The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall illustrated by Matt Phelan

 When Gwen is thrusted onto her Great-Uncle Matthew for two weeks, she is thrilled. Her divorced parents only interact with her for their own benefit. Great-Uncle Matthew, however, is kind, caring, and fun. He pours more love into her those two weeks than she has ever experienced in her lifetime. This new reality also brings something fantastical. At the local library, Gwen witnesses winged creatures swooping among the children. Normally children over six cannot see them. Why can Gwen see them? She soon discovers a family history that has its roots in Scotland. These winged creatures have depended on the MacKinnon family for centuries. Is Gwen truly heroic enough to fulfill the role expected of her?

I love Jeanne Birdsall's Penderwicks series (It's my favorite chidren's series). I have been waiting years for this book to be published! Although this book is wholesome, is fun to read, and contains lovable characters, I did not enjoy it as much as the Penderwicks series. 

I highly recommend it for 2nd-5th graders.

-Borrowed from the library.

Palace of Books by Patricia Polacco*

 When Patricia moves from her grandparents' farm into town, she struggles to adjust. She is also in the lowest reading group--all by herself.  However, birding with her class and discovering John James Audubon's art offer her hope and delight amidst the challenges. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Nora's Chicks by Patricia MacLachlan illustrated by Kathryn Brown*

 Recently on Read Aloud Revival's summer schedule reveal, I won this book! I was so excited to win this sweet story. RAR's summer focus is on the author Patricia MacLachlan.

Nora misses Russia. The flat, treeless American plain does not compare to hilly, arboreal Russia. It is lonely. Nora longs for a friend. Even a stray dog she finds favors her toddler brother, Milo. Then her father brings home chicks to raise for meat. Nora insists on naming each one and claiming them for her own.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

The Light at Tern Rock by Julia L. Sauer illustrated by Georges Schreiber

*Award winner-Newbery Honor 1952 

Bryon Flagg, the lighthouse keeper on Tern Rock, asks Ronnie and his aunt Martha Morse to take care of it while he is gone for two weeks.  When Mr. Flagg promises that he will return before Christmas, Ronnie and Martha agree to help him.  Martha, who lived fourteen years at Tern Rock, quickly acclimates to the lonesome world and makes it enjoyable for Ronnie.  After two weeks, however, Mr. Flagg does not return.  Soon it is Christmas Eve, and Ronnie and Aunt Martha are still stranded at the lighthouse.  Why would Mr. Flagg break his promise?  How can they enjoy Christmas away from everyone and their traditions?

I read this book aloud to my eleven-year old in one evening!  He thought it was "okay".  I probably enjoyed it more than him.  The writing and description are excellent.  Although the plot was not robust (which is probably what made him not love it), I have been thinking about Ronnie, Aunt Martha, and their situation and how they handled it more than other books I have read lately.

Topics to discuss: disappointment, forgiveness, keeping one's word, lying/deceiving, selfishness

-Borrowed from the library.

Leave It to Abigail! by Barb Rosenstock illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley

 I loved the counted cross-stictch on the  end pages and throughout  the book!

Beginning as a newborn, Abigail defied the norms!  The common phrase to describe her at every age was, "Leave it to Abigail!".  Readers will admire the gumption, innovation and intellect she possessed throughout her life.  

This is definitely a pro-girl book.  The last page displays other women who were revolutionary during different eras.  I do not admire or agree with the politics of  most of the women featured.

Little Libraries, Big Heroes by Miranda Paul illustrated by John Parra

This sweet picture book shares how Todd Bol's idea of the "Free Little Library" germinated, slowly grew and then burst into full bloom around the world.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbard illustrated by Oge Mora

How Mary Walker Learned to Read
What an amazing story!!  Mary Walker was born into slavery.  She vows that once she is free she will learn to read.  She does learn to read  . . .at age 116!! She is well-know for saying, "You're never too old to learn!".

Just Like Beverly by Vicki Conrad illustrated by David Hohn

I loved Beverly Cleary books as a child and still enjoy reading them aloud to younger readers.  My parents did not like reading them aloud to me because they disapproved of Ramona's behavior!!😏 So Mrs. Cleary books took me from a faltering, struggling reader to an independent reader  (Nancy Drew also helped me become an independent reader!)!
This picture book biography focuses on Beverly Cleary's early childhood and elementary years and her love for writing at an early age.  Although the reader learns about how she began her professional writing career and about her continued success as an author, most of this book focuses on her childhood, which reader will find relatable.  Astute Cleary fans will make connections between her childhood to events in her books. 
The author includes several pages of additional information about Cleary in smaller font for adult or older readers.  A timeline of her life is also in the back of the book. 
On the day I am writing this blog post, Beverly Cleary is still alive (103 years old!!).
*Highly recommend for Beverly Cleary fans.
-Borrowed from the library.

Birds of a Feather by Susan L. Roth

Bowerbirds and Me
Ms. Roth compares/contrasts herself to the creative bowerbird.
A perfect mentor book to model/reinforce compare/contrast and how to use a venn diagram.
Lots of information about Bowerbirds in the back.
Ms. Roth's collages are incredible.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown*

Sarah Mackenzie featured this book on "book of the week" pick.  To be honest, the cover and a story about a robot did not appeal to me.   But because SHE recommended it, I decided to give it a chance! 
A ship crashes onto the rocky shores of an island.  Its cargo, robots, is smashed on the rocks.  One crate remains intact.  Some curious otters open the crate and activate the robot.  Soon the robot is exploring the island and trying to befriend the creatures.  After some false starts, the robot forms loyal friendships through her ingenuity and kindness.  Will the animals help her when she faces a terrifying situation?
I was amazed that Mr. Brown could combine sci-fi with nature/animals and create an entertaining, well-written story!  Robots and wild life do not seem like a likely pair!!
The chapters are very short.  This book will appeal to transitional readers and also reluctant readers. 
Although the story does not end perfectly, it leaves the reader feeling hopeful.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warning: Violence may upset some younger sensitive readers.  Some animals die. A farmer shoots a beloved goose.  A robot war/battle scene is described. 

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre by Anika Aldamuy Denise illustrated by Paola Escobar

A sweet biography about a woman, Pura Belpre, who comes from Puerto Rico to New York City.  When she begins to work at the library, she realizes that folktales from Puerto Rico are not in the collection.  So begins to bring share those stories with children and their parents with homemade puppets. Eventually she has these stories published by Frederick Warne (!).
Spanish words intermingle with the English words, which is fitting. 
The Author's Note section offers more interesting information about this amazing woman.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Camping Trip That Changed America by Barb Rosenstock illustrated by Mardicai Gerstein

Two very different men, Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir, find commonality in their love for nature.  Roosevelt responds to Muir's request to come see the beauty of the wilderness in California and after that camping trip, proposes and changes laws to protect America's wilderness.
Beautiful vertical illustration of the sequoias. 
Points to discuss: Muir's belief in evolution

The Rough Patch by Brian Lies*

Evan, the fox, loves his dog  and spends every waking minute with him.  Together they grow a beautiful garden.  Then his dog dies.  Evan shuts himself off from others and becomes bitter and angry.  Will he remain in this "rough patch" forever?
A story of hope amidst devastation. 
Mr. Lies is an incredible artist who depicts objects with such accuracy and detail.  The hues darken when Evan is experiencing his deep sadness and anger.
*Highly recommend.
A good book to read when a child is mourning the loss of a pet or a loved one.
-Borrowed from the library.
Another book mentioned on Read Aloud Revival.

The Gift of the Crocodile by Judy Sierra illustrated by Reynold Ruffins

A Cinderella Story which takes place in the Spice Islands, Indonesia
Damura endures the scorn and abuse from a stepmother.  When she loses her sarong in the river, a crocodile retrieves it and thus begins a special relationship between the two.  Little does Damura realize that her kindness and respect that day will save her life in the near future.
A very unique Cinderella story with an interesting twist.
I appreciated Ms. Sierra's Folklore Note in the background.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Inventors' Specials HBO-Leonardo A Dream of Flight

This movie depicts Leonardo in Milan where he starts many projects.  He befriends a young boy, who tries out his fly machine.
A great movie to peek into this time period and Leonardo's eccentric personality and his many interests and pursuits.
-Borrowed from the library.

Geronimo Stilton The Weird Book Machine

Geronimo Stilton and his professor friend travel back in time to save history from the pirate cats when Johann Gutenberg was creating his printing press.
My nine year old read this to himself to support our study of Johann Gutenberg.
Perfect for reluctant readers.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow illustrated by Steven Salerno*

This biography is moving to the top of my favorites list!
The illustrations are bold and expressive.  Words are inadequate to describe how they give the story such life and vibrancy!
Ms. Biebow engages the reader immediately with her well chosen words and sentence structure.  She shares about Edwin Binney and his occupation and how it evolved into making a crayon that children could use safely and easily. 
In the back the author includes photographs from the actual Crayola Factory in Easton, PA and how crayons are currently made.  A must read before touring this factory (or afterwards!).
A great book when discussing inventors, experimenting and persevering!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Columbus by Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire

Full page detailed illustrations in an over-sized picture book
My nine year old read this book to himself to support our study of Christopher Columbus.
The authors share about his boyhood all the way to his life after sailing the oceans.  They handle his faults well yet do not malign him.
-Borrowed from the library.

P is for Pterodactyl by Raj Haldar and Chris Carpenter illustrated by Maria Tina Beddia*

The Worst Alphabet Book Ever -All the letters that misbehave and make words nearly impossible to pronounce.
Co-Written by Philly rapper known as Lushlife.
A very clever and fun book!
Perfect book to utilize when discussing silent letters in the classroom or with one's own child.
Thankfully, the authors include definitions and pronunciations in the "worst glossary ever".  I learned how some words are spelled and pronounced!
Warning: Some words are not ideal-psychic, ouija

The Boy Who Held Back the Sea retelling by Lenny Hort paintings by Thomas Locker*

Sarah Clarkson recommended this picture book in her book Book Girl.
The paintings are stunning.
A naughty in Holland discovers a leak in the dike.  Because of his sordid reputation, no one believes him so he remains all night at the dike, plugging up the hole.
This story provides the opportunity to discuss reputation, integrity, forgiveness and repentance.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.