Climbing Rosa by Shelley Fowles - ESSENTIAL

Fowles, Shelley Climbing Rosa. Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 2008. PICTURE BOOK

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

Rosa loves to climb. This is a good thing, because her evil stepmother and stepsister make her sleep on the roof. Everything changes, however, when word gets to her about a bookworm prince that is looking for a wife. The king of the kingdom decrees that whoever can make it to the top of the tallest tree in the kingdom and bring down with them some seeds from the tree, will win the prince’s hand in marriage. Rosa doesn’t just face the challenge of climbing the tree, though, she must also outwit one of her stepsisters. Will she make it to the top of the tree? Will she get to marry the prince or forever be stuck sleeping on the roof?

The text and illustrations are funny and are enjoyable to look at. The illustrations complement well the text. Children of all ages will enjoy reading about a Cinderella who’s not your typical damsel in distress and a prince that has a rather unusual personality.


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

Treasure Fever by Andy Griffiths - ADVISABLE

Griffiths, Andy. Treasure Fever, 198p. Scholastic- 

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

EL- ADVISABLE 

Henry McTrottle thought it was just going to be his everyday substitute. What he didn't expect was Mr. Brainfright. His class went from learning math to falling out of windows! Not only did they learn that, they also learned how to eat a banana, fly, and make history. While learning the weirdest things, Henry and his friends are looking for treasure... and about thirty other kids. Will they beat everyone to the chase? What is in the treasure? 

Treasure Fever was a random and funny book. A good book, but not one that you had to absolutely read. 

Student Reviewer: CW

Chasing Normal by Lisa Papademetriou - ADVISABLE

Papademetriou, Lisa Chasing Normal, 193 p. Hyperion, 2008. 

EL - ESSENTIAL, MS - ADVISABLE

Mieka, 12, and her father, have been summoned to the side of Mieka's paternal grandmother, as she seems close to death. Never mind that Mieka and her dad are closer to her maternal grandmother and that Mieka has never even met Grandma Baker in her life. Now she is spending three weeks with her cousins and a surly old woman, and wondering the grass really is greener on this side of the fence. 

Three weeks may seem short, but it may be just enough time for Mieka to figure out what it is she wants. All in a nice, neat package that doesn't include one swear word even! 

CINDY

The 100 Year old Secret by Tracy Barrett - ADVISABLE

Barrett, Tracy The 100 Year Old Secret (The Sherlock Files #1), 157 p. Henry Holt, 2008. 

EL - ADVISABLE

Xena and Xander Holmes have moved to London with their parents. Almost immediately they are contacted by a Society for the Preservation of Famous Detectives and informed that they truly are descendants of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. They children, with the reluctant help of a descendant of Dr. Watson, take on a case from Holmes' unfinished files, tracking the whereabouts of a missing painting. 

Actually, the mystery is fairly clever and kind of reminds me of a more in depth Encyclopedia Brown. The twins use their brains, get in a little danger, and don't have to resort to superpowers or pretending that all adults are stupid in order to solve their crime. 

CINDY

Julia Gillian by Alison McGhee - OPTIONAL

McGhee, Alison Julia Gillian and the Art of Knowing, 288 p. Scholastic, 2008. 

EL - OPTIONAL

Julia Gillian usually adores summer time with her doting parents, but this year Mom and Dad are both pursuing higher degrees, which leaves them very little time for their ten year old daughter. Instead, Julia Gillian is stuck walking a nine block area of downtown Minneapolis with her faithful dog Bigfoot, and feels very alone as she confronts challenges and questions that seem very important for a little girl. 

Julia Gillian is very much a typical little girl, not a souped up, over mature pre-teen. Little girls who read well and like thick girly books will like Julia Gillian. 

CINDY

Carmine: A LIttle More Red by Melissa Sweet - ESSENTIAL

Sweet, Melissa Carmine: A Little More Red. Houghton, 2005. PICTURE BOOK.

EL - ESSENTIAL

This abecedarian (alphabetically arranged) version updates the Red Riding Hood story in an art format that mimics the art journal of a precocious child. Vocabulary words are highlighted, defined, and used in sentences that advance the plot. In a nonviolent twist at the end, Sweet manages to make this a satisfying individual read for any age.

Reviewer: Beverly Stout, Elementary Library Specialist.

HORSE by Libby Hamilton - ADVISABLE

Hamilton, Libby Horse: The Essential Guide For Young Equestrians. Candlewick Press, 2008. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK.

EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

This horse book is chuck full of the usual facts such as the breeds of horses, what to feed a horse, how to tell a horse's size and age. But it goes beyond the ordinary by giving advice on how to braid a tail, how to contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the secret art of horse whispering. It has great additions like pull outs and pop-ups, including a flip book that are fun for an individual reader, but may not hold up in a library setting.

Reviewed by Susan Huff, Area Library Media Specialist

Night Shift by Jessie Hartland - ADVISABLE

Hartland, Jessie Night Shift. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury, 2007.

EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

What is going on around the city while you are sleeping? All sorts of things - street sweeping, bridge painting, donut baking, window dressing to name a few.

This book cleverly details the jobs of fourteen different night workers, and each description leads to the next topic through a clue in the illustration and a question in the lower right of the page spread. Adding to the fun of her quirky illustrations, Hartland makes sure to place at least one cat in each picture. Further unifying the book, each night-time job depicted is represented as fourteen workers gather at the end of the shift for refreshment and sociality at an all-night diner.

Reviewer: Beverly Stout, Elementary Library Specialist.

Running Shoes by Freserick Lipp - ESSENTIAL

Lipp, Frederick Running Shoes, illustrated by Jason Gaillard. Charlesbridge, 2008. PICTURE BOOK. 

EL - ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE (for TA program). 

From the book cover, "Sophy and her mother are poor. They live in a small village with no doctor, hospital, or school. But Sophy has a secret wish - a wish for something that will change her life forever. With the help of a pair of running shoes, Sophy might just be able to make her wish come true." Sophy's wish is to attend school eight kilometers away through the jungle and over streams and sharp, red rocks. On his current visit, the government census taker learns of Sophy's dream, measures her foot, and promises to send a surprise. With new running shoes Sophy proves herself not only by braving the distance alone, but also by courageously attending an all-boy school and outrunning every single fellow student. 

Through lyrical text and beautiful paintings, "author Fredrick Lipp and illustrator Jason Gaillard create an empowering story of hope and determination set in the countryside of Cambodia." This book is for everyone; it made me cry. 

Reviewer: BS

My Chocolate Year by Charlotte Herman - ESSENTIAL

Herman, Charlotte My Chocolate Year, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 163 pgs. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. 

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

EL-ESSENTIAL 

Dorrie is a 5th grader and her teacher is having a baking and essay contest. When her cousin Victor comes to America for the first time, he shows her how precious her family and a free country are, while teaching her a few tricks from his family's bakery. 

Because this book is set in 1945 and Dorrie's family is Jewish, you get a lot of history about the holocaust. It gave just the right amount of history while having fun and hearing about all of the desserts she makes. There are even recipes for a lot of the things they make in the story. It is perfect for any elementary school library. 

Student Reviewer-KD

Search for the Red Dragon by James Owens - ESSENTIAL

Owen, James A. The Search for the Red Dragon, pgs.368 Simon and Schuster, Inc. 

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

EL,MS-ESSENTIAL. 

It's been nine years since John, Jack, and Charles had their adventure in the Archipelago of Dreams and became Caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica. Now they are going back to save the Archipelago again, this time someone has been stealing the children of the Archipelago. Their only clue is a message from an odd girl with artificial wings: "The Crusade has begun." Worse, all the dragon ships have gone as well. Now they have to save the children, find the Red Dragon, figure out who has been stealing the children, and head to the Underneath. 

Sequel to Here there be Dragons. A very humorous book but read the first book first or you won't get a lot of things. 

Student Reviewer:RH
Owen, James A. The Search for the Red Dragon, pgs.368 Simon and Schuster, Inc. Launguage-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G; It's been nine years since John, Jack, and Charles had their adventure in the Archipelago of Dreams and became Caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica. Now they are going back to save the Archipelago again, this time someone has been stealing the children of the Archipelago. Their only clue is a message from a odd girl with artificial wings: "The Crusade has begun." Worse, all the dragon ships have gone as well. Now they have to save the children, find the Red Dragon, figure out who has been stealing the children, and head to the Underneath. Sequel to Here there be Dragons. A very humorous book but read the first book first or you won't get a lot of things. EL,MS-ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer:RH

Ruby Key by Holly Lisle - ESSENTIAL

Lisle, Holly The Ruby Key, 368 p. Scholastic (Print Date: May 2008). 

EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Genna and Dan are desperate to find their father and save their mother, before she is forced to marry the village's new chieftain. What they don't know, however, is that their incredible journey is destined to save more than one race of peoples. 

Cunning will be needed and danger must be encountered along every step of the way as the two and their companions try to satisfy the demands of the nightling king without getting themselves killed or betraying those they love. A really hard-hitting start, a little slower in the middle and then a big rush to a fine conclusion, with a great setup for at least one sequel. This book can easily span all three levels of school libraries. Lisle has made a smooth transition into the teen fantasy market - check out her adult level fantasy if you haven't already.