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.

Holes

Holes
By: Louis Sachar
Copyright: 2000
Pages: 272
Reading Level: 9-12

"'Oh Sam' she said.'My heart is breaking.'
'I can fix that' said Sam."

Holes is the story of Stanley Yelnats (yes his first name is his last spelled backwards.) The story starts by telling us about Camp Green Lake, and then how Stanley got there. Camp Green Lake, is a very deceiving name, as it has no lake, and no green. Stanley gets sent to camp Green Lake, for stealing a pair of shoes. However he didn't actually steal the shoes, they feel and hit him on the head. Once Stanley gets to camp, he is given the name of "Caveman" and is suddenly treated like one of the guys. The reason the title of this book is Holes, is because at Camp Green Lake that is what they do. They did holes, to "build character". While the story of Stanley is being told, a second story, a love story, is being told at the same time. This story is about Camp Green Lake, when it was green and had a lake. Miss Katherine, is the towns school teacher, and she eventually falls in love with Sam. The problem with this is that Sam is Black, and it is against the law for a Black man to kiss a white women. So they burn down Miss Katherine's school house, and kill Sam along with his donkey Mary Lou. Miss Katherine then become Kissin' Kat Barlow and is "one of the most feared outlaws in all the West."
Even though Stanley doesn't know it now, but his and Miss Katherine's lives are much more intertwined than he knows. Stanley and Zero, a boy who doesn't know how to read, become friends. Zero learns how to read from Stanley, in exchange for digging part of his hole every day. One day Stanley finds a tube of lipstick with the initials KB on them. Since "Caveman" is new at the camp X-Ray, another boy at camp, decides he doesn't deserve a day off. As you get the rest of the day off from digging, if you find something the warden finds interesting. The Warden does in fact find this very interesting, and makes the boys dig all around the hole X-Ray supposedly found the tube. But they find nothing.
Eventually Zero gets angry, and runs away refusing to dig another hole. Stanley eventually follows him, and they find "Gods Thumb" and survive off dirty water, and Onions. They decide to go dig in the hole Stanley actually found the lipstick tube. They dig all night, and find what they think is a treasure chest. Just as they finally get the suitcase out, the Warden shows up, and demands it from Zero. However it and Zero are covered in Yellow Spotted Lizards, which are deadly.
Eventually both Stanley and Zero make it out of the hole thanks to all the onions they ate the days previous. Stanley's Lawyer shows up and takes him home because he has now been proven innocent. Stanley not wanting to leave Zero/ Hector refuses to go without him. And since they can't find Hectors files (because the warden had them destroyed) he is able to go with them. Zero uses the money from the suitcase to find his mother, and Stanley buys his parents a new house. Stanley's father invents a cure for smelly feet, and they make a commercial with Clyde Livingston who was the owner of the shoes Stanley supposedly stole. The book ends with Hectors mother humming an all to familiar tune.

Recommended to: All middle school children, this is a great adventure for both boys and girls.
Problems: This book is to cleaver for people to complain about.
My reaction: I loved it, sadly this was my first time reading Holes, I had seen the movie before, but I especially loved how the love story of Miss Katherine and Sam was wrote in the book, I didn't feel as emotionally attached in the movie. This book is cleaver, and intertwines two stories perfectly together. And allows you to solve the mystery right along with Stanley.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Carnivorous Carnival

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Carnivorous Carnival by: Lemony Snicket.
Illustrator: Brett Helquist
Copyright: 2002
Pages: 286
Reading Level: 7-12

"Miracles are like meatballs because nobody knows what they are made of, where they came from or how often they should appear." - Lemony Snicket

In the 9th book in this captivating series we find the Baudelaire children hiding in the trunk of Olaf's car which they decided to jump in in the previous book.Through plenty of eavesdropping they discover that Olaf and his troupe are joining Madame Lulu's caravan Carnival. The Baudelaire's disguise themselves as freaks and decide to join the carnival as well. Sunny as Chabo the wolf baby and Violet and Klaus as a two headed person with highly differing voices.
they soon discover that a crystal ball told Olaf that one of their parents might be in the Mortmain mountains. After the 1st carnival show, Olaf announces that one of the freaks will be thrown into the lions pit at the next show. The Orphans go to discuss it with Madame Lulu and discover that her fortune telling is fake. Lulu catches them and reveals herself as someone named Olivia.
that night Esme Squalor turns up and tells them that if they get Lulu dumped into the lion pit the next day then seh will be able to join Olaf's troupe. the Orphans make plans to escape with Lulu the next day.
The next day Violet and Klaus are chosen to be thrown into the lion pit. they stall and eventually one of Olaf's henchman and Lulu are thrown into the pit and devoured.
The Orphans then discover a map up to the Mortmain mountains, Olaf appears and, still not recognizing them explains that it's the secret base to a secret organization. Tehy join Olaf's troupe and start heading to the mountains when Olaf reveals that he knew all along that they were the Baudelaire's in disguise and their caravan is cut off the train while they're on a steep slope. To be continued...

Recommend to: Preteen children, because of the complicated writing style and plot.
Problems: violence, two people are eaten by lions, might offend some people
Reaction: Once again Snicket did not dissapoin. the plot was creative and witty and kept me on my toes. the cliffhanger at the end forces the reader to continue on with this wonderful and yet thoroughly depressing story. I can't wait to find out how the Baudelaire's will get themselves out of this inventive, horrible and seemingly impossible predicament.

Series of Unfortunate Events: The Ersatz Elevator

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Ersatz Elevator by: Lemony Snicket
Illustrator: Brett Helquist
Copyright: 2001
Pages: 259
Reading Level: 8-12

" if you were to skip the parts about being 'nervous' and 'anxious' you would be skipping the most pleasant parts of the entire story" - Lemony Snicket

The 6th tale of the Baudelaire Children finds them going to live at another address this time with Jerome and Esme Squalor. Esme works with a man named Gunther, who the Baudelaire's immediately recognize as the antagonist of the story, the notorious Count Olaf, despite his disguise. Jerome and Esme dismiss their protests against "Gunther" to much frustrations.
While left alone one day the children discover that the elevator is fake. Climbing down the elevator shaft they discover their old friends the Quagmire triplets trapped in a cage at the bottom by Count Olaf, who plans to sell them at an auction. Olaf takes the triplets away before the Baudelaire's can rescue them.
They try to tell Esme about Count Olaf and the Quagmire triplets, but it turns out that Esme is working with count Olaf and she pushes them down the elevator shaft into a net. the Baudelaire's manage to escape out of the elevator shaft through a trap door at the bottom and end up in the burnt remains of their old mansion.
They rush to the auction and attempt to buy the Quagmire triplets, but instead bid on a chest of doilies by accident. Esme and Count Olaf are revealed to be evil and sadly are able to escape the angry crowd. Jerome, who's still a nice man, wants to keep the Baudelaire's, but they leave to rescue the Quagmire's. The story ends there, to be continued in the next book.

Recommended to: Children ages 7-12, the story is fairly complicated and the writing a little advanced
Problems: It tends to be somewhat depressing, nothing very good ever happens to them
Reaction: I love the way Lemony Snicket writes, it's interesting, witty and creative. His tone is sarcastic and simultaneously sincere. He really draws you in and makes you love and care about the welfare of the characters, making the story that much harder to read because of the excess of unfortunate events.

the Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Chronicles of Narnia: the voyage of the Dawn Treader by: C.S. Lewis
Illustrator: Pauline Baynes
Copyright: 1952
Pages: 223
Reading Level: 8-12

"And there we all were, as invisible as you could wish to see"

In this book, we meet again two of the Pevensie children. Edmund and Lucy, at this point in the story Susan and Peter are too old to return to Narnia. Edmund and Lucy and their cousin Eustace are pulled into Narnia through a painting of a ship. they find themselves on the Dawn Treader, captained by Prince Caspian now king of Narnia.
Caspian is looking for the 7 lost Lords of Narnia, also a talking mouse, REepicheep is on board looking for Aslan's country.
Throughout the book they visit many different mysterious islands the first are the Lone islands. This Island has fallen away from Narnia and is abundant in slave trade. the crew is captured and sold until slavery. Eventually they are able to reveal their true identity, restore the island to the Narnian ways and are free to continue their voyage. The next island they visit Eustace, Lucy and Edmund's nasty cousin, gets greedy and accidently transforms himself into a dragon. However, he has a change of heart and Aslan changes him back to himself. They discover a bracelet on the island that belonged to Lord Octesian. They travel to many different islands along their way, along the way they discover Lord Restimar and Lord Rhoop and eventually come to the island of the star, they find the rest of the Lord's in an enchanted sleep.
To awaken the lord's they have to sail to the edge of the world and leave one crew member behind. Lucy, Edmund Eustace and Reepicheep end up sailing to the world's end and leaving Reepicheep behind. They are able to rescue the Lords, Lucy, Edmund and Eustace go home again and everything is right in Narnia.

Reccomend to: Preteens, the story is fairly elaborate and complex, difficult for younger children to follow
Problems: Possibly the idea of other worlds outside our own might offend some people, they also ellude to the world being flat. some might be offended by the christian themes and metaphors.
Reaction: This story is among one of the more abstract and interesting of the series. Lucy and Edmund continue to be developed as older and more mature. The newer characters are interesting and relateable and the many islands that they visit are evidence of Lewis's rich fantasy that creates this fantastic world. The story was beautifully told, i didn't want it to end.

Beetle Bop

Beetle Bop
By: Denise Fleming
Copyright: 2007
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

This book in a very simple informational book. It describes all the different types of beetles, in simple terms that children can understand. There are green beetles, and brown beetles. Buzzing beetles, humming beetles, and steadily drumming beetles. Then there is "fly-in-the-air beetles." Then at the very end of the book it has information about beetles and all the different types in sentence form. The really neat thing about this book is the artwork is done by pouring colored cotton fiber through the hand-cut stencils. There is also a rhythm that goes along with the story, so it makes it a fun read.

Recommend to: Young children still discovering the world, and the creatures in it.
Problems: None, this is a good book for everyone.
My Reaction: This is a beautiful book, the illustrations is what makes this book really special. The beetles look like they have texture. This is a simple but awesome book.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magicians Nephew

The Magician's Nephew by: C.S. Lewis.
Illustrator: Pauline Baynes
Copyright: 1955
Pages: 202
Reading level: 8-12

"Polly's hand went out to touch one of the rings. And immediately, without a flash or a noise or a warning of any sort, there was no Polly"

This beautiful story, filled to the brim with christian-based metaphors and symbolism tells the story of the two children Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer. They are good friends, one day playing in the Digory's magician uncle Andrew's attic, they discover a set of brightly colored rings. Uncle Andrew tricks Polly into touching one of the rings, forcing Digory to go after. they find themselves in a forest and soon discover that by using different colored rings they can transport themselves to different worlds. The first world they visit is one that seems to be no longer inhabited. It is full of ruins and old statues. They discover an old bell,and despite the warning on it they decide to wring it. This wakes up the witch-queen Jadis, who Polly and Digory quickly discover is evil. Desperate to get away from her they try to leave the world without her, but to no success, she follows them to London causing mass chaos. They eventually succeed in getting her back into the forest and into another world along with a lampost, a cab-driver and his horse as well as their Uncle Andrew. The world is pitch-black when they get there and they soon realize that it has not been created yet. They then watch, entranced as Aslan, the lion, sings the world into existence. As he walks along flowers sprout up around his feet, trees grow, oceans are made. the lampost is planted into the ground, the horse gets wings, and Aslan turns the cab-driver and his wife into King and Queen of the new world. The Queen eats one of the magic apples and is granted eternal youth, and because of Digory's goodness he is given an apple which he later gives to his mother to cure her of her illness. He and Polly, obviously travel home eventually. Where Digory plants the core of the apple in the backyard and buries the rings. He later turns the tree into the beatiful wardrobe Lucy finds in the Lion the Witch and the wardrobe. Digory is the old professor that the Pevensie's go to live with.

Recommended to: Preteen children, the metaphors are fairly complicated, the writing advanced.
Problems: in no way realistic, Christian metaphors and symbolism might offend some people.
Reaction: This story was beautifully told, the concept of different worlds other than our own, was inventively and told in a new light. I appreciated the background story and history that obviously went into the story. I also could appreciate the heavy, and interesting christian-based metaphors and themes it made the story very relatable and added to it's relevance in my own life.

How to Heal a Broken Wing

How to Heal a Broken Wing
Author/ Illustrator: Bob Graham
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 40
Reading Level: 4-8

How to Heal a Broken Wing, is done in a comic book style illustrations. Which is different than most of the books I have read. The book starts with a bird, who is flying through a city, and hits the glass of one of the tall buildings. And falls. No one sees the bird on the ground, as the people are to busy. Then a boy, Will sees the bird "with a broken wing..." Will takes the bird home and takes care of it. They bandage the bird up. And with rest, time, "and a little hope." The bird flies once again.

Recommended to: Any child, most relate really easily with animals.
Problems: The problem I found with this book is that, I personally wouldn't want my child picking up strange birds and bringing them home. And I feel that it is slightly unrealistic that the family cured the bird, and it was able to fly again.
My reaction: I liked the style of the illustrations, at the beginning there is very little color, and then as the boy emerges from the subway he is the only thing that is bright in color. Showing the hope he brings with him. Then as the bird gets better the illustrations get progressively brighter and brighter.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by: J.K. Rowling
Illustrations by Cliff Wright and Mary GrandPre
Copyright: 1999
Pages: 341
Reading Level: 8-12

"Er-I don't want to be rude or anything, but - this isn't a great time for me to have a house elf in my bedroom." - Harry

We meet Harry and his friends again, headed back to school for the second time. only this time Dobby the house elf, who pays Harry a visit during the summer is doing everything he can to stop Harry from going back to Hogwarts. He blocks the gate to the train station, hits Harry in the head with a ball during Quidditch, and visits him multiple times to stop him. However, a determined Harry chooses to ignore these warnings, flying to school with Ron in a flying car, playing Quidditch even with the risks, and brushing Dobby off constantly.
However, upon arriving at school, messages begin appearing on the walls of the castle, threatening that the Chamber of secrets has re-opened and is out to kill all non-magical students or "mudbloods". Harry soon gains posession of a diary by former studnet Tom riddle with whom he communicates. He tells him about the opening of the chamber years before and that the culprit was Harry's friend Hagrid. Students start to get attacked, petrified, by what turns out to be a huge snake, a basilisk. They discover that the snake is traveling through the school's pipes. They trace the snake back to the girls bathroom, moaning myrtle figures out how to help them open the chaber of secrets. Once inside they discover that the diary in fact belonged to Voldemort who's real name is Tom Marvalo Riddle. He then tells Harry the story about how he had bewitched Ginny, Ron's little sister into writing the notes on the walls and scaring everyone, and reveals that he is holding her hostage in the chamber, and plans to kill in order to restore himself. They duel once again and Harry uses the basilisk tooth to destroy the diary, once again defeating Voldemort against all odds.

Recommended to: Preteen children, once again the writing is pretty graphic and dark.
Problems: The obvious suggestion of witchcraft, murder, possession and general violence.
Reaction: Once again Rowling delivered beyond my expectations. The story was interesting, kept me on my toes and surprised me in the end. She brought forward minor characters and brought new life to them while expanding on current character. The story was very original and well thought out.

Spot's Big Book

Spot's Big Book of Colors, Shapes and Numbers
by: Eric Hall
Copyright: 1997
Pages: 24
Reading Level: 4-8

Spot is a classic in children's literature. I remember learning how to read with this dog. I picked this book because it teaches so many things in on BIG book. The book starts with colors, and shows many things that are all the same color, and tells a simple story along with each color. "Steve likes wearing his yellow raincoat and hat even when the rain has stopped." This allows the child to see, hear, and read the word yellow. And helps them learn it easier. Then at the end of the colors it has a little test for the child, and asks " What's this color?" and has a bunch of objects and list of colors that they can match together. The book then goes to shapes, triangles, squares, diamonds, and ovals. Each with the same thing, a story and a bunch of objects that are the shapes. The numbers are a little different and it just counts up to 10, each number having one example so you can count with spot. It also has a section in the end where each child can count objects to find how many there are.

Recommended to: Very young children
Problems: None
My reaction: This book includes a lot in it and thus can teach a lot, so I like it for that aspect. However its done in a very basic way, not very creative. But some times this is the best for young learners. Spot will always have a special place in my heart.

Where Is the Green Sheep?

Where Is the Green Sheep?
By: Mem Fox & Judy Horacek
Copyright: 2004
Pages: 32
Reading level: 4-8

This is an easy read that teaches opposites, and colors, and lots of different things. I really liked it, even though the illustrations are very simple and all the sheep are repetitive looking, I think that makes it easier for young children to establish the differences between the sheep. There are thin and wide sheep, up and down sheep, and scared and brave sheep. Then there is a rain sheep, who is the sheep version of Gene Kelly in singing in the rain. (This is my favorite page). There is also slide sheep, clown sheep, and car and train sheep. And through out the whole book every third page or so it asks "Where is that green sheep?" And in the very end it tells you to "Turn the page quietly- let's take a peep..." and you turn the page and there is the green sheep sleeping behind a green bush.

Recommended to: Children learning opposites. Good book to read and discuss with children.
Problems: This is pretty basic, so no problems I saw.
My Reaction: This is a fun way to teach opposites, I will definitely use it with my children. It would also be funny for a child seeing a sheep, do things they do. Like slide, swing, and even sleep.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone by: J.K. Rowling
Illustrations by Thomas Taylor and Mary GrandPre
Copyright: 1998
Pages:309
Reading Level 8-12

"To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever. - Dumbledore.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone tells the story of Harry Potter and his life. Living with his uncle and aunt he soon discovers he is in fact a wizard. His parents were not killed in a car accident as he supposed but rather by the evil wizard Voldemort. Harry Potter, leaves his mean Aunt and Uncle behind and goes to attend Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. Much of the story involves Harry's discovery of the magic world in which they deliver mail with owls, have talking pictures, carry wands around in their pockets and learn spells and potions instead of Math and English. During his time at Hogwarts he meets his best friends Ron, Hermione, Neville, etc. but he also makes many enemies such as Professor Snape who seems to have it in for him and Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle who hate Harry and his friends on Principle. Harry also has the opportunity to learn a lot about his parents,about the people that knew them and where they came from. For example, he discovers the Mirror of Erised in which he sees himself standing with his parents, he gets to see them for the first time. Despite the 360 turnaround of Harry's previously very sad life, Harry soon discovers that although Voldemort is rumored to be dead, this may not actually be true. His Defense against the Dark Arts Teacher Professor Quirrel starts acting very strangely, Harry and his friends do some investigating and discover that Quirrel is in fact working for Voldemort. Quirrel is attempting to steal the sorcerer's stone which has an elixer in it that will make you immortal. Quirrel is attempting to steal it from the headmaster, Dumbledore to restore Voldemort to his former terrible glory. Harry, Ron and Hermione at the climax of this story run desperately to try to stop Quirrel. When they reach him just in time they discover that Voldemort is in fact sharing Quirrel's body with him. Harry and Quirrel duel, and when it eventually comes to blows Quirrel can't touch him. Harry is protected by the love of his mother who died for him when he was a baby. Because of this Harry is able to defeat Quirrel, snatch the sorcerer's stone out from under him, and Voldemort disappears once again never to return.

Recommended to: all pre-teens, the reading is a little advanced and the story a little complex.
problems: once again this story deals with witchcraft and wizardry, something some people might find offensive. The writing is also fairly graphic, definitely not suitable for younger children.
My reaction: I absolutely loved this book. I thought it was inventive and interesting. The characters were well-developed and the story was captivating. I couldn't put it down. I was very impressed by Rowling's ability to not only tell a story but to make me care about the characters, they're feelings and what would happen to them.

Papá and Me

Papá and Me
By: Arthur Dorros
Pictures by: Rudy Gutierrez
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

This book won the Pura Belpre Honor Book Award, so I picked it up knowing it would be good. This is a story about a father and son, who spend the whole day together. This book has illustrations that are stunning, the images flow together into a masterpiece. The neat thing about this book is that there is both Spanish and English. That they speak to each other, and unlike the Dora the Explorer, it isn't obvious what each phrase or word means, but it is explained within the story. The story starts with the boy saying "Good morning", and the papa saying back "Buenos días", they get up and make there own breakfast creation of pancakes and eggs together. They then go to the park and splash in puddles, and the Papá calls him "Agua Man." Then then climb trees, draw in the sand, and then race back home. They are greeted with big hugs at the door from his Abuela and Abuelo, or Grandma and Grandpa.

Recommend to: Everyone, everyone could use a little knowledge of Spanish, and its a proven fact that children can pick up languages easier than adults. But this would be extra special for a father and son.
Problems: The problem I thought some parents might have, is the story never talks about a mother, and leads you to assume the parents are either divorced or the mother is gone. The father also has an ear ring, which might be controversial with some people.
My reaction: I was amazed by the illustrations, and took a while to take in the complete image. The story was simple and easy to follow, and I think that was necessary with such a book. The story hasn't been my favorite but I can see why It won the award.

Bella & Bean

Bella and Bean
Story by: Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Illustrations by: Aileen Leijten
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 40
Reading Level: 4-8

"Peace and quiet with a pinch of grump" muttered Bean.

While walking through the library, I saw this one and at first I put it back seeing it was about mice,and looked rather plain. But I decided I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and pulled it out. This book was hilarious, I think mainly because it reminded me so much of my mother, and my own friends. The writing style is unlike most children's books. Its funny and sarcastic.
This tale is about two best friends, who happen to be mice. There names are Bella and Bean, and they are two very cute mice. Bella is determined to write poems, and Bean tries to distract her all day. First Bella pops up in the window to show her the new hat she got, then Bella shows her how her window closes. Next she comes and wiggles her toes, and Bella tells her she needs peace and quiet. Bella keeps writing poems, and each one has sometime to do with her friend Bean. She eventually realizes writing poems would be much better with her best friend Bean. She calls her up and they go down to the river together. Bean surprises Bella with a hat of her own, "Now we both look divine." Bella reads Bean her poem:
"My friend is a star,
My friend is a rose,
My best friend Bean
Has the cutest toes."
Bean is thrilled by the poem, and they write one together. And that is the poem they write is the end to the story.

Recommended to: Mothers and daughters, or best girl friends.
Problems: This is a rather gender specific book, I don't know if a boy would get the same enjoyment I got out of it.
My Reaction: I was pleasantly surprised, at this cute book. Bella and Bean are adorable friends, and remind me of my own best friend. Because even if we bug or annoy each other we know we will always love each other. The poems and dialogue mixed together in this book are cleaver. Not to mention the illustrations which are funny, and done in brilliant colors.

The Bad Case of Stripes

The Bad Case of Stripes
By: David Shannon
Copyright: 1998
Pages:32
Reading Level: 4-8

The story of the Bad Case of Stripes starts on her first day of school. She can't decide what to wear, worried about all the people she needs to please. Suddenly she looks in the mirror and see she is covered from head to toe in stripes. Her mother runs in and tells her to get into bed, and decides she isn't going to school. She is relieved because she didn't have any idea what to wear when she was covered in stripes. The next day the doctor comes and finds she has nothing wrong, and suggests she go to school. At school it only gets worst as the children yell out different shapes her skin changes colors faster than tv channels. So they call the doctor again, and he bring specialist who give her all sorts of pills to take. That night she took the pills and woke up as one giant one. Then the news breaks out and word spreads of the color, and shape shifting girl. So her house is flooded with reporters, which makes her all the more embarrassed. They then try every other time or remedy, psychologist, nutritionist, gurus, and old medicine men. She starts sprouting roots, and feathers and even gets a tail. It gets the worst when a therapist tells her "to become one with your room." She forms into the walls and dressers and bed. The story ends with an old lady who knocks on the door. She looks around and tells her she has the worst case of stripes she has ever seen. Then the old lady offers her some green Lima beans. At first Camilla is still worried that people will laugh, and says she doesn't want any. But then she realizes eating Lima beans is nothing compared to her current state. So she finally cries "The truth is...I really love Lima beans." The old lady pops a few in her mouth and instantly Camilla is cured. From then on, Camilla eats Lima beans when ever she wants, and never has a "touch of stripes again."

Recommended to: Children who are concerned about appearances, or afraid to be themselves.
Problems: Camilla portrays the all American girl, who has the perfect family. So this might be controversial for some people.
My reaction: This was actually my first time reading the Bad Case of Stripes, and it was a very fun book. I loved the message it tells. It wasn't my favorite book I have read, but I don't have anything I didn't like. Maybe its just I can't relate as well.

Baby Danced the Polka

Baby Danced the Polka
By: Karen Beaumont
Illustrated by: Jennifer Plecas
Copyright:2004
Pages:34
Reading Level: 4-8

This is a fun flip/ lift book. Baby Dance the Polka, is about nap time. But turns out being more of a fun time. The story starts with the mom putting the baby to sleep, she tells the baby to stay in bed because they have lots to do. But as Mama and Papa start to "shave his whiskers, and Mama washed her wig..." Baby starts to polka with the pig. The mama and papa put baby back in bed, but baby then boogie-woogies, cha-cha's, and shooby- doobies in his bed. The parents finally give up, and forget all there chores, and have a polka-fest. They dance well into the night, and then decide its time for bed. So they put baby back down, and this time he just dreams of dancing instead.

Recommended to: At first I choose Baby Danced the Polka, because it looks like a lower level read, but then I read it and saw that the reading level would be the same, but it is directed at younger children. A great one for parents to read, to there children.
Problems: This might tell children that if they dance enough, they can get out of nap time. And nap time is already enough of a fight, that this might not be the best bed time story.
My reaction: This is a very cute story, and the illustrations are beautiful. My favorite page is the last, and shows the baby sleeping, and his dream over head. Its done with beautiful soft colors.

The Little Green Witch

The Little Green Witch
By: Barbara Barbieri McGrath
Illustrated by: Martha Alexander
Copyright: 2005
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

The Little Green Witch is going to be a must have in my home. I loved it. I first picked it up because the Illustrator shares my name, and that doesn't happen often. This colorful picture book is a play off the Little Red Hen. Hence the Little GREEN Witch. It was so brilliant, and had all the perfect details. The story starts of telling you about all the people who live in the "twisted hollow tree." The floating ghost, the snoozing bat, and the napping gremlin, and of course the little green witch who did all the "unhousework." It continues to tell about all the things she has to do to keep there home in perfect dirtiness. One day she finds some pumpkin seeds, and asks for some help planting them. Not I, they all say. So she does it herself, she then asks help with watering, picking, scoping and carving the pumpkin. And like the first they all say no in there own special way. The little Green Witch then takes the gloop and makes a "nicely burnt" pie. The smells sends all the other creatures out of there hiding places, she asks "Who wants some pie?" And of course they all reply I do, but the witch replies "I'm going to eat the pie myself." But before she eats the pie she turns the gremlin, bat, and ghost into... little red hens.

Recommended to: Children who have read the original Little Red Hen, its fun to compare what is similar and different. And anyone would get a kick out of the "unhousework."
Problems: If parents feel strongly against children believing in ghost, gremlins, and witches this wouldn't be the book for them.
My Reaction: Loved this book, a perfect book for a classroom around Halloween, or even in the home. The illustrations are beautiful, even the little gremlin looks adorable. At the very end I will admit, I totally thought she was going to turn them into pumpkins, and was more than happy to be wrong. Such a witty, cleaver book.

Noisy Nora

Noisy Nora
By: Rosemary Wells
Copyright: 1973, 1997
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 4-8

Noisy Nora, is a classic. I remember Nora from my childhood. This book does such a wonderful job relating to middle children. Or at least that's how I took it, being a middle child myself. The story shows the frustration of not being the oldest, or the baby. Nora is seen on every page, desperately trying to get attention. She is either hanging on the crib, or wobbling around in a bucket, however everyone seems to ignore her. So she starts doing loud things, slamming the door, "she felled some chairs". Then her family comes back with the same respond every time "Quiet", "Hush", or "Nora, why are you so dumb?" She keeps trying to get there attention till she finally gives up, and decides she is leaving "And I'm never coming back!" Then suddenly with the absent of noise the family realizes that something must be up. They stop what they are doing and start searching around the house to find her. And after they start "sifting through the trash" Nora comes back with a "monumental crash."

Recommended to: Any child who has siblings, and struggles with sharing parent time. This is easily relate to.
Problems: I didn't see any with this book, it is done with mice instead of real people. So most children will be able to relate easily with Nora and not focus on the details of her race.
My Reaction: I loved this book, the illustrations are simply enough that its not distracting. But adds all the more to see Nora flying a kite through the house. I love the rhyme of the story as well. It flows right of the tongue, making it easy to read out-loud.