Fletcher and the Falling Leaves

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke, Greenwillow Books, 2006, ISBN 0-06-113401-5
PS: When his favorite tree begins to lose its leaves, Fletcher the fox worries that it is sick, but instead a magical sight is in store for him.
There's another Fletcher book about springtime. I read it to my kindergartners, and they loved it! They felt so smart when they figured out that the "snow" was really blossoms from a tree, blossoms that had bloomed because it was springtime!
So now we also have a book for Fall.
I'm glad. The kids love these sweet books, which do have a beautiful surprise on the last page.

The Rabbit Problem

The Rabbit Problem by Emily Gravett, Simon and Schuster Books, 2009, ISBN 978-1-4424-1255-2
from the Simon and Schuester website: "In Gravett's gifted hands, an old math problem springs to life--and more life and more life! Medieval mathematician Fibonacci's "rabbit problem," in which bunnies breed at a specified rate, provides the structure of this glorious faux--wall calendar that watches a rabbit community from January to December...Readers needn't care about the math of Fibonacci Numbers to love the hilarious, jam-packed visual details, many of which are playfully metatextual...Endless fun to pore over for kids and math-minded or geeky adults.
-- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
(Publisher's Weekly also gave this book a starred review).
Personally, I think they made up the word "metatextual". However, it might be a good word to describe this book: opened up, it looks like a wall calendar, but then it has other things attached to the calendar (one month a newspaper, another month a cookbook, then a thermometer, a birth announcement, etc).
While this would be a book a child might pore over for hours, it probably wouldn't make a good read-aloud. The format of the book is very clever and innovative, but involves too much on one page for a whole group of children to look at.
And it is a wonderful way to look at a math problem (Fibonacci's number sequence) by sneaking it into a book about rabbits!

Sarah Emma Edmonds was a Great Pretender

Sarah Emma Edmonds was a Great Pretender: The true story of a Civil War Spy by Carrie Jones, illustrations by Mark Oldroyd, Carolrhoda Books, 2011, ISBN 978-0-7613-5399-7
So, at one point in this book, "she was a woman (Sarah) pretending to be a man (Frank) pretending to be a woman (Bridget)." This is a remarkable story of a woman who spent most of her life "pretending" but never seemed to loose her sense of self. It's also the story of just one of many people who stepped up and did what had to be done (and more) in order to help their side prevail in the Civil War. As the book tells us, when Sarah was asked how she managed to do all the pretending, she said, "I am naturally fond of adventure, a little ambitious, and a good deal romantic--but patriotism was the true secret of my success." The author's note gives us a little more explanation and even praise for Sarah's life: "She stands as but one example among many of a woman who made a great contribution to the welfare of her fellow humans in spite of the prevailing sexism of her era."
Nice job, Sarah.

A Very Improbable Story

A Very Improbable Story: a math adventure by Edward Einhorn, illustrated by Adam Gustavson, Charlesbridge, 2008, ISBN 978-1-57091-871-1
PS: Waking up one morning and finding a talking cat on his head, Ethan is informed that the cat will not leave until he has won a game of probability.
"How likely is it that something will happen?" The cat leads Ethan on to several games, involving coins, socks, and marbles, which would be fun and easy to recreate in a classroom setting. Some kid is bound to ask: who cares? The author answers this at the end of the book, when Ethan figures out what kind of soccer kick to make in attempting to score a goal! (The books doesn't tell us whether Ethan wins his soccer game or not!) By the way, the theory of mathematical probability was developed in 1654 by two French mathematicians, Blaise Pascal and Pierre de Fermat.
Charlesbridge Publishing company has several books connecting math and literature. See them here, along with other interesting books from Charlesbridge.

Come See the Earth Turn

Come See the Earth Turn: The story of Leon Foucault by Lori Mortensen, illustrations by Raul Allen, Tricycle Press, 2010, ISBN 978-1-58246-284-4
The story of a sickly, slow-moving child who eventually "measures the speed of light more accurately than anyone before him." While Foucault's childhood was less than ideal, his loving mother and caring, observant teachers saw the gifts he had and helped him work with them. Love this and the fact that the author chose to make this clear in the book. His slow, careful methods led him to successfully build many "clever inventions and magnificent contraptions", one of which helped answer a question that had long baffled scientists: "How can science prove that the earth spins on its axis?" How can they prove that the earth is not the center of the universe? Even though most scientists believed that the earth did turn, they couldn't prove it! Leon's answer: a pendulum. Imagine getting an invitation in the mail which read: "You are invited to come see the earth turn...". While I would never have known that a pendulum swinging from side to side proved that the earth was rotating, the scientists knew immediately.
While this book does a wonderful job of relaying information about a scientific experiment, it does an even better job of showing the ordinary human spirit behind this now famous invention. This is one of my favorite themes: that we all have our gifts, and bless the person/mother/teacher who invests the time to help us bring it forth to share with the world.

Chamelia by Ethan Long

Chamelia by Ethan Long, Little, Brown and Co, 2011, ISBN 978-0-316-08612-7
PS: Chamelia loves to stand out and often wears outrageous outfits, but eventually she learns to shine in other ways.
"Sometimes, figuring out how to stand out can be difficult...". I think we all know those children who, in trying to stand out and be special, instead come across as precocious and self-centered. This book is a delicate and tactful way of getting the message across that "standing out isn't the only way to feel special. Joining in can be just as fun!" Chamelia's dilemma is in trying to "join in AND be herself." And isn't that something we all wrestle with??? Cute book. Good message. Not too preachy.

Alabama Camellia Award nominees for 2011-2012

Note: All summaries are taken from Camellia Award 2011-12 Booklist, found here.
GRADES K-1
Princess K.I.M. and the Lie That Grew, by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, 2009 (picture book)
In order to get the kids to like her, Kim tells a tiny lie that causes her problems later on.
At first I wasn't crazy about the way the grandmother helped Kim cover her lies, but in the end this is a good story about what can happen if you tell just one little lie. Kim discovers that kids will like her for what she is, not what she pretends to be. Entertaining, and will probably be a hit with this age group.

Yucky Worms by Vivian French, 2010
To be friends with a worm takes a special kind of person. They are slimy and you can’t tell one end from the other. This book gives many descriptions to help tell them apart.
Haven't read yet.

Can't Sleep Without Sheep, by Susan Leonard Hill, 2010 (picture book)
Ava has trouble sleeping and always counts sleep to help. However, it takes her so long to fall asleep that the sheep finally give up and quit, but they promise to find a suitable replacement for her.
I really like this book. It's such a simple idea, but imagination takes it a long way. Who will replace the sheep jumping over the fence? The sheep win in the end, because they are dependable and perfect for the job! Reminds me of "I Can't Get to Sleep" by Frank Rodgers (I used to read that book to my own children all the time!)

Bedtime Hullabaloo by David Conway, 2010
This is a humorous story about a leopard and a hyena and how they are in for a big surprise after they hear a terrible noise one night.
Haven't read yet.

The Three Little Gators by Helen Kettermen, 2010.
This is a wonderful story about three little gators, a retelling of the three pigs, who set out on their own in a Texas swamp.


Even Monsters Need Haircuts by Matthew McElligott, 2010 (picture book)
A young barber stays out well past his bedtime so he can cut the hair of some most surprising clients.
Cute, cute book! Would be good to read around Halloween-time. Love the illustrations, love the story with its friendly monsters and matter-of-fact young boy. This will be a hit!

Who Will Plant a Tree? by Jerry Pallotta, 2010
This well illustrated book shows how animals plant trees without even trying.
Haven't read yet.

Chick 'n' Pug by Jennifer Sattler, 2010 (picture book)
This is a wonderful tale of friendship and hero worship as chick and pug enter into adventures.
I read this to Kindergartners, and some of it was a little over their heads: "Go get'em Tiger! Show that knotted rope who's boss" and "What about that Frisbee? Are you gonna let it taunt you like that?" and "You never know when an empty can might turn on you." The characters are entertaining though, and the illustrations fun and endearing.

Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian, 2010 (picture book)
This book talks about the life of a goldfish.
Well, that description doesn't do this book justice. It is not a dry non-fiction account of the life cycle of a goldfish, but rather a clever, entertaining account of a goldfish who is all alone, but then joined by company. And more company. And more company, until his bowl is so crowded no one can move! Whimsical illustrations and lovable characters make this book a winner.


Mr. President Goes to School by Rick Walton, 2010 (picture book)
After feeling stress in his job, the president decides to go back to kindergarten to learn what is really important in life.
Good book on many levels. Could be used at the beginning of the year to teach classroom manners. Could be used at President's Day to make the job of the president more accessible to the little ones. Or it could be used anytime to teach the importance of the basic things in life, things like manners, kindness and cooperation.

GRADES 2-3
The Lunch Thief by Anne C. Bromley, 2010
Rafael is angry that a new student is stealing lunches, but he takes time to learn what the real problem is before acting.
Haven't read yet.

Ocean Soup by Stephen R. Swinburne, 2010 (picture book)
Poems about the ocean.
The sub-title of the book is "Tide-Pool Poems". Tide pools are described by Rachel Carson, quoted in the beginning of this book, as "contain[ing] mysterious worlds, where all the beauty of the sea is subtly suggested and portrayed in miniature." This book is so much more that just a book of poems. Each page certainly starts out with a rather humorous poem, one that focuses on a particular animal, but goes on to include a paragraph of information about that animal.. Interesting information! This would be an excellent book to use with a study of biomes or habitats. Animals include barnacles, sea slugs, sea urchins, starfish, hermit crabs and mussels. "A Starfish Interviews an Octopus" is a great idea! Have students come up with their own interview questions (and answers) for the different animals! What a fun way to learn and put that learning to use! There's a glossary at the end along with Additional Resources. This book is really a good idea!

Rosa's Bus: The Ride to Civil Rights, by Jo S. Kittinger, 2010 (picture book)
This book is about the true story of Rosa Parks and what happened that day at the bus stop.
Before I opened this book, I thought, "What else can be said about Rosa Parks' ride?". Well, Kittinger surprised me! This book is literally about "the bus", almost written from the bus' point-of-view! How clever! But Kittinger goes on to explain the whole story in very clear, understandable terms and phrases that make this book perfect for 2nd and 3rd graders. It even gives more information about the bus and the fact that it is now on permanent display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan (where it was manufactured). The book also mentions (in the "Author's Note) several other important characters in this chapter of the Civil Rights saga, namely Claudette Colvin. I will definitely use this book with 3rd graders.

Pierre the Penguin: a True Story, by Jean Marzollo, 2008
This is a true story about a penguin living in a museum in California who experiences some mysterious difficulties.
Haven't read yet.

First Dog's White House Christmas, by J. Patrick Lewis and Beth Zappitello, 2010 (picture book)
This is a beautifully illustrated (by Tim Bowers)book about the First Dog’s Christmas in the White House.
While technically fictional, this book provides lots of information about dogs, their respective countries of origin, and that country's Christmas customs and traditions. Clever way to get the information across. I love the author's note at the end: "The meaning of Christmas is the same for people and pooches everywhere: giving. Every dog gives a gift that is both free and priceless at the same time--unconditional love."! Great book with lots of lesson expansion possibilities.

What's So Special About Planet Earth? by Robert E. Wells, 2009
An illustrated look about what makes our Earth special. (Yes, the summary says "about". I would have used the word "at").
Haven't read yet.

Miles of Smiles: The Story of Roxey, the Long Island Rail Road Dog, by Heather Hill Worthington, 2010
The book tells of Roxey, the Long Island Rail Road Dog, and how he became the mascot of the Long Island Rail Road.
Haven't read yet.

Seaside Dream by Janet Costa Bates, 2010 (picture book)
At a birthday celebration on the beach, Cora gives her grandmother a special gift and encourages her to make a trip back to her home country, Cape Verde.
What at first seems like a sweet but simple story about a girl and her grandmother turns out to be a memorable comment on the depth and importance of family. This would be a wonderful book to use with a multicultural study, as Cape Verde is a small island off the coast of Africa. The grandmother leaves her homeland (forever, it turns out) and her family, and not necessarily by choice. She loves her home, but comes to America to find a better life, more opportunity. A gentle reminder that what we (Americans) might take for granted, this land of freedom and opportunity, is actually important enough to some people to leave their homeland and family forever.

The Can Man, by Laura E. Williams, 2010
A young boy changes his mind about collecting cans to sell for recycling money when he learns about a man who is doing the same thing to survive.
Haven't read yet.

One of Us, by Peggy Moss, 2010
This is a story about Roberta, the new girl at school, and about how she didn’t fit in at school at first.
Haven't read yet

GRADES 4-6
Dirt Road Home by Wyatt Key, 2010 (211 pages)
At a reform school for second-offenders, Hal Mitchell has to avoid gang violence from his enemies.
In this companion to his first novel, Alabama Moon, Key reveals more about the character "Hal", someone with whom Moon spent time in "Juvie". While both novels are good, and would appeal to reluctant boy readers, I actually like this book better. I think Key's writing has matured and flows a little more smoothly. You might want to know that the language in both books can be a little rough, although it is authentic and not used just for the shock value.

Leaving Gee's Bend by Irene Latham, 2010 (230 pages)
A quilt tells a story of a 10-year-old African American girl who leaves Gee’s Bend, Alabama to seek medical help for her mother.
This rich novel moves like a hot summer day, slow but memorable. It is character driven and wonderful in the viewpoints it presents from a young girl's perspective, but will therefore appeal to a more mature girl reader (5th grade and above). The opening scene involves a birth, in rather graphic detail, so be aware.

The Boy Who Howled by Timothy Power, 2010 (260 pages)
After a boy has been raised by wolves he is found and has to figure out how to survive and live in human society.

Operation Yes by Sara Lewis Holmes, 2009 (234 pages)
Miss Loupe, a new teacher, uses acting to get through to her sixth grade students until tragedy happens and they rally behind her and her family.
I find it funny that the summary (above) mentions Miss Loupe and no other character. She is certainly an important part of the story, but the reader never gets to go inside her head. Rather, we are told the story more from the point of view of the main boy and girl character, cousins who are thrown together because of military parents. I think both boys and girls will like this book. It is authentic, inspiring, funny, heartbreaking, and an excellent comment on life in a contemporary military family. This book will leave you cheering for kids and their never-ending ingenuity (when they are interested and passionate about the project) and with a gratefulness to all military families in America.

Missile Mouse the Star Crusher by Jake Parker, 2010 (172 pages: Graphic novel)
Missile Mouse is always in trouble with his headquarters after not playing by the book.
I usually don't like graphic novels, but this one caught my attention from the first page.

My Invisible Sister by Beatrice Colin and Sara Pinto, 2010 (119 pages)
Frank searches for a way to make his invisible sister visible to keep her from causing trouble so they will not have to move again.

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo, 2009?? (201 pages)
A young boy searches out his sister after being told by a fortune teller that she is very much alive.
Again, I would not have worded the summary as you see it above. The whole book revolves around mystery and chance and dreams and perceptions. I would have left the part about the sister being alive out, because that takes some of the magic out of the first few chapters of the book. This is one of DiCamillo's best, which is hart to say. She writes so beautifully and so authentically that every book is a treasure. We would all do well to read each and every one of her books just to see the example of fine writing. This book falls somewhere between Tale of Despereaux and The Tiger Rising, in that place where life takes on an element of fantasy.

Finding Family by Tonya Bolden, 2010 (181 pages)
A young girl is shocked about the truth about her parents and other relatives in this turn-of-the-century tale.
Go rummaging through antique stores and garage sales and attics for a few years. Collect old photographs. Then make a story about the people in the photographs. What a clever, creative idea, and one used here by the author to create a memorable story about a young girl's search for her "family". Bolden does an excellent job of telling the story from the viewpoint of a 12-soon-to-be-13-year-old girl, a girl whom you will like and remember. (PS- The book starts out a little slow, but don't let that stop you. At a certain point in the book, things change, and the action is such that you can't put the book down!)

What Momma Left Me by Renee Watson, 2010 (224 pages)
After her parents die, Serenity Evans and her brother go to live with relatives who try to keep them away from bad influences and they also help them cope with their loss.

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass, 2009 (267 pages)
Two children celebrated their first 10 birthdays together, but because of an argument on the 10th birthday they have not spoken for a year, but strange things start to happen leading up to their 11th birthday.
This is a fun book, sure to be enjoyed by all! So much room for prediction and alternate endings and speculation! This quote from the book sums it up: "It strikes me how differently the same day can go, depending on my choices."

Chick 'n' Pug

Chick 'n' Pug by Jennifer Sattler, Bloomsbury Books, 2010, ISBN 978-1-59990-534-1
PS: Chick leaves the boring coop in order to find his hero, Wonder Pug, and a little bit of excitement.
This book, with its simple but expressive illustrations and minimal text, reminds me of Mo Willems Elephant and Pig books.
Going to try this one with the kindergartners.

The Rain Train

The Rain Train by Elena de Roo, illustrated by Brian Lovelock, Candlewick Press, 2010, ISBN 978-0-7636-5313-2
Jacket cover: Come along and take a ride on The Rain Train. Board at your platform, hand over your ticket, and then sit back and listen to all the noises as you wind you way through the dark night and straight on to morning.
Art Deco-type illustrations and great use of onomatopoeia-type-words help tell this simple story of a train ride, begun at night and continuing on into the morning.

Rubia and the Three Osos

Rubia and the Three Osos by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, Disney Hyperion Books, 2010, ISBN 978-1-4231-1252-5
This is simply the retelling (mostly) of The Three Little Bears, with a few Spanish words thrown in, but it is one of my new favorite books! I read this with first graders and they had the best time figuring out what the Spanish words meant (they could figure out that osos meant bears because they were familiar with the classic fairy tale). What a clever idea, and it made the students feel smart too!
I read this along with Mice and Beans in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. It was a lot of fun and I look forward to reading both of these books to students again!
Visit the author's website here.

Press Here by Herve Tullet

Press Here by Herve Tullet, Chronicle Books, 2011 (originally published in France in 2010 by Bayard Editions under the title "Un Livre"), translated by Christopher Franceschelli, ISBN 978-0-8118-7954-5
"Ready?"
"Press here and turn the page."
"Great! Now press the yellow dot again."
And so goes a wonderfully imaginative book that should delight young children. Each page offers new instructions, and the following page shows the result. Sounds simple, but the author throws a few clever surprises in to keep the book interesting. Delightful in its simplicity.

All the Way to America by Dan Yaccarino

All the Way to America: The Story of a Big Italian Family and a Little Shovel by Dan Yaccarino, Alfred A. Knopf, 2011, ISBN 978-0-375-96642-2
Great story of an Italian immigrant named Michele Iaccarino, who "journeyed from his home in Italy all the way to America, searching for a better life. He brought big dreams, a small shovel, and his parents' good advice: Work hard, but remember to enjoy life, and never forget your family." (from the book jacket).
This is a simple story of immigration, told by the great-grandson of the original immigrant. It would be great to use with second graders in immigration stories. The thing I like best about this book is its endearing message: Work hard, enjoy life, remember your family. Doesn't get any better than that.

Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming

Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming, illus. by G. Brian Karas, Schwartz and Wade Books, 2010, ISBN 978-0-375-84979-4
PS: A poor boy named Jack struggles to deliver a birthday present worthy of a princess.
The rest of the story: He bakes a cake and decorates it, but on the way to deliver the cake, it is taken apart piece-by-piece. He is left with nothing...but a story! And this is the best gift of all (of course).
This is a GREAT book for making the point about making the best of a situation, and if nothing else, you are left with a story!
Love this book.

The Queen of France by Tim Wadham

The Queen of France by Tim Wadham, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton, Candlewick Press, 2011, ISBN 978-0-7636-4102-3
There is something about this book...it is just delightful, but is also one of those incredibly simple books that perfectly illustrates a day in the life of a child. a child who can fully appreciate the "present" and use her imagination to take her all sorts of places. I would like this child: she is full of imagination and creativity and is perfectly happy to create her own fun!

The Secret Box by Barbara Lehman

The Secret Box by Barbara Lehman, Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011, ISBN 978-0-547-23868-5
from book jacket: Lehman takes readers on a timeless trip to a world of messages left in secret boxes hidden in secret places.
This is one of those wordless books that has just enough mystery that it could take you anywhere! Open to interpretation, the illustrations are full of hints and intrigue.
See some of her other books (most wordless) at Amazon's author page.

Perfect Square by Michael Hall

Perfect Square by Michael Hall, Greenwillow Books, 2011, ISBN 978-0-06-191513-0
PS: A perfect square that is perfectly happy is torn into pieces, punched with holes, and otherwise changed but finds in each transformation that it can be something new, just as happy.
Great book to address happiness, contentment and change. Beautiful artwork would lend itself to a collaborative project with the art teacher. Eric-Carle-like paper is torn, shattered, cut, and hole-punched to create different objects. Maybe tie in with tangrams and math?!

Questions, Questions by Marcus Pfister

Questions, Questions by Marcus Pfister, North South Publisher, 2011, ISBN 978-0-7358-4000-3
What turns the rain on in the sky and brings the sun to make things dry?
How many shells are on the shore? Millions? Billions? Even more?
In 13 engaging couplets, Marcus Pfister opens children's eyes to the wonderous mysteries around them. from Book jacket

I love this book! The possibilities are endless! "How do seeds know how to grow...?", "Who paints the colors on the flowers...?", "How do birds learn how to sing...?" and a host of other questions that many children have probably asked an adult, and left the adult speechless. This book should spark many discussions and get some minds working: a little curiosity is a great thing!

Who Said That?

Who Said That? Famous Americans Speak by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by David Catrow, Henry Holt and Co., 1997, ISBN 0-8050-4394-2
PS: A collection of quotations along with the story behind the words and the people who voiced them.
Grades 5-8.
A wide assortment of people are included in this entertaining volume, from Christopher Columbus and Martin Luther King, Jr. to Abagail Adams and Susan B. Anthony. Not all is serious, as he includes a quote from Daniel Boone: "I've never been lost; but I was bewildered once for three days." Also included are possibly lesser known quotes from famous folks which might reveal more of their character, such as this one from Harriet Tubman: "Anyone who tries to turn back gets a bullet between the eyes." This she uttered because her mission was so dangerous that she did not want any runaways trying to return to disrupt her work for the rest of the slaves.

The Secret of Saying Thanks

The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Greg Shed, 2005, ISBN 978-0-689-85410-1
The author tells us that the "world is full of secrets,...and the best secrets are the ones that make us happy..." he goes on to tell us how we might discover the secret of happiness as he ponders each small, seemingly insignificant part of our day. Things like the sun, or a flower, or an old tree that provides shade. Hopefully, we realize that these things are not insignificant, and that we should offer thanks for these small things each day. In doing so, we will discover the key to happiness.
The author relates the act of giving thanks to the state of being happy. This book is the source of the famous quote:
"We don't give thanks because we are happy.
We are happy because we give thanks."

Fly, Cher Ami, Fly!

Fly, Cher Ami, Fly! The Pigeon Who Saved the Lost Battalion by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Robert MacKenzie, Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2008, ISBN 978-0-8109-7097-7
From the book jacket: "Cher Ami was one of 600 carrier pigeons used by the American Army during WWI. This book tells the particular story of one of the most famous flights, when a heroic pigeon, against all odds, helped rescue a lost battalion of soldiers."
The true story takes us back to the days before cell phones and radar, to a time when man and nature were perhaps a little more in tune with each other.

Night Flight

Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic by Robert Burleigh, paintings by Wendell Minor, A Paula Wiseman Book for Simon and Schuster Books for Young People, 2011, ISBN 978-1-4169-6733-0
PS: An account of Amelia Earhart's dangerous 1932 flight across the Atlantic Ocean from Newfoundland to Ireland, in which she survived bad weather and a malfunctioning airplane. Includes a brief biography of the aviator.
This is a great adventure book and gives a personal glimpse into one of Earhart's most dangerous and stressful flights. Her reaction upon finally landing in Ireland says a lot about her character: "AE looks down (at a man in the field). She pauses. There is so much that one could say. But not now. Instead, she simply smiles the widest smile of her entire life. 'Hi", she says simply. 'Hi, I've come from America.'"

Where the Sunrise Begins

Where the Sunrise Begins by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Wendy Popp, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2010, ISBN 978-0-689-86172-7
PS: Reveals the part that each of us plays in the beginning of every day.
Peaceful illustrations and soothing, descriptive language make this a beautiful book to savor. The author takes us around the world, suggesting that maybe the sunrise begins in each of these places. But we come to realize that the sunrise is ongoing, and that we can each be a part.

Clang! Clang! Beep! Beep!

Clang! Clang! Beep! Beep! Listen to the City by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Beppe Giacobbe, A Paula Wiseman Book (Simon and Schuster Books), 2009, ISBN 978-1-4169-4052-4
PS: From morning until night, a city is filled with such sounds as the roars and snores of a subway ride.
FULL of onomatopoeia words: beep beep, shhhh!, ting-a-ling-a-ling, roar, scritch scratch hop.
Good action verbs too: sidewalk chalking, bridge arms lifting, pigeons strutting, subway roaring, riders snoring.

Are You a Horse?

Are You a Horse? by Andy Rash, Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic), 2009, ISBN 978-0-439-72417-3
Book Jacket: For his birthday, Roy's friends give him a saddle and some very specific instructions: 1. Fnd a horse, 2. Enjoy the ride! Great! But there's a problem: Roy doesn't know what a horse is! What's a horseless, clueless boy to do?
Cute surprise ending. Also a great book for writing descriptions and grouping characteristics.

Miss Little's Gift

Miss Little's Gift by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Jim Burke, Candlewick Press, 2009, ISBN 978-0-7636-1686-1
Tells the author's own study of battling ADHA as a child, and of the patient teacher who helped him learn to read. It's all about "the importance of the right book at the right time, and ...the impact of a good teacher." (book jacket)
By the way, the "right book at the right time" for Douglas was The Little Island by Golden MacDonald (a pseudonym for Margaret Wise Brown), which was first published in 1946. It won the Caldecott Medal for Leonard Weisgard's illustrations.

Aunt Mary's Rose

Aunt Mary's Rose by Douglas Wood, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, Candlewick Press, 2010, ISBN 978-0-7636-1090-6
Bookjacket: Aunt Mary has a very special rosebush in her garden. She says a little bit of Douglas can be found inside it. And she tells him that a little bit of Douglas' father can be found in it as well.
In describing the story, the illustrator says it best "I realized that I was illustrating a piece of American history, told through one family's view." Family and the importance of traditions are the focal point of this book, and it makes for a very sweet story.

Wood has written many books for children, including Old Turtle and A Quiet Place. See his website for all the titles.

Stop Drop and Roll

Stop Drop and Roll by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Arthur Howard, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2001, ISBN 0-689-84355-0
PS: Jessica, who worries about everything from her spelling homework to remembering to fill her dog's water dish, learns that fire safety begins with extinguishing her fears.
Excellent book to use during Fire Safety Week. Jessica's teacher reviews MANY if not all of the rules and safety tips concerning fire safety in the home.

Mr. Ouchy's First Day

Mr. Ouchy's First Day by B.G. Hennessy, illustrated by Paul Meisel, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006, ISBN 0-399-24248-1
PS: Mr. Ouchy, a new teacher, is nervous about his first day of school, but when he teaches the class about time and counting, they all enjoy the experience.
This would make a great book to read on the first day of school. Good section about goals for the year.

Woolbur

Woolbur by Leslie Helakoski, illustrated by Lee Harper, Harper Collins Publishers, 2008, ISBN 978-0-06-084727-2
Book Jacket: "If you are a free spirit, this book is for you!"
Delightful story all the way around. Woolbur is so cute and personable you can't help but like him! And no matter what Maa and Paa say he's doing "wrong", he always responds with: "I know,...Isn't it great?" And Grandpaa says, "Don't Worry." Maa and Paa finally tell him that he must do things just like everyone else does. So Woolbur thinks. And for then on...HE taught everyone to do things like he does, to "run with the dogs and spin crazy yarn and experiment with color."
Maa muses, "Woolbur does not think like we do", to which I say, "I know...Isn't it great?"

Abraham Lincoln Comes Home

Abraham Lincoln Comes Home by Robert Burleigh, paintings by Wendell Minor, Henry Holt and Co., 2008, ISBN 978-0-8050-7529-8
How does Robert Burleigh do it? How does he put so much history into a single picture book, and make it interesting as well? He is a master at choosing his words and creating characters that bring the whole story alive. In this book, a young boy and his father are traveling to a spot where they can view the train carrying the assassinated president "home" to Springfield, Illinois. The young boy knows that, "if he could have talked to Abe Lincoln, her would have liked him." The boy sees the train carrying the President, and is moved and saddened. The entire book is reverent in tone. The journey Lincoln's train took took 13 days in going from Washington DC to New York City, across the state of New York, through Ohio and Indiana to Chicago and finally Springfield. Millions of people came to the railroad tracks to pay their last respects. In the afterword, Burleigh quotes one historian who said "it was the mightiest outpouring of national grief the world had yet seen."
But Burleigh doesn't stop at a good story. He includes more information in the afterword, in the "Interesting Facts" section, on the verso page (bibliography) and even the endpapers of the book, which bear a flag similar to the small paper flags that served as popular symbols of mourning during the funeral observances.

Blockhead (***** 5 Stars!)

Blockhead: the life of Fibonacci by Joseph D'Agnese, illustrated by John O'Brien, Henry Holt and Co., 2010, ISBN 978-0-8050-6305-9
From the book jacket: "As a young boy in medieval Itlay, Leonardo Fibonacci thought about numbers day and night. He was such a daydreamer that people called him blockhead. When he grew up and traveled the world, he was inspired by the numbers used in different countries, especially the Hindu-Arabic numerals he learned about in Africa. Then he realized that many things in nature seem to follow a certain pattern. the boy who was once teased for being a blockhead had discovered what came to be known as the Fibonacci Sequence! Today he is famous for his simple word problem about multiplying rabbits and is now considered one of the greatest Western mathematicians of all time."
This is an absolutely fascinating book, if only in the fact that something that seems so complicated can be so SIMPLE! And to think that Nature follows a pattern!!! I cannot wait to share this with my 4th graders. I have looked into the subject further and found some books that will compliment the study. These will be posted as soon as I get my hands on them!!
It doesn't surprise me that this book has its own website and its own Facebook page! The possibilities introduced by this man and his idea are endless! So exciting!

Neo Leo

Neo Leo: the Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci by Gene Barretta, Christy Ottaviano Books (Henry Holt and Co.), 2009, ISBN 978-0-8050-8703-1
Bookjacket: Gene Baretta cleverly shows how Leonardo's ideas-many inspired by his study of nature-foreshadowed modern inventions, offering a window into the future.
"Nature was his teacher." Until reading this book, I had never thought about or realized how much daVinci was influenced by nature, but then, what else was around for him to study? We take for granted all the modern inventions of today, and are perhaps blinded by them. We don't see the natural world around us because there is so much man-made "stuff" in the way. Is it possible to clear the screen, just for a few minutes? To get some more good ideas from nature? What could our kids of today dream up if they were unencumbered by gadgets? But in all fairness, what do they create by using those gadgets? Perhaps if we could allow ourselves to explore both options: pure nature and technological gadgets. Separately? Together? Main ingredient in both MUST be CURIOSITY (defined as a strong desire to learn or know something. Reminds me of the word passion)!!!
Leonardo was truly a visionary, as evidenced by some of his experiments and inventions. And yet, we are still missing about 2/3 of his notes!
This is a fascinating book that will get you thinking (hopefully!)
Barretta also wrote Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin. Both are a wonderful contribution to the picture book catagory.
He's written quite a few books, including Dear Deer: a book of homophones. Check out Baretta's website.

Bridget's Beret

Bridget's Beret by Tom Lichtenheld, Christy Ottaviano Books (Henry Holt and Co.), 2010, ISBN 978-0-8050-8775-8
PS: When Bridget loses the beret that provides her with artistic inspiration like other great artists, she thinks she will never be able to draw again.
Cute, colorful book about drawing and painting and good old childhood enthusiasm! The author slips in a few references to famous artwork by Warhol, Van Gogh, Whistler, and whoever drew the Uncle Sam "I Wnat You" posters. At the back of the book you'll find "How to Start Your Art: Bridget-approved ideas for inspiring yourself, based on techniques used by many famous beret-wearing artists." For more ideas and inspiration, check out the author's website.

You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer!

You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer! by Shana Corey, illustrated by Chelsey McLauren, Scholastic Press, 2000, ISBN 0-439-07819-9
Bookjacket: Would you dare to bare your underwear? If you like clothes and people with the courage to SKIRT conventions and adDRESS injustice, then Amelia Bloomer and her unFITTING ideas will charm the PANTS off you!
Amelia Bloomer was NOT a proper lady, and she thought all the silliness associated with being a proper lady were completely unnecessary, and she did her part to change certain laws and rules. She was one of the original "women's libbers", and we can all probably thank her that we don't have to still wear corsets and long, full skirts!
A good biography told in story-type fashion.

Ella the Elegant Elephant

Ella the Elegant Elephant by Carmela and Steven D'Amico, Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic), 2004, ISBN 0-439-62792-3
PS: Ella is nervous about the first day of school in her new town, but wearing her grandmother's good luck hat makes her feel better-- until the other students tease her and call her names.
Cute story about being different and being teased about it, then coming to the bully's rescue and finally being accepted. Would work well with kindergartners or first graders.
Other books about Ella: Ella Takes the Cake, Ella Sets the Stage, and Ella Sets Sail.

Henry David's House

Henry David's House by Henry David Thoreau, Edited by Steven Schnur, illustrated by Peter Fiore, Charlesbridge Publishing, 2002, ISNB 0-88106-116-6
PS: Excerpts from Thoreau's Walden highlight his belief in the inherent value of living life in harmony with nature.
Beautiful, dreamy, Impressionist-style illustrations accompany this story of Thoreau's year-long experiment with simplicity and nature. The text is original, so it requires a mature reader if read at the elementary level, but would make a great picture book to use with middle and high school students who are studying Thoreau.

And the Good Brown Earth

And the Good Brown Earth by Kathy Henderson, Candlewick Press, 2003, ISBN 1-4155-3531-0
PS: Joe and Gram grow a garden, with the help of the good brown earth.
Well constructed book about the life cycle of a garden. Sequencing cues appear throughout the book as Gram declares it is "digging time" or "weeding time". The whole storyline is tied together with the phrase "And the good brown earth got on with doing what the good brown earth does best....day after golden day until..."

Chalk

Chalk by Bill Thompson, Marshall Cavendish Children, 2010, ISBN 978-0-7614-5526-4
PS: A wordless picture book about 3 children who go to a park on a rainy day, find some chalk, and draw pictures that come to life.
Beautiful illustrations, some from close, interesting angles, make this book come to life, as does the plot itself! The childrens' drawings come to life, which sounds like a lot of fun until something goes awry. How do they solve the problem?

Fireboat!

Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2002, ISBN 0-399-23953-7 Dewey: 974.7
PS: A fireboat, launched in 1931, is retired after many years of fighting fires along the Hudson River, but is saved from being scrapped and then called into service again on September 11, 2001.
Wonder history of New York City beginning in 1931, when "the Empire State Building went up, up, up, Babe Ruth hit his 611th home run in Yankee Stadium, and Snickers hit the stores." Offers a great explanation of what a fireboat does, and would lend itself to a geography lesson on New York City.

The Junkyard Wonders

The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco, Philomel Books, 2010, ISBN 978-0-399-25078-1
PS: Inspired by a teacher who believes each of them is a genius, a class of special-needs students invents something that could convince the whole school they are justifiably proud to be "Junkyard Wonders".
Oh my, Patricia Polacco has done it again. In the spirit of Thank You Mr. Falker, Polacco tells the autobiographical story of yet another inspiring teacher. As a young girl, Polacco finds herself in the "special class", known around school as the Junkyard. She makes genuine friends, is truly happy, and is encouraged and inspired by her teacher, Mrs. Peterson.

Bird, Butterfly, Eel

Bird, Butterfly, Eel by James Prosek, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009, ISBN 978-0-689-86829-4
PS: Follows a bird, a monarch butterfly, and an eel from summer on a farm until they make their respective fall voyages south, then later begin to return north again when the weather warms. (BTW, this is one of the worst publisher summaries I have ever read...).
Beautifully illustrated and simply written story of 3 animals/insects that migrate south for the winter. Includes a good map to show the astonishing distances traveled by each. Good for first or second grade.

Lola!

Lola Loves Stories and Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw, Charlesbridge Publishing, 2010 and 2006, ISBN 978-1-58089-259-9 and 978-1-58089-142-4.
PS: Lola loves to hear Daddy read a new library book each night, an activity that spurs her imagination and results in inventive play the next day. I love this book! It suggests so many possibilities and makes reading and imaginative play sound SO appealing!
PS: Every Tuesday Lola and her mother visit their local library to return and check out books, attend story readings, and share a special treat. this one would be especially good to read at the beginning of the school year in order to introduce and/or reinforce library procedures.
Good for Kindergartners.

The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians

The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians by Carla Morris, illustrated by Brad Sneed, Peachtree Publishers, 2007, ISBN 978-1-56145-391-7
PS: Melvin discovers that the public library is the place where he can find just about anything--including three librarians who help in his quest for knowledge.
"And the library is a wonderful place to be if a person is curious."
The librarians "were always happy to see him", and "whatever he was interested in, they were interested in it too", and they helped Melvin find whatever information he needed at the time, because, "that's how librarians are."