Please welcome my guest author today, Vicky Fang! I know her from the Soaring 20s picture book group that we are both in.
We are giving away a SIGNED copy of her newest book, Best Buddies. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom.
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There’s something so perfect about animal friendship early readers. These books are well-timed for early elementary kids as they are starting to explore friendships, learn how to read, and are fascinated with animals. It’s no wonder there are so many of these types of books! So what sets one apart? I’ll share some of my favorites and why I think they stand out.
Animal Friendship Early Readers
Best Buddies by Vicky Fang, illustrated by Luisa Leal
I wrote Best Buddies based on the idea of two friends who have different approaches to solving problems. One is more cautious (Sniff, a dog) and one is more experimental (Scratch, a cat.) That idea, coupled with an overdose of funny pet videos during the pandemic, led to this funny and sweet early reader. These best friend pets get themselves into little misadventures around the house as they discover things like a pie, a box, and a mirror. [early reader, ages 4 and up]
Unicorn and Yeti by Heather Ayris Burnell, illustrated by Hazel Quintanilla
This sparkly and sweet series features an adorable unicorn and a lovable yeti. These unlikely best friends learn from each other and have so much fun doing it! The characters are instantly endearing with art that’s just as cute. [early reader, ages 5 and up]
Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz Windness
These two friends have to navigate their friendship when one of them changes! It’s a clever story with engaging art that kids will love. [early reader, ages 5 and up]
Thunder and Cluck by Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Miles Thompson
This is another sweet friendship story of unlikely friends—featuring dinosaurs! It’s a great, funny read for dinosaur lovers, showcased in humorous comic panels. [early reader, ages 4 and up]
Fox and Chick by Sergio Ruzzier
These cute and quirky stories are refreshingly funny. Fox and Chick have fun, thoughtful conversations, reminiscent of Frog and Toad (another great animal friendship series!), that will make kids think and laugh. [early reader, ages 5 and up]
Hello, Hedgehog! by Norm Feuti
Hedgehog and Harry (a hamster) are best friends. Their short and heartfelt adventures are highly relatable to kids, as they help each other navigate things like riding bikes, having a sleepover, or going to the doctor. [early reader, ages 4 and up]
Signed Copy of Best Buddies GIVEAWAY!
We are giving away a SIGNED copy of her newest book, Best Buddies. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the below. We can only mail to U.S. and A.F.O. addresses.
Vicky Fang is the author of the Layla and the Bots chapter books series, the Best Buddies early reader series, the I Can Code board book series, and the picture book Invent-a-Pet. She is the author-illustrator of Friendbots, AlphaBot, and the forthcoming Ava Lin and One Mad Cat series. A former Google product designer, she now writes and illustrates children’s books full-time. Vicky Fang lives in California. You can learn more at vickyfang.com. Follow her on IG/FB/Threads/bsky: @fangmousbooks and Xtwitter: @fangmous.
p.s. Related posts:
7 Great NEW Diversity Easy Readers
Top 10 Best Multicultural Easy Readers
Best Easy Readers & Early Chapter Books: Cybils 2015 Shortlist
Best Easy Readers for New Readers
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My books:
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
National Geographic Early Readers are some of my favorites
The Simon and Chester books are my favorites.
I love the branches series and my kiddos really love anything that has animals in it so any non fiction early readers.