The Paperboy by Dav Pilkey 4 Stars

Paperboys have largely disappeared from today’s world because few people still read a printed morning newspaper. Although many children may not know what the job involves, the book clearly explains each step of the boy’s morning routine, when delivering the paper. The story is easy to follow, and the illustrations are excellent, even if the subject feels dated now that most people get their news online. Borrow this book from the library. 

Published In: 1996                   
Publisher: Orchard Books                                                       
Age Level: 4-8 years
AR Level: 2.9
Pages: 26
Stars: 4
Awards: 1997 Caldecott Honor

Mice Twice by Joseph Low - 5 Stars

Cat is very hungry and what he wants for supper is a “nice, tender mouse”. So, he invites Mouse to have supper with him. Mouse asks Cat if she could bring a friend and he says yes, thinking he will get 2 mice for his supper. When Mouse arrives at Cat’s house, he finds out that she did not bring another mouse but instead it is Dog. Cat keeps inviting Mouse to dinner thinking that he will eventually be able to outfox her. At the last supper invitation Mouse brings a wasp which ends Cat’s dinner invitations. The book’s message is don’t plan bad acts; they will fail and make things worse for you. A great book to teach a valuable lesson.

 
Published In: 1981
Publisher: Atheneum
Age Level: 4-8 years                                          
AR Level: 2.7
Pages: 32
Awards: 1981 Caldecott Honor                   
Stars: 5
 

Mountain Born by Elizabeth Yates 🟌🟌🟌

Peter’s family are shepherds, and they have a flock of over 100 sheep. The book details how the lives of sheep and Shepards are intertwined. A young Peter with the help of his mother saves a lamb that is close to death. Over the years the boy and his lamb become best friends and learn to trust and help each other when taking care of the flock. 

“Mountain Born” is a heartwarming historical fiction book that most of today’s readers will find boring. It moves slowly, the dialogue is not that enthralling, and the action is almost non-existent. If your child has an interest in farming and living off the land this is the book for them. If not, they should skip this one.

Published In: 1943
Publisher: BJU Press
Age Level: 6-10 years
AR Level: 5.6
Pages: 112
Stars: 3
Award: 1944 Newbery Honor

Knights of the Kitchen Table The Time Warp Trio by Jon Scieszka - 5 Stars

This series of books featuring the Time Warp Trio is about three Elementary School boys who time travel around the globe. It all starts when Joe, one of the Time Warp Trio gets a magical book for his birthday from his favorite uncle. The three friends soon find out that all they have to do is wish they could see a certain place and the green mist from the book transports them to that location and time period. The boys then must find the same book to get back home.  Along the way they encounter dangerous characters and have harrowing experiences. All my boys and grandkids loved these books. They are great for the beginner reader, they are funny, engaging and educational. 

Published In: 1987
Publisher: Viking Penguin
Age Level: 7-11 years                                        
AR Level: 3.8
Pages: 55
Series: 16 Books                                        
Stars: 5

Runaway Tomato by Kim Cooley Reeder 🟊🟊🟊🟊

A giant tomato is growing in a boy’s yard by his front door, and he can’t get out of his house. The whole town comes to his aid, they push and shove to loosen the tomato. After it is free the gigantic tomato wreaks havoc on the town until it’s carted away by helicopter, but it has one more surprise for the townspeople.

 “Runaway Tomato” is written in rhyme and it’s fun to read out loud. The illustrations are bold and the pages with roads remind me of boardgames. Overall a good story that all toddlers will enjoy.

 

Published In: 2014
Publisher: Dial Books
Age Level:  3-5 years
AR Level: N/A
Pages: 32
Stars: 4

George and Lenny Are Always Together by Jon Agee - 4 Stars

 

George and Lenny are friends, and they spend all their time together. They are never alone, until one day Lenny wants to know what it would be like to be by himself. George does not think this sounds like fun at all. Lenny is persistent and off he goes to be alone will he find it as much fun as being together. I read this book with my five-year-old granddaughter and both of us were a bit underwhelmed with the story. I enjoy so many of Jon Agee’s books, but I would get this one from the library. 

Published In: 2025
Publisher: Rocky Pond Books
Age Level: 4-8 years                       
AR Level: 1.3
Pages: 40                                                   
Stars: 4

 

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown - 5 Stars

 “The Runaway Bunny” is a classic children’s picture book. It was first published in 1942 and has been popular with children for over 85 years. Little Bunny tells his mother he is going to run away from home, and she says she will run after him. Bunny tells her if you run after me, I will turn into a fish, and his mother tells him I will become a fisherman and catch you. Bunny then tells her I will become a rock on a mountain, and she tells him I will become a rock climber and climb to where you are. Bunny has several other plans on how he can successfully runway, but his mother always has a way to catch up to him. In the end he decides it’s just easier to stay home with his mother and eat carrots. A beautiful book highlighting a mother’s love. 

Published In: 1942
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers Inc.
Age Level: 1-6 years                                                             
AR Level: 2.7
Pages: 48                                                   
Stars: 5