A simple crowd pleaser: Superhero books!

Boys eat these books up. And, you may or may not be surprised, a lot of girls do, too.

I’ve only provided the publisher’s synopsis below, but mark my word, these books feature the classic characters and their usual good-guy-bad-guy  anecdotes. I love that Wonder Woman makes an appearance. Some of the books have been made into level 2 readers for the kids that are gaining confidence with independent reading (some help may be needed). Putting a superhero book into the hands of a beginner reader is a great way to nudge them into the early-fluent reading stage—especially when you build them their own personal bat cave to read in (bat cave à la pillows and blankets). Holy books, Batman!

Batman Classic: Meet the Super Heroes: With Superman and Wonder Woman (I Can Read Book 2)

by Michael Teitelbaum

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (December 22, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: When an evil dragon attacks Gotham City, Batman knows he can’t stop it by himself. With Superman and Wonder Woman fighting by his side, there is nothing these three Super Heroes can’t do!

Add this book to your collection: Batman Classic: Meet the Super Heroes: With Superman and Wonder Woman

Batman Classic: Gothams Villains Unleashed!

by John Sazaklis

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 24 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival (December 22, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: Gotham’s most dangerous criminals are on the loose! After the Joker breaks out the city’s nastiest villains from Arkham Asylum, Batman must act fast to locate the inmates and return them to custody. With Robin at his side, can Batman stop each and every one of these evildoers before it’s too late?

Add this book to your collection: Batman Classic: Gothams Villains Unleashed!

Batman Classic: The Batman Reusable Sticker Book

by John Sazaklis

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 12 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival (May 25, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: Help Batman fight crime in this fun, action-packed reusable sticker book. But beware! Gotham’s most dangerous villains are lurking around every corner . . . KAPOW!

Add this book to your collection: Batman Classic: The Batman Reusable Sticker Book

Superman Classic: I Am Superman (I Can Read Book 2)

by Michael Teitelbaum

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (December 22, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: Superman is in his Fortress of Solitude when Lex Luthor puts all of Metropolis in danger. Can Superman fly back to the city in time to stop Lex and save the day?

Add this book to your collection: Superman Classic: I Am Superman

Superman Classic: Superman versus Bizarro (I Can Read Book 2)

by Chris Strathearn

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (May 25, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: When Bizarro crashes into Metropolis, he does more harm than good. What will it take to show this backward hero the way home?

Add this book to your collection: Superman Classic: Superman versus Bizarro

Superman Classic: The Incredible Shrinking Superhero!

by Zachary Rau

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 24 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival (December 22, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: Superman, Wonder Woman, and the president have been captured by the evil alien Brainiac, who has shrunk Superman and the president to a super-small size. Trapped on the villain’s spaceship, the Super Heroes must combine their amazing powers to defeat their larger-than-life foe!

Add this book to your collection: Superman Classic: The Incredible Shrinking Superhero!

Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus the Lizard (I Can Read Book 2)

by Susan Hill

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (December 29, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: Spider-Man’s newest enemy is big, green, and mean. Spider-Man thinks he has him all figured out. But there may be more to the Lizard than Spidey can imagine!

Add this book to your collection: Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus the Lizard

Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus the Green Goblin (I Can Read Book 2)

by Susan Hill

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (December 29, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: Spider-Man is on the lookout for his friend Harry’s father when a new villain glides by. Can Spidey find Harry’s dad with the Green Goblin close behind?

Add this book to your collection: Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus the Green Goblin

Leave us a comment: If you could be any superhero, which one would you be? I aspire to be Wonder Woman—if only to wear that costume for a day!

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Summer reading is more important than ever for the early-fluent readers. Keeping the reading momentum is critical if your child wants to maintain this newly learned skill. Experts suggest that a minimum of four books be read over the summer to remain at the same reading level and avoid the “summer slide.”

Summer offers a great opportunity to allow children to select their own books—books that reflect their personal interests and curiosities. Sometimes the power of selecting one’s own reading material—not being told what you have to read—can be the key to turning a non-reader into an enthusiastic reader.

The following books have been listed from easiest to more difficult. The list caters to those that still require a little help, as well as independent readers. I’m positive that they will be enjoyed by many—even non-readers that can sit through a chapter book will be happy.

Porky and Bess

by Ellen Weiss and Mel Friedman

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (February 23, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Best friends, Pigs, Cats, Poetry

Calling all early-fluent readers. Large text, great color illustrations, and the story of two unlikely-characters being the best of friends, make this a great introduction to chapter books. Random House Books for Young Readers says, “Porky and Bess is reminiscent of the episodic adventures of Frog and Toad, but this duo has even more humor and heart.” I would have to agree with that.

Add this book to your collection: Porky and Bess

The Sandwich Swap

by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah

Reading level: Ages 5-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (April 20, 2010)

Source: Borrowed

What to expect: Cultural differences, Friendship

A picture book can be just the right reading material for an early-fluent reader—it’s not as daunting as a colorless chapter book with limited illustrations. This picture book offers a great story of friendship and a wonderful look at how we can embrace cultural differences and become emotionally strengthened by them. A very current story that has been thoughtfully put together.

Add this book to your collection: The Sandwich Swap

Babymouse #11: Dragonslayer

by Jennifer L. Holm

Reading level: Ages 7-10

Paperback: 96 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 25, 2009)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Graphic novel, Mathematics, Contests, Schools, Mice, Animals

There’s nothing like a graphic novel (comic style) to capture the attention of a reluctant reader. Spice it up with adventure and drama and you’ll have a hit that captures everybody’s attention. Fun and engaging graphics are accentuated with effective text bubbles to tell this tale of a very likable hero. Babymouse: Dragonslayer is an energetic book. And the good news is that it’s part of a series, so there’s more where this one came from.

Add this book to your collection: Babymouse #11: Dragonslayer

Anna Maria’s Gift

by Janice Shefelman

Reading level: Ages 6-9

Hardcover: 112 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (April 27, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Violin, Orphans, Vivaldi, Conduct of life, Schools, Venice

Deep and important life lessons, such as selflessness and forgiveness, are the principles behind this encouraging and heartening story of an orphaned girl who has a musical gift. This fictional tale is set in Venice, Italy, and is entwined with rich and cultural musical history. It has large text and charming full-page illustrations sprinkled throughout. Janice Shefelman has produced a lovely historical-fiction book.

Add this book to your collection: Anna Maria’s Gift

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle

by Betty MacDonald

Reading level: Ages 6-9

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins; Reissue edition (June 3, 1994)

Source: Home library

What to expect: Humor, Positive outlook

I haven’t met a parent or child that has not enjoyed this delightfully humorous series. From her upside-down house to her backyard with buried treasures, there is nothing not to love about Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. However, the beauty lies in her positive outlook on all of the day-to-day problems that children face; such as, taking baths, picking up toys, and going to bed. With a decent size text and a few scattered illustrations it’s a great choice for independent readers, both boys and girls, or children that enjoy being read to.

Add this book to your collection: Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle

The Dreamer

by Pam Munoz Ryan and Peter Sis

Reading level: Ages 9-14

Hardcover: 384 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Press (April 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Pablo Neruda, Chile

A poignant, imaginative, inspiring, and encouraging story based upon the childhood of Pablo Neruda, the Nobel Prize-winning poet. It’s a great book for fluent readers who are ready to tackle deeper stories, because the large text and poems by Pam Munoz Ryan are invigorated by Peter Sis’s fantastical pen-and-ink illustrations, heightening the readers experience and offering insight to the upcoming chapters. I foresee a future award for this book. A must read!

Add this book to your collection: The Dreamer

You may also enjoy the following summer reading lists:

Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Prereading / Ages 3-5

Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Emerging Readers / Ages 4-8

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

So you think your child is emerging as a reader? Summer may just be the season to nurture your child’s desire to read, by reading books with him that are engaging and predictable and have pictures that clearly relate-to and illustrate the story line. If you’re not sure whether your child is an emerging reader, you may enjoy this article: How to Tell if Your Child is Ready to Read by Lynn Maslen Kertell, Bob Books Publications.

The following recommendations have been selected because of their large text, repetitive patterns, repeated vocabulary, wide spacing, limited text on pages, and familiar concepts. They have been listed from easiest to more difficult.

Dinosaur Hunt (Max Spaniel)

by David Catrow

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Orchard Books (August 1, 2009)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Spaniels, Dogs, Bones

There is so much to love about this book. Dinosaur Hunt has minimal, large, repetitive text with a touch of rhyme—perfect for emerging readers—and it still manages to pack a powerful punch of entertainment. Max Spaniel, who is not a dog but a great hunter, is off on a dinosaur hunt. He discovers many house and garden items which he mistakes for dinosaur parts—rightly so, when you see the final illustration. David Catrow is a master illustrator who also has a knack with words. Bravo!

Add this book to your collection: Dinosaur Hunt (Max Spaniel)

More “Max Spaniel” summer reading: Funny Lunch

Fly Guy Meets Fly Girl

by Tedd Arnold

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books (January 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Flies, Friendship

Fly Guy is a great series for emerging readers due to the fact that it  has limited, large-sized text on each page—not to mention Tedd Arnold’s very funny illustrations. In this installment, Buzz and Fly Guy are bored and discover that new adventures can bring chance meetings with new friends. The latter makes a great topic for summer reading.

Add this book to your collection: Fly Guy Meets Fly Girl

More “Fly Guy” summer reading: I Spy Fly Guy

Gilbert, the Surfer Dude (I Can Read Book 2)

by Diane Degroat

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (May 25, 2010)

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Beach, Surfing, Opossums

This is a book for children that are strengthening their literacy skills but are still needing some help. It’s broken down into 3 short chapters with large text and wide spacing. The overall story of Gilbert’s family beach vacation is quite amusing—Gilbert forgets to pack his bathing suit, his mother purchases him some new “surfer dude” trunks that are a little too big, which he loses while learning to surf (he finds them, of course)! The illustrations are fun and relatable. Thumbs-up!

Add this book to your collection: Gilbert, the Surfer Dude (I Can Read Book 2)

You may also enjoy the following summer reading list: Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Prereading / Ages 3-5

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

It’s World Cup Soccer time! Which means that there is a good chance you know someone who is suffering from World Cup Fever. This is one kind of fever that can’t be treated with medicine. It must be treated with a high dose of, you guessed it, soccer. Soccer in any form you can get it: watching the game, playing the game, talking about the game, dreaming about the game, and reading about the game. Yep, that’s right, reading about the game.

No matter which team you go for (GO SOCCEROOS!), here is a team of books (complete with publisher’s synopsis) to whet the appetite of any young soccer enthusiast:

Winners Never Quit! by Mia Hamm

Mia Hamm, American soccer champion and best–selling author of Go for the Goal, tells a true–life–inspired story of learning that winning and losing aren’t as important as being part of a team.

More than anyone, soccer superstar Mia Hamm knows the value of teamwork and perseverance. She shares this lesson, paired with energetic illustrations by Carol Thompson, in this motivational story perfect for soccer kids and their soccer moms!

HarperCollins / April 25, 2006 / 978-0060740528 / 32 pages / Ages 4-7

Let’s Play Soccer (DK READERS) By Patricia J. Murphy

Erik goes to his first day of soccer practice and learns all about this exciting game. Photographs combine with lively illustrations and engaging, age- appropriate stories in DK Readers, a multilevel reading program guaranteed to capture children’s interest while developing their reading skills and general knowledge.

DK Children / March 3, 2008 / 978-0756634582 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Ages 4-8

Young Pele: Soccer’s First Star By Lesa Cline-Ransome; Illustrated by James E. Ransom

How did a poor boy named Edson – who kicked rocks down roads and dribbled balls made from rags – go on to become the greatest soccer player of all time? Here is the story of the boy who overcame tremendous odds to become the world champion soccer star Pelé

Schwartz & Wade / September 25, 2007 / 978-0-375-83599-5 / $17.99 / $19.99 / 40 pages / Ages 4-9

Kickers #1: Ball Hogs By Rich Wallace

A new soccer series! From Award-winning sports novelist Rich Wallace comes a series about soccer for younger readers. KICKERS debuts with BALL HOGS. The second book in the quartet, Fake Out, will release on August 10, 2010. Each of the four Kickers novels will feature the same co-ed fourth grade soccer team, the Bobcats, and black and white interior illustrations by Jimmy Holder.

Alfred A. Knopf / June 8, 2010 / 978-0-375-85754-6 / $12.99 / $14.99 Can. / 128 pages / Ages 7-10

Good Sports: Rhymes about Running, Jumping, Throwing, and More By Jack Prelutsky; Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Exhilarating, all-new, kid-friendly rhymes capture the range of emotions, from winning to losing to the sheer joy of participating, that children experience as they discover the games of their choice.

Alfred A. Knopf / March 13, 2007 / 978-0-375-83700-5 / $16.99 / $21.95 / 40 pages / 8 UP

Shoot-Out: Mike Lupica’s Comeback Kids By Mike Lupica

What happens when a star player ends up on the worst team? He either learns to lose or he stops playing the game he loves. These are the choices facing Jake, who has gone from champion to last place, testing his sportsmanship every time his soccer team gets waxed. It is his teammate Kevin who shows Jake that being a good captain means scoring and assisting off the field as much as being the star player on it.

The latest in #1 bestseller Mike Lupica’s Comeback Kids novels is a cheer-worthy ode to the one sport played by more kids across the country than any other—in the summer of the next World Cup.

Philomel / May 13, 2010 / 978-0399247187 / 208 pages / Ages 9-12

The ABC’s of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro

Parker Stanhope has played soccer practically since she could walk. And now that she’s a high school junior, she’s a shoo-in for the varsity team. But that’s not what happens. Coach Hartley moved up every JV player but two—and now Parker is stuck with the freshmen. She has to get on the varsity team, and she has the perfect plan. All she needs now is the right kind of coach.

Delacorte Press / January 13, 2009 / 978-0-385-73582-7 / $8.99 / $9.99 / 224 pages / Ages 12 UP

Brett McCarthy: Work in Progress by Maria Padian

Brett McCarthy lives for vocabulary words, soccer, and her larger-than-life grandmother, Nonna. Unfortunately, Brett’s got a big mouth she can’t seem to tame and opinions she can’t keep to herself. Soon her world has turned upside down, and she’s not sure where she fits, what she should do, or how to make right what she, and her big fat mouth, have made wrong. Brett’s fresh and funny voice will keep readers laughing out loud at her plights and groaning in sympathy at every misstep.

Alfred A. Knopf / October 13, 2009 / 978-0-440-24055-6 / $8.99 / $10.99 / 288 pages / Ages 12 Up

Go For the Goal : A Champion’s Guide To Winning in Soccer and Life By Mia Hamm

For the more than seven million girls–from knobby-kneed tykes to high school and college stars–who are tearing across the country chasing a soccer ball and dreams of glory, there is one name that eclipses all others, male or female: Mia Hamm. With her cheetah-like acceleration and lightning bolt shot, Hamm has broken nearly every record in her sport, while galvanizing a whole new generation of fans and players.

Go for the Goal is not only the inspiring story of how a tiny suburban sprite became a global terror with a ball (and the world) at her feet–it’s also a step-by-step or dribble-by-dribble guide for any kid with the all-American dream of making the team and becoming a champion.

Filled with personal anecdotes and fully illustrated with both action and instructional photos, Go for the Goal shows readers exactly how to master the silky skills and techniques that have made Hamm and her teammates the finest women’s soccer team in the world.

Quill / August 1, 2000 / 0060931590 / 256 pages / Young Adult

Leave us a comment: Which team do you go for (GO SOCCEROOS!)? Do you have a favorite soccer book or good sportsmanship book?

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Summer reading is a brilliant practice that every child can enjoy. With most of us having more time to spend with our kids, there is plenty of time for story time. An enthusiastic read-aloud session can be the perfect summer activity—indoors or outdoors.

I’ve hand-picked some great titles, new and old, that are, of course, well-suited to the summer season—hot days, lemonade stands, beach vacations, fishing, and summer thunderstorms.

Hooray for Summer!

by Kazuo Iwamura

Reading level: Ages 3-7

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: NorthSouth (April 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Squirrels, Animals, Thunderstorms, Friendship

A lovely story of a still hot summer day that is taken over—briefly—by a thunderstorm. Three squirrels take cover from the storm, in a cave. They are joined by two mice and a rabbit who have also been caught out in the rain. Simple text with wonderful read-aloud words share the story of new friendships and depict the alluring charm of a surprising summer day—cicadas and all!

Add this book to your collection: Hooray for Summer!

Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink

by Victoria Kann

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Paperback: 24 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival; 1 edition (May 25, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Brother and sister, Mother and daughter, Lemonade stand, Summer days

Kids that are already fans of the Pinkalicious series will really enjoy this latest paperback installment. The story begins with, “It was a hot day, too hot to play.” An entrepreneurial tale of a lemonade stand unravels, staying true to the “pinkeriffic” and playful nature that readers of this series have become accustomed to. The small size and the flexibility of  a paperback make this a great, light-wight choice for tossing in a bag.

Add this book to your collection: Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink

The Berenstain Bears Go on Vacation

by Stan & Jan Berenstain

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (April 27, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Family, Beach, Vacation, Fishing, Rhyme

What’s not to love about the Berenstain Bears? They are a family to admire. Always doing things together and working through issues that arise, in the most calm and rational way. The Berenstain Bears Go On Vacation has to be one of my favorites of the series. The effortless rhyme makes it a great read-aloud, and, from the long car trip to the first dip in the ocean to a day of fishing to a beautiful sunset, I think almost every aspect of a beach vacation is covered.

Add this book to your collection: The Berenstain Bears Go on Vacation

For more suggestions: Check out our 2009 Summer Reading List

For those with younger children, take a look at this touch-and-feel book,  Welcome Summer (Little Scholastic) by Jill Ackerman.

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

In honor of my husband’s birthday, I just have to share with you these two go-to books that provide (almost) instant, fool-proof birthday party action. Actually, I’ve been known to bring out these books just for kicks.

Face Painting

by Klutz

Spiral-bound: 58 pages

Publisher: Klutz (August 1, 2007)

Source: Purchased

Pubisher’s synopsis: Face Painting has become a touchstone of Klutz appeal and quality. With 1.5 million copies sold, we thought nothing could surpass it — until now. This new edition has been completely revitalized, including new paints in bold, bright colors and easy-to-use tear-out cheat sheets. It’s the book that will launch a zillion more faces.

Add this book to your collection: Face Painting

Balloon Twisting

by Klutz

Spiral-bound: 58 pages

Publisher: Klutz (September 1, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Balloon twisting is one of those impossible skills that turn out to be not so impossible after all. It’s downright easy, as a matter of fact. You just need the right materials, the right projects and the right teacher. Who better than the folks that brought you Face Painting? We consulted with several balloon twisting professionals (a bunch of clowns, if you want the truth) and narrowed their repertoires down to the ten coolest projects ever. These aren’t the same old static sculptures everyone’s seen a million times, but rather toys, hats, props and costume pieces that inspire imaginative play. Fairy wings, Viking helmets, magic wands… they’re all here, and they are all amazingly simple to make. 40 balloons in 8 colors give you plenty of practice material, and the included balloon pump is a life-saver. Like painting faces, twisting balloons makes you a hero, at least for an afternoon. There’s nothing more gratifying than hearing a kid breathe “”…awesome…”" while watching you do something. It’s a rare thrill, and it’s your free gift with every purchase of Balloon Twisting.

Add this book to your collection: Balloon Twisting

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.