Marko, Cyndi. Kung Pow Chicken: The Birdy Snatchers. New York: Scholastic, Inc, 2014. 978-0-545-61072-8. $15.99. Gr. 1-3.
In this third book in the Kung Pow Chicken series, we are once again taken on a humorous adventure with Gordon Blue, superhero chicken. As the story begins, all is quiet and safe in the city of Fowladelphia. However, like most superheroes, Gordon has a feeling that something bad is bound to happen. On a seemingly ordinary morning, Gordon and his brother Benny arrive at school to find all of their teachers acting like zombies! With a little bit of research, the two learn that there is a new villain in town – Birdbrain. In an age-old tale of jealousy and revenge, Birdbrain creates a device to make all of the smart chickens act like zombies in hopes of becoming the brainiest chicken in Fowladelphia. Luckily, after finding a place to hide, Gordon and Benny emerge as Kung Pow Chicken and Egg Drop, ready to save the city! The two, along with new sidekick Annie aka Beak Girl, devise and execute a plan to stop Birdbrain in his tracks.

Written as a graphic novel, this will easily attract emerging readers, especially those interested in transitioning into juvenile fiction and chapter books. The Birdy Snatchers, just like all of the other Kung Pow Chicken books, is fun, bright, and silly, and with the addition of zombies to the already popular theme of super heroes, book number 3 is is bound to be a hit!
Picture Book/Graphic Novel         Lisa Naylor, Concord Elementary

Haughton, Chris.  Shh! We Have a Plan.  Massachusetts: CandlewickPress, 2014.  978-0-7636-7293-5. 36p.  $15.99. Gr. K-2.
A fantastic display of simple texts and bright, dynamic pictures.  In a simple style the author portrays every youngest child’s problem.  They feel that no one listens to them.  As the characters try to capture the bird, the readers try to anticipate what will happen next.  An excellent read aloud, and a great way to teach inferences.  Not only entertaining to young readers but also enjoyed by older readers.  The text is simple and few words on the pages make it a fantastic way to practice reading skills.
Fiction: Picture Book                             Denise Naumann, Eisenhower Elementary

Uegaki, Chieri. Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin. New York: Kids Can Press, 2014. 978-1-894786-33-1. $16.95. Gr. 1-3.
Hana announces to her older brothers that she will be playing the violin in an upcoming talent show, even after only a few lessons. At first, her brothers are amused and tease her for what they believe to be a disastrous idea. Hana does not seem to be bothered by their jokes, but instead puts all of her focus and energy into practicing, as well as remembering the person who inspired her to play the violin in the first place – her grandfather. Hana thinks fondly of Ojichan, who was once Second Violin in a great orchestra in Kyoto. She recalls the summer when she held a violin for the very first time and when Ojichan would play his lovely music morning, afternoon, and night. Hana loved the sounds Ojichan was able to make with his violin, and she used those memories to help her prepare for the talent show. When the day arrived for Hana to get on stage and perform, she imagined Ojichan sitting in the audience. She let the rest of the world disappear and thought of Ojichan waving, smiling, and telling her to do her best.

This is a truly sweet story with great themes and so many different avenues for cross-curricular learning. There is room to discuss music, Japan, and language, as well as trying your best and even remembering loved ones who are no longer with us.
Picture Book             Lisa Naylor, Concord Elementary