South Orange-Maplewood School District
Summer Reading Lists 2013
Primary Grades: K – 2
ALPHABET & NUMBER BOOKS
BAKER, KEITH. LMNO Peas
Having trouble knowing what you want to be when you grow up? Well, not these peas! Learn the
alphabet with these humble green vegetables as they journey through different professions and doing
different jobs.
also: 1-2-3 Peas
For an interview with Keith Baker, see http://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?aid=1850&a=1
LICHTENHELD, TOM. E-mergency
The letter “e” injured in a fall, can only recover if everyone will stop using her, but things are just not
the same when “o” offers to fill in.
also: Cloudettte
For a very funny book trailer for E-Mergency, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hve4DenyATU
For Cloudette, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBxXhqXTmIs
BINGHAM, KELLY. Z is for Moose
Moose is terribly eager to play his part in Zebra's alphabet book, but when his letter passes him by,
Moose behaves rather badly until Zebra finds a spot for him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP52OtZxPdg
MENOTTI, ANDREA. How Many Jelly Beans?
With bright illustrations, this giant picture book offers kids a fun and easy way to understand large
numbers. Starting with 10, each page shows more and more colorful candies, leading up to a giant
foldout surprise ‒ ONE MILLION JELLY BEANS!
Interview and related video:
http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2012/05/interview-with-andrea-menotti-author-of.html
ROSENTHAL, AMY KROUSE. Wumbers
What do you get when you combine a word and a number? A wumber! If we've confused you, just
take a look at the book—4tun8ly it has helpful pictures. We are sure you will get it ins10tly!
Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6fbDjCGZl0
WERNER, SHARON. Alphasaurs and other Prehistoric Types
Like the creatures so artfully rendered in the best-selling Alphabeasties, the dinosaurs in this stylish
book are ingeniously engineered out of letters. A different typeface comprises each animal. Factual
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South Orange-Maplewood School District
Summer Reading Lists 2013
information about each dinosaur appears in multiple entries and fonts, making for an eye-catching
and witty way to look at the ABC-DINO's.
BIOGRAPHY
BERNE, JENNIFER. On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein
From a boy endlessly fascinated by the wonders around him, Albert Einstein ultimately grows into a
man of genius recognized the world over for profoundly illuminating our understanding of the
universe. Jennifer Berne and Vladimir Radunsky invite the reader to travel along with Einstein on a
journey full of curiosity, laughter, and scientific discovery.
CODELL, ESME RAJI. Seed By Seed: The Legend and Legacy of John “Appleseed” Chapman
Esme Raji Codell and Lynne Rae Perkins show us, in eloquent words and exhilarating pictures, why
Johnny Appleseed matters now, perhaps more than ever, in our loud and wired and fast-paced world.
FERRIS, JERI. Noah Webster & His Words
This clever, hilariously illustrated account shines a light on early American history and the life of a
Noah Webster who could not rest until he’d achieved his dream of uniting America through
language. An illustrated chronology of Webster’s life makes this a picture perfect biography.
KING, DR. MARTIN LUTHER. (Paintings by Kadir Nelson). I Have A Dream
This beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing "I Have a Dream" speech brings
his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us—those who will one
day carry his dream forward for everyone.” His words, paired with Caldecott Honor winner Kadir
Nelson's magnificent paintings, make for a picture book certain to be treasured by children and adults
alike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF-8uQbQ-vg
For a shortened version of the I Have A Dream Speech, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFcbpGK9_aw
MALASPINA, Ann. Touch the Sky: Alice Coachman, Olympic High Jumper
In Alice's Georgia hometown, there was no track where an African-American girl could practice, so
she made her own crossbar with sticks and rags. With the support of her coach, friends, and
community, Alice started to win medals. Her dream to compete at the Olympics came true in 1948.
This is an inspiring free-verse story of the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold
medal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfnGE0ENTqA
NIVOLA, CLAIRE. Life in the Ocean
With stunningly detailed pictures of the wonders of the sea, Life in the Ocean tells the story of Sylvia
Earle’s growing passion and how her ocean exploration and advocacy have made her known around
the world.
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RAPPAPORT, DOREEN. Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller
In this picture book biography, young readers learn about one of the world’s most influential and
fascinating people, Helen Keller. This is an unforgettable portrait of a woman who, in spite of her
inability to see or hear, had the vision and determination that changed America and the world.
Watch a short video introducing the real Helen Keller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ch_H8pt9M8
REICH, SUSANNA. Minette’s Feast: the delicious story of Julia Child and her cat
While Julia is in the kitchen learning to cook up elaborate, delicious dishes, the only feast Minette is
truly interested in is that of fresh mouse.
FABLES & FANTASY
CODELL, ESME. Fairly Fairy Tales
A book that incorporates twists on traditional fairy tales with parent-child interplay creates a great
combination of bedtime read-aloud and fairytales that will interest both parents and children.
HOBERMAN, MARY ANN. You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Fables
A great series for reading aloud, containing text presented in two voices for children and adults to
read together.
also: Very Short Stories; Fairy Tales; Mother Goose; Very Scary Stories
JOYCE, WILLIAM. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
Morris Lessmore loves words, stories and books, and after a tornado carries him to another land,
dreary and colorless, he finds a single book in color that leads him to an amazing library.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vftMo1-cfWE
PINKNEY, JERRY. Puss in Boots
A clever cat wins for his master a fortune and the hand of a princess.
WILLEMS, MO. Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
A spin on the traditional tale with dinosaurs who visit Norway as the main
characters.
NONFICTION
ASTON, DIANNA HUTTS. A Rock is Lively
Introduces young readers to rocks and minerals.
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BISHOP, NIC. Snakes
Naturalist Nic Bishop provides an in-depth examination of snakes, featuring full-color images, and
sharing details on the characteristics, habitats, and abilities of various species of reptiles.
http://www.nicbishop.com
BRIGGS, BRIAN. Everything Goes in the Air
Fun facts about all kinds of planes and helicopters.
Watch a time lapse drawing of the book cover http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc9jKHQu7g4
BROOKS, SUSIE. Space Lift-the-Flap
Simple text and lift-the-flap illustrations introduce the planets of the solar system.
BROWN, DON. Henry and the Cannons: An Extraordinary True Story of the American
Revolution
Presents an illustrated account of how bookseller Henry Knox moved 59 cannons from Fort
Ticonderoga to Boston during the Revolutionary War, helping Americans to make a pivotal victory.
CHIN, JASON. Island: A Story of the Galapagos
A history of the Galapagos Island, describing how the island formed and animals came to
inhabit it.
also: Coral Reefs and Redwoods
COOKE, LUCY. A Little Book of Sloth
Text and photographs introduce readers to the sloth by introducing them to several of the
animals that live in a sloth sanctuary in Cost Rica.
ESZTERHAS, SUZI. Brown Bear
This book shares the adventures of two brown bears that were born in the mountains of
Alaska.
FERN, TRACEY. Barnum’s Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous
Dinosaur in the World
Barnum Brown is a paleontologist for the American Museum of Natural History. He discovered the
first documented skeleton of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as most of the other dinosaurs on display
there today.
GERSTEIN, MORDICAI. How to Bicycle to the Moon to Plant Sunflowers
Too busy with school, soccer, and other activities, a young boy who wants to cheer up the sad, lonely
moon presents the reader with a step-by-step plan for becoming the first human to bicycle to the
moon.
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South Orange-Maplewood School District
Summer Reading Lists 2013
JAVERNICK, ELLEN. What If Everybody Did That?
A child learns that there are consequences for thoughtless behavior, from feeding popcorn to a bear
at the zoo to dropping an empty can out of a car window.
JENKINS, STEVE. My First Day
Newborn animals describe things they did on the day they were born.
KELLY, IRENE. Even an Octopus Needs a Home
A mother polar bear and her cubs snuggle up inside a snowdrift…twenty million bats hang out
together in a single cave…a clever spider finds shelter in an underwater bubble. No matter where they
live, animals find a way to make homes that are just right for them and their families. Dive into this
book and discover how all kinds of different animals stay safe and snug.
MACAULAY, DAVID. Castle: How it Works
Every part of the castle has a function. You will learn how people lived inside
and how castles defenses worked to protect them from their enemies.
VERNICK, AUDREY. Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball
Team
The Acerra family had sixteen children, including twelve ball-playing boys.
It was the 1930s, and many families had lots of kids. But only one had
enough to field a baseball team . . . with three on the bench! The Acerras
were the longest-playing all-brother team in baseball history. They loved
the game, but more important, they cared for and supported each other and
stayed together as a team.
PICTURE BOOKS
ABBOTT and COSTELLO. Who’s On First?
Rabbit and Bear act out the classic comedy routine “Who’s on first. What’s on second, I Don’t
Know’s on third.”
BARNETT, MAC. Extra Yarn
With a supply of yarn that never runs out, Annabelle knits for everyone and everything in town until
an evil archduke decides he wants the yarn for himself.
Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QHNzgIhbIo
BELL, CECE. Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover
Rabbit is excited about the sleepover he has carefully planned for his friend
Robot, but Robot has some different ideas about how things should go.
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Summer Reading Lists 2013
BLACK, MICHAEL IAN. I’m Bored
Just when a little girl thinks she couldn’t possibly be more bored, she stumbles upon a potato who
turns the tables on her by declaring that children are boring. But this girl isn’t going to let a vegetable
tell her what’s what, so she sets out to show the unimpressed potato all the amazing things kids can
do.
BUZZEO, TONI. One Cool Friend
On a momentous visit to the aquarium, Elliot discovers his dream pet: a penguin. It's just proper
enough for a straight-laced boy like him. And when he asks his father if he may have one (please and
thank you), his father says yes. Elliot should have realized that Dad probably thought he meant a
stuffed penguin and not a real one . . .
Book trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebHpVKJAFwo
CORDELL, MATTHEW. Hello, Hello!
Outside the world is bright and colorful, but Lydia's family is too busy with their gadgets to notice.
She says Hello to everyone. Hello? Hello! Lydia, now restless, ventures outside. There are so many
things to say hello to! Hello rocks! Hello leaves! Hello flowers! When Lydia comes back home she
decides to show her family what she has found, and it's hello world and goodbye gadgets!
Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiME91TRjcs
DACOSTA. BARBARA. Nighttime Ninja
Late at night, when all is quiet and everyone is asleep, a ninja creeps silently through
the house in search of treasure. Soon he reaches his ultimate goal...and gets a big
surprise! Will the nighttime ninja complete his mission?
FLEMING, CANDACE. Oh, No!
Young children will delight in repeating the refrain "OH, NO!" as one animal after another falls into a
deep, deep hole in this lively read-aloud. This simple and irresistible picture book by hugely popular
picture book creators—Candace Fleming and Caldecott medalist Eric Rohmann—feels like a classicin-the-making.
FYLEMAN, ROSE. Mice
The lights are out—and so are the impy house mice—in this delightful nighttime cat-and-mouse
adventure. Could it be true that mice are…nice? That’s certainly what the cat thinks in this after-dark
romp just perfect for young children.
HILLS, TAD. Rocket Writes a Story
This irresistible sequel to the New York Times bestselling How Rocket Learned to Read is "a perfect
choice to inspire new readers and writers," according to Kirkus Reviews.
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Rocket loves books and he wants to make his own, but he can't think of a story. Encouraged by the
little yellow bird to look closely at the world around him for inspiration, Rocket sets out on a
journey. Along the way he discovers small details that he has never noticed before, a timid baby owl
who becomes his friend, and an idea for a story.
KELLY, MARK. Mousetronaut
This first children’s book by Kelly, a retired astronaut and husband of
former Representative Gabrielle Giffords, builds on his experience with
real mice aboard the space shuttle Endeavour. Eighteen of them. In this
winning story there are six, and as the smallest one, Meteor gets to
perform his own special mission. After helping the astronauts out of a
potential Apollo 13 calamity, Meteor is declared a hero — sure to please
many fellow pipsqueaks back on Earth.
KIRK, DANIEL. Ten Things I Love About You
Rabbit just adores his friend Pig, so he is excited to make a list of all the things he loves about Pig.
And who better to help him write the list than Pig himself? But Pig is busy, and keeps sending Rabbit
away. But no matter what Pig does, Rabbit is inspired to add another thing to his list. When Pig says,
“Rabbit, I'm starting to lose my patience!” Rabbit has #6—“I love Pig because he’s not afraid to show
his feelings!” Fortunately, Pig’s dwindling patience is rewarded when Rabbit completes his list—and
the two realize exactly why they are such good pals.
Fans of Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie will enjoy Rabbit and Pig’s clever back-and-forth which
shows the funny ways friends bounce ideas and feelings off each other.
KLASSEN, JON. This is Not My Hat
When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly),
trouble could be following close behind. So it's a good thing that enormous fish won't wake up.
And even if he does, it's not like he'll ever know what happened...
Book trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhbYyEdYWY8
KLAUSMEIER, JESSE. Open This Little Book
What will you find when you open this little book? A fun story? Sweet characters? Enticing pictures?
Yes! But much more. Open this book and you will find...another book...and another...and another.
LAROCHELLE, DAVID. It’s a Tiger!
Kids and parents alike will rejoice in this lively read-aloud picture book, as the main character runs
into (and away from) a tiger over and over again as the plot gets sillier and sillier. Perfect for acting
out while reading, It's a Tiger offers just the right amount of excitement without being too scary, and
a sweet ending with a bit of a twist.
LEATHERS, PHILIPPA. The Black Rabbit
There's a large black rabbit chasing him, and no matter where he runs, the shadowy rabbit follows, but
finally in the deep, dark wood, Rabbit loses his nemesis only to encounter a real foe.
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South Orange-Maplewood School District
Summer Reading Lists 2013
LONG, ETHAN. Up, Tall, and High
This fun and whimsical book explores a series of very short chapters that demonstrate the concepts of
tall, high and up. The fun illustrations of brightly colored and googly-eyed birds and flip up pages will
engage parents and children.
MARK, JEFF. Good News, Bad News
While on a picnic, Bunny and Mouse see everything that happens to
them from opposite points of view ‒ Bunny sees only the good, while
Mouse sees only the bad.
Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJr_JPnv9EM
MOORE, EVA. Lucky Ducklings: a True Rescue Story
Learn about what happens when Mama Duck and her five little ducklings go for a walk through town
in this charming tale of a true life rescue.
REYNOLDS, AARON. Creepy Carrots
The carrots that grow in Crackenhopper Field are the fattest and crispiest around and Jasper Rabbit
cannot resist pulling some to eat each time he passes by, until he begins hearing and seeing creepy
carrots wherever he goes.
SAUER, TAMMI. Nugget & Fang: Friends Forever – or Snack Time?
Nugget the minnow and Fang the shark have been best friends forever. But now
that Nugget is in minnow school, he is learning the dangers of sharks. Can
Nugget and Fang defy the odds and remain best friends?
SCOTTON, ROB. Splat the Cat Says Thank You!
The lovable Splat the Cat is back for more fun in this clever book about
also: other books in the series
STOWER, ADAM. Silly Doggy!
Join Lily and her brand new pet-a lost, loveable, and very large bear that she mistakes as a doggy-as
they share a fantastic day together.
TULLET, HERVÉ. Press Here
This interactive book sparks the imagination and will be read and reread by students of all ages.
Readers will embark upon a journey that begins with pressing the yellow dot.
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WILLEMS, MO. That is Not a Good Idea!
A surprising lesson about the importance of listening to one's inner gosling ensues when a very
hungry fox issues a dinner invitation to a very plump goose.
Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85iNSZpXR60
ZALBEN, Jane BRESLIN. Mousterpiece: A Mouse-sized Guide to Modern Art
Join Janson, a mouse who lives in a museum, as he explores modern art and blossoms into an artist
himself.
ZIEFERT, HARRIET. Robin, Where Are you?
Lucy and her Grandpa go birdwatching together, but although he teaches her about many different
birds that they see in the woods and near the pond, what Lucy really wants to see is a red-breasted
robin. Includes facts about more than a dozen kinds of birds.
POETRY
COOMBS, KATE. Water Sings Blue: Ocean Poems.
Come down to the shore with this rich and vivid celebration of the ocean!
FROST, HELEN. Step Gently Out: Poems
Captivating photography gives readers a close-up view of the world of insects, as described by a gently
contemplative poem.
SEEGER, LAURA VACCARO. Green
Illustrations and simple, rhyming text explore the many shades of the color green.
WARNER, CARL. A World of Food: Discover Magical Lands Made of Things You Can Eat!
12 amazing photographs of fantasy landscapes ‒ each one made up of different foods (of the same
color!). The colorful pictures are accompanied by playful verses.
BOOKS IN A SERIES:
Here are some suggestions for series books for young readers:
American Museum of Natural History Easy Readers series
Animal Safari series
A-Z Mysteries by Ron Roy
Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish
Bad Kitty series by Nick Bruel
Biscuit series by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Black Lagoon Adventures series by Mike Thaler
Buzz Beaker series by Cari Meister
Capital Mysteries series by Ron Roy
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Summer Reading Lists 2013
Cat the Cat series by Mo Willems
Cool Sports Facts
Creepy Creatures series
Dolphins and other nonfiction books by Seymour Simon
Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems
Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures series by Jeff Brown
Flip-A-Word series by Harriet Ziefert
Fly Guy series by Ted Arnold
I Am Reading series
Ivy and Bean series by Annie Barrows
Korgi series by Christian Slade
Life Size series (titles include: Life Size Reptiles; Life Size Killer Creatures; Life Size Dragons)
Little Bill series
Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo
Miami series by P. & F. McKissack
My First Graphic Novel series
National Geographic Kids series
National Geographic Readers series (titles include: Volcanoes!; Dolphins; Bats; Snakes)
Nibbles, Bites, and Chomps series (Running Press Book Publishers)
Penny and Her Song series by Kevin Henkes
Pete the Cat series by Eric Litwin
Princess Posey series by Stephanie Greene
Skippyjon Jones series by Judy Schachner
Splat, the Cat series by Rob Scotton
Sticky Burr graphic novel series by John Lechner
Toon Book and Balloon Toon series
ADDITIONAL AUTHORS:
Here are some great authors & illustrators to explore for primary readers:
Jan Brett, Marc Brown, Eric Carle, Peter Catalanotto, Beverly Cleary, Lauren Child, Andrew Clements,
Joanna Cole, Floyd Cooper, Doreen Cronin, Tomie DePaola, Kate DiCamillo, Hallie Durand,
Ed Emberley, Emily Gravett, Kevin Henkes, Keiko Kasza, Ezra Jack Keats, Steven Kellogg,
E.B. Lewis, Leo Lionni, Pat McKissack, Bill Martin, Susan Meddaugh, Robert Munsch,
Margie Palatini, Dav Pilkey, Jerry Pinkney, Daniel Pinkwater, Patricia Polacco, Antoinette Portis,
James Ransome, Peter Reynolds, Eric Rohmann, Amy Rosenthal, Cynthia Rylant, John Scieszka,
David Shannon, William Steig, Mark Teague, Jan Thomas, Chris Van Allsburg, Rosemary Wells, David
Wiesner, Mo Willems, Harriet Ziefert
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HERE ARE SOME RECOMMENDED READING WEBSITES, TOO:
http://www.readkiddoread.com/home
Author James Patterson works with children’s book expert, Judy Freeman, to present a resource-rich
website full of “unforgettable titles bound to turn kids on tobooks.”
http://guysread.com
Author, Jon Scieszka has created a wonderful website of suggested titles specifically aimed toward
boys’ but don’t kid yourself, girls will love these books as well.
http://www.abookandahug.com
A book and a hug was created to help you find a book for your child. It's important to match
children up with books they want to read and this website can make all the difference in the world
helping your child figure out their "reading personality."
This list was created by the public and school librarians of South Orange and Maplewood, and is
available online through the SOMSD website and the public library sites. The books may be borrowed
from the public libraries:
Maplewood Memorial Library
www.maplewoodlibrary.org
51 Baker Street, Maplewood
(973) 762-1622 ext 5005
South Orange Public Library
www.sopl.org
65 Scotland Road, South Orange
(973) 762-0230
Maplewood Library Hilton Branch
1688 Springfield Ave., Maplewood
(973) 762-1688
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