So you've got a spunky girl traipsing around, eh? Check out some of my favorites for spirited and precocious kindergartners!
Picture Books:
If I Were a Lion by Sarah Weeks. In rhythmic, rhyming text, a little girl tells her tale of woe - she was put in time-out because she was acting wild. While sitting there, she starts to imagine how things would be if she were really wild. This is a perfect choice to young ones with active imaginations.
If you've got a Fancy Nancy fan on your hands, consider Fancy Nancy Tea Parties by Jane O'Connor. We've thrown Fancy Nancy tea parties at my library and this book features ideas for your own tea party! It includes fun recipes, etiquette tips, and more. And, of course, there are tons of other Fancy Nancy titles if that's your thing.
I'm the Biggest T
hing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry. The giant squid proudly proclaims that he's the biggest thing in the ocean. He's bigger than those shrimp! He's bigger than that turtle! He's bigger than that shark (shhh)! But when he runs into a whale, his worldview might have to change a little... or does it? The funny twist at the ending will have everyone chuckling. This is one of my favorite readalouds.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. When a dragon captures her betrothed Prince Ronald, Princess Elizabeth must set out to rescue him. She's a feisty and resourceful girl, but will she get what she really wants? This is the perfect story for feisty girls who would rather do the rescuing than wait around for someone to rescue them!
Easy Readers:
Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems. I am a firm believer that Mo Willems can do no wr
ong and the Elephant and Piggie books are some of my favorites. The text is very simple and the true strength is in the illustrations. Facial expressions and little details make the books so funny and enjoyable to read again and again. You'll probably want to get all of them eventually, but I'd start with I Am Invited to a Party, There Is a Bird On Your Head, and I Will Surprise My Friend (those are my personal favorites).
Squirrel's World by Lisa Moser. Squirrel's so excited to help his friends that sometimes he goes a little overboard. Can his friends put up with him, knowing that he's got their best interests at heart?
Chapter Books:
These books would make great choice for reading together or for young ones who are already starting to read chapter books. (Also check out last year's 5th day of giving: Cha-Cha-Chapter Books.)
Clemen
tine by Sara Pennypacker. When spunky Clementine isn't helping her friend chop off all her hair, she might be avoiding pointy things or scaring pigeons away from her apartment building. Clementine's a creative girl with too much energy and it gets her into trouble sometimes, but her heart's always in the right place. Also consider the sequels: The Talented Clementine and Clementine's Letter.Babymouse by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm is one of my very favorite series and you w
on't want to miss these graphic novels*. Babymouse is a young mouse with a very active imagination. She loves pink and cupcakes and fancies herself a star. And though almost nothing she does turns out like she expects, that won't stop her from trying! You don't need to read them in order, but you might want to start with #1: Babymouse: Queen of the World!Be sure and check out the rest of the 2009 Twelve Days of Giving and the 2008 Twelve Days of Giving for more ideas!
*Graphic novels = comic books!
