My Elephant by Petr Horacek*

A boy's grandparents do not believe that his pet elephant is making all the messes throughout the day.
Sweet ending!
Promotes imagination.
*Highly recommend all Mr. Horacek's book-usually the artwork is unique and creative and somewhat interactive.

I'm Brave! by Kate and Jim McMullan*

A must read for fire engine junkies!
A confident fire engine shares his exciting job with readers.
Full of humor, attitude and great noise words (onomatopoeia)!
I learned some terminology while reading this book to my preschooler.  In the beginning the McMullans have the reader try to match the tools and equipment found on the engine.  Then as the reader continues reading, he/she can use picture clues to confirm or fix his/her predictions.
Strategy/skill: context clues, vocab. expanding
*Highly recommend.

Titch and Daisy by Pat Hutchins

Titch is reluctant to attend a party.  His mom reassures him that his friend Daisy will be there.  At the party Titch cannot find her and refuses to join in any of the fun without Daisy.
Great book to reinforce how the illustrations help tell the story/add to the story.
Strategies: predicting, connections, sequencing

Titch by Pat Hutchins

"An oldie but a goodie."
Titch's older brother and sister seem to always have bigger and better things.
The youngest of any family will connect with Titch and find satisfaction in the story's ending.
Strategy: connections, predicting, inferring
Guided Reading Level: G

The Sniffles for Bear by Bonny Becker illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton*

Bear is sick.  Mouse tries to cheer him to no avail.
A story of true friendship.
Great word choice!
*Highly recommend.

Sammy the Seal by Syd Hoff

"An I Can Read Book"
Sammy the seal is tired of the zoo scene so the zookeeper grants him permission to explore the city.
Perfect for beginning/transitional readers.
Guided Reading Level: H

Soup's Goat by Robert Newton Peck

Rob and his best friend Soup build a magnificent cart for the town's goat race and . . .create a wonderful disaster!
Soup's cousin, Sexton, visits for a few weeks.  Sexton brags he can curse for a full minute and does so after each of the boys pay him a penny.  He does it while talking like Donald Duck.  None of the swear words are printed but an entire chapter is devoted to this topic and repeated in various ways throughout the book.
Points to discuss/warnings: swearing
Grade equivalent: 5.7

The Right Word Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant illustrated by Melissa Sweet*

A beautifully composed and illustrated biography of Peter Mark Roget.  Well researched-the illustrations contain concepts/entries from Roget's original Thesaurus.
Time line of his life events combined with world events included at the end.
*Highly recommend.

Patch by David Slonim*

Adorable three stories about a boy and his dog Patch.
About one sentence per page with illustrations dominating the page.
Very sweet!
Beginning reader.
*Highly recommend

A Day Inside the Human Body by Claire Throp

"Fantasy Science Field Trips"-Read Me! Raintree
Readers pretend they are traveling in a magical shrinking rocket and explore the major organs of the body.
Text features: table of contents, headings, fact boxes,  labels, close ups, bold print, diagrams, cross sections, glossary, find out more, index

Soup and Me by Robert Newton Peck illustrated by Charles Lilly*

Rob and his best friend Soup find themselves in more mischievous adventures.  The seven chapters loosely go through the seasons, ending on a sweet Christmas story.
Some chapters had me laughing out loud!
Rob's dad has not been mentioned in the two books I have read-just his mom and Aunt Carrie who lives with them.  Maybe in another book it explains what had happened.
*Highly recommend.

When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Diane Goode*

Ms. Rylant shares her memories growing up in the mountains with her grandparents.
The way of life is such a stark contrast to this modern era.  This book would be an excellent choice to share before reading a historical fiction novel set in the same time period.
*Award Winning book-Caldecott Honor

Bullfrog Pops! by Rick Walton illustrated by Chris McAllister

This humorous story follows a bullfrog whose ravenous appetite cannot be thwarted.
At the end of each page, the sentence is incomplete and it is fun to try to predict how it will end on the next page.
This book was recommended to use for teaching context clues.  The word choice was good but not out of this world.  Maybe one could use it for lower elementary when modeling/practicing context clues.

Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece by Patricia Polacco

Trisha is terrified of speaking in front of people.  Her English teacher convinces her to sign up for the drama club.  The club teacher, Mr. Wayne, helps her overcome her fear in a gentle, encouraging manner.
Strategy: connections

Gumption! by Elise Broach illustrated by Richard Egielski*

Love the bold illustrations!
Peter adores his Uncle Nigel.  When Uncle Nigel invites him to go on a safari, he is thrilled.
As the transverse the jungle, Peter encounters a variety of creatures, unbeknownst to his uncle!
The word "gumption" is used often throughout the story.
Readers need to use context clues to infer its meaning.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies/skills: context clues, inferring

Snakes by Seymour Simon*

My son brought this title home from his school library.
I highly recommend any nonfiction that Mr. Simon has written.
My preschooler even enjoyed listening to this book.  Full page photographs make it extra appealing.

The Big Adventure of the Smalls by Helen Stephens

This book contains an adventure that most children would love-sliding down the banister, a secret dppr. traveling through a secret passageway!
A brother and sister Paul and Sally, try to rescue the brother's teddy bear while their parents are hosting a party.  The children are really small so they can hide on the serving platter!
Humorous.
Warning:  A couple of statues posing in the house are naked but their hands are covering the necessary parts.  I did not think naked  statues were necessary.

Soup by Robert Newton Peck

Setting: Vermont in the 1920's
Rob and his best friend Soup use creativity and imagination to have a bit of fun and mischief.
Short chapters well suited for reluctant older readers.  Each chapter is a self-contained story.

Points to discuss/warnings:  I was enjoying this book immensely and was anticipating recommending this book to my reluctant boy students . . . but the word "ass" is said once and "jackass".  Some people in the town said degrading statements about Jews.  The boys cheat a Jewish man and then have remorse about it.

Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World by Jill Rigby*

The title says it all!  Very practical ideas that one can put into place immediately.
*Highly recommend.

Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet*

Art teachers, preschool and kindergarten teachers will love this book as they introduce the primary colors and how they form the secondary colors.
A fun, interactive book.
The illustrations are paint splotches-you can see the texture!!
*Highly recommend.
I like this one better than the author/illustrators book Press Here. 

The Deep Blue Sea A Book of Colors by Audrey Wood illustrated by Bruce Wood*

Ms. Wood's son illustrated the book.
Bold illustrations make this book a great one  for story time.
Perfect for readers who are learning their colors or learning to read color words.  Repetitious text too.
Some illustrations offer an hint of what is to come so the reader can predict.
Strategies: predicting; sight words
*Highly recommend
Guided Reading Level: F

Cork and Fuzz Best Friends by Dori Chaconas illustrated by Lisa McCue

 "Puffin Easy to Read"
Cork, the muskrat, meets Fuzz, the opossum, for the first time.  Even though they have very different eating and living habits, they learn to enjoy each other's company.
Illustrations by Ms. McCue are adorable.
Perfect for transitional readers.

Aw, Nuts! by Rob McClurkan

Squirrel spies the perfect acorn and tries to shove it into his tree hole, already stuffed with acorns.
All the acorns pop out, along with the perfect acorn.  Squirrel pursues it on a crazy journey!
Strategies: sequencing, cause/effect, retelling

I Just Forgot by Mercer Mayer

Little Critter does not mean to forget but sometimes he does!

Children will relate to Little Critter's supposed forgetfulness.

Guided Reading Level: G

Strategy: connections

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart The Quest for Aztec Gold #10 Elizabeth Singer Hunt*

Jack Stalwart is off to Mexico trying to find a stolen map which leads to Aztec gold.
My second grader is reading this series.
*Highly recommend.

Elephants A Book for Children by Steve Bloom*

Wow!!  This book is absolutely stunning!  Any children researching elephants or who loves animals/elephants will love this book.
The photography begs one to pour over it and be amazed at this magnificent creatures.  A diversity of shots-different angles/perspectives.
Different size font and various paragraph lengths make this book a multi-aged book.
Text features: table of contents, font size, headings, subheadings, bold, picture captions, close ups, photographs
Strategies/skills: compare/contrast -Asian vs. African elephants (text structure), author's purpose, main idea/details

Usborne Famous Lives-Napoleon by Lucy Lethbridge illustrated by Robin Lawrie*

My second grader brought this home from his school library.
Well written-written in an interesting manner which keeps younger readers/listeners engaged.
Beautiful illustrations are displayed on almost every page.
*Highly recommend.

Tiny Little Fly by Michael Rosen illustrated by Kevin Waldron

Follow an annoying fly buzz from animal to animal, each animal attempting to smash it.
Rhyming text.
I really like the illustrations.  Great fold out -2 pages into 4 pages.

Rattletrap Car by Phyllis Root illustrated by Jill Barton*

A father and his three children want to visit the sea for the day but their car has some difficulty reaching the desired destination.  Problem solving and group effort make for an interesting trip.
Cute and fun!
Onomatopoeia words.

Slop Goes the Soup A Noisy Warthog Word Book by Pamela Edwards illustrated by Henry Cole*

A perfect book to introduce and reinforce onomatopoeia words!
Two warthogs are trying to prepare dinner when a stray feather floating down creates quite a disturbance!
Fun!

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart The Deadly Race to Space #9 by Elizabeth Singer Hunt*

My second grader loves reading these books.
His favorite part in this book was how the villain was unexpected person.
*Highly recommend.

Florence Nightingale by Demi*

Beautiful illustrations.
The book shares about Florence's childhood and how her passion for the medical field developed at a young age.  Demi then portrays her entire life in the medical profession and the difference she made.
*Highly recommend
Text features: time line; further reading

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Kathryn Gibbs illustrated by Gilbert Ford

Fascinating account of how George Ferris designed and built the first ferris wheel.  The main text is engaging and entertaining.  Smaller font text shares additional facts.

Take Away the A by Michael Escoffier illustrated by Kris Di Giacomo*

An unique alphabet book.
The author removes the featured letter to create a new word.
For example, "Without the A, the beast is the best".
Very clever!
Use it to show the importance of cross checking (Does it look right?) and reading accurately.
*Highly recommend.

The Streak How Joe DiMaggio Became America's Hero by Barb Rosenstock illustrated by Terry Widener

Focuses on Joe DiMaggio's streak and his dedication to taking care of his bat "Betsy Ann".
Great book for baseball fans!
More about  him in the author's note plus charts highlighting hitting streaks.
Quotes on end pages.

The Honeybee Man by Lela Nargi illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker*

Fred, the bee keeper in Brooklyn, N.Y, takes delight in his bees and the honey making process.
The reader learns a lot about bees via story-like format.
*Highly recommend.

Danny and the Dinosaur Go to Camp by Syd Hoff*

"An I Can Read Book Level 1"
Guided Reading Level: H
*Highly recommend for beginning readers.

Jessica Finch in Pig Trouble by Megan McDonald illustrated by Erwin Madrid*

"Judy Moody and Friends"
A new series for younger readers.
Jessica wants a potbellied pig for her birthday.  When she and Judy search her house for hints, they experience a close encounter in being found out.
Three chapters with bright Illustrations
Points to discuss/warning: being deceitful/lying

Blow It Up! by Thomas Kingsley Troupe with consulting editor Gail Saunders-Smith*

Pebble Plus
"Destruction"
How unsafe buildings are demolished using explosives.
Text features: table of contents, headings, onomatopoeia, glossary, read more, index
Guided Reading Level: H
*Highly recommend.

Knock It Down! by Thomas Kingsley Troupe with consulting editor Gail Saunders-Smith

Pebble Plus
"Destruction"
How wrecking balls knock down unsafe buildings.
Text features: headings, table of contents, onomatopoeia, glossary, read more, index

Guided Reading Level: H
*Highly recommend.

Crush It! by Thomas Kingsley Troupe with consulting Editor Gail Saunders-Smith*

Pebble Plus
"Destruction"
How cars and trucks are demolished for recycling.
Onomatopoeia.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: H

Shred It! by Thomas Kingsley Troupe with consulting editor-Gail Saunders-Smith*

Pebble Plus
Shows the process of recycling rubber tires and plastic.
Text features: table of contents, headings, onomatopoeia, glossary, read more, index
Guided Reading Level: H
*Highly recommend.

Look Inside an Ant Nest by Megan Cooley Peterson with Gail Saunders-Smith, PhD, Consulting Editor*

Pebble Plus
Beautiful photographs allow the reader to appreciate the amazing creation of the ant.
Text features: table of contents, headings, glossary, read more, index, cross sections/cutaway, photographs, labels
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: H

The Fastest Animals by Catherine Ipcizade Gail Saunders-Smith, PhD Consulting Editor*

Pebble Plus
Love the chart at the bottom of the page that displays an outline of the progressively faster animals.
Beautiful page photographs-perfect for story time.
Text features: bold font, headings, chart, glossary, read more section, internet sites, index
*Highly recommend  books published by Capstone Press
Guided Reading Level: J

Time for Kids Science Scoops Bees! by Elizabeth Winchester

Beginning Reader-1
Beautiful full page photographs.
Simple text contained in boxes.
Text features: extra fact boxes, words to know

You Read to Me, I'll Read to You Very Short Fables to Read Together by Mary Ann Hoberman illustrated by Michael Emberley*

Great for building fluency!

I liked this one better than the short story volume.

*Highly recommend.

All Four Stars by Tara Dairman*

Gladys loves to cook but her parents have no clue about her secret passion.  Their methods of cooking are  the microwave and take-out.  One disastrous event leads to new friendships and an amazing opportunity to develop her secret writing and cooking skills.
Love the food metaphors and similes!
A must-read for young foodies!
I was disappointed that the recipes Gladys  makes were not included in the book.  The author's website, however, provides some recipes.
Here is a link to it:
http://taradairman.com/recipes/

A sequel to this book will be out in 2015!
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss: lying/deception; unkindness/bullies

You Read to Me, I'll Read to You-Very Short Stories to Read Together by Mary Ann Hoberman illustrated by Michael Emberley*

Fun, short stories with two parts.
Rhyming text.
Perfect for fun fluency practice.
*Highly recommend.

The Clubhouse by Anastasia Suen illustrated by Allan Eitzen

"Viking Easy to Read Level 2 Grades K-2"
"Peter's Neighborhood"
This team incorporates characters from Ezra Jack Keats books.  The characters have no place to play and decide to build a clubhouse with junk lying around near Mrs. Lopez's store.

The Hardy Boys Secret File #5 A Monster of a Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon illustrated by Scott Burroughs*

My second grade son loves this series.
This one is gross--a comic character Morpho Monster visits the boys' hometown.  His spork that he uses to eat human brains goes missing.
To avoid the cancellation of the fan event, the spork must be found.

Little Elephants by Graeme Base

Another beautifully illustrated book by Graeme Base.
A boy and his mom are worried about the locusts destroying their wheat crop.  When the boy allows a stranger to take some of their wheat, his kindness is returned.  A herd of teeny elephants arrives . . .

The Enormous Potato by Aubrey Davis illustrated by Dusan Petricic

The farmer plants a potato eye and when he goes to harvest it, he cannot pull it out.  He calls for his wife and the story continues with more and more people trying to pull the potato.
Read with other folktales that involve pulling out an enormous vegetable-turnip, carrot etc.
Guided Reading Level: H

My Friend Has Autism by Amanda Doering Tourville illustrated by Kristin Sorra

In a story-like fashion, the author shares the relationship of Nick and Zack.  From Nick's point of view, he explains what is like to be friends with someone who has autism.  Fact boxes further explain what Nick is saying.
A great book to read for a child first interacting with someone Autistic.

Amelia Bedelia Shapes Up #5 by Herman Parish illustrated by Lynne Avril*

Humorous yet sweet.
Amelia is discouraged about being picked last for a game of a kickball (her classmates would rather pick the drinking fountain over her!).  When she discovers that the entire class will be participating in the Greek Games during their study of Greece, she decides it is time to "get into shape".
I liked how in the back the author explains what the idioms mean.
The chapters are short so it is great for reluctant readers.
Strategies/skills: connections; inferring; figurative language
*Highly recommend.

Aunt Eater Loves a Mystery by Doug Cushman *

"An I Can Read Book"
In four separate chapters/stories, the reader can solve mysteries with Aunt Eater.
Each chapter is a separate story but they are built upon one another.
Great for transitional readers who are building stamina.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: J

Turtle Splash! Countdown at the Pond by Cathryn Falwell

Painted turtles rest on a log.  Countdown as they dive to the bottom.  I like how it ends with ten again.
Amazing collage illustrations.
In the back the author shares more facts about each of the wildlife creatures at the pond.
Guided Reading Level: H

Hiccups for Elephant b James Preller illustrated by Hans Wilhelm

Scholastic Reader Level 2
Elephant is keeping all the animals awake with his hiccups.  Each one has a solution which elephant tries.  Little but mighty mouse comes to the rescue.
Cute!
Guided Reading level: I

Happy Birthday, Moon by Frank Asch*

Bear wants to give moon a birthday present.  To be able to converse with it, Bear climbs the mountains.  Here he has conversations with moon and surprisingly, they want the same gift!
Funny and sweet!
*Highly recommend.

Toot and Puddle-You Are My Sunshine by Holly Hobbie*

Toot spends days moping while Puddle and Tulip try to cheer him to no avail.  Then a thunderstorm comes and clears the air.
Sweet story of friendship.
Great to go with Prov. 17:17 A friend loves at all times.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: L

Bailey Goes Camping by Kevin Henkes

A sweet book about a bunny who is envious of his older brother and sister's opportunity to go camping with the Bunny Scouts.  His parents create his own camping adventure at home.  Youngest child will relate to Bailey and the forever mantra, "You are not old enough.".
Guided Reading Level: H

Fly Guy's Amazing Tricks by Tedd Arnold*

The newest, funny book about Buzz and his pet fly, Fly Guy.
Fly Guy's new tricks come in handy when an older boy teases Buzz.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: V

The Hardy Boys Secret Files #4 Hopping Mad by Franklin W. Dixon illustrated by Scott Burroughs*

A series my second grader is reading.  Frank and Joe need to find out who sabotaged the talent show so the "show goes on".
*Highly recommend.

Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff**

An amazing story of wanting to belong and accepting when you find out you do belong.
This is a book I want to own!
Amazing writing and great character development.  I looked forward to every chance to read this novel.
**Highly, highly recommend.
There is a movie available based on this book.
Points to discuss/warning: abandonment, foster care/adoption, one time Hollis told a social worker that she drew "nudies" to be rude/cause a reaction (she does not draw nude people)

Newbery Honor Book

You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang illustrated by Christopher Weyant

Two bears argue who is small and who is big.
Cute and funny!
Award winner-2015 Theodor Seuss Geisel!

The Monkey Goes Bananas by C.P. Bloom illustrated by Peter Raymundo*

With sparse text and brightly colored illustrated, readers feel the frustration of a monkey attempting to reach a bunch of bananas across the water on an island.
Funny!
Ending is surprising and funny (depends on your sense of humor!).
*Highly recommend.
Great book about problem solving.
Strategy: predicting, inferring

Happy Birthday, Jesse Bear! By Nancy White Carlstrom illustrated by Bruce Degen

A sweet rhyming book about Jesse Bear's birthday and party.
A great book to read when a child is anticipating his/her birthday and birthday party.
Guided Reading Level: J

Green Wilma by Tedd Arnold*

When Wilma awakens she is a green frog.
Her day is disastrous as she tries to fit in the human world.  A fun, surprising ending.
*Highly recommend.
Pair with George Shrinks by William Joyce to make T-T connections/compare.
Strategy: compare/contrast, connections
Guided Reading Level: H

George Shrinks by William Joyce*

When George wakes up, he discovers he has shrunk.  Most of the story is narrated via a note from his parents and how George enjoys his new size.
*Highly recommend.
Read Green Wilma by Tedd Arnold after reading this one and make T-T connections/compare.
Strategy: connections
Guided Reading Level: H

Hot Rod Hamster and the Wacky Whatever Race! by Cynthia Lord illustrated by Greg Paprocki

Hot Rod Hamster wants to participate in a race.  The car, however, must be built from a box and have no motor.
Interactive in that the book asks the reader which box, wheels, paint design Hot Rod should choose.
Cute ending!
Perfect for beginning readers.

Tales from the Time Dragon: Racing the Waves by Robert Neubecker

Joe and Lilly are snatched back into time via a computer in the library.  They arrive in 1851 and land on the  Flying Cloud which is headed to California.  The children experience adventure on the sea with Captain Creesy and his mathematical, intelligent wife, Ellen Creesy.
Text features: a two pages of additional facts, time line, glossary, map
**Pair with Tracey Fern's beautiful picture book-Dare the Wind.

Extraordinary Warren A Super Chicken by Sarah Dillard*

Warren is tired of peeking and peeping all day.  He wants to extraordinary.  When he meets a crafty rat, he thinks  his problem is solved.
So funny!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: predicting, sequencing

Amelia Bedelia Chalks One Up by Herman Parish illustrated by Lynne Avril*

I Can Read! Beginning Reader Level 1
Amelia's mom is feeling blue so Amelia suggest she go on a playdate.  While her mom shops and meets her father in town, Amelia and her friends along with next door neighbor Mrs. Adams create a cheerful welcome home scene for Amelia's mom.
Sweet!  Mr. Parish (Peggy Parish's nephew) continues with Amelia's struggle understanding figurative language (idioms) in a realistic manner.
*Highly recommend.

Scooby Doo! Readers Snack Snatcher #7 by Gail Herman

"Level 2 Readers"
Shaggy and Scooby participate in a bake-off contest.
While they nap, a monster took their Scooby Snacks.  Can they found it so they can remain in the contest?

Fiona's Lace by Patricia Polacco*

Fiona and her family immigrate from Ireland to the USA.  Her ability to make lace saves the family from poverty and the Great Chicago Fire.
*Highly recommend.
Based, of course, on Ms. Polacco's family history!

A Wizard from the Start by Don Brown*

"The Incredible Boyhood and Amazing Inventions of Thomas Edison"
An insightful look into Edison's childhood.
A great example how a great work ethic and a desire to learn lead to greatness.
*highly recommend.

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson*

A classic that my preschooler loves!
Harold has a purple crayon and draws all evening.
*Highly recommend.

Breaking News-Bear Alert by David Biedrzycki*

So funny!  Bears are on the loose in a town and causing havoc.  The illustrations reveal a bigger concern . . . some individuals are taking advantage of the bear distraction.
Lots of humor in the names of places (Pooh St., Goldie the waitress at Teddy's Diner etc.).
Great example of the necessity to study the illustrations to understand the story at higher level.
Strategies: inferring, predicting
*Highly recommend.

Otis and the Scarecrow by Loren Long

I love this sweet tractor!  A scarecrow is placed in field of corn in the summer.  Otis and his friends watch the stoic scarecrow through the seasons and various weather.  One rainy day they gather around the scarecrow to include him in the "Quiet Game".  Hmmm, I wonder who will win?

Bigger Than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder

To escape her disappointing marriage, Rebecca's mom moves herself and her children to Atlanta to live with her mother.  Rebecca had no warning about this sudden move and has a difficult time adjusting to Atlanta.  In her grandmother's old house she discovers a bread box that grants wishes.  Is its power enough to heal her parents' marriage or will it cause harm?
Well written-explores the complicated feelings of a troubled marriage very well.
Points to discuss/warnings: stealing, marital troubles, bullies, the cost of fitting in with a group of kids, strangers

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart Peril at the Grand Prix #8 by Elizabeth Singer Hunt*

My seven and a half year is reading this series.  He liked the torpedo Jack rode to rescue the race car driver.
*Highly recommend.