Back at the library, we asked for more. Amelia, one of our amazing librarians, gave me a list she had developed while in school of chapter books for little ones. And if that doesn't suit your fancy, here's another great list: http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/R3VD1DZIILUXT7
A Cricket in Times Square by
George Selden, illustrated by Garth Williams
Chester Cricket accidentally left
his meadow in Connecticut when he climbed into a picnic basket, and now he’s
ended up in one of the busiest spots in the world—Times Square in New York
City! Chester meets Tucker, a mouse, and
Tucker’s friend Harry the cat, and they have many adventures together. When a boy named Mario scoops up Chester and
brings him to his parents’ newsstand, he learns that Chester has an amazing
gift to share with the world. (Newbery)
The Boxcar Children by
Gertrude Chandler Warner
Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny
Alden are orphans who luckily come upon an abandoned boxcar in which they make
a home. All four children work hard to
take care of each other and make the best of what they have. Fortunately, they have an even happier ending
coming.
Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne,
illustrated by Ernest Shepard
Although much expanded and changed
by Disney, the original stories of Winnie the Pooh and his friends are perfect
gems of comfort, wit, and occasional profound wisdom. A rare book indeed that is as enjoyable for
the parent as for the young child.
The Great Cake Mystery by
Alexander McCall Smith
Precious Ramotswe lives with her
father, Obed, in Botswana. One day while
her class is outside, a student’s cake, left sitting inside, disappears. Precious’ classmates begin to pick on a
heavy-set student and blame him for eating the cake, but Precious begins to
think otherwise. A wise lesson in
kindness for all ages.
Nancy Clancy Super Sleuth by
Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
When Nancy’s teacher loses her blue
marble, Nancy and her friend Bree are on the case. They’re fans of Nancy Drew and know just how
to solve a good mystery—and how to look fancy doing it.
Gloria’s Way by Ann Cameron
Gloria experiences everyday
frustrations of childhood, but always has counsel from her friends and helpful
adults to get her through. Along the way
Gloria—and the reader—learn subtle but positive messages about friendship,
self-esteem, and family.
Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon
by Ruth Stiles Gannett, illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett
Elmer Elevator gives his account of
an adventure he undertook to travel to an exotic island to save a baby
dragon. Along the way he outsmarts wild
animals using everyday items from his backpack. (Library Journal Starred
Review)
Freckle Juice by Judy Blume
Andrew desperately wants to have
freckles like his friend Nicky. When he
comes across a recipe for freckle juice, he pays the 50 cents and gives it a
go. A funny story, but one with an
undercurrent of self-image and the realization that we are all ok just the way
we are.
The Storm by Cynthia Rylant
Pandora is a cat who lives alone in
a lighthouse. One day she rescues Seabold
the dog, and suddenly they both realize what they’ve been
missing—companionship.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
by Grace Lin
Minli and her parents are very
poor, but their evenings are bright with the stories her father tells. Inspired by his stories of the Old Man in the
Moon who can answer any question, Minli embarks on a journey to find him and
ask why her family lives in poverty. She
meets magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who joins her quest.
(Newbery Honor)
Here is the first on my series of excellent counting books!!!