A Look at the 2014 Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal Award Winner and Honor Books
The Watermelon Seed written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
Picture book for beginning readers published by Disney Hyperion Books, an imprint of Disney Book Group
When a charming and exuberant crocodile explains that he loves watermelon, we are utterly convinced,
Ever since I was a teeny, tiny baby cocodile, it’s been my favorite.
CHOMP! SLURP! CHOMP!
While enthusiastically devouring his favorite fruit, the crocodile accidentally ingests a seed, his imagination runs wild and he assumes a variety of terrible outcomes.
Repetitive text, limited use of long vowel words and very good supporting illustrations make this a great choice for beginning readers.
The Watermelon Seed at Amazon.com
The Watermelon Seed at Amazon.ca
Ball written and illustrated by Mary Sullivan
Picture book for beginning readers published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
There is little doubt that this dog loves his small, red ball. From the moment he wakes up, he is focused on only one thing: playing with the ball. He especially loves when the ball is thrown by a young girl but when she leaves for school there is no one available to throw it.
This is a terrific picture book that relies heavily on the illustrations for the narrative. Apart from one repeated word (ball) it could be classified as a wordless picture book.
It will be thoroughly enjoyed by dog lovers and young children – especially those who are eager for an opportunity to read independently.
A Big Guy Took My Ball written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Series for beginning readers published by Hyperion Books for Children
This charming story will remind readers that appearances can be deceiving and perspective is everything! Gerald and Piggie’s friendship is solid and Gerald is more than willing to stand up for Piggie when her ball is taken by a big guy.
Delightful illustrations will appeal to young readers as they effectively portray a range of emotions. The text is perfect for children who are beginning to read – lots of repetition and very few long vowel words.
A Big Guy Took My Ball! (An Elephant and Piggie Book) at Amazon.com
A Big Guy Took My Ball! at Amazon.ca
Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes
Generously illustrated chapter book series for beginning readers published by Greenwillow Books An Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers
It truly is a treat to read such a beautifully-written chapter book for beginning readers. Kevin Henkes has created a new character: Penny. She is a young mouse with a sense of right and wrong. In this book, she is out with her sister when she “finds” a beautiful blue marble. She excitedly puts it into her pocket and later wonders if she did the right thing.
Lovely, full color illustrations and a thought-provoking dilemma make this a great choice for newly independent readers.
Penny and Her Marble at Amazon.com
Penny And Her Marble at Amazon.ca
