A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd*

Felicity has wandered from town to town all her life with her wander-lust mother and little sister Frannie Jo.
When they arrive in Midnight Gulch, TN, to live with their aunt, Felicity hopes to make this town their home.  Midnight Gulch use to be magic but an over one hundred year old curse has left the people sad and without hope.
With Felicity's ability to see words form in the air and her new best friend Jonah who knows how to encourage individuals, the curse may soon be broken.
*Highly recommend.
Cannot recommend it enough!  Ms. Lloyd truly has a magical way with words!
Strategies/skills: inferring (character traits/development), word choice, determining importance-main idea, cause/effect, asking questions, visualizing, connections

Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Chris Van Dusen*

I love this series!
It is funny and wacky!  The Watsons have a pet pig, Mercy, who they keep in their home.  The sweet couple is naive and always gives Mercy lots of praise, the benefit of the doubt and lots of buttered toast.
A great series to read aloud to a preschooler who is ready for longer books.  Lots of beautiful, colorful illustrations by Mr. Van Dusen.
*Highly recommend.

Fly High, Fly Guy! by Tedd Arnold*

This humorous series about a boy Buzz and his pet fly (Fly Guy) is perfect for beginning readers.
In this book the family takes a road trip but are worried Fly Guy will become lost because he is too small.
Small Guy saves the day!
*Highly recommend.

Giant Squid by Mary M. Cerullo and Clyde F. E. Roper*

This book shares information about the mysterious giant squid and also relates about Clyde Roper's investigations of the giant squid.
Full of facts and incredible photographs.  My boys and I learned a lot just when we took a picture walk before we read it thoroughly.
I really like how the book reveals how scientists ask questions, investigate and experiment with ideas.
*Highly recommend.
Text features: contents, photographs, labels, picture captions, headings, subheadings, diagrams,
Strategies: synthesize,  determining importance-main idea, asking questions

Graphs, Graphs, Graphs! by Kelly Boswell

Part of a series of mathematical ways to show data.
Larger sized book makes it great to share with a larger group.
Organized in an appealing way-lots of color too.
The text engages the reader and requires him/her to respond to questions.
Critical thinking questions in the back to connect to Common Core.
Text features:  headings, labels, graphs, glossary, read more section, critical thinking questions, index

Outside the Box by Karma Wilson illustrated by Diane Goode

Very funny poems-wide variety of format/type.
My boys, of course, liked the potty humor ones best!

Treehouses and Playhouses You Can Build by David and Jeanie Stiles

Photographs of incredible little (and not so little!!) treehouses/playhouses.
Step by step instructions and diagrams included.

Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart illustrated by Constance R. Bergum*

A family ventures into the snow covered world unaware of the creatures underneath them.  In simple text but well chosen words Ms. Stewart shares how various creatures survive the cold and snow.
This book inspired my then three year old and I to go look for centipedes in rotting logs in our woods last winter.
Ms. Stewart is one of my favorite nonfiction writers.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: determining importance-main idea

Down, Down, Down by Steve Jenkins

"A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea"
All of Mr. Jenkin's books are amazing with his cut and torn paper collage which help share amazing facts.  In this book the reader travels bit by bit to the Challenger Deep, part of the Marianas Trench.  A bar on the side of the right side page shows the reader how deep they are.
In the back is more information about each creature and a human hand or a human outline is placed to the creatures' outline to give an idea how big the creature is.
A must for any study about sea creatures!
Strategy: determining importance-main idea

A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston illustrated by Sylvia Long*

Beautiful illustrations of seeds and their development.
The text is multi age -bigger font could be read to preschoolers; smaller font to elementary students.  We love the end pages-in the front are illustrations of unusual seeds and then the back end pages contain what they become.
*Highly recommend.  More books by this team: A Butterfly is Patient; A Rock is Lively; An Egg is Quiet
Text features: captions, charts; cross sections/cut-aways; close ups
Strategies: determining importance-main idea/details

Alphabet Trucks by Samantha R. Vamos illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke

Starting with A, different trucks are featured beginning with the featured letter.  The trucks are hauling lower and upper case letters and at times they are scattered on the page.
My four year old knows his letters and sounds well but still enjoyed this book.
A delightful read!   I wish there was more information about some of the trucks at the end . ..some types of trucks were totally new to me!

Elmer and the Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett*

The 2nd book in My Father's Dragon series.
Elmer and his rescued dragon become stranded on a sandbar in a storm.  After the storm they make their way to an island where the canaries are dying of curiosity.  Elmer and the dragon set off to relieve them of this plague.
*Highly recommend series.

The Magic School Bus Inside a Volcano by Kristin Earhart illustrated by Carolyn Bracken*

Ms. Frizzle and her students drill through the center of the earth and emerge from a volcano.  Once again the book includes a lot of facts but does not overwhelm the beginning reader.
*Highly recommend series.

The Magic School Bus Takes a Moonwalk by Joanna Cole illustrated by Carolyn Bracken*

Scholastic Level 2
Ms. Frizzle and her students board the Magic School Bus with Phoebe's serious father for a trip to the moon.
Loads of facts but not too many that a beginning/transitional reader will be overwhelmed.  A short list of facts in the back.
*Highly recommend series.

See What a Seal Can Do by Chris Butterworth illustrated by Kate Nelms*

This picture book also has large simple text and smaller text with more details.  The book focuses on gray seals but the end pages share illustrations of the eighteen different kind.
Absolutely fascinating facts!
Text features: introduction, different font sizes, labels, index, determining importance-main idea
*Highly recommend.

Ice Bear In Steps of the Polar Bear by Nicola Davies illustrated by Gary Blythe*

The main text is simple but smaller text offers more details about the polar bear.  A multi-age book.  The book starts and ends from the perspective of the Inuit people.
Text features: index, bold words, different font sizes
*Highly recommend.

Detectives in Togas by Henry Winterfeld*

Six boys who  attend Xanthos' School must prove that their classmate Rufus did not deface the temple by writing "Caius is a Dumbbell".   All evidence points to him but the boys are convinced of his innocence.  Together, with their teacher-Xanthos-they investigate their town of Rome and discover some surprising information about a prominent figure.
Very exciting.  A great way to tie in Roman history in a fun, effortless way!
Takes place during the time Rome was thriving as an empire.  Lots of references to Roman gods/mythology.
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss: word jackass, drunkenness, **spoiler alert****-a  man jumps off a roof into a pool but there is not water in it and dies.

Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat*

Mr. Mowat shares his adventures with his pet owls, Weep and Wol on the Saskatchewan prairie.  Each chapter is full of humor and descriptive writing.  Such quality writing!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies/skills: figurative language; visualizing; determining importance: main idea/details, cause/effect

Felix's Christmas Around the World by Annette Langen illustrated by Constanza Droop

Felix, Sophie's stuffed rabbit, communicates to her via letters.  In this story boys in her class are making fun of her because she still believes in Santa.  Felix sets off to the North Pole to prove Santa is real.  He shares his adventures with Santa by writing letters to Sophie.  Included are envelopes with Felix's letters.  It is fun to remove them.
I thought the text was a bit long and drawn out . . .my boys enjoy long books and have great attention spans but this one did not capture their attention like most books do.
Points to discuss: belief in Santa-depending on family's view, kids making fun of belief in Santa

One Small Square-Cactus Desert by Donald M. Silver by Patricia Wynne*

This book is part of a series that examines a square of a habitat.  It describes plants, weather, climate, the animals and their adaptations to survive in such a habitat.
Hands on activities/experiments included throughout the book.
*Highly recommend the series.
Read after reading  Cactus Hotel and make T-T connections.
Text features: cutaways/cross sections, labels, diagrams, close ups, picture captions, index
Strategies: connections-T-T, determining importance-main idea, check for understanding

The Bravest Dog Ever The True Story of Balto by Natalie Standiford illustrated by Donald Cook*

Step into Reading Step 3  (Grades 1-3)
A perfect simplified version of the diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska and how dogsled teams and ultimately Balto and Gunnar deliver the medicine in record time.
Great as  a read aloud for a preschooler who is ready for longer texts.
Text features: map, one pronunciation
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: check for understanding, determining importance: cause/effect, sequencing, main idea, inferring

Bunnies on the Go by Rick Walton illustrated by Paige Miglio*

"Getting from Place to Place"
An adorable family sets off on vacation and utilizes many modes of transportation to travel from place to place.  The entire story is told in rhyme.  The author gives the reader the opportunity to guess the next mode of transportation-a hint in the illustration and the next mode rhymes with the word from  the last line.
I loved the map on the end pages that displays their journey plans.
Strategies/skills: rhyme and predicting.
Great to use in transportation unit.
*Highly recommend.

The Blessing Cup by Patricia Polacco*

" A companion to The Keeping Quilt"
This book relates Ms. Polacco's great-grandmother, Anna's, life in Russia and how she and her family had to leave during the pogroms. Although they were limited in what they could bring, they brought the family tea set.  The journey to leave Russia is difficult and Anna's father almost dies.  A kind, wealthy doctor takes in the family and nurses Anna's father back to health and in the end, pays for their journey to America.
Wonderful story!
The only color in the book is on Anna's handkerchief, the tea set, the doctor's Persian rug, the keeping quilt -all important parts of the story.
Strategies: determining importance-main idea, cause/effect, sequencing, connections
*Highly recommend.

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

Ms. Polacco's great-great grandmother makes a quilt from old clothes from various family members from the old country Russia.  This story focuses on Ms. Polacco's Great-Grandmother Anna.  The quilt is then passed onto different generations and ends with Ms. Polacco holding her daughter Traci in it.
Color in the illustrations is contain only in the clothing to go into the quilt and the finished quilt.
Jewish words and traditions.

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwelier*

Claudia is tired of the mundane and decides to create some excitement by running away to NYC and live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  She needs money for this adventure so she invites her tightwad brother Jamie.  Cleverly they live in the museum without being discovered but in the meantime they become entranced by the mystery of a statue.  The former owner of the statue is eccentric and clever.  She points the children to true adventure.

*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss: running away, stealing (coins from a public fountain), gambling/cheating

Cactus Hotel by Brenda Z. Guiberson illustrated by Megan Lloyd*

This book describes the life cycle of a saguaro cactus and its positive influence on the desert habitat.
Any classroom and/or student learning about the desert should read this book.
The illustrations enhance the understanding of desert life.
More information about the saguaro cactus is at the end.
Great word choice for the verbs.
*Highly recommend.
Pair with The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell and One Small Square-Desert by Donald M Silver.
Strategy/skill: determining importance-main idea

The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins illustrated by Jill McElmurry*

"The True Story of How One Tree-loving Woman Changed a City Forever"
What an amazing story of Kate Sessions.  The biography begins when she was a young girl who was interested in science and the outdoors during a time when girls were not suppose to be pursuing those types of interest.  Then it shares how she used her interest to transform the arid city of San Diego.
Inspiring!
Highly recommend.
Wonderful illustrations.
Author's note shares more details about her life and how much she influence others.
Strategies/skills: determining importance-main idea, sequencing; inferring-character traits

The Delicious Bug by Janet Perlman

Two chameleons, Willy and Wally, normally treat each other with kindness and respect.  When a plump bumblebug comes flying their way and they both catch the bug at the same time, their "not so nice" sides appear.  A desperate situation shakes them out of their selfish mode.
Funny!  Graphic style
Strategies: determining importance-sequencing; author's message/main idea

The Scrambled States of America -Talent Show by Laurie Kelller

New York decides in the middle of the night that they should all have a talent show.  Georgia has stage fright and overcomes it.
On the end pages is a chart with statehood dates and another chart with the states' abbreviations.

The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller

Kansas is tired of being stuck in the middle so the states decide to have a party.  At the party they come up with the ideas of trading places.  Funny!
 In the back are blocks with each state containing its nickname, capital, square miles and population.

Dare the Wind by Tracey Fern illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully*

Ellen Prentiss loved the sea so her father taught her how to navigate his schooner.  Not many men, let alone women, learned how to navigate during this time.  Ms. Prentiss marries a sea captain and is his navigator.  Eventually she helps sail Flying Cloud, his ship, from New York City to San Francisco during the Gold Rush, setting a new record because of Ellen's amazing navigational skills.
An amazing and exciting story!
I absolutely loved the figurative language that played off sea and sailing terms.
*Highly recommend.
On the end pages the map of their journey is shared.  Author's note gives more history about Ellen Prentiss.  A small glossary with boating/navigational terms.
If using this in a classroom, it would be a good idea to talk about boating and navigational terms.

Smart About the Fifty States by Jon Buller and many others*

Ms. Brandt divides her class into groups to research the fifty states.  This book features five students who work together.  Each page has the state's nickname and its capital at the top.  A brief paragraph shares interesting facts about the state along with adorable illustrations and captions.
Other great pages:  map of U.S., how the flag changed over time, how our country expanded over time and a chart of all the U.S.Presidents up to 2001-George W. Bush.
*Highly recommend.  Perfect for students learning about the fifty states.

The United States of America A State by State Guide by Millie Miller illustrated by Cyndi Nelson*

In alphabetical order, each state has a page with its outline containing its major cities, points of interest and geographical features.  Each state's nickname, bird and flower and many other facts unique to it are shared.  A two page spread displays the states' flags.
Great index.  Love the beautiful illustrations.
*Highly recommend.  Perfect for classes learning about the fifty states.

The Angry Little Knight by Annette Langen illustrated by Katja Gehrmann

Our main character, known as "Hothead", throws many tantrums and has the whole kingdom on edge.  One day he decides he is tired of practicing fighting within the castle walls and wants to venture out to find a real battle.  In the dark forest he finds a baby dragon and the adventure begins!
Figurative language.

Tulip Sees America by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Lisa Desimini

A young man and his dog, Tulip,  explore America in his green Beetle car.  Their journey begins in Ohio and they travel through Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, and finally Oregon where he decides to stay.
Does a great job of describing each state in a few sentences.  (could maybe use when teaching main idea??)
Would be fun as reading to trace his journey on a map.
Bold illustrations.
Warning:  In Nevada he decides to take off his clothes and run through the desert.  The reader sees his backside.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson illustrated by Axel Scheffler*

Mouse outsmarts his predators by warning them about the Gruffalo whom he knows is not real.  What will he do when he encounters a real live Gruffalo?!
Funny! A great book to model inferring.
Strategies: predicting; inferring
*Highly recommend.

Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills*

Rocket is learning words and decides to write a story with those words.  With the bird's help and diligent work, he comes up with a story and makes a new friend.
Sweet!

The Lego Movie Calling All Master Builders! By David Fentiman

DK Readers  Beginning to Read Level 1
This book gives an overview of the main characters from the movie and shares the problem the Lego characters are facing. It does not go into how the problem is ultimately solved.
My seven year old enjoyed reading this.
Text features: contents, headings, labels, glossary, index

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon*

When an owl attacks Stellaluna's mother, Stellaluna drops into a bird's nest.  The mother bird raises her alongside her baby birds.  Even though Stellaluna finds it difficult to act and live like her "siblings" she tries her best.  Then she stays out when darkness descends and finds out what she really is.
A great book about being true to oneself.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: determining importance-sequencing and main idea

Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna illustrated by Loren Long*

Mr. Peabody is a beloved teacher and baseball coach in town.  His reputation is ruined when Tommy Tittlebottom spreads a rumor about him.  Mr. Peabody teaches Tommy, in a kind manner, the power of words and ones inability to repair the damage they can do.
I read this on the first few days of school to reinforce that we as a class need to watch our words.  Then I would bring out a tube of toothpaste.  Everyone would squeeze some out on the plate.  The next challenge was to put the toothpaste back into the tube!  No possible!  The toothpaste on the plate represents words that are said  and once said, cannot be taken back.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: determining importance-main idea

The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown illustrated by Leonard Weisgard*

Ms. Brown takes ordinary objects and states the most important thing about and gives other details about them.
Great to use for teaching main idea/details.   I used it on the first few days of school where the students list important things about themselves and then ended it with, "The most important thing about me is . . .". Then we made a class book for them to enjoy.  Their photo was included on the page too.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy-determining importance-main idea/details

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate*

John Newbery Medal
Ivan, the gorilla, is confined to glass cage inside a mall.  His friends are Stella, an elephant, and Bob, a stray dog.  Business at the mall is not going well so Mack, the human who operates the mall, brings in Ruby, an adorable baby elephant to bring in much needed revenue.  When a tragedy occurs, Ivan begins to think about the doomed life he and the others are leading and decides to be the protector and leader he is meant to be.
Wonderful word choice!  Told from Ivan's point of view so plenty of opportunities to infer.
I did not like how animals were considered equal to humans ("Elephants are people too.").
Animal lovers will enjoy this book!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies/skills: inferring; synthesizing; cause/effect (skill); determining importance-main idea

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett*

The narrator shares a story from his father's childhood.  Throughout the story the main character is referred to as "my father".  The  narrator's father encounters a cat.  The cat then tells the father about Wild Island where a dragon is kept captive and mistreated.  The father sets out to save the dragon and must use his intelligence and creativity to outsmart the dangerous and suspicious animals on Wild Island.
An exciting story to read to preschoolers who are ready for longer texts.  Great book for transitional readers to read themselves or aloud to you.
Points to discuss:  The father is rude/disrespectful to his mother and runs away.  The animals want to kill the invasion (aka the father).

The Boxcar Children The Mystery of the Purple Pool #38 created by Gertrude Chandler Warner illustrated by Charles Tang

The Boxcar siblings travel to NYC with their grandfather.  Strange events are occurring in the hotel-missing phone, a stuck elevator, pool water dyed purple, messy rooms.  The Aldens are determined to figure out who is behind the events and why.
Both my boys, ages 7 and 4, really enjoy this series.

Your Best Friend, Kate by Pat Brisson illustrated by Rick Brown*

For the summer Kate is traveling with her parents and brother to eleven eastern states and Washington D.C..  In every state Kate sends her friend Lucy a letter about her adventures there.  Drawn around each letter is the state's flower, bird, and other famous attractions.
Great for when teaching about the states/capitals and friendly letter format.
Other books in this series-http://www.amazon.com/Kate-Heads-West-Pat-Brisson/dp/0027143457
http://www.amazon.com/Kate-Coast-Brisson/dp/0027143414/ref=pd_sim_b_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0724XCZDA0JZCZEN2766

The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School by Candace Fleming

The upcoming fourth grade class has a reputation of being uncontrollable.  Their new teacher Mr. Jupiter makes attempts to bring the class under control in is unique, creative ways.
Each chapter has a self-contained story about a student and/or teacher in the building.  At the end of the chapter is a moral.  Lots of word play and puns.  Very creative.

Points to discuss/warning:  One chapter has two fourth grade boys looking at National Geographic because of the photos of naked women.  For this reason I cannot recommend it.

The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis by Barbara O'Connor

Popeye lives with his Grandmother, Velma.  In his opinion life in Fayette, South Carolina is boring.  Then one day a motor home gets stuck in the mud.  As a result, he meets Elvis and his five siblings.  Immediately Popeye admires Elvis' nonchalant attitude and is drawn to him. Together they spy a boat made out of Yoo-hoo carton with a mysterious note floating down the creek.  Many more boats float down the creek making them determined to find their creator.  Life is suddenly not so boring for Popeye!
I really liked the focus on great vocabulary words.  Popeye's grandmother has word of the week and they are used throughout the story.

Points to discuss: no swear words are printed but Popeye thinks swearing is admirable.

Finn McCoul by Brian Gleeson illustrated by Pete de Seve*

"The Legendary Irish Folk Hero"
My boys love this tale.  We read a version by Tomie dePaola this summer and it was fun to compare the two stories.
Finn McCoul was legend of a giant . . .except Cucullin the giant made him tremble and flee in fear.  This story shares how Finn and his wife outsmart and defeat the imposing giant.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies/skills: connections, compare/contrast-venn diagram, character traits

Mud by Mary Lyn Ray illustrated by Lauren Stringer

A simple text book that focuses on the first sign of spring-MUD!
Very bold illustrations.

Penguin in Peril by Helen Hancocks*

Three cats scheme to make their job of finding food easier.  Their solution?  Kidnap a penguin from zoo and have him fish for them.  Can the penguin outsmart the felines?!  I love, love how the penguin manages to escape!
Funny!  Hints in the illustrations foster predicting.
Strategies: predicting, sequencing
*Highly recommend.

I Am Abraham Lincoln by Brad Meltzer illustrated by Christopher Elipoulos*

"Ordinary People Change the World" series
Mr. Meltzer focuses on a few events in Lincoln's early years that influence his outlook and philosophies as president.
Great overview of Mr. Lincoln's life.  Graphic illustrations will appeal to kids.
Some humor sprinkled throughout the book.
*Highly recommend.

Sophie Scott Goes South by Alison Lester*

Wow!!!  This book is a must read!
Ms. Lester actually experienced a six-week voyage to Antarctica.  As she spent the time on Aurora Australis, she corresponded with schools and families.  Children drew pictures about her stories.  Some of those pictures are included in this book.
Sophie's father is the captain of the icebreaker ship, Aurora Australis.  Her father asks her to come along as he delivers people and supplies to the Mawson Station.  In journal format, this book shares her adventure at sea and at Antarctica for a month.
Great photos, drawings!
Text Features: glossary, diagrams, maps (love the ones on the end pages!!), labels, compare/contrast
**Highly recommend.
Pair with: books about Shackleton, The Adventures of a South Pole Pig by Chris Kurtz.
http://www.amazon.com/Sophie-Scott-South-Alison-Lester/dp/0544088956

A Leprechaun's St. Patrick's Day by Sarah Kirwan Blazek illustrated by James Rice

In rhyming text, the reader learns about typical St. Patrick's Day activities in Ireland.  Of course, the tricky leprechauns abound!
Real Irish words are included (along with their definition).  The author was born in Ireland and retains dual citizenship (Ireland and U.S.)

Traveling Tom and the Leprechaun by Teresa Bateman illustrated by Melisande Potter

All the unmarried men try to win Princess Kathleen's hand in marriage but are unsuccessful.  She sets up a challenge: capture a leprechaun's pot of gold and she would marry the man.
Tom, a traveling minstrel, accepts the challenge and wins.  But in the end he is not quite sure if he is the victorious one as he watches the leprechaun embrace the freedom he once had!!

A Fine St. Patrick's Day by Susan Wojciechowski illustrated by Tom Curry

Two towns, Tralah and Tralee, compete each St. Patrick's Day in a decorating contest.  Tralah always wins.  The story relates how a small gentleman comes on the eve of St. Patrick's Day for the villages' help in rescuing his cows stuck in the mud.  Both towns are frantically completing their decorating tasks.  Only the people from Tralee help the man and go to bed not completing their decorating.  They awaken the next morning to a huge surprise and learn a lifelong lesson.
Strategies: predicting, inferring

In Like a Lion Out Like a Lamb by Marion Dane Bauer illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

Great personification to the March saying "in like a lion, out like a lamb".
Rhyming text.

Spring is Here by Will Hillenbrand*

Mole rejoices that spring is here and tries to wake up Bear to share in his excitement.  Bear, however, is reluctant.  Mole finally comes up with a great idea to awaken Bear but is so exhausted from his efforts, HE falls asleep!
*Highly recommend.

Kite Day A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand*

Anything Mr. Hillenbrand is guaranteed to be well written and sweetly illustrated.
Bear and Mole carefully constructed a kite and enjoy it until the kite ends up in a rain cloud.
All ends well.
Love the verb word choice.
*Highly recommend.

Hurray for Spring! by Patricia Hubbell illustrated by Taia Morley

In rhyming text that Ms. Hubbell does so well, we follow a young boy delighted in the sights of spring.

Clever Tom and the Leprechaun by Linda Shute

I loved the illustrations-facial expressions especially.
Tom happens upon a leprechaun and thinks that he will be set for life with the leprechaun's riches.  The leprechaun has the last laugh, of course!!
Funny!
The author shares the history of the story, leprechauns,  and of Ireland in the back.

Bear Wants More by Karma Wilson illustrated by Jane Chapman

Bear wakes up from his hibernation and is starving!
His friends help him scour the forest for yummy treats.
Cute!

And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano illustrated by Erin E. Stead

A superb description how spring starts slowly and subtly and then bursts into jubilation!
Love the illustrations by Ms. Stead.
My four year old and I liked the underground illustration best.

Porkenstein by Kathryn Lasky illustrated by David Jarvis*

My four year old is pulling this book out often even though it is not close to Halloween!
A story that focuses on the third little pig and how he is lonely after the wolf ate his two brothers.  Since he is an inventor, he decides to invent a friend.  This friend may be more trouble that he is worth . . .until a familiar nemesis appears at the third pig's front door.
A humorous (maybe shocking ending for younger children) ending!
Strategies: connections, predicting, inferring
*Highly recommend.

Spring by Cynthia Amoroso and Robert B. Noyed

Superb photos help share the beauty of spring.
I liked how words in the glossary are in bold (a purple color) and the photos have picture captions.  Great book to share text features with a younger crowd.
Text Features: photos, vocabulary words in bold-found in glossary, picture captions, glossary, "find out more", index

Exploring Spring by Terri DeGezelle*

Anything Pebble Plus publishes is quality nonfiction for young readers.
With large photographs, this book discusses all aspects of spring-changing seasons to animals to what people do in this season.
Text Features: table of contents, headings, photos, diagrams, labels, compare/contrast, glossary, "read more", index
*Highly recommend.

Mouse and Mole Fine Feathered Friends by Wong Herbert Yee*

Mole wants to draw pictures of birds as they emerge in the spring.  The problem?  He and his friend Mouse make too much noise and the birds fly away.  Together they come up with a solution and have a great end product!
Sweet illustrations.
Four chapters-great for transitional readers.
*Highly recommend.

I See Spring by Charles Ghigna illustrated by Ag Jatkowska

Very bright illustrations.
Simple rhyming text that reveals what various children see in springtime.
The children represent different ethnic groups.
Sort of ends abruptly.

Kitten's Spring by Eugenie Fernandes

In simple rhyming text, kitten shares the sights and sounds of his first spring.
Artwork is amazing-clay, acrylic paint, and mixed-media collage.

I Survived The Nazi Invasion, 1944 by Lauren Tarshis illustrated by Scott Dawson*

Another incredible historical fiction book written by Ms. Tarshis.  Her books are my favorite for 3rd-5th grade boys.
This book focuses on Jewish partisans and their fight against Hitler and the Nazis.  Max and his sister Zena escape the Jewish ghetto and are rescued by individuals from the resistance fighters.
Ms. Tarshis does not shy away from the violence and the horror of the times.  She does not, however, write in a graphically inappropriate manner.
See the link below to learn more about her books:

http://www.laurentarshis.com/

**Highly recommend.

Big Chickens Fly the Coop by Leslie Helakoski illustrated by Henry Cole

Another one in the "Big Chicken" series.  The chickens long to see the farmhouse but a few scary obstacles are in their way.  Funny ending.

Doggone Feet by Leslie Helakoski

Told from a dog's point of view as his family grows.  Illustrations are from the dog's point of view too-looking at people's feet and legs.
Strategies: predicting/inferring.

A Birthday for Cow by Jan Thomas

Very funny!
Mouse and Pig decide to make/bake a cake a for cow's birthday.  Throughout the book Duck insists on adding a turnip.  Mouse and Pig repeatedly turn him away.
This book made my four year old giggle often!

The Underpants Zoo by Brian Sendelbach

Visit a zoo where all the animals wear underpants.
Rhyming text

I am Amelia Earhart by Brad Meltzer illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos*

"Ordinary People Change the World" series
Rendered in comic style, this new biography series will appeal to elementary pages.
A great look into Amelia Earhart's early years.
I like how it focuses on Amelia's character traits to reinforce how she was able accomplish great things.
*Highly recommend.

Paperboy by Vince Vawter*

Eleven year old Victor Vollmer cannot even say his own name without stuttering.  When his best friend Art leaves for the summer and asks Victor to take over his paper route, Victor dreads the weekly collection day when he must speak to strangers who are unaware of his speech impediment.
A wonderful book about becoming confident in you are and growing up.
Story takes place in Memphis, TN in 1959 where segregation was still a reality.
Even though the main character is eleven, because of the maturity of some of the content, I would not recommend it for elementary age (see specifics below).
Points to discuss/to be aware of: couple of swear words; cruelty of segregation; a vile junk-man who beats and almost kills Mam, Victor's family's maid and Victor; spousal abuse (hints of it-not an eyewitness account); Victor develops a subtle crush on a lady on his paper route; Victor discovers his so called father may not be his actual father

Bird and Squirrel on the Run by James Burks

Bird and Squirrel develop a friendship under stressful circumstances.  A cat who pursues them as they head south for the winter.
Funny.
Reluctant readers will pick up this book and keep reading it!
Graphic novels
word "dumb"  used frequently.

Big Chickens Go To Town by Leslie Helakoski illustrated by Henry Cole

The same Big Chickens have an adventure in town!
Funny!
Same great word choice and alliteration.

Big Chickens by Leslie Helakoski illustrated by Henry Cole

These chickens are afraid of everything and squawk their way on an adventure in the countryside.  Because of their adventure, they become quite daring chickens with a strut!
Funny!
Great word choice plus alliteration and word families.

Best Foot Forward by Ingo Arndt*

"Exploring Feet, Flippers, and Claws"
Incredible photographs of various animals feet.
The format starts with a close up of a foot and then the next page reveals the owner and more facts about it.  The book is divided into different types of feet (that walk, climb, swim, dig, and jump plus extraordinary feet).  Within in these sections different animals that fit that category are shared.
*Highly recommend.

When Rain Falls by Melissa Stewart illustrated by Constance R. Bergum

The author describes what various animals do when it rains.
Great alliteration and word choice.
I love this author!

I Spy With My Little Eye by Edward Gibbs*

Various animals eyes and part of the outer coat is revealed through spy holes.  The animal's habitat is drawn on the bottom of the page.
Great for predicting/inferring with younger readers.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring/predicting

Let's Read About. . George Washington by Kimberly Weinberger illustrated by Bob Doucet

Scholastic First Biographies
Great overview of George Washington's life for beginning/transitional readers.

Understanding Intelligent Design by William A. Dembski and Sean McDowell*

Presents scientific evidence that supports intelligent design.
Very well written.
*Highly recommend.
Would be a great read for high school and college age students.

Andrew Lost #17 In the Desert by J. C. Greenburg

Andrew invented a machine to shrink garbage.  Instead it shrank him and his cousin Judy plus a robot, Thudd.  The threesome experience many scary adventures all the while learning about science and the amazing world!
Lots of titles in the series.

A. Lincoln and Me by Louise Borden illustrated by Ted Lewin*

A boy shares a birthday with Abraham Lincoln and is similar to him in many ways.
An unique way to learn about Abraham Lincoln as the boy shares their similarities.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring, connections, theme,

Bats Biggest! Littlest! by Sandra Markle*

This book examines some of the largest and smallest bats in the world.  Close up photographs allow the reader to really see these amazing creatures.
The text is easy enough that a third and fourth grader could read it and comprehend it on his/her own.
*Highly recommend.
Text features: photographs, picture captions, diagram, map, more info from the author, glossary, more information

The Skeletal System by Caroline Arnold

Early Bird Body Systems
Great overview of bones/skeletal system.
Text features: table of contents, diagrams, "be a word detective", photos, picture captions, cross section/cutaways, pronunciation, learn more section, glossary, index

Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss

King Derwin of Didd is bored with the typical precipitation so he calls his magicians to create something different.  They produce oobleck.  Major problems occur because the oobleck is sticky and continues to grow in size as it falls.  Bartholomew Cubbins, the king's page boy, saves the kingdom from this disaster!

Moose's Loose Tooth by Jacqueline A. Clarke illustrated by Bruce McNally

Moose's tooth is  loose but needs the help of his friends to pull it out.  Then the tooth flies out and into Elephant's mouth.  How will Moose be able to put his tooth under the pillow when it is inside Elephant?!!

My Wobbly Tooth Must Not Ever Never Fall Out by Lauren Child

Charlie's sister Lola does not want to lose her first tooth.  When she finds out about the tooth fairy, she quickly changes her mind!

The Missing Tooth by Joanna Cole illustrated by Marylin Hafner

Arlo and Robby are best friends and very much alike.  When Robby loses a tooth, the two friends get into a fight.  Friends can have differences and still get along!

The Snow Rocket by Derek Anderson

Romeo (a penguin) and Lou (a polar bear) create a snow rocket one day which actually blasts off and takes them to a different planet (really a city on earth).  Preschoolers and young elementary readers will giggle as the pair make incorrect assumptions about what they see in the city.
The two friends must figure out a way to return to their beloved home.
My four year old asked, "But do polar bears live where penguins live? (He had just learned about the Arctic and Antarctica in preschool)"  I had not even thought about the fact that the two creatures live at opposite poles!  He then said, "Why did the author do that?".
So this "incorrect" character combination may lead to a good discussion about where these animals live and the liberties authors are allowed to take when they write a story!
Strategies: the importance of correct schema to understand, inferring

It's Raining by Gail Gibbons

In her typical format and style, Ms. Gibbons shares about why it rains and different cloud types and the weather they bring.
Any time one studies a nonfiction topic, one can count on Ms. Gibbons' book to offer great information!
She has written over fifty books!!

The Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock illustrated by Mary Grandpre*

"The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky's Abstract Art"
Ms. Rosenstock is amazing.  She created a very interesting story via dialogue and carefully selected true events.
Vasily Kandinsky started revolution in the art world with by painting abstractly.
More information about him is in the back along with prints of his actual work.
Mr. Kandinsky also had a genetic condition called synesthesia which allowed him to hear colors and see sounds in color.
Strategies: synthesizing, main idea, theme
*Highly recommend.

Rotten Teeth by Laura Simms illustrated by David Catrow

Shy Melissa Hermann does not know what to bring in for show and tell.  When her brother, Norman, recommends the jar of their dentist's father's teeth, show and tell becomes quite exciting in first grade!! Melissa also discovers an important gift she has and is never the same!

Taking Care of Mama Rabbit by Anita Lobel

One morning Mama Rabbit does not arise from bed.  This action, of course, worries her ten rabbit children.  In their individual ways, each one tries to make her feel better so by the time the father comes home with medicine, it is no longer needed.
Most children can relate to a time when a parent or caregiver is not well.
A great book to celebrate family and helping one another!
Strategy: connections

Hi, Koo! A Year of Seasons by Jon J. Muth*

Koo, a panda bear, celebrates all the seasons via twenty-six Haiku.
For some extra fun, Mr. Muth created an "alphabetical path" through the book.  In each haiku is a capitalized letter and the letters appear in alphabetical order.
*Highly recommend.

Nest by Jorey Hurley*

A beautiful book perfect for sharing.
The illustrations fill the page with one simple word per page.  The book shares the story of a robin family in one year.
The author informs the reader more about robins and why she wrote the book in the back.
Strategies: predicting, inferring
*Highly recommend