What is Ezri reading?

We’ve been reading Little Critter books in the “My First I Can Read Series” by Mercer Mayer a lot lately. As a bonus, some titles can also be read on the Nook Color. Ezri is completely fascinated by the concept of a sleepover and thus likes Little Critter Sleeps Over. In other books, Little Critter’s adventures include a class trip to the Sea Park, one to the firehouse, calling 9-1-1 when his dad is stuck in the basement, being home sick from school, making a snowman, and showing readers around Critterville, his hometown. Ezri loves hearing about school and school trips. While the writing isn’t grand, it is mundanely suited to a girl who is curious about exactly the sorts of experiences Little Critter describes.

Ladybug Girl by Jacky Davis
After being told she cannot play with her older brother and his friends, Ladybug Girl (a girl named Lulu in a ladybug costume) and her dog venture outdoors to find their own fun. The illustrations here show so much emotion on Lulu’s face. She is not too small to cross a pond that may be shark-infested or to help ants or to help fix a stone wall. Ladybug Girl is definitely not too small no matter what that brother of hers says. This title is a great celebration of making your own fun and defining yourself. Lulu styles herself as Ladybug Girl and then lists all the amazing things Ladybug Girl can do. As a parent, I like that this dress-up girl isn’t just about being pretty she does things and takes charge of herself. I think this book would be appeal to girls obsessed with less substantive titles like Kahn’s Pinkalicious.

Pearl and Brownie by Cynthia Rylant
Today I brought home a couple titles about this cat and girl combo. In Pearl and Brownie Grab a Bite they have lunch. In Pearl and Brownie Hit the Hay they get ready for and go to bed. These simple stories about familiar everyday things were just right for Ezri. She loved talking about the story and since it wasn’t too long I was willing to discuss details of the illustrations and compare the kitty, Pearl, to our cats. Recently our cats have begun napping with or even spending the night in Ezri’s bed. Because of that, reading about Pearl going to bed with Brownie resonated. Bright illustrations add to the appeal.