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