Henry and Mudge in the Green Time by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Sucie Stevenson #3

Three separate stories which take place in the summer time.  In "The Bath" story,  readers could connect it to Harry the Dirty Dog.  My six and a half year old son liked the last story best-mentions dragons/monsters!

It's Pumpkin Time! by Zoe Hall illustrated by Shari Halpern

This author/illustrator team has created many great science books for younger children.  Very simple text explains the process of growing a pumpkin well.  Painted paper collage make the illustrations stand out and appealing.  The last page shows step by step with diagrams how a pumpkin seed transforms into plant.

Pumpkin Countdown by Joan Holub illustrated by Jan Smith

Nineteen students with their teacher go on a field trip to a pumpkin patch.  This book counts down.  Each numeral is on a pumpkin in the upper corners of each page as the author counts down.  The number word is in a different color font (orange).
Lots of pumpkin facts on the end pages.

Pumpkin Day! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Ms. Wallace has written a lot of younger elementary friendly books about science topics.  Her main characters are usually rabbits dressed like humans.  In this story a family goes to a pumpkin patch.  Throughout the day the children learn lots about the pumpkin! Three recipes are scattered throughout the book.
Wonderful collage/origami illustrations.

Mystery Vine by Cathryn Falwell

A brother and a sister help their mom plant a garden in the spring.  They enjoy the vegetables and fruit all summer long but wonder what is growing on the vine.
The rhyming text is pleasing to read and the collage illustrations are amazing!
Lots of yummy recipes and growing/gardening activities in the back.

Picture Day Perfection by Deborah Diesen illustrated by Dan Santat

The main character dreads picture day and has the perfect plan to make this the best photo yet.  Readers will be in horror at how the boy looks by the time it is his turn for a photo.  A bit of a surprise ending.  Funny.
I did not appreciate the boy's attitude or behavior.

Anatole by Eve Titus illustrated by Paul Galdone*

An award winner- Caldecott Honor Book
Anatole and other male mice scurry out each night collect food from people's homes.  One night he overhears a human complaining about mice and calling them "villains".  It had never occurred to him that humans despised mice.   Since he wants to keep his honor, he comes up with a plan to continue feeding his family but also to help humans.
*Highly recommend.
Part of a series.
A delightful story that takes place in Paris.
-Borrowed from the library.

Henry and Mudge and the Tall Tree House by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Carolyn Bracken

Henry's Uncle Jake comes to visit.  This adventurous uncle helps Henry build an impressive tree house.  One problem Mudge cannot climb trees and Henry does not like being anywhere without Mudge.
Ms. Rylant is gifted in crafting a story that appeals to her reading ability audience.  The solution to this problem is a surprising one.
Good story to try to predict the solution.
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: J (2nd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.2

Tushes and Tails! by Stephane Frattini

Photographs of animals' tails and behinds . . .try to guess what animal it is and then lift the flap to see the front of the animal and read a few facts about it.  There are 16 full pages and then the last two pages have mini lift the flaps when lifted up  just show the name of the animal and its full body.
Very fun and funny!  Some photos are tricky!
The goat photograph shows its testicles but my boys did not ask about it.

Little Golden Book Classics-Three Best Loved Tales with illustrations by Garth Williams

Mr. Williams' illustrations take one to a simple, delightful time.  The three stories in this book are:  My First Counting Book by Lillian Moore (up to 10), The Kitten Who Thought He Was a Mouse by Miriam Norton, and Home for a Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown.
The counting book was excellent-simple and easy for small ones to count.

When the Leaf Blew In by Steve Metzger illustrated by Kellie Lewis

When a leaf blows in, it makes the cow sneezed which makes a spider land on an owl and so on.  A book that shows loosely "cause and effect".
Very simple text.

We're Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger illustrated by Miki Sakamoto

Three children of different ethnicity tromp off into the great outdoors to look for leaves.  The words/rhythm are based on "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" but do not  sound as pleasing as the smooth rhythm of the original.  
A good book to read before going out on a leaf hunt with your child.  Leaves the characters find are maple, birch, hickory, and red oak.  The font color changes to reflect the scenes in nature.

I Survived The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 by Lauren Tarshis illustrated by Scott Dawson*

Thomas and his sister Birdie run away from their cruel master to find themselves in the middle of the Civil War.  They witness first hand The Battle of Gettysburg.

After reading three books in this series, it seems like the character is always an eleven year old boy who must be brave and full of integrity on behalf of a younger child.  The author does not shy away from the violent nature of the topics and is graphic.  Ms. Tarshis also shares her involved research and further information in the back of each book.

Highly recommend.

I Survived The San Francisco Earthquake, 1906 by Lauren Tarshis illustrated by Scott Dawson*

Eleven year old Leo is a newsboy in San Francisco living on his own.  As he contends with bullies who stole a gold nugget from his deceased grandfather, a new problem arises-the earthquake.
Highly recommend.

I Survived The Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 by Lauren Tarshis *

Eleven year old Danny and his mother move to Hawaii to escape dangerous NYC . . .to find themselves living in an area targeted by the Japanese.  Fast paced and exciting.  Danny is a believable and a likable character.  Will appeal to reluctant readers-especially boys.
More facts about Pearl Harbor and WW II are included in the back plus a list of books for kids about this subject.  The author also has a time line of the events in the back.
Highly recommend.
Many more titles in this series by  the same author.
Scholastic (the publisher) says this series will appeal to 2nd -4th graders but the reading level is 4th grade.  I think advanced 2nd and 3rd graders could read it as well.

Stories of Dragons Usborne Young Readers by Christopher Rawson illustrated by Stephen Cartwright

Four different stories divided into chapters-6-12 pages each.  Lots of cartoonish pictures are distributed on each page.
Exciting stories for reluctant boy readers-1st-2nd grade.

True or False Baby Animals by Melvin and Gilda Berger

A true or false statement is made.  On the following page is the answer with a explanation.  Full page photos make this appealing to younger readers.  One additional fact about the animal is included in an offset oval.
Great for advanced first grade/second grade readers and lower third grade readers.
Many more topics in the series: butterflies/caterpillars, mammals, farm animals, storms, amphibians, dangerous animals, planets, reptiles, pets, rocks/minerals.

How Fast Is It? A Zippy Book All About Speed by Ben Hillman

Facts coupled with humorous writing/comments and photographs make this a fascinating and fun book to read and/or share.  Other titles in this series-How Big Is It?, How Strong Is it?, and How Weird Is It?.

Are You My Mother? By P.D. Eastman

A perfect book for a beginning reader-"I Can Read It All By Myself Beginner Book".
A bird hatches and searches for its mother.

Home Sweet Home Grown by Robyn Jasko illustrated by Jennifer Biggs

A tiny gardening handbook that shares tips on how to plan and plant a garden.  Useful charts are included: how long seeds last, how much to grow (plants per person), when to start seeds, interplanting, companion planting, how to make produce last in fridge and more.  Ms. Jasko also offers advice about growing different vegetables and how to harvest and preserve them.
It seemed like some recipes were missing exact measurements.
The author is a local and resides in Kutztown, PA.

Living with Less so Your Family Has More by Jill and Mark Savage

A husband and wife together tell how to live with less and make more time with your family.
Financial tidbits and pointers are included.
The ideas were not that novel to me but it is well written and based on sound logic.
Easy reading.  Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter.

The Racecar Alphabet by Brian Floca*

As the alphabet progresses, the cars become modern.  The earliest car is a Ford 999 from 1901 and goes to the Ferrari F1-2001 from 2001.  The background scenes and clothing also reflect the time period.
The letters are in bold but do not necessarily stand out like a lot of alphabet books.  Lots of alliteration is utilized throughout the book so the adult reader can point out the lower case companion.
The end pages (front and back) have the drawings of each car featured, its name and year manufactured.
The book is oversized so perfect for sharing with a large group.  My favorite letter is "J" for "jarring, jerk, jolt, and jounce" because Mr. Floca makes the letters look like they are jarring, jerking, jolting and jouncing!!
Highly recommend.

Off We Go! A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand

Mole decides today is the day to learn to ride his bike without training wheels.  Bear is his support.
I love Will Hillenbrand's books and illustrations.
Book is a bit simple for the age group who normally learns to ride their bike.

If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano illustrated by Erin E. Stead

A boy must watch carefully and focus if he wants to see a whale.  Beautiful illustrations.

Storm Boy by Paul Owen Lewis

This is the second time my six and a half year old son checked this book out of the library!  A Native American boy is swept away in a storm and finds himself washed ashore in very strange world.  The author explains the strange events in the back in relation to the NW Coast Native Americans.

20 Big Trucks in the Middle of the Street by Mark Lee illustrated by Kurt Cyrus

An ice cream truck breaks down in the middle of a boy's street.  Truck after truck stops and a major traffic jam occurs!
A bird's eye view offers the reader an opportunity to count all twenty trucks.
The numerals are included in the sentences but are not in big font.  The adult reader must point out or have the listener point to the numbers if numeral recognition is one's goal.
On a positive note, there are not many books out there that count up to twenty.
The book is a bigger a size than most picture books so it is a good choice for story time.

Buzz Boy and Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold

Buzz, the boy/owner of Fly Guy, creates a comic book about the two of them being superheroes.  Pirates and dragons are some characters included that make it an exciting adventure!

There's a Fly Guy in My Soup by Tedd Arnold

On a trip with the family, Fly Guy is not allowed in the hotel's restaurant. Disaster ensues!  Great books for the beginning reader!

Classic Starts series-Greek Myths by Diane Namm

My six and a half year old son loved this collection of Greek Myths.  Hopefully in a year or two he can read it to himself.  Lots more classics in this series.
In the back are comprehension/discussion questions-open ended questions.

A Was Once An Apple Pie by Edward Lear

Edward Lear's alphabet poem is illustrated by Suse MacDonald with hand-painted, cut paper illustrations.
Great book to point out word families.  Lots of animals in verses and illustrations.

A Smidgeon of Pigeon books by Mo Willems

Short board books featuring the Pigeon.  Short but full of personality and humor.
The Pigeon has lots of attitude which makes me not like him as much as Elephant and Piggie!  He reminds me of an egocentric toddler . . .that is why he is funny too!
Two books we read in this little series:  The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!     
                                                            The Pigeon Loves Things That Go!  (guest star: the duckling!)

Kat Kong by Dav Pilkey

Three mouse explorers land on an island where the natives appease the evil cat with a can  of tuna.  The cat accidentally knocked unconscious and the explorers bring him back to the city to display (for money, of course).  Lots of play on words  that went over my six year old's head.  Funny!

Applebet An ABC by Clyde Watson illustrated by Wendy Watson

Rhyming verses take a reader through the alphabet as they follow an apple throughout a day.  Bet and her mother take a basket full of apples to the county fair.  I have never read an alphabet book that includes the sounds "ch", soft "c", soft "g", "qu", "sh", "th", "wh"!

The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons

Arnold enjoys his apple tree through all the seasons.  Readers learn about the apple tree in the different season.  Pictures are retro so may not appeal to children.  Copyright is 1984.

Apples by Ken Robbins

A book full of photos that show the entire process of growing apples- from grafting to pruning to pollination to harvesting to eating.  The author includes two pages of apple sayings and classic stories that involve apples.
Some of the photos are not so crisp-good be better quality.

The Story of Johnny Appleseed by Aliki

An older book but gives a great overview of his life.
Simple enough words that a high second grader and most third graders could read it.

Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray

An unique alphabet book which tells a story from a dog's point of view.  His goal-to devour a delicious apple pie! A lot of the sentences begin with a verb.  Funny!

Henry and Mudge and the Careful Cousin by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Sucie Stevenson

Henry's cousin Annie comes for a visit.  When she emerges from her father's car dressed in a frilly, white, CLEAN dress, Henry is not so sure how the visit will go!
Great book to discuss character development.

What Are You Doing, Sam? by Marie-Louise Gay

Another Sam and Stella book-the two siblings have very different ideas how to spend their day!

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart The Escape of the Deadly Dinosaur by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

Jack Stalwart, a British nine year old, works as a secret agent for the Global Protection Force.  His missions involve retrieving valuable objects that have been stolen all over the world.  His ultimate mission, however, is to find his missing older brother Max who also works for the GPF.  His super cool gadgets will appeal to boys!  Great book to explore the world and learn about different cultures/sights.
Fourteen books in the series.  A great series to encourage reluctant readers (especially boys) to read!
Fountas and Pinnell Guided Reading level: P (third grade)

Apple Countdown by Joan Holub illustrated by Jan Smith

A class of students goes to an apple orchard for a field trip.  Starting with the number 20, the rhyming story counts down as their field trip adventure unfolds.  Great apple facts are included throughout the book too. The back of the front and back covers are splattered with apple facts too.
**Like this counting book because it includes the teen numbers and number 20.

The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall illustrated by Shari Halpern

Two siblings watch their apple tree through the seasons and enjoy a delicious apple pie in the autumn.
Explanation of pollination and an apple pie recipe are in the back.

Ten Apples Up on Top! by Dr. Seuss/ Theo. LeSieg illustrated by Roy McKie

A lion, dog and tiger compete to see who can balance the most apples on their head.  Disaster, of course, ensues as they become more daring in their challenges!  This book had my almost four year old son giggling!  Great book for beginning readers too.
An "I CAN READ IT ALL BY MYSELF   BEGINNER BOOK"

The Dangerous Alphabet by Neil Gaiman illustrated by Gris Grimly

Two siblings sneak out of the house to seek a treasure underneath their city.  The story is told via the order of the alphabet (but do not trust the order . . . the observant reader will notice a mistake-on purpose by the author!).    The illustrations include objects that begin with the "starring" letter.
This books is, in my opinion, very gruesome and celebrates death, ghosts, evil.  I did not share it with my boys.

The Magic of Language Prefixes and Suffixes by Ann Heinrichs

Not your normal grammar book!  Beautiful photos accompany each  concept and the layout is bold and eye-catching.  Each chapter explains a concept, offers examples and then gives the reader a chance to apply his/her knowledge.
Ten Chapters topics- 1. roots   2.  prefix   3.  over/under/before/after   4.  number prefixes   5.  hyphens   6.  suffix    7.  more suffixes    8.  adding suffixes to verbs and adverbs/adjectives    9.  reading large words with prefixes and suffixes   10.  how to build a word sandwich

On page 31 there are fill in the blank sentences where the reader must add prefixes and suffixes to make the sentence "make sense".

Little Bear's Visit by Else Holmelund Minarik illustrated by Maurice Sendak

Sweet, humorous stories to which all preschoolers and early elementary students can relate.  Perfect book for beginning readers to read.  Classic . . . one I read in the 1980's and now my 6 1/2 year can read in the 2000's!

An I CAN READ Book.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

Ben Ripley, an average twelve year with great math skills, finds a CIA agent sitting in his living room after school.  Mr. Hale informs him that he has been selected to attend a spy school.  Ben finds out soon enough that spy school and being a spy is not as glamorous as he thought!
Action-packed, fast moving novel. Great word choice/vocab.
More in series- Spy Camp A third one is being written.

Cautions/discussion points: two swear words are used a few times; violent -fighting, guns, bombs, kidnapping; lying/cheating "okay if trying to solve a case"

Johnny Appleseed by Jodie Shepherd illustrated by Masumi Furukawa

A biography that kindergartners and even preschoolers will find interesting!  Ms. Shepherd shares about Johnny Appleseed's life from the time he was a child until he was managing his orchards.  A brief overview of our country's expansion is also woven into the story.

Cat the Cat books by Mo Willems

Very simple, repetitive text -perfect for very beginning readers.  The speech bubbles contain more difficult words but an adult could read those for the readers.  Pigeon makes his appearance in each book as a stuffed animal.

From the Good Mountain by James Rumford

This picture book explains how Johannes Gutenberg changed the world and literacy.  Detailed explanation of the making of the ink, paper, leather for the book's cover, and the printing press is fascinating.  Beautiful illustrations.  Author gives more details about Gutenberg and the history of books in the epilogue.

Ducking for Apples by Lynne Berry illustrated by Hiroe Nakata

Five duckling bike to an apple tree to pick apples.  Together they pick the apples and then make/bake a pie together to eat.  The story is told in rhyme.  

All for Pie Pie for All by David Martin illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev

Grandmother Cat bakes an apple pie and shares it with her family.  Every single crumb is eaten with the help of mice and ants.  Repetitive text make this a good read with a younger audience.

Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington

Bold, colorful illustrations fill the page.  A perfect book to share with preschoolers about what someone may do with the apples from their orchard.  Recipes that use apples are in the back.

Invasion of the Giant Bugs An Adventure Story with 10 Creepy Crawly Holograms by A.J.Wood illustrated by Wayne Anderson

Siblings, Lucy and Max, return from their trip to outer space with their grandfather, Professor Sponge to find out their grandfather accidentally shrank them!  They race from the bugs as they try to restore to their normal size.  The holograms are fun to view.  The pictures add to the story.  Look carefully at the last page!

Let's Go Nuts! Seeds We Eat by April Pulley Sayre

Beautiful photographs of various seeds/nuts.  Ms. Sayre continues to create fun rhyming informative books.
Check out her other books-Rah, Rah, Radishes! and Go, Go, Grapes!

Henry and Mudge in Puddle Trouble by Cynthia Rylant illustrations by Sucie Stevenson

Three delightful stories about Henry and his loyal dog Mudge.  These stories take place in the spring time.  This is the second book in the series.

There's a Monster in the Alphabet by James Rumford

This unique ABC book shares how Cadmus a Phoenician brought the alphabet to Greece.  This story is about Cadmus and his amazing deeds told via the alphabet.  A great book to see how our alphabet has changed over the years.

Fish is Fish by Leo Lionni

Fish and tadpole are best friends.  Tadpole, of course, turns into a frog and leaves the underground world at times only to return to tell of his adventures.  Fish is envious and tries to flop on land to see this unknown world.
Some longer words that can be used to model decoding/word attack strategies.

Roslyn Rutabaga and the Biggest Hole on Earth! by Marie-Louise Gay

Roslyn the rabbit wakes up one morning determined to dig the biggest hole on earth.  Despite encountering many obstacles, she continues her task. (She really wants to dig to the South Pole to meet a penguin!!)
A delight to read and share.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star by Iza Trapani

This author takes familiar, classic songs and expands them-adding verses and illustrating pictures that add a lot to the "story line".  In this one, the star takes the girl on an amazing sky journey.  The star itself has a happy face and is very gold and shiny.

Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall illustrated by Matt Phelan

Flora's younger brother Crispin spills her paints all over her artwork.  Their frustrated mother sends them outside to play. The siblings encounter the wind and their adventure begins!
Love the word choice and the promotion of imagination.

Where is the Apple Pie? Valeri Gorbachev

A great two person reading book-perfect for beginning readers.  One person can be the goat and one person can be the pig.
Pictures tell more about the story.

Read Me a Story, Stella by Marie-Louise Gay

As younger brother Sam plays throughout the day, Stella has her nose in a book.  At the end of the day, good ol' older sister tells Sam a story.  Sweet.

The Island-below-the Star by James Rumford

Four brothers and plus their stowaway little brother set out on the Pacific Ocean to explore islands beyond their home.  This story is based on the early Polynesian explorers and the discovery of the Hawaiian islands.

Electric Ben The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin by Robert Byrd *

Highly recommend this amazing illustrated picture book of  Ben Franklin.  Mr. Byrd captures the personality of Mr. Franklin and offers great insight into his early years until his death.  I had no idea how involved Mr. Franklin was in the founding of our nation.  This book also gives a comprehensive view of our nation's history and its beginnings.
Smaller illustrations and their captions share more facts about Mr. Franklin and our country's history.
Nonfiction text structures: headings, picture captions, and time line.
Loved the sprinkling of Mr. Franklin's sayings throughout the book and end pages.

Oliver and His Alligator by Paul Schmid

Oliver is dreading his first day of school so he brings along an alligator.  Great book to discuss feelings of a new teacher, classmates, being overwhelmed by the noise and workload.  Very simple pictures and few words.

Good Night, Sam by Marie-Louise Gay

Sam cannot sleep without his dog Fred.  Ever faithful sister tries to help Sam find Fred. As usual a cute, somewhat funny ending.  Fred, the dog, is hidden on each page-fun to have reader find him.

Good Morning, Sam by Marie-Louise Gay

Sam wants to dress himself for the day without his sister's help. Cute, funny ending!

Bomb Shell An FBI Thriller by Catherine Coulter

A solid, fast moving FBI thriller.  No intimate scenes-yay!

Walter the Giatn Storyteller's Giant Book of Giant Stories by Walter M. Mayes illustrated by Kevin O'Malley

Walter the Giant finds himself washed into Littletown, a town of little people.  He tries to convince them that giants are not dangerous or stupid by  telling them various ancient stories.  Stories he tells are about Jack and the Beanstalk, Paul Bunyan/Stormalong, Atlas, and Finn M'Cool.  In the back he includes more details about each of the stories and recommends favorite books about giants.  My six year old and I liked the map in the front and back of the cover as much as the stories!

The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black

Well written and suspenseful.  Fantasy lovers will enjoy this series.  There are five books in the series.  Also available is Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide of the creatures featured each of the books.
Discussion points: siblings fighting; divorce; anger/getting into fights; scary creatures; magic

Bean Dog and Nugget series by Charise Mericle Harper

A new graphic novel series for beginning readers.  My six year old son did not seem too thrilled with them.

Titles in the series:  The Ball; The Cookie

The Three Bears ABC An Alphabet Book by Grace Maccarone illustrated by Hollie Hibbert

The story of Goldilocks and the three bears is told through ABC order.  Not a great alphabet book-I was not impressed.