Sweep Dreams

Category: Read-Alouds

Willard, Nancy. Sweep Dreams. Illus. by Mary Grandpre. Unpaged. Little Brown and Company. 2005. ISBN 0-316-94008-9.

When a beautiful broom with red straws catches the eye of a man, he immediately falls in love with this new handmade treasure. He declares that she is too special to use, but he soon discovers that an inactive broom becomes melancholy and despondent. In an attempt to save his suffering broom, the man calls the veterinarian, who promptly declares that she must sweep in order to regain her vitality. A diligent sweeping regimen is begun, and one night he awakens to find the broom sweeping by herself in the living room under the light of the moon.  From that point on, the broom contentedly sweeps and dances away the days until she suddenly disappears from the man’s home. While the broom is taken by a lurking stranger, the author weaves an intricate tale as the man searches for his sweeping companion. The magical story lures the reader onward as it follows the woeful plight of the dancing broom and the courageous rescue efforts of the man. Set in a fantasy world, the glowing pictures illuminate the story and complement the mysterious tone of the book. With description and originality, the author draws the reader into this fun story, and primary age children will be enthralled with the exploits of the dancing broom and her faithful protector. 

Look What Tails Can Do

Category: Early Nonfiction 

Souza, D.M. Look What Tails Can Do. 48pp. (Look What Animals Can Do Series). Photos. Glossary. Further Reading. Websites. Index.  Lerner Publications. 2007. ISBN 0-7613-9458-3.

If something can be an umbrella, a basket, and a communication tool, it must be a tail! From a “busy tail” to a “poisonous tail,” the author describes in detail how each kind of tail is unique and used by different animals. Divided into four page chapters for each creature, there are several paragraphs of information complemented by two beautiful, close-up photos in every section. Designed for readers in second grade and up, these older primary students will delight in learning about skinks that lose their tails if they are caught, or tails that weigh so much they serve to anchor manatees to the bottom of the water. Ring-tailed lemurs that have “stink fights” and opossums that use their tails to haul objects will hold the attention of students as they uncover each new characteristic of tails. Each feature of a tail is described with a realistic story or situation to make the facts come alive. Presenting scientific information in a fun and interactive manner, this book is perfect to read aloud to younger children or to let older students explore a new world by themselves.  Focusing on one physical feature using a variety of animals, the author brings a new twist to primary age science books, complete with a glossary and index. 

Hi! Fly Guy

Category: Beginning Readers

Arnold, Tedd. Hi! Fly Guy. 30pp. Scholastic. 2005. ISBN 0-439-63903-4.

On the search for a pet to enter in the upcoming Amazing Pet Show, a boy sets out for a walk and runs into a fly that knows his name! The young boy, Buzz, immediately captures the smart fly and names him Fly Guy.  When his parents, and later the pet show judges, doubt the legitimacy of a pet fly, Buzz and Fly Guy prove them wrong. A budding and rather quirky relationship forms between the boy and his fly, and children will love following the adventures of these two friends.  Broken into three short chapters that provide natural stopping places for beginning readers, the book is filled with humorous text set in a large, fun font. Bright, lively illustrations capture the interest of primary students and complement the action packed story. 

Judy Moody Goes to College

Category: Early Chapter Books

McDonald, Megan. Judy Moody Goes to College. Illus. by Peter H. Reynolds. 129pp.  (Judy Moody Series). Glossary. Candlewick Press. 2008. ISBN 978-0-7636-4322-5.

Exasperated at the idea of needing a math tutor, Judy’s attitude turns into a bad-i-tude! When a substitute teacher advises Judy to improve her math skills, she pleads for mercy until she discovers her new tutor is Chloe, a college student. Meeting in the college math lab, Chloe creates new and exciting ways for math to come alive. Judy quickly changes her mindset about math and looks up to Chloe as a role model in everything from fashion to speech patterns. She is exuberant about her college experience, but soon discovers that her new radical college attitude is driving her friends away in the third grade. Can she maintain passion about college and math without being isolated at school? Written in a spirited style, the author conveys an entertaining tale filled with attitude. From glad-i-tude to bad-i-tude, Judy entices the reader to follow her college escapades and learn lessons about life and friendships along-side the characters. Filled with delightful pen and ink drawings, Judy’s emotions are etched on the pages, bringing the story to life. A short glossary is included in the back of the book, defining college terms Judy learns like “geck,” “old skool,” and “let’s food.” Printed in large, evenly spaced font that will not overwhelm a young student, this story will captivate advanced second or third graders who are ready to read chapter books on their own.

Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly

Category: Read-Alouds

Madison, Alan. Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly. Ilus. By Kevin Hawkes. Unpaged. Schwartz. 2007. ISBN 978-0-375-83597-1.

Entering the first grade, Velma Gratch longs to be remembered for something special. Her two older sisters had plenty of attention from the teacher when it was discovered that they were talented in math and spelling, but Velma feels awkward and incompetent. After several failed attempts to gain attention, Velma discovers a love for science. When the class studies butterflies, she investigates resources at the library and learns everything she can about the beautiful creatures. The class then takes a trip to the local conservatory, and seeing her favorite insects up close fascinates Velma. To her delight, a lovely Monarch butterfly perches on the tip of her finger.  Soon, the class realizes that the butterfly refuses to move, and no matter what they do, it will not fly away! Velma leaves with the butterfly still tickling her fingertips, and throughout the next days the butterfly remains by her side. Finally, accompanied by the school principal and her family, she travels to the local park and is able to convince the butterfly to migrate south with its like kind. Illustrated with expressive style and gentle colors, Velma’s story touches the heart, and her innocent attempts to gain attention garner the affection of readers. Feeling and emotion is portrayed in the text, and the author creatively lures the reader to root for Velma’s success. Primary age children can relate to Velma’s struggle to belong, and they will delight in the story of a young girl and her clever accomplishments. 

Emperor Penguins

Category: Early Nonfiction

Trattles, Patrica. Emperor Penguins. 32pp. (Pull-Ahead Animal Series). Photos. Map. Glossary. Further Reading and Websites. Index. Learner Publications Company. 2006. ISBN 0-8225-3484-3.

Waddling in a straight line across the frozen Antarctic, emperor penguins are capable of surviving the cold climate because of their unique body features. Feathers serve multiple purposes, but will they help camouflage the emperor in snow or water? Describing the process of migration, birthing, and raising chicks, the author provides just enough details to enthrall young readers. Using striking yellow print against a bright blue cover, this small book geared for kindergarten through third grade students dives into the life and world of these special creatures. With two or three sentences per page, large print against shiny white pages makes it simple to read.  Pristine photos are included on every page, illustrating the facts discussed in the print. From the visual details of webbed feet to the delightful pictures of a newborn chick, the reader will appreciate the difficulties emperor penguins face each year of life. 

Dude, Where's My Spaceship?

Category: Early Chapter Books

Greenburg, Dan. Dude, Where’s My Spaceship? Illus. by Macky Pamintuan. 81pp. (Weird Planet Series). Random House. 2006. ISBN 0-375-83344-7.

On a perilous flight through outer space, three aliens from the planet Loogl crash land in the Nevada desert when they are unable to control their spaceship. Klatu and his siblings, Ploo and Lek, are in for an adventure when Ploo is kidnapped and taken captive by officials from the local army base. Through a series of humorous escapades, Klatu and Lek make a courageous effort to rescue their sister. Morphing into human beings and chewing language gum allows them to communicate with earthlings for a short time, and as they hurry to find Ploo, a car is stolen, pizza boxes are consumed, and the guard at the army base is fooled by their story. In the meantime, Ploo has undergone numerous experiences of her own, and in the end it takes the courage of a human girl to return Ploo, and later her brothers, to safety. Written in short sentences with large print, this book is appealing to primary students. The length is appropriate for children beginning to read chapter books, and the fun story will hold their attention. Expressive illustrations occasionally appear in the pages, offering a visual image of the aliens and their actions.