Beep and Bah by James Burks-ADVISABLE

Burks, James.  Beep and Bah, 32 pgs. $16.95. Inside cover: “Beep is a robot who hungers for adventure.  Bah is a goat who wants to stay out of trouble.  When Bah discovers a single sock, Beep knows there’s only one thing to do: Find its match!  Together, Beep and Bah begin a winding journey that takes them up high hills and deep into the ocean.  On the way, they’ll meet monkeys, whales, and angry bears- but will they find the missing sock?”  This is a cute comic type book that has a hilarious ending!  Much of the story is in looking at the drawings.  The illustrator does an incredible job bringing the characters to life.  We enjoyed reading this book!  There are a lot of animals and animal sounds in this book that could be used in a unit. EL (K-3).  EL. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: SL.

Betty Bunny Wants Everything by Michael B. Kaplan-ESSENTIAL

Kaplan, Michael B.  Jorisch, Stephane.  Betty Bunny Wants Everything, 32 pgs. $16.99.

   Inside cover:  “This is Betty Bunny.  She wants every toy in the toy store. Her mother and father try to teach her that she can’t have every toy she wants.  So she tries to teach them that yes, she can.  Betty Bunny is every preschooler you know: always loveable, often a handful, and seldom understands why she can’t always get her way.”  

We can’t get enough of Betty Bunny! This book is equally as good as, “Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake.”  Kaplan does an incredible job of portraying every preschool or young child’s life.  We laugh non-stop each time we read his books.  The illustrations are incredible.  Each page is filled with bright, bold colors and detail that draws the reader into the story.  I hope Kaplan has many more Betty Bunny stories to come! They are without doubt some of our very favorite picks.  

Pre-K.  EL(K-3).  ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: SL.

The King Who Wouldn't Sleep by Holly Swain-ADVISABLE

Singleton, Debbie.  Swain, Holly.  The King Who Wouldn’t Sleep, 32 pgs. $16.95.  Inside cover:  “There once was a king who wouldn’t sleep-not even a wink!-until he found the perfect prince for his lovely daughter.  Princes came from all around.  Not one of them was right.  But there was someone else watching with an unexpectedly cunning plan up his not-so-royal sleeve…”  This is a great book that could be used in teaching or reviewing days of the week, number sequence, or adding and subtracting.  Students can guess which day comes next, and what number of animals/items the farmer will bring.  The illustrations are bright and playful.  The ending of the story is creative and sweet.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE. Reviewer: SL. 

A Boy Called Dickens by Deborah Hopkinson-ADVISABLE

Hopkinson, Deborah.  Hendrix, John.  A Boy Called Dickens, 40 pgs.  Schwaratz & Wade, 2012.  $17.99.  Inside cover: “Step back in time to the winding, crowded streets of old London… We are here to search for a boy called Charles Dickens.  Who is he? A skinny, hungry child with patched sleeves?  Yes.  A worker in Warren’s rat-infested blacking factory?  That too.  But he’s also an imaginative boy who yearns for books, and who longs to create stories of his very own.  And he is a boy whose dream will come true: Charles Dickens will grow up to become one of the greatest writers of all time.”  We were fascinated while reading this book.  Learning about the young Dickens made us appreciate his later work!  After reading this story, we discussed how people can and do overcome trials and rise to greatness.  There are a lot of life lessons packed into this great book.  Pre-K,  EL (K-3). EL.  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL. 

George Washington's Birthday: A Mostly True Tale by Margaret McNamara-ADVISABLE

McNamara, Margaret.  Blitt, Barry.  George Washington’s Birthday: A Mostly True Tale, 40 pgs.  Schwartz & Wade, 2012.  $17.99.  

Inside cover: “When George Washington woke up on Saturday, he was seven.  It’s my birthday, he thought.  Happy Birthday to me.  But everyone in his family was so busy they didn’t even notice.  Would anyone ever remember George’s birthday?  Full of facts about the first president-as well as many myths, debunked!- this is a partly true and completely funny birthday celebration.”  

We loved this book!  The illustrations are fun and exciting.  Each page has either a myth or fact about George Washington. The storyline is fun to read.  This book could be used in a unit on celebrating President’s Day.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL. 

Mangaman by Barry Lyga -OPTIONAL

Lyga, Barry and illustrated by Doran, Colleen Mangaman, 144 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011. $13.49. (Language PG –SWEAR COUNT: 2), Violence-PG ; Sexual Content-PG13.)
This book is a mash up of traditional manga art and traditional comic book art. The plot centers on how these art forms collide as characters from the two distinct yet similar story/art platforms meet up. Ryoko is torn from his anime world and is transported to the real (comic) book world. Naturally hijinks and romance occurs.
This was a fun idea, and I like how it played out. I think that die hard graphic novel fans will love this book. For me the story was lacking a bit, too linear, as if all the focus was on showing off the differences in art forms, rather than the actual story.
HS –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Don't Expect Magic by Kathy McCullough -ADVISABLE

McCullough, Kathy Don't Expect Magic, 256 pgs. Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2011. $11.98. (Ratings: All PG. Swear: 0)
Delaney is a tough cynical teen and her mood certainly doesn’t improve when she her mom dies and she must move in with the father she hardly knows (and doesn’t like). Despite trying her best, Delaney is finding it hard to make herself an outcast at her new school –where everyone is happy and friendly. In order to use her newly discovered Fairy Godmother powers, Delaney must change herself, because granting wishes takes positive energy.
This was a supernatural romance that didn’t rely too much on the magic part, which is refreshing. It was a fun and light read. Students will relate to Delaneys cynical outlook and may discover along with her that sometimes it’s just funner to lighten up and have some fun.
MS, HS – Advisable Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Between by Jessica Warman -ESSENTIAL

Warman, Jessica Between, 464 pgs. Walker & Company, 2011. $11.61. (Language-PG Swear Count: 4, Violence-PG; Sexual Content-PG13.) Drug & Alcohol use.
Elizabeth isn’t quite sure what’s going on when she wakes up the morning of her 18th birthday. She along, with a small group of her best friends partied on her boat and she is having trouble remembering exactly what happened. As she tries to find out, Elizabeth’s life takes an extraordinary turn and she is has to take stock of her life to solve the mystery. Is she more than just a pretty snob?
There is no way to describe this book without giving away all the good stuff. This book was the ultimate page turner and I was read it from cover to cover without stop. There were unexpected depths to this book and it was more than just a mystery, but an in-depth look at life. I think students will have no trouble relating to the characters in this book and might even learn a thing or two about the deeper meaning of life. The drug/alcohol use were teen typical.
HS – ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

My Heart Will Not Sit Down by Mara Rockliff-ESSENTIAL

Rockliff, Mara.  Tanksley, Ann.  My Heart Will Not Sit Down, 40 pgs.  Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012.  $17.99.

Inside cover: “When Kedi hears about America’s Great Depression from her teacher, her heart will not sit down.  Men and women are unable to find work.  Children are going hungry.  In her teacher’s village of New York City, people are starving because they do not have money to buy food.  But can one small girl in Africa’s Cameroon make a difference all the way across the “great salt river” in America?  Inspired by true events, Mara Rockliff brings to life the remarkable story of one child’s vision, passion, and dedication to making the world a better place.”

This was one of the most heart-felt, wonderful books we have ever read.  My son and I had many discussions after reading the story.  What a great springboard to further classroom discussions/units on emotions, service, compassion, history and culture (and much more!).  We simply loved this book! The illustrations are unique.  Teachers might want to read the “Author’s Notes” at the end of the book before sharing it with their students in order to familiarize themselves with the story.  They will also want to explain that although the illustrations make one think that there is only a small river separating Africa and New York City, the two are actually separated by the Atlantic Ocean! Because it is based on true events, this book can and should be used in grades K-12!

EL (K-3), EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: SL.

The Three Billy Goats Grugg by Paul Galdone-OPTIONAL

Galdone, Paul.  The Three Billy Goats Gruff, 40 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books, 2011.  $8.99.  Back Cover: “The Three Billy Goats Gruff are hungry.  They want to go over the bridge and up the hillside to a fine meadow full of grass and daisies where they can eat and eat and eat, and get fat.  But under the bridge lives a troll who’s as mean as he is ugly…”  There is nothing new or exciting about this rendition of the classic Folk Tale.  The illustrations are somewhat busy and the troll is a bit scary.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SL. 

The Gingerbread Boy by Paul Galdone-OPTIONAL

Galdone, Paul.  The Gingerbread Boy, 48 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books, 2011.  $8.99.  Back cover: “It seems no one can keep up with the Gingerbread Boy as he outruns a little old woman, a cow, and even a field full of mowers.  But what will happen when he meets up with a very clever, very hungry fox? This riotous retelling of the popular folk tale was called “most delectable version of all” by School Library Journal.”  This is an older, traditional version of this book.  The fox actually eats the gingerbread boy and is completely satisfied in doing so.  Be cautious of little ones getting scared.  I don’t love the phrasing of this particular author.  I like “Run, run, as fast as you can.  You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!”  I love when the students read aloud and chant this predictable phrase with me.  In this version the wording is difficult to read using rhythmic repetition: “I’ve run away from a little old woman. I’ve run away from a little old man.  I’ve run away from a cow.  And I can run away from you, I can.”  Maybe I am just used to the modern version, but we found this more difficult to read.  The illustrations, however, are wonderful!  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SL. 

Suppose You Met a Dinosaur: A First Book of Manners by Judy Sierra-ADVISABLE

Sierra, Judy.  Bowers, Tim.  Suppose You Meet a Dinosaur:  A First Book of Manners, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012.  $16.99.  Inside cover: “In this fantasy, a well-mannered little girl and an equally well-mannered dinosaur know all the right words, like “please” and “thank you” and “excuse me.”  With its humorous text that’s ideal for reading aloud, the incomparable Judy Sierra’s rhyming romp will make any young child enjoy learning- and using- his or her manners.”  This is one of the best rhyming books I have read.  The author nailed it perfectly.  The story is a perfect read-aloud and would be great for any unit on manners.  One warning: There is mention of the little girl needing to use the bathroom and the text says, “You have to pee!”  This might cause some raised eyes in adults or giggles in your students.  The illustrations are bold and bright.  We enjoyed this picture book!  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL. 

The Bunny's Night Light by Geoffrey Hayes- ADVISABLE

Hayes, Geoffrey.  The Bunny’s Night Light:  A Glow-in-the-Dark Search, 32 pgs.  Random House for Young Readers, 2012.  $11.99.  Back cover:  “When Bunny can’t sleep because “There’s too much dark at night,” it’s up to Papa to find just the right night-light for his little bunny.  The pair goes for a walk through the woods, field, and town, and Papa points out the shining possibilities in this reassuring glow-in-the-dark bedtime tale.”  This is a perfect bedtime story.  The illustrations are beautiful!!!  The story is sweet and tender.  I don’t see a lot of application to the classroom though. However, we did give it a rating of “advisable” for those who love books with great illustrations. (I am not sure how to make the luminescent illustrations work?  We tried several things, but had no luck seeing anything in the dark).   Pre-K.  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer:  SL.

Beasts (Mystic Phyles Book 1) by Stephanie Brockway and Ralph Masiello –ADVISABLE

Brockway, Stephanie and Masiello, Ralph Tami Lewis Beasts (Mystic Phyles Book 1), 137 pgs. Charlesbridge Publishing, 2011. $12.44. (Rating: G in all categories)
Abigail is a bit of geek, and her life is pretty boring. When she is prompted by a mysterious message to start research mystical creatures, her life gets a bit more interesting. With the help of her friend Charley she begins to collect and record information on these creatures, and finds herself wondering if they might be real. Even more mysterious than her guide for this process are the strange locked rooms in her big house and her grandparents odd behavior. Will Abigail be able to sort everything out before danger comes calling on her whole family?
This story is told in scrapbook journal format, which makes it incredibly appealing. I really enjoyed this book, and found it to be quite a page turner. The plot kept me interested and Abigail was a quirky and fun to read character. Spoiler Alert: I am bit worried that the plot reminded me a lot of the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull –where the kids are an important part of hiding and keeping mythical creatures safe (as were their parents and grandparents). I hope this series has something different to offer as it continues.
Elementary –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.

Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator! by Mo Willems - ADVISABLE

Willems, Mo Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator! Balzer + Bray, 2011. $17.99.

These "6 1/2 stories about 2 surprising friends" showcase Amanda and her toy alligator giving each other a series of surprises - some much more pleasant than others. When Amanda's final surprise is to bring a stuffed panda home and promptly leave for dinner, Alligator must learn the dynamics of a new friendship.

Willems' illustrations are sparse and easy to follow with plenty of white space, the stories are delightful and often humorous, and the very short "chapters" will appeal to children who are on the verge of reading actual chapter books but haven't quite made the leap. The book has a strong pro-reading stance, as Amanda encourages her alligator to "beat boredom with books" and almost always has her nose in library books with amusing titles (e.g. How to Raise a Tiger and Climbing Things for Fun and Profit). 

EL - ADVISABLE. Caryn

Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick - ADVISABLE

Sonnenblick, Jordan Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip, 285 pgs. Scholastic, 2011.

Content PG.

Peter has always loved baseball and had dreams to go far as a pitcher. But when he is injured and no longer able to play at the same level, he's left feeling lost. When his grandfather begins to behave strangely, Peter isn't sure how to help or what to do. He gets even more involved with photography, and in so doing finds his way.

Sonnenblick is amazing. This book has a lot of heart break, but he tempers that with great humor. The characters and their growth are written in a real way. The ending is very satisfying.

MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Rebekah, youth services public librarian.

Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien ESSENTIAL

O'Brien, Caragh M. Prized, 368 pgs. Roaring Brook Press, 2011. Content PG.

This is the second book in the Birthmarked Trilogy. This begins with Gaia and her baby sister being caught out on the wasteland and taken to Sylum, a community where the men answer to the women. Much like the Enclave in Birthmarked, science and progeny are at the heart of this dystopic society. Sylum is suffering with few female births and faces extinction in few generations. Gaia smarts under the controlling rules of Sylum, and must find herself and what she believes under the heavy hand of the matriarch.

Much like the first in the series, O'Brien does a smashing job of creating a believable, yet disturbing, society. She melds science with fiction in a truly remarkable way. I was engrossed. Though Gaia made some decisions that made me not like her so much, I still recommend this book. And if you have Birthmarked in your library, this is a must when purchasing. It sets up the last in the series very well.

MS, HS-ESSENTIAL. Rebekah, youth services public librarian

Irises by Francisco X. Stork OPTIONAL

Stork, Francisco X. Irises, 288 pgs. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2012. Language PG (2 swears); Sexual Content PG-13 (very mild, but enough that I wouldn't give it a PG rating); violence G.

Mary, 16, and Kate, 18, are left alone when their Reverend father dies of a heart attack at the beginning of the novel. For two years their mother has been in a vegetative state, hooked up to a feeding tube. Left without their restrictive father, both girls must figure out what they want for their future, discover their faith, and decide if they will stick together or go their seperate ways.

I didn't think this was Stork's finest work. In all honesty, I thought it rather boring. I skimmed the last third just so that it was finished. The theme of religion is a major part of this book, as is self-discovery. If you have an audience for those topics in your library, then this would probably be a necessary buy. Otherwise, not so much.

HS-OPTIONAL. Rebekah, youth services public librarian

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber ESSENTIAL

Schreiber, Joe Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick, 192 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011. Language - pg-13 (about 20 swears); Sexual Content pg-13; Violence pg-13.

During Perry's senior year of high school, his family has hosted Gobi, a foreign exchange student from Lithuania. On one of the last night's of her stay in America, Gobi wants to attend prom, and Perry's parents make him be her date. On the night of prom, the shy, unattractive exchange student turns into a gorgeous, confident assassin who drags Perry along as her get away driver as they navagate New York City on Gobi's planned "hits."

This book is a lot of fun. Not only is it short and fast paced, it has a strong male protagonist, a lot of adventure, and (surprisingly) a lot of humor. There is some violence. Perry being a virgin is apparently a big deal. And there is swearing. But it's a great story and should appeal to boys and girls and grab those reluctant readers.

HS-ESSENTIAL. Rebekah, youth services public librarian

The Only Ones by Aaron Starmer - ESSENTIAL

Starmer, Aaron. The Only Ones, pgs. 336. Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2011. $17.99. Language: PG (One D); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13;. Martin Maple grows up on an island without knowing anything of the outside world. When his father leaves and doesn't return, he goes to find him, only to discover that nearly everyone else has disappeared from the world. An interesting read with engaging characters and moments of real surprise and tension. The story is unique and captivating and twists and turns in unexpected ways. MS - ESSENTIAL. J. Bingham.