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Press here by Herve Tullet
Brief description: A great book to use as an interactive read aloud, readers are guided by simple instructions to press, rub, tap, shake, and tilt the book so that the dot reacts. Developmental level: Preschool and Primary (Ages 3-6) Citation: Tullet, H. (2011). Press here. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books. -
Kate & Pippin: an unlikely love story by Martin Springett
Brief description: A true story, Pippin is an abandoned fawn who is discovered not only by a human family, but by their Great Dane, Kate. The two animals grow up together, becoming inseparable. Even when Pippin grows older and starts venturing into the forest without Kate, she always comes back to her unlikely friend. Developmental level: Elementary (Ages 5-10) Citation: Springett, M. (2012). Kate & Pippin: an unlikely love story. New York, NY: Holt. -
1-2-3 Peas by Keith Baker
Brief description: This book of counting and rhyme is one of a series and all of the main characters are peas! The peas count one through ten and then skip count up to 100. At the end of the book, readers are encouraged to start from the beginning again. Developmental level: Preschool to Primary (Ages 3-6) Citation: Baker, K. (2012). 1-2-3 Peas. New York, NY: Beach Lane Books. -
The day the crayons quit by Drew Daywalt
Brief description: When Duncan goes to use his crayons, he is surprised to find a stack of letters instead. Who are the letters from? They're written by his crayons, of course, each with its own complaint (or compliment) about how often its used by Duncan. Eventually, he finds a way to equally include all of his crayons so that no one feels left out or overused. Developmental level: Elementary (Ages 5-10) Citation: Daywalt, D. (2013). The day the crayons quit. New York, NY: Philomel Books. -
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Brief description: Willow is a 12-year-old prodigy who begins encountering many obstacles in her young life. With the help of a quirky guidance counselor, friends, and a new family, she perseveres through these hiccups and helps those around her through their own woes, too. Developmental level: Early to Mid-Adolescence (Ages 10-16) Citation: Sloan, H. G. (2013). Counting by 7s. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. -
The year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes
Brief description: Billy is starting second grade, but--because of a head injury over summer break--he's afraid he isn't smart enough. On his first day, he learns about the Chinese New Year and Billy vows to make it "The Year of Billy Miller." And, at the end of the school year, he accomplishes his goal by supporting his family and teacher in major ways. Developmental level: Grades 3-6 (Ages 8-12) Citation: Henkes, K. (2013). The year of Billy Miller. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books. -
The true tale of the monster Billy Dean telt by himself by David Almond
Brief description: As shown in the title, this book is told through Billy Dean's eyes--and distinct dialect. He crafted this language as a result of being held prisoner in his own home for 13 years. When finally released, the outside world and Billy's dark abilities to work with the sick and the dead are suffocating. Developmental level: Mid- to Late Adolescence (Ages 15-21) Citation: Almond, D. (2014). The true tale of the monster Billy Dean telt by himself. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. -
Loot: how to steal a fortune by Jude Watson
Brief description: Taking after their late father, March and his long-lost twin sister, Jules (along with their new friends) become pre-teen thieves after escaping from the orphanage at which they met. The group of four use the combination of their odd talents to track down moonstones, escape death, and--ironically--steal to help some very unlikely people. Developmental level: Grades 3-8 (Ages 8-13) Citation: Watson, J. (2014). Loot: how to steal a fortune. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. -
Flashlight by Lizi Boyd
Brief description: There are no words in this book, but the illustrations are eye-catching and plentiful enough to allow children to easily understand the story. They will also be intrigued by the cut-outs included on certain pages as they uncover the mysteries that await outside in the dark. Developmental level: Preschool to Primary Grades (Ages 3-6) Citation: Boyd, L. (2014). Flashlight. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books. -
Sam and Dave dig a hole by Mac Barnett
Brief description: Two friends--with their dog, a canteen of chocolate milk, and some animal cookies--spend an afternoon digging, digging, digging, in search of something spectacular. Although the words don't say it, the illustrations show that they side-step many spectacular things with every change in direction! But digging the hole was spectacular in itself. Developmental level: Primary (Ages 5-7) Citation: Barnett, M. (2014). Sam and Dave dig a hole. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.
