Surprises (I Can Read Level 3)

Fun, easy to read poems to share at home or in the classroom—a great choice for introducing poetry in a way that will help young readers from 3 to 7 with their language skills

The 38 poems in this popular beginning reader anthology are simple, short, and rhyming. Topics include kid-friendly subjects such as pets, vehicles, cooking, and space, with plenty of silliness to spark giggles.

"With drawings that pack a lot of action, a friendly book that will connect with everyday lives and lend a little music along the way," said Booklist. Surprises is an ALA Notable Book and was named a book of the year by School Library Journal and the Library of Congress.

This collection comes from acclaimed anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins, who established the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award and the Lee Bennett Hopkins/International Reading Association Promising Poetry Award to recognize outstanding writing for children. Poets include Karla Kuskin, Jack Prelutsky, Charlotte Zolotow, Langston Hughes, and Carl Sandburg.

Noted poet Lee Bennett Hopkins has edited or authored numerous books for children, including the I Can Read Books Hamsters, Shells, and Spelling Bees; A Pet for Me: Poems; and the ALA Notable Children's Book Surprises. The recipient of a Christopher Award and the University of Southern Mississippi's Medallion for "lasting contributions to children's literature," Mr. Hopkins lives in Florida.

Megan Lloyd has illustrated more than forty books for children, including The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams, Thanksgiving at the Tappletons' by Eileen Spinelli, and The Mixed-Up Rooster by Pamela Duncan Edwards. She lives with her husband on a farm in Pennsylvania, where she raises sheep, chickens, and cows. Some of the rabbits from her vegetable garden have even been kind enough to allow Ms. Lloyd to sketch them as models for this book.