American Girl recently launched WellieWishers, early chapter books and a line of adorable 14 1/2-inch dolls (retail $60) all featuring wellies (rain boots.) My kids and I think the wellie boots are super cute -- as are the dolls themselves. (Which, of course, you can order to own and wear yourself.) The WellieWishers chapter books are lovely -- sweet, nature- and friendship- … [Read more...]
The Best Chapter Books 2015
I've been reading like crazy to find the best chapter books of 2015. (Don't tell but I've even abandoned books in the middle if I knew they weren't that great!) After much time reading and deliberation, here's my final list of the best chapter books for children ages 5 to 12 -- from easy chapter books through middle grade. The Best Easy Chapter Books of 2015 1. Shivers! The Pirate Who's … [Read more...]
Motivating, Easy-To-Read Chapter Books: BRANCHES
I love the Scholastic BRANCHES “Pick a Series, Grow a Reader” books because they keep kids motivated to read with something for everyone. There's 14 book series about so many topics: superhero chickens, horses, joining a circus, magical twins, a haunted school, and lots more. The BRANCHES book series are designed for newly independent readers (ages 5 - 8) who aren't quite ready for regular … [Read more...]
14 NEW Beginning Chapter Book Reviews, Fall 2015
If you're at that stage (around age six or seven) when your child is taking off with reading, you're no doubt searching for excellent books. Start with these beginning chapter book reviews and see what she want to read first. Let him choose the books. You buy them or check them out. Then find lots of time for reading every day. Go, you! For lots of at-home reading ideas, read this … [Read more...]
Second Grade Summer Reading List
Summer reading lists . . . Summer reading programs . . . Yes, it's that time of year again. Summer vacation and you need a good book list for second grade (2nd grade) -- books that will keep your child excited about reading. As you know, the more a child reads, the more vocabulary she'll learn and the better her comprehension skills. (Unless there is a learning disability.) So whether or not … [Read more...]
10 Terrific Beginning Chapter Books (2014 Cybils)
When kids start transitioning to chapter books, they need good easy chapter books. This year, I'm jugding the Cybils Easy Reader / Short Chapter Books category and I'm looking for well-written books that kids will love which were published in 2014. Remember that beginning chapter books are characterized by having short chapters, a larger font size, and illustrations that support the story. Here … [Read more...]
Best Chapter Books of 2014
We always give at least one gift that is a book, do you? If you have a child who reads chapter books or YA books, here are my picks for the BEST children's books of 2014. Best Chapter Books 2014 1. The Haunted Library by Dori Hillestad Butler (ages 6 - 9) MYSTERY My daughter and I loved this entertaining new beginning reader chapter book series about a boy ghost, Kaz, who is blown away from … [Read more...]
Early Chapter Books for the Cybils Awards
I've been reading early chapter books like crazy to whittle down the list of top 5 early chapter book nominations for the Cybils Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literaray Awards. Since I'm a first round judge, it's my job to work with my fellow judges to pick our favorites for the second round judges. I still haven't read all the nominated books but I'm close! (Nor have I narrowed down only 5 … [Read more...]
Books for Kids Who Like Junie B. Jones
A mom asked me for books and book series that were like Junie B. Jones in reading level and interest. (About a first grade reading level.) I actually don't like the Junie B. books. The grammar? I just can't do it! Her sass? Hate it. BUT, lots of kids like her. And if kids are reading, I'm (mostly) good with it. Plus, I can't turn down a parent request to recommend books . . . :) So if … [Read more...]
Beginning Reader Books
If your kids are beginning readers, ages kindergarten to second grade, you'll want to buy or borrow enticing beginning reader books that will keep your kids reading over the summer. Here are lots to choose from. When you choose, remember to consider your child's interest and reading level. Beginning Reader Books Monkey and Elephant Get Better by Carole Lexa Schaefer, illustrated by Galia … [Read more...]
14 Easy Chapter Books in a Series
We're half-way through summer vacation here in the States, and kids are experiencing reading slumps. Today, I want to recommend some beginning chapter books for early readers who need some good books. Since you want to keep the reading momentum, all of my suggestions are books in a series. Get hooked on one, and you'll be set for awhile. Easy Chapter Books in a Series Beginning Chapter Books … [Read more...]
Great Easy Readers and Chapter Books
If you have a child who is beginning to read, you're looking for engaging books. You want to find the best early readers and easy chapter books. But, I must add that there is no need to rush into chapter books. Picture books are always marvelous - and often get forgotten when kids start chapter books. Don't forget them. Please? :) Early Readers Ride, Fly Guy, Ride! by Tedd Arnold Is … [Read more...]