In our roundup of standout easy readers, all reviewed in Booklist during the past five years, we have chosen books that belong to specifically designated easy-to-read series, such as Random House’s Step into Reading. But many books beloved by new readers, such as Marjorie Sharmat’s stories about Nate the Great and Cynthia Rylant’s Mr. Putter & Tabby tales, aren’t classified with a front-cover publisher’s label, even though they share the qualities of the best ER titles. You will find a number of both types of readers, fiction and nonfiction, reviewed in the special Spotlight section. Look for other suggestions for children developing their skills in Robin Smith’s article. —Gillian Engberg
Adler, David A. Young Cam Jansen and the Double Beach Mystery. Illus. by Susanna Natti. 2002. Viking, $13.99 (0-670-03531-9).
K–Gr. 2. In this eighth entry in the Viking Easy-to-Read Cam Jansen series, Cam again relies on her photographic memory and deductive reasoning to solve a mystery, set this time at the beach. Bright, active pictures offer plenty of visual clues in the suspenseful story.
dePaola, Tomie. Hide-and-Seek All Week. 2001. illus. Grosset and Dunlap, lib. ed., $13.89 (0-448-42617-X).
Gr. 1–2. Part of the Barkers series about twin dogs who behave like elementary-school children, this All Aboard Reading title features believable characters, expressive drawings, and spot-on observations in a story about how children negotiate games.
Haskins, Lori. Ducks in Muck. Illus. by Valeria Petrone. 2000. Random, paper, $3.99 (0-679-89166-8).
K–Gr.1. For the very first readers, this title in the Step into Reading series tells a slapstick story with just a few monosyllables. New readers will delight in the words’ sounds and repetition, and all the silly action is captured in clear, bright pictures.
Howe, James. Pinky and Rex and the Just-Right Pet. Illus. by Melissa Sweet. 2001. Simon & Schuster/Atheneum, $15 (0-689-82861-6).
Gr. 2–3. This entry in Howe’s winning Ready to Read series focuses on Pinky, whose connection with a new pet is complicated by concern for his sister’s feelings. Captivating pictures illustrate this book that combines solid reading practice with a layered story.
Koss, Amy Goldman. Where Fish Go in Winter and Other Great Mysteries. Illus. by Laura J. Bryant. 2002. Dial, $13.99 (0-8037-2704-6).
PreS–Gr. 2. Why do cats purr? Why do onions make people cry? Koss answers these questions and more in vivid, rhyming language that is just right for new readers. Richly colored illustrations enhance this nonfiction title in the Dial Easy-to-Read series.
Paterson, Katherine. Marvin One Too Many. Illus. by Jane Clark Brown. 2001. HarperCollins, $14.95 (0-06-028769-1).
K–Gr. 2. With gentle humor and no condescension, Paterson writes a story for beginning readers about beginning to read. Marvin’s family helps him when he finally admits his difficulties with reading. A poignant, uplifting story in the I Can Read series.
Root, Phyllis. Mouse Goes Out. Illus. by James Croft. 2002. Candlewick, $12.99 (0-7636-1351-7).
PreS–K. Four very short but action-packed episodes about a mouse’s adventures give the impression of chapters in this Brand New Readers title. Cartoonlike, color-saturated pictures provide plenty of clues to the mostly monosyllabic text.
Rylant, Cynthia. Henry and Mudge and the Snowman Plan. Illus. by Suçie Stevenson. 1999. Simon & Schuster, $14 (0-689-81169-1).
Gr. 1–2. In the nineteenth book in a much-loved Ready-to-Read series, Henry and Mudge win a creativity prize in a snowman contest. Stevenson’s humorous drawings extend and match the warmth of Rylant’s thoughtful, well-paced text.
Thomas, Shelley Moore. Good Night, Good Knight. Illus. by Jennifer Plecas. 2000. Dutton, $13.99 (0-525-46326-7).
Gr. 1–3. A gentle knight puts three restless young dragons to bed in this endearing Dutton Easy Reader. Thomas’ playful, repetitive text is accompanied by irresistible drawings of pajama-clad young dragons.
Wallace, Karen. Wild Baby Animals. 2000. illus. DK, $12.95 (0-7894-5420-3).
K–Gr. 3. Sharp color photos of baby animals illustrate this title in the Eyewitness Readers series that offers information about animal behavior and life cycles. It’s an excellent choice to introduce new readers to nonfiction.
(Booklist/July 2003)