Sand Castles and Sand Palaces by Jane O'Connor -- ADVISABLE

O'Connor, Jane Sand Castles and Sand Palaces (Fancy Nancy), illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser and Carolyn Bracken. PICTURE BOOK. Harper Festival, 2014. $4.99. Content: G.

Fancy Nancy goes to the beach in this delightful picture book. She spends the day frolicking in the waves, enjoying cool snacks, and making sand palaces. Nancy is as amusing as always, and her attitude is admirable, especially when the waves knock over her castle. The vocabulary lessons add a nice touch as well. Contains a sheet of beach-themed stickers.

Pre-K, EL -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn

Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi -- ESSENTIAL

DiTerlizzi, Angela Some Bugs, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane Books, 2014. $17.99. Content: G.

Rhyming text describes the qualities of numerous insects, accompanied by gorgeous -- and delightfully quirky -- illustrations. A colorful index at the back shows each type of bug, along with its name. The book has a sense of celebration, of appreciation and wonder for the bugs, making them seem special and interesting instead of icky and gross. The A/B/A/B rhyme scheme sets students up for predicting the end of the second couplet before they turn the page to see it, making it good for practicing such reading skills as rhyming or predicting. This would also be great for use in a science unit, perhaps as an introduction to a section on insects, or before a field trip where students may be searching a habitat for creatures to study.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Caryn

Olivia and the Fancy Party by Cordelia Evans -- ADVISABLE

Evans, Cordelia Olivia and the Fancy Party, illustrated by Shane L. Johnson. PICTURE BOOK. Simon Spotlight, 2014. $3.99. Content: G.

When Olivia receives an invitation to a friend's party, she is thrilled but also a little nervous. Right away she sets about learning proper party manners, including how to make polite conversation, how to use the correct utensils during dinner, and how not to slouch at the table. But it turns out this isn't some fancy dinner party; it's a cookout. Good thing manners come in handy in every social situation.

Olivia is very good at getting past her disappointment when she arrives at the party, and diving in to have fun instead. The other attendees are good sports as well, complimenting Olivia on her manners and asking her to teach them how to behave as politely as she does. Not only does the book encourage manners, but enthusiastic readers will glean a few tips for their own use. Because of its higher word count and smaller font, it is more appropriate for slightly older readers who may have longer attention spans and more reading experience.

EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn

The Knitwits Make a Move! by Abigail Tabby -- OPTIONAL

Tabby, Abigail The Knitwits Make a Move! Illustrated by Lee Wildish. PICTURE BOOK. Little Simon, 2013.  $14.99. Content: G.

It's moving day for the Knitwit family. They're quite happy with their methods -- even if "unpacking" involves simply dumping out boxes, "straightening up" means lining everything up in rows on the floor, and "serving" snacks requires a tennis racket. While some children may catch on to the pun-filled humor, it seems meant more for adults than children. Without that humor, there's not much of a story.

EL (K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Caryn

The Octonauts and the Scary Spookfish -- OPTIONAL

The Octonauts and the Scary Spookfish. Penguin Young Readers, 2014. $3.99. Content: G.

Peso the penguin loves to aid other animals who are hurt or sick. But after he helps a sea cucumber recuperate, he must take her back to her home in a very deep part of the ocean. When Peso tries to return to his own home, his ship splutters and dies. To make matters worse, the water's too deep for his radio to work, so he can't call for help. Lucky for him, Captain Barnacles and Kwazii find him.

For a short book, this one manages to have several annoying plot holes, including (but not limited to) the question of how Peso found the sea cucumber in the first place if her home is so deep, and how his friends found out he was in trouble so they could come rescue him. The illustrations in the story's climax are unclear as well, making it difficult to see exactly how Peso is finally rescued. And as for the rescue, it would have been nice if Peso had at least tried to figure out how to rescue himself instead of sitting by, helplessly waiting for others to save him. The biggest draw for this book will likely Octonauts fans -- especially those who aren't reading carefully enough to question the plot inconsistencies. Others who aren't familiar with the TV series will probably feel less connection with the story and its characters.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Caryn

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson -- ESSENTIAL

Matheson, Christie Tap the Magic Tree. Greenwillow Books, 2013. $15.99. Content: G.

In this interactive picture book, readers begin with a leaf-bare tree, which they are asked to tap. A few pages later, the taps reveal new leaves, like magic. Rubbing the tree warms it up; on the next page, flowers appear. It continues this way, with readers following instructions and the tree going through a full, year-long cycle.

This seems like such a simple concept, but it feels almost magical to follow an instruction, turn the page, and see the tree change. Not only is the interactivity delightful, but the illustrations are, too. This book would work well in a lesson on the life cycles of deciduous trees or on how the seasons affect nature. At the very least, it's a whole lot of fun.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Caryn

Stick Dog Wants a Hot Dog: another really GOOD story with kind of BAD drawings by Tom Watson - - ADVISABLE

Watson, Tom Stick Dog Wants a Hot Dog: another really GOOD story with kind of BAD drawings, 220 pgs. Harper Collins Publishers, 2013. $12.99. Language: G; Violence: G; Mature Content: G. 

Stick Dog, and his friends Karen, Stripes, Mutt and Poo-Poo want to get hot dogs from Peter the Frankfurter guy.  But this time, there’s competition.  There’s sneaky raccoons trying to steal some, too, and the dogs’ plans aren’t very good. In fact, the plan they try puts one of the dogs in peril!  

A quick, funny read, with very silly humor.  The illustrations are the best part. Although it can stand on its own, read the first one (Stick Dog) first.  EL ADVISABLE  MS OPTIONAL Lisa Librarian

Richard Scarry's Best Little Golden Books Ever! -- OPTIONAL

Various authors, Richard Scarry's Best Little Golden Books Ever! Illustrated by Richard Scarry. PICTURE BOOK. Golden Books, 2014. $11.99. Content: PG.

This compilation contains nine books illustrated by Richard Scarry, including The Animals of Farmer Jones, Cars and Trucks (abridged), Chicken Little, The Bunny Book, Polite Elephant, Duck and His Friends, The Country Mouse and the City Mouse, The Fox and the Crow, The Dog and His Bone, The Gingerbread Man (abridged), and Good Night, Little Bear.

These stories may bring back fond memories for adults who grew up with Little Golden Books, and many of the illustrations really are lovely. However, several of the stories, including Chicken Little and The Gingerbread Man, are surprisingly violent, to the point where young children may find them disturbing. Older ones, however, are likely to think the remaining books and their accompanying illustrations too juvenile. Perhaps buying the books separately is the way to go in this case.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Caryn

Thanksgiving All Around by Mike Berenstain -- GIFT

Berenstain, Mike Thanksgiving All Around. PICTURE BOOK. Harper Festival, 2014. $6.99. Content: G.

The Berenstain Bears go for a walk before Thanksgiving, enjoying the chilly weather, the late-autumn leaves, and the wildlife. But when they see turkey tracks, they have a new destination: find the bird that made them and prove that "Turkey Day" really is approaching.

Despite the name, the book focuses more on autumn than on Thanksgiving, which gives it more versatility. Because it is a paperback with flaps for lifting, it will likely not be sturdy enough for regular classroom or library use. However, it would work well for a home collection, or as a gift for a young child.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- GIFT. Reviewer: Caryn

The Spooky Sleepover by Dave Keane -- ADVISABLE

Keane, Dave The Spooky Sleepover (Monster School). PICTURE BOOK. HarperCollins Childrens, 2014. $16.99. Content: G.

Norm is the only normal person at Monster School, a place where all the students are creatures -- and the staff members are, too. When Norm attends a class sleepover, he's wary of being away from home, afraid of the creepy bedtime story, and terrified of the dark. But with the help of the monsters in his class, maybe he can learn how to be brave for one night.

This is a quick, amusing read with some humorous details and a comforting ending. While Norm is pretty judgmental in places, many children will sympathize with his nervousness. It would make a nice addition to a regular library or classroom collection, or to a set of leveled readers.

EL -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn

Fancy Nancy and the Wedding of the Century by Jane O'Connor -- ESSENTIAL

O'Connor, Jane Fancy Nancy and the Wedding of the Century, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2014. $17.99. Content: G.

When Nancy hears she will be going to her uncle's wedding, she immediately pictures a glamorous celebration -- one in which she is an ultra-fancy flower girl, of course. But the real wedding is nothing like she'd pictured. Is it possible for a fashionable girl like Nancy to have fun at a nontraditional event like this one?

Nancy is her usual hilarious, enthusiastic self in this story, and the topic of weddings is sure to appeal to many readers. While Nancy is initially disappointed with the wedding's location and theme, it is nice to see her make the best of it and even learn to love it. This book would be enjoyable at any time, but it would make an especially good read (or even gift) for girls who will soon be attending a wedding.

Pre-K, EL -- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Caryn

Feeding Time at the Zoo by Sherry Shahan -- ADVISABLE

Shahan, Sherry Feeding Time at the Zoo. Step Into Reading/Random House, 2014. $3.99. Content: G.

Using large font and simple text, this book shows real photographs of zoo animals eating their chosen meals. This would make a good addition to a collection of leveled readers, with its high-interest topic and nonfiction slant. While I'm not sure I've ever seen kids eating ice pops at the zoo -- as the last page of Feeding Time suggests -- the other food seems realistic.

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

Flo & Wendell by William Wegman -- OPTIONAL

Wegman, William Flo & Wendell. PICTURE BOOK. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2013. $16.99. Content: G.

Wegman uses real pictures of his own Weimaraner puppies, combined with original paintings, to tell the story of Flo and Wendell, a sister and brother who have their differences but who still find ways to get along.

I am sure some will love the illustrations, but I find them unappealing and even creepy, all those expressionless puppies staring up from the pages, with crude paintings splashed overtop. The text is in the same vein as the first Olivia and Clifford the Dog books, but it does not seem creative or different enough to make up for the pictures.

EL (K-3) -- OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Caryn

That is NOT a Good Idea! by Mo Willems -- ESSENTIAL

Willems, Mo That is NOT a Good Idea! PICTURE BOOK. Balzer + Bray, 2013. $17.99. Content: G.

When a hungry fox meets a plump goose, he lures her back to his home for dinner. But unless he's very careful, things won't end up quite as that fox had planned. Mo Willems presents a suspenseful tale with a hilarious twist at the end that calls for re-reading and re-examining the story. It is loads of fun to read aloud, and would also make a good lesson in text predictions.

EL (K-3) -- ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Caryn

Charlie Bumpers vs. The Squeaking Skull by Harley - ADVISABLE

Harley, Bill Charlie Bumpers vs. The Squeaking Skull, 164 pgs. Peachtree, 2014. $13.95 Content: Language: G (no swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

It’s almost Halloween and fourth grader Charlie Bumpers was invited to his friend’s for a Halloween sleepover.  Not only does he still not have a costume but he found out they’re watching the scary movie The Screaming Skull.  How can Charlie not only figure out his costume, but a way to watch the movie without getting scared?

This book is a fun read, combining the childhood excitement of Halloween (then again, who doesn't love candy?) and creating a costume, as well as the compulsion to put on a brave face when watching a horror movie with friends.  Charlie’s interactions with his friends and family as well as how he deals with the situations thrown at him seemed real to me.  The story moves along at a great pace and the illustrations which accompany the book added great visuals to keep the reader immersed in the story.

EL - ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: M. Beckstrand

Palace of Spies by Sarah Zettel - OPTIONAL

Zettel, Sarah Palace of Spies, 362 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. $16.99.  Language: PG (5 swears, 5 gods, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (sexual content brief but descriptive); Violence: PG-13 (fighting, killing, some blood, nothing gory) ; 

The story takes place in the royal courts of England during the 1700s. Margaret Fitzroy is an orphan, her father deserted her when she was a baby and her mom died a few years later, so her uncle begrudgingly takes her in.  She has no money and no prospects but isn’t too worried about it because she has a great relationship with her cousin, Olivia, and figures everything will work out until the day her uncle informs her that she has been betrothed to someone she has never met and knows nothing about.  All at once, her life changes dramatically.  First, she has a chance meeting with the boy she is to marry.  He is charming and she is, initially, intrigued, until he tries forcing himself on her and she has to fight him off.  He is angry and vindictive and informs her uncle the marriage is off.  Her uncle uses this as his excuse to  throw her out.  Then, she encounters a man who offers her a job, of sorts.  She is wary but he claims to have information about her mother which he will give in exchange for her assistance.  He places her in the court of King George as a spy working for a group of people that she doesn't quite trust while trying to figure out who is sabotaging the King.  

This was a light, easy read, good for a summer day.  There are a few historical aspects that are interesting and a mystery to solve but not much character development.  I did appreciate the main character not taking herself too seriously and I found her a bit amusing but I was never fully invested in the story and the characters never endeared themselves to me. 

HS - OPTIONAL  Reviewer: RB

On the Wing by David Elliott –NO

Elliott, David On the Wing 32 pgs. Candlewick, 2014. $16.95 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G. POETRY

A collection of poetry and illustrations about a variety of birds. Each double page spread features a bird in its habitat, such as the Australian Pelican, the Bald Eagle, and the Hummingbird. A poem is include that pays ode to its songs, its history, or its uniqueness.

I found the poetry to be a bit off putting. One spelling error, which changed the meaning, but mostly just some odd vocabulary that wouldn’t work for elementary. Some of the poems were great but most weren’t, especially the one for puffins and macaws. I also didn’t care for the illustrations, which overall were really dreary and drab with muted colors and a soft brush stroke. I kept feeling like my eyes were out of focus. I wouldn't add this to my library.

EL(K-3). EL   -NO  Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Crayon: A Colorful Tale about Friendship –ADVISABLE

Rickerty, Simon The Crayon: A Colorful Tale about Friendship 32 pgs. Aladdin, 2014. $15.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G. PICTURE BOOK

The Red and Blue creatures aren’t quite getting along, especially about their crayons. But when the Blue creature makes a new friend, Red realizes that it should have been nicer, luckily Blue and Purple Creatures are eager to forgive and share.

Full of simple bright illustrations this book is eye-catching and will be sure to hold the interest of pre-schoolers. The facial expressions of the characters are simple but easy to read. The story is cute with a sweet a message about friendship.

PRE-K -ADVISABLE  Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Stick Dog: a really GOOD story with kind of BAD drawings by Tom Watson - - ADVISABLE

Watson, Tom Stick Dog: a really GOOD story with kind of BAD drawings, 189 pgs. Harper Collins Publishers, 2013. $12.99. Language: G; Violence: G; Mature Content: G. 

Stick Dog, and his friends Karen, Stripes, Mutt and Poo-Poo can smell the hamburgers cooking over at the park and devise a plan to get some for themselves.  

The author presents himself as a young student, misunderstood by both his Language Arts and Drawing teachers, who writes and illustrates his own “notebook” story.  Although the drawings are very simple (Stick Dog is like a stick figure, only dog) the situations and the comic book feel make this an enjoyable, yet easy to read offering.

EL ADVISABLE MS OPTIONAL Lisa Librarian

If Kids Ruled the World by Linda Bailey –OPTIONAL

Bailey, Linda If Kids Ruled the World 32 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2014. $16.95 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G.

This book depicts every child’s dream world –where the bed is never made, you can travel by pirate ship, every child is a prince or princess, and every map has an X that marks the spot for treasure. In its end, it brings in the adults –who have never forgotten had to play.

I am torn with this book. On one hand its fun and full of imagination with great illustrations. But on the other, I would much rather see children thinking of creative ways to make the world a better and more amazing place, not a more self-involved indulgent place.  You may be thinking to yourself, that children’s books should full of joy and silliness, but then again you may not have dated the man-boys of the current generation of 20somethings who still live at home and play video games all day. This is the true fall-out of children ruling the world.

PRE-K, EL(K-3)  - OPTIONAL  Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.