Entries Categorized as 'Younger Readers'

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Our rating: *****

Although Mr. Popper paints houses, he can’t help but wish he had done some exploring before he married Mrs. Popper. He spends all his spare time reading about famous explorations, and especially about the Poles. One day, in response to a fan letter, Admiral Drake sends Mr. Popper a present: a penguin whom they name Captain Cook. Soon, though, Captain Cook seems lonely, so another penguin arrives: Greta. Soon they have a total of twelve penguins to look after, and Mr. Popper doesn’t have enough money to support them all. The solution to this problem? Popper’s Performing Penguins!

This is a very fun book. Learning how to accommodate twelve penguins in an ordinary household is very hilarious, and I can’t help but chuckle whenever I read about the penguins’ escapades in the theaters.

A Little Oven

Our rating: ***

Genevieve came to Connecticut from France. Helena came from California. The two became friends and often played together. Every day, when Helena was tired, her mother would pick her up and say, “I guess what you need is a little loving and a little hugging.” When Genevieve went home, she would ask her mother for “a little ‘ovin’ and a little ‘uggin.” Her mother thought Genevieve meant a little oven, so one day she takes her to different stores to shop for a little oven.

A pretty good book. At one point, Helena, who’s from California, says she chews in French, and Genevieve, who’s from France, says she chews in English. Hmm. Well, you can see our Book Tips page for tips on how to find out of print books. Enjoy!

Little Cloud

Our rating: ***

A little cloud changes into different shapes.

A pretty good book. Another Eric Carle book with fun illustrations and a simple, but nice, story.

The Very Busy Spider

Our rating: ****

A spider is busy spinning her web. Different animals come and talk to her, but the spider doesn’t answer. She is busy spinning her web.

Another good Eric Carle book. Eric Carle has good, colorful illustrations. I like this book.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Our rating: ****

One night, a caterpillar hatches and finds that he is very, very hungry. He eats and eats and eats and eats and eats — and soon is a big, fat caterpillar. Then he makes a cocoon….

A nice, colorful, humorous book. I like it.