Myself & Others Book One Read-Aloud Set

Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books by Kay Winters tells the story of a young Abe Lincoln who loved to learn. Beginning with his birth in the woods of Kentucky, this picture book follows Abe as he learns to read in school, through his family's move to Indiana, the loss of his mother, and his growing up years. Whether in school or working out in the fields, Abe loved to read because it taught him new things about the world. When Abe got older, he moved to a city and continued to read. He learned how to practice law, then how to speak, and eventually he even ran for president. The boy who loved words had turned into a president who used his words to inspire, encourage, and set people free.

The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone is a classic tale that teaches readers that we reap what we sow. The little red hen lives in a house with a cat, a dog, and a mouse. One day, the hen asks the other animals to help her plant some wheat, but the cat, dog, and mouse all say, "Not I!" They won’t water the wheat, cut it, or grind it up. They won't even help bake a cake with it...but they do want to eat it when it's done! But since the little red hen did the work all by herself, she enjoys the cake all by herself too. Caldecott Honor-winning artist Paul Galdone’s colorful ink and wash illustrations add humor to the characters in this beloved little story that teaches children an important moral lesson.

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney received the American Book Award in the year of publication and tells the story of Alice Rumphius, who wants to travel to far away places, settle down to live by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful — just like her grandfather taught her. Miss Rumphius travels the world seeing islands, mountains, and deserts then comes home to live in a house by the sea. She still wants to do something to make the world more beautiful but doesn't quite know what. Then one day, her garden full of beautiful blue and purple and rose-colored lupines give her a wonderful idea! Soon Miss Rumphius is planting fields of lupines all along the coast. When the flowers bloom in the spring, Miss Rumphius knows she knows she has fulfilled her wish and made the world just a little bit more beautiful.

From the publisher: "Here is the thrilling story of Rikki, a fearless young mongoose who finds himself locked in a life-and-death struggle to protect a boy and his parents from Nag and Nagaina, the two enormous cobras who stalk the gardens outside the familys home in India. Nobel Prize winner Rudyard Kiplings timeless masterpiece has been lovingly passed from one generation of readers to the next. Triumphantly brought to life in stunning watercolors from Caldecott Honor artist Jerry Pinkney, this is a tale that will win the hearts of young and old alike."

The Gardener is a 1997 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and a 1998 Caldecott Honor Book. It tells the story of a young girl named Lydia Grace Finch brings her love of gardening to the big city where she goes to stay with her Uncle Jim when her father loses his job. Once in the city, Lydia Grace begins brightening up the neighborhood and her uncle's bakery with flowers. When Lydia Grace discovers a way up to the roof of the building, she begins working on a rooftop garden that she hopes will bring a smile to the face of her solemn Uncle Jim. Told in the form of letters and beautifully illustrated to evoke the Great Depression setting, The Gardener will delight readers of all ages as they cheer on the spunky, flower-loving heroine.

The Monkey and The Crocodile by Paul Galdone is a retelling of a classic Jataka tale from India. In this story the monkeys live in the trees, and the crocodiles live in the water. One day, a young crocodile decides he wants to eat a monkey and comes up with a plan to catch one. Through cunning tricks the two creatures try to outsmart each other, but the crocodile is no match for the clever monkey.

One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey tells the story of the day Sal goes to Buck's Harbor with her dad. The first exciting thing that happens to Sal is that she finds a loose tooth right after she wakes up! Her mother explains to her that this means she is a big girl now and that she will get to make a wish on her tooth when it falls out. After breakfast, Sal gets to go down to the beach to help her father dig for clams. Sal begins telling her father about her loose tooth, then realizes it's fallen out somewhere! Though they search in the mud, Sal and her father can't find the tooth, and they head back to the house. Sal, her little sister Jane, and their father all head to Buck's Harbor. They get some groceries, fix the motor to their boat, and Sal even gets her wish for a chocolate ice-cream cone. It's a fine morning in Maine for little Sal and her family!

Cinderella by Marcia Brown is a beautiful adaptation of the classic fairy tale by Charles Perrault. Brown's exquisite paintings bring to life the wonder and magic of the story about a mistreated girl who becomes a princess with the help of a fairy godmother and a glass slipper.

From the publisher:  Happy 80th birthday, Pooh! The Bear of Very Little Brain and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood have delighted generations of readers since Winnie-the-Pooh was first published in 1926. This deluxe anniversary edition of Winnie-the-Pooh is the perfect way to celebrate the enduring popularity of A. A. Milne's classic work. The interior features the unabridged text and Ernest H. Shepard's charming illustrations in full color on cream-colored stock. It is an impressive package for new fans and collectors both. Three cheers for Pooh!

From the publisher: "For over one hundred years The Ugly Duckling has been a childhood favorite, and Jerry Pinkney's spectacular new adaptation brings it triumphantly to new generations of readers. With keen emotion and fresh vision, the acclaimed artist captures the essence of the tale's timeless appeal: The journey of the awkward little bird -- marching bravely through hecklers, hunters, and cruel seasons -- is an unforgettable survival story; this blooming into a graceful swan is a reminder of the patience often necessary to discover true happiness. Splendid watercolors set in the lush countryside bring drama to life."