Far From Shore, written and illustrated by Sophie Webb. Houghton Mifflin, Thomas Allen & Son. 2011. $21.99 ages 9 and up

"Close to 1,600 bird species have been recorded in the tiny country of Ecuador. It is a bird lover's paradise with strange species everywhere. I see three favorites while bird watching: a colorful motmot, a laughing falcon, and a secretive ant shrike."

Well, it's lucky you are that I am not the writer of this book! I had to go and look up information on each of those three birds. I had not heard of any of them. That is the sheer delight and benefit of having people like Sophie Webb writing for our children.

About this fact-filled, beautifully designed new book, the author/artist says:

 "It was a long time in the making and at times I wondered if I would ever finish it. But it was also thoroughly enjoyable to make an excuse for myself to paint and write about all those fantastic creatures found in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, a part of the ocean I have come to love."

And love it she does, if this book has anything to say about it! She has proved before how adept she is at both observation and art. in two previous books, My Season with Penguins (Antarctica) and Looking for Seabirds (Alaska); and here she does the same while exploring the open ocean. It takes the same format; an illustrated journal that chronicles the four month journey. There are maps, carefully captioned diagrams, graphs, detailed drawings of the weather, life on ship and the abundance of ocean life that is there to see.

Sophie Webb is a field biologist and ornithologist; she includes much technical writing as well as her observations. The language used will appeal to middle grade readers and will help them understand all that goes on when such a voyage is undertaken to help scientists learn more about our world. Her illustrations add depth and excitement. She carefully explains much of the scientific data, how it is obtained and why it is necessary. The focus of this journey is the imperiled populations of dolphins. Sophie is there to count the seabirds, but she does not stop at that. There are wonderful illustrations of the skies, the ocean and many of the animals that they encounter:

"It's time to start looking for critters. It is ten minutes past sunrise and the light is good. We start to travel along a set course, what scientists call a transect. Soon after we start, Cornelia yells, "Dolphins!" All scanning stops and everyone focuses on Cornelia's sighting.
She swings the big eyes in the direction of the dolphins.
Using her hand-held radio, Cornelia calls the captain on the bridge deck below us, where the ship's steering controls are located. "Bridge, flying bridge--we have dolphins," she says."

Sophie is such an inspiration to her readers. Her perspective is real, frank and filled with the personal stories that make her amazing trip accessible to her audience. What an adventure! Thanks for taking us along, Ms. Webb.

Pluto's Ghost, written by Sheree Fitch. Random House, 2010. $14.95 ages 14 and up

""Then she told me how she
belonged to AA and after
twenty-five years still went
to meetings every Wednesday
night and she didn't even mind
telling people she was a recovering
alcoholic, which is why I'm writing
this down because she said I could.
Ever since I knew that, I thought
maybe Shep had something to teach
me for real."

This story will find its way into the hearts of many...young adults and people like me, too. Jake tells it with energy, passion and intelligence. He doesn't fit the image of a small town teen as is expected in his small town. He is troubled, has anger issues, a sad sense of self and a fierce love for Skye. He has loved her since kindergarten.

Taking us on a wild ride over the course of 48 hours, he shows us both vulnerability and strength as he deals with Skye's decision to leave town. The rumor mill has it that she is pregnant, a fact that she has not shared with Jake. What she does do is leave him a diary to explain her going. Jake is dyslexic and has a lot of trouble deciphering her cursive writing. He also drops the journal and must try to piece it back together in order to fully realize what she is telling him. He has a pretty low opinion of himself...feeling lost. He thinks he has lost his mind, his girl and his way as he tries to deal with life on a daily basis.

Feeling helpless sitting around waiting to hear from Skye, he decides to follow her to Halifax. The road trip is harrowing and he lets his audience know it is a story tough to tell. He 'borrows' a car, gets caught in a winter storm and worries relentlessly about his love. As he searches for her, he learns much about himself and comes to accept that we are who we are...tough to take at times but true. He meets many obstacles along the way, not the least of which are a gang of drug dealers, a shaman, and Skye's relentless police officer father.

Sheree Fitch has given us characters to love and honor in words that need to be read again and again for their beauty. The voice she gives Jake is heartbreaking and compelling. There is mystery, murder and mayhem here and I promise that it will keep you reading until you have turned the last page. I could not put it down!

The resolution leaves readers with hope for his future, despite the agony of his past. I will never forget Jake Upshore and want to leave you with his words:

“I’m not complainin’
I'm just explainin’
I’m not excusin’
But see
I thought I was losin’
my baby
my lady
my mind.”

KAZAAK! Written and illustrated by Sean Cassidy. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2010. $18.95 ages 4 and up

""I'll KAZAAK it."
Rupert swings his
tail in a mighty arc.
KAZAAK!
KAZAAK!
He smashes into the root.
He smashes it again.
"Quills are the best!" he cheers."

Spike is a baby and not too impressed with the sharp quills that cover his body...their prickly ends get in the way and bother him. Rupert, his best friend, has a totally different view of those spiky things. He reminds the little one that they offer protection, and are not the same as claws and teeth. His reassurance doesn't work. So, he sets out to prove why quills are 'the best'. After all, they provide camouflage amongst the weeds that cover the forest floor. They 'spike' wild fruits and provide juice that is delicious to drink.  They even scare bears!

Rupert's demonstration involves a lot of KAZAAKing. Spike thinks he can smell Bear and has great concern that they are in danger. That sets Rupert on a quest to prove that the KAZAAK will have its intended result of filling Bear with fear and rendering him helpless in his quest for a delicious lunch.

On this day, Bear seems undeterred and in real need of something to fill his tummy. A prickly bit might be just what he needs. He is less intimidated when Rupert's KAZAAK provides a tickle rather than a sharp poke. It seems that Rupert's antics have rendered him 'quillless' and he no longer provides much of a threat.

Spike has an explanation about what lies beneath that makes sense to Bear. After all, when Bear sheds his long wintry coat in the spring, he knows that it will just grow again. Does that happen with porcupines, too?
And how quickly? It is enough to discourage the huge and hungry predator. Spike does have a treat, after all the grumbling, that gives he and Rupert a chance for a getaway...just in case.

We all have things to be thankful for, not the least of which is friendship. Spike and Rupert are great friends, loyal and trusting. I have loved other books by Sean Cassidy...please look him up! His funny, full of energy artwork add enjoyment to this tale of friendship, trickery and appreciating one's own special traits. Kids will love adding KAZAAK! to their vocabulary and then finding authentic ways to use it.

The author adds a nonfiction bit at the end which gives additional and useful information about the porcupine, while also providing step-by-step instructions for drawing one. A delightful addition to a home or classroom collection.

S Is For Scientists, written by Larry Verstraete and illustrated by David Geister. Sleeping Bear Press, 2010. $18.95 ages 8 and up

"Fujita concluded that not all tornadoes were alike - a new idea at the time. Some were small and weak, others larger, faster, or more destructive. To tell them apart, Fujita set up a numbering system called the Fujita Scale which ranked tornadoes by linking wind speed to damage."

I'm always quick to say that science is not my forte. That doesn't mean I am not interested in what scientists have done to make their mark on our world. In this alphabetic journey, Larry Verstraete gives us the facts and stories in accessible text and invites readers to think about the many who have explored new concepts and ideas, and provided the world with original and amazing products and research.

Each letter offers a story or fact in two text types. One is a poem and the other is prose. Similar to other books from Sleeping Bear Press, this is a journey through the alphabet offering readers insights and views about the varied and wondrous world of science. From Stephanie Kwolek, a Dupont chemist, whose work with polymers produced Kevlar, to Thor Heyerdahl's Pacific voyage, to Katy Payne who found that elephants keep in contact with one another using hundreds of different calls, there is much to fascinate the reading audience. Their stories intrigue and inspire.

David Geister has created impressive artwork to accompany each of the entries. They are realistic and detailed to help provide a guide for children as they read along. He obviously did his research, drawing accurate renderings for the time and place of the many discoveries and wonders that are included  here. 

This is a commendable book for use with children who are interested in science, and for those who are not. It encourages them to think deeply about the world and many of those things we take for granted. It encourages them to ask questions that might someday lead to a new discovery.

As the author says:

“What scientists discover
changes us all
and brings more questions –
some big, others small.
So read their stories
and wonder, too.
What questions do you have?
What discoveries await you?”

If The World Were a Village, written by David J. Smith and illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong. Kids Can, 2011. $19.95 ages 8 and up

"While the number of children in the global village is shrinking, the number of elderly is growing. A hundred years ago, there were only 8 people over the age of 65 in the village of that time, but by 2050 there may be as many as 16."




This second edition of If the World Were a Village has updated the information from the first and added new content. When I read the first one in 2002 I was fascinated by the design and by this unique look at our world. So many things that David J Smith included I had never considered, or seen presented in such a straightforward way. I read it again and again, and shared it with many.

We imagine a global village with 100 people in it, each representing 69 million people (that is just scary in itself, isn't it?). There are fourteen chapters and they deal with such topics as nationality, age, language, food and health.  I like the way he sets his information to make it accessible to his readers:

"Of the 100 people in the global village:

61 are from Asia
14 are from Africa
11 are from Europe
8 are from South America, Central America (including Mexico) and the Caribbean
5 are from Canada and the United States
1 is from Oceania (an area that includes Australia, New Zealand and the Islands of the south, west and central Pacific).

Does that make you feel like a small ripple in a big pond? It made me feel that way. The other that helps to put things in perspective is that the richest 10 people in the village have 85% of the wealth, while many cannot afford their most basic needs. Oh, and our population has tripled in the past 110 years. What are we going to do with all these people if this trend continues and how will serious is that for the future? By 2150 we will have outgrown ourselves...and there is likely to be serious shortages in food, places to live and resources.

Doesn't that make you think? It will help our children realize that most of the world does not live as we do.

There are many ideas in the 'Teaching children about the global village' at the back of the book. Kids need to have a perception of the world as a whole, and using a world map can help them see the many places where news is happening, where books are set, where families have travelled. Find a sister community, write to other children in the world, have geography bees, and ask some tough questions about people in other parts of the world who are not as fortunate as we are. We all play a part:

"Make sure children see your love of maps and travel, your interest in news from other parts of the world and your curiosity about other people, cultures and languages. They may not follow your particular passion, but they will learn what it means to care deeply about something."

I like the 'bird's eye view' pastel illustrations. They are boldly colored and detailed, providing children an invitation to take the time to really look at what they represent.

The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Jim LaMarche. Random House, 2011. $18.99 ages

"She stepped over anthills,
careful not to tread on any ants,
and walked slowly under an arch
of azalea boughs.
With her tail, she saluted
the hives of bees behind the house
as they buzzed about their business.
Her purr was louder now."

I can only imagine how hard it is to lose a pet. I have watched dear friends say goodbye. Never having had a pet, I cannot know their loss. I can certainly empathize with them as they struggle to deal with the death of one so loved.

Teachers and librarians are always on the lookout for books that might help a child who is struggling with loss to find comfort in story. We never know which book might be the right one for them. So, we keep our eyes and ears open for the 'next' one.

Children are unsure about death, having little life experience to call upon when they face the death of a pet. Books like this one might get the conversation started and also provide some reassurance. I like this quietly beautiful story about a cat knowing that her time has come, and wanting to say goodbye. It is a lovely last day for her, as she visits the people, places and things that have been her home. Jane Yolen treats death as a natural and welcome event for this much loved feline.


Her final leap is inevitable and comfortable:

"She never once looked back
as she climbed away from life,
leaving her old and tired body behind.
Up and up she went,
and then she was gone,
now part of the earth, the air, the sky, the sun -
and all."

Jim LaMarche’s illustrations are as warm and gentle as the story itself. His realistic and detailed look at Tiger Rose's family life, the animals that make up her world, and the beauty of the landscape are a perfect match to Jane Yolens's elegant, compassionate words. The final illustration is uplifting and provides comfort.

The Watcher, written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter. Schwartz & Wade, Random House. 2011. $19.99 ages 4 and up

"Perched high in her favorite beech tree, Jane read about Dr. Dolittle talking to the animals, and Tarzan living with the apes in Africa. She wanted to go to Africa, too, and talk to the animals and live with the apes."



It wasn't too long ago that I told you of another book about Jane Goodall, as a child...her wishes and dreams. In this detailed and striking picture book biography, we follow Jane from childhood through her years of working with the chimpanzees of the Gombe forest.

She was a researcher in the making from the time she was a little girl closely watching any animal that crossed her path. She loved them all! She was patient and kind. As she grew and finished school, she wanted nothing more than a chance to go to Kenya. All her money went toward buying that ticket. Once there, it didn't take her long to find a job. Thanks to Louis Leakey, she was charged with the task of watching and understanding the chimps of Tanzania. She was delighted and wanted to know what others did not. Alone and absorbed in the sounds around her, Jane knew she had found 'home'.
The more time she spent with them, the more she came to admire them. She named them and knew them for the individuals that they proved to be. One special chimp, David Greybeard, taught her much that had previously been unknown to scientists. Always busy, Jane kept meticulous notes:

"At night, after a supper of beans and tomatoes and onions, Jane listened to Mozart and Bach as she wrote up her notes from the day. Years of notes were piled high everywhere. Jane needed help. And so assistants came to watch and write."

Knowing that she now had help in 'the watching' and realizing that urban growth and poachers were taking a toll on their population across Africa, Jane knew that the next part of her work must be to tell the world about their plight and seek help for saving the environment in which they thrived. She continues to work tirelessly and travel extensively.
The strong, vibrant artwork is done in acrylics and pen. Children will respond to the simple, but bold images. The cover illustration is particularly apt, showing Jane 'watching' her beloved chimpanzees with patience and great admiration.

My Side of the Car, written by Kate Feiffer and illustrated by Jules Feiffer. Candlewick, Random House. 2011. $19.00 ages 4 and up

"My dad keeps driving. After he drives a little longer, he says, "Sadie, it's pouring on my side of the car. I think by now it must be at least
drizzling on your side of the car.""


The truth is not always 'as plain as the nose on your face' to kids. What they see in the world and what their parents see can be two very different things. That differing vision often has to do with what the child wants to be true, rather than what is true and certain. If you have kids, you have been there! I know that you have!

Sadie's former planned trips to the zoo have been cancelled, too often for her comfort. Nothing is going to get in the way this time. They are GOING to the zoo, and she can't wait. She and her Dad have piled into the car, and they are set. Their trip takes a turn when rain starts pouring down. Dad notices it first. He's sad that they won't be able to go. As certain as Dad is about the rain, Sadie is about the fact that it is NOT raining on her side of the car. On her side there's sunshine, lawn waterers, ice cream eaters and other families off to the zoo. No problem here. There might be flowing rivers of water on his side, but the side where she's sitting (the zoo side) is bright and filled with sunshine.
When they get to the zoo and Sadie hops out to check the weather, Dad allows her to make the choice about staying. Sadie makes the trek around the car and finds that it is, indeed, raining on her Dad's side and she doesn't want to get wet. Maybe they should come back another day. Turning the car around, they head back the way they came from, until Sadie hears her father say:

"Sadie, I was wondering if it's raining on your side of the car, because it stopped raining on my side of the car."

You KNOW what that means!
Jules Feiffer's watercolors perfectly capture the rainy outlook that may hamper this much anticipated father-daughter trek. There is so much to love in the details and each reading will offer more to see. Inspired by a real event for this father and daughter team, they add to the fun by remembering the conversation that leads to its telling. Funny and empathetic to the child's view of the world, you will be reading it often and with much pleasure. This is a great book that will be enjoyed by many...and should be. Kids will identify with everything that Sadie is feeling as she almost has to deal with disappointment one more time. They don't get much better than this! Bravo!  

Monday is One Day, written by Arthur A. Levine and illustrated by Julian Hector. Scholastic, 2011. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"The hardest part of going
to work is being apart from
you.

Let's count the days until we're
both at home with a special
thing to do."


Time seems to go so slowly when parents return to a busy work week. Our kids look forward to the days together at the end of the week when everyone gets a chance to rest and relax. As they wait for each day of the week to pass, the author provides a daily activity to share. If you like blue shoes, Tuesday's your day! If you like to help choose Dad's tie, then you'll have to wait until Friday. So long as you are patient, the weekend will arrive with its promise of family outings and fun.

It's a straightforward, simple story but it is sure to help children deal with each day that parents are off working; and soon it's Saturday....let the fun begin!

By giving each day its due, Arhtur Levine helps families deal with being apart. It means kids have something special to look forward to on each of those days, and may lead them to think of other things that would make it worthwhile. So, Monday could be one cuddle and a kiss. Or whatever the family dreams up together. It's a great jumping-off point.

There is variety in the families and environments that Julian Hector creates for us. His bold use of color, line and texture are sure to encourage observation and conversation. There is warmth and anticipation in the detailed artwork that accompanies the simple text. I like the assumption that all families pictured spend quality time thinking of what they will do together, not so much about how busy they all are. Weekends are meant for family adventure....that's all a child really wants and needs.

The final thought is very special:

"Monday through Sunday,
the whole week through,
each day I count the ways
I love to be with you!"

the secret box, illustrated by Barbara Lehman. Houghton Mifflin, Thomas Allen & Son. 2011. $18.99 ages 5 and up

“Times change. Cities may grow large. Summers may come and go. And people might grow old, but the one thing that always remains the same is the desire for adventure.”


These are the only words that describe this amazing new wordless book by the master illustrator/storyteller Barbara Lehman. When she was given an old candy box that had once belonged to an elderly neighbor, it made her wonder how that treasure might connect to 'other people, times and places'. Thus, the premise for a new picture book to delight its audience.

Little is known about the young boy who places a treasure box in the floorboards in the attic of an old building. Obviously, from the first double page spread, it happens in the past. The land surrounding the building has little taking up space. A horse pulls a wagon, there is a train station and train, children do exercises beside the fenced building (which may be an orphanage or a school) and one other house with an outside well is all else that is visible.

As we turn the pages, a town begins to grow. Sidewalks and lampposts are added, as are streetcar tracks, a factory and many houses. As the years pass, the schoolyard is paved and marked with a basketball court, a diner appears, an elevated train and parking meters become part of the landscape.

Then, one day, three boys are seen in that same room...and they find the treasure left there so many years before their arrival. They look carefully at all the artifacts included and find clues to lead them out of the school and on to an adventure that eventually takes them to the Seashore Pier, an amusement park. They eagerly make their way to the entrance, only to find the original boy there to welcome them. He leads them up a ladder to a room filled with many other boys from earlier times. Perhaps, they have all found their way to the pier because of the secret box. Push forward to the future, and we note that two more young children have found what the box holds and they are off on an adventure of their own. What a ride!

Books without text offer a clean slate for young readers to devise their own stories for what is happening in the artwork. They are perfect fare for immigrant students who don't have a working knowledge of a second language to help them read. Books such as this lovely one teach them about 'story' and using your imagination and language to make it your own.

You won't be able to stop at just one reading! It will draw you back again and again. Enjoy!

The Luck of the Buttons, written by Anne Ylvisaker. Candlewick, Random House. 2011. $18.00 ages 10 and up

"They made an awkward pair, Ned and Tugs, he short, she tall, and being from nearly the same gene pool, neither one was blessed with coordination. She'd try to take shorter strides, he'd try to take longer strides, and they usually ended up in a lump about five feet from the startline. Buttons were not, as a rule, graceful."

Oh, I love Tugs Button! I love her spirit, her independence, her interest in the world and the people in it. She is a wonderfully spunky young girl, who often finds herself in unexpected  trouble. It's summertime in 1929 and Tugs' life in Goodhue, Iowa is about to get fuller and more complicated. 

She means well but doesn't have a reputation for always doing the right thing. The Buttons don't live a charmed life. But, she manages to change the bad luck that seems to follow all family members into some semblance of 'good'. She makes friends with Aggie, daughter of the rich and powerful Millhouse family. They run the three-legged race together at the Fourth of July picnic, and win. She is encouraged by her local librarian, Miss Lucy, to enter an essay writing contest and wins it! For helping Mr. Pepper with a new shipment of cameras, she enters a raffle and wins a Brownie camera. No one in the family has ever had such good luck, and  it is not encouraged:

"What if there was a chance of winning? What if she did run with Aggie? She felt a wave of guilt for even thinking it. Buttons considered victory, even  for one's affiliated party in national politics, showing off."
Her life is filled with many distractions, not the least of which is the new man in town who is drumming up monetary support to start a local newsapaper. Tugs is leery of him, and wonders what he is really doing in town. Something is not right. That feeling leads to some pretty inspired detective work, and the chance to stop the con man before he hurts many in her small community. He has done so elsewhere.

This very accomplished author drops us into a totally different time and place, creating characters who will live long in our memories (including a cat named Leopold who gets into his fair share of mischief and mayhem) and a fast-paced, utterly charming tale to boot.

Liar, Liar, written by Gary Paulsen. Wendy Lamb, Random House. 2011. $14.99 ages 12 and up

"It's not that I thought highly of myself, it's that I really am a great guy. I'd never thought about it before, but once I looked at the evidence, it was obvious.
And if by some small chance all of that didn't work, I'd fall back on what I do best - I would lie."

We are constantly looking for those books that will hook adolescents who are not sure that reading is what they want to do. If you can get them caught up in the humor and trouble created by a character like Kevin, you are on the right track.

I have always admired Gary Paulsen's writing. He seems to have his finger on the pulse of those readers, especially boys, who are looking for fun while exploring deeper issues of friendship, family and relationships. Kevin is a character who has learned to lie for many reasons... to make others feel good and to make sure that his life stays sweet and uncomplicated for himself. In this story, the lies take on a life of their own and it takes some hard work to sort them out.

You can't help but like him. He doesn't set out to hurt anyone. He is very bright and too often uses that intelligence to have things go his way. This time he wants a girl to notice him; he goes to great lengths to make that happen. He's funny and oozes charm. Paulsen convincingly creates a character with a great voice:

"Truth be told, as much as I liked looking at Tina and devoting all my time and energy during all my free hours to thinking about making her crazy about me, it was already Wednesday and I still hadn't come up with any brainstorms to get her to like me."

Kevin is clever, charming and clearly in big trouble by the time he has worked his magic. It takes some talking and apologies to get him out of the mess that he makes for himself. He learns a valuable lesson, and seems genuinely pleased with that.

Gary Paulsen leaves the door open for us to meet up with Kevin at some future time:

"The only thing is - I still haven't gotten the chance to make Tina see that I could be the world's greatest boyfriend. But I'm working on that...."

I look forward to it!

Fuddles, written adn illustrated by Frans Vischer. Aladdin, Simon & Schuster. 2011. $18.99 ages 4 and up

"The lure of adventure had taken
hold of him. He dreamed of scaling
soaring mountains and fighting
ferocious foes. He was determined
to go out.
Nothing was going to stop him."




Kids love stories about pets. Any kid who has a cat might recognize Fuddles' disdain for the everydayness of his life. He is rotund, indulged and it isn't enough! He longs for adventure and is determined to find it.

Mom refuses to let him venture outside, fearing trouble. That isn't going to stop him. He practices all those skills he thinks he will need for a life outside the confines of the house and, at his first opportunity, makes a break for it. Of course, once outdoors, he encounters problems of all sorts.

He would love a 'go' at the birds in the birdhouse on the porch. Seems his penchant for rich foods is weighing him down when it comes to pouncing with any height. Flustered and filthy, he sets about cleaning himself  up only to attract the attention of nearby squirrels who find his dilemma hilarious. He can't get up the tree after them, and now he's worn out!

The 'catnap' lasts seconds. A rough and rugged dog next door scares him enough to put him in the tree. Who's going to get him down? No worry...his weight does that! A harrowing and hilarious ride on the back of the alarmed dog convinces him that all he wants is home. Luckily, someone has noticed he is missing.


Cuddles is a clown whose adventures are over the top and sure to have him thinking twice about making his escape at any other time. I love his expressive face and comic reactions to the many unexpected situations that happen during his foray outdoors. The petrified leap from the flower bed will have little ones laughing out loud. My favorite illustrations are the ones that find him searching the neighborhood looking for the comfort of home. The aerial view is full of wonder as we follow his trek in light and in darkness. The beam of warm light that leads him to safety is perfect! His final thought is just what you might expect from Fuddles:

"And all great adventurers deserve to be pampered."

Pair this with Nini Lost and Found and you have double delight!

Three by the Sea, written and illustrated by Mini Grey. Knopf, Random House. 2010. $20.99 ages 5 and up

"The dog tended to the garden.
The cat took care of the house-
work.
The mouse looked after the
cooking.
And they lived happily.
Or so they thought."


Ah, life is good for three friends in their little house by the sea. Each takes care of one aspect of domesticity....not very well, but nevertheless! It may seem humdrum to others as they each attend to their own sphere of excellence but they don't mind. Dog can dig as must as he wants to dig in an old dusty yard where nothing grows. Cat prefers napping to cleaning. Mouse's 'go to' dish is cheese fondue and it is a daily meal. Despite all this, they live companionably until a stranger shows up.

The Stranger (a wily and manipulative Fox) blows ashore and finds his way to their little hut. He comes with the news that they are winners...of a  visit from the WINDS OF CHANGE Trading Company.  Everything is free. He needs a bed as he is extremely tired and takes the only bed  in the house. As his visit continues he has much to say about their lifestyle. He wonders at Dog only planting bones, and gives Mouse some relevant material to read about food and homegrown herbs. He has opinions and gifts for each of the householders, and some suggestions.

With all of the fault-finding by the Stranger comes conflict. Soon, accusations and complaints are flying and the peace and tranquility of the little house vanish. Mouse has had enough of the bickering...and he decides to leave. Cat has a premonition of danger and wanders along the seashore, only to find a package of Mouse's belongings and to hear a plaintive sound from the sea that resembles a mouse squeak. Cat is desperate to save her friend, despite the fact she can't swim. In the nick of time, it's Dog to the rescue! Upon arrival back home, they find the Stranger gone and some seed packets left behind him.

These are great characters, who will hold their audience's attention with their charm and sweet concern for each other. The artwork perfectly matches the story's tone and creates a dramatic setting. Stunning and fresh, the book will be read repeatedly. It gets better with each visit. Friendship can be wrought with small conflicts and is definitely about compromise. Mini Grey makes that very clear, while not hitting us over the head with it.

What do you think? Did the Stranger's visit help the three friends or cause distress?
 

The Cardturner, written by Louis Sachar. Doubleday, Random House. 2010. $21.95 ages 12 and up

"Okay, I realize you didn't come all the way to Chicago to watch Toni and me play in a side game. That would be like a sports reporter who's supposed to be covering the Super Bowl going on and on about the pregame charity touch-football match between the players' wives. It was bad enough I made you sit through Syd Fox's lecture."

 
Things aren't going well for Alton Richards. When his mother forces him to keep company with an elderly great uncle in hopes of being remembered in his will, he is not happy. But, whatever his mother says he is expected to do for the good of family.

Uncle Lester is a bit of a curmudgeon. He is rich, he is aloof,  he is blind and he's a topnotch bridge player. Alton becomes his 'card turner' , telling his uncle the cards in his hand and playing them when he is told to do so. Another young relative offers competition. Toni Castenada is beautiful, charming and a great bridge player in her own right.

There are some mysteries surrounding family in this book about love of all kinds. Alton is looking for adventure and an escape from boredom. He finds Uncle Lester irritating at times. He is also quite in awe of his bridge playing ability and the name he has made for himself at tournaments. Alton learns a lot from the old man, who has a desire for his life to be over. He has lived long enough, and he doesn't like the 'cards he has been dealt' in terms of health and aging. The other cards, however, have been good to him, and he has much to teach others.

The long passages that help to explain the game of bridge are marked so that readers can skip them, if they choose to do so. This is Sachar's nod to Herman Melville and Moby Dick which also includes long, descriptive passages. A whale marks the long descriptions for a bridge game. Alton learns a lot about bridge, family history, friendship and romance.

I wasn't sure I would like to read a book about playing bridge...it is not on my 'bucket list', but I loved this book. Louis Sachar is such an accomplished writer, creating wonderful characters who take hold of your heart and keep you wondering through the tale's ups and downs.  He uses a first person narrative to give the reader a sense of being at that card table with Alton and Uncle Lester. He mixes mystery with romance, humor and naivete to hold the reader's attention from start to finish....and he does it surreptitiously. 

Some readers will be drawn to the game and that's an added bonus, isn't it? Bravo, Louis Sachar. Who knew bridge could be so fascinating?

Strings Attached, written by Judy Blundell. Scholastic, 2011. $20.99 ages 12 and up

"There was even a pair of
fawn-colored slacks and a
matching cardigan. New York
style, all spread out on my couch.
As I stared at the white tailored
blouse I realized I didn't just want
these clothes, I hungered for them.
It was like eating honey from a spoon."

I read What I Saw and How I Lied  with a strong dose of admiration for Judy Blundell and her writing...and a healthy interest in the mystery that surrounded that story. So, I was eager in my anticipation for her newest book. It is an equally compelling read.

In this tale of love and danger, the setting is New York during the Korean War.  Kit is 17 when the book opens, and has just completed her first role in a Broadway play. The pay is not good, her future is uncertain and she is desperate to stay and find fame in any new job in the theater. She is there on her own, having fled her hometown after a fight with her father and a nasty break-up with her boyfriend. She wants to make it on her own.

Imagine her surprise when her ex-boyfriend's father makes contact with her, and offers an audition and rent on a new apartment. It's a generous offer, and somewhat disconcerting. Kit is not sure what strings will be attached to her acceptance. Had she only known, she might have thought twice about it. He is a powerful man who makes Kit an instrument in his relationship with his estranged son.

The story builds slowly, with the author adding layers of information to help the reader with the many mysterious events. We learn about Kit's past; her relationship with her family and her uneasy relationship with Billy. Nate Benedict, Billy's father is a powerful lawyer with ties to the mob and he wants to be fed information about his son who has enlisted in the army, and perhaps enlist a few favors. 
It is a tale of two generations; with secrets, lies and family connections. In telling it Judy Blundell takes us to an earlier time and provides a clear taste of what it was like to try and make it in show business in the 1950s, how war affected families and the country, and even of blacklisting. In those terms, it is a very informative read about a particular period of history.
Once you begin reading you will find it hard to stop! As Judy Blundell peels away the layers and offers up a clear look at the two families and their history, I became caught up in the mystery of it all and kept 'reading just one more chapter'. She is a great writer and I have a high regard for her ability to tell a strong story and make me feel that I am in one of those nightclubs, on one of those New York streets and risking the same dangers that face Kit. As she moves back and forth from past to present, secrets are revealed and some kept. There are many strong characters, twists and turns that surprise, and a tragic end. Is that enticing enough for you?

The Best Birthday Party Ever, written by Jennifer LaRue Huget and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Schwartz & Wade, Random House. 2011. $18.99 ages 4 and up

"I am inviting all of my friends
- 57 of them, counting some
kids I just met at the grocery
store. Plus my grandmas. And
the mailman. And the lady at
the bank who gives me lollipops."

Oh boy! It's gonna be OVER THE TOP!

Kids are going to love this book, and not just the little ones! After all, they are not the only ones who celebrate birthdays. To call this little girl's birthday an occasion is understating it. She starts the planning early:

"My birthday is 5 months, 3 weeks, 2 days, and 8 hours away. Today I started to plan my party. It's going to be the best birthday party ever."

If she has everything to do with it,  it will be just that. She's got a box of party planning stuff, how-to books for baking cakes and throwing parties, crayons, paper and a wondrous imagination. What more does she need? As time passes and she keeps readers apprised of it; she settles on balloons, streamers, invitations, the color scheme and all the other little details that will assure its success. The plans include tiaras, clown hats and even, real hamsters as party favors. (If you have been to see the movie Bridesmaids, you know what  I mean...remember the shower and the puppies?)

Her imagination runs riot and the days pass quickly...perhaps not quite quickly enough to satisfy her growing need to celebrate, but certainly with enough time to keep coming up with new ideas. She's having so much fun anticipating a card from the President and the Queen. It doesn't take long for readers to get caught up in the 'over the top' expectations. Perhaps it is also an expression of their finest and most unlikely-to-happen wishes and dreams.

The illustrations are remarkable, matching the story's tone with brilliantly colored, detail filled pages. There is so much to see that children will go back to it again and again, always exclaiming over what they missed the last time they looked. As the ideas become grander so does the artwork, always accommodating the ingenuity of the narrator. I love the changing perspectives...my favorite is where the book is turned vertically to accommodate the ever-growing birthday cake, with enough candles to have fire fighters on the ladder at its top and at the ready to put out any fire that might occur. Kids will love the countdown as the day approaches, updates that continue to the night before the big day.

When the party ends up being a perfectly normal event,she is unperturbed. The guests are welcomed, the cake is eaten and much fun is had by all. Once her friends have departed, it seems the perfect time to begin making plans for next year.

The Fortune of Carmen Navarro, written by Jen Bryant. Knopf, Random House. 2010. $19.99 ages 12 and up

"In return for my good fortune,
in return for my blessings, in
return for the good show we
did tonight, I must be honest
with this boy, I must not let
him think that he owns my
heart. No. No one can own
Carmen's heart."

I don't know how many middle school and high school students will know Carmen's story from the famed opera, or from the classic novella of the same name. I am sure that reading this superb retelling of her story may find many drawn to what inspired Jen Bryant to write it.

Carmen is a high school dropout with a passion for music. She writes songs for her band, plays guitar and wants more than anything to get a recording contract and a tour. She lives with her grandparents, wanting a better life for them. Her best friend Maggie works at the same convenience store. Carmen is a beauty, oozing charm and a zest for life. Maggie always has her back, honoring her dreams and supporting Carmen in her music. They are two sides of a coin.

Carmen has a transcendent beauty and charm that attracts many suitors. Young men are immediately attracted to her and that leads to short romances that mean little, as she seeks fame and fortune through her music. Ryan Sweeney is no exception. He is a young cadet from the nearby naval academy; shy, studious and reserved. His meeting with Carmen is providential for him. He immediately falls under her spell. His obsession brings much change to his previously perfect student record. He begins to fail courses, turns away from his friend Will and exhibits indifference to anything but Carmen.

Carmen is very much her own person. When Ryan begins interfering with the way she lives her life, and even offers a ring, she decides to end the budding relationship. Ryan is devastated. His reaction is worrisome to Will, and to Maggie.  His irrational preoccupation with 'the girl of his dreams' leads him to take dramatic action, with heartbreaking and, in time, hopeful results.

Told from four viewpoints - Carmen, Maggie, Will and Ryan - Jen Bryant tells a powerful story of love and obsession. Carmen is obsessed with her love of music and her need to make it her life. Maggie is studious, loves her friend and wants her to have that life. Ryan can only see Carmen in his future. Will wants to be a good friend, support Ryan and make his year at the academy. Their voices are clear, authentic and eloquent. It's tough not to love each one of them...for obviously different reasons.

Mitchell's License, written by Hallie Durand and illustrated by Tony Fucile. Candlewick, Random House. 2011. $18.00 ages 3 and up

"Mitchell never ever EVER
wanted to go to bed. Until
his dad finally said he could
drive there.

Mitchell was three years, nine
months, and five days old when
he got his license."


This should have been a post last week for Father's Day! I missed the boat. It hearkens me back to the games my kids played with their Dad. He is missed every day.

Mitchell is not keen on bedtime...what three year old loves it? Rather than make it an issue, Dad comes up with a witty and hilarious solution. He gives Mitchell a 'remote-control dad' license to drive.

It offers up so much fun for the nightly complaints that are bedtime rituals for many young children. Dad's shoulders provide the seat, his glasses the windshield, which is competently cleaned before embarking on the first lesson. All does not go well. We do know 'practice makes perfect' and let's remember, this is the first stab at navigating the many hazards of driving. They make the bedroom in good time and Mitchell is tucked in without incident.

On the second night, Mitchell has learned more about the task at hand. He looks both ways, uses the horn (Dad's nose) when needed, makes left and right turns and knows how to use the brakes. He's a wonder! On the third night, he adds oil for maintenance, slows down for speed bumps, makes even more turns and notes that gas is needed. (The gas comes in the form of chocolate chip cookies, and it's too late for the car to be fuelled up!) Emergency flares do not help. A promise is made for tomorrow's trip, Mitchell settles in to dream of a solo career that allows as many 'gas fill-ups' as are deemed necessary.

What an inspired choice it was to have Tony Fucile create the artwork for this delightful story!  His characters are enthusiastic and energetic, the exaggerated action perfect for bringing this nightly game to the audience. I laughed out loud at some of the antics and will continue to do so as I share it in classrooms and workshops.

You won't be able to stop at one reading! I guarantee that. It's just too much fun...and could be paired with
The Daddy Mountain by Jules Feiffer.

The Monsterologist, written by Bobbi Katz and illustrated by Adam McCauley. Sterling, $23.50 ages 8 and up

"Ping-Pong with King Kong

When King Kong plays Ping-Pong,
he squashes the ball.
He whacks it so hard
you can't hit it at all.
But if by some chance
you just happen to score,
he tears down the net
and won't play anymore!"

I have had this wonderful book in my TBR Poetry pile for ages, and kept thinking I would hold on to it until Halloween when monsterologists are likely to be roaming our streets in search of even more monsters than they have already discovered. I can't do it! It's been too long now and it's too good to keep it from you for another four months.

There are many ologists in this world and we have access to books about them, no matter our interest. The monsterologist is exceedingly smart and travels the world getting to know monsters of any and every kind. In this amusing and impeccably well-designed book, we meet some of them through a series of letters, conversations, and notebooks. All have been collected by our guide and there is much to discover here.
Here comes a sample:

"Nowadays we don't hear much
of ghastly trolls with beards and such.
Yet we're still stopped and we pay tolls
but just to ordinary souls.

Or are they "ordinary souls"?
Could it be that some are...trolls?"

There is a letter from Dracula, personal ads, a recipe, a yeti capture; the fun never stops! Bobbi Katz has created a very entertaining and enlightening book that will bring gasps of horror and bursts of joy to anyone interested in a career in 'monsterology'. The formats are forever changing, the fun is endless and the artwork inspired. I love Adam McCauley's description:

"The illustrations for this book were created using: lots of paper, spaghetti, twigs, tape, Adam's great grandmother's stamp collection, paint, file folders, rubber stamps, a scanner, old sketchbooks, new sketchbooks, a printer, a ballpoint pen, a Xerox machine, scraperbard, computer programs, clip art, things found on the street, and some string. Oh yeah, and a few brains and hands."

And Bobbi Katz adds her vision:

"From the very beginning, I saw this as a memoir: a scrapbook of memorabilia. I thought it would be interesting to reflect the work of an academic scientist. I wanted the poems to take various forms from note cards, queries, and descriptions to letters."


Do NOT miss the fun!

Here's your invitation from the Count:

"My Dear Friend,

I'm the Count whom you can count on for hospitality.
When you come to Transylvania, be sure to stay with me.
My ancient castle's gloomy, but you'll have a lovely room,
Conveniently located…close to the family tomb.
Just buy a one-way ticket. There's no need to splurge.
I'd really love to see you. It's an overwhelming urge.
You'll find that I'm a genial host,
but at times I think I'll burst,
unless I drink a bit of blood to satisfy my thirst.
A friendly nip, a little sip is harmless you'll agree.
It's natural and organic, and my castle is smoke free.
Please hurry, hurry, hurry! No need to R.S.V.P.
I can hardly wait to see you. Please come and visit me.
Yours, truly, most cordially,
The Count"