At 
the end of 2017, I made a pledge. I challenged myself to review good books every month in 2018, particularly books that haven’t gotten as much love as I feel they deserve. I call it Kidlit Karma because I’m aiming to spread the love for books that I love.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I moved into a new house earlier this month. Lucky for me my critique partner and fellow kidlit writer, Katherine Rothstein, has agreed to share her summer kidlit reading list for this month’s review. You can follow her on Twitter at @krothsteinslp2.
Take it away Katherine!
It’s officially summer! Whether you hit the beach, lounge in your hammock, or float around the pool it’s the perfect time to read a good book. I am a speech pathologist, kidlit lover, and mommy of two. My daughter is one eager reader and enjoys reading everything from the back of a shampoo bottle to novels. My son has particularly high standards, and he prefers a read with humor and loads of action. One thing they have in common…they both LOVE funny. Determined to keep them reading all summer, I’ve strategically created a book exchange with their friends, designed enticing book displays throughout the house, and even tucked a book or two under their pillows. Here are a few of our favorites:
PICTURE BOOKS
I am a huge advocate of rhyming books for all ages but especially for children under six years old and emerging readers. Rhyme is an essential phonological awareness skill that is necessary when learning to read. Our brain best learns new words and information by classifying into categories. If a child can read Cat, they should also quickly learn Hat, Bat, Fat, Mat, Rat, and Sat. Plus, rhyming books are fun to read aloud!
MONSTERS NEW UNDIES by Samantha Berger and Tad Carpenter
MONSTER’S NEW UNDIES is adorable! Your tush will fall in love with this sweet little monster on a search for new undies.
Get MONSTERS NEW UNDIES on Amazon
FROG ON A LOG by Kes Gray and Jim Field
Every animal has a place to sit and conveniently, each animal’s seat rhymes with that animal’s name. But Frog does not want to sit on a log. “It’s not about being comfortable,” explains the cat. “It’s about doing the right thing.”
ONE BIG PAIR OF UNDERWEAR by Laura Gehl and Tom Lichtenheld
ONE BIG PAIR OF UNDERWEAR will show you that it is fun to count and share, and it all starts with one big pair of underwear.
Get ONE BIG PAIR OF UNDERWEAR on Amazon
EARLY READERS
Here are two that are laugh out loud funny. They teach a basic concept of opposites. They also offer fun and colorful illustrations to capture the attention of non-reading listeners.
STEVE AND WESLEY: THE ICE CREAM SHOP by Jennifer E. Morris
Get STEVE AND WESLEY: THE ICE CREAM SHOP on Amazon
THE LONG DOG by Eric Seltzer
GRAPHIC NOVELS
These are a hit with my reluctant reader. They have more text than early readers, deeper plots and fun illustrations to support the story. Best of all, they are hilarious!
THE BAD GUYS series by Aaron Blabey
A wolf, a piranha, a snake and a shark make up this Bad Guy team. They plan and execute missions to support their new image of being good. Full of humor to make any kid chuckle.
NARWHAL AND JELLY series by Ben Clanton
Narwhal and Jelly are awesome friends with big imaginations. This book has real fun fish facts and a waffle who battles a robot. Yep, all that excitement packed into 65 pages!
Get NARWHAL AND JELLY: THE UNICORN OF THE SEA on Amazon
MIDDLE GRADE
Okay, so these two favorites do not check the funny column, but they are sure to make you smile. And, who can resist a heart-warming story of friendship between a dog and their person?
CHESTER AND GUS by Cammie McGovern
Chester wants to be a service dog but fails his certification. A family adopts him in hopes that he will be a companion to their 10-year-old son with autism. Chester is lovable, smart and determined to find a way to connect with Gus and find his fit in this family.
BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE by Kate DiCamillo
There is a reason this book has received so much attention. The author has a way of making the characters come to life. A brilliant story about forgiveness and friendship.
Get BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE on Amazon
Have a fun summer and happy reading!