Candy 1 to 20 by Laurie Wolf and Pam Abrams - OPTIONAL

Wolf, Laurie and Pam Abrams Candy 1 to 20. Chronicle Books, 2011. 20 pgs. Language: G. Violence: G. Sexual content: G. This bright, colorful book uses photographs of candy to illustrate the numbers 1 through 20. The number 5, for example, is drawn with five rainbow-colored gummy worms. Twelve Hershey kisses create the number 12. No other text accompanies the candy numbers. While the concept is fun and the photos are pretty, it may be preferable to use a subject other than candy to illustrate the concept of counting. Pre-K, EL (K-3). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Caryn.

The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen-ESSENTIAL

Van Diepen, Allison, The Vampire Stalker. Scholastic Press, 2011. Pgs. 257. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: PG

Amy is obsessed with the series The Mists of the Otherworld. Her crush is a character from the book named Alexander Banks, who hunts down Vigo, an evil vampire who killed Alexander’s family long ago. One night while walking in the park, Amy is attacked by Vigo himself and shortly saved by Alexander. How could this be? Turns out the two nemeses have come through a portal between Amy’s Chicago and Alexander’s Chicago. Vigo is determined to make Alexander come after him and to make this new world his. When the two enemies realize that they are characters in an author’s book, things drastically change for not only the two characters, but Amy as well. Can Amy and Alexander defeat Vigo before he kills the author of their story? Will Alexander ever make it back to his own time. Will Amy act on her crush?

A fun vampire romance, mystery, and adventure in one. The characters are well-developed. The plot is intriguing and holds the reader’s interest. Readers who like paranormal fiction, science fiction, romance, and a little bit of adventure will enjoy reading this book. MS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Snow in Summer by Jane Yolen - ADVISABLE

Yolen, Jane Snow in Summer, 242 p. Philomel (Penguin), NOVEMBER 2011.  $17.  Content: G (a little scary, but no more so than the Disney movie).  When Summer’s Mama and her new baby brother die, Summer’s fairy tale life of love and caring becomes grim – first as her father withdraws and grieves, but even more as he brings home a new bride whose manner is like ice.  Summer is too young to realize how she is being manipulated.  When she is finally old enough to know the difference, it is almost too late.  Only with the help of her Aunt Nancy and a desperate escape does she have a chance for a happy life again.  You don’t have to have read the original in order to enjoy Yolen’s retelling.  This one would make a great modern movie all on its own.  EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

I Like You by Sandol Warburg

Warburg, Sandol Stoddard I Like You Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 1965. PICTURE BOOK. A small book about the silly and seemingly insignificant reasons why people like each other is perfect to lighten a rotten day or just give to a friend you truly care about. The drawings are simple black-and-white line drawings that capture the emotion of text. This would be good for all ages, but doesn’t really belong in any type of library.  GIFT. Shauna, reading teacher.

From Cindy:  I remember owning this book as a child.  I love the funky illustrations!

Kitten’s Winter by Eugenie Fernandes - ADVISABLE

Fernandes, Eugenie Kitten’s Winter Kids Can Press, 2011 $14.95. Picture Book.  Kitten’s Winter exposes kids to the delights and wonders of the winter season through Kitten’s perspective. This is the last book in the seasons series and is similar in format to the other three books. The pictures are super cute and the lines rhyme. I recommend it for pre-readers.  PRE-K - ADVISABLE. Shauna, reading teacher.

Season of Secrets by Sally Nicholls - ADVISABLE

Nicholls, Sally Season of Secrets, 225 pgs. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2011. $16.99.

Content: G

EL - ADVISABLE

When sisters Hannah and Molly move in with their grandparents after their mother's death Hannah takes it out on grandma and grandpa. Molly can't stand to be in the house when Hannah fights with them so she goes out exploring. On one of her adventures she fines a strange man who can make flowers grow out of nothing. Molly askes herself can this man make our Mom come back to life, and if so could I convince him to do so.

A touching story of how a little girl accepts that her mother isn't coming back. I liked the added part of the man being part of some old type of mythology. I also liked how different her school life is from the normal school day we experience.

Student Reviewer: Kylie Usher

Biomimicry by Dora Lee - ADVISABLE

Lee, Dora Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature Kids Can Press, 2011 $18.95. NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK. Biomimicry shows how scientists have studied nature and taken those traits and characteristics and used them in modern technology. From nanotechnology to eco-friendly this book explores all areas of biomimicry. This is a great book for science teachers and young people interested in the science. EL - ADVISABLE. Shauna, Reading teacher.

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann - ESSENTIAL

McMann, Lisa The Unwanteds, 390 p. Aladdin (Simon), 2011.  $17.  

Violence: PG (fighting).  

The people of Quill are divided into Wanted, Necessary and Unwanteds.  At 13, if you are Unwanted, then off you are sent to the Eliminators – there to disappear forever.  Or so they think.  Instead, Alex and the other Unwanteds find themselves in a wonderful, secret world where their talents are celebrated and nurtured.  But Alex has left his twin behind and he will do anything in order to let Aaron know about this wonderful world.  Even if it means the end of everything good he has ever known.  

McMann has spun a wonderous tale that will make you shout and cheer and maybe even tie your stomach in knots.  

EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Let’s Count to 100 by Masayuki Sebe

Sebe, Masayuki Let’s Count to 100 Kids Can Press, 2011 $16.95. PICTURE BOOK.  This book shows just how many 100 can look like. From birds to elephants to kids, page after page shows 100 plus a few other surprises like a rabbit hiding among 100 sheep.  This is a great book for teachers, and students. ADVISABLE, EL. Shauna, Reading teacher.

Torn by Margaret Haddix - OPTIONAL

Haddix, Margaret Peterson Torn, 324 p. Simon and Schuster, 2011.  $17.  

Once again, Jonah and Katherine have been thrown back through time.  This time it is much worse.  They don’t have another Missing with them and they have landed in the middle of James Bay – just before Henry Hudson’s crew decides to mutiny.  Not only are they in physical danger, but the timeline has been changed – maybe so badly that it can never be fixed.  

Like I’ve said before, time travel novels can get very messy very quickly.  For me, the focus of the novels has changed so much – away the kids and their places in history and onto the mysterious enemy and the destruction of the time continuum – that they just aren’t as much fun as I thought they would be.  This one made me more angry than anything.  

EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Motion, Magnets, and More by Adrienne Mason - ESSENTIAL

Mason, Adrienne Motion, Magnets, and More Kids Can Press, 2011 $18.95. NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK. This is a book of physical science experiments. It’s divided into four sections: touch it, build it, change it, and move it. It has fifty-two different experiments with step-by-step directions for kids to try out. I liked the simplicity of the experiments and open-ended ideas. It will help parents stave off the boredom, but not send them to purchase specific items needed for the experiment. They can all be done with simple items at home. ESSENTIAL, PARENTS, Elementary. Shauna, reading teacher.

The Biggest Kiss by Joanna Walsh-OPTIONAL

Walsh, Joanna.  Abbot, Judi.  The Biggest Kiss, 32 pgs. Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books. 2011.  $12.99.  Inside cover: “Kisses BIG.  Kisses small.  Who has the very best kiss of all?  With buoyant text and charming illustrations, The Biggest Kiss is a perfect choice for bedtime, story time, or anytime sharing.”  This is a simple, sweet book.  The illustrations are inviting and engaging.  There are few words, but the story is tender.  There isn’t a lot of application to a classroom, but parents will certainly enjoy reading it to their children.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  OPTIONAL.  Reviewer:  SL. 

Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India by Gerald McDermott- ADVISABLE

McDermott, Gerald. Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India, 32 pgs.  Harcourt Children’s Books, 2011.  $16.99.  Inside cover: “Monkey is hungry-for mangoes.  Crocodile is hungry-for Monkey!  Can Monkey fill his belly with delicious mangoes and escape Crocodile’s sharp teeth?  Master storyteller and artist Gerald McDermott brings the vibrant colors of India to his telling of this classic trickster tale, which has plenty of cleverness and sprinkling of mischief.”  This is a fantastic book!  We loved the story, and the illustrations.  The mention of the crocodile wanting to eat the monkey’s heart (instead of just eating the monkey) seemed be a little too descriptive for little ones.  But if the reader realizes that this book is a retelling of a classic take from India, it is a little easier to digest the imagery that those words create in the reader’s mind.  We enjoyed this tale! Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL.

The Sniffles for Bear by Bonny Becker - ESSENTIAL

Becker, Bonny  The Sniffles for Bear Candlewick Press, 2011 $16.99. PICTURE BOOK.

An odd friendship has formed between Bear and Mouse. When Bear gets sick, Mouse comes to take care of him. When nothing helps and Bear is convinced his days are numbered Mouse helps him create a will. Bear lies down to rest in peace, and begins to snore, and snore, until he wakes up feeling better. He finds Mouse in the same situation and begins to take on the role of caretaker.

This is such a heart warming book of friendship. It made me smile and think of all the great friends I have in my life that take care of me.

ESSENTIAL, PRE-K, EL (K-3), PARENTS. Shauna, Reading teacher.

Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - ESSENTIAL

Barnes, Jennifer Lynn Trial by Fire, 357 p. Egmont, 2011.  $18.  Violence: PG-13.  Bryn’s entire pack is formed from misfits, so its no surprise that when she discovers a badly beaten teen “were” on her doorstep, she decides she wants to adopt him.  Lucas already belongs to some one else – in fact he belongs to Shay, who hates Bryn beyond sanity.  But Shay is not Bryn’s only problem.  A new enemy has entered the scene – Caroline – who had witchy powers and is a trained killing machine.  If Bryn and her pack doesn’t surrender, Caroline is more than happy to kill them all.  Barnes takes her book ina new, fascinating direction.  PLEASE, please, please tell me that there is another book coming – SOON!  MS, HS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Christmas in the Mouse House by Maggie Kneen - ADVISABLE

Kneen, Maggie  Christmas in the Mouse House Candlewick Press, 2011 $14.99. PICTURE BOOK. Mom and Dad mouse have hidden twelve golden stars throughout the house and tell the children that they won’t have a Christmas tree unless they can find all of them. This book is filled with dozens of foldout flaps where children will find gold stars under some, but not all of them. The gold stars are metallic and help bring the tree to life at the end. ADVISABLE, PARENTS. Shauna, Reading teacher.

Pearl by Jo Knowles - ADVISABLE

Knowles, Jo Pearl 216 pages. Henry Holt and Company, 2011.  Language PG13 (15 swears, mostly G,); Sexual Content PG13; Violence G;

15 year-old Pearl a.k.a Bean, and her best friend Henry have been trying for years to find out what has happened to their fathers. The truth is often more painful than reality so they spend their free time imagining their fathers are off fighting secret missions for the government or locked up against their will in a foreign country.  When a sudden tragedy strikes, Bean’s world begins to change for doesn’t seem like the better. New information is coming to light and she relies heavily on Henry to help her through.

Although the topics in the book are for older audiences, it seemed like it would be a good book for a reluctant reader or lower-level reader.

HS, ADVISABLE. Shauna, Reading teacher.

Love Waves by Rosemary Wells - ADVISABLE

Wells, Rosemary. Love Waves Candlewick Press, 2011 $15.99. PICTURE BOOK. As a small mouse’s parents go to work, he must be brave and know that his parents will come home to him. The story is told through “love” waves that travel through the air sent from parent to child. I liked how the “love waves” that were illustrated were a metallic blue color, giving them realness and comfort to an uneasy child whose parents go to work every day.  ADVISABLE, PARENTS, PUBLIC. Shauna, reading teacher.

Mathemagic by Lynda Colgan - ADVISABLE

Colgan, Lynda. Mathemagic Kids Can Press, 2011 $16.95. NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK. Mathemagic contains the secrets to nine number, card, calculator, and mind tricks. It shows the reader how to successfully execute these tricks. I liked the tricks in the book and sadly admit that some were a challenge even for me, but I could see a young person really getting into the tricks. Magic is a great confidence builder too. ADVISABLE, PUBLIC, PARENTS. Shauna, reading teacher.

The Margrave by Catherine Fisher - OPTIONAL

Fisher, Catherine The Margrave (Relic Master #4), 445 p. Dial (Penguin), 2011.  $17.  

Violence: PG.  

No one believes Raffi when he tries to tell them about the Margrave.  To save them all, he decides to run away – and lands right in the Margrave’s hands.  Now he must figure out how to survive, and hope that the others care enough to rescue him.  The last book in the Relic Master series is more cerebral than the others.  Rather than being defined by fighting and magic, it is defined by Raffi’s internal fight and his relationship with the Margrave.  

While many questions are answered and problems are resolved, I was not personally happy with the ending.  After so much dependence on magic and battles to further the story, it was difficult to make the change to a completely different kind of book at the end.  

EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher