Books by Theme
Animals in Fact and Fantasy
Summertime is a good time to learn and to imagine. Have you ever wanted a dog? How about one that does good deeds? Have you ever wondered what would happen if a goat trip-trapped over a bridge? Want to meet a Cuban solenodon? How about a gaur? Find out about these and ordinary rodents that live all around. And imagine about what stuffed animals are like when they come to life. You’ll find these and more in the books suggested here.
A New Friend for Sparkle
Sparkle, Lucy’s unicorn, becomes a bit jealous when Cole comes over to play. Dance and a drum bring the three friends together in this gentle but illuminating story of friendship.
Barkus
After Nicky’s uncle gave her a dog. Barkus became a trusted member of the family, a classroom dog, and he even adopted a small kitten named Baby. Barkus and Nicky’s adventures are told in short chapters and colorful illustrations.
Clifford’s Good Deeds
Though well-meaning, the good deeds just don’t turn out quite right when Clifford the big red dog tries to help Mary Elizabeth and her neighbor Tim around town. This vintage edition uses limited color illustration in a humorous modern classic.
Lesser Spotted Animals
Humor abounds in the both the text and comic (but surprisingly informative) illustrations to introduce readers to a host of little known animals. Fact and fun combine in this engaging look at some amazing critters.
Little Fox in the Forest
In this wordless fantasy, a girl loses her stuffed fox but finds it in a fantastic forest. This imaginative tale is told in sequential panels (rather like a graphic novel) in which no words are needed.
Mama Lion Wins the Race
The race is on and Mama Lion and young Tigey are off! The Italian countryside provides the backdrop for this charming tale of friendship and monkey hijinks. Translucent watercolors illustrate the race with spiffy cars driven by toys come to life are worth reexamining.
Out!
A young toddler and his very large dog share a mischievous nighttime adventure. Few words (primarily woof and out!) extend the humorous illustrations to its satisfying and cozy conclusion.
Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep
Poetic language provides an introduction to squirrels, their habitats, and behaviors. Collage illustration enhances the information and the energetic tone. Additional information finishes this attractive and informative book.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Three goat brothers attempt to get to a grassy hillside by crossing a bridge under which lives a fierce troll. The traditional tale has been given an innovative new look and also a fresh, surprising, and very satisfying ending.
Tony
The narrator recalls the time when Tony, a large white draft horse, would pull Tom’s wagon to deliver milk, butter, and eggs. Soft, handsome illustrations evoke an earlier time in this sweet, nostalgic story.
Proceeds from the sale of books purchased at Bookshop.org and Amazon.com help support the Reading Rockets project. Thank you!
New and Popular
Our Literacy Blogs
