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Some Older Favorites...

For Spring:
A Giraffe Goes To Paris -
Mary Holmes & John Harris, illus. by Jon Cannell

An unusual historical tidbit – the gift of a giraffe, from the Pasha of Egypt to the King of France in 1827, is the basis for this endearing and visually pleasing picture book.  Giraffe Belle’s journey, featuring an 8 week walk from Marseille to Paris (!), is told in the imagined words of her young caretaker Atir, as well as in visuals including photos of 19th C artifacts and etchings.
Insect Detective - 
Steve Voake, illus. by Charlotte Voake. 
Yucky Worms -
Vivian French, illus. by Jessica Ahlberg.

Two fact-filled picture books that use a story format to follow a young child as they explore and engage with nature.  Each of these books does a superb job of impressing a sense of respect and wonder for even the smallest things around us, as well as introducing curious children to tools like the included indexes so they can continue to learn.
Little Rabbit And The Meanest Mother On Earth 
Kate Klise, illus. by M. Sarah Klise.

The charming mother and child bunnies from “Shall I Knit You a Hat” return in this slice of life tale with dialogue that will ring true to any parent.  Even though Little Rabbit reneges on his part of the bargain (to clean his room), he is still outraged when him mother cancels the planned reward of a trip to the circus. What’s a spunky rabbit to do but expend his indignation in a scheme selling tickets to see (his very own) Meanest Mother On Earth!
Little Red Hen and The Passover Matzah -
Leslie Kimmelman,  illus. by Paul Meisel.

This humorous variation on the Little Red Hen story is perfect for sharing any time of the year as a comparative folktale, and for its sparkling text and message of forgiveness.  The detailed drawings from the lives of the hardworking hen and her lazy neighbors amplify the wit of the text.  As an added plus at Passover time, the book includes information about the holiday and a matzah recipe.
Milo Armadillo - 
Jan Fearnley.

You can feel the disappointment when Tallulah doesn’t get the pink fluffy rabbit she has her heart set on, although she does accept the pink armadillo her grandmother has mistakenly knit with good grace, and tries her hardest to have fun with him.  This heartwarming story really takes off when Milo himself determines to do whatever it takes to provide Tallulah with a pink rabbit.  In almost losing Milo, Tallulah comes to a light bulb moment of discovery:  sometimes what we didn’t even know we wanted is what we end up loving the most.  From the pink yarn endpapers to the collage highlights of yarn and fabric patches brightening the illustrations, this book has “read it to me again!” written all over it.
Over At The Castle - 
Boni Ashburn, illus. by Kelly Murphy.

Finally – a book about knights and castles appropriate even for preschoolers!  “In this variation on the folk song “Over in The Meadow”, the occupants of a medieval castle spend their day spinning, cleaning, cooking, and dancing, until they receive a special surprise from their dragon neighbors” (CIP citation)
The Popularity Papers -
Amy Ignatow

Lydia and Julie have a plan (spend their last year of elementary school observing popular girls), a methodology (conduct experiments to imitate the behavior of those girls), and a goal (what else, to become popular themselves).  Of course nothing goes as planned, and the girls no sooner extricate themselves from one tricky situation than they are on to the next.  This hilarious tongue in cheek graphic novel mimics the look of a journal that Lydia and Julie take turns writing in.  It’s easy to relate to Lydia and Julie, and their inherent niceness subtly reinforces the values of empathy and of being a true friend.
Ubiquitous:  Celebrating Nature’s Survivors - 
Joyce Sidman, illus. by Beckie Prange.

In this eye-opening blend of science and poetry, the poems are arranged in order of their subject’s appearance in evolutionary time, from the earliest bacteria and mollusks to newcomers like dandelions and coyotes.  There is information about each species (their spread, what helped them prosper, etc.) and handsome linocut illustrations surrounding the poems, and an intriguing timeline on the endpapers.  This author and illustrator team also created the stunning and award-winning Song Of The Water Boatman And Other Pond Poems.

Winter Favorites:
Archie And The Pirates - Marc Rosenthal.
A shipwrecked monkey’s tropical island paradise is invaded by tough talking pirates (HAR!), but Archie and friends soon outwit them in this delightful romp.
Otis - Loren Long
Otis the tractor is replaced by a newer model, but the little calf who is his friend doesn’t want any substitutes for Otis! A gentle story in the spirit of classics like Mike Mulligan.
Nubs: The True Story Of a Mutt, A Marine & a Miracle - Major Brian Dennis.
The strong bond between animals and humans takes many shapes. It took Nubs, a homeless dog in Iraq, 70 miles alone across the desert in search of the soldiers who had befriended him. And it resulted in those Marines moving a mountain of bureaucracy to send Nubs on a safe journey to America.
The Tree That Time Built - by Mary Ann Hoberman.
Science, nature and literature intersect in this amazing and thought provoking poetry anthology that features poems about the majesty and mystery of the diversity of varied species on our world’s tree of life.
The Brooklyn Nine - Alan Gratz.
The history of baseball, as told by following one family of 19th century German immigrants, and items of baseball memorabilia they come across, through 9 generations.
The Evolution Of Calpurnia Tate - Jacqueline Kelly
Callie lives in a sleepy Texas town in 1899, but when her eyes are opened to the wider world by her grandfather’s passion for science, she hopes there is more in store for her than the ladylike future her mother envisions.
Leviathan - Scott Westerfeld.
Fans of Airborn and Mortal Enemies will like this inventive alternate history adventure, set in the months leading up to WWI. A young Austrian Prince, on the run in one of his country’s elaborate tanks, meets up with an incredible airship made of living creatures used by the British forces.
When You Reach Me - Rebecca Stead,
Miranda receives mysterious notes that seem to predict the future and hint that she can prevent a tragedy, in this unique puzzle of a novel – a page turner from the very start.

Gwen's Reading:
Bats At The Library – Brian Lies
Crisp rhyming text, about a group of bats who descend on the library one autumn evening, serves as backdrop for some clever laugh-out-loud illustrations. The bats gracefully spread out to enjoy pop-up books, projectors and copier machines. Little ones are wrapped in adult’s wings, or hang upside down, for storytime, while they imagine a host of famous children’s books populated by bats. Think of ‘Make Way For Bats’ crossing Boston Common or Sir Bat pulling the sword from the stone – fun for all ages!
Bone Soup – Cambria Evans
One of the best take-off’s based on the folktale Stone Soup that I’ve seen. When hungry skeleton Finnigin, with the help of a little werewolf, convinces the villagers (a humorously drawn crew of witches, zombies, etc) to share, out come the villagers’ hoard of imported stewed eyeballs and frog’s legs. Soon a delicious feast is created from one ‘magic’ bone. Don’t pack this away with the Halloween books, it can be enjoyed as an alternate version whenever parents or teachers are sharing traditional tales, or making a point about generosity.
Duck – Rancy Cecil
A wooden carousel duck takes a real duckling under her wing and teaches him to fly, in this poignant and humorous picture book about learning, loving and letting go.
Graceling – Kristin Cashore
Cashore’s fantasy kingdom and dynamic heroine have a fresh feel from start to finish. Lady Katsa doesn’t value her unique gift with all types of weaponry, as it has meant a life doing her uncle the King’s dirty work. The arrival of a Prince from a land where those graced with special talents are free to pursue them as they choose causes Katsa to take charge of her own destiny. A romance developed with wit and respect, a mystery which uncovers an evil at the heart of a kingdom, and a page turning journey for survival; all around, a fabulous first novel for older teens.
Wind Rider – Susan Williams
New in paperback. Exceptionally well-written, this haunting novel transports readers back to the prehistoric Asian steppes, and imagines what chain of events could have occurred to enable a girl to be one of the first to domesticate a wild horse.

Pat Purdy Recommends:

  
Peak - Roland Smith
This adventure, new in paperback, is the page-tuning story of a 14 year old boy's quest to be the youngest person to summit Mount Everest. Although fictional, this outdoor survival tale reads like fact, and is a good choice for reluctant readers.
Our White House: Looking In Looking Out - intro by Davis McCullough
Two hundred years of American history told through a mixture of stories or real letters and speeches, with illustrations or text by 100 well-known children's authors and artists. This is a great example of a book that awakens a curiosity to know more about the people or events that have shaped history. It can be enjoyed chronologically, or dipped into at any point.
Ottoline And The Yellow Cat - Chris Riddell
Ottoline loves to solve tricky problems and work out clever plans, so she's the perfect person to uncover the mystery behind a wave of missing lapdogs. It helps that her parents are always away in exotic places and have left her with an odd assortment of caregivers in a Big City apartment. Children who like a lively graphic design to 'break up' pages of text will enjoy the many pictures, diagrams, maps and postcards that fill the pages of Ottoline.
Planting The Trees of Kenya - Claire Nivola
The story of the life of Wangari Maathai,winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize for her work in reforesting Kenya. Delicate watercolors and a direct text makes this inspiring story of the difference an individual can make "tree by tree, person by person" accessible even to young listeners.
Wabi Sabi - Mark Reibstein art by Ed Young
A lushly produced picture book, which can be enjoyed on a straightforward level for its art (elaborate textured natural material collages) and story of a Japanese cat in search of the meaning of his name. His journey, in which he travels to find a monkey in the countryside, can also be interpreted as a mediation on finding the beauty in natural simplicity. Carefully chosen haiku clarify the cat's experiences. They are found decoratively throughout the book in Japanese, and are translated in the appendix which also gives a bit of information on the Japanese principle of Wabi Sabi and its roots in Taoism and Zen Buddhism. Soothing, aesthetically pleasing and philosophical: a tour de force picture book!

Sharon Likes to Read:

  
Jingle, Jingle - Nicola Smee
Nicola Smee’s Jingle, Jingle is another exciting adventure for the characters of Clip Clop. Just in time for the holidays, Cat, Dog, Pig, Duck and Mr. Horse go for a rollicking sleigh ride.
Button Nose - Nina Laden
Unbutton the doggy’s pink button nose Feed the alligator with the zipper teeth. Tie the bunny’s loop ears. Snap! goes the turtle. The End? Babies and toddlers can practice their dressing skills with this imaginative cloth book with engaging black and white illustrations.
Little Blue Truck - Alice Schertle
With trucks stuck, farmyard friends, lots of beeps, honks, quacks and peeps Little Blue Truck is a refreshing addition to the ever popular “truck stuck” books, Alice Schertle’s rhyming text is a perfect match with Jill McElmurry’s beautiful and whimsical folk art.
Mr. Mac’s Bad Rabbits - Simon Puttock
"Mr. Mac lived all alone, and this made him rather sad. Then one day he invited some rabbits to stay, but, I am sorry to have to say, those rabbits turned out to be BAD!" So begins this humorous story about Mr. Mac and his rabbits with terrible habits. Mr. Mac’s reply is always “rabbits will be rabbits,” until one day he comes home and his rabbits were JUST TOO BAD.” Mr. Mac decides to teach his rabbits “better habits”, Preschoolers and adults will be amused by the unexpected results.

- - - Spring Time - - -

Butterflies and Moths – Nic Bishop
Breathtaking close-up photography, sure to inspire curiousity about the life cycles and habits of these beautiful insects.
What Bluebirds Do – Pamela Kirby
This photo-essay follows a bluebird family from mating season to the fledglings leaving the nest, and includes much useful background info on birds.
Pippa’s First Summer – Catherine Badgley
A sympathetic look at the lives of bats, as seen through the eyes of sibling bats Pippa and Click.  Fans of Avi’s Poppy series should enjoy this one, and with our real world bat populations plummeting it is even more important to understand, and not fear, these important mammals.
Hee-Haw-Dini and the Great Zambini –
Kim Kennedy
A donkey and a mouse pursue their unlikely dream of becoming magicians.  Much of the fun in this picture book is watching the skeptical barnyard animals wowed and won over by their debut performance.
Starring Lorenzo and Einstein Too –
Mark Karlins
Lorenzo, the math whiz, feels like he doesn’t fit in with his theatrical family, but an amazing outer space adventure (in the company of a fellow genius), proves to all that there are many types of talent.  A funny and lively picture book (ill. by Sandy Nichols) with an honest yet subtle message.
Calvin Coconut:  Trouble Magnet –
Graham Salisbury
A good length chapter book for fans of Martin Bridge and Shredderman, this features 4th grader Cal’s adventures in Hawaii with escaped centipedes, strick teachers and out of control kiteboards.
The Mousehunter – Alex Milway
An original adventure, with enough intrigue and heroics for boys or girls, set in a world where there are many species of unusual, collectible mice.  Emiline joins a sailing crew in pursuit of  a pirate smuggling rare mice, but betrayals abound.
Chasing Lincoln’s Killer – James Swanson
This fascinating true life account of the men who plotted to kill President Lincoln follows the how and why of their actions as well as the huge  12 day manhunt which ensued to find them.  Photos and documents are included in this well researched account that reads like a suspenseful thriller. 5th grade historical fiction fans will enjoy this, but there’s enough depth to the book for middle schoolers as well.

- - - Gwen - - -
Little Rabbit’s New Baby by Harry Horse
Little Rabbit is on an emotional roller coaster when the sibling he was excited about turns out to be triplets. The rabbit maternity ward is one of the funniest illustrations to grace a picture book this spring. This is a solid and entertaining story of dashed and rebuilt expectations, sure to be enjoyed even if there is no new baby in sight.
On The Farm by David Elliott
Holly Meade's oversize woodcuts are a lively accompaniment to these deceptively simple verses about farm animals. A good choice for reading to a preschooler, or sharing with an early elementary class.
Scaredy Squirrel At The Beach by Melanie Watt
Scaredy Squirrel returns in another laugh out loud encounter with the unpredictable world. His aversion to hostile gulls and jellyfish (Scaredy, you forgot about the hot sand!) causes him to construct a private beach complete with plastic flamingo and kitty litter. Will he come to his senses and stick a paw in the ocean?
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
This may be my favorite Dessen novel yet, and that's saying alot because The Truth About Forever and This Lullaby are pretty hard to top. Ruby is temporarily living with a sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and although she should be relieved to share in her sister's good fortune and generous family, Ruby is most comfortable as a rootless outsider. Dessen hits all the right notes in Ruby's journey to unlearn the emotional lessons her difficult childhood has taught her.
The Penderwicks On Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall
If I had to join a fictional family, I think this is the one – although it might be hard to keep up with these 4 energetic and witty sisters. Their good intentions, be they to save Daddy from loneliness or combine talents at homework time, backfire in most humorous and spectacular ways.
Tennyson by Lesley Blume
When their unreliable mother leaves, Tennyson and her sister are sent to their father’s decaying ancestral plantation in 1932 Louisiana, and Tennyson’s scheme to bring her mother home intersects with a mystery from the past. A haunting, atmospheric novel.
Theodosia And The Serpents Of Chaos by R. L. LaFevers
My favorite new spunky heroine – Theo does whatever it takes to keep her parents' London museum free of pesky Egyptian curses (with the occasional misread hieroglyph resulting in a bespelled cat). Whether it is sleeping in a sarcophagus or stowing away in an ocean liner’s lifeboat, Theo bravely stands between ancient evil and the safety of the British Empire.

- - - Pat - - -
Digby Takes Charge, Caroline Church
Digby the sheepdog tries increasingly comical ways to herd the sheep into their pen.
Anne Hutchinson’s Way, Jeannine Atkins.
In 1640 a mother and her family leave the colony of Mass. rather than compromise their belief in religious tolerance and freedom of speech.
Young Pele, Lesa Cline-Ransome.
Brazilian soccer star Pele’s determination helped him overcome many childhood obstacles.
The Wall, Peter Sis.
In graphic novel format, with diary entries, the powerful story of what it was like to grow up behind the Iron Curtain in Prague.
First Light, Rebecca Stead.
Alternating chapters tell the stories of Peter, who accompanies his scientist parents to Greenland, and Thea, who lives in a society with rigid rules, hidden from the light of the sun under the Arctic ice.