Memoirs of an Elf by Devin Scillian

Spark Elf provides a first hand account of Santa's big night through his journal.  Trying to keep Santa on schedule, especially when there are cookies and dogs involved, is not easy.  When they finally arrive back home after all the deliveries, they discover they have brought along a stowaway, a dog named Tugboat. Together a plan must be put into action to get Tugboat home with his family.  In order to carry out the plan they must break some rules before Tugboat's family has a very unhappy Christmas.  

Text:  4 Buckeye leaves

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

*Same author and illustrator team of Memoirs of a Goldfish (one of my favorites) and Memoirs of a Hamster.  

Elizabeth, Queen of the Sea by Lynne Cox

Elizabeth is a elephant seal.  But unlike other elephant seals that live in the salt water oceans, Elizabeth has chosen to live in the shallow waters of the Avon River in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand.  One day Elizabeth came out of the water and ended up in the street.  Cars had to swerve to miss her.  A group decided to tow Elizabeth out to a seal colony out at sea to protect her, as well as the drivers, from a possible accident in the future.  Elizabeth had other plans.  Elizabeth headed "home" and was soon back on the warm streets near the Avon River.  Quickly Elizabeth was taken to another seal colony even farther away and again she returned home.  The next time she was towed hundreds of miles away.  The people of Christchurch felt certain they would never see her again.  They waited to see if she would show up again.  When she once again appeared in the city, it was time to take a new approach.  A fascinating true story about an amazing animal and her devotion to her home.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  4 Buckeye leaves

Tuesday Tucks Me In by

Told from the perspective of Tuesday, a service dog for a veteran of the U.S.Army, this book offers the readers a unique glimpse into the life of two very special friends.  Short text and photographs makes this book a unique read for elementary and middle school students.  Students will enjoy "spending the day" with Tuesday and Luis as they narrate their daily encounters and challenges.  See how Tuesday makes a great friend and support for Luis.  Would be excellent to be used in conjunction with a lesson on Veteran's Day.

Text:  5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

*As with any book, preread before sharing with students and know your audience!  Some students may have relatives in the military and have a unique perspective to add.

Snowman's Story by Will Hillenbrand

It is a cold, wintry day when a hat lands on a snowman's head.  Hidden inside that hat is a little rabbit.  The snowman reads a story to his new friends.  Soon the snowman falls asleep and the rabbit takes off with the book.  The chase is on to get that book back.  A magnificently illustrated wordless book perfect for a wintry day that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.  Love this one!

Illustrations:  5 Buckeye leaves

Enjoy the book trailer here!