If Your Child Liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid

It is time for a graphic novel to spice things up, although the book I am profiling today is a bit more of an illustrated novel.  But however you classify it, it is just darn funny.

As these books continue to gain in popularity, I would encourage parents to include these as part of your child's reading repertoire.  These books motivate kids to read, and the only way to get better at reading is to do it.  Additionally, we know that reading for pleasure increases kids scores in vocabulary, comprehension and even math.  So get your child excited about books and use these illustrated novels as a tool to foster their passion for something that really is good for them.

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Title:       The Odd Squad: Zero Tolerance

Author:   Michael Fry

Target:    Grades 3-7

Series:     Yes

What this book is about: 
Well the Safety Patrol is back, a group of lovable nerds (Nick, Molly and Karl) who work to stop bullies.  The problem is they have run the biggest bully out of town, so they have kind of lost their way.  When a new girl arrives and seems to have all of Nick’s friends wrapped around her finger, Nick fights back.  He knows something is up.  But going after the new girls proves to be a problem for Nick when the school institutes a Zero Tolerance Policy.  As his plans backfire, as they are certain to do, he finds himself facing the ultimate humiliation - repeating seventh grade.

Why I love this book: 
A nice continuation of a series.   Nick, Molly and Karl continue to develop as characters I have grown to like.  Nick’s grandma Memaw, is still the standout character, and frankly I would love a book were she was the primary focus.   I can envision a road trip with Nick and Memaw which might be off the charts funny. When she pops up in the story, it just gets funnier.

This book packs a lot into a short time, and if anything, I felt this one got a little too full.  But that said, it is smart funny and while a bit reminiscent of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the humor is intelligent enough to stand on it’s own.

Who this book is for: 
Great for kids who like Diary of a Wimpy Kid books.  The lovable nerds strike again.  I would recommend reading the books in order (Odd Squad, Bully Bait) to appreciate them more.  The book is laid out with text and pictures or comics on every page.

Final thoughts: 
Poor Nick hanging from a hippo head in his underwear - this is laugh out loud stuff.

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Odd Squad Zero Tolerance (An Odd Squad Book)  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.

A Really Cute Picture Book

I love picture book Wednesday.  Somehow picture books always seem relegated to the smallest of kids, but really bigger kids can enjoy them just as much.  Often times they get the more sophisticated humor lurking around in the book, and the more subtle messages are not lost on them.  So don't be afraid to keep those picture books out even after your kids have moved on to bigger fare.  They will appreciate the diversion, and often times be reminded of a larger life lesson in the process.  Are you convinced yet?

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Title:       Cute & Cuter

Author:   Michael Townsend

Target:    Preschool - Grade 1

What this book is about: 
Janie is given the cutest thing she could imagine on her birthday, a dog named Sir Yips-a-lot.  They do everything together.  On her second birthday Janie is overwhelmed with cuteness again when she gets Lady Meow-meow, the worlds cutest kitty.  Now Lady Meow-meow is doing all the things with Janie that Sir Yips-a-lot used to do, so he decides to institute Operation Cute Be Gone.  But without Lady Meow-meow, nothing is the same - they are not a family (bet you didn’t see that one coming!) so Sir Yips-a-lot brings Lady Meow-meow back and the trio is inseparable.  However the best part is what Janie gets on her next birthday!

Why I love this book:
Well it is so cute for one - event he cover says that it has “added cuteness!”    But really I am an absolute fan of Michael Townsend.  His graphic novels on Greek Myths and Where Presidents Come From are just genius.  Surprisingly, while I have always thought the graphic style in his books for older kids were not as visually appealing, I did like the drawings in this picture book.  I think it may have been the larger panels and the bright color choices.

The humor in the book, both direct and implied is also wonderful and very clever.  Don’t worry … it never takes it’s cuteness too seriously.

Who this book is for:
Of course, while this book can be used when a new sibling is entering the house, it is also just wonderful for kids who like funny books and cute animals.  The format is more in the style of a comic book.

Final thoughts:
Who’s the cutest pet of all?  My bet is on the octopus … oops, forget I said that.

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Cute & Cuter  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.

A Can't Miss Early Chapter Book

Well, this week I am back with some books that didn't win the Cybils (Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards) for early chapter books, but I think they are winners for kids none the less.  As I have said before, we had such a wealth of riches with the finalists at the Cybils this year that any one of the books could have won.  So I have to share some of my favorites with you.

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Title:       Dragonbreath: The Case of the Toxic Mutants

Author:   Ursula Vernon

Target:    Grades 2 -5

Series:     Yes

What this book is about: 
In this ninth tale of Danny and Wendell, Danny is sent to pacify his irate grandfather at the retirement community.  It turns out his dentures are missing, and he is sure that Ms. Flicktongue, the large lizard next door is the one who swiped them.  Well, as fate would have it, her dentures are missing too, along with a stone goose she likes to dress up for the holidays.  Perhaps there is more to this mystery than meets the eye?

Why I love this story: 
This book is what I will refer to as an illustrated novel.  Pictures are on every page and the story occasionally reverts to a graphic novel format.  All that really means is that kids who like a diary format or are intimidated by more dense text will happily warm to this type of book.

And then there is the story.  While my description depicts old reptiles and false teeth, which may not sound like a winning combination for a third grader it is sooooo good.  I can’t believe that after nine books, Ursula Vernon is still as sharp and funny a storyteller as she was with book number one.  In fact, I think as she refines her characters, her books actually get better.  

Who this book is for: 
As mentioned above, reluctant readers and graphic novel readers will like the format.  I wouldn’t go as low as second grade unless your child is a proficient reader because there is still a fair amount of text.

Final thoughts: 
Since this series has been around a while, I think the excitement for it may have dimmed.  However, Ursula is still on her game and these books are great can’t put down reads for kids.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Dragonbreath #9: The Case of the Toxic Mutants  A portion of each purchase will go back to this blog at no cost to you.

Books That Make the Library Fun

Does your child like games?  What about puzzles?  Does solving a mystery appeal to them?  Well today they are in luck.  This book has all that and it's set in a library.  Really ... what is not to love.  If an author can make using the dewey decimal system a key to winning fabulous prizes, well then really anything is possible.

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Title:       Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

Author:   Chris Grabenstein

Target:    Grades 4-7

Series:     No

What this book is about:
Mr. Lemoncello is the local owner of a toy empire.  When the library in town was torn down twelve years ago, Mr. Lemoncello took it upon himself to build a new one.  Now this new library has to be as fantastical as his games, with just a many twists, surprises and puzzles as he can get away with.  As part of the opening night festivities, a group of twelve year olds have the chance to stay in the library overnight.  The catch (and there always is one) is that they have to find their way out in the morning by solving a set of puzzles.  The winners will get wonderful prizes!  Now just how far are some contestants willing to go?

Why I love this book:
First of all it was quite a treat to have an author create excitement and intrigue around a library .... and the dewey decimal system to boot!  Who would have thought it could be done?  I love that it broadens kids imaginations as to what I library can be, and especially in a time when the role of libraries is changing.  The author does this without being preachy or boring but by creating a wonderful world and a game within it.

I also loved the messages about teamwork.  The best way to win in this game is to work together.  A nice message for kids.

Who this book is for:
This book reminded me quite a bit of the Gollywhopper Games, so kids who enjoyed that book are sure to find this one a hoot.  There are also some similarities to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  But most of all, kids who like mysteries and puzzles with love this book.  The fact that it takes place in a library is just a bonus!

Final thoughts:
I always thought the library was a magical place when I was growing up, don't judge me ... ok yes, I was a little nerdy.  This book absolutely captures that magic in a fun and exciting way.

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.

Books for Tween Girls

While I have normally steered away from YA (Young Adult) books in the past, lately I have been toying with them a bit.  Kids seem to be drawn to these more mature titles, especially with the advent of The Twilight Series and The Hunger Games and parents are feeling more restless about these books.  They wonder if the messages and images are too mature for the elementary school crowd.

Therefore, I have decided to put my big toe in the water and start getting a better handle on these titles.  I am finding that much of a parent's willingness to have their kids read these books has to do with their comfort level around sex, violence and foul language.  However, I would argue that while these are the points of discomfort for parents, the real issue is that these books often times deal with emotional issues which may be out of the realm of a child's experience level, so they are not able to enjoy and understand the book in the way the author intended.

I will continue to look for those crossover books that challenge a child while still maintaining some appropriateness for their age level.  However, please don't think your child has to read up to become a proficient reader.  So many of the books that are written to their level are fun and engaging and they foster a sense of solid accomplishment.  In the end it is about their loving to read, not their mastering a more complex text.  That will come if they love books .... I promise.  No really, I do.

The book I am profiling today was published almost ten years ago, but it is a gem.  Thankfully I believe that kids will be completely caught up in the story and parents will appreciate the message.

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Title:       Uglies

Author:   Scott Westerfeld

Target:    Grades 6 and up

Series:     Yes

What this book is about: 
Tally can’t wait to turn sixteen.  This is when all children get the operation that turns their normal, genetically given looks into the perfect body and face type that science considers the most desirable.  Until then they are relegated to being Uglies.  However, when Tally’s friend isn’t sure she wants the operation and runs away, Tally learns that her society is not as perfect as it first appears.  Tally is faced with a difficult choice.  The authorities tell her she must find her friend and turn her in, or remain ugly forever.

Why I love this book: 
This book was published before dystopian literature became all the rage and yet it feels fresh and current.  While many of the books in this genre feel like versions of the same story, this one actually seemed to be based on social commentary.  It questions how we view beauty in a society and whether beauty is biological or social, or maybe a little of both.

I like my female characters with a little spunk, and thankfully Tally has a rebel streak in her that makes her feel more daring and adventurous.  Despite her desire to be a Pretty, she isn’t a one dimensional character and is driven by her strengths.  There is both an abundance of action and thought provoking ideas in this book.

Who this book is for: 
While there is a romance, it is quite innocent and the violence is minimal.  This book is quite appropriate for the middle school crowd.

Final thoughts: 
What really makes someone pretty and is it the same for everyone?  Read the book and then decide.

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Uglies (The Uglies)  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog at no cost to you.

Book to Read After Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Thursday is when I profile a great graphic novel or nonfiction book.  The book I chose today isn't exactly a graphic novel, but it is close enough.  Let's call it an illustrated novel or a story with pictures.  As the lines keep blurring so too do my descriptions!

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Title:       Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic

Author:   Mark Tatulli

Target:    Grades 2-6

Series:     This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about: 
Desmond loves scary things, well I should say creating scary things.  He is a special effects prodigy, who started out innocently enough frightening his family.  But when he starts creating his masterpieces at school, trouble follows.  The head of discipline at his middle school decides it is time to get Desmond transferred, and Desmond has three chances to change his monster scaring ways.  Is a total transformation possible?

Why I love this book:
There are several laugh out loud moments in this book and it is a fun story about being true to yourself.  The illustrations are well done and add a lot.  I liked Desmond from the start and there is something to be said for following your passion.

Who this book is for: 
This is a great “next read” for kids who love Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate.  They will very much enjoy the story and the reading experience is similar.

Final thoughts:
Cute start to a new series.  Mark Tatulli is another cartoonist who had made the leap into kids lit with an interesting new character.

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic  A portion of each purchase goes back to this blog at no cost to you.

Wonderful International Picture Book

Today I am going international on you.  Yes, the author of this book is a graphic designer from Japan and his artwork is striking and absolutely delightful.  This is a lovely, straightforward story that provides humor and visuals that will impress.

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Title:       The Tiny King

Author:   Taro Miura

Target:    Preschool - Kindergarten

What this book is about: 
A tiny king lives in a kingdom full of riches, but everything is too big for him - his bed, his bath and even his castle.  One day he meets a big princess who agrees to be his queen and they start a family.  Suddenly everything is the right size as he has a family to share it with.

Why I love this book:
First off the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous.  They are bold, colorful and deceiving in their simplicity.  Offset by a black background when the king is alone and vibrant colors when he gets a family, simply adds to the charm of the book.

I love that the message about riches alone not leading to a full life is simple and not preachy in the slightest.  The best part of this book is the humor present throughout.  My daughter and I giggled our way through it and it wasn’t until further reflection that I thought about the greater message the author was able to convey.

Who this book is for:
This is a fun book for all kids.

Final thoughts:
Don’t miss the humor on the front cover.  Tucked into the lower left size is the phrase, “This is the actual size of the Tiny King.”

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Tiny King  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog at no cost to you.