Diary of a Wimpy Kid for Kindergarten?

Yesterday, I was a birthday party for a friend's son who happens to be in kindergarten. He is a typical 6 year old who is a beginning reader and is starting to sound out words. He was busy opening his presents, and amid all of the toys and games were 2 books - Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth and Big Nate. Now, I love when someone buys books for birthday presents - it is sharing the gift of reading in the truest sense. The puzzled look on my face was the fact that these two books were purchased for a 6 year old.  I know that not everyone is a children's literature expert, and maybe the fact that these books were on the children's best seller list was the main reason behind the purchase. But what to do about actually reading these books? I love Diary of a Wimpy Kid and I really do not believe that you have to be in middle school to enjoy the series. I do think that you have to have a bit more school experience to truly understand the school related dilemmas and funny situations. I find that a kindergartener would relate more to the character  of Manny than to Greg. As a read aloud it could work, but limited to just looking at the cartoonish illustrations. Big Nate is also a series that just doesn't work for a 6 year old. Now of course these books can be saved for when the child is actually reading chapter books, but what about now? There are so many wonderful beginning to read series that a 6 year old would enjoy. I was really bummed - but it goes to show you that if you want to buy some good books for a six year old - ask a librarian!

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell

Picture book biographies are perfect for the K-2 grades and Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell is simply perfect. Patrick McDonnell, creator of the comic series MUTTS, has written several picture books, but this is his first picture book biography. Me..Jane is a simplistic biography about Jane Goodall and her childhood dream of helping animals. The adorable watercolor illustrations along with the minimal text is perfect for a read aloud for biography units or during Women's History Month. The inclusion of Jane's stuffed animal chimpanzee Jubilee and their bond is especially heartwarming as they explore the curiousity of nature together. Mr. McDonnell's website includes a detailed interview on he created Me...Jane. I was pleased  to find book related activities perfect for Kindergarten students and even a contest to enter.

Mrs McTats and her Houseful of Cats - Alyssa Satin Capucilli

There are many wonderful authors who write for the early childhood grades, but one of my favorite authors for Kindergarten is Alyssa Satin Capucilli. She is the author of over 40 children's books ranging from her popular Biscuit and Katy Duck series to her numerous picture books and beginning readers. One of my favorite picture books by Mrs. Capucilli that I recently revisited is Mrs. McTats and her Houseful of Cats (2001).  This is a very clever book because it appears to be a cute rhyming story about cats,  but as you continue on there is counting and addition, and wait - it's an ABC book too!  I find that Kindergarten is the perfect grade to share this book because they will completely understand the ending of the story as most 3 and 4 year olds will miss it (my 4 year old  twins needed an explanation).

 In 2004, I had the opportunity to host Mrs. Capucilli for an author visit at my elementary school. She engaged the children with her presentation on how she writes her Biscuit books, and she was very warm and inviting during the book signing.  Her website has a wonderful array of information about her latest books, and even a readers theater on Mrs. McTats. I'm looking forward to reading more from this imaginative author.

The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies

My daughter loves Tinkerbell. I was looking around the library for a fairy book that was appropriate for preschoolers, but wasn't Disney related. The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies by Ammi-Joan Paquette is a perfect picture book for the Fairy Lover in your life. Although you cannot tell from the so-so cover illustration, this book is a mix of art and photography. The story invites kids to have a backyard adventure searching for fairies who might be right outside your front door - hiding in tulips or in trees. A great story to read in the Spring or Summer as this prompted my own kids to go outside and search for fairies while also exploring nature.

The publisher Tanglewood Press has included a teacher's guide. The last page of the guide has a Nature Walk - cute to fill in with your kids while tracking fairies!!!

Ultimate Blog Party

I'm ready to party!!!  This is my first time participating in the Ultimate Blog Party from 5 Minutes for Mom. Hello to any new readers of my blog! I'm Simone and I  write this blog to share my love of children's books with everyone. I am a mom of 4 year old twins (boy/girl) and they are headed to Kindergarten next year. As a children's librarian and former school librarian I know a great deal about great kindergarten books. If you have children heading to Kindergarten soon - follow my blog and share your favorite books with us. Thanks for visiting!

Top Five Great Websites for Kindergarteners!

It is safe to say that today's preschoolers and kindergartners are digital natives. My kids love to use the computer or any electronic device they can get their hands on....ipod...ipad...cell phones. But where should we go when we want them to learn while using the computer? What are some of the best websites for kindergartners to visit to practice letters, numbers, and other important subject areas? Here is a list of the top five best websites for the preschool - primary grades.

1. Starfall - this language arts/reading website is designed to be fun, exciting, and to instill confidence in young children as they learn to read. The focus is on phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension that follows a developmental curriculum..

2. Nick Jr. - If your child watches any Nick Jr. Shows - this is the website to visit to see Dora, Team Umizoomi and Max and Ruby while learning about shapes, math, and reading. There are some advertisements - but  these can be skipped over.

3. PBS Kids - There are games and coloring pages of favorite PBS shows, including Arthur, Clifford, Curious George, Sesame Street and more. No advertisements!

4. Get Set 4 Kindergarten - This guide to school readiness includes four sections that change monthly: kindergarten skills readiness, getting ready to read, health and wellness, and an information printout. This site also includes book and website recommendations.

5.ALA Great Web Sites for Kids -  children's librarian compile a list of great websites for children - updated every year. List of websites divided by age and subject area.

Cat Secrets by Jef Czekaj

When I think of the perfect picture book for a kindergarten audience...a book that literally speaks to them...I always think of Mo Willem's pigeon series or Grover in The Monster at the End of This Book. Now I can add Cat Secrets by Jef Czekaj to that list. Cat Secrets is a wonderful new picture book that gets the audience involved and laughing at the same time. Can you prove you’re a cat? Because that’s what you’ll have to do if you want to read Cat Secrets.  There is a great book trailer to view at Catshavesecrets.com.  I would pair this book with Vivianne Schwartz's There Are Cats in This Book for a purrrfectly fun read aloud.