Needing some gift giving suggestions this season? Trying to build a home library for your child? Not sure what titles to include? The Association for Library Service to Children in cooperation with the Children's Book Council have collaborated to create lists that will prove to be very helpful in selecting book titles for the young ones in your life that are proven to be high quality literature. Each of their "Building a Home Library" bibliographies are age specific that will be developmentally appropriate to that age group. The two-aged book lists (in PDF format) include:
For Children Ages 0-3
For Children Ages 4-7
For Children Ages 8-11
For Children Ages 12-14
If you would like to preview a title before you decide to purchase it, please feel free to stop by the library and check it out! We'll be happy to help!
Showing posts with label booklists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label booklists. Show all posts
Monday, December 5, 2016
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Summer Reading Books Suggestions for 2016
Parents, are you scratching your head wondering what your birth through 8th grader should read this summer? The Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association has their annual Summer Reading Book List available online now! Download a PDF color copy for yourself, or pick one up from the children's room at the library! There's some really great books on these lists that you surely don't want to miss out on!
Birth to Preschool
Grades Kindergarten to 2nd
Grades 3rd to 5th
Grades 6th to 8th
Birth to Preschool
Grades Kindergarten to 2nd
Grades 3rd to 5th
Grades 6th to 8th
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Building Your Child's Home Library
The American Library Association (ALA)-Children’s Book Council (CBC) Joint Committee, with cooperation from the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)’s Quicklists Consulting Committee, have updated and published four Building a Home Library bibliographies. These provide guidance to parents, grandparents, and others interested in assembling a high-quality library for their children at home. These lists include tried and true classics; under the radar gems; multicultural books; and new, yet notable, reads for all ages. Visit this link to access these booklists. Not sure about purchasing some of these books for your home library yet? That's OK. Come to the library to check them out before you buy!
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Books Shared at Templeton & Deer Creek Elementary
This week I had the privilege to visit students at Templeton Elementary and Deer Creek Elementary schools. During my visits I told the kids about the 2016 summer reading program and all of the events we will be hosting at the library while school is out. At some of the classes, I was able to tell some of the students about some new or recently new books, many of which are based on our sports and fitness reading theme. Check out this photo of the books I shared:
Does your Kindergarten through fifth grader recognize any of those book covers in this photo? If so, we've got all those books here at the library! (The books are not organized by reading level, but by size so I could fit them all in my snapshot!) Here's an explanation of what sorts of books they are:
Picture Books
Are We There Yet? By Dan Santat
H.O.R.S.E.: A Game of Basketball and Imagination by Christopher Myers
Does your Kindergarten through fifth grader recognize any of those book covers in this photo? If so, we've got all those books here at the library! (The books are not organized by reading level, but by size so I could fit them all in my snapshot!) Here's an explanation of what sorts of books they are:
Picture Books
Are We There Yet? By Dan Santat
H.O.R.S.E.: A Game of Basketball and Imagination by Christopher Myers
Early Readers
Dance Dance Underpants (Ballet Cat Series) by Bob Shea
Don’t Throw it to Mo! by David Adler
Juvenile Biography
Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson
Transitional Chapter Books
Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny by John Himmelman
A Mysterious Egg
Juvenile Fiction
Pax by Sara Pennypacker
Booked by Kwame Alexander
Crossover by Kwame Alexander
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Juvenile Graphic Novels
The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
Red’s Planet by Eddie Pittman
Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm
Thursday, April 28, 2016
New Books for Arbor Day 2016
It feels like every year I do a post on Arbor Day books. I can't help myself. I'm an Oregonian Tree Hugger and I'm not ashamed of it either! I am so pleased to share even more books about trees...books that are brand new. So place your holds now so you can be a book lover and a tree hugger (just like me!) this Arbor Day, April 29, 2016!
Secret Tree Fort by Brianne Farley
I LOVE trees and I LOVED building forts when I was a kid. Here's the story about a tree that is ideal for reading quietly under, plus being the foundation for the most magnificent tree fort. It also makes for the perfect setting for about squabbling sisters. So any way you look at it, trees are perfect for any sort of childhood situation.
The Cow Who Climbed a Tree by Gemma Merino
Now this is the silliest tree story that I've ever read! Who knew that cows could climb trees? Well, Tina the Cow certainly can! And when she does, she meets new friends up in the branches. Her sister thinks her experience is "Impossible! Ridiculous!" and full of "Nonsense!" Just wait until you read this one. Readers will be in for a surprise!
From Apple Trees to Cider, Please! by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky
There's an apple festival underway at the farm and lots of work to do to make the cider. This visit finishes with a cider doughnut and a cup of freshly pressed cider. It's DELICIOUS! Told in crisp, action-driven rhymes from a young child's point of view, here's a realistic account of how apple cider is pressed, flavored with the charm and vigor of a harvest celebration.
Little Tree by Loren Long
Little Tree is very happy in the forest, where he is surrounded by other little trees and his leaves keep him cool in the heat of summer, but when autumn comes and the other trees drop their leaves, Little Tree cannot be persuaded to let his go, even after they wither and turn brown.
The Little Tree That Would Not Share by Nicoletta Costa
The Tree in the Courtyard by Jeff Gottesfeld
A horse chestnut tree lived outside of Anne Frank's window. The tree watched her play, laugh, and write in her diary. When strangers invaded the city and warplanes roared overhead, the tree watched the Anne peek out of the curtained window of the annex. It watched as she and her family were taken away and when her father returned after the war, alone. Sadly, the tree died the summer Anne Frank would have turned 81, but its seeds and saplings have been planted around the world as a symbol of peace. Its story, and Anne's story, are beautifully told and illustrated in this powerful picture book illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Peter McCarty.
Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup
A peek-through hole on the cover of the book continues on each page to the very end in this book where children can view the seasonal changes of a tree.. I really love the bold and vibrant color illustrations. Plus, this book will be a lot of fun especially for toddlers!
The 52-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths (Juvenile Fiction)
This series started off with a 13-story treehouse, now it has evolved into 52-stories. Now Andy and Terry must try to solve the mystery of: What happened to Mr. Big Nose? Because it's hard to turn in your next book when your publisher has vanished!
Secret Tree Fort by Brianne FarleyI LOVE trees and I LOVED building forts when I was a kid. Here's the story about a tree that is ideal for reading quietly under, plus being the foundation for the most magnificent tree fort. It also makes for the perfect setting for about squabbling sisters. So any way you look at it, trees are perfect for any sort of childhood situation.
The Cow Who Climbed a Tree by Gemma MerinoNow this is the silliest tree story that I've ever read! Who knew that cows could climb trees? Well, Tina the Cow certainly can! And when she does, she meets new friends up in the branches. Her sister thinks her experience is "Impossible! Ridiculous!" and full of "Nonsense!" Just wait until you read this one. Readers will be in for a surprise!
There's an apple festival underway at the farm and lots of work to do to make the cider. This visit finishes with a cider doughnut and a cup of freshly pressed cider. It's DELICIOUS! Told in crisp, action-driven rhymes from a young child's point of view, here's a realistic account of how apple cider is pressed, flavored with the charm and vigor of a harvest celebration.
Little Tree is very happy in the forest, where he is surrounded by other little trees and his leaves keep him cool in the heat of summer, but when autumn comes and the other trees drop their leaves, Little Tree cannot be persuaded to let his go, even after they wither and turn brown.
The Little Tree That Would Not Share by Nicoletta Costa
A horse chestnut tree lived outside of Anne Frank's window. The tree watched her play, laugh, and write in her diary. When strangers invaded the city and warplanes roared overhead, the tree watched the Anne peek out of the curtained window of the annex. It watched as she and her family were taken away and when her father returned after the war, alone. Sadly, the tree died the summer Anne Frank would have turned 81, but its seeds and saplings have been planted around the world as a symbol of peace. Its story, and Anne's story, are beautifully told and illustrated in this powerful picture book illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Peter McCarty.
A peek-through hole on the cover of the book continues on each page to the very end in this book where children can view the seasonal changes of a tree.. I really love the bold and vibrant color illustrations. Plus, this book will be a lot of fun especially for toddlers!
This series started off with a 13-story treehouse, now it has evolved into 52-stories. Now Andy and Terry must try to solve the mystery of: What happened to Mr. Big Nose? Because it's hard to turn in your next book when your publisher has vanished!
Monday, April 25, 2016
Novels in Verse
Since it is still National Poetry Month is about to come to an end and I've already blogged about my favorite recently published poetry books for children, I thought I should also include books that I have really enjoyed that have been written in verse. Never heard of novels written in verse? They are a type of narrative in which a novel-length narrative is told through poetry rather than through prose. These books can be simply written or have complex stanzas. Some books will have just one narrator and some will have multiple voices with dialogue and narration.
If you have a elementary or middle school student at home who struggles with reading, these books are perfect choices to give them as they will feel like accomplished readers going through lengthily paged books just like their peers. The extra white space on each page and the spacing between lines will reward the reader with a positive reading experience. I especially like to recommend these books to readers who have a short turn-around time to get a reading assignment and book report done for school as these books still carry a lot of punch.
Bat 6 by Virginia Euwer Wolf
In small town, post-World War Oregon, twenty-one 6th grade girls recount the story of an annual softball game, during which one girl's prejudices comes to the surface. I highly recommend listening to this on audio as listeners can pick up on the multiple voices, views of point, and the personalities of each character.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (Juvenile Biography & Young Adult Biography)
Raised in South Carolina and New York, Jacqueline Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960's and 1970's, living with the remnants of Jim Crow laws and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line is a glimpse into her own soul as as a child as she searches for her place in the world. Plus it is a 2015 Newbery Honor Book and a National Book Award Winner for young people.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
This is the story about fourteen-year-old African-American twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan. They wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court as their retired professional basketball player father ignores his declining health. I just LOVE this book and very pleased that it won the 2015 Newbery Medal. It makes for an entertaining, yet emotional read. I highly recommend this one!!!
Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse by Tamara Wissinger
Nine-year-old Sam loves fishing with his dad. But when his pesky little sister horns in on their fishing trip, he is none too pleased. This book is told in many different types of poems from Sam and his sister's point of view, making it a fun read, especially for transitional readers. It also includes a primer at the back of the book on rhyme, poetry techniques, rhythm, stanzas, and poetic forms.
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
A young Vietnamese girl chronicles her life-changing year of 1975, when she, her mother, and her brothers leave Vietnam, travel to the United States, and start a new life in Alabama. A Newbery Honor Book and National Book Award Winner for Young People.
Like Pickle Juice on a Burger by Julie Sternberg
When nine-year-old Eleanor's beloved babysitter Bibi moves away to care for her ailing father, Eleanor must spend the summer adjusting to a new babysitter while mourning the loss of her old one. This book will serve as a good title to share with children who must say good-bye to a favorite babysitter.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
Jack DOES NOT like poetry. In fact, he doesn't want to write a poem for his class assignment. But then he comes to love poetry through a personal understanding of what different famous poems mean to him. Then he surprises himself by writing his own inspired poem.
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
Billie Jo relates the hardships of living on her family's wheat farm in Oklahoma during the dust bowl years of The Great Depression. This won the 1998 Newbery Award.
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March
by Lynda Blackman Lowery (Young Adult Non-Fiction)
This 50th-anniversary tribute shares the story of the youngest person to complete the momentous Selma to Montgomery March, describing her frequent imprisonments for her participation in nonviolent demonstrations and how she felt about her involvement in historic Civil Rights events, all while she turned 15 years old during the march.
Witness by Karen Hesse
A series of poems express the views of various people in a small Vermont town, including a young black girl and a young Jewish girl, during the early 1920's when the Ku Klux Klan is trying to infiltrate the town. I also highly recommend listening to this on audio as listeners can pick up on the multiple voices, views of point, and the personalities of each character during this haunting time in U.S. history.
If you have a elementary or middle school student at home who struggles with reading, these books are perfect choices to give them as they will feel like accomplished readers going through lengthily paged books just like their peers. The extra white space on each page and the spacing between lines will reward the reader with a positive reading experience. I especially like to recommend these books to readers who have a short turn-around time to get a reading assignment and book report done for school as these books still carry a lot of punch.
Bat 6 by Virginia Euwer WolfIn small town, post-World War Oregon, twenty-one 6th grade girls recount the story of an annual softball game, during which one girl's prejudices comes to the surface. I highly recommend listening to this on audio as listeners can pick up on the multiple voices, views of point, and the personalities of each character.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (Juvenile Biography & Young Adult Biography)Raised in South Carolina and New York, Jacqueline Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960's and 1970's, living with the remnants of Jim Crow laws and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line is a glimpse into her own soul as as a child as she searches for her place in the world. Plus it is a 2015 Newbery Honor Book and a National Book Award Winner for young people.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
This is the story about fourteen-year-old African-American twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan. They wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court as their retired professional basketball player father ignores his declining health. I just LOVE this book and very pleased that it won the 2015 Newbery Medal. It makes for an entertaining, yet emotional read. I highly recommend this one!!!
Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse by Tamara WissingerNine-year-old Sam loves fishing with his dad. But when his pesky little sister horns in on their fishing trip, he is none too pleased. This book is told in many different types of poems from Sam and his sister's point of view, making it a fun read, especially for transitional readers. It also includes a primer at the back of the book on rhyme, poetry techniques, rhythm, stanzas, and poetic forms.
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
A young Vietnamese girl chronicles her life-changing year of 1975, when she, her mother, and her brothers leave Vietnam, travel to the United States, and start a new life in Alabama. A Newbery Honor Book and National Book Award Winner for Young People.
When nine-year-old Eleanor's beloved babysitter Bibi moves away to care for her ailing father, Eleanor must spend the summer adjusting to a new babysitter while mourning the loss of her old one. This book will serve as a good title to share with children who must say good-bye to a favorite babysitter.
Jack DOES NOT like poetry. In fact, he doesn't want to write a poem for his class assignment. But then he comes to love poetry through a personal understanding of what different famous poems mean to him. Then he surprises himself by writing his own inspired poem.
Billie Jo relates the hardships of living on her family's wheat farm in Oklahoma during the dust bowl years of The Great Depression. This won the 1998 Newbery Award.
by Lynda Blackman Lowery (Young Adult Non-Fiction)
This 50th-anniversary tribute shares the story of the youngest person to complete the momentous Selma to Montgomery March, describing her frequent imprisonments for her participation in nonviolent demonstrations and how she felt about her involvement in historic Civil Rights events, all while she turned 15 years old during the march.
A series of poems express the views of various people in a small Vermont town, including a young black girl and a young Jewish girl, during the early 1920's when the Ku Klux Klan is trying to infiltrate the town. I also highly recommend listening to this on audio as listeners can pick up on the multiple voices, views of point, and the personalities of each character during this haunting time in U.S. history.
Friday, April 1, 2016
April is National Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month. This year it is celebrating its 20th anniversary! National Poetry Month has evolved into the largest literary celebration in the world with schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets celebrating poetry's vital place in our culture. I will be the first to admit that I got really bored with poetry when I was in school...all that breaking down of lines and figuring out meaning...it just didn't capture my interest. But as an adult, I have learned to enjoy children's poetry books as they are colorful and so much more easier to read and understand!
Here's a list of children's poetry books that I have been published within the past couple of years that I have enjoyed. I hope you and your child will be charmed by their beauty too!
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night
by Joyce Sidman
A collection of poems that celebrates the wonder, mystery, and danger of the night and describes the many things that hide in the dark. This beautifully illustrated book won a 2011 Newbery Honor.
Dinothesaurus: Prehistoric Poems and Paintings
by Douglas Florian
Here's a fun illustrated collection of poems and collages about dinosaurs. And of course its perfect for dinosaur fans. They'll really devour this one!
Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems
Selected by Paul B. Janeczko
A selection of short American poems dealing with the four seasons and the different weather events and animal patterns that can occur within each. Also, I'm a big fan of Melissa Sweet's artwork too.
Flutter and Hum: Animal Poems = Aleteo y Zumbido: Poemas de Animales
by Julie Paschkis
All sorts of animals flutter and hum, dance and stretch, and slither and leap their way through this joyful collection of poems in English and Spanish. Julie Paschkis's words and art sing in both languages, bringing out the beauty and playfulness of the animal world.
Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
by Marilyn Singer
Here's a collection of short poems called "reversos" which, when reversed, provide new perspectives on the fairy tale characters they feature. So you can read it forwards and backwards and still read the same poem! This is such a fun and creative way to read poetry!
Orangutan Tongs: Poems to Tangle Your Tongue
by Jon Agee
Have you ever gotten tripped up trying to say a silly succession of similar syllables? Try out these hilarious tongue twisters for yourself for lots of silly fun!
Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole
by Bob Raczka
25 haiku give readers a fresh, humorous perspective on Santa's December preparations. And rich illustrations pull readers into every wintry scene. Read now, or save to read later during the winter holidays.
Stardines Swim High Across the Sky And Other Poems
by Jack Prelutsky
Here's a collection of 16 humorous poems about imaginary strange creatures such as the stardine, slobster, and magpipe. Plus, the illustrations really make those make-believe critters seem awfully real too!
Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold
by Joyce Sidman
When winter comes, how will the animals brave the long and cold season of the north? Read poems of the Tundra Swan, the Big Brown Moose, and the Beaver, among other animals. There's also poems about snowflakes and ice. Each poem is accompanied by facts and background matter related to the subject at hand. I just love the linoleum block art illustrations in this book.
World Rat Day: Poems About Real Holidays You've Never Heard Of by Patrick J. Lewis
Here's a collection of wild and wacky holidays that should be worth celebrating such as: Dragon Appreciation Day, Frog Jumping Day, Ohio Sheep Day, Worm Day, and National Sloth Day. Don't let these days go by without a small celebration of your own! Plus, this book is perfect for transitional readers to read on their very own thanks to the large font size and easier vocabulary.
Here's a list of children's poetry books that I have been published within the past couple of years that I have enjoyed. I hope you and your child will be charmed by their beauty too!
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night
by Joyce Sidman
A collection of poems that celebrates the wonder, mystery, and danger of the night and describes the many things that hide in the dark. This beautifully illustrated book won a 2011 Newbery Honor.
Dinothesaurus: Prehistoric Poems and Paintings
by Douglas Florian
Here's a fun illustrated collection of poems and collages about dinosaurs. And of course its perfect for dinosaur fans. They'll really devour this one!
Selected by Paul B. Janeczko
A selection of short American poems dealing with the four seasons and the different weather events and animal patterns that can occur within each. Also, I'm a big fan of Melissa Sweet's artwork too.
Flutter and Hum: Animal Poems = Aleteo y Zumbido: Poemas de Animales
by Julie Paschkis
All sorts of animals flutter and hum, dance and stretch, and slither and leap their way through this joyful collection of poems in English and Spanish. Julie Paschkis's words and art sing in both languages, bringing out the beauty and playfulness of the animal world.
Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
by Marilyn Singer
Here's a collection of short poems called "reversos" which, when reversed, provide new perspectives on the fairy tale characters they feature. So you can read it forwards and backwards and still read the same poem! This is such a fun and creative way to read poetry!
Orangutan Tongs: Poems to Tangle Your Tongue
by Jon Agee
Have you ever gotten tripped up trying to say a silly succession of similar syllables? Try out these hilarious tongue twisters for yourself for lots of silly fun!
Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole by Bob Raczka
25 haiku give readers a fresh, humorous perspective on Santa's December preparations. And rich illustrations pull readers into every wintry scene. Read now, or save to read later during the winter holidays.
by Jack Prelutsky
Here's a collection of 16 humorous poems about imaginary strange creatures such as the stardine, slobster, and magpipe. Plus, the illustrations really make those make-believe critters seem awfully real too!
by Joyce Sidman
When winter comes, how will the animals brave the long and cold season of the north? Read poems of the Tundra Swan, the Big Brown Moose, and the Beaver, among other animals. There's also poems about snowflakes and ice. Each poem is accompanied by facts and background matter related to the subject at hand. I just love the linoleum block art illustrations in this book.
World Rat Day: Poems About Real Holidays You've Never Heard Of by Patrick J. Lewis
Here's a collection of wild and wacky holidays that should be worth celebrating such as: Dragon Appreciation Day, Frog Jumping Day, Ohio Sheep Day, Worm Day, and National Sloth Day. Don't let these days go by without a small celebration of your own! Plus, this book is perfect for transitional readers to read on their very own thanks to the large font size and easier vocabulary.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Picture Book Lists
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Tractor Time
Following the Tractor
by Susan Seggall
Follows the story of a tractor as it plows, sows, and harvests the fields throughout the course of a year, with a little help from some other farm machinery.
Big Tractor
by Nathan Clement
For kids who really like looking at tractors more close up, this book is for them. Readers can watch the farmer drive his tractor, named "Ol' Partner" working on farm chores around the farm such as planting, cultivating, and harvesting.
Otis
by Loren Long
When Otis was first introduced back in 2009, I was very impressed to learn of a character who is a tractor. Years later, he has become one quite popular literary piece of machinery. So in this first Otis the friendly little tractor tale, he gets cast away behind the barn when a big new yellow tractor arrives. But when trouble occurs, Otis is the only one who can help and save the day!
Stanley the Farmer
by William Bee
It's going to be a busy day down on Stanley's Farm, as Stanley the hamster and his friends Shamus and Little Woo have a lot to do! They've got to work on plowing the field, planting seeds, and harvesting the wheat.
The Rusty Trusty Tractor by Joy Cowley
Mr. Hill of Hill's Tractor Sales bets Micah's Grandpappy that his rusty old tractor won't make it through another hay season. But Micah learns that Grandpappy's tractor, like an old friend, doesn't let him down!
Mr. Hill of Hill's Tractor Sales bets Micah's Grandpappy that his rusty old tractor won't make it through another hay season. But Micah learns that Grandpappy's tractor, like an old friend, doesn't let him down!
Monday, June 15, 2015
Summer Reading Suggestions
The Association for Library Service to Children has created their annual Summer Reading List. Grade levels available are Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, and Grades 6-8. We've made sure that we have multiple copies of these suggested books in the library collection for check out. If there's something on the list that your reader would love to read and a copy is not available for checking out, please don't hesitate to place a hold on the title. These lists contain a lot of great books not to be missed! If you choose not to print out the list at home, we will have copies available for your use in the children's room.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Beginning Readers 101
"Help! My kid is learning to read. Where do I go?"
We hear this often in the Children's Room. The intensity varies according to the happenings of the day. We also see bewildered caregivers roaming the stacks eager, but wondering where to start first.
We're here to help!
The Tigard Youth Services staff have created a little brochure (coming soon!) to help you with choosing books for your beginning reader.
Some important things to think about when looking for books for your new reader:
We hear this often in the Children's Room. The intensity varies according to the happenings of the day. We also see bewildered caregivers roaming the stacks eager, but wondering where to start first.
We're here to help!
The Tigard Youth Services staff have created a little brochure (coming soon!) to help you with choosing books for your beginning reader.
Some important things to think about when looking for books for your new reader:
- Different publishers have different leveling systems.
- Let your child read at her interest level as well as her reading level.
- Don't worry so much about literary merit at this stage. Children who are learning to read don't necessarily care about the quality of the writing or plot. They are more motivated to read about favorite objects or characters.
- When your child is first learning to read, look for books that have pictures in the story that match the text. This is part of the decoding process.
There are five phases your new reader will go through:
Phase 1: When your child knows the alphabet and is eager to begin reading, you know she is ready!
First Readers will have big type, easy words, picture clues, familiar objects or characters and require a lot of adult help. Keep it relaxed, though. Nothing quashes a child's enthusiasm for reading more than a critical listener.
Phase 2: Once your child is comfortable reading the First Readers, he will be ready to move on to books with easy sight words, simple plot and dialogue about familiar topics and themes. He will still need some parental help.
Phase 3: Now that your child is reading really well, she can begin reading books on her own. The books will have longer sentences, smaller type and high-interest vocabulary words.
Phase 4: Your child is completely reading on his own in paragraphs. The books are longer and the story plot is more complex. The books will have challenging vocabulary and difficult sentence structure.
Phase 5: Your child is ready for First Chapter books!
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Now is the time to start thinking about planning your summer garden. How will it grow? Take a look at some of these new picture books that can teach your youngsters about the growing cycle right outside their door.
If You Plant a Seed
by Kadir Nelson
While planting seeds in their garden, two animals learn the value of kindness and how planting more than one seed can can produce so much more than just a single plant in this sweet story about sharing, kindness, and generosity.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt
by Kate Messner
Above the ground, the world is full of green--leaves and sprouts, growing vegetables, ripening fruit. But down below in the dirt there is a busy world of earthworms digging, snakes hunting, skunks burrowing, and all the other animals that make a garden their home. In this exuberant book, discover the wonder and activity that lie hidden between the stalks, under the shade of leaves and down in the dirt. What I love about this book is that it provides an excellent way to teach kids about the importantant role that animals play in creating and providing nutrients for the soil, which provides the food plants need to grow in a fun and loving way.
Paddington in the Garden
by Michael Bond
In typical Paddington stule, hapless mischief leads to blind luck, and his garden turns out to be a most unique site to behold. This makes a perfect read for any Paddington fan.
How to Grow a Friend
by Sara Gillingham
This book has dual meanings. Making a new friend and nurturing that relationship is just like starting a seed in some soil and nurturing the plant as it grows. Watch a friendship grow as flowers in a pot grow.
And if you need home gardening advice, please contact an Oregon State University Master Gardener at the Washington County Extension Office at 503-821-1150, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.--4:00 p.m. for sustinable home gardening practices based on scientific horticulture research.
If You Plant a Seed
by Kadir Nelson
While planting seeds in their garden, two animals learn the value of kindness and how planting more than one seed can can produce so much more than just a single plant in this sweet story about sharing, kindness, and generosity.
by Kate Messner
Above the ground, the world is full of green--leaves and sprouts, growing vegetables, ripening fruit. But down below in the dirt there is a busy world of earthworms digging, snakes hunting, skunks burrowing, and all the other animals that make a garden their home. In this exuberant book, discover the wonder and activity that lie hidden between the stalks, under the shade of leaves and down in the dirt. What I love about this book is that it provides an excellent way to teach kids about the importantant role that animals play in creating and providing nutrients for the soil, which provides the food plants need to grow in a fun and loving way.
Paddington in the Garden
by Michael Bond
In typical Paddington stule, hapless mischief leads to blind luck, and his garden turns out to be a most unique site to behold. This makes a perfect read for any Paddington fan.
How to Grow a Friend
by Sara Gillingham
This book has dual meanings. Making a new friend and nurturing that relationship is just like starting a seed in some soil and nurturing the plant as it grows. Watch a friendship grow as flowers in a pot grow.
And if you need home gardening advice, please contact an Oregon State University Master Gardener at the Washington County Extension Office at 503-821-1150, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.--4:00 p.m. for sustinable home gardening practices based on scientific horticulture research.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Ninja Power!
Calling all small ninja fans! Ninja's have really been taking on the picture book scene lately...and there's some pretty good ones out now too that are lots of fun. Check out some of these titles:
Dojo Daycare by Chris Tougas
One morning, six young ninjas are dropped off at Dojo Daycare. As soon as their ninja moms and ninja dads have left: KABOOM! KAPOW! The ninja boys and girls kick, push, punch, and quickly turn the place upside down in a full-blown ninja riot. Try as he might, the hapless master can't control the children, and the disaster plays out through lunchtime and story time. No one heeds the master's repeated mantra of honor, kindness, and respect-- until one little ninja steps up and rallies his ninja pals to undo all that they have done, just in time for pickup.
Ninja! by Arree Chung
A ninja must be strong, courageous, and silent! He creeps through the house on a secret mission. There may be obstacles! But have no fear--a true ninja can overcome all challenges
Ninja Boy Goes to School by Nathan D. Wilson
A little boy explains what it's like to go to school--when you're a ninja.
Ninja Cowboy Bear Presents The Way of the Ninja by David Bruins
In this story about friendship, the daring ninja learns that the greatest thrills and the best adventures are the ones we share.
Ninja, Ninja, Never Stop by Todd Tuell
Basic illustrations and simple, rhyming text reveal a young ninja who uses his special moves to sneak up on the family dog, take a cookie from his brother, and escape Granny's kisses, but before day is done he meets his match.
The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz
In this twist on "The Three Little Pigs" tale, Pig One and Two neglect their ninja school martial arts training and are no match for the wolf, but Pig Three's practice and dedication saves the day. Includes glossary of Japanese martial arts terms.
Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to be Noticed by J.C. Phillipps
Although ninjas should be silent and use stealth, Wink finds his enthusiasm gets him into trouble with his teacher until he finds the perfect way to express both traits.
You Wouldn't Want to be a Ninja Warrior: A Secret Job That's Your Destiny by John Malam
This non-fiction book examines the skills needed to become a ninja, including practicing with weapons everyday, listening and not asking questions, and keeping identity secret. Perfect for ages 8 and up.
Dojo Daycare by Chris Tougas
One morning, six young ninjas are dropped off at Dojo Daycare. As soon as their ninja moms and ninja dads have left: KABOOM! KAPOW! The ninja boys and girls kick, push, punch, and quickly turn the place upside down in a full-blown ninja riot. Try as he might, the hapless master can't control the children, and the disaster plays out through lunchtime and story time. No one heeds the master's repeated mantra of honor, kindness, and respect-- until one little ninja steps up and rallies his ninja pals to undo all that they have done, just in time for pickup.
Ninja! by Arree Chung
A ninja must be strong, courageous, and silent! He creeps through the house on a secret mission. There may be obstacles! But have no fear--a true ninja can overcome all challenges
Ninja Boy Goes to School by Nathan D. Wilson
A little boy explains what it's like to go to school--when you're a ninja.
Ninja Cowboy Bear Presents The Way of the Ninja by David Bruins
In this story about friendship, the daring ninja learns that the greatest thrills and the best adventures are the ones we share.
Ninja, Ninja, Never Stop by Todd Tuell
Basic illustrations and simple, rhyming text reveal a young ninja who uses his special moves to sneak up on the family dog, take a cookie from his brother, and escape Granny's kisses, but before day is done he meets his match.
The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz
In this twist on "The Three Little Pigs" tale, Pig One and Two neglect their ninja school martial arts training and are no match for the wolf, but Pig Three's practice and dedication saves the day. Includes glossary of Japanese martial arts terms.
Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to be Noticed by J.C. Phillipps
Although ninjas should be silent and use stealth, Wink finds his enthusiasm gets him into trouble with his teacher until he finds the perfect way to express both traits.
You Wouldn't Want to be a Ninja Warrior: A Secret Job That's Your Destiny by John Malam
This non-fiction book examines the skills needed to become a ninja, including practicing with weapons everyday, listening and not asking questions, and keeping identity secret. Perfect for ages 8 and up.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Books With Umbrellas!
Since April Showers bring May flowers, it would only be appropriate to explore books that focus on umbrellas as one of its story characters. Have fun with your umbrella with these books, but don't get the pages wet!!!
Ella, Of Course by Sarah Weeks
When Ella is banned from bringing her umbrella to the dance recital, she comes up with an ingenious solution to the problem. Just look how Ella peeks out from behind her umbrella!
One Rainy Day by M. Christina Butler
When Little Hedgehog goes for a walk one rainy day, his new umbrella proves its value in most unexpected ways.
The Umbrella by Jan Brett
Carlos goes into the cloud forest to look for animals, but he manages to miss seeing them even though they have an adventure with his umbrella.
A sweet picture book about a curious young dog, Rusty, who gets lost in a big department store. When Rusty goes shopping with his mother, Henrietta, and Toby, his nose leads him astray and on a new adventure. Can you see him hiding among the umbrellas?
Zig and the Magic Umbrella by Sylvie Kantorovitz
Zig, a small, blue creature who lives in a rainy, gray world, grabs hold of a red umbrella and is carried away to a colorful forest where he becomes a hero--and a friend.
And when you are done reading your books, here's a song to sing while you are out in the rain under your umbrella:
Ella, Of Course by Sarah Weeks
When Ella is banned from bringing her umbrella to the dance recital, she comes up with an ingenious solution to the problem. Just look how Ella peeks out from behind her umbrella!
One Rainy Day by M. Christina Butler
When Little Hedgehog goes for a walk one rainy day, his new umbrella proves its value in most unexpected ways.
The Umbrella by Jan Brett
Carlos goes into the cloud forest to look for animals, but he manages to miss seeing them even though they have an adventure with his umbrella.
Where is Rusty? by Sieb Posthuma
A sweet picture book about a curious young dog, Rusty, who gets lost in a big department store. When Rusty goes shopping with his mother, Henrietta, and Toby, his nose leads him astray and on a new adventure. Can you see him hiding among the umbrellas?
Zig and the Magic Umbrella by Sylvie Kantorovitz
Zig, a small, blue creature who lives in a rainy, gray world, grabs hold of a red umbrella and is carried away to a colorful forest where he becomes a hero--and a friend.
And when you are done reading your books, here's a song to sing while you are out in the rain under your umbrella:
Come Under My Umbrella
(Sung to the Tune of "Have You Ever Seen a Lassie?")
Come under my umbrella, umbrella, umbrella
Come under my umbrella, it's starting to storm
With thunder and lightning
And wind and rain
Come under my umbrella, it's starting to storm
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