Lincoln: A Photobiography

Lincoln: A Photobiography
By: Russell Freedman
Copyright: 1989
Pages: 160
Reading Level: 9-12

" ...'Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.' Lincoln took this declaration personally. It meant that every poor man's son deserved the opportunities for advancement he had enjoyed.He felt that the Declaration of Independence expressed the highest political truths in history, and that blacks and whites alike were entitled to the rights it spelled out."

Lincoln A Photobiography, is an exceptional look into Lincolns life. This book gives and accurate, and fair portrayal of Lincolns life. A picture is worth a thousand words, and these with in the book make it a very detailed story. The book covers many aspects of his life. His life growing up, how he got involved in politics and law, his ideals, the war, and his time in the white house. I really enjoyed this book because it not only gave you an insight into the things he accomplished in his time. But more about who the man was, and shares quotes from newspapers of the time. I also love how tall Lincoln was, being a tall person myself."A tall spider of a boy" I always feel a certain connection with other tall folks (pg.10).
I also really admire how self taught, and dedicated Lincoln was. Having a love for learning is not something you can fake, Lincoln was dedicated to everything he did. From Law, to the War, to his politics. Lincoln also had a firm belief that slavery was not okay, and he stood by it. I really admire this, for often politicians try to do the popular thing and please everyone. Lincoln had firm beliefs. This book also talks about how Lincoln never disciplined his children, which is a different side of the president people never saw. But I think this is so key to this Photo biography. These things show he is human, and makes him relate able.

Recommended to: This is book for older children, as some images are graphic, and the reading level is higher. But so informative about our great President.
Problems: like I just mentioned some graphics show the war accurately, and war is never an easy thing to view.
My Reaction: I love photography, and seeing how much it has developed through this book was really neat. I also really enjoyed learning so much about Lincolns life. I recently watched an Oprah special where the Michelle Obama took Oprah on a tour of the white house. It was very staged but even just seeing he has giant dogs made him feel more human. Reading an entire book made me have even more respect for Lincoln and all that he did.

Hip-Hop Dancing

Hip-Hop Dancing
By: Joan Freese
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 8-12

"This Dance (Breaking) was bore here, right in the south Bronx, and how many other dances have been created over the past 25 years that have survived this long? It's a true American Art form."- Richie Colon "Crazy Legs"

Hip Hop Dancing is an informational book about, yes you guessed it Hip Hop Dancing. This book had a lot more information than what I thought a dancing book for children could have. First it goes over the history of the dance, where it was created and what has changed. It then talks about how international it has become, in our videos, and television shows. The book talks about warming up first, and dressing the part. Finally it talks about the current styles of Hip- Hop today. Including popping, locking, and breaking. Which is now often called breakdancing, but still breaking by most breakers. It also has information on how to do some moves yourself, and places to get more instruction. What I really liked about this informational book, that is different than most. Is it has quotations through out it from real hip-hop dancers. Talking about why they love it, and how it began.

Recommended to: Anyone who loves dance.
Problems: It does use some generals, like when describing how hip-hop dancers dress. But in such a small and simple book. You have to use generals to get the basic information out there.
My Reaction: I was pleasantly surprised, I don't believe you can truly experience dance through a book. But I like that this one encourages children to try out the moves for themselves. And stresses that the key to Hip-hop is putting your own flare on the moves.

Ben's Trumpet

Ben's Trumpet
Written & Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora
Copyright: 1979
Pages: 40
Reading Level: 4-8

"But most of all Ben thinks the trumpeter is the cat's meow."

Ben's Trumpet is a simple story with a powerful effect, because of the illustrations. Rachel Isadora's story is completely in black and white. But the details are amazing. I'm not sure what style it is, but I believe its a scratch or dot drawings sometimes.
I think she uses several styles in her illustrations.
The story is of a young boy who plays his trumpet every night outside the Zig Zag Jazz Club. He loves this club and visits everyday after school. He admirers all the members of the band but especially the trumpeter. Ben plays for his whole family, and one day he was sitting on the steps playing away and the trumpeter says to him " I like your horn." Ben smiles as he walks away. One night he is "blasting away at his trumpet" and some kids see him and ask him what he is doing. After he tells them they laugh and say "Man, you're crazy! You got no trumpet!" Ben puts his hands back into his pockets and walks slowly home. That night during their break the band comes walking out of the club, the trumpeter see's Ben and asks where his trumpet has gone. "I don't have one," Ben says. So he brings Ben back to the club so he can try his out.

Recommended to: Older children, I don't think young children would be able to appreciate the illustrations.
Problems: The book shows his baby brother nude.
My Reaction: This is an awesome book. Not only do you want to go to the Zig Zag Jazz Club after, but you want to take a stab at your very own invisible trumpet. And if I haven't said it enough, the illustrations are amazing. Cover is my favorite because it shows Ben and in his shadow it shows the trumpeter.

Where The Giant Sleeps

Where The Giant Sleeps
By: Mem Fox
Pictures by: Vladimir Radunsky
Copyright: 2007
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

"But here the elves are wide awake-
sewing with all their might,"

This is my second book by Mem Fox, and has such a different feel for it, because of the illustrations. This book is one you just have to pick up and look at yourself. The Illustrations are dreamy. I can't even describe them accurately. But I love this style. The books cover is of a little town that is in the shape of a Giant, Trees for hair, houses for eyes, and haystacks for buttons. This book is written like a little boys dreams, and at the end shows all the things in his room. Including his very own copy of the book. My very favorite pages are the last two. They say "But here the elves are wide awake- sewing with all their might," (and it shows a picture of little elves with giant needle and thread, trying to sew close the sky- over the moon) "to make a quilt of moon and stars to wrap you in...tonight." This page shows the boy fast asleep wrapped in his very own moon and stars blanket.

Recommended to: Bedtime story, the story is short and sweet. But it has beautiful illustrations that I could look at forever. Fun one to read to a child.
Problems: I couldn't find any, this book has Ogres and gremlins, which might scare little children, but they are illustrated so friendly I highly doubt it.
My Reaction: This is such a beautiful book. The Illustrations really just absorb you into the pages. This is a must have in my home.

Mi diario de aqui hasta alla

My Diary from Here to There: Mi diario de aqui hasta alla
Story/ Cuento: Amanda Irma Perez
Illustrations/Illustraciones: Maya Christina Gonzalez
Copyright: 2002
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 9-12

"Never forget who you are and where you are from. Keep your language and culture alive in your diary and in your heart."
"Que nunca se te olvide quien eres y de donde vienes. manten siempre vivo en tu corazon y en tu diario tu lenguaje y tu cultura"

This book is a true immigration story of Amanda Irma Perez. She and her family immigrated to the United States after her dad found a job here, and got there green cards. The book is wrote in Diary entries, and has both Spanish and English translations. This allows not only people who speak both languages to enjoy the story but learn words from both English and Spanish. The Illustrations in this book are beautiful, done by Maya Christina Gonzalez. Her use of color is brilliant.
The Journey Amanda and her family take is a rough one, but she seems to be the only one affected as she is surrounded by her brothers. Who seem excited to move to America. She is the only one who is scared. They first move to their Grandmothers house, then through several Aunt's home because no one can handle her five brothers. There father eventually gets the Green cards, and they travel to America to meet her father. They hold hand the entire way. And finally reach her father missing a shoe and a hat. Amanda misses Mexico, but learns she can be strong and finds she can still express her culture no matter where she is.

Recommended to: Both Spanish and English reader, I think both can learn a great deal from this book.
Problems: This book shows the difficulty in Immigrating.
My Reaction: I really enjoyed this. In high school I took Spanish, however I remember VERY little. So it was fun reading the Spanish and picking out words I remember, and looking to the English for the words I didn't. This book does an excellent job illuminating the worries someone might face when moving. Especially to a different country.

Cinder Edn

Cinder Edna
By: Ellen Jackson
Illustrated by: Kevin O'Malley
Copyright: 1994
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

"Oh. Well can you name sixteen different kinds of tuna casserole?"
"Of course," she said, and she begun to name them. She rattled off fifteen different kinds , including tuna casserole with pickled pigs feet, and then she stopped. What was that last one anyways?
"Only fifteen," said Rupert, turning to go.
"Well, maybe I can't name sixteen kinds of tuna casserole," said Edna. "But I do know a great joke about a kangaroo from Kalamazoo."
Rupert stopped in his tracks.
"My Love!" he said. He gave her a kiss. "Will you marry me?"

I'm still surprised every time I read a new Cinderella story. I also love them more and more each time. The silly twist, and the meaningful messages people add to the classic fairy tale is just splendid. This version, Cinder Edna is especially funny and cleaver. The story is about two girls, Cinderella and her neighbor Cinder Edna. They both have horrid stepmother, and stepsister that make them work all day. However at night Cinderella sits by the fire, and Cinder Edna learns new jokes, and casserole recipes, and cleans bird cages for a little money on the side. A Royal ball is announced and both Cinder Ella and Edna get there sisters ready, and when Cinder Ella is finished she sits by the fire and cries. Cinder Edna had used her money saved up for a dress, so she put it on along with her loafers and was ready to dance. Cinder Ella's Godmother luckily was passing by and transformed her into a beautiful gown, and gave her glass slippers. But then she cried how will I get there, fairy Godmother, disappointed that her Goddaughter could not even figure a way to the ball, she transformed a pumpkin and mice into a horse and carriage. Cinder Edna took the bus. They both arrived and everyone though Cinder Ella was a princess, and the prince asked her to dance. Cinder Edna arrived and as his royal obligation, the prince went to greet Cinder Edna, she found him extremely boring. Just then his brother swoops in and says we recycle here. The Prince tells Cinder Edna to just ignore him, however she hands him her cup and they begin to dance. They find out that they have everything in common, and both know the best jokes. The Clock strikes 12, and they both escape to there rides in time. The Princes run after then but end up running into each other on the steps. The Prince distraught for he has lost his only love. His brother replies " Well, didn't you get her name?" asked Rupert impatiently. "The one I love is named Edna." They both end up finding there Cinders, the Prince by trying to fit feet into the glass slipper he found, and his brother by going to the house where Edna's live. They both marry, and you can "guess who lived happily ever after."

Recommended to: Anyone who has read Cinderella. Its hilarious and you realize how silly Cinderella might have been.
Problems: None
My Reaction: I love this book, in case you couldn't already tell. The Illustrations are so unique, and awesome. The last page has Edna and Rupert laughing at a silliest joke book ever, and they have a cat crawling on top of them, Rupert's glasses are about to fly off. And they just look so happy. Loved, loved, loved this book.

Mary Smith

Mary Smith
By: Andrea U'ren
Copyright: 2003
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8



"For SHAME!" gasps Mary Smith.
"We really must work on your aim!"

Mary Smith is a picture book based on a real person. Mary Smith. She was the town "knocker-up", who is the person who wakes people up before there were alarm clocks. Most people would come to your house with a long lightweight pole which the were tap and scratch your window with. However Mary Smith had a very different way of doing it. She would shoot dried peas from a rubber tube at your window, till you woke up. So this book is hilariously illustrated book. Mary Smith seems like such a character. The story is of her going about town waking everyone up, and then she returns home to find her daughter still in bed. She cries for her to wake up, people wont trust her to wake them up, if she can't even get her own daughter to school on time. However her daughter explains that its not that she is late at all, she went to school but was sent home. Because Timothy was sleeping, so she tried to wake him up but she missed and hit the teacher instead. The mother cries "For Shame!" but then says "We really must work on your aim!" This is a fun, cute, and colorful story.

Recommended to: Everyone this is a family friendly book.
Problems: The only problem I could see, is that this might encourage children to make pea shooters of there own.
My Reaction: I just grabbed this book off the shelf because the cover is just so darn cute. This Mary Smith, is a big, and I imagine just a lovable women. And my favorite part of the book is a real picture of Mary Smith from 1927, and it looks just like the drawling. This book offers such a fun way to learn about an interesting fact in history.

A Single Shard

A Single Shard
By: Linda Sue Park
Copyright: 2001
Pages: 160
Reading Level: 9-12

"Tree-ear's eyes filled with tears. He bent to pick up another piece of laundry. Ajima meant something like "Auntie"; it was a term of great affection, reserved only for older kinswomen. Tree-ear was kin to no one, and yet Min's wife wishes for him to call her Aijima. He did not even know if he could say the word.
"Well Tree-ear?" The gentle teasing had returned to her voice. "Do you agree to my conditions?"
Tree-ear nodded. He spoke from behind the clothes that flapped on the line. "I agree," he said, then faltered. His voice fell to a whisper. "I agree- Aijima."

A Single Shard is the story of an orphan boy, Tree-ear, who lives under the bridge with his friend Crane-man. Crane-man gets his name because he only has one good leg to hobble around on. The two live under the bridge, and have to search for food to survive. Every so often Tree-ear goes to watch Min, one of the greatest potters in the town. As Tree-ear has learned the days are he works at the wheel. However this day was different. Min had gone back inside, and Tree-ear decided to take a closer look. After picking up an ornate box, Min reappears startling Tree-ear and he drops the box to the floor. Tree-ear is a very honorable person, and offers to work off his debt, as he can't pay.
Min finally agrees, and Tree-ears journey of hard work begins. Tree-ear, chops wood, gets the clay for the pots, and drains the clay. He repeats this process week after week. In the hopes that Min will one day teach him. Min's wife takes very good care of Tree-ear, and feeds him and his friend Crane-man, as well as clothes him in the cold winters. There friendship grows into a strong bond, and she eventually asks him to call her Aijima, which means something like Aunt in our culture.
One day Tree-ear hears that the Emissary is coming and is going to commission someone to create pottery for the royal family. Tree-ear knows that Min is the best in the village, but one night secretly finds out that Kang has found a new technique to create designs. Crane-man gives Tree-ear great wisdom not to tell Min till Kang reveals it to the world. So he doesn't and the Emissary decides to hire Kang, but comes to Min to ask him to try the new technique because he knows his work is much better. Min being to old to make the journey Tree-ear offers.
On Tree-ears journey he is robbed, and the vases are shattered. The title of the book comes in the play here. When Tree-ear picks up a single shard from the beautiful vases and shows it to the Emissary. With the shard and the story of how it became that way, Min is hired. Once they return Min's wife is joyful to see he has returned safely. But when he goes to Min with the wonderful news he is not as happy. For he has bad news for Tree-ear. While he was away Crane-man passes, and they find him holding the Monkey Tree-ear has made for him.
However the story has a happy end, as Min and his wife bring Tree-ear into there home. Mins wife gives him a new name, and Min teaches Tree-ear how to use the wheel.

Recommended to: Children interested in culture. Either if this is there own culture, or another.
Problems: It shows the horrible conditions that Tree-ear had to live in, and what many homeless children have to face.
My Reaction: I will admit it was very slow getting into the story, but once I was involved in Tree-ears life I couldn't put it down. Read right through it. I think this book does a wonderful job at describing the element of father to son traditions. And tying culture into such a beautiful story. It also shows the importance and love felt when you feel like you belong.

A Year Down Yonder

A Year Down Yonder
by: Richard Peck
Copyright: 2000
Pages: 130
Reading Level: 9-12

"You old busybody buzzard," he growled at Grandma.
"How'd you get in?"
"Your kitchen door's in the yard, you ossified old owl-hoot," Grandma yelled, returning fire. "I come to rob you blind."

A Year Down Yonder is a story of a 15 year old girl going to live with her grandma. Mary Alice's father had lost his job, and they couldn't afford to have her living with them anymore. So Mary Alice, a girl from Chicago goes to Illinois to live with her Grandma Dowdel. She has spent every summer down there before, but this time it was for the whole year, and Mary had no idea what was in store. In school she right off the bat makes an enemy, luckily Grandma Dowdel takes care of her.
Mary Alice learns that Grandma though has "Eyes in the back of her heart", she can also be ruthless. Especially with the poor boys trying to play there Halloween tricks. Mary Alice also learns to cook from her Grandma, often with other people pumpkins and pecans. Through out the story Grandma is constantly doing little things of service, and we see that she truly cares about those close to her life.
Mary Alice early on makes a friend Ina-Rae, and for Valentines Day we see a little bit of Grandma coming out of Mary Alice. They decide to play a trick on Carleen Lovejoy. The day of Valentines day Ina- Rae finds on her desk three love letters. We later find out they are from the one and only Mary Alice, but Carleen doesn't know this. Mary Alice eventually works up the courage to ask out the cutest boy in school, Royce McNabb. The Sunday he comes over things go less than planned and an unexpected guest drops in on Maxine Patch who was "naked- nude" posing (for the artist Arnold Green.) Maxine Patch comes running down the stairs with only a large snake wrapped around her. That seems to be the end of Mary Alice's and Royce's study date. However at the end of the year party they manage to sit together on the hayride. And years later they are married.

Recommended to: I think this is a fun read for anyone. Most people can relate to spending time with Grandma. I know mine is often mean but I know she has "Eyes in the back of her heart."
Problems: In the book the bully of the town has a child and abandons it during the school play, so this may be something parents need to discuss with there children.
My Reaction: This is such a fun book. Its a quick read, and doesn't dwell on details. Its just one fun story after another. Also would be a fun one to read with your daughter or granddaughter.

Tony Hawk

Discover The Life of A Sports Star: Tony Hawk
By: David and Patricia Armentrout
Copyright: 2005
Pages: 24
Reading Level: 8-12

This is a very simply but effective biography.Tony Hawk is a skateboard legend. This book celebrates his life and achievements. Shows he was a goal driven hard worker, achieving the 900. When no one thought it was possible. It also describes he is a happy family man, while still achieving his dreams.
Many argue that we should portray both the good and bad about the people who are going to be our children's role models. However I disagree, many people don't have major issues. So searching out those to prove they are real people isn't always helpful to children. However I love that in this book they talk about all the practice Tony Hawk has to do to become as good as he is. And it also talks about his first competition. At his very first competition, even after lots of practice he ended up failing, and leaving before it was over. It then goes on to say how choose to learn form the experience and grow and build from that.

Recommended to: Skateboarding enthusiast, as well as little boys just looking for someone to look up to.
Problems: None, this is a simple biography however its extremely appropriate for the age level.
My Reaction: I really liked it, enjoyed the layout and content, it always has lots of really neat photography's.

Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted
By: Gail Carson Levine
Copyright: 1997
Pages: 240
Reading Level: 9-12

"I want to be your forever and beyond, but you write that you are too young to marry or too old or too short or too hungry- until I crumple your letter up in despair, only to smooth them out again for the twelfth reading, hunting for hidden meanings."

Ella Enchanted is a story of a baby blessed with a curse. The Blessing of Obedience. As a young girl her mother passes away, leaving her with the one command to never tell anyone of the curse. At her mothers funeral she meets Prince Char and there friendship begins. Ella's father is a merchant and is rarely home, so him and Ella don't really have any sort of relationship. Ella's cook, Mandy soon tells her that she is a fairy, but can only do little magic. Which doesn't involve bringing her mother back to life, no matter how Ella pleads. Ella is soon sent to Finishing School. Where she meets Areida, who has an Ayorthian accent. The soon become good friends, and Areida even teaches Ella Ayorthian. Ella easily picks up languages, and knows how to say several things in many languages.
The trouble with Ella's curse starts when she meets Hattie, who is Dame Olga's daughter along with Olive. Hattie discovers that Ella must do anything she commands, but doesn't know why. As she is shipped of to Finishing School with these two, Hattie makes her life often miserable. And the final straw is when she commands Ella to never be friends with Areida ever again.
Ella devises a plan to run away when she sees that Lucinda and her father might be at a Giants wedding. She escapes in the middle of the night, taking Hattie's wig with her. On her journey she has two very pleasant day but then runs into Ogres and they read her thoughts and know she must be obedient. So they take her with them till they can find more food, to make the meal complete. At night she tries to run away, but after being commanded to stay she is overwhelmed by the curse and cannot leave. Knowing how persuasive Ogres can be she learns there language. In the morning she is able to charm them back to sleep convincing them they are to full to eat her as well.
The Prince soon rides up, and they capture the sleeping Ogres.
Prince Char sends Ella with an escort to Giant Ville for the wedding. She makes it in time and finds Lucinda. However she becomes very frightened when hearing how she is constantly turning those who reject her gift into squirrels. So she pretends to only speak and understand Ayorthiana. Lucinda commands Ella to be happy about her gift, and so Ella becomes ecstatic to follow orders. And is even thrilled when her father reports that she will have to marry a wealthy man, to solve there money problems.
However when the Wealthy Man appears to have lost everything, her father turns to marrying Dame Olga himself. At the wedding Ella escapes from Lucinda, and Prince Char finds her hiding. They bond by searching for hidden passageways, and sliding down railings.
There friendship becomes more when they continually write letters to one another. However when Prince Char confesses his love, Ella realizes she cannot be with him. Because it would be bad for the kingdom. Not being able to tell Char the truth, she writes him pretending to be Hattie. She writes him telling him that she has already wed, and was only playing with the Prince as a form of entertainment.
Both heart-broken, they stop writing. However when news of a Formal three day Ball is announced, Ella cant help but go. Hidden by a mask. She can't stand seeing the Prince with all the other girls, and introduces herself. Quickly winning him over. Eventually on the third night, Hattie overcome with jealousy rips off her mask. She is revealed, and runs home unable to face Char. In the process losing the very glass slipper her and Char found in the abandoned castle.
Prince Char arrives at her house with the slipper saying he will marry the woman who it belongs to. Both sister try with no luck. Ella refuses to marry Char knowing the curse who destroy the kingdom somehow. However in rejecting the Prince she overcomes the curse. "When you asked for my hand a few minutes ago, I was still too young to marry." I looked up at him and saw a smile start. "I'm older now, so much older that not only can I marry, but I can beg you to marry me." I knelt and took his hand.
He didn't let me kneel before him. He pulled me up and kissed me again. I took that to signify his consent.
The End

Recommend to: Everyone! Maybe boys might not enjoy this as much. But it still has adventure and mystical creatures. Maybe I'm bias but I think this a book everyone would love.
Problems: It shows a broken family, where the Dad is never around. And a evil step-mother.
My Reaction: Loved this book. So fun with all the languages, and thinking up all the things the curse makes Ella do. So detailed. I absolutely loved Prince Char's letter. I'm a sucker for Romance.

Killer Dinosaurs

KILLER DINOSAURS
by: Andrew Goldsmith
Copyright: 2006
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 8-12

"Fright Factor:
The sight of this killer charging at you would probably frighten you to death."

Killer Dinosaurs, is the ultimate Non-Fiction Dinosaur book. Its layout is so fun with information on one side of the page. A big picture in the middle, and on the other side is Extreme Scores. Which scores each area like Mobility, body mass, jaw power, fright factor, hunting skills, and give a "Total Score" out of 50. It has the top 10 frightening Dinosaurs, and then it has additional ones which were close, but didn't make the cut. They also have an area for Stats making it fun for boys to compare and talk about. As any good non-fiction book it also has a glossary of words you might not know.

In its introduction it also talks about why they rated those key things why body mass is important to a Dinosaur, or how there hunting skills were rated. Based on in a pack, or alone. Waiting for the ambush or constantly on the prowl. Another neat feature of this book is pictures of real fossils and bones found and included in the book. Bringing to life the knowledge just learned.

Recommended to: All Children, but especially little boys. Its a super fun informational book, about everyone's favorite thing. Dinosaurs.
Problems: Some of the things it rates might make children scared.
My Reaction: Favorite Non-Fiction book so far, it took a subject with is always fun to learn about. And made it more fun and exciting.

Louella Mae, She's Run Away!

Louella Mae, She's Run Away!
By: Karen Beaumount Alarcon
Illustrated by: Rosanne Litzinger
Copyright: 2002
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

"Fetch the ol' hound dog!
Fetch all your kin!
Louella Mae's run away again!

She's not in the cornfields!
She's not in the hay!
Where, oh where, is Louella Mae?"

Louella Mae, has run away. This cleaver rhyming book is the search for Louella Mae. They look in the cornfields, and the hay. They call the neighbors, and the kin, to find Louella Mae. No luck, so they "round up the horses", and "hitch up the team". They look by the stream, the tree, and the barn. They then go into the forest and find a great big bear, a deep ditch, and a well. The look on the ridge, and the bridge, and then they give up and decide Louella Mae really is gone. The get inside the house and find Louella Mae, the pig, hiding in the tub.
This book is so cleaver, because the whole time you are thinking they are looking for a little girl Louella Mae. Or at least that is what I thought, So I was very surprised to find that it was pig that cause all that trouble and searching.

Recommend to: Everyone, this is a great bedtime story because the rhymes are silly and soothing.
Problems: At one point in the illustrations there is a little girl falling out of the wagon, and throughout the book the little girl is some what ignored. Its a little sad.
My Reaction: Loved it, I picked it off the shelf when I saw the title. My name is Martha Mae, so I love the name. And I feel even more in love when I found out it was a pig, not the little girl I was expecting. I also was very interested to read another children's book by Karen Beaumont. It was similar but the illustrations were so different it felt completely new. Having the publisher always pick the illustrator makes me wonder what they would choose. Because both seemed to fit perfectly for the writing. Yet they were both completely different.

Move Over, Rover!

Move Over, Rover!
By: Karen Beaumont
Illustrated by: Jane Dyer
Copyright: 2006
Pages: 40
Reading Level: 4-8

Move Over, Rover! Is a fun story of Rover the dog and some unlikely friends. The story starts with Rover sitting in his dog house wishing he had friends to play with, in the wonderful sunny weather. It then begins to pour and there is lightening. So as Rover is sleeping the Cat comes up and says, "Move over, Rover!". Rover lets her in, and soon Raccoon comes over and says "Skit-scat, Cat! Move over, Rover!" so they let him in.Then squirrel, and Blue Jay, Snake, and Mouse come along. And each time they let them in, except Mouse. They have a "full house" by the time mouse gets there. Then they all smell an awful smell and "scamper, scurry!" from the doghouse. Then we see skunk all alone in the doghouse, sleeping right through the storm.
After the storm has past all the animals come back out from there new hiding places, and wonder where Rover is. We then see Rover in his doghouse.
"...chewing on a bone.
Soaked and sopping,
tail flip-flopping,
happy he's alone!"

Recommended to: All animal lovers, or any children at all. The animals are so fun.
Problems: Maybe parents might feel its teaching to be rude, since the animals demand to be let inside the doghouse. But at the same time it teaches sharing.
My Reaction: The illustrations are beautiful in this book. And it was fun to go back to the first page and find all the animals I didn't see the first time. Many of the animals are hidden in the grass or leaves so look close, to find them all.

Love That Dog

Love That Dog
By: Sharon Creech
Copyright: 2001
Pages: 128
Reading Level: 8-12

"March 1
Yes
you can type up
the yellow dog poem
that looks like a dog
but this time
keep the spaces
exactly
the same
and maybe
it would look
really really good
on yellow paper."

This is a fun book, it is written all in poetry by a young boy, Jack. Jack at first is very much against poetry saying it is only for girls. Then he kind of starts to like poetry, but makes his teacher promise to not read it out loud or put it on the board. He slowly keeps exploring poetry and learns he is kind of good at it. He imitates several other poems, and finds that he really likes it. Soon he allows his teacher to post his on the board, and get embarrassed when all the other children tell him good job. He writes most of his poems about his yellow dog, sky. Who he writes called out to him at the pound saying "Pick me! Pick me!" We then soon find out that his dog was run over by a blue truck, the very same blue truck he writes about at the beginning. The teacher then encourages Jack to write to Mr. Walter Dean Myers. And ask him to come to the class and talk about his poems. But plans to hide his one that it written just like Walter Dean Myers. He comes and the whole class loves it, especially Jack. He ends up mailing him a Thank you note, and including his poem Love That Dog which was inspired by Mr. Walter Dean Myers.

Recommend to: Anyone not excited about poetry, or anyone who is. The book made me want to write constantly in poems.
Problems: He does talk about his Dog dying which might make some children sad.
My Reaction: This was such a fun read, the style is unlike any other book I have ever read. It was like very cute and well done. I really felt like I was reading a child's journal full of poems.

Heckedy Peg

Heckedy Peg
by: Audrey Wood
Illustrated by: Don Wood
Copyright: 1992
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

Heckedy Peg is a folktale book, about Seven children and there mother. The Children's names are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Their mother leaves the house to run some errands,and since the children had been so good that morning she told them they could ask for anything they wanted and she would bring it to them. Monday asked for a tub of butter, Tuesday asked for a pocket knife, and so on. She kissed her children goodbye, and told the children to not let anyone inside the house. As they were playing and witch hobbled by the road and called to the children and said
" I'm Heckedy Peg.
I've lost my leg.
Let me in!"
The children reply "We can't". Heckedy Peg finally convinces the children to lit her pipe in exchange for gold. When they light her pipe she turns the children into food. Monday bread, Tuesday a pie, Wednesday milk, and so on. So she gathered the food into her cart and carried it home. Soon the mother returns to find her children gone, a bird who has seen the whole things chirps "follow me!" So she does. Just as Heckedy Peg is about to eat her new supper there is a knock at the door, the mother tricks the witch and gets all her children back safe.

Recommended to: Slightly older children, it can be very scary. Also read right before bed wouldn't be my choice.
Problems: Leaving your children home alone, might be against some people values.
My Reaction: I kind of had mixed feelings for this book. I love how cleaver the story is, but the illustrations and general story is rather creepy. How she jumps off a bridge at the end, seems a little violent. But most folktales are so I think its perfect for its genera.

Dog and Bear

Dog and Bear: Two Friends, Three Stories
by: Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Copyright: 2007
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

This book is a different style than I have seen before. Its a picture book with three short stories with in. All about a dog and a bear. First one is Bear in the Chair, and is the story of a Bear stuck in a chair. The Dog tries to help the Bear get over his fear and allows him to slide down his back. They are trying to get down because they want to go outside to play. But they then realize that he has left his scarf on the chair. So they play indoors.
The next story is called "Play with Me! Play with Me!" And is where dog tries and tries to get bear to play with him. However Bear is reading a story, which happens to be about them. After Bear finishes the story he realizes that Dog just wants to be his friend and play with him. So when he finally stops reading to play with dog he asks "what shall we do?". Dog relies with "Read to Me! Read to Me!"
The final story is called "Dog Changes His Name." This story is about Dog he feels like his name is to boring. He thinks of many names but every time Bear thinks about it and doesn't think it fits him very well. His first idea is spot, but bear says "But you don't have any spots." So they finally decide on "My Best Friend Dog", "or just Dog for short".

Recommended to: Younger children. Its kind of fun because it has several stories so you get to know Dog and Bear more.
Problems: When Dog is trying to find a new name, Bear sort of tells him that he can't be a champ, or a prince, and what not. And that is not the best message to be sending to children.
My Reaction: This story was a little to simple for my personal taste. But it had fun illustrations. I don't think its something I would ever purchase, but if I ever found it in the library it would be good to read to a small child.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Where the Sidewalk Ends
Poems and drawings by: Shel Silverstein
Copyright: 2004
Pages:192

Invitation
"If you are a dreamer, come in,
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
A hope-re, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer...
If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire
For we have some flax-golden tales to spin.
Come in!
Come in!"

Shel Silverstein is the reason I loved poetry as a child. His cleaver and super creative poems are so fun. I remember just sitting in the library with my friends giggling and trying to keep quiet. It still makes me laugh, but I think different poems stood out to me now that I'm older. Shel Silverstein's, Where the Sidewalk Ends is so genius and fun because it has these fun abstract drawings. People with skinny arms, and super long necks, and long- haired boys who can fly over cities. His poems are all different, long, short, deep, and silly. Shel Silverstein has an amazing ability to connect with children, relate to them in a way not many can.

Recommended to: Everyone, there is a poem in here for everyone.
Problems: There are some silly poems which could easily offend someone.
My Reaction: I love this book, and all of his poems. It brings back so many childhood memories, and I can't wait to share it with my children.

Hands

Hands
By: Lois Ehlert
Copyright: 1997
Pages: 20
Reading Level: 4-8

Fun, interactive book, with photographs of vintage everyday objects. Its fun because as she is talking about gardening you are turning the page which is in the shape of a garden glove. Its a simple story of a child learning how to use her hands, which different tools and to do different things. She helps both her father and mother, and decides that one day she wants to be an artist. This book is super fun because the whole book is in the shape of a work glove, and then when you open it up each page is different. Some pages you lift up or open up to the side, so as a child reads it they too are using there hands exploring the pages.

Recommended to: Children ages 4 and up, its some what delicate. As even the copy in our library has some tape repair on it. I can see it easily being destroyed in the hands of a young child.
Problems: It kind of assumes the roles of parents are the mother sews and the father builds things.
My reaction: I really liked it, the vintage look makes it a very hip book. I also really liked the concept of it, and love any book with flip up pages and hidden surprises.

C is for Coyote

C is for Coyote: A Southwest Alphabet Book
Photographs by: Art Wolfe and Gavriel Jecan
Text by: Andrea Helman
Copyright: 2002
Pages:32
Reading Level: 4-8

This is how a educational book should be. This books layout is so fun, makes it a breeze to look though all the letters. Its simple yet fun, and all around educational. This is fun because it is specific for the Southwest Dessert. It mentions different animals, parks, and even the Native American people who live there. The photographs are brilliant in this book, and really show the beauty of the dessert. There is an informational paragraph with each letter and picture. However they aren't full of dry information but are written like they were talking to there best friend. Making them fun to read, and easy to understand. My favorite was D is for Dune. "Like rippled white snow, huge mounds of sand form dunes at White Sands National Monument. The dunes are always on the move as strong winds blow the sparkly crystals up one side and w h o o s h! Down the other."

Recommended to: Children from all over the world, many wont have the chance to visit the Southwest and a chance to see the beauty it offers is one of a kind.
Problems: I didn't find any.
My Reaction: Beautiful photographs, and a fun layout. An example of a perfect children's non- fiction.

Why Are Animals Red?

Why Are Animals Red?
by: Melissa Stewart
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

This is a beautiful book, full of bright red photography. I really liked how simple it was. Making the reading level lower, and the comprehension a lot higher. Why are animals red, gives a wide selection of animals from all over the world. And explains just that, why each one is red. Some for protection, others for attracting mates, and some are red as a warning to the animals around them. Unlike a lot of informational books this one limits the writing, and only shares the key information for each animal. Making it easy for children to stay focused throughout the book.

Recommended to: Any child, the information is easy to grasp, and then would also be fun to share with there friends.
Problems: It does only share limited information, so if a child need to do a project and was looking for lots of information they would need to find an additional source.
My Reaction: I liked it, the photographers displayed what was being mentioned in the paragraph next to them, making it a good addition. Its also has a clean layout, making it easy to find what you're looking for.

Hybrid Cars

Our Environment: Hybrid Cars
By: Kareen D. Povey
Copyright: 2006
Pages:48
Reading Level: 9-12

Hybrid Cars is a very informative book, going over many issues involving cars a daily part of our lives. I is meant for children with a glossary in the back with words that might be more difficult, however the information may not be as important for those who don't drive, let along purchase cars. However they did an excellent job covering both sides both the pros and cons of Hybrids. They also talk about several other options and other ways to save on fuel, and money. They also talk about smog, and statics of the causes and prevention. They talk about how Hybrids are more expensive to buy and might not be a reasonable solution for everyone. I actually enjoyed reading this book, because I learned a lot about Hybrids that I didn't know. I knew they were beneficial for the environment, however not how they work or the differences in Hybrids.

Recommended to: Children who want to know more. If they aren't interested in the subject they wont bother reading or learning anything. However this is easy to understand and has the perfect about of detail, for a child who wants to be informed.
Problems: This book looks like it was created many years ago, when it was really created in 2006, so I probably wouldn't pick it up if I was a child. Making the information useless if no one reads it.
My Reaction: I was actually surprised that there was a book all about Hybrid cars. In this Internet age it always surprises me that there are still books made with this important information. However I wish the information was presented in a more fun way.

Letter Sounds

Kathy Ross Crafts: Letter Sounds
By: Kathy Ross
Illustrated by: Jan Barger
Copyright: 2002
Pages: 64
Reading Level: 4-8

When I first picked up this book I didn't read the front well enough, apparently. I thought it was going to just learning letter sounds. However this is a book filled with creative craft ideas for young children. And each craft goes along with a letter, and that is how it teaches the letter sounds. This is such a fun idea, combining letters and crafts. There are many letters in the alphabet so there are for sure some creative projects in this book. One that I just laughed and loved was Ii is for...Icy Ice Skates. Its a project where you create ice skates for your favorite doll by freezing them in a small container of water. Then (with parent permission) you can glide the doll over a waterproof floor, and then will slip and slide all over the place. The really cool thing about this craft book is it used everyday objects, that you will most likely already have around the house. Each project is so different teaching different medians of art as well.

Recommended to: Mothers, what a fun source of creative ideas for those rainy days. Crafts can often get messy but isn't it worth it if they are learning while making it.
Problems: All the children in this book are white, but that is only someone looking for a problem. I'm pretty sure no one else would have even noticed.
My Reaction: I was surprised by how cleaver all of these were. They were also very age appropriate, and most of the time taught a word or animal along with each letter. This is definitely a book I'll be getting for my children.

Button Girl

Button Girl: More than 20 Cute-as-a-Button Projects
By: Mikyla Bruder
Photographs by: Scott M. Nobles
Copyright: 2005
Pages: 64
Reading Level: 9-12

Button Girl is a cute crafty book, filled with ideas. I really liked this craft book because it first teaches a skill, of sowing buttons, as well as creativity. And at the same time it teaches a little history, explaining how buttons have gone from bones, to very expensive high class display of nobility, to now commonplace things we rarely thing about. This book is simple enough for older children to actually do the crafts, but involve some prep and purchasing. Which is a great opportunity for bonding with parents. This book has several sections that include gifts ideas, "button Bijoux", and even greeting cards.
My favorite project and one I want to try is the Button Ring, you take a flat button and buy a ring blank, and after roughening up the bottoms you hot glue the button on. And then you have a brand new ring, that easy.
Another project that is a little more complicated is Brenda's Button Necklace. It requires some more supplies, but the end result looks really cool. You use wire instead of string and string the buttons on to a wire necklace, making sure they all face forward. Then you dangle that from a single wire necklace.
There are many more cool ideas inside you will have to check out.

Recommended to: Girls and mothers, perfect projects for Saturday afternoons. Even has great ideas for birthday parties.
Problems: None here.
My Reaction: I remember getting books like this when I was a girl, I loved them. But also easily forgot about them. I would only get around to doing one or maybe two projects from each book. So I would recommend having them in an area they are easily seen and used.

Ice Skating

Ice Skating
By: Morgan Hughes
Copyright: 2005
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 8-12

This book probably could have been combined with another book. It had important information, but not enough to be its own book. This book had a lot of white space. It is part of a series from Junior Sport however I'm not sure they have found an efficient enough way to present the information. It's not a terribly long book, but I also wasn't really excited to see what came next. The best part of this book was every page or so they would include one neat fact. About the other information on the page. However I think that they should have included many more of these through out the book. Ice Skating, has the basics of figure, hockey, and speed skating. And includes the important differences in the blades. However I'm not sure how helpful any of this information would be to a beginner skater. And a skater who knows there stuff would be bored reading this.

Recommended to: For someone who wants a small introduction to different types of skating. But I only recommend this to someone who is ready to look more into it, as this book doesn't give enough information.
Problems: None I don't see how this could offend anyone.
My Reaction: As I kind of stated about, this has been my least favorite non-fiction. It has a catchy cover, but that is about all it has going for it. Would not start skating after reading this book.

Girls' Snowboarding

Girls' Snowboarding: Showing Off Your Style
by: Heather E. Schwartz
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 9-12

This is an eye grabbing informational book. At first I thought it was going to just be fact after fact, but it reads more like a how to. Which is really awesome. This book could get any girl excited to snowboard. I also really liked that fact, its written especially for young girls. This is important because I think it is currently a mainly male driven sport, so if this book can get girls excited and spread the word that's great. This book has awesome pictures, and the layout makes it fun and exciting to read. This book also has more information in the back, like fun facts and where to find more information for yourself. And any book that encourages further learning is great!

Recommended to: Young girls, this could get them excited to try a new hobby.
Problems: None, this shows you that its not only a lot of hard work, but also a lot of fun.
My Reaction: I picked this book off the shelf because it looked fun to read, I have personally tried snowboarding several times and am still no good. But this made me want to get back on the mountain and try again. It talked about some tricks you can try, which sound really fun.

Nicaragua

Countries of the World: Nicaragua
by: Janet Riehecky
Copyright: 2002
Pages: 24
Reading Level: 8-12

Countries of the World is a series that includes many countries all over the world. Nicaragua is the one I thought would be interesting, because it's a country I know very little about. The style of this book is very informative. It is done very simple, and neatly. Because of this it might not be the first book a child picks up to read. However it would be extremely helpful when writing a report or just wanting to learn a little quickly about this country. I would put this reading level a little bit higher, however a neat part of the book includes a section that explains the more challenging words. This same section also includes a hands on activity for the children to do, and a part to learn a little of the language. Also each page is organized into categories, and at the bottom has one important fact on each page, so it is easy to find key information. The coolest fact I found while reading this book is that Nicaragua celebrates there independence day on the same day as my birthday, September 15th.

Recommended to: Child doing country report. It would also be easy for a parent to read to child, and explain concepts. Its a fairly basic informational book.
Problems: It does show some of the problems Nicaragua faces, but it is reality. I think its important to not only learn about the food they eat, but what there real life living situations are.
My Reaction: This is a short and to the point book, even though it isn't eye catching the information is interesting. It also includes real life pictures which gives you a small insight into the country.

Children Just Like me

Children Just Like Me
By: Barnabas and Anabel Kindersley
Copyright: 1995
Pages: 80
Reading Level: 9-12

"If I could change anything in the world, I would make everything cheaper and I would make all the water clean- I hate the smell of dirty water." (Sarala from Tamil Nadu, India)

This is an informational book that takes a look into children's lives all over the world. This book doesn't try to show the lives of all children in that Country but just looks at one. And looks at it from there perspective. My favorite part of this book is when they quote each child talking about there country or family. They share about the food, religion, home, pets, and hobbies of each child. Barnabas and Anabel Kindersley visited 31 countries to make the book. UNICEF arranged most of the trip, they carried 242lb of equipment all over the world. Interviewing all of the children.

Recommend to: All children. This is a great way of learning all about the world.
Problems: None, this book does an excellent job at accurately portraying each child.
My Reaction: This was the great book, even for me. I learned so much, and it has so much information that I can pick it up again and again.

The Story of Ruby Bridges

The Story of Ruby Bridges
By: Robert Coles
Illustrated by: George Ford
Copyright: 1995
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

"Please, God, try to forgive those people.
Because even if they say those bad things,
They don't know what they're doing.
So you could forgive them..."

This is a true story of Ruby Bridges, who was one of the first African American girls to be chosen to go to an all white school. This book is that story. It starts with a little background, her father lost his job on a farm and they moved to New Orleans. Both her parents worked very hard, and took them to church every Sunday. When Ruby was chosen her parents were very proud, because they knew how important this was. They prayed for strength for Ruby and as a family.
They knew that they would be faced with resistance, but I'm not sure anyone especially Ruby knew that this much resistance would then become part of her daily routine. The local police refused to escort Ruby, so the President called in federal marshals to escort Ruby through the very angry crowds. Everyday she was met with people yelling mean things at her, and not only that but she was also the only child left in the school. Since all the other parents refused t have their children attend school with a Black child. Miss Hurley, Ruby's teacher was also the only teacher that would teach Ruby. One morning Miss Hurley saw Ruby stop in front of the crowd and say something. When Ruby got inside, Miss Hurley asked what she had said to the screaming crowded. Ruby replied and told her she had said nothing to the people, she was praying for them. Like she did everyday, however this day was the first she had forgotten.

Recommended to: I think this is a great introduction to the problems our nation had, and continues to have with segregation. I think this would be best read in a classroom setting where it can be discussed.
Problems: This is a very gentle approach to a serious subject. However I don't think there is anything, wrong with this wonderful story.
My Reaction: I adored the illustrations in this book. The illustrations were amazingly beautiful for such an ugly period of our history. I think this is such an inspiring story for all children. What a change one child can make.

The Great Gilly Hopkins

The Great Gilly Hopkins
By; Katherine Paterson
Copyright: 1987
Pages: 160
Reading Level: 9-12

"To be real without any quotation marks. To belong and to possess. To be herself, to be the swan, to be the ugly duckling no longer- Cap O'Rushes, her disguise thrown off- Cinderella with both slippers on her feet- Snow White beyond the dwarfs- Galadriel Hopkins, come into her own."

The Story of The Great Gilly Hopkins, is a story of a foster child. And begins with her moving to a new home, Trotter's Home. Gilly is a child who has had to move a lot and thus she has discovered ways to protect herself both emotionally, and physically. She always finds a way to stay in control, and get what she wants. However its different this time, because Trotter doesn't seem bothered by her messy hair, or unmade bed. This makes her very upset, along with the fact that they have an African American man over for dinner almost every night, and her teacher is also Black. So she writes a letter to her mother pleading with her to take her away, for the horrible place she is living. Gilly receives a postcards from her mother, and takes it as her mothers way of saying how she really wants her to come live with her. So one day when she finds a wad of cash in Mr. Randolph's bookcase, Gilly devises a plan to go back into Mr. Randolph's house and look for more money. So that she could afford a ticket to go to her mother. She finds the money with the help of her friend Agnes, and little William Earnest. She sneaks out one night and goes to the train station where she gets picked up by the police. After Trotter brings her home she makes her return the money, to Mr.Randolph.
Gilly has a change of heart one week, when everyone gets sick other than her. She spends the whole week caring for everyone else, and slowly learns that she actually loves them. However it might be to late. That week a lady knocks on the door, Gilly soon finds out that this is her grandmother, and that she had heard about her letter, and was there to take her away. Gilly no longer even remembers the horrible things she wrote in the letter, and now wants to stay as she suddenly feels like she belongs and is loved. But she can't and her grandmother takes her away. Gilly learns that this is her new home and is where she now has to stay. She makes the best of the situation, but misses Trotter, William Earnest, and Mr.Randolph daily.

Recommend to: Anyone who doesn't feel loved, or fit it. Or really anyone could enjoy and find meaning in this book.
Problems: Gilly uses some language, which I feel is fitting for the book, but not for all age levels.
My Reaction: This was truthfully not my favorite book. I loved the message, however it was hard for me to personally relate. And I like a happier ending.

Star Girl

Star Girl
By: Jerry Spinelli
Copyright:2000
Pages: 208
Reading Level: Young Adult

"'Yeah. Why do you think there're eighteen pebbles in my wagon?' And then the last remaining space between our lips was gone and I was falling Headlong into her eyes, right there on Palo Verde after dinner. And I can tell you, that was no saint kissing me." (125)

Star Girl, is an adventure. Not in the normal sense of the word, but an adventure you take as a boy grows to love a girl. This isn't an ordinary girl, this is star girl. Star Girl is the new girl in school, and she is very new, and very different. At first Star Girl has the school in shock. No one understands this girl who wears long skirts, sings "Happy Birthday" with a ukulele, and carries a pet Rat Cinnamon in her book bag. One night at a football game, Star Girl takes over half time, dancing up and down the field, the next game the stands are back with the anticipation of seeing Star Girl. She is made into a cheerleader, and everyone falls under the spell of star girl. They cheer on each other for good grades, lift each other up when they are said, say hi to everyone in the hallways, and start going to every game. However the person that fell under Star Girls spell the most is Leo, he is the producer of the schools local show Hot Seat. Leo learns his fascination with this girl, is more an adoration. They begin to hangout, and he learns how to listen ans love. However the schools love for Star Girl began to fade. You see at these games Star Girl would root for not only their team but also the enemy. Or so the rest of the school thought when they started losing. It became so important that there school won, they (the rest of the school) began to boo the other team, and call them names. Then school began to turn against Star Girl, blaming her for there loss. Soon the whole school begins to shun Star Girl, ignoring her as if she never even existed. And shortly after when people realized Leo was her very own Mr. Star girl. They shunned him to. This becomes very difficult for Leo, never being disliked or shunned before. He struggles with the question "Whose affection do you value more, hers or the others." Eventually he talks to her about the problem and she decides to change, change for Leo. She dresses like them, doesn't sing happy birthday anymore, leaves Cinnamon at home, and most importantly she become Susan. Leo loves this change, and believes it will fix everything, however it doesn't. The students still ignore her, and Leo. Star Girl eventually goes back to being her true self. And the last thing she does is make an epic entrance at the schools dance, and finally makes the whole school like her again. Just before she disappears, Star Girl moves, and none of them see her ever again. However Leo never forgets this girl, Star Girl, who changed his life.

Recommended to: Freshman, or students about to head into the scary world known as high school. It teaches that it's okay to be different.
Problem: Shows how harsh High school can be, and a parent might not want to expose or scare there child.
My Reaction: I loved Star Girl, and now want to be her and Leo's friend. I really couldn't put this book down, reading it till the last second in each class, and late into the night. Awesome details, and an adorable love story. I really enjoy the balance of story telling, and dialogue.

Andersen- The Princess and the Pea

The Princess and the Pea
By: Hans Christian Andersen
1835

and
The Daisy
The Candles
The Ugly Duckling

"and the pea was put in the museum,
where it may still be seen, if no one has stolen it.
There, that is a true story."

This has always been a funny fairy tale to me, why would you want such a picky Princess. But none the less, a favorite. The story starts with a Prince searching for his Princess. He however has specific requirements she must fill, she must be a REAL Princess. One night after returning to his castle, and knock came at the door. It was a Princess however you couldn't tell how the wind and rain had made her look.
The Queen thinks quickly of a plan to test if she is a true Princess. So she takes all the bedding of the bed, and places a single pea and the very bottom. She then stacks 20 mattresses and 20 down-beds on top. They then send the Princess to sleep. In the morning the Queen promptly asks the Princess how she slept. She replies “Oh, very badly!” “I have scarcely closed my eyes all night. Heaven only knows what was in the bed, but I was lying on something hard, so that I am black and blue all over my body. It’s horrible!”
With this response the Queen knows that she is obviously a real princess, for only a princess could be that sensitive to a single pea. So her and the Prince were wed. And that Pea was put in a museum for everyone to see.

Recommended to: This is a short and sweet one, I think everyone even younger children could focus long enough for this tale.
Problems: Teaches to be picky like a Princess.
My Reaction: The ending to this tale, is my absolute favorite. Such a funny way to end a tale. To talk about how the Pea was put in a museum. Its the best line ever.

Asbjornsen- Boots and His Brothers

Boots and His Brothers
By: Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, and Jorgen Moe
1888

and
The Three Billy-Goats Gruff
Thumbikin
The Three Aunts

"Well, after all, Jack wasn't so much out of his mind when he took to wondering."

The Story of Boots and His Brothers is one I easily related to. Because even though I'm not a boy and don't have two brothers, I do have two siblings. And it always seems that we are in a constant competition. So this was a perfect tale where the least likely brother succeeds. In the story, the three brothers are told they must go out and make something of there lives, to provide for themselves. So they set out on there journey.
The near by King has the perfect kingdom except two things, first he doesn't have a well deep enough to hold water year round, and second a large tree casting shade on the castle. So the king proclaimed to all the land that anyone who could cut down the tree, and dig a hole for the well could have the Princess along with much wealth untold. Now this wasn't an easy task, for the tree every time a piece was cut, the tree would grow back three times thicker. And the kingdom was on a hill, and only a few feet below the surface was hard rock.
But the brothers decide to go out to try there luck anyways. On there journey Boots, or Jack wonders a lot and finds a magical Axe, spade/ shovel, and a walnut that water flowed out of. So they finally get to the kings tree, since every time someone tried cutting down the tree it only grew larger. The King proclaimed a punishment, anyone who was not successful would be banished to an island, and have his ears cut off. This didn't scare the first two brothers so they tried, and failed. The Third brother came along and cut it right down with the magical axe, as well as dug a well, and put the walnut which provided water year round. So the King gave him his daughter, the Princess along with half the kingdom.

My Recommendation: Fairly long fairy tale, but a good one for all.
Problems: Parents might not want to encourage competition between siblings.
My Reaction: As I said, I really relate to this one and like it because of that. I also like that all the tools and Walnuts talk to him. We often see talking animals, but less likely talking objects.

Grimm Tales- Rapunzel

Rapunzel
By: the Grimm Brothers
from the Grimms’ Kinder und Hausmärchen
by Edgar Taylor and Edgar Taylor and Marian Edwardes

and
The Frog King or Iron Henry
The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids
Little Red-Cap

This fairy tale is a common one, but had a few details I never caught before. Its a story of a happy couple, who can't have a child. They try and they try with no success. Then one day the wife is looking out her window and sees some delicious rampion (or Rapunzel) but its in the witches garden. However she wants it so badly that her husband climbs over the wall and gets her some. She happily eats it right up, and wants more the next time. So her husband climbs over for a second time and gets caught by the witch. He explains his situation and she agrees to let him live, if they give her there first child. So they do.
The witch keeps Rapunzel, which is what they name the first baby girl, in a very high tower. However she is nice and comes and visits her every day, and says
"Rapunzel, Rapunzel,
Let down your hair to me."
And each day Rapunzel lets down her hair, and the witch climbs up.
A handsome Prince happens to walk by one day, hearing Rapunzel's singing he stops, and wants to meet her. He sees how the witch climbs up and decides to try it for himself the next day. They fall in love. Then one day Rapunzel accidentally says to the witch, you are much heavier than the Prince, and the witch become furious. She cuts of Rapunzel's hair, ships her off, and waits in the tower for the Prince. He comes and as usually calls up to her, as he reaches the top, he is overcome with surprise that it is the witch and not Rapunzel. The Prince leaps of the tower and pricks out his eyes in a rose bush. The Prince roams around blind and eventually finds Rapunzel and the twins she gave birth to. Rapunzel's tears cure the Princes eyes, and they live Happily Ever After.

Recommended to: Older children, but I think both genders would like the story since it has romance and violence.
Problems: Slightly violent, and some parents might be offended by how easily the parents were able to give up there only child.
My Reaction: I liked this fairy tale, its almost to fast pace though. But most fairy tales are. I liked it because not only the Rapunzel has to overcome a problem, but the Prince also becomes blind and wanders around the desert searching for her. That's dedication.

Perrault- The Master Cat

The Master Cat, or Puss in Boots
by: Charles Perrault
1697

and
Sleeping Beauty
Cinderella or Little Glass Slipper
The Fairies

"The cat became a great lord, and never again ran after mice, except for entertainment."

The story of Puss in Boots, which is the name I recognized it by, is much more cleaver an detailed than I once remembered. The story starts with a Fathers passing, and his only inheritance to his children is his Mill, his donkey, and his cat. So his three sons split it up, the and the youngest ends up with the cat. So the son complains that after he has eat the cat he will surely starve and die. Once the cat hears this, is sad that his master thinks this is his only worth. So the cat requests a bag and a pair of boots, and in exchange promises that his Master will never go hungry.
The Cat soon catches a Rabbit, and brings it to the King, and displays it as a gift from his Master. He continues with this giving different gifts to the king, over a three month time period. One day he know the king is out with his daughter, who happens to be the most beautiful princess in the world. The Cat tricks the King into believing his master is drowning, and the King saves his. After all the gifts the King is very impressed with the young man. The cat tricks the King several more ways so that he believes his master owns lots of land and a big Castle. Where a Big Ogre lives. The Cat needs to get rid of him, so he also tricks the Ogre into turning himself into a mouse, and then processes to eat him. The Cats Master and Princess lived happily ever after, and so did the Master Cat.

Recommended to: Both girls and boys. Middle-school aged.
Problems: This could teach that it is okay to lie, and cheat, and even kill to get what you want and be successful in life.
My Reaction: This is such a fun story, I love the imagery of a Cat wearing high boots. I also like that the cat is so cleaver he never catches things for his own master, but brings them straight to the king. Planning someday to never have to work again.

Jacobs- The Fish and The Ring

The Fish and The Ring
by: Joseph Jacobs
English Fairy Tales
1890

and
Teeny-Tiny
The Rose Tree
Johnny- Cake

The Fish and The Ring is a story of a Baron who is a great magician, who can predict the future. So one day when his little boy was only four years old, he looked into his future and saw that he was to marry a poor maid. So he sets off to change the future, he goes to the maid's house when she is still a baby. And he offers to take the child to take the burden off the family. Relieved they family gives the baby to him, he soon throws her into a river to die. However she doesn't and floats down and becomes a beautiful daughter of a fisherman. Soon the Baron stumbles on to the fishing hut, during his hunting and finds that the girl is still alive. So he hatches another plan. His plan falls fails, by extraordinary means. And the girl and his son are wed. The Baron soon visits and find that the very thing he tried so hard to prevent, had occurred. Furious he takes the girl on a walk to a cliff, and threatens to throw her over. The poor girl pleads for her life, and the Baron makes a deal. He takes his ring and throws it into the ocean, and says “Never let me see your face till you can show me that ring”.
So the girl leaves and finds work at a neighboring castle. One day the Baron and his son come to dinner at this very castle. In side the girl is preparing a large fish for supper, and as she is cleaning it she sees a shiny object. She soon sees it is the ring the Baron had thrown over years before. Happily she prepared the fish and served it to the Baron and his son. When the Baron sees it is her, he is beyond furious and became violent. But before he could do anything she showed the Baron his ring. He realized he could not fight fate, and allowed them to live happily ever after.

Recommended to: Older children, who would understand the concept of fate.
Problems: Violence towards babies.
My Reaction: This was my favorite of Jacobs, it not only has one trial but many that the girl has to overcome to be with her prince. I also love the theme of fate, and think it is beautifully show in this story.

I Fall Down

I Fall Down
by: Vicki Cobb
Illustrations by: Julia Gorton
Copyright:2004
Pages: 30
Reading Level: 4-8

This cleaver non-fiction book, is the first of its type I have seen. I first thought it was a normal picture book then saw the sticker in the corner that says "Science Play" on it. Opened it up to find this is an educational interactive book. You first open it up to find it is not like any other book, but has specific instructions. To fully enjoy this book you are going to need "an assortment of balls, keys, a block, a jar of honey, a spoon, a penny, two identical rubber bands, a child and adults shoe, and a bathroom scale." So as you can see this is not a bedtime story.
This book then asks a series of questions and gives you ways to find the answer for yourself. First it asks "Know what happens when you trip?" "You fall down!" The book then goes into the different effects if gravity. And has you try and few things to test gravity. My favorite page is where they tell you to test gravity with honey. Get a spoonful of honey...and watch it drizzle down. This book is fun, because the illustrations are all over the page. This one has a hand that looks like its coming right off the page with a spoon full of honey. Except instead of honey the words drip down back into the jar. Then there are dropping races, which teach that no matter the size of the object it's always a tie (except for things effected by air). This book then talks about the force things drop, and how the weight effects how hard things hit. The end asks you how much you weigh, and shows you how you don't have to fall to find out, but you can step on a scale.

Recommended to: Young detectives, and inventors. Which is basically all young children. This book would be such a wonderful bonding and learning experience between a parent and child. And how exciting for a child to learn so much and then be able to go out and share it with all there friends.
Problems: Two small problems, first would be finding the time to do this book justice, and also last page has the boy without his shirt on, which might be somewhat offensive to some people.
My reaction: Such a fun non-fiction. This book is colorful, yet simple, educational, yet fun. All things you could want from a book like this. Can't wait to see others from her series. Must have in my home.

Hello, Snow!

Hello, Snow!
By: Hope Vestergaard
Pictures by: Nadine Bernard Westcott
Copyright: 2004
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

"Hello, Pants. Goodbye, knees."

This is a very cute picture book, with a bunch of hellos and goodbyes. "Hello, Daddy. Goodbye, bed." This little girl wakes up and sees it has snowed, so she jumps out of bed, and runs and wakes up her dad. Then she gets bunddled up to go in the snow. In the process, she steps on the cat, zips up her thumb, and pulls her hat all the way over her head. They are finally ready and head out the door, She makes a snow mountain and snow man with her neighbor. They then find a sled, and decided to climb up the hill and try it out. "Hello, sled. Let's climb the hill- Goodbye, Daddyyyyyyy!" They crash but try again, this time crashing into her dad, and the snow man. They then say goodbye to the snow, and go in for hot coco.

Recommended to: Anyone, easy read.
Problems: The main character is the stereotypical girl, blonde hair. Who has a perfect family.
My Reaction: I liked the Hello, goodbye through out the book. I also really liked Nadine Westcott's illustrations they really get across movement. I felt like the girl was actually running, and tumbling from page to page.

Overboard!

Overboard!
by: Sarah Weeks
Illustrated by: Sam Williams
Copyright: 2006
Pages: 40
Reading Level: Baby- Preschool

This was such an adorable book, however I think it's going to be more enjoyable for a parent, than child. The whole book is about how babies are always throwing things "Overboard". As most parents know, food only stays on a high chair for so long, and it goes one of two ways. Into a child's mouth, or onto the floor. This book does an excellent job illustrating and describing this. Then the bunny is playing in the bath tub, and over goes the rubber ducky "bye, bye, bye" ducky. The Bunny then throws everything out of his crib, and takes out all the wipes, and diapers. The comes books, and raisins, and the entire diaper bag. Then Bunny decides its his turn to go overboard and jumps off the stairs, but Mama is right near by to catch little bunny. Then its time for bunny to go to bed, so he gets tucked in, says goodnight and gives kisses. And he has time for one last thing to go overboard, and he throws his mobile off the crib.

Recommended to: New Parents, its funny because its so true.
Problems: If parents are trying to break this habit, this wouldn't be a good bedtime story.
My Reaction: I'm a nanny, and I love my job. But this is one of the funniest things children do. My job at lunch time was mainly to break Bridger (the boy I nanny) of this habit. So this book spoke to me. Its such a cute, and colorful book. And this is a fresh idea, that I haven't seen before.

The Happy Day

The Happy Day
by: Ruth Krauss
Pictures by: Marc Simont
Copyright: 1989
Pages: 36
Reading Level: 4-8

This book is very simple and sweet. It is obviously one of the older books we have at the library. As the top of the cover is a different shade of yellow than the rest of the book. The book starts with the snow falling, and everyone sleeping. The field mice,the bears, the little snails, the squirrels and the ground hogs, all sleeping. Then they sniff, in the ground and trees, and shells. They then all run, run out of the holes, and trees. Then continue sniffing, and running, running and sniffing. Till they all reach a single yellow flower. Where they stop, and laugh, and dance. They all gather around the yellow flower excited that it is the first flower that has grown out of the snow.

Recommended to: A young classroom learning about hibernation.
Problems: None
My reaction: I didn't feel like this story had a real ending, I kept trying to turn to the next page hoping it would continue to a real ending. But I really liked how everything was black and white, very simple, till the end with just the yellow flower being yellow. Very cleaver, but not my favorite.