Local Librarian Picks Top Books For Kids

Read Across America Day was yesterday, where students all across the country participated in various reading activities in celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday. Students at both Allen W. Roberts and Salt Brook Elementary Schools had guest readers in their classrooms each day this week, including local police officers, administrators and parents.

For Patch Picks this week, we decided to find the top five books that children can read right now. Pat Miller, Library Media Specialist at Salt Brook Elementary School, obliged us with her recommendations. Read on for the titles and brief descriptions. Happy Reading!

1. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr

On a winter’s night under a full moon, a father and daughter trek into the woods to see the Great Horned Owl.  This Caldecott Medal winner is a gentle story of nature’s special moments and the sharing of them with a special person.

2. How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the USA written and illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

Travel the country by taxi, riverboat, train, and plane as a young baker searches for the natural resources needed to create baking goods.  A companion piece to How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, Priceman offers an entertaining and delicious way to learn geography!

3. The Three Silly Billies by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Barry Moser

In this parody, three billy goats form a car pool with the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack from beanstalk fame to get across the toll bridge of the mean ol’ Troll.  Lots of puns and fun!

4. Parts; More Parts; and Even More Parts by Tedd Arnold

These books present a hilarious overview of the human body as a five-year-old boy takes certain everyday idioms a bit too literally.  Discover how it feels to “crack up” laughing!

5. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Caldecott Award winner for 2011.  Amos McGee, the friendly and thoughtful zookeeper, wakes up one day with the sniffles.  Who will look after the animals?  A surprise is in store in this gently humorous tale of friendship and dedication.