FROG AND TOAD ARE FRIENDS Author: Arnold Lobel
We must include this classic friendship story! It is a story about a great friendship between Toad and Frog. Frog is like the sunshine and Toad needs that sunshine. Toad likes to sleep while Frog likes to bring joy. Their respect for each other even when they disagree is refreshing and relatable to kids. Each chapter in this book is actually a separate story and the reading level is perfect for read alouds or for early independent readers. The earthy illustrations add a sweet touch that makes this book a true classic.
DOGGO AND PUPPER Author: Katharine Applegate
“Every night Cat asked, “How was your day, Doggo?” Every night Doggo said, “Same old, same old.” Then he would wink at the smiling moon and say, “Could have been worse.”
Doggo is content with his predictable routine of eating, napping, going for walks, and just generally being the dog of his house. His human is worried that Doggo is bored and brings home the very spunky Pupper. Pupper is playful, messy, and having a ball in his new home when the humans decide it is time for him to learn basic behavior at charm school. Returning home, Pupper is just not the same. He sits. He stays. But Doggo soon realizes that Pupper also isn’t happy. So Doggo steps in to help, and rediscovers what it means to have fun.
This bright, colorful book is a hit with elementary age readers. The illustrations cover the full page giving it a graphic novel feel while still using 2-3 sentences per page instead of text bubbles. Short chapters appeal to beginning readers moving into chapter style books. Great for a read aloud or for early independent readers.
BINK AND GOLLIE Author: Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee
Two friends with very different personalities…and sizes must learn to accommodate each other in this delightful story. Bink is tiny but exuberant while Gollie is more reserved but has an amazing imagination. Despite their differences the two friends find ways to compromise and encourage each other so that they can enjoy things together.
The artwork adds to the fun by capturing the personalities of each of the girls and telling a little more of the story behind the text. I loved the the rainbow sock that was a dispute in Chapter 1 makes an appearance in Chapters 2 and 3 also, showing how the girls were able to compromise and move on. Quick moving plot, short chapters and fun illustrations make this story appealing for read alouds or for emerging readers.
FROG AND FRIENDS Author: Eve Bunting
Frog loves nothing more than spending time floating in his pond or visiting his friends. He appreciates the simple things and would prefer that everything stay peaceful and quiet. In each chapter of Frog and Friends” Frog encounters a problem and solves it with the help of his friends. Bright illustrations and a clever sense of humor make this a fun read aloud. Frog reminds me a bit of Winnie the Pooh and each chapter of this book is silly and funny, but also speaks to familiar and helpful topics, such as friendship, sharing, misunderstanding, and the comforts of home.
DIGBY AND KATE Author: Barbara Baker
Digby the dog and Kate the cat may be unlikely friends but they certainly are good ones! Although they sometimes don’t see eye to eye, they always agree that spending time together is their favorite thing to do. Each chapter of this book is a separate short story with a clever conflict and solution. Bright illustrations and easy to read sentences with text repetition is perfect for young readers moving into chapter books.
