The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland

Four animal friends from the Jingle Jangle Jungle step in a cave to avoid the cold, wet rain.  They, however, are promptly chased out by a cranky bear.  Each animal comes up with an idea to cheer him up except for sheep.
Whose idea will soothe bear's grumpy mood?
Borrowed from the library.

The Wonder Garden by Jenny Broom illustrated by Kristjana Williams*

"Wander through 5 Habitats to discover 80 Amazing Animals"
This over-sized book permits readers to experience the following habitats:
1. The Chihuahuan Desert
2. The Amazon Rain Forest
3. The Black Forest
4. The Himalayan Mountains
5. The Great Barrier Reef
The table of contents is a map!!
Each habitat begins with an introduction page and then four pages follow with specific animal life within the habitat.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Text features: table of contents, various font sizes/bold font, headings, index, map

Turkey Claus by Wendy Silvano illustrated by Lee Harper

Turkey from Turkey Trouble (http://www.amazon.com/Turkey-Trouble-Wendi-Silvano/dp/0761455299 ), is horrified when he overhears that Edna, Farmer Jake's wife, wants to eat turkey for their Christmas dinner.  Seeing that the children sent their wishes to Santa, Turkey decides to venture into the North Pole and share his wish personally with Santa.  After many attempts, Turkey finally manages to meet with Santa.  Santa's solution is fun and almost predictable if the reader has read the first book.
This book and Turkey Trouble are great books for group story times.
Borrowed from the library.
Strategies: T-T connections/compare /contrast this book to the first book; Connections being made will enable the reader to make predictions.

Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson illustrated by Jane Chapman*

Bear is feeling sick but his friend work diligently to restore his health.
Rhyming text.
A great book about faithful friends.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

Jellies by Twig C. George

"The Life of Jellyfish"
This short nonfiction book explores different jellyfish.  Abundant photographs of these unusual creatures.
Strategy: check for understanding
Borrowed from the library.

Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman

"The Art and Science of Managing the Large Family"
Mrs. Brenneman is a mother of nine children so she has plenty of experience and sound advice for managing the home and family.
Two appendices will aid the desperate mother who does not have time to read the 300 page book and who needs help now!
Mrs. Brenneman is very specific in her instructions, almost to the point of too specific.  But individuals who were never taught how to manage a home or did not grow up in a large family may be grateful for her step-by-step advice. She also has some strong opinions . . . .
I appreciate her focus on serving our families with joyful attitude.
Borrowed from the library.

The Tale of Rescue by Michael J. Rosen illustrated by Stan Fellows*

A boy and his parents hailing from Florida come up to Ohio to experience a "real" winter with snow.  On their way to the lodge for breakfast, a sudden snowstorm impedes their travel.  Desperately the father whistles to gain anyone's attention.  A cow dog in a barn hears the whistle and saves the family in an amazing way.
A must-read for children who love dogs.
*Highly recommend.
Great word choice -descriptive language.
The illustrations are in color which is unusual for a chapter book.
Borrowed from the library.