The Country School
Suggested Reading List
Primary Grades
Owen by Kevin Henkes (1994 Caldecott Honor)
Owen had a fuzzy yellow blanket. "Fuzzy goes where I go," said Owen. But Mrs. Tweezers disagreed. She thought Owen was too old for a blanket. Owen disagreed. No matter what Mrs. Tweezers came up with, Blanket Fairies or vinegar, Owen had the answer. But when school started, Owen's mother knew just what to do, and everyone -- Owen, Fuzzy, and even Mrs. Tweezers -- was happy.
Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee (2011 Theodor Seuss Geisel
Honor book)
Meet Bink and Gollie, two precocious little girls- one tiny, one tall, and both utterly irrepressible. No matter where their roller skates take them, at the end of the day they will always be the very best of friends.Full of quick-witted repartee, this brainchild of Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo and award-winning author Alison McGhee is a hilarious ode to exuberance and camaraderie, imagination and adventure, brought to life through the delightfully kinetic images of Tony Fucile.
Henry and Mudge (series) by Cynthia Rylant and Sucie Stevenson
The first book in the acclaimed Ready-to-Read series from Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant featuring Henry and his lovable 180-pound dog, Mudge. In this first book of the series ( does not have to be read in order) Henry is feeling lonely on a street without any other children, finds companionship and love in a big dog named Mudge.
Frog and Toad (series) by Arnold Lobel
Frog and Toad are always there for each other -- just as best friends should be. From sledding in winter to eating ice cream on hot summer days, these two friends have fun together the whole year round!
Amelia Bedelia (series) by Peggy Parish
From dressing the chicken to drawing the drapes, Amelia Bedelia does exactly what Mr. and Mrs. Rogers tell her to do. If things get a bit mixed up, well, that's okay. When Amelia Bedelia is involved, everything always turns out perfectly in the end!
Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Babe Ruth Baseball~series by David Adler
Jennifer "Camera" Jansen uses her photographic memory to save the day once again! At a hobby show a man's prized Babe Ruth baseball goes missing. Cam clearly remembers a boy in a green jacket standing very close to that same baseball, but can she prove it?
Poppleton in Winter by Cynthia Rylant
This collection features three short stories for early readers. In Icicles, the downfall of Poppleton's beloved icicles leads to a new friendship. In The Bust, Poppleton's creative juices get flowing, inspiring him to take up sculpting. And in The Sleigh Ride, he's disappointed that all of his friends stay inside to bake when he wants to go for a sleigh ride ... until he finds out that they were baking in honor of his birthday! Cynthia Rylant's Poppleton in Winter is creative and fun - a perfect read on a snowy day.
Nate the Great and the Mushy Valentine~series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
For those Nate the Great fans, you won't be disappointed by his latest adventure. Nate tries to solve, not one, but two mysteries. Valentine's Day is a day Nate would rather forget because he hates mushy, gushy stuff! Can he ignore a good mystery when it involves his dog Sludge and his friend Annie? I think not! Read to find out if Nate gets any Valentines of his own.
Ready Freddy: Don't Sit on My Lunch, Ready Freddy Series by Abby Klein
Second-graders can?t get enough of this hilarious new series. Both boys and girls can relate to Freddy and his best friend Jessie, who happens to be a girl. In fact, she is the star hockey player on the peewee hockey team. Readers will delight in the antics of Freddy and Jessie, as Jessie tries to help Freddy get a spot on her team. Of course, no school story would be complete without a class bully! Find out if Freddy can outplay "Max the Bully" in this entertaining read.
Dinosaurs Before Dark, Magic Tree House~ Series by Mary Pope Osborne
Children cannot get enough of the adventures of Jack and Annie, as they travel back in time in their tree house. The tree house is magical and filled with books on subjects such as dinosaurs, knights, Egypt, China, and volcanoes. In this first adventure, Jack and Annie happen upon a book about dinosaurs. Before they know it, they are whisked back in time to 65 million years ago. Children get a lesson in history and experience an unforgettable adventure.
The Hidden Stairs and The Magic Carpet ( Book 1 of the Secrets of Droon series)
by Tony Abbott
A Hidden Door. A Magical Staircase. Discover the World of Droon! Eric, Julie, and Neal have just found something magic in Eric's basement. They have discovered a staircase to another world! The world of Droon is amazing - full of magic, flying lizards, and fun, furry creatures. But how will Eric, Julie, and Neal find their way home? Maybe their new friend, Princess Keeah, can help?
My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Pardon me while I gush. This book is, by far, the most memorable early chapter-book of my childhood. While it has never been forgotten in my household, I find that many people nowadays don't know about this magical book, the first of a trilogy featuring Elmer Elevator and his adventures. In My Father's Dragon, Elmer rescues a baby dragon from the cruel animals on Wild Island and in the process takes you on a fantastic journey.
The Kingdom of Wrenly (series) by Lauren Myracle
“Eight-year-old Prince Lucas is lonely and wishes he could play with the other children in the kingdom, but his father, the king, has forbidden it. Lucas also longs to explore all the different lands of Wrenly. He teams up with Clara Gills, the daughter of a seamstress and the two friends set off on adventures.” (from the book blurb) This is a great series enjoyed by boys and girls alike. They are quickly caught up in the adventures of Prince Lucas and Clara and ready to read book after book.
The Adventures of Sophie Mouse (series) by Poppy Green
The Adventures of Sophie Mouse chapter books are perfect for beginning chapter book readers: these are sweet, animal characters with an emphasis on friendship.
Humphrey’s Tiny Tales (series) by Betty G. Birney
Another great beginning chapter series, Humphrey’s Tiny Tales books are based on the popular, higher level chapter books by the same author. Humphrey is the class hamster who looks after the students in his classroom. He has a ‘lock that doesn’t lock,’ a frog friend named Og and his many friends in Room 26. Humphrey is a delightful, caring and adventurous friend with a big heart.
The Life of Ty (series) by Lauren Myracle
A new illustrated chapter book series by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Myracle. Winnie Perry's sweet baby brother, Ty, is the quintessential dreamer, full of big ideas and wacky plans that only a seven-year-old boy could hatch. Whether it's battling the family cat with a Dustbuster or smuggling a baby penguin out of the aquarium, Ty is always in the middle of a well-intended, big-hearted scheme.
Puppy Pirates (series)by Erin Soderberg
Set sail for fun and adventure on a pirate ship full of puppies. There is a human best friend named Henry, who accompanies them. Every pup loves to dig for buried treasure, right? This is a new chapter book series.
Misty Inn (series) by Kristin Earhart
Book 1: Welcome Home. “Willa Dunlap and her younger brother, Ben, are new to Chincoteague Island. Their parents are busy planning the opening of a bed-and-breakfast, which gives the kids plenty of time to explore. But with so many new people and places to get used to, Willa worries Chincoteague will never, ever feel like home.” (blurb from the back) The Inn backs up to Grandma and Grandpa’s farm and there are lots of horses and ponies.