SUMMER READING FOR YOUNG READERS: FROM A MOUSE DENTIST TO SNEEZING ELEPHANTS:
Teachers at Park and Roosevelt schools were asked for their summer reading recommendations for children entering kindergarten, first, and second grades in the fall . Here are their suggestions:
For students entering Kindergarten
Who Will Go to Kindergarten Today? by Karl Ruhmann
"A story about a little boy named Sam who wants his stuffed monkey to go to school instead of him. However, after telling his monkey about what happens at school, Sam realizes that he has so much fun at school and that he DOES want to go to school!"
— Stephanie Gross, Roosevelt School
Mice and Beans, by Pam Muñoz Ryan
"Rosa Maria spends a week getting ready for her granddaughter's birthday party and trying to avoid attracting mice, unaware that the mice in her walls are preparing a party of their own."
— Sudha Narsipur, Park School Librarian
The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn
"The Kissing Hand is about the love between a child and mother. This love helps the child deal with being separated from his mother while he is in school."
— Chrissie Rosas, Park School
In the Small, Small Pond, by Denise Fleming
"A lot happens in a small small pond! >From the tadpoles that wiggle and joggle in the spring to the frogs that sleep in the winter, a variety of critters make the pond a busy place!"
— Mrs. J. Montañez, Roosevelt School
Leo the Late Bloomer, by Robert Krause
"How a little tiger named Leo bloomed and learned to do many things he couldn't do before."
— Rosa Sanmartin and Annette Matos-Perez, Roosevelt School
For students entering First Grade
The Napping House, by Audrey Wood
"It's a simple repetitive story about characters who nap on a cozy bed with a delightful surprise at the end. Children will enjoy retelling it themselves!"
— Cathy Ferrara, Park School
First Year Letters, by Julie Danneberg
"Sarah Hartwell is a teacher who opens a post office in her classroom. We follow the class's year through the letters they write. Very funny book!"
— Mary Doyle, Roosevelt School
The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein
"It's a story of friendship. A wonderful book for all ages."
— Nina Green, Roosevelt School
Elena's Serenade, by Campbell Geeslin
"Little Elena wants to be a glassblower like her father, but he says it's too dangerous and girls can't do it. Beautiful illustrations."
— Ms. Esposito, Roosevelt School
Doctor De Soto, by William Steig
"Dr. De Soto, a mouse dentist, copes with the toothaches of various animals, except those with a taste for mice, until the day a fox comes to him in great pain.
— Sudha Narsipur, Park School Librarian
For students entering Second Grade
The Magic Treehouse series"Jack and Annie go on many adventures, solve riddles, and learn about history through books."
— Yvonne Denmark, Park School
The Big Box, by Toni Morrison
"The first children's book by Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison sends the message that children value their freedom and can certainly learn to manage it very successfully with guidance and love from the adults around them."
— Margaret Greco, Park School
The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury, ed. Jack Prelutsky
"This anthology represents the variety and scope of contemporary children's poetry, with subject matter that speaks directly to childhood experiences and humor evident throughout."
— Greta Ringel, Roosevelt School
Recommended for all ages
Any book by Kevin Henkes"All Mr. Henkes's books relate to friendship and getting along with others, which are important concepts for children to understand. Some of my favorites are:
- Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
- Chester's Way
- Julius
- The Baby of the World
- Wemberly Worried
— Barbara Rink, Park School
Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White
"My personal favorite book of all time! Children of all ages will enjoy this classic. For younger children, read it aloud to them while snuggling. For older students, alternate pages or chapters. Read the book, then watch the movie with a big bowl of popcorn."
— Mrs. Wagner, Park School
"Stand Back," Said the Elephant, "I'm Going to Sneeze!" by Patricia Thomas.
"Absolute FUN FUN FUN! Read!"
— Julie Bucci and Christina Newman, Park School
Sometimes I'm Bombaloo, by Rachel Vail and Brave Little Monster, by Ken Baker
"Both books deal with feelings: Bombaloo (anger) and Monster (fear). Bombaloo is about a little girl named Katie who gets angry and Monster is about a little monster who is afraid. of boys and girls.
— Rosemarie Masci, Roosevelt School
Compiled by Jennifer Sparrow for The Panda Roos News, the PTA newsletter for Park and Roosevelt schools.