Primary (ages 6-9)

Material appropriate for primary age groups

Bear’s Day Out

Bear usually spends his days singing to himself and wading playfully through the water in his cave by the sea. But then, one day, he hears the noises of the city traveling on the wind, and he decides to give city life a try. At first, the sights and smells are new and exciting. But when the hustle and bustle of the people, the markets, and the traffic all become too much for Bear, it will take a little bit of kindness from some helpful young strangers to get him back home again. Bestselling author Michael Rosen’s rhythmic text and Adrian Reynolds’ adorable, lively illustrations make this a perfect read-aloud for story time.

Holy Mole!: A Folktale From Mexico

When the Spanish viceroy comes for an unscheduled visit to the monastery, the cook goes into a frenzy. What will they feed this important ambassador to the king? Carlos, the orphan boy who works in the kitchen, tries to stay out of the way as lunch is hastily prepared, but his curiosity gets the best of him. His eagerness results in a moment of crisis, followed by what Brother Roberto can only assume is a miracle. This story, inspired by the Mexican folk tradition, explains the origins of mole, the popular national dish that combines chocolate with turkey, spices, and nuts.

Super Guinea Pig to the Rescue

Little guinea pig is obsessed with his favorite TV show and with its star, Super Guinea Pig. Every day he tunes in to watch Super Guinea Pig save the world from evil and terrible disasters. And every day he ignores his friends—an old hound dog, a yellow bird, and a plump goldfish—to watch his hero. When they start making fun of little guinea pig and asking why his new best friend never visits him, he dresses up as Super Guinea Pig to teach his friends a lesson. Leaping and acting like his hero, little guinea pig gets himself into a bit of trouble and calls upon Super Guinea Pig for help. His real friends save him the day.

The Mammoth Academy

Oscar and his sister, Arabella, are starting their first year at the Mammoth Academy. Oscar isn’t fond of schoolwork, but he loves learning outdoor sports and becoming best friends with Fox. Things are going wonderfully, until the cook’s oranges are stolen and Oscar spots some MYSTERIOUS TRACKS. Whatever made the MYSTERIOUS TRACKS has only two feet. Could it be those wild and dangerous animals called humans?

Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World

This lively compilation of wishing traditions from around the world is sure to educate and inspire young readers. Each charming tradition provides insight into the cultures of lands far and near while reminding us of the similarities we all share. Includes Japan, China, Thailand, Russia, Iran, Israel, India, Australia, South Africa, Italy, Ireland, Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, and the USA!

The Day I Became A Canadian: A Citizenship Scrapbook

On a snowy morning, little Xiao Ling Li and her parents are about to take part in a ceremony — one that will make them Canadian citizens. To record the day for her new brother or sister, she decides to keep a scrapbook to treasure the day. The Day I Became a Canadian is not only the story of one special girl and her family, it is a tribute to Canada. Xiao Ling Li’s scrapbook is a useful resource that is full of information for anyone embarking on the road to becoming a citizen.

Love, Splat

It’s Valentine’s Day and Splat has a special valentine for a certain someone in his class. Her name is Kitten, and Splat likes her even more than fish sticks and ice cream. But Kitten doesn’t seem to like him at all—she always ties his tail and pokes his belly when she sees him. And then there’s Splat’s rival, Spike, who also likes Kitten. Will Splat’s heartfelt valentine win Kitten’s paw in the end? In this funny follow-up to Splat the Cat, Rob Scotton captures the highs and lows of a first crush with humor and understanding.

The Peace Bell

Yuko’s grandmother remembers that when she was a little girl many years ago in Japan, her town’s beautiful temple bell was taken away to be used as scrap metal for the war effort. She thought she’d never see it again. After the war the bell was brought to America by a U. S. Navy crew who found it abandoned in a Japanese shipyard. Most amazing of all, the bell was later returned to Japan as a gesture of friendship between the former warring countries.

Tyrannosaurus Drip

The duckbill dinosaurs live across the river from the T-Rex’s. The duckbills are peaceful plant-eaters. The T’s are scary meat-eaters. When a duckbill egg hatches in the T’s nest, both the new baby and the T-Rex family must try very hard to get along. But the little dinosaur, nicknamed Drip by his new family, soon proves he’s not such a drip after all—in fact, he’s a real hero! Dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages will cheer for Drip in this timeless story about little versus big, by the author of the beloved and bestselling picture book, The Gruffalo.