Mapping My Day

Mapping My Day
by Julie Dillemuth 
illustrated by Laura Wood

The story starts with a sleeping young narrator named Flora, who is waking up with the sun shining in her face, asking the readers which direction her window must face. The first pages show a map of the home she lives in, including an explanation of map scales. Later we see a treasure map she has created to lead the readers to her treasure chest, as well as maps of their dining room table, town they live in (which shows the routes her parents take) and many other maps of places she goes. Each hand-drawn map includes important map features - legends, compass rose, etc - and explanations of what these features are. At the end of the book are several map activities, including a place for the reader to draw his or her own map. Web addresses to download these activities are provided.

This book is a great choice for readers wanting to know more about maps as well as teachers looking for books to share with their classes about maps.

Author's website: http://www.juliedillemuth.com

Little Dog, Lost

Little Dog, Lost
by Marion Dane Bauer
illustrated by Jennifer Bell

Buddy, a sweet dog, is confused when her beloved family leave her at a new home with an owner who just doesn't know very much about taking care of a dog. Desperate for her old family, the cute canine digs her way out of her new yard and roams around the town in search of a friendly face.  In the same town where Buddy is searching for her family,  Mark, who desperately wants a dog yet is unable to convince his mother to agree, is working with his friends to try to get the town council to agree to a dog park.   Mr. LaRue, an elderly man living alone in an old mansion, struggles with the loneliness and isolation of his life. These three characters become connected to each other, and subsequently help each other, in a very extraordinary way.

This was such a sweet, emotional story!    The fiction chapter book is told in verse and does an excellent job of bringing the reader into the minds of the characters.  This is a great choice for readers who enjoy fiction stories about dogs.

Author's website: http://www.mariondanebauer.com/

The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake

The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake
by Robin Newman
illustrated by Deborah Zemke


MFI (Missing Food Investigators) Detective Wilcox and Captain Griswold have picked up a tasty case: a missing carrot cake! Suspects include the carnivorous Fowler the Owl, the constantly hungry Porcini, and the sweet-toothed Hot Dog. Will they be able to solve the mystery of Miss Rabbit’s missing cake before her party?

This book is part of the Wilcox and Griswold Mystery series, a fun series that follows the case files of the two mice in charge of investigating missing food cases! This cute mystery is full of idioms and puns that add to the humor of the engaging tale. With subtle clues, diligent detectives, and comical suspects, this series is a great introduction to the mystery genre for growing readers.

Author's website: http://www.robinnewmanbooks.com/

Be Quiet!

Be Quiet!
by Ryan T. Higgins

Rupert wants to make a wordless picture book, but his well-meaning friends Nibbs and Thistle just have too much to say! Despite the annoyed mouse’s constant reminders to be quiet, his helpful (yet clueless) two friends continue to voice many hysterical suggestions for Rupert’s book.  Will their help go a little too far?

What a funny, cute book!  Author Ryan Higgins does an outstanding job of illustrating the three hilarious mice.  The use of speech bubbles, set against bright, full-paged illustrations, give this book a comic-like feel.  Readers who have read Ryan Higgins' books Mother Bruce and Hotel Bruce will recognize some familiar characters in this entertaining picture book.

Author's website: http://ryanthiggins.com/ 

The Door By The Staircase

The Door By The Staircase
by Katherine Marsh

Mary is thrilled when she is rescued from her miserable orphanage by the unusual, yet generous, Madame Z.  In her happy, comfortable home with Madame Z, Mary gets everything she needs and she quickly makes a new friend named Jacob in a nearby village.   However,  Mary soon becomes curious about a mysterious. locked door by the staircase.   After investigating the unusual door, Mary soon learns a terrifying secret about Madame Z.

The Door By The Staircase is a great choice for readers who like suspenseful, magical stories.  I quickly found myself being pulled into this book, anxious to see what would happen next.   I love how author Katherine Marsh incorporated a character from Russian folklore, Baba Yaga, into this story.   After reading this book, I immediately searched for information on Baba Yaga to learn more about this folklore character.

Author's website: http://www.katherinemarsh.com/

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