My Name is Phillis Wheatley by Afua Cooper

My Name Is Phillis Wheatley: A Story of Slavery and Freedom by Afua Cooper

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Told in the voice of Phillis Wheatley, this story retells her life as she was captured at 8 years old in her homeland and brought to Boston to be a slave in the late 1700's. She is bought by the Wheatley family who educates her and realizes she is brilliant. She writes poetry and becomes famous at only 13 years of age.



This is a good one to add to the American Revolutionary biography unit. Phillis recounts meetings with both Thomas Jefferson and George Washington as well as life during that time period.



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In My Hands by Irene Gut Opdyke

In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer by Irene Opdyke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


An amazing memoir of a young Polish girl living 7 years in WWII Poland. She is a young Catholic girl who finds herself taking small steps in helping Jews survive the horrors of Poland and Germany during the war.

This is for mature students since there is mention of the soldiers beating and raping Irene. However it is not told with any detail. She does make some moral decisions. A story of courage and strength.

I read it in two days. It is difficult to put down. Wonderful Read!

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No Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Grades 3-6



Kids will like this one. It is humorous and a mystery of sorts. It is a battle of the wills between Wallace Wallace, star athlete, and his English teacher. Wallace rebels against writing a review for his teacher's favorite book, which the drama club happens to be turning into a play. Wallace must sit in detention daily during rehearsals and gives suggestions and new dialogue to the play turning it from dull to fun. Meanwhile someone is sabotaging the play and seemingly blaming it on Wallace. Who is ruining the play? Will Wallace find out? Will Wallace get back on the football team in time to help win another championship?



Read to find out.....



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Also Known as Harper by Ann Haywood Leal

Also Known As Harper by Ann Haywood Leal

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


p243   grades 5-8

Subject matter for mature readers.

realistic fiction, poverty, homelessness, family, friendship, death, single parents, alcoholism, tragedy.

Story of a family that falls apart and spirals into poverty, eviction, and homelessness. The father developed alcoholism and has run away and left them penniless. Mother is a house cleaner struggling to feed the family and not able to pay rent. They are evicted and the family must leave everything behind and take only what fits into their car. Harper Lee, main character, and her brother, Hemingway, struggle with not being able to attend school due to hardship on their mother with basics of transportation while maintaining a job.The kids are left all day long to fend for themselves and meet other kids who also live in poverty and are homeless. They learn about a whole niche of people who are learning to deal with homelessness while maintaining some dignity and sense of themselves.

The story leaves you with a lesson of learning to see people and have empathy. To know that the people who live in poverty have a story and life to them and often have families they are struggling to keep together.

Quote from book: "If folks don't like the way you look, they almost never take the time to find anything out about you. They just make up their own stories." Dorothy Pine p146.



Similar to Fastest Friend in the West by Vickie Grove, How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Conner,  and Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor.



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Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A good story but ending was less than satisfactory. I think there was an understanding developed about people being similar no matter what your culture but Clements missed an opportunity to have more depth in a cross cultural understanding.I liked the message of the importance of doing your work and taking school seriously.



Similar to Frindle. Kids will like this one. Great for independent readers grades 3-5.



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Family Reminders by Julie Danneberg

Family Reminders by Julie Danneberg

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Fast read. I read it in about 45 mins. This means that it probably a good fit for for my third and fourth graders. I sometimes get upset that the WAW titles have so few that the younger kids can actually read independently, but this is one they should be able to handle.



Unfortunately the plot is superficial. Family lives in a mining town, dad mines. He gets injured and the family makes a miraculous adjustment with few problems in only one year. The fact that the family has a nice house with a parlor and upstairs when dad is only miner seems far fetched to me. Mom only has to take in laundry from two miners who overpay her and they are able to keep the house and make ends meet while Dad turns to carving figurines and becomes an artist and craftsman. All due to the upbeat Pollyanna attitude of Mary, the daughter. Mary prods him in to playing the piano again and turning his hobby into full time employment. It seems a bit cheesy but younger kids will probably like this one.

It does not give much detail and feel for a historical fiction


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Amaranth Enchanted by Julie Berry

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Listened to this one as an audio book, not sure if that had an impact or not. This one was okay but the main character did not resonate with me.

This one is a fairytale Cinderella tale. Prince, girl in rags falling in love with the prince, a witch, a ball, an evil aunt (instead of a stepmother) then add a thief, a hunt for a jewel. Happy ending with all the ends tied up neatly. Girls might like this one. Best characters were Peter and the goat.







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Double Eagle by Sneed B. Collard

Double Eagle by Sneed B. Collard III

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


WAW nomination 6-8.



I was hooked right from the beginning. WOW!! I think this will be the winner of the WAW. Fabulous story. Lots of action, really believable, drama, mystery, and friendship all rolled into one. A very enthusiastic thumbs up!







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Reading is Critical and Leads to Professional Careers

Study Finds Out-of-School Reading at 16 Leads to Professional Careers
Reading books is the only out-of-school activity for 16-year-olds that is linked to getting a managerial or professional job in later life, according to an Oxford study. Researchers asked more than 17,000 people born in 1970 about how they spent their downtime when they were 16 years old and their careers when they turned 33. The findings, presented at the British Sociological Association, show that girls who had read books at 16 had a 39 percent probability of a professional or managerial post at 33, but only a 25 percent chance if they had not. For boys who read regularly, the figure went up from 48 percent to 58 percent. None of the other activities surveyed were found to have a significant effect on their careers.

The Mall Adventures of Popeye and Elvis by Barbara O'Connor

The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis by Barbara O'Connor

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Folksy, reminiscent of days from 60's or 70's perhaps. Word choice, prediction. Short, fast read. Gr 3 for read aloud, +4th grade for independent reading.

Two boys from different families meet while one family's Holiday Rambler is stuck in the mud and they explore the surrounding woods and creek. Kids are excited about finding boats made from Ya-hoo containers floating in the creek and wonder where they came from. This one is about looking at your world through different eyes and the relationships in two dysfunctional families that are low social economic and have little direction and expectations. Vocabulary
is woven in as Popeye brings up great words and uses them in the story. This adventure may not be enough for some kids who want more adventure.

This one has gotten great reviews.

More books by Barbara O'Connor: How to Steal a Dog, Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia; Greetings from Nowhere; Me and Rupert Goody, Moonpie and Ivy. And others

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The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. foggy by Rodman Philbrick

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Very humorous read. Greatly enjoyed this read as the boy gets in and out of several outlandish adventures as he tries to find his brother who was sent off to the Civil war. Think kids will enjoy this one.





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Wonderful Trilogy

Everlost by Neal Shusterman




Recommended by my children literature book group on goodreads. Lots of amazing reviews. Older @2006, but apparently worth it . Have you read this? I remember this being at the bookfair. Will check to see if we can get the series.

This is a Trilogy.

. EVERLOST . EVERWILD
EVERFOUND

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Swindle by Gordon Korman

Check out this Winner of 2011 William Allen White award for grades 3-5.
FUN!! A page turning adventure of revenge.

Click on this link--> BOOKTALK VIDEO

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

The Boy Who Dared Booktalk | Scholastic.com this is the link

This is the Winner of the 2011 William Allen White Award. Click on link to see a booktalk on this book. Amazing!

This author will attend the William Allen White awards on Sept 24th awards in Emporia, KS

Great Death

The Great Death by John E. Smelcer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Historical Fiction. An extremely fast read. Only 166 pages

Great Death was the near decimation of the Alaskan natives at the turn of the 20th century due to contact with white people. According to the author nearly 2/3 of the Alaskan Natives were killed by measles, flu, and small pox.

Two sisters are the only survivors left in their remote village. They travel down the river to find other survivors. Short on details and not much action. Not sure students will be able to grasp the full impact of the intense scenes of death. There was not enough emotional development with the characters. The ending leaves you wondering about how the girls will be received since prior contact with "white" people had been so negative, when they met a trapper along the way and the elder sister was attacked.. Best for older students due to near rape.

WAW nomination 2012. Felt like this could have been better, author has some interruptions in the flow to explain some aspects of the wilderness.



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Mr. Popper's Penguins

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Okay. . Adventure

Ready for the movie and upcoming craze for this title. This one is an old fashioned silly read written in 1938, when children were less hardened and knowledgeable about the world. There is a complete lack of realism that will appeal to young children. I think students will love to pretend and create their own fantasies about zany pets.

Mr Popper is an ordinary housepainter who dreams about traveling the world, especially The South Pole. He is an avid reader and quite knowledgeable about penguins. He receives a penguin from Admiral Drake for sending a letter and the zany adventures begin as he tries to care for his penguin. Mr Popper's wife is a stereotypical wife of the forties. This is something to explain since she is rather drab and mindless about so many problems that come up, but then this is not supposed to make sense... It is fantasy.



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Operation Yes

Operation Yes by Sara Lewis Holmes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Did not expect to like this book since I thought it had to do with military life. However it is less about military than life in a school with an inspiring new teacher, Ms Loupe. Students living on base and going to a dilapidated old school learn about improv theater and cover their sixth grade curriculum until tragedy strikes their teacher's family. Students then use what they have learned to pull together and create a huge project to raise money for wounded soldiers. A good story to lead to discussions about relationships, consequences, and how families cope with members in the military.

Recommend to grades 5-8.



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Notes From the Dog by Gary Paulsen

Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Great story. A sensitive young college grad student moves in next door to house sit and befriends the two boys living next door and changes their summer and lives in the process. Told from the perspective of Finn the preteen bookworm who finds engaging in conversation painful. The boys get involved with Johann and her fight against breast cancer and her dream of raising money in the triathlon for cancer awareness. not much action in this story more of an issue and relationship story.



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Yoga - Sun Salutation

Here is a link to the Dr Oz yoga workout video for sun salutation.

http://www.realage.com/shape-up-slim-down/workout-center/dr-oz-sun-salutation-video?src=edit&chan=tips&con=rr-tout&click=et1

This easy yoga routine combines a series of popular yoga poses to stretch and strengthen each major muscle group in only a few minutes a day. Yoga improves balance and flexibility, relieves stress, and promotes a sense of inner calm, and it may also help fight depression.

Fanstastic Reads Blog

http://ali-fantasticreads.blogspot.com/ Fanstastic Reads- This is a blog written by Alison who has a PhD in children's fantasy literature.

Here are two other blogs she recommends- "great blogs out there. Mine is http://ali-fantasticreads.blogspot.com/, mostly about children's fantasy fiction (my PhD subject), but I go off topic regularly.
http://www.playingbythebook.net/ and http://popclassicsjg.blogspot.com/ are two of my favorites: the former about activities for children inspired by books, the latter about Classical culture in popular culture, frequently including books and TV for children and young adults."

Just in Time Lincoln

Just in Time, Abraham Lincoln by Patricia Polacco

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Not one of Polacco's better reads. It was okay but I much preferred her other new book, January's Sparrow. Check out the reviews for that title. It is fabulous. Her title Pink and Say is still my favorite of her books.


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Cats's Pajamas

The Cat's Pajamas by Wallace Edwards

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Good book on idioms for middle and upper grades. wonderful illustrations. I especially enjoyed finding all the hidden cats on each page.
But not for BMJ award. Author is not American and level is too high.

School Library Journal (February 1, 2011)
Gr 4-7-Edwards begins this picture book with a definition of "idiom," and English teachers will thrill to find a book that deals with this elusive idea. The expectation will be that the pictures will get to the true meaning of the expressions, but readers will be surprised. In fact, Edwards's illustrations show the literal meaning, which is effective in its own way. When he depicts a pelican swallowing a frog to illustrate "having a frog in one's throat," it's clear that the meaning could not be literal. It is patently ridiculous. A list of the real meanings is provided at the end of the book. The illustrations are handsome and detailed, which adds to the ridiculous nature of the literal interpretations. This is a useful book to introduce this figure of speech to older kids; it will make them laugh as they tease out what each entry actually means.-Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc
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A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story

A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story by Linda Sue Park

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


booklist pick 2010

Enjoyed this one but difficult to switch between the two stories of now and past. Fast read. Not sure kids will pick it up independently.



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Harry and Hopper

Harry & Hopper by Margaret Wild

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Uk book best illustrated 2010 Kate Greenaway award



A story about a young boy dealing with the death of his dog. This one really touched my heart. Sad story, one to make you appreciate the connection between a boy and his dog. Loved it.

Booklist starred (February 1, 2011 (Vol. 107, No. 11))
Preschool-Grade 3. Winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration in 2010, this bittersweet Australian import about a boy and his dog brings diffuse tenderness and a touch of magic realism to a tale of love and loss. Harry meets Hopper the hound on the title page, and for a few spreads, the two are inseparable. Then Hopper is killed in an accident, and Harry is devastated. That night, Hopper appears at the window, solid and warm, and the two relive their time together, playing, wrestling, and cuddling. Hopper returns, night after night, ever fading in substance, until Harry is ready to say good-bye. Wild’s unflinching narrative—sensitive and straightforward and spare—evokes the quiet, ceaseless throb of absence. Blackwood’s sketchy paintings, though muted in tone and somber in substance, wriggle with life, even when that life is only a dream. With careful use of composition and perspective, Blackwood often places the protagonists on the outskirts of the page, positions that echo the story’s themes of loneliness and connection. When so many picture books about grief aim squarely at bibliotherapy, Harry & Hopper reaches past the platitudes, sharing something essential about sadness and healing.

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Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya

Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This title was okay but only as a backup of additional info to last year's WAW title Planting the trees of Kenya : the story of Wangari MaathaiPlanting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai I thought Planting the Trees of Kenya was better information and had more depth to the story.

School Library Journal (February 1, 2010)
Gr 3-4-This idealistic account focuses on Wangari's wisdom in advising women to plant different kinds of trees to solve their particular economic problems. "Here are seedlings of the mukinduri. This tree makes good firewood." "Plant a tree. A mukawa. Its thorns will keep out predators." Napoli inserts a Kikuyu phrase and its translation after each bit of Wangari's advice. "Thayu nyumba"-"Peace, my people." The story seems to suggest that the trees were a rather quick solution to the people's problems of hunger and poverty in Kenya's devastated landscape. "Soon cool, clear waters teemed with black, wriggling tadpoles.. All over the countryside the trees that had disappeared came back." Nelson depicts the various women and the greening of the landscape in bold collages of textile prints joined with strong painted portraits. The poetic, abbreviated story has little biographical detail, emphasizing the planting of millions of trees and the resulting prosperity and peace for the country and its people. The preface describing the ill effects of earlier drought and the broad sweep of text provide less concrete information and explanation than Claire A. Nivola's Planting the Trees of Kenya (Farrar) and Jeanette Winter's Wangari's Trees of Peace (Harcourt, both 2008). The information is too vague for primary grade children, and probably too skimpy for older grades. Still, the book could serve as a beautiful introduction for children just learning about the Greenbelt Movement. Concluding materials include an afterword for adults, a source note, a Kikuyu glossary, a list of Web sites most useful for adults, and a brief note from the illustrator.-Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

The ride : the legend of Betsy Dowdy

The Ride: The Legend of Betsy Dowdy by Kitty Griffin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Oral tradition tells of a NC girl who rode to warn of the Redcoats coming in the style of Paul Revere. This story weaves those tales into a wonderful legend to share with grades 1-5 on an American Revolutionary heroine. Kids will enjoy this one.


Library Media Connection (November/December 2010)
Based on a legend about a young North Carolina girl, Betsy Dowdy, this is an appealing picture book. During the Revolutionary War, the Red Coats were advancing and threatened to attack the Currituck area of the barrier islands. Sixteen-year-old Betsy undertakes a very scary ride through the night to warn General Skinner and his soldiers, which ultimately may save her home, family, and her beloved ponies. Dramatic artwork in gouache and ink complements the exciting story. The nighttime dark blue backgrounds effectively contrast with Betsy's red cloak and her black horse. Lovely sunrise colors signal the end of the successful mission and her ride for liberty.The book appears to be well-researched, though it is acknowledged that there is no proof of Betsy's existence. Whether or not Betsy actually lived, this old legend makes a good story which adds a more personal touch to similar stories of our country's early years. Recommended. Barbara B. Feehrer, Educational Reviewer, Bedford, Massachusetts

Counry Road ABC

Country Road ABC: An Illustrated Journey Through America's Farmland by Arthur Geisert

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Alphabet book with a theme of farm life and rural living. Wonderful illustrations. Gives students a chance to learn more about mid-west farm life and develop great vocabulary for letters;goes beyond A is for apple. A is for ammonia fertilizer, D is for disking. This will be a title to read again and again because there are layers and depths to discover with each reading. I enjoyed this one.


School Library Journal (April 1, 2010)
PreS-Gr 3-A storm is unleashed over a city on the title page. As the story progresses, the sky clears and readers travel with a school bus, trucks, and other vehicles into a rural landscape. Each spread is devoted to an uppercase letter, a corresponding word, and a small black-and-white rendering of a concept or object. The road-surrounded by unfolding, full-color scenes of farms, a firehouse, a bar, a diner, a church, a rural town on the Fourth of July, and other assorted places-continues to meander along the bottom of the pages. For those who aren't familiar with "ammonia fertilizer" (A) or "erosion" (E), a conversational glossary is provided. "X" marks a spot on Y's "County Road Y31"; the aerial view highlights the shape of the always-challenging letter nicely. While the alphabetic arrangement provides an organizational scheme and an informational resource, children will return to the illustrations to revel in Geisert's detailed etchings of farmers working and relaxing. The story spans the four seasons with touches of humor, solemnity, and of course, pigs a-plenty. Several scenes, rendered in strong, black silhouettes, lend an air of calm and contrast. Children may enjoy comparing the style and subject matter to Alice and Martin Provensen's Town and Country (Harcourt, 1994).-Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

Seed, soil, sun : Earth's recipe for food

Seed, Soil, Sun by Cris Peterson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Could be used K-3



Beautiful! I really liked this book. It gives a wonderful interpretation of how things grow from seeds and give life to our planet. This would pair nicely with the title Living sunlight : how plants bring the earth to lifeLiving Sunlight: How Plants Bring The Earth To Life.




School Library Journal (November 1, 2010)
Gr 1-3-This introduction to how seeds become food is a standout in a widely covered field. Clearly written in simple language, the narrative is often poetic as the growth of seeds planted in soil, watered by rain, and powered by the sun is explained. The photographs throughout are crisp and vibrant. The close-ups are stunning, from the fragile-looking leaf breaking through impenetrable-looking dirt clods to the fuzzy hairs of brand-new leaves, backlit by the sun. The transformation of a corn seed that can be held between a child's fingers into a mature plant that the child needs to stand on a step ladder to reach is succinctly accomplished in one paragraph and three photographs. The partnership of farmers and seeds, soil and sun is highlighted in this accessible explanation of this agricultural cycle.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA (c) Copyright 2010.

Just One Bite

Just One Bite by Lola M. Schaefer

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The concept is good but I enjoyed Actual Size by Steven Jenkins better.



Actual Size



I was not fond of the art work in Just One Bite. Parts of it were oversized i.e.: frog,parrot while others were reduced in size. This would make it harder for kids who lack exposure to grasp size and concept. Another hurdle is it is so huge that it will be hard to shelve and hard for kids to handle. It will not fit into backpacks and desks easily.

School Library Journal (November 1, 2010)
PreS-Gr 1-Large, stylized illustrations present a variety of animals and what they can ingest in "just one bite." From a minuscule dot of decaying vegetable matter scooped up by an earthworm to the wriggly mass of a giant squid gripped in the jaw of a toothy sperm whale (quadruple gatefolds for this one), the book helps children to envision the eating habits of critters seen mostly on TV. The brief text repeats the octopus's request for "only the tender parts, please" as he scarfs down a crunchy crab, and a Komodo dragon remarking on the "tasty treat" of a snake-snack. Mouths and mouth parts are shown life-size, leaving (in most cases) the greater part of the head and generally the body out of the strongly delineated illustrations. This is problematic in the case of those species with which youngsters are not familiar. Notes at the back of the book proffer paragraphs about the featured creatures, so parents/teachers will have further fodder for curious young minds. Not in the realistic school of Teruyuki Komiya's photographic More Life-Size Zoo or his Life-Size Aquarium (both Seven Footer Kids, 2010), but attractive, colorful, and impressively big.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.

Wanted, the perfect pet

Wanted: The Perfect Pet by Fiona Roberton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Cute. Great Read Aloud. I think kids will like it. A heartwarming tale of friendship. Sparse line drawings.
Things I liked about the book: effort on duck's part to take charge and change things. Accepting something different, seeing good of an alternative, boy used and looked up resources and reference material to find facts about duck. Boy made an effort to help duck see he himself not as a lame substitute but perfect the way he is.

School Library Journal (July 1, 2010)
K-Gr 2-Henry is looking for the perfect pet. The ad he places in the classifieds reads, "must have waggy tail, floppy ears, soft wet nose and warm furry tongue." Duck lives alone on a cold, windy hill where no one calls, writes, or emails. After reading Henry's ad, he makes a clever doggy disguise and journeys off to meet the boy. Henry is delighted with his new "dog" until its nose, tail, and ears fall off in a game of chase. Then Henry does some research in his Enormous Book of Incredibly Interesting Things and is delighted with his new pet, especially after he makes a list of the duck's skills, including underwater swimming, flying, nest building, excellent at disguises, and "can talk...rare, but not unheard of." Declaring the bird the perfect pet, Henry names the now-happy duck Spot. Roberton's line drawings have a palette of mostly of black and white, gray, and touches of green and yellow. They are very effective in conveying mood, action, and humor. The amusing text is placed in and among the illustrations for a seamless partnership between the two. An excellent tale about not getting what you thought you wanted but loving it anyway.-Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.
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Sleep Big Bear Sleep

Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Very funny read aloud. Bear is so tired he does not hear well and misinterprets the wind telling him to go to sleep.


School Library Journal (September 1, 2009)
PreS-Gr 1-It is getting cold and time for hibernation, so Old Man Winter says, "'Sleep, Big Bear, sleep.'/But Big Bear didn't hear very well.." Instead he mishears Old Man Winter and, in attempting to follow his directions, drives a jeep, sweeps a house, climbs a steep mountain, etc. Ultimately, Old Man Winter yells loudly enough for Big Bear to understand him, and the bear heads off to his den for a much-deserved rest. The text moves at a steady clip, and the refrain will encourage child participation. The fact that "sleep" seems unlikely to be mistaken for "climb a mountain steep" or "drive a jeep" probably won't bother the intended audience. The story reads aloud well, and the limited text and oversize illustrations will be effective in storytime. The artwork is the real star here, though. Hillenbrand imbues his characters with motion and personality; their growing exhaustion is evident in their drooping eyes, ears, and body, and their startled expressions when Old Man Winter yells could not be clearer. An above-average addition for libraries looking for more bear, hibernation, or winter stories to freshen up interactive storytimes.-Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.


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Three Little Kittens

Three Little Kittens by Jerry Pinkney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful! I loved this book but it is primarily for preschool and early kindergarten. It is a retelling of the nursery rhyme Three Little Kittens.
Not for BMJ.

School Library Journal (September 1, 2010)
PreS-The well-known nursery rhyme gets the Pinkney touch in this sumptuous edition. The cherubic felines on the front cover invite readers to follow their mishaps from acquiring the mittens, to losing them, to finding them, to getting them all dirty, to washing them, and-judging from the exuberance of the final spread-losing them again. Pinkney's energetic kittens need every inch of each spread to tell their story. Their mother, who has been represented in past versions as rather fearsome when the kittens confess their carelessness, is gentler here, although clearly long-suffering. Still, she has a sighing patience that children will find comforting. The ability of the youngsters to turn their carelessness into play (finding the lost mittens becomes a counting game, and they seem to have as much fun washing the pie-covered mittens as they did getting them dirty in the first place) is a hidden charm to the rhyme that is developed here; details such as a red cardinal reflected in a stray bubble escaping the washing tub has more "cheer" than "chore" in it. The palette of autumn colors is warm, despite the evidence of mittens and scarves, and the use of white space for the background makes the illustrations sparkle. This is another superb entry in the artist's catalog of classics for a new generation.-Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Stuff! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Stuff!: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle by Steven Kroll

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Good book for using in April for Earth Day and other environmental units. Definitely shows how giving things away is a good idea for everyone. A bit preachy though; I don't see it as a great read aloud on the basis of language use.

School Library Journal (March 1, 2009)
K-Gr 1-Pinch, a pack rat dressed in blue overalls and an orange scarf, lives in a house overflowing with "stuff." His friends convince him to join in a community tag sale, and he quickly sells everything. At first, he wants to buy more stuff but his friends persuade him to contribute his profits to help buy a tree to beautify the city. Colorful digital and mixed-media art shows animals dressed in clothes and behaving like humans. The message is positive, that one man's trash is another man's treasure, but students will not be entertained or enlightened by this purposeful offering.-Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
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Joha Makes a Wish

Not a nominee for BMJ
Joha Makes a Wish: A Middle Eastern Tale by Eric A. Kimmel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A great read aloud for Folktale/ Fairytale unit. Wishes are turned upside down and Joha must figure out how to fix the problems. Hilarious tale.

School Library Journal (April 1, 2010)
Gr 1-3-Joha's wishes go awry, thanks to improper use of a magic stick he accidentally finds while walking to Baghdad. Kimmel recasts a Jewish tale from Yemen, borrowing story elements from widespread Middle Eastern folklore featuring the foolish wise man, aka Nasreddin Hodja. Kimmel's introductory note doesn't explain his choice of the lesser-known name "Joha" for the character. Perhaps he's melding the Arabic Juha and the Egyptian Goha for his own spin on the affable trickster. The story here is much more fully developed than the usually small Hodja/Goha episodes. In spite of Joha's angry efforts to rid himself of the troublesome stick, it tightly adheres to his hand, causing much worse trouble when he encounters the sultan in the streets of Baghdad. Kimmel's well-paced text smoothly builds events and dialogue, leaving the character interpretation to the comic portrayals in Rayyan's energetic watercolors. Joha is a small man with large hands and feet and a long, thin expressive face beneath a generous turban. His frayed sandals and patched trousers contrast with the splendor of the robust sultan and his armored guards. Joha's misadventures and the trouble he causes the sultan depart liberally from their folklore and cultural roots but offer an enjoyable escapade demonstrating that universal scheme of the unwitting little guy getting the better of those in power. The wishing scheme and fulsome pictures promise read-aloud fun.-Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.
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How Full is Your Bucket for Kids?

How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids by Tom Rath

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Don't think kids will understand the concept without a lot of direction and teaching. Story not really fun. I was disappointed. I had hoped to add this one to my bully/self esteem unit.

School Library Journal (September 1, 2009)
K-Gr 2-Based on the author's adult work How Full Is Your Bucket? (Gallup, 2004), this book explains that we all have invisible buckets of water over our heads. The negative actions of others toward us can empty the buckets, and our own meanness toward them can deplete their vessels, too. Positive actions reverse the process. Felix refuses to allow his sister to play blocks with him. When she angrily kicks over his tower, his grandfather explains that Felix dipped from his sister's container. The next morning Felix actually sees a bucket floating over his own head, and during the course of the day, as he is alternately bullied and praised, he realizes what causes it to be empty or full. This story is so heavy-handed and didactic that children are likely to find it laughable. Neither Felix, his sister, nor even their dog is a likable character, and the floating buckets over everyone's head look just plain silly.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

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Story County : here we come!

Story County: Here We Come! by Derek Anderson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Good for working on parts of a story. It sets up characers and setting. But what about plot? They did not get to telling a story, which was disappointing. This could be used to lead into writing stories of their own with characters and setting from the book.

Kirkus Review (December 15, 2010)
In a fit of metafictional worldbuilding, Farmer and four animals march gaily onto blank pages and proceed in steps to build a barn, pour out brown fields (from a bag of "Instant Farm Field"), plant tall cornstalks and haystacks, erect a scarecrow (a princess, thanks to Miss Cow) and finally paint in an evening sky. The five then march back to their bedroom for a snack and a quick bedtime recap of the day's activities from Chicken, leaving the farm all set to be the background for further stories in the morning. Each composed from several pieces that aren't always quite attached, Anderson's loose-jointed cartoon figures labor-or in Farmer's case goof off and make silly comments-in simple, increasingly full surroundings. Rounded off with a panoramic view of the deserted barnyard with a "Welcome to Story County!" sign posted in the foreground and a cozy final view of Chicken rocking her eggs to sleep, here's a cheery invitation to children to imagine stories or story stages of their own. (Picture book. 4-6)

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Nini Lost and Found by Anita Lobel

Nini Lost and Found by Anita Lobel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I liked this read. I had an immediate connection to it since I had a cat who was lost and found. My cat was lost for 40 days. Still the premise of the book is one I think kids can relate to. The illustrations were beautiful. It looks like a good read aloud.

It got star reviews by Booklist and Kirkus. SLJ gave it a very good review.

Booklist starred (August 2010 (Vol. 106, No. 22))
Preschool-Grade 1. The last time readers met Nini, the beguiling striped tabby, she thought she was being left behind when her family went away (Nini Here and There, 2007). Now it is Nini who is making travel plans, thanks to an open door. Once outside, Nini walks slowly away from home, then moves faster, and before long she is very far away indeed. Reveling in new sights and smells, Nini thinks, “Oh, this is really, really, really nice.” But darkness brings strange sounds, and Nini smells danger. One scary spread shows a fox, an owl, and a big brown bear who chase her into the hollow of an old tree. Now being outside is not so nice; Nini wants to go home, and someone wants her home, too. “Come back, come back, little miss cat.” Nini doesn’t know what to do. If she leaves her hiding place, the animals might catch her; but “I must be brave,” she tells herself as she runs toward home. Scolded, yes, but then cuddled and loved, Nini is glad to be home . . . “for now.” Told with an elegant simplicity that children will appreciate (they might have some of the same thoughts themselves), this is filled with Lobel’s endearing watercolor-and-gouache artwork, with big swirls of emotion and the tiniest nod of relief in a little cat’s upturned lip. A wonderful read-aloud, with the length of the text, the size of the art, and the adventure of the tale all being just right.

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Otis and Sydney and the Best Birthday Ever

Otis & Sydney and the Best Birthday Ever by Laura Joffe Numeroff

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Sweet book about being best friends. Great illustrations. For very young readers.



Booklist (September 1, 2010 (Vol. 107, No. 1))
Preschool-Grade 1. Books don’t come much cozier or any less threatening than this. Otis is a fuzzy little bear in green overalls. So is Sydney. Therefore, it will not shock the reader (though the bears are gobsmacked!) that they “soon discovered that they had much in common.” Best friends forever, Otis decides to throw Sydney a surprise birthday party. Out go the invites, in come the candles, and up go the balloons. A misprint on the invitations, however, prevents anyone from attending. Many a picture book has been predicated on the turmoil of a party gone wrong, but in Numeroff’s hands, the problem’s just a blip—Sydney is perfectly happy to celebrate with Otis, and celebrate they do. It’s a gentle lesson, though for some it will be too gentle, with Otis’ professed regret coming off as a bit inauthentic. The content and style of Andreasen’s pen, ink, and digital illustrations are resolutely old-fashioned, which fits well with Numeroff’s storytelling. There’s nothing earth-shattering in this comforting tale, but that is likely just what its creators intended.
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Tony Baloney

Tony Baloney by Pam Ryan

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I wanted to like this book. I loved the title and the cover art. I could not wait to be a "ham" reading a title like Tony Baloney with a NJ or NY accent, but it fell flat for me. I did not like the story or the illustrations. Tony is a middle child who is stuck being bossed around by big sister or forced to play with younger sisters.



School Library Journal (February 1, 2011)
PreS-Gr 3-When Tony Baloney behaves badly, it's surely someone else's fault: the Bothersome Babies Baloney, bossy Big Sister Baloney, or his stuffed animal buddy, Dandelion. Suffering from a bad case of middle-child blues, the young penguin finds comfort in his hidey space and gets wise council from Dandelion. When he feels lonely and smells fish tacos, he decides to apologize for upsetting his siblings. In this rather whiny and loosely held together story, Tony doesn't even get his way in the end. Big Sister promises that he no longer has to be the kitty when they play together, so Tony passes that role to the twin babies, only to find that he must always play the dog. The last spread shows him sourly spilling milk at the tea party and fuming while wearing puppy ears. Older children may enjoy some of the humor, and younger children may respond to the bright, digital illustrations of the cartoon-style penguin family, but this is an additional purchase most useful for those seeking more stories about the woes of being stuck in the middle.-Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne's County Free Library, Stevensville, MD (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted

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Poetrees

Poetrees by Douglas Florian

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Poems about a variety of trees. A great book for younger students. Double page spreads with fabulous artwork are great for group sharing. Very pleasing. It makes you want to share these poems with kids. Wish I knew more about art technique to discuss it with students. The poems themselves are rhythmic and rhyming. I think kids will love this.



Library Media Connection (May/June 2010)
This book presents a whimsical, playful look at the impact and beauty of trees. Who would have thought that a tree could capture the imagination, and inspire curiosity, laughter, and awe? Lifting off the pages through art and verse, unique species of trees and their traits become a living force through serious and humorous portrayals. The coconut palm?s sweet treat makes one cuckoo for the coco. The giant sequoias, ancient seers of three thousand years? inspire preservation. The scribbly gum, an artistic masterpiece, has lines where larvae left their mark. The art continues the imaginary inspiration through abstract imagery in natural, bold colors that absolutely capture the natural characteristics and timeless nature of each poem?s theme. Lending life to the tree, hidden words, faces, and images reinforce each poem?s message. A page explaining the themes of every verse in more detail follows the creative depictions. A masterful presentation of language and art, this volume encourages learning and exploration. Though geared toward younger readers, readers of all ages will revel in the fantastic, awesome life of the not so common tree. Highly Recommended. Diana H. Hanke, Library Media Supervisor, Duchesne (Utah) County School District
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Ubiquitous

Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature's Survivors by Joyce Sidman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beautiful artwork! The visual presentation blends well with the subject matter. Each poem is about life forms from bacteria to humans. Poems paired with scientific information. Better suited for older students 3gr and up who can understand the concept of ubiquitous (found everywhere).

Will definitely add to my collection but may not be a match for bmj. Will not be a book for younger audiences.



I believe this one won awards for best book of 2010.


School Library Journal (March 1, 2010)
Gr 1-6-This volume of beautifully illustrated poems investigates the natural world, from the single-celled bacteria and diatom to the ever-present ant and dandelion. Well-researched science facts are paired with vivid poems to describe how these very special life-forms avoided extinction to become nature's survivors. The book begins 4.6 billion years ago with a newly formed Earth and continues through time as it introduces 14 types of life that are still with us today. Starting with bacteria (3.8 billion years old) and including mollusks (500 million years old), ants (140 million years old), and coyotes (2.3 million years old), the journey continues to the youngest of species, the "wise humans" or homo sapiens, that have inhabited the Earth for only 100,000 years. An illustrated time line helps bring this massive scale into the realm of children's understanding. Each spread includes a poem, amazing facts, and an exquisite, hand-colored linocut. Sidman uses a variety of poetic structures, including diamante, rhyming couplets, and unrhymed verse, and unexpected language choices to create diverse and vivid word pictures of each species. This melding of science and humor makes for enjoyable reading. The stunning illustrations engage readers and encourage questioning and further exploration. From the depiction of ant tunnels to the surprising perspective of blades of grass, the bold and colorful linocuts are incredibly detailed and successfully capture the essence of each creature as part of its larger environment. A delightful feast for the eyes, ears, and mind.-Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.
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The Sandwich Swap

The Sandwich Swap by Rania Al-Abdullah

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A book about friendship and tolerance. A good book for helping kids to accept others and learn more about other cultures. Definitely a keeper.


Favorite quote:
"It's easy to jump to conclusions when we come across something new or foreign or strange. But if we take the time to get to know each other, stand in each other's shoes and listen to a different point of view, we learn something wonderful--about someone else and about ourselves."
-Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah (The Sandwich Swap)

Library Media Connection (August/September 2010)
Loosely based on an event from the author?s childhood, this is the story of best friends, Salma and Lily. They eat lunch together everyday, but Lily always eats a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, while Salma always brings a hummus and pita sandwich. Each girl is so sure that the other girl?s lunch must be gross and yucky, that small insults soon escalate into a food fight! After a visit to the principal?s office, Lily and Salma decide to trade sandwiches, and, to their surprise, instead of yucky and gross, each girl finds the other girl?s lunch quite wonderful. A fold-out page at the end depicts a multicultural event complete with flags and food from around the world. Trisha Tusa?s colorful and detailed illustrations bring the characters to life. This title would make a great kick-off for a unit on tolerance, friendship, or even nutrition. Recommended. Julie Stephens, Educational Reviewer, Calhoun, Georgia
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Alfie Runs Away

Alfie Runs Away by Kenneth M. Cadow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Who hasn't wanted to run away as a child? This is a story most kids will relate to. Meant for the very young, PK- 1. Alfie takes his beloved things and runs away rather than lose his favorite shoes. He makes it only to the backyard before he misses home. Illustrations are good and go well with the story.


Booklist (June 1, 2010 (Vol. 106, No. 19))
Preschool-Kindergarten. Picture-book shelves overflow with stories of furious young kids who protest injustice by packing up their essentials (snacks, stuffed animals) and running away, often making it only as far as the backyard before setting up camp. In his debut picture book, Cadow borrows familiar elements, but what feels fresh here is the child’s reason for leaving. Instead of sibling rivalry or the struggle to be heard, it’s young Alfie’s frustration and sorrow over his own growing up that sends him out the door. After his mother tells Alfie to part with a favorite pair of outgrown sneakers, he explodes, announces his departure plans, and assembles his supplies. His gentle, understanding mother helps and even tucks an imaginary hug into his bag. Alone in the backyard, Alfie slowly accepts that his shoes need to go, and in a warm conclusion, finds a new home for them. Young children will easily recognize Alfie’s frustrated feelings of powerlessness, as well as his fears of independence. Castillo’s expressive illustrations sensitively reinforce this tender, reassuring story’s elemental emotions.
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Last Train

The Last Train by Gordon M. Titcomb

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The illustrations are gorgeous! My grandson loved looking at the pictures. He LOVES trains. However the illustrations are what make the book. The story was only so so. I just wish the story had been more about trains less about memories. Kids today are fascinated with trains.



Not one to add to my collection.

Booklist (September 15, 2010 (Vol. 107, No. 2))
Preschool-Grade 2. Train lovers will have reason to delight in musician Titcomb’s bittersweet song turned picture book. A succinct paean to American railroading in lilting rhymes, the story is told from the viewpoint of a boy whose grandfather was an engineer, and father a station master. But now, the child explains, “The tracks that shone like silver, have turned to rusty brown,” and mementos of the past—a ticket punch, a union card, even track-flattened pennies that “look like little metal tears”—are stored in a cigar box. The sadness of faded history, however, is mitigated by Minor’s illustrations showing proud railroad employees and the shiny, powerful machines they labored on. The warm tones of passenger-car windows, the coal engines, and golden fields play against the cool blues of denim work clothes, the deep night sky, and burnished steel. The whole makes for a romantic read, and the afterword, with its reference to classic railroad songs, and a final list of railroad history Web sites will surely encourage exploration of iron-horse music and history.




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My Heart is Like a Zoo

My Heart Is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a book that can be used to teach similes as well as just enjoy. I loved the way the artist used all hearts to create animals. I immediately wanted to try creating some of them myself.

You would need to have paper in a variety of colors, or better use a computer and make the images filling in colors and layering the hearts.

Here is what Horn Book had to say:
Horn Book (Fall 2010)

"My heart is like a zoo-- / eager as a beaver, / steady as a yak, / hopeful as a hungry heron fishing for a snack..." In this charming ode to the heart, Hall presents a series of crisp, silliness-spiked rhymes paired with digitally rendered illustrations that employ heart shapes to create the twenty featured animals.


This may not be the best book for our list but definitely worth taking a look at and using with students.
What do you think?



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We Planted a Tree

We Planted a Tree by Diane Muldrow

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This one is good for sharing in April for Earth Day. It gives a view of the purpose and importance of trees.I did not like the illustrations. I also thought it was a bit confusing as it jumped around the world showing various families planting trees. After two readings I understood better about how to use the book with students and explaining how people all over the planet plant trees for a variety of reasons.

However it got good reviews so maybe I am in the minority. what do you think?

School Library Journal (March 1, 2010)
PreS-Gr 4-With a synergistic mesh of lyrical language and bright, expansive illustrations, this picture book enumerating the many benefits of trees is a winner. Muldrow's poetic text shapes beauty from simple observations: "The sunshine went into the buds,/And soon they burst open./Everywhere it was pink./And we were dizzy/With springtime." As the text describes the growth of the tree and the many benefits it provides (shade, clean air, fruit, sap, and holding the soil, among others), Staake's signature modernized cartoon-style illustrations circle the globe, showing families in New York, Vermont, Japan, Kenya, France, and Italy as they enjoy what the trees have to offer. Enjoyable and informative, this beautiful presentation of a clear ecological message is perfect for sharing on Earth Day, Arbor Day, or in ecology units.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.



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Emma's journey

Emma's Journey by Claire Frossard

My rating: 1 of 5 stars
I did not enjoy this one. It sets out to be a journey to Paris but Emma spends all her time just getting across town. It weaves together real photos and illustrations. If the focus is New York City why not make it a journey around NYC?

Here is what Kirkus had to say:
Kirkus Review (October 1, 2010)
An elegant idea becomes a rather inelegant mish-mash, as the author/illustrator combines her tale with her uncle's photographs. Emma is a sparrow, a rounded figure with polka-dot boots, a red pom-pom on her white beret and little wings that work like hands. She lives in Central Park and loves to ride on her best friend Duckyduck's back as he swims. ButDuckyduck is migrating for the winter, and lonely Emma ends up at retired Uncle Bob's. He recounts how their family migrated from Paris, and Emma decides to go there, but she needs to find Captain Joe, who lives near the Brooklyn Bridge. The illustrations consist mostly of Claire Frossard's small, colorful figures placed on Etienne Frossard's large and striking photographs of New York in winter. The visual narrative includes plenty of amusing side details (especially enjoyable are pictorial thought-bubbles), but Emma's story is overlong and meandering, more a vehicle for the images than their integral complement. Though frequently fanciful and amusing, the parts never quite weave into a coherent whole. (Picture book. 5-8)





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Subway

Subway by Christoph Niemann

My rating: 1 of 5 stars
I think this book is fairly confusing to younger children. I think you need to understand and have some background knowledge of public transportation and the subway system to understand the confusing stark images.

I do think this would be great book to use with an art class to show how subtle changes makes the feel of the drawing feeling different. It could also be used in teaching perspective.

Booklist (April 15, 2010 (Vol. 106, No. 16))
Preschool-Grade 2. Train lovers everywhere will enjoy this picture-book ride conducted by a New York Times blogger. One day, a bored father and his two children take an adventure on public transportation through Manhattan and its neighboring boroughs. Along the way, they wave to rats and the Statue of Liberty, ride next to cowboys and bankers, and plan circuitous routes just to prolong the fun. The text is sometimes choppy and awkward (“Riding the A requires some patience if you plan to visit all forty-four stations”). But the gouache art is distinctively urban and bold. Faceless, silhouetted figures resemble those on the pedestrian crossing lights, and the NYC subway’s rainbow of iconic lines and signage is creatively woven into the dark, black underground and on the sunny elevated tracks. Other titles, such as Heather Lynn Miller’s Subway Ride (2008), are more universal. Niemann’s enthusiastic offering is an experience that, like many others, can only be had in the Big Apple.


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