Summer Reading Program-2018 Entering First Grade Children are made readers on the laps of their parents. —Emilie Buchwald ​ ​ Dear Families,

Did you know that the single greatest factor in predicting reading success is whether a child is read to when young? Here at the Ayer-Shirley Regional School District we are strongly committed to helping you raise your young reader.

We have recently partnered with Footsteps2Brilliance (F2B) as one way of supporting this goal. Every child in the district, from birth through the second grade, and every family in Ayer and Shirley now has free access to their award-winning apps which contain over 1,000 books, songs and games that can be read in either English or Spanish. We are asking parents to spend just 15 minutes a day using this app with your child. A separate letter will be sent home by your child’s teacher explaining how to use the app. You can learn more about Footsteps2Brilliance and register your child to use either the free F2B app at home (K-2) or the free CleversKids University app (preschool) here. Be sure to participate in the F2B Summer Reading Challenge for ​ ​ ​ your chance to win a Kindle Fire!

We also want you to visit the local library with your child this summer and check out the free ​ summer fun activities happening and sign up for a free library card! ​ ​ Summer reading is so important! Children who do not read over the summer experience the ​ “summer slide” and can lose up to two months of learning by the time they return to school in the fall! But there’s good news. Research shows that reading or listening to as few as six books over the summer break can help children maintain their reading skills and score higher in reading and ​ math when they return to school!

Our summer reading program is based upon these four goals: Maintain learning gains from school year; Develop stronger reading skills; Expose children to quality literature; and Encourage a love of books.

The following booklist is the work of our teachers and literacy coaches. We hope you and your child will love these titles, but feel free to add any books for your reader. The staff in the children’s area of the public library will have many wonderful suggestions.

Attached to the booklist is a reading log. Help your child fill out the reading log and give it to his or her new teacher in the fall. We’re so excited to see what your child read and we’ll be using the list as part of our Books,Buddies & Blankets Reading Celebration this fall. ​ ​ ​ Should you have questions, please contact your child’s principal via email or telephone or Assistant Superintendent Hamel at 978-772-8600 Ext 1509, or at [email protected]. ​

Sincerely, Mary Beth Hamel Mary Beth Hamel Assistant Superintendent

Ayer Public Library (978-772-8450) Hazen Memorial Library (978-425-2620) ​ ​ 26 E. Main Street, Ayer, MA 3 Keady Way, Shirley, MA ​

How to Grow a Reader

● Set time aside 15 minutes each day for reading. ● Read together as a family. ● Allow your child to choose the book. ● Plan regular visits to the library. ● Listen to audiobooks during long car trips. ● Participate in summer reading programs at the local library

How to Rock the Read Aloud

● Read with expression. Try creating different voices for different characters. ● Encourage your children to ask questions about the characters, pictures, and words. ● Talk about the story with your child. Did he or she like it? Why? ● Your child may want you to read the same story over and over again. After several retellings, ask your child to tell you the story. ​ ​ ● Model Making Connections: Strong readers aren’t passive—their minds are constantly making connections between what they read and the world around them. As you read, pause to connect the book to other books you have read together, to your memories, or to places or events you both know. ● Check out author Lester Laminack’s video entitled “The Joy of the Read-Aloud” ​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViNXcEuthF8. ​ ● Visit the award-winning children’s literacy website, www.Storyline Online.net. ​ ​

Reading is like riding a bicycle, driving a car, or sewing: in order to get better at it you must do it. And the more you read, the better you get at it. —Jim Trelease ​

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade “You can find magic wherever you look Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” —Dr. Suess ​

Dear First Grader:

We want you to read, read, read this summer! Read to yourself, read to your teddy bear, read to your pet, read to your parents, read to your grandparents, read to a friend, read to your pet rock, just read, read, read! And ask your family to read to you too. Our goal is for you to read or listen to someone read to you ​ ​ for 15 minutes every day.

You’ll definitely want to take a trip to the Hazen Public Library in Shirley or the Ayer Public Library and check out all of the free summer fun activities happening and sign up for a free library card!

Attached to this letter is your reading log. On it you should list all the books you read or listen to. (Footsteps2Brilliance Books and books you listen to on StorylineOnline.net count!)

Be sure to give your booklist to your new teacher. We’re so excited to see what you read and we’ll be using your list as part of our Books, Blankets & ​ Buddies Reading Celebration this fall. ​ ​

Happy Summer Reading!!

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade Here are some bookmarks for you to color and cut. Now go get reading!!

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade SUMMER READING LOG Grade 1 With the support of an adult, list books you read or listened to this summer. Please use an additional sheet if you need it.

Which book was your favorite? On the back of this page, write why this book was your favorite or draw a picture of your favorite character or part.

1. ______

2. ______

3. ______

4. ______

5. ______

6. ______

7. ______

8. ______

9. ______

10. ______

Your name (first and last) ______

Parent/Guardian Signature______​

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade Suggested Titles for Incoming Grade 1 Students Browse through the book suggestions to find the books that spark your imagination!

lphabet Books are the perfect choice for encouraging your child’s A ​ ​ ​ liter​ acy development. Here are some that are sure to be favorites:

26 Letters and 99 Cents by Tana Hoban ​ ​ Learn the ABCs and counting in this book featuring simple and appealing ​ ​ photographs of both the upper and lowercase letters.

A Busy Creature’s Day Eating by Mo Willems ​ A hilariously zany story about a little creature eating his way through the alphabet.

Alphabet Adventure by Audrey Wood ​ The lowercase letters are ready to head off to school when little i realizes her dot is missing and the other letters help her find it.

Alphabet Mystery by Audrey Wood ​ ​ Little X is sad that he’s never used so he runs away. The other lowercase letters set off to find him.

A My Name is by Alice Lyne ​ From Alex and Angie in Alabama to Zelma and Zoe in Zambia, this update on a traditional alphabet jump-rope rhyme includes letter clues hidden in the pictures.

Dr. Seuss's ABCs by Dr.Seuss ​ From Aunt Annie's Alligator to a Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, learning the alphabet is fun with Dr. Seuss.

Firefighters A to Z by Chris Demarest ​ Kids who want to become firefighters when they grow up will love this A to Z book showing what firefighters wear and do.

LMNO Peas by Keith Baker ​ The silly pea characters featured in this book have a wide variety of interests, hobbies, and careers!

Naughty Little Monkeys by Jim Aylesworth ​ What happens when you leave twenty-six little monkeys home alone? Lots of monkey business, that’s what! The charming chimps in this book, with names and misbehaviors to match each letter of the alphabet, cause all kinds of trouble when Mom and Dad go out.

Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC by June Sobel ​ The captain of this brave and bumbling pirate crew has ordered them to capture the entire alphabet—and they'll walk the plank if they're missing a single letter!

Superhero ABC by Bob McLeod ​ Silly and zany, and armed with the most unusual skills, the cast of superheroes in this book makes learning the ABC's an out-of-this-world experience.

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC’s (the Hard Way) by Patrick McDonnell ​ This alphabet book is also a guessing game. It’s a book you’re sure to have fun reading!

Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham ​ Zebra thinks the alphabet should be simple. A is for Apple. B is for Ball. Easy! But his friend Moose is too excited to wait his turn, and when M isn't for ​ ​ Moose (Mouse gets the honor), the rest of the letters better run for cover.

hyming Books Being familiar with rhyme is an essential skill to R ​ ​ lear​ ning to read and write. Exposure to rhyme also helps children to build their vocabulary and to develop listening, thinking, and comprehension skills. Best of all, rhyming books are great fun to read!

Down by the Bay by Raffi ​ Based on the song, two young friends match wits as each tries to come up with the most outrageous rhyme: ""Did you ever see a goose kissing a moose?'' “Did you ever see llamas eating their pajamas?''

Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet Ahlberg ​ Readers are invited to play a game of I-Spy to search for the nursery rhyme characters hidden in this classic.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees ​ Gerald the giraffe wants nothing more than to dance, but with crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson ​ A mouse is taking a stroll through the deep, dark wood when along comes a hungry fox, then an owl, and then a snake. The mouse is good enough to eat but smart enough to know this, so he invents . . . the gruffalo!

Hop On Pop by Dr. Seuss ​ See Red and Ned and Ted and Ed in a bed. And giggle as Pat sits on a hat and on a cat and on a bat . . . but a cactus? Pat must NOT sit on that!

The Hungry Thing by Jan Slepian ​ What will the people do when a Hungry Thing comes to town? This hilarious book will get kids excited about reading and words as they fall in love with the Hungry Thing's crazy antics!

Llama, Llama Book Series by Anna Dewdney ​ ​ Each Llama, Llama book starts with a simple life problem and proceeds to solve it, with lessons learned along the way.

The Magic Hat by Mem Fox ​ One fine day, from out of town—and without any warning at all—a magic hat ​ ​ ​ ​ appears in the sky. It tumbles and bounces through the air and makes magic wherever it lands.

Moo Baa La La La by Sandra Boynton ​ Serious Silliness about the sounds animals make—including three pigs who say "la la la!" This book is such fun to read aloud.

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade

First Grade Favorites ​ Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman ​ When a mother bird’s egg starts to jump, she hurries off to make sure she has something for her little one to eat. But as soon as she’s gone, out pops the baby bird. He immediately sets off to find his mother, but not knowing what she looks like makes it a challenge.

A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni ​ Elephants are gray. Pigs are pink. Tigers have black and orange stripes. It seems that every animal has its own distinctive color, except the chameleon. And that makes the little chameleon hero of this picture book very sad. . . until another chameleon comes along.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes ​ Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. "You're named after a flower!" teases Victoria. "Let's smell her," says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?

The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins ​ Ma has made a dozen delicious cookies. It should be plenty for her two children. But then the doorbell rings—and rings and rings and rings. ​ ​

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss ​ ​ Will the energetic Sam-I-Am ever stop asking, “Do you like green eggs and ham?”

How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills ​ A little yellow bird teaches a dog named Rocket the alphabet, how to sound out words, and the joys of reading.

Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus ​ ​ Leo isn't reading, or writing, or drawing, or even speaking, and his father is concerned. But Leo's mother isn't. She knows her son will do all those things, and more, when he's ready.

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton ​ The little house first stood in the country, but gradually the city moved closer and closer.

It’s Mine by Leo Lionni ​ Three selfish frogs live together on an island in the middle of Rainbow Pond. All day long they bicker: It’s mine! It’s mine! It’s mine! But a bad storm and a big ​ brown toad help them realize that sharing is much more fun.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss ​ ​ “From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere” . . . this Seuss classic celebrates how much fun imagination can be. ​ ​

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade

Friendship and Family ​

A Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats ​ ​ Peter is inviting only one girl to his birthday party: his friend Amy. Rather than asking her in person, he decides to send her a special invitation, but a thunderstorm on the way to the mailbox sends Peter's plans into a tailspin.

Corduroy by Don Freeman ​ In this heartwarming classic, a stuffed bear and a little girl find the friend they have always wanted in each other.

Frog and Toad (series)by Arnold Lobel ​ ​ No matter what kind of situation they find themselves in, one thing is certain, Frog and Toad will always be together.

George and Martha by James Marshall ​ Learn all about the ups and downs of friendship with these two lovable hippos.

Henry and Mudge (series) by Cynthia Rylant ​ ​ ​ Henry finds Mudge as a puppy, and Mudge grows to be three feet tall and 180 pounds. They become great friends and do everything together.

The Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Peňa ​ Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them

The Stray Dog by Marc Simont ​ A little dog appears at a family picnic and a girl and boy play with him all afternoon. The name him Willy. At day’s end, they say good-bye. But they think about Willy all week long. So the family returns to the picnic grounds to find him. They are not alone—the dog catcher is looking for Willy too!

Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev ​ Today is Pet Club day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no ​ elephants are allowed. The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all ​ shapes and sizes, just like friends. Now it is time for a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it means to be a true friend.

Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey ​ This joyful book is all about learning to love who you are...even if you don't have sparkles.

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade Adventure and Fantasy ​ The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat ​ This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and—at long last—is given his special name: Beekle.

Edward and the Pirates by David McPhail ​ Reading everything he can after learning how to read, young Edward finds his imagination soaring and particularly enjoys adventure stories, and one day he wakes up to find himself surrounded by pirates.

Elena’s Serenade by Campbell Geeslin ​ Elena wants to become a glassblower more than anything. But who ever heard of a girl glassblower?

My Name is Not Alexander by Jennifer Fosberry ​ ​ Who is your hero? Alexander takes a rip-roaring historical adventure. Through his imaginative journey, Alexander discovers how great men become heroes.

My Name is Not Isabella by Jennifer Fosberry ​ Who is your hero? Isabella's include U.S. Astronaut Sally Ride, activist Rosa Parks, and sharpshooter Annie Oakley-but there's no bigger hero than Isabella's own mommy!

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett ​ Sam and Dave are on a mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find . . . nothing. Yet the day turns out to be pretty spectacular after all.

Widget by Lyn Rossiter McFarland ​ ​ When Widget, a little stray dog, stumbles through a flap door into the home of Mrs. Diggs there's clearly only one thing to do. He pretends he’s a cat in order to get a home.

Fiction Favorites ​ Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman ​ Grace loves stories, whether they're from books, movies, or the kind her grandmother tells. So when she gets a chance to play a part in Peter Pan, she knows exactly who she wants to be.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle ​ For forty years kids have loved this book because they are quick to learn the pattern and enjoy reading it all on their own!

Dr. Desoto by William Steig ​ Since he's a mouse, Doctor De Soto refuses to treat "dangerous" animals--that is, animals who have a taste for mice. But one day a fox shows up and begs for relief from the tooth that's killing him. How can the kind hearted mice turn him away?

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade Duck on a Bike by David Shannon ​ ​ One day down on the farm, Duck got a wild idea. "I bet I could ride a bike," he thought. He waddled over to where the boy parked his bike, climbed on and began to ride. At first he rode slowly and he wobbled a lot, but it was fun!

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion ​ Harry is a white dog with black spots who absolutely, positively hates to take a bath.

A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle ​ A hermit crab who has outgrown his old shell moves into a new one, which he decorates with the help of the various sea creatures he meets in his travels.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff ​ If a hungry little mouse shows up on your doorstep, you might want to give him a cookie. But beware, this pesky little mouse will keep asking you for more and more!

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems ​ Trixie, Daddy, and Knuffle Bunny take a trip to the neighborhood Laundromat. But the exciting adventure takes a dramatic turn when Trixie realizes somebunny was left behind!

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey ​ Mrs. Mallard is headed to the pond in the Boston Public Gardens with her eight ducklings, and with a little help from the Boston police, Mrs. Mallard, Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack arrive safely.

Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard ​ The kids in Room 207 were misbehaving again. Spitballs stuck to the ceiling. Paper planes whizzing through the air. They were the worst-behaved class in the whole school.

Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes by James Dean ​ Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change from white to red to blue to brown to WET as he steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other big messes! But no matter what color his shoes are, Pete keeps movin' and groovin' and singing his song...because it's all good.

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon ​ In this beloved story readers discover along with Stellaluna the fruit bat that even though we’re different, we’re very much the same.

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola ​ When Strega Nona leaves Big Anthony alone with her magic pasta pot, he is determined to show the townspeople how it works. The results are disastrous!

Thundercake by Patricia Polacco ​ "This is Thunder Cake baking weather," calls Grandma, as she and her granddaughter hurry to gather the ingredients around the farm. A real Thunder Cake must reach the oven before the storm arrives. But the list of ingredients is ​ long and not easy to find . . . and the storm is coming closer all the time!

Funny and just plain fun-to-read Books Because everyone loves ​ ​ ​ 2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade a good laugh!

Be Quiet! by Ryan T. Higgins ​ All Rupert the mouse wants is to star in a beautiful, wordless picture book. One that's visually stimulating! With scenic pictures! And style! He has plenty of ideas about what makes a great book, but his friends just WON'T. STOP. TALKING.

The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak ​ You might think a book with no pictures seems boring and serious. Except . . . here’s how books work. Everything written on the page has ​ to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say .

Don’t Let The Pigeon (series) by Mo Willems ​ ​ Whether he wants to convince us to let him drive a bus, stay up late, or get a puppy, Pigeon is always scheming!

Elephant and Piggie (series) by Mo Willems ​ ​ Elephant and Piggie are best friends. These books make you laugh and want to read more! ​

Falling For Rapunzel by Leah Wilcox ​ When the prince spies the long-haired Rapunzel and calls to her to throw down her hair, she's too far away to hear him clearly, and throws down her underwear instead. Every attempt to clarify the situation makes things worse: "'No Rapunzel, your curly locks.'" Rapunzel threw down dirty socks!

Fly Guy (series) by Tedd Arnold ​ ​ ​ Boy and fly meet and so begins a beautiful friendship. . . er, and so begins a very funny friendship.

Froggy (series) by Jonathan London ​ ​ The Froggy stories are based on true experiences the author had growing up, or raising his own sons. And the author admits, “I exaggerate just a little for humor.” Kids love Froggy because they can recognize a little of themselves in him.

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein ​ It's bedtime for the little red chicken, and Papa starts reading her a story, but she can't help herself. As soon as the story gets going, out jumps the little red chicken, right into the story, saving characters from danger and ending the story early.

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen ​ The Bear’s Hat is gone and he wants it back. This book will get you giggling!

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus (series) by Barbara Park ​ ​ ​ Meet the World’s Funniest Kindergartner! Remember when it was scary to go to school? it’s Junie B.’s first day and she doesn’t know anything. She’s so scared of the school bus and the meanies on it that when it’s time to go home, she doesn’t!

Kung Pow Chicken (series) by Cyndi Marko ​ ​ ​ In the first book Gordon's Blue transforms into Kung Pow Chicken and his birdy senses lead him to a festival. Suddenly, POOF! Feathers fill the air and shivering naked chickens are everywhere. Why have all these chickens lost their feathers?

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade

Let’s Do Nothing by Tony Fucile ​ In this very funny book two kids attempt to do absolutely nothing and end up having a great time.

Morris Goes to School by B. Wiseman ​ Morris the Moose can’t count or read so he goes to school and serious silliness is what happens.

Press Here by Herve Tullet ​ Press the yellow dot on the cover of this book, follow the instructions within, and embark upon a magical journey!

Scaredy Squirrel (series) by Melanie Watt ​ ​ Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared.

Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner ​ Skippyjon Jones is no ordinary kitten. Oh, no. . . . He's actually El Skippito, a great sword-fighter ready to battle banditos!

Snip Snap! What’s That? By Mara Bergman ​ An alligator crawls out of the city sewers and into an apartment building. The three children inside Room Thirteen hear it creep up the stairs. Full of drama and suspense, and a repeating refrain that kids love to help read, this book is sure to become a favorite.

Take Care Good Knight by Shelley Moore Thomas ​ The old wizard has asked the dragons to take care of his cats for a few days. There's just one problem: they dragons can't read the wizard's instructions! They make their best guesses and an hilarious adventure ensues. It’s up to the Good Knight to save the day.

You Must Bring a Hat by Simon Philip ​ Come join the fun—but only if you have a hat and you know the entry ​ ​ rules. Will the boy in this story and the cool collection of animals he befriends along the way ever get in?

Folklore and Fairy Tales ​ Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock by Eric A. Kimmel ​ When Anansi the spider discovers a strange, moss-covered rock in the forest, he uses its magic to trick Lion, Elephant, Giraffe, and Zebra. Little Bush Deer will not be fooled, though, and uses the rock to teach Anansi a lesson.

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina ​ ​ The sleeping peddler wakes up to find that monkeys have stolen his caps. The peddler orders the monkeys to return his caps, but the monkeys only imitate him. Readers delight in following the peddler’s efforts to outwit the monkeys in this classic book.

The Magic Fish by Freya Littledale ​ An old fisherman lives in a hut by the sea with his wife and his dog. One day he reels in an enormous, golden fish that talks and claims to be magic. The old man lets the fish go, but his wife has other ideas.

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney ​ Even the slowest tortoise can defeat the quickest hare, and even the proudest hare can learn a timeless lesson from the most humble tortoise: Slow and steady wins the race! ​ ​

The Three Pigs by David Wiesner ​ This Caldecott Medal-winning picture book begins familiarly enough, with three pigs collecting materials and going off to build houses of straw, sticks, and bricks. But the wolf’s huffing and puffing blows the first pig right out of the story . . . and into the realm of pure imagination.

Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens ​ Hare solves his family’s problems by tricking rich and lazy Bear in this funny, energetic version of an old slave story.

Graphic Novels ​ Benny and Penny in the Big No-No! by Geoffrey Hayes ​ Benny and his sister Penny know it’s wrong to sneak into someone else’s backyard but their mysterious new neighbor—or is it a monster?—may be a thief. They go snooping and discover a lot about themselves and…a new friend.

The Big Wet Balloon by Liniers ​ ​ When her little sister, Clemmie, refuses to go out in the rain, Matilda is determined to teach her all of the delights of a wet Saturday. But Matilda makes a big mistake!

Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires ​ Binky is a space cat—at least in his own mind. He's really a house cat who has never left the family "space station." Unlike other house cats, Binky has a mission: to blast off into outer space (outside), explore unknown places (the backyard) and battle aliens (bugs).

Chi’s Sweet Home by Konami Kanata ​ Chi is a mischievous newborn kitten who, while on a leisurely stroll with her family, finds herself lost when she is suddenly rescued by a young boy named Yohei and his mother. The kitty is then quickly and quietly whisked away into the warm and inviting Yamada family apartment...where pets are strictly not permitted.

Little Robot by Ben Hatke ​ When a little girl finds an adorable robot in the woods, she presses a button and accidentally activates him for the first time. Now, she finally has a friend. But the big, bad robots are coming to collect the little guy for nefarious purposes, and it's all up to a five-year-old armed only with a wrench and a fierce loyalty to her mechanical friend to save the day!

ordless Books In this type of book the story emerges through exploring the W ​ illustr​ ations rather than the words on the page. This leaves the reader free to become more involved in the storytelling process, by naming the characters, spotting details in the pictures, or relating the story to their own experiences.

A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka ​ Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog.

A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog by Mercer Mayer ​ A boy and his dog go walking in the swamp. They spot a frog in the water. Can

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade they use a net to catch him?

Chalk by Bill Thomson ​ A rainy day. Three kids in a park. A dinosaur spring rider. A bag of chalk. The kids begin to draw. . . and then . . . magic!

Dinosaur Day by Liza Donnelly ​ Crazy about dinosaurs, a boy and his dog imagine they see one under every lump of snow until the day they get a big surprise.

Flotsam by David Wiesner ​ A boy goes to the beach equipped to collect and examine flotsam—anything ​ ​ floating that has been washed ashore. Bottles, lost toys, small objects of every description are among his usual finds. But there's no way he could have prepared for one particular discovery: a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera, with its own secrets to share . . . and to keep.

Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day ​ When Carl, the responsible rottweiler, is left in charge of baby unexpected and funny things happen!

Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann ​ It's bedtime at the zoo, and all the animals are going to sleep. Or are they? Who's that short, furry guy with the keys in his hand and the mischievous grin?

Once Upon a Banana by Jennifer Armstrong ​ The sign says: “Put litter in its place.” But someone isn’t paying attention. He drops a banana peel on the ground—and a series of comical slips, spills, and falls are set hilariously into motion.

Rainstorm by Barbara Lehman ​ It can be lonely sometimes on a rainy day in a big house with no one else around and there’s only the quiet to keep you company. But if you find a key, a mysterious key, that leads you to an unexpected place . . . chances are your afternoon is about to get a lot more interesting.

Time Flies by Eric Rohmann ​ This story conveys the tale of a bird trapped in a dinosaur exhibit at a natural history museum.

Tuesday by David Wiesner ​ It is Tuesday night around 8 and hundreds of frogs are flying into town!

Wave by Suzy Lee ​ The illustrations in this book capture the fascination, awe and ongoing sense of wonder that the ocean inspires in each of us.

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade Some Helpful Tips for Sharing Wordless Picture Books ● Describe what you see Describing the pictures encourages us to use language that is different from how we normally speak. This will expose children to a rich variety of language. ● Point things out Take your time and point things out in the pictures. Pointing and labelling helps children to learn the meaning of new words. This will also help draw their attention to details in the illustrations. ● Go beyond the pictures Ask the children open ended questions about what might be happening and why. Be sure to give children plenty of time to think about their responses. When children reply, repeat what they say and add more information. For example, if a child points out a cat, describe the cat – “that’s right, there is a black cat”. ​ ● Use story language When you’re reading the story, try using simple words and phrases like ‘next’ and ‘then’. These linking words help children catch the idea of the flow of a story and how to tell a story in order. ● Play with the story You don’t always have to tell the story in the same way. If there is more than one character in the book, tell the story from different perspectives. You can make up a different story every time.

Source: The ScottishBookTrust.Com

Nonfiction Favorites ​ Actual Size by Steve Jenkins ​ How big is a crocodile? What about a tiger, or the world’s largest spider? Can you imagine a tongue that is two feet long or an eye that’s bigger than your head? Sometimes facts and figures don’t tell the whole story. Sometimes you need to see things for yourself—at their actual size.

Born in the Wild: Baby Animals and Their Parents by Lita Judge ​ What do grizzly bear cubs eat? Where do baby raccoons sleep? And how does a baby otter learn to swim? Learn all of these facts and more.

Creature Features by Steve Jenkins ​ Packed with many cool facts and visuals on where certain animals live and what they eat, this book captures twenty-five humorous—and very true—explanations of why animals look the way they do in order to exist in this world.

Emmanuel’s Dream: the True Story of Emmanuel Osofu Yeboah by Laurie ​ ​ Ann Thompson Born in Ghana with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability.

Egg: Nature’s Perfect Package by Steve Jenkin and Robin Page ​ ​ Eggs come in all shapes and sizes. The ostrich’s is the largest, but some are so small, you need a microscope to spot them. Animals hide them and disguise them in smart and surprising ways, too.

Ordinary People Change the World (series) by Brad Meltzer ​ ​ Each book in this series tells the story of one of America’s icons in a conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers.

Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert ​ Every spring, butterflies emerge and dazzle the world with their vibrant

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade beauty. But where do butterflies come from? How are they born? What do they eat—and how? ​ ​

Recommended Non-Fiction Authors and Series Gail Gibbons Books Gail Gibbons says "I had a lot of ‘whys’ when I was a child. I guess I still do." Her books are particularly accurate because she goes right to the source when researching a topic. Her more than 50 books cover a wide range of topics including: how a house is built, weather forecasting, knights, kites, basketballs bats, trees, tunnels, the post office, pirates, to name just a few!

Nic Bishop Books Biologist/photographer Nic Bishop takes a close up look at some of the world's most amazing animals in his award-winning series. Check out his books on frogs, lizards, snakes, spiders, and more.

National Geographic Readers With nearly 100 books in this series about topics kids love, you can nurture your child’s natural curiosity about the world and all that’s in it.

Magic School Bus Series Miss Frizzle and the students in her class take field trips on their magic school bus to places one normally can’t go such as inside the human body or the ocean floor.

Poetry ​ A Stick is an Excellent Thing: Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play by ​ Marilyn Singer The poems in this book talk about school being over and children getting outside to play. ​ Beast Feast: Poems & Paintings by Douglas Florian ​ In this hilarious collection of twenty-one original animal poems and paintings, the animals are out in all their finned, furry, and feathered glory.

The Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry by Bill Martin Jr. ​ This beautiful full-color treasury contains nearly two hundred poems. Some are serious some are silly. Classic poems and the work of newer poets are included.

Fresh-Picked Poetry by Michelle Schaub ​ Through eighteen lively poems, follow the adventures of two new friends and their canine companions as they discover how much there is to love at the farmer’s market.

How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food by Jane Yolen ​ Do dinosaurs play with their food? Does a dinosaur belch and burp at the table? Just like kids, dinosaurs aren't born with terrific table manners. Dino Dad and Mom help their young dinosaurs learn not to throw cups or make rude noises, and soon everyone is eating with smiles and goodwill.

It’s Raining Pigs and Noodles by Jack Prelutsky ​ ​ Nonsense rhymes, paired with clever illustrations will delight, tickle, and sometimes even gross out readers (in a good way!).

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade My Very First Mother Goose by Iona Archibald Opie ​ Nursery rhymes can be enjoyed anywhere at any time and the illustrations by Rosemary Wells is sure to make this edition a favorite.

One Leaf Rides the Wind by Celeste Mannis ​ Eleven poems set in the tranquility of a Japanese garden. This counting book introduces the haiku form of poetry to young readers.

The Owl and The Pussycat by Edward Lear (illustrated by Jan Brett) ​ Jan Brett’s illustrations bring the magic of the Caribbean to Edward Lear's charming poem.

hapter Books to read aloud to your child C ​ ​ Dory Fantasmagory (series) by Abby Hanlon ​ ​ 6-year-old Dory is a little girl with a big imagination and untiring energy. She’ll have you non-stop laughing.

Little Dog Lost by Marion Dane Bauer ​ Mark is a boy who needs a dog. But he can’t get his mom on board with ​ ​ his plan. Buddy is a dog who needs a boy. Mr. LaRue is a neighbor who needs a community. Over the course of a summer thunderstorm and a chaotic town meeting, these three characters cross paths and come together in a timeless tale ripe with emotions.

Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary ​ Ramona Quimby is thrilled to be starting kindergarten! But Ramona manages to get herself in so much trouble. Anyone who knows Ramona knows she’s not a pest on purpose.

Mercy Watson (series) by Kate DiCamillo ​ ​ Mr. and Mrs. Watson have a pig named Mercy. One night Mercy decides she would like to snuggle up with Mr. and Mrs. Watson. This is not good news for the Watson’s bed, or the Watsons!

A Toad for Tuesday by Russell Erickson ​ One winter day Warton, a toad, straps on his skis to visit an aunt who lives on the other side of the woods. But a hungry owl interrupts the tiny toad's journey and vows to eat Warton. Can Warton convince the owl to change his mind?

ibraries Rock Celebrate this summer’s library theme with these wonderful song books. L ​ ​ ​ Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger ​ Banished from the town for making mischief, a little boy and his father are welcomed back when they find a way to make the dreaded giant Abiyoyo disappear. Based on a South African lullaby and folk story.

Chicken Soup With Rice by Maurice Sendak ​ A little boy imagines how he will cook, serve, or eat chicken soup with rice in every month of the year.

I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont ​ To the tune of "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More," one creative kid floods his world with color, painting first the walls, and then the ceiling, then HIMSELF! Before this feisty artist is through, he'll have painted his head, back, hands, legs, feet, and . . . Oh no—here comes Mama!

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade

Mama Don’t Allow by Thacher Hurd ​ Saxophone-playing Miles and his Swamp Band find a bevy of sharp-toothed, long-tailed alligators who love to listen to their music. But little do Miles and his band know what the alligators have in plan for them!

Miss Mary Mack by Mary Ann Hoberman ​ Everyone knows some version of this popular children's hand-clapping rhyme, but in this adaptation, the elephant's fateful jump over the fence is just the beginning of the fun.

On Top of Spaghetti by Paul Brett Johnston ​ This well-known song is a hilarious reminder that when events don't go quite as planned, they can get awfully silly.

Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton ​ Readers will love the way the art cleverly turns the song’s end, which at first seemed so sad, into a surprising and joyful moment.

The Teddy Bear’s Picnic by Jimmy Kennedy ​ Read (or sing!) your way through this favorite teddy-bear tale.

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly by Simms Taback ​ Everyone knows the song about the old lady who swallowed a fly, a spider, a bird, and even worse, but who's ever seen what's going on inside the old lady's stomach? With this inventive die-cut artwork, Simms Tabak gives us a rollicking, eye-popping version of the well-loved poem.

Phonics Sets and Series for Beginning Readers ​Is your child ready to sound out words? If so, they may enjoy these books that feature favorite characters. Be sure to check out the Books for Beginning Readers such as I ​ Can Read and Step Into Reading series and Phonics Sets that feature favorite ​ ​ ​ characters such as Lego Superheroes, Froggy, Biscuit, Pete the Cat and Barbie.

2018 Summer Reading Booklist-First Grade