Minnow on the Say by A. Philippa Pearce illustrated by Edward Ardizzone*

 I recently heard about Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce on a podcast. I borrowed it from the library, read it and didn't care for Tom or the plot that much. I, however, loved this book! This book was her first book.

After a storm, David finds a canoe near his family's dock along the River Say. Paddling up the river, he discovers its owner, Adam. Adam lives with his aunt and his senile grandfather. Together the boys repair the canoe and become friends. Adam shares his desire to find the family treasure dating from the Spanish Armada. If they can discover the treasure, Adam and his aunt may continue to live at the family home. 

Full of adventure! The author based the setting on her childhood home.

*Highly recommend.

Points to discuss: one character was fired from a job because of drinking too much and now has a reputation, lying

-Borrowed from the library.

Father Brown-Season 8 DVD*

 This TV series delights me with its quirky characters and the picturesque countryside in the Cotswolds. In every episode Father Brown offers even the most evil person hope in Christ and the forgiveness of sins through Christ.

*Highly recommend for adults (and older teens), especially those who love anything British.

Warning: murder, some gruesome scenes with a dead body, some episodes have mature themes or allusions to sexual sin

-Borrowed from the library.

Things to Look Forward To by Sophie Blackall

 Whimsical illustrations and lyrical essays about the delights in one can anticipate in the "mundane" life. I loved how the essays lead to each other, sometimes subtly. They remind me of a circle poem. ..the last essay is circles back to the first one.

I highly recommend this collection of essays for its literary quality (for adults). I do not agree with the author politically and some other views. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Holy is the Day by Carolyn Weber*

 Dr. Weber relates her sanctification from the time of her twin's birth up to soon-to-be birth of a child with possible abnormalities. Her writing is beautiful and reflective. I am interested in reading her conversion story in Surprised by Oxford. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via Inter-Library Loan.

Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan*

 In chronological order, Mr. Morgan provides sheet music with words and the history for each hymn. Perfect for sharing with family/children as learning the hymn. The earliest featured hymn is from the 14th century and the most recent is from 2002 (by the author!).

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Stead text set

 Recently I listened to a podcast on RAR featuring Philip and Erin Stead, a husband-wife team. I was so impressed with them, I requested a bunch of their picture books from the library.

I'd Like to Be the Window for a Wise Old Dog Words & pictures by Philip Stead-Mr. Stead imagines what it would be like to be different objects. I found the concepts a bit abstract and not very appealing. Kids may enjoy it as it employs imagination. Teachers could use it as a mentor text for creative writing.-Borrowed from the library.

In My Garden by Charlotte Zolotow illustrated by Philip Stead-At nineteen years old, Mr. Stead loved children's picture books. Books by Charlotte Zolotow were some of his favorites. He illustrated this classic. The main character shares was she likes about her garden and what she likes to do in it for each season.-Borrowed from the library.

Every Dog in the Neighborhood by Philip Stead illustrated by Matthew Cordell-This book was my favorite out of this text set! A boy, who lives with his grandmother in the city, surveys his neighbors to determine how many dogs reside there. Meanwhile, his grandmother pursues a project on her own. How the two projects come together is sweet. I loved the dogs' names. This book reinforces how the illustrations add meaning to the story. Mr. Stead and Mr. Cordell must collaborate often. One subtle caution-two men live together. It is not magnified.  -Borrowed from the library. *Highly recommend.

Amos McGee Misses the Bus Written by Philip C. Stead illustrated by Erin E. Stead-Amos, the zookeeper, has a special day planned for his zoo animal friends. In his excitement, he does not sleep very well the night before the outing, oversleeps and misses the bus work. Getting a late start to his zoo chores, he doubts he can treat his friends. His friends surprise him and turn the day around. -Borrowed from the library.

All the Animals Where I Live written & illustrated by Philip C. Stead- Mr. Stead shares anecdotes about his childhood memories and animals that he sees in different seasons . . .plus his dog, Wednesday. Not much of a plot--a more reflective book-Borrowed from the library.

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles written by Michelle Cuevas illustrated by Erin E. Stead-The Uncorker of Bottles diligently delivers messages he discovers in the water near his home. Secretly he wishes someone would send him a message.  One day he reads one that does not contain the writer's name or for whom it was intended. Puzzled, the shares the message with people in the village. A pleasant surprise awaits him!-Borrowed from the library.

See the . . . by David LaRochelle illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka*

 These two books will make beginning/transitional readers laugh and enjoy reading! 

In See the Cat -Three Stories About a Dog- a dog is depicted who objects that the writer is narrating about a cat. The writer and dog negotiate throughout the book. Simple words but an enjoyable plot that will engage readers. An Award-winner

In See the Dog-Three Stories About a Cat-the cat substitutes for the dog as the main character and protests the different actions she must perform.

To build stamina and fluency, a parent or older sibling could read the "book"parts and the reader could read the dog or cat words.

Strategy/skill-building stamina, fluency

*Highly recommend both books.

-Borrowed from the library.

Peace Child by Don Richardson*

 I read this biography aloud during lunch to my two tween/teenage sons....not always a great choice when I read about the Sawi's cannibalistic ventures!

Don Richardson relates how he and his wife minister to the Sawi people of New Guinea, building off the the tribe's age-old customs with Christ as the redemptive answer. How God has prepared all people groups for His redemption amazed us. His Word relates to ALL cultures. He has set eternity in all men's hearts.  We enjoyed learning about different culture's customs and beliefs.

*Highly recommend for teenagers and older (some graphic violence and graphic cannibalism).

-I own this book.

The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame illustrated by Inga Moore*

 My seventh grader just read The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame for literature. To expand his appreciation for Kenneth Grahame, I asked him to read this abridged version of another book he wrote.

When a shepherd spies a dragon living in a cave in the Downs, he vows never to return to the area. His son, a bibliophile, has read about dragons and volunteers to trek up to the cave to introduce himself to the dragon. The boy discovers that the friendly dragon has no desire to cause havoc in the village or countryside. But how can they convince the villagers that the dragon means no harm?

The illustrations are my favorite aspect of the book. Ms. Moore creates picturesque scenes that span two pages. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Henry David Thoreau text set

 My tenth-grader recently read Walden by Henry David Thoreau. Unfortunately, I found and read these books after he had started it. If my younger son reads Walden in high school, I may incorporate these books into his learning.

1. The Trouble with Henry-A Tale of Walden Pond by Deborah O'Neal & Angela Westengard illustrated by S.D. Schlinder -a fictitious tale about the Concord townsfolk who almost despise Henry and his unique ideas and how they try to construct a toothpick factory next to his beloved Walden pond.  --Borrowed from the library.

2. I Begin with Spring by Julie Dunlap illustrated by Megan Elizabeth Baratta-A beautiful book that explores the seasons via Thoreau's insights and recordings with his chronological life woven into the sublime observations.  In the author's additional information, she focuses on climate change. ---Borrowed from the library (best for grades 4th and older)

3. Henry David Thoreau for Kids   His Life and Ideas With 21 Activities by Corinne Hosfeld Smith -a perfect book to immerse kids into Thoreau's world and philosophy.  -Borrowed from the library.

Adventures of a the Yorkshire Shepherdness by Amanda Owen

 #3 in series

When I asked my library director to purchase the first book in this series, she ordered all three books. Oddly, only book #3 has arrived so far, so I am reading the series backwards! Sally Clarkson mentioned book #1 on her podcast recently. 

Ms. Owen relates her family's farming adventures on the Yorkshire Dales. Very interesting and humorous at times! I like James Herriot's writing and stories a lot better. Sadly, when I "googled" Ms. Owen and her farm, I discovered that she and her husband Clive have recently separated.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Very Mercy Christmas by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

 Stella Endicott attempts to persuade her family and neighbors to Christmas carol with her. Only Mercy Watson and some other critters join her. With their melodious sound, they lure other humans to carol. 

A cute, fun story. I like the Mercy Watson chapter books better. Illustrations by Chris Van Dusen are a treat!

-Borrowed from the library.

Danger at Lakeside Farm by Patricia H. Rushford

 Book #2-Max & Me Mysteries

Returning from her hospital stay where she had a bone marrow transplant, Jessie Miller dives right into solving a mystery with her best friend Max. Max, a foster child,  has decided to live with the kind, elderly Amelia Truesdale. Someone is intent on destroying Mrs. Truesdale's lavendar business. Then a dead body shows up in an abandoned mine on Mrs. Truesdale's property and Max is missing . . .Can Jessie figure out the common denominator, find her missing friend, and restore Mrs. Truesdale's business?

Suspenseful! Short chapters, easy sentence structure and minimal challenging vocab will make this book/series appeal to reluctant or struggling readers. 

A bit unrealistic and not "quality literature". But if it encourages reluctant readers to read and to read a lot, it fulfills a good purpose. A "beach read" quality for middle school girls. 

 God and praying are mentioned. 

Warning: Murder-a dead body is found, Max's aunt and uncle were drug users-just mentioned-no details,characters are in peril at times -Max is run off the road while riding her bike, a few other incidents (but this is a mystery series, so it should be expected!)

-Borrowed from the library.