When a bookish dragon settles on the hill near his home, Kenny is anxious to investigate. He is made a little nervous by Grahame’s size at first meeting, but soon the two are best friends. However, the citizens of the nearby town aren’t so anxious to make friends with a dragon. The problem grows when Kenny realizes George, another of his close friends, has been ordered to exterminate Grahame. Soon it will take all of Kenny’s brains and strength of character to save his newest friend from the prejudice of the villagers.
This sweet story of friendship and loyalty is great for a variety of ages. Tony DiTerlizzi is an excellent illustrator as well as author and his pictures add to the marvelous story. I read this out loud with my 3, 5, and 9 year olds and they all enjoyed this story. This isn’t an easy reader, but with the frequent pictures it is a good transition from easy chapter books to some more complex reading.
Halmark’s made for TV movie has made the story of the Herdmans well known, but the book is even more priceless and touching than the movie. When the town’s most rowdy and dysfunctional family takes all the lead roles in the church Christmas Pageant, it appears as if the show will be a disaster. However, as the Herdmans learn ABOUT Jesus, they teach everyone about the true Spirit of Christmas. This is a wonderful, humorous, and touching story, perfect for reading as a family during the month of December.
I love this book, because it entertained all three of my children (ages 3, 5, and 9) when we read it out loud together. Willy Wonka opens his mysterious chocolate factory to five lucky children. His tour shows these children the magical world of chocolate making, but it is also a test. One lucky child will win much more than a tour, the most magical prize of all.
In classic fairy tale style, M.M. Kaye presents the story of a princess blessed by her fairy godmother to be ordinary. When Princess Amy fails to fit the storybook mold, her life becomes filled with ordinary and wonderful adventure. Written in the style of a fairy tale, but with a unique twist, The Ordinary Princess is a perfect mother/daughter book. Make sure to look for an edition with illustrations by the author.
Younger brother to Judy Moody, Stink is a perfect character for boys new to chapter books. He is witty and fun like his sister, and has his own adventures. The illustrations are fun and my boys especially love Stink’s comic strips at the end of each chapter.
Judy Moody is a spunky and witty young girl who finds adventure in everyday life. Kids relate to her adventures and the writing is clear and accompanied by great illustrations. It is perfect for readers just getting in to reading chapter books.
Most young readers are familiar with The Mouse and the Motorcycle. This book is some of the further adventures of Ralph as his motorcycle. In this book, Ralph decides to leave the safety of his home and has his first experience with the world outside.
