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.

The Runaway Dinner by Allan Ahlberg

All of Banjo Cannon's dinner runs away, not just the sausage named Melvin. There are the carrots named Caroline, Clara, Camilla and Christabel, and the peas, called Peter, Percival and Paul--but don't ask about the terrible fate that awaits some of them in the park. Although Saskia, the plate, finds she rather likes being used as a frisbee, there are casualties. Banjo and his parents race along in eventful pursuit of food, cutlery and dining room furniture, and the hilarious story and illustrations keep pace. Runaway Dinner is a cleverly-written picture book that manages to sound and feel like an improvised story. It is also a fantastically successful read-aloud for students from kindergarten through third grade.

Tunjur! Tunjur! Tunjur!: A Palestinian Folktale by Margaret Read MacDonald

A lively folktale from the middle east introduces us to a woman who longs for a child and prays to Allah "even if it's just a cooking pot" which is what she gets. The mischiveous little pot runs ("Tun-jur! Tun-jur!" is the roll-y noise she makes) off with things that do not belong to her. She learns her lesson when someone fills her up with goat muck- instead of the reward she was expecting.

A lesson of learning right from wrong is shared with strong arabic- styled illustrations.

Author's notes are included.

Bringing Asha Home by Uma Krishnaswami

Eight-year-old Arun is delighted when his parents tell him they are adopting a baby girl, Asha, from Dad's native India; but the paperwork and procedures require a long wait, during which Arun pretends his paper airplanes are bringing Asha from India. Krishnaswami (say Krish-na-swa-mee) uses the North Indian Hindu Rakhi Day (Rakshabandhan), which celebrates the bond between sisters and brothers, to frame the story. Arun explains the custom to his best friend, and Asha arrives clutching a rakhi (bracelet) for her brother. Jamel Akib's warm, realistic illustrations in soft colors enhance the text: Mom is white, family and friends are diverse, home life and activities are inviting.
Loving preparations for adoption, a less well-known but very special Hindu tradition, and subtle diversity make this book an excellent choice for all elementary collections. An author's note provides more information on Rakhi Day and adoption. Hindi words (such as "rakhi") are explained above the CIP information.
Grades K-3.

Keep Climbing, Girls, by Beah E. Richards

A young girl climbs a tree in defiance of Miss Nettie, who hands on hips, tries demands, shame, and fear to bring her down. The message rings loud and clear for all girls, particularly girls of color, to climb higher, forge a path upward, and defy expectations. Besides it's such a great view from the tree top! R. Gregory Christie's angular and expressive swatches of color capture the spirit of this inspirational poem. Grab a girl or two and read this one aloud! An introduction provides background on the author, an actress featured in the documentary: Beah: A Black Woman Speaks.

All ages.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Basil by Wiley Miller

Miller's first book for children holds their attention with classic archetypes. There's the naif-becoming-hero, Ordinary Basil, bored with his snowy Maine existence. It's 1899 and Basil lives in a lighthouse. He knows some kids would find that alone exciting, but he feels there's something missing in his life. Enter his new guide and mentor, Professor Angus McGookin. McGookin introduces Basil to Helios, a city in the clouds that represents the best of human acheivement. Formerly known by names like Eden and Atlantis, Helios must be protected from earth-dwellers who would exploit the technology for evil ends. Basil meets Louise, a strong, intelligent girl who nonetheless becomes a damsel-in-distress. And eager readers are thrilled when the vanquished villain, Professor Von Rottweil declares "I vil haf my revenge!" (My son cheered and said, "That means there'll be another one!")

Miller's illustrations have been compared to Edward Gorey, but his characters lack that certain "creepiness" found in Gorey. (My 4-year-old did find the faces to be a little disturbing--I don't think it would be a problem for Elementary-aged children.) The pen and ink drawings are very evocative of the late nineteenth century.

NCSOS tie-ins are in Elementary English Language Arts and the Technology strand of the Elementary Social Studies curriculum. It makes a great read-aloud. You can also give it to those upper elementary readers who are having trouble sustaining interest in longer fiction. Reading Level: 5.6 (Follett) 128 p. Color Illustrations.