The Nutcracker – Usborne Young Reading

Retold by Emma Helbrough

Illustrator:  Anna Luraschi

Year: 2004

Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd., London

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN: 978 1 40951 820 4

It is delightful to see a classic packaged just right so children can enjoy it too! Thanks to the Usborne Young Reading series. 

Meet intrepid little Clara, who sneaks in to take a peek at her grandfather’s present even though it’s just Christmas Eve. That launches her into a series of fantastical adventures which includes a battle against some mean mice, a visit with the Ice Queen and a trip to the Land of Sweets where dancers from around the world perform for Clara.

The illustrations are enchanting enough to pique your child’s curiosity and spur her on a fantasy trip, not that kids need any help in that area. :-)

Excerpt

“Clara, this is the Sugarplum Fairy,” said the prince. “She rules over the Land of Sweets.”

“I hope you have a sweet tooth,” said the Sugarplum Fairy, with a smile.

She led them into a grand hall, where the tables were covered with chocolate cakes, cookies and candy swirls. 

Election Day (Robin Hill School) – Ready-to-Read: Level 1

Author: Margaret McNamara

Illustrator: Mike Gordon

Year: 2004

Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks, NY

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 68986 425 6

Website: Ready to Read

Mrs. Connor’s class has a new student, Becky. It’s also Election Day for the class president and after lunch the children give speeches. Nick promises a candy machine, Emma vouches for no home work and Nia vows that summer vacation will be six months long. The children cheer with loud Hoorays!

Mrs. Connor looks at Becky. It’s her first day at school but she knows she’ll make a good class president.

This is an encouraging book for little ones from the Ready-to-Read series featuring easy words and phrases to motivate new readers.

Excerpt

Becky took a deep breath. She got up from her chair.

“I cannot promise candy machines, or less homework, or more vacation,” she said.

“I can only promise to do my best.” Becky sat down. 

Tooth Fairy in Trouble

Author: Julia Jarman, Wikipedia

Illustrator: Mariam Latimer

Year: 2008

Publisher: Macmillan’s Children’s Books, London

Age: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN: 978 1 44720 961 4

Poor little Tooth Fairy! She’s harassed by Nasty Norman, a terribly rude and mean brat of a boy.

To add to her misery, she’s overworked and the Fairy Queen is quite cross with her too. Meanwhile Nasty Norman has set a trap for her but this time he’s bitten off more than he can chew. 

She’s, after all,  a fairy with a magic wand and secret powers!

This delightfully imaginative book belongs to the “I am reading” series from Pan Macmillan.

Excerpt

Tooth Fairy was in big trouble. She could feel herself becoming visible. Her fairy powers were draining away. Hoping she still had some left, she whirled her wand.

“Izzy wizzy, if you don’t let me out!

You’ll see your nose turn into a snout.”