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.