Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah and James Howe

Harold, the family dog, tells the tale of the introduction of Bunnicula, a rabbit, to the family and the problems that ensue. Chester the cat is convinced that Bunnicula is a vampire and goes to great lengths to prove this to the family with hilarious results.

This book was great fun to read. The author captured the personality of the dogs and cats perfectly. The dialogue is just what I imagine my cat or dog thinking sometimes. The chapters were short, 8-10 pages, and each chapter told of an event that concluded with the chapter end. Few illustrations were used but the story was engaging enough to keep a child interested. The humor was written to appeal to children and adults. I laughed out loud at times while reading the story especially when Chester dons the towel like a cape. A good choice for a child to move to a new level of reading.

Howe, D. and Howe, J. (1979). Bunnicula: A rabbit-tale of mystery. New York, NY: Avon Books.
ISBN: 0380510944
Illustrated by Alan Daniel

Nate the Great and the Pillowcase by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Rosalind Weinman

In the middle of the night, Nate the Great is called upon to solve the case of the missing pillowcase so Rosamond's cat, Big Rex, can fall asleep. After stopping at the diner, it is his dog, Sludge, who helps solve the case.

A mystery story written humorously and accompanied by simple illustrations that aid in solving the case alongside Nate the Great. The pages are covered mostly in text with simple sentences and mostly simple, known words. It is written for level two readers. Are milk bottles familiar to kids these days?

Sharmat, M. W. and Weinman, R. (1993). Nate the great and the pillowcase. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.
ISBN: 038531051X
Illustrated by Marc Simont

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Kitten mistakes her first full moon for a saucer of milk. She chases and climbs after the saucer only to be disappointed. Until the end of the evening, her owner places a saucer of milk on the porch for her. The book is illustrated in black and white drawings.

A very cute book! The text is simple and large on the page. Kitten's adventures are shown beautifully through the illustrations. They complement the text and are even larger than the text which will hold children's attention.

Henkes, K. (2004). Kitten's first full moon. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.
ISBN: 0060588284
Illustrated by the author