Chapter Books
Bramble and Maggie
Bramble and Maggie by Jessie Haas, illustrated by Alison Friend Bramble is a horse who gives riding lessons in a riding ring. But, Bramble is getting bored of riding around and around the ring while Mrs. Blenkinsop tells the riders what to do (and they tell Bramble what to do). Bramble expresses her boredom by…
Read MoreKeeker and the Sneaky Pony
Keeker and the Sneaky Pony by Hadley Higginson, illustrated by Maja Andersen This is a good book for readers who are ready to move beyond the beginning reader books, but who feel a little intimidated by longer chapter books. Keeker is an eight-year-old girl who desperately wants a pony. She has taken riding lessons, been…
Read MoreTuesdays at the Castle
I try to avoid princess books unless the young royal in question is a very strong character who takes matters into her own hands. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George has a main character who is strong, creative, quirky, and, oh yes – a princess. Princess Celie is the youngest child of King…
Read MoreGooseberry Park
I first came across Cynthia Rylant’s writing through the Henry and Mudge books when my children were learning to read. When they were ready for longer books, we found several books by Cynthia Rylant that seemed safe, yet still new and interesting, to my blossoming readers. Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant was a favorite for…
Read More