Sam & Dave Dig a Hole review

Sam and Dave are on a mission. A mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find . . . nothing. Yet the day turns out to be pretty spectacular after all. Attentive readers will be rewarded with a rare treasure in this witty story of looking for the extraordinary — and finding it in a manner you’d never expect.(goodreads summary)



Sam and Dave are digging a hole in the hopes of finding something spectacular.  As they dig deeper and deeper they keep coming up empty handed.

This clever story is simple, easy-to-read and big on subtle humor. Kids will find the illustrations visually fun to look at as the boys dig in different directions while unknowingly, the something spectacular they are looking for is right there in front of them.  They will giggle when they see how close the boys come to discovering something amazing and will want to shout out "it's right there!"  The ending was different than I expected but leaves open for wondering and thought provoking question. An observant reader will also notice that the beginning picture and ending pictures have slight differences. If they catch it, they will have fun pointing them out to others. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title: Sam & Dave Dig a Hole
Author: Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Pub. Date:  October 2014, Candlewick Press
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

Thanksgiving for Emily Ann review

Emily Ann doesn't like Thanksgiving, not one bit. With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, she feels a little ignored...and just a little bit sad. But just as Emily Ann prepares to do her worst, her family comes together to show her what matters most about Thanksgiving: family.(goodreads summary)





What would Thanksgiving be without at least one new story for the holiday. But by the looks of this cover, I think Emily Ann may be a little devious. Feeling alone and left out while the Thanksgiving Day preparations are going on around her, she decides to be a little bit naughty with the family turkey. Luckily, her plan is intercepted by her mom and realizes that Thanksgiving is a wonderful time after all.

This is a short and simple rhyming story that has a theme of gratitude and family.  Emily Ann's negative attitude turned around for the better when she saw the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Her expression went from naughty to cheerful and then I liked her much better as a character. The dog was cute as her sidekick on each page. This is a quick read and one to share that encourages the meaning of Thanksgiving.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title: Thanksgiving for Emily Ann
Author: Teresa Johnston, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Pub. Date: August 2014, Cartwheel Books
Genre: picture book, Thanksgiving
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

I Kill the Mockingbird review

When Lucy, Elena, and Michael receive their summer reading list, they are excited to see To Kill A Mockingbird. But not everyone in their class shares the same enthusiasm. So they hatch a plot to get the entire town talking about the well-known Harper Lee classic. They plan controversial ways to get people to read the book, including re-shelving copies of the book in bookstores so that people think they are missing and starting a website committed to “destroying the mockingbird.”


Lucy and her two best friends are excited about the summer before their freshman year of high school. Their new 8th grade English teacher gives them a summer reading list and Lucy's favorite book, To Kill a Mockingbird, is among the recommended. Unfortunately, her fellow classmates are not as thrilled as she is about reading it. With the help of her friends, they come up with a plan that blossoms into something bigger than they ever imagined.  Soon their intentions get out of hand and as the demand increases for the popular book, it soon turns into an unexpected revolt.

This story has everyday modern teenagers using and learning about the power of social media. Lucy, Elena and Michael's anonymous campaign gets everyone talking about the book and wanting it more by making it unavailable. The plan was to re-shelve books at local bookstores and libraries while also making a website declaring the destruction of the book.  Unfortunately, their crusade takes a bad turn and quickly explodes outside of their small town unknowingly realizing the impact the Internet can have.  Of course they have serious damage control now and problem solving was a key to eventually fixing the monster they had created.  Among all of this, each character seemed real with individual stories of their own. Lucy was coming to terms with her mom's Cancer, Elena lived with her Uncle above his bookstore because her parents died in a car crash and Michael was a baseball superstar discouraged because he is not using his skills to full potential.  Lucy and Michael also have this attraction to each other that is uncertain.  The three attend a Catholic school and there is a lot of religious speak throughout the book. The characters are definitely a rare breed for their young age, being such big book nerds and declaring what they do "for the love of books." It is refreshing though to find a clean, witty coming-of-age story. The chapters are short and flow easily for a quick read. For kids who have read To Kill a Mockingbird already, there are many references that they will connect to. There are so many other mentions of book titles and authors that I felt myself  saying "oh yeah, I know about that." The kids do learn a big lesson and take ownership for their actions which I was happy to see. 

I read that this book is recommended for grades 5-8. Towards the end, the kids are discussing what is in To Kill a Mockingbird and one reference is that "the story has rape, murder, lynching and rabies."  In our school district To Kill a Mockingbird is the big freshman year reading book and that subject was a short topic of discussion before the kids read it.  They should understand the content first so I'm not sure how this would be a good fit for a 5th to 6th grader.  I feel it may be better suited for a mature reader instead.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 12-14. 

Title:  I Kill the Mockingbird
Author:  Paul Acampora 
Pub. Date: May 2014, Roaring Book Press
Genre: fiction, middle grade
Hardcover, 166 pgs.

Hands off my Honey! review

Bear has a great big jar of delicious honey. And he wont share with anyone! But Mouse, Mole, and the Rabbit Brothers are hungry. With a jump, leap, and a roll, they set out across the forest. Can they make it to the honey without that scary bear seeing them?(goodreads summary)




All the animals run and hide while Bear stomps through the forest declaring the jar of honey for himself. He will not share even one drop; but the other creatures are determined to get some of that delicious honey too. While Bear sits and eats from his enormous jar, the others are sneaking up on him with anticipation for some yummy eating as well.

This is a delightful story with big, bold illustrations and large text for easy reading. The forest animals were cute as they worked as a team trying to get some of Bear's honey for themselves. One character, Mole, was exceptionally clumsy and the others were very forgiving which was heart-warming. This will be a fun read aloud and young ones will be surprised at the unexpected twist at the end.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title: Hands off My Honey!
Author: Jane Chapman
Pub. Date: March 2013, Tiger Tales
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.
 

How to Behave at a Tea Party review

Julia's little brother doesn't know how to behave at a tea party.  She will show Charles that slurping and burping are not allowed, that teacups are not building blocks, and that underwear does not count as a fancy hat. Charles will teach Julia that tea parties sometimes require deep breaths, and welcoming unexpected guests, and that maybe--just maybe--there is more than one way to properly behave.


How do you behave at a tea party? Well, Julia knows all about the proper etiquette to hosting the perfect tea party and she is determined to teach her younger brother Charles. There are many things you must do to get ready for a tea party... First, you open your invitation; next, wash your elbow and knee; put on your fancy clothes and eventually, hold your tea cup nicely by the handle. Unfortunately, she learns that some guests have their own idea how to behave at tea parties that do not always match hers.

This was a cute story with a funny twist about being flexible and finding out there is no perfect way to do things. Many kids might relate to the sibling relationship as Julia wants Charles and the neighbor boys to behave a certain way; yet instead they have their own minds about things. The boys do cause quite a bit of mayhem and you feel Julia's frustration as she gets angry and yells at them to go away.  But with a second thought, she opens up to the situation and ends up throwing the best party after all. This would be a fun read-aloud for a tea party play date with plenty of giggles. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title: How to Behave at a Tea Party
Author:  Madeyln Rosenberg
Pub. Date: September 2014, Katherine Tegan Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Emily's Blue Period review

Emily wants to be an artist. She likes painting and loves the way artists like Pablo Picasso mixed things up.Emily's life is a little mixed up right now. Her dad doesn't live at home anymore, and it feels like everything around her is changing.“When Picasso was sad for a while,” says Emily, “he only painted in blue. And now I am in my blue period.”It might last quite some time.(goodreads summary)



In school, Emily is learning about Pablo Picasso. She would like to be an artist herself someday but at the moment her life is a little out of sorts. Her parents are getting divorced and Emily feels that everything is mixed up and is sad on the inside.  When Picasso was sad he only would paint in shades of blue. Emily feels that she is having one of those blue periods and that it might last for a long time.  

This is a wonderful book told from a child's point-of-view about the feelings and emotions they have when parents divorce. Usually the topic is covered more at the middle grade level, so it is nice to find one geared towards the younger age group. Many will find themselves connecting with Emily and her brother on some feelings and changes they could be facing with their own family. In Art Class, Emily has a collage project to make about her house but it raises questions about her home since she now will have two. This book depicts many emotions such as sadness, anger and confusion not only from a child's perspective in words but illustrated wonderfully that I felt Emily's blueness.  Her brother Jack's insightful take on where home is was heart warming. This would work well opening up discussion about how kids are feeling on a new situation. Although a picture book, the story is written in a chapter-like style. I also liked that it teaches a little about Pablo Picasso.  This may be  suited for an older picture book reader independently or to be read-aloud to younger ones.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-9.~

Title: Emily's Blue Period
Author: Cathleen Daly
Pub. Date: June 2014, Roaring Brook Press
Genre: picture book, chapter book
Hardcover, 56 pgs.

Sleepyheads review

Both spirited and soothing, this bedtime read-aloud story is the perfect preface for a trip to dreamland. The sun has set, and sleepyheads all across the land are tucked into their cozy beds. But there's one little sleepyhead who's not in his bed.(goodreads summary)



Getting those little ones to finally settle in after a long day can sometimes be a challenge.  This book is the perfect read-aloud for cuddling and helping them wind down from that busy day. Adding this sweet and soothing story to a nightly bedtime routine is sure to let kids know that it is time for a good night sleep themselves. The simple rhyming text and cute illustrations of baby animals sleeping in special places throughout, adds a sense of calmness and offers a gentle message to children that it is their turn now for sleep. One little sleepyhead seems to be missing from their bed at the end but has a very heart warming outcome. This one could soon become a bedtime favorite and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 2-5.~

Title:  Sleepyheads
Author: Sandra J. Howatt, Illustrated by Joyce Wan
Pub. Date: May 2014, Beach Lane Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Once Upon a Memory review

 

When a feather drifts through a child's window, a magical journey begins. As the boy follows the feather, he is swept away to a world filled with adorable animals, where fantasy and reality come together in surprising and playful ways. From the cake that once was grain to the ocean that once was rain, whimsical "before" and "after" scenes offer readers a peek at the world as seen through the eyes of a curious child,  asking  "What will you remember?" 



When I finished reading this gentle story, I stopped for a moment or two just to reflect back on the text and pictures again.  The combination of words and serene illustrations give it a sleepy, dreamy feeling that will help wind you down from an active day. The rhyming text is simple but so meaningful when read at a slow pace, which is great at bedtime. The illustrations are done by one of my favorites, Renata Liwska, who is so captivating and pulls me into the story by her drawings every time. She has a way with the animals expression that give them a lifelike quality. The last page offers a look at some favorite memories from the author and illustrator that will open conversation about remembering some of your favorite things. There is just something about this sweet quiet book that I know will be a favorite in my memory. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 2-7.~

Title: Once Upon a Memory
Author: Nina Laden, illustrated by Renata Liwska
Pub. Date: December 2013, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs. 



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 The Quiet Book by Renata Liwska                                         The Loud Book by Renata Liwska                                 

Bear Sees Colors review

 

Colors, colors everywhere!
Can you find colors just like Bear?









Bear and his friend Mouse are out for a walk and there are so many colors to see!  Along the way, they meet more of their animal friends from the woods as the fun day continues on. The text flows easily and will have kids guessing what color Bear sees next before you turn the page. With brightly colored pages and objects to point out that are easy to find, younger kids will enjoy participating while it is being read-aloud. This is a another delightful Bear and friends story that could be helpful while teaching color concepts. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title: Bear Sees Colors
Author: Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
Pub. Date: September 2014,  Margaret K McElderry Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

Breathing Room review

Evvy Hoffmeister is thirteen years old when her family brings her to Loon Lake Sanatorium to get cured of tuberculosis (TB). Evvy is frightened by her new surroundings; the rules to abide are harsh and the nurses equally rigid. But Evvy soon falls into step with the other girls in her ward.   Set in 1940 at a time of political unrest throughout the U.S. and Europe, this thought-provoking novel sheds light on a much-feared worldwide illness. (goodreads summary)

  In May of 1940, 13 year old Evvy Hoffmeister is admitted to the Loon Lake Sanatorium in Minnesota. She was sent away from her family with the hopes of recovering from Tuberculosis. Upon her arrival, she is faced with many strict rules such as; plenty of rest, no talking, no stress on the lungs by coughing or crying and definitely no moving out of bed. She will be sharing a room with three girls named Dena, Pearl and Sarah and tries to settle into the rigid daily routines.  Despite the many uncertain days that loom ahead, the girls'  friendships blossom, pulling strength from one another that will help pull them through their illness and hopefully onto the road to recovery. 

I really enjoy books that not only tell a story but also one that a child will learn from. I found this very moving historical fiction one of these books. It was not only about having an illness and surviving but it also focuses on the friendships that formed because of it. The day-to-day struggles were well written and I felt the main character Evvy being a real person.  The head nurse they called Old Eagle Eye just added to the feeling of what it was like staying at a sanatorium under strict orders. The chapters are short with many vintage illustrations throughout. They added a great visual representation of the time as well.  Each girl adds her own story, strength and personality bringing the friendships closer with each slow moving day. Evvy finds that she has a talent for writing which she decides to try her hand at with her exploration through poetry.  Not all have a happy ending but it is the reality of an illness with no cure. The author does not sugar coat death when a patient dies from a hemorrhage or the effects the disease had on the body. Many people either made it or they didn't with some even having to reside at sanatoriums for years. It was a time I pictured vividly and learned many new things I never realized after reading Evvy's story because I never experienced it.  I did walk away with a stronger knowledge and understanding of something other than just a diagnosis or a term. I think if kids try and go into this book with an open mind, not looking for action or suspense, they may view it to be a very informative read. 

At the end of the book, I loved that the author gives many more facts about TB and details of her research leading up to this book. I learned for example that after Eleanor Roosevelt died, an autopsy discovered she had Tuberculosis and that the author of the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle series, Betty MacDonald, wrote The Plague and I which was based on her time at a sanatorium. Afterwards, there is another section devoted to full description of the chapter illustrations and once again, more things I did not know.  I saw the book is intended toward an  8-14 age group but feel  it would be better suited for an older audience. Tuberculosis is more than a cough and the description of symptoms and the patients trying to survive this terrible illness may be scary for the younger group. I am glad that this book gives voice to a sad time and forgotten or unknown part of our history. I think this is a "just right book" book for ages 11-14.~

Title:  Breathing Room
Author: Marsha Hayles 
Genre: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Pub. Date: June 2012, Henry Holt and Co.
 Hardcover, 244 pgs.

You Are (Not) Small review

  The two creatures featured in this book are definitely in disagreement on who is "Big" and who is "Small".  But then again, what does each one really mean in comparison?  This cute story has simple text perfect for a beginning reader ready for some independence. With its' repetitive site words for easy recognition, along with the unique characters, it reminded me a little of  Dr. Seuss. The illustrations are bold and colorful with a funny twist at the end that will encourage further thinking about size in comparison. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-6.~

Title: You are (Not) Small
Author: Anna Kang illustrated by Christopher Weyant
Pub. Date:  August 2014, Two Lions
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

Colors versus Shapes review

 

We're the stars of this show: colors!
We're the stars of this show: shapes!
Wait . . .Which team deserves the spotlight? Whose talents will steal the scene? Colors can really mix it up, but nobody stacks higher than shapes. Red and his primary pals have some colorful surprises in store. Circle and his crew reveal whole new sides of themselves. How will the judges ever pick a winner? (goodreads summary)

There seems to be quite a competition between colors and shapes as they each show off who has the better talent to earn star of this story.  This book would add some extra excitement to a kindergarten classroom working on a color and shape unit.The whimsical and colorful pages are fun to look at and will keep kids interested in turning the page to see what will happen next. The mixing of colors gives a brief lesson of primary and secondary colors, as well as placing shapes together to form others. It also goes beyond the basic shape, taking it to a next level of learning by showing pentagons, hexagons, a rhombus or octagon just to name a few.  It ends up having a wonderful compromise between the two of what colors and shapes can really do together that adds so much to our everyday world. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title: Colors versus Shapes
Author: Mike Boldt
Pub. Date: August 2014, Harper Collins
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

Sleepover with Beatrice & Bear review

How can two friends share winter when one of them is hibernating? Beatrice and Bear meet one spring day and become best buddies. They play together through summer and fall. Then winter comes and Beatrice can’t find Bear anywhere. She hears he’s gone to hibernate—but where on earth is that? When Beatrice learns that hibernation is not a place and that Bear will be sleeping all winter long, she fears it will be a lonely season . . . unless she comes up with a brilliant plan to share winter with Bear too. (goodreads summary)

Beatrice and Bear played all through spring, summer and fall until it was time for Bear to settle in for a long winter sleep... Beatrice thinks it is an opportunity for a sleepover with her new best friend until she learns bunnies are not made for hibernating. She soon comes up with a brilliant idea that will help Bear experience all the wonderful things about winter that the two will miss together.  This is a charming story about friendship, problem solving and creativity. It is a perfect read-aloud for the upcoming change of seasons and discussion about hibernation. The cute illustrations captured the personality of each character so well that I could feel Beatrice's enthusiasm throughout the book. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title: Sleepover with Beatrice & Bear
Author: Monica Carnesi
Pub. Date: August 2014, Nancy Paulsen Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.