The Love Dare for Parents by Stephen and Alex Kendrick*

This book promotes daily actions for parents as they interact with their children.  A couple of pages expounds on the main point and then challenges the parents to do something immediately in response to the reading.  Journal pages are provided after each entry.  It is designed to be read and completed over 40 days (I read it over five days.).
Reading this book made me aware of my faults and also helped me think about loving my children in a way that will last for eternity.
The appendices contain helpful information and lists (ideas to maximize family time, how to pray for children, peace with God, verses for kids to memorize, questions to ask kids and more).
Quotes/concepts I want to remember:
pg.  3 "Truth guides what you say while love guides how, why  and when you say it.  When love is the fertile soil, truth becomes a more fruitful seed."

pg. 6 Two attributes continually show up when you love someone: patience and kindness.  "Patience is how love diffuses something negative; kindness is how love initiates something positive."

pg. 32 "Irritability usually flows from two bitter springs: stress and selfishness."

pg. 46-47 "Parents who do not enjoy being around their own children need to seriously ask themselves if they have really taken the time to train them how to be considerate, gracious and likable."

Nate the Great and the Missing Key by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat illustrated by Marc Simont*

My first grader read this book to himself.
Annie is trying to set up a birthday party for her dog Fang.  She, however, loses her house key and cannot enter the house to prepare for the party.  Can Nate find the key before Fang's party is to start?
*Highly recommended by my first grader.
-Borrowed from the library.
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.9

Nate the Great and the Pillowcase by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Rosalind Weinman illustrated by Marc Simont*

My first grader read this book to himself.
In the middle of the night Rosamond calls Nate to ask him to find her missing pillowcase.  This dedicated sleuth tramps around in the dark, cold night to help his friend.
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend by my first grader.
Perfect transitional series.
Guided Reading Level: K (end of 1st grade/beginning of 2nd grade)

Six Dots by Jen Bryant illustrated by Boris Kulikov*

A Story of Young Louis Braille
A fascinating short biography about Louis that shares his life story from his birth through the time he created the current braille alphabet.
This inspiring story shows the value of problem solving, persevering and hard work.
Told from first person point of view.
The end pages display the braille alphabet (even the title and author/illustrator are written in braille!).
A pronunciation guide for the French words used throughout the book is in the front.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

**Winner of a Schneider Family Book Award!-for 2016 (awarded Jan. 2017)

Step Right Up by Donna Janell Bowman illustrated by Daniel Minter

How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness
Artwork is unique with the linoleum block prints painted with acrylic.
This book relates how William "Doc" Key earns his education and in turn teaches a horse to learn  how spell, do mathematics and basically learn through the method of kindness.
Photographs and more information about the pair are in the back of the book.

The Toad by Elise Gravel

In cartoon-fashion and with humorous comments from the toad, the reader learns interesting facts about toads.
This book is part of the series, "Disgusting Critters".
Perfect book for transitional readers or reluctant readers.
-Borrowed from the library.

Dragons in our Midst #2 The Candlestone by Bryan Davis*

My fourth grader read this book to himself.
Billy and Bonnie must face their enemies in this second book of the series.  Billy faces a powerful dragon slayer while Bonnie tries to save her mother from the powers of the candlestone.
*Highly recommended by my fourth grader.
Warning:  The library labels this book "Young Adult".  It uses the phrase "living hell" and other references to hell (not as a curse word but a place) and the dragon slayers calls dragons "demons".
-Borrowed from the library.

Nate the Great and the Stolen Base by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat illustrated by Marc Simont*

My first grader read this book to himself.
Rosamond's baseball team uses a purple plastic octopus for second base.  One day it is stolen!
Nate the Great and Sludge need to find second base before the next game.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: K (end of 1st grade/beginning of 2nd)

Nate the Great and Me-The Case of the Fleeing Fang by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat illustrated by Marc Simont*

This Nate the Great book invites the reader to solve the case with him.
My first grader read this book to himself.  His first grade teacher kindly let him borrow it once she saw how much he likes this series.
This is his review-
"I like it because you can solve the case with Nate the Great.  My favorite part was when Nate the Great figured out the case.  Fang is Annie's dog. She is teaching him rhyming commands.   He ran away and Annie  cannot find him.  When he ran away, dogs were barking at him so he thought he should go to the park."
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from his teacher.
Guided Reading Level: K (end of 1st grade/beginning of 2nd grade)

Clutter Free by Kathi Lipp*

I heard Kathy speak on Focus on the Family this month where she offered some suggestions to make one's life "clutter free".
In this book, not only does she offer practical tips on purging clutter, she examines the mind and heart and analyzes WHY we have clutter.
Only a third of the book is dedicated to the actual "how to".  Two thirds of the book explore the cost of clutter and various reasons why we have a tendency to build clutter.
The chapters are short and often full of humorous stories.  It feels like you are sitting across from her and having a lively conversation.
She challenges the reader to dispose of 2,000 items in one year.
A helpful motto she shares when trying to decide if one should keep an item or not is to ask:
"Do I use it?  Do I love it? Would I buy it again?"
She also includes a list she compiled of 50 things to get rid of today.
Inspiring!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via inter-library loan.

The King of Prussia and a Peanut Butter Sandwich by Alice Fleming illustrated by Ronald Himler*

This short historical account of Mennonites immigrating to Kansas was fascinating.
Frederick the Great, King of Prussia (later Eastern Germany and now just the eastern section of Germany), became "great" by declaring war on his neighbors and taking over their countries.  To defend his large and powerful nation, he required all able-bodied males to be part of the military.  The Mennonites do not believe in joining armies or fighting in wars.  Some Mennonites immigrated to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania. The Mennonites in this account, however, traveled to Russia to live.  There they learn how to grow Turkey Red wheat (winter wheat).  After a hundred years, Russia no longer agreed to permit them to live there without being part of the military.  As a result, these Mennonites immigrated to Newton, Kansas where they continued to growing and harvesting Turkey Red wheat.
*Highly recommend (especially for those families who come from a Mennonite heritage).
-Borrowed via inter-library loan.

Happy Birthday, Good Knight by Shelley Moore Thomas illustrated by Jennifer Plecas*

This knight series is adorable and will appeal to boys who like the medieval ages, knights and dragons.
My first grader read this book to himself.
It is the Good Knight's birthday.  The dragons want to make it special for him but need advice.  Without telling him that they are planning a special day for HIM, the dragons ask the Good Knight for ideas.  The Good Knight has a birthday he will never forget!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: K (end of 1st grade/beginning of 2nd grade)

Nate the Great and the Lost List by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat illustrated by Marc Simont*

My first grader read this book to himself.
While Nate is on vacation, he does not refrain from solving a case!  His friend Claude has lost his grocery list and enlists Nate to find it.  Lunch is approaching.  Will Nate solve the case in time?
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: K (end of 1st grade/beginning of 2nd grade)

Whoosh! by Chris Barton illustrated by Don Tate*

Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions
Mr. Barton shares how Lonnie was into building and inventing as a  young boy and how he persevered to pursue his dream of becoming an engineer and inventor (even though a "test" said he would not be a good engineer).
Readers will see firsthand the importance of perseverance and a good work ethic via Lonnie's life.
I remember my brother saving money to purchase his first super-soaker so it was fun to read about the inventor!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

A Beetle Is Shy by Dianna Hutts Aston illustrated by Sylvia Long

I was so excited to see that this author-illustrator team created another A ______ is ________ book!
This book focuses on beetles and poetically weaves interesting facts about them.
The illustrations are my favorite part about this book (who knew beetles are so beautiful?!!).
A lovely addition to the series.
-Borrowed from the library.
*I own An Egg Is Quiet, A Butterfly Is Patient, A Seed Is Sleepy, and A Nest Is Noisy.

Nate the Great and the Tardy Tortoise by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Craig Sharmat illustrated by Marc Simont

My first grader read this book to himself.
This is his review-
"I liked it because when he was trying to solve the case, Claude had another case for him to solve.  Claude lost his sock.   This is a summary of the story:  Nate the Great went outside and saw nibbles on his flowers.  He looked around and found a tortoise nibbling the flowers.  Sludge gave a clue.  He was sniffing a lot.  Then Nate the Great knew he should follow the trail of the nibbled flowers."
PS He does find Claude's sock!! :-)
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: K (end of 1st grade/beginning of 2nd grade)

Nate the Great and the Sticky Case by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat illustrated by Marc Simont*

My first grader was extremely happy to find a stack of Nate the Great books waiting for him today!
He read this book right away.
Claude, Nate's friend, is missing his stegosaurus stamp and asks Nate to find it for him.  Nate proves, once again, how helpful and logical he is!
Guided Reading Level: K (end of 1st beginning of 2nd grade)
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

Your Guide to the Periodic Table by Gill Arbuthnott*

Drawn to Science series-Illustrated Guides to Key Science Concepts
A colorful, engaging guide to chemistry and the elements.
Point to discuss: It treats the Big Bang as fact and says the earth is about 13.7 years old.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Egg by Kevin Henkes

Three out of four eggs hatch.  The three birds wait eagerly for the fourth one to hatch.  A surprise awaits them!
Very simple text.
Pair with: Flap Your Wings by P. D. Eastman
-Borrowed from the library.

Nate the Great and the Monster Mess by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat illustrated by Martha Weston*

My first grader read this book to himself.  This is his review:
"I like it because Nate the Great's mom asks him to find her monster cookie recipe.  He starts looking for it.  He looks in the pile of recipes.  He can't find it.  Then two hours later he comes home from the store.  He looks through the recipes again.  He finds a piece of paper that says "lemons" on it.  He flips the paper over and discovers the Monster Cookie recipe!"
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: L (2nd grade)
-We own this book.

Nate the Great and the Crunchy Christmas by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Craig Sharmat illustrated by Marc Simont*

I introduced Nate the Great to my first grader this weekend and he devoured the four books we own in a day and a  half!  We have requested more Nate the Great books from the library.  This is his review:
"I liked it because they cannot find a card for Fang.  His mother sends him a card every Christmas.  He gets the card but he scares the mailman.  He buries the card underground and then Nate the Great and Annie find it."
Guided Reading Level: K (2nd grade)

Encyclopedia Brown Finds the Clues #3 by Donald J. Sobol illustrated by Leonard Shortall*

The boys and I continue to enjoy solving cases with Encyclopedia.  For this collection of cases, my husband joined in the problem solving.  Such family fun!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: P (third grade)

The Snow Walker by Margaret K. and Charles M. Wetterer illustrated by Mary O'Keefe Young*

Milton Daub braves the fierce Blizzard of 1888 in the Bronx.  He and his father make snow shoes for him and he buys and delivers many cans of milk, medicine and food to neighbors trapped in their homes.
The authors highlight his bravery and unselfishness.  How parents have changed. . .not many parents now would let their child outside in a blizzard for hours!!
Guided Reading Level: K (2nd grade)
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Lincoln and Kennedy : A Pair to Compare by Gene Barretta*

An unique book!
Mr. Barretta points out many similarities between the two presidents-from their childhoods through their deaths.
A very organized layout that allows the reader to clearly understand which president is being showcased.

Strategy: compare (venn diagram)

The Cat from Hunger Mountain by Ed Young

Unique collage artwork
The wealthy cat indulges himself day after day, even wasting his rice which he has washed down the river.  Then a drought causes everyone to leave the area in search of work and food in the city.  The cat is the last to leave and finds a monk who is sharing rice.  He wonders how this monk could have all of this rice during a time of drought.  The answer surprises the cat  . . . and will startle the reader!
-Borrowed from the library.

The Mermaid's Purse by Patricial Polacco

Another story from her family's history!
This one tells about her grandmother Barber's love for books and her uncanny ability to predict storms.
Her kind father builds her a library (which she calls The Mermaid's Purse) to hold all of her books.  With her goat pulling a cart, she walks from farm to farm, offering her books to farmers and their wives.  A book mobile!
Then a twister rages through their farm and destroys The Mermaid's Purse.  Not a wall stood.  All the books had disappeared.
Stella slips into depression.  The farm community rallies around her and gives her meaning again.
Inspiring!
Photographs of her grandmother are in the back.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic by Jennifer Trafton illustrated by Brett Helquist*

Ten year old Persimmony Smudge loves adventure.  One day adventure finds her as she chases after her hat.  She soon learns that the Island at the Center of Everything is actually on top of a sleeping giant!  As she tries to warn the kingdom, she finds herself deeper in trouble and well, adventure!
Quirky characters like Rumblebumps (sea loving creatures with huge feet), Worvil (a worrier), Leafeaters (reclusive inhabitants of the underground city of Willowroot-very proper and somber creatures), Lucas the Loftier (the thirteen year old king who craves pepper).
The island's various inhabitants have lived in mistrust and with silly disputes for years.  Can they come together to save their island?
I found myself smiling many times over the fun, creative characters and word play throughout the book.  This book is perfect for the reader who appreciates imagination, creativity and cleverness.
One line I want to remember-"Life is a mess and a miracle.  So pick up a broom and dance."
A concept I want to remember-Theodore the Wise makes Giving Pots.  He cannot control what each pot gives.  He just makes pots.  The pot gives the owner what he/she needs.  King Lucas is quite disconcerted about reaching in his pot to find his hand slopping in milk!  He doesn't need milk!  He needs pepper!  But alas, the pot knows he needs milk.  For with the milk, he feeds a stray cat who then softens his heart, making him a more gracious king.  This little event reminded me how God gives us what we need.  He sees the big picture whereas we just see the immediate.
*Highly recommend.
**A fantasy full of adventure and humor without magic, evil characters, and killing.
-Borrowed from the library.

Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls*

from the author Where the Red Fern Grows
Fourteen year old Jay Berry loves exploring in the Oklahoma's Cherokee Ozarks.  He dreams of owning a pony and a .22 so he can promptly traverse.   One day while he is in the Cherokee bottoms with his dog Rowdy,  they encounter something quite unusual in the tree.  He races off to his grandfather's store to share his odd experience.  From his grandfather he learns that a circus train wrecked and monkeys escaped from it!  The circus is offering a reward of two dollars for each monkey  plus one hundred dollars for the one chimp.  Jay Berry and his grandfather spend the summer devising plans to catch those monkeys.  Jay Berry knows he will soon own his pony and .22.
Then his character is tested as he considers his crippled sister.  His parents and grandparents have been saving money for an operation that would enable her to walk.  Readers will agonize with Jay Berry as he tries to decide how to spend his money.
*During the middle of the book, the action seemed a bit slow.  Also, the chapters are very long.  We rarely finished a chapter each night.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.
Grade Level Equivalent: 5.1
Warning/points to discuss: Grandfather chews tobacco and his "chewing" is depicted throughout the book.  Jay Berry and Rowdy get drunk from mash (not intentionally).  The author spends a chapter or two describing this event.  Mr. Rawls does not glamorize drinking and accurately depicts the effects of a hangover.  These chapters provided another opportunity to discuss with my boys about alcohol and getting drunk.

Adele and Simon in America by Barbara McClintock*

I love Ms. McClintock's stye of illustrating.
Adele and Simon travel from Paris to visit their Aunt Cecile in New York City.  By train she takes them all over the United States (a map displays their travels on the end pages).  In each city, Simon, of course, loses one of his possessions.  The reader can find it in the illustration.
Tons of interesting facts about each location are in the back.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Smudge, the Little Lost Lamb by James Herriot illustrated by Ruth Brown*

Harry diligently arises early to help his father, Farmer Cobb, to help with the birthing of the lambs.  His father allows him to have two lambs for himself.  He names them Smartie and Smudge.  Smudge is an adventurous lamb and finds an opening in the fence one day.  At first he enjoys his freedom but bemoans his circumstances when he is hungry and wants to nurse.  He cannot find the opening again to return to the safety of the pasture.   He experiences a scary dog and a spring blizzard.  Will he ever return to the fold?!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Only One Woof by James Herriot illustrated by Peter Barrett*

Gyp, a sheepdog, loves romping with his brother Sweep.  Their owner, Mr. Wilkin, trains the brothers and eventually sells Sweep.  Gyp proves to be a loyal, sweet companion but is not the skilled sheep dog his brother Sweep is.  A peculiar trait about him is he never barks.
The following summer Mr. Herriot attends a sheepdog trial where he sees both Gyp and Sweep (with their separate owners).  Sweep is competing in the trial and proves very competent.  Will the two brothers recognize each other?
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Beautiful illustrations.

The Market Square Dog by James Herriot illustrated by Ruth Brown*

On a market day in Darrowby, Mr. Herriot and a police officer officer observe a sweet dog begging for food among the stalls.  A few days later the police officer comes to Mr. Herriot's house to ask him to doctor the little dog.  After Mr. Herriot takes care of the dog, the dog recovers in the police station kennels.  No one claims him and no one seems to want to adopt him.  What will become of the gentle dog?
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Blossom Comes Home by James Herriot*

Mr. Dakin cannot justify keeping Blossom, his old cow any longer so he sends her to the market.  Once she leaves with Jack Dodson, Blossom proves she has a mind of her own!  She trots back to Mr. Dakin!  Compassionate Mr. Dakin finds a new place for his beloved Blossom.
Delightful!
Ms. Brown's illustrations depict the serene countryside well.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Dragons in Our Midst #1-Raising Dragons by Bryan Davis*

My fourth grader read this book to himself.  He absolutely loved it. . . staying up late to read it!

Billy discovers that his father was a dragon.  Bonnie, an orphan, has a difficult time finding a home because of a deformity.  The two form a friendship and then battle a dragon slayer.  The chapters alternate between their two points of view.

An exciting fantasy series which incorporates faith and love for the Creator.

**It is labeled "YA" (young adult)-Warning/points to discuss: Adam, a bully, smokes.  Bonnie gives Billy a quick kiss on the cheek.

*My fourth grader "highly recommends" this series.
-Borrowed from the library.