Listen to My Trumpet! An Elephant and Piggie book by Mo Willems*

Piggie so excited to share her trumpet playing with Gerald.  Gerald is appalled at her ability and finds himself in a tough spot when Piggie asks him about her trumpet and playing.
*Highly recommend.
We love this series!!

Spiders and Webs by Carolyn Lunn

A Rookie Reader
Published in 1989.
Beginning readers can read about things that go together (spiders/webs, clouds/sky, bread/jam etc).  Plenty of picture support for more difficult words.

Too Many Balloons by Catherine Matthias*

A Rookie Reader
Published in 1982 but a fun book for beginning readers who are learning to read number words and color words.
Also great for toddlers and preschoolers who are learning to count and to identify colors.
*Highly recommend

One Whole Doughnut, One Doughnut Hole by Valjean McLenighan

A Rookie Reader
From many years ago but still effective in teaching homophones.
Both homophones are written on the page and both are illustrated.
Small sized books

One Day in the Alpine Tundra by Jean Craighead George*

Johnny is camping in the Alpine Tundra.  A monolith is precarious, about to drop. Various animals scurry about, finding viable plant life.
In short chapters, Ms. George describes this habitat in detail from the animal life to plant life to smaller communities within it.
Very descriptive language and lots of scientific vocabulary.
*Highly recommend.
My mother in law, a fourth grade teacher, used this series to begin her ecosystems unit.

One will learn a lot about various habitats by reading this series "One Day in . . ."
The levels on the back of the book claim the books to be third-fourth grade reading levels.  The Guided Reading levels for all the books are "P"-third grade --which is so incorrect!!
 I agree with the GLE this time!
-Alpine Tundra  (the grade level equivalent is 5.1.)
-Desert (GLE-4.5)
-Tropical Rain Forest (5.5)
-Woods (4.7)
-Prairie (4.9)

Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech*

Twins, Florida and Dalla,  have experienced the cruelty of mankind as they live in a children's home, Boxton Creek Home for Children, directed by Mr. and Mrs. Trepid and have had their share of foster homes.  When elderly couple, Tiller and Sairy Morey, take the children to their home in Ruby Holler, the children slowly begin to hope and trust.
An exciting adventure in the woods and on the river solidify the relationships.
Then there is a mysterious man named "Z".  What is his connection to the Trepids, the Moreys and the children?
A book of hope.
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss/warnings:  People treat Florida and Dallas cruelly.  Parents abandoning children.
Guided Reading Level:  V (5th grade-5.4)

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd*

A boy shines his flashlight in the dark woods and discovers many nocturnal animals as he explores.  The palette is mostly white, gray and black.
Cute twist towards the end.
Wordless.
My preschooler liked cut out portions of the illustrations.  
*Highly recommend.

Alexander, Who's Trying His Best to Be the Best Boy Ever by Judith Viorst illustrated by Isidre Mones

Alexander wakes up with a stomach ache on a Saturday morning.  It just may be because he ate an entire box of doughnuts the previous night.  Since his mother discovered the hidden empty box, he must suffer the consequences.  By the end of the day, he vows to his family that his going to try to be the best boy ever.
This book shares how he attempts to be the "best boy ever" in a week's span.
Like how Alexander is the only object in the illustrations that is colored.

Points to discuss/warning: He is not very sorry for what he did and at the end, one concludes, he has not learned his lesson!!  Brothers call him a "fool".

Frank Pearl in the Awful Waffle Kerfuffle by Megan McDonald illustrated by Erwin Madrid*

Frank would like to win just one contest.  In three chapters the reader can enjoy watching Frank attempt to win three different contests.
Humorous!
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for 2nd-3rd grade readers.
Warning: "poopy head" is mentioned several times in one chapter.

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier*

This memoir describes the summer Raina and her sister Amara, brother Will and their mother drive from CA to CO.  Interspersed are flashbacks to further explain current situations.
Readers who have a sister will relate to Raina and Amara's rocky relationship.
Very well written and paced.
*Highly recommend.
Point to discuss: parents not getting along/separation.
The library from which I borrowed it has it labeled "young adult".

Arthur's Chicken Pox by Marc Brown*

Arthur has the chicken pox and is afraid he will not be able to attend the circus on Saturday.  Younger sister D.W. is jealous of the attention Arthur is receiving and fakes having the chicken pox.  Surprise, humorous ending!
My boys, especially my preschooler, love this series.
Guided Reading Level: K (2nd grade)
Good series for second graders to build stamina while reading.

Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear me? I Mean it!) Going to Move by Judith Viorst illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Alexander has very strong opinions about moving and tries to figure out ways to remain at his old house.
Gradually he warms up to the idea.
Great book to read when one's family is about to move.
Pair with Bad Bye, Good Bye by Deborah Underwood.
Guided Reading Level: M (end of 2nd grade)

Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst illustrated by Ray Cruz

Alexander receives a dollar from his grandparents.  The reader witnesses him slowly wasting that dollar in one day.
Great book to use in a:  money unit; economic unit; subtracting money
Points to discuss/warnings: His father says, "there are certain words a boy can never say, no matter how ratty and mean his brothers are being".  Brothers are quite mean to each other.
Strategies: inferring; cause/effect
Guided Reading Level: M (end of 2nd)
My preschooler was shocked at his behavior in all three of these books!

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst illustrated by Ray Cruz

This classic book goes through Alexander's awful day-from gum in his hair to trouble with friendship to disasters in his dad's office.

Strategies: sequencing, cause/effect, connections (T-S)
Guided Reading Level: M (end of 2nd)

The Talking Eggs by Robert D. San Souci illustrated by Jerry Pinkney*

This Creole folktale is originally based on European folktales.
Rose and Blanche live with their mother where Rose is the favored one.  One day Blanche goes into the woods and is kind to an older woman.   The older woman repays Blanche for her kindness which causes the mother and Rose brim with envy.  When Rose searches and finds the older woman, her unkindness is duly rewarded.
Point to discuss/warnings: parent favoritism/cruelty; the older woman removes her head to comb her hair; Rose takes the older woman's head and puts it far away from her so she cannot reach it; phrase "bloody murder"
My preschooler wants me to buy this book.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: P (3rd grade)
Caldecott Honor Book

Arrow to the Sun by Gerald McDermot

"A Pueblo Indian Tale"

The boy searches for his father, discovering his father is the Sun.  He must go through several trials to prove to the Sun, that he is his son. 

Caldecott Award Book

Sitting Bull by Lucille Recht Penner illustrated by Will Williams

All Aboard Reading Station Stop 2
Shares the story of Sitting Bull and his final destination to the reservation.
Not a warm-fuzzy book-really reveals how the early Am. treated the Native Americans.
Points to discuss/warnings: Several battle scenes (Native Am. tribe vs. Native Am. tribe and vs. settlers); Sitting Bull is murdered at the end.

Detective Dan and the Flying Frog Mystery by Timothy Roland

Detective Dan helps his friend Farley find his missing pet frog.  The tone of the story reminds me of the Nate the Great mysteries.
A Bible verse is the central theme of the mystery/story line.
Perfect for beginning readers-short chapters and sentences; plenty of illustrations

Digby O'Day in the Fast Lane by Shirley Hughes illustrated by Clara Vulliamy*

I read this aloud in one sitting to my preschooler.  Adorable, entertaining and exciting!
Digby O'Day (a dog) and his friend Percy (a dog) enter a road race.  Along the way they encounter some trouble but an earlier act of kindness helps them win the race!
Tons of fun features: a character description list; maps; road games; a FUN comprehension quiz
*Highly recommend.
Great for reluctant readers and for being stamina.
A second one in the series was published this summer-Digby O'Day and the Great Diamond Robbery.  A third one to be published in March 2015 (UK).
Fun fact-the illustrated, Ms. Vulliamy, is Ms. Hughes' daughter!

Super Sniffers Dog Detectives on the Job by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent*

This book is a must read!!  Just by reading the picture captions and a few stories to my second grader and preschooler, we learned a lot and were amazed!
With many photographs and very organized text, the author shares how dogs help humans-from sniffing out bombs to drugs to invasive weeds to cancer, dogs are a vital piece in helping mankind.

Text features: table of contents, headings, bold print, off-set text box (a story about a specific dog which supports the main idea of that specific page), picture captions, close ups, further reading/websites, index
*Highly recommend.

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart The Fight for the Frozen Land #12 by Elizabeth Singer Hunt*

My second grader has been reading this series to himself over the past few months and thoroughly enjoys them.
His favorite part in this book was when Jack met Director Barter.  He said no one had ever met him but he wanted to meet Jack to tell him a job well done.
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss/warning: global warming; criminals are cruel and Jack often is knocked out in most books

Looking Closely Across the Desert by Frank Serafini*

Another great book from his series "Looking Closely"
Readers will enjoy the riddle format and amazing photographs.
Two paragraphs with information about each desert object shares great facts but does not overwhelm the reader.
Love the two page spread of the desert at the very end.
*Highly recommend series.

Looking Closely Around The Pond by Frank Serafini*

In riddle format, the author/photographer has the reader trying to guess an animal, plant, or nonliving object found at the pond.  One side of the page is the riddle with a close up photograph an obscure part of the featured object on the opposite page.  The proceeding page has the answer and a full page photograph of the answer.  A couple of paragraphs share information about the animal/plant/nonliving object.
A great book to use with habitat studies.
*Highly recommend.
More in series, "Looking Closely"
The Shore
The Desert
Rain Forest
The Forest
The Garden

Disaster Strikes #1 Earthquake Shock by Marlane Kennedy*

A new series!
Ten year old Joey and his friends were spending a typical day in the Los Angeles skate park.  An earthquake comes suddenly, requiring Joey to think quickly and grow up in an instant.
Very exciting.  The author depicts the devastation and the aftermath well.  Not based on a real earthquake.
Pair with the I Survived by Lauren Tarshis.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: Q (4th grade)
More in series:
Tornado Alley
Volcano Blast
Blizzard Night

Who is Coming? By Patricia C. McKissack

"A Rookie Reader"
Perfect series for the beginning reader.
One sentence per page and repetitive text.
Little Monkey runs away from various dangerous creatures.
Lots more titles in the Rookie Reader series.

Cupcake Surprise! by Lynn Maslen Kertell illustrated by Sue Hendra

BOB books-Level 1
Guided Reading Level: H
Jack and Anna want to give their dad a surprise for his birthday.  The cupcakes they make have lots of surprises!
New BOB book format--perfect for beginning to advancing beginners.
*Highly recommend.

Once Upon an Alphabet by Oliver Jeffers*

"Short Stories for all the Letters"
Humorous stories!  Great word choice for some words (enigma, incognito, molecules).
Some stories are in rhyme; most are not.
Some of the characters from previous stories show up in new stories; some stories continued into the next letter's story or many letters away.
Creative! Clever! Fun!
*Highly recommend.

Bone by Bone Comparing Animal Skeletons by Sara Levine illustrated by T.S.Spookytooth*

This fun book about vertebrates has the reader trying to guess which animal it is.  Love the riddle format!  Invertebrates are briefly discussed too.
Text features: "more about section", glossary, further reading/websites, cross-sections/cutaway, diagram, labels
*Highly recommend.

I Survived The Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79 by Lauren Tarshis illustrated by Scott Dawson*

When Tata and Marcus' owner dies, his nephew inherits them and immediately separates the father and son.  The two are reunited when the mountain Vesuvius begins to act strangely.  The two have a chance to escape their cruel master but their conscience propels them to warn the town of Pompeii of the impending doom.
Ms. Tarshis shares more facts about the event and historical information in the back.
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss/warnings: mentions that a character curses-the word is not written; the lanista is very cruel; gladiator games are explained and explicit about their cruelty; Marcus deals with hatred towards Festus his owner and the lanista; science is the authority

Shelter Pet Squad #1 Jelly Bean by Cynthia Lord

Since Suzannah lives in an apartment building she is not allowed to own a pet.  She, however,loves animals and longs for a pet.  She signs up to help at a local pet shelter once a week where she makes new friends, both human and animals.  Her greatest concern is for the guinea pig, Jelly Bean.  She is determined to help find a perfect home for him.
The children make toys/treats for the pets.  Ms. Lord includes instructions in the back how to make the exact toys/treats.  She also shares facts about guinea pigs and other useful information.
A must series for animal lovers!
Guided Reading Level: 0

Monkey Me and the Pet Show by Timothy Roland

Clyde turns into a monkey whenever he comes very excited.  His sister Claudia has quite a time trying to keep him calm, especially on school picture day!  His unusual ability rescues pets from pet nappers and an extra bonus, the bulldog Chopper, his worse enemy, becomes friends with him.
The format/layout is great-when Clyde is a boy the story is told in regular paragraph format, in first person.  When he is Clyde the monkey, the story is told in comic strips.  The chapters alternate between the formats.
Comprehension questions at the end.
Guided Reading Level: 0

Warnings/Point to discuss: lying to adults

Bramble and Maggie-Give and Take #2 by Jessie Haas illustrated by Alison Friend*

Bramble, the horse, is bored when his owner Maggie attends school and her parents are at work.  He entertains himself in a ways that annoy the neighbor Mr. Dingle.  Mr. Dingle helps resolve Bramble's loneliness issue with an unusual companion!
*Highly recommend.
A must-series for horse lovers.
Perfect for transitional readers:  Lots of colored illustrations to support the text; short chapters.
Two other books in series:
#1 Horse Meets Girl
#3 Spooky Season

The Miniature World of Marvin and James by Elise Broach illustrated by Kelly Murphy*

"The Masterpiece Adventures"-Book One
This book is based on the chapter book, Masterpiece by the same creators but written for younger readers.
Marvin is a beetle who lives in James' house.  In this book James leaves for a week long vacation.  Marvin must occupy himself without his best friend.  He and his cousin Elaine find themselves in a electric pencil sharpener and its shavings which is great fun until they become stuck.
Great chapter book for transitional readers.
Cute!
*Highly recommend.

The Light of the World by Katherine Paterson illustrated by Francois Roca

"The Life of Jesus for Children"

Ms. Paterson begins this book by talking about light and how through Christ, light came into the world for all mankind.  From that point, the reader can read about Christ's life on earth through his resurrection and ascent into heaven.  

The book does not proclaim Christ is the only way into heaven. 

The Imagination Station #8 Battle for Cannibal Island by Marianne Hering and Wayne Thomas Batson illustrated by David Hohn*

Cousins, Patrick and Beth, find themselves in Fiji among cannibals!
My second grader checked this book out of his school library and read this book to himself.  He said his favorite part was when the cannibal king accepted Christ.
*Highly recommend series.

A Bean, a Stalk and a boy named Jack by William Joyce illustrated by Kenny Callicutt*

The story ingredients:
an ordinary boy and bean, a magician, a stinky pinky toe, a drought, and smallish giant boy named Don.
Mix together and have an unusual tale!
Some word play . .  . references to folk tales and nursery rhyme.
Ending is fun.
*Highly recommend.

Druthers by Matt Phelan*

It is raining and Penelope is bored.  When her dad asks her "if she had her druthers, what would she do?", a fun day ensues!
Love the dad depicted in this book!
*Highly recommend.

The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop*

"A Story of God's Gift of Purity"
A king and queen save God's gift of their daughter's first kiss until she was grown.  Suitors come and she must discern who is God's choice for her marry and share her first kiss.
A great book to share with young girls.
*Highly recommend.

Smile by Rain Telgemeier*

This graphic novel shares the author's true story of enduring braces, surgery and finally being secure in who she is-from sixth grade through her senior year.  Deals with the typical  issues of a girl going through puberty and trying to figure out one's identity.
Raina's "friends" are not very nice to her.  It takes her awhile to be confident in herself to find true friends.
Points to discuss: crushes; spin the bottle game; thinking about kissing a boy; unkindness-finding friends who appreciate one for who one is
Award Winner- Will Eisner Winner (for graphic novels)
*Highly recommend.

Little Goblins Ten by Pamela Jane illustrated by Jane Manning

A Halloween version of "Over in the Meadow".
Rhythm and word choice are excellent.
Halloween books are not my favorite  . . . .zombies, ghosts, goblins, mummies, witches, skeletons are in this one.

Zoo-Looking by Mem Fox illustrated by Candace Whitman

The illustrations are collages from painted paper torn into the desired shape.
Flora  and her father visit a zoo.  She enjoys looking at each of the animals.
I would read this book when teaching a child the "ack" word family.
Repeating text also makes this a great book for beginning readers.
Guided Reading Level: G

Give That Back, Jack! A Cautionary Tale by Phil Roxbee Cox illustrated by Jan McCafferty

As baby Jack would steal from other people.  This nasty habit continued until one day something would not give him back!
Not a sweet ending!!

Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg*

An "I spy" book where the reader finds a nursery rhyme character in the drawings.
Rhyming couplets.
Lovely illustrations.
Guided Reading Level: G
*Highly recommend.
Warning: has the wicked witch in it

Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won*

My five year old asked to read this one again immediately after the first reading.
Elephant wakes up grumpy and finds a present at his doorstep.  The present contains many different hats.  No longer grumpy, Elephant ventures out to share this joy with his friends.
This book is bond to cheer up any grumpy reader!
I like the layout and the illustrations.  Even the end pages make me happy!
*Highly recommend.

Ben Franklin's Big Splash The Mostly True Story of His First Invention by Barb Rosenstock illustrated by S.D. Schindler*

This story focuses on Ben Franklin's desire to swim faster and more efficiently.  On a two page spread the author/illustrator share his other contributions later in life.
I like how it focuses on his childhood perseverance and work ethic.
Lots of alliteration -"s" words.
So fun to read aloud!
The design and layout is clever and fun.
Author's note and timeline offer more information about Ben and American history.
*Highly recommend.

Going Up! Elisha Otis's Trip to the Top by Monica Kulling illustrated by David Parkins*

This book shares the life of Mr. Otis as a child into his adulthood.  It reveals the necessity of hard work, critical and creative thinking, and perseverance to experience success.
Mr. Otis invented a brake for elevators and made it possible for  skyscrapers to be built.
Love the illustrations by Mr. Parkins-expressive.
Part of a series "Great Idea Series".
*Highly recommend.
Pair with:
Electrical Wizard
Mr. Ferris and His Wheel

Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads by Bob Shea illustrated by Lane Smith

A humorous story how Kid Sheriff and his obsession with dinosaurs puts away the three worse criminals in the western town of Drywater Gulch.
Funny ending-Mr. Shea does a great job leading up to the ending-making it somewhat predictable but not too much.
The grammar and the dialect of the terrible Toads and other townspeople bothered me a lot while I read this aloud.  It does create an authentic mood but I did not enjoy reading  it!  I can see someone else reading this aloud, really getting into the dialect and improper grammar to make it really funny to hear.
The illustrations are depicted in hues of red, orange and brown.

President Taft is Stuck in the Bath by Mac Barnett illustrated by Chris Van Dusen*

Oh my!  What a humorous story about the twenty-seventh president of the United States.
No one is sure how true this story is but it has been passed down ever since his time in office.  The author explains the research and stories under the "author's note".   A photograph of President Taft's actual bathtub is included in the "author's note".
Wonderful illustrations by Mr. Van Dusen (illustrator of the Mercy Watson books, Tales of Deckawoo Drive, Randy Riley's Really Big Hit, and many other picture books).  He does a great job of covering parts that need to be covered!
*Highly recommend.

"Fire! Fire!" Said Mrs. McGuire by Bill Martin Jr. illustrated by Richard Egielski

A rapidly sequenced story beginning with a newscaster announcing that there was a fire downtown.  Female characters lead the way to the actual fire.
Rhyming couplets-word families-make the reading fun.
A surprise funny ending!
Warning:  I may be being oversensitive, Mrs. Votter is quite seductive (and is meant to be).  Firemen are all too eager to give her a glass of water!!
Strategies: cause/effect; sequencing
Guided Reading Level: F

Going Places by Peter H. and Paul Reynolds illustrated by Peter H.Reynolds*

Each year the company "Going Places" gives children a kit with precise instructions to build a go-cart.  Then the children race each other.  Rafael is anticipating the opportunity all year and is determined to win the race.  When he and his classmates receive their individual packages, he eagerly builds his go-cart.  Then he sees Maya's creation-which is exactly what it is-and it does not look anything like his go-cart!
A story to celebrate individuality, creativity and thinking outside the box!
The author and illustrator are twin brothers.
*Highly recommend.

Roxie and the Hooligans by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

Roxie, with her pink ears that stick out, is picked on by Helvetia and her gang -"the hooligans".  She knows how to deal with various situations by reading Lord Thistlebottom's Book of Pitfalls and How to Survive Them but does not know how to outsmart/beat the hooligans.
Then the hooligans and Roxie end up on a deserted island where some dangerous criminals threaten their existence.  The two opposing sides must come together to survive.
Points to discuss/warnings: one criminal chews tobacco; one criminal threatens to slit the throats of anyone who is on the island

Flight School by Lita Judge*

Penguin wants to learn to fly so he attends flight school.  Readers will sympathize with penguin and his teachers as they attempt the seemingly impossible.
Ending is humorous!
Wonderful, adorable illustrations-expressive.
*Highly recommend.  
Strategies: schema (about penguins can't fly); inferring

Penguin and Pumpkin by Salina Yoon

Penguin and his friends sail on an iceberg to the farm to experience fall.
Adorable illustrations!  Love the last sentence.
Part of a series:
Penguin and Pinecone; Penguin on Vacation; Penguin in Love

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart The Theft of the Samurai Sword #11 by Elizabeth Singer Hunt illustrated by Brian Williamson*

Jack is in Japan to track down a group of ninja thieves who have stolen valuables.  One treasure is a samurai sword.
My second grader read this book to himself in a couple of days.  He liked the ninja fighting scenes (judo).
He loves this series!

Judy Moody and Friends-Amy Namey in Ace Reporter by Megan McDonald illustrated by Erwin Madrid*

Amy wants to find a a great story to publish on the front page of her newspaper.  With the help of Judy Moody, they find an incredible story in the creek.
Newspaper words are used: "big scoop", "on the beat", "above the fold"
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for transitional readers/reluctant readers:  three chapters long; vivid colorful illustrations on almost every page

Greenglass House by Kate Milford illustrated by Jaime Zollars

It is Christmas vacation for twelve year old Milo Pine and he is looking forward to quiet time with his parents.  Unfortunately, unexpected guests arrive to spend the holidays at the Pine's Inn.  Each person is looking for something.   The Greenglass House is the key to their questions and searches.  Milo and his new friend, Meddy, invent a role-playing game and discover secrets in the house and in the guests' lives.
This book addresses the emotions and questions a child who is adopted may experience.
Well written, entertaining and suspenseful.
Points to discuss: word "hell" mentioned a couple of times; a ghost; smugglers/thieves (viewed as the good guys); some violence with a gun; there are snippets of a folklore that involves the Devil
This book was categorized as "Young Adult" in the library.

The Imagination Station #7 Secret of the Prince's Tomb by Marianne Herring and Marshal Younger illustrated by David Hohn*

My second grader checked this out of his school library and read it to himself.
He says, "The kids traveled back in time to Egypt.  The Israelites are just becoming slaves.  The kids are sent to jail.  A man in jail told them the story of a prince.  Then they got out of jail.  They wanted to find the prince's coffin so they could bring hope to the Israelites.   I liked it because there were mummies in it."
*Highly recommend.

Electrical Wizard How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World by Elizabeth Rusch illustrated by Oliver Dominguez*

Because of Mr. Tesla we enjoy the electricity we have today.  The book begins in his childhood and focuses on his curiosity and tenacity.   These traits plus his hard work ethic and intelligence are what gave them the success he experienced as an adult.
This book also reveals another side of Thomas Edison that is rarely discussed at the elementary level.
Ms. Rusch provides additional information about:
1.  Tesla and his other ideas/inventions
2. the rivalry between him and Edison
3. Scientific Notes (AC vs. DC plus explanation behind each idea Tesla had that is featured in the book)
Text features: diagrams, labels, headings (in the scientific notes only)
*Highly recommend.  A book I am considering buying.

Pair with Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Kathryn Gibbs Davis. (*In Electrical Wizard Mr. Ferris' wheel is mentioned and pictured.  Mr. Ferris and Mr. Tesla were at the World Fair together, featuring their inventions).

Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls by Emily Arnold McCully*

As Mirette and Bellini cross the Atlantic Ocean on a steamship, they befriend a Polish boy named Jakob.  When Jakob's uncle fails to meet him at Ellis Island, he joins Bellini and Mirette in their show at Niagara Falls.  Jakob exposes a fraud and is reunited with his uncle.
*Highly recommend.
Great book to use during immigration unit.

Super Silly School Poems by David Greenburg illustrated by Liza Woodruff*

So funny!!
Title says it all!
Point to discuss/warning: one poem mentions Dracula and zombie underwear

Mouse Cookies and More-A Treasury by Laura Numeroff illustrated by Felicia Bond*

This anthology contains four of the If You Give . . .series.  Included are songs, recipes, activities and a CD!
Someone gave this book as a gift before my first son was born and am so glad they did.  It has been well read and enjoyed!
*Highly recommend.
Great mentor text for "circular stories".
Strategies: sequencing, cause/effect

Starring Mirette and Bellini by Emily Arnold McCully*

In this sequel to Mirette on High Wire, Mirette and Bellini travel to many cities to perform on the wire.  In Russia, Mirette's skills are put to test when she has to rescue Bellini from prison.
*Highly recommend.
Even though the main character is a female, my boys love these books.  We own all three.
Check out the third book, Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls.

Lego Ninjago -Warriors of Stone by Greg Farshtey and Jolyon Yates

My five year old loves Ninjago.  He received this book for his birthday.
Zane, Jay, Kai and Cole must save Garmadon City from the remaining stone.
Perfect for reluctant readers.

Louise Loves Art by Kelly Light *

My preschooler loved this book-asked me to read it two times in one evening.
Louise is preparing for her art show.  Her little brother, ART, wants to participate too but does it in a manner that upsets Louise.
Sweet story portraying siblings in their worse and best of times.
Lots of "art words"/Frenchy-sounding-"masterpiece", "young artiste", "piece de resistance", "Gallery du Fridge", "viola".
Love the color choices: gray, black, yellow, brown and red
My second grader pointed out a major theme that I did not noticed through the first read.
Words are sparse but illustrations add to the depth of the story.  Even the end pages tell the story so look at everything carefully!
The first two lines in the book are quotable.
**Highly recommend!!

Jack's Amazing Shadow by Tom Percival*

My preschooler loved this book!  He looked at it two times before I read it to him.
Jack's shadow is his best friend. They have a lot of fun together.  One day, however, Jack's parents scold him for the mischief his shadow does.  Jack in turn tells his shadow to "get lost".
Then Jack discovers how much he misses his shadow.
Fun!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: cause/effect, sequencing

One Big Pair of Underwear by Laura Gehl illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld*

Two bears argue over one big pair of underwear.  Other creatures follow, not sharing with one member of their group.  There is always one less object compared to the total number in the group.  The number of members and objects to be shared increases by one as the book progresses.
Many uses for this book:
*rhymes/word families
*reading number words
*basic subtraction (minus one)
*one opportunity to divide/equal grouping

*Highly recommend.

Town Mouse Country Mouse by Jan Brett*

A reader can pour over Ms. Brett's illustrations in this version of the folktale.
Illustrations offer the reader opportunities to predict.
Compare/contrast with other versions of this story.
Strategies/skills: compare/contrast, predicting, inferring, sequencing, cause/effect
*Highly recommend.

Pete the Cat Too Cool For School by Kimberly and James Dean*

"I Can Read!  My First-Shared Reading" (emergent readers)
Pete the Cat wants to wear an outfit that is cool to school.  Everyone gives him advice.  In the end he makes up his own mind.
*Highly recommend for beginning readers.

Chocolate by Hershey A Story about Milton S.Hershey by Betty Burford illustrated by Loren Chantland*

A short chapter book about Milton Hershey's childhood and the years of pursuing the candy business.
A great book to show the importance of work ethic, perseverance and generosity.
*Highly recommend.

Chocolate Unit idea-read lots of books about chocolate -
1. The Chocolate Touch (read King Midas and the Golden Touch with this book) by Patrick Skene Catling
2. Chocolate Fever by Robert Kimmel
3. No Monkeys, No Chocolate by Melissa Stewart
4. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
5. Chocolate  A Sweet History by Sandra Markle
6.  Jerry Pallotta's Hershey Kiss and Hershey Bar math books

Julia Learns How to Marry Wisely by Carla D'Addesi illustrated by Wendy Potzgo*

Ms. D'Addesi has written a well "needed" book in today's society.  Julia asks her parents who she should marry and how she knows it is the right choice.
Adorable illustrations!
The book is very "girly" so boys will not be too excited to read it or hear it (and the topic has a tendency to scare boys away!!)
One typo-the last page of the story the word "here" is printed instead of "her".
*Highly recommend.

The Weighty Word Book by Paul M. Levitt, Douglas A. Burger and Elissa S. Guralnick illustrated by Janet Stevens*

Twenty-six interesting, complex words are featured in this book.  Each word has a story to help explain what it means and also how to pronounce it.  The stories have puns and mnemonic devices in them.
Very fun!
Sampling of the words:
abasement, bifurcate, coruscate, ubiquitous

Also, the same team (different illustrator-Katherine Karcz) wrote a second book-Weighty Words, Too.
Sampling of the words from this book:
katzenjammer, surreptitious, tirade, zany

Great to use in classroom-"word a day".
Skills: vocabulary, word choice, word play
*Highly recommend.

The BFG by Roald Dahl illustrated by Quentin Blake*

Sophie is snatched from an orphanage one night by a giant and he takes her to the desolate land of giants.    Fortunately for her, he does not eat "human beans".  He is known as the BFG-The Big Friendly Giant. The nine other giants enjoy their nightly rampages, selecting different countries each night . . .depending on their mood. . . as one knows, human "beans" have different flavors!
When Sophie learns that the Giants will soon be snatching children, she must do something to prevent this horrid behavior.
The BFG is self educated and has an interesting way with words.  Although children as early as 1st/2nd grade would enjoy hearing this creative story read aloud, to read independently, the reader should be a proficient fifth grade reader (or at a high fourth grade reader).  The Giant often mixes up words so it could be frustrating for a younger reader or average reader to read.
Strategy/skill: context clues, word play, sequencing, cause/effect
Points to discuss/warnings: Giants are pretty violent and at times they are descriptive about their meals!  Two times it said the "giants cursed".
*Highly recommend-well written; creative and entertaining

Word Wizard by Cathryn Falwell*

While Anna is eating her alphabet cereal she spells the word "dawn" and then rearranges the letters to create the word "wand".  So with her "magic" wooden spoon she and a boy rearrange letters to make new words.
A great book for word play.
After reading this book, have magnetic letters or letters typed on card stock available to make the words found in this book.
Ms. Falwell suggests at the end how to make learning letters fun.
All the illustrations are from cut paper collage.
*Highly recommend.

Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen L. Taylor*

"From John Bunyan's Classic"
This book has taken our family two months to read (323 pages)!  It will be a book we will refer to the rest of our lives together.
Ms. Taylor has written this classic in a manner younger children can understand.  Makes a huge impact-my five year has prayed that God would help keep him on the right path; we have discussed many issues/topics about the Christian faith as we read this book.
****Highly, highly recommend!

Companion book- Dangerous Journey-The Story of Pilgrim's Progress arranged by Oliver Hunkin illustrated by Alan Parry.
This  126 page illustrated book is a good introduction to Pilgrim's Progress . . .although the illustrations are dark and quite gruesome.

Imagination Station-Problems in Plymouth #6 by Marianne Hering and Marshal Younger illustrated by David Hohn*

Cousins Patrick and Beth travel back in time to Plymouth in 1621.
"The Christian Magic Tree House"
My second grader brought this home from his school library.  He read it to himself.
His favorite part was the capture of Hugh, a villain from another time period who is causing havoc wherever he goes.
*Highly recommend the series.

Nugget and Fang-Friends Forever or Snack Time? by Tammi Sauer illustrated by Michael Slack

Nugget, a minnow, and Fang, a shark, have been friends forever.  When Nugget attends school he learns how dangerous sharks are and puts a halt to his friendship with Fang.  Fang is desperate and tries a variety of methods to win back his friend.  Then Nugget and his fish friends discover themselves in a life-threatening situation.  A happy ending!

My preschooler wanted me to reread this book a couple of times!

Pair this book with Big Al by Andrew Clements to make connections between story elements.

Strategies: sequencing, cause/effect, connections (T-T)
Guided Reading Level: K

Circle, Square, Moose by Kelly Bingham illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Moose interrupts a serious shape story.  His interruptions will engage the reader plus help him/her learn shapes.
Fun!

Zinnia and Dot by Lisa Campbell Ernst*

What an entertaining story!
Great word choice.  Good book to use when expanding vocab. and context clues.
Zinnia and Dot, two hens who tolerate each other in a small chicken coop, must overcome their vanity and pride to save the one remaining egg after a weasel breaks into the coop.
Strategies/skills: context clues, word choice, character traits, predicting, cause/effect, sequencing
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: L

Morris the Moose by B. Wiseman

Morris thinks every animal he encounters is a moose.  A lake reflection shows him his "moosetake".
Great for beginning readers.
Guided Reading Level: H

Sheep in a Shop by Nancy Shaw illustrated by Margot Apple

Sheep need to purchase a birthday gift but make a mess while shopping and do not have enough money to pay for their purchases.
Great for beginning readers. Rhymes.
Skills: word families; word attack strategies
Guided reading level: G

The Longest Night A Passover Story by Laurel Snyder illustrated by Catia Chien*

The Israelite Exodus from Egypt  told from a child's point of view.
Rhyming text.  The shades of color match the mood/tone of the story.
I found it interesting that the one plague-beasts roaming the streets- was one I had never read about in the book of Exodus.  I looked it up and the plague of flies could be translated as a mix of beasts.
God is not mentioned in the story.
*Highly recommend.

Guys Read True Stories Edited by Jon Scieszka

A diverse collection of true short stories.
A taste of everything -
* a survival story by Steven Sheinkin
* historical comic by Nathan Hale
*scientists searching for spiders by Sy Montgomery
*outdoor canoeing adventures by T. Edward Nickens (editor for Field and Stream)
*science poetry by Douglas Florian
*a story about an elephant and the origin of the word "jumbo" by Candace Fleming
and many more!
Well written-good mentor text for writing short stories
High interest stories!

Points to discuss/warning: swearing (pg. 46 in Tarantula Heaven)-"This sounds like hell!"; in the same story or another story, a swear word is inferred by the typical symbols "*&#%"; in Uni-verses the Big Bang Theory poem is used to share how the world began; in Mojo, Moonshine and the Blues the main character Muddy Waters makes illegal alcohol and has children with a couple of wives and many girlfriends.

The American Legend Annie Oakley by James Howard Kunstler illustrated Fred Warter

My seven year old brought this book home from  his school library.
This book starts with Annie's life when she was a child and follows until she is elderly.
Told from Will Roger's point of view.

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson illustrated by Jane Chapman*

While bear sleeps in his cave, his animal friends come to stay warm and have a winter party.
Cute!
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: H

A Dollar Bill's Journey by Suzanne Slade illustrated by Susan Swan*

One day recently my five year old asked how money is made . . .this book provided the answer.
The dollar bill in the story has an eye and makes comical comments.
Explained well.  At the end is a diagram of the dollar bill's journey.
Text features: diagrams, fact boxes, glossary, "learn more" , index
Follow It series (other titles-Germ's Journey, Plastic Bottle's Journey, A Raindrop's Journey)
*Highly recommend.

Going Home The Mystery of Animal Migration by Marianne Berkes illustrated by Jennifer DiRubbio

Rhyming text shares lots of interesting facts about various animals migration story.  The refrain "going home, going home" is catchy.  By the middle of the book my five year old was saying it with me.
Multi-aged- smaller font text relates additional information about each animal.  Plus a few pages at the end offer even more information!
Text features: map, glossary, websites, bold print
Teaching ideas and tools in the back also!

Tidy Titch by Pat Hutchins

Titch's siblings must clean up/out their rooms.  Titch's room is tidy but not for long!
What is one man's trash is another man's treasure!

Red Hat by Lita Judge

In this "almost" wordless book, an elf-like boy hangs out his red hat to dry.  A cub bear spies it and locks his claws into it.  The red hat is a magnet to other forest creatures.  They return the hat to the line but it has take on a slightly different form!
Sweet ending!
Strategies: sequencing, cause/effect, inferring

Ding Dong Gorilla! by Michelle Robinson illustrated by Leonie Lord

While his mom dresses for dinner, a boy waits for the pizza boy to deliver the much anticipated pizza.  But what is standing at the door?  A gorilla!  The boy relates the crazy evening to his  mom.  The repeated refrain is "but  that's not the bad news. . .".
Strategy: cause/effect

The Triceratops Tuff by Stephen Shaskan

The three Tuff dinosaur brothers wish to indulge in the tasty green grass on the other side of the valley.  Who is standing post in the valley?  The ferocious T-Rex, of course.
A fun fractured tale of the Three Billy Goats Gruff.
Dino-lovers will enjoy it.

Animal Snackers by Betsy Lewin

With rhyming verses and fun illustrations, readers can learn about animals and their favorite snacks.
Great to use when learning to read and focusing on word families.
The rhymes are either couplets or follow the ABAB pattern.
The author provides more facts about each animal in the back.
Guided Reading Level: H

Bats in the Band by Brian Lies

A great addition to his bat series.
Rhyming, rhythmic words make it fun to read.
Music teachers can use it in many ways:
1. music genre (blues, classical, rock, country etc)
2. different instruments
Check out Mr. Lies other Bat titles-
"at the Beach"
"at the Library"
at the Ballgame"

The Great Brain by John D. Fitzgerald illustrated by Mercer Mayer

John looks up to his older brother Tom who is highly intelligent and clever.  Tom can connive any situation to benefit himself.
Tom, the Great Brain, reveals that he is not as selfish as he first appears.
Setting-1896 Utah
Humorous.  Well written.
Points to discuss/warnings: prejudice vs. Jews and Mormons; in Chapter 5 the kids play a game called "Jackass Leapfrog" and jackass is used many times in the chapter; in Ch. 8 John almost assists a friend in committing suicide-they talk about different methods and try two methods

Guided Reading Level: T