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.

[click here to see if it's available]

~by Scott