Fantasy/Science Fiction 1 - Tuck Everlasting

Title: Tuck Everlasting
Author: Natalie Babbitt
Publisher: Square Fish
Date: 2007
Age Range:

Summary: A young girl stumbles upon a strange family hiding a precious secret...


Strengths:
The word use is very relaxing at times, especially when Babbitt is describing the setting around the characters. It makes me think back to lazy summer days. The story itself is very intriguing. Would you choose eternal life? I suspect many children would jump at the chance. It really leaves a profound effect on the reader. The characters and the story are both interesting and keep the reader in suspense.

Concerns:
It's a bit slow and carries a weighty question which might turn off readers.

Of Blogs and Comments

Here are the blogs and the comments I have made!


I.N.K (Interesting Nonfiction for Kids) ---> http://inkrethink.blogspot.com/
My comment --->

http://inkrethink.blogspot.com/2009/03/green-craft-books-for-st-patricks-day.html?showComment=1237317300000#c4989111427948622905


The PlanetEsme Plan: The Best New Children's Books from Esme's Shelf ---> http://planetesme.blogspot.com/
My comment --->

http://planetesme.blogspot.com/2009/02/madame-pamplemousse-and-her-incredible.html
(I commented but at the moment it won't appear till Ms. Esme approves it)


The Children's Liturature Book Club ---> http://childlitbookclub.blogspot.com/
My comments --->

http://childlitbookclub.blogspot.com/2009/01/sammy-keyes-and-cold-hard-cash-by.html? showComment=1237316220000#c9018703879112104893

http://childlitbookclub.blogspot.com/2009/01/january-books-being-turned-into-movies.html?showComment=1237316460000#c2763885916084139791

Realistic Fiction 5 - Bridge to Terabithia

Title: Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson
Publisher: Haper Enterainment
Date: 2006
Age Range: 4 - 5 grade

Summary: The life of a ten-year-old boy in rural Virginia expands when he becomes friends with a newcomer who subsequently meets an untimely death trying to reach their hideaway, Terabithia, during a storm.

Strengths:
The problems of the main characters are very realistic and children can identify with them. I like how Paterson used Terabithia as a way for the kids to imagine and escape from reality. I know when I was younger I would play just like (well maybe not that advance) with my friends.


Concerns:
Such a sad book. I'm not one for books about death, they have always put me in a bad depressing mood. It was kind of creepy that they were talking about death and dying only a few chapters ahead from the actual death. But it is a part of life that children should learn when they are ready.

Historical Fiction 5 - Fever 1793

Title: Fever 1793
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books
Date: 2000
Age Range: 4 - 8 grade

Summary: In 1793 Philadelphia, sixteen year old Matilda Cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and self-reliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of a yellow fever epidemic.

Strengths:
It's set in the best city (wink!) I specifically like the growth of Matilda, the first part of the book she is lazy and doesn't know how to take care of herself but towards the end she grows and takes charge of her life. Matilda also has real character to her and her wit is sharp. The book also shows how life can be disrupted so quickly. It's also a fascinating look into the lives of people from that point of time.

Concerns:
In the middle it becomes slow and depressing but other than that it is a strong historical book.

Informational/Biography 5 - The Secret life of Cosmetics

Title: The Secret Life of Cosmetics
Author: Vicki Cobb
Illustrator: Theo Cobb
Publisher: J.B Lippincott
Date: 1985
Age Range: 5 grade and up

Summary: Briefly discusses the history of cosmetics and gives instructions for experiments which show how and why cosmetics such as shampoo, toothpaste, soap and nail polish work.

Strengths:
It is an interesting subject that isn't covered very often. I think older children (specifically girls) will be interested in this.

Concerns:
The book and the illustrations look old fashioned. You can also tell that the language is dated because at one point for an experiment it asks for "virgin hair" which I found a little strange. I think the whole book could use a revamp. And even though it is an interesting subject to some, to others it isn't. It is also a very thick book with a lot of information. The information is separated by chapters and is chunky to read.

Historical Fiction 4 - Revolution is Not a Dinner Party

Title: Revolution is Not a Dinner Party
Author: Ying Chang Compestine
Publisher: Henery Holt and Company LLC
Date: 2007
Age Range: 6th grade and up

Summary: Starting in 1972 when she is nine years old, Ling, the daughter of two doctors, struggles to make sense of the communists' Cultural Revolution, which empties stores of food, home of appliances deemed "bourgeois", and people of laughter.

Strengths:
Compestine is very good at writing from a 9 year old's perspective, the dialog and thoughts of Ling sound very believable. The story is interesting and because the author herself lived through this period of time she adds a touch of her own experiences.

Concerns:
It's a little confusing in parts and I feel like I either missed things/or there were things missing. The ending is disappointing because it just leaves off on a happy-ish note but nothing else is said.

Historical Fiction 2 - Catherine Called Birdy

Title: Catherine, Called Birdy
Author: Karen Cushman
Publisher: Harper Trophy
Date: 1994
Age Range: 5th grade and up

Summary: This unusual book provides an insider's look at the life of Birdy, 14, the daughter of a minor English nobleman. The year is 1290 and the vehicle for storytelling is the girl's witty, irreverent diary. She looks with a clear and critical eye upon the world around her, telling of the people she knows and of the daily events in her small manor house.

Strengths:
I love how this book is told through diary format, it adds a certain idea of "daily life" to it. Catherine has a very unique voice and is entertaining to read. She has a comment on everything and is very forthright. It's great to have a book with such a great story set around the middle ages. It will help readers imagine what was life back then besides death and diseases (which is what everyone thinks of when they think of the middle ages.) I also love the Saints days at the top of each entry, its a humorous touch that is very true to what people believed in back then.

Concerns:
Some of the language used my be confusing for children

Picture Book 5 - Superhero ABC

Title: The Superhero ABC
Author: Bob McLead
Illustrator: Bob McLead
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
Date: 2006
Age Range: All

Summary: Humorous SuperHeros such as Goo Girl and the Volcano represent the letters of the alphabet from A to Z.

Strengths:
I think this is a very clever alphabet book. It's a good way to get younger kids to learn the alphabet. I could see using this for a lesson in art, maybe the kids would make their own superheros only using a certain letter. The illustrations look like they came right from a comic book and are interesting to look at.

Concerns:
Some of the words may be hard for beginning readers.

Picture Book 4 - Tuesday

Title: Tuesday
Author: David Wiesner
Illustrator: David Wiesner
Publisher: Clarion Books
Date: 1991
Age Range: All

Summary: Frogs rise on their lily pads, float through he air, and explore the nearby houses while their inhabitants sleep.

Strengths:
The illustrations do all the talking for this book and boy do they ever. The story can be quickly "read" and grabs the reader's attention. Every page is filled with beautiful illustrations with wonderful details that keep the eyes entertained.

Concerns:
It's not explained how the frogs fly which may be confusing but it's up to the reader to imagine.

Fantasy/Science Fiction 5 - Bella at Midnight

Title: Bella at Midnight
Author: Diane Stanley
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
Date: 2006
Age Range: 5th grade and up

Summary: Raised by peasants, Bella discovers that she is actually the daughter of a knight and finds herself caught up in a terrible plot that will change her life and the kingdom forever

Strengths:
I love fairy tale re-tellings so this book is right up my alley. What is even better is that Stanley has used the setting and time period to add even more to the original story of Cinderella. I also like that though it is based on Cinderella, most of the magic is God's will and the characters have to determine their fates on their own.

Concerns:
The switch in the characters' point of view every chapter may be confusing for readers that aren't paying attention

Fantasy/Science Fiction 4 - The Mysterious Benedict Society

Title: The Mysterious Benedict Society
Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Illustrator: Carson Ellis
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Date: 2007
Age Range: 6th grade and up

Summary: After passing a series of mind-bending tests, four children are selected to go on a secret mission that requires them to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.

Strengths:
I love the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, they're always a great way to start off because it gets the reader's attention and starts their imagination rolling. The characters are all well-rounded and deep. The puzzles in the book are really an interesting and unique addition to the book. I loved guessing along side the characters about what the answers were. The whole book is extremely cleaver and creative with a well thought out plot and witty dialog.

Concerns:
Some parts become a little slow or hard to get through.

Fantasy/Science Fiction 3 - Wintersmith

Title: Wintersmith
Author: Terry Pratchett
Publisher: HaperCollins Publishers
Date: 2006
Age Range: 6th grade and up

Summary: When witch-in-training Tiffany Aching accidentally interrupts the Dance of the Seasons and awakens the interest of the elemental spirit of Winter, she requires the help of the six-inch-high, sword-wielding, sheep-stealing Wee Free Men to put the season aright.

Strengths:
I love Terry Pratchett and his dry sense of humor. It always makes for an interesting and enjoyable read. The characters are very well developed (maybe more so than I actually know since I haven't read the 1st book) and almost seem to be real people. None of the characters are 1 dimensional which is fantastic. Even the "villain" of the story receives sympathy from the reader. It's a wild ride of a story but it's one that keep the reader entertained till the end.

Concerns:
I wish I had read the previous book before jumping into Wintersmith. There are characters and plots that I don't quite understand. Sometimes Pratchett's humor is just so witty that I don't get it at once. Some parts of the book had to be re-read to be better understood.

Fantasy/Science Fiction 2 - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Title: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Date: 2006
Age Range: 4th grade and up

Summary: Edward Tulane, a cold-hearted and proud toy rabbit, loves only himself until he is separated from the little girl who adores him and travels across the country, acquiring new owners and listening to their hopes, dreams, and histories.

Strengths:
This is a very interesting book. It looks thick but the text is very big and spread out and there are also quite a few illustrations that take up pages too. I love how perturbed Edward gets about things, such as being called "it" and being thought of as a girl. The changes of Edward's character are fantastic. At first I hated him because he was a spoiled china doll but by the end the reader really feels for him when he is sitting on the shelf for years.

Concerns:
It may look too young to some readers because of the look of the rabbit doll.

Historical Fiction 3 - The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Title: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Author: Brian Selznick
Illustrator: Brian Selznick
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Date: 2007
Age Range: 4th grade and up

Summary: When twelve year old Hugo, an orphan living and repairing clocks within the walls of a Paris train station in 1931, meets a mysterious toyseller and his goddaughter, his undercover life and his biggest secret are jeopardized.

Strengths:
I love the mixture of storytelling. It moves around beautifully. How many times have I read a book and tried to visualize a chase scene and it comes up less than par. But this book is able to have its peaceful text and it's romping pictures. The story is strong and engaging. I've actually heard of automaton and I love the use of it within this story. The illustrations are wonderfully done as well, with the penciled cross hatching. The use of actual movie stills is a great move too.

Concerns:
It's thick and daunting looking which may turn kids off who judge books by their cover/size.
The ending, for me, was abrupt. I felt like there could have been more. The way he ended it was good but I wanted more. I felt like some things weren't worked out the right way.

Informational/Biography 4 - 5,000 Miles to Freedom

Title: 5,000 Miles to Freedom
Author: Judith Bloom Fradin and Dennis Brindell Fradin
Publisher: National Geographic Society
Date: 2006
Age Range: 5th grade and up

Summary: What would it take for slaves to escape from slavery in the Deep South, 1,000 miles from freedom? For most slaves the thought of escape was unimaginable. But fear did not stop Ellen and William Craft from chasing freedom.
An inspiring and riveting story of two amazing people stopping at nothing to fight for freedom and racial equality, this thrilling true tale chronicles Ellen and William Crafts' lives from their flight from Georgia slavery to their rise to world-wide fame as heroes of the Abolitionist movement. (Taken from Barnesandnoble.com)

Strengths:
The book is filled with historical facts which I really enjoyed. I liked how there was the true story of the Crafts escaping and at the same time the book provided the historical background so the reader could understand what was going on. And just because it is filled with historical notes doesn't mean that it is a dry book. There is a voice in the narration that is interesting and keeps the reader's attention.

Concerns:
Some parents may not want their children to read about this subject.

Informational/Biography 3 - Freedom Riders

Title: Freedom Riders
Author: Ann Bausum
Publisher: National Geographic
Date: 2006
Age Range: 5th grade and up

Summary: Freedom Riders compares and contrasts the childhoods of John Lewis and James Zwerg in a way that helps young readers understand the segregated experience of our nation's past. It shows how a common interest in justice created the convergent path that enabled these young men to meet as Freedom Riders on a bus journey south.

Strengths:
I really like how the book covers the lives of John Lewis and Jim Zwerg. It helps the reader see how different their lives were and yet both became a part of the Freedom Riders. With the back story on the two it also helps give the reader some back story on what is happening at that point in time in America. The real pictures on every other page also helps the reader with visual images of the event.

Concerns:
The middle of the book is mostly about the violence that happens to the riders which some parents won't want their young children to read.

Informational/Biography 2 - John, Paul, George & Ben

Title: John, Paul, George & Ben
Author: Lane Smith
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Date: 2006
Age Range: All

Summary: A children's book that focuses on the "childhood" of the founding fathers of America

Strengths:
The book is a very humorous outlook on the lives of the founding fathers. There are jokes through out the book and even on the front flap (for the pursuit of readers aged 5 to just plain aged) Smith's wit comes through again just like his other books. His illustrations are really interesting and eye-catching. They look like old fashioned pictures and woodblock carvings.

Concerns:
The book may confuse children with fiction for fact. The author takes some liberties with the biographies and stretches the truth. There is even a true or false section at the end to correct what is said in the book.

Informational/Biography 1 - Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini

Title: Escape! The Story of the Great Houdini
Author: Sid Fleischman
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Date: 2006
Age Range: 5th grade and up

Summary: A biography of Harry Houdini

Strengths:
As this being a subject that really interests me, I really enjoyed this book. The book is overall very interesting. The text is fairly large and spaced out, making it easier to read. I also like that the author has a personal affection with the subject with him being a magician and meeting Bess Houdini. Fleischman has a very enthusiastic voice which hooks the reader from the first sentence.

Concerns:
None - It's a straight forward biography and just happens to have some funny lines.

Historical Fiction 1 - The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Title: The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Author: Elizabeth George Speare
Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books
Date: 1986
Age Range: 6th grade and up

Summary: Kit Tyler is marked by suspicion and disapproval from the moment she arrives on the unfamiliar shores of colonial Connecticut in 1687. Alone and desperate, she has been forced to leave her beloved home on the island of Barbados and join a family she has never met. Torn between her quest for belonging and her desire to be true to herself, Kit struggles to survive in a hostile place. Just when it seems she must give up, she finds a kindred spirit. But Kit's friendship with Hannah Tupper, believed a witch by the colonists, proves more taboo than Kit could have imagined and ultimately forces her to choose between her heart and her duty. (taken from barnesandnoble.com)

Strengths:
I remember reading this when I was younger so it was nice to re-read it. It has a nice story that flows through the pages. The characters are interesting and I love Kit's bewilderment at the landscape around her. For a short book there is a lot of plot that happens through out the book. And even though it was originally written in 1958, it doesn't feel dated (except for the fact that it is set in 1687)

Concerns:
It's a little slow in parts and most of the characters talk with "Thee" and "Thou" which may turn readers off. I kind of wish the story had picked up in some places and added on to others. I forgot about the romance between Kit and Nat and it was very sudden.

Graphic Novels 5 - Yotsubato&!

Title: Yotsubato!
Author: Kiyohiko Azuma
Illustrator: Kiyohiko Azuma
Publisher: ADV Manga
Date: 2005
Age Range: 2 - 5 grade

Summary: Yotsuba&! is centered on Yotsuba Koiwai, a five-year-old adopted girl who is energetic, cheerful, curious, strange, and quirky—so strange and quirky, in fact, that even her own father calls her a weirdo. She is also initially ignorant about many things a child her age would be expected to know, among them doorbells, escalators, air conditioners, and even playground swings. This naiveté is the premise of humorous stories where she learns about, and frequently misunderstands, everyday things.

Strengths:
I've read Azuma's other manga "Azumanga Daioh" and I didn't care for it very much. So I picked up Yotsubato&! with some hesitation and I was in for a surprise. It's a funny and heart warming comic that shows the imagination and wonder of a young girl. The art is simple and clean and works great with the story. Just from the first chapter I fell in love with the characters and their daily lives. I kept laughing so much at every page that my roommates had to come in and ask what was going on. I actually just want to find the other volumes right now so I can read them all.

Concerns:
There are some cultural differences that may confuse younger children but most mangas have translator notes in the back to explain them.

Graphic Novels 4 - The War at Ellsmere

Title: The War at Ellsmere
Author: Faith Erin Hicks
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: SLG Publishing
Date: 2008
Age Range: 5 grade and up

Summary: Jun is the newest scholarship student at the prestigious Ellsmere girls' boarding school - but to a lot of the privileged rich girls, scholarship student is just a code for charity case. Fortunately, Jun has an ally in the quirky Cassie, who tells her legends of a beautiful creature that lives in the forest outside of the school. Between queen bees and mythical beasts, Jun has quite the school year ahead of her.

Strengths:
It's a "new kid at a rich private school and makes enemies with the rich snobby kid" with a twist. The book has action, friendship, mysteries, and a touch of magic which makes it an all around good read. Kids can identify with the characters and they aren't all goody goodies which is refreshing. Faith's art has really grown (I've been reading her online stuff since high school and this is her second published book) and really adds character to the story.

Concerns:
It's a little dark and it leaves off with a "is there a second book coming?" ending line when I think it is a great stand alone book but I would also be happy if there was a second one. Faith's thick lines also provide a "creepier" style to the story.

(this wasn't on "no flying no tights" but I did ask if I could review this)

Graphic Novels 3 - The Arrival

Title: The Arrival
Author: Shaun Tan
Illustrator: Shuan Tan
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Date: 2006
Age Range:

Summary: In this wordless graphic novel, a man leaves his homeland and sets off for a new country, where he must build a new life for himself and his family.

Strengths:
I love how the book is set up. Everything about it lends itself to the story, with the inside pages with the pictures that looks like the immigrants from Ellis Isle and the cover made to look like a very old and worn book. The realistic pictures are amazing and really purvey the emotions of the characters, which is what drives the story. The pictures are also remenisance of old black and white photography which is lovely. Looking at the book, I can really appreciate how much work went into creating all of those beautiful drawings. It's a great way to teach children about immigration and showing how hard it is to move to a new country. I love the futuristic animals that appear they are a wonderful and interesting addition to the story.

Concerns:
It's a dark story (but with a happy ending). There are so many tiny pictures that it may be overwhelming for some and some details may be missed the first time reading it.

Graphic Novels 2 - Baron the Cat Returns

Title: Baron the Cat Returns
Author: Aoi Hiiragi
Illustrator: Aoi Hiiragi
Publisher: Viz, LLC
Date: 2005
Age Range: 3 grade and up

Summary: A young girl is kidnapped by cats after rescuing their prince and it is up to her and the mysterious Baron to escape from the Cat Kingdom.

Strengths:
I actually saw the animated movie of this and loved it. Both the movie and the book are very similar with a few differences. The art and the story are fantastic. The underlying theme of the story is to believe in yourself which I think is a great quality for children to learn. It's an action packed manga with humor and a touch of romance if you look for it. Haru is a strong female character (well...she becomes one) and the supporting characters all add their certain something to the story.

Concerns:
First time readers of manga may be confused by reading right to left (the opposite of American comics)
All of the sound effects are also kept in japanese which may be confusing too but there is a helpful guide in the back.

Graphic Novels 1 - The Baby-Sitters Club : The Truth about Stacey

Title: The Baby-Sitters Club : The Truth about Stacey
Author: Ann M. Martin
Illustrator: Raina Telegemeier
Publisher: Scholastic, Graphix
Date: 2006
Age Range: 3 grade and up

Summary: Poor Stacey. She's moved to a new town. She's still coming to terms with her diabetes. She's facing baby-sitting problems left and right. And her parents are no help. Luckily, Stacey has three new, true friends -- Kristy, Claudia, and Mary Anne. Together they're the BSC -- and they will deal with whatever's thrown their way... even if it's a rival baby-sitting club!

Strengths:
I think this is a great revival of the old babysitters club. These are the original books put to comic format (unlike those trashy Nancy Drew comics - I have a bone to pick about those) and they are true to the original books. The characters look the way I always thought they did and the art is nice and clean with no screen tones. This is a good way to get reluctant readers to start reading because once they start liking the comic format they might want to read the other books in the text format. The story is very realistic and kids can identify with it.

Concerns:
Nothing. Its a nice and simple story that children can read easily and enjoy. :D

Realistic Fiction 4 - Julie of the Wolves

Title: Julie of the Wolves
Author: Jean Craighead George
Illustrator: John Schoenherr
Publisher: Harper & Row, Publishers
Date: 1972
Age Range: 5th grade and up

Summary: While running away from home and an unwanted marriage, a thirteen-year-old Eskimo girl becomes lost on the North Slope of Alaska and is befriended by a wolf pack.

Strengths:
There aren't that many survival stories about girls which makes this interesting. The Eskimo culture that is tied into the book really make the story. Julie must learn to follow the old ways to survive which is a good lesson for kids to learn. By surviving on her own Julie is able to learn more about herself and the world around her.

Concerns:
The pacing is slow through out the story. There's also drinking, violence and an almost rape by Julie's 13 year old husband.

Realistic Fiction 3 - Rosy Cole :She Walks in Beauty

Title: Rosy Cole: She Walks in Beauty
Author: Sheila Greenwald
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Date: 1994
Age Range: 3 -5 grade

Summary: Rosy finds out how difficult it is to become one of the beautiful people.

Strengths:
I like the idea that the author is trying to get across, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It makes for an interesting subject and the outcome is very funny in the book.

Concerns:
I may have liked what the author was trying to get across but I didn't like how she played it out in the book.
The book also stops abruptly but that may just be because it is such a short book. But it makes it seem once you are "beautiful" everyone falls all over you and you can have your own way. It seemed like it sent out mixed signals.

Realistic Fiction 2 - NO Talking

Title: NO Talking
Author: Andrew Clements
Illustrator: Mark Elliott
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books
Date: 2007
Age Range: 4th grade and up

Summary: The noisy fifth grade boys of Laketon Elementary School challenge the equally loud fifth grade girls to a "no talking" contest

Strengths:
It's a nice short read with a great story line. Kids always enjoy "Boys vs. Girls" and I think this takes an interesting spin on that. I also liked how the ending wasn't one or the other but that the whole 5th grade came together. I also thought it was funny that the book showed the teacher's point of view on the competition.

Concerns:
None, I think it's a solid book that teaches a good lesson.

Realistic Fiction 1 - Silent to the Bone

Title: Silent to the Bone
Author: E.L. Konigsburg
Publisher: A Jean Karl Book
Date: 2000
Age Range: 5 - 6 grade

Summary: When he is wrongly accused of gravely injuring his baby half sister, thirteen-year Branwell loses his power of speech and only his friend Connor is able to reach him and uncover the truth about what really happened.

Strengths:
I wasn't really expecting much from this book so I was delightfully surprised! It's a strong book with a lot of mystery buried within it. It kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time and I love how they used the author who wrote the Diving Bell and the Butterfly (He was paralyzed except one eye and he wrote his memoir by blinking his eye) This is an excellent and clever book!

Concerns:
The way Connor and Bran talk is very advance, you can tell that they are smart kids. The language may be off-putting for some kids though. Some parents might not agree with the "sexual-undertones", the two boys just turned 13 so they are feeling the first pangs of adolescence with the older and pretty British au-pair. These undertones are what is at the heart of the matter of the mystery so it's not off to the side.

Traditional 3 - Sparks Fly High

Title: Sparks Fly High
Author: Mary Quattlebaum
Illustrator: Leonid Gore
Publisher: Melanie Kroupa Books
Date: 2006
Age Range: All

Summary: When Colonel Lightfoot and the devil hold a lengthy dance contest to see who will control a plot of land along the James River in Virginia, the result is a surprise for both participants.

Strengths:
I adore the illustrations (it's what made me pick it up in the first place) and they are put to use wonderfully. Because the book is about dancing, the illustrations really help the reader see what the text is describing. With each new page the reader can see the dirt and the weariness becoming more and more on Colonel Lightfoot and the Devil. The story is a wonderful folktale (I would love to go see that spot in Virginia) that while entertaining, also gives a good lesson on pride.

Concerns:
Some parents might not want their children reading about the devil and angels.

Picture Book 3 - Frederick

Title: Frederick
Author: Leo Lionni
Illustrator: Leo Lionni
Publisher: Pantheon Books
Date: 1967
Age Range: All

Summary: Frederick the field mouse sat on the old stone wall while his four brothers gathered food for the approaching winter days. The other mice felt that Frederick was not doing his share of the work, but when the food ran out, Frederick saved the day with that he had gathered.

Strengths:
The illustrations are adorable and simple. The overall story is good and at first I thought it was going to be more like the ant and the grasshopper but it this ends happily. I like how it shows that you can help your family by making them happy with art.

Concerns:
The ending is a little too abrupt for me. Subconsciously, as an adult, I just keep thinking that they aren't going to make it through the rest of the winter. I am happy for Frederick but it's still an odd way to end. I think he could have done both (collecting thoughts and gathering food) at the same time. Maybe with the food he gathered would have helped his family just a little bit more. I'm stuck between "Yay art and poetry saves the day" and "He shouldn't be lazy like that"

Picture Book 2 - May I Pet Your Dog?

Title: May I Pet Your Dog?
Author: Stephanie Calmenson
Illustrator: Jan Ormerod
Publisher: Clarion Books
Date: 2006
Age Range: All

Summary: Harry the dog explains how to safely meet him and his friends.

Strengths:
This is a great topic for children to learn about. Many children do not know the proper way to act around animals and may be too rough with them. The book does a great job going over the directions of meeting a new dog. It's nice that the author uses the dog, Harry, as the one giving the directions. It makes it more personal than an adult telling the child. I also like how the directions are repeated, with some differences, each time a new dog comes. Its also good that there is a dog when the owner says not to pet. It helps instill the idea of asking. One that note it's very good that they go over the other types of dogs not to go up to such as dogs in cars and seeing eye dogs. At the end there is a nice list of does and don'ts. The illustrations are very well done and really help illustrate what is being said.

Concerns:
None. I feel that it is a strong book that teaches a good lesson.

Picture Book 1 - Knuffle Bunny Too

Title: Knuffle Bunny Too : A Case of Mistaken Identity

Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Date: 2007
Age Range: All

Summary: The sequel to Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale.  Young Trixie takes her favorite one-of a kind stuffed animal Knuffle Bunny to school but when she goes to sleep that night she realizes that this Knuffle Bunny isn't her Knuffle Bunny...

Strengths:

I love love love the illustrations.  So much!  Its a combination of digitally colored cartoons and real photographs.  It feels more like a comic book than a picture book at times, with the use of word bubbles for conversation and the use of the pictures like panels.  The story is fantastic even without the pictures.  It reminds me of myself when I was younger (I still have my favorite stuffed animal)  so I connect very much with the characters and the story line.  I'm sure many children would too.  Both the illustrations and the story together really make the book something special.

Concerns:

None at all. <3>

Poetry 5 - Read a Rhyme Write a Rhyme

Title:  Read a Rhyme Write a Rhyme

Author: (Poems chosen by) Jack Prelutsky
Illustrator: Meilo So
Publisher: Alred A. Knopf
Date: 2005
Age Range: All

Summary: A collection of poems separated by ten themes with poem starters on each page to help children learn how to write poetry

Strengths:

This is a really interesting poetry book.  It  has ten different themes and each has its own "poemstart" to help kids write poetry and give suggestions.  I think this would be a great book to get kids interested in writing poetry and inspire them.

Concerns:

The illustrations are really big on each page, some are even double spreads.  It makes the pages look confusing between the poetry, the illustration, and the box at the corner on how to start poetry. 

Poetry 4 - One at a Time

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Title:  One at a Time
Author: David McCord
Illustrator: Henry B. Kane
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Date: 1980
Age Range: All

Summary: An illustrated collection of poems about diverse topics including  nature, animals, favorite places, and colors.

Strengths:
It's a diverse collection of poetry.

Concerns:

It's a thick book.  It may be daunting for children to pick up.  The illustrations are a bit old fashion and are far and few between.

Poetry 3 - Chortles

Title: Chortles

Author: Eve Merriam
Illustrator: Sheila Hamanaka
Publisher: Morrow Junior Books
Date: 1989
Age Range: All

Summary: A collection of poems focusing on unusual words and plays

Strengths:
This is my favorite of the poetry books.  The poems are interesting and funny.  I think they would be great to read aloud.

Concerns:

I feel like some of the humor might be lost for kids because the language and jokes might be a bit advance.

Poetry 2 - The Reason for the Pelican

Title:  The Reason For the Pelican

Author: John Ciardi
Illustrator: Dominic Catalano
Publisher: Wordsong
Date: 1994
Age Range: All

Summary: Thirty-fifth anniversary edition of John Ciardi's first book of poetry for children, newly illustrated.

Strengths:
It's a hit or miss poetry book.  Some of the poems are interesting but others are
Concerns:

Some of the poems are a bit long in my opinion.  Kids will get bored easily ( I know I did) and become discouraged.  I also feel as if the poet is trying to hard to make this silly and fantastical.  Some of the poems come out a bit dark.

Poetry 1 - Always Wondering

Title:  Always Wondering

Author: Aileen Fisher
Illustrator: Joan Sandin
Publisher: Charlotte Zolotow Book
Date: 1991
Age Range: All

Summary: The author selects some of the most requested poems from her own work, grouped under such headings as "Think About People," "Suddenly", and "Whoever Planned The World"

Strengths:
Most of the poems are short and sweet.  They would be great openers for the beginning of a lesson.

Concerns:

Like I said above the poems are "short and sweet" but this also works against them.  They aren't the most interesting poems but they are still a nice read.

Traditional 5 - Swamp Angel

Title:  Swamp Angel
Author: Anne Isaacs
Illustrator: Paul O. Zellinsky
Publisher: Dutton Children's Books
Date: 1994
Age Range: All

Summary: Along with other amazing feats, Angelica Longrider, also known as Swamp Angel, wrestles a huge bear, known as Thundering Tarnation, to save the winter supplies of the settlers in Tennessee.

Strengths:
This is a very nice and original traditional folktale. It's an excellent example of a tall tale (both in the exaggeration and in the height of Swamp Angel) The illustrations are beautiful and really help the story be told.

Concerns:
Nothing really.

Traditional 4 - Fa Mulan

Title: Fa Mulan
Author: Robert D. San Souci
Illustrator: Jean & Mou- Sien Tseng
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Date: 1998
Age Range: All

Summary: A retelling of the original Chinese poem in which a brave young girl masquerades as a boy and fight the Tartars in the Khan's army.

Strengths:
It's nice to read this tale in its original story compared to the Disney version. It is another story that is a good example of strong women in traditional stories. The illustrations are nicely done and work with the words on the page.

Concerns:
The story is told a bit old fashioned and may be boring for some.

Traditional 2 - East o' the Sun and West o' the Moon

Title: East o' the Sun and West o' the Moon
Author: (Translated by) Sir George Webbe Dasent
Illustrator: P.J Lynch
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Date: 1991
Age Range: All

Summary:  A girl travels east of the sun and west of the moon to free her beloved prince from a magic spell.

Strengths:
The story of "East of the Sun and West of the Moon" is one of my favorite fairy tales (which is really saying something) This version is a bit different from the one that I remember from when I was little but is still artfully done.  There are very few fairy tales with strong heroines and the main character certainly shows her share of gumption.  The illustrations are beautiful and rich.  They hold so much detail that catches the reader's eye and helps further tell the story.   

Concerns:

It is a bit on the wordy side.  I think it would be best if it was read aloud to younger children.  Also some parents might not appreciate that the polar bear/prince comes into the main character's room at night and sleeps in her bed with her.  But this would most likely be overlooked by children.

Traditional 1 - Moss Gown

Title: Moss Gown
Author: William H. Hooks
Illustrator: Donald Carrick
Publisher: Clarion Books
Date: 1987
Age Range: All

Summary:  After failing to flatter her father as much as her two evil sisters, Candace is banished from his plantation; and only after much time and meeting her Prince Charming is her father able to appreciate her love.

Strengths:
I love fairy tale retellings.  By setting this version of Cinderella in the South it adds a certain exotic quality to the original story.  The story also has a repeating rhyme when Moss gown calls on her fairy godmother which makes the book a good read aloud for children.  The illustrations are wonderfully done and are a great addition to the story. 

Concerns:
For me there weren't any concerns for this book.