Books For Animal Loving Kids

Lions and tigers and hamsters, oh my!  This week all my books have a main character from the animal kingdom.

And here is the rub, animals books just aren't my thing.  There I said it.  I generally find that if the main character is a cat, a dog or even the dreaded hamster/mouse it takes a lot to get me to pick up the book.  Now there are some exceptions.  The Tale of Desperaux had me hooked from the first page, Charlotte's Web - well, need I say more and The One and Only Ivan, last years Newbery winner, was definitely charming.  But generally speaking, I am just not an animal person.

Now, here is the problem.  While I may not warm to the animal books, I have many kids who absolutely love a good feline in charge, a dog running the show or a mouse exherting his independance.  So I delve into this genre from time to time so that I have great recommendations for these kids.  The best part is that I always find something that surprises me and makes me think that maybe I could become an animal person, just maybe ....

Title:       The World According to Humphrey

Author:   Betty Birney

Target:    Grades 2-4, although it can be a read aloud for K-1

Series:     Yes

What this book is about:
Humphrey the hamster is the newest classroom addition to Room 26, and he makes a significant impact on the students in a quiet, but still squeaky way!  By watching, he learns that the students problems are not how they first appear.  He is able to get one family to turn off the TV and start interacting with each other and he manages to get the shyest girl in the class to speak up.  Each child  with whom he interacts learns a valuable lesson and their lives are changed for the better.

Why I love this book:
Well it certainly isn’t because the main character is a hamster!  When Betty Birney was scheduled to come to our school to speak I was not jumping up and down enthusiastically to get familiar with her hamster series.   All I can say is thank goodness she came to visit, or I wouldn’t have taken a chance on this delightful book.  

Humphrey is decidedly fun and not cutesy, which kept me thoroughly engaged in the story.  One of my favorite parts is when Humphrey tries to remember the names of the kids in the class and call them “Stop Giggling Gail” or “Raise your Hand Harry” because that’s what he hears the teacher say to them all day long.  A clever twist.

Who this book is for:
Great next level chapter book for kids moving past the early chapter book series.  The series also makes a nice read aloud for the younger grades.  These books are a good bet for most kids.

Final thoughts:
Humphrey does have some extremely witty commentaries, and his guide to the care and feeding of humans at the end is dead on!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The World According to Humphrey  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog, at no cost to you.

Title:       The Cheshire Cheese Cat, A Dickens of a Tale

Authors:  Carmen Agra Deedy & Randall Wright

Target:    Grade 4-8

Series:     No

What this book is about:

Skilley, our main character and a street cat has a secret - he would rather eat cheese than mice.  When he finds a home at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese tavern as the mouse catcher, he immediately makes a deal with Pip, a very literate and educated mouse, to pretend to catch the mice in exchange for their access to the good stuff (cheese!)  An unlikely friendship develops and when a mouse eating cat gets brought into the tavern, and a royal raven is trapped in the attic, things start to get interesting!

Why I love this book:

Ok, I read the first chapter and put the book down thinking I was not interested.  It takes a lot to get me to read an animal book and this just wasn’t going to be the one.  However, when it got selected as a contender for a competition called Battle of the Books, with a group of novels I loved, I decided to give it a second chance.  Well the second time around I couldn’t put it down.  It is so well written and the story just sucked me in.  The vocabulary will be challenging for your kids, and the authors even include a glossary in the back, which I must admit I used a few times!

It is not often that I pull quotes out of books, but in this book I wrote down two which I read to my children (also something I never do!)  “It is not enough to say you are sorry.  You must utterly own the terrible thing you have done.  You must cast no blame on the one you’ve injured.   Rather, accept every molecule of the responsibility, even if reason and self-preservation scream against it.  Then and only then, will the words ‘I am sorry’ have meaning.” and “Cowards choose victims, not equals.”  Great stuff not only for kids but also wise words for the grown-ups.

Who this book is for:

This book is actually an homage to Dickens’ tales.  There are so many sly references that to be frank, kids probably will not get them nor was I literate enough to get them all, but you don’t need to to enjoy this book.  It is a bit of an intellectual book, so it’s probably not best for a reluctant reader.  However it is filled with action and suspense so you don’t need to have cerebral child for them to really enjoy the story.

Final thoughts:

”He was the best of toms.  He was the worst of toms.”

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog, at no cost to you.

Title:       The Cats of Tanglewood Forest

Author:   Charles De Lint

Target:    Grades 4-6

Series:     No

What this book is about:
Lillian spends her days doing chores and traipsing through the forest to look for fairies.  She lives with her Aunt on a remote farm and thinks she just might believe in magic.  While running through the woods, she gets bitten by a snake and the fast moving venom is about to kill her.  The wild cats use magical forces to turn her into a kitten so she won’t die, but this leaves her in a bit of a predicament.  She is not quite a girl and not quite a cat and must figure out a way to make things right.

Why I love this book:
First off, the illustration liberally used throughout the book make it quite striking.  Charles Vess has a distinct style, and while the pictures were not always charming, they are extremely impactful to the story and create a visually appealing read.  The illustrations definitely add to this story.

I thought the story itself was charming.  I liked the messages of being kind to others simply because it is the right thing to do.  I also thought the variety of characters were well done.  My favorite was the fox, but I also enjoyed Mother Possum and the Bear People.  De Lint has created a magical world that is not cutesy but thoughtful and interesting.

Who this book is for:
I think kids who like The Warriors series might enjoy this book.  However, the quality of the writing is much better here.  This is not necessarily a fast moving story, so kids who need a lot of action, might not warm to this book.

Final thoughts:
A lovely look at magic and folklore.  I was surprised how it sucked me in.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Cats of Tanglewood Forest  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog, at no cost to you.

The Mighty Lalouche

Well, Friday has arrived again.  I have to say that I have been a little disapointed at the dearth of good picture books this year.  I have been struggling to find recomendations worthy of your time.  However, the last few weeks has seen some new releases that are registering quite high on my excitement meter.  Oh, happy day.  

The book I am profiling this week was a bit of a surprise for me.  I didn't know I would like it so much, or that my kids would gravitate to it the way they did.  I think the combination of history and charm made this one a winner in my house (even my fourteen year old son was found reading this one in his room, multiple times!  But we aren't allowed to speak of it.)

Title:       The Mighty Lalouche

Author:    Mathew Olshan

Target:     Kindergarten-Grade 3

What this book is about:
Lalouche was a postman in Paris in the early 1900s.  He was small and skinny, nimble and strong. and he loved his job.  However, when the Paris post office decides to use the new fangled electric autocars to deliver the mail, Lalouche is out of a job.  He takes the improbably position as a sparing partner at the Bastille Boxing Club. where he finds all his attributes make him quite a competent competitor.  Will he enjoy his new found career and fame, or will the call of the mail draw him back?

Why I love this book:
I can’t say the premise of this book made me pick it up.  What made me pick it up are the gorgeous illustrations by Sophie Blackall which are absolutely charming and innovative.  I am so glad the pictures lured me in, because the story is equally charming and innovative.  I just love it when the illustrations and the words seem so perfectly matched that you know they were of one mind on this concept.

While the story is about a postman and boxing, strangely enough it is an extremely unisex book.  Some of that is in the color scheme (the boxer Anaconda is in pink striped tights after all) and the cutouts used which make the illustrations seem less masculine, but also the story is of the underdog Lalouche and boys and girls will be rooting for him.  

One last thing I want to mention are the illustrations on the inside front and back covers.  I love it when authors and illustrators use this space to add more to the story, and in the case of this book they have printed the sports cards of the other boxers here.  My kids and I had so much fun reading about all the boxer’s attributes.  The Pointillist disappears close up, The Piston is often oily, how great is that?

Who this book is for:
Fun for most kids, but it is most fun when they are old enough to enjoy some of the history and photographs the author included in the back of the book to show French boxing and autocars in the early 1900s.

Final thoughts:
The Mighty Lalouche is a knockout (I know, cliche. but I really loved this book!)

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Mighty Lalouche  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you!

Cooking Up Some Good Summer Reads

Now that summer has arrived, kids can focus on books with some more lighthearted fare. No longer do they have to worry about finding the deeper meaning in the story, keeping vocabulary lists or coming up with discussion questions.

However, this doesn't mean they should stop reading.  Kids who don't read over the summer can lose over three months of reading progress and studies show that kids who do read over the summer generally do better in school.

So let your children pick some fun books.  Comics and magazines are great and yes they do count.

This week I am profiling some books that are lighthearted and have recipies scattered throughout each story.  Your child can read one and whip up a delicous pie for desert, which might lead to some interesting discussions.  But no pressure, this is summer after all!


Title:       A Tangle of Knots

Author:   Lisa Graff

Target:    Grades 4-7

Series:     No

What this book is about:
Imagine a world were some people are blessed with a Talent.  These Talents can range from whistling, knitting or even in the case of Cady the orphan, cake baking.  Cady can tell when she meets someone exactly what their perfect cake will be.  As she longs to be adopted into a family, her encounter with an errant truck driver starts her on a path to meeting individuals whose lives are completely intertwined.  However, it is when someone tries to steal her Talent, that all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.

Why I love this book:
There are really no throw away details in this book.  Even the most offhanded action comes back to be relevant during this story.  I have no idea how Graff kept all the threads in this story straight but I found myself rereading sections of the book to remind myself of what characters had done.  I almost felt the book was too short for all the things going on.

I very much enjoyed hearing the voices of many different characters.  I like it when an author gives us multiple points of view and I think it really helps kids understand the story.  Figuring out how all the pieces of the story come together makes it a very satisfying read.  

Who this book is for:
This book reminded me a bit of Savvy, so I think that kids who liked that aspect of a Talent or a gift being realized will like this story.   Kids who like baking will enjoy trying some of Cady’s recipes scattered throughout the story, which are tied to each character.

Final thoughts:
A lovely read that will certainly delight kids who like a good puzzle.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: A Tangle of Knots  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Title:       Pie

Author:   Sarah Weeks

Target:    Grades 3-6

Series:     No

What this book is about:
When Alice’s aunt Polly passes away, she takes with her the secret recipe for her world famous pie crust, or so people think.  It turns out she has left the recipe to her cat Lardo, and her cat Lardo to Alice.  But how do you leave a recipe to a cat?  There is no shortage of people trying to get this recipe, as Alice and her buddy Charlie discover.  They try to chase down those who appear to be willing to steal Lardo to get access to this recipe and instead  find the real recipe for happiness.

Why I love this book:
This is just a charming story.  It is a “beach read” with a fun mystery and delicious looking pie recipes at the beginning of each chapter.  Weeks packs in some colorful characters and an engaging search for the Lardo kidnappers which keeps the story moving quickly.

Who this book is for:
Kids who feel confident in chapter books and that want some pure entertainment.  Might lean more towards girls.

Final thoughts:
A little love and some peach pie can go an awful long way to cheering someone up!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Pie  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Title:       The Teashop Girls

Author:   Laura Schaeffer

Target:    Grades 4-7

Series:     There is a sequel, The Secret Ingredient

What this book is about:

Annie loves the Steeping Leaf, a tea shop owned by her grandmother.  She and her two best friends started the Tea Shop Girls club when they were younger and it has cemented their friendship ever since.  However, times have taken their toll on the shop, as new fancy coffee shops have moved into the neighborhood.  Will the girls desire to save the Steeping Leaf be enough to keep it from closing?

Why I love this book:

This is a cute, fun story.  It is primarily focused on change, both the changes in the shop and the changes the girls are experiencing as they get older and start to look toward high school.  However, these deeper messages will probably be lost on most readers.

Essentially, this book is appealing because it blends nostalgia (advertisements from old tea brands, scrapbooks from when the girls were younger, and recipes) with modern girls and their desire to get involved.  There is of course a cute boy, tea recipes scattered throughout the chapters, and a dad who wears t-shirts that are funny at home but way too embarrassing to be seen outside the house!

Who this book is for:

This book is for girls who like quirky, friendship books.  If your daughter liked My Life in Pink and Green, then this book is right up her alley.  In fact they are eerily similar.

Final thoughts:

Well darn if I didn’t crave an iced tea while reading this book!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Teashop Girls  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Exclamation Mark for Picture Book Friday!

It's Picture Book Friday!  Notice my judicious use of an exclamation mark.  Well, exclamation marks are in abundant supply in the picture book I am profiling this week.  Who would have thought that punctuation would make such a compelling topic for a picture book?  But in the capable hands of Amy Krouse Rosenthal, even the lowly period gets it's day.

So go on, get excited about punctuation.  You know you want to!

Title:       Exclamation Mark

Author:   Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Target:    Kindergarten - Grade 3

What this book is about:
Well, this is a story about an exclamation mark who doesn’t know where he fits in, period.  It is not until he meets question mark, and answers his inquiries, that he realizes how great an exclamation mark can be.  Wow!

Why I love this book:
As always, Rosenthal’s play on words is spot on.  “He stood out from the beginning.” “he went off... to make his mark.”  Brilliant.

I also love the illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld which are simple and yet so effective, from the lined paper background to the dots full of expression.

While the story wonderfully illustrates when to use different forms of punctuation, it is also a story about liking yourself.  The best picture books always disguise learning in a creative and entertaining narrative.

Who this book is for:
Great for kids learning about punctuation, but those who are already well versed in the topic will also love the story and the play on words.

Final thoughts:
Have you found your inner exclamation point?  I think I’m still questioning.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Exclamation Mark  A portion of this purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Need more convincing?  Here is a video that shares even more of the story.

More Great Books to Read Aloud To Your Kids

Summer is the perfect time to start reading aloud to a child in the evenings.  You don't have to worry about homework, sports schedules or rigid bedtimes.  You can just curl up with your child and see where the story takes you.

Please don't forget that just because your child may already be able to read doesn't mean that reading together aloud should stop.  I know you know this, but a gentle reminder never hurts.

So just to drive the point home:

Reading aloud gives your child a strong vocabulary.  A good children't story is 3 times richer in vocabulary than conversation.

Reading aloud teaches your kids how to imagine as they listen to the story.

Reading aloud is about showing your children the importance of books which helps them to love reading.

Reading aloud from a great book will make your kids think you are a rock star!

So take these suggestions along with my other posts Wonderful Books to Read Aloud to Kids as well as Reading Aloud is a Gift We Give Our Kids and Great Books to Read Aloud to Kids.

See, there is no excuse with all these fabulous choices.  What are you waiting for ...  get reading!

Title:       Prince Puggly of Spud and the Kingdom of Spiff 

Author:   Robert Paul Weston

Target:    Grades 2-5

Series:     No

What this book is about:
Prince Puggly comes from the Kingdom of Spud, where let’s face it, the clothes are downright ugly.  When he ventures to the Kingdom of Spiff, where the clothes are shall we say spiffy, he is made to feel uncouth and uncomfortable.  The princess of Spiff, who only wears pajamas covered with pictures of bicycles, understands Puggly’s plight, and a true friendship, and some mischief, ensues.

Why I love this book:
While I do love the story (and will talk about that in a moment, ) the true joy of this book, like its counterpart Zorgamazoo, is that it is told all in verse.  This is just a pleasure to read aloud.  The whole story rolls off your tongue as though you posses the rhyming powers of Dr. Seuss.  What this allows the author to do is use some very sophisticated rhyming language in a non threatening way.  I was amazed at all the new vocabulary that my daughter was exposed to, but the story remained lighthearted and therefore the new vocabulary did not feel intimidating at all.

Now the story itself has a lovely message about how the value of people is not based on what they wear, but it is not told in a preachy way at all.   The book is lighthearted and fun and includes a princess who loves to read - how great is that? 

Who this book is for:
It is for all kids who enjoy a great read aloud

Final thoughts:
The best review I can give you is that my daughter and I were woefully sad when the story ended.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Prince Puggly of Spud and the Kingdom of Spiff  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Title:       Gulliver

Author:   Retold by Martin Jenkins

Target:    Grades 3 and up

What this book is about:

This book is an abridged version of the original story Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift.  Jenkins tells of the Lilliputians where Gulliver is the giant on the island of little people and the land of Brobdingnag where Gulliver is now the one who is minuscule in the land of giants.  We hear of the Laputians who need to be flapped to remember to listen to others and the kingdom of Houyhnhnms where the horses rule the humans, in a complete role reversal.  

What I love about the book:

First off the illustrations by Chris Riddell are absolutely breathtaking.  My daughter and I would just flip through the pictures to see what was coming next, and they absolutely brought the stories to life for her (and me as well.)

I had never read the original story, but I can say that this version is quite sophisticated.  This is not a dumbed down retelling and in fact, several times my daughter and I had to discuss what was going on so I was sure she was following along.  She was. While she probably missed many of the nuances of the story, she was captivated by the tale.

Who this book is for:

This book is for parents and kids who are looking for a more substantial read aloud.  This one took us a few weeks, but it was well worth it.  My daughter looked forward to it every night!

Final thoughts:

A beautiful way to introduce a classic book to your child, but be prepared for some names that are real tongue twisters!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Jonathan Swift's Gulliver (Kate Greenaway Medal (Awards))  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Title:       You’re a Bad Man Mr. Gum

Author:   Andy Stanton

Target:    Grades 2-5

Series:     Yes

What this book is about:

Mr. Gum is a dirty, filthy, mean hearted man who keeps his home a mess.  However, his garden is immaculate because a little fairy comes and whacks him with a frying pan if the garden is ever out of order.  When the local dog decides that Mr. Gum’s garden is an ideal place to romp, Mr. Gum is bruised and battered from the fairy whackings he receives.  He decides to poison the dog (because he is a very bad man after all) but when a little girl Polly get wind of the situation, she tries to come to the dog’s rescue.

Why I love this book:

Well this book is silly done oh so well, and as many of you know, doing silly in a clever way is not always that easy or successful.  The descriptions are marvelous, the characters are absurd without loosing the point of the story and of course who can resist a book with a super bonus story at the end!

This book was originally published in the UK and it still has many the British expressions (and all of the British humor), but the author has added a glossary for the Americans which “tells you what words mean by explaining them using other words.”

Who this book is for:

Kids just moving into more advanced chapter books will enjoy this.  However, I actually think reading this book aloud may be the best way to experience it.  It reads so well to an audience, and allows the kids to get some of the more advanced humor without skimming by it.

Final thoughts:

This book is a whopper of a good time, with the occasional oddity thrown in.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: You're a Bad Man, Mr Gum! Special Edition  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

10 Minutes till Bedtime for Picture Book Friday

It's Friday ... which means I get to share a great picture book with you.  The book I am profiling this week is a classic from when my kids were young.  They still talk about loving this book, which is a testament to how many times I read it over the years!

Remember, children who are read to at least three times a week are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading.  Reading to kids also builds their language development, and helps them become better students, not to mention how lovely it is to bond with your child over a great story!

I hope you enjoy this one and keep reading those picture books to your children.

Title:       10 Minutes till Bedtime

Author:   Peggy Rathmann

Target:  Preschool - 1st grade

What this book is about:
This is a picture book in the truest sense.  The words are simply the 10 minute countdown to bedtime but the magic is in the pictures!  A young boy is given ten minutes to get ready for bed, and a tourist caravan of hamsters, including a family with children numbered 1-10, go through the process with him. 

Why I love this book:
My children loved picking a hamster number every night and following “their” hamster through the story.  You get caught up with your children, talking about the vivid details on each page, and what those crazy hamsters are up to!  It is not really a read aloud book, but more of an interactive discussion about the illustrations.  

Who this book is for:
This is a wonderful book for kids who like to “find things” on every page.  Parents need to feel comfortable doing more of the narrating in this book, but it rarely gets boring, even after multiple readings.

Final thoughts:
Allow more than ten minutes at bedtime to go through this story.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to conned to Amazon: 10 Minutes till Bedtime  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Great Books That Will Also Appeal to the Reluctant Reader

I just love the books I am profiling today!!  However, I always feel a little nervous doing a blog post with reluctant readers in the title because I think I will alienate other readers from these books.

I have to tell you that I never pick books that are dumbed down for kids who don't like to read.  I pick great stories that embody certain characteristics that make them more paletable for non readers.  I thought that perhaps it was time to share some of the traits I look for:

Shorter Chapters - Since each chapter is a little story unto itself, having chapters that are not as long gives non readers a greater sense of accomplishment.  Also, a long chapter, especially before the story has gotten interesting, can be intimidating and turn kids off to the book entirely.

Font/Picture Placement - Do not discount how important the font, page size and picture placement are when reading a book.  Even I get turned off when the font is too small or the page size is ackward.  Reluctant readers need an average or larger font size or that page can feel pretty overwhelming.  Pictures aren't necessary, but when they are used effectively they help break up the narrative and get kids to visualize the story.

Action Driven - When a book has you on the edge of your seat, you don't want to put it down.  Not all books have to be a non stop thrill ride, but books that build up the suspense which spurs kids on to the next chapter, help them move through the book.  A book that compels you to read on can keep a reluctant reader going.

Humor - Let's face it, we all like to laugh.  When a book brings humor into the mix, kids are more likely to stay with it and feel connected to the story.  A good guffaw can turn a reluctant reader around. I've seen it happen time and time again.

So today I am giving you some fabulous books.  It just so happens that reluctant readers may find them a can't put down read as well.  How great is that.  I am actually a little impressed with myself right now.  I know .... just give me the moment!

Title:       Peak

Author:   Roland Smith

Target:    Grades  5-8

Series:     No

What this book is about:
Peak is the son of two climbers.  When he gets in trouble for scaling tall buildings in New York City, the only way to stay out of the Juvenile Detention Center is to join his father who is preparing a team to climb Mount Everest.  Peak hasn’t spoken to his father in years, and it appears that his father’s enthusiasm for taking him along has less to do with catching up, than making his son the youngest climber to reach the peak.  However, Peak can’t resist the allure of the biggest climbing challenge and so he tries to make history.

Why I love this book:
The ending in this book is not a given, which makes it incredibly exciting.  I was absolutely hooked to see if Peak makes it to the top (and no I will give nothing away!)  

However, what makes this book better than just an exciting adventure is what we learn about the mountain and the Tibetans who risk their lives for these climbers.  I thought I knew a little about Everest, but this book taught me so much more.  It is part history lesson, part climbing primer and part adventure. 

Who this book is for:
Great adventure book.  I think most kids, especially boys, will gravitate towards this story.

Final thoughts:
This book is a winner on so many levels!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Peak  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Title:       The Bully Book:A Novel

Author:   Eric Kahn Gale

Target:    Grades 4-6

Series:     No

What this book is about:

”The Book” has been passed down from sixth grader to sixth grader.   Only a few select students know about this book and it is essentially a manual on how be the most popular kid in school.  Part of this manual involves selecting one unsuspecting student to be the Grunt every year.   In this story, “The Book” and the journal from this years Grunt are intertwined, showing us the mind of the bully and the bullied.  Will our grunt be able to withstand the year and can he help others in the future?

Why I love this book:

I read this book in one day, as did both my sons.  It is a fascinating read, full of suspense.  As our grunt, Eric starts to put the pieces together and realize he is the victim of an organized attack, he tries to get to the bottom of “The Book” but more than that, why he was selected.  You are rooting for Eric throughout and hoping for the best, but human nature is not always kind.

I appreciated seeing into the mind of the original bully, although the author does not take on the issues of why other kids follow.  Gale was bullied when he was in sixth grade, and I think this is why the story rings so true.  However, I don’t want to get you too down.  While there are certainly some difficult moments, the book is so engaging and well written that despite the subject matter you will feel compelled to read on.

Who this book is for:

This book is a quick read and because of the journal format it does not feel overwhelming.  Most kids will be fascinated by this story.  Both my sons couldn’t put it down.  Good book for a reluctant reader.

Final thoughts:

I think in the end what drives this book is figuring out why Eric was selected as the Grunt.  I think we all want to make sure we wouldn’t be the one to get picked, but if we are, what can we do to not be a victim?  This book is truly a can't put down read!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Bully Book: A Novel  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Title:       Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Summer Vacation

Author:   Tommy Greenwald

Target:    Grades 4-8

Series:     Yes

What this book is about:

The second book in this series left us off with Charlie going off to academic summer camp.   For those not familiar with the series, Charlie has made it his mission to read as few books as possible over his school career.  He is now a participant at Camp Rituhbukke (Ok, I will give you a minute .... “camp read a booke” )  Let’s just say that he is determined not to fit in and to bring the other campers to the dark side.  Of course in true Charlie Joe fashion, the one book he does read makes him a hero to the other campers and his kind nature, hidden under a lot of bravado, makes him a true friend.

Why I love this book:

Anyone who reads this blog knows how much I love the Charlie Joe Jackson books.  Being the father of three boys, Tommy Greenwald knows how to write to his audience.  His books are funny without being gross, they are clever without being too predictable or expected and they are the perfect length with just the right amount of illustrations for the reluctant reader.

I will say that the second book is still my favorite, but this third installment was fun as we see Charlie continue to evolve.  This book probably has Charlie being the most academic we have ever seen him, but I think it would get boring if Charlie never learned from the past.  It will be interesting to see where Greemwald takes him next.

Who this book is for:

Great boy book, although girls can certainly enjoy it as well.  You do not have to have read the first two books to enjoy this one, but I think most kids will appreciate the series more in order.

Final thoughts:

Oh Charlie Joe Jackson, we will make a reader out of you yet!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Summer Vacation  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

If you need more suggestions for reluctant readers check out my two earlier posts, Great Books Even the Reluctant Reader Will Enjoy and Best Books for Reluctant Readers.

Mo Willems For Picture Book Friday

I am so excited about Picture Book Friday this week, and who wouldn't be with a new Mo Willems book just out.  Oops he did it again, with a great read aloud that will delight your kids.  So without further ado, That Is Not a Good Idea.

Title:       That Is Not a Good Idea

Author:   Mo Willems

Target:    Preschool - Grade 2

What this book is about:
This book is presented to the reader like an old fashioned silent movie.  Fox runs into hen in town and invites her for a walk ... in the dark woods ... to his kitchen!  Throughout the whole encounter, hen’s little chicks are chiming in that this is not a good idea!!!  Will fox be having chicken for diner? 

Why I love this book:
This book is a priceless read aloud!  Do you hear me.  Get this book and read it out loud to your kids.  My daughter was screaming that it was NOT a good idea as she felt a real responsibility to warn our mother hen about the fox.  Mo does a terrific job with the repetitive narrative so kids know when the warnings are coming and can participate.

And the ending is just perfect.  I don’t want to spoil the fun, but let’s just say I am a true fan of books that challenge kid’s assumptions of the world.  I think they are always entertaining and completely unexpected which adds to the delight of a story.  Kids love the second reading more than the first as they catch on to the clues in the story.

Who this book is for:
Any kids who like to laugh and be surprised, which would be all kids.  This book will have kids participating in the reading, so if you want a silent audience, pick another story .... I mean it, move on!

Final thoughts:
Mo Willems does it again.  Darn that guy is good!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: That Is Not a Good Idea!  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

2014 Newbery Contenders

The Newbery books are tough for me.  It is not often that these stories appeal to a broader kid audience, and really, my blog is about finding books that most kids will devour.  However, they do represent the best of kid's literature, and kids who read these books are being exposed to some extremely talented writing, whether they appreciate it or not!

Therefore, I try to look for the contenders that I feel are the most kid worthy.  Some of the contenders I just couldn't imagine a child getting lost in, so I decided not to include those.  Even if they win in January, your child will probably not pick them up unless under duress.

So, this is my first set of books in the running.  So far this has been a fairly lean year.  Last year I couldn't wait to share a plethora of contenders who were able to branch between note worthy and kid worthy.  This year the pickings are quite a bit slimmer, but we will see what the rest of the year holds.  Fingers crossed!

Title:Navigating Early

Author:Clare Vanderpool

Target:Grades 4-8

Series:No

What this book is about:
Our main character Jack has just lost his mother.  His father, who is in the Navy, sends Jack to boarding school where he meets an unusual classmate, Early Auden.  Early is a genius with numbers and actually sees shapes and stories in their configuration.  As Jack deals with the loss of his mother, and Early with the loss of his brother in WWII, they go on an adventure along the Appalachian Trail with leads them to pirates, treasures, and the search for the Great Appalachian Bear.

Why I love this book:
Wow, this book was amazing.  The beginning of the story moves at a slower pace especially with Early’s own recounting of the folktale of the number Pi.  Vanderpool builds in this mythological story alongside the actual story which loosely bears a resemblance to the boy’s own journey.   It takes a little while for the story of Pi and the story of the boys to gel, but when it does the book really clicks.

I loved the characters she has created.  In some vague ways they reminded me of John Irving, but it has been so long since I have read Irving, I hope my memory is not too sloppy.  While the book starts out as a bit of realistic fiction, it quickly moves to quite an adventure with over the top characters and action.

Who this book is for:
The mythological element of the story of Pi, makes this story a better fit for the thinking child.  While there is lots of action and fun and quirky characters, the interplay of two stories could throw off a younger reader.  I have a feeling that kids who enjoyed Where the Mountain Meets the Moon will enjoy this book.

Final thoughts:
Navigating Early was one of those books that thoroughly surprised me, in a wonderful way.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon :Navigating Early  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Title:The Water Castle

Author:Megan Frazer Blakemore

Target:Grades 4-8

Series:No

What this book is about:

When Ephram Appledore’s father has a stroke, their family moves to Crystal Springs where they inherited a property years ago.  This is where their father will try and heal.  Ephram’s ancestors built the castle in a quest to find the Fountain of Youth, and it does appear that the citizens of Crystal Springs are healthier, smarter and live longer than the average person.    However, generational feuds exists in the town, which Ephram learns when he starts school and realizes that there are secrets he can’t put his finger on.  However, he manages to put these feuds aside as he finds a group of unusual friends to help him look for the elusive Fountain of Youth, in a quest to help his father recover.

Why I love this book:

This book reminded me of books I read when I was young.  Kids on a quest with old fashion sensibilities.  However, fear not!  It still manages to be thoroughly modern.  I really liked all the characters, especially Ephram as he struggles with fitting in and feeling less smart and capable than the others around him.  

I also appreciated that the magical aspects of the books were traced back to science.  This is not a “scientific” book, but I like that it is not mystical but inquisitive.   It all falls back on to understanding the world around us. 

Who this book is for:

While this book is extremely engaging, it is not a fast read, so kids have to be willing to invest in a bigger story.   Not all kids will have the stamina for this one.  For those that are willing, it is a fun ride.

Final thoughts:

Mystery, science, history - this book is a mix of all those things.  I personally liked the ambiguity of the ending.  It felt satisfying, while still leaving a little room for the imagination.

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Water Castle  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog, at no cost to you.  Yippee!

Title:The Center of Everything

Author:Linda Urban

Target:Grades 4-7

Series:No

What this book is about:

Ruby Pepperdine has lost something,  When her grandmother Gigi dies nothing seems right.  Her only hope is to fix what is wrong and so she makes a wish on her birthday that is sure to come true, if only she does everything right.  But what are the right things to do to make a wish come true?  Ruby is hoping that when she reads her winning essay during the Bunning Day parade that all will be made right.  But can some things be fixed the way they are supposed to?

Why I love this book:

I am usually not a fan of Urban.  I tried to read her last book and didn’t get past the third chapter.  Her stories are without a doubt much quieter and introspective.  However, as luck would have it, this one spoke to me.  Perhaps because I was always the girl who did what was expected of me, and I could absolutely relate to Ruby’s desire to get everything right so she could fix things.  

The story takes place during a parade and I very much enjoyed the narration in this book.  While Ruby’s voice is certainly the heart of the story, I loved hearing the voices of others throughout the parade.  The story circles around the center of the book, which is what Ruby has wished for, and the reveal does not come until the end.  In fact, the story doles out information slowly so that when we get to the big moment of her essay reading we have finally worked our way around to how she got there.  Circles and more specifically doughnuts are the metaphor for this book.

Who this book is for:

I don’t think this is a story for every child.  Kids who like character driven books will enjoy this one and also I think girls who are used to doing the right thing will understand Ruby in a way that others may not.

Final thoughts:

Urban references two previous Newbery award winners, A Wrinkle in Time and When You Reach Me (a book that pays homage to A Wrinkle in Time) during this story.  Perhaps she is hoping that hers will follow in their stead!

To purchase this book, click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Center of Everything  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog, at no cost to you.  Yippee!