Monday, December 31, 2018

Shark Lady

Shark Lady
by Jess Keating
illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens

From a young age, Eugenie Clark was fascinated by sharks.   While others thought they were scary, ugly, creatures, Eugenie saw them as beautiful and wanted to learn as much as she could about them.  When Eugenie wanted to study zoology, she was discouraged by many because she was a woman.  However, she was determined to follow her dreams and became a renowned scientist, making discoveries about the beautiful sharks that had always fascinated her!

What an beautiful book!  The story of scientist Eugenie Clark will inspire many.  I enjoyed learning more about her and how she grew from a shark-loving little girl to a distinguished scientist.

Author's website: https://jesskeating.com/

Book Trailer:

We Don't Eat Our Classmates!

We Don't Eat Our Classmates!
by Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope Rex is so excited about her first day of school!  Unfortunately, she has a bit of a problem: she keeps eating her classmates!  Although she spits them out, her behavior prevents her from making any friends at school.   Penelope doesn't understand why her classmates don't trust her, but an encounter with the class pet goldfish may help put things into perspective!

What a funny book!  Maine author and illustrator Ryan T. Higgins has created a hilarious story about a dinosaur that learns an important lesson on how (and how not) to make friends! 


Friday, November 16, 2018

Fergus and Zeke

Fergus and Zeke
by Kate Messner
illustrated by Heather Ross


Classroom pet Fergus wants to go along on the class trip to the museum!  Not wanting to be left behind, he sneaks along by hiding in a student's backpack.  While at the museum, Fergus discovers many exciting things, including another mouse named Zeke!  His new friend helps him navigate the large, busy museum, but then Fergus realizes that he may miss the school bus ride home if he doesn't find his class!  Will he find his class before they leave the museum?

Fergus and Zeke is the first book in a fun new series!  Its short chapters and fun, engaging illustrations make this a great choice for newly independent readers looking for a chapter book.  I'm looking forward to the next adventure of Fergus and Zeke!

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

Sunday, October 28, 2018

The Great Hibernation

The Great Hibernation
by Tara Dairman

It's an annual tradition: all residents of St. Polonius who are twelve and older participate in the eating of the sacred liver.  Unfortunately, twelve-year-old Jean is unable to eat hers and hopes that no one will find out.  Shortly after the annual celebration everyone who ate the liver suddenly, and mysteriously, fall into a deep sleep, leaving the children of St. Polonius to care for themselves.  What caused this deep sleep?  Was it related to the liver?   Jean and her friends must find answers before their town falls apart!

This was a very fun story!  I found that it had a lot of humorous parts, especially as the young children of St. Polonius eagerly took over their parents' jobs while the adults were in a deep sleep.  This is a great choice for readers looking for a humorous mystery!

Author's website: https://taradairman.com/

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Star Scouts

Star Scouts
by Mike Lawrence

Avani does not want to be a Flower Scout.   All they do is talk about makeup and boys, while Avani would rather be doing something more adventurous.   She unexpectedly gets her wish when Mabel, a Star Scout from outer space, accidentally teleports Avani to her troop meeting.  The Star Scouts are everything that Avani wishes the Flower Scouts were.  Unfortunately, a trip to the Star Scout camp may cause her membership in the troop to be a short one!

Star Scouts is the first book in an exciting new graphic novel series.   With engaging illustrations and a humorous, action-filled storyline, this will a great choice for many readers!


Friday, August 10, 2018

Spirit Hunters

Spirit Hunters
by Ellen Oh

Harper Raine is not happy about moving, especially when she suspects that the creepy old house they moved into is haunted.   Shortly after moving in, her younger brother starts acting strange, throwing violent tantrums and talking to an imaginary friend.   Harper begins to learn more about the history of the home, and the more she learns the more she is convinced that there are evil spirits present. 

What an exciting, suspenseful book! This creepy ghost story is a great choice for readers who enjoying scary tales.

Author's website: http://www.ellenoh.com/index2.html

Book Trailer: 

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not
by Ellie Terry

Calliope and her mother are moving again.  It's hard for most people to constantly adjust to a new home and school, but for Calli it's extra difficult.  Calli has Tourette syndrome, causing her to uncontrollably make faces, movements, and sounds.  Even though she tries to hide it, eventually the other kids at school notice.   She has hope for a friend when she meets her new neighbor, but even he is reluctant because he's worried about what the others at school will think.   Will Calli ever find the acceptance, friendship, and permanent home that she has been hoping for? 

Another book that I would not put down until I finished!  I love how this story is told using two different narrators, alternating between Calli, whose chapters are told in verse, and her neighbor Jinsong.   This is a very powerful, emotional story that I highly recommend to my readers.

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

Book trailer:

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Hello Hello

Hello Hello
by Brendan Wenzel

Every animal of the world is unique, but it is possible to take a group of very different animals and find something they all share.   Author/illustrator Brendan Wenzel does exactly that in this amazing picture book.  Engaging illustrations of a variety of animals, including many endangered species, are shown throughout this story, grouped by traits they have in common.  This is a great book to help readers find similarities among different creatures and may also inspire some to learn more about the unusual animals shown in this book. 

Author's website: https://brendanwenzel.info/

Book trailer:

Restart

Restart
by Gordon Korman

Imagine having no memory of your past.  That is what has happened to Chase Ambrose after he falls off his roof.  Amnesia has erased his memories, leaving him with no idea about who he was before the fall.   However, as he begins to learn more about his past, he realizes that the Chase he was before the fall may not be someone he wants to become again. 

What a powerful story!  I've always been a fan of Gordon Korman and this book was one of those that I picked up and would not put down until I was finished. As with many of the author's other books, Restart alternates between narrators, allowing the readers to connect with multiple characters who have been impacted by both the old and new Chase.  This is an outstanding book about second chances that I think many readers will enjoy.

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

Book trailer: 

Monday, July 30, 2018

Baabwaa & Wooliam

Baabwaa & Wooliam
by David Elliott
illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Book-loving Wooliam and knitting Baabwaa live in a cozy home full of yarn and books.  One day Wooliam decides it's time for an adventure, so the two sheep venture out to the field outside their home in search of excitement.   While wandering their field, they come across a very unusual looking sheep who Wooliam immediately realizes is a wolf in disguise!

This exciting picture book is full of fun characters and many hilarious moments.   David Elliott's entertaining text is accompanied by fantastic, whimsical illustrations by Maine author/illustrator Melissa Sweet. As a fan of books and knitting, I found this book particularly entertaining!   I'm looking forward to sharing this book with readers for our upcoming Chickadee Book Award unit.

Author's website: https://www.davidelliottbooks.com/
Illustrator's website: http://melissasweet.net/

A Seed is the Start

A Seed is the Start
by Melissa Stewart

A seed is the start to a plant's life, but first it must travel to where it will grow!   This engaging book shares with readers the many ways that seeds can travel, including flying, floating, tumbling, and splashing!   Beautiful photographs show a wide variety of seeds, including several that readers may not be familiar with.   This is a fantastic book to share with readers who are learning about the life cycle of plants. 

Author's website: https://www.melissa-stewart.com/

Sunday, July 29, 2018

The Van Gogh Deception

The Van Gogh Deception
by Deron Hicks

A boy with amnesia has been discovered in a Washington, D.C. art museum.  Without any knowledge of who he is or how he got to the museum, police place him temporarily in the home of Mary Sullivan and her daughter Camille.  Camille is determined to help the boy, who she names Art,  remember his past.  Unfortunately, while they follow clues to help Art regain his memory, a sinister group of criminals are pursuing Art!  Will Art and Camille uncover the mystery of Art’s past before their pursuers catch them?

This is a fantastic, action-packed, art-themed mystery!   Readers will also learn a bit about art history while reading this exciting tale.   Fans of art-themed mysteries such as Framed! and Eddie Red Undercover should give this book a try!

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

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Sarabella's Thinking Cap

Sarabella's Thinking Cap
by Judy Schachner

Sarabella is a daydreamer.   Her imaginative mind is constantly overflowing with creative ideas.   Unfortunately, her daydreaming often gets in the way of her schoolwork, resulting in many notes home from her teacher!  However, a special homework assignment finally gives Sarabella the opportunity to express the many creative thoughts running through her mind. 

What a beautiful story!   The outstanding, detailed illustrations embrace the imaginative mind of our creative main character.   This is a fantastic selection from the 2018 - 2019 Chickadee Book Award list that I look forward to sharing with my library learners.

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

The Real McCoys

The Real McCoys
by Matthew Swanson
illustrated by Robbi Behr

Eddie the Owl has gone missing!   When the mascot of Moxie McCoy's school is stolen, the mystery-loving 4th grader is on the case of the missing stuffed animal.  Using detective tips from her favorite book character, Annabelle Adams,  Moxie investigates the theft, determined to catch the culprit and locate the beloved mascot!

The first in a new series, The Real McCoys is a fun mystery full of engaging illustrations and humorous moments!  Moxie and her younger brother Milton make an entertaining detective team as they work together to solve the mystery of the missing owl!   I'm looking forward to the future adventures of Moxie and Milton!

Book website: http://realmccoysbook.com/

Book trailer:

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Me and Marvin Gardens

Me and Marvin Gardens 
by Amy Sarig King

Obe Devlin may have just discovered a new animal!  He knows a lot about the wildlife that lives around his home, but has never seen anything quite like this unusual, friendly, dog-sized creature that only eats plastic.   Obe is excited about his new discovery, but also worried about keeping him safe from a group of bullies that live nearby.   Will Obe be able to figure out what kind of animal Marvin Gardens is and where he came from?

This fantastic book is a great choice for readers who enjoy stories about animals and the environment.  In addition to the environmental theme, the story also deals with the friendship and bullying issues that Obe is encountering.  An excellent selection from the 2018 - 2019 Maine Student Book Award list! 


Sunday, May 27, 2018

Sled Dog School

Sled Dog School 
by Terry Lynn Johnson

If Matt wants to pass math, he needs to do well on his extra credit assignment.   The assignment?  Start his own business.   Matt decides to run a sled dog school, but running his business proves to be full of many unexpected challenges, including finding students to attend his school.  Will he be able to successfully complete his assignment and save his grade?

This fun story is a great choice for fans of sled dogs!  Matt is a likeable character dealing with school issues that some readers will relate to.   Fans of author Terry Lynn Johnson's book Ice Dogs will want to give this book a try.

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

Book trailer:

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Sunday, May 13, 2018

The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart

The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart
by Stephanie Burgis

Determined to prove she is old enough to fly on her own, young dragon Aventurine defies her parents' wishes and leaves her cave one night to try and capture a human.   Unfortunately, things don't go as planned when she is tricked into drinking enchanted hot chocolate that turns her into a human.  Now trapped into a human body, Aventurine seeks a place where she can find more of her new passion, chocolate!

This enchanting tale is a great choice for fans of dragons as well as fans of chocolate! 

Author's website: https://www.stephanieburgis.com/

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
by Dusti Bowling

Born without arms, Aven Green has learned to face challenges with optimism and humor.   However, when her family moves to Arizona, Aven must adjust to a new home and school.   At her new school, while trying to avoid the stares and questions of her classmates, she meets Conner, who is dealing with challenges of his own.  Together, the new friends help each other face their challenges as well as solve a mystery at the theme park Aven's parents run.

This is a fantastic book!  It is an inspirational tale about overcoming challenges, but also has many quirky characters and humorous moments, as well as an intriguing mystery! 

Author's website: https://www.dustibowling.com/

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Princess Pulverizer

Princess Pulverizer: Grilled Cheese and Dragons
by Nancy Krulik
illustrated by Ben Balistreri

Princess Serena does not want to be like the other girls at the Royal School of Ladylike Manners.  To her, learning how to curtsy and dance is a waste of time.  Instead, she'd rather be Princess Pulverizer and attend the Knight School.  Unfortunately, only boys can become knights, unless she can convince her father she is worthy of the privilege   To do that, she must complete eight good deeds on a Quest of Kindness.  While it sounds like an easy task, Princess Pulverizer's attempts at good deeds gets off to a rough start when she finds herself trapped in an ogre's castle!

With its humorous characters and entertaining illustrations, this book is the first in what looks to be a very fun series!  Fans of Shannon Hale's Princess in Black series will likely enjoy this book as will many other readers looking for a funny, magical story!

Author's website: https://www.realnancykrulik.com/

Book trailer:

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Superfail

Superfail
by Max Brunner
illustrated by Dustin Mackay

Marshall Preston's laser vision is a disaster! For most kids, having the power of laser vision would be awesome, but not for the crossed-eyed Marshall.  Whenever he tries to use his superpower, the wrong things get lasered! While others at his school have gone on to be recruited to superhero teams, Marshall is left with other classmates who also have difficulty with their own superpowers.

After uncovering a sinister plot, Marshall finds himself working with other kids with flawed superpowers, as well as an eccentric retired superhero, to try to stop the villains before it's too late!

 This entertaining story is full of action and many humorous moments! Although not a graphic novel, this book is heavily illustrated with engaging, color pictures on every page.  This is a fun read that many readers will enjoy! 

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Beauty and the Beak

Beauty and the Beak
by Deborah Lee Rose and Jane Veltkamp

After her beak is shattered, an injured bald eagle is rescued and brought to a raptor center.  Due to the damage to her beak, Beauty the eagle is unable to eat or drink on her own.  However, a biologist at the raptor center comes up with the innovative idea of creating a new beak for the injured eagle.  With the help of 3D printing, a prosthetic beak is designed and created for Beauty!

What an inspiring story!  This true story, which includes many photographs of Beauty, shows readers the possibilities for 3D technology in changing the lives of injured animals like Beauty.  This is a great book for animal lovers as well as those who are interested in 3D printing.

Author's website: http://www.deborahleerose.com/beauty-and-the-beak/

Birds of Prey Northwest websitehttp://www.birdsofpreynorthwest.org/beauty-and-the-beak.html

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Wolf in the Snow

Wolf in the Snow
by Matthew Cordell

Lost in a snowstorm, a little girl comes across a baby wolf who has been separated from its mother.   Hearing the howls of wolves, the little girl follows the sound as she bravely carries the young wolf through the snow until she is face to face with the baby's mother.    While the mother and baby have been reunited, the tired little girl faces a new challenge as she struggles to make her way through the  snow back to her own home.

What a beautiful book!  This story was recently awarded the 2018 Caldecott Medal for its outstanding illustrations!  Mostly wordless, with the exception of a few words that represent various sounds, Wolf in the Snow is a wonderful story about helping others in their time of need. 

Book trailer: 
Author's website: http://matthewcordell.com/

Monday, January 15, 2018

Brave Red, Smart Frog

Brave Red, Smart Frog: A New Book of Old Tales
by Emily Jenkins
illustrated by Rohan Daniel Eason

Seven classic tales are brought to life in this exciting story collection!   Set in an enchanted forest, famous stories, including Snow White and Hansel & Gretel are shared along with a few lesser-known fairy tales.   Each story is cleverly told, with subtle connections between several of the tales. 

This beautiful collection is a great choice for any fan of fairy tales.   Author Emily Jenkins has done an excellent job in retelling these classic stories!


Author's website: http://www.emilyjenkins.com/braveredsmartfrog/

Big Cat, Little Cat


Big Cat, Little Cat
by Elisha Cooper

At first it was just the big cat, living alone until one day it was joined by a little cat.  The big cat taught the little cat many things and, over time, the little cat grew in size as the friendship between the felines also grew.   Then, one day, the big cat was gone, much to the sadness of everyone.  Lonely at first, the former little cat (now a big cat himself) finds happiness and purpose with the arrival of a new little cat!

This sweet, but sad, story addresses the loss of a pet in a age-appropriate, sensitive way.   While it never specifically says what happened to the older cat, readers will likely understand the meaning behind the sadness of the family and other cat.   The black and white illustrations were simple yet effective in bringing this emotional story to life.   A wonderful story that is an excellent choice for anyone dealing with the loss of a pet. 

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