| The following books comprise a small portion of the many marvelous books that children will enjoy hearing. They may also be suitable for children who are in the process of learning to read and should be available in most public libraries and many bookstores. |
Themes
Chapter Books for Young
Big Brown Bear Goes to Town, written/illus. David McPhail,
(Harcourt, Inc., 2006), 40p, Ages 3-7.
A simple act of kindness by Bear
makes this story a wonderful read aloud for children. One morning when
Bear collects his mail, he realizes that Rat's little yellow car is full
of rainwater. Bear removes the water, goes to town, and purchases a mailbox
for Rat's little car. Rat is so touched by Bear's generosity that he shares
his special oatmeal and brown sugar meal.
Big Brown Bear's Up and Down Day, written/illus. David
McPhail, (Harcourt Children's Books, 2003 HC, Voyager Books, 2006 PB),
48p, Ages 3-7.
In a short three-chapter book, Bear wakes up to see one
of his slippers moving across the floor. It seems that Rat needs a bed.
After a heated discussion, Rat relinquishes his claim and scurries back
to his hole. In chapter two, Rat shows up again, dressed in a top hat
and carrying a briefcase, declaring that Bear has won a trip to anywhere
in the world, but there are absolutely no slippers allowed. Bear decides
not to go, but invites Rat to breakfast. In chapter three when Bear searches
for his baseball and mitt, he finds one old worn slipper, perfect for
a new bed for Rat. A great little story about friendship and sharing.
Houndsley and Catina, written by James Howe, illus.
by Marie-Louise Gay, (Candlewick Press, 2006), 48p, Ages 5-8.
In three
short chapters, two friends cannot remember their birthdays. Houndsley
decides to bake a cake for Catina and give her a surprise party. Little
does he realize that Catina is planning a surprise party for him. "And
the two friends decided right then and there that every year after that,
they would celebrate their birthdays together on the very same day." This
first chapter book is also great for young readers.
Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn, written by Cynthia
Rylant, illus. by Arthur Howard, (Harcourt Children's Books, 2006), 44p,
Ages 6-9.
Deciding to be neighborly, Mr. Putter offers to help serve tea
for Mrs. Teaberry's knitting club. Everything moves along nicely until
Mr. Putter's cat, Tabby, spies the balls of yarn and unravels Mrs. Fitzwater's
sweater. Mrs. Teaberry's dog, Zeke, loves potatoes and snatches the fake
ones from Gertrude's hat. Of course, chaos erupts, but Mr. Putter charms
everyone with extra bridge mix and lots of tea.