This book has a nice story about friendship and appealing pictures. The text is also simple enough to use as a beginning reader.
RL=K-1st

Yes, Henry has a reputation. So much so that his parents expect rotten behavior (and respond automatically), just as they expect his younger brother, Peter, to act perfectly. In the first story included in the book, Henry decides to be perfect, doing a good job of it, and takes his parents and Peter by surprise. In the second, Henry endures dance classes his parents force him to take. He ends up stealing the show in the class performance, but apparently his efforts aren't appreciated. The third story has Henry playing with a neighbor (can't really call her a friend), Moody Margaret, with the two trying to outdo each other. In the last, Henry's family goes on a horrid vacation. Henry thinks it will finally be an enjoyable one (no museums) until he realizes it's not what he expected.

These are the best books for young readers I've read in quite a while. They have lots of funny segments. In one week, my ten-year-old read the first four books twice (despite Henry's being way under his reading level). My thirteen-year-old also read them all. So, they are books for all ages to enjoy.

Between beginning readers and picture books and novels, there is a gap in literature that is difficult to bridge, causing frustration for children and concern by parents. The Horrid Henry books fall between the two categories, and hopefully their humor will help in this crucial step towards becoming a reader. The books are designed like beginner readers, but longer and more advanced. They are for those who have outgrown beginner readers but are not ready to read novels. Novels are so much longer than beginners that there really need to be more books at the Horrid Henry level. Good readers will make the huge leap to novels. Others might not. I have come across some other excellent transitional books but not enough to keep reluctant readers reading. I have posted before about the importance of this developmental stage and have a list of transitional books.

related-transitional books, chapter books, behavior, problem solving, dance class, playing together, camping
RL=1st-4th, enjoyable for all ages

This is one you'll not want to miss. Who knew a story about taking a walk could be so funny? Henry reminds me so much of my own children when we have pleaded, coaxed, and badgered them into going on walks. Now I know exactly what was going through their heads. I have learned that if there is something more active involved, such as climbing or rock throwing, they are more enthusiastic.

The title story with the time machine is most excellent. Quite creative and somehow believable that Henry could dupe Peter so badly. Certainly something all older brothers would try, and Horrid Henry is a master.

Perfect Peter's Revenge is so perfect, until Henry, Margaret, and Susan learn the truth. It works beautifully for a while, but then Peter approaches Henry on the school playground at the most inopportune time, unknowingly pointing the finger at himself.

The last story is one to which we can all relate, the dreaded restaurant situation, even if we avoid the fancy establishments. Different food, loud kids and everyone staring, open rebellion in public. You see, the kids have you in their power, because they know you will do almost anything to avoid a scene. The twist of Miss Battle-Axe being reprimanded by her mother is a hoot.

Did teachers have mothers? Did teachers ever leave the school? Impossible.

Another spectacular Horrid Henry book. Four great stories. I love the outrageousness of the regular life situations that become capers in Simon's hands. In most of them, I can totally empathize with Henry despite his unconventional behavior.

The first story features a reading contest with the prize being family tickets to a theme park! Henry can't wait to get started - only he does. He's determined to win the contest anyway, but Miss Battle-Axe has a surprise.

The stinkbomb story has the two clubs, Henry's and Margaret's, planning a trick each against the other at the very same time. The parallel schemes are narrated step by step, a nice variation in the stories.

In the third story, the class is given the freedom and supplies to create a Parthenon, but can Henry cooperate with a group? Apparently not. The only solution is to separate Henry. Miss Battle-Axe didn't think to give him his own supplies, and then she kept him in at recess, compounding matters by leaving the room. Definitely not her best day.

The last story has some of the best pictures: New Nick's operatic parents, Henry trying to hear the TV over the opera, Nick's dogs pouncing, a frazzled Henry calling home for assistance. The sacking of Troy from the school project is a great shot of Henry's imagination, too.

In the last story, Henry receives an invitation for one of his favorite pastimes, a sleepover; something that is rare now since he only gets one invitation per household. Nick's family might be the exception, but it might also be the cure for any desire to sleepover.

related-transitional books, early chapter books, reading contest, book reviews, pranks, private personal clubs, spies, arts and crafts, group projects, cooperation, sleepovers, new friends
RL=1st-4th, enjoyable for all ages

I found this second book less funny than the original Horrid Henry, but utterly relatable. Henry certainly lives up to his reputation. Only Moody Margaret tops him. In this book, the illustrations are more imaginative: the fire-breathing dragon, the wedding pictures, Margaret drawing the uncrossable line, and Henry's fake window drop.

The first chapter is the title story. Henry tries every which way to trick the Tooth Fairy, because even his younger brother has lost a tooth. Since it seems life isn't being fair to him, he starts scheming. The end of the story is the funniest to me.

In the second chapter, Henry and Peter are ringbearers at a wedding. Can you believe anyone would request such a thing? So again Henry is stuck in a situation he cannot tolerate, and he takes his revenge - although he is mostly just being Horrid Henry, oblivious to everyone else.

The third chapter finally shows Henry's parents appreciating Henry's Horridness. Moody Margaret comes to stay, and he can only take so much. It's either explode - or get rid of her. I have to say I think Henry's solution wasn't so terrible.

It's the beginning of the school year in the last chapter. Henry is at his most Horrid in dealing with new teachers. He views it as a challenge. The stunt that breaks the teacher is unbelievably Horrid, yet admittedly creative. It's good to know it isn't real.

related-transitional books, early chapter books, behavior, tooth fairy, kids at weddings, visitors staying overnight, first day of school
RL=1st-4th, enjoyable for all ages

In this book, an unnamed boy is looking for something new to do, even though he has "a million toys." He uses the ladder from his firetruck to climb through the ceiling to his attic. There he dreams vivid scenes and adventures. I particularly like the windows into other worlds and the game with the tiger. In the end, he climbs back to his home and tells his mom about his day.

The text is fairly basic and short enough for beginners. Though it is basic, it still sounds like a story, not stilted. The illustrations are the centerpiece of the story. Imaginative and detailed. I want to just look and look at the page.

related-boredom, Japanese children's stories, attics, imagination, adventure
RL=K-1st, read aloud to toddler-1st

The pirates have done their chores and are looking for some fun. It's totally silly and fun.
RL=2nd-3rd     Level 3

Get ready for an action-packed adventure with the Gaskitt family. Why is Mr. Gaskitt wearing all of his clothes? Who will catch the robber? And why did he take the pizza?

The Gaskitts are fabulous! There are so many fun things going on at once-and there is a mystery to solve besides.
related-twins, pets, humorous stories, robbery, chase
RL=1st-2nd

Two cow friends, Minnie and Moo, are the central characters. Moo is a thinker and leads them in wacky adventures.

Reading levels are not marked on many of the books. Most of the sentences are more than a few words, and a few of the words are not easy to sound out. The dialogue is hilarious. The stories are intelligent, and the language flows well enough that it is not obvious they are beginning readers. There are great details which make them some of the most fun readers.
RL=1st-3rd Level 3

Minnie and Moo want to be more than the cows that they are after learning of Zorro. They dress up and try to become heroes. The story is quite funny with great pictures, too.

Minnie and Moo and the Potato from Planet X - HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2002.
A visitor from space crashes his spaceship, and Minnie and Moo find an emergency replacement for him as well as some fuel.
related-cows, animals, extraterrestrial beings, spacecraft

Minnie and Moo Wanted Dead or Alive - HarperCollins Publishers: NY, 2006.
Minnie and Moo rob a bank by mistake when they set out to get money for the farmer.
related-money, banks, robbers


Other books in the series:
Minnie and Moo Go Dancing DK Publishing 2000
Minnie and Moo and the Thanksgiving Tree 2002
Minnie and Moo Go to Paris DK Publishing 2001
Minnie and Moo: The Night Before Christmas 2003
Minnie and Moo: The Night of the Living Bed 2006
Minnie and Moo: Will You Be My Valentine? 2003
Minnie and Moo: The Case of the Missing Jelly Donut 2006
Minnie and Moo & the Seven Wonders of the World 2003
Minnie & Moo The Attack Of The Easter Bunnies 2005

Mr. Putter's stove is not working. He borrows his neighbors to make soup. Her dog, Zeke, has other plans.
Other Mr. Putter books my kids and I enjoyed are: Pour the Tea, Walk the Dog, Pick the Pears, Fly the Plane, and Feed the Fish.
RL=1st-2nd

Nate the Great is a boy detective who solves many cases. There are interesting characters and funny tidbits in the stories. Our favorites are those with Rosamond and her cats.
RL=1st-3rd

The story of Ringo is a true story, and he does indeed save his family from a catastrophe. The story is simple and interesting. Great for animal lovers.
RL=1st-2nd     Level 1

This is a beautiful, peaceful bedtime book. Simple rhymes with nature, animals, and loving thoughts. Simple enough to memorize and say and also for beginning readers.
RL=1st-2nd and read aloud as young as you like