Staff Picks for Younger Readers
Johnny Boo: "The Best Little Ghost In the World" - James Kochalka
Johnny Boo and his best little ghost friend/pet Squiggle banter and burp amongst themselves with undisguised glee. Along comes the “terrible” Ice Cream Monster, is he a friend, or will he eat them? And what is BOO power? This colorful, sweet graphic novel serves as a good introduction for a child just getting into chapter books, and younger children will have fun reading along and looking at the pictures. Look for a fourth installment in the series this summer. Appropriate for preschool and up. Reviewed by Gia 4/16/2010
Long Shot : Never Too Small to Dream Big - Chris Paul
This book opens on the big, bright, jumpin’ basketball day dream of eight year old Chris. It is rudely interrupted by his friends calling him “too small” “too tiny” “too short” to even think about trying out for the basketball team. But all of his family (finally even his big brother C.J.) encourage him to keep working hard and to give it his best shot. The story rings true in all aspects because it’s taken straight from the real life story of it’s author, NBA All-Star Chris Paul. A great family read aloud.
Reviewed by Margaret on 01/21/10Giraffes Can’t Dance - Giles Andreae ; illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
Preschool and up.
The jungle is hopping; the animals are dancing, swinging, and swaying to the music at the annual Jungle Dance. Gerald the Giraffe wants to join in but just can’t get the beat. As he flops and stumbles about, the other animals laugh at him. Gerald sulks off by himself and finds a little cricket and a bright full moon. Both provide him with just the right inspiration.
Reviewed by Pat 11/4/09
The Goblin and the Empty Chair - Mem Fox
Grade 1-3. A goblin happens to glance at his reflection in the water and is horrified at his appearance. Ashamed of his ugliness, he hides himself away from the world. However, he observes a family needing help, and at night, he slips out silently gives assistance. His aid changes the family, and he finds they help him as well. Leo and Diane Dillon’s rich illustrations contribute to this charming tale that causes one to reflect on the true meaning of beauty.
Reviewed by Bea 11/7/09
Tickle Monster - Josie Bissett
Call Number: JPB Bissett, J.
Fun and silly read aloud for families that may have had the Tickle Monster visit. I suggest that you tickle along with the story.
Reviewed by Amy 11/04/09
Hi, Pizza Man - Virginia Walter
A hungry toddler asks mother: 'What will you say when the doorbell rings and we open the door?' Then Mom asks, 'What if it's not a pizza man? What if it's a pizza woman? . . . a pizza kitty? . . . a pizza duck? A fun read-aloud, very interactive.
Liz 11/4/09Cowboy and Octopus - Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith
This book is laugh-out-loud funny, for young kids and adults alike. The story of a new friendship between a comics cutout octopus and a stiff-expressioned cowboy is told in seven chapters, some of which are only a few sentences long. It’s not hard to ham up the cowboy’s lines, and the octopus is a great straight man. Imagine an octopus explaining knock-knock jokes to a cardboard cowboy, and you’ll have a sense of this book’s dry humor. Reviewed by Liz 11/03/09
My People - Langston Hughes
Grade 1 and up. Gorgeous photos by Charles R. Smith Jr. illustrate Hughes’ lyrical poem. This lovely work is a simple presentation that demonstrates of the value of humanity. Read during African American History Month, National Poetry Month, or anytime you feel like celebrating.
Reviewed by Bea 6/17/09The Big Bell and the Little Bell - Martin Kalmanoff
Preschool and up. “A big bell sounds like a mighty gong, and a little bell just makes a tiny clink. But those who make the biggest noise aren't always as important as they think.” So goes the moral of this musical tale. This is the perfect story for anyone who has felt small and unimportant and serves as nice reminder that we all have something special to contribute – whether big or small. Take time to listen to the music CD included with the book. Reviewed by Bea 6/12/09
Hug a Bug - Eileen Spinelli
Preschool and up. Kindness is contagious and hugs have a way of changing things for the better. Follow the story of how one little hug changes the course of a grouch’s day. The rhyming words will have you chiming in, and don’t be surprised if you feel like giving someone a hug. For older readers, pair this story with Spinelli’s Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch, or for the younger crowd, pair this with Tankard’s Grumpy Bird. Reviewed by Bea 6/12/09Posy - Linda Newbery
Preschool and up. How does one describe his or her favorite pet? Get an idea by reading this endearing, lyrical tale that captures the essence of Posy the cat. After reading this, you’ll long for a cat of your own!
Reviewed by Bea 6/12/09What did one elephant say to another? - Becky Baines
Gr. K-3. I fell in love with the simple, clear pictures in this book, and I learned a few interesting facts about how elephants communicate with each other. For example, elephants can make rumble sounds so deep that humans can’t hear them. However, scientists think that other elephants can hear the rumbles miles away through their feet! Enjoy a fun, fascinating look at elephant talk!
Reviewed by Bea 6/12/09
Katie Loves the Kittens - Barbara McClintock
Preschool and up. Katie (a dog) is so excited when her owner brings home three kittens. Because of her excitement, she can't control her barking. Unfortunately this scares the kittens and makes Katie feel sad. What can she do? A loveable story that kids that the kids in a preschool visit enjoyed. Get ready to howl along with Katie! Reviewed by Bea 1/31/09.Fortunately - Remy Charlip
For ages 4-8. This silly, simply illustrated book of alternating harrowing disasters and miraculous escapes fascinated me as a child, and it’s still a favorite. Two-page spreads of colored ‘fortunately’ pages alternate with black and white ‘unfortunately’ pages. Fortunately, the book ends in color, and all is well. Unfortunately, some younger kids might be frightened by the dangers (sharks, explosions, wild tigers). Reviewed by Elizabeth 1/09/09.
Adele and Simon in America - Barbara McClintock
First grade and up. Adele and Simon are back for another adventure. This time, they travel by train across the United States. McClintock's rich illustrations feature great American landmarks - even our own San Francisco. Kids will enjoy searching the scenes for Simon's lost items. Reviewed by Bea 1/03/09.
Who Ate All the Cookie Dough? - Karen Beaumont
Preschool and up. "Eeny, meeny, miney, moe...who at all the cookie dough?" The opening line of this rhyming story immediately draws readers in and invites them to chant along. Kangaroo made up a batch of cookie dough, and she finds that it has been eaten. She asks other animals if they can help her get to the bottom of the mystery. Check this out, join in the fun, and see if you know who ate all the cookie dough! Reviewed by Bea 11/22/08.Mail Harry to the Moon - Robie H. Harris
Adjusting to a new baby is not always easy. Harry, the new baby, is getting all the attention and all he seems to do is cry, grab and spit up! Older brother is fed up and has some amusing suggestions for what to do with the baby, including mailing him to the moon. Bold cartoonish illustrations are perfect for the text. Young children will relate to the feelings expressed, giggling along, as will their parents. Reviewed by Andy 11/15/08.
Staff Picks for Older Readers
One of the Survivors - Susan Shaw
How would you feel if your whole town hated you just for being alive? Joey Campbell knows what it’s like to be called a murderer, to be blamed for starting the terrible fire at school that killed his classmates and friends. He swears he’s innocent, but something doesn’t add up. How did he escape? What does he know? Suspenseful and surprising, this is a great read for guys. Grade 4 and up. Reviewed by PJ 5/22/10Newsgirl - Liza Ketchum
This book provides a fascinating look at what San Francisco was like in the 1850’s during the time of the California Gold Rush. The story is about Amelia Forrester, 12 years old, who with her mother and family friend leave the convention of Boston to start a new life as businesswomen in San Francisco. Amelia is a very spirited young girl who decides that she too would like to contribute to the family income by writing news articles and selling newspapers. She chops off her hair and dresses like a boy to compete with the others. Many issues are woven into the story; discrimination, absence of a father and a nontraditional family. This is an educational look at a period of time in a city close to home. Well written and enjoyable. This book is just the ticket for that historical fiction school report. Reviewed by Andy 2/10
Magician's Elephant - Kate DiCamillo
This new book from the award winning author of the popular Tales of Despereaux, is enchanting and thought provoking. It may not be a book for as large an audience but one for that thoughtful reader who likes nuance, and emotion. Ten year old Peter has lost his family and lives with an old general in a mythical town. He longs for his sister who he thought was dead, until he is told by a fortune teller that he can find her if he follows the elephant. And that very night an elephant is conjured up by a magician whose trick brings the unexpected. The language of the book is beautiful. You will root for Peter and the very interesting cast of characters that surround him. This is a read full of atmosphere and hope. Reviewed by Andy 1/22/10The Great Turkey Walk - Kathleen Karr
Grade 3 and up. Simon Green is 15 years old and he is walking to Denver, Colorado with 1,000 turkeys. Along the way Simon meets new friends who help him and some old acquaintances who don't help him, but Simon uses his good sense to get him to Colorado. Reviewed by Mrs. BMudshark - Gary Paulsen
Mudshark, Lyle Williams, is a super smart student who has amazing powers of detection. A light classroom comedy that is a short read with interesting and unusual characters. Lots of fun. Good choice for an quick chapter book with strong vocabulary. Reviewed by Andy 11/04/09The Junkyard Dog - Erika Tamar
Katie, trying to adjust to a gruff stepfather and changing friends, befriends the sad and scruffy dog who guards the junkyard. But how will Lucky survive the winter? Reviewed by Lisa 11/4/09Wild Girl - Patricia Reilly Giff
Coming-of-age for a 12-year-old girl and a filly, both in their own ways wild girls, make this book a satisfying read for 'tweens. Characters full of soul and spirit will move and inspire. Reviewed by CJ 11/4/09
Dog Called Grk - Joshua Doder
If you are a fan of Roald Dahl’s irreverent children and Tintin’s far flung adventures, you are ready for Timothy Malt, Max and Natascha Raffifi and their best friend, a little black and white dog, Grk. In this first Grk book Tim faces the evil dictator of Stanislavia , airport security and his clueless parents to return Grk to the Raffifi family.
Margaret 11/04/09
Moomin. Volume one: the complete Tove Jansson comic strip - Jansson, Tove.
Based on the classic Finnish childrens' books, "Moomin: the complete Tove Jansson comic strip" brings Moomin, Snorkmaiden, Snuffkin, Sniff, and Moomin's many relatives and friends to life in four tales of adventure. Reviewed by: Carol-Anne 11/4/09The Unfinished Angel - Sharon Creech
When a young American named Zola comes to a house in Switzerland where an angel has lived for hundreds of years, she enlists her help with starving orphans. They both learn something about the nature of angels and people.
Tales From Outer Suburbia - Shaun Tan
A delightful volume of 14 magnificently illustrated short stories, Shaun Tan's beautifully illustrated book is set in an alternate and fantastic version of everyday suburbia. Enter a world where reality is turned on its head: what to do with all those government ballistic missles? Who is the strange foreign exchange student? Where is that water buffalo pointing, anyway? By turns humorous and melancholy, this slender volume will delight children as well as adults with its smart stories and stunning artwork. Recommended for children 4th grade and up. Reviewed by Gia 11/4
The Seer of Shadows - Avi
Grade 3 and up. Fourteen year old Horace is an apprentice to photographer Mr. Middleditch. When a customer mourning the loss of her daughter wants her portrait taken, Mr. Middleditch devises a scheme to alter the photo to include a ghostly image of her daughter. Unfortunately, Horace is included in the plan. As Horace begins taking pictures, he finds he gets more than he bargained for when his pictures really include images of the ghostly girl. Each picture wakens the ghost who seeks revenge. Creepy! Reviewed by Bea 11/4/09
The Hound of Rowan - Henry H. Neff
Grade 5 and Up. The Harry Potter Series has been completed. Percy Jackson’s final installment has been published. What is a magic school loving reader to do? Try the Tapestry Series by Henry H. Neff! Neff’s hero is Max, an artistic twelve year old who finds out that he has been gifted with magical powers. He is invited to attend a secret school of magic, Rowan Academy. There he teams up with his friends to fight the evil encroaching power of darkness. The book has a comfortable and familiar feel to it that Rowling and Riordan fans will appreciate. At the same time, its incorporation of Irish mythology is refreshing and new. I found this book delightful, and am finding its sequel enchanting as well. Reviewed by Megan 9/29/2009.
The Magic Half - by Annie Barrows
Grades 3 and Up. Miri is the middle child with 2 older twin brothers, and 2 younger twin sisters. She often feels left out and put upon by her family...until she discovers a piece of glass taped under the wallpaper in her bedroom. This is a delightful story, from the author of the Ivy and Bean series, about time travel, friendship, and how magic can set things right. It is a fast paced, easy read in the style of children's classics by Edward Eager and E. Nesbit! Reviewed by Megan 6/24/2009.The Family Under the Bridge - Natalie Savage Carlson
Grade 4 and up. Imagine finding yourself with no place to live! This is what happens to the Calcet children. They have to stay under the bridge, and their mother has to leave them alone in the day while she works. Little do they know that they have moved into the spot under the bridge where a grouchy hobo named Armand lives. At first, Armand is not happy to have children around, but soon, he takes them under his wing, and his life and theirs is never the same again. Join Armand and the Calcet children on their journey around the streets of Paris and under a bridge. Although a sad situation, this is a heartwarming story - not a heartbreaking story. Reviewed by Bea 5/21/09Flight - Elizabeth Stow Ellison
Grade 5 and up. I couldn’t resist picking up this book because it is set in our own Orinda, California. Twelve year old Samantha is concerned because she uncovers a secret about her brother, Evan. Evan is good at many things especially in the arts, but Evan struggles when it comes to school. Samantha wants to help, but she feels helpless because it seems like the rest of her family wants to cover up Evan’s challenges instead of helping him overcome them. This book provides interesting insight to learning disabilities and the struggles that go with them. Reviewed by Bea 04/16/09.
The Leanin' Dog - K.A. Nuzum
Grade 4 and up. Dessa Dean lives up in the mountains of Colorado where winters are especially hard. One winter, Dessa Dean loses her mother, and she is traumatized. She can’t bring herself to leave the house. A strange dog comes along and Dessa finds she needs the dog as much as the dog needs her. This is a quaint story about friendship, hardship, and the wilderness.
Reviewed by Bea 3/28/09Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles - Rupert Kingfisher
Grade 3 and up. Poor Madeline! She is sent to work in her nasty uncle’s restaurant in Paris each summer. She loves to cook, but her Uncle Lard makes sure she never gets to do anything of the sort. Her tasks include washing dishes and doing other kinds of grunt work. One day, Madeline is sent on an errand, and she stumbles into Madame Pamplemousse’s Incredible Edibles shop. This magical shop changes Madeline’s life. Those who enjoy magic, mystery, and Lemony Snicket type humor will gobble this book up!
Reviewed by Bea 3/28/09Masterpiece - Elise Broach
Grade 3 and up. Marvin is a beetle who lives with his family underneath the sink of an apartment of a boy named James and his family. The beetles love James (not so much the rest of his family), and Marvin wants to do something special for James’ birthday. He decides to try out drawing, and Marvin draws a magnificent miniature picture of the view from James’ window. The drawing is a masterpiece and is loved by James and his family, but soon, this masterpiece involves James and Marvin in a mystery full of art and intrigue. Reviewed by Bea 3/10/09Tygrine Cat - Inballi Iserles
Adventure, cats, ancient lore, and good versus evil are all elements of this engaging story. Mati, a young cat, is sent off far away from home for his own protection. Unknowingly, he holds the fate not only of his Tygrine clan but of all cats. He must learn to understand the power of the ancient past and how to use it. The fight between good and evil rests upon his shoulders. This is a great adventure story for all cat lovers. It is also a good choice for those who like the Warriors series by Erin Hunter and are looking for something new. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of a new series. Reviewed by Andy 11/27/08Indigo's Star - Hilary McKay
Indigo is sick of getting hassled by the kids at school, until an American shows up to divert their attention. As he becomes friends with Tom, the boys take refuge with Indigo's loving (if scatterbrained) family of artists. 8-12
Description
Loading content... please wait
 |