Sunday, January 31, 2010

Oh, Kids Can Press, how could you do this to me?

-In an exciting update, somehow, my coupon code didn't get included! Lovely, lovely Kids Can Press is sending me a bag! I am worthy of carrying Chester!-

I love you so much. Because I have gone beyond mere love and am in deep adoration of Melanie Watt's Chester. Because I enjoy watching our Scaredy Squirrel books trot in and out of the library. Because of your Kids Can Do It series, which I discovered as a teenager and are still my go-to resource for crafts. Because you are imaginative and practical and exuberant and you do great things.

But you have caused me great sorrow. Perhaps it is not your fault. Perhaps there is some deep flaw in me. Perhaps the great Chester has deemed me unworthy and so...

I do not have a Melanie Watt Scaredy Squirrel and Chester bag.

I have been watching other librarians, librarians who do not appear to have any more inner librarianess than myself troop about with these marvelous bags at pretty much every conference I've been to in the past year.

Every time, I arrive too late to procure one for myself. I cannot find where they got them. Kindly exhibitors tell me sorry. But are they really sorry? Or are they secretly watching the Chester-meter and finding me wanting?

This time, I was really going to get one. I had a coupon. A coupon which I tenderly conveyed home from Boston. A coupon for a real Chester bag, if I only expended $39 upon marvelous Kids Can Press books online! I can do this, I thought. No Chester meter here, to measure me and find me wanting!

I bought Chester books for me, myself. I bought Kids Can Do It knitting books. I waited.

Today, I found a lovely large package reposing upon the dirty tiles before my door. I tenderly conveyed it inside. I opened it with expectant fingers.

NO CHESTER BAG!!

Once again, I have been weighed and found wanting. *Sob* Oh great Chester, what can I do to be worthy of your presence? I have proclaimed your greatness to all who might be interested (and many who aren't but I told them anyways). I have read your epic life stories to all my 1st and 2nd grade library tours and visits, so that you might bask in the waves of laughter we generate. I have gently herded crowds of preschoolers through the fascinating meta-narrative complexity of your literacy experiences. What more can I do? How can I be a complete librarian without your approval, in the form of your fully licensed Chester bag?

Friday, January 29, 2010

Looking at picture books


I have a selection of picturebooks here....what do you think?

The Best Family in the World by Susana Lopez, illustrated by Ulises Wensell. This is a simple story of a little orphan who dreams about the amazing new family she's going to have....when they show up, they're not exotic or exciting or wildly indulgent, as they are in her dreams; but they're HER family and she loves them. I like the imaginative different families. The art isn't my favorite style - something about the faces perhaps? But that's just me and I do love the tigers!....This would be a fun one for a family storytime or maybe to read to an adoptive child. Or just for fun, to imagine the different kinds of families you could have.

ISBN: 978-1935279471; Published January 2010 by Kane Miller; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates


Boom Bah! by Phil Cummings, illustrated by Nina Rycroft. Oooooh, Miss Pattie, wait 'till you see this one! This is the PERFECT picturebook for a musical storytime with toddlers. Get out your noisemakers or do a craft making shakers and drums and then read this story and watch the delight erupt.....One by one, various animals find "instruments" in the kitchen, each one with a different sound, and create a band. I foresee hours of delight with the different pots and pans, the silly sounds, and identifying the different animals. Plus, the story is interactive! It tells you to play louder, softer, etc. and offers the opportunity to guess what's coming next. If you offer toddler storytime at your library, you MUST have this book!

ISBN: 978-1935279228; Published January 2010 by Kane Miller; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates

One night in the zoo by Judith Kerr.  I first read Judith Kerr's When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit as a child and was blown away. Somehow, though, I never thought of her writing anything else. Well, a month or two ago I discovered The Tiger Who Came to Tea and was blown away all over again by the delightful story and art - why had I never discovered this classic? Happily, it is being reprinted and I have ordered our library a copy. And then, it happened again...here's another book by Judith Kerr! At first, I was doubtful. Coming from The Tiger the colors seemed too muted, the text too short and simplistic. So I read it again....and again...and again....and I was blown away once more. The colors are the perfect hues for a nighttime adventure, drawn in colored pencils and glowing softly with life and gentle humor. The simple rhyming text is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers and easily adapted for interactive storytime, as children count the animals and guess each new crazy antic. Add this to your concept picturebook collection (you do have one, right?) and pull it out for storytimes about the zoo, counting, bedtime, animals, or just for fun!

ISBN: 978-1935279372; Published March 2010 by Kane Miller; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates

My Father Knows the Names of Things by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Stephane Jorish. 
There aren't that many good dad picturebooks for older kids. Toddlers, yes there's quite a few of the "I love my daddy" variety (including Sebastien Braun's gorgeously tender books) but for older kids? Nope. Now, we have an excellent one. Jane Yolen's simple rhyming text accompanies Jorish's sparkling colors and energetic art to extol all the many things a child's dad knows, from the names of clouds to "which dinosaurs are meanest." Don't just pull this out on Father's Day, bring it out all year to enjoy. I'm looking forward to having the kids guess at the names of things in the illustrations....how many will they know? And how many can they make up?
ISBN: 978-1416948957; Published April 2010 by Simon & Schuster; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Extraordinary Ernie and Marvelous Maud by Frances Watts, illustrated by Judy Watson

I have a new beginning chapter book series from Eerdman's Press to preview today! We are big fans of Tim Kennemore's Alice stories, so I was excited to see another series from the same publisher.

Ernie is a big fan of superheroes, but he's never thought of himself as superhero material. So it's a big surprise when the local superheros tell him he's won a contest to be their apprentice! But the superheroes aren't as cool as Ernie had expected...and his sidekick, Maud the sheep, most certainly isn't what he had hoped for! Are Ernie and Maud superhero material?

Ernie is a realistic and likable character and Maud brings a dash of common sense and humor to a job that's less excited than Ernie had expected. The humor of the superhero society seems like it would appeal more to adults than children; I don't mean it's inappropriate, but more subtle. The conclusion falls a little bit flat - as a reader, I was expecting something more exciting and over-the-top, but perhaps that's the point of the story, that every day is ok too. The illustrations have the same slightly kooky but still realistic feel as the story and are a nice addition.

I'm not as excited over these stories as I was over Alice, but it's a solid beginning for the series. I wouldn't recommend these to kids who are interested in superheroes, as the story will probably fall flat for them. Rather, I'd give it to kids who enjoy realistic fiction and slightly wacky, more subtle humor.

Verdict: No strong opinion either way.

ISBN: 978-0802853639; Published February 2010 by Eerdmans; ARC provided by publisher at ALA

Monday, January 25, 2010

Nonfiction Monday: Mr. Lincoln's High-Tech War by Thomas & Roger Allen

The North's advantages in the Civil War didn't just include factories, manpower, and having an infrastructure already in place and running. A major advantage was President Lincoln and his progressive mindset towards technology. Throughout the Civil War, Lincoln encouraged inventors and often tested their innovations himself or forced reluctant generals to use them.

National Geographic Kids does some really excellent history books and this is no exception. It details the many technological advances during the Civil War, from new inventions to new uses for old inventions, such as ballooning, telegraphs, railroads, ironclads, weaponry, and more. Not only does it explain the uses and construction of the various inventions in a clear, interesting manner, it also relates them to the progress of the war, arranging the book into chronological order and including multiple timelines that show the progress of the war and how the technology of the day played a part.

Verdict: Hand this to patrons - young and old - who are interested in technology, history, the Civil War, weapons, or inventions.


ISBN: 978-1426303791; Published January 2009 by National Geographic; Borrowed from the library

Friday, January 22, 2010

Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School: We the Children by Andrew Clements

We the Librarian are disappointed.

So, a new series by Andrew Clements. Focused on the beginning chapter book audience, with fun sketches by Adam Stower, a mystery, clues, and likable characters.

There's just one problem.

It's boooooring. Sorry, but it is. I've read and enjoyed many Andrew Clements books and they're big favorites at my library, but this book doesn't seem like a beginning chapter book or the beginning of a series. It's like an excessively long prologue with a bunch of sailing information thrown in.

A beginning chapter book, even if it's one of a series, maybe especially if it's one of a series, should have a complete plot and a strong mix of action and character with smoothly blended illustrations to hold and encourage young readers.

Well, the illustrations look good.

The story see-saws back and forth between Benjamin Pratt's feelings and thoughts - about his parents' separation, his quasi-friendship with Jill, his love of sailing, and his conflicted reaction to Mr. Keane's death - and the "mystery" of saving the school from the Evil Corporate Developers Who Have Lots of Money. It being Clements, things are, of course, not so black and white. There's more nuances to the characters and the forces involved.

Even with Clements' trademark character development and open-minded perspective, the plot drags and extensive paragraphs on the art of sailing don't help. The story doesn't so much end on a cliff-hanger as on a "oh it's a cliff, blah blah blah I'll be back later said the plot".

Serious Clements fans will want to read this, but will probably be disappointed. I'm going to wait until more titles in the series have come out and see if it improves - if the plot tightens in further volumes, it might be worth buying for kids who can wade through the first story.

Verdict: Disappointed. May consider purchasing if the series improves

ISBN: 978-1416938866; Published April 2010 by Atheneum; ARC provided by publisher at ALA

Thursday, January 21, 2010

The Awards

Snicker. I love Ms. Yingling's take on the awards. As last year, I'm just talking about the ones in which I have interest. There's a lot of shiny stickers and, while I am sure they are all wonderful books with great merit, a shiny sticker doesn't guarantee inclusion at my library. I got a budget, ya know.
  • Newbery Medal. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. I haven't read this and have only mild interest in doing so, but I did purchase it for the library, considering the amount of buzz it was creating. We bought it in August and it has circulated 6 times and is currently checked out, which is pretty good circulation.
  • Newbery Honor. Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose. I read this a while ago when it won a National Book Award and found it fascinating. I ordered it because I like the combination of historical narrative and first-person quotes. It's not here yet and I'm not sure whether it will go in juvenile or young adult non-fiction.
  • Newbery Honor. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. I reviewed this earlier and purchased a copy for our library. I am not totally boycotting historical fiction and I will buy books that have a limited audience, which I would say this does. We've had it since last July and it's gone out 5 times, which I would say is due a lot to the excellent cover and I also posted it as a librarian pick on our bulletin board.
  • Newbery Honor. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. I've seen some buzz on this, but never read it and didn't really get a feel from the reviews whether or not it will "go" in our library. I've put a copy on hold from another library and will take a look.
  • Newbery Honor. The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick. I'm with Ms. Yingling on this one. I hate the cover and I can't think of any kids who will be interested in this one, although I admit that Freak the Mighty does circulate a lot. Then again, I think it's on several required reading lists.
  • Caldecott Medal. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. I thought it was ok. I'm not a hugeous Pinkney fan. We bought our copy in October and it's been out 7 times, but it sat on the new shelf for a loooong time before it went out.
  • Caldecott Honor. All the World illustrated by Marla Frazee, written by Liz Garton Scanlon. I loved, loved, loved A Couple of Boys. I was wary of this one at first, but loved it when I saw it. I just ordered it a little while ago, it's not here yet.
  • Caldecott Honor. Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, written by Joyce Sidman. The reviews didn't incline me towards purchasing it. But I will borrow it from another library and take a look.
  • Batchelder Award. A Faraway Island written by Annika Thor, translated by Linda Schenck. It's on my to read list, b/c I'm interested in Scandinavian history during WWII, but I don't see it having enough general appeal to add to our library
  • Batchelder Honor. Big Wolf and Little Wolf written by Nadine Brun-Cosme, illustrated by Olivier Tallee, translated by Claudia Bedrick. I thought it was pretty weird. Not something I plan to buy or can see our patrons being interested in.
  • Batchelder Honor. Eidi written by Bodil Bredsdorff, translated by Kathryn Mahaffy. I loved Crow-Girl and have been eagerly awaiting this one. But I cannot see it having enough general appeal to justify adding it. Sigh.
  • Batchelder Honor. Moribito II: Guardian of the Darkness Written by Nahoko Uehashi, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu, translated by Cathy Hirano. Mmmm, I've seen a lot of buzz out it's popularity, but it just doesn't strike me as something that will circulate well.
  • Carnegie Award. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! produced by Paul R. Gagne, Weston Woods Studios, and Mo Willems. I don't generally buy Weston Woods movies, because they're expensive and don't circulate enough to justify the expense. But I will get this one, b/c it is Mo Willems and I have seen it and it is hilarious.
  • Geisel Award. Benny and Penny in the Big No-No!" written and illustrated by Geoffrey Hayes. Geisels now, Geisels I will buy. As it happens, we already own this one. At least partly because Geoffrey Hayes wrote or illustrated one of my most beloved childhood books, Patrick Eats His Dinner. Incidentally, we put our easy reader comics in the easy readers, instead of the juvenile graphic novels. Sort of. I am working on separating them. Not that there's much to separate. We've had it since May and it's only gone out 9 times, but that's b/c it was in juvenile gns and it checks out more now that I moved it.
  • Geisel Honor. I Spy Fly Guy! written and illustrated by Tedd Arnold. A very popular series here, I have them all! We've had this one since October and it's gone out 3 times.
  • Geisel Honor. Little Mouse Gets Ready written and illustrated by Jeff Smith. This one was put into juvenile graphic novels, but I am moving it to easy reader. We've only had this since December, but it's gone out 2 times and is currently checked out.
  • Geisel Honor. Mouse and Mole: Fine Feathered Friends written and illustrated by Wong Herbert Yee. Classic animal friends model easy reader. I've ordered this, the latest, and we own the others.
  • Geisel Honor. Pearl and Wagner: One Funny Day written by Kate McMullan, illustrated by R.W. Alley. We don't have all this series, but I'm working on it. This particular one is very funny. We got it in August and it's gone out 7 times.
  • Sibert Medal. Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream" written by Tanya Lee Stone. I read it and it was interesting, but I don't need any more history in this area right now. Hope to add it someday, when I've filled in the other gaps in my nonfiction collection.
  • Sibert Honor. The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors written by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tony Persiani. We've had this since October and it's gone out 3 times, very good for a non-fiction, especially a picturebook biography.
  • Sibert Honor. Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 written and illustrated by Brian Floca. I bought all the space books my budget would allow but didn't get this one. Shrug.
  • Sibert Honor. Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice written by Phillip Hoose. Already talked about this one.
  • Alex Awards. I thought Lev Grossman's Magicians was boring and pretentious and Gail Carriger's Soulless was hilarious, although the sex makes it definitely for older teens. Unless our adult svs librarian buys David Small's Stitches, it won't be in our library because I've got a long list of teen graphic novels to buy before I invest in other people's therapeutic art.
  • Printz Award. Going Bovine by Libba Bray. It sounds funny. Not my cup of tea though. We've had it since October and it's gone out twice, which is about average to good for a YA book.
  • Printz Honors. Don't own any. Might get Yancey's Monstrumologist. Might not.
  • Coretta Scott King Award. Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. Now this, I am thrilled to see. Finally, a history book about African Americans that doesn't include jazz, the Civil War, or Civil Rights and has an actual plot, not just a "concept picturebook". By concept book I mean stuff that doesn't have a plot. I am full up on all those subjects and genres and what we have barely circulates as it is. This I am buying. I reviewed it here.
  • Coretta Scott King Honor. Mare’s War by tanita s. davis. It looks good, but historical fiction just doesn't go well here.
  • other Coretta Scott King awards. See above.
  • Pura Belpre. All our bilingual books go in Spanish and I have no money for Spanish this year. It's not a highly circulating area.
So, that's my collection development stance on the awards. As you may gather, I'm not one of those who get real excited about the whole thing. Congrats to the authors though, as I said they're all excellent books with great qualities.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Night Lights by Susan Gal


Do we really need yet another bedtime book?

If it's Susan Gal's Night Lights, then yes, we do. The text is a simple list of lights at night; from streetlights to lightning, flashlights, fireflies, moonlight, and starlight. The illustrations are full of love and tender humor, as a little girl arrives home in the evening with her mother and enjoys the wonders of night lights.

I love the contrast between the sketchy, shadowy art and the bright patterns on the walls and furniture, although my favorite spread would be the marshmallow-stealing raccoons caught in a porch spotlight. Or maybe the cozy reading in bed scene with homage to Gene Zion.

Verdict: Delightful and perfect for winding down to bed with a young child or calming night-time fears.

ISBN: 0375858628; Published November 2009 by Knopf; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library; Added to my personal wishlist

Saturday, January 16, 2010

This week at the library; or, complaints and digressions

This was a very Alexanderish Monday. My internet at home is down and I spent almost an hour on the phone only to be told that everyone's internet is down (why couldn't they just put that on the hold message? srsly?) and my car ran out of window washer fluid (it's hard to fill up. trust me) and I DAMAGED A BOOK!! A library book! I'm in shock. And the copier went down, and my computer at work is soooooo slooooooow I can't even back it up and it takes forever to do anything and....
  • So, for my first tween favorites book club, I had one attendee. But this is very good! It was E, a girl who (along with the family who picks her up after school) has been coming to my family storytimes for over a year. She's getting a little old for this though, as she's almost 9, so I am very happy to see her "transition". This is what I want to encourage kids - and parents to do. Not stop coming to the library after they turn 3 and show up again when they're 65 for computer classes, as my colleague complained (-:). Plus, E's mom is a 3rd grade teacher and I gave her some brochures for her class. E and I chatted about books she had read (Junie B. Jones, Ellie McDoodle, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Clementine) and I showed her some of the new stuff that just came in - she and her mom took our newest Lunch Lady and Rapunzel's Revenge. We also tested my crayon melting project for next week, which was good b/c I had somehow completely overlooked the fact that the easiest way to shave crayons is with a pencil sharpener....
Tuesday
  • This is turning out to be a very Alexanderish week. If catch those dratted boys who turned the computer screen upside down....
Wednesday
  • Started with a visit to the dentist. See what I mean?
  • Had our first Wednesday Gaming - Strategy Games this week! I had originally ordered a Risk and Castle Panic, only Castle Panic went out of stock as soon as I placed my order and Risk doesn't work well for a small group of mixed ages. So, on a Walmart trip to get misc. needed craft supplies, I got Parcheesi (hey, it's a classic!) and Stratego, which looked like a more interesting version of chess. We had 3 middle school/high school boys. They're our regular Wii players. They played Parcheesi for about an hour; I had to show them how to do it though! They don't make the classic game anymore, only a cheap version with corny plastic pieces. A younger boy came in later and joined in. My oldest attendee was interested in trying the Stratego (he's a chess player) but the other boys went off to use the computer and go home, so maybe we'll start with that one next time.
Thursday
  • Lots of drama and stuff today, as our booksale started and we had some....patron issues.
Friday
  • I am sure Miss Pattie had lots of attendees at toddler storytime....
  • She also covered preschool storytime for me, since I was in Boston! Somehow people mysteriously know when she's coming and she gets big crowds. Or, possibly, she just talks the toddlers into staying....
ALA Midwinter and I finally get to go to Boston!
  • Thursday night I had, of course, obsessive punctuality jitters. I only fly about every three years, and I'm always worried about being late, or taking the wrong thing, or....sigh. If I wasn't constrained by time, I'd definitely go Greyhound always. No worries, if you miss your bus you take the next one, no security worries....
  • Friday morning I got up at 4:45, drank some milk, took a last forlorn look at the map, and took off. Besides my penchant for getting lost anywhere, anytime, regardless of how often I've been to a place before (and I've never been to the Milwaukee airport) I also have execrable night vision, so driving in the dark involves a white-knuckled grip on the wheel and a continuous stream of muttered prayers and multiple minor corrections as I try to follow the dimly glimpsed road.
  • The Milwaukee Airport turned out to have really good signs and I made it without getting lost once! I even found the super saver parking!
  • My ALA adventures coming soon!

Friday, January 15, 2010

I am Jack by Susanne Gervay

[I'm reposting this as I've gotten some more feedback. Scroll through to the end, if you're interested.]

Just so you know, this is going to be a very thorough summary (with spoilers) and a long review. With lots of question marks. Because I've been thinking about this book for quite a while and still can't decide what I think.

Jack is a normal eleven year old kid. He does ok in school and has a couple friends he hangs out with, he gets along ok with his younger sister Samantha. He's good friends with his neighbor Annie, even though they never acknowledge each other in school. He's not sure how he feels about his mom's boyfriend, Rob, but since his dad walked out on them years ago it's kind of nice to have another guy around. Jack likes photography, playing ball with is friends, and making jokes.

But sometimes his jokes get him into trouble.

Like the time he made fun of his friend Annie and she wouldn't talk to him for days, no matter how much he apologized. Or when he makes a joke at the expense of the big, dumb school bully, George. He knows George is going to come back and get him.....and he does. First it's just a few bad names. But suddenly the whole school is calling him names. His friends won't talk to him anymore. Every school day becomes a misery as he tries to avoid random shoves, name-calling, and worse.

Jack tries to ignore what's happening at school, but he feels sick whenever he thinks about it. His mom is too busy working long hours to listen to him and he doesn't think telling anybody will help. Sometimes he can forget what's happening when he spends a weekend at the beach with his family, or talks to Nanna. But it's getting worse and worse.

Finally, Annie decides it's too much. She's tried to make the girls stop teasing Jack, but it hasn't worked. She tells Jack's mom and Rob and her own parents. They're horrified and take action; they talk to the school principal and Jack's teacher Mr. Angelou and tell Jack he can leave school and start over somewhere else. But Mr. Angelou has another idea and it's up to Jack to decide if he's tough enough to go back to school and stick up for himself, reporting bullies to the teachers.

With the help of a photography competition, support from adults, and the return of his friends who were too scared to stand up for him, Jack goes back to school. The bullies still try to torment him, but he's not alone now and he and his old friends stand up for themselves.

Ok, so the good: The author does an excellent job of building Jack as a character. He has a family, interests, failures, and successes outside of school and his profile as a bullying victim. The story has a slow, gentle pace and although there are small hints we don't really see anything of his problems at school until midway through the book. It shows perfectly how things get out of hand until suddenly they're horrible; and nobody's quite sure how it happens.

What I'm not so sure about is the ending. The big, dumb bully seems very much like a stereotype. As Mr. Angelou helpfully shows Jack, George can barely write and is, well, stupid. He also has unspecified problems at home We're never told exactly what the anti-bullying campaign does, except for telling students to report every name calling to teachers and putting up posters belittling bullies, such as "What's the difference between the flu and a bully? The flu makes you sick. The bully is sick." Jack and his friends, near the end of the book, fight back against the bullies by....calling them names. Huh? how is this helping? Why can't the bullies report Jack to the teachers?

The message that bullying needs to be stopped, that victims should talk to adults is good. The "issue" of the story isn't emphasized to the loss of the characters and plot and kids who are suffering from bullying may be encouraged by this story to seek help. But the "happy ending" and the downfall of the bullies just feels like wishful thinking to me. The author's foreward says that both she and her son were both bullied. I wonder, is this an example of an actual anti-bullying program? Does it work?

This book was only recently published in the US, but has been hugely popular in Australia and is apparently used in anti-bullying campaigns and programs. I'd like to hear from teachers or school librarians who work with such campaigns in their schools - does this sound like something that would be helpful? It's not something I deal with much in the public library, other than a very firm policy on no name-calling - I've kicked out at least three kids for this after a warning and I've made it VERY clear that the library is a "safe" place. If you can't get along, you get separated or you leave. I'm interested in seeing the sequel, when it comes out in the US. Does Jack really win out over the bullying? How does his character develop? I'd also be interested in seeing a book from the bully's perspective. How does George feel about Jack? What's his life like? Does the anti-bullying campaign make any difference to him?

I'm hoping to pass this on to a couple other librarians and teachers and see what they think, hopefully I'll have some follow-up comments to post in the future.

S. from another small library near my library said: "I didn't like the disjointed, stream-of-consciousness style of writing. The mother's interference and the administration's capitulation to her demands felt too pat in the end. Jack wasn't a sympathetic character and his teasing his friend at the beginning bothered me. Mr. Angelou's about-face from uncaring teacher to concerned adult felt forced and unrealistic. I felt that Jack himself had bullying tendencies that weren't addressed and the sudden antagonism of every single other student was unrealistic."

Verdict: Undecided

ISBN: 978-1582462868; Published October 2009 by Tricycle Press; Review copy provided by the publisher through Raab Associates

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Missile Mouse: The Star Crusher by Jake Parker

I've ordered the first Missile Mouse for our juvenile graphic novel collection, but couldn't wait to read it anymore, so borrowed a copy from another library to preview it!

Missile Mouse is an agent of the GSA - Galactic Security Agency. He's courageous, fast, and tough. But maybe not so smart...when his last mission ends in disaster, he's saddled with a newbie agent to keep an eye on him. Together, they're sent out on a dangerous mission. If they fail, the galaxy is doomed!

Along the way, Missile Mouse will have to battle weird space creatures, crooks, betrayals, and his own past to save the galaxy yet again.

This story has all the classic sci-fi comic elements, strange creatures, an evil organization trying to take over the galaxy, tough loner who wants to fight it out alone, and even an eager apprentice. But Jake Parker throws in some plot twists and turns that will keep the reader on their toes and Missile Mouse's past makes him a sympathetic and more dimensional character.

The art....it's my favorite part! Clean lines, glorious color, crisp, snappy action, hilariously imagined baddies, even funnier good guys.....I mean, Missile Mouse is....a mouse. With huge ears! The bad guys are....sharks. *snicker*

Verdict: This is definitely going to be veeeery popular at my library and the kids will be clamoring for the next book in the series! Get drawing, Mr. Parker!

ISBN: 978-0545117142; Published January 2010 by Graphix; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

Monday, January 11, 2010

All the world by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Marla Frazee

When I first started seeing reviews for this, I was thinking, Marla Frazee, what have you DONE? Kids don't like inspirational goop, it's just for the parents. We need picture books with solid PLOTS! I've already been suckered into buying All in a Day (hey, it was Cynthia Rylant! My director wanted it! It's boooooring!)

So I x'ed this off my order list. But....it is Marla Frazee, so I thought I'd better borrow it and take a look.

Oh, Marla Frazee how could I ever have doubted you! You picked a lovely writer to illustrate and a story I can proudly hand out to parents and kids. The simple text marches through a day from a visit to the beach, farmer's market, playing by the lake, storm, dinner at a family restaurant, family evening at home, and bed. The text has a peaceful chant, perfect for bedtime stories or family repetition on a long drive.

And, of course, Marla Frazee perfectly complements the text, putting together the simple words into a story and capturing every aspect of the world in the glowing colors of the earth and sky.

Verdict: Utterly satisfying, highly recommended

ISBN: 978-1416985808; Published September 2009 by Beach Lane Books; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library

Friday, January 8, 2010

The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty Ames by Kelly Easton, illustrated by Greg Swearingen

I added this book to my reading list after seeing Book Aunt's delightful review. Of course, it then sat on my shelf, and was renewed, and sat on my shelf, and was renewed, until somebody put a hold on it and I gulped it down last night!

In a Dahlesqian world, Liberty Aimes is a miserable Cinderella, cooking huge piles of fried foods for her monstrous mother and trying to stay away from her nasty and evil father, Sal. But one day a series of events inspire her to break the rules and try something new and scary and she manages to live up to her name for the first time in her unhappy life. She'll encounter magical potions, mutated animals, sweet-talking villains, and more before she finally finds her happy ending.

Verdict: With villains of Dahlesquian proportions, editorial asides a la Snicket, and a suprise around every corner, kids who like realistic fantasy with a wacky flavor will love this story. Pair this with Suzanne Selfors' Fortune's Magic Farm and pass out to fans of Dahl and Snicket!

ISBN: 978-0375837715; Published June 2009 by Wendy Lamb; Borrowed from the library

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Nighttrap by Tom Becker

This is the third in the Darkside series, tales of an alternate London: Jack Ripper's London, where all the worst of the 19th century survive.

Nighttrap takes place mostly in Lightside, the "real" London, where Jonathan Starling is on a race against time to save his friend, Miss Elwood. Every chapter is a cliffhanger and there's enough edge-of-your-seat adventure to satisfy even the most hardened adrenalin junkie. Laced with horror, stirred with adventure, and sprinkled with secrets, this is a satisfying addition to the series. I had to find it through inter-library loan and I'm still waiting on the fourth, which i'm not sure has been published in the US yet.

Verdict: If you can find it, definitely worth adding to your collection

ISBN: 978-1407102870; Published June 2008 by Scholastic; Borrowed from the library

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

My personal top ten chapter books of all time

Betsy Bird, over at Fuse 8, is doing a 100 best chapter books poll! Yay! Here are my choices. Mind, I don't necessarily think these are THE top ten of all time, or even my top ten favorites or whatever. They're just sort of the top ten that I found browsing my personal library shelves and skimming from the top of my mind. Yes, I am one of those people who detests the infamous, "what is your favorite book?" question.

  1. The River at Green Knowe by L. M. Boston. Although this is not the most critically recognized of the Green Knowe books, I place it at the top of Boston's works for its sense of wonder and exploration and the growth and magical independence of the characters. (and wherefore am I qualified to speak on this? well, I spent most of my four-year degree in English literature studying L. M. Boston's works, finishing up with an Honors thesis on said topic. For whatever it's worth...)
  2. Look Through My Window by Jean Little. This is the first of Jean Little's books I read and will always be my most beloved. Her story of friendship, poetry, and family shines with warmth, exuberant humor, and beauty.
  3. Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede. The first in Patricia C. Wrede's Enchanted Forest chronicles, this classic fantasy stands fairy tale conventions and stereotypes on their heads while producing an exciting, hilarious, and delightful story. The original Trina Schart Hyman covers add extra points!
  4. Bill Bergson and the White Rose Rescue by Astrid Lindgren. Astrid Lindgren took a variety of classic genres in children's literature and added her own subversive flavor while maintaining the appeal and structure of the story. Bill Bergson works within the frame of the juvenile detective story with humor, adventure, and realism. (Why, yes, I wrote some papers on Scandinavian children's literature too. How could you tell?)
  5. Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum. I love this story best of all the Oz stories, from Dorothy's plucky common sense to the first appearance of Tik-Tok the Clockwork Man, the story is full of the logic, magic, and sly humor that characterizes the first truly American fairy tale genre.
  6. Serial Garden by Joan Aiken. I think this is the best of the various Joan Aiken short story collections and I'm so thrilled it made the finals for the Cybils this year!
  7. Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. There are lots of "classics" I could add to this list, but I think this one is the one most likely to continue to survive and appeal to children. I own the Ernest Shepherd edition as well as the Michael Hague, but I grew up with the Hague so it is my favorite.
  8. Cricket Winter by Felice Holman. I love this story as much for its lyrical writing and layered themes as much as I do for it being the first book for which I wrote a "real" critical review. I wasn't able to find the original cover, but this one is nice too. 
  9. Year of the Griffin by Diana Wynne Jones. Yes, I know it's a sequel. But this has been my favorite of Jones' work since I first discovered her. The hilarious mix of school story conventions, magical philosophy, and romantic friendships is delightful. I admit there are some similarities to be drawn between it and Enchanted Forest, but I love them both very much and we need more funny fantasy!
  10. The Magic Pudding by Norman Lindsay. This is a new favorite for me, discovered only a few years ago. Presumably most Australian kids know this famous food-focused classic.


Monday, January 4, 2010

Bad News for Outlaws: The remarkable life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshall by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

There's a discussion going on about "race, publishing and Cybils". One of the things mentioned was that all the Cybils nonfiction finalists featuring African-Americans were about slavery and/or civil rights. I'm sort of paraphrasing, go look at the discussion yourself for all the ins and outs.

Anyways. This is something that's driven me nuts - I have a small, fairly homogenous community, a small library, and a small budget, but I do want diversity in my collection so kids can learn about other races and cultures. But there's a limit to how many books about the same topic I can - or will - buy, no matter how good. For example, I don't care how many awards/reviews/stars it's gotten, I absolutely refuse to buy one more book about African-Americans and jazz. Enough is enough. So.....I was very excited when this book I had heard about popped up from another library in our consortium.

Bad News for Outlaws is a rip-roarin', excitin' tale of the Wild West - and it's all true! The story of the amazing, bigger than life Bass Reeves is a tale of amazing feats and courage. The author has written it with a Western twang and flavor and included plenty of background information and further resources. I am definitely marking this to nominate for Cybils next year!

Verdict: Highly recommended!


ISBN: 978-0822567646; Published November 2009 by Carolrhoda Books; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library