Skin Like Milk, Hair of Silk by Brian P. Cleary - ESSENTIAL

Cleary, Brian P. Skin Like Milk, Hair of Silk: What are Similes and Metaphors? Illustrated by Brian Gable. Millbrook (Lerner), 2009. $15.95. 

EL – ESSENTIAL

Cleary and Gable continue their collaboration in this look at the difference between simile and metaphor. After you are finished, you will wonder why you were never able to remember the difference before!  

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Fairies and Elves by Shannon Knudsen - OPTIONAL

Knudsen, Shannon Fairies and Elves, 46 p. Lerner, 2010. $21 

EL, MS – OPTIONAL. 

From the very first fairy tales to the modern world, Knudsen looks at the lore of the fairy and how it has evolved over the centuries. 

At first, at only 46 pages, I thought this title might be scant on information. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading it. If you have the money for a series for entertainment, then Lerner’s Fantasy Chronicles (5 titles to date) may be just the ticket. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta by Jarrett Krosoczka - OPTIONAL

Krosoczka, Jarrett J. Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta 96 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers

Content: G

EL – OPTIONAL

It’s a bird, It’s a plane. . . . . it’s the Lunch Lady? That’s right! This lunch lady serves justice up on a plastic tray!

In this exciting and mysterious episode the villain is a children’s book author with his league of vicious bunnies! The school is all a buzz with excitement over the scheduled author visit. Unfortunately, this author doesn’t seem to like being around kids. Soon after his visit, the gym teacher mysteriously disappears. Is there a connection? Yes, and the Lunch Lady is on the case!

This third volume will engage fans of the series, but if you don’t have a following, you may want to pass on this one.


 Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library

night-night, baby! by A. J. Wood and Emily Hawkins - GIFT

Wood, A. J., & Hawkins, Emily. night-night, baby! BOARD BOOK Silver Dolphin Books, 2007. $13

Pre-K - ADVISABLE

This multi-textured book is sure to appeal to its target audience. Includes black and white pictures of baby faces, simple illustrations, touchable sheep’s wool, and a star cut out. The text is simple and unoriginal.

Samantha, Public Librarian.

A Pinata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas by Pat Mora - ESSENTIAL

Mora, Pat. A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas, illustrated by Magaly Morales. Clarion Books, 2009. $16.00. PICTURE BOOK.

EL – ESSENTIAL

A little girl enjoys the 12 days of Christmas (Christmas Day to Three Kings Day) with foods and traditional Latino items from her amiga. Such as pastelitos, luminarias, and campanitas sonando, to name a few.

Each page includes a pronunciation of the number and the gift; e.g. piñata=pee-NYAH-tah. The back of the book includes: a Spanish glossary and pronunciation guide, an author’s and illustrator’s note, as well as the music of the song. The acrylic illustrations are bright and beautiful. A great book to read aloud

Samantha, Public Librarian.

Supersister by Beth Cadena - ADVISABLE

Cadena, Beth. Supersister, illustrated by Frank W. Dormer. PICTURE BOOK Clarion Books, 2009. $16

EL – ADVISABLE

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s supersister swooping into save the day. She pours cereal, ties shoelaces, and goes to school where she thinks of more ways to help her mom. When she gets home she walks to the dog, sets the table, and when she goes to sleep counts sheep. She can’t wait until she becomes a supersister. Her mom says it will be soon.

The super cartoon illustrations combine traditional picture book format with comic book scenes. This book is a good choice for children who are expecting a new sibling.

Samantha, Public Librarian.

Dodsworth in London by Tim Egan - ADVISABLE

Egan, Tim. Dodsworth in London. Houghton Mifflin, 2009. $15

Content: G 

EL – ADVISABLE.

Pack your umbrella Dodsworth and his duck are visiting London. Arriving via hot air balloon the duo sees Buckingham Palace. The duck wants to stay there, but Dodsworth explains that’s where the queen lives. Dodsworth and the duck begin viewing the sites but get divided due to a duplicate duck and a double-decker bus. Dodsworth and the Royal Duck look for his friend duck all over London and finally find him in a royal situation.

Readers will enjoy touring London with Dodsworth and duck and learn a little trivia too. The cartoon animal illustrations are attractive and sure to appeal to beginning readers.

 Samantha, Public Librarian.

Just Grace and the Snack Attack by Charise Mericle Harper - ADVISABLE

Harper, Charise Mericle. Just Grace and the Snack Attack, 164 pgs. Houghton Mifflin, 2009. $15

Content: G

EL – ADVISABLE.

Just Grace’s class is studying food from around the world. Each student can create their own food project. Just Grace chooses to do her report on potato chips from around the world after her neighbor Augustine Dupre gives her a bag of French potato chips and her first zine. Her best friend Mimi plans on writing her report on hot dogs of the world. Just Grace’s dad knows a lot about hot dogs and helps Mimi with her project. Just Grace is jealous of the attention and help. She’s so grumpy that she throws her pencil at Owen 1. What should she do?

The author’s chatty journalistic style with lists and simple illustrations make this a fast and friendly read. Author includes instructions on how to make a zine. Recommend the Just Grace books to fans of Judy Moody.

Samantha, Public Librarian.

Stage Fright by Meg Cabot - ESSENTIAL

Cabot, Meg, Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls: Stage Fright. Scholastic Press. 2009.

Content: G.

EL -  ESSENTIAL. 

Allie’s class is putting on a play called “Princess Penelope and the Realms of Recycling.” Every girl wants to be Princess Penelope, including Allie. With the help of her Uncle Jay, who once was a theater major, she practices really hard and has an excellent audition. She feels she’s a shoo-in for the main part, but Mrs. Hunter picks her best friend, Sophie instead. When Allie gets the part of the evil stepmother, she tries to be the best evil stepmother she can be, but the play seems to be going to people’s heads, including her best friend’s. With people refusing to act their parts, Allie’s enemy trying to steal Sophie’s part, and Allie’s inability to discover the motivation of her character, Allie starts getting worried whether or not her class is going to be able to pull off their play. Will Allie discover her character’s motivation in time to perform her best? Will her classmates stop acting childish and start acting?

This book is an excellent addition to the other Allie Finkle books. Allie’s personality just keeps getting better and better as she grows up and learns more about the importance of friendship. The other characters are also well developed. The plot is well-written, and the humor complements well the story. Girls will have fun reading this book as well as Allie’s rules. Readers who like realistic fiction, Meg Cabot, and humorous books will enjoy reading this book.

Reviewer: Kira, Youth Services Librarian -HUN Public Library

A Really Short History of Nearly Everything by Martin Sanders - OPTIONAL

Bryson, Bill. A Really Short History of Nearly Everything. Ill. By Martin Sanders. 161 pages. Kingfisher Press, 2003

EL, MS - OPTIONAL

Ever wondered how the universe was created? How inventors came up with their wonderful ideas and inventions?

This book will introduce you to space, Earth and its origins, and more. This book is a good overview to questions students may ask, but is not an end-all information book. Some things it mentions and talks about like they’re scientific facts are only theories. Despite it being very simplified for the average reader, those who joy question and answer books, are reluctant readers, or enjoy science and space book will enjoy reading this book.

Reviewer: Jessica, Librarian, Olympus Jr. High.

Warriors vs Warriors ill. by Steve Stone - ESSENTIAL

Brereton, Catherine. Warrior vs Warriors. Ill. By Steve Stone. 64 pages. Kingfisher Press. 2009.

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

The most top-notch, ruthless fighting warriors throughout history have been brought together in the book’s arena to see who is the best fighter in history. Who will win?

The illustrations in this book are excellent. The facts are presented in a fun, easy-to-read format. Reluctant and avid readers alike will enjoy figuring out who will be deemed the most effective warrior in history.

Reviewer: Jessica, Librarian, Olympus Jr. High.

An Eye for Color: The Story of Josef Albers by Natasha Wing - ESSENTIAL

Wing, Natasha An Eye for Color: The Story of Josef Albers illustrated by Julia Breckenreid  PICTURE BOOK. 40 pgs. Henry Holt and Company, 2009. $17

EL-ESSENTIAL

Learn all about the life and art of Josef Alber in this picture book biography. This would be a wonderful book to use to introduce students to colors, different art forms, and artists.

The actual story text isn't overly-long, but there are more details provided in the back of the book if you wanted to learn more about Josef Alber. Also included are different art activities you could do on your own. The art in the book is vibrant and colorful and portrays what I think Alber wanted to express through color. The fact that the author knew Josef Alber adds a nice personal touch to the story.

Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Apple Countdown by Joan Holub - ADVISABLE

Holub, Joan Apple Countdown illustrated by Jan Smith  PICTURE BOOK 32 pgs. Albert Whitman & Company, 2009.  $17

EL-ADVISABLE

In this apple countdown tale, the students in Mr. Yee's class go help Farmer Applebee pick apples. Throughout this rhyming adventure, students are counting down from 20 to 1, sometimes using grouping and simple addition.

It would be great to use this book to introduce those concepts to young students! The illustrations are bright and vibrant and apple facts are included on the front and back covers.

Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Andy and Sam by Liesbet Slegers - ESSENTIAL

Slegers, Liesbet Andy and Sam: Hide-and-Seek PICTURE/ACTIVITY BOOK 28pgs. Kane Miller, 2010. $15

EL-ESSENTIAL 

What a fun hide-and-seek book! Kids will love to follow along with Andy as he and his cat, Sam, go to the beach, the pond, the farm, the sky, and the forest. Along with a short story, kids are instructed to find Sam as well as other items on each page.

The illustrations are bright and eye-catching. The color-coordinating answers to each page are included on the last page of the book. Fabulous book!

Whitney, Library-Teacher.

You're Lovable to Me by Kat Yeh - OPTIONAL

Yeh, Kat You're Lovable to Me illustrated by Sue Anderson PICTURE BOOK 26 pgs. Random House, 2009.  $16

EL-OPTIONAL

This is a sweet story about unconditional love. Mama bunny tucks her little bunnies into bed at night, and recalling the days past events, they wonder how she could still love them?? She tells them why in a simple, short way.

The story reminds me of (but isn't nearly as cute as) the Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. This would be a cute Valentine gift.

Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Dinner with Olivia by Emily Sollinger - OPTIONAL

Sollinger, Emily Dinner with Olivia illustrated by Guy Wolek, PICTURE BOOK 24 pgs. Simon Spotlight, 2009. $4

EL-OPTIONAL 

Olivia gets invited to her friend Francine's house for dinner. Although Olivia is excited, she is nervous too because she wants to make sure she does everything properly so she can impress Francine's family. She practices with her stuffed animals at home but nothing can compare to the real thing at Francine's!! She gets in trouble for telling funny stories and for spilling food...how could everything go so wrong?

This is a very cute picture book and a cute story, but there is a lot of text on each page making it hard to keep kids' attention.

Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Seymour and Henry by Kim Lewis - ADVISABLE

Lewis, Kim Seymour and Henry, PICTURE BOOK 32 pgs. Candlewick, 2009.

EL – ADVISABLE. 

Seymour and Henry are a pair of sweet ducks that love to swim. When their mother says it's time to leave the pond for home, the two little ducklings scamper away and eagerly wait to be found. Soon rain spoils their fun, and off to mother they run. It is a simple tale that will entertain a preschool age audience.

Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian

Loudest Beagle on the Block by Sutherland - ADVISABLE

Sutherland, T.T. Pet Trouble: Loudest Beagle on the Block, 176 pgs. Scholastic Inc., 2009.

Content: G

EL - ADVISABLE

Ella just inherited her Aunt Golda’s beagle, and all it does is bark. Ella needs to practice her piano and singing for the school talent show, but her dog just doesn’t know when to be quiet. Will Ella’s musical career be put in jeopardy? I thought this book was very good, and well written, but it wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read. It was a very intriguing book and kept me reading. 

 Student reviewer: HW

Olivia the Magnificent by Sheila Sweeny Higginson - ADVISABLE

Higginson, Sheila Sweeny Olivia the Magnificent illustrated by Art Mawhinney PICTURE BOOK. 16 pgs. Simon Spotlight, 2009.  $7

EL-ADVISABLE

Olivia loves when her grandma comes to visit, especially when her grandma does magic! Olivia dreams of becoming Olivia the Magnificent and practices her magic so that she can one day be that. But oops! Ian started practicing and made Olivia disappear. He uses a few tricks of his own to get her back. Kids will love this lift-the-flap magical story! 

Whitney, Library-Teacher

Olivia and Her Ducklings by Veera Hiranandani and Shane L Johnson - ESSENTIAL

Hiranandani, Veera Olivia and Her Ducklings illustrated by Shane L. Johnson EARLY READER. 24 pgs. Simon Spotlight, 2009. $4

EL - ESSENTIAL

Also based on the TV series Olivia, kids will love this story about the ducklings that followed Olivia home. She tried to paint Ian, but he kept moving so she painted the ducks instead. They liked her so much that they followed her home! Oh how she wishes she could keep them, but instead they get to spend the afternoon together playing hide-and-seek and reading a story. 

This is charming story that beginning readers will love! This book also has the picture above the word to be read to help with word recognition. 

Whitney, Library-Teacher. 

Olivia Trains er Cat by Sarah Albee - ESSENTIAL

Albee, Sarah Olivia Trains Her Cat illustrated by Shane L. Johnson EARLY READER 24 pgs. Simon Spotlight, 2009.. $4

EL-ESSENTIAL

Based on the Nickelodeon show, Olivia and her friend Francine brag about all of the tricks their cats can do. The girls try to out do each other as the stakes are raised higher and higher for the performing cats...jumping, ballet, cooking etc. All of their claims are put to the test when the cats perform for the class show-and-tell. Not quite reaching all of the high expectations put on them, the cats (mainly Edwin) pull out a surprising performance in the end.

Young kids will love this book as it include pictures that help identify the word to be read. The simple sentences and word repetition will make this a great start for any young reader!

Whitney, Library-Teacher 

Birdie’s Book by Jan Bozarth - ADVISABLE

Bozarth, Jan Birdie’s Book (The Fairy Godmother Academy), 197 p. Random House, 2009. $8

Content: G

EL – ADVISABLE

12yo Birdie has never met her maternal grandmother – now Mom is away and Dad has decided that this is the time for Birdie and Granny to meet. Birdie is unsure what to think of her unorthodox, warm, eccentric grandmother. When she talks about magic as though it were real, she decides it is time to think – and on her way find herself right in the midst of an epic journey that will affect her entire family. 

Birdie and her new friends are fun for young girls who love a bit of fantasy. I think fans of Disney’s Never Fairies will embrace these also. 

Cindy, Library-Teacher.

The Chinese: Life in China's Golden Age by Matt Doeden - ESSENTIAL

Doeden, Matt The Chinese: Life in China's Golden Age illustrated by Samuel Hiti, PICTURE BOOK 48 pgs. Lerner Publishing Group, Inc., 2010. $22

EL-ESSENTIAL

Set during the Golden Age of China during the Tang dynasty (618-907), this books teaches all about what one would expect to find in the great city of Chang'an.

It covers topics such as beliefs, ideas and inventions, homes and temples, famous people and more. The illustrations and easy-to-read text will enthrall students as they learn more about this fascinating time period. This would be an excellent book to display and have available as students are learning about ancient civilizations.

Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Brava Olivia by Tina Gallo - GIFT

Gallo, Tina Brava Olivia illustrated by Drew Rose COLORING BOOK 32 pgs. Simon Scribbles, 2009. $5


GIFT -ESSENTIAL

Olivia the pig has big dreams and you get to help her reach those dreams in this coloring and activity book! She wants to be a chef, a ballerina, a musician, a painter, a pilot, a singer and more. With coloring and activity pages (along with glittery stickers included at the back!) kids will be charmed and entertained with this book. Not a book to put in the library, but great as a gift! 


Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Meet Olivia by Maggie Testa - GIFT

Testa, Maggie Meet Olivia illustrated by Drew Rose COLORING BOOK 32 pgs. Simon Scribbles, 2009. $5

GIFT - ESSENTIAL. 

Meet Olivia! Find out all about her family, her pets, and her dreams in this coloring and activity book. 

Kids won't get bored with all of the mazes, drawings, puzzles, and coloring in this book! Also included is a jumbo poster of Olivia. Even the back cover of the book has a finger puppet activity kids will enjoy. Great gift idea! 

Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Click, Clack, 123 by Doreen Cronin and Batsy Lewin - ESSENTIAL

Cronin, Doreen Click, Clack, 123 illustrated by Betsy Lewin BOARD BOOK. 24 pgs. Little Simon, 2009.  $8

Pre-K- ESSENTIAL

Just like the ABC book, this is a delightful book! Not only does it help kids learn to count to ten, but they will enjoy the silly story of the farmer losing his goldfish as well! 

I love that the same themes and characters are used in these books for younger kids.  

Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Animal Gym by Beth Greiner and Tibor Gergely- OPTIONAL

Hoffman, Beth Greiner Animal Gym illustrated by Tibor Gergely 24 pgs. Golden Books, 2009. PICTURE BOOK. $3.99. 

Pre-K- OPTIONAL

Although I am not the biggest fan of the Little Golden books, I have to love them because of how classic they are. This particular book relates how crazy it would be if elephants and tigers and monkeys came to gym class with us! 

It might be harder for younger kids to relate to this because they won't have any concept of what gym class is, but they might be familiar with the activities the animals do. The text is short and the illustrations are more realistic than what kids might be familiar with so it may help with animal recognition. 

Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Click, Clack ABC by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin - ESSENTIAL

Cronin, Doreen Click, Clack, ABC illustrated by Betsy Lewin, 24 pgs. Little Simon, 2009. BOARD BOOK. $8

Pre-K- ESSENTIAL

This is a darling book for young kids! It uses some of the same elements and the same characters we are familiar with in the Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type book. I

f you have liked Cronin and Lewin's other stories, you will love this as a jump-start to teaching your kids the alphabet! 

Whitney, Library-Teacher.

Animals by Miranda Smith - ADVISABLE

Smith, Miranda. Animals. Kingfisher Press. 2009. Pgs. 43.

EL,MS - ADVISABLE

Animals inhabit every nook and cranny of the earth. Some are mammals, some are amphibians, some are reptiles, some are bird, some are fish, and some are invertebrates (animals without a backbone). All, however, use various methods for attack, defense, mating, self-protection, traveling, raising young, etc.

This book introduces readers to the world of animals and what it means to be an animal. Although this guide it very basic, readers will enjoy the unusual insights it provides as well as the accurate illustrations and photos the author provides as well as the text they complement so well.

Reviewer: Jessica, Librarian, Olympus Jr. High.

The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett - ADVISABLE

Gravett, Emily. The Odd Egg, 32 pgs. MacMilan UK, 2009

EL (K-3)  – ADVISABLE

All of the birds have an egg except for duck, that is until he finds one! Then all of the birds’ eggs hatch except for Ducks, but they are all in for a surprise. 

This story is sure to hold the attention of young children with its graduated cut pages to the sweet illustrations. The end is sure to create giggles with a spectacular hatching.

Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian

Welcome to the Zoo by Alison Jay - ADVISABLE

Jay, Alison. Welcome to the Zoo, PICTURE BOOK 32 pgs. Dial, 2008. 

EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE. 

This amazing picture book is sure to start a fabulous tale, but it will be one that you create since there is not a single word in it. Each page is loaded with fanciful images involving human visitors and busy zoo animals. The illustrations alone are reason enough to include this in your library. Young children will delight in finding new stories to create each time they open the book.

Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian

Moxy Maxwell Does NOT Love Practicing Piano (but she does love being in recitals) by Peggy Gifford - OPTIONAL

Gifford, Peggy Moxy Maxwell Does NOT Love Practicing Piano (but she does love being in recitals), 177 pgs. S&W, 2009. 

Content: G

EL - OPTIONAL 

Moxy Maxwell and her sister are playing a duet for an upcoming recital, but as the day approaches, Moxy's recital attendance is questioned, and her mom realizes she can't play her part. 

I personally loved this book. It was very cute. Moxy to me is almost like I was for my first recital. Though it was short and far below my level, I'm glad I read it. 

Student Reviewer: CRH

The Dead End by Mimi McCoy - ADVISABLE

McCoy, Mimi The Dead End, 174 p. Poison Apple (Scholastic), 2010. $6 

Content: G.

EL – ADVISABLE

12yo Casey Slater has awesome plans for her New York City summer. All of them are dashed when her parents drag her to a creepy old house in the middle of nowhere. No friends, no fun, and no rest – because something seems out to get Casey, torturing her with dreams of fear and fire. Maybe with the help of her new neighbor, Erik, they will be able to put together the puzzle pieces before someone gets hurt. 

If your students like Betty Ren Wright or Mary Downing Hahn, then they will really enjoy this new imprint from Scholastic. I hope that the Poison Apple books keep rolling on. 

Cindy, Libray-Teacher.