BEST ANIMAL BOOKS: Ages 4-8
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You
See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and
Co (April 1, 2008)
Summary v.1
Eric Carle and Bill Martin have put together a book to remember that helps the children to learn the colors and enjoy reading about the cute and fascinating animals. The pages ask the readers to figure out what they see on it. In the new version, the images are clearer and have more color than before. This one is more appealing than the original publication. The character include Green From, Blue Horse and Yellow Duck. Enjoy the book with these adorable animals.
Summary v.2
This is a lovely little book with no actual story but a perfect teaching tool for the very young. The gorgeous colors and the peculiar way the book goes on with introduction to different animals are worth reading. Most toddlers fall in love with this book even before they can articulate properly. The soft rhythm and repetition of words make this enchanting book come alive. Each page presents a different animal and is a continuation of the previous page and animal. The simplicity of language and the bold lettering attracts the child and he learns to recognize rather than read.
Summary v.3
Eric Carle and Bill Martin have constructed a book that helps children remember the colors and features of animals that they may find fascinating. The pages of the book are very interactive because they require the readers to describe what they are viewing on each page. In the new version, the pictures and images are a lot clearer and readers will notice the difference in what they are reading. This original publication is not equipped with the new pictures like the newer version. Many of the characters are multi-colored so they can represent memorable images to the reader. Enjoy this wonderful book.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (February 1, 2000)
Summary v.1
Children will love reading a story that is set on a far. The cows send notes to the owner who finds this strange. They are using a typewriter to do this. Soon, they are asking for things just like workers in real life too. The cows go as far as threatening to go on strike if they do not get what they want. Then other farm animals start demanding the same thing and also go on strike. It’s a funny farm story with a cute and unique twist.
Summary v.2
The title of the book set the mode of what is to follow within the book. Farmer Brown’s cows find a typewriter and send a notice to their master demanding electric blankets. The child reading the book just loves the plot which is quite funny and whimsical. The cows wait for their owner to reply to their memorandum with keen anticipation. It is hilarious to even imagine cows typing and threatening to go on a milk strike. The visual and verbal description of the cows that can type sends a child’s imagination into a tipsy swirl. This is a great book for little children.
Summary v.3
This children’s story has a wonderful setting because it is located on a farm. The animals on this farm are not your average, every day animals. The cows know how to send notes to the owner. He finds this behavior to be very strange. He wonders how they are capable of doing this and finds out that they are using a typewriter. They also become much like workers in society demand the things they believe they should have as well. The cows threaten to go on strike because they want to make a point that they are serious. The other animals on the farm start to learn and demand the same thing. Cows That Type is a very cute story that children will enjoy reading.
Cars and Trucks and Things That Go
by Richard Scarry
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 69 pages
Publisher: Golden Books (June 1, 1998)
Summary v.1
Every parent should include this in a children’s library collection. The book is filled with words and illustration that tell kids how things go. There are unique things in the book like toothbrush cars and toothpaste cars in addition to cars, trucks and police vehicles. Enjoy the humor in the words and pictures that children will love. They’ll want to read the book over and over again. It’s an excellent playtime book, group reading book or anytime story. Add it to your child’s collection and have fun reading.
Summary v.2
The large pages of this great book makes flipping through it an adventure. The child widens his vocabulary as he reads about things that move. The reader learns to recognize before he can actually read. He is introduced to new concepts and reference to things like toothbrush cars or toothbrush trucks send him into peals of laughter. The book in enriched with colorful, bright pictures that a child loves to look at repeatedly. This is a book that all parents must include in their children’s library. The uniqueness of the book lies in its pictorial depiction of different vehicles.
Summary v.3
Cars and Trucks and Things That Go is a very good book that should be in a child’s collection of books. It is filled with text and pictures that show kids how things work. There are a lot of unique illustrations in the book that kids will want to learn more about. This book has words that relate to the pictures and readers will notice how to connect the two together. Children will want to read this book many times because it is a must have. Whether you are looking for a book to read to your child for bedtime or during play time this will make a wonderful addition. This is a great learning tool for your child.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Puffin (March 1, 1996)
Summary v.1
Not too many people know the true story about the three little pigs. Who knows it best? The wolf knows it best of course. The wolf tells the story nicely and tells how he went the house the pigs lived in. He says he had a cold and this is the reason he was huffing. This caused him to sneeze as well. The wolf claims he didn’t want the meat from the pig to be wasted so he ate it. Then the pig goes to jail and claims he was framed by someone else.
Summary v.2
The three little pigs are not around to narrate the sequence of events that lead to their destruction. The wolf is fully aware of it though and makes a tall claim that he had gone to the pigs’ house to borrow sugar. He had a cold that made him sneeze that brought the poor pigs’ house down. The wicked wolf tries to extricate from his wrong doing by meekly saying that he was forced to gobble up the pigs because he could not bear to see meat go waste. Behind bars, the wolf says that he has been trapped falsely.
Summary v.3
Is there anyone out there who knows the true story of the Three Little Pigs? No one knows it better than one of the main characters. Who better to tell the story than the big bad wolf himself? The wolf acts as the narrator in this story and tells the truth about what really happened when he arrived at the pigs’ home. He says that his huffing happened because he had a cold. It was not because he was angry and upset at the pigs. A big sneeze resulted after the huffing occurred and he blew the house down. The wolf also noticed the pigs meat and could not resist eating it because otherwise it would go to waste. After going to jail he claims that he was set up.
Encyclopedia Prehistorica
Dinosaurs by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover
with Pop-Ups: 12 pages
Publisher: Candlewick (July 12, 2005)
Summary v.1
Let your kids learn about the dinosaurs that once lived on Earth. Read this book to get information about the extinct dinosaurs and how they lived at one time. The book opens up to
pop-ups that are illustrated with various types of dinosaurs that you’ve never heard of, seen or thought of. One of the
pop-ups that kids love is the Tyrannosaurus Rex. The book is funny and delightful to include in your children’s book collection for your enjoyment and your children’s enjoyment.
Summary v.2
This book is a perfect way to educate a child about dinosaurs that lived on this Earth many millions of years ago. The book is very informative even for adults. The book refers to over 50 types of dinosaurs. Robert Sabuda has outshone his previous creations of pop-ups of images. The fantastic paper work pop-ups that are splashed all over the book seem very attractive to the very young as they enjoy through visuals more than reading the text. It excites the reader’s senses and due to its educational value, the book has tremendous appeal for readers of every age.
Summary v.3
Children should be encouraged to learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the earth. This book gives readers a glance into how they lived many years ago. If you are looking for insight into the lives of the dinosaurs this is the book to read. Children will be fascinated by the popups. There are illustrations of various types of dinosaurs that you may never have heard of. The Tyrannosaurus Rex is one of the most popular dinosaurs among young children. There is a popup included to this dinosaur in the book. This is a very interesting book to have added to your children’s collection.
The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Board book: 32 pages
Publisher: Campbell Books (August 2006)
Summary v.1
This is a moving story about a strong friendship between a small snail and a large whale. They both set out on a journey to see special places in the world. Along the way their friendship grows stronger and both are there for each other in time of need. They run into some trouble and the snail helps the whale. This shows children you don’t have to be big to do some things. A small snail saved the whale when he needed help. No matter what your size or age, you can be friends with anyone and anything.
Summary v.2
This story book with rhymes has become popular among the younger kids who have a special liking for stories with a definite moral, are about animals, are adventurous and have a happy ending. This book is rich with pictures of vibrant colors. The story is about a tiny snail and a humpbacked whale that sail forth to see the wondrous world. On the way their rapport is strengthened and they face many hardships yet have a good time together. The snail helps the whale to overcome a life threatening situation, teaching the young readers that size does not matter if convictions are strong.
Summary v.3
This is a touching story about two unlikely characters which are a small snail and a large whale. The snail and the whale set out to go on an adventure throughout the world. They have the desire to seek out only special places. As they travel throughout the world they build a fantastic friendship together and the two are always there for each other no matter what happens. When there are problems, the two characters are there to support each other through their tough situation. The size difference in the snail and the whale is to show children that it does not matter how big or small you are. Children can be friends with anyone and can do anything they want regardless of who they are.
Hippos Go Berserk by Sandra Boynton
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Board book: 16 pages
Publisher: Little Simon (May 1, 2000)
Summary v.1
One day a hippo was aloe and home and very lonely so he called two of his friends and asked them to come over. His friends called some of their friends and before you know it the house was full of hippos enjoying a party. What did the hippos do at the party? Find out by reading the book. Read about the funny things they did to amuse themselves at one of the largest hippo bashes in literature history. The kids will laugh, jump and play along with the story.
Summary v.2
This is a thoroughly entertaining story book through which the reader is tutored on the art of counting, names of vehicles and objects. The book is actually very funny as one lonely hippo calls up two of his friends who call up several other friends. Finally, a large group of hippos party together and have a great time dancing, frolicking and prancing around. They later leave the party by different modes of transportation. The book is a welcome reading material for the kids who seem to enjoy the party along with the hippos. The pictorial effect is simply out of this world!
Summary v.3
A lonely hippo was at home alone and he decided to cheer himself up. The best way to do this was to invite some of his friends over. It eventually turned into a party because the hippos invited more friends that they each knew. What happened at the hippo party? You can find out by reading the book. Did the Hippos go Berserk? This is a very entertaining book that your children will get very excited about whenever they read it. If you are looking for an addition to add to your collection you should definitely read this book about one of the biggest hippo parties ever.
Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (September 5, 1956)
Summary v.1
What do Harry and children have in common? Both love to get dirty and dig in dirt. Harry loves to spend time digging outside regardless of what it is. He’ll dig in the dirt, a road or a sidewalk. He loves to get dirty but hates cleaning up and taking a bath. When he comes home, no one recognizes him. Normally, he is white with black spots but at the end of the day his physical appearance is reversed. He comes home black with white spots. The story is about a humorous dog and kids will love laughing along with the story.
Summary v.2
Harry is a white dog with black spots who loves to get dirty, digging holes and frolicking around in mud. He is perfectly happy to get dirty but hates to bathe or clean up. Despite the messy habits, he is accepted by the family who loves him for himself. The book is ideal to convey message to the children that parents always love the children no matter what they do. The funny little book tickles the young readers who identify with the dirty dog Harry. The dog which turns up black with white spots seems to delight kids to no end.
Summary v.3
Children and dogs have much more in common than people may think. Both are entertained by the idea of digging in the dirt and playing in it. Harry loves to dig in the dirt all the time no matter what is going on. There are endless opportunities for Harry to choose from. Whether it is on the side of the road or the playground he will dig. It is so much fun to get dirty but the idea of bath time does not make him happy. After taking a bath no one can recognize the really dirty Harry. His spots found a way to reverse and the readers will find this very amusing.
The Water Hole by Graeme Base
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (September 1, 2001)
Summary v.1
The author has written a cherished learning adventure for children. He provides ways for children to learn how to count, how to do puzzles, enjoying
seeing the artwork in the book and reading the story. All of the animals from around the world come to the water hole because for some reason their water supply is depleting. They don’t know why. Graeme Base leads the children on an adventure to find what’s happening to the water. The illustrations are of landscapes with animals hidden. Children must find the hidden animals.
Summary v.2
This marvelous story book is a fine blend to teach numbers, science, and geography, imploring the reader to solve puzzles. There is a water hole to which different animals come to quench their thirst; animals in different numbers, species and coming from round the world. Each scene of the picture book has several funny figures of animals which the reader is required to identify. The beauty of the book lies in the optical illusion it creates as one sees the water hole getting smaller as the animals drink from it. The children experience adventure as they read about the disappearing water.
Summary v.3
Graeme Base has written a literary adventure for children to go on. He makes it where kids can do puzzles in the book and learn many new skills. The illustrations in the book showcase great artwork. It can be appreciated by everyone who reads the book. Since the water supply around the world is declining rapidly animals from all over the world are gathering at the same waterhole. It is an adventure for children because they are finding out the cause to the water depletion. Graeme Base has authored a very adventurous story that children will love to read over and over again. There is also a hidden animal game in this book.
The Itsy Bitsy Spider by Iza Trapani
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Board book: 30 pages
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Publishing (September 1998)
Summary v.1
This charming book has a CD to here the cherished song Itsy Bitsy Spider. The new version has a twist from the old one. The spider has a battle with mice and cats chasing it and also fans that threaten to blow the spider away. Itsy Bitsy Spider overcomes all obstacles and wins some much needed relaxation in the sun. The CD has the author’s voice doing an intro as well as music and a children’s sing along. The books plays music when the pages are turned.
Summary v.2
This is an educative plus fun story book which comes with a CD. This enables the reader to sing along the story as it is read. This is a charming dimension to children’s literature. The reader learns to recognize objects, animals and colors. The spider is seen to fight with mice who hound it. Eventually the spider basks in the sun after he triumphs in the battle. The reader is able to enjoy a great deal more as he sings with the music provided with this unique story book. It is a cherished addition to a library for all ages.
Summary v.3
The Itsy Bitsy Spider book comes with a CD so children can hear the audio that goes along with the book. The newer version of this book has a different twist in the story. The spider has a scuffle with the mice. There are also cats chasing the spider as well. Also the spider has to deal with fans chasing him away. Itsy Bitsy Spider deals with all of his troubles and finds himself in a very relaxing situation while he soaks in the rays. The book plays music every time you turn the page. This is a very great book because the CD has a sing along that children can listen to. |
