How the week has flown by! It’s Spring Break week in our county and it’s a time for lots of family adventures, some nearby in Chicago, and Wisconsin and some a little further away where there are sunny skies and warm temperatures. We’ve spent the week at our lake house in Michigan we’ve had mostly gray skies and rain. However, that means LOTS of time for reading. I’ve actually read several adult books this week, as well as kids’ books. 
Here are two of my favorites.The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows and The Last Telegram by Liz Trenow. I read the Potato Peel Pie Society years ago and recently heard a recommendation from one of my favorite adult book bloggers, Modern Mrs. Darcy, suggesting if you had liked The Potato Peel Pie Society, you would love The Last Telegram, and it was so true. They are both set in England during World War II. You learn about the hardships, the fears and the bravery of those at home, while their loved ones were in the midst of battle. My father was a World War II veteran, and my mother was in high school during the war, so I feel that I have a much better understanding of their experiences after reading these historical fiction books. I highly recommend both of them!
Now back to kids’ books. Here is this week’s Kids’ Books to Remember. I hope these titles will help you find some new books that will become family favorites!
Kids’ books to remember: read aloud
As always, the books this week are those the whole family will enjoy, even your little ones. The links are to Amazon descriptions where you can read a short summary of the story, however these titles should be readily available at your library, as well.
No Flying in the House by Betty Brock
Abel’s Island by William Steig
Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: picture books
The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
This story reminds me of our family reunions each summer in Michigan. I always look forward so much to everyone getting together, but then I’m a little sad once everyone leaves. That is, until I remember that hopefully we’ll all be together once again next summer!
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
Molly Lou may be small and a little different, but she has the self confidence to stand up to the meanest bully.
Duck! Rabbit! by jAmy Krouse Rosenthall
I’ve been sharing this delightful book with kindergartners for years and I always get the same response. They delight in the story – is the main character a duck or a rabbit? This will prompt lots of conversations with your little ones, as they tell you why they are SURE it’s a duck or a rabbit! I just realized this is available as a board book, too, so this would be great for your little one who hasn’t quite learned about being careful with a picture book.
KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: chapter books or middle grade books
Scumble by Ingrid Law
This used to be a favorite in my library. It’s a fantasy that is full of action and adventure. “The title stands alone in its fast-paced plot with twists and turns galore, and readers familiar with Savvy will eat it up and wish for more.” – School Library Journal
The Toothpaste Millionaire by Jean Merill
Rufus doesn’t set out to be a millionaire. He just wants to save some money on his next tube of toothpaste, but with help from his friends he starts a million dollar business!
Danger Box by Blue Balliet
This mystery is by one of my favorite middle grade authors. It’s set in Michigan, not far from my home, which adds to the fun and the intrigue. This story is full of secret codes, mysterious strangers and a box containing many secrets. Grade 4 and up.
links for mom and dad
Things I Should Have Known Review
This is a great new book for for your middle or high school child. The review comes from a Wisconsin librarian who is a favorite of mine on Instagram.
13 Read-Alouds to Help you Connect with Your Middle Schooler
This list includes so many titles that will help prompt some great conversations with your middle or high schooler.
It’s OK to Write or Draw in These Books! (Gasp!)
If your kiddos love to draw, and you’d love to inspire even more creativity, these would be great additions to their Easter Basket!
Once again, thank you for inviting me into your inbox to help you prepare for your week. What are some titles you’ve found at your library that you’d like everyone to know about? Please let us know in the comments. Have a wonderful week, full of budding flowers and sunny skies (I may be dreaming, but that is truly my wish for you, wherever you are!).
8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel + 1 Dog = Chaos by Vivian Vande Velde
