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Books as Gifts
2008 Buying Guide
Books for 6-7 year olds
Scroll down to see 10 great books for beginner readers in first and second grades. These highly engaging books give kids a chance to succeed at reading. You'll also find 10 additional recommended books that lend themselves to talking over, reading aloud, and enjoying with a parent, babysitter, or other caring adult.
Browse through the recommended books below or download the guide as a one-page handout you can easily take to the library or store.
Books to read on their own
Dick King-Smith is not only a writer but a pig farmer. His deep knowledge and sincere affection for these creatures is contagious in the engaging text and illustrations. The accompanying audio includes a read along, audio of the book, and facts about pigs.
Piggie and his elephant friend, Gerald, are back this time to play outdoors in rain and in sun. Their unlikely friendship is patient, gently humorous, and reflective of friendship — regardless of age or species!
Self-taught artist Clementine Hunter used paint and canvas to record life in the rural south. Her work was first hung on a clothesline, much later in galleries. This attractive picture book biography concludes with an author's note and actual images by Hunter.
Babymouse wants to win the skating trophy and keeps a rigorous training schedule; one without friends and cupcakes. Ultimately, Babymouse figures out and acts on what is most important to her. The Babymouse books continue to be fresh, original, and real.
George, the curious monkey, and the man with the yellow hat are featured in this carefully constructed, appealing picture dictionary. Illustrations done in Rey's style illuminate words from A to Z and additional features in this attractive introductory dictionary.
A bug-eyed boy named Buzz and his pet, Fly Guy (a similarly eyed fly) save the day for Buzz's football team. This latest installment in the Fly Guy series stands alone, however, and is sure to delight young football aficionados.
When Mercy Watson, the Watson's beloved pet pig, eats the neighbors' flowers Animal Control Officer Francine Poulet is called in to capture the culprit. In order to do so, Officer Poulet finds she must think like a pig! Humor abounds in this easy novel with a very satisfying conclusion for all.
Bold color and geometric shapes create portraits of creatures from caterpillars to monkeys to accompany short ditties. The result is a lively look at a range of animals. Some short verse is reminiscent of Ogden Nash ("RAT/Leave/a rat/where/it's at.")
Wangari Maathai's native Kenya was a changed land, literally blowing away because its trees and growth had been destroyed. Rather than complain, she started a reforestation effort for which she was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Handsome illustrations combine with crisp text to tell the story of one person’s impact.
Traction Man is back! In this adventure Traction Man takes on a compost heap, loses his trusty Scrubbing Brush, and meets Turbo Dog — all with tongue-in-cheek humor in both comic-strip-like illustrations and understated language.
Books to read with you
Anansi is a trickster so when he invites Turtle to a party it is, of course, a scam. But turnabout is fair play, and so Anansi gets his comeuppance. Humor abounds in the energetic, droll illustrations and contemporary retelling of this traditional tale.
Inspired by a visit to the Iguazú National Park in South America, Francisco X. Alarcón celebrates its animals, skies, waterfalls, and more in these short and vibrant bilingual poems. Each page holds pulsating paintings that swirl and move, further vivifying each poem.
Damaris is a very clever duck who with Rory (her sheepdog friend) figure out how to give just desserts to the arrogant pigs (with names like Mrs. O'Bese and Mrs. Portly). The results are nearly disastrous for all, but all ends well in this appealing fantasy.
Fanny has always wanted a fashion doll but when her wanting goes unanswered, Fanny makes a ragdoll instead — and begins her own fashion trend with Annabelle. Fanny is believable as is her self-reliance. Readers can make their own paper Annabelle doll.
Stunning close-ups of colorful frogs in their natural habitats taken by an acclaimed photographer and biologist combine with clearly presented information on large, bright pages, sure to intrigue as well as inform readers of all ages.
Ruby and her friend sell lemonade in order to buy matching rings. When Max's help is rebuffed, he sells leftover Halloween candy to Grandma in time to buy the last ring. Good-natured competition and lots of humor make this another Max and Ruby winner.
Lily feels like she can't contribute to the family fund to help her sister Eubie's college fund. When Lily finds a way to help, her joy is conveyed through handsome, realistic illustrations and Lily's exuberant narration.
Ali, a contemporary boy living in Bagdad enjoys soccer, "loud, parent-rattling music," and Arabic calligraphy. Ali finds solace in it during the noise of war much like 13th century calligrapher Yakut. Dynamic, evocative illustrations make this book memorable, sure to remind readers that children are similar world-over.
Being small isn't always easy, especially when growing up is associated with getting bigger. The pitfalls and pleasures of being a small fry is explored in a series of short poems accompanied by spirited illustrations.
Tiddler was a chronically late little fish with a big imagination. Tiddler's tales are believed by only one fish who shares them — which is what brings Tiddler safely home when he's really lost. Bright, cartoon-like illustrations add detail to this cumulative tale.
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