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. 

Biscuit and the Little Pup

Category: Beginning Readers 

Capucilli, Alyssa Satin. Biscuit and the Little Pup. Illus. by Pat Schories. 29pp. Harper Collins. 2008.  ISBN 978-0-06-074170-9.

When Biscuit finds a puppy hiding in a playhouse during a trip to the park, he is determined to engage the little pup in a game. Biscuit tries to entice his friend to emerge from the hiding spot using a ball and a bone, but nothing works! Finally Biscuit wonders away to find a hiding spot of his own, and the puppy timidly appears. Through an engaging game of hide and seek, the puppies attract the attention of young readers and encourage them to follow the adventures of Biscuit and his friend. charming color illustrations accompany the fun story, and simple words in large type are perfect for beginning readers in kindergarten and first grade.  

Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival

Category: Read-Alouds

Larson, Kirby, and Mary Nethery. Two Bobbies : A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival. Illus. by Jean Cassels.  Unpaged.  Walker & Company. 2008. ISBN 0-8027-9754-7.

Separated from their family in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Bobbi and Bob Cat, a dog and a cat who have bobbed tails and share a special friendship, traverse through New Orleans in an effort to survive. Together they encounter the devastation of the city as they roam the streets. Four months after their journey begins, the two bobbies are rescued by a construction worker and eventually taken to a temporary animal shelter in the city. The volunteers at the shelter recognize the special bond between the bobbies, and after a television appearance together, they are adopted into a loving family. Through the relationship between the two bobbies, this heartwarming story emphasizes the necessity of friendship for survival. Tender emotions are evoked when it is discovered that Bob Cat is blind, and he relies on Bobbi to guide him, especially during difficult times. Larson and Nethery vividly describe the setting and the relationship between the bobbies, and many children can relate the lessons of friendship presented to situations in their own lives. Colorful and realistic pictures grace the full pages of the book and draw the reader’s attention, adding unique appeal to this inspiring story of loyalty and trust. 

Welcome to the Crestwood Reading Corner!

Greetings!

As staff members of the Crestwood Public Library, we are excited to bring you our newest blog, the Crestwood Reading Corner. Designed as a resource for parents of five to eight-year-olds, this blog will provide reviews, suggestions, and recommendations of children’s books so parents can guide their young students into the adventures of reading. Early elementary school is the ideal age to encourage reading development in children and for them to experience the joy of getting lost in the world of stories as they discover newfound independence and interests in their young lives. A weekly blog entry will focus on one primary reading source, and entries will cover a variety of topics and types of books. A comment section will allow parents to discuss the item and share their thoughts, concerns, and experiences as they incorporate reading it into their children’s lives.

Enjoy the adventures of guiding children into the world of reading!