Guess What? by Guido Van Genechten

This is an adorable book, great for making predictions.  Each left page contains a question and on the right is the picture mentioned in the clue on the left.

"Guess what looks like a paintbrush?"

And the picture on the right is a paint can and paint brush but there is a flap that when lifted reveals "the beard of a goat."

Great fun for youngsters of varying ages.

Overall:  4 Buckeye leaves

Pluto Visits Earth! by Steve Metzger

Hilarious!  I love this take on poor Pluto getting the boot to dwarf planet.  Pluto is shocked when a space rock tells him he has lost his title as "planet".  Pluto plans to fight.  He takes off for Earth to discuss the situation.  Along the way he "orbits" into other planets, etc. along the way.  He asks Neptune first. Neptune though has 13 moons to keep track of and can't help Pluto.  He continues his journey towards Earth, ready for a fight.  Once there he surprises the astronomers and tries to explain his dislike for being changed to a dwarf planet.  A young boy arrives and explains to Pluto that no matter what his title is, he is still his favorite.  This made Pluto feel much better and change his mind about being made a "dwarf plane."  Great fun book packed with factual info about the planets!

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

One Special Day by Lola M. Schaefer

Spenser is a happy, active little boy.  He was "as strong as a...." (see picture above).  He was "funny as a....(monkey)."  He was many things and more.  Then one day he became something more.  Spenser became a big brother.  This book is a new way of looking at becoming a big brother (or sister).  It offers up all the things that the child already is....and that he/she is more now.  Very cute book for that new "big" budding sibling.

We have been reading LOTS of books with this theme since May.  And in a few short weeks our best boy will become a BIG BROTHER when his sister FINALLY comes home from China.  Many changes ahead for this little one (as well as the little one on the other side of the world waiting for us) but I hope that some of the books we have read as well as the discussions we have had as a result of our reading, will help ease him into being a BIG BROTHER.  So posting may be slim over the next few days as we make final preparations for  our trip as well as prepare him to go to his "camp" with his aunt and uncle while we are gone.  Still have a few books to post before we leave but time....and packing will dictate that!

Have You Ever Seen A Smack of Jellyfish? An Alphabet Book by Sarah Asper-Smith

What do you call a group of kangaroos?  A troop!  What do you call a group of frogs?  A knot
OK, I admit it.  I did not know the answers to these questions either!  This simple ABC book is fascinating.  Each animal's group is identified.  Each illustration is illustrated with appropriate background and the animals are black shadow.  

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Senorita Gordita by Helen Ketteman

Senorita Gordita by Helen Ketteman is a new version of the gingerbread man story with Mexican flair.  A gordita, corn cake, jumps off the frying pan and takes off running yelling, “You can’t catch me!”  The chase is on and soon the spider is joined by a lizard, rattlesnake, scorpion, javalina, and coyote, all hoping to catch that gordita and enjoy it for lunch!   The gordita ends up at the foot of a tall saguaro with an owl perched on top.  The owl being very wise warns the gordita that he is being chased and he should consider jumping up the cactus to escape the herd of animals chasing him.  The gordita is suspicious.  The owl sets the gordita straight telling him that he is an owl that hunts at night.  Gordita jumps quickly thinking he is safe and the owl gobbles him up.  

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

The Case of the INCAPACITATED CAPITALS by Robin Pulver

The Case of the Incapacitated Capitals by Robin Pulver, which focuses on capital letters, is the newest book as Mr. Wright’s class continues to tackle grammatical issues (other books include themes such as word endings, silent letters, and punctuation).  The capital letters are discouraged.  It seems no one knows how to use them correctly anymore.  Capital letters and lower case letters must come together to solve this big problem.  Mr. Wright’s students write a letter to the principal, which leaves their teacher stunned.  There are NO capital letters anywhere in the letter.  Mr. Wright must review all the rules of using capital letters correctly with his students and get the letter corrected before the principal sees it.    This is a great book for introducing and reviewing capital letters.  

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Sojourner Truth's Step-Stomp Stride by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride written Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney is the biography of Sojourner Truth.  Born as slave in 1797, her master named her Isabella.  Sojourner worked hard.  She was strong both physically and mentally.  She was six feet tall with size twelve feet as a child.  Because of her strength and size she was viewed as a valuable slave and was sold often to different masters.  Her master John Dumont promised her freedom is she worked hard, so she did though he never followed through with his promise.  When she realized he was never going to give her freedom, she ran away.  She ran to a farm owned by a quaker family that were abolitionists.  Dumont eventually caught up with her but the farmers bought her freedom. 

            Once free, she went on to New York City and became a made, a job where she earned her own money for the first time.  Soon she changed her name to Sojourner Truth and started speaking to others about freedom.  Together with a friend named Olive Gilbert, the sorry of her childhood was written as a book, The Narrative of Sojourner Truth:  A Northern Slave.  Everywhere she went she spoke about the evils of slavery and the need for freedom for all the slaves.  She also spoke out in favor of equal rights for females.  She was known for her powerful and passionate speeches in favor of freedom for all.  Great introduction to biographies for elementary students.  

Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves

Olympig!! by Victoria Jamieson

Just in time for the Olympics comes the new book Olympig! By Victoria Jamieson.  Boomer Pig is preparing for the Olympics.  He spent his day practicing and his night dreaming of Olympic glory.  The time has finally arrived and Boomer does not do so well in his first competition.  Boomer continues to try his best with the next events but again falls short.  Boomer heads to the pool for another event.  He is confident.  He is determined.  He performs his cannonball.  The judges are not impressed. Boomer has finally reached his breaking point, yells, “I QUIT!”, and takes off for the locker room in tears.   Can Boomer pull himself together to perform his last event? 

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Silly Goose's BIG Story by Keiko Kasza

I am a big fan of Keiko Kasza's books!  This one is no exception.  Silly Goose is known among his animal friends as being a great storyteller.  From pirates to dinosaurs to kings, Goose's stories are always entertaining.  But the animal friends are not so happy when every story the hero is played by Goose.  One day a BIG SCARY wolf shows up and the animals all take off running.  All the animals are able to escape except Goose.  Goose uses his great storytelling skills to try to convince the wolf that a WEM, Wolf-Eating Monster, lurks in the forest.  As Goose tells the story, something.....perhaps WEM, appears behind a bush....or does it?  Great book for middle elementary kids that will appreciate how the wolf is tricked.  Great lesson on being a friend.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Soup for One by Ethan Long

Soup for a fly....or two....now three....and four....and on and on.  Endearing "bugs" join the soup feast until an unwelcomed guest sends all the bugs flying.  But in the end it is a spider that wins the soup.  Ethan Long creates another fun, simple book that kids will enjoy.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Hello Goodbye and A Very Little Lie by Christianne Jones

Larry is a liar.  He lies to everyone....his mom, kids at the park, strangers at the grocery store.  One day he announces, "....I can swim all the way across the lake."  But this time someone stops him.  "No, you can't," a little girl replies.  EEEK!  Larry has never had anyone actually challenge his lies like that before.  He is stuck. "Prove it.  My ball floated to the other side of the lake.  Go get it for me."  Larry knows he is backed in a corner and must admit that he has lied.....but so has the little girl!  Can these two "liars" learn a lesson and overcome their lying ways?  What a practical book....NOT that children ever lie.....noooooo.  A great way to open up the discussion about lying whether it is your own child OR a child in your classroom.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

What To Do If An Elephant Stands On Your Foot

What To Do If An Elephant Stands On Your Foot, written by Michelle Robinson and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds is a hilarious look at how to solve the BIG problem of an elephant on your foot should you find yourself in that predicament.  Which each suggestion of what NOT to do, the main character, of course, does exactly what they should NOT do right before they are told not to do it!  From attracting tigers to climbing a tree full of snakes, this character is not having much luck!  Of course the story goes full circle when the character is instructed to apologize to the elephant but instead, startles it, putting the character right back to where she started.  Kids will love the ridiculous sequence of events.  A great book to use with cause and effect.  

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Dave & Violet by Sarah Adams

The book has a dragon on the cover, which hooked a certain 4 year old at our house into reading it.  Violet wants her friends to meet her dragon Dave.  What Violet does not know is that Dave is very shy.  When he is nervous he gets red, redder and fire springs from his mouth.  Violet tries a few times to introduce Dave without much luck.  Finally Violet and her friends come up with a positive way to use Dave's "nervousness" in a positive way.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  3 Buckeye leaves

Terrible, Awful, Horrible Manners! by Beth Bracken

Love this simple book.....about an important topic.  As a parent who pushed "please" and "thank you", almost to excess (at least in some people's eyes...not mine though) I love to see a book that is simple enough to read to young children that keeps it simple.  For older kids, a great review of what they SHOULD be doing.  Pete is a boy (though really a monkey) with horrible manners.  His parents are fed up with his terrible manners and decides to show HIM what he really looks like to others.  Pete quickly learns what he needs to do and seems to make a speedy change in his own manners....or has he?

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Elmer and Super EL by David McKee

So we are going through a "super hero" phase here at our house so when I saw this new Elmer book, I was very excited to share it with Adam.  Unfortunately it did not really hit the mark on the "superhero-ness" but was pretty cute anyways.  One morning Elmer is taking a walk when he sees Super El with a problem.  Super El's outfit is torn and Elmer knows exactly how to help him.  Elmer and Super El set out together headed to  Aunt Zelda's house.  The challenge is keeping Super El hidden from the other animals.  Aunt Zelda works carefully and quickly. And soon Super El is back in the sky.
Text:  3 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

On My Way To The Bath by Sarah Maizes

Bathtime!!.....and thus begins the adventure to get the child into the bathtub and ready for bed.  But along the way the child turns into a snake, that scares a little brother, constructs a statue of blocks, and on and on.  Mom is at first patient.....and later, not so much.  Once in the bath and clean....the next challenge is getting the child OUT of the bathtub!  Cute book and so many parents can relate (I know I can) to the child who seems to find everything along the way to avoid getting into the bath but then decides not to get out of bath.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Surfer Chick by Kristy Dempsey

This one has been a big hit at our house this summer!  Chick's dad is a legend in surfing BUT Chick just does not seem to be able to master the surf board.  Determined to learn, Chick and her dad get a new PINK surf board and hit the waves.  This proves to be a little more challenging than they had thought it would be.  Dad was very patient and with some practice Chick became....SURFER CHICK!  Hilariously funny book....prefect for summer reading!

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves


Click here for the book trailer.....it is fun!

For Just One Day by Laura Leuck

For just one day......all children imagine themselves as different animals and the specialty that various animals, from snake to whale, possess.

"But what if I could swim the Nile- and be a creeping...I'd have the sharpest, snapping smile, if I could be a crocodile."

Great springboard for activity where students explain the animals they would like to be and what the special "feature" of the animal is.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Wumbers by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Litchenheld

"It's a book!"  

"It's a game!"

"It's words cre8ed with numbers!"

Always a fan of Rosenthal, I was very exited this summer to see this book was coming out.  I was not disappointed.  "Reading" this book requires some thinking and decoding, even for adults!  Each page 

provides students an opportunity to really use their thinking caps.  

"They are pre10ding."

"I think you'll sur 5"

Great fun that would scan the levels

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

I Know a Wee Piggy by Kim Norman

"I know a wee piggy...who wallowed in brown upside down, he wallowed in brown."

And the piggy takes off on a wild trip through the fair with all its COLORS!  Repeating, rhyming text similar to The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.  A great introduction or review of colors in a fun manner that kids will enjoy.  I plan to use this one with the kindergarteners this fall.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves - bright and colorful!

When No-one's Looking On the Farm by Zana Fraillon & Lucia Masciullo

Ever wonder what the ducks are doing when no one is watching?  What kind of "horsing around" do you think those horses are doing when you can not see them?  This funny, lift-flap book uncovers all the secrets of farm animals that you always wondered about.  Kids will crack up at some of the silliness these animals get into when no one is watching.  Great book to use with making predictions - which even most adults would guess wrong!  Looking forward to using this book with kindergarten at some point this year.  Great fun!

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Ladybugs by Gail Gibbons

Gail Gibbons is a master at creating nonfiction books for younger children.  True to her form, Gibbons has written shorter nonfiction captions and text to accompany illustrations that include identifying text to help extend the understanding of the text.  For example, did you know, ladybugs have a yellow fluid that oozes from their leg joints when they feel threatened?  Yum!  Ladybugs are also being used by many farmers as a way to help rid crops of other harmful insects.  Another great addition to the Gibbons library of nonfiction!

Mama For Mayor by Jan and Mike Berenstain

Mama is upset about the holes in the road and decides she is going to run for mayor in order to make some much needed changes.  She goes through the whole process:  declaring her intent to run to campaigning to debates to election night.  I am not usually a huge fan of Berenstein Bears however this book is a great book for fall to intoroduce in simple, simple. terms the election process.  K, 1 and possibly 2nd grades.

Corduroy Writes a Letter based on characters created by Don Freeman

Corduroy and Lisa are back and they are learning the benefit of writing letters to bring about change.  Lisa and Corduroy visit the bakery and come home with cookies which Lisa notices is lacking sprinkles.  Her mother encourages Lisa to write a letter.  When Lisa gives up writing a letter reasoning, "I am just a little girl," and the owner would not listen to her, Corduroy writes the letter.  The next week's visit to the library proves his efforts valuable when there are more sprinkles on the cookies.  The same thing happens when Lisa, her mother, and Corduroy visit the theater and notice lights are out in the letters T and H.  Again Corduroy writes a letter when Lisa decides against doing it which ends with positive results.  Corduroy and Lisa are listening to the radio when Lisa decides it is her turn to write a letter to the radio station to suggest they play her favorite song.  Will Lisa's letter have the same benefit as Corduroy's?

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 3 Buckeye leaves

The Night I Followed The Dog by Nina Laden

This book is a little older (1994) but has become a favorite of the 4 year old since we got it at the library!  One morning a boy decides to open the door just a little earlier to let the dog in, and discovers his dog jumping out of a limo wearing a tux.  The boy decides to follow his dog that night and finds a whole new world.  The doghouse he helped build has a living room, bathroom and huge closet.  He follows his dog to a part of town he has never seen before.  A place where dogs hang out without having to follow the orders of masters.

"See all the sofas?  We can sit on the sofas here.  We can get treats without having to lie down, roll over, or play dead."

The text is written large and some of the words actually looks like the word being described.  For example, the word "leashes" looks like a leash with the letters changed.   We are really enjoying this book.  Great fun!

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Duck Says Don't by Alison Ritchie

Goose is going on vacation and leaving Duck in charge of the pond.  Duck takes his responsibility very seriously....too seriously.  First Duck tells the dragonflies they may NOT race around the pond.  Dragonflies try to explain they are just flying but Duck will not listen and soon posts a sign that states:  No Racing.  Then he sees Kingfisher fishing.  He quickly informs him that he is NOT to fish and of course posts a sign.  Soon all the animals have left the pond and moved to the meadow to avoid the bossy duck.  Duck then realizes that he is lonely with all the other animals gone from the pond.  Will he be able to bring the other animals back to the pond?  A great book for teaching an important lesson about being too bossy, which many kids could benefit from.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Louise the Big Cheese and the Ooh-la-la Charm School

Louise Cheese is back and of course, looking to somehow become a big VIP - very important person.  Louise was out riding her bike when she sees a girl walking with a book on her head.  Lousie learns that the girl, Claire Eclaire.  Claire is from "Paris" and is visiting her grand-mama.  Claire instructs Louise to come back the next day for the first day of the Ooh-la-la Charm School.  Over the next few days Claire puts Louise to the test through a series of challenges and training exercises.  Louise becomes so wrapped up in her charm school tasks, she forgets some of the important things, including her best friend Fern and embarrasses herself.  Louise learns very important lessons about friendship and the meaning of "true friendship" and the real meaning of being a VIP, great lessons for ALL kids to learn.

Text: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books! by Lucille Colandro

She is back!!  That old lady (the Lucille Colandro variety) is back and apparently hungrier than usual!  This time she is swallowing some books...pen, pencil case, ruler, folder,....see where this is going?  Kids LOVE these books!  A great book to use for the back to school time.  I have a feeling there will be LOTS of teachers reading this book this fall!  

......I have been waiting for Colandro to write a BIRTHDAY old lady book!  :)  

Bug and Bear by Ann Bonwill

All of us have been there.....one of those days.....you just want to be left alone!!!  Bear is feeling this way and his friend Bug won't leave him alone.  The more Bug bothers Bear, the more annoyed Bear becomes.  Bear says some mean things to his friend and suddenly Bug is gone.  Once Bear is alone he realizes that he was really not a good friend to Bug.  He decides to go find Bug and is not able to find him.  Where is Bug?  Is he ok?  A good book for explaining that everyone has bad days....and how to be on both sides of that situation:  the bug and the bear!


Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

My Snake Blake

A boy is very excited (his mother not so much) when his father brings him a special snake for an early birthday gift.  This is a very special snake because he can spell!  Ask him his name, he tells you, "Blake" by moving his body into the shape.  The boy's mom is not as taken with the family pet.  Of course Blake just spells (tells) her to, "Relax."  Eventually even mom has to admit that as far as snakes goes, Blake is pretty good since he has never bitten anyone, can cook, does dishes, and catches flies.


Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein

Beatrice Bottomwell has always done everything perfectly.  She NEVER makes mistakes. From getting dressed to making sandwiches to her juggling act she has done the last 3 years in the talent show, she does everything without any mistakes.  But this year is different.  The day of the talent show arrives and during a cooking lesson at school, Beatrice almost makes a mistake.  What could this mean?  When it is her turn to perform at the talent show she is nervous but the crowd is not because she is "the girl that never makes mistakes!"  It is too late in her juggling act when Beatrice realizes her salt shaker actually has specks falling out that are not salt.....and the hamster suddenly.....A great book for teaching kids about making mistakes and that everyone makes mistakes, even perfect Beatrice Bottomwell.  

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Bawk & Roll by Tammi Sauer

Tired of books that your kid finds hilarious and you are still shaking your head hours later trying to figure out what was so funny?  Look no more!!  In fact, you may find yourself laughing at this one more than the kid!  Marge and Lola are hitting the road with Elvis (at least the feathered version).  Unfortunately Lola and Marge are not ready to face....the BIG CROWDS!!!  Yikes!  They must overcome their fear of crowds....or their career might be over!  Hilarious.  Text and illustrations fit together to create a truly funny reading experience for both kids and adults.

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Too Much Noise in the Library by Susan Margaret Chapman

Mrs. Reade, a busy school librarian, is use to the noises in the library:  the books dropping, pages turning, teachers chattering, students giggling, etc.  One day the mayor decides to stop by the school library.  He does not like all the noise and sets out to eliminate all the extra noise, one noise at a time.  He is finally able to create a quiet, peaceful library....too quiet.  Mrs. Reade is in shock!  The mayor soon realizes the error of his ways and invites the children and teachers back to the library, allows the books to be checked out again, etc.  Cute book for beginning of the year (at least that is when I will probably be using it).

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves