Anthology for the Earth edited by Judy Allen

This is a lovely collection of images and the written word, including contributors from Isaiah to Quentin Blake. There is a wide diversity of well matched illustrations with each portion of text. Some light and comedic, some a bit heavier. Some are very short and others cover a few pages. It can be read sequentially for an overall arch, or flipped open for a quick read. There is also a wide demographic covered, from aboriginal iron mines, to a boy peeking through the hedges in his backyard.

by Scott

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Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys by Bob Racza

Riding bikes, flying kites and pushing sisters in puddles, what do these three things have in common? They are all time honored traditions among boys! Guyku manages to capture an entire year of fun in just 24 haikus (that's only 408 syllables- if you were counting). Author Bob Racza emphasizes that haikus take place in present tense, which makes them perfect for boys, because boys are always interested in what's going on right now! The pictures support the text perfectly, each one illustrates the fun and excitement of the moment.

Every single haiku managed to make me either smile or laugh out loud! Give this one to anyone who enjoys wading in streams, climbing trees or having fun outside grades k thru 5.

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by Patrick

The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams

Dennis' mother has left, and his dad spends a lot of time driving his truck for work. When Dennis discovers a magazine at the market with a woman on the cover who reminds him of his mum he buys it, even though it feels a bit odd to buy a ladies magazine. Looking through the pages he realizes that he likes all the fashion, and when he ends up in detention with Lisa, the most beautiful girl in school, they strike up a friendship around this. He has a crush on Lisa and though reluctant, eventually goes for her plan of trying to pass as a girl foreign exchange student for a day. He's ultimately found out, and his soccer team has to band together in an unexpected way if he's going to be allowed to play in the most important game of the season.

The well developed relationships could be a bit overbearing were it not for Williams' wit in writing. The characters all feel quite genuine, and the a-typical protagonist makes for a fresh story. This book demonstrates the need to stay open minded about others, and yourself. Quentin Blake's illustrations (of Roald Dahl renown) feel right at home in this off beat novel.

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by Scott

Jonathan Stroud Interview

The Greatest Snowman in the World! by Peter Hannan

Charles want to make the most of the snowfall, so he convinces his friends to help him make the greatest snowman in the world. Keeping their minds open they are able to create a truly unique snowman, when disaster strikes. The sun has come out and their creation is being ruined! They rush it to the freezer, but it melts before they can save it. Then Charles has another idea, for truly the best snowman in the world!

A wonderfully inventive book, with vibrant visuals that perfectly accompany the exuberant text. I would have loved this book growing up, and I love it as a grown up. And for those kids who might be disappointed when there isn't enough snow to make a snowman, it provides the perfect solution.

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~by Scott

The Boys by Jeff Newman

Told entirely through picture, this is a poignant story of a boy who's left out of the other kids games. He finds it easier to fit in with three old men who sit on the bench and watch, rather than get involved. Eventually, the old men decide that just sitting and watching isn't enough. They revert to their childhood antics in order to include the left out child.

Beautifully illustrated in a retro style. The zany pictures would be enough to keep children entertained for viewing on their own. They would likely miss the overall arc of the story, so it's a great opportunity to engage a child in discussion about feeling left out.

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by Scott

For Octavia Boone seventh grade starts out well enough but when Octavia’s mother, a life-long seeker of faith, joins the Fellowship of the Redeemer church, her world rapidly changes. For her artist father, Henry David Thoreau seems to have had all the answers but her mother finds very different answers and wants Octavia to accept them as well. Then, when her parent’s disparate world views collide and Octavia is forced to live with her mother and a couple of fellow “Redeemers” Octavia’s anger overflows. Octavia must confront her own prejudices, explore her feelings about God, and discover a way to move forward without her ideal life in tact. Reader, Ellen Grafton, does an excellent job giving voice to Octavia’s emotional turmoil. Her pacing will keep readers engaged as will her variety in tone and pitch. Listeners will quickly connect with this engaging young character and will come away hoping for an encore.

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by Deanna

The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

Nathaniel is a 12 year old magician's apprentice, which means: he is being raised by a complete stranger, is forced to live in a small attic room and has the power to summon deadly demons of incredible power. Usually 12-year old magician's apprentices are content to summon small mites and minor imps- demons that are easily controlled. Nathaniel, however, is an ambitious one, so he summons the powerful and willful djinni, Bartimaeus. He then sends him on mission to steal an artifact from one of the most powerful magicians in England. What could go wrong? Oh did I mention that powerful magicians generally eat young apprentices for breakfast?

Nathaniel is a great character, but the real gem in this book is Bartimaeus the wise-cracking djinni. Bartimaeus is part shape-shifting action hero, part comedian and part celebrity insider for all of history (it's seems like he's met just about every important person who has ever lived). Combine Bartimaeus with an awesome magic filled adventure, conniving magicians and a deadly plot and you end up with one of the best fantasy stories that I've read in long time. Give this one to kids who love magic, adventure and good books grades 4+.

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Also check out this interview with author Jonathan Stroud!

by Patrick

The Legend of Holly Claus by Brittney Ryan

I picked up this book because I saw it was part of the Julie Andrews Collection, and it completely lives up to the elegance and refinement you'd expect of Julie Andrews.

A curse has been placed on The Land of Enchantment by the evil Herrikan, and now no one can enter or leave, not the spirits of the dead, or Santa Claus to make his yearly visits. But his daughter Holly has discovered that she has a part to play in removing the curse, and finds a way to a Victorian-esk New York where she spreads the joy and goodness you'd expect from a relative of Santa. She ultimately confronts Herrikhan and removes the curse.

With graceful and detailed illustrations to accompany the lyrical text, this is one of the best balances of image and word that I've come across. It feels like it's been around for generations, while at the same time being a refreshingly original Christmas story. The climax was a bit too cliche for my liking, but that did add to the sense of timelessness.

This is my favorite Christmas story, children would love hearing it read aloud.

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Also simplified into a picture book, [Holly Claus: the Christmas Princess] (still nice, but not nearly as good as the full version)

by Scott

The Pirate Cruncher by Jonny Duddle

One night outside a tavern where a crew of pirates are hanging out, a mysterious fiddler shows up with a song of treasure! The pirates muse over what their wealth could buy them during the voyage, and disregard the fiddler's warning about a monster. When they arrive at the island they find quite a surprise, and so will the reader!

This book has delightful illustrations, and fun text. It's a bit like a graphic novel with speech and thought bubbles attached to specific pirates, and the parrot (which seems to be the only member of the crew with common sense). The surprise ending is alluded to in the pictures for the observant reader, and even without it this would be a book worth recommending.

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by Scott

A Faith Like Mine: A Celebration of the World's Religions Seen Through the Eyes of Children by Laura Buller

An accessible overview of the worlds main religions and their primary celebrations. The use of actual children, introduced through the chapters, creative a very nice personalization. They chose favorite parts of the various celebrations to share with the reader.

Nice photographs complimented the descriptions very well. This is a good, non-agenda driven introduction to world faiths, from Christianity, Islam and Judaism to lesser know religions like Jainism, Shinto, and Baha'i.

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by Scott

Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown

Lucy Bear has found the most perfect pet, a child! She begs for permission to keep him, but soon realizes that even though her new pet is a lot of fun, he isn't as perfect a pet as she thought. Ultimately she learns that the most perfect place for her 'perfect pet' is with his own family.

The simple illustration style brings a lot of charm to this book, and the presentation is a great way to teach kids to leave animals where you find them. Even disregarding the moral, it's a very entertaining book.

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by Scott

Potato Chip Science by Allen Kurzweil

The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz

Flory is a tiny little night fairy (she is only one acorn tall) living in the forest. But after a bat breaks her wings and she crash lands in a garden she decides she will become a day fairy instead. In order to survive Flory: moves into a bird house, collects food from a bird feeder and trains a squirrel with an eternally voracious appetite (Skuggle) to carry her around. Now if only she could fly again....

The Night Fairy is a sweet book about fairies, but not too sweet! Flory does plenty of adorable fairy things like sewing cherry blossom dresses and frolicing with woodland creatures. But she also has a bit of an attitude. She fights a praying mantis and carries around a thorn dagger with her.

Last, but not least, this book has incredible illustrations. Each one captures a moment of mischief or whimsy as Flory makes her rounds of the garden. I particularly loved seeing her cherry blossom dress and also the scene where she faces down the praying mantis with her little dagger.

Give this book to kids who like fairies or hungry talking squirrels grades 1 to 4.

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by Patrick

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Liam is only twelve years old, but he looks like he's an adult (he's even been shaving for a year). Looking like an adult has some pretty sweet advantages like test driving a Porsche... almost, or being mistaken for a teacher on his first day of middle school. Best of all, after completing a phone survey he is invited to participate in the best dad in the world contest and the grand prize is a trip to a theme park ride with the greatest ride ever built. Of course, that's how he ends up trapped in space, so it's not all great.

Frank Cottrell Boyce has done it again, this book is equal parts comical and inspiring. There are times that Liam's attempts to learn the art of "dad-liness" made me laugh so hard I almost shot root beer out my nose and other times when it made me really think about what it means to be a dad. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Liam realizes that all dad conversations can be broken down into 5 essential themes. #1 How we got there. #2 What the parking was like. #3 What it was like in the old days. #4 Something thoughtful that really makes you think. #5 Something to do with last night's football match. Liam practices Dad speak by applying these 5 themes to something he likes to talk about, World of Warcraft, with hilarious results. Recommend this book to kids who like to laugh grades 4 to 7.

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by Patrick

Un Lun Dun by China Mieville

There is another London, where the garbage left at the curb disappears to. Other things tend to seep between these worlds: ideas, pollution, and two girls who happen to be part of a prophesy. But things go rather awry, prophecies are falling apart, and quests are veering outside of expectations. An unexpected hero has to learn to think for herself to save Un Lun Dun.

The characters are pretty simple, the story is very rich, full of quirks Lewis Carroll would be proud of. There is more of a story through-line than Alice's Adventures though, and a more structured world that allows the reader to predict what might happen, and be surprised over and again when they don't go as planned. Though it lives in the YA section, it's completely appropriate for kids as young as 8. I'd take this book over Gaiman's Coraline any day.

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by Scott

T is for Terrible by Peter McCarty

A Tyrannosaurus feels bad that he is so terrible. He can't help stepping on flowers with his big feet, it doesn't work when he tries to eat trees. He just is what he is.

A simple story with beautiful soft illustrations. The Tyrannosaurus is a very sympathetic character, and I really like that the author didn't change his nature to make him fit in. Sometimes you just feel alone, and that others can't understand your differences.
...and maybe being terrible isn't so bad.

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by Scott

The Buffalo are Back by Jean Craighead George

When the Midwest was settled, some major damage was done to the ecosystem. The plowing of the tall grasses left the land susceptible to wind damage, the bison and Native Americans were eradicated. This book talks about the damage done, keeping the focus on the grasses and bison, and shows how we were able to repair some of the damage. It ends on a promising note with the re-introduction of bison and native grasses to areas of the Midwest.

Accompanied by very nice artwork, the story is simple enough for young kids to follow. It unfolds dramatically with well crafted text and ends on a very positive note, encouraging ecological responsibility without being blatant or overbearing.

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by Scott

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion by Mo Willems

Trixie and Knuffle Bunny are back! This time they take a trip to visit her Oma and Opa in Holland. Unfortunately for Trixie she loses Knuffle Bunny (yet again) and this time she's left him on an airplane bound for China. Trixie spends her week in Holland distraught over the loss of Knuffle Bunny. The fair doesn't seem as fun, chocolate milk doesn't taste as sweet and a replacement toy definitely doesn't cheer her up. How will Trixie live without Knuffle Bunny?

The third and final installment Knuffle Bunny book is Willem's most endearing work yet. Everyone remembers a time when they finally had to part with a beloved toy either by choice or by misfortune . This book accurately illustrates that grieving process. For children this book may foreshadow an event yet to occur in their lives, but for adults it will bring back memories of childhood treasures. Willem's color illustrations on black and white photos continue to impress and this book represents the culmination of years spent mastering this technique. Though simple Willems' illustration convey a great deal of emotion.

Give this book to children (or adults) who have toys they can't bear to part with.

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by Patrick

The Fledging of Az Gabrielson by Jay Amory

Az is considered a freak by most of those who know him, because he has no wings. In a futuristic setting, where everyone lives in cities above the clouds, this is notable and it means that Az is the perfect candidate for a special job the government has in mind. Az is sent to the surface, where nothing is supposed to have survived, and discovers an entire civilization essentially working as slaves for the Airborn. Az has some very important decisions to make, as do those he encounters on the surface.

A fast paced adventure with enjoyable characters and a sprinkling of morality mixed in makes this the perfect book for those that have worked through the more popular series such as Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.

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by Scott

The Blue Stone by Jimmy Liao

A large blue stone lives happily in a forest for a very long time, until an artist has the stone broken in two so that half can be used for a sculpture. The book chronicles the journey of that broken stone as it transforms again and again, but still holds the simple desire of returning home. Ultimately it does go back to it's forest, and it's other half, to live again for countless ages, though in a very different form.

The simplicity of the story matched with the depth of the illustrations makes this one of my all time favorites. The vibrant colors are captivating, and you can immerse yourself in them so easily because the story feels like it's already a part of you. Find it, read it, love it.

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by Scott

Joey Fly Private Eye in Creepy Crawly Crime by Aaron Reynolds

"Life in Bug City isn't easy. Crime sticks to the city like a one winged-fly on fifty-cent swatter." And Joey Fly Private Eye and his assistant Sammy Stingtail are willing to creep and crawl right into the slimy bottom of it. It all starts when Delilah, a swallowtail butterfly, walks in with a case that needs to be solved- someone has stolen her diamond encrusted pencil box. Joey Fly and Sammy hit the streets looking for clues, but the more they investigate the more they discover Delilah's story just doesn't add up.

Joey Fly is a buggy film noir knock-off, full of hard-boiled puns and big laughs. Give this one to kids grades 2 to 5 who like bugs, mysteries and cheap laughs.

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by Patrick

My Great Big Mamma by Oliver Ka

A little boy notices that his Mamma has changed. She seems sadder, and doesn't eat the things she likes anymore. When he finds out she's going on a diet he worries that he won't have a soft lap to sit in, or anyone to have fun baking and eating treats in the kitchen with, so he decides to go on a diet too to show his Mamma just how silly it is.

A charming story about self-image, and learning what's most important in life. The rounded images with soft color accentuate the feel of the book nicely.

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by Scott

The Frog Bride by Antonia Barber

A prince unexpectedly becomes betrothed to a frog. His mother is not happy with the situation and sets up a series of tasks (which only a true princess could pass). The other potential brides try to copy the the successful frog, but they have disasterous results. The author sets the tale in Russia, and makes it feel like that's where it's always belonged. The lavish illustrations by Virginia Lee are well suited to the classic fairy tale elements.

A charming twist on the Frog Prince story.

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by Scott

Disasters: Natural and man-made catastrophies through the centuries by Brenda Guiberson

A collection of tragic events throughout history, from smallpox to hurricane Katrine. The author also explores why each disaster was so bad, and how it might have been prevented. Includes a nice diversity in the subjects covered as well as illustrations including drawings, photographs, and maps.

Arranged chronologically, each chapter deals with one tragedy. Individuals involved with more than one event are cleverly interwoven which links the time line together. Typically the author uses an individual as a focus for each event, lending a more personal feel.

Not for light readers, but very insightful and compelling.

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by Scott

Leon and the Spitting Image by Allen Kurzweil

Leon's 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Hagmeyer, is ruining everything. She uses sewing as a motto for life and her assignments all consist of crafting stuffed 'animiles' which mysteriously disappear once they've been graded. Leon, with a few other students, decides to investigate 'The Hag' and uncover whatever sinister scheme she may be running. By the end of the book, the students and the teacher have both learned more about each other, and have new found respect.

Full of quirky humor and off-beat adventure, this is a thoroughly entertaining read. It does require some suspension of disbelief when Leon stumbles on a way to craft a doll of his teacher which will control her movements, but it doesn't really detract from the style or core message of the story. A good book for those who appreciate the works of Roald Dahl.

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by Scott

Also check out this interview with Allen Kurzweil!

"Stand Back!" said the Elephant, "I'm Going to Sneeze!" by Patty Thomas

I grew up with this book, and it's just as entertaining as I remembered it! All of the jungle animals are terrified when the elephant gets an itch in his snout, because the last time he sneezed he caused all sorts of trouble. Zebra lost his striped, the birds were all blown away, pretty much everyone had a hard time. So now they plead with Elephant not to sneeze, but how can he help it! Finally mouse provides the solution, but then things still don't turn out like anyone expected.

Very clever rhyming text makes this story flow and kids will be eager to join in the chorus of jungle animals asking elephant to "Please don't sneeze!" The detailed illustrations full of action will also provide plenty to keep kids of all ages engaged, even though the story is quite able to entertain on it's own.

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by Scott

The Monster Princess by D.J. MacHale

I wanted to really like this book, and I tried to, but in the end it just didn't work for me. The illustrations by Alexandra Boiger were fantastic. As was the basic premise of a little gnome girl who wanted to crawl out of the dark and be a princess, but was ultimately rejected by the actual princesses until she saved them from another monster.

What really ruined this story for me was the forced rhyme scheme, it didn't flow, and I feel if you can't make it seem natural it just gets in the way of the story. An example from the book reads:

"But living in shadow just wasn't her style.
She wanted some light! (for more than a while.)
A princess is what Lola wanted to be,
for they sang and danced,
while she lived with fleas."

I didn't quite like the ending either, the author spent so much text setting up Lola's hatred of darkness that when she crawled back in at the end, of her own choice, I couldn't help but feeling like she had failed in her dream.

[click here to see if it's available]

by Scott

The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

What would happen if you discovered that your family was one of the most powerful in human history? What if you were told that the source of the family's power was hidden around the world, in the form of 39 clues. What if you were given the choice - take a million dollars and walk away... or get the first clue? If you're Dan and Amy Cahill, you take the clue - and begin a very dangerous race.

Wow money, mystery and danger, awesome isn't? The answer is yes, although with admittedly a few reservations. I really liked the adventure and all the traveling in the book. I'm trying not to spoil anything, but the "maze of bones" is a real place and it's awesome. I've been there and it made me want to go again so bad.

One thing that did bug me about the books were the really obscure clues that the kids instantly knew how to solve. Maybe it's just because I'm bad at that time of thing, but "Seek out Richard S" would never make me think of Richard Sanders of Poor Richard's Almanac.
This book will be a hit the adventure junkies out there though. Great book for grades 3 to 7.

[click here to see if it's available]

by Patrick

Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little

Moxy Maxwell and Stuart Little had practically been best friends all summer, the two of them had been inseparable. When Moxy Maxwell was in the car on her way to swim practice, Stuart was there, when she was on the porch drinking lemonade, Stuart was there and last Monday at swim practice Stuart Little fell in the pool with her, that's how close the two of them are. No, the reason that Moxy hasn't read Stuart Little all summer long has nothing to do with a lack of time spent together, the problem simply was that Moxy's in-betweens kept getting interupted. You see the perfect time to read a book is when one thing ends and the next thing hasn't begun yet, an in-between. However Moxy's in-between keep getting interrupted by more pressing matters, for example lemonade spills. Unfortunately tomorrow is the first day of fourth grade and if Moxy doesn't read Stuart Little this afternoon, her mom won't let her participate in the water ballet she's been practicing all summer.

This book was a HILARIOUS examination of summer procrastination. A must read for any child who has ever put off doing anything. For grades 2-5.

[click here to see if it's available]

by Patrick

Nation by Terry Pratchett

"When much is taken, something is returned." Nation is the latest book by Terry Pratchett (best known for his adult sci-fi series Discworld). The book is set in an alternate universe South Pacific and follows 13 year old Mau as he copes with the aftereffects of a tsunami, which kills everyone else on his island. As weeks pass, refuges begin to arrive from the surrounding area, because Mau's island (though tiny) is one of the largest in the area and holds religious significance for the people of the area.

This book is part survival story and part coming of age story, it's about rebuilding a society and young love, it explores issues such as belief and the responsibilities of leadership. It also explores the possibilities of tree climbing octopuses and irreverent parrots "AWK - show us your drawers!", that is to say this book does it all. The only part I didn't enjoy was the last chapter (no worries no spoiler here) which suddenly jumps hundreds of years in the future and acts like this whole thing had been a story told to children by an old man. That would have been okay with me if the book had begun with the storyteller, or even if he had been referenced somewhere in the middle of the story. An unfortunate end to an otherwise great story. Offer this book to fans of survival and adventure stories grades 6+

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by Patrick

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix

An unscheduled airplane arrives at an airport terminal, on board are 36 babies and no one else! Who are they? Where did they come from? No one knows. Now skip forward 13 years to suburban Ohio, Jonah had never thought much of being adopted, but when he starts getting creepy letters that say things like "you are one of the missing," he starts wondering about his past. His adoption records have always been sealed, but maybe its time to investigate a little bit of his own. You see where this is going? Down a one way to street to freakin' awesome that's where!

I loved this book start to finish. Some authors just flat out know how to write and Magaret Haddix is one of those authors, she could write a book about making toast and it would turn out awesome- with this kind of subject matter of course the book is great.

Give this book to Sci-Fi lovers grades 5 thru 9.

[click here to see if it's available]

by Patrick

The Lump of Coal by Lemony Snicket

"Perhaps miracles only happen to human beings... perhaps I should just bury myself and become a diamond after thousands of years of intense pressure."

This is the story of lump of coal hoping for a Christmas miracle told in Lemony Snicket's usual hilarious and slightly dark manner. The coal is brooding, grumpy and ultimately lovable. Never before have I felt such a connection with a lump of coal. This book is short, but it packs a lot of punch per page. Offer this one to youngsters who love to laugh. For grades K thru 4.

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by Patrick

Bad Kitty Gets a Bath by Nick Bruel

Bad Kitty Gets a Bath is Nick Bruel's chapter book sequel to his picture book Bad Kitty, aka one of the funniest picture picture books ever! The sequel, however, fails to meet expectations. The illustrations are still hilarious and reluctant readers will love the way the pictures break up all the text (It's 120 pages long, but reads like it's 30). But the prose lacks the punch and off the wall humor of the original, if this had been the first book I would have never Bad Kitty and that would have been a shame.

Give this book to cat lovers and children who like to comedy and mayhem combined, for grades 1 to 4.

[click here to see if it's available]

by Patrick

Peak by Roland Smith

"My right ear and cheek were frozen to the terra cotta wall.
"To reach the top you must have resolve, muscles, skill, and...
"A FACE!"

Peak is the oddly named son of the world's most famous climber ("It could have been worse. My parents could have named me Glacier, or Abyss, or Crampon,") and a great climber in his own right. So great, in fact, that he starts climbing New York City skyscrapers and tagging them. When he gets busted tagging his sixth building, the judge threatens to throw the book at him (3 years jail time) to prevent copycats from endangering themselves. However, his lawyer and father come up w/ a plea bargain, Peak has to leave the country immediately to live w/ his father, Josh, (who he hasn't seen in 7 years) until all the media attention surrounding "spider-boy" (Peak) blows over.
Peak ends up in Tibet with his father on the slopes of Everest, but it turns out Peak's father has an ulterior motive, he wants to get Peak up the mountain making him the youngest climber up Everest and (hopefully) making his fathers climbing company rich.

This book was fast paced and exciting cover to cover. Life and death climbs, multiple visits from the Chinese military and yaks. Lots and lots of yaks. What more do you need? Give this one to adrenaline junkies Grades 6+

[click here to see if it's available]

by Patrick

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale

It's Rapunzel, but set in the wild west and as a graphic novel.

Rapunzel spends her young life blissfully unaware of the world beyond the walls surrounding Mother Gothel's estate, until one day she decides to find out what's over the walls. Beyond is a rocky wasteland of dusty stone, smoky chimneys and sad times. Rapunzel also just happens to run into a worn down old miner who turns out to be her birth mother, (what are the chances?) who had been forced to give up Rapunzel at birth by Mother Gothel. Rapunzel, of course flips out and then Mother Gothels counter flips out and sends Rapunzel off to live in a tower made out of a tree (Mother Gothels has growth magic, which lets her wilt or grow vegetation at will). So Rapunzel lives in the tower for 4 years with nothing to do except grow her hair and play with it. Anyway, eventually she grows it long enough to turn into a giant lasso and she rescues herself. The rest of the Graphic Novel she goes around as some kind of cowgirl superhero fighting for good and trying to stop Mother Gothel's tyranny. Oh and she also meets Jack (the guy who climbed the beanstock) and he follows her around helping out.

The Graphic Novel was an interesting idea and the art was great (although i didn't care for the way Rapunzel's red braid looked like hot dog links), but it was somehow lacking. About half-way thru I started looking for excuses to stop reading "Gee, I really should vacuum right now" and "Hmm, I think I've got some dishes in the sink that I ought to wash." When washing the dishes starts sounding more appealing than reading, I know something is off with the book. However, I finished reading it and all in one sitting too. I wouldn't say this book was bad, but I would say this book was a disappointment, great potential with only fair execution.

For wild west enthusiasts grades 5-9.

[click here to see if it's available]

by Patrick

Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi

Kenny Rabbit loves books, especially fairy tales, so when his father comes in hollering about a dragon up the hill Kenny has to go investigate. After arming and armoring himself as best he can with a variety of cookware and household cleaning utensils he goes to meet the dragon. The dragon proves to be shockingly urbane and introduces himself as Grahame, like the cracker, but with an 'e' on the end. Kenny finds that he has a surprising amount in common with this gentle dragon and the two soon become fast friends. The trouble starts when the townspeople discover a dragon is living nearby and call in the king's men to slay "the vicious beast."

Kenny and the Dragon is a charming story about unexpected friendship. It features Tony DiTerlizzi beautiful drawings and witty prose. Give this one to Fantasy Buffs grades 2-5.

[click here to see if it's available]

by Patrick

Brisingr by Christopher Paolina

Christopher De Paolini's third book in the Inheritance Cycle is a marked improvement from his last book Eldest, but ultimately suffers from the same flaws.

First let me start by saying Eragon was wonderful, the book pulled me in and left me wanting more. Eldest on the other hand was only satisfying because I was desperate to hear more about Eragon, the plot in Eldest was forgettable at best and groan worthy at worst (the whole Luke- I am your father rip-off, c'mon really?) Brisingr, also has some groan worthy surprises (don't worry I won't tell you what they are I'll let you suffer thru them on your own terms). Also, like Eldest the story seems to drag on without any clear direction at time (I cite the lenghty foray into dwarven politics as a shining example- and if you're wondering no nothing surprising happens feel free to skip those 100 pages if you like). However, the story had it's strong points as well. For example Eragon's character is pretty freakin' rad. I enjoyed all the battle sequences with him punching thru shields, leaping over walls and cleaving things in half. He also has a dragon and she's always blowing fire and eating things, that's pretty sweet too. *Mild spoiler alert, skip to end of paragraph to avoid* His new sword, also freakin' rad. It lights on fire whenever he says it's name (disappointingly it's name is fire) and it plays an integral role in the aforementioned cleaving things / enemies in half.

If Eldest had been the first book in the series, I wouldn't have read the next book, Brisingr however, is good enough it to pass the first book test and I would continue reading the series based on it's merits alone. Give Brisingr to fantasy buffs, dragon aficionados and people who like saying words like "oathbound," "shadeslayer," or "aye" grades 6+

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by Patrick

The First Book Test

If dodecahedron were the first shape I attempted to learn, I would have learned no further shapes.

The First Book Test is a term I've created to describe a sequel's worthiness to stand on it's own as a quality book. Quite simply, the First Book Test raises the question, if this were the first book in a series would you read any subsequent books in that series? Here's an example: The Burning Bridge, Ranger's Apprentice Book 2, passes the the First Book Test, it was just as good as the first book (maybe even better) and made me want to read more Ranger's Aprentice Books. In contrast, Eldest, Inheritance Cycle Book 2, does not pass the test. Eldest made me want to read Eragon again and made me hope the series returned to form or failing that end quickly. If Eldest had been the first book in the series, for me, the series would have ended right there.

Having a book fail the first book test doesn't necessarily doom the series, just the book. The Order of the Phoenix is a prime example, if this had been the first Harry Potter book I certainly wouldn't have read the other six books, however, all the other books do pass the test and as a result I absolutely love the series.

So remember, never let an author get away with slipping a mediocre book in the middle of the series. Because even if you like the other books, a bad book is still a bad book.

by Patrick

The Sorcerer of the North by John Flanagan

Will's a full Ranger now and just arriving in his new fief! At first it seems like things might be too quiet in the backwater he's landed in, but things start heating up quick. First, there's a Skandian raid and then not long after Will is off on a secret mission to the far North, where there have been rumors of an ancient sorcerer back for revenge.

This book packs in the action cover to cover: a ghostly warrior, a sorcerer, poison, a betrayal and- of course- lots of sneaking around in the woods. I loved this book from start to finish, my only gripe with it was its ending. Very little is resolved and it feels like there's a least a chapter (maybe 3 or 4) missing. Everything is resolved in the next book, but I still felt a little cheated at the end of this one. Despite this small misstep, The Sorcerer of the North definitely passes the first book test. In fact, this is one of my favorite books of the series. Give this one to adventure/ medieval enthusiasts grades 5-9.

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by Patrick

The Mouse Family Robinson by Dick King-Smith

John Robinson, a small gray mouse, is about to become a father for the first time and he hasn't a clue what to do. Fortunately his neighbor Mr Brown does, he's been a father, so many times he's forgotten many of their names. "I used to rely on the alphabet. Start with A- let's say Adam or Alice and keep going until you get to Z." John takes his neighbors advice to heart and when he returns home names his 6 new children: Ambrose, Beaumont, Camilla, Desdemona, Eustace and Felicity. The remainder of the book is spent following John's ever growing family and their struggle to avoid the cat.

Honestly the book lacks much of a conflict and after I finished I had to ask myself "what was this book even about?" Despite it's lack of conflict, I still found this book generally enjoyable. The mice are quite likable and thanks to Nick Bruel's (author/ illustrator of Bad Kitty) illustrations they are adorable as well.

A cute, but ultimately forgettable read. Give this one to mouse lovers who are nipping at their first pages, grades 1-3.

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by Patrick

Snake and Lizard by Joy Cowley

There is something the matter with your voice.
"Ga-runch! Ga-runch!" said Snake. "I've got a frog in my throat!" she whispered.
Lizard said, "Oh, I know how to fix that," and he gave Snake a mighty slap on her back.
The frog shot out of Snake s mouth. It landed in the grass and, quick as a blink, it hopped away. "My supper!" cried Snake. "That was my supper!"

This book is a collection of short stories, which chronicle the adventures of two unlikely friends, Snake and Lizard, who become inseparable after a chance meeting. Snake tends to be level-headed and urbane, while lizard is boisterous and more than a little impetuous, the combination is golden. Simple, but vivacious full-color drawings interspersed throughout the book embellish these charming little vignettes of desert life.

I loved these stories thru and thru. Snake and Lizard's friendship often has hilarious consequences and on several occasions I found myself laughing out loud. In one story Snake and Lizard decide to become "helpers," unfortunately as lizard points out "Helpers give help, they don't take it." So of course, the pair become horribly lost, decline help and fall in a stream, afterward they agree they can accept help, "but only when we really need it."

Give this book to animal lovers who have just graduated from the frog and toad books grades 2 thru 4.

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by Patrick

The Dragon's Child by Jenny Nimmo

Dando the Dragon can't fly. And he's lost- lost in the land where dreadful Doggins lurk, and where dangerous humans have arrived. He has to find his family, but can he make the journey alone? He's not so sure.

Yesterday I decided to look up "forgettable fantasy story" in the dictionary, much to my chagrin The Dragon's Child wasn't listed, but it should have been. I read this story only a few days ago, but already it has begun to fade from my memory. The book is like a connect-the-dots where the dots are clichés and the lines are mediocre prose. My favorite part about the book was the gimmicky dragon-shaped cover (the dotted lines in the picture denote the edge of the cover).

Give this book to children who love things that are dragon-shaped grades 2 to 4.

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by Patrick

Hoot by Carl Hiassen

The policeman nodded grimly. "Alligators," he declared.
"You're kiddin' me."
"I wish I was," said Officer Delinko. "They put alligators in your potties sir. Real live alligators."
"More than one?"
"Yes, sir."
Curly was flabbergasted. "Are they... big gators?"
Officer Delinko shrugged, "I imagine all of 'em look big," he said, "when they're swimming under your butt."

Hoot is the story of Roy Eberhardt and his quest to: avoid the dim-witted school bully, track down an odd shoeless school-skipping kid (nicknamed, of all things, Mullet Fingers) and protect some burrowing owls whose homes are about to be bulldozed (to make way for a pancake house). Not bad for a 7th grader, eh? Along the way he crosses paths with: a Police Officer desperate for a promotion, a bag full of poisonous snakes painted silver and a marketing vice president named Chuck Muckle.

Once I started reading Hoot I couldn't put it down. The story moves along at a good pace and the characters, especially Roy, are intriguing and likeable. This book made me laugh again and again, especially the pranks pulled at the construction site (the alligators in the port-a-potties is just one of many).

Not only is Hoot hilarious, it has a great message too. It stresses how thru community involvement kids can make a difference and help the environment. Give this one to kids who love: owls, the environment, and to laugh grades 5 thru 8.

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by Patrick

Baseball Crazy edited by Nancy Mercado

Baseball Crazy is a collection of short stories from the same editor as Every Man for Himself, but this time the theme is the national pastime, baseball. The stories follow a variety of characters from baseball stars, to bench-warmers, from statisticians, to fans and does so in a variety of formats too, mostly short stories, but also a play and poetry. Once again their are some big names like Jerry Spinelli (Maniac Magee) and Joseph Bruchac (Code Talker) backing up this collection and they deliver some great stories

I enjoyed this collection just as much as Every Man for Himself. Give this one to baseball lovers grades 4-8.

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by Patrick

Every Man for Himself edited by Nancy E Mercado

This is a collection of short stories about being a guy and mostly coming of age stories. Honestly I only picked it up because Mo Willems wrote one of the stories and I've been on a Mo Willems kick for the last few months (I even bought an elephant and piggy toy recently). The story by Mo Willems was good, it was about super heroes, but honestly it wasn't the best one in the book. My favorite was about a boy who had a raffle to see who his prom date would be- so funny! I didn't recognized most of the authors, but when i was reading the bios at the back I found out one of them wrote the graphic novel Blankets, which I love. Overall I really enjoyed this collection, although I worry it might not be as appealing to teens as nostalgic adults, nevertheless give this one to teen boys, I suspect they'll get something out of it and possibly even *gasp* enjoy it. Ages 14+

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by Patrick

The Rising Star of Rusty Nail byLesley Blume

Rusty Nail, Minnesota is a town "famous" for being the former American Coot (a bird that looks sort of like a duck) capital of the world. Unfortunately one day they decided to just up and leave and "Rusty Nail was left with only the fond memory of the Era of the Coot." All and all Rusty Nail is a small town with few opportunities. That's why 10-year-old Franny is determined to make the most of her big chance. Franny isn't the best at math or reading or science and she and her friend Sandy have a real penchant for mischief, but if there's one thing Franny excels at it's piano. Her father even calls her his little Mozart. So when the school principal asks Franny to play piano at an assembly for a special visitor to the town Franny practices like she's never practiced before.

The book is set in the 1950s and follows many of the predictable themes of the decade: small town America, the birth of television and most of all McCarthyism. Much of the story focuses on Franny's relationship with Madame Malenko, an aloof Russian concert pianist who moves to town as well as the town's reaction to her arrival.

I've noticed that 50's themes have been popular ever since 9/11 because of the easy comparisons that can be made between McCarthyism and the war on terror. That element is definitely present in this book, but it makes it's point in more of a "don't judge a book by it's cover" fashion. This was a solid book through and through. Give this one to fans of historical fiction, music or Russian composers with unpronounceable names grades 5 thru 8.

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by Patrick

The Stuff of Legend: Book 1: The Dark by Mike Raicht and Brian Smith

I think something very like this book would have been the result if Pixar had put Neil Gaiman in charge of Toy Story. A collection of toys band together to go into the 'Dark' of the closet to rescue their kidnapped owner. In this alternate world they are no longer toys and must engage in battles and thwart traps in their attempt to track down their boy.

Book 1 seems to just establish the world and characters, quite well, and the illustrations by Charles Wilson are top notch. Due to the high level of violence and somewhat mature themes I would only recommend this to older children, or those with a particular penchant for dark themes.

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by Scott

The Doom Machine by Mark Teague

A race of Spider-like aliens have abducted some people from a small Midwestern town in the 50's, along with a device that will let the conquer the planet! Jack and Isadora have an adventure full of unexpected twists as they try to escape from the abductors, rescue the grown-ups and save the universe.

Reminiscent of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy in tone, this is a fun space yarn with well developed characters and lots of adventure. It never gets to heavy and stays true to the intricate alternate world that is established. Beautifully illustrated in the same quirky style as the writing, Teague has achieved a wonderful blend of everything a good story needs.

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by Scott

Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Portis

Vivid illustrations accompany a faux journal of a child's first month of Kindergarten. The text guides the reader through feelings of early trepidation shifting to fun and excitement about school. The images accomplish a very nice blend of the real world and a child's imagination, particularly during the various adventures on the monkey bars.

A good book to get kids excited for school!

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by Scott

When Royals Wore Ruffles: a Funny and Fashionable Alphabet by Chelsey McLaren

Bright vintage-feeling illustrations and interesting (often funny)
historical tidbits make this a very entertaining book about fashion through the ages. Only adding to the enjoyment is that it is also an alphabet book, though more for those who already have familiarity with their letters.

Each letter introduces you to a fashion trend, and then there is a snippet putting the trend in historical context and often linking it to notable figures. One example is that a gentleman with coat tails stood too near the fireplace, his tails burnt off and a new fashion was born!

Fans of books like Fancy Nancy or Pinkalicious are certain to appreciate this treasure.

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by Scott