By Elena (Age 11), for The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 30, 2010

I So Don’t Do Spooky

by Barrie Summy

Reading level: Ages 9-13

Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (December 8, 2009)

Source: Publisher

This book is part of the “I So Don’t Do…” series about a middle school girl named Sherry who has the ability to interact with ghosts, including her mother, a former police officer, with whom Sherry solves mysteries.  These books are like funny, modern Nancy Drew mysteries with a ghost-twist.

I really liked I So Don’t Do Spooky because it is about how Sherry and her mother (ghost mother) solve the mystery about who is threatening Sherry’s new stepmother.  Sherry’s stepmother is a strict but very nice teacher at Sherry’s middle school (her nickname is “The Ruler”!).   Like the rest of the series, this book is a mixture of realistic fiction, science fiction, mystery and humor. I would recommend this book and the rest of the series! In particular, I would recommend these books for girls ages 9-13.

Add this book to your collection: I So Don’t Do Spooky

Note: Elena composed this with some assistance from her fabulous mom, but it is in her own words.

©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.

The Tighty Whitey Spider: And More Wacky Animal Poems I Totally Made Up

by Kenn Nesbitt (Author), Ethan Long (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 6-11

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; Pap/Com edition (April 1, 2010)

Sometimes it can be hard to even fathom the thought that your child will pick up a book and read it—let alone a book of poems. Unless, of course, it’s a book of funny animal poems written by bestselling poet Kenn Nesbitt. His latest collection of poetry, The Tighty Whitey Spider: and More Wacky Animal Poems I Totally Made Up, is downright hilarious and tastefully flavored with black-and-white illustrations.

Kenn Nesbitt is a young people’s poet virtuoso. His zippy rhymes roll right off the tongue and are fantastic for independent readers or a group read-aloud session. The poem titles alone are enough to grab a young readers attention, or any reader with an eye for preposterousness; such as: Today I Touched the Buffalobster, When Pigs Fly, and Toby the Snowboarding Elephant. Each reader is certain to connect with the absurdity of the poems and, undoubtedly, will find that particular pieces resonate with their inner silliness more than others. For those that enjoy a good audiobook, Nesbitt reads his poems with captivating energy—another way to entrap your non-reader and conform him or her into a poetry reader. This book certainly gets the green light!

Excerpt from While Lying on the Grass Today:

While lying on the grass today

and staring at the sky,

I saw the strangest animals

in clouds that drifted by.

I saw a cloud that looked just like

an elephant on skis.

Another one reminded me

of dancing manatees. …

About the author: Kenn Nesbitt is one of the most in-demand children’s poetry performers in the country, and founder of  poetry4kids.com. In honor of National Poetry Month (April), and to celebrate the release of his new book, The Tighty-Whitey Spider, his book My Hippo Has the Hiccups is available as a free eBook.

Add this book to your collection: The Tighty Whitey Spider: And More Wacky Animal Poems I Totally Made Up

And this one: My Hippo Has the Hiccups

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Pink Me Up

by Charise Mericle Harper

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (February 23, 2010)

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Pink, Fathers and daughters

It’s the day of the Pink Girls Pink-nic and Mama has come down with the chickenpox (or something of the likes). Daddy steps in to save the day, but how can a dad go to a “Pink-nic?” Boys do not wear pink—right? In our, thankfully, modern world, where men are no longer afraid to have a strong aesthetic sense, they do wear pink. And, like so many parents have done before, this particular daddy will go to great lengths to keep his daughter happy; he embraces his inner metro-sexual self by dressing in pink and taking his daughter to the Pink Girls Pink-nic. The story is playful and the text has been carefully designed to catch the eye and emphasize the mood in all of the rights places. From the cheerful font to the painted illustrations, this delightfully, entertaining story of daddy-saves-the-day will have you charmed … and the ending will leave you tickled pink!

Add this book to your collection: Pink Me Up

You may also like: Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann

A look at Charise Mericle Harper’s studio:

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Manners, manners, manners. The oh-so important skill: manners! We need them all year round but somehow they seem extra important during the holiday season. Here are a couple of books that have an encouragingly humorous take on socially acceptable behavior. I have read each one and give my complete seal of approval. I’ve included the publisher’s synopsis for your benefit, thank you!

Thanks a LOT, Emily Post!

by Jennifer Larue Huget (Author), Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade; 1 edition (September 22, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: A hilarious look at good (and bad) behavior!

Based on Emily Post’s bestselling etiquette book, published in 1922, here’s an uproarious picture book that takes rules about behavior and turns them upside down. When Mother brings home Post’s big blue book—it’s all about minding your manners—there sure are a lot of new rules to follow: No slumping in chairs, no leaning on your elbows at the table, no shouting at the top of your lungs. Mother is delighted, but the kids are not. What they need is a clever plan to get rid of that pesky book once and for all. But how? Turns out the answer’s easy—they just have to play by the rules.

With actual quotes and characters from Post’s book woven into the story, here’s an uproarious look at being on your best behavior . . . and on your worst!

Add this book to your collection: Thanks a LOT, Emily Post!

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners

by Laurie Keller

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 40 pages

Publisher: Square Fish; Reprint edition (September 1, 2009)

Source: Purchased

Publisher’s synopsis: “Do not do to others that which would anger you if others did it to you.”

Add this book to your collection: Tea for Ruby

Leave us a comment: Tell us which books you’ve used for encouraging good manners in children.

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Ivy + Bean – Doomed to Dance (Book 6)

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

Reading level: Ages 6-10

Hardcover: 122 pages

Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 14, 2009)

What to expect: Ballet, Best friends, Friendship

Hooray! I can finally say that I have read an Ivy and Bean book. And let me tell you, I thought it was fantastic.

Ivy and Bean are deliciously-devilish girls all wrapped up in childhood innocence. They are best friends: so different, yet so alike. After they convince their parents to let them join ballet class—it takes some serious begging due to the girls history of not sticking to their hobbies—they decide that they may not have made the right choice. After many laughable attempts to ditch class, they come to the conclusion that the only thing to do is runaway. This is where the hilarious adventure begins and quirky-but-wholesome lessons are learned.

The combination of Annie Barrows’ ludicrous plot and Sophie Blackall’s charmingly-distinctive illustrations, make a wonderful and entertaining early chapter book. A great choice for kids making the plunge into the world of ‘longer books’.

An excerpt from chapter one, Ballet Or Bust:

“Bean was at Ivy’s house on the day it arrived. They were supposed to be subtracting, but they were tired of that so they ripped open the package and sat sat down side by side on Ivy’s couch to look at The Royal Book of the Ballet.” Read the whole first chapter…

Publisher’s synopsis: Finally! After begging their parents for ballet lessons, Ivy and Bean finally get what they want…well, not exactly. Much to their surprise, it turns out ballet lessons do not include karate chops and roundhouse kicks to the villain’s heart. The girls have no interest in learning how to dance gracefully, but they promised their parents they would finish the entire ballet course! When it comes time for Ivy and Bean to participate in the ocean-themed class recital, the girls must figure out a way to get out of it without breaking their promises.

Add this book to your collection: Ivy + Bean – Doomed to Dance (Book 6)

Visit the Ivy + Bean website.

Leave us a comment: Have you or your child read any of the Ivy + Bean books?

_{Source of book: Publisher}

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them and try to follow them.” ~ Louisa May Alcott (Author of the classic children’s book Little Women)

Chicken Dance

by Tammi Sauer (Author), Dan Santat (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 36 pages

Publisher: Sterling (August 1, 2009)

What to expect: Talent Shows, Ability, Chickens, Domestic animals, Humor

In life, we always find groups. Groups of like-minded beings (animals and people). Groups typically stick together because of race or breed, some stick together because of shared talents. It is usually these shared talents that give us purpose and sheer enjoyment in life.

Sometimes we like to try new things and set new goals. And, sometimes our goals feel out of reach, especially when others are trying their hardest to bring us down. When this happens, we often just need a little inspiration. When Marge and Lola, two chickens, enter a talent contest to win tickets to see “Elvis Poultry” live in concert, they have to dig deep to overcome a flock of taunting ducks so that they can find the talent they posses within themselves. When times get tough, Marge and Lola find inspiration in the cows who jump over the moon!

Do they win the talent contest? No story spoiling here, sorry! What I will tell you though, is that author Tammi Sauer has delivered an inspiring message of perseverance and courage — often the talent we behold is the talent of being ourselves. Tammi’s message has been so wonderfully wrapped in a lively tail shaking, feather ruffling way, every child and parent will delight in its charm. Not to mention the deliciously rich and vibrant acrylic and ink with Adobe Photoshop illustrations by Dan Santant. His talent and wit are the perfect addition to this charismatic book.

I’m just going to finish with one of Elvis Poultry’s hits: “I Don’t Crow if the Sun Don’t Shine”, and this book makes the sun shine, so I am crowing with happiness! Tammi and Dan, thank you … thank you very much!

About the Author: Tammi Sauer is the author of the best-selling Cowboy Camp (Sterling, 2005), which was a 2006 finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award; selected for Nevada Young Readers’ Award Reading List for 2007; and selected by the Oklahoma Center for the Book as the premier Oklahoman title at the 2007 National Book Festival. She is an active blogger (www.tammisauer.com) and highly involved in the children’s writer community. Tammi graduated from Kansas State University with a BA in Elementary Education and has worked as a teacher and library media specialist.

About the Illustrator: Dan Santat is both author and illustrator of The Guild of Geniuses (Arthur A Levine Books, 2004).which was a Society of Illustrators Original Art Show Selection and won the Los Angeles Society of Illustrators Bronze Medal for Book Illustration. In addition, Dan illustrated Rhea Perlman’s Otto Undercover series (Katherine Tegan Books/HarperCollins) and The Secret Life of Walter Kitty, written by Barbara Jean Hicks (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2007). Find out more at www.dantat.com.

Add this book to your collection: Chicken Dance

Giveaway: Chicken Dance Contest

Egg Drop

by Mini Grey

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (July 14, 2009)

What to expect: Eggs, Chickens, Flight, Over Ambitious

As parents, we often need to be creative in the way we encourage and discourage certain activities that our children wish to partake in. Never wanting to squash their ambitions, but always needing to keep them safe and out of harms way. As we learn from the mother hen in Egg Drop, when young ears are eager, a little bit of jaw-dropping creativity can go a long way.

Mother hen tells her chicks the cautionary tale of an egg who wants to fly. As an adult, we know that eggs can’t fly, but children are a lot more open-minded than us, while they may realize that an egg does not have wings, they do not rule out an eggs ability to fly. The same way of thinking applies to the way children assert themselves into activities. When the egg reaches the top of the tower ( a whole 583 steps), it takes a deep breath and steps of into space. *Pause* Do you think he could fly? Nope, he could not. He ends up cracked on the ground like his distant relative Humpty Dumpty. Mother hen explains:

Mini Grey’s Egg Drop is one of the nuttiest picture books I have ever read that still manages to send its message home: err on the side of caution. It takes talent to be an author and illustrator, but with Egg Drop the real talent lies in Mini’s talent to be so shocking and still have the reader being able to see the sunny side up. A truly original tale!

About the Author-Artist: Mini Grey was born in a Mini Cooper car in a parking lot in Wales, thus her name, Mini. She is the brilliant young author-artist of Traction Man Is Here!, which won the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award; its sequel, Traction Man Meets TurboDog, which was the recipient of many starred reviews; and The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon, a Kate Greenaway Medal winner.

Add this book to your collection: Egg Drop

Tell us about the books that you like to use to teach children about ambition or over ambition? Leave us a comment below.

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

I Love You, Stinky Face

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

Reading level: Ages 0-6

Board book: 16 pages

Publisher: Scholastic (March 2004)

What to expect: Love, Animals, Parent and child, Fiction

McCourt has masterfully managed to be playful and energizing in this distinguished bedtime story. How can you put playfulness and energy into a bedtime story? By using a soothing and reassuring tone.

Mama, what if I were a big, scary ape? Would you still love me then?

“If you were a big, scary ape, I would make your birthday cake out of banana, and I would tell you, ‘I love you, my big, scary ape.’ “

A great way to wind down from a busy day of play is to smile, giggle, snuggle, and read. This book offers all of that and more. Unconditional love is one of the most important parts of developing a secure, and emotionally healthy child; I Love You, Stinky Face delivers that message loud and clear. While this is a book that both boys and girls enjoy, it will certainly strike a chord with the dudes. It’s a winner!

Add this book to your collection: I Love You, Stinky Face

Yummiest Love

by Lisa McCourt (Author), Laura J. Bryant (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 0-6

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books (January 1, 2009)

What to expect: Love, Bears, Parent and child, Fiction

Yummiest Bear is delightfully sweet, just as its title depicts. The book beholds the wonderful magic of love that is created by the natural foundations of a parent-child relationship that strengthens on an everyday basis. McCourt’s writing is energetic without being loud, and captures regular moments and makes them all special by proclaiming a parents unconditional love. The illustrations have a gentle, angelic charm, and re-enforce the mutual admiration between parent and child. The pictures are fairly gender neutral, which makes the book work for any family combinations. I believe this book also helps parents to be able to laugh at the more mundane situations that are a part of parenting.

Slightly more mellow than I Love You, Stinky Face, Yummiest Bear is a calm and expressive book for the sentimental — sure to produce sweet dreams.

Add this book to your collection: Yummiest Love

You may also like: It’s Time for School, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt, Would They Love A Lion? by Kady McDonald Denton, and Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown.

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Published: June 22, 2009

Are You A Horse?

by Andy Rash

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books (March 1, 2009)

What to expect: Animals, Horse, Comedy, Birthday party

Andy Rash’s Are You A Horse? is a very witty original, yet, perfectly reminiscent of the classic book by Dr. Suess’ protegé P.D. Eastman, Are You My Mother?. Roy receives a saddle for his birthday and we discover that he does not know what it is for. In fact, he doesn’t even know what a horse is! So the journey begins, Roy sets out to find a horse. The artwork, created using gouache and india ink on Arches watercolor paper, sets a “yee-haw” vibe and effortlessly depicts a “country and western” tone. It’s a lively adventure full of guesswork that is so absurdly obvious to preschoolers — a foolproof way of achieving fits of laughter. The ending is pertinent and priceless. Too funny!

Publisher’s synopsis: For his birthday, Roy’s Friends give him a saddle and some very specific instructions:

1. Find a horse.

2. Enjoy the ride!

But there’s a problem; Roy doesn’t know what a horse IS! So he sets off to find out with hilarious results: A snake tells him to look for a creature with legs. A crab has six legs, but he’s too unfriendly to be a horse. A chameleon smiles at Roy, but horses don’t change color… What’s a horseless cowboy to do?

Add this book to your collection: Are You A Horse?

You may also like: Boo Hoo Bird by Jeremy Tankard, or Are You My Mother by P.D. Eastman

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Boo Hoo Bird

by Jeremy Tankard

Reading level: Ages 1-6

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Press (April 1, 2009)

What to expect: Birds, Animals, Boo boos, Emotion

Jeremy Tankard has certainly found the right frequency when it comes to connecting with children. Bird, the star of two fantastic picture books, is a character whose personality has been developed with brilliant accuracy to portray the honest nature of children. Bird first appeared as his cantankerous self in Grumpy Bird. He returns to us in fine form for Boo Hoo Bird. The book shares many different ideas on making boo boos feel better. Tankards wording is precise, and his illustrations have perfect comedic timing. Perceptive parents should welcome discussions at the end of this book to talk about the camaraderie between Bird and his friends and their ability to express empathy even when Bird is at his worst. Tankard delivers an excellent message of compassion. This is such a relate-able book for children, and parents will find it hilarious. It’s short, sweet, and easy to read over-and-over again–and you will have to!

Publisher’s synopsis: Bird and Raccoon are playing ball, when Bird gets bonked on the head. “Boo hoo hoo!” he cries. What will make Bird feel better? A kiss? A cookie? A bandaid? Bird’s friends Raccoon, Rabbit, Beaver, Sheep, and Fox are full of sweet and funny ideas.

Perfectly pitched and hilariously imagined, this charming story about a universal experience will put a smile on the face of every child who has suffered a boo-boo and every parent who has struggled to come up with just the right way to give comfort.

About the author: “After a childhood of drawing and writing I attended the Alberta College of Art and Design where I studied drawing and printmaking. I worked as a graphic designer and typesetter before embarking on a career in illustration. After a few years of commercial illustration I went back to storytelling and began writing and illustrating my own books.”

Add this book to your collection: Boo Hoo Bird

You may also like: Grumpy Bird and The Pout-Pout Fish

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.