#MMBBR Holiday House Round-Up I LIKE TO READ series @HolidayHouseBks

I Like to Read® Books:

NOTE:  About the Series

I Like to Read® books are picture books written and illustrated so that even the newest reader can enjoy a satisfying, quality literary experience. The books in the series are written at kindergarten and early first grade reading levels.

"These books deftly combine text and art to create a positive experience for new readers."—School Library Journal

"This series dares to make entertaining reads from short texts and familiar vocabulary"—Kirkus Reviews

"Each one makes the hard world of learning to read enough fun to encourage children at this critical developmental moment to try another one."—Vicky Smith, Children's and YA Editor at Kirkus Reviews

"I like the beach," says Bear. "Not me!" says Chipmunk and for so many reasons. The sun is blinding. It s hard to stay upright in an inner tube. The sea life isn t always friendly. As many times as Bear proclaims his love for beach activities, Chipmunk responds with the refrain, "Not me!" As Chipmunk s misadventures pile up, he has to admit, "I am not a beach person." At this story s heartwarming conclusion, Bear asks, "Why did you come?" Chipmunk replies simply, "I came to be with you." Newly proficient young readers will find humor and a reminder about the true nature of friendship.

MY THOUGHTS:
I am in love with Chipmunk and Bear...just look at this cover!  Can you not see the fun they have together!  I have reviewed the book ME TOO in a previous round-up and fell in love instantly with these two unlikely friends.  In NOT ME, the two friends try to find things that they can do together at the beach but Chipmunk is not a fan of the things Bear loves.   For some, this could be the end of a friendship, but as Bear finds out it is what makes them the greatest of friends.  Told in simple dialogue and accompanied by vibrant and delightful illustrations, NOT ME is a book about friendship and love.   5 huge stars

The pencil draws, the tape measures, the saw cuts and the drill makes holes.  Together with the boy, they are building a treehouse.  What can you do? the tools ask Drew. Drew worries that he can't do cool things like the other tools.  But when boy comes for him, Drew is surprised to get a job that s not only important but just right.  Beginning readers can build their phonics skills with the delightful story about a group of tools with personality.

MY THOUGHTS:
I adore this series of book because the pictures and simple sentences allow for the early reader become engaged in the book without feeling overwhelmed.  It is also that the book is the size it is, as many early books are very small and don't have the feel of a "real book".  In DREW THE SCREW. the reader gets to read about what the tools do and see what important jobs they have.  Told with simple works and sentences the reader will be taken away by the pictures that perfectly capture the personalities of all the tools.  A delight, that is for certain!  5 stars 

An observant boy sees many things on his way home from school. A dog, a truck, a bird, a butterfly. . . these ordinary urban experiences become artistic inspiration for the boy. When he gets home, he draws all of the things he saw. Now he can see them at home, too!   Caldecott Honor medalist Ted Lewin s magnificent, lifelike paintings transform the boy s everyday walk into an enchanting exploration of his surroundings. Emerging readers will like the simple, repetitive text, and challenge themselves to see what the boy sees and more.

MY THOUGHTS:

I SEE AND SEE is a great book for young readers.  The phrases repeat for ease of reading and repetition is great for those beginning to read.  The pictures have a painted water colored feel.  This could be turned into a game of other things we see around us and/or could encourage kids to draw or write the things they see.  4 stars 





Geisel-medalist Ethan Long s newest easy reader is for true beginners, offering laughs, a lovable and patient cat, and the simplest vocabulary possible. Two rowdy siblings love playing with their oversized kitty. They wake him up from a nap so he can fly and dance around the room while being smothered with hugs. But as Big Cat endures his final humiliation being dressed in a wig, hat, and high heels it s apparent that despite the discomfort, Big Cat loves his family. Long s long-suffering, big-bellied, feline is sure to charm readers. His understated text and hilarious characters with looney expressions will have readers rolling on the ground.

MY THOUGHTS:
Oh my goodness gracious...BIG CAT is too cute for words.  For anyone who loves cats, this book is a must!  It is hilarious!  The little girl in this story does all sorts of "fun" stuff with Big Cat and the looks on Big Cat's face is priceless.  This is one of those books that the pictures would have to be spot to really capture the stories tone and the pictures perfectly illustrate Big Cats personality!  The reader can see what Big Cat is feeling and thinking so this is a great book to teach your child to infer about feeling both of the little girl and Big Cat.  Since it is told simply your early reader will lvoe reading it aloud to you!  I have read this book over and over and still smile each and every time!  Wonderful, just wonderful.  5 stars.  I also cannot wait to sue this book in my classes!!!      

 Nate loves skateboarding, but Kate prefers making hats. "I hate to skate," she tells Nate. "Do you like my hat?" Unimpressed, Nate retorts "I hate that hat." Kate s feelings are hurt so she ignores Nate as he falls. Now that Nate is hurt and sad, too, his outlook has changed. "Wait, Kate," he says. "I was a brat." Kate waits, and admits she wasn t nice either, and new possibilities open. Now Nate and Kate both like to skate and wear hats!  Straightforward and heartfelt, Nate and Kate s story is the perfect reminder that we may not always share each other s interests, but we must be respectful and open-minded all the same!

MY THOUGHTS:
A nice story, told simply by using easy words to teach children the concept of being kind and trying new things.  The pictures are interesting and will surly keep a new reader interested.  4 stars 

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