New readers present a challenging time for parents.They are just sounding out letters, trying to master blends and get through two syllables. They can't quite master the chapter book, but they want to test their skills out on a real book. In comes the early reader.
These books have one or two sentences on a page and lots of illustrations. They don't overwhelm the child with too many words or pages and they are a blend of vocabulary kids know and some words that are new. Dr. Seuss mastered this genre, but kids can't read One Fish, Two Fish forever, so what is next?
The list this week represents some incredibly clever authors who have taken on the challenge of approximately ten basic words per page and have crafted stories with humor and heart. This is not an easy feat, but they have mastered it! So let's hear it for the early reader and starting kids on their journey to loving books!
Title: There Is a Bird on Your Head
Author: Mo Willems
Target: Kindergarten - Grade 1
Series: Yes
What this book is about:
Elephant and Piggie are best friends. When Elephant feels something on his head, he asks Piggie what it could be. Piggie responds that there is a bird on his head and then proceeds to tell elephant how the bird is building a nest and laying some eggs, all on Elephant’s head. After getting some good advice from Piggie on how to get rid of the nest on his head, while still being kind to the birds, Elephant finds that Piggie is in for the biggest surprise of all.
Why I love this book:
Every Elephant and Piggie book is just so darn funny that even though it is an early reader, and even though it is written for a five-year-old, I just can’t help but laugh at the clever humor. These books are a delight for both kids and adults.
Who this book is for:
There are about six or seven words on each page, so this is for kids just starting to read books those who are not yet tackling chapter books.
Final thoughts:
One of the most charming early reader series that is out there.
To see my full selection of early readers, visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com
