Written by Elise Broach, Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

A great book for all ages! A book about true friendship between James and Marvin, the beetle that lives in James' kitchen cupboard. Marvin draws James a birthday picture that is absolutely beautiful. James takes all the credit for this piece of art. James and Marvin work together to catch an art thief. Marvin catches the art thief, but he's a beetle. What will he do now? A fast read for all, and wonderfully written.

Review by Tawnya Albertson, Library Media Assistant, Jackling Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 2-6

Marvin, a beetle, lives with his family under the kitchen sink in a New York apartment.  James, an eleven year old boy, lives in that same apartment.  After James receives a pen and ink art set, Marvin surprises him by drawing a detailed miniature picture.  Everyone thinks that James made the drawing.  Then one thing leads to another and Marvin and James find themselves in the middle of complicated situation and a mystery to solve.

Review by Cindy Moyle, District Library Media Specialist, Granite School District  

Written and Illustrated by Bob Graham

This is a cute book about friendship between Morris the crocodile and Billy the tortoise. The author also uses other animals from Africa. Each chapter has a different problem or situation where the friends have to work together to work things out. They spend most of their time during the hot summer at the waterhole.  

Written and Illustrated by Jack and Michael Foreman

This book is about a little dog who is very lonely. He sees other animals and people together, but he is alone. As he is wandering around he notices a group of children playing basketball. He is able to play with the children. The story then focuses on a young boy who feels left out and lonely. He sees the children playing basketball. The children and the dog notice him and they all step back and the dog takes the ball over to the boy and invites him to join the fun. At the end of the book the boy, the dog, and all the children become friends. The book says that all that needs to happen to be a friend is to say Hello.  The pictures are very simple, but really get the message across. This is a great book on friendship.  

Written and Illustrated by Lucy Cousins

A very easy book for begining school age children. Lost of different activites on each page to keep the child's inerest. Not good for older children because they would be bored very quickly.  

Written by David Elliott, Illustrated by Christopher Denise

Knitty Kitty is knitting a hat, mittens, and a scarf for the kittens to keep them warm.  The kittens are worried about their friend the snowman. See what they do with the hat, mittens, and scarf.  Read on to see who keeps the kittens warm at night!  Great read aloud book. A story on sharing.  

Written by Amy Hest, Illustrated by Amy Bates

A small dog with crooked ears belongs to no one. He wanted a friend.
A little girl named Lia has no friends.
The dog tries to became friends to Lia, by helping her deliver the bread and cakes from her parents' bakery.
When a big storm comes up while Lia is out delivering the bread and cakes, she and the dog get soaked to the bone.
Both are taken in with warm towels and warm arms and became friends.  

Written and Illustrated by Brian Lies

Another book to add to the collection to promote reading and using a library. This story is told in rhyme. The bats are excited to learn that a window in the library has been left ajar. The bats spend a night in the library playing with the copier, the drinking fountain and pop-up books. The biggest thing that happens is that they get swallowed up and live inside the book, until morning comes. They hope for the chance to do it all over again!  

Written by Benjamin James Watson, Illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson

This is a unique "No, David" type book. Benjamin ends up in the ape cage, while the ape escapes and goes on the rest of his field trip. The poor teacher ends up a "frazzled, disarrayed mess." Students will love seeing an adult totally undone. If you're looking for a fun, fast read story for your library, this would work.  

Written by Dick King-Smith, Illustrated by Nick Bruel

An intelligent duck and a bright sheep dog have had it with obnoxious pigs. Havoc results. The pigs escape, but don't know what to do with their freedom. The duck and sheep dog rescue them. Cute beginning book, but illustrations are black and white. The drawback is on p.5 when one snooty pig calls a sheep an "ass". I wouldn't have picked this book to review if I'd known about this.  

Written by Karen Wallace, Illustrated by Bob DeWar

This chapter book is a charming Christmas story about an anteater who travels to the North Pole to ask Santa why anteaters don't get presents. The illustrations are comical and beautifully done. I especially love the page that shows Alice crying. I really enjoyed finding out the answer to Alice's question.  

Written and Illustrated by Nick Bruel

This book will definitely will be a favorite for any age. I found myself laughing out loud as I read the humorous gags of giving a kitty a bath. The illustrations give the book good comedic timing. Fun facts about cats adds to the full dimension of Kitty.  The book closes with a funny epilogue on bathing puppies.

Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: All Ages

Bad Kitty Gets a Bath
Roaring Brooks Press
125 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59643-341-0
Release Date: August 2008





 

 

Written by Jonathan Emmett, Illustrated by Vanessa Cabban

A missing rabbit friend sends Mole on a search of discovery. In his journey, he discovers that he is the best gift of all. Beautiful autumnal watercolor pictures paint a sweet story of friendship.  

Written and Illustrated by Carmela and Steven D'amico

Warm red and blue hues are the palette for another Mediterranean adventure of Ella the Elephant on Elephant Island. When Ella goes to a carnival and loses her lucky hat, she learns a valuable lesson about the real meaning of luck. I was surprised that Ella would “borrow” a boat and sail it in a storm without the permission of her mother or the boat owner. It’s just another day in a fun adventure of Ella the Elephant.  

Written by Tedd Arnold

A great beginnig chapter book. Great pictures. A cute story about being a friend. Fly gets to play football. It is a fast reading book that keeps your focus.  

Written and Illustrated by Anthony Browne

A signing gorilla had everything he needed, everything except a friend. He's given a kitten to take care of. When the gorilla breaks the TV, the kitten takes the blame so they can stay together. I love "Happily Ever After" stories! It's an easy read for the children.

Kathleen Okelberry, Woodrow Wilson Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-4

Little Beauty
Candlewick Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3959-4
Release Date: January 9, 2009

 

Written by David Martin, Illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev

The pictures in this book are eye catching. Primary grade students would enjoy viewing the pictures. This book also has great predictive text that could be used in connection with lower reading level students that require intervention instruction. The predictive text allows students to be exposed to repeated phonics skills while further exposing them to an authentic reading experience. The font used in this book may be a little confusing--particuarly the 'g', which may cause students some consternation.

Review by Brooke Deardorff, Bennion Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Preschool-Grade 3

All for Pie, Pie for All
Candlewick Press
26 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3891-7
Release Date: August 2008
 

Written and Illustrated by Liz Pichon

The illustrations in this book are fabulous. They are colorful and very attractive. The text is simple and perfect for a primary grade read, especially during fluency instruction. Students would enjoy the penguins getting a hold of the camera--that would really pique their interest and sustain their attention. The drawback of this book is its moral implications. It teaches students that it is okay to use something that does not belong to them, have an illusion that it's broken, and then just put it back where they found it without assuming responsibility.

Review by Brooke Deardorff, Bennion Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Penguins
Orchard Books/Scholastic
19 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-02215-6
Release Date: October 2008  

Written by Elizabeth Bluemle, Illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf

What's a family to do when the bed is overrun by dogs? A cute picture book about a family that has a lot of dogs who think they are just another family member. If you have owned a dog you will appreciate the humor of what these canine friends can do to cause a restless night for their owners. The story is told in rhyme and has colorful illustrations.

Review by Debbie Singer, Bacchus Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Dogs on the Bed
Candlewick Press
24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2608-2
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written by Adrienne Mason, Illustrated by Pat Cupples

Two best friends, Lu and Clancy, who also fancy themselves as dog detectives, find information one day in Aunt Izzy's attic and try to solve the mystery about Aunt Izzy being a spy.

For children who are reading with help, this book is excellent. The storyline is a little longer, with varied sentence lengths, repetition and visual clues. The illustrations are colorful and soft and help to move the story along.  

Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-2

Secret Spies
Kids Can Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55453-276-6
Release Date: September 2008
 

Written by Tera Johnson, Illustrated by Tania Howells

A short, cute story about a barn owl getting ready to leave the nest and make it on her own in the world.

Review by Kim Liston, Woodstock Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-2

Berkeley's Barn Owl Dance
Kids Can Press
29 pages
ISBN: 978-1-55453-263-6
Release Date: September 2008
 

Written by Musharraf Ali Farooqi, Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

If you like shoes you will love this book. How many pairs of shoes would you need if you were an ant? The poor cobbler was worn out from making shoes for all the ants. He took a holiday. He never came back. What were the ants to do with no one to make shoes? It was a very fun book to read and I loved the illustrations.

Review by Jodie Uriarte, Copper Hills Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-6

The Cobbler's Holiday, or Why Ants Don't Wear Shoes
Roaring Brook Press
29 pages
ISBN: 978-159643-234-5
Release Date: September 2008
 

Written and Illustrated by James Marshall

I love George and Martha. These two friends have a lot of the same issues in life as we do. They deal with things in a very simple but very honest way. It has an added bonus: several of the late author's friends have written tributes to him and told stories about his life.

Review by Jodie Uriarte, Copper Hills Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-6

George and Martha: The Complete Stories of Two Best Friends
Houghton Mifflin
359 pages
ISBN: 978-0-618-89195-5
Release Date: September 2008
 

Paper engineering by Bruce Foster

Based on the gloriously animated feature film "The Tale of Despereaux," this first-class picture book features flaps, pop-ups, moving parts and even a removable flip book. The reader can follow the adventures of Despereaux from the royal library to Princess Pea's chamber, the rat-infested dungeon, and beyond.

All the children will want to see this book. I will show and read it to the classes, but keep it in the teacher reference section of the library so they don't destroy it. There are too many delicate pop-ups and loose parts that will get lost if it's checked out. It will be a favorite, though.

Review by Leanna Griffiths, Crestview Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K and up

Tale of Despereaux: The Deluxe Movie Story Book
Candlewick Press
14 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4074-3
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written and Illustrated by Joel Stewart

Addis the bear comes to town and forgets why he is there. The town is big and confusing to the bear, but when he remembers he is happy.

Review by Stefanie Meier, Valley Crest Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
Interest Level: Grades K-2

Addis Berner Bear Forgets
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-30036-4
Release Date: September 2008
 

Written by Carole Lexa Schaefer, Illustrated by Pierre Pratt

Little Monkey wants to play, but everyone else wants to sleep. He goes and finds some other animals to play with.

Review by Stefanie Meier, Valley Crest Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Big Little Monkey
Candlewick Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2006-6
Release Date: September 2008

 

Written by Katie Speck, Illustrated by Paul Ratz de Tagyos

Maybelle is a cockroach with manners. As she obeys the rules of cockroach life, "when it's light, stay out of sight," she takes the reader and a few buggy friends on an adventure of tea time table manners. This is a great chapter read which sets up a cast of likable bug friends, creates a tumbling tea party, and teaches a lesson on friendship.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Stansbury Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-3

Maybelle Goes to Tea
Henry Holt
60 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8093-3
Release Date: August 2008
 

Written by Nick Bruel

This book is a sequel to Bad Kitty. Bad Kitty has established a reputation as a trouble maker. This heavily illustrated, easy to read chapter book is also somewhat informative, with interesting facts about cats, along with a hilarious read. Cat lovers will truly enjoy this quick fun, light read.

Review by Sandy Brigman, Robert Frost Elementary Library Media Assistant
Interest Level: Grades 1-4

Bad Kitty Gets a Bath
Roaring Brook Press
125 pages
ISBN: 9781596433410
Release Date: August 2008



 

Written by Lisa Wheeler, Illustrated by Ponder Goembel

Moo, the cow, is not happy and wants to go to sea. She makes friends with the sea animals. She finds a pirate ship with bulls on it.

Review by Stefanie Meier, Valley Crest Elementary Library Media Assistant
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Sailor Moo Cow at Sea
Atheneum Books
28 pages
ISBN: 978-0-689-84219-1
Release Date: July 2002


 

Written by Chris Lynch

Cyberia is a fun to read science fiction novel. Zane lives with his Mom (a TV news reporter) and Dad (a famous radio personality) in the future. The house is completely wired so that Zane is constantly being monitored. His parents always know where he is and even if he ate all of his dinner. Sometimes they receive too much information. Zane's dog talks him (yes, he can hear the dog) into helping the animals escape from the evil veterinarian. This is a cute story with a lot of adventure and wonderful things to think about.

Review by Irene Taylor, Vista Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Cyberia
Scholastic
158 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-02793-9
Release Date: September 2008



 

Written by Patrick Carman, Illustrated by Jim Madsen

Haunted Hike is the second in the series of Elliot's Park. This is a fun, easy chapter book about a bunch of squirrels that live in a park. They have all sorts adventures, but Elliot always figures out just what is really happening. In Haunted Hike the squirrels are going on a Squirrel Scout hike on Halloween. They think they see a ghost and Elliot comes to the rescue to figure out what is going on.

Review by Irene Taylor, Vista Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Haunted Hike (Elliot's Park Series #2)
Orchard Books / Scholastic
79 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-01931-6
Release Date: August 2008



 

Written and Illustrated by Bob Kolar

Biggie Bear accidentally wins the game! Biggie hasn't played soccer before, but he is willing to try to help the Mighty Giants. Colorful pictures help tell the story.   We are not all soccer layers or stamp collectors, but we can help each other and make new friends.  

Review by Debbie Robinson, Arcadia Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Grades K-2

Big Kicks
Candlewick Press
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3390-5
Release Date: August 2008
 

Adapted from the Major Motion Picture and Illustrated by Matt Smith and David Tilton

This book, The Tale of Despereaux: the Graphic Novel, tells the story of a brave little mouse holding true and honorably to his quest. It is done in graphic format with colorful illustrations. Although some students needed practice in following the direction of graphic text, once they got the hang of it they loved it. This book would be fun to share with a group. After reading the original novel together, they could read this book, which has been adapted from the major motion picture currently in theaters. Then they could discuss the comparisons of the two: what is the same, what is different, and why. I think this book has many possibilities for teacher/student discussions. I highly recommend this book.

Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Library Media Assistant
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4+

The Tale of Desperaux: The Graphic Novel (Movie Tie-In)
Candlewick Press
126 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4312-6
Release Date: October 2008
 

Written and Illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier

This is a book about a dog named Amandina Goldeneyes. Even though Amandina was very talented she was also very shy. Because of her shyness she was all alone. Amandina made a promise to herself to stop being so shy and she planned to give a great performance and invite everyone. She went to a lot of work to make posters and invitations. She also sewed costumes and repaired and fixed up the theater. When time came for her to perform, no one showed up, but Amandina decided to do the performance anyway. A little cockroach who was wandering around noticed Amandina and was astonished by what he saw. He then called up all of his friends to come see Amandina. As Amandina bowed at the end of her performance, she was surprised to see all those who had come to see her, which made her very happy!

Review by Marjorie Briggs, Library Media Assistant, Oquirrh Hills Elementary
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Amandina
Roaring Brook Press
29 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59643-236-9
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Ingrid Lee

Dog Lost is a tale of two lost souls: a 10-year-old boy named Mackenzie, and Cash, a pit bull Mackenzie's father brings to him after winning a card game. Mackenzie and Cash grow to take care of each other until Mackenzie's father loses his temper and turns Cash loose. Their town has growing political opposition to owning pit bulls as pets, and the story follows many twists and turns as this amazing dog proves her worth. Cash brings several people together who need each other, and she is ultimately reunited with Mackenzie (and his older half-brother) to form their own unique family.

This story was sparsely told, and it is the terseness of the description that helps paint the bleakness of Mackenzie's life. He desperately needs that dog, and it was heartbreaking to read about his father taking Cash away. As an adult reader/teacher, it was a reminder that so many of the children I may come in contact with come from less than perfect situations. I felt the author powerfully described the characters through carefully worded observations of their actions.
 
However, some students readers might take offense to some of the language and the dramatic elements might be a little too intense. I am not sure that I would use this as a read-aloud-- it would depend upon the group of students. But, I do think that there are interesting questions of ethics in how people and animals should be treated that could lead to writing assignments and class discussions with a very mature group of upper elementary students.

Curriculum Ties: 6th Grade Writing -- The town debate concerning whether pit bulls should be allowed as pets could be a great springboard for a persuasive writing assignment. Interestingly, this book is based on a true story.

Review by Yamira Hart, 6th Grade Teacher, Bennion Elementary
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Mature 5th-6th Grade

Dog Lost
Chicken House / Scholastic
197 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-08578-6
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Adam Rubin, Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

Mr. Fookwire likes birds and tries to feed them so they will stay all winter, but the squirrels love the bird seed too and eat it all. Mr. Fookwire tries to devise ways so the squirrels can't get the food.

Review by Kathy Horne, Library Media Assistant, Redwood Elementary
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-1

Those Darn Squirrels!
Houghton Mifflin
32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-547-00703-8
Release Date: September 2008
 

Edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, Illustrated by Charles Vess

A collection of stories and poems about tricksters such as Coyote, Anansi, Brer Rabbit and more by noted authors. Each tale includes a brief note by the author of that tale indicating about the piece they have written. The tales are entertaining and indicative of cultures and traditions from all over the world.

Review by Fay Mason, Library Media Specialist, Churchill Jr. High
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 5-10

The Coyote Road
Firebird / Penguin
518 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241300-5
Release Date: January 2009
 

Written by Bonny Becker, Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

We loved this book because it teaches a lesson. Bear learns to be nice and to welcome visitors who are friends.

Review by Mrs. Pimentel's class, Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-2

A Visitor for Bear
Candlewick Press
52 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2807-9
Release Date: February 2008  

Written by Dara Dokas, Illustrated by Bernadette Pons

This book is about a very outgoing and cheerful duck that is very attached to a certain lovable red sweater. Throughout her travels, her sweater slowly becomes unraveled with the help of her playful puppy. The climax of the story is when Muriel discovers the disintegration of her precious sweater. Her friends show their empathy for her loss and present her with a new sweater (however the new one is blue) at a surprise birthday party that they throw in honor of her. The book has great colorful illustrations which are very inviting to the prospective reader. It contains a great narrative plot with several opportunities to stop and discuss elements of problem solving. The story line carries strong themes of community and meaningful friendship. Young beginning readers would find this book very inviting and engaging.

Review by Brooke Deardorff, 3rd Grade Teacher, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades K-2

Muriel's Red Sweater
Penguin
22 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-47962-8
Release Date: February 2009  

Written and Illustrated by Alexander Steffensmeier

Millie, the mail delivering cow, gets lost on her way home on Christmas Eve, but makes it to the farm just in time to celebrate. Very humorous illustrations!

Review by Marilyn May, Library Media Assistant, Monroe Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Millie in the Snow
Walker & Company
28 pages
ISBN: 978-08027-9800-8
Release Date: September 2008

 

Written by Mark Teague

Mark Teague creates another beautifully illustrated book where children will fall in love with the main character, a dog. Cousin Edward visits his uncle's farm and discovers that it is a farm full of animals who like to have fun. Children will have fun discovering Teague’s subtle humor as each picture delicately paints life on this unusual farm.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Library Media Assistant, Stansbury Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Funny Farm
Orchard Books / Scholastic
32 pages
ISBN: 978-439-91499-4
Release Date: April 1, 2009  

Written by Cathy Hapka

It's time for the Animalia talent show but who will be the star? Zoe and Allegra bring their talents together as they try to win the contest. Nice chapter book for a beginning reader.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Library Media Assistant, Stansbury Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Talent-O-Topia (Animalia)
Grosset and Dunlap / Penguin
48 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45078-0
Release Date: January 2009



 

Written by Jean Van Leeuwen, Illustrated by David Gavil

This is a delightful little story about little Chickie and the other animals that live on the farm.  It starts with animals whispering to one another the latest news involving the farmer's wife, "Mrs. Farmer is taking down her big pot!" This causes all the chickens run and hide.  Poor little Chickie is not feeling well and has a difficult time finding a safe place to hide from the farmer, which includes a topsy-turvy chase around the farmyard.  A surprising and happy ending is sure to provoke laughter from the reader.

Review by Bonnie Prime, Library Media Assistant, Taylorsville Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Chicken Soup
Abrams Books for Young readers
40 pages
ISBN: 978-0-8109-8326-7
Release Date: May 1, 2009  

Written by Rudyard Kipling, Introduced by Christopher Paolini

This is the classic story of Mowgli, a very young child who is discovered in the jungle by animals. His survival is an endearing tale the world has come to love. After all, what child wouldn't like to be free to explore, play and run freely about? This edition is especially nice for teachers. The "extension" activities and additional facts about the animals at the end of the book will be greatly appreciated by our faculty. You couldn't go wrong buying this edition for your library.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 4+

The Jungle Book
Puffin Classics / Penguin
218 pages
ISBN: 978-0-141-32529-3
Release Date: March 2009 (reprint)  

Written by Betty G. Birney

Humphrey is a delightful character! He is the class pet that goes home with students on weekends. He is very intelligent, ready to learn, ready to help and a sensitive friend.  This book focuses on students building model boats and the adventures the class has while sailing them at Potter's Pond.  The World According to Humphrey is a popular book at our school. I believe the students will also enjoy Adventure According to Humphrey.

Review by Debbie Robinson, Library Media Assistant, Arcadia Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Adventure According to Humphrey
Putnam / Penguin
120 pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-24731-6
Release Date: February 2009
 

Written by Marion Dane Bauer, Illustrated by Ivan Bates

This is the story about a bunny who went out to find a friend who'd like to play. This is a wonderful story that helps teach counting, colors, and rhyming. The pictures really added to the story. The students love the book!

Review by Vicki Lewellyn, Library Media Assistant, Pleasant Green Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-2

One Brown Bunny
Orchard / Scholastic
24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-68010-3
Release Date: February 2009  

Written by Betty G. Birney

I have read other Humphrey books and this one, like the others, did not disappoint me. I truly enjoy the way that Humphrey wants to encourage the children in the class. He wants the children to succeed. It also teaches that in every class there are different personalities and concerns. I really enjoy these books for a nice reading chapter book.

Review by Susan Seegmiller, Library Media Assistant, Roosevelt Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Surprises According to Humphrey
Puffin / Penguin
123 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241296-1
Release Date: January 2009


 

Edited by Sally Grindley

This is an adorable, nicely illustrated book that contains sixteen short stories about animals. Some of them are fables (Aesop) and some are abbreviated stories from longer books (Wind in the Willows). I know that our geography teacher would find it useful because she has her gifted/talented students write a fable after they have studied a group of countries. The fable has to incorporate the culture and religion of the country. These stories could help them learn the gist of a fable.

Curriculum Ties: writing,drawings

Review by Althea Bennett, Library Media Specialist, Wasatch Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★
Interest Level: Grades K-8

The Kingfisher Book of Classic Animal Stories
Kingfisher
159 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7534-6210-2
Release Date: September 2008  

Written by Roald Dahl, Illustrated by Quentin Blake

This story is fun in its combination of people and animals. There is a little boy who lives next to an old candy store, "The Grubber," but the building is sold to a ladder-less window cleaning company. His life will never be the same. Read and see how. 

Review by Nancy Jenkins, Librarian, William Penn Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me
Puffin / Penguin Group
79 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241384-5
Release Date: January 2009 (reprint)


 

Written by Roald Dahl, Illustrated by Quentin Blake

This is an entertaining little story about how a man overcomes being so shy with the help of his friend's turtle. He was able to get better acquainted with the lady by being interested in her turtle.

Review by S. Hiskey
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Esio Trot
Puffin / Penguin Group
62 pages
ISBN: 978-0-14-241382-1
Release Date: Jan 2009 (reprint)



 

Written by John R. Erickson, Illustrated by Gerald L. Holmes

Drover, another dog on Hank's ranch, tells how he came to the ranch. Drover is the least motivated dog you will ever meet and it takes the author 2/3 of the book before he "cuts to the chase." This isn't as cute or engaging as the other books in this series. In fact, I'd skip this one. The Bat that befriends Drover is the best part of the story! I'm glad to have any new book, but I wouldn't buy this one.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Drover's Secret Life (Hank the Cowdog Series #53)
Viking / Penguin Group
118 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-01118-6
Release Date: Mar 2009

 

Written by Kathryn Lasky, Illustrated by Mitch Vane

Three short stories about Hound and Poodle's friendship. In spite of their differences, the two friends learn they can work together. This short chapter book will be well received by students and teachers. Many class discussions are possible if teachers want to involve students in deeper reading levels and deeper meaning. I can recommend this if you need a new chapter book. 

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Poodle and Hound
Charlesbridge Publishing
48 pages
ISBN: 978-1-58089-322-0
Release Date: Jul 2009 
 

Written by Jamie Michalak, Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz

Joe, the Giraffe, thinks he's won a contest and the prize is a sporty convertible. He and his friend Sparky, the turtle, have several adventures around town. They discover that while new adventures are nice, there's no place like home. The writing was just O.K. for me. The illustrations were fun and bright.

Review by Kimberly Jensen, Library Media Assistant, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels
Candlewick Press
41 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3387-5
Release Date: Mar 2009

 

Written by Bruce Hale

This is the first Chet Gecko mystery I've read. Chet and his friend Natalie try to find out why students at their school are acting weird. I'm afraid I couldn't relate to these animals as main characters. Chet tries to act like an edited version of an old "Dragnet" star, but it didn't "hook" me.  I've heard that some students are really into this series, so I'm willing to see how my students react. It's always interesting to see what they will read.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Librarian, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

From Russia with Lunch
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
112 pages
ISBN: 978-0-15-205488-5
Release Date: Jan 2009

 

Written by Kenneth Grahame, Illustrated by Inga Moore

I remember reading these stories about the adventures of Toad, Mole, Badger and Frog as a child. They are still fun stories that children will enjoy. A note of caution though-- like other British books they use the word "ass" a couple of times. The reading level is 5.9 but, I think younger children would enjoy having these stories read to them. The illustrations are beautiful!

Review by Jane Walton, PTA Board Member, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades K-3

The Wind in the Willows
Candlewick Press
182 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4211-2
Release Date: Mar 2009 (Reissue)

 

Written by Bruce Hale, Illustrated by Shane Hillman

Fat Cat is #4 in a series. With this series it's important to read at least #1 first. I was lost as to why things were happening a great deal of the time. One positive about the book, and I assume the whole series, is that it is written in a half comic/half novel format which is kind of fun. Children will enjoy it. I'm interested enough that I will read the first one.

Review by Kimberly Jensen, Library Media Assistant, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Fat Cat of Underwhere
HarperCollins
167 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-085133-0
Release Date: Apr 2009

 

Written by Avi, Illustrated by Brian Floca

The further adventures of Poppy in Dimwood Forest are no less delightful this time around.  Bats come to the rescue of the mice when a forest fire rages and encircles all the animals. This is an excellent series that our students love. They seem to relate to the animals with their human-type characteristics. The story moves along quickly and I highly recommend it! It would make a good read-a-loud for older classes that don't mind a week in between some of the chapters.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-8

Poppy and Ereth
HarperCollins
211 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-111969-9
Release Date: Apr 2009


 

Written by Jean Craighead George, Illustrated by Tom Pohrt

This book was about a cat that gets abandoned by her owner and finds a nice boy that wants to keep her as a pet, but his mom does not like cats. So the cat lives in the backyard, unknown to the mom. I thought the book was o.k.
Reviewed by a student, Diamond Ridge Elementary School
Rating: ★★½✩✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

The Cats of Roxville Station
Dutton / Penguin Group
163 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-42140-5
Release Date: May 2009




 

Written by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Yoko Tanaka

Kate DiCamillo can render vivid and stunning scenes with simplicity. She can create heartbreak with a single sentence. She can lead you line by line through a story and have you hanging on every word. Her seemingly magical mastery of tone is perhaps unparalleled in contemporary children's literature. The problem with DiCamillo comes when one recognizes that she could potentially use this incredible linguistic power to enchant the reader with any story, however poorly plotted or characterized. Mesmerized by the charisma of her written word, we may not even realize that we were actually reading a very silly book. Now, I'm not saying that The Magician's Elephant is a silly book. I'm just saying that I am so drawn in by DiCamillo's writing style that it doesn't really matter what tale she's telling, I want to read and hear the whole of it.

So, the tale at hand: Peter Augustus Duchene, an orphan boy in an imaginary European city, is sent to the market with money given him by his guardian, an aging, ailing soldier. Instead of buying bread and fish, he gives the money to a fortune teller. She informs him that his deepest hope is true: his sister is alive. Furthermore, in a perplexing and cryptic instruction, the fortune teller counsels Peter that an elephant will lead him to his sister. Two days later, a magician, performing before the rich and noble of the city, intends to produce a bouquet of lilies for the audience. Instead, in a burst of hubris, he calls forth an elephant. It crashes through the roof of the opera house and lands in the lap of one Madame LaVaughn, permanently crippling her legs. The magician is imprisoned, and the citizens of the entire city, most especially Peter, become obsessed with the portentous pachyderm, very much still in existence but hidden in an undisclosed location in the city. A succession of short scenes given from the perspectives of numerous characters, including the hapless elephant herself, moves the story towards some magical eventuality that promises to provide something great for everyone, i.e., a happy ending.

My only complaint with the story is that, unlike the endings of traditional fairy tales, DiCamillo perhaps spreads the happy ending too thin between too many characters; many of them do not seem to have passed through the extreme magic-curse-based ordeals which are usually required to earn a fairy tale ending. Instead, they have passed through more realistic ordeals: disease, loneliness, guilt, poverty, etc. In a relatively short book such as this, these trials and burdens don't necessarily impress themselves as strongly on a reader as, say, being pursued by a man-eating giant or being forced to live in a castle with a monster. The magic displayed in the book is as out-of-the-ordinary to the characters in the story as it is to us; DiCamillo clearly wanted this magic to happen in some place resembling the real world. Even the elephant, who the other characters look to as a magical being, does not consider herself magical and is as confused and powerless as anyone to the magic that has occurred. She's just an elephant that has suddenly found herself in a strange, cold place without friends. DiCamillo is quoted on the back flap of the book as saying, "I wanted, I needed, I longed to tell a story of love and magic." It may be that the book, although dealing with magic, is more a fable than a fairy tale; all along the way, we read scenes that illustrate despair and hope, empathy, perseverance, charity, and forgiveness. Perhaps the magic DiCamillo so longs for the reader to see is nothing other than love itself, and thus it is only appropriate that she would want to spread it around to as many characters as possible.

Stylistically, as well as story-wise, DiCamillo walks the line between fairy tale, fable, and magical realism. The book is filled with beautiful, imagistic scenes and dreams that are described with the succinctness and surrealism of prose poems. The magical elements are reported matter-of-fact-ly alongside the many realistic elements of the story. Cold, overcast skies and snow storms are so vividly realized, right down to the footprints of the elephant in the snow, that the reader more readily identifies with what the characters are feeling. Sly authorial interjections do occasionally pop up in the text, ("And what did the magician say? You know full well the words he spoke,") but they do not seem to be as pervasive as they were in Desperaux. For better or for worse, this time around we don't receive any of the author's idiosyncratic definitions (although there certainly are a lot of new vocabulary words for young readers in this book.) As in her other books, the strong built-in storytelling voice lends itself to a great read-aloud experience.All in all, we have another magical little book from DiCamillo. Is the story ridiculous? You know full well it's ridiculous; all fairy tales and fantasies are. It is nonetheless a beautifully rendered and engaging book, filled with fables of hope, empathy, forgiveness, humility, and love that will speak to children and adults alike.

Review by Joshua Whiting, Library Media Department, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 4 and up

The Magician's Elephant
Candlewick Press
200 pages
ISBN: 78-0-7636-4410-9
Release Date: Sep 8, 2009

 

Written by Steve Voake, Illustrated by Jessica Meserve

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to animals? Or if ants really think about things? Daisy Dawson is a wonderful girl that loves all living things. One day while walking to school she saves a butterfly from a spider's web, and then discovers that she can understand the animals and they can understand her. She has some great adventures, including saving an ant that got left behind and was lost. This is a wonderful easy chapter book that the younger readers will love. I did!

Review by Irene Taylor, Library Media Assistant, Vista Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Daisy Dawson Is on Her Way!
Candlewick Press
98 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4294-5
Release Date: Mar 2009



 

Written by Gail Donovan, Illustrated by Janet Pedersen

Joshua Tree Hewitt is a fifth grader who's always in trouble with somebody because he can't stop talking. One morning he finds a frog with three back legs. He brings it to school. Some of the students make fun of it. Others are very interested in it. Joshua wants to learn why the frog has three back legs. He also worries about the tadpoles that are in the pond in his backyard. This would be a great read-aloud book. It would be interesting to see who students would identify with. Teachers could also discuss what their students might do in similar circumstances.

Review by Debbie Carlton, Library Media Assistant, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

In Memory of Gorfman T. Frog
Dutton / Penguin Group
180 pages
ISBN: 978-0-525-42085-9
Release Date: Mar 2009



 

Written by Gigi Amateau

Beautifully written book about an albino horse who children will relate to as an underdog. He eventually becomes a therapy horse. Written from the horse's point of view. Once in my library, it never stayed on the shelf - it seemed even more desirable than other horse stories because of Chancey's vulnerable personality. A lovely book and wonderful addition to our fiction section.

Review by Cathie Cox, Library Media Assistant, Plymouth Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Chancey of the Maury River
Candlewick Press
246 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3439-1
Release Date: May 2008


 

Written by Jenny Tripp, Illustrated by John Manders

Cute story about Pete, a poodle, and Rita, a chimp. Pete thinks he is the star of the circus, but Rita wants to be a star too. A terrible storms provides them an opportunity to run away. They disappear from the circus and have a wild adventure saving Baby and Quackers. Friendship is important to these animals.

Review by Debbie Robinson, Library Media Assistant, Arcadia Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-4

Pete's Disappearing Act
Harcourt Children's Books
168 pages
ISBN: 978-0-15-206177-7
Release Date: Jan 26, 2009


 

Written by Hannah Roberts McKinnon

This book is about 12 year old Franny Parker.  She lives in a small town in Oklahoma with her mom, dad, a brother, and a sister. Times are tough. They are having a drought this summer. Everyone tries to help and care for each other. Franny is no different. She runs an animal hospital from their barn. Whenever anyone finds an animal that is sick or injured, they bring it to her. One day, new neighbors move in next door. It is a mom, Lindy, and her son, Lucas. Franny and Lucas become fast friends. Later, his dad shows up and things change. Franny and her family realize that there are secrets that Lucas and his family are keeping. When Franny realizes what is going on, she has to decide if she should tell someone or not. This book is well written. It teaches about family, friendship, love, trust, caring, and doing what's right. I think children 9 and up would enjoy this book. It would be a great read-aloud book also. There are many topics a teacher could discuss with the students.

Review by Debbie Carleton, Library Media Assistant, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Franny Parker
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
148 pages
ISBN: 978-0-374-32469-8
Release Date: May 26, 2009


 

Written by John R. Erickson, Illustrated by Gerald L. Holmes

Hank is tricked by Pete the cat again. Enter two lost pelicans who even the score for Hank. While this is a cute story, it does ramble at times. It also has many misspelled words, since Hank isn't too bright. They are part of the story - but do you want your students exposed to many wrong spellings? If you have other Hank books, you may want to get this one.

Review by Kathy Loewy, Library Media Assistant, Twin Peaks Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades K-3

The Case of the Dinosaur Birds (Hand the Cowdog Series, #54)
Viking / Penguin Group
123 pages
ISBN: 978-0-670-01155-1
Release Date: Jun 11, 2009


 

Written by C. Warren, Illustrated by Pete Smith

This is a great easy chapter book. It is about two brothers who have just moved into a new home. The first night they are there, they hear strange noises. They go looking for clues the next day. They do find a buried bone in their yard. The next night they hear the noises and look out the window. They see a white dog tied to a post in the yard by the bone. THey go out and begin to chase the dog. He leads them down the street and they realize this dog is a ghost. The house he leads them to has a dog in the yard that is sick and very hungry. He has not been taken care of. They take the dog home and get him some help. They never see the ghost dog again. He was just there to help them find the other dog.

Review by Karen Manning, Library Media Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-8

The Ghost Dog
Stone Arch / Capstone Press
33 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59889-847-7
Release Date: Sep 1, 2007


 

Written by Bernadette Kelly, Illustrated by Liz Agler

What do you do with a lazy and naughty pony? The fun begins when Norton, the pony, takes pony lessons to become a better pet. Naughty Norton creates quite a stir but saves the day in a twist of crazy events. I will definitely order this series for my library.

Review by Amy Gerritsen, Library Media Assistant, Stansbury Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 2-3

Norton Saves the Day
Picture Window Books / Capstone Press
46 pages
ISBN: 978-1-40485-505-2
Release Date: Aug 15, 2009



 

Written by Bruce Hale

This book is about a student gecko taking on the role of school detective to solve some theft crimes occurring on school campus. It is witty, fun, and easy to read. Students will enjoy the great illustrations and surprising turns of events that occur throughout the mystery.

Review by Brooke Deardorff, Teacher, Bennion Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 2-4

Hills Me Deadly (Chet Gecko Series)
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
118 pages
ISBN: 978-0-15-206424-2
Release Date: Jan 1, 2009



 

Written by Carl Hiaasen

Scat is a story about an unpopular High School biology teacher and a few of her students who help save an endangered mama black panther and her cubs in the swamps of Florida. Not a very interesting story, really, but what motivated me to keep reading was the bit of intrigue and mystery woven into the theme of helping endangered animals and good overcoming evil. I think upper elementary and junior high students would enjoy this book, even though it is about high school students.

Review by Becky Shaap, School Technology Specialist, Twin Peaks and Woodstock Elementary Schools
Rating: ★★★½✩ 
Interest Level: Grades 6-8

Scat
Knopf
371 pages
ISBN: 978-0-375-83486-8
Release Date: Jan 27, 2009



 

Written by Peter Howe, Illustrated by Omar Rayyan

Waggit is determined to find his way back home to Central Park after a human he trusted left him far away on a farm.  He breaks his chain and finds an unusual human who can talk to him through his mind, which earns his trust and helps him back "Home."  There he becomes a leader among his peers.

Review by Leanna Griffiths, Library Media Assistant, Crestview Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★½ 
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Waggit Again
HarperCollins
292 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-124264-9
Release Date: Apr 28, 2009



 

Written by Maggie Stiefvater

When Grace was a small child she was dragged by wolves into the woods surrounding her home.  She is bitten but her life is spared because one wolf with yellow eyes carries her to safety.  Grace becomes obsessed with watching the wolves around her home, especially the one with yellow eyes. Then one day she comes home to find an injured boy collapsed at her door. A boy with yellow eyes. I liked the story line but was disappointed because of the sexual content.

Review by Cindy Moyle, District Library Media Specialist, Granite School District
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Interest Level: Grades 10-12

Shiver
Scholastic Press
400 pages
ISBN: 978-0-545-12326-6
Release Date: Aug 1, 2009





 

Written by Erin Hunter

Toklo, Kallik, Lusa, and Ujark have finally reached the Last Great Wilderness. The legendary bear paradise is everything they ever dreamed of. They sense, however, a deep unrest among the other inhabitants. Each bear from different circumstances, different pasts start to remember their true nature. When their world becomes endangered and one of the three's friends gets taken, Toklo, Kallik, and Ujarak must travel to the world of flat-faces to save their friend as well as themselves. 

A endearing adventure that is fast-paced, full of discovery, and fantasy. Readers will enjoy the human and bear qualities the author brings to life and intermixes well in the story. Would recommend this to lovers of fantasy, Erin Hunter's previous books, adventure, and animals.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★★ 
Interest Level: Grades 5-8

The Last Wilderness (Seekers Series)
HarperCollins
265 pages
ISBN: 9780060871314
Release Date: Feb 2010




 

Written by Janet Taylor Lisle, Illustrated by David Frankland

This is a fun story about a group of cats who live along the side of the highway. New cats are dropped off by their owners and learn to become highway cats. Many adventures come their way, along with three special little kittens. Everyone becomes fascinated by the little kittens as they become a part of the group. All the cats think the kittens have special powers because they cross the highway without being killed. Whenever danger arises they always seem to escape. They become a big part of the highway cats. Everyone wants to see what will happen next. As their homes are threatened can these little kittens become the answer to saving their homes?

Review by Donna Gubler, Title I Para-Professional, Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-6

Highway Cats
Philomel / Penguin Group
118 pages
ISBN: 978-0-399-25070-5
Release Date: Aug 2009







 

Written by Clay Morgan

A year ago, border collie Moxie's friend Jack was kidnapped by his shipmates and taken out to sea. Longing for her friend back, she struggles to survive and fight off the wild dogs who long to eat her sheep she cares for. When her friend returns, she can't be more excited. A greater evil follows him to the island, however. Pirate Blackburn Jukes has taken Jack prisoner and wants him to find the island's cache of ambers. Knowing that without Jack the island's dogs will starve to death and she will lose her best friend, Moxie is determined to rescue Jack and the island she calls home. To do so, however, she must learn to trust her instincts and make alliances. Will Moxie find it in herself to trust the allies she seeks? Will she be able to follow her instincts to save her friend from Blackburn?

The writing in this book is choppy and amateur in style. However, this is probably an accurate depiction of a dog telling the story. The book and its characters are endearing and the adventure is fun to read. Readers who enjoy dog stories, adventure, island fiction, and survival stories will like reading this book.

Review by Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High School
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 4-7

The Boy Who Returned from the Sea
Puffin / Penguin Group
245 pages
ISBN: 9780142413951
Release Date: May 2009


 

Written by Sue Bentley, Illustrated by Angela Swan

Flame is a little black magic kitten who is orphaned, so she finds a lonely little girl named Sadie who is trying to get involved in a local circus youth group. That is when they find out the kitten has some magical powers and she helps Sadie from falling when she does her acrobats. This is a really cute book and I recommend it for my friends.

Reviewed by a 6th grade student, Hillsdale Elementary School
Rating: ★★★★✩
Interest Level: Grades 2-6

A Circus Wish (Magic Kitten #6)
Grosset & Dunlap / Penguin Group
128 pages
ISBN: 978-0-448-45062-9
Release Date: Oct 2009








 

Written by Matt Christopher

Mike and Harry are best friends, such good friends that they can read each others' thoughts. However, Harry is a dog. This is a fun story about how Mike's baseball team wins with the help of Harry.

Review by Jodie Uriarte, Library Media Assistant, Copper Hills Elementary School
Rating: ★★★½✩
Interest Level: Grades 1-3

The Dog that Stole Home
Norwood House Press
42 pages
ISBN: 978-1-59953-352-0
Release Date: Feb 2010