New Worlds Reading

2022 Home Book Selections

January Selections

for the New Worlds Reading Initiative

After launching their reading journey with a high-interest book about space, students and their families will have the opportunity to explore new worlds and build their skills and confidence as readers by receiving a variety of fiction and nonfiction books . Based on their answers on a questionnaire that families completed when they enrolled in the program, children will build their home libraries with a set of books curated to expand their skills, stamina, interests, and identities as readers. We have scheduled the delivery of appealing titles for each month that have been carefully chosen to help support students’ literacy development . The progression of titles reflects books that offer the right amount of reading challenge—taking into consideration not only reading level formulas but also that all students need exposure to a variety of topics, genres, and text structures to grow as readers. The opportunity for read-aloud and shared reading experiences has also been considered, especially for the early grades. Having wonderful picture books with rich vocabulary helps lay a foundation for the development of stronger reading skills . For example, shipments for kindergarten and Grade 1 begin with titles designed to be read aloud. As students develop a love of reading, they will become partners in the experience and can revisit books on their own. Shared reading and read-aloud experiences are meaningful and enjoyable for children of any age . At higher grade levels, however, students will take on more independent reading. We have taken into consideration that students who are reading below grade level need accessible books that also appeal to their age group. For all students, selections throughout the year include age-appropriate best-sellers and award-winners . Students remain motivated and engaged in the program awaiting the next title.

Descriptions of titles selected for the January shipment are on the following pages. An asterisk in front of a title indicates that it comes from B.E.S.T. or another booklist provided by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning.

January Reading in English

GRADE K

Reading Focus: Kindergartners love funny animal stories. Talk about what makes the animal in the book so unusual and so special.

FAVORITE READ-ALOUDS *Clifford the Big Red Dog Written & illustrated by Norman Birdwell

FEELINGS & FRIENDSHIPS *I Love My White Shoes Written by Eric Litwin & illustrated by James Dean

What would it be like to have a dog that was as big as a house? This question has sparked the imaginations of young readers for generations. In this original story, a little girl gets a tiny puppy who grows

Pete is one cool cat! In this vibrant picture book inspired by a song, Pete doesn’t let anything keep him from movin’ and groovin’ and singin’ his song. Pete celebrates his new white sneakers as he saunters down the sidewalk. When he accidentally steps in an enormous pile of strawberries, he readily accepts their new hue: red! Whether his sneakers

up to be the biggest dog in the whole world. Appealing art helps readers connect with Clifford as a loveable character who is

always trying to help! Children and families who have seen Clifford on TV or in the new movie might especially enjoy getting to know the book that started it all.

turn blue or brown or white or wet, it’s all cool for Pete. Kindergartners and their families will love the simple, playful text, and its repetitive structure invites print awareness as well as reading and singing along.

Art

Humor

Science

Music/Dance

GRADE 1

Reading Focus: Invite children to participate as you read by pointing out repeating words and patterns. Use hand and body motions to help first-graders build vocabulary and connect with the actions in the book.

AMAZING ANIMALS *Bee Dance Written & illustrated by Rick Chrustowski

FEELINGS & FRIENDSHIPS Rita and Ralph’s Rotten Day Written by Carmen Agra Deedy & illustrated by Pete Oswald Every day best friends Rita and Ralph go up and down the hills between their home until they meet in the middle to play. Their adventures are always fun—until one rotten day when a new game means someone ends up crying. Who knew it could be so hard to say, “I’m sorry?” Carmen Agra Deedy’s rhythmic, energetic storytelling combined with Pete Oswald’s expressive illustrations make for a comforting tale of healing and true

What would it be like to see the world through the eyes of a honeybee? In this book, readers are invited to imagine that they are a bee that finds some nectar, and then returns to the hive to do a waggle dance—a special figure- eight pattern—to share the location with its hive mates. First-graders and their

families will enjoy the perfectly paired vocabulary and pictures that bring science to life. As families read together, they may want to try acting out how the bee sips, soars, and does a waggle dance.

friendship. First-graders and their families will enjoy the patterns that repeat throughout the story as they read this book together.

Science

Nature

Art

Adventure

JANUARY ’ S READ I NG I N ENGL I SH

GRADE 2

Reading Focus: New words become part of the fun of reading as second-graders grow their reading and speaking vocabularies.

EXPLORING THE WORLD AROUND US Bark in the Park! Written by Avery Corman & illustrated by Hyewon Yum Humorous short rhymes

KIDS CAN DO ANYTHING The Word Collector Written & illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him—short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower. Jerome wants to collect them all! But what will he do when he has bundles

inspired by 38 dog breeds accompany a girl, her dad, and her own pup as they

observe other owners with their dogs in a park. The illustrations capture each dog’s personality and contribute to the fun. Reading poetry might be a new experience for some second graders.

and bundles of words? Peter H. Reynolds’s story and art will inspire children and their families to search out wonderful words and share them with others.

They might decide to read just a few poems each day and then pick one or two favorites to practice reading aloud to share with other family members and friends.

Art

Humor

Nature

GRADE 3

Reading Focus: The books that third-graders will read offer information in a variety of ways. This month’s books each combine facts and fiction in a unique way. Families can encourage their third-graders to share interesting facts they learn and discuss the fictional characters in these books.

AMAZING ANIMALS Fly Guy Presents: Insects Written & illustrated by Tedd Arnold

KIDS CAN DO ANYTHING Saffron Ice Cream Written & illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

Popular characters Fly Guy and Buzz add comic appeal in this colorful and clever introduction to the amazing world of insects. Award-winning author/illustrator Tedd Arnold has created a book packed with science facts, humorous asides, and informative photographs throughout. Third-graders will find a lot of new information as well as tons of fun as they explore this book.

In this story inspired by the author’s own family history, Rashin is excited about her first visit to the beach in America. On the way there, she remembers what beach trips were like in Iran, the beautiful Caspian Sea, Persian music, and most of all, the saffron ice cream she shared with her best friend, Azadeh. But there are wonderful things in this new place as

well—new music, new ice cream flavors—and maybe even a new friend. Third-graders and their families will enjoy this book’s clever storytelling built on contrasting Rashin’s past and present.

Science

Nature

Humor

History

Adventure

New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in English: January | 3

JANUARY ’ S READ I NG I N ENGL I SH

GRADE 4

Reading Focus: Fourth-graders enjoy noticing details in the books they read, and this month they find the opportunity to see how the details add up. This month’s reading offers them the opportunity to look for clues and anticipate what might happen next.

NATURE & ANIMALS Who Would Win? Alligators vs Pythons Written by Jerry Pallotta & illustrated by Rob Bolster

ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS Key Hunters: The Mysterious Moonstone Written by Eric Luper

Facts and photos provide a contrast between two types of fierce predators— alligators and pythons—comparing their sizes, brain structures, and abilities. Fourth-graders will love using the book’s easy-to-read science facts and their own reasoning skills to decide for themselves which creature would be the winner if they ever were to meet in battle.

Cleo and Evan enter a secret room in their school library and find a collection of books so dangerous that they are locked up tight. They discover that a friend has vanished into the pages of one of these books, and enter the pages of a mystery book to rescue her. The two are now in England in the 1890s and must help a young Sherlock Holmes find a missing diamond. Solving the mystery is the only way they can escape the book! Fourth-graders will enjoy searching for clues along with Cleo and Eric in this fast-paced book.

Nature

Science

History

GRADE 5

Reading Focus: This month fifth-graders get to enjoy books from one of the most popular series in print for their age group. They will build their reading stamina as they experience easy-to-read but interest level–appropriate best-selling historical novels where the suspense builds from chapter to chapter.

EXPLORING THE NATURAL WORLD I Survived the Galveston Hurricane, 1900 Written by Lauren Tarshis

KIDS CAN DO ANYTHING I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 Written by Lauren Tarshis

In 1900, Galveston was Texas’s richest and most important city. Just a few years before, a weather forecaster had said the idea of a hurricane striking Galveston was absurd. So when a storm started brewing on September 8, 1900, people gathered on the beach to cheer on the wild waves. But what started as entertainment soon turned into a nightmare as those waves crashed into the city. In this thrilling installment of

The ordeal of Hurricane Katrina is brought vividly to life in this fictional account of a boy, a dog, and the storm of the century. Barry’s family tries to evacuate before Hurricane Katrina hits their home in New Orleans. But when Barry’s little sister gets terribly sick, they’re forced to stay home and wait out the storm. At first Katrina doesn’t seem to be as bad as predicted. But overnight the levees break, and Barry’s

Lauren Tarshis’s I Survived series, fifth-graders will keep turning pages to discover what happens when a boy named Charlie battles the treacherous waters to make sure his neighbors are safe.

world is literally torn apart when he’s swept away from his family by the flood waters. Fifth-graders will be gripped by the suspense as they follow Barry’s story.

History

Adventure

Nature

January Reading in Spanish

GRADE K

Reading Focus: Kindergartners love funny animal stories. Talk about what makes the animal in the book so unusual and so special.

LECTURAS DIVERTIDAS/FUN READS Twinkle, Twinkle, You’re a Star!/¡Estrellita, brillarás! Adapted and illustrated by John John Bajet

NOSOTROS/ALL ABOUT US Grande y Pequeño son buenos amigos (Big and Little Are Best Friends) Written & illustrated by Michael Garland

Children will dive under the sea to sing and dance with Baby Shark and all his friends in this bilingual underwater twist on “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”! With messages of encouragement and confidence- building, Baby Shark and his friends remind Starfish of all the ways she is a star, encouraging her

Big is an elephant, Little is a mouse. Big enjoys soft music, warm weather, and small bites of savory foods. But Little prefers a loud drum jam, icy skiing weather, and lots of sweets! But can they still be best friends? This

charming rhyming concept book about opposites reminds us that in the end, best friends can be different as night and day, while introducing positional words such as up and down, geometric vocabulary like square and round.

to share her glow, twinkle boldly, and shine bright!

Art

Humor

Music/Dance

Adventure

Nature

Science

GRADE 1

Reading Focus: Invite children to participate as you read by pointing out words. Use hand and body motions to help first- graders build vocabulary and connect with the actions in the book.

LECTURAS DIVERTIDAS/FUN READS ¿Se lo comió un oso? (Maybe a Bear Ate It!) Written by Robie H. Harris & illustrated by Michael Emberley What happens when a favorite book goes missing? This story climbs into the mind of a young child and creates a super-silly picture book romp. As the frantic search for the beloved book takes off, all sorts of horrifying thoughts come to mind and the imagination goes wild. The names of different animals are highlighted throughout the book, including the prehistoric stegosaurus!

NOSOTROS/ALL ABOUT US *Clifford el gran perro colorado (Clifford the Big Red Dog) Written & illustrated by Norman Birdwell

Clifford as a loveable character who is always trying to help! Children and families who have seen Clifford on TV or in the new movie might especially enjoy getting to know the book that started it all.

Art

Adventure

History

Art

Science

JANUARY ’ S READ I NG I N SPAN I SH

GRADE 2

Reading Focus: New words become part of the fun or reading as second-graders grow their reading and speaking vocabularies.

LECTURAS DIVERTIDAS/FUN READS

NOSOTROS/ALL ABOUT US ¡Hola, Cangrejito! (Hello, Crabby!) Written & illustrated by Jonathan Fenske

¡Adiós, Óscar! Una fábula de mariposas

Una fábula de mariposas de Peter Elwell Ósscar Adiós,

nas bellas alas que lo llevarán ga siesta, se encuentra con una drá ir a México… ¿O será que sí?

(Adios, Oscar! A Butterfly Fable)

Crabby is NOT happy. Sun is in Crabby’s eyes. Salt is in Crabby’s teeth. Sand is in Crabby’s shell. Plankton tries again and again to cheer Crabby up—with laugh-out-loud results! Will Crabby ever crack a smile? Or will Crabby always be crabby? With comic speech bubbles and full-color artwork throughout, Geisel Award Honoree Jonathan

Written & illustrated by Peter Elwell While reading this fresh, funny story about Óscar, a feisty caterpillar, children will learn about the migration of Monarch butterflies. When Óscar discovers that he will one day become

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a butterfly and fly to Mexico, he’s overjoyed. To prepare, Óscar learns Spanish and dreams of flying through the purple Sierra Madre Mountains. But when he emerges from his cocoon with stubby little wings, a craving for the taste of designer sweaters, and the urge to take a spin around the bathroom light bulb, his dreams are dashed. There will be no trip to Mexico for Óscar—or will there?

Fenske’s early reader book is sure to be a hit!

Music/Dance

History

Nature

Science

Adventure

Humor

Art

Science

GRADE 3

LECTURAS DIVERTIDAS/FUN READS Lugares del mundo (Where in the World) By Laaren Brown With this book, children will visit

NOSOTROS/ALL ABOUT US Así vamos a la escuela (This Is the Way We Go to School) Written by Edith Baer & illustrated by Steve Björkman

famous buildings on every continent in a best-ever world tour. In Europe, they will climb the Eiffel Tower, fight at the Colosseum, and lean with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In Asia, they will visit the ruined city of Angkor Wat and the serene Taj Mahal. And in the Americas they will find themselves amid Mayan ruins before traveling north to the Statue of

Enthusiastic children around the world are on their way to school. But how do they get there? The answers are as varied as the landscapes, which range from Egypt’s sandy desert to

Switzerland’s snowy peaks. Jaunty rhymes and exuberant watercolors celebrate the individuality of each locale, and there are plenty of humorous details to please eagle-eyed readers as they join their fellow students to travel by ferry, trolley car, helicopter, and more.

Liberty and the Empire State Building.

Art

History

Nature

Science

Adventure

Humor

Music

Dance

New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Spanish: January | 7

GRADE 4

LECTURAS DIVERTIDAS/FUN READS El Capitán Calzoncillos y la furia de la Supermujer Macroelastica (Captain Underpants: Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman) Written & illustrated by Dav Pilkey

NOSOTROS/ALL ABOUT US Rurrú camarón: Antología de poetas latinoamericanos (Rurrú Camarón: An Anthology of Latin American Poets) Written by Ana Garralón & illustrated by Rebeca Luciani

In this book from the hugely popular Captain Underpants series, George and Harold have created a monster! She’s faster, stronger, and smarter than anything the world has seen before: she’s Wedgie Woman! With the help of her horrible robots and her horrendous hairdo, Wedgie Woman is on

From vultures and penguins to seahorses and scorpions, this anthology offers a selection of 32 of the best works about animals by Latin American poets. Children will learn in a simple yet lyrical way about animals. The selection is divided into three blocks: “They soar through the air,” “They come from the water,” and “They are on earth.”

a mission to take over the world, and she’ll give a whopping wedgie to anyone who stands in her way, including Captain Underpants.

Adventure

Art

Music/Dance

History

Humor

Nature

Science

GRADE 5

Reading Focus: This month fifth graders get to enjoy popular books for their age group. They will build their reading stamina as they experience an easy to read but interest-level appropriate historical novels in which the suspense builds from chapter to chapter.

LECTURAS DIVERTIDAS/FUN READS El último cuento (The Last Story) Written by Rodolfo Castro & illustrated by Enrique Torralba and Carlos Vélez

NOSOTROS/ALL ABOUT US Allie, ganadora por fin (Allie, First at Last) By Angela Cervantes

No better feeling exists in the world than stepping to the top of a winner’s podium and hoisting a trophy high in the air. At least that’s what Allie thinks; unlike everyone else in her family, she’s never actually won anything before. But when a prestigious science fair is announced, Allie has the perfect opportunity to take first, at last. There’s just one small snag: her biggest competition is also her ex-best friend, Sara!

No one imagined that Jacinto could disappear. The stories he told in the shade of an old tree gave meaning to life in his neighborhood so when his voice trailed off, everything became monotonous. However, silence is not eternal, and stories, sooner or later, find a way to return. With this book, children will learn about the value of storytellers and oral tradition in the contemporary world.

Art

Music/Dance

Science

Adventure

Humor

History

Nature

January Reading in Haitian Creole

GRADE K

Jounen Mwen/My Day with You Written by Ellen W. Whisenant & illustrated by Mary Hall

From the moment they wake up to the end of their day, children have plenty to do! Making a list is one way of making sure that the day is filled with fun and important things, like going to the park and doing chores around the house. In

With You My Day Jounen Mwen

Liv sa a pral ede timoun ou an aprann planifye epi swiv yon plan ki gen de konpetans kle pou lekòl ak pou pi devan. Apre nou fin fè lekti l ansanm, sèvi ak konsèy sa yo pou pwolonje plezi a! Pale Ofiramezi Pale avèk timoun ou an sou bagay ou fè yo. Fè l patisipe nan travay ki senp yo, tankou mete rad nan sechwa. Pou selebre travay li, bat bravo epi di “bon travay!” Mande epi Reflechi Envite timoun ou an a ede ou nan travay chak jou yo. Pou kòmanse mande, “Kijan nou ta dwe fè sa?” Apre sa, pale sou etap yo. Apre chak etap ansanm, youn kore lòt ak yon lanmen.

This book will help your child learn to plan and follow a plan—two key skills for school and beyond. After you read it together, use these tips to extend the fun! Talk as You Go Talk with your child about the things you do. Include him or her in simple tasks, such as putting clothes into the dryer. Celebrate your work by clapping and saying “good job!” Ask and Think Invite your child to help you with daily tasks. Start by asking, “How should we do this?” Then discuss the steps. After each step together, give each other a high five.

Avèk Ou

this sweet illustrated book, children will see everyday routines and think about planning and practice, among other skills. The sections Kwen Èd (Helper’s Corner) and the tips Eseye Sa! on the back cover make this book an entertaining and interactive read aloud.

Planifye, Fè Lis, Fè Timoun ou ki pi gran ap renmen ede ou planifye jounen ou. Ansanm, fè yon lis tankou sa ki nan liv sa a. Apre sa, fè yon tchèk nan chak atik ofiramezi nou fin fè yo ansanm.

Plan, List, Do Your older child will enjoy helping you plan your day. Together, make a list like the one in this book. Then mark each item off as you do them together.

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GRADE 1

Ti Baxter Ble/Tiny Blue Baxter Written by Bailey Carroll & illustrated by Carolina Farias

In this fun story, children will read about a tiny goldfish named Tiny Blue Baxter: a fish that is definitely not blue, and soon won’t be so tiny either! But Ava Baxter thinks the name is perfect. She takes good care of her goldfish and as he grows, she gives him bigger and bigger fishbowls. With beautiful

Ava Baxter gen yon ti pwason epi li rele l Ti Baxter Ble. Frè l panse se yon non komik. Epi ... petèt li gen rezon.

Otè • By Bai ley Carrol l

Bai ley Carrol l Il lustrated by / Il lustrated by Carol ina Farias

Ava Baxter gets a little fish and calls it Tiny Blue Baxter. Her brother thinks that’s a silly name. And ... maybe he’s right.

Desine pa • Il lustrated by Carol ina Farias

and colorful illustrations along with fun text, children will follow along with Ava as she watches Tiny Blue Baxter grow and learn that caring for a pet is rewarding!

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GRADE 2

Pye Bwadchèn Nou An/Our Oak Tree Written by Jane L Howard & illustrated by Carolina Farias

A tree is many things: a home, a shelter, and a food provider for many animals, as well as a shade for fun picnics and games! In this simple yet high interest illustrated book, children will learn to appreciate the biodiversity of a simple tree, and how besides being beautiful, it is essential to many living things.

Otè • Written by Jane L. Howard Ilistratè • Illustrated by Carolina Farias

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JANUARY ’ S READ I NG I N HA I T I AN CREOLE

GRADE 3

Yon Legim Trè Espesyal/A Very Special Vegetable Written by Anna W. Bardaus & illustrated by Carolina Farias

Niko likes to eat, but he enjoys eating with friends even more. While planning for his next meal, he comes across a very special seed. Will it yield what he likes most? Or will it be a very special vegetable for every one of his friends? Through vivid colorful illustrations and rich vocabulary, readers will see a community coming together and learn strange fun facts from around the world about vegetables they know, and some they might never have heard of!

Pwolonje Plezi a! Konsèy Lè istwa

Extend the Fun! Story-Time Tips

Sa se yon istwa melanje ki gen kèk kont popilè selèb: “Kokennchenn Navèt la,” apwopo yon Navèt ki sitèlman gwo, yo te bezwen yon foul moun pou yo rache l; epi “Jack ak Bwa Piwo,” apwopo yon tigason ki gen yon grenn pwa majik ki fè pye pwa pouse rive nan syèl la nèt. Ou ka jwenn plis liv sou kont sa yo nan bibliyotèk zòn ou an . Oswa mande bibliyotekè ou an kèk lòt kont pou pran plezi ansanm.

This story is a mixed retelling of some famous folktales: “The Enormous Turnip,” about a turnip so big it takes a crowd to pull it up; and “Jack and the Beanstalk,” about a boy whose magic beans grow a plant all the way to the sky. You can find more books about these tales at your local library. Or ask your librarian for some other folktales to enjoy together.

Together with your child, tell your own version of this story using fruit or another favorite food . If you know other folktales, tell your own stories using them, too!

Sèvi ak fwi oswa yon lòt manje prefere pou rakonte pwòp vèsyon pa ou pou istwa sa a ansanm ak timoun ou an. Si ou konnen lòt kont, sèvi avèk yo tou pou rakonte pwòp istwa ou!

Timoun yo gen plis chans eseye nouvo manje lè yo ede chwazi manje yo. Fè yon jwèt nan eseye nouvo legim ak nouvo fwi . Yon fwa pa semèn oswa pa mwa, kite timoun ou an chwazi yon legim pou achte ou pa te janm genyen anvan. Pote l lakay ou, prepare l, epi eseye l ansanm! Asire ke ou eseye l plis pase yon sèl fwa. Pafwa timoun yo gen pou yo wè ak eseye yon manje plizyè fwa anvan yo renmen l.

Children are more likely to try new foods when they help choose. Make a game of trying new vegetables and fruits . Once a week or month, let your child choose a vegetable to buy that you've never had before. Take it home, prepare it, and try it together! Be sure to try it more than once. Sometimes children have to see and try a food several times before they like it.

Pa ● By Anna W. Bardaus Desine pa ● Illustrated by Carolina Farías

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GRADE 4

De Prensès Entelijan/Two Clever Princesses Written by Martyna Dessource & Saonha Lyrvole Jean Baptiste & illustrated by Audeva Joseph

Two princesses--one with the courage of a tiger, the other one with a heart full of love and loyalty--star in these two stories that will charm readers with their colorful illustrations and engaging themes about bravery and friendship. These two tales from Haiti, written in Haitian Creole, are the result of workshops led by the nonprofit organization NABU to create original children’s books in mother tongue languages. The nonprofit organization’s mission is for all children to read and rise to their full potential.

Desine pa • Illustrated by Audeva Joseph

Pa • By Martyna Dessources ak • and Saonha Lyrvole Jean Baptiste

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GRADE 5

Kay Matant Pola/Aunt Pola’s House Written by Christina Doret & illustrated by Audeva Joseph

Aunt Pola is generous, kind, and funny, and everyone loves her! But she can be tough if she needs to be, as her nephews and niece find out in this cheeky tale about listening to your elders and not

allowing your emotions to cloud your judgment. The original Haitian text is displayed next to the English so that this beautiful language and rich culture can be preserved and passed down from one generation to the next. Sure to delight families of the Haitian diaspora, this story will also expand the mind of any child who is curious about other cultures.

Pa • By Christina Doret

Desine pa • Illustrated by Audeva Joseph

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New Worlds Reading Initiative Selections in Haitian Creole: January | 11

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