Martha Speaks: Funny Bone Jokes and Riddles by Karen Barss –OPTIONAL

Barss, Karen Martha Speaks: Funny Bone Jokes and Riddles 24 pgs. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2013. $11.34.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

A joke book for Fans of the TV show Martha Speaks. Many of the jokes are animal themed. Geared for Early Readers.

I thought this book felt really short and fell short too. It felt more like a promotional item than a book to purchase for a library collection. The jokes weren't that great, and some of them would be confusing to early readers.

EL –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach by James Dean –ESSENTIAL

Dean, James Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach 56 pgs. HarperCollins, 2013. $13.28.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

In this book Pete is at the beach with his mom and his brother. His brother is surfing, keeping cool and having fun. Pete just hangs on the hot beach, but you get the feeling he wishes he was out there. A little coaxing is all this cat needs and soon Pete is out with his brother having a great time!

I just feel like cheering! Pete might be afraid but he isn't a scaredy cat about it! I can’t wait to read Pete’s next adventure. 

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

Pete the Cat: Play Ball by James Dean –ESSENTIAL

Dean, James Pete the Cat: Play Ball 56 pgs. HarperCollins, 2012. $12.98.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Pete the Cat goes to play baseball with all of his friends. He isn't very good, but he doesn't let that get him down –after all he did his best and best of all, he had a great time!

Pete the Cat is fantastic! I like how his face is emotionless, it’s a chill way to show that Pete the Cat “Just is”. I think students will love Pete the Cat!! This is a great age to start instilling the spirit of the game mentality before its too late!

Pre-K, EL –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Pete the Cat: Pete’s Big Lunch by James Dean –ESSENTIAL

Dean, James Pete the Cat: Pete’s Big Lunch 56 pgs. HarperCollins, 2013. $13.26.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Pete the Cat is hungry. What should he make for lunch? Pete decides to make a sandwich!

Pete the cat is hungry. More than hungry. He makes the biggest sandwich out of almost everything in the kitchen. Will he be able to eat the entire thing alone?

Pete the cat is growing on me! This is a fantastic book that even Pre-K will adore and be able to read some of the words. Pete the cat is one cool customer, providing a fantastic example that is shows that sharing should just be normal, not some cheesy moralistic lesson.

Pre-K, EL –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Dodsworth in Tokyo by Tim Egan –OPTIONAL

Egan, Tim Dodsworth in Tokyo 48 pgs. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2013. $12.02.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Dodsworth and duck are headed off to Japan. Duck finds no end of mischief to get in, including one funny incident where Duck shows that he can’t swim and Dodsworth must go into a little river to fetch him out.

This series hasn't done well at my library. The students aren't as charmed by the adorable artwork as us grownup's are. The text complexity and many cultural references are a bit advanced for early readers.  Those old enough to understand them are wanting larger less childish books. If the series is popular with your students, then by all means this is a book you will want to pick up.

EL –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Strike Three You're Dead by Josh Berk -- ADVISABLE

Berk, Josh Strike Three You're Dead, 250 pgs. Alfred A. Knopf, 2013. $16.99. Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.  

Lenny is obsessed with the Phillies! They are his favorite team.  When he wins a contest to be a "guest announcer" he cannot believe his luck, because it'll be Rookie R. J. Weather's first big league game.  But before Lenny's big chance, one of the players ends up dead.  Now, Lenny feels it's up to him and the 2 Mikes to solve the mystery.  Are these middle schoolers ready to go to bat as detectives?  

This is a fun kid detective story.  Sport themed, but not much sport played, more talked about.  This would be a great recommendation for the 6th-7th grade sports enthusiast to get them reading a different genre.  

EL, MS - ADVISABLE Lisa Librarian

Its Not about the Straw by Veronika Charles –ADVISABLE

Charles, Veronika Its Not about the Beanstalk 64 pgs. Tundra Books, 2012. $5.36.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Three kids share banter and different versions of well known fables and fairy tales. In this book features Rumpelstiltskin stories from Germany, Scotland, and Japan.

This one was a particularly fascinating read as the concept of Rumpelstiltskin is portrayed in different cultures – he isn't always a man, and the name guessing component is the common thread. Student will have fun discussing this and other concepts from the reading. The inclusion of the three children telling the stories is critical to making this series fun.

Elementary –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Its Not about the Beanstalk by Veronika Charles –ADVISABLE

Charles, Veronika Its Not about the Beanstalk 64 pgs. Tundra Books, 2013. $5.36.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Three kids share banter and different versions of well known fables and fairy tales. This book features Jack and the Beanstalk stories from Appalachia  Norway, and Scotland.

Geared towards students who are just moving past Early Readers. This series is an intriguing way to introduce the concept that similar tales have been told across cultures. This would make an easy read aloud lesson for teachers. Student would have a fun time discussing what exactly is the important part of the core story. Students who came across it on their own would find an interesting read as well.

Elementary –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Dixie and the Good Deeds by Grace Gilman –ADVISABLE

Gilman, Grace Dixie and the Good Deeds 32 pgs. Turtleback Books, 2013. $12.20.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Emma decides to volunteer in her community. She can’t decide which place to spend her time at, so she solves it by volunteering for everything! Dixie, her dog, comes along, but is so how causing trouble at every turn! But there is one place Dixie can’t go –the Magic Show! But when Emma makes a mess of things, will Dixie be able to make things up to her and help her out somehow?

This was an adorable Early Reader book. I think students will love the mischief that Dixie creates and adults will love the sense of excited that Emma has for volunteering! The cover artwork isn't great, but inside the same illustrations are much better!

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

Martha Speaks: Canine Comics by Jamie White –ADVISABLE

White, Jamie Martha Speaks: Canine Comics 112 pgs. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2013. $8.99.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Six Short stories about Martha the Dog –told in graphic novel format. In one adventure Martha accidentally gets downloaded into Alice’s computer. In another adventure Martha helps to solve a dog crime spree. In another Martha finds out that obstacle course's are harder than they look! Another story features Martha’s movie star dog crush and how she helps him to be a real off-screen hero.

Ok, I know I can be a bit overly complimentary on anything graphic novel, but this was truly an excellent adaptation from TV. The color are bright and vivid and the stories are fun and entertaining. Students who are a fan of Martha the Dog will adore this book!

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

The Great Dog Disaster by Katie Davies –NO

Davies, Katie The Great Dog Disaster 208 pgs. Beach Lane Books, 2013. $11.38.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Suzanne and Anna are so excited when Suzanne’s family inherits a dog! But Beatrice isn't quite what they were expecting. She old, sickly, homesick, lazy, and smelly. But the girls are determined and work hard. Suzanne’s parents aren't quite as thrilled, and things may be coming to an end for Beatrice. Will the girls be able to save Beatrice or will she save herself?

I think the cover of this book is going to be a problem. Think Magic Puppy –that’s the kind of cover students choose when picking a dog book in my library (despite my protests!). I actually didn’t care for this book. It was very British, which would road block a smooth read for many students. There is a very colloquial neighbor man who just grated my nerves. If students aren't ready to confront animals being put to sleep, this is going to a bit harsh for them as well.

EL –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

War Brothers: The Graphic Novel by Sharon E. McKay –ADVISABLE

Mckay, Sharon E. War Brothers: The Graphic Novel 176 pgs. Annick Press, 2013. $13.15.  Content: Language: PG (0 swears); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: R.

Jacob is just a normal 14 year old boy. He lives in Uganda and is just being sent to boarding school. But a terrible group of rebel soldiers are kidnapping children to fight in the LRA. They attack Jacob’s school and he and his friends are put in a terrible situation, set against each other, and fighting for survival. When an opportunity comes for escape, Jacob embraces it. If he ever makes it home will he be welcomed as a boy or spurned as a damaged soldier?

Based on real life accounts, this graphic novel format presents this ongoing tragedy with a level of reality that just can’t be achieved through text only. I think the ending was the worst part for me, mirroring Vietnam vets in some ways. The violence is heart wrenching and intense. The sexual brutality is only hinted at without any illustrated details. Students studying modern history would find this novel compelling.  

HS –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Grasshopper Magic (Book #2) by Lynne Jonell –ADVISABLE

Jonell, Lynne  Grasshopper Magic 112 pgs. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013. $10.95.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G ; Violence: G.

When Abner is dared to eat a grasshopper, he can’t say no, not if he wants to prove how brave he is. But the children in house know that magic sometimes happens, and in this case it’s not limited to the Willow family siblings. Abner is off on bouncy adventure to stop a toddler from eating the same grasshoppers –before it’s too late!

This book was wholesome and fun with a simple plotline that is perfect for readers just moving past early reader books. The siblings personalities are distinct and enjoyable. I think students will be intrigued by the inclusion of magic and all the problems that come along with it. I could see this book making a great read aloud, including some interesting discussion questions such as, what is our responsibility when something we start gets out control?

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

Tiger in my Soup by Kashmira Sheth –ADVISABLE

Sheth, Kashmire Tiger in my Soup 32 pgs. Peachtree Publishers, 2013. $12.62.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

 Big sister isn't a great babysitter, even when her little brother finds the Tiger from his book in his soup -he could really use her help! But big sister is too busy reading and listening to her music to help him, so this little brother has to save himself!

The art work in this is fresh, interesting, and bright. I really think students will relate to this vivid story which shows just what can happen when a bored mind leads to an out of control imagination. I must object to putting any animal in the microwave –even imaginary.

Elementary –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Nana's Summer Surprise by Heather Hartt-Sussman -- OPTIONAL

Hartt-Sussman, Heather and Georgia Graham Nana's Summer Surprise 32 pgs. Tundra Books 2013. PICTURE BOOK.

When the boy in the book shows up to his grandparents' lake house for the summer, he's excited to see Hortense, a relative he's played with before. But in his absence, Hortense has grown up, becoming tall and girly, and the two children suddenly have nothing in common. This makes for a long, lonely summer for the boy. Once the two children get together to plan a surprise for their nana, however, they learn that even kids who've grown apart can still find common ground in helping someone else.

This is the third in the series, and while it stands alone to some degree, without the preceding books it was unclear who Hortense was and how the two children were related. Despite that, it's a nice (though long) story about the pitfalls of growing older and still trying to find common ground with far-away relatives who, themselves, have grown (but in different ways). The colorful, caricature-like illustrations add to the fun feel of the book, although some may find them too cartoonish.

EL -- OPTIONAL. Reviewed by: Caryn

Tyler Makes Spaghetti by Tyler Florence –ADVISABLE

Florence, Tyler Tyler Makes Spaghetti 40 pgs. HarperCollins, 2013. $13.42.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G ; Violence: G.

Tyler wants to learn to make spaghetti, and Chef Lorenzo will to teach him all about it. Tyler’s dog Tofu come along to for the ride, creating havoc with the meatballs! Includes a recipe and interesting facts.

I think students will really like this book. The illustrations are big bright, distinctive and fun. I think the author does a great job balancing information/teaching with some fun and mischief.

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

Coral Reefs by Seymour Simon –NO

Simon, Seymour Coral Reefs 32 pgs. HarperCollins, 2013. $12.95. Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

The basics of coral reefs interspersed with lots of large photographs. Includes information on the plants, fish, and animals that live there, along with present day threats to the habitat.

I would not purchase this book for my library. The text is presented in large paragraphs that would be hard to read for young researchers. It doesn't vary the font/text/headings to help differentiate between subject changes or important word definitions. The images are large, but not necessarily spectacular or informative.

Elementary- NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Jasper John Dooley Left Behind By Caroline Adderson- ESSENTIAL

Adderson, Caroline Jasper John Dooley Left Behind.  Illustrated by Ben Clanton. 132 pgs.  Kids Can Press, 2013.  $15.95.  EARLY READER.  Content: G.

This book is about a boy named Jasper who loves his grandma.  One day his grandma left on a cruise to go see icebergs in Alaska.  She would be gone for an entire week.  Every Wednesday Jasper went to his grandma's house to play Go Fish for Jujubes.  Now that grandma is gone, Jasper will have to have a babysitter on Wednesday while his parents go out to dinner.  What will the new babysitter be like?

I liked this book's illustrations.  They were really funny and drawn really well.  The story was interesting and keep me glued to the book.  I read it in one night.

EL (K-3).  ESSENTIAL.  Student Reviewed: JL-age 10.

Tivoli's Christmas by David R. Christensen-OPTIONAL

Christensen, David R. Tivoli’s Christmas 91pgs. Prismatic publishing, 2008. $12.00. Chapter Book. Content: G. Tivoli the teddy bear thinks his owner Kristen no longer wants him because he is worn out and tattered.  He spends Christmas Eve on a search to get repaired, thinking if he doesn't, Kristen will get a new bear for Christmas and he will be forgotten.  With the help of an alley cat named Whiskers, Tivoli achieves his goal, but finds out along the way that how you act is much more important than how you look.  In the end, Kristen never wanted to get rid of him.

This book was well written and very descriptive.  The author had a great vocabulary for the target audience.  There weren’t a lot of pictures which I liked because it left it up to your own imagination. It has a good moral which is easy to spot and teaches a good lesson.  My main problem with it is it was a little too repetitive.  Whiskers the alley cat saves the day one to many times, and it seems Tivoli runs into the same problems multiple times.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3) Optional.  Student Reviewed: JL

No Fits, Nilson! by Zachariah OHora -- ADVISABLE

OHora, Zachariah No Fits, Nilson! 32 pgs. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2013. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK.

Amelia and Nilson are best friends who do (almost) everything together, but every once in a while something small sets Nilson off, and he explodes into a huge tantrum. At that point, Amelia and her mom step in, guiding him toward self-control by promising him rewards if he keeps himself calm. The system works well until the day the ice cream man runs out of Amelia's favorite flavor. Now she's the one who must figure out how to control her temper.

No Fits, Nilson! is a cute story with fun, retro illustrations and a true-to-life little girl dealing with a very real issue: temper tantrums. While I wish the story focused more on showing children how to learn self-control, rather than relying on external factors (such as promised treats or punishments) for motivation, this is still a nice jumping-off point for discussions on when it is -- and isn't -- appropriate to have a tantrum, what causes tantrums, and how to control them. Children should have empathy for both Nilson and Amelia, cheering them on when they are able to avoid having fits and wincing when they do break down.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by: Caryn