This world we live in by Susan Beth Pfeffer

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not as good as the previous two books. I was a bit disappointed as it was more of the same. First two books gave you two different perspectives of the same occurrence. This one merged the two but frankly did not feel as realistic. Things seemed a bit too pat and of course worked out for the immediate intact family. It left off with them leaving and going out into the unknown which is what I thought part of this book would have been about.



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Busy Tree

The Busy Tree by Jennifer Ward

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
K-2
Beautiful illustrations, simple text. Tells the life story of a tree and how it helps the animals and wildlife that depends upon it for their shelter, food, and support.

Library Media Connection (November/December 2009)
The Busy Tree narrates its own story in rhyme in this picture book that combines science and art. Falkenstern?s paintings are life-like in realistic colors and intricate in detail, down to the hairs on a cocoon clinging to a twig on the tree?s limb. Most illustrations are imposed on a white background, accenting their deep hues. In the voice of the tree, the author explains the role of its roots and leaves. It explains the ecosystems that live in community with it, including ants that file in long lines around its trunk seeking food, squirrels that nibble its acorns, an owl living in a hole in the trunk, spiders spinning webs between its branches, and a woodpecker seeking bugs in its bark. Humans are part of this community as children use the tree?s heavy branches to hang a swing. The author also tells the life cycle of the tree when a child plants an acorn, and illustrations depict the stages of the tree?s growth. This is a gentle and enchanting book that both teaches and inspires. Recommended. Karen Sebesta, Children?s and Young Adult Librarian, San Antonio (Texas) Public Library
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Goal by Mina Javaherbin

3-4, picture-book--older, read, realistic--contemporary, world-culture

Goal! by Mina Javaherbin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
multicultural, great illustrations,

Story set in Afica about kids playing soccer while watching out for local bullies who steal a ball from them, luckily not the new leather one won for being the best reader in class.

Room for lots of discussion with older kids. May need to practice names of the kids and players for pronunciation.

Library Media Connection (May/June 2010)

In this picture book, a group of South African boys have fun playing soccer while keeping watch for the bullies who may steal their new soccer ball. When the boys see the bullies approaching, Ajani taps the ball into an overturned bucket and another player covers the ball with the upside down bucket. The bullies get a ball, but it is the boys? old ball. Attractive oil illustrations capture the emotions and action of the story. The story portrays the dangerous and difficult circumstances for children in a part of the world many readers may not know much about. Suitable for reading aloud to younger children, students will cheer on Ajani and his friends. Additional Selection. Laura D?Amato, Library Media Specialist, Parma (Ohio) City School District

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Moon Bear

Moon Bear by Brenda Z. Guiberson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Illustrations are dark and hard to see, except as a lap book. But their texture and paper on paper technique is very interesting.

Story about an Asian bear who goes through the seasons spring to spring.

School Library Journal (April 1, 2010)
Gr 1-3-The endangered Moon Bear, or Asiatic black bear, is the subject of this call-and-response tale created in partnership with the Animals Asia Foundation. Readers follow one female bear as she wakes from hibernation, explores the seasons, and awakens the following spring with new cubs. The story focuses on simple actions such as eating raspberries and swatting insects, giving young readers an idea of how these elusive bears behave. Much of the time, collage illustrations closely reflect the text, but occasionally elements are left to the imagination. For example, the Moon Bear is said to be eating near a red panda that appears nowhere on the page. Collage illustrations are a good fit for showcasing the Moon Bear's markings and large round ears. The threat of poachers and loggers is touched upon, and an author's note with photos and a Web site lets readers know how they can help this animal. A worthy effort highlighting a species in need.-Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

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Dark Emperor & other poems of the night

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Was okay. Just not my cup of tea. I was surprised as this title got some recognition as a top pick from Booklist. I expected to love it. Taking it off my buy list

School Library Journal (August 1, 2010)

Gr 3-6-Sidman continues her explorations of natural history in this set of poems about nocturnal life in the forest. As in her other collections, each selection is set in an expansive spread that includes a factual discussion of the featured subject. The illustrations are bold, richly detailed linoleum prints colored in gouache. The 12 poems are led by a scene setting "Welcome to the Night" and go on to feature 9 different creatures and some mushrooms with a concluding lament by the moon as night fades into morning. Sidman adroitly applies varied poetic forms and rhyme schemes. The title's dark emperor, the great horned owl, lends its shape to the one concrete poem, and the closing lament is in the medieval style known as an ubi sunt. The poetry is reflective and at times philosophical. "Build a frame/and stick to it,/I always say./Life's a circle..Eat your triumphs,/eat your mistakes:/that way your belly/will always be full.," advises the night spider. Other poems are playful and some just a bit confusing. The porcupine poem explains that the infant of this species is known as a porcupette; the repeated use of "baby porcupette" seems oddly redundant. The bookmaking is beautiful with the concept of night lending itself generously to poetry. It invites lingering enjoyment for nature and poetry fans, and, as with Sidman's earlier collections, it might be used with varied curriculums.-Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

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Eleanor Quiet No More

Eleanor, Quiet No More by Doreen Rappaport

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A higher level book for older readers, not great for kindergarten- 1st grade.

A wonderful read about Eleanor Roosevelt and her life. A great book to use during March and Women's history month.

Loved this book for older students! Thanks to Judy Debusk for sharing it. I plan to get this one for the library. I had not seen it tell I read it for BMJ.

Booklist starred (November 1, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 5))

Grades 2-5. Even familiar political figures can get bold new treatments, as this dramatic picture-book biography shows. The wordless cover, featuring only the face of Eleanor Roosevelt, her expression one of hope mixed with purpose, immediately captures attention. Before the story begins, a double-page spread is offered with just the quote, “Do something every day that scares you.” The book then opens with glimpses of Eleanor’s early life: her mother thought her ugly, too serious, and called her Granny. After her parents’ death, she moved in with her grandmother, who “did everything she thought was right for a little girl except hug and kiss her.” The narrative moves swiftly through the important moments in Roosevelt’s life, including marriage and family, but along with accomplishments, Rappaport does something more subtle—she shows the way Eleanor grew into herself. Crisp sentences focus the narrative and are bolstered by the quotes that end each page. If the text has a smart spareness to it, the accompanying art is composed of rich, beautifully crafted paintings that also catch Roosevelt’s growing sense of purpose. There are a few quibbles—the quotes could have been more clearly sourced, and there’s no mention of FDR’s affairs, an important reason for Eleanor’s growth—but overall, this is an exciting introduction to a well-loved leader.

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Snow Dog's Journey

The Snow Dog's Journey by Loretta Krupinski

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Story of two kids who create a dog of snow. The dog is kidnapped by the Frost King who takes him to the ice palace. But finally the dog runs away back to the children where he magically turns into a real dog.

Library Media Connection (January/February 2011)

Who hasn't ever let their imagination run wild when trapped inside on a snowy day? Anna and Olen rejoice in the gift of snow from the Frost King by building a unique friend for him: a snow dog. The Frost King has been looking for a companion. At first, Snow Dog is concerned about leaving the children, but he finally joins the Frost King. Children will find a touching story about unconditional love that is reminiscent of The Velveteen Rabbit. On many pages, the illustrations have a folk art border and the style is a subtle blend of pointillism and impressionist colors. Additional Selection. Laura Dooley-Taylor, Library Media Specialist, Cumberland Elementary, Des Plaines, Illinois

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