love this book:

Fun start to a new series.  I love the spunk and enthusiasm of Missy.  While the cover is pink, Missy is not necessarily girly which I liked.  I would describe her as more determined and quirky. The illustrations are also fun and engaging.

The author includes talk bubbles and cute captions which adds to the charm of the story.  It feels like you will get a little more out of the story every time you read it. 

Who this book is for:

This book is great for kids who are intimidated by early chapter books.  Whlle the vocabulary is at a 1st and 2nd grade level, there is only a sentence or two per page with plentiful illustrations.  Boys could enjoy this book but will probably be turned off by the girly cover.

Final thoughts:

Can’t wait for the next set of adventures!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amzaon: Missy's Super Duper Royal Deluxe #1: Picture Day (A Branches Book)  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame ... I Mean Yakyu?

I had meant to include this book in my Baseball Opening Day post.  Too many books on the pile!

I hope you enjoy this fun take on baseball!  The season is still in full swing so no excuse not to bring this book home.

Title:       Take Me Out to the Yaykyu

Author:   Aaron Meshon

Target:     Preschool - Grade 1

What this book is about:
This book is a charming comparison of baseball in the US and baseball in Japan.  From the foam fingers, and hot dogs in the US to the plastic horns and soba noodles in Japan, the game may be played the same but the fans each celebrate in their own way.   The one thing the fans have in common - the joy of the game.

Why I love this book:
First off the illustrations are wonderful.  Strong colors and graphics set this book apart with the author/illustrator using blue themes for the US and red for Japan.  

I also loved learning about how the experience of baseball is different for a Japanese fan.  No seventh inning stretch, instead they release balloons.  They only play up to twelve innings, so a game can end in a tie - if they went longer no one would be able to catch the train home.

Who this book if for:
Kids who enjoy going to baseball games will love seeing the different experiences kids their age have in another country.

Final thoughts:
A home run - oh come on, you know I had to write it!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Take Me Out to the Yakyu  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Can't Miss Graphic Novels for Kids

In honor of Mother's Day I am doing my least favorite genre - graphic novels!

Oh, I have found many that I actually enjoy, but in vetting graphic novels for the blog, I read quite a few duds.  Maybe I am just from another generation, but there are so many graphic novels out there where the story is hard to follow, or where the text is so small that I miss so much.  I admit it, I'm old!  However, when I do find a graphic novel that works, it is like getting a good prize in the Cracker Jacks box!

So here's to the best of a genre that I may find trying, but kids love them.  And in the end, getting kids excited about books is what it is all about.  So I will suffer through .... for you!

Book:       Amazing Greek Myths of Wonder and Blunders

Author:    Michael Townsend

Target:     Grades 3-6

Series:      No

What this book is about:
Get a bag.  In it put comics, a love greek myths, quirky humor, bold and colorful illustrations and throw in some clever gags and a set of bunnies for good measure, shake, and you have the Amazing Greek Myths of Wonder and Blunders.  Townsend has retold nine relatively famous greek myths in a humorous fashion, with just enough modern sensibilities to keep readers utterly engaged.  The basic stories stay true to the originals, and Townsend has not forgotten the moral at the end of every tale.

Why I love this book:
Townsend has made greek myths interesting and funny, even for kids who don’t think they care about greek myths.  Now that, my friends, is talent.  I enjoyed all of the stories, but even the few that weren’t necessarily my favorites, I was completely invested in seeing how he tackled them, and I was never disappointed.

I dare your kids not to enjoy this book, no I really do.  I double dog dare them!

Who this book is for:
Kids who like comics, Percy Jackson and a good chuckle.  Perhaps I have gone too far, because kids will actually have no idea they are learning something, so lets just go with kids who want a good laugh.

Final thoughts:
I hate the cover.  No one in my family picked this book up, until I shoved it into their hot little hands, and then forget about getting it back!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Amazing Greek Myths of Wonder and Blunders  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog, at no cost to you.  Yipee!

Title:       Stickman Odyssey

Author:   Christopher Ford

Target:    Grades 4-6

Series:     Yes

What this book is about:

Ok, here goes!  Zozimos is a stickman who is looking to return to his kingdom, Sticatha.  Along the way he tumbles into quest after quest, fighting golems and monsters, but never seems to get closer to his kingdom!

Why I love this book:

While I can’t say this book impressed the socks off of me, I did have to wait while all my kids read it before I got my turn!  It is quirky and more than a little silly, but I think that quite appealed to my brood.  It loosely (and I mean loosely) follows the story of Homer’s Odyssey.  The drawings are literally stick figures and lack any detail, but surprisingly they work with the story!

Who this book is for:

This book is especially good for reluctant readers.  It is fast and funny and the graphic novel format will appeal to them.  However, I am sure quite a few kids will enjoy this zany tale.  

Final thoughts:

This book definitely takes doodles to the next level!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Stickman Odyssey, Book 1: An Epic Doodle  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog, at no cost to you.  Yipee!

Title:       Crogan’s Vengeance

Author:   Chris Schweizer

Target:    Grades 7 and up

Series:     Yes

What this book is about:

The Crogan family is widespread, and their adventures infamous.  In this book, we learn about “catfoot” Crogan, the pirate from the 1700’s.  He is faced with a moral dilemma when the ship he is sailing on is captured by pirates.  He becomes a pirate to save his skin, but will living by the “pirate code” be enough to ease his conscience?  The story is full of water battles, thunder storms and plunders.

Why I love this book:

This book is a lot of fun with action and adventure everywhere.  The fact that it also includes a bigger moral lesson simply makes it more substantial fare.  I love that throughout the book series we learn about the Crogans who were minute men in the civil war, gunfighters in the old west and private eyes in the 1950’s.   These books actually appeal to a teenage boy - imagine that!

The artwork is quite descriptive and the speech bubbles where big enough to read, although they may have detracted a bit from the pictures.  This is a swashbuckling tale where not all decisions are necessarily black and white, but I think kids will appreciate that.

Who this book is for:

I have targeted this book older because of some of the violence.  While I appreciate that none of it is drawn explicitly, it is inferred, so if you want a younger child to read this book, you need to be aware that it is there.  Also, kids who like Nathan Hale's Adventures will like these books.

Final thoughts:

My older son has read and reread all three books that have been released.  You don’t need to read them in order.  Their historical appeal is quite enticing!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon:Crogan's Vengeance (Crogan Adventures 1) (The Crogan Adventures) (Crogan's Adventures)  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog, at no cost to you.  Yippe!

Building Our House for Picture Book Friday

In the next few months I expect the Caldecott chatter to start picking up.  The Caldecott, for those not versed in the plethora of book awards, is the equivalent of the Oscars for picture books.  Until this year, I didn't particularly like very many of the winners.  But I am a consumer with specific tastes, and my criteria for picture books is often times not what makes for a distinguished book.

I like books with silly artwork and a serious sense of humor.  I love picture books that engage kids from the first page and hold them in rapt attention so that I feel like a rock star while reading to them.  However, I do have to expand my view, as there are quieter books that can also touch kids that may not come out of the gate swinging.

So I try to give you my favorite picks of these award contenders that seem to bridge the gap between noteworthy and also kid worthy.  This week the book I selected has had a lot of good talk and starred reviews surrounding it.  It is quieter but I love the story concept and I think it can capture a child's and parent's imagination.

Title:       Building Our House

Author:   Jonathan Bean

Target:    Preschool - Grade 2

What this book is about:
This book is about a family who buys a field and builds a house there, themselves!  They live in a small trailer while they build the foundation, have a frame raising party, install a roof and insulate the house.  The kids are there every step of the journey, watching the trucks, measuring the lumber and helping fill the concrete mixer.  After a year and half they have a house to call a home.

Why I love this book:
I love that this is a true story and we get to see pictures of the actual process in the back.  I think kids will really enjoy knowing what it takes to build a house.  For truck lovers, there are plenty in action in this book for them to find.

The illustrations are charming and not very technical, so they have a homey feel.  They still give kids a good sense of all the work that goes into building a house.

Who this book is for:
Great for most kids.  The story is told from girl's perspective, and while that does not create a gender specific story, it is a nice balance to the trucks and construction.

Final thoughts:
I think I should be nicer to my contractor!

Books for Kids Who Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid

It's about that time for another post on books to read after Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  These combination graphic novels/chapter books are so appealing, and I have to admit, that when well done, even I am a fan.  It is very hard to walk the line between clever and stupid, and thankfully these authors stay on the funny side.

I know some parents continue to fret about these books and whether they are considered reading.  Let me tell you that if they get your kids excited about books and they don't want to put the story down, that is reading.  And the more they read, the better they get at it and the more they will interject some variety into their choices- I promise!  So if your child is so inclined, here are some very clever books, by some very talented authors that will get your child excited about the power of a story.

Don't forget to check out my earlier posts with more suggestions for kids who like Diary of a Wimpy Kid books: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Blessing or Curse? and Kids Summer Reading List

Title:       Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

Author:   Stephan Pastis

Target:    Grades 3-6

Series:     Not yet

What this book is about:
Our main character is Timmy Failure, yes you got that right.  The family name was once Fayleure, but somebody changed it.  Timmy is the founder of the Total Failure Detective Agency.  Detective work is a competitive business in this town and Timmy’s arch nemesis Corinna Corrina is always one step ahead of him.  Between trying to solve cases, moving into a new apartment. attempting not to have to repeat a grade in school, and managing a 1,500 lb. polar bear, Timmy has his hands full.

Why I love this book:
Ok, let me say that if you are not a fan of deadpan humor, than this book is not for you or your child.  Pastis nails Timmy’s character and his comic timing is impeccable.  My oldest son called this Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets Calvin and Hobbs.  High praise from him indeed!

I have to say that while this book has absolutely funny laugh out loud moments, it also has an undercurrent of a sad reality.  Timmy’s life is really difficult and his bravado gets him through some tough times.  I think this elevates the book from simply funny fare to something more.   However, on a happy note, Timmy does have people in his life who love him and are rooting for him so we can laugh at the funny stuff without feeling bad.

Who this book is for:
This is a good book for reluctant readers because of the short chapters and illustrations on every page.  The humor is stylized, so for kids who get it, it will be very funny.  My kids would actually run into the family room and read passages of the book to me that they just couldn’t keep to themselves.

Final thoughts:
Mistakes were made, but not in the writing of this book (see ... a little play on the title, in case you missed it.)

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog - at no cost to you.  Yipe!

Title:       Stick Dog

Author:   Tom Watson

Target:    Grades 3-5

Series:     Yes

What this book is about:

This is the lighthearted adventure of Stick Dog and his friends Karen, Mutt, Stripes and Poo Poo (not the gross kind, because he is a POO-dle.)  They are on a quest to get their paws on the hamburgers that a family is grilling in a local park.  While well intentioned, Stick Dog’s friends are not the brightest pups in the kennel, and Stick Dog must come up with a plan to get them fed.

Why I love this book:

I was a little reticent of this one at first.  However, I really liked the humor.   It is not actually gross, but in fact a little sophisticated.  Stick Dog plays the straight man in this story to his less than intelligent, but well meaning friends.  As they chase squirrels and propose outlandish plans, Stick Dog keeps them on track for their goal - diner!

While the drawings in the book are in fact stick figures, they work well with the story and are at times quite charming.  Very reminiscent of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid format.

Who this book is for:

Good for reluctant readers because of the format, which is not overwhelming.  This will be a quick but entertaining read for strong readers.

Final thoughts:

I can’t wait for the next set of adventures from Stick Dog and his friends.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Stick Dog  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog - at no cost to you.  Yipe!

Title:       The 13-Story Treehouse

Author:   Andy Griffiths

Target:    Grades 2-5

Series:     This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about:

Well, how do I describe this book?  Andy and Terry live in a - you guessed it - 13-story treehouse.  This treehouse is replete with a see-through swimming pool,  a lemonade fountain, a vegetable vaporizer and marshmallow shooting machine.  Really, what is not to love.  The story, if you can call it that, is that Andy and Terry must deliver a book to their publisher (yes they are kids) by 5 o’clock the next day, which they have not yet started.  And, it appears that they if their crazy happenstance's continue, they may never find the time to start this book.

Why I love this book:

Andy Griffiths is well known for his ridiculous stories, and this one holds up the tradition admirably.  While not really a story, it is more of a series of adventures that Andy and Terry encounter or more to the point - create.  The adventures are outlandish and imaginative and I think kids will really enjoy them.  Nothing is particularly gross, which is nice, but the stories border more on the absurd.

I also think kids will love the idea of a fantastical treehouse.  Who hasn’t hoped for something this cool?

Who this book is for:

This book is nice for reluctant readers because the pictures are liberally displayed throughout the text and are even part of the comedy.  Kids who like the diary type books will also enjoy this book.

Final thoughts:

Thankfully what happens in the treehouse does not stay in the treehouse! 

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The 13-Story Treehouse  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog - at no cost to you. Yipe!

King Bidgood's in the Bathtub for Picture Book Friday!

This Friday I thought I would bring out one of the picture book classics.  This is a book I discovered with my first born many years ago.  However, don't let the "classic" title dissuade you.  This book is just as clever and funny today as it was twelve years ago when I read it to my son.

I don't even have a copy to photograph this week because the book jacket was lost years ago, and I suspect the actual book has been near our own bathtub more than a few times.  I actually wish all my books looked this bad, because it means it was well loved, and really isn't that the goal?

Title:       King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub

Author:   Audrey & Don Wood

Target:    Preschool - Kindergarten

Caldecott Honor Book

What this book is about:
King Bidgood has gotten into the bathtub and rue the day he will get out!  His court tries tirelessly to find ways to get him out of the bath, from calling him to battle to calling him for lunch, but the King always finds a way to conduct his activities in the tub!  It is not until a very clever page uses his wits, that the problem is solved.

Why I love this book:
First the artwork is gorgeous.  Every time I read this book I am blown away by the rich details of the pictures.  

But the heart of this book is just plain fun.  As the page cries for help, and the court continues to be befuddled on how to get the King out, we see them doing more and more activities in the tub.

The authors have used a repetitious format for the dialogue which makes it great fun for a read aloud.  The kids can predict the sequence of the narrative and it is wonderful to ask them if they think this next activity will finally get the King out of the tub.  Of course it never does and it is a raucous delight to see the characters perform that activity .... in the tub! 

The ending is a pleasure and doesn’t disappoint.  No I am not giving it away, you will have to read the book to find out!

Who this book is for:
Great book for all kids.  Full of fun.

Final thoughts:
The Woods have produced a prodigious volume of great children’s books, but this one remains my absolute favorite!

To purchase this book from Amazon, click on the following link: King Bidgood's in the Bathtub  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.

Sports Books for Kids

I have decided to pursue a sports theme this week.  Perhaps it is because I am feeling guilty that I did all girl books last week.  Perhaps it is because my son is in the middle of tennis season and I am hoping that he will decide to work hard on his sport because he loves it and not because his parents force him to play.  Too much information?

Well whatever the reason, this week it is all sports all the time.  From baseball to soccer to a book that covers every sport a guy could want, let the reading begin!

You can also check out more sports books I have reviewed at the following links: The Best Baseball Books Your Kids Haven't Read, and Balls, Bats and Boys.

Title:          Guys Read The Sports Pages

Edited By: Jon Scieszka

Target:       Grades 5-8

Series:        Yes, there are other topics in the Guys Read series including Humor and Thrills.

What this book is about:
This book is a set of ten short stories written by a variety of authors.  The overlying theme of each essay is sports.  The sports profiled include baseball, football, track, hockey, and basketball.

Why I love this book:
First off I love the format of ten short stories.  I think it provides a great reading experience for boys.  Many times older boys are reluctant readers or they don’t have the time to devote to a full novel.  The smaller stories mean that they can pick the book up and finish a narrative in one day, or if they don’t like one of the stories, they can just skip it.

I also enjoy so many of the authors who are featured.  Dan Gutman is a favorite of mine, and his story was the first and probably my favorite of the ten.  It focuses on the crazy rituals fans have in baseball.  One of the stories is an interview with hockey player Dustin Brown.  Hearing his journey to the NHL was really eye opening.  He talked about his failures, his hard work and what it took to make it as a professional hockey player.

I have to admit that not all the stories are created equal.  A few in the middle didn’t resonate for me.  The story of James Brown’s college recruiting will probably not be a page turner for most kids.  The track and field piece was a bit underdeveloped and the abuse suffered by the boy in the Meat Grinder story was a little dark, but other than that, most of the pieces were funny and thought provoking.

Who this book is for:
This book is intended and written for boys, and I think it does a good job of providing a variety of reading experiences for them in one book.

Final thoughts:
The US Department of Education reading tests for the last 30 years show boys scoring worse than girls in every age group, every year - so bringing home books that encourage our boys to read is so important.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Guys Read: The Sports Pages  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog.

Title:       Plunked

Author:   Michael Northrop

Target:    Grades 4-6

Series:     No

What this book is about:

Jack loves baseball, it is what defines him.  When he wins the coveted starting position in left field in his last year in the Little League Majors, he knows this will be a great season.  However, a routine at bat leads to Jack being hit in the face by a wild pitch.  With his confidence shaken, he is not longer worried about keeping his starting position, but about whether or not he should be playing baseball at all.

Why I love this book:

I really liked Jack.  His voice felt real.  My son got hit in the hand by a pitch several years ago, and I remember how we had to build his confidence back, so this story especially rang true for me.  Northrop sneaks some humor into the book as well.  While I wouldn’t call it laugh out loud funny, there were parts that certainly put a smile on my face, and places were the book did not take itself too seriously!  A good thing. 

I think for boys, Jack’s confidence and concerns will ring true and that the book will speak to them.

Who this book is for:

You do have to know a little about baseball to get the most out of this book, but for boys who like sports, this book will be a good fit.

Final thoughts:

The mental aspect of sports can be just as important, if not more, than the physical game.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Plunked  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog.

Title:       Beyond Lucky

Author:   Sarah Aronson

Target:    Grades 5-8

Series:      No

What this book is about:
Ari Fish loves soccer.  Ari Fish is extremely superstitious.  When he finds a Wayne Timco soccer card, the greatest soccer goalie to come out of Ari’s home town, he knows that luck is on his side.  Still, problems with his best friend, having a girl join their soccer team and figuring out the true value of teamwork are at the heart of this book.

Why I love this book:
Alert, the first chapter is not so good, but once you get past that, this book absolutely sucks you in so stick with it!  By the fourth chapter I did not want to put the book down.  Ari is such a likable character who works hard, doubts himself and struggles with doing the right thing.  I was totally caught up in the soccer games and the mystery left me guessing until the end.  

Who this book is for:
The soccer games were well written, so I would recommend it for kids who play, they will be able to relate to the game situations.  However, it is easy to get caught up in the story, and many of the issues of being on a team are relevant no matter what sport your child plays.

Final thoughts:
It’s a keeper (a little soccer humor for you goalies out there!)

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Beyond Lucky  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog.