Sunday, May 19, 2013

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 ReadersI 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!

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