This book was fun and enjoyable. Imagine a cold war spy novel with young teens in the midst of espionage-filled 1950s London. Super suspenseful and a...moreThis book was fun and enjoyable. Imagine a cold war spy novel with young teens in the midst of espionage-filled 1950s London. Super suspenseful and a quick read and would be enjoyed by middle schoolers, or mature middle grade readers. There is a light and innocent romance that develops between two of the characters, but I don't feel its distracting from the story. I'll be curious to find how boys react to the story with that element of the storyline. You must be prepared suspend disbelief as they get out of every scrape using some botanical potions that result in magical outcomes. But as the author notes in her acknowledgements: "Whether the garden grows herbs that can make you tell the truth or become a bird, I'm not sure, but I think it's important to allow for the possibilties." With Maile Meloy's great writing, I'm happy to allow for the possibilities, too!(less)
Cute and simple, and I mean that in the nicest way. My seven-year old and I both laughed out loud at stubborn Petunia. Uncluttered drawings are a high...moreCute and simple, and I mean that in the nicest way. My seven-year old and I both laughed out loud at stubborn Petunia. Uncluttered drawings are a highlight.(less)
This graphic novel as a great vehicle to tell the the stories of three adventurers whole traveled around the world long before the age of airplane tra...moreThis graphic novel as a great vehicle to tell the the stories of three adventurers whole traveled around the world long before the age of airplane travel. Sometimes I found the drawings a bit too loose and hard to decipher, but I think it was often intentional. The third story had some dream sequences that some readers might find confusing to follow.(less)
Terrific account of one family's real-life saga with the Underground Railroad. At times this long book is very intense, but well researched and illust...moreTerrific account of one family's real-life saga with the Underground Railroad. At times this long book is very intense, but well researched and illustrated beautifully to show many emotional scenes. Would make for a great read aloud to those studying slavery units in the upper grades or middle school.(less)
So sad I didnt love this as much as my other Kid lit friends. Loved the art work and the humor, but didn't like the ending. I'm all for sarcasm, and w...moreSo sad I didnt love this as much as my other Kid lit friends. Loved the art work and the humor, but didn't like the ending. I'm all for sarcasm, and wry humor but I just don't get it. Almost got this for my 4-year old nephew, but glad I didn't. Better suited for older kids.(less)
Lovely biography picture book that is pleasing on so many levels. It has just the right amount of text for early grade schoolers to inform them about...moreLovely biography picture book that is pleasing on so many levels. It has just the right amount of text for early grade schoolers to inform them about the process Tony Sarg went through to create the magnificent balloons at the Macy's parade. From a visual and design perspective it is stunning with a beautiful collage of fabrics, photos, and watercolor rendered in lovely jewel tone colors. As you read, you just want to linger over all the details. I will surely be giving this as a gift to the "how'd they do that" kids in my life.(less)
One of my favorite Henkes picture books. Sheila Rae, usually confident, finds herself alone and afraid. This role reversal story has a nice sibling me...moreOne of my favorite Henkes picture books. Sheila Rae, usually confident, finds herself alone and afraid. This role reversal story has a nice sibling message.(less)
Sweet tale that is beautifully illustrated with loose, Impressionist-like painting. Partly a tale of a young girl and her special relationship with a...moreSweet tale that is beautifully illustrated with loose, Impressionist-like painting. Partly a tale of a young girl and her special relationship with a small timid kitten, and partly a tale of the cat's adventure that helps him become more confident. Very nice story that I'd recommend for preschool and early elementary.(less)
A fun, creative, and adored picturebook at our house. Reminds me in a way of the sequencing, "if this, then this" like in If You Give a Mouse a Cooki...more A fun, creative, and adored picturebook at our house. Reminds me in a way of the sequencing, "if this, then this" like in If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.(less)
Collection of short stories written from the perspective of a society of cats who write. Has great vocabulary and high interest for progressing reader...moreCollection of short stories written from the perspective of a society of cats who write. Has great vocabulary and high interest for progressing readers. Loved the messages about why we write--to tell stories of our experiences, and how we benefit from writing and sharing as a community. (less)
Beautiful book that celebrates a child's wide-eyed time in nature. I know it's set in Maine, but it reminds me of Washington's San Juan islands. Softl...moreBeautiful book that celebrates a child's wide-eyed time in nature. I know it's set in Maine, but it reminds me of Washington's San Juan islands. Softly colored illustrations set the gentle tone.(less)
What a lovely book, that I will surely be gifting to many a young person in my world. Beautiful illustrations and book design, combined with thoughtfu...moreWhat a lovely book, that I will surely be gifting to many a young person in my world. Beautiful illustrations and book design, combined with thoughtful and minimal text are very appealing. The brief biography information on Jane Goodall is a nice supplement for older readers, but the body of the book will appeal those of all ages.(less)
Ruthie's friend Jessica is always by her side, which is wonderful for Ruthie. Except . . . she's an imaginary friend. As she is starting school, her p...moreRuthie's friend Jessica is always by her side, which is wonderful for Ruthie. Except . . . she's an imaginary friend. As she is starting school, her parents inform her that she must leave Jessica behind. How will Ruthie ever cope? Not sure if I agree with the "forbid" the imaginary friend stance that the parents take. Might be tough for kids to read who do have imaginary friends. Geared towards Pre-K to Grade 1.(less)
Wendell comes for a weekend visit to Sophie's house and boy is he bossy and irritating. Sophie isn't sure she can stand up to him. She will need to ge...moreWendell comes for a weekend visit to Sophie's house and boy is he bossy and irritating. Sophie isn't sure she can stand up to him. She will need to get resourceful and assertive to make it through the weekend.(less)
My youngest spotted this one at the library on our last visit and had time to read it while I was browsing the stacks. When she finished, she galloped...moreMy youngest spotted this one at the library on our last visit and had time to read it while I was browsing the stacks. When she finished, she galloped up to me earnestly remarking that, "This one needs to go into the book back," for checkout. She was right, quite enjoyable with fun illustrations and a nice message about staying true to yourself.(less)
What a lovely read to foster thinking about adversity. Abel, lost in a storm, finds himself far from family and friends on a deserted island with litt...moreWhat a lovely read to foster thinking about adversity. Abel, lost in a storm, finds himself far from family and friends on a deserted island with little resources. I continued to admire his positive attitude and perseverance despite the steep odds thrown at him. I think this would make a good read-aloud, but heads up about one scene where Abel gets drunk on wine (!!??) and another where he "defecates". Not a problem in my head, but I'd always like to know those things ahead of time before reading it to my audience be it a classroom full of fourth graders or my seven year old! (less)
It's no secret, I LOVE William Steig books. This charming picture book is a sweet tale of two unlikely friends, Amos the mouse and Boris, the whale. T...moreIt's no secret, I LOVE William Steig books. This charming picture book is a sweet tale of two unlikely friends, Amos the mouse and Boris, the whale. The story follows their friendship from an unlikely beginning to a sweet finish many years later that demonstrates how wonderful lifelong friends can be. (less)
We enjoyed this book a lot as Ida ventures to school with her imaginary friend Dotty. She is happily relieved that some of her classmates have such fr...moreWe enjoyed this book a lot as Ida ventures to school with her imaginary friend Dotty. She is happily relieved that some of her classmates have such friends too, but that soon changes and Ida begins to doubt herself. A charming ending and lovely bright illustrations. Would make for a great read aloud to a K-2 class.(less)
Another emotional gem from Patricia Polacco. In this we follow young Trisha as she gets placed in to a special class at school for students who are "d...moreAnother emotional gem from Patricia Polacco. In this we follow young Trisha as she gets placed in to a special class at school for students who are "different" be it with physical or learning disabilities, or illnesses. An insightful and caring teacher, Mrs. Petersen is at their side though in this beautiful tribute to teachers who foster community and build hope in all kids. Where would the children's literary world be if Patricia hadn't crossed paths with Mrs. Peterson or Mr. Falker? Inspiring!(less)
With an aged (18+ years) and declining cat and two devoted cat loving children at home, this book intrigued me as we begin to think about how to prepa...moreWith an aged (18+ years) and declining cat and two devoted cat loving children at home, this book intrigued me as we begin to think about how to prepare our kids for the end. Barney dies, and the boy is deep in grief. It is filled with reflections on a beloved cat and honest questions from the boy about death and beyond. I'd preview for yourself as to whether it'd work in your own pet-loss situation.(less)
Meet the Twits, two of the ugliest, meanest people around. About 1/3 of the book is them playing mean, spiteful tricks on each other. The rest of the...moreMeet the Twits, two of the ugliest, meanest people around. About 1/3 of the book is them playing mean, spiteful tricks on each other. The rest of the book is the story of their pet monkeys and resident birds seeking revenge. I kept looking for the Dahl magic, but it didn't hit me but for the occasional word play.(less)
Peter Reynolds again reminds us of the power that results in letting a child know you believe in them and value their efforts. Simple, uncluttered, ye...morePeter Reynolds again reminds us of the power that results in letting a child know you believe in them and value their efforts. Simple, uncluttered, yet powerful.(less)
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