Seeing Symmetry by Loreen Leedy

Leedy is once again tackling nonfiction, in this case math, using her picture book format.  In Seeing Symmetry, Leedy is examining symmetry through a variety of pictures:  nature, design, drawing, etc.  A great book for students just learning about symmetry.

Loreen Leedy website click here!

Yoko Learns to Read by Rosemary Wells

Yoko is working hard to learn how to read but she only has three books at home and they are in Japanese.    Other students in Yoko's class is getting to add leaves to the book tree but not Yoko.  When Yoko's mama goes to talk to Mrs. Jenkins, Yoko's teacher, she encourages Yoko's mama to read with her at home.  Yoko's mama must admit that she does not know how to read.  Together Yoko and Yoko's mama work hard so that both of them can become readers.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Sophie's FIsh by A. E. Cannon

Have you ever babysat a fish?  If you did, would you know what kind of snack to feed the fish?  What kind of stories do fish like to hear?  What kind of games do you play with a fish?  Jake has agreed to watch Sophie's fish, and is very excited until these questions cross his mind.  He can't possibly be prepared for watching Yo-Yo.  But Yo-Yo is just a fish.....isn't he?  I loved this book.  The illustrations and the text go together perfectly.  You can feel Jake's anxiety about the fish sitting and it builds and builds both in words and his expression.   And the ending...well......you have to see it... :)

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

So You Want To Be A Rock Star by Audrey Vernick

Since our district will not be having art, music, and physical education next year, at least not in the traditional sense, I have started looking at some of the books we read that might fit these areas.  This is a new favorite at our house and one that I think could be used with our kiddos at school.  What things do you need to be a rock star?  Microphone?  Cool electric guitar?  Cool clothes?  Fun interactive text to get the kids up and moving and responding.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Bugs Galore by Peter Stein

From the author and illustrator team of Cars Galore comes an equally fun adventure in words, Bugs Galore.

Honey-making,
buzzy bee bug.
Fuzzy, stinging,
time-to-flee bug!

Experience fun bugs of all kinds, colors, and sizes, through the fun words and lively illustrations.  All kids, bug lovers and non-bug lovers, of all ages will enjoy this fun book.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Maisy Goes on A Sleepover

Maisy has never been on a sleepover before so she is quite excited when Tallulah invites her to spend the night at her house.  First Maisy has to pack for her overnight.  Once arriving at Tallula's house, she meets Tallulah's friend.  Together the friends enjoy music, a snack, games, a book and ready for bed.  Will Maisy enjoy her first sleepover?  

Animals...and Their Families by Barbara Nascimbeni

Need a truly awesome nonfiction animal book without too much text?  Here it is!  Each 2 page spread includes (as available):  a silhouette of the animal on the left and on the right the animal in its natural habitat, as it applies the name of the female, male, and baby, what it eats, the sound it makes.   This book is simple enough that small children will enjoy and learn from.  Excellent book!!  Check it out!


Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Animal Masquerade by Marianne Dubuc

The animals are dressed in costume and headed to the party.

"The soft white sheep went disguised as...a porcupine.
The porcupine went disguised as...a wiener dog."

Kids (and adults too) will enjoy the silly costumes each animal selects.  Illustrations are funny with plain backgrounds which allows the reader to really focus on the disguise each animal is wearing.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Builder Bugs by David A. Carter

A new David Carter pop-up creation has arrived!  I love Carter's pop ups and this newest one with a popular topic for Adam is a big hit.  Kids will love studying and moving this interactive book.

Who builds the walls on Wednesday?
The Toolbox Bugs work hard all day.

If you have a little fan for BIG construction, this one will be a quick favorite.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

The Wheels on the Bus by Jeanne Willis

The bus is headed....to the zoo.  The bus has lions, meerkat, skunks, and a croc heading to the zoo.  Unfortunately the bus has a little trouble with a tire.  Thank goodness the bus also has an elephant ready to help.  A fun new look at the well known kid song.  Kids will enjoy the fun, new version.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

I Love My Daddy by Giles Andreae

Need a book for Father's Day?  Look no further.  A simple book about good old dad and all that he does.  

"He sings me all his favorite songs.  I love to dance and sing along."

Kids will enjoy the funny things dad does as well as the bold colorful pictures from Emma Dodd.  

Jo MacDonald Had a Garden by Mary Quattlebaum

As you can probably guess from the title and the cover, this book is Old MacDonald set to a "garden" theme.  Jo starts off with soil and soon there is worms, some patting the soil, sprinkling water, and on and on all under the sunshine.  Great introduction to kids that may have never been involved in planting a garden.  Great spring time read aloud which lends itself to a great flannel board for the kids.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Suppose You Meet A Dinosaur: A First Book of Manners by Judy Sierra

Great book for those early (or in some cases LATE) manner learners!  In the book a little girl is at the grocery store and runs into...what else...a DINOSAUR!  The little girl and MISS Dinosaur keep running into each other, providing reasons/situations to use their manners.  Two things that make this book great...oh wait - three - #1.  the illustrations are BOLD and COLORFUL....thanks to Ohio's own Tim Bowers!!  #2.  The story continues with the same characters in one situation...very authentic to every day life.  #3.  The set up provides the opportunity for the reader to answer correctly with what each character would say, using great manners, before the character actually does.  A MUST buy for teaching those all important manner skills!!

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5  Buckeye leaves