From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Twelve year old Claudia, with her younger brother in tow, runs away from home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to live. The two adapt to their new situation and find a mystery to solve that will lead them home again.

The author captures the voice of the oldest child and the sleights felt. Who didn't wish to crawl into a bed at a museum and just sleep there?

Konigsburg, E.L. (2002). From the mixed-up files of mrs. basil e. frankweiler. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperbacks.
ISBN: 0689711816
Illustrated by the author

The Napping House by Audrey Wood

Members of a household are sleeping soundly only to be woken when a flea bites the dog. Repetitive text encourages participation. The colors used in the book mimic the activity in the house.

I loved the colors in this book. The soothing blues and greens when sleeping slowly give way to bright yellow when the full household awakes. Children will respond to repeating the text as a new member of the household is added to the bed.

Wood, A. (1984). The napping house. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
ISBN: 0152567089
Illustrated by Don Wood

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

Mr and Mrs Mallard look for a safe place to raise their ducklings in the city of Boston. The first location, the Public Garden, is not safe enough for hatchlings so they settle on a second locations. After the ducklings are born and learn some skills, Mrs Mallard leads them on an adventure by land back to the Public Garden to live. The drawings illustrate the story and include actual places in Boston.

Great story! My favorite part is "...and when Mrs Mallard heard them she was so proud she tipped her nose in the air and walked along with an extra swing in her waddle." I can just see a duck doing that! Observing animals was a part of my childhood and I think it must have been of the author's to write this story. The drawings are full of activity supporting the story which provide more details for children.

McCloskey, R. (1969). Make way for ducklings. New York, NY: The Viking Press.
ISBN: 0670451495
Illustrated by the author

Meerkat Mail by Emily Gravett

Sunny, a meerkat, lives with his family and begins to feel boxed in and restless. He sets off to explore the world looking for greener pastures, sending postcards home as he reaches each destination. After 6 days, he returns home after realizing this is where he belongs.

Meerkats are too cute and the illustrations capture their personality just right. The story is a familiar one however I enjoyed it. Children will like the postcards and learning about meerkats. I found myself eagerly turning over the postcards! The illustrations add more to the story then what is written.

Gravett, E. (2006). Meerkat mail. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 1416934731
Illustrated by the author.