Great board books, picture books and early-read novels can turn a child into a lifelong reader. Here’s a smathering of fun, enticing stories to share with young readers.
Cat Shapes by Aidan Cassie is a fun romp through a day of a cat and all the shapes it can take on: from a square in a cardboard box to an oval in the sink. There is a sneaky cat, a sunning cat, and a curious cat. But the best shape of all comes on the last page of this board book for the youngest readers. A cat fits perfectly into your heart…
After reading this with Your preschool or kindergarten students, see how many shapes the children can take on! ISBN 978-1-5253-1327-1, Kids Can Press
The Haircut, written by Theo Heras and illustrated by Renné Benoit, is a board book story of a first haircut for very young readers. The lovely drawings show a barber shop, a chair that can go up and down and a child whose’s curls are snip-snipped until there’s no more hair in the eyes. A nice story to prepare little ones for a real haircut. ISBN 978-1-77278-356-8, Pajama Press
Wait Like a Seed, written by Erin Alladin, illustrated by Tara Anderson, is a perfect picturebook to use with Kindergarten and early elementary students. Written in a simple rhyme, the story shows the life cycle of milkweed and its relationship with monarch butterflies. Waiting like a seed, reaching like a sprout – the words can be accompanied by movement games in the classroom. If your students hatch butterfly chrysalis in the classroom, this story will be a great text to use. ISBN 978-1-77278-359-9, Pajama Press
Love, Panda by Elaine Su, illustrated by Charlene Chua, is a wonderful picturebook for little ones, especially those who are a big brother or sister to a new baby. Panda used to be owned by Benny but he’s been left in the baby’s room! In a panic, Panda writes Benny a note asking him to come and rescue Panda. Each page is a new note written by Panda. At first he complains bitterly about this new baby who drools and burps. But gradually the notes get less urgent. Panda’s facial expressions change until he’s a happy, smiling Panda again who actually chooses to keep the baby company. ISBN 978-1-5461-7958-0, Orchard Books
Little Bee: The Buzz about the Party, by Danny Neville (who was a teacher at International Schools), with illustrations by Colleen McKeown.
This beginner’s novel is a fun, upbeat story about Bee and her best friends. When their teacher announces a special contest for the best plan to celebrate Mother’s Day, the students get busy making plans and crafts. But the idea also causes concerns for students who don’t have a standard family of a mom, dad and kids. Bee has two dads. Her friend Santiago lives with his grandparents. Another one has only a mom. How can all the children celebrate this special day without causing anyone hurt feelings? Bee and her friends come up with an all-inclusive plan that allows all the students to participate. Working together, even the most difficult child in class is happy to be part of the plan and the party.
A great read in which children of many diverse cultures and families can recognize themselves. This first book in a series will soon be followed by more titles! ISBN 978-1-83402-047-1, Annick Press
Margriet Ruurs is the author of many books for children. She is available for author presentations at International Schools.