I have spent lots of time looking at all of the CYBILS Shortlists. I was on the group that chose the Nonfiction Picture book finalists and I LOVE that list. If you haven't had time to look at all of the great books on the shortlists, I would definitely suggest it. The thing I LOVE about the CYBILS is all of the great categories. When the final lists come out on January 1, every year, I go through to add to my next-read stacks. One of my favorite categories in the CYBILS is Easy Readers/Short Chapter Books. I have always worry that our new readers move from great picture books to difficult chapter books far too quickly. These early chapter books are so important for transitional readers and it is hard to find good ones. So, I was thrilled to find one from the CYBILS list that I LOVED! GOOD DOG, AGGGIE by Lori Ries and illustrated by Frank W. Dormer. There is lots to like about this books. Kids will like it because it is about a dog who just can't learn to obey his owner, Ben. But from a teacher's perspective, I like it because it is a great story that is so supportive of readers who are new to chapter books. First off, the colors and the illustration are bright and colorful. It is immediately engaging. This book is about 48 pages and there are illustrations on every page. The book is divided into three chapters that follow a sequence. There is enough predictability that it supports readers and enough surprise to make it fun. A perfect book for transitional readers and also one that kids beyond the transitional stage will also love!
Oh I want to read this one. I very much do.
ReplyDeleteOh, this is great. My 6 y.o. will be ready for this soon, and I feel like it's a niche that needs more filling.
ReplyDeleteI often worry that so many of the early chapter books are junk. So kids read such rich picture books and then go on to books that are formulaic and boring. It's wonderful to see the Cybils list full of great books for these readers.
ReplyDeleteGreat info! I completely agree that finding good and properly leveled first chapter books is very important. Often kids who have mastered reading picture books want to transition into chapter books, but become discouraged since they are still not ready to read it. Plus, so many of them promote bad behavior.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
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My students and I love the Aggie and Ben books--we've all had a puppy like Aggie, or been as untalented at times as Aggie.
ReplyDeleteA correction. Aggie and Ben is written by Lori Ries and illustrated by Frank Dormer.
Thanks for the heads up about the author, Pat. I fixed the post!
ReplyDeleteI was on the Cybils Easy Readers panel and I'm so glad I got to read Good Dog, Aggie. My 6yo loves it and my 2yo does too. I think it's an excellent book for a new reader and great to read to someone younger as well.
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