“Oslo Learns to Swim” by Doug Cushman is part of the Ready-to-Read series. Each Ready-to-Read story contains about 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills.

In this charming story Rex the warthog and Oslo the oxpecker bird set out to go swimming. Oslo makes up a bunch excuses about why he can’t go swimming. He eventually reveals that he doesn’t know how to swim. When Rex finds out, he teaches Oslo to swim and they have a wonderful time. Cushman’s expressive illustrations vividly capture Oslo’s emotions and his gradual progress, making it easy for young readers to empathize with his challenges.

The story beautifully portrays the power of perseverance and the importance of facing one’s fears. It not only entertains but also imparts a valuable life lesson about courage and self-belief. “Oslo Learns to Swim” is an engaging choice that will resonate with students and inspire discussions about overcoming obstacles.

“Nat the Cat Takes a Nap” by Jarrett Lerner is part of the Ready-to-Read series. Each Ready-to-Read story contains about 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills. 

This book is an incredibly charming and is a relatable addition to any elementary school library.  Nat the Cat is trying to take a nap when he is woken by the narrator of the story.  Lerner’s playful prose and engaging illustrations capture Nat’s hilarious antics as he attempts to take his nap. 

Young readers will connect with Nat’s spirited personality and find humor in his imaginative strategies. The story not only entertains but also subtly introduces the importance of rest and self-care, making it a valuable resource for discussions on health and well-being. With its endearing characters and lively storytelling, “Nat the Cat takes a Nap” is a must-read that will have both students and educators eagerly turning the pages.

“Dog Can Hide” by Laura Gehl is part of the Ready-to-Read series. Each Ready-to-Read story contains about 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills.

The story is about three animal friends Cat, Dog, and Frog playing a game of  hide-and seek. The mischievous dog shows just how well he can hide in various settings, much to the amusement of children. The simple yet clever rhymes and predictable text make it an ideal choice for early readers.

Fred Blunt’s whimsical illustrations perfectly capture the dog’s antics and the surprised reactions of the characters around him. The book not only entertains but also encourages critical thinking as children try to predict where the dog will hide next. With its engaging storyline and vibrant artwork, “Dog Can Hide” is a great addition to an elementary school library.

Stomp! by Stephanie Calmenson is a part of the Ready-to-Read collection for young emergent readers. A hippopotamus named Ziggy and a raccoon named Zak want to go to the Stomp City Show, but the train is late, the bus is full, the bike pops a tire, and when they finally arrive, the show is sold out! Ziggy is mad enough to stomp—until the Statue of Liberty gives him breathing instructions to help calm him down. Once Ziggy is calm, the two characters follow a beat to join in on a party in the park. 

This is a humorous fast paced story that will engage those early readers. The two main characters Ziggy and Zak are fun and entertaining. Easy words, fun rhymes, and a lesson on how to stay calm by counting to ten all make for an exciting adventure. Baptiste Amsallem’s illustrations of ink and watercolor clearly share the emotions of the characters.

“The Greatest in the World!” is the first book in the Tater Tales by Ben Clanton. Rot is a mutant potato students may recognize from the picture book, “Rot the Cutest in the World!” Rot is a cheerful, medium-sized and brownish potato, his brother Snot is larger, grumpy and greener. Tot is the smallest, with yellowish skin and a blue and white polka-dotted bow which matches the endpapers. 

In this beginning chapter book series, brothers Rot and Snot have a competition to decide who is the greatest in the world, to be judged by their little sister, Tot. When neither a potato sack race nor a game of hot potato produces a winner, they have a laugh-off, with an unexpected result. 

This book has five short chapters, ­and has some early graphic novel features with speech bubbles and vibrant illustrations. The end of the book includes “Spudtacular Facts”  as well as step-by-step instructions for how to draw Rot. This book introduces readers to Clanton’s new characters, who are just as silly and ­appealing as Narwhal and Jelly.

“Snow Horses: A First Night Story” by Patricia MacLachlan, with enchanting illustrations by Micha Archer, is a stunning  picture book that captures the magic of a snowy winter night. MacLachlan’s lyrical prose transports readers to a serene winter landscape, while Archer’s intricate artwork evokes a sense of wonder and tranquility. 

The book’s gentle narrative follows a child’s journey into the snowy world, emphasizing the bond between humans and nature. Through its soothing words and stunning visuals, “Snow Horses” sparks imaginations and ignites a sense of connection with the environment. 

 “Snow Horses” is a perfect read-aloud choice that transports children to a world of snowy landscapes and tender moments. This book is a heartwarming addition to our library that beautifully celebrates the beauty of nature and the joy of companionship.

“If You Were a Princess” by Hillary Homzie, with vibrant illustrations by Udayana Lugo, is an empowering picture book that will resonate with our young readers. Homzie’s engaging narrative invites children to explore various roles and embrace their uniqueness, while Lugo’s colorful artwork vividly brings these possibilities to life.

The book’s inclusive representation and relatable scenarios foster a sense of connection and confidence among readers. Through its charming storyline and captivating illustrations, “If You Were a Princess” encourages creativity and celebrates the diverse dreams and aspirations of every child. This book will be a heartwarming addition to any library to encourage young minds to dream big and embrace their own royal journeys. I highly recommend this enchanting tale, which celebrates imagination and self-expression.

“Go, Sled! Go!” by James Yang is a delightful and energetic picture book that brings the thrill of winter adventures. This book has an engaging storyline and dynamic illustrations that will appeal to our younger readers.

Yang’s minimalist yet expressive art style captures the exhilaration of sledding down snowy slopes, drawing children into the heart of the action. 

The rhythmic text and onomatopoeic language add to the book’s interactive nature, making it an ideal read-aloud choice. Through the protagonist’s determined spirit, the book subtly conveys messages of perseverance and the joy of outdoor play. “Go, Sled! Go!” is a perfect addition to our library collection, offering an entertaining and visually appealing reading experience that will resonate with our young readers.

“A Bucket of Questions” by Tim Fite is a delightful and imaginative picture book that captures the essence of curiosity for young readers. Fite’s engaging storytelling takes children on a captivating journey of exploration, sparked by a bucket brimming with thought-provoking questions. The relatable characters and whimsical illustrations create an inviting atmosphere that encourages active participation and critical thinking.

This book serves as a wonderful tool to foster classroom discussions and inspire young minds to embrace their curiosity. “A Bucket of Questions” not only entertains but also nurtures the natural desire to learn and discover, making it a perfect resource to spark curiosity and creativity in our young readers.

“The Van Buren Sisters VS. The Pants Police” by J.F. Fox and illustrated by Anna Kwan is a spirited and empowering picture book that tackles the notion of gender norms with humor and heart. Set in a world where “Pants Police” enforce strict clothing rules for women, the Van Buren sisters challenge convention by wearing pants and setting off on a mission of change. 
Fox’s engaging narrative is accompanied by Kwan’s vibrant illustrations, capturing the sisters’ determination and camaraderie. This book gently dismantles stereotypes and encourages individuality while celebrating the bond between siblings. With a playful tone and a powerful message, “The Van Buren Sisters VS. The Pants Police” is a delightful read that champions self-expression and challenges societal expectations. This book is also part of the Head-to-Head History series, this inspiring story by J. F. Fox showcases one of the many battles in the history of the women’s movement.