Tiny Tales by Kallie George illustrated by Genevieve Cote

 

I am so excited to discover this series - Tiny Tales - Spark; Flare and Splash. Flare, for example, has five short chapters spread over 32 pages. Flare is a phoenix and he boasts that he never cries. High in the sky Cloud, Sky and Wind watch over Flare. They decide they need to show Flare how to cry and so each in turn sets up a situation to "test" Flare. Cloud drops rain all over Flare but that doesn't work. Wind makes howling noises showing Flare what crying sounds like but that plan doesn't work. Now it is the turn of Sun - third time lucky. Sun takes Flare through the woods to see a tiny baby bird that has fallen out of his nest. Flare feels so sad - what can he do? He begins to cry and his tears heal the baby bird. Phoenix tears are magic.

Kallie George is the author of a wonderful series - The Heartwood Hotel. Spark, Flare and Splash are written for a much younger audience. These little treasures are perfect for newly independent readers. And of course they also contain very satisfying stories. These were published in 2014 and 2016 but they are all still available.

Here is the blurb for each book:

Book One Spark:

"Spark is a little dragon with a big problem. He can't control his fiery breath. Even practising doesn't help. Will Spark ever be able to tame his flame? The first book in an early reader series about baby magic animals, "Spark" is a gentle reminder that there is a perfect time for everything."

Kirkus Review

Book Two Flare: 

"Flare is a tough little phoenix. He never cries. But everyone needs to cry sometimes. Will his guardians, Sun, Wind and Cloud, find a way to show him how? The second book in the Tiny Tails series provides comforting reassurance that it's okay to express our emotions."

Book Three Splash: 

"Splash is a little sea serpent who makes big splashes. But sea serpents need to be quiet sometimes. Will Splash learn how to keep calm? The third book in the Tiny Tails series explores the notion of self-control in a playful way."

Click on each cover image here to read reviews of each title.

Here are two page examples so you can see the text level, text size and use of white space - all perfect ingredients for a beginner:

If, like me, you're ready for something new in easy readers, these are a perfect choice. Accessible text and lovely illustrations will make these a favorite with both parents and children. Highly recommended. Jean Little Library