Book Mama’s Bedtime Book Shop

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By Lisa Dalesandro/@abookmama
Author of “Raise a Reader: 25 Effective Ways to Get Kids Reading”       

These are few of the children’s books that I love.  

 

Ages 3 – 5

SUMMER by Alice Low.  An oldie but a goodie.  Many moms and dads may remember this one from their childhood.  A boy, a girl and a dog share some summer fun.  

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Ages 5 – 7

BAD KITTY by Nick Bruel.  Okay, this isn’t exactly a summer book, but because BAD KITTY  is one of my favorite series for emerging readers I listed it as light summer reading.  On the surface, this is the story of a cat that turns bad when her family runs out of her favorite food, this is really a clever alphabet book for kids old enough to appreciate the way words work.    

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SUMMER ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY by Betty G. Birney.   When Humphrey hears that school is ending, he can’t believe his ears. What’s a classroom hamster to do if there’s no more school? It turns out that Mrs. Brisbane has planned something thrilling for Humphrey and Og the frog: they’re going to Camp Happy Hollow.

Ages 7 – 9

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Ages 9 -12 

ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia.  Set during one of the most tumultuous years in recent American history, One Crazy Summer is the heartbreaking, funny tale of three girls who travel to Oakland, California, in 1968 in search of the mother who abandoned them. It’s an unforgettable story told by a distinguished author of books for children and teens, Rita Williams-Garcia.

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Good summer reading for grown ups.

THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern.   This is the last book I read that I could not put down.  Set at the turn of the 19th century, this dark mystical love story about a magical circus will steal your heart and help you kill a few hours at the beach.

 

 

Ages 3 – 5

Moo, Baa, La, La, La! by Sandra Boyton.  Serious silliness for all little ones.  A comedy of errors for preschoolers.  Young children find this book totally delightful.  It all starts with –

“A cow says MOO. A sheep says BAA. Three singing pigs say LA LA LA!  ’No, no!’ you say, ‘that isn’t right. The pigs say OINK all day and night.’”

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Ages 5 – 7

Miss Daisy is Crazy by Dan Gutman.  Dan Gutman has written two gazillion books for young readers.  This is the first book in the popular “Weird School” series that emerging readers find funny and engaging.  Great for both boys and girls. 

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Ages 7 – 9

Weird But True: 300 Outrageous Facts.  Well did you know that… Peanut butter can be converted into a diamond? The world’s oldest pet goldfish lived to be 43 years old? On Neptune, the wind blows up to 1,243 miles an hour? An elephant’s tooth can weigh as much as a bowling ball?  This fun fact book published by NatGeo will provide many hours of fun for kids and adults alike.  

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Ages 9 -12 

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger.  Um, actually, this isn’t exactly a “Stars Wars” story (but your little Star Wars fans don’t need to know that).  The plot is something of a philosophical conundrum for kids.  I love this little book and recommend it whenever I get the chance.  In fact, I did a previous review that you can read here.

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What I’m reading

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt.  My intention was to recommend a grown up book here, but truthfully, this week I’m in the middle of this compelling YA (11 and up) novel.  Gary Schmidt is a new author to me, and I plan to get his award winning “Wednesday Wars” after I finish this book.

By Lisa Dalesandro/@abookmama
Author of “Raise a Reader: 25 Effective Ways to Get Kids Reading”