How do you Burp in Space? And other tips every space tourist needs to know by Susan Goodman –ESSENTIAL

Goodman, Susan How do you Burp in Space?  80 pgs. Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2013. $16.99.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G. NON-FICTION

This is a one of a kind guide for those students who are interested in taking a space vacation. All the information is presented in a fun, realistic, and interesting way. The readers finds out about what to pack, what to eat, how to go to the bathroom, and why carbonated drinks are a terrible idea!

Students will love this book! What I like most about this book is that it’s not about grownups who are astronauts, which can seem distant and very unobtainable to children. Instead this book functions on the premise that children can really and truly be space travelers. Its focus is on what to expect and how to prepare. I learned quite a few things myself! Students will be drawn to the cover, the photographs, the illustrations, as well as the presentation and text variety. It’s the perfect combination of education and fun.

EL (K-3), EL –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Whiskers, Tails, and Wings: Animal Folktales from Mexico by Judy Goldman –ADVISABLE

Goldman, Judy and Illustrated by VandenBroeck, Fabricio Whiskers, Tails, and Wings: Animal Folktales from Mexico 64 pgs. Charlesbridge Publishing (, 2013. $12.73.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G. NON-FICTION

This is a fascinating collection of five folktales from different indigenous peoples of Mexico. Different from the much written about Aztec or Maya. Each tale features an animal based story which is sprinkled with traditional words. It is followed by tons of information about the group who tells the story, along with word definitions/translations. The book features stunning collage style illustrations that really help to set the scene and the tone.

This is a great book for expanding your world story horizons. The story are simple and could be easily understood by upper elementary students. More meaning could be teased out for middle school grades. They are short enough to use for a lesson and may serve as a valuable resource for your teachers. I am not sure if students would check this one out on their own. The cover isn't my favorite of the amazing art featured, showing subdued colors, so it may fail to catch their eye.

EL, MS –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Ouch! by Joe Rhatigan –ADVISABLE

Rhatigan, Joe Ouch! 80 pgs. Imagine Publishing, 2013. $12.75.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

This large book is a fun and informative look at common childhood ailments. The reader finds out what is happening in the body, what to do, when to see the doctor, and the healing process. Its covers topics from Blisters, to Burns, to stings, to the flu. Includes many illustrations and photographs.

This is a really fun book and students will really enjoy reading it. The best thing the author did was choosing ailments that all students will have heard of and can relate to.  The worst thing was that the content can be a bit advanced, its at about a 5^th  grade + reading level, though I know younger students will be interested. The illustrations and photographs really add to the book, it’s incredibly bright and colorful!

EL, MS –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

No Monkeys, No Chocolate by Melissa Steward and Allen Young –ADVISABLE

Stewart, Melissa and Young, Allen No Monkeys, No Chocolate 32 pgs. Charlesbridge Pub Inc, 2013. $12.20.  Content: Language: G (0 swears);  Mature Content:P G;  Violence: G.

Learn all about the complex eco-system of the Cocoa Bean Tree. Who knew that animals, fungus and insects were such an integral part of one single plants survival. This interesting look at brain-eating fly’s and squirmy midge’s will certainly catch the attention of chocolate loving students. There is an additional side commentary carried on by two hilarious bookworms.

What a great way to interest students in biology! The bookworms were a fun and integral part of keeping things light and fun! I think students will be caught by the title and find this a fun read. My only complaint is that the artwork is really subdued –a tropical rain forest setting could be so much more eye catching. I would even take photography over this, except the cute bookworms!

EL, Elementary - ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Primate by Jim Ottaviani –OPTIONAL

Ottaviani, Jim and Illustrated by Maris Wicks Primate: The fearless science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas 144 pgs. First Second, 2013. $15.17.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G.

This graphic novel provides a snapshot of the lives of three famous female primatologists: Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas. All brought into the field by Louis Leakey, each had their own journey and accomplishments. We see their start in primatology, along with fun personal information, and a bit about how the three of them interacted.

I have always been really fascinated by Jane Goodall, but I found this book to be a bit on the boring side. This was because the characters looked very similar and the colors palate is limited so the whole thing just blurred together. I don’t think the book as valuable as a research biography since each profile is fairly short and undetailed. As for entertainment, or inspiration, I think students would not be that interested –the scenes lack the action and unique viewpoints that graphic novels can offer.  

MS, HS – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Hurry Up, Houdini (Book #50) and companion book: Magic Tricks from the Treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne –ESSENTIAL

Osborne, Mary Pope Hurry Up, Houdini (Book #50) and companion book: Magic Tricks from the Treehouse  128 pgs. A Stepping Stone Book, 2013. $9.35.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Jack and Annie need to track down the legendary magician Harry Houdini. But Coney Island in the early 1900’  is big, interesting, and just full of distractions. The kids are going to need to conjure up a bit of magic of their own if they want to fulfill their mission. The companion book features well-chosen magic tricks that children can master, along with fun facts and thoughtful tips.

I really liked this latest installment!!! Students will be drawn to the magic trick component. This book would be a fun part of a lesson on Harry Houdini, allowing you biography section to get some attention as well. Most of the tricks in the companion book require very little setup, so a magic trick activity could easily be included.

EL, ELEMENTARY – ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Alphabet Trucks by Samantha R. Vamos- ADVISABLE

Vamos, Samantha R. Alphabet Trucks.  Illustrated by Ryan O’Rourke.  32 pgs.  Charlesbridge Pub Inc, 2013. $14.95.  PICTURE BOOK.  F           or every letter of the alphabet there is a different kind of truck in this informational rhyming book.  “I is for ice-cream truck, with frozen treats to taste.  J is for junk truck removing scrap and waste.  Day and night, just watch and see.  Trucks work hard from A to Z.”  This is a great alphabet book.  It could be used as a springboard for a class ABC book and on any unit on the alphabet.  It could also be used in a unit on transportation. The pictures are colorful and fun.  The rhyming is fun.  Kids will love looking at all 26 types of trucks.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE. Reviewer: SL. 

Hello, Mama Wallaroo by Darrin Lunde- ADVISABLE

Lunde, Darrin Hello, Mama Wallaroo.  Illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne.  28 pgs. Charlesbridge Pub Inc, 2013. $6.95. PICTURE BOOK.  Hop through this informational book with Mama Wallaroo to find out everything you would want to know about this particular kangaroo.  This book shares what a Wallaroo looks like, where they live, what they eat, how they move, and much more.  The illustrations are very detailed and specific.  The text is simple and easy to understand.  This book could be used in any animal unit.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE. Reviewer: SL.

Best Foot Forward: Exploring Feet, Flippers, and Claws by Ingo Arndt –ESSENTIAL

Arndt, Ingo Best Foot Forward: Exploring Feet, Flippers, and Claws 36 pgs. Holiday House, 2013. $12.20.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

This book is all about animal feet! Each small section starts off with a mystery foot and the question “Whose foot is this?”. When the reader turns the page, they find out, with more information, and a page of similar feet. For example; climbers, jump, diggers. Bright big photographs with black backgrounds help the feet to stand out. Colorblocking and text variation provide a modern and new feel.

This is a wonderful addition to your non-fiction section. For a storytime students will have fun guessing what the foot belongs to. The photography is stunning. Promote this book to your teachers for their in-class animal adaption lessons. My favorite page is the author bio, which is a picture of his foot! Too funny!

EL, ELEMENTARY – ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Sir Cumference and the Off-the-Charts Dessert by Cindy Neuschwander –ESSENTIAL

Neuschwander, Cindy and Illustrated by Geehan, Wayne Sir Cumference and the Off-the-Charts Dessert  32 pgs. Charlesbridge Publishing, 2013. $13.33.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

A dessert is needed for the Harvest Faire, and the castle cook is sick! So two town bakers compete for the honor, each creating 4 desserts for the townspeople to sample and vote on. But keeping track of the votes proves to be a challenge. Bake Finally Pia uses candies around a pie dough and Bart makes stacks of his cookie tins. What will they do when they discover they are tied?

This is a fantastic book in this fun math series!! I felt a lightbulb go off in my head when the ending of the book presented a pie chart which mirrored the pie crust and a bar chart which mirrored the cookie tins –even though I already knew the concepts! This is an incredibly memorable way for students to understand and never forget these math concepts. Any number of activities could go along with this! Plus the dessert element can never go amiss!

ELEMENTARY – ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Freda Says Please by Stuart J. Murphy-ADVISABLE

Murphy, Stuart J. Freda Says Please (Stuart J. Murphy’s I See I Learn Series), 32 pgs. Charlesbridge Pub Inc, 2013. $6.95.  PICTURE BOOK.  Freda loves to play pretend school with her stuffed animals.  She loves to be in charge and act like her real teacher, Miss Cathy.  There is one difference though; Freda doesn’t feel like she needs to say “please” and “thank you” like Miss Cathy does at school.  When her friends Percy and Emma come to play, Freda soon realizes that even pretend teachers need to be polite.  This book is from the “I See I Learn” series which teaches important skills for school readiness and daily life. This is a cute and informational book that could be used in any unit on manners or friendship.  The pictures are descriptive and fun to look at.  The back of the book contains a list of questions for discussion and ideas for role playing.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE. Reviewer: SL.

 

Scrubba Dub, Carlos by Stuart J. Murphy-ADVISABLE

Murphy, Stuart J. Scrubba Dub, Carlos (Stuart J. Murphy’s I See I Learn Series), 32 pgs.  Charlesbridge Pub Inc, 2013. Illustrated by Tim Jones. $6.95.  PICTURE BOOK.  Carlos loves to draw with chalk, build with clay and play in the mud.  But Carlos does not like to wash his hands!  His friends won’t play with him or give him a high-five because his hands are so dirty.  Miss Cathy sends Carlos to the bathroom to wash up, but he returns a few minutes later having only splashed a little water on his hands.  Miss Cathy then teaches Carlos and the rest of the class the importance of keeping our hands clean.  She teaches them a song to sing while scrubbing the dirt and germs off their hands.  This book is from the “I See I Learn” series which teaches important skills for school readiness and daily life. This is a cute and informational book that could be used in any health unit.  The pictures are descriptive and fun to look at.  The story is simple yet important.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL.



The 14 Fibs of Gregory K. by Greg Pincus - OPTIONAL

Pincus, Greg The 14 Fibs of Gregory K., 240 pgs. Arthur A. Levine, 2013. $16.99.  Language: G; Mature Content: G: Violence; G.  

12-year-old Gregory K. has anticipated going to Authors Camp with his best friend Kelly for years.  This next summer they will finally be old enough, but, if Gregory K. fails math, he will have to go to Math is Magic Camp instead. Then, Kelly announces that her family is moving, so, Authors Camp may be the last time they see each other! Can Gregory K. use his writing skills to pass his math class or even win the City Math contest.  

This is a great cross curricular example (Language Arts/Math) but more appropriate as a free read, than a class novel.  Not much character development or important lessons learned.  

EL Optional Lisa Librarian

Bo at Ballard Creek by Kirkpatrick Hill - OPTIONAL

Hill, Kirkpatrick Bo at Ballard Creek, 279 p. Henry Holt, 2013. $16.  Language: PG (3 swears, 0 ‘f’ – for a mining camp, I consider that VERY tame!).  

Little Bo, 5, was given to two rough and tough miners to raise from the time she was just a few days old.  She loves her remote, wilderness life among the miners and Eskimos and allows us to follow along for a year of growth, discovery, friendship and wonder.  

I haven’t read anything else by Hill, but he gives a detail rich experience that is a true slice-of-life.  This would be a great bedtime story for the 7,8,9 years age – it won’t ever catch on fire, but it should smolder on for a good long time.  This is much more an adult sharing a book with a child, though parts would be excellent for classroom reading, especially because the detail is reminiscent of the Little House books, really allowing you to feel like you know what life looked, smelled and felt like.  

EL – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

The Desparate Journey by Kathleen Fidler- ADVISABLE

Fidler, Kathleen The Desperate Journey. Illustrated by Mike Charlton.  161 pgs.  Floris Books, 2012.  $9.95.  Chapter Book.  Content: G. The Murray family is forced to leave their home in northern Scotland and must find a new place to live. They first stop in Glasgow where the twins, Kristy and David, must work in a child labor mill and scarcely make enough to feed and house their family.  Determined to keep their children safe, the decision is made to board a ship bound for Canada.  There they are promised a new life with free land which they can farm and where they can prosper.  The journey is a hard one.  The Atlantic is treacherous and once they get to their new land, they encounter the Norwesters who burn their forts and run them off the land.  Many times they wonder if they made the right decision to leave their homeland and start life anew.  This is a great children’s historical fiction.  The story is well written and gives the reader a good idea of what life was like for Scottish children during the Highland Clearances in the early 1800’s.  This book could be used in any unit on people leaving their birth places to travel to America.   EL.  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL

The Story of Fish & Snail by Deborah Freedman- ADVISABLE

 

 

Freedman, Deborah The Story of FISH & SNAIL. 40 pgs.  Viking Juvenile, 2013. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. This story is about a fish and a snail who are best friends.  Fish really likes to go into other books looking for adventures. But Snail likes to stay home and wait for fish to tell him of his adventures.  One day, the Fish really wants Snail to come with because he found a really cool book.  But Snail does not want to give in and go to the other book.  He simply likes his comfort zone.  They get into a big fight.  Fish says he will leave and go by himself.  Snail refuses to budge and stays put.  Read to find out if Snail and Fish ever become friends again. I liked how this story used the illustrations to help tell the story.  I like how the author wrote the story to help teach a lesson about friendship and how sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to in order show kindness.  I liked how the setting was in an actual book, not in the real world.    Pre-k.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE.  Student Reviewer: JL- age 10.

 

 

Saint-Saens's Danse Macabre by Anna Harwell Calenza - - ADVISABLE

Calenza, Anna Harwell Saint-Saens's Danse Macabre, 32 pgs, Charlesbridge Publishing Company, 2013. $19.95. Content: G

This is the story of Camille Saint-Saens's inspiration for and writing of his famous Danse Macabre.

This picturebook comes with a CD of the music, and is 8th in her music appreciation series. Share this with your children on Halloween! EL MS ADVISABLE Lisa Librarian

Spot's ABC: A First Alphabet Book by Eric Hill- ESSENTIAL

Hill, Eric Spot’s ABC: A First Alphabet Book, 12 pgs.  Warne; Board book edition, 2013. $6.99.  BOARD BOOK.  Eric Hill’s incredible characters and bright colors will draw children into this great ABC book.  Whether it’s an elephant giving himself a bath or Spot enjoying an ice cream cone, children will explore and gain letter recognition while reading this board book.  This is a great bedtime story book as well as Z is represented by a zebra tucked safely into bed and saying “Night-night!” to the reader.  I liked the repetition of all the letters of the alphabet on the last page.  This gives parents a chance to not only review each letter would be useful in playing “can you point to the letter P, etc” games.This book could be used in the classroom at a center or as an example of how students can make their own ABC books.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: SL.

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, School Day Math by McGrath - ADVISABLE

McGrath, Barbara Barbieri Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, School Day Math.  Charlesbridge, 2012, $7.95.  PICTURE BOOK. Content: G.  

The Teddy Bears are busy doing math.  Simple pattern recognition and predicting, grouping, weighing and even fractions are included in a very quick, limited manner.  While you couldn’t use this book to actually teach any of these concepts, it is a very quick introduction or review.  

I gave this to one of my math teachers at my middle school and she is adamant that we keep it here in our library for her to use every year – her kids enjoyed it that much.  This would make a fun gift for a math teacher, too.   

EL – ADVISABLE; MS, GIFT – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Wild Horse Scientists by Kay Frydenborg - ESSENTIAL

Frydenborg, Kay Wild Horse Scientists, 76 p.  Houghton Mifflin, 2012.  $19.  Content: G.  NONFICTION.  

Most girls of my generation have probably read one or more of the Misty of Chincoteague books.  Well, there is a lot more to the story than those few novels.  Frydenborg delves into the history of the horses and the modern problems that they face – these particular horses being the inhabits of Assateague, Chincoteague’s neighbor.  The big questions for these and for all wild horses, is how to maintain the herds at sizes that will be in harmony with their ranges – allowing just enough breeding to replenish the herds, without overburdening them to the point where horses needed to be penned and sold – perhaps to dog food makers.  Interestingly, just yesterday I read an article about the wild mustangs of the western ranges – and how scientists are using the discoveries from Assateague to apply to these populations also.  Fascinating.  

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher