Our favorite books for 2nd graders
The Adventures of Taxi Dog
by: Debra & Sal Barracca, illustrated by: Mark Buehner - (Dial Books for Young Readers, 1990) 32 pages.
A stray dog in New York City is adopted by a taxi driver, with whom he rides and shares adventures each day.
Perfect for: Kids who like adventure stories.
Find The Adventures of Taxi Dog at your local library.
Sneakers, the Seaside Cat
by: Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by: Anne Mortimer - (HarperCollins, 2003) 32 pages.
Sneakers goes on a trip to the seaside, where he finds many curious creatures. He discovers fish to catch in the ocean and amuses himself with playful shrimp and crabs. Anne Mortimer’s bright and beautiful illustrations portray the cat’s spirited adventure in a way that your child will surely enjoy.
Perfect for: Kids who like adventure stories.
Find Sneakers, the Seaside Cat at your local library.
Dear Max
by: Sally Grindley, illustrated by: Tony Ross - (Simon & Schuster, 2006) 144 pages.
Max develops a friendship with his favorite author through the lost art of letter writing. The two give each other advice about writing, friendship and life in this touching story.
Perfect for: Kids who like making friends.
Find Dear Max at your local library.
Dogku
by: Andrew Clements, illustrated by: Tim Bowers - (Simon & Schuster, 2007) 40 pages.
Dogku is a clever and sweet little story about a stray dog who finds a loving home. Such plots are a staple of children’s literature and entertainment, but what sets this book apart is the method of telling the tale — each page is written in haiku. … For example, Clements writes: “Morning brings children/Hugs, licks, barking, and laughing./Warmer than sunshine.” The oil on canvas illustrations by Tim Bowers are just as warm and cheerful as the text. There is a helpful author’s note at the end of the book, giving a simple and enthusiastic explanation of haiku for the child reader. … A novel way for young children to experiment with language.
Perfect for: Kids who like making friends.
Find Dogku at your local library.
Fox and His Friends
by: Edward Marshall, illustrated by: James Marshall - (Dial Press, 1982) 56 pages.
How can Fox have fun with his friends when his little sister tags along everywhere he goes? Your child will love finding out if Louise really does spoil all the fun.
Perfect for: Kids who like making friends.
Find Fox and His Friends at your local library.
Frog and Toad Together
by: Arnold Lobel - (Harper Collins, 1972) 64 pages.
The hook: Frog and Toad are best friends who will do anything for each other. Your child will enjoy finding out about their escapades in five short chapters as the amphibious duo bake cookies, test their bravery and plant a garden together. If your child enjoys this chapter book, he may also like Frog and Toad All Year and Days with Frog and Toad. Newbery Honor, 1973.
Perfect for: Kids who like making friends.
Find our favorites at your local library: Frog and Toad Together, Frog and Toad All Year, Days with Frog and Toad.
We Are Best Friends
by: Aliki - (Greenwillow, 1982) 32 pages.
In this story, Robert and Peter struggle with how they can remain best friends after Peter moves away. Aliki’s simple illustrations and text capture the boys’ loneliness while sending a reassuring message that your child will appreciate.
Perfect for: Kids who like making friends.
Find We Are Best Friends at your local library.
Painted Dreams
by: Karen Lynn Williams - (Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1998) 40 pages.
Little Marie dreams about being an artist. Whenever she is not doing chores for her family, she uses leftover paints, feathers and goat hair to create new works of art. This beautifully illustrated story set in Haiti presents details about Haitian art and ways of life.
Perfect for: Kids who like art.
Find Painted Dreams at your local library.