An almost wordless book about a puppy who is looking for a playmate. None of the animals in the pasture want to play "Stick" until another puppy comes along and the others get the idea and make off with the stick. But, never mind, the two puppy dogs have something better--each other. A good choice for encouraging children to tell their own stories in their own words.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Piggie found a polka dotted ball, but then a BIG guy took it. Gerald does his best to get it back until he sees just how BIG the guy is. As always, Mo Willems manages to create a small drama that is told in few words for the beginning reader. This one really has a simple enough text for early readers to find their way through. It also says something worth saying about big guys not always being as powerful and happy as little guys think they are. 6-8

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Monkey and Elephant are friends, but Monkey thinks Elephant is copying her and she doesn't like it. When Elephant comes down with a cold, Monkey takes good care of him and when he gets better--can you guess what will happen next? Nicely told and illustrated with lively art. Perfect for 2nd level beginning readers.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Just one word and a plaintive playful dog carry this otherwise wordless book on a delightful romp. From the moment he wakes, dog interacts with family and his own lively imagination seeking someone who will play ball! Reading the pictures and telling what's happening is an excellent way to develop comprehension as well as storytelling skills. 4-8

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Meet Dodsworth, a sophisticated traveler, who is off to Japan with his duck. Will duck behave? That is the question. On his whirlwind tour of Japan, Dodsworth introduces duck to many seemingly strange customs, using a Japanese word for each as he explains. Illustrations, language, and humor give a new look to this relatively mid-level easy to read story. 2nd grade.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Three of our favorite Pigeon stories come scaled down and packed in a cardboard book case. Easy-to-read and lively, these are a great choice for beginning readers. Wry humor, action, and limited text instill a love of reading and a sense of success for first graders.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

When Penny receives a gift from her Gram, she is thrilled to have a pretty new doll. But what is the doll's name? Papa says she will find the right name and Penny does exactly that. An easy to read book that beginning readers, who are fond of dolls, will relate to and find success reading. Level 1.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

An amusing, if predictable, story about Dixie, a dog who wants to run in the relay race with her girl, Emma. When Emma drops the baton you know who is going to cross the finish line. Told with a minimum of words for the true beginner. Lively and light reading for building success. Level 1.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Piggie and Elephant Gerald are planning to go for a drive. Of course, first they have to gather all the essentials for their trip--a map, sunglasses, an umbrella, bags...but wait. What about a car? Does Piggie have a car? Does Elephant? Gosh, what now? Leave it to this imaginative pair to find a satisfying solution. Written for the beginning reader, this has tons of repetition that will give 1st graders the pleasure of being enabled to read the whole thing with a little help. Level 1

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Though the shape is larger than the usual easy-to-read series book, this true beginner's book uses very few words and colorful illustrations that will appeal to new readers. Fun for working on rhyming, as well. Level 1

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.