Swing Otto Swing!


David Milgrim - 2004
    But he keeps crashing. Then Otto comes up with an idea that will have everyone swinging!Recognizing Words-Word repetition-Familiar words and phrases-Simple sentencesStarting to Read-Simple stories-Increased vocabulary-Longer sentencesReading Independently-More-complex stories-Varied sentence structure-Paragraphs and short chaptersReading Proficiently-Rich vocabulary-More-challenging stories-Longer chaptersTO PARENTS AND TEACHERS:Children learn to read in a variety of ways: through formal teaching in school, by being read aloud to at home, and reading on their own, using all the tools they've learned for making sense of letters and words. The process starts with a child's first awareness that letters on the page form words, which make sentences, which make stories. No one method of learning is right for every child, but all children need books they can read successfully.Ready-to-Read books feature classic stories and interesting nonfiction by authors who really know how to write for this age group. They're grouped at four levels: Pre-Level One, with repetitive text and simple sentences for children who can recognize words; Level One, with an increased vocabulary and longer sentences for children who are just starting to read; Level Two, for those who are reading independently and are ready for slightly greater challenges; and Level Three, for children who can read fiction and nonfiction on their own, with fewer illustrations and longer texts. At each level, the books are all written, designed, and illustrated to suit the interests, needs, and abilities of new readers.Children in preschool and the early elementary grades are universally fascinated with reading, and are already saying, "I'm ready to read." When they finish a Ready-to-Read book, we want them to say, "I am reading, and I like it!"

Sam and the Firefly


P.D. Eastman - 1958
    Seuss. In Sam and the Firefly, P. D. Eastman (author of Are You My Mother? and Go, Dog. Go!) introduces us to the dynamic duo of Sam and Gus, who soar through the air writing words in the night sky. But when Gus’s words end up causing confusion and chaos for the people on the ground, it’s up to Sam to help Gus “write” his wrongs. Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning."...provides interest, suspense and word repetition. Illustrations excellent. Recommended."--(starred) School Library Journal.

Waiting for Snow


Marsha Diane Arnold - 2016
    When his friend Hedgehog explains that everything comes in its time, Badger is as unconvinced and impatient as ever. But Badger’s friends have a few tricks up their sleeve to try to get the snow’s attention and distract their pal in the meantime. In the end, Badger sees there’s no trick—only waiting—until at last, it’s time.

Business Pig


Andrea Zuill - 2018
    Can this cutie pig find someone to adopt him who means business, too?   Right from the start, everyone at the barnyard could tell Jasper wasn’t like his siblings: “I believe what we have here is a gen-u-WINE Business Pig!” No wallowing in the mud or rooting for grubs for Jasper; he’d rather help with the bookkeeping or conduct a meeting. Though everyone at the animal sanctuary loves him, Jasper longs for a forever home. But no matter how many business cards he hands out, no one wants to adopt him. Can this above-average pig find his special person to cut deals with?

Cuddle Monkey


Blake Liliane Hellman - 2020
    But ever since his baby brother Owen was born, cuddle time with his mom and dad has been in short supply. Lewis, however, remains undaunted! He wants his cuddles! So:He cuddles his favorite book.He cuddles his stuffed animals, Hedwig, Lamby, and Monster Dude.He even cuddles a puddle, just because it rhymes!But cuddling the bus driver turns out to be a little dangerous. Cuddling at dinner is too messy. And cuddling Owen is wiggly and squiggly. Then Lewis finds that a cuddle doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be just the cuddle you need.

A Fly Went By


Mike McClintock - 1958
    A fly went by, followed by a frog, who's chased by a cat, who's chased by a dog and a host of other frantic characters, in a humorous cumulative tale.

Hibernate with Me


Benjamin Scheuer - 2019
    Sometimes you feel shy. Sometimes you feel worried, and you might not know why. Sometimes you want nobody to see. Darling, you can hibernate with me. If you feel scared or lost, or even just a little shy, love means there will always be a place to hibernate together. A place that’s cozy, warm, and safe.

We Disagree


Bethanie Deeney Murguia - 2020
    Can they possibly be friends?Mouse likes figs. Squirrel prefers twigs. Mouse likes blue and polka dots. Squirrel likes red and does not like spots. It seems that they disagree on everything! Is there any way they can be friends, despite their differences?

Space Cows: Ready-to-Read Pre-Level 1


Eric Seltzer - 2018
    Space cows fly low. Space cows dance three in a row. Space cows are green. Space cows are blue. Some of them quack (but most of them moo)! Read all about space cows in this book for beginning readers who like to giggle!

The Smallest Snowflake


Bernadette Watts - 2009
    When Spring finally comes the smallest snowflake knows that she has fulfilled her destiny.

Bravest Dog Ever: Story of Balto


Natalie Standiford - 1989
    Dozens of children in Nome become sick with diphtheria. Without antitoxin serum, they will perish - and the closest supply is 650 miles away! The only way to get the serum to Nome is by sled, but can the dogs deliver it in time? Heading bravely into a brutal blizzard, Balto leads the race for life.Illus. in full color.

Mercy Watson to the Rescue


Kate DiCamillo - 2005
    and Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just a pig — she's a porcine wonder. And to the portly and good-natured Mercy, the Watsons are an excellent source of buttered toast, not to mention that buttery-toasty feeling she gets when she snuggles into bed with them. This is not, however, so good for the Watsons' bed. BOOM! CRACK! As the bed and its occupants slowly sink through the floor, Mercy escapes in a flash — "to alert the fire department," her owners assure themselves. But could Mercy possibly have another emergency in mind — like a sudden craving for their neighbors' sugar cookies?

These Bees Count!


Alison Ashley Formento - 2012
    Tate’s class listen, they learn how bees work to produce honey and make food and flowers grow. Bees count—they’re important to us all. Alison Formento’s gentle message is illustrated with Sarah Snow’s bright, realistic papercuts.

Curious George and the Dump Truck


Margret Rey - 1984
    Before long he finds that one little lever can mean great big trouble! But thanks to some monkey ingenuity, George finds a surprising solution to his messy mishap that makes the park more enjoyable for all.

A Visitor for Bear


Bonny Becker - 2008
    He even has a sign. So when a mouse taps on his door one day, Bear tells him to leave. But when Bear goes to the cupboard to get a bowl, there is the mouse -- small and gray and bright-eyed. In this slapstick tale that begs to be read aloud, all Bear wants is to eat his breakfast in peace, but the mouse -- who keeps popping up in the most unexpected places -- just won't go away!