Good Rosie! by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Harry Bliss*

We love Mercy Watson books by Kate DiCamillo so we were delighted to read a new book written by her.
Rosie's owner George notices that she is lonely for dog friends so he takes her to a dog park.  Initially, it seems like a bad idea, but after a few awkward interactions, Rosie discovers friendships with some unique dogs.
I think this book offers the opportunity to discuss how finding friends and beginning new friendships can be awkward and uncomfortable.  It demonstrates the importance of persevering and being nonjudgmental. 
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Katje The Windmill Cat by Gretchen Woelfle illustrated by Nicola Bayley

Nico the miller treats Katje like a queen.  She rules the mill and Nico's house.  Then Nico marries and Katje feels displaced (especially when the baby arrives!).  When the dike breaks in the Dutch village, Katje earns her place again in the home because of her bravery.
Inspired by a true story.
Lovely illustrations.
-Borrowed from the library.

In the Eyes of the Cat selected and illustrated by Demi Translated by Tze-si Huang

Haiku organized by season and subject by actual Japanese poets.
Each morning I read a few haiku from this book to my boys.
-Borrowed from the library.

Come Look With Me: Asian Art by Kimberly Lane*

Each day while we study Asian Medieval History we have been looking at a piece of art from this book.  On the opposite side of the featured art piece, are questions to stimulate discussion and thought about the art plus a few paragraphs about how the piece was made and the history surrounding it and the time period. 
I love the range of art -from medieval to modern times!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

K is for Kabuki by Gloria Whelan and Jenny Nolan illustrated by Oki S. Han*

I read parts of this book aloud to my boys while we learned about medieval Japan. 
A wide variety of topics about Japan are covered.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road by Priscilla Galloway with Dawn Hunter*

My twelve year old read this book to himself to support our study of Medieval Asia.
Told from three different points of view, the book reveals life on the Silk Road.  The three men featured are: Xuanzang (a Buddhist monk), Genghis Khan and Marco Polo.
The narrative is in story format.  Tons of facts and information are provided via the narrative plus the extra text boxes.
A perfect resource when learning about Medieval Asia.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

God's Names by Sally Michael *

My friend suggested this book to share with my boys when our Ladies' Bible Study was about to study a few names of God.  With tangible examples and Scripture, children will learn more about their great God.  After each main narrative, there are additional Scripture studies and one activity. An activity suggested in the beginning was to create a poster gluing on God's names as they are studied in the book.  We now have a collage poster in our kitchen, which I look at daily and utilize when I am worshiping Him. A friend of mine has continuous trials and one day the trial was extremely intense.  The only thing that I could focus on was that poster and praying His names as I lifted up her situation.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.