First Grade Summer Reading List (page 2)

2011 Summer Reading List

The Book with a Hole by Herve Tullet. This is a whole lot more than just a giant book with a giant hole in it. Filled with imaginative pictures and interactive activities that inspire creativity, this whimsical read gets your child thinking outside of the box (or hole, as it were). In First Grade, kids are learning to string sentences together to tell stories and think creatively. With monsters and mazes and giant bullseyes, this book is jam-packed with story starters and creative launching pads. Color it, write in it, and make it your own. Take it with you anywhere and the stories change with you. A delight for reluctant writers and readers alike. (Tate Publishing, $11.60) Where to buy

Labracadabra by Jessie Nelson and Karen Leigh Hopkins. Zach wanted a dog since forever, but what his parents finally bring home is hardly the regal German Shepherd he’s been dreaming of. “Larry” is a mutt with a crooked tail, and he’s in dire need of a good home. Zach isn’t impressed, until he notices that magical things happen as soon as Larry wags that funny-looking tail. Simple text makes this charming story perfect for readers just starting to go it on their own. (Viking Juvenile, $11.02) Where to buy

Suryia and Roscoe: The True Story of an Unlikely Friendship by Dr. Bhagavan Antle. What happens on the rare ocassion when an orangutan and a dog meet? In one case, they become best friends! This book uses journalistic-style writing and photography to tell the true story of Suryia the orangutan and her hound dog buddy, Roscoe. It all started when a stray dog snuck into Suryia’s preserve in South Carolina looking for food. What he found was a lifelong friend and new home. After getting over the initial shock of a giant orangutan running after him, Roscoe comes to love living on the preserve--he even learns to deal with Suryia trying to feed him bananas (which he hates.) This sweet story of an odd pair is a perfect introduction to non-fiction, with talky narrative, funny anecdotes, and goofy photos. (Henry Holt and Co, $11.55) Where to buy

12 Dancing Princesses by Brigette Barrager. In a dreamy kingdom far, far away, 12 princesses have a very mysterious problem. Every morning they wake up to find their shoes worn out and every day, they are too sleepy to do anything but nap in the garden. But Pip, the kingdom cobbler, is determined to find out what's going on. What he finds may be more than he could have imagined! Set amid beautiful illustrations befitting of any great story, this classic fairy tale is retold and stunningly illustrated by Brigette Barrager to make for a perfect book for fantastical-minded young readers. (Chronicle, $13.25) Where to buy

Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies. Nothing says summer like a day at the beach, but who enjoys the beach at night? Bats, of course! They build campfires, apply moon-tan lotion, dig sand caves, and eat bug-mallows for desert. This imaginative and lyrical account of a bat beach party is a surefire hit. Darkly beautiful illustrations, done in acrylic paint, show purple skies, moonlit bat wings, and campfire shadows in rich detail. Delicious rhymes and imagery make this a fantastic read-aloud your child will come back to all summer long. (Houghton Mifflin, $10.88) Where to buy

Our 2010 First Grade Summer Reading List

A Birthday for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Bear does not like birthdays. So, in the name of party-lovers everywhere, his friend Mouse goes undercover, delivering balloons, slipping bright red notes through the window, and even dressing up as Santa in the hopes of changing Bear's mind. Can the world's grumpiest birthday boy resist the big chocolate cake that arrives on his doorstep unannounced? Kids who loved the fantastic picture book, A Visitor for Bear, but who've grown since its release, will love this early chapter book from the same team. Just the right balance of lighthearted illustrations and more complex text to keep emerging readers occupied. (Candlewick, $15.99) Where to buy

Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade by Stephanie Green. It's time for Posey to start first grade, and she's finding the approaching changes a bit intimidating. For one, she won't be able to wear her pretty pink tutu on the first day of school. Or will she? This adorable story about growing up eases kids' concerns about starting "real" school and shows them they really can make a difference, even in an adult-run world. A little advanced for most incoming first graders to read by themselves, this book makes a wonderful bedtime story when shared together, especially as summer draws to a close. Get your little one hooked on reading with this offering, because it looks like the start to a delightful series! (Penguin, $12.99) Where to buy

Cloud Tea Monkeys by Mal Peet. Every day while her mother spends hot hours in the sun at the tea plantation, Tashi plays and shares fruit with her monkey friends. When her mother falls ill, Tashi tries to take her place on the plantation in order to pay for a doctor, but she is too small and the overseer sends her away.  The monkeys come to her rescue, with a basketful of magical "cloud tea" from high in the mountains, bringing the story to a sweet and fulfilling end. Beautiful, full-page illustrations captivate the imagination, and turn this original folk tale into an unforgettable film-like escape. A tale of love and devotion, the wonders of nature, and...tea. Take turns reading this aloud with your child, and you're bound to spark a love of books. (Candlewick, $15.99) Where to buy

How to Clean a Hippopotamus by Robin Page. Why do crocodiles let plover birds sit in their mouths? What does a coyote get out of a friendship with a badger? And just what is the best way to clean algae from a hippo's skin? This book explores one of the great mysteries of nature: animal symbiosis. In clear, yet scientifically accurate language, readers get down to the nitty-gritty of nature's most unusual partnerships. The authors don't shy away from unsavory details, such as the helpful way wolves tear open carcasses for the vultures. However, first graders tend to love these gory details, and if it helps get them fired up about science, that's a good thing. The graphic novel format, with wonderful cut paper illustrations, helps to make the subject come alive. A great non-fiction read for summer. (Houghton Mifflin, $10.88) Where to buy

Andy Shane and the Barn Sale Mystery by Jennifer Richard Jacobson, illustrated by Abby Carter. This easy chapter book has an old-fashioned flair-- it feels sweet and gentle, and most of all, unplugged. At its heart are Andy and Granny Webb, knee-deep in preparing to celebrate their un-birthdays. Andy wants to get Granny the best present ever, but his piggy bank is empty, so he spends the week collecting things his neighbors no longer want, then announces a Barn Sale. When his friend accidentally sells Granny's favorite pair of binoculars, it's up to them to deduct who bought them. But the real mystery here is how Jacobson manages to weave in lessons of kindness, materialism, and true friendship, without seeming the least bit preachy. (Candlewick, $14.99) Where to buy