I Can Read

Yasmin, your new favorite second-grader, tackles all sorts of relatable problems at home and at school in this illustrated chapter book series. In this installment, Yasmin delightfully takes on the role of teacher, chef, zookeeper, and superhero, learning the power of sharing, listening, and being a good friend along the way. Each book offers discussion questions, an Urdu glossary, fun facts about Pakistan, and a craft, so the fun can continue well after the final page. - Emma

Two sisters, a family trip, the backseat of a car, and the beach. Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea is one of those novels that succeeds in making a string of moments utterly poignant, carrying us along on a first trip away from home. Alix is the younger sister: curious, odd, passionate, and impulsive. Jools is timid but full of longing to live her life fully. In a brief novel, Newbery Award winner Lynne Rae Perkins captures something timeless about this stage of growing up, with a lovable family reminiscent of the Penderwicks. Grades 3–5. - Tera

This is Sadie. And this is a celebration of Sadie’s imagination. Sadie sees a boat when others might see a box; she tells secrets to her favorite garments; she checks for her wings, which safely deliver her home from any adventure. “Sadie has been a girl who lived under the sea. She has been a boy raised by wolves.” She likes stories best of all because they can be anything at all, just like Sadie. Julie Morstad complements the open-ended words with sky-is-the limit illustrations, delightful from beginning to end. Preschool. - Michelle

The Caldecott Medal–winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee is available unabridged in a new board book, paper cut–free for a younger set of listeners. Philip Stead takes us through the thoughtful routines of Amos McGee’s usual workday at the zoo, where “he always made time to visit his good friends” the elephant (who needs a chess partner), the rhinoceros, tortoise, and penguin, and the owl (who is afraid of the dark). One morning Amos wakes up with a bad head cold and calls in sick. After waiting and worrying and missing their friend, the animals hop on the bus and pay Amos a visit, giving him the care that he has so kindly provided them every other day of the week. With all feeling much better, Amos and friends settle in for the night so that they can catch the morning bus back to the zoo, together. Always with plenty to discover, Erin Stead’s lovely pencil-and-color illustrations hold the attentions of reader and child alike, with new things to discover with every reading (look for the tiny mouse!). Preschool. - Michelle

Young Cora is queen-in-training and her parents are diligent. Dull academic exercises followed by dull physical exercises and three baths a day leave Cora fervently wishing for a dog and a day off (to roam and ponder). Her fairy godmother grants her a crocodile instead. When the princess and the crocodile swap places, the crocodile behaves wholly inappropriately and the princess learns wisdom (and how to assert herself) in this sly, well-written, amusing, and very inviting early chapter book. Grades 1–3. - Ga

Sometimes we need something sweet and earnest. I highly recommend the gentle mischief and hijinks of two young brothers, Charlie and Mouse, in this charming early chapter book. With the irrepressible logic of childhood, they draw out the neighborhood for an unplanned block party and evade bedtime with their semi-clever wiles. And for a read-aloud for visiting grandparents, the sequel Charlie & Mouse & Grumpy pokes gentle fun at intergenerational friendship. Ages 6–8. - Tera

The Caldecott Honor Book Interrupting Chicken perfectly captures the lively imagination of a toddler while hearing stories at bedtime. Interrupting his father’s best efforts to read books, Little Red Chicken dramatically inserts himself into the stories until he himself is interrupted in a most unusual way. The back and forth between father and son will be a familiar and endearing scene for any father with young children.  -Casey

“My name is Alvin Ho. I was born scared and am still scared.” In this series of hilarious chapter books, Asian-American second grader Alvin Ho is a boy who’s afraid of everything—including girls, school, camping, science projects, and birthday parties (“They are scary and unpredictable and way too many things could go wrong.”). His many fears dissipate when he’s at home, though, where he likes to be loud and take on a superhero persona. School Library Journal says, “Whether they are fearful or brave, kids will smile at Alvin's scrapes and empathize with his concerns.” These books are just right for beginning and reluctant readers.  --S.B.

Sheila Rae is not afraid of anything. She walks backwards with her eyes closed, steps on every crack, growls at stray dogs, and bares her teeth at stray cats. But when Sheila Rae becomes lost on the way home from school, it is her "scaredy cat" sister, Louise, who shows her a thing or two about bravery and sibling love. Kevin Henkes’ picture books are favorites at our house. His characters’ strength and sweetness really resonate with my kids, who also adore his detailed illustrations.  --S.B.

Maggie has been cautioned not to fall for the first horse she sees. Bramble (a horse) is fed up with giving riding lessons and bored with walking very slowly in a circle. She needs a change of pace. Maggie sees the “Horse for Free” sign while out driving with her mom and dad and, even though Bramble “has her little ways,” Maggie does fall in love. Maggie and Bramble take challenges in stride as they grow to understand each other a bit more each day. Lively watercolor illustrations accompany each short chapter in this inviting easy-reader series. Grades K–2.  --Michelle