Reviews for school librarians
Carney, Elizabeth. Great Migrations: Whales, Wildebeests, Butterflies, Elephants, and Other Amazing Animals on the Move, 45 pgs. National Geographic, 2010. $17.95. NONFICTION. This book is based on the National Geographic television event and includes an array of stunning photographs. Author Elizabeth Carney gives a brief introduction about migrations and of the making of the television event. Each animal is given a two-page picture spread followed by interesting facts, corresponding maps, numbers, the amount of travel, why each species migrates, and the dangers each species faces. For example, army ants travel about 6 miles each year (page 34). This book makes learning about migration assessable to younger readers and entertaining. EL – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.
Hughes, Catherine D. First Big Book of Animals, 128 pgs. National Geographic, 2010. $14.95. NONFICTION. This book is an introduction to animals created for “little kids” using fantastic photographs and fun facts that the children can relate to. The lay-out includes small paragraphs of information next to corresponding pictures, small word bubbles of interesting tidbits, and facts. The “facts” for each animal include: kind of animal, home, size, food, sounds, and babies (how many are born at a time). The “size” facts can include weight or height in comparison to things children can relate to. For example, Harp Seals weight about the same amount as a NFL player (p. 107). While the size relations are fun, the exact pounds or inches should have also been included. The book also includes two pages of tips for parents to “extend [their] child’s experience” which include a variety of activities. A color-coordinated animal map of the world shows kids where each animal calls home. A glossary and index are also included at the end to clarify terms and help kids and parents find exact pages. Both children and adults will be drawn to this beautifully put together book and the fascinating information inside. EL – Essential. Samantha, Public Librarian.
Esbaum, Jill. Winter Wonderland, 16 pgs. National Geographic, 2010. $5.95. Nonfiction. A part of the National Geographic’s Picture the Seasons, this book combines bright and appealing photographs with simple text about the season. The book explains about the weather, shorter days, and of course the holidays. The page lay-outs are all different and the text size and color changes and are visually interesting. The short length and minimal text make this book a good choice for a nonfiction storytime title. EL – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.
Johnson, Stephen T. My Little Pink Princess Purse. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2010. $19.99. PICTURE BOOK. Before this book even begins, it contains an invitation for the reader to attend the "Royal Springtime Ball". Then, the remainder of the book has various items that a princess would need to bring to the "Royal Springtime Ball". The reader can remove each of the items and place it in a purse, jewelry box, or container, etc. The last two pages contain a letter from the reader's fairy godmother, a key, and a mirror that pops out of the page. Also, each page reviews shapes and colors to help the reader learn too. This book is, without a doubt, a jewel of a book because its charm is in the little sunglasses, perfume bottles, rings, and even the tiara that the reader can pull out of the one page and put it in the adjacent page. Every girl who reads it will feel like a princess, and the different tasks to do can keep a girl occupied for hours and imagining for days. It is the perfect gift for any young toddler-aged girl. The book does contain small parts, and really young readers might ruin the book and/or choke. Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher.
Rappaport, Doreen Jack’s Path of Courage: The Life of John F. Kennedy, illustrated by Matt Tavares. Hyperion Books for Children, 2010. $17.99. PICTURE BOOK. Telling the story of John F. Kennedy’s life, this book helps readers know a little about Kennedy’s family life, military accomplishments, and achievements earned through writing. The text is easy for readers of all abilities, but it provides sufficient information to help people learn the highlights of our thirty-fifth president’s life. While younger readers might not care about learning about John F. Kennedy, some older readers could really enjoy reading this book. Plus, the illustrations are very accurate; a reader actually thinks that she is looking at a photograph. EL, MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher.
Willems, Mo We Are In a Book!. Hyperion Books for Children, 2010. $8.99. PICTURE BOOK. This is one of many “Elephant and Piggie” books written by Mo Willems. In this book, Elephant and Piggie realize that someone is looking at them. Once they understand that the person looking at them is the reader, they begin to have fun with him/her. We Are In a Book! is delightful, fun to read, and the illustrations are both simple and interesting to look at. The words on each page are easy to read, thus allowing an early reader to be successful. Adults reading the book to nonreaders will also find themselves laughing out loud. This is a wonderful read. PreK, EL(K-3), EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher.
Doerrfeld, Cori Penny Loves Pink. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2011. $15.99. PICTURE BOOK. This book tells the story of Penny, who loves pink. She loves pink anything, but she is not happy when something not pink comes into her life. It is a story of learning to love things different. This book is perfect for young, preschool-aged girls. Doerrfeld’s illustrations are vibrant and cute. The pink that abounds would delight most young toddler girls. The book also allows for a discussion with older readers about accepting other people's differences. PreK, EL(K-3) – ADVISABLE. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher.
Scieszka, John Trucktown: Garage Tales, Illustrated by David Shannon, Loren Long, David Gordon. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008. $12.99. PICTURE BOOK. 
Morrison, Toni & Slade Morrison The Tortoise or the Hare, Illustrated by Joe Cepeda. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2010. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. This book is a retelling of the classic Tortoise and the Hare story. However, in this book, the hare is so fast no one wants to be around him and the tortoise is so smart no one wants to be around him. I loved the set up of this book. It had style and flare. I thought it had a fresh and creative way of telling this old story. I was looking forward to the ending, to see what happened. Unfortunately, I was left disappointed. Still, some might be willing to overlook the poor ending because the rest of the book is quite enjoyable. The book does offer the possibility for a discussion of whether or not winning is most important in competitions. PreK, EL (K-3), EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher.
Rinaldo, Luana Clackers: Duck. Robin Corey Books, 2008. $5.99. PICTURE BOARD BOOK. This book tells a brief story about Duck dives with Fish, plays with Frog, swims with Turtle, has lunch with Goose, and splashes with the other ducks. The book is quick and has bright illustrations, making it perfect for a young audience. The book's best feature, however, is the hole attached to the book's binding. The hole allows young infants and even toddlers to hold onto the book and flap the pages of the book (hence the name "Clackers"). Young readers would enjoy these books. PreK - ADVISABLE.
Ziefert, Harriet Counting Chickens, Illustrated by Flensted Mobiles. Blue Apple Books, 2010. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK. This book uses illustrations based on mobiles created by Flensted Mobiles, a company in Denmark. The book has various animals and shapes attached to drawn wires, like a mobile would. The text asks questions, having the reader count, add, and even subtract. While readers do get the opportunity to practice counting, the youngest of readers might be confused by some illustrations and for sure the “Extra Credit” questions, which require much higher-level thinking. Thus, this book can be a useful learning tool, but it also requires much adult help for early learners. PreK, EL(K-3) – OPTIONAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher.
Rinaldo, Luana Clackers: Bunny. Robin Corey Books, 2008. $5.99. PICTURE BOARD BOOK. This book tells a brief story about Bunny, who loves to bounce. Bunny bounces near fish, birds, hens, lambs, and other sleeping bunnies. The book is quick and has bright illustrations, making it perfect for a young audience. The book's best feature, however, is the hole attached to the book's binding. The hole allows young infants and even toddlers to hold onto the book and flap the pages of the book (hence the name "Clackers"). Young readers would enjoy these books. PreK - ADVISABLE.
Patricelli, Leslie Potty. Candlewick Press, 2010. $6.99. PICTURE BOARD BOOK. When the baby in this book has to go to the bathroom, the baby must decide whether or not to go in the diaper. Once the baby decides not to go in the diaper, then the question of where to go remains. After learning from the cat and dog, the baby realizes the potty is the best place to go to the bathroom. This book has some positive features to it. Perhaps one of the best aspects of it is the fact that the baby is not gender specific so that both boy and girl potty-trainers could relate to it. The sentences and pictures are simple enough to move quickly through the book and read it several times, thus reinforcing over and over the need to use the potty. PreK - OPTIONAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher.
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