Elementary NF – Aaron & Alexander; Gingerbread

aaronandalexander

Brown, Don. Aaron and Alexander: The Most Famous Duel in American History. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2015. 978-1-59643-998-6. Unpaged. $17.99. Gr. K-5.

Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton’s lives paralleled each other’s in many ways; they were both orphaned at a young age; they were both very smart and studied at prestigious American universities; they both served bravely in the colonists’ battle against Great Britain; they were even alike in size, having the word “little” as part of their nicknames. Author Don Brown says, “Aaron and Alexander could have been friends. They were alike in many ways. But the ways in which they were different made them the worst of enemies.” The two men ended up on opposite sides of the political line after the American Revolution and influential, but hot-tempered, Hamilton often insulted Burr’s politics and character in vicious ways. The day arrived when Burr could take no more, and he challenged Hamilton to a duel in which Burr fatally shot Hamilton. Brown shares an unbiased view of the notorious duel that left Hamilton dead and Burr an outcast. The book contains an Author’s Note and bibliography. THOUGHTS: Brown’s signature style of concise wording and expressive watercolors succeeds in sharing a parallel of two important American figures and their tragic end.

973.4; Picture Book     Lindsey Long, Nye & Conewago Elementary Schools

 

 

gingerbread

Rockliff, Mara. Gingerbread for Liberty: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution.  Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015. 978-0-544-13001-2. 32pp. $17.99. Gr 2–5.

Christopher Ludwick was a Philadelphia-based baker known all over the city for his big heart and his delicious gingerbread. Hungry children followed their noses to his shop, admiring the spicy cookies decorated with sweet, white icing. But in the summer of 1776, something other than the smell of gingerbread was in the air. Cries of “Revolution!” echoed up and down the streets. Ludwick, who was born in Germany, was a staunch Patriot. At age 55, he hung up his apron and volunteered his services to General Washington. After learning that Washington’s troops were threatening to leave due to lack of food, Ludwick rolled up his sleeves and fired up his oven. Throughout the Revolutionary War, Ludwick continued baking, and not just for the Continental Army. He volunteered for a secret, midnight mission to a British army camp where he successfully convinced hired Hessian soldiers to abandon the British troops and enlist with General Washington after promising them full bellies. At the war’s end, after the British surrendered, Ludwick baked 6,000 pounds of bread to feed America’s hungry former enemies before returning to Philadelphia and his bakery.  THOUGHTS:  This picture book biography of a little-known Revolutionary War hero is a wonderful addition to elementary collections. An author’s note at the end of the book outlines additional details about Ludwick’s life, and the endpapers include a recipe for baking gingerbread. While the story itself is unique, the illustrations steal the show. Illustrator Vincent Kirsch’s spirited watercolor pictures depict all characters as gingerbread people, and he sticks to a palate of mostly brown with white details. This title provides an accessible introduction to the American Revolution for the youngest readers while also showcasing a forgotten hero’s kind spirit and large heart.

Picture Book Biography   Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary, Southern York County

Sharks All Around – Shark Detective; Clark the Shark

sharkdetective

Olien, Jessica. Shark Detective! New York: Balzer + Bray, 2015. 978-0062357144. 32p. $17.99. Gr. K-3.

During the day Shark lives a lonely life in the big city, but at night he watches too many detective shows, eats junk food, and falls asleep dreaming of being a detective. There’s no explanation for why Shark lives on land, in an apartment like a person, which makes this book all the funnier. Not surprisingly, people he approaches trying to help solve the mystery of a missing neighborhood kitty typically run off screaming. Well, Shark finds the kitty; they become fast friends, and Shark decides to help kitty find his missing mousey toy. The colorful and simple illustrations are quite fun and this is one of those picture books with lots of visual gags that adults will enjoy as much as the kiddos. Recommended as a read aloud or read together. THOUGHTS:  I just so happened to receive a copy of Clark the Shark afraid of the dark by Bruce Hale and decided to pair these for a very fun read aloud and compare/contrast discussion with kindergarten students. Most of us are fascinated by sharks but especially the wee ones, and it is fun to have books that treat them whimsically instead of as scary monsters.

Picture Book    Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

 

clarktheshark

Hale, Bruce. Clark the Shark: Afraid of the Dark. New York: HarperCollins, 2015. 978-0062374509. 32p. $17.99. Gr. K-2.

Clark the Shark is all ready for his first sleepover: “Balloons? Check. Games? Check. Snacks? Double check.” But, he is afraid of the dark and afraid to admit that to his seemingly brave friends. The party starts out smashingly with games, karaoke, and dancing, but when Benny Blowfish starts the ghost stories, Clark and his friends are spooked. They swear they see scary monsters which wind up just being shadows. Then the truth comes out, they are all “a little” afraid of the dark. So, they decide to create a rhyme as a group that will remind them that there is nothing to be afraid of. Really cute illustrations, nice pacing, and an enjoyable read aloud, this is a great addition to the Clark the Shark series for young reads that includes Tooth Trouble, Dare to Share and others. THOUGHTS: I’d recommend this to read to a class or one-on-one, and it would be fun to use as a themed pair with another book like The Dark by Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen or the classic Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber.

Picture Book    Kathie Jackson, Plymouth Meeting Friends School

New Picture Books – Elephant & Piggie; Float; Waiting; Lenny & Lucy; The Only Child; We Forgot Brock

reallylikeslop

Willems, Mo. I Really Like Slop! New York: Hyperion, 2015. 978-1-4847-2262-6. 57p. $9.99. Gr. K-2.

Elephant and Piggie are back in a new adventure. This time, Piggie wants Gerald to try her slop. Since pigs REALLY love slop, she wants to share with her best friend. Gerald does not want to, as it seems to look and smell funny to him. Saying no hurts Piggie’s feelings, though, so Gerald agrees to have a taste after all. However, the fish bones she offers for dessert gets a “Don’t push it, bub!” from Gerald!  THOUGHTS: A wonderful new addition to the Elephant and Piggie series! Students will love the use of color and pattern when Gerald tries the slop. As always, a subtle lesson (in this case, about being willing to try new things) is taught with humor.

Picture Book     Lisa Weiss, Churchville Elementary

 

float

Miyares, Daniel. Float. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2015. 978-1481415248. 48p. $14.00. Gr.K-3.

This wordless picture book tells the adventures of a father and son making a newspaper boat. Dressed in bright yellow rain gear against a monochromatic background, the boy ventures outside to launch it. The illustrations show varying perspectives, including an aerial view, of the boy as he shields his boat from the rain, floats it in puddles, and chases it as it is swept down the street and into a storm drain. When he sulkily returns home with his soggy ruined boat, his father dries him, sits him down with hot chocolate, and helps him make a paper airplane…this time heading out into a now bright sunny yellow day! THOUGHTS: A beautiful, heartwarming visual journey of a small moment in a child’s life, a lovely homage to Ezra Jack Keats’ tales of Peter.

Wordless Picture Book     Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

 

waiting

Henkes, Kevin. Waiting. New York: HarperCollins, 2015. 978-0062368430. 32p. $10.00. Gr. K-3.

Five toys: an owl waiting for the moon; a pig with an umbrella waiting for the rain; a bear with a kite waiting for the wind, and a puppy on a sled waiting for the snow, sit quietly on the windowsill. The soft pastels of clouds, rainbows, fireworks and rain, along with the repeating patterns of text, tell their story of patience and waiting as they each experience joy, sadness, surprise, friendship, gifts, and visitors. THOUGHTS: The story is profound, not in its moral or meaning, but in its ability to create this microcosm of pure childlike emotion with simple text and expressive illustrations.

Picture Book    Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

 

lennyandlucy

Stead, Philip. Lenny & Lucy. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2015. 978-1596439320. 40p. $14.00. Gr. K-2.

This is the story of Peter and his dog Harold who are moving to a new home. Peter thinks it is a terrible idea, and Harold would do something about it if he weren’t a dog. Neither of them can sleep the first night because of their anxiety over the ominous dark woods and the bridge leading to them outside the new house. The next day, Peter decides to build a guard for the bridge from pillows and blankets and names him Lenny. This makes him worry less about the woods, but instead he worries that Lenny is lonely out there by himself. The next day he and Harold build Lucy to keep Lenny company. Peter and Harold pass the days playing with Lenny and Lucy and their new friend, Millie, from next door and rest better at night knowing that Lenny and Lucy guard the bridge, keeping the dark woods on the other side “where they belong”. THOUGHTS: A quiet tale of resilience and friendship portrayed by a boy who uses his imagination and the comfort of friendship to help cope with his anxiety and fears.

Picture Book     Robin Bartley, Davis Elementary

 

onlychild

Guojing. The Only Child. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2015.  978-0-553-49704-5. unpaged. $19.99. Gr K-2.

Family is important, but when you are an only child who is often alone or unattended, the isolation can lead to adventure or despair. Guojing was such a child in China, and wordlessly retells her emotional journey in this gently pencilled graphic novel. The child wanders out of her home and onto a bus with the intention of visiting her grandmother, but when she falls asleep on the ride, she is scared and alone in the woods at night. With turns of fantasy and humor and tenderness, the child journeys with a few animals to a cloud world and seeks the companionship that eventually can only come from a reunion with family.  THOUGHTS: The drawings are so soft and sweet that they may be lost on those who plow quickly though wordless books. But, those who take time for close reading and notice and note strategies will find plenty to unpack. The Only Child would also make a great comparison book with Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman for two wordless worlds of wonder!

Wordless Picture Book    Dustin Brackbill, State College Area School District

 

weforgotbrock

Goodrich, Carter. We Forgot Brock. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2015. 978-1-4424-8090-2. 42 unnumbered pages. $17.99. Gr K-2.

Imaginary characters are in vogue for kid lit at the moment, and We Forgot Brock fits nicely into the genre. As many stories like this go, Phillip’s best friend can’t be seen by his parents, but they play along with Brock’s life anyway. Brock appears as if drawn by the boy, further separating him from the colorful watercolor “real world”. A journey to the Big Fair together proves to be the catalyst for separation, and the panic is mutual between friends. Fortunately, a new pair of characters come along and care for Brock until the satisfying conclusion. Imaginary or not, characters who are creative in play and resourceful in times of need provide promising traits for young readers to discover.  THOUGHTS: Pair We Forgot Brock with The Adventures of Beekle for two different view of a similar topic. Children will be itching to remember (or create) their own “hard to see friends”!  

Picture Book    Dustin Brackbill, State College Area School District

New Picture Books – The Skunk; North Woods Girl

The Skunk

Barnett, Mac. The Skunk. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2015. 9781596439665. 32pp. $17.99. Gr. K-3.

What do you do when a skunk appears on your doorstep and follows you all over the city? That is the problem a tuxedo-wearing man faces in this quirky story by Mac Barnett and Patrick McDonnell. The narrator attempts to shake the skunk, but the animal follows him down streets, around corners, and to cafes. It tails him even after he hails a cab, visits the opera, and takes a spin on the Ferris wheel. After escaping into the sewers, the narrator finally emerges and begins a skunk-free life in a new part of the city. Eventually, though, he begins to wonder about his striped pursuer. In a reversal of roles, he retraces his steps until he locates the animal, vowing to keep an eye on him so he doesn’t get followed again.  THOUGHTS:  McDonnell’s mostly black and white palette visually connects the man and the skunk, and readers will enjoy watching how the skunk’s movements and gestures mimic the narrator’s.  Both children and adults will enjoy this paranoid pursuit up street and down alley all over the city.

Picture Book     Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary, Southern York County

 

 

north woods girl

Bissonette, Aimee. North Woods Girl. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2015. 9780873519663. 32p. $16.95. Gr. K-3.

Each changing season brings something new to celebrate and someplace different to explore in this gentle intergenerational story about a city girl and her beloved grandmother who lives in the woods. The unnamed narrator loves visiting her grandmother in the north woods. In the springtime, they hike to the pond and peer through binoculars at the migrating ducks. In the summer, they rest in the evergreens’ cool shade, and in the fall, they watch squirrels gather seeds and nuts. Winter is their favorite season, and they take moonlit walks through the cold snow, listening for hooting owls. Vibrant scratchboard and watercolor illustrations perfectly capture the love shared between grandmother and granddaughter. This title celebrates nature’s quiet moments, suggesting that the simplest pleasures are sometimes best enjoyed with someone you care about the most.  THOUGHTS:  This title will tie in nicely with units about the changing seasons since the girl and her grandmother have different traditions and activities for each time of year. It will also be a good fit for Grandparents Day celebrations since it depicts a free-spirited, active, outdoorsy grandparent.

Picture Book          Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary, Southern York County

 

 

 

New additions to favorite picture book series – Little Elliott, Big Family; Red; Dragon Moves in Again

littleelliott

Curato, Mike. Little Elliot, Big Family. New York: Henry Holt, 2015. 978-0-8050-9826-6. 32 p. $17.99. Gr. K-2.

Little Elliot’s friend Mouse leaves to attend his family reunion with his huge family of relatives. Elliot decides to go for a walk while Mouse is away, on which he observes families of all shapes and sizes doing all kinds of things. Through Curato’s softly illustrated 2-page spreads, readers feel Elliot’s longing for a family. Just as sadness descends on him, Mouse reappears and has Elliot join in the family reunion. A framed photo at the end includes Elliot in Mouse’s extended family, subtly reminding readers that not all families are the same.  THOUGHTS: Read it for the adorable polka dot elephant readers fell in love with first in Little Elliot Big City, or read it for the deeper message of friendship and family – and how friends are often family too.

Picture Book      Lisa Weiss, Churchville Elementary School

 

red

Hall, Michael. Red: A Crayon’s Story. New York: Greenwillow Books, 2015. 978-0062252074. 40 p. $17.99. Gr. K-2.

Red is actually a blue crayon, but his bright red label says otherwise. He desperately tries to “be” red, attempting to draw red things, but, naturally, they just don’t look “right.” His parents and others try to help him be more red, even having him combine with other colors (but unlike red and yellow, he can’t make orange). By the end, with the help of a friend asking him to draw an ocean, he discovers his true self is indeed blue!  THOUGHTS: A unique spin on being unique, with its clever double meaning on how society assigns “labels”, younger readers will love the story at face value, while older students will appreciate the message of being true to yourself! Pair this with Frankencrayon, the newest by Michael Hall (imagine a Horrible Harry “stub people” type) and The Day the Crayons (Quit and/or Came Home). It could make for some great discussion among the K-2 set!

Picture Book     Lisa Weiss, Churchville Elementary School

 

dragonagain

Moore, Jodi. When A Dragon Moves In Again. New York: Flashlight Press, 2015. 978-1-936261-35-2. unpaged. $17.95. Gr K-2.

The “imaginary” dragon who wreaked havoc on a beach with a confused boy in Jodi Moore’s first book is back in the next great discussable book. Now the family is home, and a change is coming as a baby is on the way. The boy and dragon navigate a sea of emotions before and after the birth, often with energetic and chaotic results. The eruption finally happens when the dragon seems to side with the baby, and the boy demands that he get sent back. Moore captures a difficult stage for a child with honesty and curiosity; meanwhile, the playful illustrations by Howard McWilliam show more than words often can, including the dragon that may just exist in the house after all.  THOUGHTS: Jodi is a Central PA writer and does a fantastic job creating and sharing her work. Her energy is easy for the children to notice, and there is plenty of discussion questions and activities that can go with her books.

Picture book; Family      Dustin Brackbill, State College Area School District

Elementary Picture Books – Frogs; Cat; Freckleface Strawberry

0-439-87755-5

Bishop,Nic.Frogs. New York: Scholastic, 2015. 978-0-5456-0570-0. 31p. $8.99. Gr.K-2.

This is the latest from award winning photographer and biologist Nic Bishop.He introduces facts about frog habitats, bodies, and life cycles. He includes a picture index and glossary. THOUGHTS: The pictures do reinforce the text and assist all beginning readers, especially the visual learner.

Frogs    Caroline Romano, Wallenpaupack Area

 

cat

Underwood, Deborah. Here Comes Valentine Cat. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2016. 978-0-525-42915-9. Unpaged. $16.99. Gr. K-3.

Deborah Underwood’s delightfully spunky Cat is dreading “mushy” Valentine’s Day. The narrator suggests that Cat send a Valentine to a friend, but he can’t think of anyone…until the new dog next door howls a hello over the fence. Cat is unsure about making friends with a dog, but he’s especially confused when bones and balls start flying over the fence and hit Cat on the head. He considers sending an angry Valentine until he gets one from Dog. It turns out that Dog is trying to be friends by sending gifts over the fence, so Cat decides to befriend the adorable Dachshund next door. As always, the narrator communicates with Cat through a series of exchanges in which the narrator talks and Cat answers with comedic signs and facial expressions. THOUGHTS: Kids will enjoy reading about Cat any day of the year, not just Valentine’s Day.

Underwood’s newest Cat offering is just as enjoyable as the first three (Here Comes Santa Cat, Here Comes the Easter Cat, Here Comes Tooth Fairy Cat). Claudia Rueda’s illustrations contain a lot of white space that allows readers to focus on Cat and his funny faces and ideas. Search the blog to read a review of Here Comes Tooth Fairy Cat.

Picture Book; Easy Fiction      Lindsey Long, Nye & Conewago Elementary Schools

 

 

freckleface

Moore, Julianne. Lunch, or WHAT’S THAT? New York: Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2015. 978-0-385-39192-4. 32 p. $12.99. Gr. K-3.

Freckleface Strawberry and her friend Windy Pants Patrick love to eat, but they do not love to eat cafeteria food. One day, Freckleface Strawberry and Windy Pants Patrick get into the lunch line, and she gets some green noodles for lunch. “What’s that?” her friends ask. “I don’t know!” she responds, but bravely tries some and realizes that she likes it. THOUGHTS: Simple sentences with lots of repetition will help early readers enjoy reading about darling Freckleface Strawberry and friends.

This story is one of several written by actress Julianne Moore about Freckleface Strawberry. These easy readers feature bright illustrations by LeUyen Pham that highlight the main character’s beautiful red hair and freckles. These stories are popular with both boys and girls as Windy Pants Patrick features prominently in the stories, as well.

Easy Fiction; Picture Book      Lindsey Long, Nye & Conewago Elementary Schools

New Picture Books – Dr. Seuss; Lillian; a Tea Party; Small Elephant

drseuss

Seuss, Dr. The BIG Orange Book of Beginner Books. New York: Random House, 2015. 978-0-553-52425-3. 240p. $15.99. Gr Pre-K-2.

This book includes six individual titles by Dr. Seuss: Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!; The Shape of Me and Other Stuff; In a People House; Hooper Humperdink…? Not Him!; Ten Apples Up On Top! Because a Little Bug went Ka-CHOO!.  The large print and illustrations help emergent reader guess the words they may not know yet while developing reading skills through rhyme and classic, beloved Dr. Seuss characters.  THOUGHTS: Buy if you do not have enough individual copies.

Picture Book Collection      Caroline Romano Wallenpaupack Area School District

 

 

lillian

Winter, Jonah and Shane W. Evans. Lillian’s Right to Vote. New York: 2015.978-0-385-39028-6. Unpaged. $17.99. Gr 1 -4.

As hundred year old Lillian journeys to the top of a very steep hill to vote, she is reminded of what it took in order for all African Americans to get the vote: from slave ties to freedom; from an impossible test to the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The colorful art and well crafted sentences create a read aloud that will spark a discussion on the hard won right to vote. THOUGHTS: This is an excellent text for extending a study of Martin Luther King Day, Black History Month, or Election Day.  It is highly recommended.

Historical Picture Book      Caroline Romano, Wallenpaupack Area

 

 

teaparty

Miyakoshi, Akiko. The Tea Party in the Woods. New York: Kids Can Press, 2015.  978-177138-107-9. Unpaged. $16.95. Gr. K-5.

One wintery, snowy day, a young girl named Kikko realizes her father has forgotten the pie he was supposed to take to Grandma’s house.  When she tries to catch him in the woods, she accidentally follows a bear instead.  She finds herself by a house she does not know but is too curious to leave.  As she looks through the window, a lamb wearing a coat and carrying a purse asks her, “Are you here for the tea party?”  Keikko joins the many animals for a splendid and magical tea party.  Akiko Miyakoshi has beautifully illustrated this tale.  The illustrations are mostly black and white with an occasional stroke of yellow and red.  The story ends with the animals disappearing back into the woods, and one must question whether the story is really happening or a figment of Kikko’s imagination.  Thoughts:  I would recommend this book for any children’s or elementary library.  This story promotes much discussion with students and is a great read aloud.

Picture Book                             Anastasia Hanneken, School Lane Charter School

 

 

smallelephant

Feeney, Tatyana. Small Elephant’s Bathtime. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2015.  978-0-553-49721-2. Unpaged. $16.99. Gr. PK-2.

Small Elephant likes water, but not being in it.  His mother tries to make bath time fun with toys and games, but Small Elephant does not want to get in the bath!  Small Elephant’s father thinks of a way to get Small Elephant in the bath, but will it work?  THOUGHTS:  This is a very cute book with enjoyable illustrations.  Young students will be able to relate to Small Elephant.  It’s a great addition to storytime!

Picture Book         Anastasia Hanneken, School Lane Charter School

New Picture Books – How to Grow a Friend; Over in the Wetlands

growfriend

Gillingham, Sara. How to Grow a Friend. New York: Random House, 2015. 978-0-385-37669-3. 32 p. $16.99. Gr. PreK-2.

A simple, sweet story that compares growing a plant with building a friendship. Friendships, along with plants, need “water…warm sunshine…and space to bloom.” Some steps are difficult, like when “…a friend bugs you…To grow a friend, chase the bugs away together!” The story reminds readers that new friends can appear at unexpected times “…and there is always room for one more.” Young readers will enjoy Gillingham’s illustrations which are colorful and full of patterns that create visual interest. THOUGHTS: A solid choice for preschool and early elementary readers on a universal topic.

Easy Fiction; Picture Book           Lindsey Long, Nye & Conewago Elementary Schools

 

 

wetlands

Rose, Caroline Starr. Over in the Wetlands: A Hurricane-on-the-Bayou Story. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2015. 978-0-449-81016-3. 34 p. $17.00. Gr. K-3.

The animals who call the Louisiana wetlands home are preparing for a hurricane. “Gentle as a whisper too soft to hear, a faint breeze hints that a storm draws near.” An alligator mother carries her babies to safety in their den and bird fish for a last meal before the storm. Rose’s lovely rhyming text builds the storm from beginning to peak to end and showcases how wetlands animals survive the storm. Fish and turtles find deeper water, egrets hide in cattails, and the storm rages. Finally, “…winds ease to gentle breaths. The hurricane yawns, the hurricane rests.” Storm’s end finds the wetlands landscape changed with downed live oaks, and the animals slowly resume normal life. Endpapers include an author’s note on the wetlands environment and notes on the animals featured in the story. THOUGHTS: This story portrays a major event from a unique perspective and will have students asking questions.

Rose’s rhyming text works extremely well for this story. She does not follow the same rhyme scheme or pattern from page to page so the rhyming doesn’t feel childlike or primary in nature. Rob Dunlavey’s mixed media illustrations feel are and earthy, perfect for a story about animals on the bayou. This is a great choice for schools (even in Pennsylvania, far off from the bayou).

Easy Fiction; Picture Book            Lindsey Long, Nye & Conewago Elementary Schools

 

Animals All Around…Owl Diaries; Geronimo Stilton; The Bear Ate Your Sandwich; The Bus Ride

owldiaries

Elliott, Rebecca.  Owl Diaries:  Eva’s Treetop Festival.  New York:  Scholastic, 2015.  978-0-545-68362-3.  $4.99.  Gr. 1-3.

Eva Wingdale is an owl who loves drawing, going to school, and her new diary.  On the first day of spring, the owlet offers to organize the first ever Treetop Owlementary Bloomtastic Festival.  With the event only seven days away, Eva’s not sure she can get everything done in time, so she asks for help from her fellow classmates.  Eva’s Treetop Festival, as well as the other books in this series, is written in diary format with speech bubbles.  Each chapter includes lively and bright colored illustrations.  THOUGHTS:  This is a great choice for those readers who are too old for picture books, but too young for a more advanced chapter book.

Fantasy (Easy Chapter Book)      Anastasia Hanneken, School Lane Charter School

 

 

geronimostilton

Stilton, Geronimo.  Back in Time:  The Second Journey Through Time.  New York:  Scholastic, 2015.  978-0-545-74618-2.  $14.99. Gr. 3-6.

In this installment of the Geronimo Stilton series, everyone’s favorite mouse is offered a chance to travel back in time with Professor Paws von Volt in his time machine.  Geronimo travels through time and visits Ancient Rome, the great Mayan Empire, and the Palace of Versailles.  Geronimo Stilton is one of the most requested series in my library, and it’s easy to see why.  This book is filled with bright and vibrant illustrations, a great storyline, and additional information to expand on the various nonfiction topics.  THOUGHTS: Geronimo Stilton is an especially  good choice for those reluctant readers and students who enjoy graphic novels.  This book is recommended for any children’s or elementary school library.

Fantasy; Historical Fiction           Anastasia Hanneken, School Lane Charter School

 

 

busride

DuBuc, Marianne. The Bus Ride. Tonowanda, NY: Kids Can Press, 2015 (English translation). unpaged. $15.95. Gr Pre-K – 1.

A trip through the woods to Grandmother’s house never looked so fun, especially when the granddaughter travels on an animal filled bus. Full of clever characters who come and go from the interior view of the bus, the girl’s trip is quick and entertaining. For a simple example, watch how the sloth or the fox interact with others. The sparse first person text makes it easy for readers to participate, but there are subtle gaps in the story between the pages which invite speculation and prediction and closer rereading. The Bus Ride is a charming trip in many ways. THOUGHTS: There really are a lot of ELA terms that classrooms could seek from this book. There are behavior lessons as well, such as sharing and not stealing, but apparently talking to animal strangers is accepted! Readers who check in her basket are left wondering if this girl has a familiar fairy tale reference, which makes the story even more delightful!

Easy Fiction/Picture Book   Dustin Brackbill, Mount Nittany Elementary

 

 

bearate

Sarcone-Roach, Julia. The Bear Ate Your Sandwich. New York: Alfred A Knopf, 2015. 34 unnumbered pages. $16.99. Grades K-3.

The title of this colorful picture book implies a simple open and shut case, but there is a creative story between the pages. The unreliable narrator describes the cheerful misadventure of a bear who wanders beyond his forest and ends up downtown. He is mostly unnoticed until he stumbles upon a tasty sandwich, gets caught, and escapes back home. Except the witnesses may know more, even if they aren’t telling. The acrylic illustrations and sparse text make this a sneaky success for young readers.  THOUGHTS: This book would be great as an intro to a writing prompt or a good suggestion for readers who love Jon Klassen books. The use of an “unreliable narrator” is a growing trend in YA and adult lit, but there is delight in letting young readers play with the story this way.

Easy Fiction/Picture Book   Dustin Brackbill, Mount Nittany Elementary

New Holiday Picture Books

christmasmouse

Buehner, Caralyn. Merry Christmas Mr. Mouse. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015. 978-0-8037-4010-5. Unpaged. $17.99. Gr. K-3.

Mr. Mouse and his family are new to their apartment under the kitchen stove when Christmas time arrives. The people in their home string lights on an evergreen tree, gather with friends and family, and celebrate His birth many years ago. Mr. Mouse and his wife like the idea that “…Christmas means joy, and love,” and decide to celebrate Christmas with their seventeen children. They borrow bits of this and that to make their own tree and gifts, and Mr. Mouse shares the story of the first Christmas night. They also get a surprise visit from Santa! The whole family is filled with love and cheer on their first Christmas in nook number twenty-four. THOUGHTS: This story nicely incorporates the origins of Christmas, a visit from Santa, and the joy of the season in one small package.

Easy Fiction/Picture Book     Lindsey Long, Nye & Conewago Elementary Schools

Carolyn and Mark Buehner, creators of Snowmen at Night and Snowmen at Christmas, created another festive winner with Mr. Mouse and his family. The story is an enjoyable combination of holiday elements as seen through the eyes of tiny creatures unaware of the Christmas season. Mark Buehner’s illustrations are the best part of the book. The back flap shows photographs of models that he created for Mr. Mouse’s nook. Illustrations show a fireplace made of a chili powder can with a tiny candle for a flame and pretty matchbooks hung as art on the walls. The dust jacket also has pictures of objects hidden in the illustrations. Children will delight in looking at all the details while searching for the hidden pictures.

 

homemadechristmas

Cocca-Leffler, Maryann. A Homemade Together Christmas. New York: Albert Whitman & Co, 2015. 978-0-8075-3366-6. 32 p. $16.99. Gr. K-3.

Luca has a problem. His family decided to have a homemade Christmas, but he can’t decide on a homemade gift for his family. Mom, Dad, and sister Rosie are all hard at work on their gifts, but Luca’s many attempts all seem to fall short. On Christmas Eve, Mom gently reminds him that “…the best part of Christmas is spending time together.” Luca suddenly has a homemade gift idea for his family that will bring joy for an entire year, starting on Christmas Day. THOUGHTS: This family of pigs will bring joy to many families around the holidays in this simple but sweet story.

Easy Fiction/Picture Book  Lindsey Long, Nye & Conewago Elementary Schools

This is my favorite new Christmas book in 2015. Maryann Cocca-Leffler’s colorful illustrations pop on white backgrounds and Luca and his family are a refreshing throwback to simpler, old-fashioned holidays. This story might inspire your children and students to think of their own homemade gifts.