Pets on Parade (Leapfrog)

Text: Jillian Powell

Illustrations: Gwyneth Williamson

Year: 2008

Publisher: Franklin Watts, Australia

Age: 6 – 10 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 74967 960 6

A “Bring Your Pet to School” Day turns into a comical event with the dogs playing, cats chasing pet mice and a snake slithering about until Miss Brett realizes that it was perhaps not a smart idea after all, and calls for an abrupt end to the mayhem.

The illustrations are charmingly comical with lively text suited for young readers.

Excerpt

It was “Bring Your Pet to School” Day.

Most children bought a pet.

Bouncy Bouncy Bedtime

Text: David Bedford

Illustrations: Russell Julian

Year: 2011

Publisher: Egmont UK, London

Age: 2 – 5 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Bedtime

ISBN:  978 1 40525 741 1

This is a truly fanciful bedtime tale that ought to have children asking for more. There are plenty of “noisy” words to engage little ones too. The kids loved chirruping, tweeting, roaring and trumpeting various animal sounds. :-)

The illustrations are enchanting as they transition from a gentle golden sunset to mild, soothing shades of blue and purple to complete the bedtime effect. 

Truly creative. :-)

Excerpt

Look who’s first!

Waddlers!

Sliding and gliding to the big, bouncy bed in the sky.

Those early birds don’t want to be late!

Slip, slap, flippety-flap!

Class Pets - Missy’s Super Duper Royal Deluxe

By Susan Nees

Year: 2013

Publisher: Scholastic Inc., New York

Age: 5 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 72

Book Type: Illustrated chapter book for new readers

ISBN: 978 0 54543 852 0

Missy is excited because she’s going to bring home Eenie-Meenie, Miney and Moe, her class pets. The only problem is that bossy Tiffany also wants them.

Missy plans and plots (hilarious!) but fails to deter Tiffany.

She does bring them home, though. :-)

Excerpt

Now everything was ready. Well, not quite everything. There was just one teeny-tiny thing left to do.

Missy had to ask her mother …

The Shape of my Heart

Text: Mark Sperring

Illustrations: Alys Paterson

Year: 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing, London

Age: 2 - 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Educational

ISBN:  978 1 40882 705 5

This brightly colored creative book introduces little ones to all the shapes, sounds and flavors a child comes across during the day.

The book is adorable for its warm and caring approach to turn the ordinary into a colorful learning experience – the hands we hold one another with. :-)

Excerpt

This is the shape of my shoes.

Aren't they nice?

And this is the shape of your feet. 

Not Norman

Text: Kelly Bennett

Illustrations: Noah Z. Jones

Year: 2005

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age:  4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN: 978 1 84428 288 0

A little boy has just been given a goldfish named Norman as a birthday gift. The boy is disappointed because he wanted a different kind of pet – something soft and furry, not a fish that swims round and round.

He wants to trade Norman with his friends for another pet. Every time he tries to, Norman does something outstanding that makes it harder for the boy to give it away.  Soon, the boy learns to love Norman and decides to keeps him.

Excerpt

I wanted a pet who could run and catch. Or one who could climb trees and chase a ball of string.

A soft, furry pet to sleep on my bed at night.

Not Norman. 

Dog Fish

Text: Gillian Shields

Illustrations: Dan Taylor

Year: 2008

Publisher: Simon and Schuster, UK

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 41691 043 5

Here’s a humorous look at one of the salient conversations that happen all around the world in almost every home – a child asks for a pet and the parent hmmms and haws. The middle ground that they arrive at is often fascinating.

It’s how the little boy in this story came up with the intriguing title – Dog Fish.

Excerpt

Then she says in her soothing-and-explaining voice, “But, sweetheart, wouldn't the dog be bored all day, when I’m at work and you’re in school?”

So I think a bit more and say, “It could read the paper?”

First-Grade Bunny (Robin Hill School) Ready-to-Read: Level 1

Text: Margaret McNamara

Illustrations: Mike Gordon

Year: 2005

Publisher: Aladdin Books, New York

Age: 4 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book for beginner readers

ISBN: 978 0 68986 427 2

Website: Ready to Read

Here’s another delightful tale from the Robin Hill School series.

Mrs. Connor has brought a bunny named Sparky to class and the children are to take turns to care for it.

Reza would rather not. He’s not afraid of much but bunnies aren't on his cute list either. Kind Mrs. Connor understands and does not insist. 

Excerpt

Mrs. Connor saw Reza in the corner.

“Tomorrow, you will take care of Sparky,” she said.

That night, Reza had a scary dream. 

Dick and Jane: Jump and Run (Puffin Young Readers - Level 1)

Year: 2013 (this edition)

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, USA

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 448 45809 0

Here's another encouraging book for beginner-level readers with easy words and tiny sentences. 

The text details Dick and Jane's play time adventures with their little sister Sally and their pets, Spot and Puff.

Excerpt

Look, Dick.

See Puff jump.

Oh, look.

Look and see.

See Puff jump and play.

Tiny Goes to the Library (Puffin Young Readers – Level 1)

Text: Cari Meister

Illustrations: Rich Davis

Year: 2000

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Educational

ISBN:  978 0 44845 787 1

Tiny is a big dog. No, he’s a very big dog (think Clifford but brown). He goes everywhere with his beloved friend, a clever little boy. The Tiny series is typically books for beginner readers but it’s also a heart-warming story of friendship and sharing.

Excerpt

I go inside.

Tiny stays outside.

I get dog books.

I get frog books.

I get bird books for Tiny.

Other titles in this series

• Level - 1: A new friend
• Level - 1: At the beach 
• Level - 1: Ice Cream Soup
• Level - 1: Max has a Fish, Review here
• 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, Review here
• Level - 2: Madeline and her dog, Review here
• Level - 2: Princess Buttercup, Review here
• Level - 2: Red, White and Blue
• Level - 2: Shape Spotters, Review here 
• Level - 2: Snug Bug, Review here
• Level - 2: Spider's Lunch, Review here
• Level - 2: The Cow in the House, Review here
• Level - 2: The Garden that we grew  
• Level - 2: Who stole the cookies?, Review here

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

Wild Things! Penguin in the post

Author: Lisa Regan

Illustrator: Kelly Caswell

Year: 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN:  978-1-40817-942-0

I loved this wildlife book for little children. Friendly illustrations, uncluttered text in an engaging font, neat little chapters each with a whacky “You will need” section are some of the reasons why you might want this book for your little one.

And besides, this book is a fund-raising initiative from the Zoological Society of London, a charity that provides help for animals while also running the ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

Other books in this series include

• Tiger at the door
•  Elephant in the attic
• Giraffe on a sleepover
• Hippo in the house
• Lion who came to lunch
• Monkey in the garden
•  Emu on the loose

Excerpt

Penguins spend most of their time in the ocean.

They eat and play in the water. They come to land to lay their eggs.

You will need

·         To move to the seaside

·         To love the water – as much as your pet!

Shaggy Dog and the Terrible Itch

Author: David Bedford

Illustrator: Gwyneth Williamson

For Ages: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 30

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Year: 2001

ISBN: 978-1-84506-313-9

Meet adorable, hairy and itchy Shaggy Dog. He tries to get his friends to help scratch his back but unfortunately, their assistance comes with conditions attached. He rounds up the sheep for Farmer Gertie, washes Merv’s pots and pans. They scratch his back but the relief is temporary until Shaggy Dog walks into Mary Lou’s Poodle Parlour.  

I thought this book was quite clever, in that, the reason for the itch is never once mentioned but the illustrations give away the culprit.

Excerpt

Shaggy Dog washed towers and towers of pots and pans. Bubbles covered his legs and got into his mouth, and when he had finished, his paws were all wrinkly.

Merv used a long fork to scratch Shaggy Dog’s back.

“Ooh, ooh!” said Shaggy Dog. “That’s much better.” 

Topsy and Tim go to the zoo

By Jean and Gareth Adamson

For Ages: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Ladybird Books, London

Year: 1960

ISBN: 978-1-40930-084-7

Television show: CBeebies

Topsy and Tim are a couple of lively children through whom children get to learn about school, going out, friends and a whole lot of new experiences.

Enjoy a trip to the zoo with Topsy and Tim as they get to meet several animals but are happy to come back hometo their loving pets.

Excerpt

‘Look!’ said Tim. ‘Horses in football jerseys.’ The zebras showed how they could kick. One kicked another with his back hooves.

‘We don’t want those zebras at home,’ said Dad. ‘They might kick us.’ 

Cat Show (Puffin Young Readers – Level 2)

Text: Jayne Harvey

Illustrations: Tamara Petrosino

Year: 2003

Publisher: Puffin Books, New York

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book, educational

ISBN:  978 0 44846 295 0

Here’s another “cat” book for young ones with plenty of familiar “first words” like number names and colors, to encourage them to read.

The story features the attempts of a bunch of kids’ to host a ‘cat show.’ They try to group the cats in various ways – size, stripes, color of eyes and finally, fur color but nothing works. When a mouse joins the show, pandemonium breaks out!

Excerpt

There are five cats with green eyes.

There are five cats with blue eyes.

Oh no! Some of the cats with green eyes want to run around. 

Other titles in this series

• Level - 1: A new friend
• Level - 1: At the beach 
• Level - 1: Ice Cream Soup
• Level - 1: Max has a Fish, Review here
• 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, Review here
• Level - 2: Madeline and her dog, Review here
• Level - 2: Princess Buttercup, Review here
• Level - 2: Red, White and Blue
• Level - 2: Shape Spotters, Review here 
• Level - 2: Snug Bug, Review here
• Level - 2: Spider's Lunch, Review here
• Level - 2: The Cow in the House, Review here
• Level - 2: The Garden that we grew  
• Level - 2: Who stole the cookies?, Review here

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

Five-Minute Puppy Tales

Text: Gaby Goldsack

Illustrations: Daniel Howarth

Year: 2003

Publisher: Parragon Books, UK

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 44

Book Type: Chapter book, hardback

ISBN:  978 0 75257 000 5

This little gem from Parragon ought to be a collector’s item. :-)

The book offers gentle stories of friendship, love and understanding among the much-loved furry little ones.  As much as these tales are devoted to puppies, all of them are related to their human friends and therefore, one gets to read well-rounded stories that convey the power of love and friendship and caution against greed and disobedience.  

Excerpt from A Perfect Puppy

“That one’s too big,” said Polly, pointing to a Great Dane.

“And that one’s too small.” She pointed to a Chihuahua.

“How about this one?” Said Mummy, stroking an Afghan Hound.

“Too hairy.”

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!

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?

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.”

Albert and Sarah Jane

Author: Malachy Doyle

Illustrator: Jo Parry

Year: 2007

Publisher: QED Publishing, UK

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 22

ISBN: 978 1 84538 895 9

Before you arrive at any conclusions about the names in the title of this book, I’d like to inform you that they belong to a dog and a cat, respectively. Actually, they're pets in the same household.

Albert likes his food.  And Sarah Jane’s fishy nibbles too. One day, he gets carried away with eating and ends up polishing off the cat’s food too.

Sarah Jane is very upset and takes matter into her own hands. 

It’s a fun story in a cheeky-sort of way and the illustrations complete the package.

Excerpt

Albert spotted Sarah Jane through the upstairs window.

He smiled at her, in a doggy sort of way, but Sarah Jane ignored him.

So, Albert slipped out of the house, went round to next door’s doorstep, sat himself down by the cat’s flap, and howled.

“Come home, Sarah Jane!” he cried. 

When Mama Can’t Sleep

Author: Christa Kempter

Illustrator: Natascha Rosenberg

Year: 2011

Publisher: North-South Books Inc., New York

Age: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 20

ISBN: 978-0-73584-015-7

This is a little bedtime book about a household that is woken up one by one because 'mama can't sleep'. Finally, they crawl into bed, all together, dog and teddy included and sleep blissfully.

I did find the mention of a ghost quite odd. Shown as a smiley-face, nevertheless, it seemed more than a little out-of-place, even though I grew up reading Casper comics.

Excerpt

Then Sam can’t sleep because the beds are creaking and feet are padding around, so he gets up.

Now everyone is up.

What are they going to do?