Marvels in the Muck by Doug Wechsler - ADVISABLE

Marvels in the Muck: Life in the Salt Marshes by Doug Wechsler. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Boyds Mill Press, 2008. $17.95. 

EL, MS - ADVISABLE

Explore the flora and fauna of the salt marshes in this non-fiction title. Beautiful photographs on each page accompany detailed in formation on life cycles, food webs, and the interdependence of the species of the marsh. A classroom teacher could pick out certain pictures and pages to share with their students, but also any student doing biome research will find exactly what they need for their reports.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Independence Hall by Roland Smith - ESSENTIAL

I, Q: Book One: Independence Hall by Roland Smith, 293 pages. Sleeping Bear Press, 2008. $9

Content: G

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

On the day of their parents’ wedding, Angela and Q are forced to help each other find their way through the treacherous path of step-sibling-dom. But more dangerous paths await the pair, because Angela’s real mother was a Secret Service agent, killed in the line of duty – or so everyone thought. It’s much more complicated than that! It involves international espionage, an unknown twin sister and a private firm of bodyguards who are willing to die in order to keep Angela from being kidnapped!

WOW! What a rollercoaster ride! Perfect for all of those students who are digging fast-paced detective novels right now.

 Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Bell’s Star by Alison Hart - ADVISABLE

Bell’s Star (Horse Diaries) by Alison Hart, 144 pages. (including appendix). Random, 2009. $6

Content: G

EL – ADVISABLE

Bell’s Star is a beautiful Morgan Horse, bred to work hard, but longing to run free with his beloved human Katie. Then one day Kate and Bell rescue a runaway slave girl and Bell and Kate must out themselves in danger to save her from the slave catchers. 

These books are very cute, have good back information on the specific horse breed in the book and horse-crazy little girls, who aren’t quite ready for Black Beauty, will love them.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame - OPTIONAL

The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame, illustrated by Inga Moore, 182 pages. Candlewick, 2003, 2009. $13

EL – OPTIONAL

Inga Moore’s abridgement of Grahame’s classic work is now out in paperback. The illustrations have lost none of their charm (Toad in a dress is adorable). The only thing I don’t like is that it an abridgement – less than half of the original text – so best suited for younger readers.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan - ADVISABLE

Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan, 96 pages. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2008

Language – PG; Sexual Content – G; Violence – G

EL, MS - ADVISABLE

This collection of 15 short stories – some very short, only a paragraph or two long – are combined with illustrations that relate stories about events and characters in a most unusual suburb. There is a water buffalo that offers directions, stick figures whose presence confuses the other residents, an amnesia machine, and a missile in every back yard. Brothers travel to the end of the map; a family takes in a foreign exchange student; grandpa relates the events of his wedding day.

From curious to thought-provoking, these stories offer interesting reads. Useful to discuss relationship between text and images, or to practice predictions.

Reviewer: P.K. Foster, MS teacher-librarian

Here’s How I see It; Here’s How It Is by Heather Henson - OPTIONAL

 Here’s How I see It; Here’s How It Is by Heather Henson, 264 pages. Atheneum (Simon), 2009. $17

EL, MS – OPTIONAL

Something is wrong with 12yo Junebug’s summer – her mom has moved across the property and Dad is running their summer stock theater by himself. To add insult to injury, a gorgeous actress from New York seems to be taking up her dad’s attention and a strange young man, who June nicknames Thespis, seems to want to take over her place in the company.

Turning 13 is hard enough without all of this other turmoil. Each short chapter starts with Junebug’s observation on how she wishes the world would be and then goes on to explain what is really happening. I have a feeling that adults will be charmed by the format and characters – and I think most students will give it a pass.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson by Deborah Hopkinson and Stephen Alcorn - ADVISABLE

Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-Discoverer of the North Pole, by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Stephen Alcorn. Peachtree, 2009. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK.

EL, MS – ADVISABLE

This very dense picture book contains a wealth of information about Matthew Henson and his trip with Robert Peary to find the North Pole – first. Whether for Black History Month or for a unit on Scientists and Explorers. This is not a book that could be read in one day – instead using only parts of it would be best in a classroom situation.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Dinosaur by Stephanie Stansbie - ESSENTIAL

Dinosaur by Stephanie Stansbie, 40 p. Little, Brown, 2008. MOVABLE BOOK.

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

You really need to get your hands on this book! Stansbie has distilled the new information about dinosaurs and added amazing graphics and all kinds of flappable flaps and foldout pages that will fascinate anyone who picks it up. 

If you have dinosaur books that are older than three years, its time to replace them – the whole realm of dinosaur classification has changed and this book contains a wealth of facts, figures and pictures. Yes, you may lose a few of the removable pieces, but what is left is still well worth having. And any dinosaur crazy child would love this as the perfect gift.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight by Kathleen Krull and Amy June Bates - ADVISABLE

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Amy June Bates. Simon, 2008. PICTURE BOOK.

EL – OPTIONAL, MS – ADVISABLE

The Hillary Clinton’s dreams are laid out as Ms. Krull looks at her life from just a little girl to the woman who almost became the candidate for president. Ms. Bates’ illustrations are a perfect companion for the succinct text, and together they make their point without preaching. This is as much a book about the change in the opportunities available to women as it is a look at Clinton’s life.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Artful Reading by Bob Raczka - ESSENTIAL

Artful Reading by Bob Raczka. First Avenue (Lerner), 2007. $10. PICTURE BOOK.

EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

Through 24 paintings and a simple rhyming text, Raczka unfolds the worlds and dimensions of reading. Old masters and modern classics are side by side, showing how easy it can by to collect art that relates to a theme. I adore Raczka and I want to share this book (now in paperback) with both my art teachers and my Language Arts teachers.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Oooh! Picasso by Mil Niepold and Jeanyves Verdu- ADVISABLE

Oooh! Picasso by Mil Niepold and Jeanyves Verdu. Tricycle Press, 2009. PICTURE BOOK.

EL, MS – ADVISABLE, HS – OPTIONAL

Nieplod and Verdu have taken five of Picasso’s sculptures and brought them to life through re-imagining the parts and the whole, as they explore the whimsy and the expression of his art. While there are few words with the pictures, the multitude of lessons ideas that can come from this one book make this an important title to share with your art teachers.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Galileo’s Leaning Tower Experiment by Wendy MacDonald and Paolo Rui - ADVISABLE

Galileo’s Leaning Tower Experiment by Wendy McDonald, illustrated by Paolo Rui. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2009. $8 

EL, MS – ADVISABLE

A young boy who is dropping his uncle’s lunch to him from a bridge, catches Galileo’s attention and leads the two to experiment. Based on a legend (never documented) of Galileo throwing things from the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in order to disprove Aristotle’s teachings about falling objects.

Share this one with your science teachers, but be careful – if you read this one to your students, they will probably start dropping all manner of things from all manner of heights!

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Happenstance Found by P.W. Catanese - ESSENTIAL

Happenstance Found (Books of Umber #1), by P.W. Catanese, 342 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2009. $17

Violence: PG

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

One minute the boy opens his eyes and it feels as though that was the beginning of his everything. Minutes later his life is in danger as people find them and they must together escape for their lives, first from a gigantic worm monster intent on eating them and then from a fast-sinking island. Umber, the man who rescued the boy, whom he dubs Happenstance, takes Hap back to his castle and tries to integrate him into his household. Hap wants to know who he is and why an assassin is chasing him, but he doesn’t realize he should probably instead ask who is Lord Umber.

A grand piece of fantasy – I can’t wait to collect the series – how ever long it may be.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

First Stop, New York by Tracey West and Katherine Knoll - NO

First Stop New York by Tracy West and Katherine Knoll, 144 pages. Grosset and Dunlap

EL, MS – NO 

There are no ratings for this book, because I couldn’t get past the first ten pages without being absolutely turned off by how poorly written this book is. I highly doubt there are any swears or even hints at sexual anything. I was insulted at the pedantic and relatively stupid dialog. The writing is so ‘lame’ no teen would stick with it beyond page 1. Needless to say, I didn’t read the book in its entirety. I skimmed it and seeing that it didn’t get any better, I tossed it. I wouldn’t waste my time or money on this series.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library

Too Perfect by Trudy Ludwig and Lisa Fields - ESSENTIAL

Too Perfect by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Lisa Fields. Tricycle Press, 2009. PICTURE BOOK.

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

Maisie thinks that she is a little too pudgy, a little too messy and not all together perfect, just like she thinks Kayla is – a girl who seems to be everything that Maisie is not. When the girls are assigned a project together, however, Maisie learns that what you see from a far is not always what is inside. Maisie’s mother helps her to learn to be happy with herself.

Trudy Ludwig has a way with books that help us to look at ourselves. Her books are not just for children, but for anyone who has a child or works with children. Perfect for a Teacher Advisory lesson.

CINDY

The Story of Samson by Kathleen Duble - OPTIONAL

The Story of Samson by Kathleen Benner Duble, illustrated by Alexander Farquharson. NON-FICTION. Charlesbridge, 2008. $8. PICTURE BOOK

EL – OPTIONAL

From its creation in 1885 and on through its destruction in 1953, the sailing ship Samson lead a varied and wild life of rescue, exploration and exhibition. The most disputed part of the Samson’s tale is that it might have seen the sinking of the Titanic, but did nothing to help. Told through the reminiscing of an old man as he retells the various pieces of the story to his grandson.

As much as I enjoyed reading the book, I am a little stumped on how it should be used, or what audience it would appeal to. Any suggestions?

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Walking to School by Eve Bunting - ADVISABLE

Walking to School: A Story from Northern Ireland by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Michael Dooling. Clarion, 2008. PICTURE BOOK.

EL, MS – ADVISABLE

Allison was excited to go to her Catholic school, until the first day, when she and the other Catholic students had to walk a gauntlet of taunts, threats and projectiles as they walked with their parents along the edge of a Protestant neighborhood. Today it is her mother and her Uncle Frank with her, but Allison knows that Frank has caused problems for Protestants in the past and she doesn’t understand why – all she wants to do is to go to school.

This picture book would be an excellent classroom addition, especially if paired with The Other Side by Woodson or Across the Alley by Michelson.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Elvis and Olive by Stephanie Watson - OPTIONAL

Elvis and Olive by Stephanie Watson, 224 pages. Scholastic, 2008

Content: G

EL - OPTIONAL

Natalie Wallis's summer is turned into an adventure one day when she meets the new girl in her neighborhood named Annie. Soon they decide to spy on their neighbors using secret code names, Elvis and Olive. But are some things better kept secret?

This book was OK. I prefer more of a thrilling adventure and this really wasn't very captivating to read in the slightest. The story was good and the characters were well formed, but the ending was a little rushed.

Student Reviewer: KH

Follow that Map! by Scot Ritchie - OPTIONAL

Ritchie, Scot Follow that Map! A First Book of Mapping Skills. Kids Can Press, 2009.

EL - OPTIONAL

Sallie’s cat and dog are missing and her friends rally around her to find the errant pair. Using a legend and symbols you might find on a map, the kids search the town, while the narrator teaches how to use important parts of a map.

It is pretty basic and might be useful in an elementary level class.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Attack of the Growling Eyeballs by Lin Oliver - ADVISABLE

Attack of the Growling Eyeballs (Who Shrunk Daniel Funk, book 1) by Lin Oliver, 146 p. Simon, 2008.

Content: G (some body humor).

EL – ADVISABLE

First he’s eating goulash and then he’s no bigger than a toe. Then Daniel finds out that he has a tiny twin brother who his grandmother has kept hidden all these years. The twins set out to create some more-than-pint-sized mischief. If Daniel can work out the goulash mystery, then maybe he could go back and forth between normal-sized kid and Paulo-sized playmate whenever he liked.

The Hank Zipzer crowd has another friend to enjoy. Daniel and Paulo are lots of fun!

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Robert Smalls: The Boat Thief by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Patrick Faricy - OPTIONAL

Robert Smalls: The Boat Thief, by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., illustrated by Patrick Faricy. PICTURE BOOK. Hyperion, 2008. $17. NON-FICTION.

EL, MS – OPTIONAL

In 1862, a small group of slaves stole the fastest gunship in the Confederate arsenal and made an audacious escape to freedom. Robert Smalls, the mastermind, went on to captaincy in the Federal Navy and remained an activist all his life. Though this may look like a picture book, there is a huge amount of content on every page and not as many pictures as you would expect.

This would be daunting for young student to read for enjoyment. But, that means it has a wealth of information for older students who might be writing a report. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle by Alison Inches - ADVISABLE

The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle by Alison Inches, illustrated by Pete Whitehead.  NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Little Simon, 2009. $4

EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE

Join a thick ooze of crude oil as it journeys through life as plastic, into bottles, and recycled back into the system.

The information in the book is very good and aimed right at the younger students. They will enjoy the fun, upbeat graphics and easily follow the bottle’s path.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Dandelion Fire by N.D. Wilson - ADVISABLE

Dandelion Fire by N. D. Wilson, 466 p. Random House, 2009. $17

Content: G

EL, MS – ADVISABLE

All seems to be back to normal on Henry’s uncle’s farm until the day that Henry is struck by lightning (or is he?) and loses his sight. Blind, he is kidnapped and taken through the cupboards. His family decides to follow them in, along with a couple of neighbors stuck with them in some sort of alternate Kansas. Adventures ensue until all are reunited.

I actually liked this one better than the first – the picture of the cupboards and the various universes become somewhat clearer and Henry becomes a stronger character. I am so VERY glad that his cousin Henrietta gets a good figurative spanking, because she was way too smug in her supposed cleverness for my taste.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Dracula Madness by Mary Labatt - ESSENTIAL

Dracula Madness by Mary Labatt, 95 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Kids Can Press Ltd., 2009.

Content-G

EL - ESSENTIAL

Sam has just met a new friend named Jennie. It turns out that she can "hear" her thoughts. Together, they get wound up in a mystery about a man in a haunted house that they assume to be Dracula. Is he really Dracula though? And what is going on in that "haunted" mansion? I liked this book. I enjoyed all of the pictures in it (of course, it is a comic!). I also enjoyed the mystery of it. I would highly recommend it.

Student Reviewer: MB

Chancey of the Maury River by Gigi Amateau - ESSENTIAL

Chancey of the Maury River, by Gigi Amateau, 246 pages. Candlewick, 2008.

Content: G

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

When Chauncey is left abandoned in a field, he is sold to a lady in the Blue Mountains by the Maury River. He helps to heal a girl whose parents are going through a divorce. In turn, she helps him overcome his rough past and they learn how to let love into their lives again.

I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to get into and had some really good morals. It’s a book I would call “good and clean”.

Student Reviewer: AR

Jackson and Bud’s Bumpy Ride by Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff and Wes Hargis - ADVISABLE

Jackson and Bud’s Bumpy Ride: America’s First Cross-Country Automobile Trip by Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff, illustrated by Wes Hargis. Millbrook Press (Lerner), 2009. $17. PICTURE BOOK.

EL – ADVISABLE

The automobile was still pretty new – well out-numbered by horse-drawn conveyances – when Horatio Jackson, his mechanic and their acquired stray dog Bud, work their way across the USA from West to East, all for a $50 bet that Jackson never collected. With only 150 miles of paved road in the entire country, no such things as road maps and with the help of a few friendly horses, the trio drove their way in to the history books.

Kids are used to cars today that this is a great way for them to get a look at the auto in the 1900’s. It’s extremely cute.

CINDY

Sword of Waters by Hilari Bell - ESSENTIAL

Sword of Waters (The Shield, Sword, and Crown #2) by Hillari Bell, 363 pgs. Simon and Schuster

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

EL, MS- ESSENTIAL

The Falcon has just recovered the shield and is now lord commander of the army. Arisa, the Falcon’s daughter, is thrown into palace life. Usually every girl loves to be pampered; not this girl. Her life before was one of a bandit’s. How could her mother change from leader of bandits to lord commander of the army? Arisa could hardly believe it herself. Now Arisa is put in charge of finding the sword that goes with the legendary shield. But, that is not her only mission. She has to get to know Prince Eldoran, who she thinks is obnoxious, and figure out what is really going on with the conspirators around the kingdom. Can Arisa do it all?

This book was a great thrill throughout the entire book! IT was juicy with mystery and had a ton of twists and turns. What happened towards the end surprised me so much; the author really made it suspenseful. A great trilogy for anyone who likes a little treachery. The first book is Shield of Stars.

Student Reviewer: CW

One Beetle Too Many by Kathryn Lasky and Matthew Trueman - ADVISABLE

One Beetle Too Many: The Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin, by Kathryn Lasky, illustrated by Matthew Trueman. Candlewick, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $18

EL, MS – ADVISABLE

Fun, quirky illustrations complement the text in this short bio on Charles Darwin. While pictures would be fun to show to a class, any teacher would want to choose which text to read, as there is more detail than you might expect. If I were still in elementary, this is the kind of bio that I would want to read.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

The Way of the Warrior by Chris Bradford - ESSENTIAL

The Way of the Warrior (Young Samurai #1) by Chris Bradford, 353 p. Hyperion, 2009. $16.99.

Violence: PG

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

First a young boy is murdered in his bed by an evil ninja to make his father tow the line. Now, a young English boy, Jack, on a journey to Japan with his father, is the only survivor when a horde of pirates attacks their boat, kills almost everyone on board and then sets the ship on fire. The father of the murdered boy rescues Jack and adopts him into his household and finds in Jack the makings of a samurai, even if it causes his remaining son extreme jealousy. But, Dragon Eye, the ninja mastermind, wants something that Jack has and will stop at nothing to get it. The book is based in Japan of the 1600’s, before most white peoples knew of its existence.

I was sucked in from the first scene and remained enthralled to the end. It’s a perfect companion to the Moribitu series or Hoobler’s novels.

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Just How Long Can a Long String Be?! by Keith Baker - ESSENTIAL

Just How Long Can A Long String Be?! by Keith Baker. PICTURE BOOK. Arthur A. Levine Books 

EL (K-3), EL – ESSENTIAL 

A ant encounters a LONG piece of string and asks his friend Bird the question, “Just how long can a long string be?!” Bird takes ant and the reader along as he describes how it depends on what your perspective is and what the string is used for. 

This delightful picture book will entertain all ages. The illustrations deserve their own applause.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library

Footprints on the Moon by Mark Haddon - ESSENTIAL

Footprints on the Moon by Mark Haddon. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick 

EL – ESSENTIAL 

“Years ago, a little boy gazed at the moon, dizzy with the thought that he was looking at a world 200,000 miles away.”—excerpt from front flap hardcover edition

In his eloquent prose, Mark Haddon (Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) recalls how as a young boy he longingly gazed at the moon and dreamed of one day becoming an astronaut. Then on July 20,1969 man took a monumental step into history. 

The beautiful illustrations by Christian Birmingham make the picture book memoir’s ambiance complete.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library

What Bluebirds Do by Pamela F. Kirby - ESSENTIAL

What Bluebirds Do by Pamela F. Kirby. NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK Boyds Mills Press 

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

EL – ESSENTIAL 

Do you have a bird feeder in your backyard? Have you ever wondered how the birds nest and raise their babies?

Pamela Kirby has created a masterful, yet simple to understand book that introduces readers to a bluebird couple and follows them through their first nest and brood. 

Kirby has expertly peppered this engaging story with facts about these birds and includes valuable vocabulary building terms within the text. Unlike many non-fiction books, this title was not text heavy and yet I learned much! Incredible photographs accompany each part of the story. The additional information provided in the afterword is also superb. No non-fiction collection for elementary age children would be complete without this title!

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library

Four Truths and a Lie by Lauren Barnholdt - ADVISABLE

Four Truths and a Lie by Laura Barnholdt, 265 p. Mix (Simon), 2008. $6

Content: G

EL, MS – ADVISABLE

Armed with a secret, Scarlett Northon, 8th grader, starts her new life at an exclusive boarding school. Her roommate, however, seems to be an antagonist instead of a friend. Scarlett is trying to make the best of the situation, but someone is trying to expose Scarlett’s secret and is also trying to get her in trouble. Scarlett needs to sort the truths from the lies before her new life goes down the tubes.

The Mix imprint from Simon and Schuster is full of fun and to the point books perfect for tweens. This is Barnholdt’s second title for the imprint.

CINDY

Watch out For Wolfgang by Paul Carrick - ADVISABLE

Watch out For Wolfgang by Paul Carrick. PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2009. $17. 

EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

Once there was a mom robot who created three robots. When the three robots were all assembled she sent them out into the world with a little bit of money to build their own factories. Rod liked things clean and neat and well-kept. Slick was obsessed with himself and liked everything to revolve around him. Dudley made funny sounds when he walked and looked rusty and always had an odd way of doing things. Which one of these characters will be the one to defeat the big bad recycling robot? How will they accomplish it?

This interesting retelling of The Three Little Pigs will grab kids through its unique style of writing and the unusual characters it has in it. With a little bit of humor and a whole lot of robots, this book is perfect for reluctant readers and avid readers. This book would make a great addition to anyone’s collection.

Reviewer-Kira Moody-HUN Public Library

This Little Bunny Can Bake by Janet Stein - ESSENTIAL

Stein, Janet This Little Bunny Can Bake by Janet Stein. PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz and Wade Books (Random), 2009.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -  ESSENTIAL

A group of animal want to learn how to make dessert, so they sign up for baking lessons at Chef George’s School of Dessertology. From delighting the taster’s senses to adding the right ingredients, these animal learn all there is to know about desserts and making them. Some, however, aren’t quite catching on to the concept of baking. Who will be the best in the class? Will all the animals succeed in making a dessert?

This story is funny and well-written. The illustrations complement well the story and are nothing short of someone with a wonderful imagination. Kids will laugh as they see how the animal mess up, but will delight in seeing what each animal comes up with for a “dessert.” A must read or read-aloud for teachers, parents, and young children.

Reviewer: Kira-HUN Public Library

Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull - ESSENTIAL

Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull, 456 pages. Shadow Mountain

Language~G; Sexual Content~G; Violence~PG

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL 

Kendra and Seth are thrown back in the world of Fablehaven as they are tricked into helping the evil Society of the Evening Star. Kendra discovers that her encounter with the fairies has given her greater gifts than she could imagine and the Society wants her because of them. 

Readers also meet new characters some of whom are who they declare to be and others are not as benign as they seem. This second installment of the Fablehaven series continues to enthrall young readers who eagerly devour every volume.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull - ESSENTIAL

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, 368 pages. Shadow Mountain

Content - G

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL 

Ugh . . . imagine being left with an unknown relative while your parents go on a luxurious cruise! Kendra and Seth are not looking forward to it either. They are dropped off at their grandparent’s house that is surrounded by forests and land. There seems to be a secret that the grown-ups are not sharing with them. When Kendra and Seth discover that their grandparents are actually caretakers of a secret fairy & creature preserve called Fablehaven their time there gets far more exciting! 

This is an excellent fantasy series for young readers! You will not be able to keep it on the shelf.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library