Tag Archives: Book Clubs

Elem. – Hooked on Books

Posted on by
Reply

Greanias, Margaret Chiu. Hooked on Books. Illustrated by Kristyna Litten. Peachtree, 2023. 978-1-682-63367-0. $18.99. 32 p. Grades K-3.

Pearl is an anglerfish who loves to read. Using the light of her lure, she attempts to settle down to enjoy a good book but is constantly interrupted by her ocean friends. Pearl longs for peace and quiet, so she dives deeper and deeper into the ocean zones, seeking a place to be alone. Whether she hides beneath seaweed or seeks the refuge of a shipwreck, Pearl is continually disturbed by a variety of amusing, illuminated creatures. At last, Pearl finds a dark and cozy nook where she can finally be alone to read her book. When Pearl finishes reading the book, she realizes she is all alone and is in fact lonely. Pearl longs to tell others about the book she enjoyed. Rising through the ocean zones, she finds her friends and offers to start a book club so everyone can share their love of books.

THOUGHTS: This book is absolutely delightful. Filled with information about the ocean that is cleverly woven into the story, the many puns and amusing illustrations will amuse children and adults alike. Deliciously detailed and adorable pencil, ink-texture, and digital illustrations by Kristyna Litten will entice readers.

Picture Book

MG – The Lost Library

Posted on by
Reply

Stead, Rebecca, and Wendy Mass. The Lost Library. Macmillan, 2023. 978-1-250-83881-0. 224 p. $18.99. Grades 4-7.

This well-narrated audiobook centers on Evan, an inquisitive boy who loves to read, as he approaches fifth-grade graduation. He lives in the sleepy town of Martinville, which lacks a library since the fire that burned down the old one twenty-five years ago. Two authors penned this delightful tale, ideal for any bibliophile to peruse. Multiple narrators flesh out the story: Mortimer the gold striped cat; AL, the assistant librarian who lives with the other library ghosts; and Evan. The town has just started a Little Library, and Evan nabbed some of the books from the box–all of them due the same day as the fire. As he gets deeper into one of his selections, How to Write a Mystery, checked out by M.C. Higgins, he tries to figure out who started the fire back in the 1980’s. He wonders if his father’s reticence and lack of communication has anything to do with the tragedy. With his best friend Rafe at his side, Evan follows the possible clues. In alternating chapters, AL reflects on her past, coming from the orphanage to serve as a fledgling librarian under the firm but kind head librarian, Ms. Skoggins, and conducting the book club for the local school children. The wise and attentive Mortimer, dear cat, provides the feline perspective on what it surveys: both the routine at History House where the ghosts reside and the movements of Evan as he puts together the puzzle pieces that point to his own dad. This book is a cozy homage to books, readers, libraries, and librarians.

THOUGHTS: A great read aloud. I hope this book can work its magic to entice listeners that libraries, books, and librarians are important. These two authors are some of the best, and this book will not disappoint. Pair it with the fine picture book about the beginnings of the Little Library or, if there are no Little Libraries in your neck of the woods, start a project to place them around town. If that isn’t possible, connect this book with a book drive for shelters. I just found out about a church food pantry that offers a book room for families. Or build a list of books where animals are key characters. At the very least, reading this book students will learn what a pseudonym is.

Fantasy (Magical Realism)