My New Best Friend by Julie Bowe - ESSENTIAL

My New Best Friend by Julie Bowe, 181 pgs. Harcourt, inc., 2008.

Content - G

EL-ESSENTIAL

Ida May loves to play with her new best friend, Stacey Merriweather. Things get interesting, though, when they find a special mermaid night light that seems to grant wishes and Stacey seems to be using it to tell some big lies. Can Ida stop Stacey from causing big problems but still keep their friendship?

I liked this book. They do some pretty silly things in this book that make me laugh. I would highly recommend it.

Student Reviewer: MB

Painting the WIld Frontier by Susanna Reich - ESSENTIAL

Painting the Wild Frontier: The Art and Adventures of George Catlin by Susanna Reich, 133 pages. Clarion, 2008. NON-FICTION.

EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

George Catlin trekked all over the world, painting Indians of every tribe. He dedicated himself to painting the Indian tribes before they “died out”, knowing that westward expansion would wipe many of their cultures from the earth. He painted hunts and ceremonies, chiefs and women. He befriended the king of France and was the talk of London with his art exhibit, and is one of the best-known artists of the 19th century.

This is a good book. It’s very informative, and it’s interesting as well. It’s easy to understand and fun to read. It is a good resource, well organized and with a good balance of pictures and information.

Student Reviewer: RG

My Last Best Friend by Julie Bowe - ESSSENTIAL

My Last Best Friend by Julie Bowe, 146 pgs. Harcourt (Houghton), 2007. 

Content-G

EL-ESSENTIAL

Ida May’s best friend has moved away and she promises not to make a new one. That doesn’t seem so hard with Jenna Drews running the fourth grade, until she meets the smiley Stacey Merriweather. Has she found a new friend in Stacey?

I liked this book. The characters are very fun. I love Stacey’s character.

Student Reviewer: MB

Rosetta’s Daring Day by Lisa Papademetriou - ESSENTIAL

Rosetta’s Daring Day (Disney Fairies) by Lisa Papademetriou, 118 pages. Random House, 2009. 

Content-G

EL-ESSENTIAL

Rosetta makes a deal with Fawn that if Fawn goes to the queens fancy dinner she will spend a whole day doing whatever Fawn wants. When that day comes Rosetta is not sure that she wants to keep her promise. Can their friendship last the day?

This was a very fun book. I loved seeing their opposite personalities. It was a very silly book that made me laugh.

Student Reviewer: MB

Sneaky Weasel by Hannah Shaw - ADVISABLE

Sneaky Weasel by Hannah Shaw. Knopf (Random), 2009. PICTURE BOOK. 

EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE

Weasel is fabulously wealthy and he knows it. He’s also very sneaky and kind of mean. When he throws himself a party to show off his possessions, no one comes. Now he is going to go out and find out why his party was a bust – but he may not like what he has to do to be the kind of person people want to hang out with.

Sneaky Weasel may seem like an unlikely character to teach the importance of being kind, but I think he is a wonderfully fun role model. There are lots of fun details in the illustrations to keep you busy even after you’ve memorized the text!

Cindy, Library-Teacher

You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! by Jonah Winter and Andre Carrilho - OPTIONAL

 

Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! by Jonah Winter and Andre Carrilho. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz and Wade (Random), 2009. 

EL – OPTIONAL

Sandy Kofax didn’t want to be a baseball player, but the scouts kept hanging around the field where this Jewish left-hander played with his friends. After two bad seasons, Kofax finally figures out the problem and goes on to being one of the best all-time pitchers in baseball. Then, after only six years, he retires.

Winter packs a lot of information in a small package. Baseball crazy kids will be happy – as will their dads.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Chee-Lin: A Giraffe’s Journey by James Rumford - ADVISABLE

Chee-Lin: A Giraffe’s Journey by James Rumford. PICTURE BOOK. Houghton, 2008.

EL – ADVISABLE

Hundreds of years ago, a young giraffe was captured in Africa and through many hardships was brought to the court of the emperor of China, where they believe that he is the legendary Chee-lin: a mythical character of great fortune.

This is a sweet telling of the possible life and journey of a giraffe that did live in the imperial court back in the 1400’s. It’s a beautiful book that would add flavor to a unit about China or about giraffes.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Stanley’s Beauty Contest by Linda Bailey and Bill Slavin - OPTIONAL

Stanley’s Beauty Contest by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Bill Slavin. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2009. 

 EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL

Bath or not, Stanley finds himself entered in a local dog beauty contest – competing against some of his best friends for a delicious dog bone. Try as he might, Stanley can’t seem to win a prize, so he must use his doggie smarts to get himself a piece of the action. Stanley and his friends know what is most fun – and they will talk about this day for a very long time.

Stanley and his friends are fun to watch and pretty silly to boot.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

The Mythology Handbook by Lady Hesta Evans - ESSENTIAL

The Mythology Handbook by Lady Hesta Evans, 80 pages. 2009. 

 Language: G, Sexual Content: PG, Violence: PG

EL, MS- ESSENTIAL 

This book is about Greek mythology. It’s filled with tales of mighty gods, powerful monsters and titans. It also has ancient Greek myths of heroic heroes. It’s even filled with activities and stickers. I like this book because it has a lot of information of practically all of the interesting Greek myths. I also like this book because it’s filled with adventures of mighty heroes and heroines. 

 Student Reviewer: SO.

Jack the Tripper by Gene Baretta - ADVISABLE

Jack the Tripper by Gene Baretta. PICTURE BOOK. Harcourt, 2008. 

 EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE 

 The students of Dizzie Day Elementary School are under siege by a mysterious tripper! He’s tripping students, taking book reports, and eating the candy for the Dizzie Day Parade. Things can’t possibly get any worse, until they do! The Dizzie Day Parade is canceled! What ever will they do? 

 This fun story is similar to the fable of the boy crying wolf with a humorous new spin! 

 Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian

Honey Cake by Joan Betty Stuchner and Cynthia Nugent - ADVISABLE

Honey Cake by Joan Betty Stuchner, illustrated by Cynthia Nugent, 100 pgs. Random House, 2008

 Content G 

 EL - ADVISABLE 

 David’s older sister is part of the Danish resistance and young David also helps the cause proving his bravery. The illustrations detract from this inspirational story. 

Through this straightforward and informative story of Jews in the Danish Resistance during World War II, early chapter book readers learn what life was like under Nazi occupation in a thrilling and age-appropriate way. The faces of the young children look like adults and the sizes of the characters are very inconsistent. But this Stepping Stone Book is just right for children not yet ready for “Number the Stars”. 

 Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

My Mother Is Mine by Marion Bauer - ADVISABLE

My Mother Is Mine by Marion Bauer. BOARD BOOK. Little Simon, 2004. 

 Pre-K – ADVISABLE 

 A simply beautiful book that details all the loving things that mothers do and are. Peter Elwell’s illustrations of various animal mothers and babies are soft and sweet. This sweet board book is sure to get lots of use! 

 Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian

The Election-Day Disaster by Ron Roy

 

The Election-Day Disaster (Capitol Mysteries) by Ron Roy, 87 pages. Random House, Inc. CHAPTER BOOK. 

 EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

 KC is one lucky girl. Her stepfather is the president of the United States and this year he is letting her have a big Halloween party at the White House. Everything goes great until the media get a hold of some pictures from the party that could cost her stepfather his re-election. It’s up to KC and her friend, Marshall to discover who is behind the pictures and why someone would want to spoil the president’s re-election. Will they be able to solve the mystery before election day or will KC find herself living somewhere other than the White House? 

 Although not as fast-paced as some of the books for this age group, this is a good, easy-to-read mystery for those who enjoyed reading the A to Z Mysteries series by this author or, in general, like this genre. Drawings are well done and do a good job of complementing the story. This book would make a great addition to any collection, especially if that collection has a large number of mystery readers. I would also recommend White House White-out by Ron Roy (a book that crosses over between the two series). 

 Reviewer: Kira-Youth Services Librarian-HUN Public Library.

The Giant Golden Book of Elves and Fairies by Jane Werner - ESSENTIAL

The Giant Golden Book of Elves and Fairies by Jane Werner, 2008. 

 EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

 Enter the world of fairies, pixies, mermaids, and other fantastical creatures. Learn about how they live and what mischief they like to create. 

 A good book for a little bit older group of kids who like to read about fantastical creatures. Entertaining illustrations and enchanting stories make this books a must-have for any teacher or librarian’s collection. 

 Reviewer: Kira, Children's Librarian-HUN Public Library

The Snow Show by Carolyn Fisher - ADVISABLE

The Snow Show by Carolyn Fisher. Harcourt, 2008. PICTURE BOOK

EL(K-3) - ADVISABLE

Snow White and Jack Frost are the hosts of a cooking show starring a snowman named Chef Kelvin.

Science facts are included as part of the recipe for how snow is formed. The text and digital art combine to teach the processes of evaporation, deposition, application of heat (or cold), and precipitation. The dynamic and inventive art will help children used to computer graphics learn these concepts. Includes an author’s note with additional information about snow, suggested reading, a recipe for “Polar Pops” and a link to the author’s website, which features an exciting animation of snow-crystal formation and a free activity kit.

Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

I’m Your Bus by Marilyn Singer and Evan Polenghi - ADVISABLE

 I’m Your Bus by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Evan Polenghi. PICTURE BOOK.  Scholastic Press, Inc., 2009. 

 Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

 From picking up the kids to bedtime, this bus’ work is never done. Follow him as he goes throughout his day doing his job and see what life would be like as a school bus. 

 Illustrations are well done and do a great job complementing the story. The text is easy to understand and fun to read. This book would work well for preschool and kindergarten teachers as well as children’s librarians. 

 Reviewer: Kira, Children's Librarian-HUN Public Library

The Black Stallion and the Shape-Shifter by Steven Farley - OPTIONAL

The Black Stallion and the Shape-shifter by Steven Farley, 263 pages. Random House, 2009. Content: G.

EL - OPTIONAL

The Black Stallion has been injured and is off to Ireland for some recuperation, A mysterious, charismatic horse along the shore has plans for the stallion.

If you have a definite horse-crazy clientele, go for it, but otherwise, the Black Stallion series doesn't draw as much of a crowd as it used to.

Cindy - Library Teacher.

The Girl Who Wanted to Dance by Amy Erlich - ADVISABLE

The Girl Who Wanted to Dance by Amy Erlich. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2009. 

 EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

 Clara likes to dance a lot. When she sees a group of dancers she can’t help but be drawn to them. She even follows their wagon. When she is with the dancers she fills very much welcome there and doesn’t want to go home. She finds a surprise there that changes her forever. 

 This was a pretty good book. It was not one of my favorites though. I found it a little bit hard to follow. I did like the plot line very much though. The pictures in this book were very beautiful. I enjoyed looking at them. 

 Student Reviewer: MB

Toy Dance Party by Emily Jenkins - NO

Toy Dance Party by Emily Jenkins, 176 pages. Schwartz and Wade, 2008.

EL-OPTIONAL

Lumphy, Stingray, and Plastic are stuffed animals that talk. They are best friends. This book tells of all of their adventures as friends.

I did not like this book. It was very weird. The characters were very strange. I thought that this book was very dull and boring. I was not able to get in to this book.

Student Reviewer: MB

Friendly Tales by Margaret Wise Brown - ADVISABLE

Friendly Tales by Margaret Wise Brown, 213 pages. Golden Books 2008.

EL-ADVISABLE

This book is a collection of many short stories and poems. There are many characters in this book that are doing many different things.

The characters in this book were very fun and I liked them. There were many fun stories in this book. It was kind of weird though, so I didn't like it that much.

Student Reviewer: MB

Soup for Breakfast by Calef Brown - OPTIONAL

Soup For Breakfast: A Collection of Poems and Pictures by Calef Brown. PICTURE BOOK. Houghton Mifflin Books, 2008. 9780618916412

EL - OPTIONAL

From burglars to paint on toast, this book is filled with funny poems about life and enjoying everything about it.

With unique illustrations and fun-to-read text, this book would make an excellent addition to any library or teacher’s collection.

Reviewer: Kira-Youth Services Librarian-HUN Public Library.

Dog Lost by Ingrid Lee - ESSENTIAL

Dog Lost by Ingrid Lee, 197 pages. Chicken House.

Content - G

EL - ESSENTIAL

One day, Mackenzie's father brings home a pit bull puppy, and tells Mac to take care of it. Pit bulls are frowned upon as dangerous in the community, but Mac loves his dog, whom he names Cash. But Mackenzie's father has a mean temper, and one day he takes Cash away and dumps her in the middle of nowhere. Cash has to learn to survive, and Mackenzie is heartbroken.

This was a good book. I think that people who love dogs would really enjoy this book. It was a fun read, and it was pretty well written. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves animals.

Student Reviewer: RG

Along Came Spider by James Preller - ADVISABLE

Along Came Spider by James Preller, 127 pgs. Scholastic Inc., 2008.

Content-G

EL - ADVISABLE

Spider has a friend named Trey who many think is very weird. Spider doesn't know what to do because Spider wants to be friends with Trey like they always have been, but still wants to make other friends. Others don't like Spider because he is friends with Trey. Spider has to make a decision between being friends with Trey or having many other friends.

I thought that this book was just okay. The characters were very fun though and I enjoyed how they reacted to different things in many different ways. Trey was a very enjoyable character for me to read about.

Student Reviewer: MB

Deck the Halls by Norman Rockwell - ADVISABLE

Deck the Halls by Norman Rockwell. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008. PICTURE BOOK

Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

Fourteen of Norman Rockwell’s winter and Christmas themed illustrations have been selected to accompany the words to the traditional carol. The intimate and humorous illustrations include a jolly Santa, children sledding, and a grandfather cuddling his grandchildren. The combination of the classic song with the classic illustrations creates a true family Christmas treasure. The book is also large enough to share with a group for a festive sing-along. An introduction by John Rockwell, Norman Rockwell’s grandson, and the final pages identifying the source and date for each illustration add to this high quality book.

Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

The Doghouse by Jan Thomas - ADVISABLE

The Doghouse by Jan Thomas. PICTURE BOOK. Harcourt, Inc., 2008. 

EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

Thomas’ latest offering featuring her familiar animal buddies (A Birthday for Cow, 2008) provides more silly fun. When their ball flies into the doghouse, mouse tries to get each of the animals to go in and get it out. Cow goes in first but Cow does not come out. Oh no! When Pig and then Duck suffer the same fate, mouse yells, “Can’t you come out, Duck?” The big dog yells back, “No! Because I am having Duck for dinner.” Mouse assumes the worst but a happy ending is in store for all.

The bold cartoon illustrations are large enough to work well for a group and set just the right tone for what is an old joke but a good one. Teachers will appreciate the repetitive wording throughout that is perfect for early readers. The simple story also lends itself to creative classroom dramatics.

Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

Our Library by Eve Bunting - ADVISABLE

Our Library by Eve Bunting. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books, 2008.

EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE

When Miss Goose announces that the library is going to have to close down, the community pulls together to try to save it! Raccoon and his friends learn how to help save the library by reading books. They paint the roof, raise money, and even find a way to move the building!

This story raises the awareness of the importance of libraries in our community, as well as the benefits of working together.

Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Libraria

Martha Doesn't Say Sorry by Samantha Berger - ADVISABLE

Berger, Samantha Martha Doesn’t Say Sorry! PICTURE BOOK. Little, Brown and Company, 2009.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE

Martha doesn’t say sorry, even when she does something really naughty. When Martha spends the day doing not so nice things to her family and refuses to apologize, she realizes the importance of being sorry.

This delightful story may not coax your little ones to apologize, but it will for sure invoke smiles and laughs.

Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian

No Hugs Till Saturday by Julie Downing - ADVISABLE

No Hugs Till Saturday by Julie Downing. PICTURE BOOK.  Clarion Books, 2008.

 Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE 

When a young dragon is sent to quiet time and deprived of a toy, he becomes determined to deprive his mother of all his wonderful hugs for a week. Unfortunately a week is very long for both the young dragon and his mom. Soon the young dragon realizes that a single day without a hug is just too much.

This is a fun book that also teaches the days of the week. It is sure to have all your little dragons feeling huggable!

Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox - ADVISABLE

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox. PICTURE BOOK. Harcourt, 2008.

Pre-K – ADVISABLE

This sweet poem celebrates babies around the world. Helen Oxenbury’s illustrations are timeless and enjoyable for both adults and children. This book is one that will have your youngster cuddly in your arms. I enjoyed the thought behind the poem, but as a mother of a specially-abled baby this poem did not celebrate all babies.

Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian

Panda Kisses by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Kay Widdowson - ADVISABLE

Capucilli, Alyssa Satin Panda Kisses by Alyssa Capucilli, illustrated by Kay Widdowson. Step into Reading - Random House, 2008. EARLY READER

EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

This Step 1 title features a rhyming text with a bouncy rhythm and illustrations that are almost too cute. When a young panda asks each of his parents for a kiss, they give him choices: "A soft kiss? / A sweet kiss? / A sticky bamboo treat kiss?" In the end the young panda determines that "There are many kisses that will do! / But the best kiss is-from both of you!"

A large font, rhythm and rhyme, picture clues and a a low word count per page will help emergent readers succeed.

Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

My First Book About Airplanes and Rockets by Karma Einhorn - NO

Sesame Subjects: My First Book About Airplanes and Rockets by Karma Einhorn, illustrated by Christopher Moroney. Random House, 2008. PICTURE BOOK.

EL (K-3) - NOT RECOMMENDED

In this latest entry to the Sesame Subjects library, Grover and Elmo tell kids about all kinds of airplanes and rockets. The book is filled with terrific photos, simple facts, and Sesame Street characters. The information is above the interest level of toddlers and preschoolers and the Sesame Street characters are too young for elementary age children. I'm not sure who the audience for this book would be. 

Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

Ten Sleepy Sheep by Phyllis Root - ESSENTIAL

Ten Sleepy Sheep, by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Susan Gaber. Candlewick, 2009. BOARD BOOK.

Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

One by one, ten little lambs stop what they are doing and drop off to sleep. Can you find all of the lambs in the final picture and match them where they feel asleep?

What a great book for a bedtime story.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

How to Make a Cherry Pie and see the U.S.A. by Marjorie Priceman - OPTIONAL

How to Make a Cherry Pie and see the U.S.A. by Marjorie Priceman. Alfred A. Knopf, 2008. PICTURE BOOK

EL - OPTIONAL

In this companion story to How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World (Knopf, 1994), a young baker takes a folksy trip across the U. S. A. in search of items to make a cherry pie. She travels to New Mexico to get clay for making a mixing bowl and to Hawaii for sand to make a glass measuring cup. She arrives back home in time to make the pie for the fourth of July.

It seems strange that the actual ingredients for the pie are not collected, just the raw materials needed to make the cooking equipment. And while the art work is fun and lively, there are many random distractions that make the story somewhat hard to follow. Purchase if the companion book is popular in your library. The story could be included in a unit on the United States.

Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

The Donut Chef by Bob Staake - ADVISABLE

The Donut Chef by Bob Staake. A Golden Book, 2008. PICTURE BOOK

EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

Colorful geometric art with a retro feel illustrates this cautionary tale of two bakers vying to have the most successful donut shop. As the feud escalates, their donuts get stranger and stranger with flavors like Peanut-Brickle Buttermilk and shapes like stars and macaroni. Soon the donuts had “lost their taste. They’d lost their soul. They’d even lost their donut hole!” All is saved when little Debbie Sue asks for an old fashioned glazed donut reminding them that simple is best.

It would be fun to read the story and then let the children decorate their own donut. (paper or real)

Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

Akiko and the Missing Misp by Mark Crilley - ESSENTIAL

Akiko and the Missing Misp by Mark Crilley, 186 pgs. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Delacorte Press, 2008.

Content-G

EL- ESSENTIAL

Akiko travels to her favorite, but strange, planet of Smoo. When she gets there she realizes that she went back in time. While she is there she gets launched into adventure as somebody tries to steal the vital misp and she has to help get it back.

I thought that this was a great book and I loved how it was so action packed the whole way through. I was able to feel really connected to the characters and what was going on with them.

Student Reviewer: MB.

Wombat and Fox - Tales of the City by Terry Denton - ESSENTIAL

Wombat and Fox- Tales of the City by Terry Denton, 124 pages. Kane/Miller Book Publishers, 2006.

Language-G, Sexual Content-G; Violence-G;

EL - ESSENTIAL

Wombat and Fox have many adventures in the city with their good friend Croc. They go everywhere in the city and meet many new people. 

I thought that this book was very cute. The author was very clever about the adventures that Wombat and Fox go on. There are many fun characters that do silly things. I loved it.

Student Reviewer: MB

The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney - ESSENTIAL

The Last Straw (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #3) by Jeff Kinney, 216 pages. Abrams, 2009.

Content: G

EL- ESSENTIAL

It's about a boy named Greg Heffley. He is a very wimpy kid. He and his friend Rowley have to survive school together. His dad gets mad and threatens to send him to a military academy. He better toughen up and get his act together or its bye bye for him. I think this book is very funny and has a lot of funny pictures, that is why I like it. Interest level

Student Reviewer: SO

Stitchin' and Pullin' a Gee's Bend Quilt by Patricia C. McKissack and Cozbi A. Cabrera - ADVISABLE

Stitchin' and Pullin' a Gee's Bend Quilt by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera. PICTURE BOOK.Random House, 2008.

EL - ADVISABLE

McKissack's series of poems tells the story of and honors the history of the Black women quilters of Gee's Bend, Alabama. For a hundred years, these women have quilted together, sharing stories, trading recipes, and singing hymns. Baby Girl is at the center of this patchwork story as piece by piece, she puzzles her quilt together—telling not just her story, but the story of her family, the story of Gee’s Bend, and the story of her ancestors’ struggle for freedom.

A good addition to any black history unit.

Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look - OPTIONAL

Look, Lenore Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look, 176 pages. Schwartz and Wade

Language~G, Sexual Content~G; Violence~G

EL – OPTIONAL 

Elevators, Bridges, Thunder, Substitute Teachers, The dark, Heights, and School are only a few things that 2nd grader Alvin Ho is afraid of. However, his fears do not make up who he is. Alvin loves superheroes, especially Green Lantern, Plastic Man, and Aquaman. Alvin is terrified of school to the point that he never speaks. His voice just doesn’t work. Everyday as he forces himself onto the bus he always holds tight to his PDK(Personal Disaster Kit) so he knows he is prepared.

This is a sweet story, but it is a little long and pedantic. I think this story would’ve made a perfect picture book describing a boy who has serious fears but is brave enough to face them head on. By the same author as Ruby Lu Brave and True.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library

The Mystery by Maxwell Eaton III - ESSENTIAL

The Mystery by Maxwell Eaton. Alfred A. Knopf, 2008. PICTURE BOOK

EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

Max and Pinky work all day to paint their barn red. The next morning it is pink. It again takes all day to repaint the barn and the next day it is orange plaid. Can they solve the mystery? Eaton (The Best Buds) once again elevates goofiness to fine art. When Pinky asks the gopher “What is your favorite color?” The gopher answers “Three!” And the visual jokes are also laugh out loud hilarious.

This latest installment in the Adventures of Max and Pinky is another heart-warming story about the value of true friendship.

Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

Sir Reginald's Logbook by Matt Hammill - OPTIONAL

Sir Reginald's Logbook by Makk Hamill. Kids Can Press, 2008. PICTURE BOOK

EL - OPTIONAL

Sir Reginald's diary illustrates his search through the dangerous jungle for the legendary Lost Tablet of Illusion. What turns out to be an imaginary quest is shown in colorful scenes while the reality is depicted on the following page in black and white. He is really only searching his home and yard for a missing TV remote control.

Children will enjoy the imaginary adventure and the humorous illustrations but the old-fashioned language may only be appreciated by adults.

Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

Max's Dragon by Kate Banks - ADVISABLE

Max’s Dragon by Kate Banks, illustrated by Boris Kulikov. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008 PICTURE BOOK

EL - ADVISABLE

Max is on a quest for rhyming words. These rhymes take on a life of their own as he imagines a dragon in his wagon. His imaginary dragon friend is soon chased by a dinosaur cloud that brings a storm of words and rain.

This could be used as a resource for teaching rhyming words to early elementary students but the wordplay, plot and logic are not as strong as in Max’s Words (Farrar, 2006) The book works best as a celebration of childhood imagination wherein words do indeed have power.


Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

Looking Closely Inside the Garden by Frank Serafini - ADVISABLE

Looking Closely Inside the Garden by Frank Serafini. Kids Can Press, 2008. PICTURE BOOK.

EL - ADVISABLE

On the first page you see a tiny bit of nature greatly magnified - on the second you see the whole picture, with a short explanation of the plant, insect, or object. What a fun book for a young class - or an interesting project for a photography class to imitate.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Annie's Adventure by Lauren Baratz-Logsted - OPTIONAL

Annie's Adventure (The Sisters 8, v. 1), 136 p. and Durinda's Dangers (The Sisters 8, v. 2), 120 p. by Lauren Baratz-Logsted. Sandpiper (Houghton), 2008.

EL - OPTIONAL

Annie and her octuplet sisters are surprised when their parents disappear on New Year's Eve. Only mysterious notes give them a small amount of guidance as each girl must find her gift and her power in order to find their parents.

If these books were in paperback I might understand buying them for your early readers (3rd, 4th grade), but I have a hard time be interested in spending $15 per book for this sketchy series.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

One Cent, Two Cent ... by Bonnie Worth - OPTIONAL

One Cent, Two Cent, Old Cent, New Cent: All About Money by Bonnie Worth. NON-FICTION. Random House, 2008.

EL - OPTIONAL

Using the Cat in the Hat, the author tires to explain the history of money.

The problem I have with this book is that there are too many words on each page - too much information!! Don't get me wrong - the information is good, the text is just too crowded on each page. Were this expanded to double its length, it would be much more

effective. Cindy, Library-Teacher

Beginning readers From Green Light

Giff, Patricia Reilly Soccer Song, unpaged. Green Light Readers (Harcourt), 2008. LEVEL 2 READER. Jill seems to be all arms and hands when it comes to playing soccer, but not in a way that helps on the field. Will she be able to find a place on the team? Pre-K - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Ernst, Lisa Campbell Snow Surprise, unpaged. Green Light Readers (Harcourt), 2008. LEVEL 2 READER. Joan wants to make a snow surprise for her little brother, but a slight miscalculation makes for a surprise on Joan! Pre-K - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Keller, Holly The Van , unpaged. Green Light Readers (Harcourt), 2008. LEVEL 1 READER. Several friends load up their van for a fun trip, but withour a little help, the van won't go. Pre-K - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Duck and Goose: How are you Feeling? by Tad Hills - ESSENTIAL

Duck and Goose: How Are You Feeling? by Tad Hills. Schwartz & Wade (Random), 2009. BOARD BOOK.

Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

Duck and Goose explore the range of feelings in this sparsely worded (try 10) and beautifully illustrated board book. Each page's illustration is evocative of the intended feeling. It's a great way for little readers to learn what different feelings are. I also showed this to our counselors and speech therapists, who work with autistic and learning-challenged students and they both are buying copies to use with their clientele.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Frederick Finch, Loudmouth by Tess Weaver - ADVISABLE

Frederick Finch, Loudmouth by Tess Weaver. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books, 2008. Language - G, Sexual Content -G ; Violence -G ;

Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what you’re good at. Frederick Finch knows he’s loud, but that doesn’t help him much when it comes to winning a ribbon at the state fair…until they add a new contest!

This delightful book will have the youngsters laughing themselves silly during story time!

Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian