Sunday, December 1, 2013

Early Readers Your Kids Won't Want to Put Down

I am taking on early reader/chapter books today.  I think this may be one of the hardest times for parents - when kids are just learning to read and want something more that a few lines per page but can't yet tackle a full on chapter book.  You don't want them to get discouraged, yet you want to challenge them to improve.  What is a parent to do?

Well don't dismay.  Try a variety of books.  Some will peak their interest and they will give them a try, some may be a little too hard at this point in time.  Put them aside and try again later.  But most of all, try and remember that reading is fun and more than anything you want your kids to think of themselves as readers.  I hope that some of these books will get them nose deep in a good story.

This week I have books about the origins and adventures of the Greek gods, the life of twin sisters and some bathroom reading - literally.  How can you pass those up?

Don't forget to Like One Great Book on Facebook or Twitter for all the early reader chapter books that will engage kids in a story.  It won't be a "waste" of time.  Oh come on, I have a potty book, how could I resist?


Title:       Toilet:How it Works

Author:   David Macaulay

Target:    Kindergarten - Grade 3

What this book is about:
This early reader book takes us behind the scenes of an appliance that we use every day, but probably take for granted.  Readers get to learn a little of the many uses for a toilet (fish burial for one), some biology on how waste is produced, the mechanisms that actually cause a toilet to flush (keep your eye on the float), and what happens to the waste as it enters the sewer system.

Why I love this book:
This book takes bathroom humor to a whole new level!  While the book imparts quite a bit of interesting information that you never knew you wanted to know, it somehow never takes itself too seriously.  It never enters into the realm of “potty humor” or maybe I should say crass humor because there is a lot of actual potty humor.  I was amazed at how much I learned about the mechanics of the toilet and how waste is handled.

The pictures do play an integral part in the story.  They are not merely to illustrate the text, but they actually help kids understand the components of the toilet and waste removal system.  They also illustrate some of the funny parts of the subject ... I mean come on ... it’s toilets!

Who this book is for:
Any kids who like to understand the way things work and who are ready for some independent reading.

Final thoughts:
The four flush salute to a book that handles a subject we all experience with humor and intelligence.

Purchase this book:
To purchase this book from Amazon, click on the following link: Toilet: How It Works (My Readers. Level 4)  A percentage of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.



Title:       Heroes in Training:Poseidon and the Sea of Fury

Authors:  Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams

Target:    Grades 1-3

Series:    Yes, this is the second book

What this book is about:
In this second book in the series, a young Zeus still has no idea he is the son of a Titan, as he travels with Hera and Poseidon to find a trident, which was predicted in the prophecy of the oracle.  As they make their way to the sea, Poseidon suddenly finds he is quite at home in the water, especially when Oceanus shows up, not wanting to give up said trident.  A battle ensues but even if they prevail, Cronus has lots of Creatures of Chaos for them to battle.

Why I love this book:
This is one early chapter book series that I really enjoy.  It is quite a good primer for Greek mythology while telling an adventurous story.  The authors also inject quite a bit of humor to keep the mood light and kids laughing.  Kids will also relate better to the stories since Zeus is their age.

Who this book is for:
Kids who have moved into chapter books should enjoy this story.  Also it is a great book for kids interested in Percy Jackson who are not quite ready for that series.

Final thoughts:
Best to read them in order.  Zeus and the Thunderbolt is the first book in the series.

Purchase this book:
To purchase this book from Amazon, click on the following link: Poseidon and the Sea of Fury (Heroes in Training)  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.




Title:       The Two and Only Kelly Twins

Author:   Johanna Hurwitz

Target:    Grades 1-3

Series:     This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about:
Second graders Arlene and Ilene are identical twins - with different birthdays.  On was born on July 17 at 11:55 pm and the other on July 18 at 12:03 am!  They dress alike and sound alike so it is very hard to tell them apart.  Each chapter is an adventure they have, from meeting triplets to getting new pets, but through the series of stories they find that while they are very lucky to have each other, sometimes it is better not to be alike in every way.  

Why I love this book:
First off the illustrations by Tuesday Mourning (love the name) are just great.  They are charming without being too cutesy.  Sprinkled throughout the narrative they definitely add to the story.  Also, she put glasses on the girls.  I know it is a little thing, but my kids wear them,  so it’s nice to see them added to characters without making a big deal out of it.

I also really enjoyed the the interaction of the sisters.  Their conversations and conflicts felt real and not contrived.  And who doesn’t enjoy reading about twins?  There is always some point during a kid's life that they wish they had a twin brother or sister.

Who this book is for:
Kids who are confident enough for a solid chapter book.  Type is large, and pictures are scattered throughout, but not on each page.

Final thoughts:
A nice addition to the early chapter book category!

Purchase this book:
To purchase this book from Amazon, click on the following link: The Two and Only Kelly Twins  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.

No comments:

Post a Comment