BOOK LIST

Suggested Book Titles

Literacy Volunteers Book Drive, Summer 2020

Nature Titles

*Flower Garden by Eve Bunting $6.99 (Ages 3-7)

An urban African-American girl and her father buy plants, potting soil, and a window box at the supermarket, ride the bus to their apartment, and put together a colorful gift for the child’s mother. Rhyming verse carries the brief story

Fireflies; $4.99 (5-8 yrs)

A young boy is proud of having caught a jar full of fireflies, which seems to him like owning a piece of moonlight, but as the light begins to dim he realizes he must set the insects free or they will die.

Little Owl’s Night: $5.71 (also see Little Owl’s Day: $6.19)

This story follows Little Owl during his nighttime explorations... this bedtime tale may even convert children who are afraid of the dark into adventuresome night owls.

*The Listening Walk by Paul Showers. $6.99 (ages 4-8)

Beautiful book art work by Aliki. Starts with the little girl putting on her walking shoes & walking outside with her multiracial dad and dog; Shows the difference between outdoor sounds, busy city sounds and quiet nature sounds. At the end, she is back in her room & says, "You do not even have to take a walk to hear sounds. There are sounds everywhere all the time. All you have to do is keep still and listen.

The Backyard Bug Book for Kids: $5.32 (ages 3-5)

This book has everything you’d want in bug books for kids: a story, pictures, and activities combined. Introduce your little one to the types of bugs they’re likely to see during their day, then help them remember what they’ve learned with fun, on-the-page challenges.

Birds By Kevin Henkes Board Book $7.99

A young girl wonders about the birds she sees and hears outside her window. What might the sky look like if birds made colors with their tails? Where did the seven birds that were just on the telephone wire fly? A mix of facts about birds with illustrations and prose that will awaken the imagination Booklist said, “Together, the words and pictures create a book that will enchant preschool audiences again and again.”

*Handa’s Hen by Eileen Brown $6.99 (ages 3-7)

Every morning, Handa, a young girl from the Luo tribe, feeds breakfast to Mondi, her grandma's black hen. This morning Mondi is nowhere to be seen. So Handa and her friend set off on a hunt, coming upon two fluttery butterflies, three stripy mice, four little lizards, five beautiful sunbirds, and many more intriguing creatures. Luminous colors depict a lush natural setting in this gentle, repetitive story.

Old Elm Speaks: Tree Poems by Kristine O’Connell George (ages 4-7 yrs) $7.99

This tree across the stream is a trickier bridge than it might seem... a collection of short poems that celebrate trees and the amazing variety of ways they touch our lives. Deceptively simple verses reveal what trees think about and what they say to one another, as well as how they look and all the things they do for us. Humor and an unerring ear for the sounds of language make these poems an irresistible read-aloud; the luminous oil paintings evoke a country setting and the children who enjoy it through the year.

The Raft by Jim LeMarche $7.39

This is an imagination-sparking story about appreciating the simple, natural joys of the world and the people in it, and about discovering and exploring one’s own talents. School Library Journal proclaimed, “This dazzling picture book is an artistic triumph.”

Thanks to the Animals: Alan Sockabasin $9.03

Little Zoo Sap and his family are moving from their summer home on the coast to their winter home in the deep woods. Unnoticed, the youngster tumbles off the end of the sled. Alone, cold, and frightened, Zoo Sap cries, and his cries attract the forest animals. Beginning with beaver and ending with the great bald eagle, the animals rush to protect the baby and shelter him from the cold until his father returns for him.

Nuts to You by Lynne Rae Perkins $5.69 ( 8-12 yrs) chapter book

Two squirrels go very far indeed to save a friend who has been snatched up by a hawk. Nuts to You “begs to be read aloud . . . another completely original and exceptional package from Perkins,” features black-and-white art by the author on every page, as well as exclusive material original to this edition.

Marty McGuire Digs Worms by Kate Messner and Brian Floca $4.99 (chapter book)

A funny, accessible chapter-book series about an irrepressible third grader.Marty McGuire's third-grade class special assignment: Save the Earth! the best project wins a special award. Marty's pretty sure her classmates' ideas won't stand a chance against her plan to turn the garbage from the school cafeteria into fertilizer. All she needs is a little help from her teammate and best friend, Annie -- and the worms in her grandma's garden.But it turns out that worms are awfully SLOW eaters. And when the critters escape, the whole class starts grumbling. Can Marty save the Earth without losing her friends?

Gail Gibbons titles Nature & Gardening

Many science/nature titles include: Spiders $7.59 / Honey Makers $6.99 / Monarch Butterfly $7.39

Thornton Burgess Mother West Wind series most are $2.99 each (ages 8-14 years)

Hundreds of titles. Here’s representative list (much beloved by my family—have read many of them!)

· Old Mother West Wind; Mother West Wind's Children

· The Adventures of Reddy Fox

· The Adventures of Buster Bear

· The Adventures of Old Mr. Toad

Gardening/Nutrition

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth: by Mary McKenna Sidals $7.99 (3-7 yrs old)

Compost Stew is beautiful, poetic, evocative—and educational. Kids everywhere are knowledgeable about the environment and climate change. Covers how do you start a compost pile? What’s safe to include? Perfect for an Earth Day focus or year-round reference, this inviting book provides all the answers for kids and families looking for simple, child-friendly ways to help the planet

*Everybody Cooks Rice by Norah Dooley $7.38

(First in a series that includes Everybody Bakes Bread, Everybody makes Soup—these titles are $7.99)

In this multicultural picture book, Carrie goes from one neighbor's house to the next looking for her brother, who is late for dinner. She discovers that although each family is from a different country, everyone makes a rice dish at dinnertime. Readers will enjoy trying the simple recipes that correspond to each family's unique rice dish

Growing Vegetable Soup, by Lois Ehler $6.99 paperback (preK)

Dad says we are going to grow vegetable soup." So begins this bright, bold picture book about vegetable gardening for the very young. The necessary tools are pictured and labeled, as are the seeds (green bean, pea, corn, zucchini squash, and carrot). Then the real gardening happens . . . planting, weeding, harvesting, washing, chopping, and cooking! Simple, colorful cut-paper-style illustrations are child-friendly, as is the big black type. A recipe for vegetable soup tops it all off!

The Tiny Seed, Eric Carle (3-8 yrs old) $5.00 hardcover

Eric Carle’s classic story of the life cycle of a flower is told through the adventures of a tiny seed. This mini-book includes a piece of detachable seed-embedded paper housed on the inside front cover. Readers can plant the entire piece of paper and watch as their very own tiny seeds grow into beautiful wildflowers.

Jody’s Beans by Malachy Doyle $6.99 A magical story will inspire you to grow your own runner beans.

When Jody’s grandfather comes to visit, he brings along a packet of seeds for them to plant. Through spring, summer, and fall, Jody watches her plants sprout, flower, and grow lots of beans. Soon, as Jody’s parents await a new baby, Grandpa and Jody are picking the beans — and waiting for next spring.

Peaceable Stories

On themes of sharing, caring, communication, conflict resolution, friendship, peace, diversity

The very popular An Elephant and Piggie series from Mo Willems

My Friend is Sad Hardcover; $6.99 Should I Share My Ice Cream paperback $7.09

The Thank You Book Hardcover: $6.99 Can I Play Too? $6.99

Review: My girls have been fans of the Elephant & Piggie series for about five years. We have almost all of the books in the series; they have helped all three of them learn to read. We were very sad when we heard that The Thank You Book would be the last Elephant & Piggie book,

Corduroy by Don Freeman, $5 Board Book

A beloved classic in which a stuffed bear waiting hopefully in a toy department finds a home with a little black girl who wants Corduroy so much that, when her mother refuses to buy him, she come back the next day with her own money. Endearing, brightly colored pictures together with the text affectionately recount Corduroy’s adventures

Frog and Toad Books, $3.00-$5.00 –timeless classics about friendships, sharing, caring (I Can Read Level 2) Titles include; Frog & Toad are Friends; Days with Frog & Toad, Frog & Toad Together

Felix Stands Tall (from Felix and Fiona Series) by Rosemary Wells) $5.99 also see Fiona’s Little Lie

“Humorously captures the fluidity of social dynamics — and proves that it’s possible to captain one’s own destiny.” Felix has a new best friend! With take-charge Fiona, anything seems possible, and before Felix knows it, she sweeps him into singing and dancing. But trouble waits in the wings. Can he pull himself together and face down the bullies?

*Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger & Michael Hayes $8.99

(some versions come with a CD—or can be heard via readingrainbow.org)

No one wants to hear the little boy play his ukelele anymore...Clink, clunk, clonk. And no one wants to watch his father make things disappear...Zoop! Zoop! They are ostracized from town. Until the day the fearsome giant Abiyoyo suddenly appears in town, and all the townspeople run for their lives! Nothing can stop the terrible giant Abiyoyo, except the little boy’s ukelele and the mysterious power of the magic wand Amazon review : “My 4 yo daughter was introduced to this book at her preschool, where it's a perennial favorite.. She would play an "Abiyoyo's coming" pretend game in which she would find ways to protect us. Clearly this book has played a role in helping her believe that she can find solutions to things she fears. We took it out of the library so many times I finally bought it for her! Highly recommend!

Shades of Black: A Celebration of our Children by Sheila Pinkney $6.99

(also available in used edition @ $5.37)

Using simple poetic language and stunning photographs, Sandra and Myles Pinkney have created a remarkable book of affirmation for African-American children. Photographic portraits and striking descriptions of varied skin tones, hair texture, and eye color convey a strong sense of pride in a unique heritage. A joyous celebration of the rich diversity among African-Americans.

*Shades of People by Shelly Rotner $7.99

A celebration of the diversity of everyday life, this exploration of one of our most noticeable physical traits pairs simple text with vibrant photographs. At school, at the beach, and in the city, diverse groups of children invite young readers both to take notice and to look beyond the obvious….This book is absolutely perfect. It is so innocently written, geared toward appreciating all our beautiful colors, without a heavy-handed moral message. Exactly what is needed to help foster a natural sense of appreciation for all people, and a great starter book for discussions about race and ethnicity

*Families by Shelly Rottner $6.99

Celebrate diversity with this picture book for very young children about the many faces of contemporary families. Bright photographs capture families having fun together, enjoying all the ways they are similar and different. Some families have one parent; some have two; some have aunts and uncles and grandparents living with them. Some have adopted children, some have children born to them. Whether they live all together or far apart, families love and care for each other

*Titles by Ezra Jack Keats (timeless classics from 1960’s, featuring African American children, urban setting)

Peter’s Chair (Ezra Jack Keats) $6.19

Peter has a new baby sister. First his father paints Peter’s old cradle pink, then his crib. Then his parents want to paint Peter’s chair! “Let’s run away, Willie,” he says to his dog. And they do--a gentle and reassuring story about sibling rivalry.

The Snowy Day, (Ezra Jack Keats) $5.99

1963 Caldecott Medal winner, is the simple tale of a boy waking up to discover that snow has fallen during the night. Keats's illustrations, using cut-outs, watercolors, and collage, are strikingly beautiful in their understated color and composition. The tranquil story mirrors the calm presence of the paintings, and both exude the silence of a freshly snow-covered landscape. The little boy celebrates the snow-draped city with a day of humble adventures--experimenting with footprints, knocking snow from a tree, creating snow angels, and trying to save a snowball for the next day. Awakening to a winter wonderland is an ageless, ever-magical experience, and one made nearly visceral by Keats's gentle tribute.

Harry and the Lady Next Door by Gene Zion and Martha Bloy Graham (I Can Read Level 1) $4.99

Part of the Harry, the Dog series loved by all children. Harry, the little white dog with black spots, tries everything he can think of to get the lady next door to stop singing. Every time Harry tries to stop her, he gets in trouble! Can Harry solve the neighborhood′s problem before he′s sent to the doghouse?

Imogene’s Antler’s by David Small $6.39 ages 3-7

This whimsical story of a little girl who wakes one morning to discover she has grown antlers has delighted children since it was first published over 30 years ago! The family doctor, the school principal, and even Imogene's know-it-all brother, Norman, fail to resolve her dilemma. Imogene, the cook, and the kitchen maid, however, make the best of things, finding unusual uses for Imogene's new horns. Meanwhile, the problem appears to be solved when Imogene awakes the next morning antler-free. But the family (and the reader) are in for a surprise when Imogene comes down to breakfast

*Somewhere Today: A Book of Peace: $6.99 (3-7 yrs) (but suitable for ALL ages)

A book filled with pictures and color that interests the young child with the aim to open their thinking and feelings to consider another person. Teaching empathy and practicing it is a role model for our children in today's world. It gives great examples of how to spread peace. This little book speaks to all ages

On Mother’s Lap by Ann Herbert Scott (0-3 yrs) $5.99

"Sitting on his mother's lap, a young Eskimo boy cheerfully gathers his belongings until he, some toys, his puppy, and a blanket are all crowded together in the rocking chair. When his baby sister cries, the boy claims there is no room for her, but Mother proves him wrong, and the threesome settle comfortably in the chair. Soft illustrations depict a cozy scene and a loving family."

YOUNG ADULT Titles

The Family Under the Bridge: by Natalie Salvage Carlson (8-12 yrs) $5.69

The heartwarming and memorable Newbery Honor-winning book about finding family in the unlikeliest places, featuring artwork by beloved illustrator Garth Williams. Armand, an old man living on the streets of Paris, relishes his solitary life in the beautiful city. He is happy with his carefree existence, begging and doing odd jobs to keep himself warm and fed. With simple pleasures, what more could he need? Then one day before Christmas, Armand returns to his favorite spot beneath the bridge to find three cold and hungry children. Although he has no interest in children, Armand soon finds himself caring for the small family. It does not take Armand very long to realize that he must do whatever it takes to get them a real home.

Summer of the Monkeys: by Wilson Rawls, YA title $5.39

A School Library Journal Top 100 Children’s Novel; An NPR Must-Read for Kids Ages 9 to 14

The last thing fourteen-year-old Jay Berry Lee expects to find while trekking through the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma is a tree full of monkeys. But then Jay learns from his grandpa that the monkeys have escaped from a traveling circus, and there’s a big reward for the person who finds and returns them. His family could really use the money, so Jay sets off, determined to catch them. But by the end of the summer, Jay will have learned a lot more than he bargained for—and not just about monkeys. From the beloved author of Where the Red Fern Grows comes another memorable adventure novel filled with heart, humor, and excitement.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell, $6.78

Newbery Medal winner Island of the Blue Dolphins is considered one of the greatest children's books ever written. This story of survival is as haunting and beautiful today as it was when it first appeared in print. And now, just in time to celebrate the book's fiftieth anniversary,

The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl $6.99

To the Gregg family, hunting is just plain fun. To the girl who lives next door, it's just plain horrible. She tries to be polite. She tries to talk them out of it, but the Greggs only laugh at her. Then one day the Greggs go too far, and the little girl turns her Magic Finger on them. When she's very, very angry, the little girl's Magic Finger takes over. She really can’t control it, and now it's turned the Greggs into birds! Before they know it, the Greggs are living in a nest, and that's just the beginning of their problems

Pax Sara Pennypacker, $5.89 (middle grade novel excellent for grades 5 to 6 also)

A beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the powerful relationship between a boy and his fox. Pax destined to become a classic, beloved for generations to come. Pax and Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. But one day, the unimaginable happens: Peter's dad makes him return the fox to the wild. At his grandfather's house, 300 miles away from home, Peter knows he isn't where he should be—with Pax. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war. Meanwhile Pax, steadfastly waiting for his boy, embarks on adventures and discoveries of his own.

*All American Boys by Jason Reynolds (ages 12-18) $5.07

A 2016 Coretta Scott King Author Honor book, and recipient of the Walter Dean Myers Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature. In this New York Times bestselling novel, two teens—one black, one white—grapple with the repercussions of a single violent act that leaves their school, their community, and, ultimately, the country bitterly divided by racial tension

*Glory Be: (ages 9-12) $6.79

NPR "Backseat Book Club" selection;Featured on NPR's "Weekend Edition"with Scott Simon

"There's a whiff of Carson McCullers in Augusta Scattergood's story of a sultry Southern summer long ago when the outside world moved all the markers of Glorianna Hemphill's growing up. It's a summer of bigotry and beehive hairdoos, of sit-ins and dangerous boys. All … beautifully recalled."--Richard Peck

Fish in a Tree: by Linda Mullaly Hunt,(ages 10-14) $6.29

Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. With the help of her teacher Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself. “ Deals with the hardships of middle school in a funny, yet realistic and thoughtful manner. This novel is a must-have.”—School Library Connection

*This book features multiracial characters

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