The Children's Illustrated Bible retold by Selina Hastings illustrated by Eric Thomas*

I read reviews on this Bible that the print/font was too small.
My son and I have read through this Bible two times now and have not found the font to be a problem.  The beautiful illustrations and photographs make the stories come alive.  There are also historical sections explaining how life was during that specific Bible time period.
Text features: contents, photographs, maps, picture captions, index, "who's who in the Bible section
*Highly recommend.

Mrs. Toggle's Zipper by Robin Pulver illustrated by R.W.Alley*

On a winter day at school, Mrs. Toggle does not greet her students as cheerfully.  Why?  Her puffy winter coat's zipper is stuck.  Humorous attempts to rescue her from her agony ensue, including very important school personnel.
Reading more titles in the series will encourage readers to utilize their schema to make predictions.
Strategies: connections, predictions

Mrs. Toggle's Beautiful New Shoes by Robin Pulver illustrated by R.W. Alley*

Spring's beauty and warmth draws Mrs. Toggle outside with her students during recess.  She joins their kickball game and in the process of kicking the ball, her beautiful blue shoe flings high into a tree.  Humorous events follow as individuals come up with ideas on how to rescue her shoe.
Several more titles in the series . . .as readers read them, they can use their schema to make quality predictions.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: connections, predicting

Sparky! by Jenny Offill illustrated by Chris Appelhans

The main character wants a pet but her mother states that is has to be one that does not need to be walked, bathed or fed.  So the young girl orders a sloth via express mail.  The story includes the humorous interactions between the girl and her new pet.
Pair with Eric Carle's Slowly, Slowly Said the Sloth.
Strategies: inferring, connectitons

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa by Erica Silverman illustrated by Betsy Lewin*

I loved this book!  Divided into four chapters, the book shares Cowgirl Kate's adventures with her horse Cocoa.  The first chapter reveals how she selected Cocoa.  Cocoa talks which adds humor to the story.
Horse-loving girls will adore this series!
*Highly recommend.
Won Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor.
Guided Reading Level: J
DRA: 18-20

Tales of Amanda Pig by Jean Van Leeuwen illustrated by Ann Schweninger

Series perfect for the transitional reader and for a reader who needs to build stamina.
Level 2 Puffin Easy-to -Read  (ages 5-8)  Grades K-2
Guided Reading Level: L
Five short stories about Amanda with her family.  She is the youngest and has an older brother Oliver.  There are more words per page in this series compared to the Fox series by Edward Marshall.

Point to discuss: The siblings call each other names ("Mean dumb Oliver"  "fat baby Amanda") and use the word "dumb" a few times.

Fox at School by Edward Marshall illustrated by James Marshall *

A humorous series for beginning readers.
Three short stories about Fox's "adventures at school.
Great series for building stamina in a beginning reader.
*Highly recommend.
Guided reading level: J