The Bernenstain Bears Go Green by Jan and Stan Berenstain-OPTIONAL

Berenstain, Jan and Mike, The Berenstain Bears Go Green.  Berenstain Publishing, Inc., 2013. PICTURE BOOK.

When the Berenstain Bear family goes for a boat ride, they discover the town’s dump is a major problem. It stinks, has lots of old junk, and has oil drums that are leaking into the water. With the help of some townspeople, they clean up the dump. But, what else can they do to be more green?

Preachy even for a Berenstain Bear book. Although the text and illustrations complement each other well, the characters and plot are too simplistic for the length of the book. Parents and teachers trying to teach kids about recycling and being green, however, will probably find this book useful. PreK, EL (K-3). OPTIONAL. Reviewer:  Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

I Have a Garden bu Bob Barner-ADVISABLE

Barner, Bob, I Have a Garden. Holiday House, 2013. PICTURE BOOK.

A little dog has a garden. Inside that garden are many animals. It, too, is their garden.

A cute, simplistic picture book for young children. The pictures are colorful. The story is cute and easy enough to read with toddlers or children learning to read. Young children who like gardens, dogs, and other animals will enjoy this fun read aloud.

Pre-K, EL (K-3). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Adele by Matt Doeden-ADVISABLE

Doeden, Matt, Adele: Soul Music’s Magical Voice. Twenty-First Century Books, 2013. Pgs. 111. INFORMATION.

When she was 19 years old, Adele released her first single, “Hometown Glory.” Two years, two albums, and a lot of heartbreak later, she swept the 54^th Grammy Awards, winning all six categories for which she was nominated. At one point, a terrible throate condition had many fans worried that she would never sing again, but she did. How did she get to the Grammy Awards?  How did she become a singer? How did she overcome her throat issue? This book answers these questions and more.

An entertaining biography for Adele fans. The layout is well-done and easy to follow. The use of varying sources of primary sources and interesting facts is useful and informative. Readers who need to read a biography or who are interested in reading about Adele will enjoy reading this book. Included are a timeline, a bibliography, discography, source notes, and further reading suggestions, and an index. 

EL, MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library

Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, Bluest by Brian P. Cleary-OPTIONAL

Cleary, Brian P., Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, and Bluest. Millbrook Press, 2013. Pgs. 31. INFORMATION.

What are comparatives and superlatives? Read this book to get a much clearer idea.

The pictures are colorful and complement the text. The text is simple, but effective. Readers confused about the differences between the two will appreciate this book.

EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Josh Hutcherson by Jody Jensen Shaffer-ADVISABLE

Shaffer, Jody Jensen, Josh Hutherson. Lerner Publishing Company, 2013. Pgs. 32. INFORMATION.

Who is Josh Hutcherson? How did he become a celebrity? Did you know that he teamed with co-star Liam Helmsworth to jokingly support “Team Haymitch” on the movie Hunger Games? Read about the answers to these questions and more in this biography.

An interesting, atypical biography that will interest teens. The layout is bold, colorful, and easily draws in the reader’s attention. Readers who like celebrity biographies or need to read a non-ficton book will enjoy reading this book. Included are source notes, an index, and places to find more information about Josh.  

EL, MS.ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Tim Tebow by Jeff Savage-ADVISABLE

Savage, Jeff, Tim Tebow. Lerner Publishing Company, 2013. Pgs. 32. INFORMATION

Who is Tim Tebow? How did he become a famous football player? This book answers these questions and more.

The layout is colorful and easy to follow. The combination of pictures and informative text is useful and does a great job of holding the reader’s interest. Readers who like books about football or need to read a biography or non-fiction will enjoy reading this book.

EL, MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.