By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 23, 2012

Medal Winner

Honor Book

Honor Book

Honor Book

“The Geisel Award is given annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the United States during the preceding year.” ~ALSC

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 21, 2011

It’s time to start prepping for the holiday season. First stop: Halloween. No tricks here—only treats!

When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.
~Author Unknown

Our 2011 Halloween book list spotlights everything from growing pumpkins; overcoming fears (a great topic for youngsters that tend to get a little surprised when they no longer recognize their family and friends due to colorful costumes and scary masks); witches; skeletons; cats and bats; and plain-old, creepy stories that beg to be read on a dark night with a flashlight. From babies to beginning readers to middle graders to young adults, TCBR has you covered.

Board Books

Spooky Boo! A Halloween Adventure

by Lily Karr (Author), Kyle Poling (Illustrator)

Reading level: Baby-Preschool

Board book: 12 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Brdbk edition (July 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: What’s Halloween without a haunted house? Come inside SPOOKY BOO! A HALLOWEEN ADVENTURE – it’s filled with tons of Halloween fun! With spooky lift-the-flaps, icky touch-and-feels, and outrageous mirrors throughout, this is one haunted house that trick-or-treaters will want to visit again and again!

Add this book to your collection: Spooky Boo! A Halloween Adventure

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Little Black Book

by Renee Khatami

Reading level: Baby-Preschool

Board book: 14 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (July 26, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Black is the new black in this darkly tantalizing touch-and-feel extravaganza for the senses! Now babies can enjoy this daring color in a novelty board book chock-full of gorgeous, full-color photographs. There are textures to touch, a flap surprise, and the scratch ‘n’ sniff scent of sweet licorice that you can almost taste!

Add this book to your collection: Little Black Book

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Happy Halloween, Stinky Face

by Lisa Mccourt (Author), Cyd Moore (Illustrator)

Reading level: Baby-Preschool

Boardbook: 32 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books (July 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: It’s almost time to go trick-or-treating, but first Stinky Face has just a few questions for Mama. As always, Mama lovingly addresses each and every one of her child’s concerns. A sweet and reassuring Halloween tale from Lisa McCourt and Cyd Moore!

Add this book to your collection: Happy Halloween, Stinky Face

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Picture Books

Little Goblins Ten

by Pamela Jane (Author), Jane Manning (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 3-7

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (July 26, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: From monsters to ghosties to goblins, everyone’s favorite beasties haunt and howl and rattle their way through their forest home in this silly, spooky twist on the beloved nursery rhyme “Over in the Meadow.”

Author Pamela Jane and New York Times bestselling illustrator Jane Manning have created a delicious Halloween treat for readers to enjoy.

Add this book to your collection: Little Goblins Ten

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Skeleton Meets the Mummy

by Steve Metzger (Author), Aaron Zenz (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Original edition (August 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: This spooky new read-aloud story is perfect for Halloween!

On Halloween night, Sammy has to make a quick trip through the dark woods before he can go trick-or-treating. But someone–or something–is following him. Scritch! Scratch! What could it be?

Bold, vibrant illustations make this spooky story a perfect Halloween tale that kids will want to read again and again.

Add this book to your collection: Skeleton Meets the Mummy‘

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Pumpkin Cat

by Anne Mortimer

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 24 pages

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (July 26, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Through the seasons, Cat and Mouse work together in the garden.

Together, they watch seeds that turn into plants in the spring,

and plants that turn into flowers in the summer,

and flowers that turn into pumpkins in the fall!

And when their pumpkins are finally ready, Mouse gives the best surprise of all to his friend, Cat!

Anne Mortimer’s charming story about friendship and discovery is perfect for any season.

Add this book to your collection: Pumpkin Cat

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Pumpkin Trouble

by Jan Thomas

Reading level: Ages 2-5

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (July 26, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Did that pumpkin just quack?

Add this book to your collection: Pumpkin Trouble

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Happy Birthday, Little Witch!

by Lieve Baeten

Reading level: Ages 3-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: NorthSouth (August 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: It’s Lizzy the Little Witch’s birthday, but Cat has gone missing. She’s not at the Witch Village Market, and she’s not in the Witch This-‘n’-That Shop, and she’s not in the Witch Pet Store. Can Lizzy find her in time for birthday cake?
You can search for Cat with Lizzy. Just carefully punch open the doors to the Village Market, the Witch This-‘n’-That Shop, the Witch Pet Store, and finally Lizzy’s own house and take a peek inside.

Add this book to your collection: Happy Birthday, Little Witch!

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Witches

by Cheryl Christian (Author), Wish Williams (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 2-5

Paperback: 24 pages

Publisher: Star Bright Books (August 15, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Little witches abound in this rollicking, rhyming adventure that features all of the fun, fantasy, and treats–but none of the tricks– of a Halloween night to remember! Whimsical, colorful illustrations overflow with charming details that will engage young readers to read the book again and again to discover all its charms!

Add this book to your collection: Witches

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The I’M NOT SCARED Book

by Todd Parr

Reading level: Ages 3-6

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (August 3, 2011)

Source: Bookstore

Publisher’s synopsis: With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, Todd Parr explores the subject of all things scary and assures readers that all of us are afraid sometimes.

Add this book to your collection: The I’M NOT SCARED Book

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Early Readers

Inside a House That is Haunted: Scholastic Reader Level 2

by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Author), Tedd Arnold (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Reprint edition (July 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Bestselling author, Alyssa Satin Capucilli, and two-time Geisel Honor winner, Tedd Arnold, team up for this hilarious halloween tale that is just as much trick as it is a treat. Previously published as a paperback, this classic is now available as a Scholastic Reader. With illustrations that make the scariest creature look extremely funny and romping repetitive text, readers will never expect what happens when this haunted house has a trick-or-treater knock on its door. Ghosts, spiders, owls, skeletons and monsters take turns accidentally scaring each other in this silly, slapstick story.

Add this book to your collection: Inside a House That is Haunted

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Never Kick a Ghost and Other Silly Chillers: I Can Read, Level 2

by Judy Sierra (Author), Pascale Constantin (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (July 26, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Yikes! This collection of easy-to-read, silly, spooky tales features a pirate bride, a ghost that grows and grows, and a big slobbery monster.

Add this book to your collection: Never Kick a Ghost and Other Silly Chillers

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Scooby-Doo Comic Storybook #1: A Haunted Halloween

Alcadia Snc (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.; Original edition (July 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Zoinks! Someone in Banning Junction is burning creepy patterns in the cornfields. Seems like a ghost is out to ruin the annual Halloween party! Can Scooby and the gang solve the case and save the celebration?

Add this book to your collection: Scooby-Doo Comic Storybook #1: A Haunted Halloween

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Chapter Books

Horrid Henry Wakes the Dead

by Francesca Simon (Author), Tony Ross (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 7-10

Paperback: 112 pages

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; Reprint edition (August 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Henry will do anything to win the grand prize at this year’s talent show…even wake the dead! Plus three other stories that will leave you screaming for more.

Add this book to your collection: Horrid Henry Wakes the Dead

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Scary School

by Derek The Ghost

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 256 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (June 21, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Join Charles “New Kid” Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends—including Petunia, Johnny, and Peter the Wolf—and figures out that Scary School can be just as funny as it is spooky!

Add this book to your collection: Scary School

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The Dragon’s Tooth: Ashtown Burials #1

by N. D. Wilson

Reading level: Ages 8-12

Hardcover: 496 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 23, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: For two years, Cyrus and Antigone Smith have run a sagging roadside motel with their older brother, Daniel. Nothing ever seems to happen. Then a strange old man with bone tattoos arrives, demanding a specific room.

Less than 24 hours later, the old man is dead. The motel has burned, and Daniel is missing. And Cyrus and Antigone are kneeling in a crowded hall, swearing an oath to an order of explorers who have long served as caretakers of the world’s secrets, keepers of powerful relics from lost civilizations, and jailers to unkillable criminals who have terrorized the world for millennia.

N. D. Wilson, author of Leepike Ridge and 100 Cupboards, returns with an imagination-capturing adventure that inventively combines the contemporary and the legendary.

Add this book to your collection: The Dragon’s Tooth: Ashtown Burials #1

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3:15 Season One: Things That Go Bump in the Night

by Patrick Carman

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 176 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (September 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Read, watch, and listen to each chilling story in 15 minutes or less! 3:15 means several things. It’s a time when things go bump in the night. A place where spooky stories find a home. A feeling . . . that chill running down your spine.

Add this book to your collection: 3:15 Season One: Things That Go Bump in the Night

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A Scary Scene in a Scary Movie

by Matt Blackstone

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 256 pages

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (July 5, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Rene, an obsessive-compulsive fourteen year old, smells his hands and wears a Batman cape when he’s nervous. If he picks up a face-down coin, moves a muscle when the time adds up to thirteen (7:42 is bad luck because 7 + 4 + 2 = 13), or washes his body parts in the wrong order, Rene or someone close to him will break a bone, contract a deadly virus, and/or die a slow and painful death like someone in a scary scene in scary movie. Rene’s new and only friend tutors him in the art of playing it cool, but that’s not as easy as Gio makes it sound.

Add this book to your collection: A Scary Scene in a Scary Movie

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Skary Childrin and the Carousel of Sorrow

by Katy Towell

Reading level: Ages 8-12

Hardcover: 272 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (August 23, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Twelve years ago, for 12 days straight, the town of Widowsbury suffered a terrible storm, which tore open a gate through which escaped all sorts of foul, rotten things. Strange things and strange people were no longer welcomed in Widowsbury, for one could never be sure of what secrets waited under the surface . . .

Adelaide Foss, Maggie Borland, and Beatrice Alfred are known by their classmates at Widowsbury’s Madame Gertrude’s School for Girls as “scary children.” Unfairly targeted because of their peculiarities—Adelaide has an uncanny resemblance to a werewolf, Maggie is abnormally strong, and Beatrice claims to be able to see ghosts—the girls spend a good deal of time isolated in the school’s inhospitable library facing detention. But when a number of people mysteriously begin to disappear in Widowsbury, the girls work together, along with Steffen Weller, son of the cook at Rudyard School for Boys, to find out who is behind the abductions. Will they be able to save Widowsbury from a 12-year-old curse?

Add this book to your collection: Skary Childrin and the Carousel of Sorrow

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Want to see our picks from last year? Best Halloween Books for Kids: Scary, Spooky, and Silly

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 7, 2011

Sleeping Bootsie

by Maribeth Boelts (Author), Patricia Cantor (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 5 and up

Paperback: 48 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (June 28, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Sleeping Bootsie by Maribeth Boelts with illustrations by Patricia Cantor is a delightful spin-off of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale. Meg the castle maid wishes for a friend and soon discovers a sweet stray kitten stowed away in her laundry basket. Christened “Bootsie” by Meg, she is granted three wishes by the good fairies at the royal ball: playfulness, a beautiful meow, and a kind heart. When the silver fairy casts her wicked spell, Bootsie must never touch water with her paw or she will fall into a deep sleep. Baths are banned at the castle, but the silver fairy disguised as a servant sneaks in a goldfish bowl. Poor innocent Bootsie tries to catch the fish and falls fast asleep. What will save Bootsie from her endless slumber? You’ll have to read Sleeping Bootsie to discover what happens to the beloved but cursed kitty. This is a Step Into Reading book, perfectly suited for children reading on their own in grades 1-3. Cantor’s lovely soft pastel illustrations lend this book an enchanting wonder. Spoiler alert: this heartwarming tale ends happily ever after.

Add this book to your collection: Sleeping Bootsie (Step into Reading)

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Nicki Richesin is the editor of four anthologies,What I Would Tell Her: 28 Devoted Dads on Bringing Up, Holding On To, and Letting Go of Their Daughters; Because I Love Her: 34 Women Writers Reflect on the Mother-Daughter Bond; Crush: 26 Real-Life Tales of First Love; and The May Queen: Women on Life, Work, and Pulling it all Together in your Thirties. Her anthologies have been excerpted and praised in The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle,The Boston Globe, Redbook, Parenting, Cosmopolitan, Bust,Salon, Daily Candy, and Babble.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: July 26, 2011

Whether you’re heading to the beach, park, lake, or hanging-out at home, we have some great summer-themed books picked out for kids of all ages—including a couple of Young Adult titles.

Picture Books

When a Dragon Moves In

By Jodi Moore (Author), Howard McWilliam (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Flashlight Press (May 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: On a beautiful day at the beach, a young boy brings his bucket, shovel, and imagination, and builds a perfect sand castle. Right away, a dragon moves in. The boy decides to befriend his dragon and they spend time roaming the shore, flying a kite, braving the waves, defying bullies, and roasting marshmallows all while Dad is busy sunbathing and Mom is engrossed in her book. Unfortunately, no one believes the boy when he tries to share the news of this magnificent creature. That’s when the mischief begins, and the dragon becomes a force to be reckoned with. While adults will recognize the naughty antics as a ploy for attention, children will dissolve into giggles as the dragon devours every last sandwich, blows bubbles in the lemonade, and leaves claw prints in the brownies. Maybe the dragon really is running amok on the beach, or maybe it’s a little boy’s imagination that is running wild.

Add this book to your collection: When a Dragon Moves In

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Seaside Dream

By Janet Costa Bates (Author), Lambert Davis (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 6-10

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Lee & Low Books (September 30, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: As family and friends arrive from near and far for Grandma’s seventieth birthday, Cora is surrounded by excited shouts and laughter and the smells of favorite Cape Verdean dishes cooking. Everyone’s getting ready for the big beach party tomorrow, but Cora still doesn’t know what to give Grandma as a present. It has to be something special.

Grandma is overjoyed to see so many of the people she loves, but Cora knows she still misses family in Cape Verde whom she hasn’t seen in decades. Could Cora convince her to make the trip overseas for a visit? After a nighttime walk on the beach with Grandma, Cora has a dream that gives her an idea for the perfect birthday gift.

In her picture book debut, Janet Costa Bates invites readers into to a celebration of the strength of family bonds that transcend age and distance. A lush coastal setting and the anticipation that comes with festive preparations form the backdrop for this touching story that warmly depicts the treasured relationship between a child and a beloved grandparent.

Add this book to your collection: Seaside Dream

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The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark

By Deborah Diesen (Author), Dan Hanna (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 2-5

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); First Edition edition (August 17, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Mr. Fish wants to help his friend Ms. Clam when she loses her pearl, but though he’s fast as a sailfish, as smart as dolphin, and as strong as a shark, Mr. Fish has a secret: he’s scared of the dark!

Very young children will swim along with Mr. Fish as he journeys deep into the ocean to new and mysterious places. They will discover, as Mr. Fish does, the power of friendship to light the way through the big-big dark.

Add this book to your collection: The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark

Early Readers

Dude: Fun with Dude and Betty

By Lisa Pliscou (Author), Tom Dunne (Illustrator)

Reading level: All Ages

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (May 3, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Whoa! Dude! Learning to read surf-speak has never been so easy, or so much fun! It’s, like, totally radical! (If you need a little extra help, check out the non-bogus glossary at the back of the book.) For beach boys and surfer girls of all ages.

Add this book to your collection: Dude: Fun with Dude and Betty

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Flip Flop! (Step into Reading)

By Dana M. Rau (Author), Jana Christy (Illustrator)

Reading level: Preschool-Kindergarten

Paperback: 24 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (May 24, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Two best friends ponder over and partake in summer’s seemingly endless possibilities. There’s fun to be had at the sunny shore, fireworks to watch, and amusement parks to visit. This Step 1 story has big type and easy words, rhyme and rhythm, picture clues and includes two sheets of stickers!

Add this book to your collection: Flip Flop! (Step into Reading)

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Seahorses (Scholastic Reader Level 1)

By Nicole Corse

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (April 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: A closer look at an amazing animal!

This reader will provide an introduction to seahorses bringing simple and fun nonfiction information to young readers. Did you know sea horses have to eat all the time to stay alive? In Seahorses, readers will discover where seahorses live, what they eat, what eats them, how they are different from other sea creatures, and how people can help prevent their extinction.

Add this book to your collection: Seahorses (Scholastic Reader Level 1)

Chapter Books

Junonia

By Kevin Henkes

Reading level: Ages 8-12

Hardcover: 192 pages

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (May 24, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Returning to the beach cottage—a cottage named Scallop—where she has always celebrated her birthday is a special occasion for Alice Rice.

Who will see the first dolphin this time? The first pelican? What will have changed? Stayed the same? And will this be the year she finally finds a junonia shell?

Alice’s friends are all returning, too. And she’s certain her parents have the best party planned for her. Alice can’t wait. If Alice is lucky, everything will be absolutely perfect. Will Alice be lucky?

Add this book to your collection: Junonia

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The Penderwicks at Point Mouette

By Jeanne Birdsall

Reading level: Ages 8-12

Hardcover: 304 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (May 10, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: When summer comes around, it’s off to the beach for Rosalind . . . and off to Maine with Aunt Claire for the rest of the Penderwick girls, as well as their old friend, Jeffrey.

That leaves Skye as OAP (oldest available Penderwick)—a terrifying notion for all, but for Skye especially. Things look good as they settle into their cozy cottage, with a rocky shore, enthusiastic seagulls, a just-right corner store, and a charming next-door neighbor.  But can Skye hold it together long enough to figure out Rosalind’s directions about not letting Batty explode?  Will Jane’s Love Survey come to a tragic conclusion after she meets the alluring Dominic? Is Batty—contrary to all accepted wisdom—the only Penderwick capable of carrying a tune?  And will Jeffrey be able to keep peace between the girls . . . these girls who are his second, and most heartfelt, family?

It’s a rollicking ride as the Penderwicks continue their unforgettable adventures in a story filled with laughs and joyful tears!

Add this book to your collection: The Penderwicks at Point Mouette

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A Million Miles from Boston

By Karen Day

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books (April 5, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: School’s out! That means Lucy is off to her favorite place: Pierson Point, Maine, where she spends summers with her family. And as she tries to forget her worries about starting middle school and about Dad’s new girlfriend, Lucy can’t get there soon enough. Pierson Point is where she feels most like herself, and where memories of her mother, who died when Lucy was six, are strong and sacred.

But this summer, nothing is the same. Ian, a boy from home in Boston, comes to Pierson Point with his family. Ian is loud, popular, and mean. He and Lucy can’t stand each other. To top it off, Dad wants his girlfriend to become a bigger part of Lucy’s life.

Karen Day’s engaging novel shows that people aren’t always what they seem, and that friendship can be found in the most unusual places.

Add this book to your collection: A Million Miles from Boston

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Cheesie Mack Is Not a Genius or Anything

By Steve Cotler (Author), Adam McCauley (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 8-12

Hardcover: 240 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (March 22, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Ronald “Cheesie” Mack is not a genius or anything, but he remembers everything that happened before, during, and after fifth-grade graduation, and he’s written it all down in his own unique and hilarious way—with lots of lists, drawings, and splenderful (that’s splendid plus wonderful!) made-up words.

Cheesie—with a little help from Steve Cotler—writes about family, friendship, and tough choices in an unforgettable voice that will have kids laughing out loud. Readers of Diary of a Wimpy Kid will love both the clever humor and the black-and-white illustrations throughout.

Add this book to your collection: Cheesie Mack Is Not a Genius or Anything

Young Adult

The Summer I Learned to Fly

By Dana Reinhardt

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books (July 12, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Drew’s a bit of a loner. She has a pet rat, her dead dad’s Book of Lists, an encyclopedic knowledge of cheese from working at her mom’s cheese shop, and a crush on Nick, the surf bum who works behind the counter. It’s the summer before eighth grade and Drew’s days seem like business as usual, until one night after closing time, when she meets a strange boy in the alley named Emmett Crane. Who he is, why he’s there, where the cut on his cheek came from, and his bottomless knowledge of rats are all mysteries Drew will untangle as they are drawn closer together, and Drew enters into the first true friendship, and adventure, of her life.

Add this book to your collection: The Summer I Learned to Fly

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A & L Do Summer

By Jan Blazanin

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: EgmontUSA (May 10, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: I’d like to say something clever, but my tongue is paralyzed. This guy is tall and built and—okay, maybe he’s not exactly handsome. Wait, that’s not true. He is exactly handsome. From ten feet away I can see the electric blue of his eyes. All of that put together makes him the Superman of redheads.

After a year in rural Cottonwood Creek, Iowa, city girl Laurel is still adjusting to a place where parties take place in barns, guys ride around in pickup trucks, and a killer senior prank involves getting pigs into the principal’s office. Fortunately, she has her best friend Aspen, an Iowa native, to show her around. The real problem is that neither the country girl nor the city slicker have boyfriends—or any prospects for getting them. Clearly, they need to raise their profile—and they have a summer to do so.

Add this book to your collection: A & L Do Summer

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 12, 2011

Learning to Nurture Nature

Gardening, recycling, composting, and being at one with nature (including our vanishing honeybees) and all it has to offer; these are great ways to connect young children with our environment and encourage them to nurture our special one-of-a-kind Earth.

Picture Books

By Mary McKenna Siddals (Author), Ashley Wolff (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Tricycle Press; 1 edition (March 23, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth uses a clever and entertaining rhyme that, just as the title suggests, gives a great recipe for making compost. All of the ingredients are familiar household products, such as vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, and oatmeal. At the back of the book the “Chef’s Note” can be found—it’s another witty rhyme all of its own and teaches readers what shouldn’t go in compost. The illustrations, which are rendered in gouache and collage, compliment the tone of the recipe with the use of more familiar recyclable materials.

Add this book to your collection: Compost Stew

Sofia’s Dream
By Land Wilson (Author), Sue Cornelison (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 19 pages

Publisher: Little Pickle Press LLC; 1st edition (November 24, 2010)

Source: Author

Sofia’s Dream was written for the sole purpose of inspiring children to take care of the earth. Beginning with the cover image of an angelic young girl soaring high in the sky, her eyes full of hope and untarnished optimism, a magical tone is set for the story. Wilson’s appreciation for nature and environmental protection shine through in this powerfully uncomplicated picture book.

Add this book to your collection: Sofia’s Dream

Water, Weed, and Wait
By Edith Hope Fine (Author), Angela Halpin (Author), Colleen M. Madden (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Tricycle Press (August 10, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Gardening requires a little hard work and patience, but the benefits are plentiful. In Water, Weed, Wait, Miss Marigold’s class discovers this firsthand when they turn a rocky patch of dirt into a thriving garden. However, this is not just a book about gardening and nurturing the earth, this is also a book about community and the rewards that come from working together. The mixed media illustrations have kid appeal and the tips for “Sprouting Your Own School Garden” on the last double page spread are sure to inspire readers.

Add this book to your collection: Water, Weed, and Wait

Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Gulf
by Olivia Bouler

Reading level: Ages 3-9

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Sterling (April 5, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Eleven-year-old Olivia Bouler’s first picture book proves that one child—one person—can make a difference. An avid bird lover, Olivia is determined to make a difference for the birds affected by the 2010 Gulf oil spill. Sterling Children’s Books said: “She has single-handedly risen over $150,000 via Audobon’s Gulf oil spill recovery program by sending every donor one of her own bird paintings … .” Many of her paintings have been reproduced in this book and have been combined with useful everyday tips that kids can use to get involved and help make our world a better place. The book supports Audobon’s mission and has been printed on FSC eco-friendly paper—a step that should be taken more frequently.

Add this book to your collection: Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Gulf

Jam & Honey
By Melita Morales (Author), Laura J. Bryant (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 3-5

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Tricycle Press (January 25, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Two stories collide delicately when a little girl collecting berries from her garden and a honeybee collecting nectar meet face-to-face. Using sweet and cadent verses, Morales eases the common fear of bees through respect and understanding. The watercolor and pencil illustrations are delightfully colorful and the dotted lines of the honeybee’s flight path highlight just how busy bees really are. Jam and Honey is light, playful, and enlightening.

Add this book to your collection: Jam & Honey

The Honeybee Man
By Lela Nargi (Author), Kyrsten Brooker (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (March 8, 2011)

Source: Publisher

The Honeybee Man is a nice depiction of the life of an urban beekeeper. Facts meet fiction to offer an educational story that highlights how nature can exist within a concrete jungle with the help of man. The afterword and end papers include even more beekeeping facts and diagrams of bees, hives, and the anatomy of a flower. This is a great choice for kids with a strong thirst for knowledge.

Add this book to your collection: The Honeybee Man

Board Book

The Little Composter

By Jan Gerardi

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Board book: 16 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; Brdbk edition (March 8, 2011)

Source: Publisher

The Little Composter is a compact, sturdy, engaging lift-the-flaps board book form the new Teenie Greenies series. Using basic rhyme, a recipe for compost is shared by a young child who plants, waters, and grows his own garden. Printed on 80% recycled paper, this is a playful and earth-friendly choice with true toddler appeal.

Add this book to your collection: The Little Composter

Early Reader

Little Critter: A Green, Green Garden

By Mercer Mayer

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (March 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Not everyone enjoys gardening, so it’s nice when this Little Critter story closes with an enjoyable feast that highlights the reward that comes from working on a garden. Due to large text and brief sentences, this is a good, environmental themed choice for beginner readers. Consider it a basic lead-in to a lesson on sustainability or just a fun Earth Day read.

Add this book to your collection: Little Critter: A Green, Green Garden

Chapter Book

Ivy and Bean: What’s the Big Idea? (Book 7)

by Annie Barrows (Author), Sophie Blackall (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 6-10

Hardcover: 128 pages

Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 22, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Ivy and Bean return in the seventh book of their series, Ivy + Bean: What’s the Big Idea? All the kids in second grade love science. That is until some older kids come to talk to the class about global warming. Author Annie Barrows is so in-tune with the minds of children, and this shines through with the comical experiments that Ivy and Bean try out before choosing they’re brilliant and thought-provoking Science Fair project. To top off another great installment of the series, there are plenty of great explanations of global warming and the many experiments used throughout the book—they can be found in the last few pages.

Add this book to your collection: Ivy and Bean What’s the Big Idea? (Book 7) by Annie Barrows

Scholastic Media

For more literary and language fun in the name of environmental awareness, Scholastic Media’s award-winning television series WordGirl and Maya & Miguel both have Earth Day specials. The WordGirl episode will air on Friday, April 22 and Maya & Miguel on Thursday, April 21—both on PBS Kids.

Check out last year’s Earth Day list for more suggestions: Green with Environmental Awareness

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 4, 2011

Spring brings warmer weather, fragrant and bright colored flowers, adorable baby farm animals, and taller children. Spring also brings more books—books that encompass all of those topics and more, for our taller children with blossoming minds. It’s time to select a book that matches the tone of the season, grab a blanket and find a nice spot outside for a spring story time session.

From bunnies to eggs to butterflies to chicks and even a spring shower, these books that have been selected all harness some kind of special spring power and celebrate Easter in its secular form.

Picture Books

By Lisa McCue

Reading level: Ages 4-6

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Sterling (March 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Hands down, the best spring book of 2011. The colors, the critters, the bugs, every illustration captures the essence of spring. The story is light and bounces with fun read-aloud words and finishes with a gentle-but-powerful message of self-acceptance. Simply gorgeous!

Add this book to your collection: Quiet Bunny’s Many Colors

Little White Rabbit
By Kevin Henkes

Reading level: Ages 2-7

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (January 25, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Kevin Henkes is brilliant and so is Little White Rabbit. The pastel colors of the pencils and acrylic paint give off friendly charm as the rabbit explores nature and his own abilities. The gentle details given to the rabbit’s face allow the readers to truly experience the delicate emotions experienced on every page—especially the bliss of true devotion from his mother. The double-page spread of Rabbit imagining what it would be like to flutter through the air with butterflies provides sheer elation.

Illustration by Kevin Henkes

Add this book to your collection: Little White Rabbit

Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons
By Il Sung Na

Reading level: 1-5

Hardcover: 24 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (January 11, 2011)

Source: Publisher

This is a beautiful tale of the change of seasons—winter into spring. A white bunny, along with many other animals brave the stark winter and celebrate the colors of life which have been masterfully brought to life with rich inks and oil paints.

Add this book to your collection: Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons

Big Bunny
By Betseygail Rand and Colleen Rand

Reading level: Ages 3-5

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Tricycle Press (January 11, 2011)

Source: Publisher

The illustrations have a folk-tale and tribal feel that make this new take on the story of the Easter Bunny worthy of belief.

Add this book to your collection: Big Bunny

Rain Brings Frogs: A Little Book of Hope
By Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Reading level: Ages 0-7

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (March 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Rain Brings Frogs is a little book of sunshine. Nate, the main character, always looks on the bright side of life: “When Dad says, mud. Mud. Mud. Nate says, Rainbow! Rainbow! Rainbow!” Spring is the warmth after a cold winter and Rain Brings Frogs captures this feeling beautifully. It’s a little book of hope and optimism paired perfectly with endearing watercolor illustrations.

Add this book to your collection: Rain Brings Frogs: A Little Book of Hope

Last One in Is a Rotten Egg! (Gilbert and Friends)
By Diane DeGroat

Reading level: Ages 3-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (January 25, 2011)

Source: Publisher

This is for the family that dreads the Easter Egg Hunt! DeGroat’s story provides enough entertainment and the right amount of “lesson” to induce good behavior, a decent amount of competitiveness and a healthy dose of sharing.

Add this book to your collection: Last One in Is a Rotten Egg! (Gilbert and Friends)

Board Books

One More Egg

Reading level: Ages 1 and up

Board book: 16 pages

Publisher: NorthSouth; Brdbk edition (February 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

A bunny and a chicken go on a quest to find one last egg. After a trip around the farm meeting many different animals, the chicken realizes the power is within her to produce the last egg. A comical and delightful story that will leave readers wondering whether this leading bunny might actually be the Easter Bunny!

Add this book to your collection: One More Egg

Home For A Bunny (Golden Baby)
By Margaret Wise Brown

Reading level: Ages 0-4

Board book: 24 pages

Publisher: Golden Books; Brdbk edition (January 11, 2011)

Source: Publisher

This is a classic book by a classic author, Margret Wise Brown (Goodnight Moon), in a great new format for babies and toddlers. This padded board book is light, chewable and has easy to turn pages that tell a wonderful springtime story of a bunny looking for a new home.

Add this book to your collection: Home For A Bunny (Golden Baby)

Early Readers

Reading level: Ages 4-8; Scholastic Reader: Level 1

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Original edition (January 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Egg hunts, sharing, and pastel hued watercolor illustrations—this is a lovely Easter choice for beginner readers. The text is large with one to two sentences per page.

Add this book to your collection: Noodles: I Love Easter!

Hippo & Rabbit In Three Short Tales
By Jeff Mack

Reading level: Ages 4-8; Scholastic Reader: Level 1

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books; Original edition (February 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Fans of Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie series will love Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales. Great comedic timing with small amounts of large sized text in speech bubbles and entertaining comic style illustrations make this a great choice for beginning readers—even the reluctant ones. Highly recommended.

Add this book to your collection: Hippo & Rabbit In Three Short Tales

Butterflies
By Nic Bishop

Reading level: Ages 4-8; Scholastic Reader: Level 2

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (February 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Stunning close-up photographs, real facts; and a great author’s note, glossary of words, and photo index are found on the last two double-page spreads. Large text well placed on the pages makes it a great choice for a non-fiction early reader book.

Add this book to your collection: Butterflies

Teeny Tiny Animals
By Lexi Ryals

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Reference (March 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

It’s the cover that got me with this book—it just shouts springtime. Open up the book and you’ll discover each double page spread dedicated to a different tiny animal. From dogs to snakes to the Pink Fairy Armadillo, there is something for everyone.

Add this book to your collection: Teeny Tiny Animals

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 12, 2011

Coming soon to a place near you: 100th Day! Yes, depending on how many vacation days, holidays, snow days … your child’s school has had, 100th day should be coming up pretty soon. Here is a new release to whet your young readers appetite:

It’s the 100th Day, Stinky Face!

by Lisa Mccourt (Author), Cyd Moore
(Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books (December 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: What will Stinky Face bring for the 100th day of school? The second in the early reader Stinky Face series.

Lisa McCourt and Cyd Moore’s popular Stinky Face series is now available in a Level 1 easy reader format! In this new story and adventure, Stinky Face, an inquisitive young boy, celebrates 100 days of school! But of course, first he has a question . . .

New readers will love this funny, imaginative story and the easy-to-read text.

Add this book to your collection: It’s The 100th Day, Stinky Face!

Have you read this book? Rate it:
[ratings]

Visit: Joan Holub, the author of over 120 children’s books, has a web-page with more book suggestions and plenty of celebration ideas for this fun day—http://www.joanholub.com/100thDay.html.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 10, 2011

As announced by the American Library Association (ALA), the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book:

“Bink and Gollie,” written by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee and illustrated by Tony Fucile is the 2011 Seuss Award winner. The book is published by Candlewick Press.

Two Geisel Honor Books were named:

“Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!” written and illustrated by Grace Lin and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; and “We Are in a Book!” written and illustrated by Mo Willems and published by Hyperion Books for Children, an imprint of Disney Book Group.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 25, 2010

A simple crowd pleaser: Superhero books!

Boys eat these books up. And, you may or may not be surprised, a lot of girls do, too.

I’ve only provided the publisher’s synopsis below, but mark my word, these books feature the classic characters and their usual good-guy-bad-guy anecdotes. I love that Wonder Woman makes an appearance. Some of the books have been made into level 2 readers for the kids that are gaining confidence with independent reading (some help may be needed). Putting a superhero book into the hands of a beginner reader is a great way to nudge them into the early-fluent reading stage—especially when you build them their own personal bat cave to read in (bat cave à la pillows and blankets). Holy books, Batman!

Batman Classic: Meet the Super Heroes: With Superman and Wonder Woman (I Can Read Book 2)

by Michael Teitelbaum

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (December 22, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: When an evil dragon attacks Gotham City, Batman knows he can’t stop it by himself. With Superman and Wonder Woman fighting by his side, there is nothing these three Super Heroes can’t do!

Add this book to your collection: Batman Classic: Meet the Super Heroes: With Superman and Wonder Woman

Batman Classic: Gothams Villains Unleashed!

by John Sazaklis

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 24 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival (December 22, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: Gotham’s most dangerous criminals are on the loose! After the Joker breaks out the city’s nastiest villains from Arkham Asylum, Batman must act fast to locate the inmates and return them to custody. With Robin at his side, can Batman stop each and every one of these evildoers before it’s too late?

Add this book to your collection: Batman Classic: Gothams Villains Unleashed!

Batman Classic: The Batman Reusable Sticker Book

by John Sazaklis

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 12 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival (May 25, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: Help Batman fight crime in this fun, action-packed reusable sticker book. But beware! Gotham’s most dangerous villains are lurking around every corner . . . KAPOW!

Add this book to your collection: Batman Classic: The Batman Reusable Sticker Book

Superman Classic: I Am Superman (I Can Read Book 2)

by Michael Teitelbaum

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (December 22, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: Superman is in his Fortress of Solitude when Lex Luthor puts all of Metropolis in danger. Can Superman fly back to the city in time to stop Lex and save the day?

Add this book to your collection: Superman Classic: I Am Superman

Superman Classic: Superman versus Bizarro (I Can Read Book 2)

by Chris Strathearn

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (May 25, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: When Bizarro crashes into Metropolis, he does more harm than good. What will it take to show this backward hero the way home?

Add this book to your collection: Superman Classic: Superman versus Bizarro

Superman Classic: The Incredible Shrinking Superhero!

by Zachary Rau

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 24 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival (December 22, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: Superman, Wonder Woman, and the president have been captured by the evil alien Brainiac, who has shrunk Superman and the president to a super-small size. Trapped on the villain’s spaceship, the Super Heroes must combine their amazing powers to defeat their larger-than-life foe!

Add this book to your collection: Superman Classic: The Incredible Shrinking Superhero!

Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus the Lizard (I Can Read Book 2)

by Susan Hill

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (December 29, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: Spider-Man’s newest enemy is big, green, and mean. Spider-Man thinks he has him all figured out. But there may be more to the Lizard than Spidey can imagine!

Add this book to your collection: Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus the Lizard

Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus the Green Goblin (I Can Read Book 2)

by Susan Hill

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (December 29, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Synopsis: Spider-Man is on the lookout for his friend Harry’s father when a new villain glides by. Can Spidey find Harry’s dad with the Green Goblin close behind?

Add this book to your collection: Spider-Man: Spider-Man versus the Green Goblin

Leave us a comment: If you could be any superhero, which one would you be? I aspire to be Wonder Woman—if only to wear that costume for a day!

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 3, 2010

So you think your child is emerging as a reader? Summer may just be the season to nurture your child’s desire to read, by reading books with him that are engaging and predictable and have pictures that clearly relate-to and illustrate the story line. If you’re not sure whether your child is an emerging reader, you may enjoy this article: How to Tell if Your Child is Ready to Read by Lynn Maslen Kertell, Bob Books Publications.

The following recommendations have been selected because of their large text, repetitive patterns, repeated vocabulary, wide spacing, limited text on pages, and familiar concepts. They have been listed from easiest to more difficult.

Dinosaur Hunt (Max Spaniel)

by David Catrow

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Orchard Books (August 1, 2009)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Spaniels, Dogs, Bones

There is so much to love about this book. Dinosaur Hunt has minimal, large, repetitive text with a touch of rhyme—perfect for emerging readers—and it still manages to pack a powerful punch of entertainment. Max Spaniel, who is not a dog but a great hunter, is off on a dinosaur hunt. He discovers many house and garden items which he mistakes for dinosaur parts—rightly so, when you see the final illustration. David Catrow is a master illustrator who also has a knack with words. Bravo!

Add this book to your collection: Dinosaur Hunt (Max Spaniel)

More “Max Spaniel” summer reading: Funny Lunch

Fly Guy Meets Fly Girl

by Tedd Arnold

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books (January 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Flies, Friendship

Fly Guy is a great series for emerging readers due to the fact that it  has limited, large-sized text on each page—not to mention Tedd Arnold’s very funny illustrations. In this installment, Buzz and Fly Guy are bored and discover that new adventures can bring chance meetings with new friends. The latter makes a great topic for summer reading.

Add this book to your collection: Fly Guy Meets Fly Girl

More “Fly Guy” summer reading: I Spy Fly Guy

Gilbert, the Surfer Dude (I Can Read Book 2)

by Diane Degroat

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

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

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Beach, Surfing, Opossums

This is a book for children that are strengthening their literacy skills but are still needing some help. It’s broken down into 3 short chapters with large text and wide spacing. The overall story of Gilbert’s family beach vacation is quite amusing—Gilbert forgets to pack his bathing suit, his mother purchases him some new “surfer dude” trunks that are a little too big, which he loses while learning to surf (he finds them, of course)! The illustrations are fun and relatable. Thumbs-up!

Add this book to your collection: Gilbert, the Surfer Dude (I Can Read Book 2)

You may also enjoy the following summer reading list: Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Prereading / Ages 3-5

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.