“Trio of Terrans!”
Ready-to-Read Level 2 by Maria Le and “What Dwells Within” by Maggie Testa (Simon Spotlight) – Part of Transformers: EarthSpark series
High interest and big fun, Transformers fans come in all ages, and these stories help readers progress from early reading to more advanced vocabulary. These are perfect for having a family or classroom silent book club – sharing the joy of reading your own books (separately) in the same room.
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“Peekaboo Zoo”
by Rod Campbell (Little Simon)
Peekaboo is more than a developmental milestone for babies. It’s critical interaction for them and way too much fun for the grownups who get to play. This board book from the author of “Dear Zoo” lets little fingers lift the flaps and play peekaboo with their animal friends, with a great call and response format so littles can learn to shout “peekaboo” as they see who is hiding.
“Wake Up, Moon”
by Lita Judge (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, ages 4 – 8)
It’s no surprise that Lita Judge has once again created a beautiful story that jumps off the pages for little readers. This is a perfect book for those (rare) nights when the ground is white and crackling under each step, with a bright moon lighting the path. Read this one with your littles tucked under a warm blanket. Hot cocoa is optional but highly recommended.
“A Sea of Gold”
by Patricia Polacco (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, ages 4 – 8)
This is a richly illustrated, beautiful story of a Ukrainian family across generations, inspired by the author’s own family. While there is much joy and love here, there are very difficult parts to this story, so parents should preview and consider this on the older side of the picture book range. It is a wonderful look at a culture that kids and their parents might learn from, and a tale of traditions and heart that is not bounded by time or geography.
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