Big George by Anne Rockwell - ADVISABLE

Rockwell, Anne Big George: How a Shy Boy Became President Washington, illustrated by Matt Phelan. Harcourt (Houghton), 2009. $17.00. PICTURE BOOK. 

EL – ADVISABLE

300 years ago, George Washington was a shy young boy being raised by his adult half brother. He educated himself and traveled with Lawrence, his brother – and when the French-Indian Wars began, he answered the call of the King of England. 

This picture book is not about any one specific incident in Washington’s life, but instead uses simple language to cover the panoply of his life – from a young age until his years as the President. There’s almost enough material here for a younger student to write a biography from – a teacher could certainly use it for a unit in class. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

The Little Green Pea by Alison Barber - NO

Barber, Alison The Little Green Pea, illustrated by Paige Keiser. Sleeping Bear Press, 2009. $16. PICTURE BOOK. 

NO

A little green pea dreams of growing into something big, but he needs the help of a wiggly worm to get to a place where he might have a chance. 

As much as I liked the illustrations in this book, the text mystified me. It seems to imply that the peas had a chance to grow into a tree, or maybe it was just saying that the pea became fertilizer for a real tree. Either way, the ending fell flat for me. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Molly Bannaky by Alice McGill - ADVISABLE

McGill, Alice Molly Bannaky, illustrated by Chris K. Soenpiet. Sandpiper (Houghton), 1999 (paperback 2009). $6.99. PICTURE BOOK. 

EL – ADVISABLE

At the age of 17, Molly Walsh was sentenced to seven years indentured servitude in the New World for twice allowing a cow to kick over her pail of milk. In the New World, Molly served her time, cleared herself some land and bought a slave, Bannacky, whom she later married and with whom she raised a small family. In time, her grandson Benjamin Banneker became a learned man, a scientist and a mathematician. 

It is nice to discover true stories of courageous women and men from a time where history seems to try to tell us that every black was stupid and women were only fit to be ruled by their men. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

In Our Mothers’ House by Patricia Polacco - ADVISABLE

Polacco, Patricia In Our Mothers’ House. Philomel (Penguin), 2009. $17.99. PICTURE BOOK

EL, MS, HS – ADVISABLE

A girl recounts the good times and the hard times growing up with her brother, sister and her two mothers. 

Polacco’s rich celebration of a living family is a good addition to any collection and it is a good choice to bring to the attention of your Teen Living teachers also. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Adios Oscar by Peter Elwell - OPTIONAL

Elwell, Peter Adios Oscar: A Butterfly Fable. Blue Sky Press (Scholastic), 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK

EL – OPTIONAL

Oscar the caterpillar is certain that he will turn into a butterfly that migrates to Mexico, so he studies hard and works on his Espanol. When he emerges from his cocoon as a moth, however, he is somewhat disappointed until his best friend Edna reminds him that he can be a moth that thinks like a butterfly. 

Oscar is a pretty adorable caterpillar and it is fun to watch him realize his dream. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Fritz Danced the Fandango by Alicia Potter - OPTIONAL

Potter, Alicia Fritz Danced the Fandango, illustrated by Ethan Long. Scholastic, 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK

EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

Fritz the Goat sets out to find other goats who might dance the fandango with him, but instead finds his place with a yodeling sheep and a herd dog with a glockenspiel. 

The simple, bright line drawings fit this tale perfectly; I’m so glad Fritz found some friends and children will be too. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Boy, Were We Wrong About the Solar System! by Kathleen Kudlinski - ADVISABLE

Kudlinski, Kathleen V. Boy, Were We Wrong About the Solar System! Illustrated by John Rocco. Dutton (Penguin), 2008. $16. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK

EL, MS, HS – ADVISABLE

With bright, funky pictures, Kudlinski and Rocco explore the different ways that our views about space have changed through the centuries. A simple timeline in the back fills in the details that were not in the text – just enough information without being pedantic. 

Any science classroom could easily use this picture book to talk about the importance of discovery, technology and the changing understanding of our world and solar system. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

The Fabulous Feud of Gilbert and Sullivan by Jonah Winter - OPTIONAL

Winter, Jonah The Fabulous Feud of Gilbert and Sullivan, illustrated by Richard Egielski. Arthur A. Levine (Scholastic), 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. 

EL – OPTIONAL

Sullivan is sick and tired of writing wonderful music for Gilbert’s very silly operas. When he takes a break, both men get the inspiration they need to rekindle their imaginations and create more enduring stage works together. 

While the illustrations are fun and grabbing and the text is witty and droll, this is mainly a specific use picture book – either as a resource for a unit on Gilbert and Sullivan or as a gift for a someone who is interested in the pair. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Gone With the Wand by Margie Palatini

Gone With the Wand by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Brian Ajhar. Orchard (Scholastic), 2009. $16.99 PICTURE BOOK. 

EL – ESSENTIAL

When Beatrice Sparklestein, Fairy Godmother extraordinaire has a very bad wand day, her best friend, Tooth Fairy Second Class Edith B. Cuspid takes things into her own hands to cheer her friend up. 

No one will be able to resist a giggle at the quirky, colorful illustrations in the adorably funny charmer. I predict it to be a favorite read-aloud very quickly! 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

The Gettysburg Address illustrated by Michael McCurdy - ESSENTIAL

The Gettysburg Address, illustrated by Michael McCurdy. PICTURE BOOK. Houghton, 1995 (reissued 2009). $14.95.  

EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

The Gettysburg Address is actually a very short speech that Lincoln gave at the dedication of the Soldiers’ Cemetery at Gettysburg. Michael McCurdy has paired powerful black and white drawings with Lincoln’s words to create a book well worth sharing with any unit on Lincoln, the Civil War or war in general. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Monday, June 22, 2009

Mary Had a Little Lamp by Jack Lechner and Bob Staake - OPTIONAL

Mary Had a Little Lamp by Jack Lechner, illustrated by Bob Staake. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury, 2008. $15.95. 

EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL

An eccentric girl named Mary carries her favorite lamp with her wherever she goes. 

The rhyme and meter of the story doesn’t really fit the well-known song, but the vibrant pictures are fun and Mary is delightfully odd. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Sunday, June 21, 2009

The Bus Ride That Changed History by Pamela Edwards - OPTIONAL

The Bus Ride That Changed History: The Story of Rosa Parks by Pamela Duncan Edwards, illustrated by Danny Shanahan. PICTURE BOOK. Sandpiper (Houghton), 2005 (paperback 2009). $6.99. 

EL –OPTIONAL

In the style of “This is the House that Jack Built,” follow the journey of Rosa Parks as she decides not to stand up to make room for a white man on her bus. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Stanza by Jill Esbaum and Jack E. Davis - ADVISABLE

Stanza by Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Jack E. Davis. PICTURE BOOK.Harcourt (Houghton), 2009. $16.00. 

EL – ADVISABLE

By night Stanza terrified the streets of his town with his brothers, Dirge and Fresco. By night however, Stanza wrote beautiful poetry and was afraid that he secret might be discovered. Then one day he can’t resist entering a jingle contest – how will his brothers react of Stanza turns out to be more than just a thug?

Stanza and his world is pretty cute and he send s a message about bring more than what others label you as.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Thursday, June 18, 2009

The Robot and the Bluebird by David Lucas - ADVISABLE

The Robot and the Bluebird. by David Lucas. PICTURE BOOK. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007. $17

EL – ADVISABLE

A robot who is sure that his heart is broken, finds purpose in helping a bird who is late starting on its trip to the south. 

I actually didn’t expect to be so touched by this little book, but it reminds me of the Giving Tree. Sweet, without being sickly! 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Most Loved in all the World by Tonya Hegaman - ADVISABLE

Most Loved in all the World by Tonya Hegaman, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera. PICTURE BOOK. Houghton, 2009. $17 

EL, MS – ADVISABLE

Every night, after she finished her work in the cotton fields, a slave mother stitches the pieces of a quilt for her daughter to remember her – after mother sends daughter on a trip to freedom on the Underground Railroad. 

While this book is not based on any one particular event, the book adds to what might be true about slaves, quilts and the Road, though much has been lost to history. It is a very loving story. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Minnow and Rose by Judy Young - OPTIONAL

Young, Judy Minnow and Rose: An Oregon Trail Story, illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. Sleeping Bear Press, 2009. $17.95. PICTURE BOOK. 

EL – OPTIONAL

Minnow, a Native American girl is fascinated by Rose a white girl, who is in return drawn to Minnow. The girls need each other when there is trouble as Rose’s family gets help from Minnow’s tribe as they ford their wagons across a wide river. 

Young’s fictional account of two little girls from different lives meeting provides a nice counter balance to later stories of war and mutual destruction along the Oregon Trail. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Down, Down, Down by Steve Jenkins - ESSENTIAL

Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea by Steve Jenkins. PICTURE BOOK. Houghton, 2009. $17.00. 

EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Using cut-paper art, the author dramatically illustrates the variety of life at the different depths of the ocean – from above to surface to the depths of the Marianas Trench. While just the words on each page would make this a valuable book for sharing with any class, there is even more information at the back of the book. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Monday, June 15, 2009

There Was an Old Monster by Emberley - ESSENTIAL

There Was an Old Monster by Rebecca, Adrian, and Ed Emberley. Orchard (Scholastic), 2009. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK.

EL (K-3), EL – ESSENTIAL

In the tradition of the old woman who swallowed a fly, join a monster who tries to get rid of a tick he swallowed with larger and larger creatures.

Not just for Halloween – young students will enjoy the increasing creepiness as the monster tries harder and harder to rid himself of the original pest! Now we just need a hand puppet for the read aloud!

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Button Up! Wicked Rhymes by Alice Schertle and Petra Mathers - no

Button Up! Wicked Rhymes by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Petra Mathers. PICTURE BOOK. Harcourt (Hougton), 2009. $16.00. 

NO

Shoes and jimmies, shirts and undies – many pieces of clothing are explored in this book of rhymes. 

What I don’t understand – the picture on the cover is nowhere in the book. While it’s fun, I don’t really get it.  

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Come to the Castle, by Linda Ashman, illuminated by S.D. Schindler - NO

Come to the Castle by Linda Ashman, illuminated by S.D. Schindler. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2009. $17

 NO

A bored Lord decides to host a celebration and the different members of his court react as they must to prepare every needful thing. 

Ashman’s book looks at life in the Middle Ages in a sarcastic, derogatory way – it does not read as humor to me. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Friday, June 12, 2009

The 3 Bears and Goldilocks by Margaret Willey and Heather M. Solomon - ADVISABLE

The 3 Bears and Goldilocks by Margaret Willey, illustrated by Heather M. Solomon. PICTURE BOOK.Atheneum (Simon), 2008. $16.99. 

EL – ADVISABLE

If Goldilocks were to really walk into the homes of three bears, what she be most likely to find? 

I found Willey’s retelling of the classic tale entertaining and charming – it makes the original versions look antiseptic.

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex - ESSENTIAL

Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex. PICTURE BOOK. Putnam’s (Penguin), 2008. $15

EL - ESSENTIAL

Rex takes the classic Goodnight Moon and recreates it as a wonderfully ghoulish bedtime story. Vivid, spooky illustrations add to its draw and will be a great tale to read aloud come Halloween – or any time of year, for those who really love their creepies! 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Yuki’s Ride Home by Manya Tessler - OPTIONAL

Yuki’s Ride Home by Manya Tessler. PICTURE BOOK.  Bloomsbury, 2008. $17

A little girl is excited about the first night she gets to ride her bike all the way home alone. But when the fog rolls in, she is not so sure that alone is how she wants to be. 

It may be hard for an adult to remember those first childhood steps of independence, but the spirit of this book captures that feeling again. 

EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make you a Pie by Robbin Gourley - OPTIONAL

Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make you a Pie: a story about Edna Lewis by Robbin Gourley. PICTURE BOOK. Clarion, 2009. $16

EL – OPTIONAL

A young girl rejoices through the seasons as each crop ripens and her family can enjoy the new flavors – and set some aside to save for the winter. 

Modern children who are used to grocery store food, where pretty much everything is available all year long, may get a kick out a book that reminds them that not everyone can have strawberries in the depth of winter. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher

Friday, June 5, 2009

Monsters on Machines by Deb Lund - ADVISABLE

Monsters on Machines by Deb Lund. Harcourt, Inc, 2008 PICTURE BOOK. 

EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE

Mix backhoes, front loaders and bulldozers with monsters and what do you get? A bunch of young monsters working on a construction site. 

It would seem that the combination of monsters and tractors would be magical; instead Monsters on Machines is only serviceable. Told through sometimes clunky rhyme, this tale might leave some cold. 

Laura Berube ~ Youth Services Librarian, Draper Library

Monday, June 1, 2009

A Very Curious Bear by Tony Mitton - ESSENTIAL

A Very Curious Bear by Tony Mitton. PICTURE BOOK. Random House Children’s Books, 2009.

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

Why does the sun come and light up the day? Why does the wind rush around in the air? Why does the rain come and wet the world through? These are all questions a young, curious bear asks his mother. Her answers back are unique and heartwarming. 

The story is in a simple question and answer format and the pictures only add to the story. Young children everywhere will enjoy having this story read to them. 

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

Saturday, May 30, 2009

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

Thursday, May 28, 2009

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.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

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.

Monday, May 25, 2009

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.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

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.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

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

Friday, May 22, 2009

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

Thursday, May 21, 2009

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

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

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.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

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

Monday, May 18, 2009

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

Sunday, May 17, 2009

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

Saturday, May 16, 2009

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.

Friday, May 15, 2009

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.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

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

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

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

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

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

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

Monday, May 11, 2009

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.