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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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+

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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.

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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.

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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

Oh, Daddy! by Bob Shea

Told from the perspective of a young boy who's Daddy just keeps doing silly things. Whether it's getting dressed, eating vegetables, or getting into the car, Daddy needs 'help' to figure out how to do things right.

This is a charming picture book that demonstrates a clever way to get kids to cooperate.

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by Scott

Copper by Kazu Kibuishi

The cover illustration is what compelled me to pick up this collection of comics. The illustration style is well defined, and quite cute. I was quite disappointed that the content of the strips did not match the illustrations. Many of them did not seem fully realized, or geared towards a very limited audience. The majority that I was able to make sense of dealt with issues that I wouldn't expect young readers to be able to appreciate, such as forbidden love...the recurring theme of a girl in a bubble, which causes the boy character to wake up crying.

A few strips were much simpler, and quite delightful, but the overall feeling I was left with after reading this graphic novel was confusion.

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by Scott

The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski

The book opens with the return of Petra's father from the palace, where he has just completed a most beautiful clock with a hidden secret. But the power hungry Prince has kept the inventors eyes as well, which have unique properties of their own. Determined to restore her father's vision, Petra sets out to steal back the eyes, and meets a delightful assortment of characters in the process.

I imagine it was no easy feat to craft a world in which a gypsy boy possessing 'ghost fingers' that extend past his physical hands, and an old woman who cries tears of acid, co-exist harmoniously with our clever protagonist in a quasi-historical Prague, but the author does so seemingly without any effort at all. The story moves at a very nice pace, characters were easy to keep track of, and the quirks were nuanced in so well that I was left eager for the next book.

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by Scott

Lost Worlds by John Howe

The rich illustrations by John Howe, famous for his depictions of Middle Earth, are well suited for these real and imagined civilizations that have been lost to time, but not our imaginations. With his detailed renderings and compelling summaries, John Howe provides a wonderful introduction to such cities as Troy, Pompeii, and Atlantis, as well as many others. This book will likely stimulate further investigations of these lost worlds, it certainly did for me!

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by Scott

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book is the story of Nobody Owens, an orphan raised by the denizens of an ancient graveyard in England. When he was little more than a baby Nobody, or "Bod" for short, had the good fortune of wandering out the front door of his home, then down the street and into a graveyard. While conventional wisdom would hold that this would be bad luck, it is important to take into account Bod's circumstances. His family had just been murdered by a man named Jack, who was just one small child away from completing his task. Young Bod had no way of knowing the graveyard would provide sanctuary, but that's just what happens. When Jack comes for Bod, Silas, a mysterious inhabitant of the graveyard who is neither alive nor dead, leads Jack quietly off into the night. Mr. and Mrs. Owens, a long-dead couple who have waited centuries for a child, adopt Bod. And soon the graveyard accepts him of one of its own, that Bod might come of age living among the unliving. Jack, however, still searches....

Neil Gaiman's latest book is a grim reinterpretation of Rudyard Kipling's the Jungle Book set in a graveyard and I loved every second of it. The story is always engaging and frequently exciting. Gaiman masterfully paints a picture of a fantastic and imaginative world, while mixing in just the right amount of action and adventure. With this book Gaiman has done a wonderful job of opening up a genre usually reserved for older audiences to children. Longtime fans of Neil Gaiman won't be disappointed, the dark subject matter and macabre pen and ink illustrations are reminiscent of other Gaiman favorites, such as Coraline and the Sandman.

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by Patrick

Something Wickedly Weird: The Wooden Mile by Chris Mould

This book's great cover illustration caught my eye and begged me to page through it. Inside I was greeted by more pen and ink drawings all of which were just as grim, but also drawn with a hint of irony, which make the drawings simultaneously ghastly and endearing. The story is, as one would guess from the drawings, wonderfully macabre and when at it's best reminded me of The Graveyard Book; unfortunately, the book was not always at its best and frequently felt formulaic and predictable. It is the story of Stanley, a young boy who inherits a manor on a small island off the coast of England from a long lost great uncle. Upon arriving things are clearly amiss. Over the course of the story Stanley encounters werewolves, pirates and even a talking fish. The story is in fact "wickedly weird." Don't expect this one to win the Newbery Award, but do expect it to delight children between the ages of 7 and 11 who have a taste for adventure and the bizarre.

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by Patrick

Dear Dracula by Joshua Williamson

This Graphic Novel is so funny! It is the story of Sam who one October decides to write a letter asking him for what he most wants in the world to Dracula, because Christmas is too far away. Much to Sam's surprise Dracula shows up on Halloween for a night of fun and trick or treating.

Wonderful glossy drawings augmented by a super funny story make for a killer read. Give this one to reluctant readers and kids who like to laugh grades 3 thru 6.

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by Patrick

The Hotel Cat by Esther Averill

This is a book nostalgic for a time gone by, written in an era that's since gone by. It's the story of Tom, a Hotel Cat who works at the once regal, but now old, Royal Hotel as a mouser. Tom spends his nights walking the upper floors and making new friends. The story culminates with all the cats staying at the hotel throwing a stardust ball in the hotel's grand ballroom.

The story is simple, uncomplicated and absolutely charming. The characters, both the felines and the humans, are sweet and lovable. The story is perfect for a young child. There is nothing even remotely frightening or even mean-spirited in these books. Overall a good read.

Recommend this one as a bedtime story for a sweet little preschooler or kindergartener or as a beginning reader for a child in lower elementary.

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by Patrick

Lay Ups and Long Shots

Lay Ups and Long Shots is a collection of eight sports short stories by a variety of children's and young adult authors. The stories are generally enjoyable and usually funny.

My one gripe with this book was that it seemed like these sports stories were written for people who don't necessarily like sports. This probably isn't the best bet for the star athlete reluctant reader, but it would be great for an avid reader who loves humorous realistic fiction grades 4 to 7.

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by Patrick

Cameron and His Dinosaurs by Scott Sava

Mad scientist Professor Pointdexter P Poppycock has created four hyper intelligent dinosaurs to do his evil bidding. Unfortunately, because of their superior intellects they tell Professor Poppycock they are unwilling to hurt people and as result they must part ways. The dinosaurs meet a young boy named Cameron with whom they become fast friends. Soon Professor Poppycock is at it again, but this time with robotic dinosaurs programmed to follow his every command. Of course, Cameron and his dinosaurs are the only ones capable of standing in his way.

This was a surprisingly enjoyable graphic novel. The artwork was good and I really appreciated the artist's use of pastels and soft colors.The humor is slapstick and clearly designed for younger readers, but I still caught myself chuckling from time to time. The story was well-paced and although predicable, it still pulled me in. This book also does a good job of portraying disabled characters in a positive light. Cameron is in a wheel chair, but it in no way hampers his ability to join in on the action, in fact it even ends up helping. Plus the story had dinosaurs, how awesome is that? Recommend this one to fans of dinosaurs, robots and comic hijinx grades 3 to 6.

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by Patrick

Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park

Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, the entire New York Yankees team... the 50's were a great time to be a baseball fan in New York, whether you were a Dodgers, Giants or Yankees fan. Of course, Maggie Fortini doesn't see it that way, because her team, the Dodgers, always fall just short of winning the world series. Maggie, already the Dodgers' biggest fan, becomes an even more ardent supporter when she learns to keep score from one of the guys down at her dad's fire station- Jim (a Giants fan yuck!). Maggie and Jim quickly become close friends because of their shared interest in baseball. So much so, that even after Jim is drafted and sent to Korea, Maggie writes him letter after letter. But when the letters abruptly stop coming Maggie wonders were they ever really friends at all?

A great book, Maggie's character is instantly lovable and I really got into the whole baseball thing when I was reading the book (I still kinda want to learn how to keep score). Recommend this one to sports fans (especially female sports fans) grades 5 to 9.

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by Patrick

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Welcome to the Salt Lake City Public Library's Children's Book Blog. Stop by to read reviews of Children's books by the Librarians of the Salt Lake City Public Library.


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