The Tree House that Jack Built by Bonnie Verburg illustrated by Mark Teague

Written in the style "The House that Jack Built",  readers will love the illustrations of a tree house and the fun everyone has there.
My favorite aspect of the book was the illustrations.

Wodney Wat's Wobt by Helen Lester illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

Rodney cannot pronounce his "r's" so the book is full of "w's" for "r's" which made reading aloud a bit annoying!  His robot repeats everything he says, correctly.
Rodney's robot saves the day when the bully, Camilla Capybara returns to school.

The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern

First I loved the cover.  http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/the-meaning-of-maggie.html

While reading it, I adored the main character Maggie.  Ms. Sovern developed a believable, likable character with lots of depth.  All the characters are well developed.  Love the footnotes "Maggie" includes throughout the book.
This book focuses on one year of a family's fight to as they adjust to life with a father suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.  It seems like the book is a bit of a memoir.
*Highly recommend for older readers-see below:
Points to discuss/warnings: references to marijuana (medical and otherwise); french kissing, making out and sex mentioned (in junior high manner/point of view);  the attitude that God is too busy to hear and answer their prayers; cocktails and other alcohol references

Moonday by Adam Rex

What if the moon came down to your backyard and would not move across the sky?
I loved the stunning illustrations.

Torosaurus and other Dinosaurs of the Badlands Digs in Montana by Dougal Dixon illustrated by Steve Watson and James Field

Great layout-compares the dinosaurs to other animals alive today.
Part of a series
Text features: table of contents, size comparisons, headings, fact boxes, photographs, glossary, learn more, index

The Copper Lady by Alice Ross and Kent Ross illustrated by Leslie Bowman*

This fictional account shares of the Statue of Liberty is built and transported via the eyes of French boy Andre.
*Highly recommend.

Ant Plays Bear by Betsy Byars illustrated by Marc Simont

Ant's older brother must tolerate his younger brother's antics-playing bear with him, pretending to be a dog, being scared of a noise at night and growing up.
Cute and funny!
Perfect for transitional readers and for developing stamina

Urgency Emergency! Itsy Bitsy Spider by Dosh Archer

The itsy bitsy spider arrives to the hospital in need of stitches.
Strategy: inferring, connections

Urgency Emergency! Big Bad Wolf by Dosh Archer

A new series for beginning/transitional readers that takes place in a hospital.  Doctor Glenda and Nurse Percy keep calm in the face of emergencies.
In this book, the Big Bad Wolf comes to the emergency room choking on something or someone . . . .
Strategies: predicting, inferring

If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff illustrated by Felicia Bond

This Christmas themed Mouse book, the boy takes him to the movies and one thing leads to another.
Part of a series.
Strategies: cause/effect, determining importance-sequencing

What's New? The Zoo! by Kathleen Krull illustrated by Marcellus Hall*

Very interesting!
Starts with what zoos were like 4,400 years ago and proceeds to 2009.
Would be fun to make an interactive time line with kids when reading this book.
*Highly recommend.

Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock illustrated by John O'Brien*

Although Thomas Jefferson accomplished much in his lifetime on behalf of the United States, Ms. Rosenstock focuses on his love for reading and his books.  The reader witnesses as he expands his library over time and generously shares it with the United States.
Lots of other facts in boxes on each page.
*Highly recommend.

The Boy Who Drew Birds A Story of John James Audubon* by Jacqueline Davies illustrated by Melissa Sweet

This book focuses on his time here in America and how he began to watch and illustrate birds.
He was the first person to band a bird in America.
*Highly recommend.
Love the collages and artwork by Ms. Sweet!

Flying Solo by Julie Cummins illustrated by Malene R. Laugesen*

"How Ruth Elder Soared into America's Heart"
I had never heard of Ruth Elder but enjoyed this short, inspiring biography.
Lots of girl spunk and a brief history of women in aviation.
*Highly recommend.

Maestro Stu Saves the Zoo by Denise Brennan-Nelson illustrated by Tim Bowers

Mr. Cooper wants to buy the zoo, tear it down and build a mall.  He schmoozes the city officials and proceeds with his plan.  Stu, who lives down the block from the zoo, helps the animals come up with a plan to save it.
The book is full of idioms.  The story line is more suit for early elementary, but the idioms may make it confusing.
A great book to use when introducing idioms to students.  The author defines each one at the back.
Strategies: inferring-figurative language

The Great Kapok Tree A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest by Lynne Cherry

A man is about to cut down a Kapok tree but fulls asleep to sweet sounds of nature.  During his sleep, various creatures visit him, telling him the importance of the tree to them and the surrounding life in the Amazon.
Perfect for science unit on food chains and interrelationships.
Strategy: synthesizing
Text features: maps, diagram

Cookiebot! A Harry and Horsie Adventure by Katie Van Camp illustrated by Lincoln Agnew

Harry and his stuffed horse are playing and become hungry.  No other snack but a cookie will do . . . but the cookie jar is on top of the refrigerator.  So, a cookiebot to the rescue!
Great book about imagination.
Strategy: inferring

Loon Baby by Molly Beth Griffin illustrated by Anne Hunter*

A sweet book about a loon baby waiting for his mother's return.  While he waits, he tries to dive under the water to look for her.
Very simple text.
Strategy: pair with Owl Babies-T-T connections, venn diagram/compare/constrast

Time Spies Bones in the Badlands by Candice Ransom

Mattie, Alex and Sophie travel back in time to a dinosaur dig in 1898 where they help a group stop a thief from stealing bones from the dig.
Not as exciting as Magic Tree House book but full of great history and information.

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George*

Princess Celie and her siblings must save their Castle Glower, their parents and older brother from an evil ruler who has created a clever, deceptive plan to take over the kingdom.
The Castle Glower is magical and transforms the lay out every Tuesday.  Only Celie maps it out and communicates with it.
*Highly recommend.
Others in the series:
Wednesdays in the Tower
Thursdays with the Crown-coming in Sept. 2014

My Brother, Ant by Betsy Byars illustrated by Marc Simont*

Four amusing short stories about the older brother and his younger brother, Ant (Anthony).
Stories feature: monster under bed, drawing on homework, reading to a younger sibling, and writing a letter to Santa.
Perfect for the reluctant reader and for building stamina.
*Highly recommend.

Frightful's Daughter Meets the Baron Weasel by Jean Craighead George illustrated by Daniel San Souci*

*Highly recommend.
Read along with My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George (chapter book).
Sam Gribley has made a nest box for a falcon family.
Oksi, a peregrine falcon, has two babies to feed and care for, as does Baron the weasel.  The Baron attempts many times to crawl up to kill the falcon babies but is outsmarted by Sam Gribley.
A wonderful view how various forest animals try to survive.
Great for food chain/food web unit.
Strategies: connections, inferring, summarizing

Island A Story of the Galapagos by Jason Chin

Through beautiful illustrations and short chapters, Mr. Chin reveals how an island is born and how life comes in to inhabit it.
Warning/Points to discuss: He goes into Darwinism and evolution.  He also has an "old earth view".

Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond by Mary Quattlebaum illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

To the tune of Old MacDonald, this book shows the different animals and life at a pond.  Jo, Old MacDonald's granddaughter, draws the sights on a sketchpad.
Great for when learning about ecosystems and food chains/webs.

Elmer's Special Day by David McKee

The other animals are annoyed with the elephants as they make lots of racket preparing for the Elmer 's Day Parade.  Elmer, of course, comes up with a solution everyone enjoys.

The Magic School Bus Fights Germs by Kate Egan

Scholastic Reader Level 2
Wanda is sick.  The bus transforms into a cough drop and finds out how the body fights germs.
Part of a series.
Extra dialogue and fact reports may make reading a challenge for some readers.

A Home for Mr. Emerson by Barbara Kerley illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham

As a teen I loved reading works by Mr. Emerson and collecting his quotes.   As a result, I thoroughly enjoyed reading a short biography about his life.  Ms. Kerley presents the spirit of Ralph Waldo Emerson and his development of a thinker, orator, and writer well.   This book focuses on his love for his home town, Concord.
Author's note includes more facts about him.  In the back, teachers will appreciate a section where Ms. Kerley focuses on a quote by Mr. Emerson and then follows with activities and questions to provoke understanding and thought.
I loved the end pages which are scattered with quotes by Mr. Emerson.
I am not sure how much elementary students will appreciate the book unless they know more about his works.
The illustrations are creative and whimsical.

Dinosaur Cove #1 Attack of the Tyrannosaurus by Rex Stone*

Jamie has moved with his dad to the coast where his dad plans to open a dinosaur museum in the bottom of a lighthouse.  When Jamie goes exploring in the cove, he meets Tom.  Tom leads him to a cave where they are transported to the time when dinosaurs roamed.
Exciting shorter chapters.
Great for reluctant readers and for dinosaur lovers.
*Highly recommend.

Bon Appetti! The Delicious Life of Julia Child by Jesse Hartland*

Through fun illustrations and creative layout, the reader learns A LOT about Julia's life from childhood until her death.
Not your typical biography due to the fun layout.  The layout may confuse younger/struggling readers.  But Ms. Hartland made great  effort to insert organization midst the creativity (some blocks of illustrations are numbered to show the order to be read).
*Highly recommend.

Elmer and Rose by David McKee

Rose, a pink elephant, has lost her herd.  Elmer and his cousin Wilmer escort her to where they are.  As they travel, they realize why she is so shy-she has never seen  gray elephants!

The Great Big Green by Peggy Gifford illustrated by Lisa Desimini*

In poetic form, the author describes various items/creatures that are green.  The readers is trying to determine what the "great big green" thing is.
Beautiful illustrations!
Strategies: predicting; word choice

Matilda's Cat by Emily Gravett

An excellent, simple book for kids to see how the illustrations help tell (and sometimes more ) the story.
The book simply lists on each page what Matilda's cat likes but on the next page the previous item is crossed out as the illustrations clearly depict that the cat does not like those activities!
Sweet ending.
Strategies: inferring

Igniting a Passion for Reading by Steven L. Layne*

Very practical, humorous book that shares ideas for helping kids love to read.
*Highly recommend.
Very enjoyable reading with tons of ideas!

Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski*

An oversized book that displays maps of the various continents and major countries within the continent.
The table of  contents is very creative!
The illustrations are reminiscent of old maps/drawings.  Little sketches are scattered over the featured map that share various wildlife/plant life , natural land forms, and famous structures plus traditional dress, food, the language spoken and activities the "natives" enjoy.  Some maps have sketches of famous people who were born/lived there.
One could spend hours pouring over it!
Perfect for a map unit-especially homeschooling.

Time for Kids Explorers Robots by Mark Shulman and James Buckley Jr.*

A wonderful overview of robots-their history and their current ways they help.
Text features: contents, time line, subcategories, labels, picture captions, photographs, index, a great resource section.
*Highly recommend.

What is Weather? by Ellen Lawrence*

Beautiful photographs.
Appealing layout.
Text features: contents, headings, fact boxes, labels, questions within the text, close ups, maps, activities, glossary, index, read more section
*Highly recommend.
More books in series ("Weather Wise-Bearport Science Slam"-How Are Rain, Snow, and Hail Alike?, What Are Clouds?, What is Climate?, and What is the Water Cycle?)

The Three Musketeers by Oliver Ho illustrated by Jamel Akib

Classic Starts series
This retelling shares the adventures of D'Artagnan and the Musketeers-Athos, Porthos, and Aramis.  Mr.  Ho does a great job condensing the story into a manageable, exciting story.
I had forgotten that the story was based on a lot of unfaithfulness in marriage so we will not be keeping this book.
Warning: adultery (actions are not explicit but the men's affections for married women are definitely expressed)

Flotsam by David Wiesner*

A boy discovers an old camera washed up on the beach.  When he develops the film, he is in for a huge surprise!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring, predicting, synthesizing, determining importance- sequencing, cause/effect

Only Emma by Sally Warner illustrated by Jamie Harper

Emma, an only child, and her mother have recently moved to a condo to save money.  As Emma adjusts to a new neighborhood, a new school and a new friendship, she must endure living with a four year old boy for a week.
First book of a series.
Points to discuss/warning: lying (but her lies "find her out"); bratty behavior/selfish

A Book by Mordicai Gerstein*

A family who lives in a book each has his/her own interests and gifts except the young girl.  She travels through different "genre" lands to try to discover what her life goal should be.
A great book to introduce/reinforce genre.  Not all genres are included but enough to begin the genre discussion.
*Highly recommend.

Mailing May by Michael O. Tunnell illustrated by Ted Rand*

Recommended to me by a second grade teacher . . .so glad she did!  She reads this book when she teaches her Flat Stanley unit.
I loved this book!
Based on a true story with sweet, sweet illustrations.
May wishes to visit her grandmother who lives seventy-five miles away.  Her parents do not have the money to send her via train so they mail her on the mail train car!
*Highly recommend.

Marvin Redpost: Kidnapped at Birth? by Louis Sachar illustrated by Neal Hughes*

Marvin hears on the news that the King of Shampoon and his wife are claiming their son was kidnapped at birth.  The description fits Marvin.
A funny story how Marvin tries to prove he is royalty.
Perfect for transitional readers and reluctant readers.

Elmer and the Hippos by David McKee

The hippos' river has dried up so they move down to the elephants' river.   To settle the disputes between the hippos and elephants, Elmer goes to investigate the cause.  Working together, they solve the problem and form a friendship.

Elmer and Snake by David McKee

In this story everyone is trying to play a joke on each other!

Elmer and the Rainbow by David McKee

An odd white streak is in the sky where a rainbow should be.  Colorful Elmer decides to help bring color back to the rainbow.

Elmer and the Whales by David McKee

Elmer and his cousin Wilbur want to see the whales in the ocean.  Their grandfather gives them advice how to reach the ocean.
Humorous, sweet events.
Love this series!

Beep and Bah by James Burk

Beep, the robot, and Bah, the goat, search for a missing sock together.  They travel from animal to animal inquiring about its match.  The last page is especially funny!
Comic strip style.

Flight of the Honey Bee by Raymond Huber illustrated by Brian Lovelock*

Told from the point of view of a scout honey bee, the reader learns how the scout bee finds a food source and lets other scouts know where the location is.  Other facts in smaller font are included on each page.
A wonderful look into how honey bees interact, defend themselves and help everyone.
*Highly recommend.
Text features: index, smaller facts on each page
Figurative language/similes

Melvin and the Boy by Lauren Castillo*

I love these sweet illustrations!
A boy longs for a pet and his parents always has an excuse why he may not.  Then one day he finds a turtle in the park . . . .after he brings it home, he must decide what makes the turtle (Melvin) most happy.
Turtle facts at the back.
*Highly recommend.

Flames in the City A Tale of the War of 1812 Time Spies #10 by Candice Ransom

Three siblings travel back in time via a spyglass and an invitation on a postcard.  In this book they travel to Washington D.C. right when the British attack and burn the White House.  The children meet First Lady Dolley Madison and witness her saving the portrait of George Washington.
Similar to Magic Tree House.
Perfect for readers starting to read chapter books.

Sidekicks by Dan Santat

Captain Amazing has three pets that he neglects as he fights crime.  When he needs extra help the three pets try compete for the position.  Arch villain, Dr. Havoc, comes to town and then the pets must join forces with Captain Amazing.
Points to discuss: word "stupid" is used often.
My seven and half year old sat down and read this in one sitting.

Squish Game On! #5 by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

Squish plays a new electronic game "Mitosis" and becomes obsessed with it.
The author and illustrator make their point without being "in your face" about it.
Perfect for reluctant readers and for building stamina.
Another simple science experiment in the back plus how to draw Squish's Dad.
Warning: name calling/disrespect to adult (Paramecium calls dad a "geek")

Squish Super Amoeba by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

In this graphic novel, Squish devours his favorite comic "Super Amoeba" whenever he can find a chance.  He has the opportunity to put to practice Super Amoeba's motto, "It was the right thing to do.".
I really like how this series shares facts about the microscopic world and brings in science coupled with issues kids face.
The author and illustrator make comments throughout via green arrows.
Points to discuss: bullies, cheating, not paying attention in class (ie reading a comic book while teacher is instructing), global warming
**In the back they include a simple science experiment and how to draw Squish.

Poppleton Everyday by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Mark Teague*

Book 3
In this book Poppleton is dizzy when he looks at the stars, cannot relax on a wild boat ride and deliberates over purchasing the perfect bed.
Perfect for building stamina and those who are starting to read chapter books.
*Highly recommend.

The Fenway Foul-Up Ballpark Mysteries #1 by David A. Kelly illustrated by Mark Meyers

Cousins Mike and Kate travel with Kate's mom who is a sports report for a website to various ballparks.
In this first book, the ball player Big D's bat is stolen.  Without it, he cannot hit well.  The cousins observe the events and scenes around them to solve the caper.
Great beginning mystery series for those who are starting to read chapter books.

I Hatched! by Jill Esbaum illustrated by Jen Corace

A sweet book that shares the first day of a killdeer chick.
Rhyming text make it a fun read yet the reader learns a lot about this amazing chick!
The illustrations are creative-loved the first page as the reader is viewing the chick INSIDE the egg, trying to force its way out.
*Highly recommend.

Poppleton Forever by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Mark Teague*

Book 4
In  three short chapters the reader experiences life with Poppleton the pig-a sick tree, an awful cold and finally, wallpapering his house.
Perfect series for building stamina and for engaging reluctant readers.
*Highly recommend.
GLE-2.6
DRA-16
GR-J

Mercy Watson Princess in Disguise #4 by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Chris Van Dusen *

Mrs. Watson decides that Mercy should go trick or treating on Halloween night so she sews her princess costume.  Their first trick or treating stop is the Lincoln sisters' home which of course results in a chase and very exciting, funny events!  The ending would not be complete without a buttered toast party!
*Highly recommend series.
Great for reluctant readers and for building stamina (short chapters, bold, full page illustrations).
GLE-2.3
Lexile-390L

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti*

"A Novel Based on the True Story of a Hitler Youth"
Helmuth Hubener lives during the time when Hitler rises to power and observes the events around him with  a critical eye.  Even though he is only a teenager, he feels that he needs to expose Hitler and the Nazi government's lies.  With courage and confidence, he produces pamphlets about the lies and distributes them so other Germans can learn the truth.
He is sentenced, tried as an adult and executed.
Well researched and moves along at a fast pace.
The author flip flops between Mr. Hubener's last day in prison and the events leading up to his imprisonment.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: synthesizing, inferring-character development
GLE-4.6
DRA-60
Guided Reading-Y
Lexile-760L

Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Chris Van Dusen #5*

Eugenia Lincoln, Mercy's next door neighbor, has had with Mercy after she eats her newly planted pansies.  She calls animal control which brings about disastrous and humorous results!
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for building stamina and reluctant readers.

Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo #2 illustrated by Chris Van Dusen*

Mercy and Mr. Watson go for their weekly Saturday drive in his convertible.  This Saturday is different . . .they have a stowaway and Mercy takes over the wheel!!
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for building stamina and for reluctant readers.
Vivid illustrations.

Mercy Watson Something Wonky This Way Comes #6 by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Chris Van Dusen*

In this last book, Mercy brings excitement to a drive-in as she enjoys the vehicles' open windows which allows her access to tubs and tubs of BUTTERED popcorn.  All the characters from all the books gather in the Watson's yard for a buttered toast party.
*Highly recommend series.

Mercy Watson Fights Crime #3 by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Chris Van Dusen*

We love this series!
In this book Mercy saves the neighborhood from a teeny thief.
So funny.  Vibrant illustrations by Mr. Van Dusen.
Perfect series for transitional readers and those who are building stamina.
*Highly recommend entire series (6 total)

This is a Moose by Richard T. Morris illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

Throughout the book, the director is trying to film a documentary on what  moose is.  The moose has other ideas of what he wants to be!

Einstein The Class Hamster #1 by Janet Tashjian illustrated by Jake Tashjian

A mother and son team have created this series.  The story/series is based on a comic strip Jake T. created while in 6th grade.
Einstein, the class hamster, loves facts and trivia.  He longs to teach the class but no one can hear him except Ned.  Through a series of events, Einstein indirectly teaches the class and Ned gains a few friends in the process.
Funny.  I like the theme of friendship and what it means to be a friend.
Fun, interesting facts throughout the book. The facts are what my seven year old liked best.
Good pick for reluctant readers who are working on stamina.
I do not like how the principal and teacher were portrayed-goof-balls and incompetent.
Book #2 will be available in Sept. 2014.

Soccer on Sunday Magic Tree House #52 by Mary Pope Osborne illustrated by Sal Murdocca

Jack and Annie must discover the fourth secret of greatness in Mexico from Pele.  To do this, they receive tickets to watch the World Cup and meet a sweet boy named Roberto.
I thought this book was not as exciting as other ones in the series.
I do not like that they breathe in a mist to be able to do something amazing/magical.

Rumble the Dragon's Cave by Felicia Law illustrated by Yoon-Mi Pak

Rumble inherits a cave from his grandmother.  Before he can transform it into a hotel, it must meet the hotel inspector's approval.
An ongoing series.  A "Read-it! Readers  Green Level"
Good for: building stamina, reluctant readers

The Wild Water Mystery at Niagara Falls by Carole Marsh

"Real Kids  Real Places-America's National Mystery Book Series"
Christina and Grant stay at a Bed and Breakfast near Niagara Falls with their grandparents, Mimi and Papa.
Together they experience the many amazing sights and attractions at Niagara Falls while solving a mystery involving gold and barrels.
Many titles in the series.
In the back there is a glossary plus a separate one with words found on the SAT.
Additional facts about the Falls plus comprehension questions are also provided.
The book seemed to focus on the sights, not the mystery as much.  I thought the mystery was not well developed nor the characters.  On the other hand, one learns a lot about the area and kids are probably not bothered about the lack of development.

Five Trucks by Brian Floca

A great book to practice predicting and inferring with young ones.  The title page has a boy and his father lugging a bulging suitcase so one can talk about where they are and what they are doing.
Very simple text with page filling illustrations.  Picture clues along the way gradually reveal that the setting is at the airport.
Perfect book to read before experiencing first plane ride or trip to the airport.
Strategies: predicting, inferring

The Matchlock Gun by Walter D. Edmonds illustrated by Paul Lantz

Winner of the John Newbery Medal
Edward's father has a large Spanish gun, the matchlock, hanging over the fireplace but has never used it.  Edward is fascinated by it.  The gun is bigger than he is!  During this time the French from Canada and the Native Americans were constant threat to the colonists.  One night Edward's father leaves to ward of the Native Americans, leaving Edward, his mother and little sister to fend for themselves.
This book reveals the courage and cleverness of the Colonists and children at that time.
Even though this book is short, it is not for younger readers.  The terminology  and the different time period will require some pre-reading discussion to build schema.
Warning/points to discuss: referred to African Americans as "Negroes"; very violent; the Native Americans are portrayed as the enemy-which was accurate for that time period and location.

It's An Orange Aardvark! by Michael Hall*

An ant in a tree stump peers outside a teeny hole, thinking he sees an orange aardvark.  As he continues to drill and see more colors, his story becomes more elaborate.  The other ants are not as concerned.
Funny and cute.  Actual holes with the color shown through them are on each page.
Perfect book for:
counting
reinforcing color recognition
predicting

The Furry Caterpillar by Felicia Law illustrated by Claire Philpott and Karen Radford

Bamboo and Friends series
Bamboo, the panda, uses the caterpillar as a pillow.  Beak, a bird, wants to eat him.  As the friends watch the caterpillar transform they have a nice surprise.
Facts about caterpillars and their metamorphosis are in smaller font on pages.
Perfect way to introduce nonfiction for toddlers.

My New Friend Is So Fun! by Mo Willems*

An Elephant and Piggie book
Piggie and Brian the Bat finally meet and are forming a quick friendship.  Gerald (Piggie's best friend) and Snake(Brian's best friend) are fearful that they will lose their best friends.
Children will connect to this common dilemma.
*Highly recommend all Elephant and Piggie books.

Horrible Harry and the Christmas Surprise by Suzy Kline illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz

My seven year old read this to himself.  He really likes these books.  He says these books are fun Horrible Harry likes horrible stuff.
Part of a series.
Warning: word dumb in it.

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny-Detectives Extraordinaire! by Polly Horvath illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Madeline, a human, is horrified when her hippy parents are kidnapped by foxes.  When she goes to her uncle for help, he promptly goes into a coma.  Her only clue is  a recipe card written in code (fox) and the kidnappers' note.  In step Mr. and Mrs. Bunny.
Very funny!

King Hugo's Huge Ego by Chris Van Dusen*

King Hugo loves to talk about himself much to the people's disgust who live in his kingdom.  One day he messes with the wrong woman and learns his lesson in a very difficult manner!
Perfect book to read to discuss boastfulness, pride etc.
I love Mr. Van Dusen's illustrations and books!
*Highly recommend.
Warning: a witch/sorceress is a main character.

Who Ate All the Cookie Dough? by Karen Beaumont illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

In a rhythmic  and rhyming fashion, Mama Kangaroo is trying to discover who ate her cookie dough.  She asks various animals respond with, "I don't know, It wasn't me.  Maybe . . .".
Fun twist to "who took the cookie from the cookie jar".
Check out Ms. Beaumont's book Move Over, Rover!.
Illustrator is same man who wrote and illustrated Breaking Stalin's Nose (which I highly recommend).

Clouds of Terror by Catherine A. Welch*

Written in an exciting manner, this book relates the horror of the grasshopper attacks in 1873.  The main characters, a Swedish boy and girl and their parents, are fictional but help draw the reader into the time period and experience the hardship.
48 pages-perfect for building stamina.
Great word choice.
From series "On My Own History-Grades 2-3"
*Highly recommend.

I Will Try by Marilyn Janovitz

from I Like to Read series.
A girl goes to gymnastics with some fear on her face. She expresses admiration for the star of the class . . .and receives encouragement from her.
Very simple text-one sentence per page.  Perfect for the child just learning to read-stamina.

Ed and Kip by Kay Chorao*

from the I Like to Read series.
Two elephants enjoying playing a stone but encounter a dangerous animal.
I really like the monkey in the background that adds to the story!
Perfect for beginning readers-stamina.
*Highly recommend.

Car Goes Far by Michael Garland *

from the I Like to Read series
Car begins his day happy and clean.  Some of his adventures leave him a tad dirty!
Perfect for beginning readers-stamina
Good to use when learning about "r-controlled vowels".

Boy, Bird, and Dog by David McPhail*

from I Like to Read series
A boy enjoys the view from his treehouse with bird but dog is left out.  The boy comes up a solution so everyone can have fun.
Perfect for beginning readers-stamina

Fish Had a Wish by Michael Garland*

from I Like to Read series
Fish wishes he was anything but a fish.
Strategies: predicting, check for understanding
Perfect for the beginning reader-stamina

Mrs. McBloom, Clean Up Your Classroom! by Kelly DiPucchio illustrated by Guy Francis

After teaching for fifty years, Mrs. McBloom's room needs a good cleaning!  A current student comes up with a great idea that involves the entire town.
Fun word choice/names.

Redwoods by Jason Chin*

Wow!  This is a book I am considering buying!
A boy opens up a book about redwoods and is transported there via his imagination.  Amazing facts about this incredible tree.
I read this to my four year old and he claimed it was too long.  So probably best suited for elementary age children.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: determining importance-main idea/details, cause/effect, inferring

Marshmallow Kisses by Linda Crotta Brennan illustrated by Mari Takabayashi

A rhyming book that celebrates all things summer.
Sweet!
The same team wrote/illustrated Flannel Kisses with a winter theme.

Cactus Soup by Eric A. Kimmel illustrated by Phil Huling*

A Mexican twist to stone soup!
Strategies/skills: predicting, connections (t-t), compare/contrast
*Highly recommend.
Spanish words are sprinkled throughout and are defined in the glossary in the back.

Doug Unplugged by Dan Yaccarino

Doug, the robot, plugs in each day to download information.  When he spies a pigeon outside, he decides to unplug himself and see first hand the wonders of the city.

Sea, Sand, Me! by Patricia Hubbell illustrated by Lisa Campbell Ernst

In her typical rhyming fashion and chant-style, Ms. Hubbell shares a girl's day at the beach.  A perfect book to read before, during or after a beach trip.
Strategy: connections

Tom Swift Young Inventor #2 The Robot Olympics by Victor Appleton

Tom Swift lives a life full of cool gadgets!  In this book he and his friends have created and programmed a robot they named SwiftBot.  SwiftBot has qualified for the final round of the Robot Olympics.  Suspicious events are occurring that may jeopardize humans and robots.
Even though Tom's nemesis often displays mean behavior, Tom resists stooping that low which is admirable.

Betsy Red Hoodie by Gail Carson Levine

Zimmo is an unusual shepherd . . . a wolf!  As Betsy Red Hoodie and Zimmo cross the forest to grandmother's house with their flock of sheep, many people warn Betsy not to trust Zimmo.
Surprise ending.
Sheep entertain readers with their dry sense of humor dialogue.
Strategies:  connections and predicting

Dirty Gert by Tedd Arnold

From the time she was a baby, Gert loved eating dirt.  Problems arise when she grows roots out of her feet!
Rhyming text.
Cute, funny dialogue with worms.

Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold

part of "I Like to Read" series
Jake buys Robug to clean up his mess.  Robug does not quite clean the mess the way Jake anticipates.  Funny ending!
Perfect for the beginning reader or reluctant reader.

I Survived The Attacks of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis*

 Lucas finds solace and identity in football.  But when a well-known doctor tells Lucas he may never play football again because of one too many concussions, angry Lucas skips school to talk to "Uncle" Benny, a good family friend who works with his father in NYC.  Lucas' anger about football is quickly forgotten when he witnesses planes crash into the Twin Towers.
Well developed story and told with sensitivity.
*Highly recommend.

The Fly Flew In by David Catrow

from the series "I Like to Read" published by Holiday House
A fly flies into a concert hall creates havoc!
Perfect for beginning readers.  The illustrations help tell the story and add lots of humor beginning on the front cover and ending on the back cover!

Randy Riley's Really Big Hit by Chris Van Dusen*

Through rhyming text and bold, colorful illustrations, Mr. Van Dusen tells the reader about Randy Riley, not a very good baseball player but a genius in other areas.  His disgusted teammates change their minds when his intelligence saves the town.
*Highly recommend.

Wendel's Workshop by Chris Riddell

Wendel the mouse is an inventor who is too busy to clean up his scraps. So he invents a robot to tackle the enormous task.  Good idea if the robot does what it is commanded to do!