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Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in helping struggling readers build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
 

Featured books by

Gail Gibbons

Reading Rockets recommends the following books by Gail Gibbons.

Behold… the Dragons!
Behold… the Dragons!
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Are dragons real? When — and where — did stories about dragons start? Why did they begin? Find the answers to these and other fascinating questions about dragons in literature and history, presented here in clear text and crisp illustration, ideal for young readers.

Behold… the Unicorns!
Behold… the Unicorns!
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Unicorns appear in history and folklore from China to England. What could explain the popularity of these creatures? When and why did people begin to believe they were magical? Medieval tapestries are used with Gibbons’ signature illustration and straightforward text to explore the history of these mythical creatures.

Elephants of Africa
Elephants of Africa
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

This large land animal is introduced through crisp, easy-to-follow text and realistic illustrations. Information presented will satisfy casual readers and is likely to inspire further reading.

Farming
Farming
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Though it changes from season to season, work on a farm continues all year round. This easy introduction to farms and farming follows the work over a year through text and lucid illustration.

Fire! Fire!
Fire! Fire!
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Whether the fire is in the city or in the country, on the waterfront or in a deep forest, the concise text and clear, colorful pictures explain the different ways fires are fought.

Giant Pandas
Giant Pandas
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Fascinating tidbits about these captivating animals are presented in clear, uncomplicated text and appealing illustrations. Where the Giant Panda is found in the wild – including a map of China – their endangered status and more are introduced.

How a House Is Built
How a House Is Built
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

As readers quickly comprehend, building a house is a complex project requiring the cooperative efforts of many people. Beginning with the architect who draws the plans, readers meet the surveyors, equipment operators, carpenters, plumbers, and other people who produce a building. The book concludes with a family moving in, ready to make the house a home.

Knights in Shining Armor
Knights in Shining Armor
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Knights, their weapons, and their tournaments continue to fascinate children. In this clear presentation, readers will learn about what it took to become a knight, the times in which they lived, what weapons they used, and much more. Additional stories and information encourage further reading.

My Basketball Book
My Basketball Book
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

This introduction to basketball takes the reader from the basic rules of the game to the equipment used and descriptions of the players' positions. Gibbons’ clear illustrations and lucid text are presented in a smaller size, ideal to take along on an outing. Also, be sure to check out the other books in this series: My Baseball Book, My Football Book, and My Soccer Book.

Penguins
Penguins
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

A map of the southern hemisphere is included to help readers explore the habitats of the different kinds of penguins as they learn about this perennially popular non-flying bird. This informative and engaging introduction is carefully illustrated and is sure to spark additional research.

Pigs
Pigs
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Pigs are appealing animals – particularly when the reader learns that they’re not the smelly, unkempt creatures they’re so often portrayed as. In fact, they’re quite intelligent, and are composed of different breeds with many different uses. Gibbons presents a full picture of pigs, treating them with much deserved respect.

Tell Me, Tree:  A Book About Trees for Kids
Tell Me, Tree: A Book About Trees for Kids
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Even in cities, there are many trees. But how can a child (or an adult for that matter) tell one tree from another? How does a tree grow and live? How do trees benefit people? A larger format is effective in this basic but comprehensive introduction to trees, plant processes, and tree identification.

The Milk Makers
The Milk Makers
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Many people drink milk every day. But have you ever thought about where it comes from? From dairy cow to table, milk goes through many steps. And some milk is used to make other things. The dairy farm and its products are revealed in crisp, appealing illustrations and straightforward text.

The Post Office Book: Mail and How It Moves
The Post Office Book: Mail and How It Moves
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

From mailbox to homes, the process of handling mail is introduced in Gibbons' signature style illustrations and crisp text in this brief but informative book.

The Vegetables We Eat
The Vegetables We Eat
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Some are perennials, others are annuals, but one thing is for sure: vegetables are grown to be eaten! This introduction to edible plants will inform and may lead to discussions of where vegetables grow, how we eat them, and when they are harvested.

Interested in wonderful interviews with tween and teen authors? Hop on over to our sister site, AdLit.org, and browse the library.

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