More Books to Update Your Shelves

This post has something for everyone - from the grumpiest kid in your class those to the child who just can’t stay engaged when a book is being read. And for those older kids, it has some titles for readers who just need something different that has a terrific story that’s bound to keep them interested.

Have You Seen Elephant? by David Barrow

Pre K and kindergarten kids will really be engaged when listening to this story. There’s an elephant and a kid and they decide to play hide and seek. The elephant volunteers to hide but warns the little boy “I am very good.” The irony is that, although the boy looks everywhere, he can’t find elephant even though the elephant is hiding in plain sight. Kids will giggle and shriek as the boy looks, but just can’t find the elephant. (The kids will definitely let you know just where that elephant is.)

Grumpy Pants by Claire Messer

If you’ve ever felt grumpy for no reason, you will totally identify with the Grumpy Penguin. Penguin is in a bad mood and he doesn’t know why. After stomping home, he starts to take off his grumpy pants, his grumpy overalls, and even his grumpy underwear. A bath, a cup of hot chocolate, and his favorite pajamas finally make him feel better. Kids will love watching the penguin taking off the clothes (especially the “grumpy underwear,”) and taking a bath (where he makes himself a bubble beard) and climbing in his bed with his favorite book and favorite teddy. This would be a great book to read to kids who have grumpy starts to their days because it might help them envision ways to make their day a better place. But it would be totally fun for all kids!!!!

The Hungry Lion or A Dwindling Assortment of Animals by Lucy Ruth Cummins

This book is weird but fun. It has twists and turns that are entertaining, but slightly confusing. There’s a lion and a bunch of animals. When the animals’ numbers start to dwindle, kids will assume the lion ate them. (Trust me, I read this to a second grade class and they figured that out right away). But the lion didn’t eat them…exactly… No spoiler for this book, though, you just have to experience it. It reminded me of That’s Not My Hat, but I actually liked it a little more because of the nonsense quality to it. Be sure to have the kids notice the tiny light bulb on the title page – it plays an important part in the story. (I might introduce the concept of foreshadowing with the lightbulb).

The Land of Forgotten Girls by Erin Entrada Kelly

I read the reviews, and I read the book blurb, and if it hadn’t been for a freezing, cold snowy day, I may not have read this book. But thanks to frigid weather, I did and I loved it. It’s the story of sisters who have no one but each other, the story of really tough lives where the mind becomes the castle, the fortress, and the adventure, and the story of good people who offer what little they have to give. It’s a great book for 4th through 6th grade kids for a million reasons. It’s also a perfect book for helping kids to understand the power of imagination.

Once Was a Time by Leila Sales

I thought I didn’t want to read a book about time travel. But I was wrong. Once Was a Time was a fascinating combination of historical fiction, science fiction, and realistic friendship. Charlotte, in a desperate situation, travels from 1940 to 2013 through a time travel portal. She leaves behind her best friend, her dad, and everything she knew. 4th, 5th and 6th grade kids will fantasize with Charlotte as she adjusts to her new life while still searching for what she left behind.