Author and Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Published: 2000

Buggy Bug is part of the Thingy Things Series of books by Chris Raschka, originally published in 2000 and then re-released in 2014.

I love all of the books in this series. Because each book is so short, they work better as a group than individually.

What I love about Buggy Bug is the joke itself because it’s so classic and so true (and funny!). There’s not a single parent or child in the world who won’t get it.

This is a great book for young kids who are just starting to read and pick up site words. These types of books are great to boost the confidence in young readers.

Recommended for kids age 3 and up. Perfect for pre-school.

Author and Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Published: 2014

Crabby Crab is part of the Thingy Things Series of books by Chris Raschka, originally published in 2000 and then re-released in 2014.

I love all the books in this series. Because each book is so short, they work better as a group than individually.

What I love about Crabby Crab is the message to kids that they are perfect and lovable just the way they are. It seems so obvious to the reader (young and old) that it’s silly for Crabby Crab to be anything other than what he is. And we love him for it!

This is a great book for young kids who are just starting to read and pick up site words. You can read this book to a child once or twice and then they will start ‘reading’ it themselves. These types of books are great to boost the confidence in young readers.

Recommended for kids age 3 and up. Perfect for pre-school.

Author and Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Published: 2000

Doggy Dog is part of the Thingy Things Series of books by Chris Raschka, originally published in 2000 and then re-released in 2014.

I love all the books in this series. Because each book is so short, they work better as a group than individually. There are 10 books in this series. I have my favorite five in my personal library. But Doggy Dog is my all-time favorite of the group partially because it’s the first one I stumbled upon. It made me laugh the first time I read it and every time since. And most importantly, it makes the kids laugh. It’s simple and silly in the best possible way. The artwork is also simple, yet so expressive, and the whole package just works together perfectly.

This is also a great book for very young readers to start recognizing site words. I only need to read this book with a child once or twice - from then on, they can practically read it themselves (which kids love to do).

Each one of these books, simple as they are, conveys a lesson. The lesson of this book is about embracing who you are and not trying to be anybody or anything else. Like the book, the lesson is both simple yet profound. But the best part of the book is that it’s funny. And there’s nothing better in life than laughing with a child.

Recommended for kids age 3 and up. Perfect for pre-school.

Author and Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Published: 2000

Moosey Moose is part of the Thingy Things Series of books by Chris Raschka, originally published in 2000 and then re-released in 2014.

I love all the books in this series. Because each book is so short, they work better as a group than individually.

What I love about Moosey Moose is that I think it’s the funniest book of the series. It’s a great book to read with kids and get their brains firing because you have to think about the story a little bit. The humor is not handed to you and it’s actually funnier the second read through when you know what’s going to happen at the end. The other thing I love about this book is the illustrations: Moosey Moose is absolutely adorable and his body language and facial expressions are priceless.

This is a great book for young kids who are just starting to read and pick up site words. After reading it once or twice the kids will want to read it themselves. These types of books are great to boost the confidence in young readers.

Recommended for kids age 3 and up. Perfect for pre-school.

Author and Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Published: 2000

Whaley Whale is part of the Thingy Things Series of books by Chris Raschka, originally published in 2000 and then re-released in 2014.

I love all the books in this series. Because each book is so short, they work better as a group than individually.

What I love about Whaley Whale is that the story is very relatable, and the questions it asks draws the reader in. The other thing I love about Whaley Whale are the rich colors in the illustrations and the color stock of the paper. This book is delightful visually as well as in its storytelling.

This is a great book for young kids who are just starting to read and pick up site words. These types of books are great to boost the confidence in young readers.

Recommended for kids age 3 and up. Perfect for pre-school.