This story about a clever tortoise, who sets up a challenge he cannot lose, is perfect for new readers. Tortoise sets up a race home with his friends, and all the faster animals laugh. Does Tortoise have a trick up his sleeve? (Reading Level: 2.0)

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 1/14/2011

ISBN-10: 077873871X

ISBN-13: 9780778738718

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'Totally Polar' by Marty Crisp is a whimsical story of Peter Petrosky MacGregor O'Toole who is crazy about winter. He would prefer a world that always has snow-covered houses, iceberg filled ponds, and giant snowmen. Even in the month of June, Peter dreams of the fierce blizzards, the immense snow, and the freezing temperatures that accompany the season that he loves so well. Peter thinks, 'totally polar' and is always prepared. You will frequently find him wearing mitten with shorts, and mukluks with long johns on the beach. For as Peter would tell you, you never know when you will be in the middle of an Arctic Blast. Join in on all this winter fun by enjoying 'Totally Polar' by Marty Crisp.

Similar authors: Margaret Hillert; Stephen Krensky; Kristin Sterling; Helen Lester

Similar books: It's Snowy Today by Kristin Sterling; Mama, Will it Snow Tonight by Nancy White Carlstrom; Here Comes Jack Frost by Kazuno Kohara; Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer; Tacky and the Winter Games by Helen Lester

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/6/2011

ISBN-10: 0873587898

ISBN-13: 9780873587891

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This quiet, gentle story about a turtle gathering dreams for her first winter is a nice choice for a longer bedtime read-aloud (for someone with a longer attention span) or for a confident beginning reader who is ready for longer spans of text with fewer pictures. This is a peaceful read, but still an entertaining one, about different animals' experiences of the winter season and about a young turtle preparing herself for something new. Illustrations in rich autumn tones mirror the spirit of the text. (Reading Level: 1.6)

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 1/14/2011

ISBN-10: 0823413225

ISBN-13: 9780823413225

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When mother and father elephant are lost at sea, little elephant is left all alone. That is until Old Uncle Elephant, 'who has more wrinkles than there is sand,' comes to take care of him. Lovingly, Old Uncle Elephant fills little elephant's days with trumpeting the dawn, making wishes, trying on all their clothes at once, composing songs, and making up stories. This is a sweet and gentle story of the love between an uncle and a nephew masterly contained in an easy to read beginning chapter book.

Similar books: Small Pig by Arnold Lobel; Mouse Tales by Arnold Lobel; A Kiss For Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik; Am I Beautiful by Else Holmelund Minarik

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 8/5/2009

ISBN-10: 0060239808

ISBN-13: 9780060239800

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In 1878,the young Muldie boys, along with their father, travel across the United States to find land for themselves. They find land in Kansas, but face many hardships, including starvation. Will the Muldie boys be able to take care of themselves when their father leaves to find better land for the family?

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0064440524

ISBN-13: 9780064440523

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