Leroy Ninker Saddles Up Tales from Deckawoo Drive #1 by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Chris Van Dusen*

I was sooo excited to see this new series!  My sons and I love the Mercy Watson series.
This book focuses on Leroy Ninker and his desire to own a horse.
This book is aimed for a slightly more advanced reader than Mercy Watson.  There are less illustrations and the chapters are longer.  The sentence structure and word choice is more difficult too.
The illustrations are black and white.
More to come in the series (a total of six books will be published!):
2nd one will be about Francine Poulet
3rd one- Sister Baby Lincoln
4th one is in draft form and Ms. DiCamillo is not revealing who the main character is.
*Highly recommend.

The Digital Invasion by Archibald D. Hart and Dr. Sylvia Hart Frejd***

"How Technology is Shaping You and Your Relationships"
****Highly recommend.
A Must Read for all parents and teachers.
The authors are not anti-technology and utilize its capabilities.  Dr. Frejd researches its affects and has her certification in Internet Addiction.
Many eye-opening insights to where we are going as a society as we embrace technology without much thought.  This book will make you think and evaluate.

The Honey Makers by Gail Gibbons

Ms. Gibbons thoroughly explains how these amazing insects work together.  Also included are how beekeepers perform their job.
Text features: diagrams, labels, cross sections, close ups, picture captions,

Following Papa's Song by Gianna Marino*

My favorite aspect of this book is the illustrations.  The hues of green and blue are beautiful.
A baby whale asks his father about their great migration.  Parents of toddlers and preschoolers who ask a lot of questions will relate to the relentless questions posed by the baby!
A reassuring book for children.
I would have liked a fact page in the back about whale migration.

In the Trees, Honey Bees by Lori Mortensen illustrated by Cris Arbo*

Beautiful, realistic illustrations.
Larger sized book so great for story time sharing.
Rhyming text make it appealing for a younger crowd but on each page is smaller font with additional information.  So a broad age range of readers can enjoy this book.
*Highly recommend.
More information about honey bees in a two page spread in the back with photographs.

Are You a Bee? Backyard Books by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries*

A great nonfiction series that pretends the reader may be the insect of the book.  My preschooler loved this book!  He is not fond of nonfiction books but found this one delightful!
*Highly recommend.

Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway

Pigsticks (a pig) wants to continue the family legacy of accomplishing amazing feats.  He decides to travel to the ends of the earth.  First, of course, he needs a reliable assistant.  By accident, his trusty assistant arrives-a hamster.
Funny!
Great for transitional and reluctant readers.

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart The Puzzle of the Missing Panda #7 by Elizabeth Singer Hunt*

Jack travels to China to a panda reserve to find the missing panda.
My seven and a half year old is reading this series to himself.
*Highly recommend.

The Hardy Boys Secret Files #3 Mystery Map by Franklin W. Dixon illustrated by Scott Burroughs*

My seven and a half year old read this book.  He liked how the map lead to a real treasure.
This is  a great series for reluctant readers or readers beginning to read chapter books.
*Highly recommend series.

The Hardy Boys-Secret Files #2 The Missing Mitt by Franklin W. Dixon illustrated by Scott Burroughs

My seven and half year old likes reading this series to himself.
**Spoiler Alert: He said he liked how the dog was the one who took the mitt.

Seven Stories Up by Laurel Snyder

Annie travels with her mom to be her grandmother before she passes away.  Annie's mother does not talk about her childhood so Annie does know her grandmother well.  While falling asleep in her grandmother's hotel, she is transported back in time  . . .in the same hotel . . .  her own grandmother (Molly)  is her age.
Molly is kept in the "Lonely Room" because she is ill (asthma, really).  Through Annie's visit, she brings cheer and courage into her grandmother's young life.
Author's note shares some historical aspect of  the 1930's:
child work labor
segregation
medicine
Holocaust
Great Depression

Likable characters!
Points to discuss/warning: "making out" is mentioned-very briefly, not explained; the hand clap/chant-Miss Lucy is shared which alludes to swear word; fathers are not regarded very highly-Annie's dad left them and her mom calls him a "louse" .  . .Molly's father is distant and cold and Molly doubts his love for her (they sort of resolve these issues in the book and the reader can understand why he acts the way he does)

A Little Book of Sloth by Lucy Cooke*

If you want to say "awe" many times in a sitting, read this book!
Photographs of sloths who stay in a sanctuary in Costa Rica dominate this book.
The text mainly shares information about the specific sloths in the sanctuary.  True facts about sloths in the wild are included too.
I never knew sloths were sooo adorable!!
The text contains humor too.
Cute + Funny + True Facts = a great book!
*Highly recommend.
Click below to view some photographs from the book:
http://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Sloth-Lucy-Cooke/dp/1442445572

Take a Closer Look at Your Stomach by Jane P. Gardner*

Very informative.
Divided into four chapters:
1. what is the stomach
2.  what does the stomach do
3. stomach troubles
4. keeping your stomach health
Text features: bold font, table of contents, headings, diagrams, labels, glossary, learn more, index, photographs, picture captions, fact boxes
Part of a series
*highly recommend
A fun activity is included within the text.

The Slug by Elise Gravel*

Part of the Disgusting Critter series.
Facts mingled with humor.
Wonderful series for reluctant readers!
*Highly recommend.

The Rat by Elise Gravel*

Part of the Disgusting Critters series.
Love this series!
True facts mingled with humor and comments from the rat.
Before having your child/student read these books, I would discuss how this is a nonfiction book but does not contain typically nonfiction text features.  As a reader, he/she will have to determine when the author is joking around and when she is sharing true facts.
Comic like illustrations.
*Highly recommend.

Mystery at the Club Sandwich by Doug Cushman

Nick Trunk, the elephant detective, must discover who stole a singer lucky marbles.
Enough clues are mentioned and/or pictured that the reader can solve the mystery with Mr. Trunk.
Perfect book to introduce the mystery genre.
Idioms are sprinkled throughout the book.
The black and white illustrations fit the mood of the 1939 mystery.
Strategies:  predicting, retelling/sequencing

The Invisible Boy by Tracy Ludwig illustrated by Patrice Barton*

Brian's classmates do not include him in anything-games at recess, birthday parties, lunch conversations, so he feels invisible.  Even his teacher treats him as he does not exist.  Then a new student arrives.  Brian has the choice to reach out or stay within his invisible world.
The first time I read this book, I almost cried.  A must read when beginning the school year.
Wonderful artwork that matches the mood of the story-watch Brian and how he changes.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring, connections, asking questions
Pair with:
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
Wonder by R.J. Palacio

South of Superior by Ellen Airgood

Madeline returns to her birthplace in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  The different, extreme culture guides her to forgiveness and self-discovery and life-long love.
The book was long but at the same time compelling.
The characters and setting were well developed.  As a reader, I felt like I knew the characters personally.  It also made me want to visit the UP!
Every so often there is a swear word.

Take a Closer Look at Your Brain by Jane P. Gardner*

I liked how this book showed the different parts of the brain and how they specifically help us function.  I also liked how it discussed brain tumors and their affects.  A chapter/section is dedicated to preventive health for your brain.
Text features:  table of contents, headings, picture captions, diagrams, labels, fact boxes, bold print/font, cross section/cut aways, photographs, glossary, "learn more-books and website", index
More titles in series: bladder, bones, ears, eyes, heart, lungs, muscles, nose, skin, stomach, teeth
Great series to read when studying the human body and its systems.
*Highly recommend.

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart #6 The Pursuit of the Ivory Poachers by Elizabeth Singer Hunt*

My seven and half year old read this book to himself.  He liked the laser lava gadget in this book!
*Highly recommend.

Teaching Reading in Small Groups by Jennifer Serravallo*

"Differentiated Instruction for Building Strategic, Independent Readers"
Very practical advice how to differentiate reading instruction.
*Highly recommend.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires*

A girl has an idea to create/build the most magnificent thing.  The task is not as easy as she anticipated!
A great book to start a discussion about perseverance, how to handle frustrating moments and perfectionism.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: inferring

Heroes in Training Typhon and the Winds of Destruction #5 by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams*

My boys love this exciting series.
Zeus and his crew need to find some magic seeds and capture Typhon, a Creature of Chaos.
Reminds me of the Jack and the Bean Stalk at parts.
*Highly recommend.

Creepy Creatures-Worms by Valerie Bodden

Another great nonfiction title by this author.

Creepy Critters-Worms by Sian Smith*

Rhyme Along
Great book for many reasons:
huge photographs/oversized book-perfect for story time
Rhyming text
Loads of information!
Text features: table of contents, headings, photographs, close ups, labels, arrows/diagrams, index
*Highly recommend.

Whatever Wanda Wanted by Jude Wisdom

Wanda's parents gave her whatever she wanted.  One day she enters a kite shop and demands to purchase a specific kite despite the shop keeper's warning.  On a deserted island, Wanda realizes what is important.
A great read to discuss greediness, selfishness.
Strategy: predicting, inferring-character traits/change
Warning: When Wanda throws a tantrum, her face looks evil-red with horns-quite scary so it may scare little ones.

Hoop Genius by John Coy illustrated by Joe Morse*

This book explains how and why James Naismith invented the game of basketball.  This biography was told in a story-like format.
Mr. Coy shared a lot of information without boring the reader!
*Highly recommend.

Creepy Creatures- Dragonflies by Valerie Bodden

With full page photographs and informative yet simple text, the reader will learn about the dragonfly.
Great series!
Text features: table of contents, picture captions, bold face font, pronunciation, glossary, "read more", index, websites
A craft idea is included.

Discovering My World-The Brain by Melvin and Gilda Berger

A very simple nonfiction book about the brain.
Text features: photographs, questions within text

Secret Files #1 Hardy Boys Trouble at the Arcade by Franklin W. Dixon illustrated by Scott Burroughs*

Frank and Joe Hardy, ages 9 and 8, solve cases together.
This series is perfect for that transitional reader who loves action and who is working on stamina.
My seven and a half year read this book to himself and really enjoyed it.  His favorite part was how the villain hid the money in really great place!
Lots more in the series.
*Highly recommend.

Pardon Me! by Daniel Miyares

A bird is reluctant to share his roosting spot in a swamp.
Simple text but lots of humor.
Ending is very funny (but kids who are sensitive may not like it).

A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton*

I love these books about Bear and Mouse!  So sweet and humorous!
Bear is content with his seven books at home.  Mouse, however, wants to introduce him to the library.  Bear finally acquiesces but is overwhelmed with all the books and the rule of using a quiet voice.  A kind librarian helps Bear adjust and fall in love with new books.
*Highly recommend.

Molly and the Magic Wishbone by Barbara McClintock

After purchasing a fish for dinner, her fairy godmother appears in the market place informing her that the fish contains a wish bone.  She has one wish.  Of course she finds the bone.  Her numerous siblings pester her to use her wish for various situations.  She refuses and is just about to make her wish when something urgent occurs.
Predictable story line.  I love books by Ms. McClintock (illustrations are lovely).
Strategies: predicting, retelling/sequencing

Dog vs. Cat by Chris Gall*

On the same day Mr. and Mrs. Button each bring home a new pet-a dog and a cat.  Dog and Cat try to be mature and get along but they are too different.  They come up with a solution but then an additional pet turns everything topsy-turvy!
*Highly recommend.
Funny!  Bold, humorous illustrations.
A title we plan to buy!
Strategies predicting, inferring, determining importance (compare/contrast)
Teaching idea: This book would be a great one to introduce/reinforce the concept of a venn diagram or the idea of comparing/contrasting.

If You Gave a Dog a Donut by Laura Numeroff illustrated by Felicia Bond

A circular tale by this popular team.
We love these books!

Stick Insects by Valerie Bodden

Wonderful photographs display the various stick insects of the world.
The text is just right for younger readers.
Text features:  table of contents, bold font, pronunciations, picture captions, craft idea, glossary "read more", websites, index
Part of the Creepy Creatures series:
Ants
Beetles
Centipedes
Cockroaches
Crickets
Dragonflies
Fleas
Grasshoppers
Mantises
Mites
Moths
Scorpions
Slugs
Spiders
Termites
Ticks Worms

Inside the Brain by Karin Halvorson, M.D.*

Different parts of the brain are discussed and their importance to our functioning.
Great activities follow almost each section of the brain to reinforce what that specific part does.
Text features: diagrams, photographs, activities, headings, labels, picture captions, cross section, table of contents, glossary
*highly recommend when studying the brain.
More in series:
Inside the . . .
Ears
Eyes,
Heart
Lungs
Stomach

Yes Day! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld*

One day a year the main character's parents must say "yes" to everything he asks!
Very simple text; fun illustrations.
We have instituted "yes day" at our house once a year after reading this book.
*Highly recommend.

Heroes in Training Hyperion and the Great Balls of Fire #4 by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams*

Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, and Demeter must find the Olympic torch and the flame for the torch.  The friends split up and the boys have some intense interactions with Hyperion.  While on their quest, they find a missing Olympian-Hestia.
Exciting and funny at points.
*Highly recommend.

Enjoy Your Cells by Fran Balkwill and Mic Rolph*

With colorful illustrations and tidbits of humor, the author explains this invisible, complex world very well.
Points to discuss/warning:  Reproduction is explained starting when the sperm swim to the egg and only one usually enters the egg.  Then it shows how the fertilized eggs develops into a human.  Curious readers/listeners may ask where the sperm and egg originate.
*highly recommend.

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart The Secret of the Sacred Temple #5 by Elizabeth Singer Hunt*

Read by seven year old.
This time Jack travels Cambodia to rescue the guardian of the Angkor Wat treasures.
*Highly recommend.

One World, One Day by Barbara Kerley

National Geographic published this book so of course the photographs are amazing!
With simple text and full page photographs, the reader can witness how various cultures start, spend and end their day.  Different food, transportation, settings and sleeping arrangements yet the reader will realize at the core, across cultures, we are still the same.
At the end each photographed featured has a small picture caption and explanation where it was taken and more details about what is happening in the photograph.  A few photographs were taken just a hour away from where we live!
A  map in the back shows the location for each photograph.

Prairie Evers by Ellen Airgood*

Prairie moves from North Carolina to New York and the world, as she knows it, disintegrates-her Grammy moves back to N.C. which leads to Prairie having to attend public school for the first time in her life.  Grammy had always been her teacher at home.  This sudden change brings about several good events: chickens and a friend for Prairie.
Well written-captures the emotions of a fifth grade girl well.
Points to discuss/warning:
Prairie's new friend, Ivy, has a difficult home life.  Ivy's mom shot her husband/Ivy's dad in the heat of an argument and he died.  Ivy's mom shows no interest in her and has no problem leaving her daughter to live Prairie and her parents when she finds a new boyfriend.  Very upsetting that a parent could just leave his/her child with another family so quickly.
*Highly recommend.

The Smallest Gift of Christmas by Peter H. Reynolds

Roland wants a huge present for Christmas so he is very disappointed to find a small gift waiting for him (the gift tag is larger than the box!!).  In his disappointment and anger he wishes for a bigger present and bigger and bigger . . ..until he is in space, far away from his family.  Then he realizes what the biggest and best gift is . . .
My almost five year old did not get the message/theme of this book.  He wanted to know what was in the small gift which was never revealed.
Strategy: inferring

Queen Victoria's Bathing Machine by Gloria Whelan illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

The cover for this book is humorous!
This book relates how Queen Victoria would love to peel off her many layers of clothing and swim.  Well, her husband Prince Albert does not want her to be improper so he designs and builds a cart where she can undress and dive into the Atlantic without being observed . . .or so they think.
Fun, rhyming text.  The illustrations reveal what a close, wonderful relationship Queen Victoria and Prince Albert maintained.
A photograph of the actual bathing machine is shown in the back.
Lots of other information about Queen Victoria under the Author's Note.

Behold the Beautiful Dung Beetle by Cheryl Bardoe illustrated by Alan Marks*

Kids will laugh when they read the title and read the first line, "Somewhere in the world right now an animal is lightening its load-".
This book examines the different types of dung beetles-how they eat and store food, attract a mate and the development of their eggs to grubs to beetles.
I like  how the text is set up so it can be read to multiple ages.  The larger font text shares enough information that preschoolers can learn and enjoy the content.  Smaller font on the opposing page offers more detailed information about the same topic.
Text features: font size, more facts at the end, diagram/labels, glossary
*Highly recommend.

Rupert Can Dance by Jules Feiffer

Mandy dances all day, all evening . . .the only time she stops is when she goes to bed.  While she dances, her cat, Rupert, observes.  At night he tears up the bedroom floor with his dance moves.  One night Mandy wakes and sees this phenomenon.  Then Rupert refuses to dance. .  .

The Big Wet Balloon by Liniers*

Toon book-Level Two
Two sisters are excited about Saturday.  The falling rain does not dampen (no pun intended) the older sister's resolve to have fun.
A sweet story.
*Highly recommend.

Race Day by Gail Tuchman

National Geographic Kids Pre-reader
In simple words, beginning readers can read about the excitement of race day.

Miss Emily by Burleigh Muten illustrated by Matt Phelan

In verse form, this novel shares four children's adventures with Emily Dickinson.
Full of imagination and fun!
The author shares more information about the characters under the historical notes section.

The Rockabilly Goats Gruff by Jeff Crosby

A cute fractured fairy tale of the Three Billy Goats Gruff.  The goats are musicians and need to cross the bridge to get to their show destination.  Their loud hot rods chase away the trolls supper.
Clever, fun solution.

What Makes a Magnet? by Franklyn M. Branley illustrated by True Kelley*

Let's Read and Find Out Science Level 2
The perfect book to use during an unit study of magnets.  The book shares facts about magnets but explains how to perform experiments and do activities while reading it.
*Highly recommend.

Miss Brooks' Story Nook (where tales are told and ogres are welcome!) by Barbara Bottner illustrated by Michael Emberley

Missy loves hearing Miss Brook's stories before school begins.  A bully on her route to school steals her hat each day so she then takes a long way to school.  When the electricity goes out one morning, Miss Brooks cannot see to read so the children make up their own stories.  It is at this session Missy figures out how to confront the bully.
Points to discuss/warning: one girl is obsessed with ghosts

Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens *

Hare and his family need food.  Bear, their neighbor, is too lazy to cultivate his own land so Hare asks to plant it.  He asks Bear if he wants tops or bottoms. . . Bear picks and is in for a big surprise. . .not just once, but three times!!
Perfect to read when discussing hard work, being wise with time and resources.
Use when studying Proverbs.
*Highly recommend.

Goodness Gracious Me! Macmillan McGraw-Hill 1993

This anthology was given to me by someone who goes to a lot of yard sales/thrift stores.  This is not a normal book pick for us!  But we read it, so I record it here.
First grade reading level.
Stories/poems included:
 Coco Can't Wait! by Taro Gomi (funny; using pictures to help comprehend story)
I Need a Lunch Box by Jeannette Caines (connections)
Hattie and the Fox by Mem Fox
The Folk Who Live in Backward Town by Mary Ann Hoberman (poetry)
Robert, Who Is Often a Stranger to Himself  by Gwendolyn Brooks (poetry)
Something Big Has Been Here by Jack Prelutsky
The Story of Chicken Licken  by Jan Ormerod (a play; illustrations add more to the story)
How Do We Get from Here to There? (social studies; transportation; nonfiction)

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart The Caper of the Crown Jewels by Elizabeth Singer Hunt*

Jack must use his intellect and gadgets to find out who stole the crown jewels.
My son read this book.  The coolest gadget in this book is Jack's mode of transportation-a heli-spacer-a flying disk that he stands on which he can direct with his hands.  Another cool gadget was the "tornado" to help him catch the villains.
*Highly recommend.

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

I absolutely loved the character Albie!
Ms. Graff handles bullies, trying to be cool, dealing with low self-esteem with sensitivity coupled with reality.  A great novel to read aloud and discuss with intermediate students.
Well crafted story-character development, word choice, plot pace
Points to discuss/warnings: lying (often), cruel classmates/unkindness, a minor character mentioned only a few times has two dads, grandfather swears one time, stuttering (speech impediments), disabilities (infer maybe Albie has some sort of disability or maybe even a lower IQ)
Strategies: inferring-character traits/feelings, asking questions
Use with the following books:
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson (picture book; intermediate)
Wonder by R.J. Palacio (mature readers)
The Boy and the Jaguar  by Alan Rabinowitz (picture book-bio)
The Paper Boy by Vince Vawter (mature readers)

Pass It On! by Marilyn Sadler illustrated by Michael Slack

A bee discovers the cow stuck in the fence and goes to alert frog and tells him to pass it on.  The message certainly changes over time. Will cow ever be rescued?
Funny!
Good book to use as a bridge to talk about rumors.

A Pet for Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold*

The format for this new Fly Guy book is different from the previously published books.  This one is a picture book; the other ones are chapter books.
At the park Fly Guy sees all these humans with pets and expresses his desire to Buzz to own a pet.  They search for one and discover the best one for Fly Guy.
Strategy: predicting
*Highly recommend.

Don't Push the Button! by Bill Cotter*

An interactive story that would be great for story time.
*Highly recommend.

Crocodile Encounters! by Brady Barr with Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld*

National Geographic Kids-Chapters
Mr. Barr shares his many exciting adventures as he interacts and captures crocodiles all over the world.
Written in a humorous, entertaining manner-lots of voice. It does not read like nonfiction.
Text features: table of contents, photographs, picture captions, fact boxes, pronunciation helps index, further info.
*Highly recommend.

Dinosaurs Love Underpants by Claire Freedman illustrated by Ben Cort*

How did the dinosaurs become extinct?  This funny, rhyming book shares one theory!
*Highly recommend.

The Misadventures of the Magician's Dog by Frances Sackett

A dog of a magician needs help turning his owner from a rock into a boy again.  This magical dog selects Peter Lubinsky to do the job.  Peter is ordinary . . .and does not realize he has the power to perform magic until he brings home the magical dog from the shelter.  Then a fantastical adventure begins that involves magic and evaluation of motives.
Very exciting.

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart The Mystery of the Mona Lisa by Elizabeth Singer Hunt #3*

Jack travels to Paris to recover the missing Mona Lisa.
My seven and a half year old devours this series.  He thought this one was cool because the villain had a gadget that shot lasers out of his knuckles.
Perfect for boys, reluctant readers and building stamina.
*Highly recommend.

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin created/illustrated by James Dean*

Fun!  The lyrical words beg to be sung.
Funny too.
*Highly recommend.
2013 won an honor for the Geisel Award.

Ten Little Caterpillars by Bill Martin Jr. illustrated by Lois Ehlert*

This counting book introduces the vocabulary of "first, second, third" etc. up to ten.
Lovely illustrations by Ms. Ehlert, of course!
At the end there are five pages that depict the number, the corresponding caterpillar and butterfly/moth and shares what it eats.
*highly recommend.

Danny, the Duck with no Quack by Malachy Doyle illustrated by Janet Samuel

Danny the duck is so shy he never quacks.  This trait changes after he has an unfortunate encounter with a couple of foxes.
Questions/discussion tips are in the back for parents/teachers.

Stars by Mary Lyn Ray illustrated by Marla Frazee*

We have owned this book for a few years now and it is still a favorite.
Lyrical, poetic language and beautiful illustrations.
A look at stars in the sky and other places in our daily environment.
*Highly recommend.

The Graves Family by Patricia Polacco

The Graves family is unusual.  The residents of Union City are wary of them.  Seth and Sara, however, reach out and befriend the oldest boy, Hieronymus who they nickname Ronnie.
Seth and Sara try to help the family fit into their new surroundings.  Many humorous events ensue.
A great book about kindness and acceptance.
A second book about this family is also available-The Graves Family Goes Camping.

How Many Jelly Beans? A Giant Book of Giant Numbers by Andrea Menotti illustrated by Yancey Labat*

This book shows how many large numbers are: thousand, five thousand, up to million in the form of jelly beans.
The over-sized book is great for sharing and the foldout page is so fun!
*Highly recommend.