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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ALA Notables for 2011

Younger Readers

April and Esme, Tooth Fairies. By Bob Graham. Illus. by the author. Candlewick.
On their first assignment, two young tooth fairy sisters journey by night into the huge world of humans to collect a young boy's tooth and fly it safely home.

Back of the Bus. By Aaron Reynolds. Illus. by Floyd Cooper. Philomel.
A young boy and his mother take a familiar ride on a city bus unaware of the historic event they are about to witness: passenger Rosa Parks refuses to move from her seat.

Big Red Lollipop. By Rukhsana Khan. Illus. by Sophie Blackall. Viking.
Rubina’s excitement over an invitation to a birthday party is dimmed by her mother’s insistence that she take her younger sister Sana with her.

Bink and Gollie. By Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee. Illus. by Tony Fucile. Candlewick.
Dissimilar, yet steadfast friends, celebrate the ups and downs of their daily escapades in three lively chapters that explore compromise, asserting independence, and jealousy. Geisel Award Book

Chalk. By Bill Thomson. Illus. by the author. Marshall Cavendish.
In this wordless picture book, three young children arrive at the park to find a bag of colored chalk that turns their imaginary drawings into something very real.

City Dog, Country Frog. By Mo Willems. Illus. by Jon J. Muth. Hyperion.
Unleashed on his visit to the country, a dog meets a new friend in frog and together they experience the seasons and the cycle of life.

Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin. By Duncan Tonatiuh. Illus. by the author. Abrams.
The universality of childhood experiences is shown through the lives of two cousins, one in the United States and one in Mexico. Belpré Illustrator Honor Book

Fiesta Babies. By Carmen Tafolla. Illus. by Amy Córdova. Tricycle Press.
The simple rhyme scheme is embellished by colorful illustrations of multicultural babies and toddlers celebrating at a local fiesta. Belpré Illustrator Honor Book

Grandma’s Gift. By Eric Velasquez. Illus. by the author. Walker.
This personal tale is based on the author’s special relationship with his grandmother, who influenced his dream of becoming an artist. Belpré Illustrator Award

Hip-Pocket Papa. By Sandra Markle. Illus. by Alan Marks. Charlesbridge.
The papa hip-pocket frog from Australia, who carries his babies in his hip pocket, is introduced with attractive watercolor illustrations.

Interrupting Chicken. By David Ezra Stein. Illus. by the author. Candlewick.
This hilarious story presents Little Chicken and her long-suffering papa, who just wants to get through a bedtime story without his daughter’s metafictive disruptions. Caldecott Honor Book

In the Wild. By David Elliott. Illus. by Holly Meade. Candlewick.
A joyful collection of brief poems paired with dynamic woodblock prints celebrates favorite animals from every continent.

Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same! By Grace Lin. Illus. by the author. Little, Brown.
Six vignettes chronicle the daily adventures of identical twins as they get haircuts, make dumplings, perform magic and take a trip to the library. Geisel Honor Book

LMNO Peas. By Keith Baker. Illus. by the author. Beach Lane.
Tiny green peas take readers on a fun, whimsical tour of the alphabet.

Pecan Pie Baby. By Jacqueline Woodson. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Putnam.
Unlike her friends and relatives, Gia is not looking forward to the birth of her first sibling, "that ding-dang baby".

Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes. By Salley Mavor. Illus. by the author. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Familiar and lesser known nursery rhymes, illustrated with superb needlework and appliqué, create a charming dollhouse of a book.

The Quiet Book. By Deborah Underwood. Illus. by Renata Liwska. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Quiet comes in many varieties, from “Sleeping sister quiet” to “First snowfall quiet” to “Right before you yell ‘SURPRISE’ quiet”.

Rubia and the Three Osos. By Susan Middleton Elya. Illus. by Melissa Sweet. Hyperion.
A bouncy, rhyming story about a little golden-haired niña who helps herself to everything in the house of the three bears.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee. By Philip C. Stead. Illus. by Erin E. Stead. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter.
Zookeeper Amos McGee gets the sniffles and receives a surprise visit from his caring animal friends. Caldecott Medal

Tuck Me In! By Dean Hacohen. Illus. by Sherry Scharschmidt. Candlewick.
Readers interact with this deceptively simple good-night book, tucking sweet animals into bed.

We Are in a Book! By Mo Willems. Illus. by the author. Disney/Hyperion.
Elephant and Piggie discover that someone, the reader, is looking at them in this hilarious, interactive story about the joys of reading and being read. Geisel Honor Book

Yucky Worms. By Vivian French. Illus. by Jessica Ahlberg. Candlewick.
While digging with Grandma in the garden, a child learns why earthworms are so important in helping plants grow.
Middle Readers

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring. By Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan. Illus. by Brian Floca. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter.
Making Appalachian Spring – Spare, dramatic text and uncluttered watercolors relay the story of the collaborative creation of a classic American ballet. Sibert Honor Book

The Bat Scientists. By Mary Kay Carson. Illus. by Tom Uhlman. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Exceptional photography and clear text capture the lives of bats and explore the myths and threats to these amazing mammals.

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave. By Laban Carrick Hill. Illus. by Bryan Collier. Little/Brown.
Poetic text and lush illustrations tell the true story of an extraordinary artist living in 19th-century South Carolina. Caldecott Honor Book & ALA Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester. By Barbara O’Connor. Farrar, Straus & Giroux.
In this summer adventure, Owen is enthralled by his conviction that something amazing has fallen from a train.

Growing Patterns: Fibonacci Numbers in Nature. By Sarah C. Campbell. Illus. by Sarah and Richard P. Campbell. Boyds Mills.
Crisp design and clear photography introduce and depict Fibonacci patterns in nature.

Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys. By Bob Raczka. Illus. by Peter H. Reynolds. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Six haiku for each season of the year, celebrating the interaction of boys and nature, combine with loose, expressive cartoons to make a winning combination.

The Hive Detectives: Chronicle of a Honey Bee Catastrophe. By Loree Griffin Burns. Illus. by Ellen Harasimowicz. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
After beekeepers discover the strange abandonment of hundreds of hives, scientists seek to understand this catastrophic phenomenon.

How to Clean a Hippopotamus: A Look at Unusual Animal Partnerships. By Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. Illus. by Steve Jenkins. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Animal partnerships often defy explanation; Jenkins and Page explore and clarify these relationships in concise text and glorious torn-paper collage.

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot. By Sy Montgomery. Illus. by Nic Bishop. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot – This book documents the successes and failures of a rescue effort in New Zealand dedicated to saving a species of flightless parrots numbering fewer than 100. Sibert Medal

Me, Frida. By Amy Novesky. Illus. by David Diaz. Abrams.
This story of newlywed artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in 1930 San Francisco is accompanied by paintings resembling Kahlo’s folkloric style. Belpré Illustrator Honor Book

Nic Bishop Lizards. By Nic Bishop. Illus. by the author. Scholastic.
Using photographs so vivid and sharply focused that one can see a bit of dry scale on a glass lizard’s skin, Bishop treats readers to new appreciations of the diversity within the lizard world.

The Night Fairy. By Laura Amy Schlitz. Illus. by Angela Barrett. Candlewick.
Flory loses her wings after a bat attack and struggles to adapt to life as a day fairy.

Ninth Ward. By Jewell Parker Rhodes. Little, Brown.
In this story of survival, twelve-year-old Lanesha and her adopted grandmother have little choice but to stay in New Orleans and weather Hurricane Katrina. ALA Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book

¡Ole! Flamenco. By George Ancona. Illus. by the author. Lee & Low.
In this nonfiction introduction to Spanish flamenco, the art form is described in easy, understandable language. Belpré Author Honor Book

One Crazy Summer. By Rita Williams-Garcia. Harper/Amistad.
Three sisters find adventure when they are sent to Oakland in 1968 to meet their estranged poet-mother, who prints flyers for the Black Panthers. Newbery Honor Book

Ruth and the Green Book. By Calvin Alexander Ramsey and Gwen Strauss. Illus. by Floyd Cooper. Carolrhoda.
Using the Green Book, a guide to find welcoming places for African-Americans, Ruth's family travels through the segregated South of the 1950s.

Saltypie: A Choctaw Journey from Darkness into Light. By Tim Tingle. Illus. by Karen Clarkson. Cinco Puntos.
This picture book autobiographical vignette shows a modern Choctaw family enduring and supporting each other with love, courage, and fortitude.

Shake, Rattle & Turn That Noise Down! How Elvis Shook Up Music, Me and Mom. By Mark Alan Stamaty. Knopf.
An autobiography in graphic novel format shows how Stamaty’s love of Elvis and rock and roll, at first drove his mother crazy but ultimately made her proud.

Smile. By Raina Telgemeier. Illus. by Raina Telgemeier and Stephanie Yue. Scholastic/Graphix.
Through artwork showing the details, the reader shares Raina’s pain as the angst of middle school is exacerbated by her disfiguring dental mishap.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. By Tom Angleberger. Amulet Books.
In this hilarious tale, Tommy and his sixth grade friends must decide if the advice of an origami finger puppet can be trusted.

A Tale Dark and Grimm. By Adam Gidwitz. Dutton.
As dark and bloody as the title suggests, these six retellings tweak the classic fairy tale as Hansel and Gretel embark on an epic journey of self-discovery.

Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection. Edited by Matt Dembicki. Illus. Fulcrum Books.
This collaborative effort by more than 40 writers and artists presents 21 Native American trickster tales in graphic novel format.

Turtle in Paradise. By Jennifer L. Holm. Random.
Sassy eleven-year-old Turtle finds her life turned on end when she is sent to live with her aunt in Depression-era Key West. Newbery Honor Book

Cow Loves Cookies

The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great read aloud. Best for younger kids. Loved the rhythm of the story.
Similar to Click, Clack, Moo. Lots of rave reviews. I think this one is a winner and should definitely be on the list.

Be sure to read this one yourself. Available at LPL.
I have it on order.

Here is what SLJ says
School Library Journal (August 1, 2010)

PreS-Gr 1-As a farmer makes his daily rounds, readers learn what he feeds his animals and how often. "Whenever Farmer knows what the horse,/he feeds the horsey hay, of course./The horse just loves to nibble hay./He eats it every single day. " In a twist, readers are reminded after each animal's feeding, "But the cow loves cookies." As the cumulative story progresses, what each creature eats is repeated in successive fashion. "The geese munch corn; it tastes so fine./The hogs think slop is just divine./The dog adores his doggy treats./But Cow would rather eat things sweet.." The story ends with Farmer and Cow sharing cookies and milk. The cleverly rhyming text and pace of the story make it perfect for a read-aloud. The whimsical ink and watercolor illustrations add to the humor. An instant storytime crowd pleaser.-Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.




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Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


runner up in goodreads top choices 2010



Can't understand why this one did not win. What a good boo! ... a delicious read. Fiction, mystery, psycho- thriller. Could not put this down and read for hours into the wee hours of the night. Don't plan to do anything else while you devour this novel. In fact this was a one day read for me. Just too good to stop.



Might be a good choice to recommend to book group.



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