©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Sleepy Kittens (Despicable Me)

by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio (Authors), Eric Guillon (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Board book: 10 pages

Publisher: LB Kids; Brdbk edition (May 19, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Kittens, Rhyme, Lullaby

Sleepy Kittens is a board book based on a book featured in the 3-D animated film Despicable Me. The story is about three little kittens who cannot fall asleep. Mama Cat appeases their restlessness with a calmness and ease that lulls the kittens off to sleep. It’s short and utterly sweet. It has a wonderful rhythm and rhymes effortlessly. The illustrations are playful but not over stimulating; and the three attached kitten finger puppets compliment both the pictures and story and add their own tactile appeal. This book is not to be confused with the average novelty book produced to tie in with a hit movie. What can I say? This book is lovely!

Add this book to your collection: Sleepy Kittens (Despicable Me)

Enter to win: Despicable Me Prize Pack

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Summer reading is a brilliant practice that every child can enjoy. With most of us having more time to spend with our kids, there is plenty of time for story time. An enthusiastic read-aloud session can be the perfect summer activity—indoors or outdoors.

I’ve hand-picked some great titles, new and old, that are, of course, well-suited to the summer season—hot days, lemonade stands, beach vacations, fishing, and summer thunderstorms.

Hooray for Summer!

by Kazuo Iwamura

Reading level: Ages 3-7

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: NorthSouth (April 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Squirrels, Animals, Thunderstorms, Friendship

A lovely story of a still hot summer day that is taken over—briefly—by a thunderstorm. Three squirrels take cover from the storm, in a cave. They are joined by two mice and a rabbit who have also been caught out in the rain. Simple text with wonderful read-aloud words share the story of new friendships and depict the alluring charm of a surprising summer day—cicadas and all!

Add this book to your collection: Hooray for Summer!

Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink

by Victoria Kann

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Paperback: 24 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival; 1 edition (May 25, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Brother and sister, Mother and daughter, Lemonade stand, Summer days

Kids that are already fans of the Pinkalicious series will really enjoy this latest paperback installment. The story begins with, “It was a hot day, too hot to play.” An entrepreneurial tale of a lemonade stand unravels, staying true to the “pinkeriffic” and playful nature that readers of this series have become accustomed to. The small size and the flexibility of  a paperback make this a great, light-wight choice for tossing in a bag.

Add this book to your collection: Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink

The Berenstain Bears Go on Vacation

by Stan & Jan Berenstain

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (April 27, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Family, Beach, Vacation, Fishing, Rhyme

What’s not to love about the Berenstain Bears? They are a family to admire. Always doing things together and working through issues that arise, in the most calm and rational way. The Berenstain Bears Go On Vacation has to be one of my favorites of the series. The effortless rhyme makes it a great read-aloud, and, from the long car trip to the first dip in the ocean to a day of fishing to a beautiful sunset, I think almost every aspect of a beach vacation is covered.

Add this book to your collection: The Berenstain Bears Go on Vacation

For more suggestions: Check out our 2009 Summer Reading List

For those with younger children, take a look at this touch-and-feel book,  Welcome Summer (Little Scholastic) by Jill Ackerman.

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

The following books have been selected for Father’s Day because they showcase strong paternal bonds and demonstrate just how special (and important) daddy-and-me moments can be. There is also a special selection for families that have two daddies.

My Daddy And Me

by Amy E. Sklansky (Author), Ard Hoyt (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 0-6

Board book: 20 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Brdbk edition (May 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Fathers and sons, Fathers and daughters, Rhyme

From the illustrations to the rhyming, rhapsodic text to the sheer daddy-and-me togetherness, this is one of my all-time favorite book recommendations for a father to share with his child. It’s available in paperback but I love that it’s now available as a board book. Double thumbs-up!

Add this book to your collection: My Daddy And Me

Daddy’s Little Scout

by Janet Bingham (Author), Rosalind Beardshaw (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books (May 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Animals, Fathers and sons, Foxes

This is a sweet little tale of a father fox and a son fox finding a home that is just right and being able to share it with each other. The illustrations are soft and delightful.

Add this book to your collection: Daddy’s Little Scout

A Tale of Two Daddies

by Vanita Oelschlager (Author), Kristin Blackwood (Illustrator), Mike Blanc (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 42 pages

Publisher: Vanita Books (April 28, 2010)

Source: Illustrator

What to expect: Fathers and daughter

A simple and effective story of a young girl who has two dads. It is written from the perspective of the little girl, and most definitely offers up a non-threatening way to open conversations about same sex parents. As for the pictures: I always enjoy Kristin Blackwood’s linoleum block print illustrations.

Add this book to your collection: A Tale of Two Daddies

Leave us a comment: What’s your favorite daddy-and-me book?

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Exciting news: Eric Carle’s classic story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, is available as a BILINGUAL First Book Marketplace Special Edition exclusively through the First Book Marketplace—an online store selling high-quality children’s books and educational materials at deeply discounted prices to registered organizations serving children from low-income families.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a school and home library staple. ”As a tiny green caterpillar eats his way through the book, he is transformed into a beautiful butterfly.” From the scientific wonder of caterpillar-to-butterfly, the critter’s voracious hunger for many familiar foods, the tissue-paper illustrations, and the creative design of the pages; it’s no wonder that this ravenous caterpillar has been touching hearts for decades—including mine! I’m thrilled that this book is available in such a useful format, I just had to let you know.

If you’re a registered organization you can purchase this exclusive bilingual edition from the First Book Marketplace.

Otherwise, you can purchase the Spanish or English edition from our affiliate store: La oruga muy hambrienta or The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Celebrate SUMMER READING with Random House. The following books are the selections made by Random House Children’s Books from their own new release, coming-soon, and paperback catalogs:

BARRY THE FISH WITH FINGERS by Sue Hendra

Little beach lovers will love this fun new fish character. Life under the sea can be as dull as dishwater, until Barry arrives, that is. Barry is no ordinary fish—he’s a fish with fingers! Sue Hendra’s hilarious text and bright, bold, colorful art will have youngsters begging to read this story again and again.

Alfred A. Knopf / 978-0-375-85894-9 / June 8, 2010 / $15.99 / $19.99 Can. / Ages 4-8 / 40 pages

LUNCH LADY AND THE SUMMER CAMP SHAKEDOWN by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

The hit graphic novel series goes to a new setting—summer camp! Lunch Lady and the Breakfast Bunch kids are looking forward to a relaxing summer vacation. What evils could befall them at summer camp? The legendary swamp monster! Stories say he haunts the camp at night.

Alfred A. Knopf / 978-0-375-86095-9 / May 11, 2010 / $6.99 / $8.99 Can. / Ages 7–10 / 96 pages

EMILY’S FORTUNE by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

A great summer trip for young readers: Go to the Wild West with Newbery Award winner Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. This witty tale of the Wild West is filled with comical cliffhangers and features a cast of plucky orphans and dastardly villains. When Emily Wiggins is unexpectedly orphaned, she is left all alone except for her turtle, Rufus. What in blinkin’ bloomers should Emily do? Emily’s neighbors, Mrs. Ready, Mrs. Aim, and Mrs. Fire, have the answer: Emily must travel by stagecoach to the home of her honorable aunt Hilda. What a rootin’ tootin’ grand idea!

Delacorte Press / 978-0-385-73616-9 / June 8, 2010 / $14.99 / $18.99 Can. / Ages 7–10 / 272 pages

SEAGLASS SUMMER by Anjali Banerjee

Young readers will fall in love with 11-year-old Poppy Ray and her warm story of how she spends her summer. Poppy longs to be a veterinarian, but she’s never had a pet. This summer, she’s going to spend a month with her uncle Sanjay, veterinarian and owner of the Furry Friends Animal Clinic on an island off the Washington coast. With warmth and humor, Anjali Banerjee tells the story of a resourceful, determined girl who can’t wait to grow up, but begins to realize just how much she has left to discover.

Wendy Lamb Books / 978-0-385-73567-4 / May 11, 2010 / $15.99 / $19.99 Can. / Ages 8–12 / 160 pages

TURTLE IN PARADISE by Jennifer L. Holm

What better summer adventure to take than a new novel from two-time Newbery Honor winner and New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Holm? Inspired by family stories, Jennifer Holm beautifully blends family lore with America’s past in this charming gem of a novel, rich in historical detail, humor, and the unique flavors of Key West. It’s 1935, and jobs, money, and sometimes even dreams are scarce. When Turtle’s mama gets a job housekeeping for a lady who doesn’t like kids, Turtle heads off to Key West, Florida, to stay with relatives she’s never met.

Random House / 978-0-375-83688-6 / May 25, 2010 / $16.99 / $19.99 Can. / Ages 8–12 / 208 pages

Boom! by Mark Haddon

Boy readers will love this explosive, highly charged, and hilarious middle-grade adventure from Mark Haddon, acclaimed author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. From the moment that Jim and his best friend, Charlie, bug the staff room and overhear two of their teachers speaking to each other in a secret language, they know there’s an adventure on its way—and there sure is! A nuclear-powered, 100-ton adventure with reclining seats and a buffet car. And as it gathers speed and begins to spin out of control, it can only end one way . . . with a BOOM!

David Fickling Books / 978-0-385-75187-2 / May 11, 2010 / $15.99 / Ages 10 up / 208 pages

TREAT YOUR YOUNGEST READERS TO THE PERFECT LITTLE GOLDEN BEACH READS

A Day at the Seashore (Little Golden Book) by Kathryn Jackson and Byron Jackson

Nancy and Timmy hop out of their beds one summer morning, help pack their swimsuits and lunch, and then it’s off to the seashore! In a charming rhyme, this Little Golden Book from describes what preschoolers will find at the beach.

The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey and Gustaf Tenggren

One of the original 12 Little Golden Books, The Poky Little Puppy has sold nearly 15 million copies since 1942, making it one of the most popular children’s books of all time.

The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone and Michael Smollin

Generations of kids have interacted with lovable, furry old Grover as he begs the reader not to turn the page—for fear of a monster at the end of the book.

TEENS WILL SOAK UP THE SUMMER WITH THESE POPULAR PAPERBACKS

Scat by Carl Hiaasen

Bestselling author and columnist Carl Hiaasen returns with another hysterical mystery for kids set in Florida’s Everglades. Bunny Starch, the most feared biology teacher ever, has gone missing. She disappeared after a school field trip to the Black Vine Swamp. When the principal tries to tell the students that Mrs. Starch was called away on a “family emergency,” Nick and Marta just don’t buy it. So they set out to solve the mystery.

Alfred A. Knopf / 978-0-375-83487-5 / April 27, 2010 / $8.99 / $11.99 Can. / Ages 8–12 / 304 pages

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

A 2005 Michael L. Printz Honor Book and recipient of five starred reviews, I Am the Messenger is a cryptic journey filled with laughter, fists, and love. Ed Kennedy is an underage cabdriver without much of a future. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery. That’s when the first ace arrives in the mail. That’s when Ed becomes the messenger. Ed makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary) until only one question remains: Who’s behind Ed’s mission?

Alfred A. Knopf / 978-0-375-83667-1 / May 11, 2010 / $10.99 / $13.99 Can. / Ages 12 up / 368 pages

Brisingr (Inheritance) by Christopher Paolini

Oaths sworn . . . loyalties tested . . . forces collide. It’s been only months since Eragon first uttered “Brisingr,” the ancient language term for fire. Since then, he’s not only learned to create magic with words, he’s been challenged to his very core. Following the colossal battle against the Empire’s warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still, there is more adventure at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep. First is Eragon’s oath to his cousin, Roran: to help rescue Roran’s beloved from King Galbatorix’s clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too. The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength—as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices—choices that will take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice. Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?

Alfred A. Knopf | 9780375826740 | 800 pages | Ages 12 up | $14.99 | $17.99 Can. | April 13, 2010

Experience the bestselling phenomenon of BRISINGR, now in paperback!

Accolades for the Inheritance cycle:
#1 USA Today Bestseller
· #1 New York Times Bestseller
· #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
· #1 Book Sense Bestseller
· Book Sense Book of the Year
· Wall Street Journal Bestseller
· Rights sold in over 40 languages
· A major motion picture of Eragon was released by Fox in 2006
“Christopher Paolini is a true rarity.”—The Washington Post
“Christopher Paolini makes literary magic with his precocious debut.”—People
“An authentic work of great talent.”—The New York Times
“The hottest fantasy title of the moment.”—USA Today

Leave us comment: What looks good to you?

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Here’s the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases, the bestsellers, and kids’ book events.

The Hot Spots

The New Realeases

The Best Sellers

Kids’ Literature Events

2010 Children’s Choice Book Awards

Poetry for Kids: Funny Animal Poems Written by Kenn Nesbitt

Kids’ Earth Day Books: Green with Environmental Awareness

Top 10 Children’s Literature Articles of 2009

Tickle Monster: Josie Bissett

THE NEW RELEASES

The most coveted books that release this month:

• Perfect Piggies! by Sandra Boynton (Ages 0-4)

• Ladybug Girl at the Beach by Jacky Davis, David Soman (Ages 3-7)
• Pinkalicious: Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink by Victoria Kann (Ages 4-7)

• The 39 Clues, Book 9: Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park (Ages 8-12)
• The Sisters Grimm: Book Eight: The Inside Story by Michael Buckley (Ages 8-12)
• Charlie Bone And The Red Knight by Jenny Nimmo (Ages 9-12)

• The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles, Book 1) by Rick Riordan (Ages 9-12)
• The Cardturner by Louis Sachar (Young Adult)

THE BEST SELLERS

The best selling children’s books this month:

PICTURE BOOKS

• The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood (Ages 3-5)
• The EARTH Book by Todd Parr (Ages 3-6)
• Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire! by Jane O’connor (Ages 4-8)
• Skippyjon Jones, Lost in Spice by Judy Schachner (Ages 4-8)
• LEGO Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary by Simon Beecroft (Ages 7 and up)

CHAPTER BOOKS

• Big Nate: In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce (Ages 8-12)
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Ages 12 and up)
• Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins (Ages 12 and up)
• Fallen by Lauren Kate (Ages 12 and up)
• The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell (Ages 14 and up)

PAPERBACK BOOKS

• Fancy Nancy and the Late, Late, Late Night by Jane O’connor (Ages 4-8)
• Nick of Time by Ted Bell (Ages 9-12)
• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (Ages 12 and up)
• If I Stay by Gayle Forman (Ages 12 and up)

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Ages 14 and up)

SERIES BOOKS

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians, by Rick Riordan (Ages 9 to 12)
• How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell (Ages 9-12)
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid, written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney (Ages 9 to 12)
• The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer (Ages 12 and up)
• House of Night by P. C. Cast (Ages 14 and up)

This information was gathered from the New York Times Best Sellers list, which reflects the sales of books from books sold nationwide, including independent and chain stores. It is correct at the time of publication and presented in random order. To see the full list you can visit: www.nytimes.com.

KIDS’ LITERATURE EVENTS: CIRCA May, 2010

It’s no secret that it’s cool to read. Where can you be seen promoting literacy and encouraging kids to read?

Children’s Book Week
May 10 – 16, 2010
Location: USA

New Zealand Post Book Awards Festival
May 10 – 19, 2010
Location: New Zealand

Sydney Writers’ Festival
May 15 – 23, 2010
Location: Australia

Karen Cushman
Thu, May 20, 2010, 10:00 AM
Location: Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA, USA
Featured Book: Alchemy and Meggy Swann

Book Blogger Convention
Fri, May 28, 2010
Location: New York City, NY, USA

Know of any kids’ literacy or author events that are happening during the month of May or June? Leave your suggestion in the comments field below.

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Firehouse!

by Mark Teague

Reading level: Ages 3-5

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Orchard Books; 1 edition (May 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Firefighters, Dogs, Humor

Most kids, boys and girls, are fascinated by firefighters and their big, red trucks. In this book, Firehouse, readers get to live the amusing journey of Edward and his cousin Judy as they learn how to be firefighters.

Mark Teague provides a ton of entertainment, especially with his illustrations. Each page is ablaze with rich color and wisecrack comedy, including an out-of-control fire hose.

Not taking the job of a firefighter lightly, Edward’s character is thrust into a real emergency and is able to put his newly learned skills into action—saving the day, of course. The vibrant Firehouse is a fun and exciting read for preschoolers, children who enjoy conversations beginning with “When I grow up …,” and dog lovers (each page is laden with all kinds of dogs)!

Oh, did I mention that this book received the Parent’s Choice Award Silver Medal?

About the author: Mark Teague is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator.  His books include Funny Farm, a 2009 Parents’ Choice Silver Award Picture Book; Dear Mrs. La Rue: Letters From Obedience School, the 2002 Book Sense Illustrated Book of the Year; Detective LaRue: Letters from the Investigation; Letters from the Campaign Trail: LaRue for Mayor; and Pigsty.  He is also the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling How Do Dinosaurs series by Jane Yolen.  Mark lives in New York State with his wife and daughters

Add this book to your collection: Firehouse!

You may also enjoy: Funny Farm by Mark Teague

Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of Firehouse!

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

May 10-16, 2010, is Children’s Book Week. Each year, during this week, The Children’s Book Council hosts the Children’s Choice Book Awards. The favorite book finalists for this year were determined by close to 15,000 children and teens. I highly recommend checking out these books!

This year’s Children’s Choice Book Award finalists are as follows:

Kindergarten to Second Grade Book of the Year

Birthday Pet

by Ellen Javernick, illustrated by Kevin O’Malley

Publisher: Marshall Cavendish

Synopsis: It was Danny’s Birthday and his folks said he could get any kind of animal he wanted for a pet. Danny thought it over before he went to bed. ‘All I really want is a turtle,’ he said.” But instead, his family gets him a dog, a kitten, a rat, and a bird. Danny shakes his head after each gift is offered until he finally receives the present he’s wished for all along. Accompanying each amusing stanza are Kevin O’Malley’s cheerful illustration using design markers and colored pencil.

Lulu the Big Little Chick

by Paulette Bogan

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Synopsis: Lulu the chicken is little…but wants to be big. Paulette Bogan’s humor and timeless kid-friendly style are irresistible.

Lulu the little chicken is sick of being told she’s too little to do things…so she decides to run away where no one will tell her what to do. And when the horse, and sheep and cow and everyone seem to get in her way, it only makes her more determined. But when she finally gets far far away, what happens when a loud crow scares her? Next time, she’ll take her momma with her!
Mouse Was Mad

by Linda Urban, illustrated by Henry Cole

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Synopsis: Who knows the best way to be mad? Bear stomps. Hare hops. Bobcat screams. Mouse? He just can’t get it right. But when he finds the way that works for him–still and quiet–he discovers that his own way might be the best of all.

The Odd Egg

by Emily Gravett

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: Each of the birds has an egg…except for Duck. So when Duck finds a beautiful egg of his own he’s delighted — even though the other birds make fun of it. But everyone’s in for a BIG surprise when his egg finally hatches!

Opposnakes: A Lift-the-Flap Book About Opposites

by Salina Yoon

Publisher: Little Simon/Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: Swing open the giant flaps over each adorable snake to reveal which extra-long opposnake is waiting for them. This book features simple opposites such as clean to dirty, quiet to loud, hot to cold, and a grand finale of one lonely snake becoming lots and lots of snakes having a party!

Third Grade to Fourth Grade Book of the Year

The Book That Eats People

by John Perry, illustrated by Mark Fearing

Publisher: Tricycle Press

Synopsis: WARNING! THIS IS NOT A BEDTIME STORY

Legend has it there exists a book that eats people.

This is that book!

Many readers have been unable to escape its perilous pages. But this isn’t that book.

Yes it is!

This is simply a story about that book. Really. I mean, how could a book eat people? So if you’re just dying to know the history of this literary monster, all you have to do is turn the page…

Don’t do it!

Coretta Scott

by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Publisher: Katherine Tegen/HarperCollins

Synopsis: Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta knew, too well, the unfairness of life in the segregated south.

A yearning for equality began to grow.

Together with Martin Luther King, Jr., she gave birth to a vision and a journey—with dreams of freedom for all.

Gonzalo Grabs the Good Life

by Janice Levy, illustrated by Bill Slavin

Publisher: Eerdmans

Synopsis: After Gonzalo wins the lottery, he decides it’s time to leave the farm and go out to find the good life. He tries everything, from golf to boating to solos in the church choir — but no matter where he goes or what new adventure he embarks on, Gonzalo still does not find what he’s looking for.

What will make this sassy rooster happy?

This rollicking story, with its bright, colorful illustrations, will remind readers that sometimes contentment is right in your own backyard.

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Publisher: Knopf/Random House

Synopsis: Serving justice . . . and lunch!

Hector, Terrence, and Dee have always wondered about their school lunch lady. What does she do when she isn’t dishing out the daily special? Where does she live? Does she have a lot of cats at home? Little do they know, Lunch Lady doesn’t just serve sloppy joes—she serves justice! Whatever danger lies ahead, it’s no match for LUNCH LADY!

Oceanology: The True Account of the Voyage of the Nautilus (Ologies)

by Ferdinand Zoticus deLessups

Publisher: Candlewick

Synopsis: What if a sixteen-year-old assistant traveled aboard the storied Nautilus, the narwhal-shaped submarine of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? And what if he were the sole survivor of the ill-fated voyage and went on to relay his adventures to a certain . . . Jules Verne? Find this brave young man’s own account in the lavishly illustrated Oceanology, a tale of an 1866 voyage of discovery that investigates diving bells and shipwrecks; coral reefs and ice canyons; sharks, giant octopi, and luminous sea monsters; underwater volcanoes, and even the legendary island of Atlantis.

Follow the fascinating journey of Captain Nemo and explore the ocean’s wonders, both real and imagined … or are they?

Fifth Grade to Sixth Grade Book of the Year

Adventures of Benny

by Steve Shreve

Publisher: Marshall Cavendish

Synopsis: As Benny goes on five adventures that take him from the woods behind his house to the pyramids of Egypt, he comes face to face with a host of bad guys—pirates, a mummy, and even his very own Booger-Man! And what about all those monkeys?

Join Benny on these wild adventures as he confronts all things hilarious and grotesque. Black-and-white art on every spread of the book will appeal to reluctant readers as well as fans of comics, graphic novels, and illustrated novels.

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life

by Rachel Renee Russell

Publisher: Aladdin/Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: New school. New mean girl. New crush.

New diary so Nikki can spill about all of it…

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 (Richard Jackson Books (Atheneum Hardcover))

by Brian Floca

Publisher: Atheneum/Richard Jackson/Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: Simply told, grandly shown, here is the flight of Apollo 11. Here for a new generation of readers and explorers are the steady astronauts, clicking themselves into gloves and helmets, strapping themselves into sideways seats. Here are their great machines in all their detail and monumentality, the ROAR of rockets, and the silence of the Moon. Here is a story of adventure and discovery — a story of leaving and returning during the summer of 1969, and a story of home, seen whole, from far away.

Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood

by Tony Lee, Sam Hart, and Artur Fujita

Publisher: Candlewick

Synopsis: How did Robin of Loxley become Robin Hood? Why did he choose to fight injustice instead of robbing for his own gain? Expressive and gritty, this graphic novel whisks readers back to Crusades-era England, where the Sheriff of Nottingham rules with an iron fist, and in the haunted heart of Sherwood Forest, a defiant rogue — with the help of his men and the lovely Maid Marian — disguises himself to become an outlaw. Lively language and illustrations follow the legendary hero as he champions the poor and provokes a high-stakes vendetta in a gripping adventure sure to draw a new generation of readers.

Zoobreak

by Gordon Korman

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Synopsis: When Griffin Bing’s class goes to a floating zoo, they don’t expect to see animals being treated so badly. They don’t expect to find Cleo, Dog Whisperer Savannah’s pet monkey who’s been missing for weeks. And they really don’t expect to have to hide the animals once they’ve rescued them! Hilarity ensues as Griffin’s team once more pulls off a heist…trying to break the animals back into a (better) zoo! No animals were harmed in the making of Gordon Korman’s funny, crowd-pleasing next middle grade novel.

Teen Choice Book of the Year

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, Book 4)

by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin

Synopsis: How far will Rose go to keep her promise?

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri.

He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

Blue Moon: The Immortals

by Alyson Noel

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin/Macmillan

Synopsis: Just as Ever is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an immortal, initiated into the dark, seductive world by her beloved Damen, something terrible is happening to him. As Ever’s powers are increasing, Damen’s are fading—stricken by a mysterious illness that threatens his memory, his identity, his life.

Desperate to save him, Ever travels to the mystical dimension of Summerland, uncovering not only the secrets of Damen’s past—the brutal, tortured history he hoped to keep hidden—but also an ancient text revealing the workings of time. With the approaching blue moon heralding her only window for travel, Ever is forced to decide between turning back the clock and saving her family from the accident that claimed them—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows weaker each day…

Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)

by Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Synopsis: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge!

City of Glass (Mortal Instruments)

by Cassandra Clare

Publisher: McElderry/Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: To save her mother’s life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters — never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and her best friend, Simon, has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family’s past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he’s willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City — whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling The Mortal Instruments.

Shiver

by Maggie Stiefvater

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Synopsis: For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf–her wolf–is a chilling presence she can’t seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again. Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It’s her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human — or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Author of the Year

Suzanne Collins for Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games) (Scholastic Press)
Carl Hiaasen for Scat (Knopf/Random House)
Jeff Kinney for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw and Dog Days (Amulet Books/Abrams)
James Patterson for MAX: A Maximum Ride Novel (Little, Brown)
Rick Riordan for The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5) (Disney Hyperion)

Illustrator of the Year

Peter Brown for The Curious Garden (Little, Brown)
Robin Preiss Glasser for Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire! (HarperCollins)
Victoria Kann for Goldilicious (HarperCollins)
Susan L. Roth for Listen to the Wind (Dial/Penguin)
David Soman for Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy (Dial/Penguin)

The Children’s Choice Book Awards winners will be announced live at the Children’s Choice Book Awards gala on May 11 in New York City as part of Children’s Book Week (May 10-16, 2010), the oldest national literacy event in the United States.

Artist and author Jon J Muth enchants readers with his books, including the Caldecott Honor book Zen Shorts. Last year he was selected as the Children’s Choice Illustrator of the Year.

Featuring pandas Stillwater and Koo and siblings Karl, Addy, and Michael from Zen Ties, Jon’s beloved characters — along with a couple of new friends — help us celebrate books and reading in this year’s poster!

Thanks to Scholastic Book Clubs, the poster will be distributed free of charge in schools during April and May. ~ www.bookweekonline.com

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Mother’s Day: A day that gives recognition to the sleepless nights, the love, the heartache, the craziness, the joy, and the complete satisfaction that comes with being a mom.

The following books, both old and new, are some of my favorite mommy-and-me stories that I know you will enjoy sharing with your little Stinky Face:

• Bedtime for Mommy by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Ages 0-5)

• Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too? by Eric Carle (Ages 0-5)

• El canguro tiene mama? / Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too? by Eric Carle (Ages 0-5)

• Mommy Hugs by Karen Katz (Ages 0-5)

• Mommy Loves by Anne Gutman (Ages 0-5)

• Mommy Hugs by Anne Gutman (Ages 0-5)

• My Mommy and Me by Tina Macnaughton (Ages 0-5)

• Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman (Ages 2-6)

• ¿Eres tu mi mamá?/Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman (Ages 2-6)

• Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch (Ages 2-6)

• I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt (Ages 3-6)

• You’re Lovable to Me by Kat Yeh (Ages 3-6)

• If I Could: A Mother’s Promise by Susan Milord (Ages 3-6)

• The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn (Ages 3-7)

• Someday by Alison McGhee (Ages 4-8)

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.