Please note that this post contains affiliate links to Amazon. But most of the books are probably available in your local library, so search accordingly! Also, be sure to check out my suggested list of book titles from the summer for more reading ideas!
1. The Fart Powder Series by Jo Nesbo
This silly book series is about two unique kids and an inventor who makes (among other things) an amazing fart powder. I found the whole series to be a little weird (although funny), but The Jersey Momma's Boy loved them. Geared towards readers ages 9 and up, I recommend you read them in order, since they refer to previous stories in each book. You can find the Fart Powder series by Jo Nesbo in a boxed set here.
2. Zoey and Sassafras Series by Asia Citro
I received the first Zoey and Sassafras book by Asia Citro as an advanced reader copy to review. We loved the book so much that we bought the rest of the series on our own. The series centers around a little girl and her cat, Sassafras, and the magical creatures they tend to in the barn in their backyard. It's a great read-aloud or independent reader (ages 7 and up). I also loved the adorable illustrations!
3. National Geographic Kids Weird But True Daily Planner and United States Atlas
Shh, don't tell, but I actually use the National Geographic Weird but True Daily Planner for myself! It's geared towards kids ages 8 and up, but I loved the funky facts on each page and the colorful photos. I use it every day and it kind of makes me feel like a kid again. You can't go wrong with any of the National Geographic Kids books. We have a bunch of them in our library here at home. Their United States Atlas is definitely one to keep handy. There are beautiful full-color photos on every page, and neat facts about every state. There's even a cool street map of Washington, D.C, which we could've used on our most recent trip there! These books make fabulous gifts, too. Find The United States Atlas here or the Weird but True daily planner here.
4. Let's Go Green Together by Jenine Tankoos and Aaron Diament
Jenine is a fellow New Jersey momma, and she sent me this beautiful book that she wrote with her son, Aaron. It's a high-quality paperback book for all ages, with full color photos on each page, detailing ways that kids can 'go green,' and live a more earth-friendly lifestyle. I loved that they included simple suggestions that all kids can do, from recycling to saving electricity. Aaron and his mom help kids understand that they can make a difference a little at a time. The book also includes facts and tips in the back, and a cute Go Green certificate for inspiration. It's also a great book to use in a classroom setting, especially for Earth Day lessons! Find Let's Go Green Together through my Amazon link here.
5. Fortune's Magic Farm by Suzanne Selfors
Fortune's Magic Farm by Suzanne Selfors is geared towards ages 9 and up, and tells the story of an orphaned girl who lives in a town where the sun never shines. But one day something quite magical happens, and she discovers that there's more to her past than she realizes. Wait till you see the amazing things that grow at Fortune's Magic Farm! We found ourselves wishing many of them were real, especially that curative cherry tree. You can find Fortune's Magic Farm on Amazon.
6. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
I can't write a book list without including The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. I think it might be one of my favorite books of all time (it won the Newbery Medal for a reason, after all!). It's based on the true story of Ivan the gorilla, who was kept as an attraction at a local mall for 27 years. Find The One and Only Ivan through my Amazon link, or enter to win your own copy in my upcoming contest (stay tuned for details)!!
7. Back to School with Mac by Kim DiLoreto
You might have read my review of this adorable picture book, Back to School with Mac, by Kim DiLoreto (including adorable illustrations by Alvina Kwong). I can't say enough good things about it! Perfect for kids headed off to school (preK and up!), Back to School with Mac comes with an adorable plush apple named Mac, who helps kids get through the jitters of going back to school. Read my review and see detailed photos of Mac and his book here, or buy the book yourself online!
8. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
I mentioned The One and Only Ivan being one of my favorite books of all time. This is another. No one tells a story like Kate DiCamillo. The original story, The Tale of Despereaux, is nothing like the movie version (which I did not enjoy at all). Desperaux is a somewhat sad but beautiful story of a mouse who dares to dream and does not let his differences squash his spirit. It makes for an amazing read-aloud (I like to give the characters french accents), great for ages 9 and up. It's also another Newbery Medal winner. Find it here.
9. Commander in Cheese Series by Lindsey Leavitt
I mentioned The One and Only Ivan being one of my favorite books of all time. This is another. No one tells a story like Kate DiCamillo. The original story, The Tale of Despereaux, is nothing like the movie version (which I did not enjoy at all). Desperaux is a somewhat sad but beautiful story of a mouse who dares to dream and does not let his differences squash his spirit. It makes for an amazing read-aloud (I like to give the characters french accents), great for ages 9 and up. It's also another Newbery Medal winner. Find it here.
9. Commander in Cheese Series by Lindsey Leavitt
I mentioned the Commander in Cheese series by Lindsey Leavitt in my summer reading list, too, because it's one of those series that doesn't get enough credit, in my personal opinion! Great for boys and girls ages 8 and up, this series has cute illustrations, short chapters, and funny characters. It also teaches kids all about life in The White House, with fun facts about Air Force One, the Oval Office and more!
10. Holly's Day at the Pool by Bensom Shum
I chose this sweet picture book, Holly's Day at the Pool, as my tenth recommendation because I think it's a great classroom read-aloud to inspire kids (ages 4-8) to discuss what they did over the summer. I also love the beautiful illustrations and the entire story (which centers around a hippo who is hesitant to swim). Bensom Shum is an animator with Walt Disney Studios, and I assure you that the illustrations in his book do not disappoint. I would love to have an illustration of Holly framed on my wall! Find this adorable book through my Amazon link here.
For more reading ideas for kids of all ages, visit my friend over at Babies to Bookworms, or take a look at my Amazon picks below!
I chose this sweet picture book, Holly's Day at the Pool, as my tenth recommendation because I think it's a great classroom read-aloud to inspire kids (ages 4-8) to discuss what they did over the summer. I also love the beautiful illustrations and the entire story (which centers around a hippo who is hesitant to swim). Bensom Shum is an animator with Walt Disney Studios, and I assure you that the illustrations in his book do not disappoint. I would love to have an illustration of Holly framed on my wall! Find this adorable book through my Amazon link here.
For more reading ideas for kids of all ages, visit my friend over at Babies to Bookworms, or take a look at my Amazon picks below!
Happy Reading, Everyone!
Thank you so much for the shout out! There are some fantastic choices here. I have been wanting to check out the Zoey and Sassafrass series even though my daughter isn't old enough yet!
ReplyDeleteAwww, you're so welcome! Your page is a great resource for book lovers! Zoey and Sassafras is such a great series- I know I would have loved it as a little girl!
DeleteGreat list! I also love The Tale of Despereaux, it's such a great book. I will have to check out some of the other recommendations, we are always on the look out for a new read aloud chapter book.
ReplyDeleteSo many great books. I can't wait to read some of these with my boys.
ReplyDeletewow! i actually haven't heard of many of these and i'm so excited to check them out. pinning this!
ReplyDelete