Dancing in the Wings

Dancing in the Wings by:Debbie Allen Pictures by: Kadir Nelson
This is one of my favorite traditional picture books. This is a story about a young girl named Sassy who has always loved to dance ever since she was a little girl. She had long legs and was very tall. Because of being bigger and taller than the rest of the girls she was often made fun of by the other dancers in her class. When it comes time to try out for a big chance to dance in Washington DC her biggness turns out to be more of a blessing than a curse. Reading level: 3-5 grade. Pages: 31. I recommend this book because it's a great way to teach kids that just because you're different doesn't mean that you can't do great things!

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel by James Vance Marshall. We all know the charming and funny fairytale. A wicked step Mother makes her husband take his son and daughter into the woods far away so that they cannot find their way back. Leaving a trail of bread crumbs is a classic part of this tale. Of course the birds eat their crumbs and they cannot find their way back. Read this book to find out the fun adventures that Hansel and Gretel have while trying to find their way back home. Reading level:Kindergarten-2nd grade. Pages: 250.

Mmm Cookies!

"Mmm, Cookies!" By: Robert Munsch and Illustrated by: Michael Martchenko. This Scholastic book is a great book for kids of all ages. In this awesome adventure Christopher makes cookies out of play clay an gives them to his Mom and his Dad. After getting the nasty taste out of their Mouths, they call his teacher to let them know what he's been up to. His teacher then surprises him with a special treat ;) This story is a great example about treating others the way that you want them to treat you. With many great sound effects and great ways to make this book special, kids of every age will enjoy this wonderful read aloud.

A Bad Case of Stripes

"A Bad Case of Stripes" By:David Shannon Illustrator: also David Shannon. This is a great book about a girl named Camilla who is afraid of being different than the other students and kids around her. She loves Lima beans, but pretends that she doesn't because nobody else like them. Then one morning after trying on many different outfits for her first day of school, Camilla finds that she has colored stripes all over her body. Through out this little adventure Camilla find that it's not about what others think of you, it's about being yourself. She learns not to wear the "stripes" of the world and enjoy being herself unafraid of what others may think.

Rise and Shine

The book "Rise and Shine" is a great book to read to your toddler in the morning. I read this book to my one year old and he loves it! It's great for rhyming words and has very great pictures with a lot of color that really helps them stay interested. There is not too many words on each page so it's easier to keep the child's attention while reading to them.