Today on the show my daughter Robyn shared a list of good books worth encouraging kids to read. Here is that list of books and a short sentence or two about that book or series.

EMERGING READERS:

An Elephant and Piggy Books (series) - Mo WIllems

Great books for emerging readers. Repetitive and predictable text. Easily memorizable. Fun and catchy!

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (series) - Mo Willems

Book dialogues with the reader.  The pigeon is talking to the reader - so it's very engaging. It shows - respect for authority and that bad consequences follow bad decisions (by the way, the pigeon does not drive the bus at the end!).

4TH THROUGH 8TH GRADE:

The Walt Morey Series of books  - always teaches kids about an animal. Great if the child is naturally interested in a particular animal like or horses.

The Whipping Boy - Sid Fleischman

A compelling story about a prince who is suffering from D.R.A. (Dirty Rotten Attitude) and his journey to character development.

Miracle on Maple Hill - Virginia Sorenson

Vacation time! It a vacation in book form! The characters get away from suburb life and get away to the country where they learn how life works.

Misty of Chincoteague - Marguerite Henry

A horse book that uplifts honoring authority and coming to peace with with situations that don't go your way. What? You mean it's NOT all about ME? :-)

A Single Shard - Linda Sue Park

This story explores the value of a job well done, creativity and hard work. This book won a Newbery Award. It is very well written.

A Wrinkle in Time - Madeline L'Engles

Fantasy. Depicts an accurate picture of evil and power. It's a GREAT alternative to Harry Potter.

Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis
Although Robyn talked about The Magician's Nephew - all the books in this series are true to life and good for understanding human nature, the dark side of power and respect for authority (just to name a few!).

HAPPY READING!