Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Pippi lives with her pet monkey and her horse in her home, Villa Villekulla. She is so strong she can lift a horse, so self sufficient she can cook all her meals and so clever she doesn't have to go to school. Everyday with Pippi is an adventure and Tommy and Annika can't wait to join her on them. Pippi is irreverent, humorous and does just what she wants!

In this book, it is apparent the author understands children's impulses. Pippi's why not attitude and her common sense are appealing. Why wouldn't you draw a friendly face on the walls? Why not invite the horse in to live? Each chapter is a new adventure with Pippi and captivates the imagination. The situations and words are silly and mostly familiar to children even today. Unfamiliar words will not stop a reader from understanding the story. Worth reading again at any age!

Lindgren, A. (1978). Pippi longstocking. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 0881037761
Illustrated by Louis S. Glanzman
Translated by Florence Lamborn

Amber Brown is Feeling Blue by Paula Danziger

Amber Brown learns the lesson that decisions can be difficult to make and the end result doesn't make everyone happy when she must choose between spending Thanksgiving with her father or her mother. On top of this, a new girl starts school who has a colorful name too and Amber Brown doesn't know how to feel about this. The story is told from a first person narrative.

The author's choice of the name Amber Brown and the speaking style (I, Amber Brown...) used throughout the book made it enjoyable to read. The repetition of her name provides word recognition helping children feel they can get through a big book. The first person style draws in the reader and makes Amber feel like a real person.

It is a modern story dealing with the impact of divorce on a child and the feelings and situations that occur when parents begin dating. Amber's friends and scenes set in school are recognizable to what children encounter each day. There are some illustrations throughout the book but they are not the focus.

Danziger, P. (1998). Amber brown is feeling blue. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0439071682
Illustrated by Tony Ross

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

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

Peter Hatcher's account of the injustices and problems he has because of his 3 year old brother, Fudgie. Among these problems are temper tantrums, smearing mashed potatoes on walls, Fudgie's broken front teeth and ruined homework. Illustrations are not used.

This is the first of the transitional books that I read. Transitional books use simple words and short sentences. Stories should be compelling and applicable to the age group and each chapter contains a standalone story within it.

This book fit the descriptors above. Any oldest child can relate to the change in rules, injustices, burdens and embarassments that come along with a younger sibling. Even as an adult, I can remember the same feelings Peter expresses. Each chapter tells of an incident that Peter faces with Fudgie. The author's words and sentences ring true of a child at this age. For example, calling your brother Fang when he loses his two front teeth feels exactly right. The stories and environments are familiar to children. Excellent book.

Blume, J. (1972). Tales of a fourth grade nothing. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 9780142408810