SUMMER READING SUGGESTIONS
FOR STUDENTS ENTERING GRADE 1
SEPTEMBER, 2015
Animalia
Written by Grahame Base
Bases’ masterful illustrations will sweep readers into a world of richly colored and intricately illustrated
animals and objects with the turn of every page. Publisher’s Weekly
Caramba
Written by Marie Louise Gay
When his cousins try teaching him to get airborne by carrying him over the ocean and letting go, a scary fall to
the bottom teaches Caramba that even though he can't perform like they do, he can do something they cannot.
Sheila Rae, The Brave
Written by Kevin Henkes * Illustrated by Kevin Henkes
Reviewed by Amarilis C. (age 8)
The story is about a mouse named Sheila. She was not scared of anything. Sheila showed her sister that she
was not scared of anything. Not even the spider in the kitchen. One day her sister hid in a tree. Sheila got
scared that something happened to her. Her sister finally called out to Sheila to let her know where she was.
Sheila was not so brave after all.
My favorite part was when Sheila's sister hid in the tree and Sheila got scared. I liked this part because she said
she wasn't scared, but she really was. I thought the book was funny because it had many funny pictures. I also
thought the pictures were colorful. Sheila's sister reminds me of my little cousin who is three years old because
she tricks people just like Sheila's sister.
I recommend this book to children who are scared. Maybe it will help them learn to be brave.
Amarilis C. is a student in Mrs. Burke's Third Grade Computer Club 2003-2004 Spaghetti® Book Club
©1999-2012 Happy Medium Productions, Inc.
Skippyjon Jones
Written by Judy Schachner Reviewed by Joey B. by Joey B. (age 8)
. 8)
This story is about a cat that thinks he is a Chihuahua. His name is Skippyjon Jones. He is crazy. He draws all
over the walls in two hours. His mom says, “Skippyjon Jones, you covered the walls with Chihuahuas!!!” She
says, “go to your room.” He goes into his closet to play with his pretend Chihuahua friends. He pretends he is
Skippyjon Jones, the sword fighter. He has to find all of the beans for the burritos that they are going to eat for
their fiesta. Skippyjon goes into the doghouse to get the burritos back. Find Skippyjon Jones at your local
bookstore!
I like Skippyjon Jones because he goes into his closet to play pretend and so do I. I also like Skippyjon because
he is crazy. He also likes Chihuahuas and I do too.
When I read this book, I felt it was an adventure. It was funny. It was crazy when Skippy jumped on his bed.
My favorite part was when Skippyjon Jones colored on his wall. He got in big trouble. He drew Chihuahuas
on his wall. …
Joey B. is a student in Mrs. Giammusso and Miss Kobb's 2nd/3rd Grade Class
Club ©1999-2012 Happy Medium Productions, Inc.
2008-2009 Spaghetti® Book
Eloise Takes a Bath
Written by Kay Thompson • Illustrated by Hilary Knight Reviewed by Mrs. Zimmerman's 2nd Grade Class
Eloise's nanny tells her to take a bath before Mr. Salomo comes for tea. But Eloise just dawdles saying, "But I
have to wash Weenie and soak Skipperdee." When Eloise takes her bath she overflows the bathroom! It goes
all the way to the ballroom when the Venetian Masked Ball is tonight. Will the Ball be fun or not? You'll have
to read to find out.
My favorite character was Eloise because she is so funny. The illustrations were good even though there wasn't
very much color. The story reminds me of when I want to fill up the tub almost to the top. I recommend this
book to people who have lots of imagination and who like stories about adventure.
Students in Mrs. Zimmerman's 2nd Grade Class 2003-2004 Spaghetti® Book Club ©1999-2012 Happy
Medium Productions, Inc.
Mabel Murple
Written by Sheree Fitch
A new collection of poems for young children featuring Mabel's wacky purple world. IMAGINE FOR A
MINUTE ANOTHER KIND OF WORLD...A purple world, with purple people and places. In Mable Murple a
young girl dreams of just that- with some wonderfully wacky results! -- Winnipeg Public Library
Unique Monique
Written by Maria Rousaki
A story about a girl who wants to be different. Monique attends a school where the uniforms are brown and
blue, "the ugliest colors and the ugliest clothes she had ever seen." When she tries to improve the look through
accessories that she finds in her attic, the other students are thrilled and follow her example, but the stern
principal keeps banning each alteration. Finally, the protagonist discovers a way to be truly unique, while still
following all of the rules. -- Library Journal
Waiting for Wings
Written by Lois Ehlert
Every spring, butterflies emerge and dazzle the world with their vibrant beauty. But where do butterflies come
from? How are they born? What do they eat--and how? With a simple, rhyming text and glorious colordrenched collage, Lois Ehlert provides clear answers to these and other questions as she follows the life cycle
of four common butterflies, from their beginnings as tiny hidden eggs and hungry caterpillars to their
transformation into full-grown butterflies. Complete with butterfly and flower facts and identification tips, as
well as a guide to planting a butterfly garden, this butterfly book is like no other.