One of the assignments for my children’s literature course last term was to write 25 annotations (snapshot reviews between 50 and 150 words) on all sorts of kidlit. It was a great opportunity to delve out of my comfort zone of MG spec fic 😉 Today’s post, featuring early readers, is the third in a series where I share those annotations by type. Links will be updated as the rest of the series goes live.
Board books | Picture books | Early readers | Chapter books | Graphic novels | Middle grade novels | Information books
We Are Growing! by Laurie Keller
The grass is growing, and each blade is discovering its defining feature (tallest, curliest, etc.) but Walt isn’t sure what he is. What will happen when the lawn mower comes by? Varied shades of green and ‘hairstyles’ differentiate the blades of grass in this amusing early reader. Age 4+.
Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same! by Grace Lin
Six short stories explore the activities of sisters Ling and Ting, who may be twins but aren’t exactly the same. For example, Ling makes smooth, tightly sealed dumplings while Ting makes full, fat dumplings. Working within the simple and repetitive sentence structures of the early reader genre, Lin describes numerous jokes and silly antics (with no adults in sight) that will entertain young readers. Age 5+.
I Like the Farm by Shelley Rottner
This early reader information book features farm animals and their baby counterparts using the sentence pattern “I like”. Each statement is accompanied by two photographs of the featured animal, which often include racially diverse children interacting with the animal. A practical information text for beginning readers, who can explore a likely familiar subject through text and photographs. Age 4+.
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