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.
  • Email this page
  • Print-friendly version of this page
 

Featured books by

Emma Walton Hamilton

Stories are everywhere. They are told on stage, in movies, and on television. In books authors are directors and actors ; books are the stage. So it's probably not surprising that a mother and daughter team, both with acting backgrounds, also write books that engage young readers and are just right for adults and children to share.

Meet the many characters created by Julie Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton; they're varied and rich. Pick up some techniques to inspire young readers of all ages by Emma, a mom who has tested out many on the children in her life. And above all, enjoy the drama and humor of these stories.

Dragon: Hound of Honor
Dragon: Hound of Honor
By: Emma Walton Hamilton
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The murder of a young knight, a white wolfhound, and a faithful page in medieval France all come together to create a fast-paced, gripping mystery.

Dumpy the Dumptruck
Dumpy the Dumptruck
By: Emma Walton Hamilton
Illustrated by: Tony Walton
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Before the barn can be razed on Merryhill Farm, Charlie and his grandfather restore the old dump truck that Charlie so loves. Not only does Dumpy the Dumptruck prove his worth, readers will appreciate that old isn't always bad!

Great American Mousical
Great American Mousical
By: Emma Walton Hamilton
Illustrated by: Tony Walton
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Theater mice perform in a space just out of human sight in a venerable old New York theater. Alas! The leading rodent taken to Brooklyn before she performs in the final play before the theater is destroyed. Humor abounds in this satisfying tale.

Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies
Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies
By: Emma Walton Hamilton & Julie Andrews
Illustrated by: Jim McMullan
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

A range of poetic styles, some rooted in the authors' family, are shared in this handsome, easily accessible collection. Attractive illustrations are sprinkled throughout, building the joy when the poems are shared, even when listening to the beautifully read CD.

Simeon's Gift
Simeon's Gift
By: Emma Walton Hamilton
Illustrated by: Gennady Spirin
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Simeon loves a noblewoman from afar and seeks to find the music from deep inside him. His quest turns to despair until a series of events allow him to discover his real worth. Well told and strikingly illustrated, this modern fable resonates with readers.

Thanks to You: Wisdom from Mother & Child
Thanks to You: Wisdom from Mother & Child
By: Emma Walton Hamilton
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Children learn from their mothers and mothers learn from their children. Photographs from the authors' extended family combine with gentle language to convey universal emotions and universal wisdom.

The Very Fairy Princess
The Very Fairy Princess
By: Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton
Illustrated by: Christine Davenier
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Geraldine is a princess, a fairy princess with a crown and lots of sparkle. Her life as a fairy princess is filled with ballet (where she sparkles a lot), school, and with friends. Muted illustrations and an innocent narration combine to present a loving family whose child is indeed a very fairy princess.

Books for Adults

Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment
The Very Fairy Princess
Age Level: Adult
Reading Level: Professional

Useful information and a range of surefire strategies to make reading a pleasure for adults and children are presented with lots of book suggestions. When combined with an informal approach, parents and teachers are likely to find joy in engaging young readers.

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

Proceeds from the sale of books purchased at Amazon.com help support the Reading Rockets project. Thank you!

Get our newsletters!

Follow Reading Rockets

Become a fan of Reading Rockets on Facebook! Watch our videos on YouTube Check out our podcasts in iTunes

Daily Lit Quiz

How does his great grandson take Grandpa Green down memory lane?

Walking quickly
Through his well-tended garden
By the hand

Every day you get an answer right, you'll be entered into our monthly drawing for a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com!

Donate to Reading Rockets online

The Literacy Calendar

Find out what's happening! Read Across America, D.E.A.R., día de los niños, and more...

Quotable Quotes

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go."
— Dr. Seuss
Reading Rockets Podcasts