Primary (ages 6-9)

Material appropriate for primary age groups

A New Year’s Reunion

Little Maomao’s father works in faraway places and comes home just once a year, for Chinese New Year. At first Maomao barely recognizes him, but before long the family is happily making sticky rice balls, listening to firecrackers, and watching the dragon dance in the streets below. Papa gets a haircut, makes repairs to the house, and hides a lucky coin for Maomao to find. Which she does! But all too soon it is time for Papa to go away again.

See the review at WOW Review, Volume IV, Issue 4

The Scar

When his mother dies, a little boy is angry at his loss but does everything he can to hold onto the memory of her scent, her voice, and the special things she did for him, even as he tries to help his father and grandmother cope.

Mouse & Lion

On a ridge above the Kalihari, Lion naps, until Mouse bumbles into him, willy-nilly, startling him awake. After a show of teeth, Lion is softened by Mouse’s pledge of loyalty and sets him free. When a cold moon brings a humbling lesson, Lion comes to recognize Mouse’s keen skill, and deeper kindness.

The Pet Shop Revolution

A fearless fur and feather escape. Viva la revolution! Mr. Walnut just might be the world’s meanest pet shop owner! His pet shop is cold and dark, and the animals all live in very small cages. When a little girl named Mina can’t find her pet bunny, she’s sure that she must have gotten scooped up by Mr. Walnut. Can Mina save her beloved pet and lead the other animals to freedom?

Tom Thumb

A stunning collection of Grimms’ tales from bestselling author and illustrator Eric Carle! Eric Carle brings to life four tales written by the brothers Grimm with his gorgeous illustrations and charming retelling of the classic stories. These tales capture the interest and imagination of children and adults alike, showing that while we might wish and wander, we should be grateful for what we have and where we are in life. Beautifully reissued, this new book has all the enchantment of Eric Carle’s art, plus the compelling storytelling and morals of Grimms’ tales.

Dancing on Grapes

It’s September, time for the annual grape harvest, one of the happiest times in Tuscany.

On the first day of the harvest, Claudia’s aunts, uncles, and cousins have come to her home to gather the grapes from the vineyard. Harvesting grapes is hard work, but Claudia knows it can be fun, too. At the end of the day, her family will celebrate with pizzas filled with ricotta cheese and sausages and olives.

But the most fun of all will be what Claudia has been dreaming about all year: crushing the grapes. Now she is old enough to join her cousins and stomp the grapes in the big tub. But the tub is on top of the cantina, and Claudia is afraid of heights. Will she muster the courage to climb the ladder to the top? Or will she wait until next year to join in the fun?