Counting pennies...

Harris, Trudy (2008). Jenny Found a Penny. 32 pages. Grades K-3.

A great book to introduce children to counting money. Jenny finds coins around her home and earns money through doing chores. She's trying to save up for a special gift, but when she finally reaches her goal of $1.00, Jenny encounters a few obstacles. Will she be able to bring her gift home?

Folklore from China

Poole, Amy Lowry. How the Rooster Got His Crown. Grades K-3.

In this Miao tale, there are six suns in the sky, which threaten the farmers' crops. The emperor calls together his wise men to come up with a solution, but no one can solve the problem completely, until the rooster comes along.

Other folktales you may enjoy:

Demi. The Empty Pot.
Louie, Ai-Ling. Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China.
Yep, Laurence. The Man Who Tricked a Ghost.

Ellery, Tom and Amanda (2006). If I Had a Dragon. (Ages 3-7)

Morton doesn't want to play with his little brother. He wishes that his little brother could turn into a dragon. Find out if Morton enjoys having a dragon for a brother or if he might just change his mind.

MacLennan, Cathy (2007). Chicky Chicky Chook Chook. (Ages 3-7)

Your little ones will enjoy reading and singing the playful rhyming text of this story. Yellow chicks, stiped kittens, and golden bees have fun playing until it begins to rain and thunder. How will they get dry again?

Rockwell, Anne (2006). Backyard Bear. (Gr.K-3)

A young black bear is ready to be on his own, but as he ventures out into the woods he finds bulldozers and chainsaws cutting down his home. He runs away from the noise and explores people's backyards where he searches for food and finds garbage. What will happen when the people see the bear?

Rainy Weekend - nothing to do?

Bronco Charlie and the Pony Express, Marleen Targ Brill (Gr. 2-4) 46 p.
Children who love to read adventure stories and nonfiction will enjoy reading about a boy named Charlie Miller who in 1861 became the youngest rider for the Pony Express. Try other books in the “On My Own History” series, including Allen Jay and the Underground Railroad, Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie, and Saving the Liberty Bell.

Keeker and the Sugar Shack, Hadley Higginson (Gr. 2-4) 46 p.
Meet Keeker, a nine year old girl who lives in Vermont and owns a pony named Plum. In the third book of the “Sneaky Pony Series,” Keeker and Plum decide to investigate a new neighbor who has moved in next door. Keeker thinks that her neighbor might be a witch, but first impressions aren’t always right.

Today I Will Fly, Mo Willems (Gr. K-3) 57 p.
If your child loved Willems’ picture books, such as “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” he/she will equally love Today I Will Fly. Piggie announces to elephant that she will fly, but elephant is skeptical. Despite elephant’s negative outlook, Piggie is confident and says “I will try” and asks her friends for help. This is a great story that encourages children to ask for help, but to never give up.

The Curious Demise of a Contrary Cat, Lynne Berry (PreS - Gr. 1)
The story of a cat who is always busy doing something other than what his owner, the witch, asks. Find out what becomes of this contrary cat. Kids and parents will enjoy the creative rhyming and repetitive text that is accompanied by black and white Edward Gorey-like illustrations.