Welcome to the Bed and Biscuit

Grandpa Bender is a veterinarian who runs the Bed and Biscuit, a boardinghouse for various types of animals. Helping him run the business are former borders, rescued animals that Grandpa adopted as part of his family: Gabby, a Vietnamese mynah bird who has been with Grandpa for 10 years and sometimes answers the phone when Grandpa is busy; Ernest the pig, who has his own shower and a wonderful brain that can help him find things when no one else can; and Milly, a cuddly, red-gold cat that Grandpa wears like a scarf. In this often humorous tale they coexist happily until Grandpa brings home a mysterious guest, with whom he starts to spend all of his time. Who is this guest that fits in a breadbox? Will life with Grandpa ever be the same again? Recommended for grades 2-3.

Just For Elephants

This beautiful and poignant story really captures the attention of the reader as the former circus elephant is taken from a zoo to an elephant sanctuary to begin a new life. It is a heartwarming story of an elephant reunion and really provides an in depth understanding of the social and family structure of these huge animals. The book provides a little information at the back about the Elephant Sanctuary which is located in Tennessee. The book was put out by the creator of the sanctuary and while many of the pictures are very good, there are two that could be a little clearer.
There are downloadable teacher resources available from the sanctuary website and an elecam
www.elephants.com
3rd grade and up

Drita, My Homegirl, by Jenny Lombard

Drita, a refugee from Kosovo and Maxie, an African American girl in her New York City classroom are an unlikely pair. Drita barely speaks English and struggles to make friends at her new school while outgoing Maxie is in frequent trouble for clowning around in class. Their stories are told in alternating chapters as the two girls get to know each other and their families. This is an outstanding story about friendship and overcoming differences.

Houndsley and Catina and the birthday surprise, by James Howe

Houndsley the dog is sad because he doesn't know when his birthday is. When he tells his friend, Catina, the cat she also seems sad. Unbeknownst to the other, each friend plans a suprise birthday party for the other. Told in three short chapters, this book for new readers is a delightful story of friendship accompanied by expressive watercolor, pencil and collage illustrations. The text hits just the right emotional note.

Grades 1-3

Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship, by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, & Dr. Paula Kahumbu

The tsunami of 2004 left a young hippo stranded and motherless in the village of Malindi on the coast of Kenya. The people rallied to rescue the hippo who they named Owen and transported the young animal to Haller Park, an animal sanctuary near Mombasa. Placed in an enclosure with Mzee, a giant 130 year-old tortoise, Owen immediately took to the tortoise and soon the two were inseparable friends. The book realistically portrays the animal relationship without sentimentality yet still the reader is left with a sense of mystery of belonging and friendship.

All ages.

All of the Above, by Shelley Pearsall

Mr. Collins challenges his seventh grade math students to stay after school to build the world's largest tetrahedron and earn a world record. Four students alternate voices to tell what happens next and through the telling their individual stories emerge as well as their growing sense of teamwork and purpose. When vandals wreck their first attempt, the community rallies to help them. Mr. Collins sprinkles math facts and questions throughout like, "Each level of a tetrahedron increases by a factor of four." In order to beat the existing record, they must make four times as many pieces. Marcel's dad owns a barbecue place, and recipes for spicy barbecue sauce are also interspersed throughout the story. I expected to enjoy this book because it had a math theme, but was delighted to find it was a story with much greater depth because of the characters and their interactions.

Grades 5-8

Duck and Goose, by Tad Hills

A delightful primary book about a duck and a goose squabbling over a large spotted egg - in reality a rubber ball. Both birds claim the egg and become friends while waiting for it to hatch. A cute book about friendship and sharing, not to mention showing the difference between geese and ducks. I am already looking forward to Duck, Duck, Goose by the same author.

PreSchool - Grade 2

Clementine, by Sara Pennypacker

Clementine conquers all sorts of disasters with spunky persistence and unflagging optimism. She tries her best to help--but things do not always go as planned. For example, Clementine's best friend Margaret's extreme haircut. She tried to help her friend by evening it up--by cutting the other side. The result wasn't good so they agreed to cut it all off. Then they drew it back in permanent flame colored marker. The Principal and Margaret's mother were less than pleased with the results. Clementine is forever getting in trouble for not paying attention--but she is paying attention and seeing lots of things no one else would ever see.
A wonderfully humorous look into a child's world of life, school, and friends with superb dialog and fabulous pen and ink drawings that capture the spirit of the characters. A laugh out loud uplifting read and a wonderful addition to early chapter books. Notables SLJ Best Books and PW .

Grades 2-4