Finding Just Right Books

Thank you for your great feedback on my reading survey! Many of you expressed interest in having book lists for your children. Books that are at just right levels are critical to developing readers. If books are too hard, readers can become frustrated and skills do not improve. Think of ourselves learning a new skill… like skiing. We would not want to try that Black Diamond slope after only a few runs down the Bunny Hill. Progress improves with a ski instructor and when we experience success. We might try an Intermediate slope when we feel ready. Reading is exactly the same. Readers need to practice with books that are easy to read, enjoyable, and understandable.

To find just right books, the Scholastic Book Wizard is a wonderful free tool for searching by level, title, topic, and/or author. To make sure that the books are appropriate for your child, start with the guided reading level. (You can email me if you aren’t sure what level your child is reading.) Next, narrow your search by topic or genre. The Book Wizard will suggest many titles that fit your search. Use this personalized booklist at the library or bookstore to stock up on some great just right books for your child!

12 Comforting Books for Cold Days

Since this is Michigan, we are lucky to have winter last a little longer. Here are some great books about winter topics for pre-readers and beginning readers. These picture-perfect books will enchant your pre- or beginning reader with tales of arctic animals, winter scenes, and the magic of falling snow.

The Biggest, Best Snowman by Margery Cuyler
Inspire your little one with this story of a little girl’s big achievement.

Clifford’s First Snow Day by Norman Bridwell
Enjoy an exciting first winter with Clifford the Small Red Puppy.

Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London
Young Froggy doesn’t want to hibernate — but as your little one knows, gearing up for winter is a lot of work!

Is That You, Winter? by Stephen Gamnell
Meet the crotchety Old Man Winter in this eye-popping picture book.

Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse
Journey through the wilderness with an Inuit child who discovers his mother’s love is as great as Alaska’s dazzling beauty.

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
Join a father and daughter for a snowy trek to find a great horned owl in this poetic picture book.

A Small Tale From the Far Far North by Peter Sis
Enchant your child with the legend of an Arctic explorer.

Snow by Manya Stojic
A mesmerizing exploration of woodland creatures’ winter preparations.

Snow Play by Kate Spohn
Stimulate your child’s developing senses with a sparkling animal excursion.

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
Pictures tell the story in this wintry favorite about a boy and his snowy friend.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Wonder at the magic of a first snowfall in this 1962 classic.

Young Larry by Daniel Pinkwater
Polar cub Larry finds himself in the uncharted territory of New Jersey in this droll picture book.

From scholastic.com