Good Books For Kids

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Best 2010 Books for Kids - BookList Picks!

The editors at the American Library Association's Booklist publication have come out with their picks of Top Books for Young Readers for 2010. We have rearranged them according to reading level for those who would like to use these as practice readers. (They can be read aloud too!)

======= Level 1's =======

Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!
By Grace Lin

**Starred Review** School Library Journal

Plot Description: Ling and Ting are twins. They like to stick together. They get haircuts and they make dumplings. They do magic tricks and they read books. They stick together and look alike. But they are not exactly the same.

Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 031602452X
amazon

Technical Stuff
Word Count: 887
Reading Level: 1.8
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 1.8 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 137469

Nini Lost and Found
By Anita Lobel

Plot Description: One beautiful autumn day, Nini, a little tabby cat, sees that the door is open. The garden and nearby woods seem to beckon her to explore. Nini thinks the great outdoors is really, really, really nice . . . until night falls and strange animals begin sniffing and hooting and lurking about. Suddenly there is no place like home.

This warm and reassuring picture book speaks to children whose curiosity has tempted them to “run away” from home. Caldecott Honor Book artist Anita Lobel’s illustrations have never been more beautiful. Endearing portraits of her own beloved Nini cat in a lush autumnal setting will gladden the hearts of cat lovers of all ages.

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0375858806
Look Inside
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 414
Reading Level: 1.8
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 1.8 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 139423

======= Level 2's =======

Big Red Lollipop
By Rukhsana Khan
Illus. by Sophie Blackall

**A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book for 2010**

Plot Description: Rubina has been invited to her first birthday party, and her mother, Ami, insists that she bring her little sister along. Rubina is mortified, but she can't convince Ami that you just don't bring your younger sister to your friend's party. So both girls go, and not only does Sana demand to win every game, but after the party she steals Rubina's prized party favor, a red lollipop. What's a fed-up big sister to do?

Rukhsana Khan's clever story and Sophie Blackall's irresistible illustrations make for a powerful combination in this fresh and surprising picture book.

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
ISBN-10: 0670062871
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 821
Reading Level: 2.2
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.2 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 134832
Lexile: AD410L

City Dog, Country Frog
By Mo Willems
Illus. by Jon J Muth

**Starred Review** School Library Journal

Plot Description: In spring, when City Dog runs free in the country for the first time, he spots Country Frog sitting on a rock, waiting for a friend. "You'll do," Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games. Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he runs straight for Country Frog's rock. In winter, things change for City Dog and Country Frog. Come spring, friendship blooms again, a little different this time.

Mo Willems' spare, poignant text and Jon J. Muth's expressive watercolors team up to present a reflection on the natural course of friendship--and life--that will resonate with readers of all ages.

Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Hyperion
ISBN-10: 1423103009
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 333
Reading Level: 2.3
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 137464

Rain School
By James Rumford

Plot Description: But when he and the other children arrive at the schoolyard, they find no classroom, no desks. Just a teacher. "We will build our school," she says. "This is our first lesson."

James Rumford, who lived in Chad as a Peace Corps volunteer, fills these pages with the vibrant colors of Africa and the spare words of a poet to show how important learning is in a country where only a few children are able to go to school

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
ISBN-10: 0547243073
Look Inside
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 451
Reading Level: 2.5
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 140157

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion
By Mo Willems

Plot Description: Trixie and her family are off on a fantastic trip to visit her grandparents—all the way in Holland! But does Knuffle Bunny have different travel plans?

An emotional tour de force, Knuffle Bunny Free concludes one of the most beloved picture-book series in recent memory, with pitchperfect text and art, photos from around the world, and a stunning foldout spread, culminating in a hilarious and moving surprise that no child or parent will be able to resist.

Bestselling, award-winning author Mo Willems has created an epic love story as only he can, filled with the joys and sadness of growing up —and the unconditional love that binds a father, mother, daughter, and a stuffed bunny.

Hardcover: 52 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
ISBN-10: 0061929573
Look Inside
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 628
Reading Level: 2.7
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.7 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 139483

Miss Lina’s Ballerinas
By Grace Maccarone
Illus. by Christine

Plot Description: In four rows of two, Miss Lina’s eight ballerinas—Christina, Edwina, Sabrina, Justina, Katrina, Bettina, Marina, and Nina—dance to the park, at the zoo, and even while doing their schoolwork. They are one perfect act, but when Miss Lina introduces Regina, a new girl, the group of nine’s steps become a mess.

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
ISBN-10: 031238243X
Look Inside
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 341
Reading Level: 2.9
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.9 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 140502

======= Generic 2's =======

Sleepover at Gramma’s House
By Barbara Joosse
Illus. by Jan Jutte

Plot Description: Going to Gramma’s takes plenty of preparation. Granddaughter packs her overnighty trunk and says goodbye to Mom, Dad, little fish and baby in the bed. She can’t wait to see her silly millie gramma! Together at last, the two spend a day full of dancing, painting each other and partying with a razzle and a dazzle before, finally, resting together in a ricky rocky swing. What a day!

Barbara Joosse’s spirited text combined with Jan Jutte’s lively illustrations create this delightful story. Full of engaging, bouncy language that zips right along, this is an original picture book that captures the loving relationship between a young-hearted gramma and her enthusiastic granddaughter.

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Philomel
ISBN-10: 0399252614
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Technical Stuff
Reading Level: generic 2

======= Level 3's =======

Clever Jack Takes the Cake
By Candace Fleming0
Illus. by G. Brian Karas

**Starred Review** School Library Journal

Plot Description: Take a bite out of this deliciously funny original fairy tale by a bestselling picture-book duo!

What would you do if you were invited to the princess’s tenth birthday party but didn’t have money for a gift? Well, clever Jack decides to bake the princess a cake.

Now he just has to get it to the castle in one piece. What could possibly go wrong?

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
ISBN-10: 0375849793
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 1,384
Reading Level: 3.8
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 3.8 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 138712

======= Generic 3's =======

Snook Alone
By Marilyn Nelson
Illus. by Timothy Basil Ering

Plot Description: Abba Jacob is a monk who lives on a far, far away island with his loyal rat terrier, Snook. Every day, from the wee hours of dawn till the sun sets over the sea, Snook keeps Abba Jacob company as he prays or works, tending the gardens or fixing the plumbing of the little hermitage he calls home. But when the two are separated by a ferocious storm, Snook must learn to fend for himself in the wild, all alone in a world of fierceness and wonder. Will he ever again hear the loving voice that he waits for? Simply and lyrically told by award-winning poet Marilyn Nelson and beautifully illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering with wit, warmth, and affection for the natural world, this captivating tale of friendship lost and found conveys the power of faith against all odds.

Publisher: Walker & Company
ISBN-10: 1844282791
Look Inside
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Technical Stuff
Reading Level: generic 3

There’s Going to Be a Baby
By John Burningham
Illus. by Helen Oxenbury

Plot Description: From two of the world's best-loved picture-book creators, an absolute gem for new-siblings-to-be. When is the baby coming? What will we call it? What will the baby do? We don't really need the baby, do we? As the arrival of a new sibling draws nearer, the questions that stream through a young child's mind are followed with sensitivity and humour in this enchanting book. Exquisitely illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, these pages brim with love, excitement and reassurance as the child in the story imagines all kinds of colourful futures for the brother or sister he is waiting to meet. Full of warmth and promise, this is an instant and timeless classic. It is the first book-publishing collaboration of this award-winning husband-and-wife team. Oozing with loving interaction between parent and child, and with unspoken - yet palpable - reassurance.

Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
ISBN-10: 0763649074
Look Inside
amazon

Technical Stuff
Reading Level: generic 3

======= Level 4's =======

A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea
By Michael Ian Black. Illus. by Kevin Hawkes

Explains precisely why, although it may sound like a good idea, gathering hundreds of pigs to march in a parade through one's hometown is inadvisable.

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
ISBN-10: 1416979220
Look Inside
amazon

Technical Stuff
Word Count: 600
Reading Level: 4.4
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 4.4 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 139676

For other Lists of Great 2010 Books see:

Got Holiday Money? Six Great New Books to Buy in Early 2011

Best Books for Kids - Pam's Picks for 2010

Best Middle-School books of 2010 - Shan's Picks

Best Picture Books of 2010 - Shan's Picks

Award Winning Books for Kids - The Newbery Winners!

Top 100 Children’s Books - Teachers and Parents Pick

Children Pick: Top 100 Books for Kids

Got Holiday Money?
Six Great New Books to Buy in Early 2011

WOW! I have got to say that there are some tremendous books coming out in the next three months. I'm listing some that I feeling you strongly need to consider adding to your reading-pile.

First of all, for all of who adored "Name of the Wind", Patrick Rothfuss is FINALLY coming out with the follow-up book. Titled "Wise Man's Fear", you can pre-order it for a March 1st delivery.

Next, there are some great YA dystopias coming out. I've listed the ones I recommend below.

And finally, there are some great books for middle-graders and one book in the Kid-department which I recommend.

I've listed them in order of age category and added notes for the books that could be read by another age group. For example, Adults and Young Adults can certainly enjoy Brandon Mull's new book.

For Kids

The Trouble with Chickens
(A J.J. Tully Mystery)
by Doreen Cronin
Kevin Cornell (Illustrator)

Publisher Description: J.J. Tully is a former search-and-rescue dog who is trying to enjoy his retirement after years of performing daring missions saving lives. So he’s not terribly impressed when two chicks named Dirt and Sugar (who look like popcorn on legs), along with their chicken mom, show up demanding his help to track down their missing siblings.

Driven by the promise of a cheeseburger, J.J. begins to track down clues. But is everything really like it seems?

My take:
Wonderful book. Doreen Cronin -- of Diary of a Worm fame -- has once again done it right and written a story for the elementary-aged crowd that an adult can be satisfied with as well.

Kevin Cornell's illustrations are fabulous. The chicks are adorable little trouble makers, and if mom's eyes got any closer she'd be a cyclops--lol. This book is funny throughout and ought to be a great series (we want more!) for both boy and girl readers. Good read-aloud!

Reading Level: generic 4
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
(March 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0061215325
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For Middle-Graders

A World Without Heroes
(Beyonders)
by Brandon Mull

Publisher Description: Jason Walker has often wished his life could be less predictable—until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank into a strange, imperiled world. Lyrian holds dangers and challenges unlike anyplace Jason has ever known. The people all live in fear of their malicious wizard emperor, Maldor. The brave resistors who once opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail.

In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.

My take:
Brandon Mull already has a huge audience who love him because of his Fablehaven series. The Beyonder series is only going to add to the throng because this just a great non-stop action story. What I particularly like about Mull's writing is his creativeness and what he brings to the genre. There may be a cliche or two, but he matches them one for one with fantastic and novel ideas.

Suitable for adults and young adults looking for a lighter read.
Suitable for Tweeners who can stick with a longer book.

Reading Level: generic 5
Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Aladdin
(March 15, 2011)
ISBN-10: 141699792X
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Eliza's Freedom Road
An Underground Railroad Diary
by Jerdine Nolen

Publisher Description: It is 1852 in Alexandria, Virginia. Eliza's mother has been sent away and it is Abbey, the cook, who looks after Eliza, when Eliza isn't taking care of the Mistress. Eliza has the quilt her mother left her and the memory of the stories she told to keep her close. When her Mistress's health begins to fail and Eliza overhears the Master talk of Eliza being traded, Eliza takes to the night. She follows the path and the words of the farmhand Old Joe, " … travel the night … sleep the day. Go East. Your back to the set of the sun until you come to the safe house where the candlelight lights the window." All the while, Eliza recites the stories her mother taught her along her Freedom Road from Maryland to St. Catherine's, Canada.

My Take:
A freaking brilliant book told in a first person diary format. Ms. Nolen doesn't delve into the age-inappropriate bad treatment slaves received, but rather tells the human side of this story so well that children aren't likely to fail to comprehend the great human cost of that abysmal institution. Simply an outstanding historical novel.

Reading Level: generic 4
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
(January 4, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1416958142
amazon

Suitable for any age.

For Young Adults

Wither
(The Chemical Garden Trilogy)
by Lauren DeStefano

Publisher Description: Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

My take:
These days it's not often that I'm pulled into a story from the first page, but Wither did it. DeStefano absolutely mastered the first person voice of her character Rhine and even better, gave the story, which could have been trite, real bite. The characters, all except for the father-in-law, were sympathic and complex. A great dystopia.

Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
(March 22, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1442409053
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excerpt:

I’ve heard of this happening. Where I come from girls have been disappearing for a long time. They disappear from their beds or from the side of the road. It happened to a girl in my neighborhood. Her whole family disappeared after that, moved away, either to find her or because they knew she would never be returned.

Now it’s my turn. I know girls disappear, but any number of things could come after that. Will I become a murdered reject? Sold into prostitution? These things have happened. There’s only one other option. I could become a bride. I’ve seen them on television, reluctant yet beautiful teenage brides, on the arm of a wealthy man who is approaching the lethal age of twenty-five.

Across the Universe
by Beth Revis

**Starred Review** Kirkus

Publisher Description: Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone--one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship--tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Now, Amy is caught inside an enclosed world where nothing makes sense. Godspeed's passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader, and Elder, his rebellious and brilliant teenage heir.

Amy desperately wants to trust Elder. But should she? All she knows is that she must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again.

My take:

Part scifi, part mystery. I was drawn into Amy's perspective right from the start, but truly it was the mystery that kept me up reading late into the night. Beth Revis did a good job keeping things twisting and turning.

Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Razorbill
(January 11, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1595143971
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For ADULTS

The Wise Man's Fear
by Patrick Rothfuss
(Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 2)

Publisher Description: My name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. You may have heard of me... So begins the tale of a hero told from his own point of view—a story unequaled in fantasy literature.

My Take:
Haven't read it. (Are you listening DAW?)

Hardcover: 1008 pages
Publisher: DAW Hardcover (March 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0756404738
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Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
(Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 1)

**Starred Review** Publisher's Weekly

4.5 Stars with nearly 800 reviews on Amazon

My Take:
This is a very detailed fantasy story about a man who is more capable than the rest of us, so if such a premise isn't your cup of tea, keep alookin' for your next great read .

Description: Kvothe was brought up as an actor in his family's traveling troupe of magicians, jugglers and jesters. When they are murdered by mystical creatures he ends up as a feral child on the streets of a port. That doesn't keep him though from gaining entry into THE University where he soon excels over even his best instructors. It's unclear in the first book entirely what motivates Kvothe. He is certainly driven to acquire knowledge for his own sake. But in back of the reader's mind is that this must somehow relate to solving the riddle of why his family was massacred.

Paperback: 672 pages
Publisher: DAW
ISBN-10: 0756405890
Look Inside
amazon

Suitable for young adults looking for intricate fantasy read.

Pam
Somewhere in the X-burbs

More Great 'Easy Reading' Books for Kids about Christmas

This list features easy Christmas readers for newer readers. This time the focus is on slightly more difficult readers -- the AR 2s!

Santa's Stuck
by Rhonda Gowler Greene and Henry Cole (Illus.)

and

from Goodreads and Amazon

Description: When Santa becomes stuck in the chimney of a house on Christmas Eve, the dog, the cat, the reindeer, and a mouse try to free him.

Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Puffin
ISBN-10: 0142406864
Look Inside
amazon

Technical Stuff:
Word Count: 328
Reading Level: 2.0
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.0 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 83182

This book is eligible for Amazon's 4-for-3 promotion

Merry Christmas, Amelia Bedelia
by Peggy Parish, Lynn Sweat (Illustrator)

and from Goodreads and Amazon

Description: It's Christmas Eve, and Amelia Bedelia has to get the Rogers house ready for a visit from Aunt Myra. But with Amelia Bedelia in charge, this Christmas will be one of the funniest ever!

Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
ISBN-10: 0060099453
Look Inside
amazon

Technical Stuff:
Word Count: 1,542
Reading Level: 2.1
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.1 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 5526
Lexile: 220L

This book is eligible for Amazon's 4-for-3 promotion

I've Seen Santa!
by David Bedford, Tim Warnes (Illustrator)

and

from Goodreads and Amazon

Description: It's Christmas Eve and Little Bear can't wait for Santa to come! Big Bear slides down the chimney to reassure Little Bear that Santa will be able fit while Mommy Bear sets out milk and a snack for Santa. But Little Bear doesn't want to go to bed, he wants to see Santa! After catching Big Bear drinking Santa's milk and eating one of Santa's snacks, Little Bear really can't get to sleep and both he and Big Bear decide to hide downstairs to wait for Santa. Now, it's Mommy Bear who gets caught putting a present in each of their stockings, so all three bears decide to wait up for Santa. Will Little Bear ever see Santa?

Paperback: 26 pages
Publisher: Little Tiger Press
ISBN-10: 1589254112
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Technical Stuff:
Word Count: 509
Reading Level: 2.1
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.1 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 113154
Lexile: AD380L

This book is eligible for Amazon's 4-for-3 promotion

Mouse's First Christmas
by Lauren Thompson

and

from Goodreads and Amazon

Description: Late one winter night, Mouse discovers new sights, smells, and tastes: sweet and sparkly cookies, jingly bells, and lots of boxes with ribbons. Mouse doesn't know what any of it means, until a whiskery and jolly guest arrives with a very special holiday message.

Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ISBN-10: 0689863489
Look Inside
amazon

Technical Stuff:
Word Count: 192
Reading Level: 2.1
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.1 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 42606
Lexile: AD380L

This book is eligible for Amazon's 4-for-3 promotion

How Many Miles To Bethlehem?
by Kevin Crossley-Holland

and

from Goodreads and Amazon

Description: Mary, great with child. The lively donkey. The dignified wise men. The glorious angels. All the beloved figures of the nativity story are given new life by acclaimed poet and novelist Kevin Crossley-Holland, who links their tales into a chain of voices revealing the miracle and meaning of Christmas. Peter Malone's illustrations glow with the same majestic grace. This is a book for art lovers to admire, poets to praise, and families to read together and treasure.

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
ISBN-10: 0439676428
Look Inside
amazon

Technical Stuff:
Word Count: 573
Reading Level: 2.2
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.2 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 83536

This book is eligible for Amazon's 4-for-3 promotion

Wombat Divine
by Mem Fox, Kerry Argent (Illustrator)

and

from Goodreads and Amazon

Description: Wombat loves everything about Christmas--especially the Nativity play. He's wanted to be in it for as long as he can remember. At last he's old enough to try out. But at the auditions, the first part goes to someone else. So does the next. And the next . . . Will there be a part left for Wombat?

Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Sandpiper
ISBN-10: 0152020969
Look Inside
amazon

Technical Stuff:
Word Count: 397
Reading Level: 2.2
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.2 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 14447
Lexile: 410L

This book is eligible for Amazon's 4-for-3 promotion

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas
by Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator)

and

from Goodreads and Amazon

Description: What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles—and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited about decorating the Christmas tree. She bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and has been waiting for Christmas to come. But when things don't turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous?

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN-10: 0061235903
Look Inside
amazon

Technical Stuff:
Word Count: 438
Reading Level: 2.3
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 134210

The Jolly Christmas Postman
by Janet Ahlberg, Allan Ahlberg

and

from Goodreads and Amazon

Description: Fifteen years ago, long before anyone else thought of tucking actual letters and notes inside a book, Little, Brown published The Jolly Postman by Allan and Janet Ahlberg. This wonderful book gave children a chance to read letters sent from one fairy tale or Mother Goose character to another. Among the funny notes was one from Jack, who lolled on a sun-drenched island, thanking the Giant for the gold that let him afford such a nifty vacation. All this amusing correspondence was deftly illustrated and the book attracted hordes of eager readers.

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: LB Kids
ISBN-10: 0316127159
Look Inside
amazon

Technical Stuff:
Word Count: 589
Reading Level: 3.2
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 3.2 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 67125

Legend of the Christmas Stocking

by Rick Osborne

and

from Goodreads and Amazon

Description: A wonderful tale for Christmas about the origin of the hanging and filling of Christmas stockings. This story has universal appeal across the world.

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN-10: 0310708982
amazon

Technical Stuff:
Reading Level: generic 2

Our Index of Christmas Practice Readers

If you don't understand what the Accelerated Reading level designation means, do check out Wikipedia's explanation. Basically though, it's a wonderful tool for adults and kids to use to choose books that won't frustrate children by being too difficult.