Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal*

This book is a favorite. We read it for the first time last winter and reread it many times that year!
A father and his daughter cross country ski and observe animal activity around them.  The father also shares what animals are doing under the snow.  There are illustrations that show the various animals under the  snow. In the author's note at the end, she shares further detail about each of the animals and their winter survival.

*Highly recommend.

Don't Wake Up the Bear! by Marjorie Dennis Murray illustrated by Patricia Wittmann*

A warm, soft bear is asleep in his cave when a hare hops by and sees him.  Since it is so cold outside, she decides to cuddle up next to him.  More animals join her that cold night and each time she warns them not to wake up the bear.  Then a mouse enters and curls up in the bear's EAR!  No one realizes that the mouse has a cold  and . . .sneezes in the bear's ear!  The ending is predictable but funny!
*Highly recommend.
Sort of reminded my boys and me of The Mitten by Jan Brett (it is a stretch but there are similarities!!)

Hibernation by Margaret Hall *

I love Pebble Plus nonfiction books!  They make the nonfiction genre accessible to toddlers and preschoolers with their simple yet informative text.  The photographs take up over a page so are great to share at story time.
Great series for beginning readers too.
*Highly recommend.
Text structures: table of contents, glossary, read more/internet sites, index

Perfect Snow by Barbara Reid*

Ms. Reid's Plasticine art with ink and watercolor panels make the pictures appear 3-D.
Two boys have different aspirations what they are going to do in the snow at recess.  They join forces and the whole school joins them to create an amazing fort.
Like how an older boy is kind to a younger boy.
*Highly recommend.

It's Winter by Linda Glaser illustrated by Susan Swan

Love Ms. Swan's  cut-paper illustrations!
This book covers all things winter-from the fun activities in the snow and what various animals are doing while it snows.
In the back is a list of nature activities to do in the winter.

First Snow in the Woods A Photographic Fantasy by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick

Through beautiful photographs, the reader sees the season change from autumn to winter and how the different animals prepare and react.

Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming*

Starting with Bear, the animals tell each other that winter is coming.  This simple book shows how different animals survive the winter to the even the youngest audience.
*Highly recommend.

Super Snow Day Seek and Find by Michael Garland

Creative Aunt Jeanne hides notes all over the wintry town for her nephew, Tommy,  to find.
On each scene, the reader can find foreign language words for the word "snow", snow titles to books, songs, poems etc., snow sports symbols, snowflakes and much more!
Fun!

The Greatest Snowman in the World! by Peter Hannan

Charles Chinchilla and his friends, Elvis and Babs (a worm and a bird) set out to build the best snowman in the world.  When they try to keep it from melting, they are not too successful.  Luckily Charles has a great idea . .a masterpiece for them all to enjoy.

Hibernation Station by Michelle Meadows illustrated by Kurt Cyrus

The animals are all in their pajamas and board the hibernation train.  Trouble arises as the animals try to get comfortable.  The engineers (two bears) try to accommodate each animal.

Snowman Magic by Katherine Tegen illustrated by Brandon Dorman

George is bored while it is snowing.  When it stops, he builds a snowman and has a wonderful time playing with his creation.
Love the bold illustrations.

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner illustrated by Mark Buehner*

A boy wonders, "what do snowmen do at night while I sleep?".
Very creative and fun!
Lends itself to creative writing.
*Highly recommend.
My oldest son commented today that he loved this book and still loves it. He received it as a gift five years ago!

The Smiley Snowman by M. Christina Butler illustrated by Tina Macnaughton

Three friends, Small Fox, Little Bear and Fluff Bunny, build a snowman.  The three need to figure out how to make their snowman happy and keep smiling.
The snowman is made of a sparkly substance.  Kids will want to touch it!

Snowmen All Year by Caralyn Buehner illustrated by Mark Buehner

A boy imagines all the wonderful activities he could do with his snowman if it would not melt.
There are hidden pictures to find in each page.

The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren illustrated by Ilon Wikland*

My boys, four years and almost seven years, loved this book! Three farms in Sweden are situated closely together.  The children from these farms have many adventures together.  They play how children should play-outside with imagination and much joy!  The reader basically spends a year with the children which is great because he/she learns about the various Swedish customs for the holidays.

My oldest son said he liked how the boys teased the girls.  Even though a girl is the narrator, the story most certainly appeals to boys!
**Warning:  Very bluntly it is stated that Santa Claus is not real if that part of Christmas is important to you.

Getting to Know Nature's Children -Loons and Black Bears by Judy Ross

A very old series (copyright 1985) published by Grolier Limited.

My almost seven year old son could read this aloud to me so it is great nonfiction that transitional readers can read.  He was excited to discover this series at his school's library.

Text structures: table of contents, photographs, picture captions, headings, glossary and index.

Artsy-Fartsy by Karla Oceanak illustrated by Kendra Spanjer*

Aldo's grandmother, Goosy, gives him a sketchbook to draw in during his summer vacation.  To his surprise he does fill it with art and words.  Unlike his athletic brother, Aldo is chubby and does not like anything that requires him to sweat!  Aldo discovers a large evergreen tree near his house which will make a perfect fort/hide out.  He decides to hide his sketchbook journal in it and to his horror, a GIRL adds her own girly drawings to it!  The book's focus is on Aldo and his best friend Jack finding the culprit!
I really enjoyed this book and unlike many other series, I want to read the other titles!
This series will appeal to boy-reluctant readers.  I like it more the Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Appeals to me A LOT- The series is going in ABC order.  Whatever letter of the alphabet is the focus, there are great vocabulary words that begin with that letter.  At the end of the book is a glossary where all of the words are defined.  So reluctant readers are reading a book with rich vocab!!  A win-win!

**Points to discuss:  I did not like the use of "super-dumb" or "duh" a lot in the book but it is meant for an older audience.  A lie is told.
*Highly recommend.

The Big Wave by Pearl S. Buck*

A wonderful depiction of the Japanese culture and their way of thinking/living.
Kino lives on a farm with his family high in the mountains while his best friend Jiya lives next to the sea.
One day a tsunami sweeps away the fishing village and Jiya must learn to live again.
A great book about fear vs. enjoying life and rediscovering joy to live despite life's uncertainties.
Very old but still relevant! (copyright is 1947.)
*Highly recommend.

The Carpenter's Gift A Christmas Tale About the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel illustrated by Jim LaMarche

A wonderful story that begins in 1931 when Henry helps his father cut down evergreen trees to sell in NYC.  Humanity's kindness is illuminated in this story.  The story ends when Henry is an elderly man and  has the opportunity to return kindness to a young girl.
Love Mr. LaMarche's illustrations!
History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and Habitat for Humanity in the back.

No Two Alike by Keith Baker

Two red birds fly through their winter woodland home seeing how animals and objects are similar but not the same.
A celebration of uniqueness and beauty!

Clueless McGee by Jeff Mack

McGee tells about his amazing ninja skills and deductive thinking via daily letters to his father.  He believes his father is a private investigator. . .
McGee's first case-who stole the mac and cheese from the cafe?
Graphic comic style and funny.  Reluctant boy readers will devour!

One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson*

I highly recommend this book for any family who wants to keep Christ the center of Christmas.
Zeb is caught in a snow storm and spends a few days in woman's house in the mountains. As he waits out the storm, the woman tells him the story of Christmas starting at the creation of the world until Christ's resurrection.  Love how this book reveals how God has always wanted a relationship with us and was always working out a way to have that relationship.  The entire Bible points to Christ.

**The illustrations by Mr. Watson are exquisite.  I read somewhere that it took him a few years to complete the illustrations for this book.

Each night a couple weeks before Christmas we read a chapter.  I made felt ornaments that correspond to the chapter and hide them for the boys.  The boys find them and hang them on a small tree.

A Perfect Day by Carin Berger

After a big snow storm, children from the neighborhood come and play in it.
Beautifully depicted by collages.

Henry and Mudge and the Snowman Plan by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Sucie Stevenson*

Henry and Mudge enter a snowman contest in the park.
Typical wonderful humor is throughout!
Can't say enough great things about this series!!
Ms .Rylant is brilliant!

Pennsylvania Dutch Night Before Christmas by Chet Williamson illustrated by James Rice

So funny!  I found at times difficult to read but someone with PA Dutch background would read this story with ease and cause much laughter!!
Instead of Santa Claus, the man bringing gifts (or spanks!) is the Belsnickel.

The Night Before Christmas illustrated by Tasha Tudor

Ms. Tudor's illustrations are true to the poem as she depicts Santa Claus as miniature.  Of course, she has creatures from flying squirrels to a pet cat and dog enjoying Santa and his magic.
Enchanting!
Strategies/skills:  t-t connections; venn diagram

The Night Before Christmas by Holly Hobbie

Sweet illustrations!  The youngest child, a toddler, wakes up when the father does and watches Santa and his magic.
It is fun to read a few versions of this traditional poem and talk about how the illustrations add different twists to the poem.  A good way to model how the illustrations help tell the story and their power.
Strategies/skills:  t-t connections; venn diagram

Abe's Honest Words The Life of Abraham Lincoln by Doreen Rappaport illustrated by Kadir Nelson*

A wonderful presentation of Lincoln's entire life with quotes from him almost on every page. Lincoln's words are in a different font and color so they stand out.  The illustrations are bold and take up over a page.  Kadir Nelson really captures the emotion of the people.
*Highly recommend.
Text structures:  In the back-date timeline, where to find more info. about Lincoln; Gettysburg Address

All You Need for a Snowman by Alice Schertle illustrated by Barbara Lavallee

What do you need to build a snowman?  A large group of children build a huge snowman and it friend!

When Winter Comes by Nancy Van Laan illustrated by Susan Graber

A child and his parents take a walk on a snowy winter day.  The question "where does _______ go when winter comes" is repeated throughout the book and gives it its structure.
A great book to read to a toddler/preschooler who has lots of questions!

A Really Good Snowman by Daniel J. Mahoney

Nancy, Jack's little sister, always wants to help him with everything! Jack tries to avoid her help.  When the snowman contest begins, Jack teams up with his friends to build one.  Nancy obviously needs his help . . .what will he choose?
Sweet!  Most older brothers/sisters will be able to relate!
Strategies: connections

Marvin's Best Christmas Present Ever by Katherine Paterson illustrated by Jane Clark Brown

An I Can Read Book

Marvin is determined to make a Christmas gift his parents want to keep.  His sister May always makes the best gifts.  With her help, Marvin makes an incredible gift that lasts well beyond Christmas and serves as a help to a creature!

Sweet.

My almost seven year stayed in our van on the way home from the library to finish reading this book to himself.  That says a lot about the book!!

The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown illustrated by Jim Lamarche

A sweet story about a boy who is lame.  His father digs up the same little fir tree each Christmas for the boy to enjoy. Each spring the fir tree is replanted in the same spot.
The ending is wonderful!
Mr. Lamarche is an incredible illustrator.

Horse Diaries #10 Darcy by Whitney Sanderson illustrated by Ruth Sanderson

Told from Darcy's point of view, a Connemara pony, the reader learns about Ireland and its people in 1917 (the Irish Republican Army vs British occupation is also occurring during this time).  Darcy shares her perspectives from the time she is a young foal until she is too old to birth any foals and work.
In the back there are more facts about and the history of this breed of horse.
There are more books in this series that are set in different time periods and about various breeds of horse.
 A must for the horse lover!
Usually one large illustration in each chapter so great for more reluctant readers.

Parrots Over Puerto Rico by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore collages by Susan L. Roth

The collages from fabric and paper are incredible!!
This book shares the history of Puerto Rico and the demise and the rise of Puerto Rican Parrots.
We loved the photographs at the end.  Lots more details in the back.
Love how you hold the book vertically to read.
Text structures: foreign language pronunciation guide on each page, photographs, picture captions, date time line

Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon illustrated by Henri Sorensen*

It is Christmas Eve during the Great War.
How the two sides-Germans and British-stop their fighting for a few hours and enjoy Christmas with each other.
So touching.  Based on a true story.
*Highly recommend.
This library copy has a CD with 2 songs and plus the story read aloud by the author.

Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck illustrated by Mark Buehner*

Rob wants to give his father a gift that reveals the depth of his love for him.   With no money, Rob thinks creatively and gives his father a gift that is never forgotten.
Loved how this book shows the value of thinking of others before self and what a meaningful gift is.
*Highly recommend.
Of course, I love the illustrations by Mr. Buehner (illustrator for the Snowmen At . .  picture book series)

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough illustrated by Debby Atwell

"How Anne Carroll Created Libraries for Children"
Anne Carroll was different from other girls and women in the 1800's and early 1900's and carried this manner to helping create wonderful libraries for children!
Loved it!
More about Miss Moore is in the back .
Made me want to visit the New York Public Library!

Dark Day in the Deep Sea Magic Tree House #39 by Mary Pope Osborne illustrate by Sal Murdocca

Jack and Annie travel to the 19th century and board the HMS Challenger.  This boat is traveling the seas to discover new sea creatures in the ocean depths.  Jack and Annie fear for their lives when they are swept overboard in a storm.  The sea monster, the octopus, saves them.  Can Jack and Annie return the favor?

Giada De Laurentiis's Recipe for Adventure Paris! by Taylor Morris illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa

Alfie and his sister Emilia travel to Paris . . .but by magic!  Their Tia (great aunt) who has traveled all over the world has been staying with them and cooking and sharing marvelous food from her travels.  Sometimes when they partake of the food they are transported to that specific country.
In this story Alfie and Emilia land in a Parisian cooking school.  Not only do they experience amazing food but are able to soak in the city's famous landmarks.

**Points to discuss: Lying occurs a couple of times in the book.

The library has this book cataloged under Ms. De Laurentiis' name, not Morris.
**Delicious recipes are in the back!
The first book in the series takes place in Naples.

The Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett

A fun twist to the traditional tale where the boy tricks the gingerbread man and no harm comes to him.  A fun lift the flap at the end.
Beautiful illustrations, of course!  The border tells a second story and lends itself to predicting.
Strategies: t-t connections, predicting

The Pine Tree Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs illustrated by Nancy Munger

The farmer and his family grow Christmas trees. One tree is too beautiful to sell.  The farmer's wife places a "not for sale" sign on it.  Many years later a family too poor to purchase a tree comes to their business looking at the free trees.  The couple's little girl picks out the "not for sale" tree.  The farmer's wife must make a difficult decision.
Great book to talk about God's gift of His Son.

Silver Packages An Appalachian Christmas Story by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet

Frank longs for a doctor's kit from the rich man who throws silver packages off his train each Christmas.  Yet each year he does not receive it but much needed socks, hats, mittens and a special toy.
This book talks about generosity and debts are paid continuously out of thankfulness.
*Highly recommend.
Ms. Rylant is so talented-she writes humorous stories for beginning/transitional readers yet can write touching stories like this one!

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

A beautifully written book sharing Mrs. Voskamp's journey to experiencing the life God has given to the fullest.  Very poetic.
Readers who are more reserved may find some descriptions too dramatic but isn't God's love for us dramatic and one to be proclaimed with beautiful, descriptive words?
*Highly recommend.

What Does the Fox Say? by Ylvis illustrated by Svein Nyhus

This book is a bit odd if you are unfamiliar with the YouTube sensation that birthed this book.
Fun!  My husband who is musically inclined said the music was well done when we watched the video.

Good News Bad News by Jeff Mack*

Another great story that uses minimal words-just the words "good", "bad" "news".
A rabbit and a rat go throughout their day with conflicting events either "good" or "bad".
A great book to show how pictures tell a big part of the story.
Strategies: predicting; using illustrations to understand the story
*Highly recommend.

AH HA! by Jeff Mack

How anyone can create a book just using "A" and "H" is amazing!!! Mr. Mack achieves this feat!  The story starts with a frog basking on a rock and the trouble that follows him throughout the story.  Who gets the last laugh?
A great book to show kids how the illustrations do tell a big part of the story.

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Laurel Long

Beautiful illustrations using oil paints.  The previous verses' objects are hidden in the current verse.
Information and background on the origin of the song are included in the back.

One Baby Jesus A New Twelve Days of Christmas by Patricia A. Pingry illustrated by Wendy Edelson

A fun version of the traditional song to focus it on Christ and His birth.
Would be fun to print out pictures of each of the objects/people shown in here and print on card stock.  Then hold up and sing along!

Winter is for Snow by Robert Neubecker*

A boy and his sister have differing opinions about snow.  Each sibling has a different color font when speaking.  Love how the brother tries to convince his sister with all the positive attributes of snow!
Great illustrations.
I could see using this book as a Reader's Theater and/or for mentor text for writing a piece "Winter is . . .".
*Highly recommend.

If It's Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws! by Kim Norman illustrated by Liza Woodruff

Arctic animals enjoy many snowy activities to the tune of this familiar song.

Snow! Snow! Snow! by Lee Harper*

Few words yet a delightful story.  Captures the thrill of sledding!
Humorous, fun illustrations.
My boys loved it and asked for repeated readings.
*Highly recommend.

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown

Mr. Tiger is tired of being proper and doing things the way they have always been.  So one day he decides to go a little wild and then each day takes it a step further until the other animals have had enough!  His risky behavior brings about positive changes in all the animals' lives.

Christmas in Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren illustrated by Ilon Wikland

The Noisy Village comprises of three farms really close together in Sweeden.  The children from the three families create a very happy Christmas for each other.
Lovely illustrations!
***The author of Pippi Longstocking!

Miss Wire's Christmas Surprise by Ian Whybrow illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark

According to this story Santa is not just for kids but for big kids too . . .like the elderly!  Christmas mice help deliver toys too dangerous for children to these elderly people in a retirement home.
A bit odd but I found it humorous.  Not sure if my boys did!
"I Am Reading" book.

The Hour of the Olympics by Mary Pope Osborne Magic Tree House series #168

My six year old (almost seven) son likes to read this series to himself (and out loud to me).  In this book Jack and Annie travel to Greece and experience the Olympics!
*Highly recommend the series.

The Biggest Bear by Lynd Ward*

Johnny is always humiliated when he walks into town and sees bear skins drying on everyone's barn but his own.  One day he ventures into the woods to shoot a bear and comes back with a . . .cub!  This cub is immediately a pet and creates disturbances in the neighborhood. Once he is full grown the neighbors come to Johnny's father to say "the bear must go".   A satisfying solution for everyone in the community.
*Highly recommend.
Won the Caldecott.

Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett

The trolls have their pet hedgehog steal Treva's family Christmas gifts and decorations.  They want Christmas and this is the only way they know how to "get" it.  Treva discovers their home and brings Christmas to it in a kinder way.
Jan Brett, of course, illustrates beautifully.  Her borders tell more to the story.

The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett

Teeka's job is prepare Santa's reindeer for their flight on Christmas Eve.  The main problem is that they have been wild and free on the tundra since last year. Teeka learns that a gentle voice, patience and kindness go a long way when training and teaching them.

Follow the Star by Rachel W.N. Brown illustrated by Giuliano Ferri

Small Camel has the honor to carry the three gifts to King Jesus.  Describes the arduous journey he must make and his delight when he meets the King.  I like how this book accurately portrays Jesus' age when the wise men arrive.

The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg*

The Jolly Postman delivers Christmas greetings and Christmas gifts to various fairy tale/folktale creatures.  So fun!  A large envelope accompanies each page from which the reader can pull out the specific letter/gift.  Some items that are pulled are a board game, puzzle, and mini books.
*Highly recommend.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Michael Morpurgo illustrated by Michael Foreman

Sir Gawain, one  of King Arthur's knights of the Round Table, acts bravely on behalf of his beloved king one New Year's Eve.  A Green Knight challenges the King and his Knights to a contest.  Sir Gawain accepts.  His integrity and courage are tested to the fullest.
This is story is told in a captivating way and is very well written.  I hesitate to recommend it to any elementary age student since the Green Knight's wife tries to seduce Sir Gawain three times.  The Green Knight's wife kisses him several times throughout the story which I consider adultery.  Sir Gawain also chops off the Green Knight's head and there is an illustration showing the head falling off and blood squirting out of it plus the Green Knight holding his decapitated head.
Warnings/points to discuss: adultery, seduction, violence
**Longer picture book-more words than illustrations

The Mitten adapted and illustrated by Jan Brett *

Ms. Brett's borders lend themselves to predicting.
Check out her website for a mitten craft to make after reading this story.
Read this one and another version of the Ukrainian folktale and discuss similarities/differences.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies/skills: venn diagram, predicting

The Mitten retold by Alvin Tresselt illustrated by Yaroslava*

An old Ukrainian Folktale
Love this version!!
*Highly recommend.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens retold by Gill Tavner illustrated by Karen Donnelly*

Real Reads series.
Finally this classic is rewritten to appeal to the elementary age group!  Lovely illustrations on almost every page.  Even my four year old listened to it and was captivated by the story!  We read it in one sitting.
In a separate section the author explains how he changed some of the story line and what really happened.  He also includes a section about that time period, a finding out more section, and a question section to explore comprehension and writing style.
*Highly recommend.
Mr. Tavner has written several classics for this series.

Shark Wars by E.J. Altbacker

Gray is banished from his reef shiver.  His loyal friend Barkley leaves with him.  As they swim in the Big Blue alone, they realize that the waters are not as peaceful as they had imagined.
A book that explores real friendship.  Very exciting!

Stories of Santa Up on the Housetop and Jolly Old St. Nicholas -Hallmark

This book was an used one probably from a yard sale etc. given to us.  It is more of a Christmas scrapbook/songbook.  I like it because we can sing the words.

Arthur's Christmas by Marc Brown

Arthur is obsessed with picking out the best Christmas present for Santa.  D.W., of course, is concerned with herself and what she will be receiving.  When Arthur becomes very creative in making the perfect gift for Santa, D.W. takes matter in her own hands in order to "save" Christmas.  

Stick Man by Julia Donaldson illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Stick Man innocently decides to go for a jog but does not return.  Many people find many uses for a stick throughout the year.  His doom seems certain as he lies, unknown to him, in a fireplace.  Who will save the day?  Santa, of course!!

The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson*

The second book Ms. Thompson has written about the lovable Peter Rabbit.
In this story Peter and his cousin Benjamin Bunny try to save William, the turkey, from being the McGregor's Christmas dinner.
Lovely illustrations that reflect Ms. Potter's style.
*Highly recommend.

There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow! by Lucille Colandro illustrated by Jared Lee

Read this one on a snowy day.
Strategy: predicting

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell! by Lucille Colandro illustrated by Jared Lee

A fun Christmas version of this familiar rhyme!
Strategy: predicting

The Case of the Hungry Stranger by Crosby Bonsall

An I Can Read Book
This sixty four page book is perfect for transitional readers-one to four short sentences per page with most of the page covered with the illustrations.  As the four friends try to solve the case, the events are humorous enough to encourage the reader to finish it in one sitting.
Older but still great! (copyright 1963!)

Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett illustrated by Matthew Myers*

Alex receives a sweet birthday bunny book from his Grandma.  Alex decides to make it more exciting and changes the title to "Battle Bunny".  He adds his own doodles and crosses out many words for his own story.
Definitely a book that celebrates creativity!!
Funny!
*Highly recommend.

Trumpeter Swan The World's Largest Waterbird by Leon Gray

Even More Super-Sized series
Beautiful photos!
Text structures: table of contents, comparisons, picture captions, bold words, maps, headings, labels, arrows, close ups, glossary, index, read more, learn online sources

Dragonflies by Julie Murray

Great overview of a life of a dragonfly.
Text structures: bold words, table of contents, diagrams, labels, picture captions, "bug bite! facts", charts, arrows, headings, glossary, websites, index

Arthur's Camp-Out by Lillian Hoban

Arthur's parents are away.  He is bored.  When his sister's friends come by for a camp-out with her, Arthur decides to go on his own camp-out.  Unexpected events make him have a very exciting time!
An I Can Read Book
I do not like Arthur's know it all attitude and how he treats his younger sister.

Things That Float and Things That Don't by David A. Adler illustrated by Anna Raff

Mr. Adler explains about the density of water compared to the density of things that float and don't.
This book really lends its self to science experiments!  It was a bit over my boys' heads (ages 4 and almost 7) but some concepts will stick.

The Bears on Hemlock Mountain by Alice Dalgliesh illustrated by Helen Sewell

All the adults in Jonathan's life claim that there are not any bears on Hemlock Mountain.  But Jonathan is not sure when he travels the first time over the mountain to borrow a big pot from his aunt.  At his aunt's house he is comfortable by the fire and a full stomach of milk and cookies, he falls asleep.  When he wakes up, it is almost dark.  On his journey home he discovers adults are not always right!!
"Ready for Chapters"

Little Chicken's Big Day by Katie Davis and Jerry Davis

This book made me laugh as the Mother Chicken urges her chick throughout the day-keep moving!  When they are separated both Little Chicken and Mother Chicken change attitudes and appreciate each other more.
Very simple text.
Over-sized so great for story time.

How to Train a Train by Jason Carter Eaton illustrated John Rocco

A boy explains how to pick, capture and train a train like a pet.
Cute!
Over sized so great for story time.

Millions, Billions and Trillions Understanding Big Numbers by David A. Adler illustrated by Edward Miller*

This book offers real life examples so kids can begin to grasp how big these numbers are.  I liked how Mr. Adler talks about the national debt and how much our government spends when discussing trillion!!
*Highly recommend.

Snow School by Sandra Markle illustrated by Alan Marks*

Follow a brother and sister snow leopard cubs as they learn survival skills from their mother until they are ready to live independently.  Beautiful watercolor illustrations depict these majestic creatures.
My almost seven year old son really enjoyed this book.
*Highly recommend.
One page at end contains more facts, places to find out more, and an author's note.

Mr. Putter and Tabby Drop the Ball by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Arthur Howard

Mr. Putter and Tabby are sleeping the summer away so they decide to join a sport-baseball with Mrs. Teaberry.
So funny!

Snow Sounds An Onomatopoeic Story by David A. Johnson

Beautiful in artwork and sounds.  Perfect to read during a snowfall!
Also great to read when introducing onomatopoeia.
Strategies: connections
creative writing; grammar

The Long, Long Journey The Godwit's Amazing Migration by Sandra Markle illustrated by Mia Posada*

Starting with a female chick the reader observes the godwit's development and then journey from Alaska to New Zealand.  The text is simple enough that it will keep a preschooler's attention but older children will still be amazed about this little bird.
More facts are listed at the end.  In the find out more section there are websites to see this real photos and videos of the bird.  Map in back to show its migration path. The author lives in New Zealand and sees these birds firsthand.
*Highly recommend.

Christopher Columbus by Marion Dane Bauer illustrated by Liz Goulet Dubois

My First Biography
Great series for beginning readers-one sentence per page yet offers a comprehensive insight to the person's life.  Spanish word "tierra, tierra" has the word, "land, land" in next page so gives the opportunity to talk about context clues with child.
Maps are included.
Great series to use if you want to introduce your toddler or preschooler to an important person.

An Otis Christmas by Loren Long*

I love these Otis books.  Such a sweet, caring character.  If my boys were more into farms and tractors, I would own all of these books.  I also like them because they are longer picture books and have well developed characters.  The characters usually face a big problem and solve it in a noble and honorable way.
In this book, Otis' friend horse is expecting a foal.  Unfortunately the foal decides to arrive right in the middle of a snow storm.  Otis' new Christmas gift, a horn, just might save the day.
*Highly recommend.

Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano illustrated by Lee Harper

Turkey realizes that he is is big, bad trouble on Thanksgiving.  So he tries to disguise himself as various farm animals.  Within the nick of time, he comes up with the perfect disguise which satisfies both him and the farmer and family.
Very funny!
The boys loved it!

Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry illustrated by Middy Thomas

Gooney Bird Greene walks into the second grade classroom in Watertower and instantly transforms the teacher and students alike with her incredible, entertaining stories.
Such a likable character!
Great to read aloud when talking about what makes a good story.
Creative writing mentor text.

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish Illustrated by Fritz Siebel

Who does not know about this funny lady?!!  My six year old found these amusing to read, of course!
The only aspect I did not like was the list Mrs. Rogers leaves is written in cursive.  Most children who are reading this book on their own cannot read cursive.
-We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: L (2nd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.5

The Bear's Song by Benjamin Chaud

Papa Bear has just settled in for hibernation when  he realizes Little Bear is missing.  Little Bear has spied a honey bee and follows it.  Papa Bear follows Little Bear into the city which creates quite a scene!  Both of their desires are fulfilled at the end.
Such a fun book!
The book is over-sized and the illustrations include lots of details.  It is fun for the reader to try to find Little Bear and the bee in these busy scenes.
*Highly recommend.

The Birdwatchers by Simon James

Jess' Granddad always has amazing, exciting stories to tell about his bird watching experiences.  So grand are these stories, that Jess decides to tag along one day.  She/He (I could not tell!!) comes up with her/his own amazing story!

Ferdinand Fox's First Summer by Mary Holland

The photos in this book are amazing!  The kit foxes are absolutely adorable!  Like the title suggests, the reader learns how a fox develops and matures into an independent fox.
I like it especially because it is a nonfiction book younger readers can actually read!
 In the back are extra learning activities.  More interactive activities are on-line!

Stripes of All Types by Susan Stockdale

Through rhyming text, the author writes/illustrates about various animals with stripes around the world.
Multi-age-such simple text yet in the back are two pages that share a couple factual sentences about each animal and their location.  There are also two pages of rectangles of a close up of the stripes which the reader must determine to which animal it belongs.

I Survived Series The Japanese Tsunami, 2011 by Lauren Tarshis*

Ben is visiting his father's hometown in Japan.  The only problem?  His father had died four months ago in a freak car accident.  As Ben deals with the constant ache of missing his father, his father's teachings on being brave in the face of the seemingly impossible help him survive a tsunami.
Love this series!
*Highly recommend.

Black Beauty and the Thunderstorm by Susan Hill illustrated by Bill Farnsworth

My Reader-Classic Stories-Classic Characters
Beautiful illustrations
Minimal words on a page so perfect for transitional readers and for small groups/tutoring purposes.

Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Bean has no desire to become friends with the new girl next door.  But when she pulls a prank on her older sister and it backfires, the new girl (Ivy) comes to her rescue.  An instant friendship forms.
Definite sibling rivalry-I do not like how mean the sisters are to each. . . behavior I would not tolerate!!
Funny!  Interesting characters.

Honey Cookies by Meredith Hooper illustrated by Alison Bartlett

If you want your child to understand where all the ingredients to make cookies come from, this is the perfect book.
Recipe included in the back.

Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon by Paul Danziger illustrated by Tony Ross

Third grader, Amber Brown, does not want her best friend Justin to move to another state.  This book carefully deals with the emotions of a third grader and their perspective on life and situations.

I Survived The Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis*

Chet is living with his uncle in small New Jersey town until his father and mother establish themselves in California.  Having moved around so much, Chet has never really had any friends.  Just as he is beginning to form friendships, a prank taken too far seems to ruin his chances.  Then he spies a shark in the town's creek.  No one believes him.  Then he realizes the boys he is at odds with usually spend the afternoon in the creek.
Very exciting.  Believable characters.
*Highly recommend.
Love this series!

A Mammoth in the Fridge by Michael Escoffier illustrated by Matthieu Maudet

One morning the boy in the family discovers a mammoth in their fridge.  What is one to do?  Call the fire department, of course!  A chase ensues without solving the problem.  The  youngest member of the family comes along much later and takes care of it but. . .the rest of the family is totally unaware!
Funny and a wonderful surprise ending!!
Illustrations dominate the page with primary colors, brown and white only.  Sparse text but tells a fun,  complete story.

Snowbots by Aaron Reynolds illustrated by David Barneda*

My boys, ages 4 and almost 7, love this book!  We have read it at least four times in two days!
The rhyming text shares a story of town of robots and their enjoyment of a snowstorm.
*Highly recommend.

A Christmas Tree for Pyn by Olivier Dunrea

The author/illustrator of Gossie and Friends
A sweet story of a tiny girl whose father is big and gruff.  This Christmas she really wants a Christmas tree and patiently but persistently asks her father if it would be okay.
Great story to analyze character development/change and character traits.
Strategies: inferring (the mother has passed away); character traits/development

Snowmen at Work by Caralyn Buehner illustrated by Mark Buehner

What kind of jobs would snowmen have if they worked at night?
Creative writing opportunity/mentor text for writing

What If You Had Animal Teeth? by Sandra Markle illustrated by Howard McWilliam

This is a fun book!
Images of kids with the animal's teeth in their mouth and how their teeth would be if that animal's teeth were in their mouth . . .learn facts about the amazing animal teeth.  At the end, there are facts about teeth and their development and teeth care.

Text Structures: fact boxes, photos, heading

A Merry Little Christmas Celebrate from A to Z by Mary Engelbreit

Sweet mice illustrations.
Follow a mouse family as they prepare for Christmas.
Each letter is decorated with objects that start with it.

Clementine and the Spring Trip by Sara Pennypacker illustrated by Marla Frazee

Clementine and her classmates are going on a field trip to Plimoth Plantation with the fourth graders who have serious eating rules.  Among other things, there is a new girl, Olive,in the class who has made up her own language and Clementine cannot learn to speak it.  Her teacher excepts her to make Olive feel welcome.  And oh, there is a major stink on Bus #7 which Clementine and her classmates are on for the field trip.
Many problems for a third grader to solve and if anyone can, Clementine can!
Delightful character and series!

Nate the Great on the Owl Express by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Mitchell Sharmat illustrated by Martha Weston

Nate the Great is on a case for his cousin Olivia Sharp.  Someone in her apartment building wants to harm her pet owl, Hoot.  So Nate is on a train, being a bodyguard for her owl.
Funny!
Strategies: predictions, inferences

Clever Lollipop by Dick King-Smith illustrated by Jill Barton

A delightful sequel to Lady Lollipop!
In this book Lady Lollipop becomes sick by eating a harmful plant.  The Conjurer is called and he heals Lady Lollipop and solves the King's problem of finding a tutor for Penelope and Johnny.  Lady Lollipop is rewarded for her efforts at the end!
A very fun read!
Points to discuss: Some half-truths and a white lie

The Berenstain Bears' Sleepover by Jan and Mike Berenstain

I Can Read!  Beginning Reading Level 1
Brother and Sister Bear each have a friend sleep over.  Not much sleeping occurs!
Typical sleepover activities: movies, popcorn, games, spooky ghost stories, makeup, and keeping parents awake!

Giving Thanks Poems, Prayers and Praise Songs of Thanksgiving edited with reflections by Katherine Paterson illustrated by Pamela Dalton

Beautiful Scherenschnitte illustrations!
Poems and prayers include other religions besides Christianity.
A book to use during the month of November to focus on thankfulness .. . or any time of the year.
Don't know how naturally drawn kids would be to it.

Half Upon a Time by James Riley

Jack, the son of Jack and the Bean stalk, finds himself on a whirlwind adventure with May, a girl from modern times who is really from fairy tale land.
This book is full of fairy tale characters and page after page adventure.
Very entertaining.
Points to discuss/warning: kissing; violence; says a few times "he cursed", "let out a string of curses"; if you are offended by magic/genies/witches-they are characters/aspects to this book.

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown illustrated by Steve Bjorkman

I had never read this well-known story and thought it was about time.
Funny and great for transitional readers.
If you are picky about what your kids say, the words "darndest' and "gosh" are included in this book.

Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner illustrated by Mark Buehner*

The snowmen books by this husband-wife team are family favorites!
*Highly recommend.
Lends self to creative writing-Have child come up with what their snowman does at night/at Christmas etc.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore illustrated by Jan Brett

Jan Brett brings new events and delight to this beloved poem.  Her illustrations are always a treat!

Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson illustrated by Jane Chapman

Mortimer, the mouse, is tired of his creepy, cramped, and cold home.  He discovers a manger scene that has the perfect bed for him.  Then he overhears the Christmas story and honorable gives the manger back to the baby Jesus.  A delightful ending!

Minerva Louise on Christmas Eve by Janet Morgan Stoeke*

Minerva Louise views life like a chicken.  Ms. Stoeke cleverly reveals how a chicken may think in various situations.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: inferring on a simple level

Cookies Bite-Size Life Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal illustrated by Jane Dyer*

A broader range of character traits defined by cookie situations.  Excellent way to explain more complex character traits to kids.
Ms. Rosenthal is so clever and creative.

Sugar Cookies Sweet Little Lessons on Love by Amy Krouse Rosenthal illustrated by Jane Dyer and Brooke Dyer*

Sweet illustrations and kid-friendly definitions of the complex vocabulary of love.
*Highly recommend (any book by Ms. Rosenthal!)

It's Thanksgiving! by Jack Prelutsky illustrated by Marylin Hafner

"I Can Read!"- Level 3  Reading Alone

A wonderful collection of twelve poems about Thanksgiving.  The poems progress in a logical order through the day.
The perfect book to share on Thanksgiving Day.
Can't go wrong with poems by Jack Prelutsky!