Mini Reviews by Topic: “Bedtime, Best Read-Alouds, Feelings, Rhyming Books”
Title: Llama Llama Red Pajama
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Toddler, Preschool
Why We Love It:
Settling down for the night can be challenging for many young children including Llama llama. After a story and kisses, Mama Llama leaves little llama to sleep. The separation proves too much for little llama whose imagination goes wild when mama does not immediately appear when called. Young children will identify with little llama’s dilemma and find reassurance knowing that “ Mama Llama’s always near, even if she’s not right here.” The soothing rhythm and clever rhymes make this a hit and a favorite to recite.
Title: Sometimes
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Preschool, Beginner
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Sometimes Alligator is happy, sometimes he is sad, but even though his feelings occasionally change, he always likes who he is. Simple text, combined with colorful illustrations make this a great early reader.
Title: The Big, Big Wall
Illustrator: Ariane Dewey & Jose Areugo
Stage(s): Preschool, Beginner
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Humpty is afraid to fall down until his friends work together to help him. Familiar characters, controlled vocabulary in both English and Spanish accompanied by matching pictures make this bilingual book an excellent choice for beginner readers.
Title: Iris and Walter: The Sleepover
Illustrator: Christine Davenier
Stage(s): Preschool, Beginner
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Best friends Iris and Walter are looking forward to sharing their very first sleepover. Feelings of excitement and anticipation turn to nervousness and doubt as Iris prepares for her very first stay away from home. A great beginner chapter book in the Iris and Walter series.
Title: Benny and Penny: In Just Pretend
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Preschool, Beginner
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Benny just wants to be a pirate despite the efforts of his pesky little sister to join in. Young readers will easily connect with the adventures of brother and sister duo Benny and Penny.
Simple text and matching illustrations help beginner readers figure out new words while building confidence.
Title: Ira Sleeps Over
Illustrator: By the author
Stage(s): Preschool, Beginner, Elementary
Why We Love It:
Why We Love It
Bernard Waber writes and illustrates with a clear understanding of how young children think and act. When Ira is invited to sleep over at his next-door neighbor’s house, he is thrilled. He becomes increasingly nervous that his friend Reggie will discover his beloved teddy bear, Tah Tah. The ending is believable and true-to-life. This is a delightful read-aloud, especially for preschool and kindergarten age children.