Our Foray into Chapter Books: Amelia's List

We've taken the plunge!      To tell you the truth, it never occurred to me to explore chapter books.  But Mirette wanted to take out a book about Cinderella and the librarian led her to some very simple chapter books.   Mirette loved them and felt very grown up.   We were hooked.

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)