THE ADVENTURES OF MISS PETITFOUR by Anne Michaels
In brief: On windy days, Miss Petitfour and her sixteen cats have adventures in this sweetly whimsical collection of tales, which include a quest for marmalade and a trip to a jumble tale.
What makes it a great readaloud? If Mary Poppins and Amelia Bedelia had a baby who grew up to be an adventurous cat lady, it would be Miss Petitfour. Her "just-the-right-size" adventures are also sized just right for morning readalouds, and many kids will love memorizing the frequently mentioned names of her sixteen cats (Minky, Misty, Taffy, Purrsia, Pirate, Mustard, Moutarde, Hemdela, Earring, Grigorovitch, Clasby, Captain Captain, Captain Catkin, Captain Cothespin, Your Shyness, and Sizzles).
But be aware: This book definitely veers straight into twee territory. If this annoys you or your kids within the first few pages, you may want to set it aside—it doesn't get less so.
Quotable: “Sometimes things work out differently than you expect, and sometimes that's when the best things happen.”
A robot washes up on the shore of deserted island in this Robinson Crusoe-Blade Runner mash-up that's as philosophical as it is charming.
Logic lovers, reluctant readers, and everyone who loves a good puzzle will enjoy these short stories mysteries.
The earliest days of U.S. history come to life in this readaloud about the James Town settlement of 1607.
A lovely coming of age story about a girl who would grow up to become a key player in the civil rights movement.
The future Black Panther gets an early start on being a superhero when he's sent to middle school in the city of Chicago. A fun, fast-paced middle grades novel that will get you ready for the upcoming movie.
This thoughtful middle grades historical fiction tackles Little Rock's turbulent integration era through the story of two girls' friendship.
When you need a silly readaloud that will have everyone giggling, this book about a Big Bad Wolf determined to be a good guy (even if he has to be bad to do it!) delivers.
Naturalist John James Audubon's biography comes to life in this gorgeous graphic novel that's a must-read for every bird lover.
Winsome, worrisome Stuart figures out the key to adventure in this charming early chapter book.
An imaginary friend discovers that he's imaginary and sets off on a whimsical quest to find himself in this odd but lovely book.
Sometimes you want a readaloud that's pure comfort read. The Children of Noisy Village is a good bet.
The Herdmans wreak havoc on a traditional holiday pageant and end up creating a Christmas story that is surprisingly touching in this laugh-out-loud classic.
In this funny, old-fashioned story, two Dalmatian parents set off to rescue their kidnapped puppies. It's so much more fun than the movie!
In this old-fashioned story, a homeless man finds a family and new joy in holiday Paris.
In this sweet winter story, a friendly troll reminds a farm full of creatures that spring is coming.
A wintry middle grades mystery that may remind you a little of The Westing Game.
Thanksgiving gets weird when a butcher mishap leads a kid to a 266-pound chicken.
Here's a Thanksgiving readaloud that considers the Native American perspective in a thoughtful, family friendly way.
Tua and the Elephant is a fun adventure story that makes you feel like you've been transported to Thailand.
In this spooky middle grades ghost story, Molly must face her own ghosts before she can confront the spirit haunting the crumbling English manor house she hopes to call home.
In this genuinely scary ghost story, Zoe must solve a 19th century death to save her ghostly friend.
In an alternate London, ghosts are on the rampage — and only squads of spirit-sensitive kids can stop them.
There’s plenty of spooky in this book, but what elevates it above the classic ghost story is its acknowledgment that the worst horrors can be the ones we keep inside ourselves.
The Dollhouse Murders is a just-spooky-enough mystery that will have everyone glued to her seat waiting for the next chapter.
A made-up word sends a classroom into chaos in this lively elementary readaloud.
Breaking Stalin’s Nose, set during Stalin’s great purge in the 1930s, is a great historical fiction conversation starter for discussing propaganda, witch hunts, ethics, and community.
it’s full of hilarious moments that, on reflection, critique everything from stereotyping to the education system in some pretty spot-on ways.
John Midas discovers that his new ability is kind of a curse when everything he touches turns to chocolate.