“Rooster Raga” by Natasha Sharma, with illustrations by Priya Kuriyan, is a charming tale for children. Published by Tulika Books, it tells the story of Ruru, a little rooster on a quest to find his unique crow. This delightful book is full of fun and teaches kids about self-acceptance and perseverance.

Book Details

Title: Rooster Raga

Author: Natasha Sharma

Illustrator: Priya Kuriyan

Publisher: Tulika

Genre/Topic: Self-Discovery & Acceptance, Perseverance and Friendship & Support

Grade Recommendation: Grade 2

Series: No

Page Count: 25

Word Count: 666

eBook Link: N/A

Audiobook/Video-book: Click Here to Listen to Audiobook for FREE!

Physical Book Link: Click Here to Buy Book!

Comprehension Quiz: Click Here for the FREE Quiz!

BookGuru Rating (max. 5 stars): * * * *

Plot Summary

Ruru is a little rooster with many tunes in his head. Every time he tries to crow, he ends up singing everything but the rooster’s call. From “Kee Kee Krooooo” to “Ku Kee Ku,” Ruru just can’t get it right. With Rooster’s Day approaching, he becomes anxious to perfect his crow.

Ruru’s Adventure

Determined to learn how to crow, Ruru seeks advice from his animal friends. He first asks Cow, who teaches him to moo. Ruru tries hard but ends up saying, “Kuka Moooo.” Next, Donkey advises him to stamp his feet and bray, but Ruru says, “Kuk Heeen Haan.”

Ruru continues his quest and asks Cat, Pig, Duck, and Goat for help. Each animal gives him unique advice. Ruru tries to mimic them all but never quite gets it right. He says things like “Kuka Miaooow” and “Kuk Quaaack,” making everyone laugh.

The Turning Point

Feeling discouraged, Ruru returns to the coop. The other roosters, however, admire his unique tunes. They encourage him to create a special song for Rooster’s Day. Ruru realizes that his varied tunes are what make him special.

Rooster Raga

On Rooster’s Day, Ruru wakes up with confidence. He sings and dances to his unique “Rooster Raga.” His song includes all the sounds he learned from his friends. Finally, he ends with a perfect “Kukaroo Kuroo!” Ruru’s journey shows that being different is a strength.

Illustrations and Writing Style

Priya Kuriyan’s illustrations bring Ruru’s adventure to life. The colorful and expressive drawings capture the joy and energy of the story. Natasha Sharma’s writing is simple and engaging, making it easy for children to follow along. The rhythmic text and repetitive phrases make it fun to read aloud.

Themes

“Rooster Raga” teaches important lessons about self-acceptance and perseverance. Ruru’s journey shows that it’s okay to be different and that everyone has unique talents. The story encourages children to embrace their individuality and not to give up when things get tough.

Conclusion

“Rooster Raga” is a delightful and entertaining book for young readers. With its charming story and beautiful illustrations, it is sure to become a favorite. Parents and teachers will appreciate the positive messages about self-acceptance and perseverance. Ruru’s journey is a reminder that being yourself is the best thing you can be.

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“The Tiffin Gang” by Shweta Ganesh Kumar, illustrated by Ogin Nayam and published by Pratham Books, is a charming children’s book. The story centers on Meenu, a young girl who is bored with her lunch. This simple yet engaging tale explores themes of friendship, sharing, and the joy of variety.

Book Details

Title: The Tiffin Gang

Plot Summary

Meenu is tired of finding idli and podi in her tiffin box every day. She dreads lunch breaks because her food is always the same. One day, she notices the delicious smell coming from Kamlesh’s tiffin box. Kamlesh’s lunch looks yummy, but she isn’t excited about it either.

Meenu and Kamlesh decide to swap their tiffins. Meenu loves Kamlesh’s jowar bhakri and bhaji, while Kamlesh enjoys Meenu’s idli and podi. This tiffin swap sparks a new tradition. Soon, more friends join in, turning their lunch breaks into a lively tiffin party.

Themes and Messages

The book highlights the importance of sharing and trying new things. Meenu’s story shows how stepping out of our comfort zone can lead to new experiences and friendships. It also emphasizes the diversity of food and how it can bring people together.

Illustrations

Ogin Nayam’s illustrations add a vibrant touch to the story. The colorful pictures capture the essence of a bustling school lunchroom. The drawings make the food look appealing and the characters come to life.

Characters

• Meenu: The main character who is bored with her daily lunch.
• Kamlesh: Meenu’s classmate who joins in the tiffin swap.
• Sachi: Another classmate who joins the tiffin party.

Each character is relatable and adds to the story’s charm. Their interactions are realistic and portray typical school life.

Writing Style

Shweta Ganesh Kumar’s writing is simple and engaging. The short sentences and easy words make it perfect for young readers. The story flows well and keeps the reader interested from start to finish.

Conclusion

“The Tiffin Gang” teaches valuable lessons about sharing, diversity, and the joy of trying new things. The engaging story, vibrant illustrations, and relatable characters make it a must-read.

The post Book Review: The Tiffin Gang by Shweta Ganesh Kumar appeared first on BookGuru.

“Ed Finds a Home” is Alia Bhatt’s debut as an author. This children’s book tells the story of a lonely dog named Ed and a girl named Alia. This book is filled with lessons about kindness, friendship, and understanding.

Book Details

Title: Ed Finds a Home

Summary of the Story

The story begins on a bright Sunday morning. Ed, a little dog, is alone on the beach. He is frightened, hungry, and lonely. Nearby, there is a small brown house. Inside, a little girl named Alia feels lonely too. The beach is busy with people playing and eating. A kind woman asks Ed if he is lost, but she does not understand his cries for help.

Alia, in her house, hears strange voices outside her window. The voices tell her to go to the beach because someone needs her help. She finds Ed among some boxes and rubbish. Alia talks to Ed, but at first, she only hears him bark. Eventually, she realizes that she can understand him. Ed tells her about his sad past of being unwanted and abandoned.

Alia shares her story with Ed. She explains how she felt alone at school because other children thought she was strange. This is because she can hear animals and trees talking. The crow confirms that Alia is special and has a unique ability to communicate with nature.

Characters

• Ed: A small, brown and white dog with chocolate-like eyes. He feels unwanted and abandoned but longs for a home and a family.
• Alia: A little girl who feels lonely and misunderstood. She has a special ability to understand the language of animals and trees.

Themes

The main themes of “Ed Finds a Home” are kindness, understanding, and the bond between humans and animals. The book highlights the importance of listening and being empathetic. Alia’s ability to hear animals and trees teaches young readers about paying attention to the world around them.

Writing Style

Alia Bhatt uses simple and clear language. The short sentences make it easy for children to follow the story. The descriptive writing helps young readers visualize the scenes and feel connected to the characters.

Illustrations

The illustrations by Tanvi Bhat are vibrant and engaging. They bring the story to life and help children understand the emotions of the characters. The pictures of the beach, the small brown house, and the animals are particularly beautiful.

Messages for Children

“Ed Finds a Home” delivers several important messages:

1. Kindness and Compassion: Alia’s willingness to help Ed shows the importance of being kind to others, especially those in need.
2. Listening: The story emphasizes the value of truly listening, not just hearing, which helps us understand others better.
3. Belonging: Both Ed and Alia feel lonely at first but find a sense of belonging with each other.

Conclusion

“Ed Finds a Home” by Alia Bhatt is a touching story that will resonate with young readers. It teaches valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, kindness, and understanding. The book’s simple language and beautiful illustrations make it perfect for children. This is a book that both kids and parents will enjoy reading together.

The post Book Review: Ed Finds a Home by Alia Bhatt appeared first on BookGuru.

Arthur’s Pen Pal by Lillian Hoban is a lovely children’s book that teaches the value of friendship, honesty, and sibling relationships. This book is perfect for young readers with its simple language and engaging illustrations. It tells the story of Arthur, a young chimpanzee, who starts a pen pal friendship with someone named Sandy.

Book Details

Title: Arthur’s Pen Pal

Arthur’s Excitement and Assumptions

Arthur is very excited about his pen pal. He thinks Sandy is a boy who has a big brother. Arthur often compares his life with Sandy’s imagined one. He dreams of having a big brother instead of a little sister like Violet. The story unfolds with Arthur writing letters to Sandy, sharing his thoughts and experiences.

Sibling Rivalry and Bonding

Meanwhile, Arthur’s little sister Violet also wants his attention. She asks him for help with her homework and to play games. Arthur often feels annoyed by Violet. He thinks having a little sister is a pain. However, Violet tries her best to bond with him, even though Arthur is sometimes mean to her.

Different Interests and Skills

The plot thickens when Arthur and Violet have different ideas about fun activities. Arthur likes wrestling and karate, while Violet excels at rope skipping. This leads to some sibling rivalry. Violet proves she is great at what she loves, showing her skills in rope skipping games like Sweet Milk, Sour Milk, and Red Hot Pepper.

The Big Twist and Lesson in Honesty

Arthur’s assumptions about Sandy turn out to be wrong. When he finally receives a picture from Sandy, he learns Sandy is actually a girl. She is also great at Indian wrestling and karate, just like Arthur imagined. This twist adds a humorous and enlightening element to the story.

Valuing Sibling Relationships

Arthur also realizes the value of his little sister. Despite their differences, Violet is supportive and caring. She doesn’t cry too much when Arthur beats her at wrestling. She also doesn’t brag too much when she wins at rope skipping. This helps Arthur see his sister in a new light.

Educational Aspects and Themes

Parents and teachers will appreciate the educational aspects of this book. It encourages children to read and write letters. It can also spark discussions about honesty, friendship, and sibling relationships. The story shows that everyone has unique strengths and talents.

Conclusion: A Valuable Read

In conclusion, Arthur’s Pen Pal by Lillian Hoban is a charming and heartwarming story. It combines humour, relatable characters, and important life lessons. The simple language and engaging illustrations make it a perfect choice for young readers. The book’s themes of honesty, friendship, and sibling love are timeless and universal.

The post Book Review: Arthur’s Pen Pal by Lillian Hoban appeared first on BookGuru.

Book Details

Title: A Piglet Named Mercy

Author: Kate DiCamillo

Genre/Topics: Animals – Babies/Infants, People – Family

Grade Recommendation: Grade 2

Series: No

Page Count: Approx. 32

Word Count: Approx. 465

Book Link: Click Here to Listen/Read Book!

The book is available in audio and video format. Should you wish, you can switch off the audio and read the book (pausing the video when/if needed).

Comprehension Quiz: Click Here for the Quiz!

Book Review

Mr. and Mrs. Watson do everything in predictable ways. One day, Mrs. Watson wonders if their life is a bit too predictable. Mr. Watson disagrees and thinks everything is fine. But Mrs. Watson wishes for something different to happen.

Something different does happen. One morning, Mr. Watson finds a small piglet at their door. He calls for Mrs. Watson to come and see. The piglet is cute and makes an oink sound. Mrs. Watson thinks the piglet is hungry. Their neighbor, Eugenia Lincoln, does not like surprises and thinks the piglet is not lucky. But her sister, Baby Lincoln, loves surprises and suggests giving the piglet some warm milk.

The piglet drinks the whole bottle of milk and burps. She then goes looking for more food. Mrs. Watson thinks the piglet is adorable. Baby Lincoln sees that the piglet likes toast. Eugenia thinks the whole situation is absurd.

Mr. Watson holds the piglet and rocks her. He calls her a porcine wonder. Mrs. Watson says the piglet is a wish come true. Baby Lincoln calls her a mercy. Mr. Watson decides to name her Mercy.

Eugenia does not approve and says you cannot name a pig Mercy. But they do. Mercy becomes a loved and important part of the Watsons’ lives. She is not ordinary and brings joy and excitement.

Book Analysis

“A Piglet Named Mercy” is a delightful story that shows how a small change can bring great joy. The writing is simple, making it perfect for young readers. The story teaches children about the joy of unexpected surprises and the importance of love.

The illustrations by Chris Van Dusen are colorful and fun. They add to the story and show Mercy’s playful nature. The pictures help bring the characters to life and make the book enjoyable to read.

Kate DiCamillo’s storytelling is engaging. She creates lovable characters that children can relate to. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are kind and caring. Eugenia is strict but adds humor to the story. Baby Lincoln is sweet and loves surprises. And Mercy is the star, bringing happiness wherever she goes.

The book also teaches children about acceptance. Even though Eugenia does not like Mercy at first, the Watsons show that love and care can make a big difference. Mercy, the piglet, becomes a part of their family despite being different.

Book Conclusion

“A Piglet Named Mercy” by Kate DiCamillo is a story that will make children smile. It shows that sometimes, the most unexpected things can bring the most joy. With its simple words and lovely illustrations, this book is perfect for young readers. Mercy, the piglet, teaches us that life is full of wonderful surprises. This book is a great read, bringing joy and laughter with every page.

The post A Piglet Named Mercy Book Review: Kate DiCamillo’s Delightful Tale of an Unpredictable Piglet appeared first on BookGuru.

Book Details

Title: Stage Fright

Author: Yamini Vijayan

Genre/Topics: Emotions – Fear, Character Traits – Perseverance, Interpersonal Relationships – Friendship

Grade Recommendation: Grade 2

Series: No

Page Count: Approx. 16

Word Count: Approx. 533

Book Link: Click Here to Read Book!

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Comprehension Quiz: Click Here for the Quiz!

Book Summary

Champa loves singing more than anything else. She sings everywhere – in the bathroom, on the roof, to the hills, and even to the moon. She sings like a lion and like a bee. When Champa sings, she feels amazing.

One day, her friend Basant hears her sing and gets an idea. He tells her to sing on Annual Day. Champa is scared of this idea because she remembers the time she almost fainted on stage. She has never told Basant about this.

Champa says she can’t sing in front of many people. She doesn’t even sing in front of her parents. Basant tells her she just needs practice. He says she is an amazing singer and shouldn’t worry about others laughing.

Champa feels both excited and scared about singing on stage. She decides to try because she loves singing so much. Champa practices a lot. She sings when she gets out of bed, does her homework, and takes the goats out to graze. She even sings upside down!

Everyone at home is excited about her big day. They give her advice like taking deep breaths, smiling at the audience, and even funny things like throwing a broken plate for luck.

The day before her performance, Champa has a special practice. It goes really well!

Finally, it’s Annual Day. Champa wears a sweater her grandfather made for the show. When it’s her turn to sing, she feels very nervous. The stage feels big, the lights are bright, and there are many people watching. At first, she can only whisper. Then she tries again, but only a squeak comes out. The audience gasps. Champa feels scared until she sees Basant waving at her. This makes her feel better. She tries again, and her voice comes out softly at first but then becomes strong and beautiful.

It doesn’t matter that the stage is big or that the lights are bright. Champa sings with all her heart and feels amazing.

Book Analysis

“Stage Fright” is a story about facing your fears and never giving up. The writing is simple and easy for children to understand. Champa is a character that many kids can relate to, especially if they have ever been scared to do something they love.

The pictures in the book are colorful and fun. They help tell the story and show Champa’s singing adventures. The drawings of her practicing in funny ways, like singing upside down, add humor to the story.

The book also shows the importance of having supportive friends and family. Basant’s belief in Champa and her family’s excitement help her feel brave. This teaches kids that it’s okay to ask for help and that having people who believe in you is very important.

Book Conclusion

“Stage Fright” by Yamini Vijayan is a lovely story for young readers. It talks about overcoming fear, the joy of doing what you love, and the support of friends and family. The book is enjoyable and inspiring. Champa’s story shows that with practice and support, anyone can find the courage to do what they love.

Happy Reading!

The post Stage Fright by Yamini Vijayan Book Review: Conquering Fears with Champa appeared first on BookGuru.

Title: The Twits

Author: Roald Dahl

Genre: Humour

Grade Recommendation: Grade 3 & 4

The Twits is a classic children’s book by the renowned British author, Roald Dahl. Originally published in 1980, this humorous and entertaining tale is still loved by children and adults alike today. In this book review, we will explore what makes The Twits such a delightful read and why it is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh.

Plot Summary

The Twits tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Twit, a vile and unpleasant couple who take pleasure in tormenting each other and innocent animals. Mr. Twit has a long, straggly beard that he never washes, while Mrs. Twit has a glass eye that she uses to scare birds away from their garden. They both enjoy playing mean-spirited tricks on each other and anyone else they can think of.

However, their cruel behavior soon catches up with them when the monkeys they keep as pets decide to exact revenge. With the help of some clever planning and a bit of magic, the monkeys manage to turn the tables on the Twits, and the couple gets exactly what they deserve.

Writing Style

Roald Dahl’s writing style is one of the things that makes this book so enjoyable. He has a way of painting vivid and hilarious pictures with his words, making it easy for readers to visualize the absurd and outrageous antics of the Twits. His use of descriptive language and clever wordplay adds to the whimsical nature of the story and keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

One of the most entertaining aspects of The Twits is the way in which Dahl plays with language. He uses puns, alliteration, and other literary devices to create a story that is both amusing and memorable. Dahl also has a talent for creating characters that are larger than life, yet still relatable. Even though the Twits are terrible people, readers can’t help but be drawn into their world and root for the monkeys to get their revenge.

Themes and Lessons

The Twits is not just a fun and entertaining read; it also teaches some important lessons. One of the main themes of the book is the idea that cruelty and meanness will eventually catch up with you. The Twits are so focused on causing trouble and making each other miserable that they don’t realize the harm they are doing. However, their actions have consequences, and they ultimately have to face the music.

Another important lesson in The Twits is the power of teamwork. The monkeys in the story are able to overcome the Twits by working together and using their individual strengths to achieve a common goal. This message is especially important for children, who can learn the value of cooperation and collaboration through the adventures of the monkeys.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Twits is a delightful and entertaining book that is sure to make readers of all ages laugh out loud. Roald Dahl’s clever writing style and witty humor make this story a joy to read, while the important lessons it teaches about the consequences of cruelty and the power of teamwork make it a valuable addition to any child’s reading list.

The characters in The Twits are unforgettable, from the vile and repulsive Twits to the mischievous and resourceful monkeys. Dahl’s ability to create such vivid and memorable characters is a testament to his skill as a writer.

Overall, The Twits is a must-read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a fun-filled adventure. It is a timeless classic that continues to captivate and entertain readers of all generations. Whether you are a child or an adult, this book is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the power of kindness and teamwork.

Vocabulary Boost

Fifteen vocabulary words from the book which are appropriate for grades 3 and 4 readers.

1. Vile – extremely unpleasant or disgusting

2. Mischievous – causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way

3. Straggly – thin and untidy

4. Scrumptious – extremely delicious or appetizing

5. Miserable – wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable

6. Rancid – smelling or tasting unpleasant as a result of being old and stale

7. Mutter – speak or say something in a low or barely audible voice

8. Cackle – laugh in a harsh, raucous manner

9. Deceive – cause to believe something that is not true

10. Gruesome – causing repulsion or horror; grisly

11. Dastardly – wicked and cruel

12. Oafish – clumsy and stupid

13. Gloat – contemplate or dwell on one’s own success or another’s misfortune with smugness or malignant pleasure

14. Impish – inclined to do slightly naughty things for fun; mischievous

15. Peculiar – strange or odd; unusual

Multiple Choice Comprehension Quiz

Ten multiple-choice questions and answers for “The Twits” by Roald Dahl

1. What is the name so the couple in “The Twits”?

a. Mr. and Mrs. Smith

b. Mr. and Mrs. Brown

c. Mr. and Mrs. Twit

Answer: c. Mr. and Mrs. Twit

2. What do the Twits like to do to each other?

a. Give each other presents

b. Play mean-spirited tricks

c. Go on walks together

Answer: b. Play mean-spirited tricks

3. What is Mr. Twit’s beard like?

a. Short and neatly trimmed

b. Long and straggly

c. Bald

Answer: b. Long and straggly

4. What does Mrs. Twit use her glass eye for?

a. To scare birds away from the garden

b. To spy on her neighbors

c. To see better in the dark

Answer: a. To scare birds away from the garden

5. What kind of animals do the Twits keep as pets?

a. Monkeys

b. Dogs

c. Cats

Answer: a. Monkeys

6. What do the monkeys do to get revenge on the Twits?

a. They run away

b. They play mean tricks on them

c. They turn the furniture upside down

Answer: c. They turn the furniture upside down

The post Book Review: The Twits by Roald Dahl – A Hilarious Tale of Mischief and Revenge appeared first on BookGuru.

That is the magic of a parent’s love! It’s life changing and life shaping in it’s impact. Every loving gesture is an invaluable gift that is laying the foundation for our kids to grow into happy, confident and successful adults. This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate this special bond with some brilliant children’s books that are sure to guarantee hugs and kisses from your little one.

Our book recommendations list is a delightful mix of timeless classics, heartfelt messages, beautiful rhymes, stunning illustrations and hugely popular authors. Captured between the covers of these books is that wonderful feeling of joy that your child experiences when wrapped up in your arms. As always, these English stories for kids are are sorted by class for your convenience.

Books for Tiny Tots

• Silly Wonderful You by Sherri Duskey Rinker
• The I Love You Book by Todd Parr
• Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox

Books for Kindergarten

• Uh-Oh! by R. Schuyler Hooke
• Up! by George, Kristine O’Connell
• I Love My Mum by Anna Walker

Books for Class 1

• You Are My I Love You by Maryann K. Cusimano
• Love Me, Love You by Susan Heyboer O’Keefe
• Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney

Books for Class 2

• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
• Papa, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse
• The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman

Books for Class 3

• Because I Am Your Daddy by Sherry North
• Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch
• I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt

These beautifully written and illustrated books will, hopefully, convey the things we want to say to our children but are often not able to articulate as eloquently. On a lighter note, do keep a tissue box handy as some of these books are sure to make you sentimental.

You can pick from these or other fantastic stories for children in English from the BookGuru Library. We are always happy to assist.

The post Children’s Books Celebrating the Love Between Parent & Child appeared first on BookGuru.

If you are looking to make this important early transition smooth for your young reader, then this post is sure to help. Remember, chapter books require the reader to have a longer attention span and better comprehension. For this reason it is important to pick books that closely match with the reading abilities of your young reader.

Children usually progress to first chapter books between the ages of 6 to 8 years. Our list of recommendations are accordingly classified by grade to make it easier for you to pick the right books for your child. Also, most of these first chapter books have illustrations throughout. The mix of chapter wise text and illustrations are perfect for introducing the idea of a chapter book while keeping the pictures for support.

Grade 1

• Pedro’s Big Goal (Book 1 of the Pedro series) by Fran Manushkin
• Baby Monkey, Private Eye by Brian Selznik and David Serlin
• Ling And Ting: Not Exactly The Same! (Book 1 of the Ling & Ting series) by Grace Lin
• Snail & Worm: Three Stories About Two Friends (Book 1 of the Snail & Worm series) by Tina Kugler
• Meet Mo and Jo: The Boulder Brothers by Sarah Lynn

Grade 2

• Dinosaurs Before Dark (Book 1 of the Magic Tree House series) by Mary Pope Osborne
• Mercy Watson to the Rescue  (Book 1 of the Mercy Watson series) by Kate DiCamillo
• Nate the Great (Book 1 of the Nate the Great series) by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
• Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea (Book 1 of the Mr. Putter & Tabby series) by Cynthia Rylant
• Frog And Friends (Book 1 of the Frog and Friends series) by Eve Bunting
• Bedtime for Frances (Book 1 of the Frances the Badger series) by Russell Hoban
• Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea (Book 1 of the Narwhal and Jelly series) by Ben Clanton
• The Adventures of Caveboy (Book 1 of the The Adventures of Caveboy series) by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
• Barkus (Book 1 of the Barkus series) by Patricia MacLachlan
• The Case of Hermie the Missing Hamster (Book 1 of the Jigsaw Jones Mystery series) by James Preller

Grade 3

• Eva’s Treetop Festival (Book 1 of the Owl Diaries series) by Rebecca Elliott
• Dragons and Marshmallows (Book 1 of the Zoey and Sassafras series) by Asia Citro
• Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid (Book 1 of the Stink series) by Megan McDonald
• Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen (Book 1 of the Jasmine Toguchi series) by Debbie Michiko
• Ivy and Bean (Book 1 of the Ivy and Bean series) by Annie Barrows
• The Princess in Black (Book 1 of the The Princess in Black series) by Shannon Hale
• Nikki and Deja (Book 1 of the Nikki and Deja series) by Karen English
• Bookmarks Are People Too! (Book 1 of the Here’s Hank series) by Henry Winkler
• Super Burp! (Book 1 of the George Brown, Class Clown series) by Nancy E. Krulik
• Dory Fantasmagory (Book 1 of the Dory Fantasmagory series) by By Abby Hanlon

While on this topic, we would like to remind you that even after kids transition to chapter books, they will return to picture books from time to time. We live in an age of visuals and picture books are a great tool for visual literacy. It is okay to let them pick a picture book when they wish to read one.

We hope you enjoyed going through our book list and found some ‘Just Right’ ones for your little one. You can pick from these and other fantastic books from the BookGuru Library. We are always happy to assist.

The post Chapter Books For Newly Independent Readers appeared first on BookGuru.

“I believe that legends and myths are largely made up of truth.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Myths, legends and folklores are full of rich insights into human culture and history. These are stories that have been passed on through generations and address timeless, universal themes. Moreover, they help in fostering imagination and establishing moral boundaries for children during their growing up years.

It is always a good time to tell, listen and read fables, myths, folklores and legends. After all, we all love a good story and these have stood the test of time.

We have handpicked some of the best children’s books that are based on well-known myths, legends and folklore –

The Sun and the Wind by Mairi Mackinnon

This is a lively retelling of a story from Aesop’s fables. There are puzzle-based activities at the end of the story which makes for some engaging family time afterwards.  

Reading Level: Grade KG I Interest Level: Lower Years I Page Count: 32

The Little Green Drum by Taghreed Najjar

This is an English version of a story originally written in Arabic. The story, set in a Palestinian village, is about a girl who breaks stereotypes and does everything because she can. The book is embellished with sound effects making it a fun read for young readers.

Reading Level: Grade 2 I Interest Level: Lower Years I Page Count: 71

The Rumour by Anushka Ravishankar

Set in a little village in India, this is a story about how hard it can be to keep a secret. And how strange things can get as the village people follow the path of a rumour. This is a charming folklore from the village of Baddbaddpur that is retold with a lot of laughs by Anushka Ravishankar in her own inimitable style.

Reading Level: Grade 3 I Interest Level: Lower Years I Page Count: 32

How the Stars Fell into the Sky: A Navajo Legend by Jerrie Oughton

In this retelling of a Navajo legend, the First Woman wants to write laws for everyone using the sky as her canvas. So she starts to put her jewels in the sky in a meaningful pattern. Soon the coyote helping her gets bored with the slowness of the work. What does the coyote do? Does the woman finish writing the laws the way she wanted to?

Reading Level: Grade 3 I Interest Level: Lower Years I Page Count: 32

Cloud Tea Monkeys by Mal Peet

This book is inspired by a centuries-old Chinese legend of tea picking monkeys. It is a captivating story with rich illustrations that tells us about a little girl Tashi who must go to pick tea leaves when her mother falls ill. But soon she comes face to face with the heartless overseer. Just when Tashi begins to lose all hope, something extraordinary happens to her. 

Reading Level: Grade 3 I Interest Level: Lower Years I Page Count: 48

Zeus’s Eagle by Lucy Coats

This is the final book in the Beast of Olympus series. Demon is reunited with his long lost father, the Greek God Pan. He is taken to Mount Olympus, the kingdom of Gods, where his life is busier than ever before. To make matters worse, goddess Psyche wants to send Demon on a quest that could risk the wrath of Zeus. What is Demon’s next move going to be? An exciting read indeed!

Reading Level: Grade 3 I Interest Level: Lower Years I Page Count: 131

Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up in a War by Kathy Henderson

This is an ancient Iraqi tale from approximately 5000 years ago about a boy named Lugalbanda. When prince Lugalbanda, along with his brothers and father, is on his way to conquer a city, he falls ill and is left behind. After recovering, he tries to find his family. What ensues is an extraordinary adventure that finally results in his rise to the throne. This story was lost in time and rediscovered about 150 years ago! It is one of the world’s oldest stories.

Reading Level: Grade 3 I Interest Level: Lower Years I Page Count: 77

Indian Tales: A Barefoot Collection by Shenaaz Nanji

A Parents’ Choice 2008 Silver Honor Award Winner, this book is a collection of eight diverse tales from different states of India along with beautiful illustrations. Besides the stories itself, kids get to learn fun facts about the states from which these stories come. The book helps foster multicultural learning in an engaging way. 

Reading Level: Grade 3 I Interest Level: Middle and Teen Years I Page Count: 160

The Boy Without a Name by Idries Shah

This is a Sufi folklore about a boy who was not given a name by his parents as per the advice of a wise man. The wise man promises to give the boy a name when he is older. This is an engaging book about the journey of the nameless boy who sets out to find his name. The story also touches upon the broader theme of peace and happiness.

Reading Level: Grade 4 and above I Interest Level: Middle and Teen Years I Page Count: 31

The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi

This is a quirky and magical story about the Grace kids discovering the secret world of the faeries. Do the faeries allow them to share this secret about them with the rest of the world? 

Reading Level: Grade 4 and above I Interest Level: Middle and Teen Years I Page Count: 107

Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Book? by Lauren Child

This book has familiar characters like Goldilocks and Cinderella but with a twist in the plot. In the story the protagonist, Herb, scribbles in his book of fairy tales. Award winning author Lauren Child takes young readers on a journey of imagination when Herb finds out that he has fallen in the book of fairy tales that he was doodling on.

Reading Level: Grade 4 and above I Interest Level: Middle and Teen Years I Page Count: 32

The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson

This is a story about 12 years old Marinka who longs for a real human companion. Making friends is hard for her as she lives with her grandmother who guides the dead to the afterlife. Also, she lives in a house with chicken legs that wanders all over. One day Marinka decides to break all rules with devastating consequences. A fun spin on old Baba Yaga tales, this book is full of suspense and magic.

Reading Level: Grade 4 and above I Interest Level: Middle and Teen Years I Page Count: 262

Why the Fish Laughed and Other Tales by Kevin Crossley-Holland

This book is a collection of fascinating tales from Asia and India, Central and South America, North America and the Pacific. With stories of emperors, princesses, dragons and more, this book exposes kids to a rich diversity of customs and cultures in our world.

Reading Level: Grade 4 and above I Interest Level: Middle and Teen Years I Page Count: 122

Keep a Lid on It, Pandora! by Kate McMullan

This book is a modern take on the Greek myth about Pandora’s box told from Hades’s (Lord of the Underworld) point of view. He needs to set the record straight for all the modifications that Zeus, his little brother, has made to the myths in order to make himself look good. Told with a lot of wit, the story is sure to tickle young readers.

Reading Level: Grade 4 and above I Interest Level: Middle and Teen Years I Page Count: 183

Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer

The Eternity Code is the third book in the series. In this book the readers get to understand the character of Artemis a lot more as he tries to recover the fairy technology stolen by a greedy businessman. Action, adventure, comedy and friendship – this book has it all.

Reading Level: Grade 4 and above I Interest Level: Middle and Teen Years I Page Count: 356

The Tower of Nero by Rick Riordan

This is the finale of the number one bestseller, Trials of Apollo series. Lester and Meg have to overcome one seemingly impossible adventure after another. This book ties up all the loose ends well to conclude the series on a high note.

Reading Level: Grade 4 and above I Interest Level: Middle and Teen Years I Page Count: 396

Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry

A winner of the Newbery Medal, this is a story of Mafatu, who is afraid of the sea because he had lost his mother to the sea. Though he was the son of the chief, he was called a coward by everyone. This legend from Polynesian Islands tells us how Mafatu goes on an adventure to face his fears or be consumed by them. Even today the people of Hikueru sing this story to their young. 

Reading Level: Grade 5 and above I Interest Level: Middle and Teen Years I Page Count: 128

Most kids love to read up on mythology, legends and folklore. The trials and triumphs of gods, humans and magical creatures fill them with wonder while sensitising them to the diversity and richness of cultural beliefs around the world. We hope you enjoyed reading through this fantastic list that we put together on ancient stories originating from different countries and continents.

Pick from these or loads of other fun reads from around the globe, specially curated for BookGuru’s young readers. We will be happy to deliver them to your doorstep! 

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