Books That Will Entice Young Readers …

Splish, Splash, ZooBorns!

By Andrew Bleiman and Chris Eastland
Simon Spotlight. $16.99

Toddlers seem to be fascinated by animals, so this level one “Ready-to-Read” book should be a hit. Featuring a number of baby critters, such as a baby pygmy hippo, a young manatee, and little elephant, the simple text shares a little information about each animal and is paired with a color photo of each subject.

For example, your child will learn that a sea lion’s whiskers help him find his way in the dark and the beluga whale is called the “canary of the sea” because it chirps to communicate.

Very short sentences, word repetition and a manageable vocabulary make this a good book for a child just beginning to engage in shared reading at story time.

Stella: The Dog With The Big Heart

By Thea Feldman
Illustrated by Chris Danger
Simon Spotlight. $16.99

For a child who has already mastered simpler level-one readers, this level two book features a storyline about a real dog, Stella, who is trained to be a therapy dog.

You’ll follow Stella’s story from her special training through visits to people who have special health needs and enjoy the attention the dog provides when she visits them.

Part of the publisher’s “Hero Dog” series of books, this is not only a true story but one that will also put a smile on the face of the reader. If your child loves, dogs this title should be a hit and the story itself provides just the right challenge with a simple plot, dialogue, and an extended vocabulary.

Monkey and Elephant and a Secret Birthday Surprise

By Carole Lexa Schaefer
Illustrated by Galia Bernstein
Candlewick Press. $14.99

As a young reader advances, he or she turns to extended stories that feature short chapters and more detailed plots. This humorous book about the difficulty in sharing a secret focuses on friends Monkey and Elephant.

At the story’s outset Monkey tells his friend that it is his birthday but he doesn’t want a party or any fuss made about it. Elephant knows he has a hard time keeping a secret but he is determined to try.

When Clever Rat enters the tale in Chapter Two and it becomes clear that Rat is an expert hat maker, especially party hats, the challenge of keeping the secret of Monkey’s birthday becomes very difficult for elephant. Then Rat invites everyone over to his house to see his latest party hat collection.

Before you know it, an “It’s-not-my-birthday” party is taking place and then Monkey’s cousins show up. Is the secret out of the bag now? Perhaps!

Colorful illustrations along with a text featuring lots of dialogue make this funny, chapter book one that should delight the more accomplished reader.

Poppy the Pirate Dog and the Missing Treasure

By Liz Kessler Illustrated by Mike Phillips
Candlewick Press. $14.99

This middle-grade picture book features six short chapters and over forty pages, thus making it a story that a young reader can feel good about when he or she completes reading the book.

The central character, a dog named Poppy, is going to assist his family in celebrating the mother’s birthday. The children, Tim and Suzy, are planning a special pirate show for Mom and Poppy is going to have to guard the treasure that will be part of the production.

The neighbor’s wayward pet tortoise will make the task a challenge as will an injury that Poppy receives that necessitates a trip to the vet. Even though it appears for a short while that the birthday celebration is total disaster it fortunately all works out OK and ends well.

This chapter book is ideal for the youngster who is ready for a longer book and more complex story. The author manages to increase the length of the story and complexity of the plot without making the vocabulary too demanding. Completing the book will give the child a sense of accomplishment and make him or her ready to tackle even more demanding stories in the future.

Ballet Cat: Dance! Dance! Underpants!

By Bob Shea
Hyperion. $9.99

Ballet Cat is trying to get her buddy, Butter Bear, ready for her dance debut. Unfortunately, Butter Bear isn’t too anxious to participate. Ballet Cat loves to leap high but her friend thinks that’s dangerous and is reluctant to try some highflying jumps.

After a series of excuses that Butter Bear uses to avoid even trying the jumps, Ballet Cat realizes that the main problem is Bear’s fear that anyone who sees her underpants when she jumps will laugh at her.

Now Ballet Cat will need to somehow reassure Bear that jumping high won’t turn into an embarrassing situation. Can she do it? Of course! But you’ll have to read this cute picture book to see how the dancing kitten overcomes her friend’s fears.

Children love silly stories and this one will evoke some laughter as it gives the young reader a chance to practice his or her new skills.

Buzzy Bee’s Food Shapes

By Joe Cowley
Illustrated by Richard Hoit
Upstart Press. $8.99

This little board book combines simple dialogue with practice mastering some basic shapes such as a circle, square and triangle. The shapes are all tied into what to have for lunch (a sandwich, pizza or cookie) and the dilemma of finding something that features two circles.

Vibrant colors make the illustrations here jump off the page and this sturdy book will stand up to hard wear. An import from New Zealand, you’ll find this little volume will appeal to younger children and it is also an excellent beginning concept book as well as an early reader.

Adopt Me! Little Kitten

By Olivia Cosneau
Mila Editions. $9.99

This activity book is filled with lots of fun activities that center around owning a kitten. There are stickers and press-out pieces to use in creating a collage plus pages to color.

Set this book aside for a rainy day or when you are traveling and you’ll find that your little cat lover will be totally engrossed in taking good care of this special little pet.

There are a lot of small pieces here so make sure the book is not used with a child who might want to try placing them in his or her mouth.