Come Rain or Come Shine A Mitford Novel by Jan Karon*

How delightful to revisit the characters from Mitford!  I adore the Mitford series and especially love Dooley and Lace.
In the earlier books we meet these two individuals who have been abandoned by their biological parents and embraced by two different families residing in Mitford.
Now Dooley is a MVD, owner of Meadowgate Farm and about to marry the love of his life, Lace.   This book details the crazy days in preparation of their wedding day and the celebration of these two lives being joined together.
Of course, surprises abound!
Beautifully written and captures the heart of souls.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Also highly recommend the Mitford series.  If the reader has not read these books, this book will not make sense or be appreciated to the fullest.
Link to Mitford series:
http://www.mitfordbooks.com/?page_id=61
**I did not enjoy books # 10 and #11 as much.  As of now I have not read book #12.

All Dressed in White by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke

The second book in the Under Suspicion series
Laurie Moran, the producer of the TV show Under Suspicion, agrees to investigate a cold case after the mother comes to the NYC studio, begging Laurie to find the truth about her daughter's disappearance.   Amanda Pierce disappeared five years ago the night before her wedding, leaving no trace.
Laurie and her team reassemble the wedding party at the site of the "would-be" wedding at the Grand Victoria Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.  After probing questions and investigations, the number one suspect continues to be Jeff, the groom to be, who is now married to Amanda's best friend, Meghan.

The book began a bit too slow for me but the last half of it was suspenseful and well paced.

The Art of Gardening by R. William Thomas photographs by Rob Cardillo*

"Design Inspiration and Innovative Planting Techniques from Chanticleer"
**Highly, highly recommend.
My mom suggested visiting this garden and property so I, of course,  had to find a book about it.
After viewing the stunning photographs, I want to leave right now and visit!
This book shares the history of the property and its gradual transformation to what it is today.
My boys have been glancing at the book randomly and also have expressed a desire to visit it.  The book mentions that the gardens are very family friendly and kids are encouraged to explore and walk on the lawns!
I foresee a field trip quickly approaching!!
Borrowed from the library.




Aren't these chairs cool?!!  Chairs made out of rocks!

The Indestructible Houseplant by Tovah Martin photographs by Kindra Clineff*

"200 Beautiful Plants That Everyone Can Grow" 
Ms. Martin shares her knowledge of and love for houseplants.  She offers creative, fun ways to display plants and on a practical level, she lists "indestructible plants"  in alphabetical order and offers advice where and how to best grow them. Each plant has a chart displaying vital information about it and its growing needs so individuals who do not have the time or the desire to read long paragraphs can glean useful information with a glance.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Jotham's Journey by Arnold Ytreeide*

**Highly, highly recommend.
"A Storybook for Advent"
Ten year old Jotham runs into the hills away from his father and family after his father forbids him the right to go into town with his older brothers.
Jotham's disobedience, stubbornness and disrespect result in him being separated from his family.  His family concludes that he is dead.  Jotham then sets out across the Holy Land, determined to find his family.  As he travels, he makes a lot of new friends and also encounters an evil man, Decha of Megiddo.  Not only does Jotham find his family but he discovers a greater treasure-the Messiah.
A very exciting story which will make children (and adults) ponder their actions and their need for a Savior.
Starting with the fourth Sunday before Christmas, there is a short exciting chapter for each day through Christmas morning.  A short devotional and scripture is provided at the end of each entry.
My boys loved this book and looked forward to hearing it each day.  At separate times, each boy shared with me how they were thinking about the story and wondering what will happen next.
Part of a series: Bartholomew, Tabitha, and the newest one published in 2015-Ishtar.  All of these characters are part of Jotham's story so these individual books expound on their journeys to the newborn King.
We own this book.
Warning: Decha is very evil.  Mr. Ytreeide does not shy away from depicting his evilness .  He does warn parents in the introduction that the story at times may be too violent for younger children.  I skipepd some parts or changed the wording at times.  A couple of characters die.  Decha threatens to kill several characters and comes very close to fulfilling his promises.

Frog on a Log? by Kes Gray illustrated by Jim Field

Cat informs frog that he must sit on a log because that is what frogs are suppose to do.  Frog, however, does not like that idea because logs are "hard and uncomfortable and give you splinters".  Cat proceeds to share on what specific animals must sit.  The animal's sitting spot rhymes with their name (cat=mat, hare=chair, mule=stool, gopher=sofa etc.) so this book can be used to reinforce rhyming and some word families.
The ending is funny!
Borrowed from the library.

An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco*

This book makes me cry.
Frankie and his family look forward to each Christmas when their father brings home sweet oranges from the train from the Florida.  Then the nine children place the nine oranges on the mantle and indulge in the juiciness after church on Christmas Eve.
This Christmas, however, a snow storm is preventing their father from coming home from the train station.
This story has so many layers to it: kindness to the less fortunate, unselfishness among family members, and forgiveness.
A longer story for older elementary students and even junior high.
It is based on a true story.
Guided Reading Level: P (third grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.1
We own this book.
*Highly recommend.

Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco*

Jonathan Jefferson Weeks was upset by the recent upheaval in his life.  His father, a pastor, left his post at a thriving church to come to a run down church in Detroit.  From growing up in the church, he knows that God has a purpose for all events but he is struggling to perceive the good in anything.
Then a series of events, seemingly unconnected, transform Jonathan's outlook and he understands that God truly has a good purpose for everything.
Miracles abound!
Based on a true story.
We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: R (4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.1
*Highly recommend.
A book we will read each Christmas.  When I taught third grade this book I read aloud each year to my students.

The Turnip by Jan Brett*

The latest book by Jan Brett!
Ms. Brett takes a very familiar folktale and adds a few twists.
Of course her illustrations are breathtaking and her borders tell a story within a story.
My oldest child, who is more serious, laughed out loud at one part in this story.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Friendshape by Amy Krouse Rosenthal illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld*

"An uplifting celebration of friendship"
Ms. Rosenthal brings another simple yet very fun book that celebrates friendship via Mr. Lichtenheld's cute shapes.
Ms. Rosenthal of course incorporates some word play with the shapes.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Counting Lions by Katie Cotton illustrated by Stephen Walton*

*Highly recommend this book because of the incredible illustrations!! At first I thought the illustrations were photographs!!  You can view the individual hairs in the lion's mane.
This over-sized book displays the animals in their majestic forms and shares interesting facts about each one.
I liked the word choice too-"surveys the golden savanna", "pluck leaves", "peaceful patterned giants", "a flash of fire and night that brings oblivion to her prey" and many more phrases!
In the back are more facts and their protection status for each animal.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Cobweb Christmas The Tradition of Tinsel by Shirley Climo illustrated by Jane Manning

Tante (which means "Auntie" in German) has a specific routine as she prepares for Christmas.  She includes lots of animals and children in her festivities but not spiders!  One Christmas Kris Kringle and the spiders come together to give Tante a magical Christmas.
Based on an over two hundred year old folktale.
Borrowed from the library.

Hoot Owl Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor illustrated by Jean Jullian

Hoot Owl is hungry so he ventures out into the night to catch and devour a tasty morsel.  Throughout the book he reminds the reader that he is "the master of disguise".  What he eventually eats will bring smiles to readers' faces.
The repeated phrases, for some reason,  irritated me a bit but younger children enjoy repetitive, predictable language.
Figurative language-similes.
Borrowed from the library.

Goodnight, Ark by Laura Sassi illustrated by Jane Chapman

Adorable illustrations.
In rhyming text the author portrays how the animals may react to the storm outside the ark.
This team has also published Goodnight, Manger.  I have not been able to request from the library yet.
Borrowed from the library.

The Spirit of Christmas by Nancy Tillman

The Spirit of Christmas visits the main character and festoons her house.
But something (or someone) is missing.
Sweet.  Parents will agree with the ending!
Borrowed from the library.

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree by Ellen Potter illustrated by Qin Leng*

Piper lives on an island in Maine.  Each day a lobster boat transports her to school!
This year she is struggling with the fact that her older brother, Erik,  must live on the main land to attend school.  In his memory she wears his earmuffs with monkey faces printed on them and refuses to remove them the first day of school.  Not wanting to adhere to her teacher's request, she skips the second day of school by hiding in a tree.  An elderly woman, Mrs. Pennypocket, shows her how the tree she is squatting in is a fairy tree.  With Mrs. Pennypocket's kind help and acceptance, Piper soon embraces the change in her life.
*Highly recommend.  Amusing characters!  If your child likes Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody, Clementine and Ramona Quimby, this series is perfect!
There is a second book in the series- Too Much Good Luck
The length of the chapters and length of the entire book are perfect for transitional readers, reluctant readers and for building stamina.
Borrowed from the library.
Points to discuss: Piper's disrespect to her teacher; skipping school; how one poor choice leads to another

Race the Wild #2-Great Reef Games by Kristin Earhart illustrated by Eda Kaban*

My third grader enjoys this series.  He read this book to himself.
Different teams of kids travel the world, compete in races in different habitats and learn about "the wonders of the animal kingdom".
Sage is on Team Red and had helped the team win the first leg while in the rain forest.  Now they will be exploring the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and trying to maintain their first place position.
I like how after each chapter there is fact section about a specific topic that was featured in the previous chapter.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Text features: headings, bold font
Appeals to 2nd-4th graders.
Guided Reading Level: R (beginning 4th grade)

The Homeschool Experiment by Charity Hawkins

I saw this book on my friend's bookshelf and asked to borrow it.
It is a novel of a mom homeschooling a first grader, a preschooler and a baby.   The reader learns about her challenges and victories throughout the entire school year.  The book is divided into months, beginning and ending with May.
Although this book was labeled "fiction", a "novel", to me it seemed more autobiographical and didactic.
I liked the resources she shared in the back (books, websites etc.).  There are also discussion questions included.
Homeschooling moms will be able to connect to the main character's feelings and thoughts.  Any person trying homeschooling for the first time will find relief and a friend within the pages.

Gobble, Gobble by Cathryn Falwell

With rhyming text, a younger audience can learn many new facts about turkeys.  The author depicts turkeys and their typical behaviors through all the seasons.
In the back are additional facts via "Jenny's Journal" (the main character).  Activity suggestions are included so this book is great for home schooling or a classroom teacher.
Borrowed from the library.

Christmas Farm by Mary Lyn Ray illustrated by Barry Root

When Wilma becomes tired of growing sunflowers and petunias, she decides to pursue evergreen trees in anticipation of selling Christmas trees.  With the help of her neighbor boy, Parker, the two of them witness a good return for their diligent work.
I liked how as the trees grew, Parker matured with them.  I also liked how Ms. Ray displayed how dreams and goals require hard work, perseverance and patience.
A great book to read before purchasing a live Christmas tree.
Borrowed from the library.

Sharing Christmas by Kate Westerlund illustrated by Eve Tharlet

Clara, a fawn, and her mother are enduring an early winter with lots of snow and not enough food.  Will this effect Christmas for Clara and her woodland friends?
A book about sharing amid hard times.
My favorite aspect of the book was the one page is cut out so the reader can peer through to the next page.
Borrowed from the library.

Beatrix Potter and Her Paint Box by David McPhail*

**Highly, highly recommend.
I love Beatrix Potter and was thrilled to find at the library a simple biography that would appeal to young children.
Mr. McPhail is amazing!  He includes facts about Ms. Potter that children will find interesting, amusing and ones to which they can relate.  The book size is on the smaller size . . . upholding Ms. Potter's philosophy, "Little books for little hands.".
The watercolor and ink illustrations capture the English countryside.
A must read for Beatrix Potter fans.  Please share this biography with your little ones while reading tales of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny and the others!(building schema)
Borrowed from the library.

Dragon Masters #3 Secret of the Water Dragon by Tracey West illustrated Graham Howells*

My third grader loves this series.  Our library director just purchased the series because of his interest!
He read this book in one sitting (it is a bit below his reading level but that is okay-great for developing fluency).
Scholastic's Branches Line (for newly independent readers): Appeals to 1st-3rd graders; Reading Level: 2nd grade.
The Dragon Masters train dragons and help King Roland.   In this book they join together to protect the Dragon Stone.

Apple Tree Christmas by Trinka Hakes Noble*

In 1881 the Ansterburg family enjoys the simple country life-living above their barn and living off the land.  The daughters, Katrina and Josie, especially enjoy the old apple tree.  A thick grape vine meanders along its trunk and branches.  Josie spends hours swinging on one of the grapevine loops.  Katrina, however, has a favorite limb which she calls her drawing studio.  There she can perch perfectly and sketched.
Right before Christmas a blizzard blasts onto their homestead.  After three days and nights of snow fall, wind and ice, it subsides.  To Katrina's horror the storm has split and destroyed the apple tree.  The joys of Christmas elude her as she mourns the loss of the tree.  Can a perceptive father restore her joy of the season?
*Highly recommend.
The author used her childhood memories of Michigan to inspire many aspects of this story.
Borrowed from the library.

The Itsy Bitsy Snowman by Jeffrey Burton illustrated by Sanja Rescek*

A sweet adorable board book!
This fractured version of the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" invites babies and toddlers to experience a winter wonderland with a snowman.
Rhyming text.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

The Boy Who Fell Off the Mayflower or John Howland's Good Fortune by P.J. Lynch*

**Highly, highly recommend.
From the illustrator for The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, ---his first book he has both written and illustrated.
With beautiful watercolor and gouache paintings and well-chosen words, Mr. Lynch shares how John Howland endures his trip on the Mayflower and settles at Plymouth.
Very exciting and thoroughly interesting.  Well-researched.
I love when one can read and learn something new about a historical time that is well known.
This book I would like to purchase.
Borrowed from the library.

Tales from Deckawoo Drive #2 Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Racoon by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Chris Van Dusen*

The second novel from Deckawoo Drive
Francine Poulet is the third generation animal control officer.  She is solid as refrigerator and is never, ever scared.
Until . . .Mrs. Bissinger calls her to remove a racoon from her roof.  A racoon who shimmers and screams her name.
Will the ghost racoon destroy Francine Poulet's reputation and dissolve her resolve?
Francine finds that she herself may need rescuing and Frank, a young boy from Deckawoo Drive, may have just the words to put her back up on the roof to face the Ghost Racoon.
Of course, buttered toast is served in the story!
*Highly recommend.
I read this book aloud to the boys in one sitting.  We love this series and the Mercy Watson series!
This series is for those readers who loved Mercy Watson and her friends and now are a more advanced reader.  The word choice and sentence structure is more challenging.
Borrowed from the library.

Little Red Gliding Hood by Tara Lazar illustrated by Troy Cummings*

Little Red glides on the river to Grandmother's house every Sunday.  One big problem: her skates are worn out.  A solution presents itself . . ."A Pairs Skating Competition!  The prize-Brand-New Skates!"  Little Red, however, cannot find a partner to win the competition.  Sometimes solutions to our problems are not what we expect!
Loads of fairy tale/folk tale and nursery rhyme puns and allusions within the text and illustrations.
My boys and I had lots of fun discovering these references.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Strategies: connections (T-T), predictions

The Dead Sea Scrolls by Ilene Cooper illustrated by John Thompson

From chapters about the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls to the controversy about who has the right to read them, this book covers a lot of topics concerning this amazing discovery.
My schema for this topic is limited so a children's book about it was a good start!
Borrowed from the library.

How to Swallow a Pig by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page **

**Highly, highly recommend!
"Step-by-Step Advice from the Animal Kingdom"
Seventeen different animals demonstrate how they do their amazing survival techniques.
This book reveals the intricacies of God's creation!
Mr. Jenkins attributes their behavior to adaptation.
I love the layout-
1. A brief introduction to the animal and their specialty.  
2. Then at least four different steps how they achieve their goal.  Each step is numbered and has the main idea printed in bold, larger font above the instructions.
This is a book I am considering purchasing.
Borrowed from the library.
Teaching idea: Use book as mentor writing text and have kids research an animal and set up their report like the format/layout of this book.

Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood illustrated by Meg Hunt

Another fractured Cinderella story!
This Cinderella lives in space and longs to fix rocket ships.  Her stepmother, however, requires her to fix household items.  The prince invites everyone to watch the Royal Space Parade but, of course her step family leaves her behind.  Who comes to her rescue? - Her fairy godrobot who equips her with brand new tools and a space suit.
 Life turns around for Cinderella when the Prince's spaceship breaks down and she fixes it.  He invites her to the Galactic Hall for the Gravity-Free Ball.
Individuals looking for a book that does not relegate girls into specific roles will love this title.
When I was reading it aloud the flow of words and rhythm did not feel or sound right but it may have been me.
Borrowed from the library.

A Chet Gecko Mystery-Farewell, My Lunchbag by Bruce Hale

Some creature is stealing from Emerson Hicky's cafeteria.  Mrs. Bagoong, the cafeteria lady,  hires Chet and his partner Natalie to figure out who is snitching food.  Then Chet is framed and everyone (even Natalie!) thinks he is the thief.
My third grader selected this book from our library and thoroughly enjoys the series.
Guided Reading Level: O (end of third grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.1
Borrowed from the library.

Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho! by Doreen Cronin illustrated by Betsy Lewin*

Another fun book by this amazing author/illustrator team!
Farmer Brown scurries to bed as he thinks he hears Santa approaching.  Actually it is Duck zip lining to the chimney!  Then Duck becomes stuck in the chimney.  His loyal friends come to "unstuck" him as Santa is quickly approaching the roof top.  Soon all the farm animals are stuck in the chimney.  How will Santa go down the chimney?
An entertaining read!
It is fun for listeners/readers to predict what the yellow object is peeking out of Duck's backpack.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: K (1st grade)
 

Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard*

Join the Water Rat, Mole, Toad and Badger on adventures mainly instigated by Toad.
I read this book aloud to my kindergartner and third grader.  My youngest did not always look forward to hearing the story while my third grader thoroughly enjoyed it.
The language and word choice is descriptive utilizing a lot of figurative language.
*Highly recommend.
This is a book we will reread when my youngest is older.
We own this book.
I also purchased an abridged version illustrated by Inga Moore but wanted to read the original aloud first.  Ms. Moore's illustrations are lovely (and colored!).
Grade Level Equivalent: 8.3
Warning: The word "ass" is used frequently and not to describe a donkey but to describe each other.
This is the cover from Inga Moore's version:
  

Woodrow for President by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes*

"A Tail of Voting, Campaigns and Elections"
The author and illustrator share Woodrow G. Washingtail's life from his birth and through his successful presidential campaign.
The perfect book to read to children a year prior to elections and the election year.
Told entirely in rhyme!
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Maestro Mouse and the Mystery of the Missing Baton by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes

People have gathered at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. to enjoy the orchestra conducted by Maestro Mouse, the world's greatest conductor.  His baton, however, is missing and the show cannot go on until it is found.
A few mice children volunteer to search for it and save the day.
Educational Notes for parents and teachers are included in the back concerning the symphony orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra.
I would use this book before going to D.C. and while learning about the symphony/musical instruments.
Borrowed from the library.
The entire book is told via rhyme!

Little Elliot, Big Family by Mike Curato

Little Elliot's best friend, Mouse, is off for a huge family reunion.  Meanwhile Little Elliot wanders around the big city, lonely.  He does not have a family.  Is all hope for a family lost?
Sweet illustrations.
Borrowed from the library.

Button Up! by Alice Schertle illustrated by Petra Mathers

Various poems from clothing's' point of view.  Animals wear the clothing in the illustrations.
"Wrinkled Rhymes"
Borrowed from the library.

Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson

Newbery Medal Winner
Is it true?  Are there New Folks moving into the Big House?  The animals on the hill are brimming with hope.  Since the Big House has been abandoned food has been scarce.  Maybe these New Folks will plant a garden?!
Humorous characters will keep the reader entertained as the anticipation of the New Folks rises.  Little Georgie, an adventurous rabbit, adds sweetness to the story.
Great word choice.
Strategies: vocab. expansion, inferring
Grade Level Equivalent: 5.4
Borrowed from the library.

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

With rhyming text the author describes various types of trains as she steams through the alphabet.  The focused letter (both capital and lower case) is found within the illustrations for each letter.
I liked how the author shares more information about each train in the back and where in the world that specific train is located.
A must read for children who love trains!
I would incorporate a geography lesson along with this book.
Borrowed from the library.

A Garden for a Groundhog by Lorna Ballian*

These illustrations are sweet!
An elderly couple plans all winter for their garden.  The main problem is  . . .the groundhog!  Their solution: plant a special garden for it.
Discuss with listener/children if the plan will work and why or why not?
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Christmas in the Country by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Diane Goode

My favorite aspect of this book was the illustrations.
A young girl shares her memories of celebrating Christmas with her grandparents in the country.
A question to ask and then to infer, "Where are the girl's parents?  Does she just live with her grandparents?"
Borrowed from the library.

Coming Through the Blizzard by Eileen Spinelli illustrated by Jenny Tylden-Wright

It is Christmas Eve and a blizzard blows into town.  A minister clears the pathway to the church and wonders if anyone will attend the service.
The story then relates the various individuals-human and nonhuman-who enter the church that stormy eve.
It would be interesting to discuss with children what the author meant by the last two lines, "A stranger came in.  Then . . . Christmas came."
Strategy: inferring, asking questions
Borrowed from the library.

Bear's First Christmas by Robert Kinerk illustrated by Jim LaMarche

In rhyming text readers experience how Bear helps other creatures along the way as he tries to discover the source of a beautiful sound.
Borrowed from the library.

Ready-to Read PreLevel 1 Puppy Mudge Wants to Play by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Sucie Stevenson*

A perfect series for the new reader-
One sentence per page with simple sight words or picture clues to help figure out more challenging words.
Henry is reading but Mudge wants to play.  How can Mudge convince Henry to play with him?
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: E (1st grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 0.6