I Can Read

This memorable second easy reader about mouse Penny explores the universal childhood experience of naming things, with Penny pondering what to call the new doll Gram has sent her. Henkes skillfully develops his

characters and story using three brief chapters,

accessible language, intentional repetition, subtle clues, and expressive illustrations to great effect. —Horn Book. Grades K–2.

Lulu’s teacher doesn’t want any more animals in class, but when an unhatched egg winds up in Lulu’s pocket, she finds an unexpected ally. Lulu, a biracial girl in a multicultural classroom, stars in a story great for moving transitional readers to chapter books. —Booklist. Grades 1–3.

Cousins Lulu and Mellie are best friends. In this modern-day, seaside adventure, the girls are vacationing with Lulu’s parents and their beloved old dog, Sam. Having rented a cottage from a persnickety owner, the family hopes for the perfect week full of reading, kite-building, and marathon-training. However, a wayward stray bounds into their lives and turns their plans upside down (along with a few trash cans along the way). McKay hits the nail on the head in this beginning chapter book. Children will delight in the story of how this thieving menace turns into a brave hero and loyal friend, wiggling its way into the hearts of the characters and readers alike. This book is just right for youngsters ready for chapters, with cheerful black-and-white illustrations on almost every other page. Younger children will also enjoy this story as a read-aloud. The plot is universal and the vocabulary hints of a European setting. Family members sticking together to overcome obstacles is the prevalent theme and the happy ending is hoped for, if not expected. This title should be a staple in any early-chapter-book

collection. —School Library Journal. Grades 1–3.

Before becoming The Babe, George Ruth was just a regular kid growing up in Baltimore. Tracing Babe Ruth’s formative years and his first exposure to baseball at St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys, this picture book brings history to life showing that even when Babe made it big, he never forgot where he came from. “The art captures Ruth’s irrepressible personality and joy in playing baseball. Yes, the eyes definitely twinkle.” —Booklist, starred review. Ages 6+

If you are not already taken by the strong and beautiful portrait of Nelson Mandela on the front cover, you will be captured by the equally absorbing story of Mandela’s life on the pages inside. Tracing his life from an orphan, to his studies, to his life as an activist, and ultimately as President of South Africa, this picture book brings his courage, strength, and humanity to young readers. Ending on a note of hope, this biography will both educate and inspire the next generation. Ages 6+

Tracing the origins of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from 1924, Sweet’s biography of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who made the parade balloons come to life, will inspire children that work can actually be fun. Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal for the best non-fiction book of 2012, Sweet shows the vision and science behind the balloons through multi-media graphics and textured illustrations. “Sweet tells this slice of American history well, conveying both Sarg’s enthusiasm and joy in his work as well as the drama and excitement of the parade. . .This one should float off the shelves.” —School Library Journal, starred review. Ages 4+

Wells has written over 120 children’s books and Following Grandfather is among her best. Although this story deals with a young mouse’s loss of a loved one, it remains full of love, family, lessons on self-worth, and even a little humor. The mouse’s parents inherited her grandfather’s restaurant when he retired, and he took over the duties of parenting. Grandfather’s love for Jenny is nearly tangible. When Grandfather passes, Jenny chases his image all over Boston until she discovers her own way to feel close to him again. Though some of the depth that makes this book so beautiful may be lost on some young readers, parents and children alike will enjoy both the text and the beautiful anthropomorphic illustrations. Grades 2–4.

Otter has fallen in love with a fish. Falling in love with one’s food source might strike some as strange, which is exactly what the creatures of the river in which Otter lives say. Raschka (two-time Caldecott winner) creates a strange and beautiful world in which there is social disapproval of this unconventional relationship. By showing the power of love, Otter may inspire young people who have experience with unconventional families to think about what is really important. Grades 1–3.

On her way home from school, Penny composes a song that she just has to sing. She starts to sing it to her parents, who, worried that she’ll wake the babies, tell her to wait. She sings her song to the glass animals in her bedroom, but wishes for a more responsive audience. Penny attempts her song again at supper, but she’s asked to eat. Finally, after dinner, the family gathers and Penny sings her song exuberantly and successfully (with encores). The family joins in, singing and dancing until they are all exhausted. For newly independent readers grades K–2.

Not being science-y at heart, I love books the bridge the gap between poetry and fact. Molly Bang’s Ocean Sunlight has done just that in this lovingly scripted exposition of the sun, the sea, the algae, and us. In the voice of the sun, Bang spins a simple elegant tale of sunlight’s role in the food chain. Perfect for 4- to 6-year-olds, I also keep one on the shelf for myself when I want to be filled with wonder. Grades K–3.