The Mom You're Meant to Be by Cheri Fuller

Loving Your Kids While Leaning Fully on God
Ms. Fuller reveals that she remembers what it is like to be a mom with several little children when she set up the layout of this book.  Each chapter is very short (5-6 pages) so it can be read in less than ten minutes (time to oneself is a premium when a mom of young children!).  Her first few paragraphs discuss the topic with a few real life examples/illustrations and then she follows up her point with a list of practical suggestions.  Lastly she offers a few questions to think deeper about the subject which also lend themselves for a small group discussion.  She sprinkles Bible verses and quotes in separate text boxes in each chapter.
Some topics that made me reflect:
1. two chapters on prayer, pgs. 30 and 51
2. Go fly a kite! (take time for fun and look beyond this earth, up to the sky, heavenly . . .)
3. Don't put off joy pg. 14 ("I will be joyful when so and so is potty trained . . " Choose to be joyful in every current circumstance.)
4. From "Never Be Too Smug" pg. 21-"Wisdom is oftentimes nearer when we stoop than when we soar." William Wordsworth
5. pg. 73 ABC Thanks (go through the alphabet and state what thankful for) and when buying child birthday and Christmas gifts, buy him/her a pack of thank you note cards so he/she can write thank you notes.  I like this idea for a stocking stuffer.
6. pg. 75 PJ Day-wear pjs all day, read books, watch a movie, eat popcorn and breakfast foods etc.

Teaching Them to Obey #2 by W. Bradley Simon, Ph.D.*

The second book in M28:20 teaching curriculum.
"The 7 Ingredients That Make Your Sunday School Lessons Transformational"
Sunday School Teacher Training 2
Dr. Simon provides rationale and specific examples for these seven categories:
1. sticky proverb
2. avoiding ramblemation
3. the connection
4. the visual anchor
5. "here's how" teaching
6. remove roadblocks
7. conclusion

After reading this book I am a bit overwhelmed but am excited about the positive changes I can begin to make when teaching Biblical truths.
*Highly recommend.
I own this book.

Blue Mountain by Martine Leavitt

A National Book Award Finalist
This book is definitely an environmental book as the author depicts bighorn sheep having to migrate to a new mountain because man is developing their winter meadow.  The entire book focuses on Tuk who sees a distant blue mountain and leads part of the herd in hopes of a better situation.  Along the way the herd encounters a puma, a wolverine, a bear, an otter and man.  Using his intelligence and agility, Tuk successfully leads the herd to a pristine new habitat.
The author's father's years of observation of the bighorn sheep in British Columbia inspired this story.  She shares insights on his childhood and love for nature and the bighorn sheep after the story.
The story made me want to go and view these majestic animals in their natural habitat!
Borrowed from the library.
I liked the beautiful, descriptive language.
Strategies: inferring, figurative language
Children who love animals and stories about them will like this book.

Charley Waters Goes to Gettysburg by Susan Sinnott photographs by Dorothy Handelman*

Readers travel to the reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg with "Charley Waters".  Readers learn more about the actual battle and also the involvement reenactments require. A perfect book to read before visiting Gettysburg and seeing an reenactment (or during a Civil War unit).
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: O (3rd grade)
Text features: photographs, fact box, glossary, further reading

Exploring Ancient Cities of the Bible by Michael and Caroline Carroll*

Photographs and interesting facts fill this book about famous cities in the Bible.
*Highly recommend.
We borrowed this book from the library.
We read it straight through but it would be better utilized as a reference book.

Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder*

I read this book aloud to my third grader and kindergartner.  At first my kindergartner was not too thrilled by it but gradually his interest increased to the point he enjoyed it!
Readers experience what life was like for Almanzo Wilder in New York state on a successful farm.
We as a society are so wimpy and lazy compared to this time period!
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: Q (4th grade)
We own this book.
Warning: A couple of times they say a character swears but swear words are not included or are not swear words by today's standards.

Geronimo Stilton Mouse Overboard! #62 *

Geronimo and his family were retracing the journey of explorer Vasco da Gama when Geronimo learns that someone is trying to sabotage the voyage.
My third grader read this book to himself.
He loves this series!
We own this book.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: R (beginning of 4th)

Geronimo Stilton Heromice-The Invisible Thief*

My third grader read this book to himself.
In Muskrat City an invisible thief has been stealing diamonds.  Now Duchess Marilyn Mousekovia is visiting the city with her "Star-Studded Gemstone".  A perfect stealing opportunity for the invisible thief.  Can the Heromice protect the Duchess and capture the Invisible Thief?
*Highly recommend.
My third grader loves this series!
We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: Q (beginning of 4th grade)

Who Would Win? Rattlesnake vs. Secretary Bird by Jerry Pallotta illustrated by Rob Bolster*

The latest from the Who Would Win? series!
My boys love this series.
Interesting facts about rattlesnakes and the secretary bird and then they fight each other . . .
*Highly recommend.
We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: Q (beginning of 4th grade)

Race the Wild #4 Savanna Showdown by Kristin Earhart illustrated by Eda Kaban*

My third grader ordered this from his book order and read it to himself.
Team Red travels to the African savanna.  Mari doubts how she can contribute to the team even though she knows a lot about African wildlife.
I like how each chapter ends with a page of nonfiction information.
*Highly recommend.
My third grader really enjoys this series.
We own this book.

An Eye for Color by Natasha Wing illustrated by Julia Breckenreid*

"The Story of Josef Albers"
Ms. Wing lived next door to Mr. Albers when she was a young girl, not fully realizing how vital he was to the art community.
Mr. Albers spent his lifetime dedicated to studying and playing with color combinations using squares.
Useful resources in the back: "author's note", "more about Josef Albers", glossary, and my favorite---"See-for-Yourself Activities".
The activities at the back lend themselves to study of color-perfect for homeschoolers and art teachers.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Be a Friend by Salina Yon

Dennis is a quiet boy who enjoys communicating through mime.  At times he becomes lonely.  Will he find someone who relates to him?
Borrowed from the library.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Christmas 1 2 3 by Eric Carle*

A simple counting book from 1 to 10 which includes objects one sees at Christmastime.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Although my kindergartner is too old for this book, he enjoyed trying to find the "very hungry caterpillar" on each page.  Younger children will love this challenge too!

Eric Carle's How Things Grow by Eric Carle*

This lift the flap book introduces the youngest readers how life grows (egg to chick, acorn to oak tree etc.).  One word per page make it accessible to beginning readers too.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

A Confident Heart by Renee Swope*

"How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Live in the Security of God's Promises"
This book was encouraging and really deserved more study than what I was able to give it.
Each chapter Mrs. Swope engages the reader in a personal way and offers hope and promises from God's Word to overcome any insecurity or doubt (not good enough, such a failure, don't have anything special to offer, worry, inconsistent walk with God).
I especially liked the resource in Chapter 12 where she pairs what we may say to what God says and the promises in the Word.
I gained new insights about Mary and Martha and Gideon.
Other tidbits:
WORRY= worry only robs rest from you
Mary had a listening heart while Martha had a listing heart (where she told Jesus what to do)-pg. 170
I like this statement by Mrs. Swope on pg. 174, "Sometimes we can get into the habit of serving God more than we are seeking Him and we end up distracted and depleted."
She quotes a story from Zig Ziglar's book Raising Kids in a Negative World about Carnegie and how he looked for the gold nuggets in each person who worked for him (pg. 119).
She also includes insight from Lysa TerKeurst's book Living Life on Purpose how God utilizes each experience in our lives for His perfect purpose.  Mrs. TerKeurst compares our individual life events to baking ingredients and how some taste yummy by themselves while others taste gross/bitter by themselves.  But mixed together, they rise into a beautiful cake.  So Jesus wants to use all of our experiences to make us complete and used for His glory. (pgs 150-151)
Beautiful prayers with Scripture woven in them at the end of each chapter
Study guide questions are included after each chapter so a perfect choice to discuss with a small group.
*Highly recommend.
I borrowed this book from a friend.

Who Would Win? Alligator vs. Python by Jerry Pallotta illustrated by Rob Bolster*

My boys love this series!
My third grader received this title from his Nana/PopPop for Christmas.
Mr. Pallotta shares the different characteristics of each animal.  Then they combat and only one will win!
Each page is packed full with interesting facts about each animal.
Text features: headings, fact boxes, different color font/bold, maps, chart
Perfect for reluctant readers.
*Highly recommend.
We own this book.

Magic Tree House #22 Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne illustrated by Sal Murdocca*

My kindergartner asked me to read this book aloud to him.
Jack and Annie travel back in time to the night when George Washington and his men cross the Delaware River to surprise attack the Hessians (Christmas Day).
The siblings meet George Washington.
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for reluctant readers and transitional readers.
We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: M (2nd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.2

The Bear Report by Thyra Heder*

Melissa Stewart, a children's nonfiction author, highly recommend this book in one of the weekly emails I received from her.
In the beginning a young girl looks totally bored with the prospect of researching and reporting about polar bears.  A polar bear appears in her family room and takes her to the Arctic.  Her attitude is transformed and she resumes her research with enthusiasm!
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Teaching Them to Obey by W. Bradley Simon, Ph.D.*

These 5 Biblical Keys Unlock Sunday School Growth and Transformational Teaching
Book 1
Our church is having any woman who is teaching adult women read this series by Dr. Simon.
Although I have a teaching degree (and Masters), this book was revolutionary.  His main focus is helping teachers create lessons that transform lives, not just spew information.
*Highly recommend.
I own this book.

Unexplained Mysteries-The Loch Ness Monster by Ray McClellan*

"Epic" series
This book explores the history and mysteries of the Loch Ness Monster.
My third grader read this book to himself.
Text features: table of contents, headings, bold, color font, photos, maps, charts, labels, picture captions, glossary, "learn more"page, index
Perfect series/book for boys or reluctant readers.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Point to discuss: old world view ("70 million years ago")

Nail Soup by Eric Maddern by Paul Hess*

A well traveled man stops by a woman's home, asking for a place to stay for the night.  She is rude and short with him but eventually he persuades her to contribute to his nail soup.  The two dine in a way that is fit for a king and queen and depart each other's company being good friends.
Strategies: T-T connections (to other versions of Stone Soup), compare/contrast
Warning: Alcohol is mentioned a few times (red wine, whiskey) but on one abuses it.
*Highly recommend.
My kindergartner liked this one the best out of the four we read tonight.  He liked the illustrations.

The Real Story of Stone Soup by Ying Chang Compestine illustrated by Stephane Forisch

In first person narrative a Chinese uncle shares how one day his lazy nephews forget to bring the soup pot along on their daily fishing expedition.  The nephews amazingly make soup using just stones!
The uncle is quite derogatory with his comments about his nephews (which is why I am not "highly recommending" the book.  I really liked it otherwise and think it is well written and a great story.) and takes credit for any sort of accomplishment.
This story shares how a specific area in China developed stone soup.  The author explains its history before the story begins.
Points to discuss/warnings: Uncle calls the brothers (his nephews) "stupid" quite often, "too dull", "stupid potato heads"a couple of times.  Ting, the eldest brother, is sometimes disrespectful towards the Uncle
*Recipe for  Egg Drop Stone Soup* in the back.
Borrowed from the library.

Fandango Stew by David Davis illustrated by Ben Galraith*

Luis and his grandfather Slim arrived into the town Skinflint, weary and hungry while on horseback.  These cowboys are not welcomed in the town until they promise the town a taste of their delicious fandango stew.  In a large pot they place a fandango bean (a pinto bean) with some boiling water.  With some encouragement, the town members contribute a plethora of food to make an amazing stew.
Lots of cowboy/western lingo and some Spanish words sprinkled throughout the story.
Some children may not have the schema for the cowboy terminology or Spanish.
Strategies: T-T connections (to the original Stone Soup story), compare/contrast, figurative language-similes 
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Stone Soup retold by Heather Forest illustrated by Susan Gaber*

Two weary travelers enter a quaint village in a mountain.  No one will share any food with them so the twosome proceeds to make stone soup with the villagers.
I liked the different ethnic groups represented.
A recipe for stone soup is included in the back.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Everglades by Jean Craighead George illustrated by Wendell Minor

A man rows a group of children out into the Florida Everglades.  He tells the story of its formation and how man, over time,  has destroyed some of its creatures, plants and other life forms.  He charges the children with the duty of restoring the life in the Everglades.
Beautiful language and illustrations.
I especially liked how Ms. George used a variety of words for the adjective "many"- -"clouds of-", "blizzard of-", "profusion of-", "myriad of-" etc.
Mentor text for word choice and using the thesaurus.
I read this book because it was recommended in Emily Kissner's book Summarizing, Paraphrasing and Retelling. She utilizes its different text structures to model with students how to identify text structures.  This book combines the following text structures: chronological, description and cause/effect.
Strategies: cause/effect, word choice, text structures

Tree of Wonder by Kate Messner illustrated by Simona Mulazzani*

Ms. Messner amazes me-she writes incredible chapter books and also writes interesting, well organized nonfiction picture books.  She is not limited by genre!
"The Many Marvelous Lives of a Rainforest Tree"
In this book she reveals how vital the almendro tree is to the surrounding habitat and how the creatures that depend on it also support its survival.
A multi-age book-larger font with great information for a young audience and additional information in smaller font for older listeners.
A fun math book too-I had my kindergartner figure out the counting pattern as we read it (and had him practice adding numbers to themselves).  In the back are nine math problems that relate to the illustrations and events in the book.  They organized by difficulty and answers are provided.
Ms. Messner recommends other books to read about rain forests and a DVD to watch.
Text features: different font sizes, bold font, further resources
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Who Done It? Olivier Tallec*

This horizontal book presents a question and the reader must search the illustrations below for the answer.
Clever layout and lots of fun!
My kindergartner wanted me to read it at least three times to him!
Teaching idea/skill idea: This book utilizes the words "who's" and "whose".  So when teaching the difference between these homophones, this book would reinforce the difference.  Also, if a child is learning the sight word "who" this a perfect book to practice reading this word.
This book had the checkout clerks at my library laughing!
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Out of the Woods by Rebecca Bond*

"A True Story of an Unforgettable Event"
From the author of Escape from Baxter's Barn, comes a true story about her grandfather.  Her grandfather lived in hotel along a lake in Ontario, Canada.  One day a forest fire causes all the occupants from the hotel to race to the lake to survive.  Animals from the forest join them in the lake, close enough for the humans to touch them.  It is one day that Antonio remembers when the distance between animals and people disappeared.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Thankful by Eileen Spinelli illustrated by Archie Preston*

A brother and sister pretend to be people in a variety of careers.  The author then points out what that person may be thankful for-waitress for comfortable shoes, a poet for words that rhyme,doctor for well patients, sailor for sturdy boat etc.
Very sweet!
Perfect for Thanksgiving time or any time of the year.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Squirrel's New Year's Resolution by Pat Miller illustrated by Kathi Ember

It is January 1st and the forest creatures are  talking about their New Year's Resolutions.  As Squirrel proceeds through her day, she is disheartened about her inability to think of a resolution.  Her friends gather around her and help her realize her resolution.
One could talk about "actions vs. words".
Borrowed from the library.

Button Soup by Doris Orgel illustrated by Pau Estrada

When a young girl and her grandfather exit a grocery store, Rag-Tag Meg proclaims to a young girl that she is hungry.  The grandfather apologizes and walks away.  The young girl feels sorry for Rag-Tag Meg and leaves her city apartment without telling her grandfather to see if she can help her.  Together she and Rag-Tag Meg make a delicious soup, starting with a button, to share with everyone.
A more modern version of Stone Soup which takes place in the city.
My overprotective attitude cringes at a young girl leaving an apartment in the city without telling an adult and spending the day with a stranger.  Times have changed!!
Strategies: Inferring opportunity-where is the girl's mother? What happened to Rag-Tag Meg?, compare/contrast between this one and the original, T-T connections
Borrowed from the library.

Outside by Deirdre Gill*

After a snowstorm, the younger brother is bored inside so he ventures outside to explore the winter wonderland.  Using his imagination a whole new world opens up to him.  Meanwhile his older brother remains inside staring at the TV and computer screen.  Who will join whom?
My boys liked the illustrations in this book.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Strategy: inferring