Chickens to the Rescue by John Himmelman

Which came first, this egg-cellently silly story or its hilarious chicken illustrations? As calamity after calamity besets Farmer Greenstalk and his family, the chickens flock together to provide sidesplitting solutions. After a week of non-stop feather-ruffling activity, the hens settle in their coop for a well-earned day off; luckily for the hapless Greenstalks, they are not the only helpful critters on the farm. The simple story line, organized by the days of the week, and the refrain, "Chickens to the rescue!" make this a great read-aloud read-along for pre-K through first grade.

Not a Box, by Antoinette Portis

As any young child knows, a box is not a box but a racecar, a mountain, or a robot. A simple, repetitive text is paired with simple line drawings of a rabbit pretending that a box is anything but a cardboard box. This book has a classic, timeless feel and the question and answer exchange between the rabbit and the narrator will engage young listeners. This might be a fun writing model for older primary students.

PreK - K

Houndsley and Catina and the birthday surprise, by James Howe

Houndsley the dog is sad because he doesn't know when his birthday is. When he tells his friend, Catina, the cat she also seems sad. Unbeknownst to the other, each friend plans a suprise birthday party for the other. Told in three short chapters, this book for new readers is a delightful story of friendship accompanied by expressive watercolor, pencil and collage illustrations. The text hits just the right emotional note.

Grades 1-3