Scat, Cats! (Puffin Young Readers – Level 2)

Text: Joan Holub, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Rich Davis

Year: 2001

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York  

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN:  978 0 44846 124 3

Here’s another great book for beginner readers with plenty of three, four and five-letter words in small sentences to encourage little ones. And then, it also all about cats – fast cats, loud cats, bad cats, sly cats and more! :-)

Excerpt

Sly cats jump up high.

Show-off cats try to zoom.

Kersplat! Crash! Bang! Boom!

Stop cats!

Mrs. Hippo’s Pizza Parlor (I am Reading)

Text: Vivian French, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Clive Scruton

Year: 1999

Publisher: Kingfisher Publications, London 

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN:  978 0 75341 037 0

William’s birthday is about to arrive but he also know his mother Pizza Parlor is going through a tough time and he might not get the gift he truly wants. William knows better than to make a fuss. Soon, his dream comes true and it’s good times for his mum’s business too!

Excerpt

“Look at all those people outside our pizza parlor!”

“Dear me,” said Mrs. Hippo.

“I think they’re waiting to come in!”

“What do they want?” asked Ellie.

“PIZZAS!” said William. 

Bird Talk – What Birds are Saying and Why

By Lita Judge

Year: 2012

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, New York

Age: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 52

ISBN: 978 1 59643 646 6

This beautifully-done book presents a wide repertoire of bird noises and the reasons for their songs.

Chirp, warble, quack, coo, rattle, screech!

This is a must-have book if your child shows an inclination towards feathered friends. Or not. After all, who doesn't like birds? 

Excerpt

African Grey Parrots are excellent mimics. Many learn to repeat people’s voices, but one named Alex learned to use words with human meaning. With his vocabulary of about 150 words, he could name objects, count to six, ask and answer questions, and request rewards. “Wanna nut!”

Just Mabel: I am Reading

Text: Frieda Wishinsky

Illustrations: Sue Heap

Year: 2001

Publisher: Kingfisher Publications, London 

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN:  978 0 75341 035 4

This humorous book from the I am Reading series encourages children to believe in themselves and not succumb to peer pressure. And I don’t miss a chance to let kids know early in life that their unique selves are to be celebrated.

Just Mabel uses two stories to send home a powerful message of self-acceptance. There are plenty of opinions out there in the world but children need to be comfortable with themselves and not feel miserable every time an adverse opinion is offered. 

Mabel loves singing and when she shares with a classmate her dream to become a singer, he opines that her name is far too plain. Mabel adopts several names to suit her future stardom but she doesn't find happiness. That is until she discovers that Mabel is a beautiful name and accepts it wholeheartedly.

The other story features Mabel off to school in her favorite red dress when some of her classmates begin to tease her. She goes through a miserable time until she finds the strength within to brush off all the negative opinions.

This book is a must-read for all, children and parents alike.

Excerpt

“You’re not Holly. You’re Mabel,” said Mrs. Hill.

“Not any more,” said Mabel. “I've changed my name.”

“But Mabel is a beautiful name,” said Mrs. Hill.

“Not to me,” said Mabel.

Max has a fish – Puffin Young Readers – Level 1

Author:  Wiley Blevins

Illustrator: Ben Clanton

Year: 2012

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, USA

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0-448-46294-3

The Puffin Young Readers is a fantastic series for young readers.

The book on Max and his fish is a sweet, simple story with beginner-level words. The longest sentence has only seven words and that appears only once. The rest are much smaller.

Excerpt

The fish looks at Max.

And looks at Max.

And looks at Max.

But the fish cannot dance. 

Other titles in this series

• Level - 1: A new friend
• Level - 1: At the beach 
• Level - 1: Ice Cream Soup
• Level - 1: Nicky Upstairs and Down 
• Level - 1: Play with Blue
• Level - 1: Tiny goes camping 
• Level - 1: Tiny the Birthday Dog 
• Level - 1: Tiny the Snow Dog 

• Level - 2: Cowboy Roy
• Level - 2: Red, White and Blue
• Level - 2: Shape Spotters
• Level - 2: The Garden that we grew  
• Level - 2: The very lonely firefly

• Level - 3: Agapanthus Hum and the Eyeglasses
• Level - 3: Amanda Pig on her own
• Level - 3: Why do birds sing?

Uncle Rabbit’s Busy Visit

Text: Christa Kempter

Illustrations: Frauke Weldin

Year: 2010

Publisher: North-South Books, New York  

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN:  978 0 73582 320 4

Well, this is supposed to be a children’s book but it’s could be a good morale booster for grown-ups too!

The story is about relatives, and, sometimes, friends  who brim over with so much advice and suggestions that, unknowingly, they tend to take over our homes (and lives!) in their attempt to do good for us.

Uncle Rabbit’s visiting Wally and Mae’s home. In a couple of days, though, Wally’s wallpaper has been changed, silk curtains hung up, furniture's been moved around and soon it doesn't feel like home anymore. 

Wally knows it’s time to speak up.

This is a book about being sensitive to others' feelings and it's a picture book, too. So, yes, it’s a keeper!

Excerpt

“Wait!” stuttered Wally. “That’s not what I meant. It’s just that I liked my carrot wallpaper. And the colorful cushions are lovely, but they’re too hard to wash. And silk curtains are just too fancy for my little house.”

Uncle Rabbit cleaned his spectacles thoughtfully. 

Hernando Fandango – The Great Dancing Dog

Author and Illustrator: Rachel Swirles

Year: 2012

Publisher: Meadowside Children’s Books, London

Age: 7 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978 1 84539 600 8

It was bound to happen sooner than later – a book for little ones set in the backdrop of a reality show. A dance show at that too!

Meet Hernando Fandango and Miss Adelaide Mogg who love dancing. Jazz, Ballroom dancing, Tap, Ballet – you name it, they do it. 

By a twist of fate, they get a chance to perform on television and enthrall the nation.

Yes, a bit far-fetched, I know, but then, isn’t that true for almost every book for tiny tots? :-)

Again, the story is set out in lyrical form so there are a few new words like kerfuffle, sensation but that's not a reason to ignore this book.

Excerpt

The host shouted out, “Do we have any dancers?”

Adelaide knew this was the rarest of chances.

She longed to cry out,

But she wasn’t that brave,

And already a figure had taken the stage!

Can you guess who it was,

Who could waltz, jive and tango…?

The Dog Who Cried Wolf

By Keiko Kasza

Year: 2005

Publisher: Puffin Books, New York

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 14241 305 0 

We might never know if dogs have aspirations but Moka, the protagonist of this book certainly has developed a new ambition – to be a wolf. Soon, he tires of his little mistress’ attempts at dressing him up in silly clothes for her tea parties. One day, he finds the opportunity and runs away to freedom!

He, then, finds that the wild and free life of wolves is over-rated.

Hilarious. :-)

Excerpt

Soon, Moka got hungry. “No problem!” he cried.

“I’ll hunt for my food, just like the wolves do.”

And off he went.

But a rabbit outran him. A skunk sprayed him. 

The Apple and the Butterfly

By Enzo and Iela Mari

Year: 1969

Publisher: Price Stern Sloan, New York

Age: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 44

ISBN: 978 0 84317 230 0

So, this was our very first look at a wordless picture book.

The little ones' reactions were mixed. One liked its simplistic elegance. The other couldn't understand why the butterfly didn't have any bright colors on its wings. And, I thought it was time to introduce the kids to some ‘arty’ stuff. So there!

I found the illustrations exquisite and emotive. Using a stark, white background full of promise, the creators wordlessly and elegantly communicate the passing of seasons and change. 

Chocolate Mousse for Greedy Goose

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Nick Sharratt

Year: 2005

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978 1 40502 190 6

It’s a dinner party unlike any other. The guests are an odd assortment ranging from Seal to Shetland Pony to Hyena.

Some are hungry and some, angry. The others are greedy or just plain fussy. It's hard to imagine a good ending after the chaotic meal, but surprisingly, it does. And you know what they say - all’s well that ends well. :-)

This is a non-cluttered book with each page featuring an animal and just one pertinent sentence in rhyme. This book might be good for beginners.

Excerpt

“I’ll lick the bowl,” says furry Mole.

“I’ll like it cleaner,” laughs Hyena.

“It’s all gone,” says sad white Swan.

“I’ll eat the cloth,” says happy Moth. 

What does Daddy do?

By Rachel Bright

Year: 2009

Publisher: Puffin Books, UK

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 14150 264 9

Daisy, a precocious little kindergartner is quite stumped when she realizes she doesn't quite know what her dad does for a living. Dexter’s dad is a fireman, Evie's a doctor and the others also seem to know their dads’ professions.

Daisy, then industriously puts together all the snippets of information that she has about her dad and it is soon concluded that he is an “Explorersuperknight”!

This is a heart-warming perspective into a kindergartner’s way of thinking and analyzing facts. The illustrations are hilarious, too. 

Simply adorable! :-)

Excerpt

And then Bob said, “Well, my daddy is a teacher! He makes children very clever and he knows everything about everything, especially volcanoes.”  

Bop’s Hiccups – The Adventures of Abney and Teal

Text: Stella Gurney

Illustrator: Joel Stewart and Davide Arnone

Year: 2012

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 1 40634 421 9

It’s Abney and Teal from the popular TV series created by Joel Stewart.

It’s a windy day and suddenly Bop begins to hiccup bubbles. The hiccups then make waves on which Abney and Teal play. However, in a while, Bop gets uncomfortable with his hiccups, and Teal finds a solution. Soon, all’s well on their little island.

Excerpt

“These are the best bubbles I’ve ever seen!” shouts Teal.

“And look,” points Abney. “Every time Bop hiccups, he makes a wave as well as a bubble!”

It’s true. Bop is making waves.

“Hooray! Let’s paddle,” cries Teal.

Your Emotions: I feel Jealous

Text: Brian Moses, Wikipedia

Illustrator: Mike Gordon

Year: 1993

Publisher: Hodder Wayland, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 75021 405 8

Here’s another lovely book on emotions from the “I feel …” series. 

The Your Emotions series is a fantastic idea to help not just children but also parents and teachers to navigate this tricky zone in little ones' lives. 

The easy-to-understand text is elegantly complimented by witty illustrations and handles the complex emotion of jealousy without sounding mean or unkind. The book uses plenty of illustrations to help a child understand jealousy and how to cope with it when it rears it's ugly, green head. 

Fantastic book. :-)

Other titles in this series:

• I feel angry
• I feel frightened, Review here
• I feel sad

Excerpt

When I find myself feeling jealous, it helps if I remember all the good things that I have.

It helps if I can be happy for my friends and enjoy what they have. 

Ten out of bed

By Penny Dale

Year: 1993

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 1 40632 884 4

This is an enchanting bedtime tale. It’s a fun book with humor and a hint of lyricism.

The book features a boy and his nine toys who play until they are exhausted and go to bed, one by one. No prizes, though, for guessing who's the last one to go to bed.

The story’s structure reminds me of the age-old advice of counting sheep to go to bed.

Excerpt

There were eight out of bed and the little one said, “Let’s play!”

And Rabbit said, “Let’s play THEATRES!”

So eight played theatres until Rabbit fell asleep.

Milly, Molly and Oink

Text: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2001

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978 1 87729 703 8

Here’s another delightful story, featuring Milly, Molly and Oink, Farmer Hagerty’s little piglet. He grows beautifully under their care but he also loves talking to strangers.

One day, Oink vanishes from his pen. He’s been ‘pig-napped’ but the brave little piggy finds his way back home and ever since, he doesn't care for strangers.

With this book, Gill Pittar couches the ‘don’t talk to strangers’ maxim in a heart-warming story of courage, love and friendship. While the main story engages the attention of the children, the underlying message is very loud and clear for little ones – steer clear of strangers!

This book is a must-have for families especially if the children haven’t yet learned to avoid strangers.

Excerpt

Oink began to thrive and he loved to chat to everyone.

“Oink must be careful,” warned Farmer Hegarty. “If he strays onto the road a bad stranger could make friends with him and then we might never see him again.”

Frog’s flicky licky tongue

Author: Jillian Harker

Illustrator: Simon Abbott

Year: 2002

Publisher: Bright Sparks, UK

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 1 84250 534 3

Here’s another happy story from Goosefeather Farm.

Meet Frog, apparently a novice at catching flies. Instead of flies, his tongue hits Duck on the head, gets tangled in Horse’s mane, scares little Kitten and, generally, is a bother to the animals of the farm.

Finally, all the animals get together to help teach Frog how to catch flies but the task is easier said than done. 

The Goosefeather Farm series is a colorful and cheery means to introduce children to diversity and to help them appreciate the unique differences that make each of us special.     

Excerpt

“Well,” said Cow, “have any of you ever caught a fly?”

There was silence.

“Exactly!” said Cow.

“But you don’t eat flies!” said Duck.

“No,” giggled Cow. “But they bother me all the time.”

Don’t Wake the Bear, Hare!

Text: Steve Smallman

Illustrator: Caroline Pedler

Year: 2010

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 28

ISBN: 978 1 84895 032 0

Here’s another adorable grumpy bear story. :-) (One of my favorites - Gruff the Grump.)

All the little animals of the forest are getting ready for Spring Party Day. They include badger, fox, hare, mice and the ants too!

They tiptoe around and organize the party very quietly so as to not disturb the hibernating bear. If he does wake up, he’s going to be very hungry and grumpy.

Best of all, this story is told in catchy, rhyming verse with illustrations that are witty and colorful. And, oh yes, there are plenty of opportunities for your little ones to engage in sounds – grr… humph… zzzzz…:-)

Excerpt

The lanterns were carefully hung in the trees.

The mice tied up ribbons that danced on the breeze.

They brought in the very last blueberry tart

And their party was now almost ready to start!

The Old Tree Stump - Read at Home - Level 3a

Author: Roderick Hunt

Illustrator: Alex Brychta

Year: 2005

Publisher: Oxford University Press, UK

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 22

ISBN: 978-0-19838-414-9

Website: Read at Home series

Another delightful tale from the Read at Home series featuring Biff, Chip, Kipper and Floppy’s family.

This book is about pulling out an old but stubborn tree stump out of the ground. All the family members chip in pulling at the stump with a rope but the stump doesn't budge. Finally, Floppy does the trick!

Like all the other books in this series, there are simple language exercises at the end of the book for little ones.

Other titles in the Read at Home series include:

• Funny Fish
• Silly Races
• Dad’s Birthday
• Poor Old Rabbit
• I Can Trick a Tiger
• Floppy and the Bone
• Looking after Gran, Review here
• The Real Floppy
• The Spaceship
• Hungry Floppy
• Husky Adventure

Excerpt

Kipper wanted to help.

“Come on, then,” said Dad. “When I shout pull … PULL!”

They pulled and they pulled but the stump still didn't come up.

Pete and Polo: Nursery Adventure

By Adrian Reynolds

Year: 1999

Publisher: Orchard Books, London

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 1 84362 845 7

The first day of school is an occasion of trepidation for most children. This Pete and Polo book tries to make the unfamiliar day friendly with a gentle story about Pete and his beloved Polo, a stuffed polar bear. Pete is apprehensive at first. He slowly begins to talk to others and eventually, enjoys his day.

Excerpt

When they arrived at nursery school, there were lots of Mums and Dads and children. 

It was very noisy. All the other children had brought their teddy bears too.  

Don’t Wake Mr. Bear

By Jill Newton

Year: 2011

Publisher: Egmont UK Ltd., London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1-40524-966-9

Winter is about to arrive at the forest. Dormouse has the squirrels, rabbits and the wood pigs play a soft, soothing forest lullaby so the animals can sleep through the winter.

Just then, a band of loud wolves on holiday pass through and make a rumpus so loud that Mr. Bear is awakened.

And then it’s all boom, crash and bang but not quite the way you imagine it! :-)

I loved the humorous story-line that subtly attempts to teach children about how a forest prepares for winter.  

Excerpt

Out of the car came the wolves’ drums, and their lights, and their speakers.

“Go away!” begged the rabbits. “You’ll wake Mr. Bear!”

“We don’t care about a silly old bear!” sang the wolves.  

Milly, Molly and Special Friends

Text: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2003

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978 1 87733 673 4

Some friends are very special and this book featuring Milly and Molly is devoted to those special people in our lives.

These special people bring love and warmth into our lives. Our days become brighter and happier because of them. They are our parents, our grandparents and our loved ones.

The book encourages children to recognize and appreciate all the special people and moments in their lives.

Excerpt

“I like Gran’s powdery smell when she reads me stories,” said Elizabeth.

“I like it when Dad lets me reel in his fish,” said Tom.

“And I like it on Monday when my sheets smell like sunshine,” said Milly.