The Sweetest Fig

Fantasy

Chris Van Allsburg brings humor and fun to this fantasy book.  Monsieur Bibot receives two "special" figs as payment for taking out an old woman's tooth.  Refusing to believe in these magical figs, Monsieur Bibot eats one for his evening snack.  The next day, however, he realizes everything he dreamed the night before is shockingly coming true!  Wishing to become the richest man in the world, Bibot saves the second fig for a special night.  Read about what happens to Monsieur Bibot and his magical figs in The Sweetest Fig.


Title: The Sweetest Fig
Author: Chris Van Allsburg
Publisher/Date: Houghton Mifflin Company/1993
ISBN: 0-395-67346-1
Rating: 5 out of 5

The Velveteen Rabbit

Fantasy




The Velveteen Rabbit is a beautiful story about a young boy and his furry new friend.  Quickly becoming the boy's favorite new toy after Christmas, the rabbit is overjoyed with the thought of finally becoming real.  Later, after the boy becomes sick with scarlet fever, the doctor orders all of his toys to be burned and his room to be disinfected.  Will the rabbit ever get his chance at becoming real through the power of love?  How could the little boy let his best friend be burned? The Velveteen Rabbit pulls at your heartstrings as you follow this classic tale of love, friendship, and the bond between a boy and his bunny.

Title: The Velveteen Rabbit
Author: Margery Williams
Illustrator: William Nicholson
Publisher/Date: George H. Doran Company/1922
ISBN: 0-380-00255-8
Rating: 5 out of 5

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

Fantasy

Lilly cannot wait to get to school and show off her brand new, purple, plastic, purse!  her excitement ends, however, when her teacher takes the purse away because of the distraction it is causing in class.  Lilly gets very angry at her, once favorite, teacher and seeks revenge.  This animal fantasy book appeals to young children as they experience Lilly's anger, excitement, and envy with her.

Title: Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
Author: Kevin Henkes
Publisher/Date: HarperCollins/1996
ISBN: 068812898X
Rating: 5 out of 5

Flush

Realistic Fiction

Carl Hiaasen uses his realistic fiction book, Flush, to inform readers of the harmful effects of dumping wastewater into the oceans.  Noah's dad realizes what local casino owner, Dusty, is doing with the wastewater from his casino boat.  In order to catch Dusty, Noah and his family are going to have to come up with one great plan.  Readers are given information about wastewater and its harmful effects on our wildlife, while hearing the story through a young boy.  This realistic fiction novel is loved by young readers, who find it both interesting and suspenseful.



Title: Flush
Author: Carl Hiaasen
Publisher/Date: Yearling/2010
ISBN: 978-0375861253
Rating: 5 out of 5

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Realistic Fiction


Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney, is written from the perspective of a boy about to start middle school.  Greg Heffley writes in his "diary" to tell the tales of what it really feels like to be a kid.  This hilarious novel allows the reader to fully relate, as they are thrusted into Greg Heffley's no so great middle school years.


Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Author: Jeff Kinney
Publisher/Date: Amulet Books/2007
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9455-3
Rating: 5 out of 5

Knuffle Bunny

Realistic Fiction

Knuffle Bunny follows Trixie through her adventures at the Laundromat.  After Knuffle Bunny goes missing, Trixie tries to explain why she is so upset.  Her perplexed father, after a long trip of dealing with an unhappy Trixie, finally realizes what is wrong and finds Knuffle Bunny!  Where was Knuffle Bunny?  Read Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems to find out!

Title: Knuffle Bunny

Author: Mo Willems
Publisher/Date: Hyperion Books/2004
ISBN: 978-0-7868-1870-9
Rating: 5 out of 5

Tikki Tikki Tembo

Traditional Literature


This Chinese folktale is about a boy with a very honorable, but very long and confusing name.  With this great honor of a name comes danger as he constantly falls down a well.  His name is so lengthy, it takes such a long time for his brother to explain to his mother what has happened.  The fun and rhythmic style of this book is great for children, parents, and teachers of all ages!









Title: Tikki Tikki Tembo
Author/Illustrator: Arlene Mosel/Blair Lent
Publisher/Date: Square Fish/1968
ISBN: 0312367481
Rating: 5 out of 5

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Traditional Literature



All of the tales in this book are narrated by Jack, from Jack and the Bean Stalk.  In this version of the Gingerbread Man, a block of smelly cheese is chased by animals and has to run away.  There are other traditional tales told in different versions such as, The Really Ugly Duckling, Little Red Running Shorts, and many more.






Title: The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales
Author/Illustrator: Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Date: 1992
ISBN: 067084487X
Rating: 5 out of 5

Rumpelstiltskin

Traditional Literature


In this Caldecott winning book, a young woman must turn thread into gold overnight in order to marry a prince.  However, in order to turn it into gold, she seeks the help of Rumpelstiltskin, who demands something from her every night she needs his help.  Although this book may be a little scary or creepy for younger children, Paul O. Zelinsky's version of the original Brothers Grimm tale comes to life as you follow this young woman and small man.


Title: Rumpelstiltskin
Author: Paul O. Zelinsky
Publisher/Date: Puffin Books/1996
ISBN: 0140558640
Rating: 4 out of 5