Alligators All Around – Sendak

Alphabetic anthems to alligators that will astound all who read and listen to this little book!

Fantasy, Grades 3-8 (CDE)

Anansi the Spider – McDermott

Intense vivid colors and easy reading text make every page of this retelling of the beloved Ashanti folktale a treat for both eye and ear. This Caldecott Honor Book will inspire primary students to write and draw their own versions of the familiar story.

Folklore, Grades 3-5 (CDE)

Angus and the Ducks – Flack

Classic, humorous tale of a curious dog and his encounter with some large ducks. Lots of prepositions and direction words make book valuable to reinforce these concepts.

Not available (CDE)

Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing – Barrett

The many ludicrous drawings of animals stuffed uncomfortably into human clothing coupled with the very simple brief text will delight primary children. Book can also spark some interesting discussions about human customs.

Not available (CDE)

Babe the Gallant Pig (shelved as Sheep-Pig: the Story of the Movie Babe) King-Smith

The remarkable movie Babe was based on this English book. The book tells about a piglet destined for eventual butchering who is adopted by an old sheep dog and discovers a special secret to success. Book has all the touching charm of the movie.

Book will lead to discussions about animal welfare issues and humane treatment of all animals.

Fantasy, Grades 3-5 (CDE)

Flossie and the Fox – McKissack

Told in the colorful dialect of the rural South, this humorous fable is enriched by the realistic and detailed full-page illustrations. The animals' range of expressions is delightfully amazing! The story tells about a wily fox notorious for stealing eggs who meets his match when he encounters a bold little girl. She insists on proof that he is really a fox before she will be frightened of him. Students will relish every word of this story and also learn a lesson in bravery and determination.

Folklore, Grades K-5 (CDE)

Henry and Mudge in the Green Time – Rylant

Geared to beginning readers, this lively story of Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge will delight young readers and listeners. In this third book of their adventures, Henry and Mudge share many summer adventures.
Humor, Grades K-2 (CDE)

I Took My Frog to the Library – Kimmel

Bridgett has some very unusual pets and she wants to take them all to the library. Each misbehaves in a unique way, from the frog that jumps on the checkout desk to the elephant that wrecks the whole building.

Truly hilarious book, which nonetheless has a serious, message about suitable behavior and common sense!

Not available (CDE)

Rascal – North

Rascal is only a baby raccoon when Sterling North beings him home to join the skunks, woodchucks, crow, huge dog and absent-minded father who populate his home. Together they have a wonderful year of adventures until the spring day when everything changes.

Humorous, realistic, touching, and written in clear, elegant prose, this Newbery Honor book is a modern classic that continues to charm each generation anew. Suitable for read aloud in grades three to eight, read along in grades four through eight.

Not available (CDE)

Rikki Tikki Tavi – Kipling

Classic Jungle Book tale is adapted from Kipling by J. Pinkney. Story tells about a courageous mongoose that thwarts the evil plans of Nag and Nagaina, the two big cobras that live in the garden. Story is greatly enhanced by the full-page absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Suitable for a variety of classroom uses for grades one through five students.

Fiction, Grades 6-8 (CDE)