Poor school results

The Berenstain bears' report card trouble

by Stan & Jan Berenstain

Its Report Card day at Bear Country School and an envelope containing Brother Bear's report card is sitting on his desk.  Brother Bear stares at it as if "were a bomb about to go off".  He eventually plucks up the courage to open the envelope only to reveal all D's except for PE, for which he has received an A.  The problem is that Brother Bear has devoted so much time to soccer, athletics, baseball and gymnastics that he has let his other subjects slide with resulting poor grades. Finally, the moment of truth has come..... time to show his report card to Papa Bear.  He explodes and grounds poor Brother Bear.  He is grounded until he can turn around his grades and that means no more soccer and other fun stuff.  His soccer coach is very disappointed as they have some important matches coming up and the team will miss its 'star' goalie.  Brother must buckle up and improve his grades but he is so depressed, that it makes life unbearable for the rest of the family.  They decide to help him out and his parents concede that they bear some responsibility too.  Instead of just standing on the sidelines of the soccer pitch and cheering, they ought to have been checking on Brother's schoolwork too.  Will Brother be able to improve his grades and not end up being grounded for life?  Will he learn a valuable lesson about finding a good balance between playing the sport that he loves as well as making an effort with his schoolwork.  A valuable lesson to be learned from this tale for those children needing some help in this area.

Citation:

Berenstain, Stan & Jan. The Berenstain bears' report card trouble, New York : Random House, 2002.

Community Rating:

70 reader ratings with an average score of 3.73 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

First hospital visit

Paddington goes to hospital

by Michael Bond & Karen Jankel ; illustrated by R.W. Alley

Paddington Bear has managed to hurt his arm and the Browns take him to, what turns out to be Paddington's first trip, to hospital.  From the moment they step inside the hospital, Paddington looks around in amazement and awe and, when he is placed on a stretcher, he thinks it is "very good value". Despite all the wonderful, caring doctors and nurses, Paddington Bear is  a somewhat anxious however they help him to realise that hospital is not as frightening as it might initially seem and the food is even good!  As Paddington's arm is sorted out and set into a plaster to heal, the uncertainty of what hospitals are like become demystified for children.  A great story  to familiarise children with what happens in a hospital.

Citation:

Bond, Michael, Jankel, Karen & Alley, R.W. Paddington goes to hospital, London : Collins, 2001.

Community Rating:

11 reader ratings with an average score of 4.45 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

New Step-parent, step-siblings

Lizzie Zipmouth

by Jacqueline Wilson ; illustrated by Nick Sharratt

Lizzie Zipmouth lives happily alone with her mum but soon her mum starts dating.  Initially the men her mum dates are mean and scary but she eventually finds and falls in love with Sam.  Lizzie is very unhappy with her mum's new relationship. She thinks Sam will turn out no different than the others and she just doesn't trust him.  Lizzie's mum decides that they will move in with Sam and, to make matters worse, he has two sons, Rory and Jake.  Lizzie is so dead-against this turn of events, and, despite the fact that Sam tries to make her feel at home and spoils her, she decides to send herself to Coventry and refuses to speak with anyone, hence the name bestowed upon her: 'Lizzie Zipmouth'.  One day, Lizzie is introduced to her "sort of step-great-grandma" who is even more stubborn than Lizzie.  It is through this delicate, emerging relationship and a subsequent shock that Lizzie realises that she belongs to and is much loved by this new blended family.

Citation:

Wilson, Jacqueline & Sharratt, Nick. Lizzie Zipmouth, London : Young Corgi, 2000. 

Community Rating:

246 reader ratings with an average score of 3.38 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Awards:

(1) Nestlé Smarties Gold Award

(2) Red House Children’s Book Award

Separation & divorce

Daddy's getting married

text by Jennifer D. Moore-Mallinos ; illustrations by Marta Fabrega

This story is told from the child's perspective.  It addresses how the child of divorced parents deals with the fact that her parents are divorced.  She describes a whole range of emotions that she has experienced and why she believes she has felt them.  Secretly, she hopes that her parents will get back together again but her hopes are dashed when dad tells her that he has a new 'friend' in his life and they will soon be married.  She is sad that all her dreams of being a family again will never come true.  She is mad at her dad for not giving her and her mum another chance and she is confused and doesn't know what she is supposed to feel.  This story reassures children that they will always continue to be loved and supported by a parent who remarries.  Many children who are experiencing similar circumstances will identify with the feelings described by the child in the story and be drawn to its outcome.  Included are guidelines for parents to help them to help their children in similar circumstances.

Citation:

Moore-Mallinos, Jennifer D & Fabrega, Marta. Daddy's getting married, Hauppauge, N.Y. : Barron's Educational Series, 2006.

Community Rating:

3 reader ratings with an average score of 4.00 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.JacketFlap.com)

Weight control

Flabby Cat and slobby dog

by Jeanne Willis

Flabby Cat and Slobby Dog share a house together and spend most of their days sitting on the sofa, eating and sleeping.  As time passes, the sofa seems to shrink so Flabby Cat and Slobby Dog wonder what they should do….. Eat and sleep, of course!  The sofa gets smaller and smaller and the house gets smaller and smaller and finally they are driven to action. On TV, Flabby Cat and Slobby Dog watch a programme about their 'distant relatives', the cunning tiger and the wild wolf.  They decide to try to find their relatives and ask whether they can live with them.  It turns out that their relatives are more distant than they thought and Flabby Cat and Slobby Dog embark on an odyssey filled with many hardships just to find them.  Unable to locate them, they make the arduous journey back home only to walk into the house and find them in the hall mirror!  Of course, all that walking, searching and hunting had made them both fit and trim.  They reflected on more than just their mirrored images and, "for the first time in a long time, felt really comfortable with who they were".  This a good book to read with kids in order to appreciate the importance of eating well and keeping active.

Citation:

Willis, Jeanne. Flabby Cat and slobby dog, London : Andersen Press, 2009. 

Community Rating:

7 reader ratings with an average score of 3.14 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Self-esteem

It's okay to be different

by Todd Parr

This book addresses all the quirky things that makes each of us unique.  It gives 'permission' for children to be happy with who they are, regardless of any self-conciousness they may have about being small, having no hair, having big ears, being a different colour or coming from a different place, to name just a few.  It is written very simply with bright, bold and childlike illustration that is appealing to all.  This book bolsters self esteem and reinforces that it is okay to be different because "you are special and important just because of being who you are" and invites readers to discuss what is different about them.  This would be a great book to share with a group of children to invite discussion about everyone's similarities and differences and how we should all feel good about the person that we are whilst celebrating the diversity that we enjoy in our community.

Citation:

Parr, Todd. It's okay to be different, Sydney, N.S.W. : ABC Books, 2007, c2001.

Community Rating:

284 reader ratings with an average score of 4.44 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Awards:

(1) 2001 National Parenting Publications Award (NAPPA)

(2) Winner of the Los Angeles 100 Best Books of 2001

Dealing with bullying

The Recess Queen

by Alexis O'Neill ; illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith

All the kids at school are afraid of Mean Jean the Recess Queen.  She is the playground bully who always gets things her own way.  That is, until a new girl called Katie Sue, "who looks like someone you'd scare with a Boo", starts at school.  She has no preconceived ideas about the playground 'order' and goes right ahead and does things just as she pleases!  And when Mean Jean challenges her, Katie Sue stands up for herself.  Katie Sue then proceeds to offer to play with Jean and Jean is so taken aback (as no-one has offered to play with her before), that she sheepishly joins in!  Jean soon realises that its much more fun to play with someone rather than bully others so that she can play with things by herself.  The playground quickly becomes a great place for all the kids at school.  This captivating tale is told in rhyme and it can be used to discuss, with young children, how to deal with bullies.

Citation:

O'Neill, Alexis & Huliska-Beith, Laura. The Recess Queen, New York : Scholastic, 2002.

Community Rating:

179 reader ratings with an average score of 4.06 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Awards:

(1) Maryland Children’s Book Award, Winner 2004

(2) Virginia Young Readers, Winner 2003-2004

Teasing

No more teasing!

by Emma Chichester Clark

Cousins Mimi and Momo love each other but Momo constantly teases Mimi calling her names such as copycat, stupid and scaredypants.  Mimi gets really upset about this, stumbles upon her grandma and tells her all about it.  Grandma is sympathetic and, together, she and Mimi hatch a plan to give Momo a taste of his own medicine in the hope that it will stop him teasing.  Their plan works and Momo will have to think twice about trying to tease Mimi again!  This book comes recommended by parents who have read this story to their young 'teasing offenders', reporting that this story has made their children realise how it really isn't nice to tease others.

Citation:

Clark, Emma Chichester. No more teasing, London : Andersen Press, 2004.

Community Rating:

3 reader ratings with an average score of 2.67 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Telling tales

Don't squeal unless it's a big deal : a tale of tattletales

by Jeanie Franz Ransom & Jackie Urbanovic

The piggies in Mrs McNeal's class are always telling on each other about a myriad of trivial matters.  After yet another such day filled with tattling and telling tales, Mrs McNeal explains to the class that they should try to work out their problems amongst themselves.  However, if anything serious should happen, then they should seek out a grown-up to get help.  Soon after, the piggies heed Mrs McNeal's advice when they discover that she has fallen down.  They immediately call an adult who comes to help.  This book is good to share with children who tend to indulge in 'telling' or 'dobbing' regularly.  It provides advice to adults as to why some children behave like this as well as some practical ideas as to how to use these occasions as opportunities for children to solve problems for themselves.

Citation:

Ransom, Jeanie Franz & Urbanovic, Jackie. Don't squeal unless it's a big deal : a tale of tattletales, Washington, D.C. : Magination Press, c2006.

Community Rating:

7 reader ratings with an average score of 3.57 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Awards:

iParenting Media Award Winner

Stranger danger

Stranger danger

by Anne Fine

Joe and his classmates at school receive a visit from a friendly policeman who talks to them all about stranger danger. "Never take sweets from a stranger" and "Never go with a stranger" are two of the rules the class learns.  But Joe gets a little confused when circumstances arise that cause him to think about these rules and whether they apply to every situation. For example, Joe's teacher tells him to go with a lady who is conducting eye tests at his school.  His brain screams "Stranger Danger" and he is reluctant to go with her but his teacher hurries him along and the eye test occurs with no danger actually having taken place.  After a few such similar encounters, Joe realises that it is right to carefully consider each situation where contact with a stranger might occur however he learns to use his own good judgement and common sense.

Citation:

Fine, Anne. Stranger danger, London : Hamilton Children's, 1989.

Community Rating:

3 reader ratings with an average score of 4.33 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Lying

Honestly, Mallory!

by Laurie B. Friedman & Barbara Pollack

Career Day at Mallory's school is coming up and all her classmates already know what they want to be when they grow up.  But Mallory is stumped before realising that she'd actually like to be a fashion designer.  Her classmates make fun of her choice which prompts Mallory to defend her choice by telling an untruth.  That one little untruth escalates which makes it more and more difficult for Mallory to put matters right. Going through a great deal of self examination and inner reflection, Mallory eventually does reveal the truth and apologises to her classmates by explaining that she felt she had to 'save face' in light of the teasing she was being subjected to.  The language and concepts in this title will suit 7+ year olds.

Citation:

Friedman, Laurie B. & Pollack, Barbara. Honestly, Mallory!, Minneapolis, MN : Carolrhoda Books, c2007. 

Community Rating:

43 reader ratings with an average score of 4.09 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Feelings of jealousy

Hurrah for Ethelyn

by Babette Cole

Ethelyn is a very clever rat who is brainy enough to be a brain surgeon!  Her efforts result in a scholarship to the prestigious 'Cheddar Gables College for Richer Ratlettes'.  However Ethelyn soon finds herself having difficulties with some school bullies led by Tina Toerat.  They are jealous that she has won a place at their school because of her intelligence.  School life becomes intolerable for Ethelyn as she is targeted by the bullies who pour ink on her knickers, call her horrible names and steal the principal's expensive French cheeses implicating Ethelyn in their disappearance.  During another prank aimed at Ethelyn, Tina Toerat becomes injured.  Ethelyn operates and saves Tina resulting in Ethelyn becoming the most popular rat in school.  This is a humourous and lighthearted tale to share with children who are dealing with jealousy issues.  

Citation:

Cole, Babette. Hurrah for Ethelyn, London : Heinemann, 1991.

Community Rating:

4 reader ratings with an average score of 3.00 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Feelings of worry and fear

Wemberly worried

by Kevin Henkes

Wemberly, a shy little mouse is a big worry-wart.  She worries about everything from spilling her juice, to shrinking in the bath and whether the big tree in her front yard will fall down onto the house.  Wemberly's family tell her that she worries too much but they are still there to support her.  Wemberly's first day of preschool looms large and she worries...."what if no one else wears stripes?", "what if the room smells bad", "what if I can't find the bathroom".... and her family tells her not to worry.  But, of course, she worries all the way there!  At preschool, Wemberly's teacher quickly recognises her anxieties and she goes out of her way to alleviate them by engaging her in lots of fun activities and introducing her to a new friend; someone equally as worried as Wemberly!  Soon, Wemberly relaxes whilst she is playing with her new friend and they day whizzes by very quickly.  As it is time for Wemberly to leave, her teacher calls out "Come back tomorrow" to which Wemberly replies "I will, don't worry"!  This tale will help families with their own little worry-wart to recognise that they really don't need to worry so much and that there are lots of things and people that can make us relax and enjoy ourselves, taking our mind away from all the things that we worry about.

Citation:

Henkes, Kevin. Wemberly worried, New York : Greenwillow Books, 2000.

Community Rating:

1086 reader ratings with an average score of 4.12 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Awards:

(1) Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books, 2000, Won Award

(2) School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 2000, Won Award

(3) ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Awards, 2001, Won Award

(4) American Library Association Notable Books for Children, 2001, Won Award

(5) Original Voices Award, 2001, Won Award

Feelings of anger

When Sophie gets angry--really, really angry...

by Molly Bang

Sophie gets angry, really, really angry when her little sister snatches away the toy gorilla she has been playing with.  Sophie yells out 'NO' but her mother says 'Yes' its her turn now.  In the tussle for the gorilla, Sophie trips over a toy truck.  As her anger builds, she turns red, she kicks, screams and roars and then explodes just like a volcano. She runs away and cries.  When she stops running she finds herself in a beautiful garden and climbs the tree where all the wonders of nature calm Sophie down.  When Sophie arrives back home, everyone is happy that she's returned and everything is back to normal because Sophie isn't angry anymore.  The illustrations reflect the emotions portrayed in this book with vivid reds, oranges and purples when Sophie is angry and blues, greens and white when she is calms down.  This story also provides an alternative method with which to deal with feelings of anger without hurting others.

Citation:

Bang, Molly. When Sophie gets angry--really, really angry... , New York : Blue Sky Press, c1999.

Community Rating:

416 reader ratings with an average score of 3.78 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Awards:

American Library Association Notable Books for Children, 2000, Won Award

Caldecott Medal, 2000, Nominated for an Award

Charlotte Zolotow Award, 2000, Won Award

Jane Addams Children's Book Award, 2000, Nominated for an Award

North Carolina Children's Book Award, 2001, Nominated for an Award

Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award, 2002, Nominated for an Award       

New glasses

Pearl and Wagner : four eyes

by Kate McMullan ; pictures by R.W. Alley

Its eye-test time at school and, having had trouble reading for a little while, Wagner discovers that he does, in fact, need glasses.  Its not something that Wagner is excited about or ready to accept but his friend Pearl helps to convince him that he should get glasses.  When Wagner wears his new glasses to school for the first time, the school bully teases him by calling him 'four eyes'.  He is determined not to wear his glasses again but Wagner is well liked and respected by his classmates who rally around and come to his defence and start giving themselves even sillier names so that a simple 'four eyes' sounds pretty good by comparison.  Wagner, with the support of Pearl and his classmates, accepts that he really should wear his glasses and, besides, its pretty good to be able to see things properly!

Citation:

McMullan, Kate & Alley, R.W. Pearl and Wagner: four eyes, New York: Dial Books for Young Readers c2010.

Community Rating:

8 reader ratings with an average score of 3.88 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

First sleepover

Sleeping over

by PJ Denton

Taylor and her friends are in the second grade and at the end of the school year, Taylor invites them all over for their very first sleepover party.  The girls are very excited about the prospect of being able to stay up late, play games and watch movies at the sleepover.  However Emily knows that her parents are unlikely to let her go to Taylor's sleepover party but she is desperate to go and not miss out on all the fun.  So Emily has to come up with a plan to convince her parents that she's old enough and responsible enough to be allowed to go.  Will she succeed?

Citation:

Denton, P.J. Sleeping over, New York : Aladdin Paperbacks, 2007.

Community Rating:

12 reader ratings with an average score of 4.08 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

The 'birds and the bees'

Where Willy went

by Nicholas Allan

This is the story of Willy the sperm who lives inside Mr. Browne - he is gearing himself up for the 'Great Swimming  Race'.  This race entails Willy getting out of Mr. Browne and to be the first to find the beautiful egg inside Mrs. Browne.  Willy is not great at sums but his is VERY good at swimming and with the help of two maps (diagrams of the inside of Mr & Mrs Browne's bodies) he swims with all his might, beats his friend Butch and is the first to reach the egg.  He burrows inside and then something magical happens; a new life begins to grow and grow.  At the end of the book, Edna, a baby girl, is born who, coincidentally, has many similar characteristics to Willy.  The information and diagrams contained in this book are presented in a humorous, colourful and simple manner and it is a fun book to share with youngsters who are curious about human reproduction.

Citation:

Allan, Nicholas. Where Willy went, London, Sydney : Hutchinson, 2004.

Community Rating:

33 reader ratings with an average score of 3.82 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

First public performance

Henry's show and tell

by Nancy Carlson

This book tackles the issue of public performance anxiety via this tale involving a Henry's dread of 'show and tell' at school.   His teacher senses Henry's fears and nervousness and suggests that he do his talk about something he knows well and is fun for him to talk about.  Henry decides to bring in his pet lizard Wallace however during his talk, Wallace escapes and following the subsequent rumpus, Henry forgets all about his nerves and is able to relax and tell his classmates all about Wallace.  Readers can only wonder what a commotion is set to follow as Henry tells his classmates of his plan to bring in and speak about his pet spider the following week.  This story shows readers that they are not alone in their fears and how confidence can be built through perserverence and perhaps a little diversionary mayhem!

Citation:

Carlson, Nancy. Henry's show and tell, New York: Viking 2004.

Community Rating:

8 reader ratings with an average score of 3.25 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

First aeroplane flight

Going on a plane

by Anne Civardi & Stephen Cartwright

If your family is about to embark on a plane journey, then this book provides a step by step guide as to what is involved.  The story involves the Tripp family who are off on a holiday and shows them setting off for the airport, unloading their bags, passing through the security check, boarding the plane and going through all the processes involved in plane travel.  The story will appeal to young first time travellers with its humorous illustrations, bright colours and uncomplicated language.

Citation:

Civardi, Anne & Cartwright, Stephen. Going on a plane, London : Usborne, 1992.

Community Rating:

22 reader ratings with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.JacketFlap.com)

Learning to ride a bike

Gus and Grandpa and the two-wheeled bike

by Claudia Mills & Catherine Stock

A realistic story about Gus, whose friend rides rings around him in his new sleek five-speed bike.  Gus's dad buy him a bike just like it but Gus just refuses to give up his training wheels.  Grandpa steps into the breech and decides it is time for Gus to learn to ride his bike properly. Grandpa finds a quiet area away from their neighbourhood and dusts of dad's old bike for Gus to learn with.  He patiently holds the bike as Gus tries and tries, falls a few times but finally he manages to ride the bike without his training wheels.  Gus and Grandpa are jubilant in their success.  A great book to reinforce the notion of 'practice makes perfect' particularly as it relates to a milestone that most children are anxious to achieve.

Citation:

Mills, Claudia & Stock, Catherine. Gus and grandpa and the two-wheeled bike, New York : Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1999.

Community Rating:

9 reader ratings with an average score of 3.67 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

First tooth loss

My wobbly tooth must not ever never fall out

by Lauren Child

Lola is very concerned that she has a wobbly tooth and she does not want it to come out.  Her brother Charlie and his friend, Marv, tell some horror stories as to how they lost their baby teeth.  But it is not until her friend Lotta reveals that she received money from the tooth fairy for her tooth, that Lola becomes keen to rid herself of the wobbly tooth.  As she's taking a bite from an apple, her tooth falls out and she ponders what she might spend the tooth fairy money on.  As she gets ready for bed, Lola discovers her tooth has gone missing and she and Charlie go on a wild tooth hunt around the house to no avail.  How will Charlie and Lola  convince the tooth fairy that Lola really has lost her tooth?  A charming tale to share with a child who is about to lose their first tooth.

Citation:

Child, Lauren & Hill, Samantha. My wobbly tooth must not ever never fall out, London : Puffin, 2006.

Community Rating:

113 reader ratings with an average score of 4.23 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Death in the family

Old pig

by Margaret Wild & Ron Brooks

This is a tale about the death of a close family member.  It is the story of Old Pig and her granddaughter who share a strong bond as they spend their life together in work, play and conversation.  One morning, Old Pig is unable to get out of bed however the following day she does get up with a plan as to what she needs to accomplish.  So Old Pig sets about paying bills, returning her library books and clearing her bank account so that she can give her money to her granddaughter. She" feasts her eyes on the trees, the flowers, the sky - on everything, and together with granddaughter, they "smell the warm earth and taste the rain". At the end of their very long day, Old Pig is very tired and goes to bed and granddaughter joins her holding her tight until morning.  This tender tale ends wordlessly with a picture of granddaughter alone looking up at the sky amidst the beauty of nature.  This book provides a gentle way in which to broach the topic of the death of a loved one, either very recent or impending, and it is done in a very sensitive and caring way.

Citation:

Wild, Margaret & Brooks, Ron. Old pig, St Leonards, N.S.W. : Allen &​ Unwin, 1995. 

Community Rating:

14 reader ratings with an average score of 3.93 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Awards:

(1) Shortlisted, Picture Book of the Year, Children’s Book Council Awards 1996
(2) Shortlisted, Picture Book Division, ACT Canberra’s Own Outstanding List (COOL) 1998 (3) Shortlisted, Picture Storybook, Young Australians’ Best Book Awards (YABBA) 1997
(4) Commended, Ashton Scholastic Award for Best Designed Children’s Book 1996

Death of a pet

Saying goodbye to Lulu

by Corinne Demas

This is a heart-wrenching story about a little girl's love for her dog, Lulu who she has grown up with and been best friends with all her life.  The girl in the story describes how Lulu is now becoming old and needs help to do a lot of things because her health and eyesight are failing.  The story shows the tenderness that the young girl shows towards her darling Lulu during her last days and when the inevitable happens, the family buries Lulu in their garden, planting a cherry tree on her grave.  The girls parents offer to get her another dog but the girl does not feel ready until a season has passed and the cherry tree has blossomed. Grieving, remembering, the special bonds that exist between humans and their pets and learning to love again are all themes that are addressed in this story.

Citation:

Demas, Corinne & Hoyt, Ard. Saying goodbye to Lulu, Boston : Little, Brown, 2004.

Community Rating:

32 reader ratings with an average score of 4.19 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Awards:

(1) Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Young Readers Category: 2004

(2) Henry Bergh Children's Book Award: Fiction Companion Animals, 2004

Best friend moves away

Best friends

by Jacqueline Wilson

Alice and Gemma have been best friends forever even though they have some completely different interests and different characteristics.  Alice's family move away and the girls try their hardest to keep their lifelong friendship strong.  They write letters and call each other but its not the same as seeing each every day.  They face challenges such as how to celebrate birthdays without each other and making new friends all the while not knowing whether they'll ever see each other again....  This is a great read for girls, aged approximately 8 years of age, who have an intense friendship that is put to the test when their very best friend moves away.

Citation:

Wilson, Jacqueline & Sharratt, Nick. Best friends, London : Doubleday, 2004.

Community Rating:

625 reader ratings with an average score of 3.61 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

First fight with best friend

Best best friends

by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

Youngsters Clare and Mary are best best friends but Clare gets very jealous on Mary's birthday as, naturally, Mary becomes the centre of attention whilst Clare is left wanting.  These best friends end up getting into a big fight and blurt out how much they dislike each other.  Fortunately their anger with each other is short-lived and their hurt feelings are replaced with a desire to revive the closeness and love that can only exist between true best friends.  This tale will help those children who have experienced a similar situation and help them to rekindle their friendships.

Citation:

Chodos-Irvine, Margaret. Best best friends, Orlando : Harcourt, 2006.

Community Rating:

19 reader ratings with an average score of 3.68 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Awards:

(1) ALA Notable Children's Books - Younger Readers Category: 2007

(2) Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Young Readers Category: 2006

Making friends

I want a friend

by Tony Ross

The Little Princess excitedly starts school wanting to play with everyone but realises that some don't want to play with her. The Little Princess doesn't think she has any friends and then several other children who don't think they have any friends either gradually work out that they can all be friends together.  At the end of the story, the Little Princess invites all her new friends home for tea and, together, they enjoy their lovely treat in each other's company.  This story will help children who are just starting school, by showing them that they are not the only ones who don't know anyone and by reaching out and starting to play with children around them, how easy it is to begin to forge friendships.

Citation:

Ross, Tony. I want a friend, London : Andersen Press, c2005.

Community Rating:

5 reader ratings with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.JacketFlap.com)

Learning to tie shoelaces

What Eddie can do

by Wilfried Gebhard

Eddie has such a vivid imagination, that he can do anything like deep-sea diving, exploring caves, galloping across the plains.  However, there's one thing that he can't do and can't be bothered to do……learning to tie his shoelaces - he's just too busy.  When Eddie and his friend Clara are challenged by an imaginary baddie that can only be beaten by a good strong knot, he gets a quick lesson from his mum.  A lesson that stays with him forever.  This book is great for those who are resisting the challenge of moving on from velcro and require some enterprising inspiration to do so.

Citation:

Gebhard, Wilfried. What Eddie can do, La Jolla, Calif. : Kane/​Miller, 2004.

Community Rating:

4 reader ratings with an average score of 4.2 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.JacketFlap.com)

Changing school

First Day Jitters

by Julie Danneberg

Sarah Jane Hartwell is anxious about starting at a new school.  She tries every trick in the book to keep from getting out of bed.  Mr. Hartwell tries to cajole her to get up and ready for school by opening up the bedroom window blind.  He talks with her about how much she enjoyed her last school and all the new friends she will meet at her new school...... but Sarah just hates it.  This story will resonate with children going through the same experience and the surprise ending will have them empathising with Sarah.

Citation:

Danneberg, Julie & Love, Judith Dufour. First day jitters, Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge Publishing, c2000.

Community Rating:

155 reader ratings with an average score of 4.37 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

First day at school

I am too absolutely small for school

by Lauren Child

Lola has reached the age where she will soon be ready to start school but Lola herself is not so sure.  She voices her concerns to her ever patient and understanding brother, Charlie and comes up with a host of reasons as to why she should not go to school.  Of course, wise Charlie counters her arguments with his own and gradually wins Lola over with his encouraging advice.  One of the most amusing moments is when Charlie tries to convince Lola that she should learn how to spell and write..."If you know how to write, you can send cards to people you like." Lola says, "I like to talk on the telephone, it's more friendly and straightaway." "Bit not everyone has a telephone you know, Lola." "Who doesn't?" says Lola. "Father Christmas," Charlie says. "You have to write him a special note and put it up the chimney to tell his little helpers your Christmas wish.  Otherwise the little helpers might get your wish muddled up." "I didn't know that, Charlie," says Lola!  When Lola does start school, Charlie keeps an eye out for her and eventually finds her at the end of the school day "not alone all by herself" but "hopping along home with somebody else!" The collage illustration and vivid and energetic winding text helps to keep the reader engaged.  A great book to read with any child who is anxious about starting school.

Citation:

Child, Lauren. I am too absolutely small for school, London : Orchard Books, 2003.

Community Rating:

274 reader ratings with an average score of 4.24 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

First day at preschool

My first day at nursery school

by Becky Edwards

The child in this story is taken to preschool by her mother for the first time and, naturally, once mum leaves, she becomes  anxious and just wants her mum. Gradually the girl starts to engage in the activities that are on offer at preschool such as playing with toys, painting, sticking, singing, dancing, playing instruments to name a few.  With each activity, the girl's anxiety diminishes and she really starts to enjoy herself until her mother arrives at the end of the day to pick her up.  "But I don't want to go home.... I want to stay at nursery."  A great title to read together with your child a few times before they start preschool.

Citation:

Edwards, Becky & Flintoft, Anthony. My first day at nursery school, New York: Bloomsbury Children's Books: Distributed by St. Martin's Press 2002.

Community Rating:

29 reader ratings with an average score of 4.2 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.JacketFlap.com)

First visit to the dentist

Maisy, Charley and the Wobbly Tooth

by Lucy Cousins

Charley needs to go to the dentist because he has a wobbly tooth.  Maisy recommends Dr. BiteRight and she and all their friends accompany Charley to the dentist.  All the things that you would expect to see in a dentist's surgery are shown to Charley and the reader; the waiting room, the dentist's chair, how to brush your teeth, how to rinse & spit and x-rays.  During the examination, Dr. BiteRight eases Charley's anxiety and tells him that his wobbly tooth is just a baby tooth ready to fall out and that a new one will soon take its place.   At home later that evening, Charley carefully brushes his teeth like he was shown and, lo and behold, his wobbly tooth falls out!  Charley carefully wraps the tooth in tissue paper and places it under his pillow in anticipation of a visit from the tooth fairy....   This book is ideal for young children aged 2-6 who are due to visit the dentist for the first time.

Citation:

Cousins, Lucy. Maisy, Charley and the Wobbly Tooth, Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2006.

Community Rating:

24 reader ratings with an average score of 3.38 out of 5 stars (courtesty of www.Goodreads.com)

New pet

Fancy Nancy and the posh puppy

by Jane O'Connor

Fancy Nancy's family is getting a new puppy.  Fancy Nancy would like to get a Papillon just like her neighbour's, Miss Devine but her mum and dad aren't so sure.  Her father thinks it would be too small, her mother thinks it would be too delicate.  Fancy Nancy comes up with a plan; the family will puppy-sit Jewel, the Papillon next door.  Fancy Nancy takes great care of Jewel and even shows her younger sister how to groom the pup.  Her mum is very impressed how responsible Fancy Nancy is being.  In the park, they meet up with some friends out walking their dogs and Fancy Nancy invites them over for a play-date.  It is during the play-date that it becomes clear to Fancy Nancy that a Papillion, whilst perfect for her neighbour, Miss Devine, is maybe not right for her family.  She is disappointed but later that evening, the family stops by at the La Salle animal shelter where Fancy Nancy is introduced to a 'La Salle spaniel' (mixed breed) called Frenchy.  It is love at first sight and Fancy Nancy realises that Frenchy, despite not being a 'fancy' breed is, in fact, a perfect fit for their family.

Citation: 

O'Connor, Jane. Fancy Nancy and the posh puppy, Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick Press, 2010.

Community Rating:

906 reader ratings with an average score of 4.20 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)

Bedwetting

Dry days, wet nights

by Maribeth Boelts ; illustrated by Kathy Parkinson

LB (short for Little Bunny) has been able to got to the toilet by himself during the day for quite a while but he still keeps waking up at night time, wet, frustrated, ashamed and upset.  His parents sit him down and explain that it takes a little longer to be able stay dry during the night.  They tell him that when his body is ready, he will stay dry.  When he asks whether he should go back to wearing nappies at night, LB's parents say "We don't mind washing your sheets in the morning if you don't mind changing your pyjamas in the middle of the night." Eventually, with his parents sensitivity and support, LB does manage to stay dry at night.  A reassuring book for youngsters and their families dealing with this issue, to share.  This book includes a "Note for parents" discussing the importance of maintaining a "low-key, patient attitude toward bed-wetting.".

Citation:

Boelts, Maribeth & Parkinson, Kathy. Dry days, wet nights, Morton Grove, Ill. : Whitman, 1994.

Community Rating:

5 reader ratings with an average score of 3.40 out of 5 stars (courtesy of www.GoodReads.com)