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home >> kids' zone >> Staff Picks Archive To return to the current list of book reviews, click here.
Niki Daly Reviewed by Liz March 12, 2008 When Ruby comes home a huge "Hi, everybody!" rings through the neighborhood - Ruby is LOUD! In fact, she is so loud even her school friends think she's too loud to have around. But her jazz-playing neighbors Bernard and Zelda think she's got a great voice. See how Ruby learns to control her volume and discover her hidden talent! This picture book's pages are filled with Ruby's vocals.
(books by various authors) Reviewed by Liz March 5, 2008 Ready to start reading? These great books walk you through the best steps to begin reading - reading together, prompting, etc. Simple stories and simple sentences ("An apple falls. Otter picks it up.") make for easy and fun reading practice. Check them out in the JE-R (beginning readers) section under BRA for Brand New Readers.
Beverly Cleary Reviewed by Liz March 5, 2008 Ralph is a mouse whose family has never ventured outside the hotel where they scrounge crumbs for a living. Ralph, however, dreams of adventure. When a human boy visits the hotel and brings along his shiny toy motorcycle, Ralph strikes up a very unusual friendship and discovers that once a mouse can ride a motorcycle, anything can happen! For kids in 3rd grade and up!
Roald Dahl Reviewed by Liz February 21, 2008 "My father, without the slightest doubt, was the most marvelous and exciting father any boy ever had. You might think, if you didn't know him well, that he was a stern and serious man. He wasn't. What made him appear so serious was the fact that he never smiled with his mouth. He did it all with his eyes..." This story is about the deepest, darkest secret Danny's father had, and the strange adventures it led them both into. For kids ages 8 and up.
Jon J Muth (based on a story by Leo Tolstoy) Reviewed by Liz February 21, 2008 When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? Young Nikolai seeks counsel from his animal friends, but it is his response to a stranger's cry for help that leads him directly to the answers he is looking for. For kids ages 4-8.
Tony Abbott Reviewed by Liz January 25, 2008 Looking for a good adventure with a bit of magic thrown in? Join Eric and his best friends Julie and Neal as they discover a staircase to a world called Droon. There they make friends with Princess Keeah and help her to protect the land from the evil Lord Sparr. Start with The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet and work your way through all 23 volumes (so far). For kids grades 2nd through 4th.
Kate DiCamillo Reviewed by Liz January 11, 2008 Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni has just moved to small-town Naomi, Florida, where she finds herself without any friends and with a father who is so closed-off and distant that she thinks of his job title as his name: Preacher. When she meets a stray dog who is as loveable and charming as he is big and ugly, she finds in him a friend. Dog and girl begin to make friends with the townspeople, most of them as unusual as Winn-Dixie the dog and as lonely as Opal the girl. This book is a short and sweet read for older kids. Also check out the audiobook - performer Cherry Jones brings to life Opal's free spirit and the eagerness with which Winn-Dixie opens hearts.
by Shawn Tan Reviewed by Liz January 4, 2008 An immigrant's story, told in a wordless graphic novel format. A husband and father leaves a country where an imposing dragon-like shadow hangs over daily life, and journeys to a city and a land that are much, much different than his familiar home. Everything in the new land is unfamiliar: animals, food, language. But he finds helpful people and makes a new life, eventually bringing his family to join him. The story is familiar, but the strangeness of the animals and the language really bring home the overwhelming unknown that immigrants must feel when journeying to a new home. For older kids.
by Graham Salisbury Reviewed by Kate October 29, 2007 Are you looking for a tale of adventure? This story, based on fact, takes place in Hawaii during the 1975 earthquake and the tsunami that followed. A group of boy scouts and two adult leaders have set up camp at the remote campground near the Kilauea volcano. The appearance of two howling dogs, a black one and a white one, at the top of the cliff worries Dylan. What are they doing in this desolate place? During the night, Dylan hears a groaning far beneath his sleeping bag. The earth trembles, and the ground rises up to meet him… For kids 9-12 or so.
- Winner of the Caldecott Medal, 2008 by Brian Selznick Reviewed by Liz September 28, 2007 In this uniquely formatted book, the plot is brought to life not just with text, but with several series of beautifully-drawn pictures. Follow the story of Hugo, a 12-year-old orphan, thief, and clock-keeper, as his life becomes entangled with those of a young girl, an old man, and a robot-like invention, all of whom have their own secrets. Filled with adventure and personal discoveries, this work of art expresses emotions and paints a mystery at the same time. For kids ages 9ish to 12ish.
by Gregory Rogers Reviewed by Liz September 28, 2007 Dreamlike in sequence, this wordless book follows Bear as he finds himself in a fantasy wood and a fraction of his usual size! After nearly being gobbled up by a bird, he is rescued by a fairy and taken to a castle, where political intrigue and dastardly plots abound. Bear must escape from prison and save the king and queen if he is to receive his knighthood! For ages 6ish to 9ish.
- Winner of the Newbery Medal, 2007 by Susan Patron Reviewed by Kate March 20, 2007 Lucky’s life hasn’t been particularly lucky, so far! She doesn’t know her father, and her mom died in a freak accident. She lives with Brigitte, her French guardian, in Hard Pan, CA, population 43. Her best friends are young Miles, who is always begging for cookies, and Lincoln, who is amazing at tying knots. (Of course, he’s always practicing!) What will become of her if Brigitte, who is homesick, returns to France? Will Lucky have to go to an orphanage?
by Michael Morpurgo Reviewed by Kate March 20, 2007 Follow 8-year-old Tomas as he learns to love stories spun by a librarian, while sitting on a beautiful wooden unicorn. One day, she reads from her copy of “The Little Match Girl,” which is singed from fire. She explains to the children that when she was growing up, soldiers in brown shirts burned the books. However, her father rescued her book from the fire, and it is her most prized book... Discover what happens when war comes to Tomas’s village, and what becomes of the library, the books, and the unicorn. Lovely illustrations are provided by Gary Blythe. This story is for kids 9-12.
by Jennifer L. Holm reviewed by Kate February 1, 2007 It’s the fifties, and Penny and her widowed mother live with Me-Me and Pop-Pop, her grandparents. Nearby is the other side of her family, huge and Italian. Her Nonny is her grandma, who always wears black, just as the older Italian ladies did in my neighborhood when I was growing up in Detroit. (Dressing in black=mourning the loss of someone, and all the ladies had lost someone!) She has uncles and aunts galore, and they all love her. Why don’t both sides of her family speak? Does it have something to do with her father’s death? Read about the mischief Penny and her cousin, Frankie, get into, and how she finds the answers to her questions. Penny from Heaven is a delightful story! For kids 9-12.
by Audrey Shafer Reviewed by Kate January 29, 2007 When Gabe came home from school one day, he found his uncle Vernon stretched out on the floor, dead! Since Gabe was a product of the foster care system, he was afraid to tell anyone because he didn’t want to be placed with another family. The next day, Uncle Vernon’s body disappeared while Gabe was at school. When he found an unsigned message in the mailbox, he was really mystified. Find out what happened to Uncle Vernon’s body and what becomes of Gabe by reading The Mailbox. For kids fourth grade and older.
by Angela McAllister Reviewed by Kate January 3, 2007 Poor Digory. Through no fault of his own, the people of his town, Batty-by Noodle, believe he’s slain a dragon! After he is knighted, he sets off on a quest to have adventures, and boy, does he have them! If you like to laugh, you’ll LOVE this one! For readers with a finely developed sense of humor who are in upper elementary, or for listeners in first grade and older.
by Kate DiCamillo Reviewed by Cynthia December 1, 2006 Edward is a well loved and groomed China rabbit, and he is fabulous. (Just ask him, he’ll tell you!) However, Edward is about to go on a journey and what occurs during that journey is a remarkable transformation. This is a brilliant story, and very nice to listen to on audio book. If you are looking for a book on love and forgiveness, this is the one! 1st grade and up for read-aloud.
by David Barry Reviewed by Cynthia December 1, 2006 This fantasy is based on Peter Pan, by Sir J. M. Barrie, and it is terrific! It has everything you could want: humor, suspense, adventure. . . Peter does not start out to be a flying boy, but a regular one. He is on his way to the royal court of an evil king for a life of dismal servitude. On board the passenger ship, he meets Molly and his life is turned upside down. The two battle sinister pirates, hostile natives, and the evil Mr. Grin. Will they survive? Peter and the Shadow Thieves, the sequel, is also available. The audio books, read by the narrator of the Harry Potter series, are a wonderful format for this adventure. 1st grade and up for read-aloud. by Virginia Hamilton Reviewed by Cynthia December 1, 2006 An exciting mystery with lots of suspense! Beneath the Drear house are miles of tunnels once used in the Underground Railroad. Do they contain treasure? Everyone wants to find out, but you’ll have to read it to see if they do! Grades 4th and up.
by Gloria Skurzynski Reviewed by Cynthia December 1, 2006 Nicky, Jack and Ashley are smart kids who know how to survive in adverse conditions. However, when they are kidnapped and left to die, will they be attacked by animals, freeze in a snow shelter, or actually survive a night in the Alaskan wilderness? A page turning mystery for sure! 4th grade and up.
by Roald Dahl Reviewed by Cynthia December 1, 2006 Big Friendly Giant. . . . Each night, mean, ugly, hungry giants set out, travel the world, and eat people; including children, from a variety of places. The question is “Can they be stopped?” A wonderfully creative and an engaging story you’re sure to love from the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach. 1st grade and up for read-aloud.
by Bruce Coville Reviewed by Cynthia December 1, 2006 “Oh, girls can be strong and girls can be brave. Boys can be wrong and by girls be saved!” This fantasy has the tables turned. Instead of the terrible dragon being slayed by a brave knight, the - oh my - I almost gave the ending away. . . . Really funny and has others in the series if you like it! 1st grade and up for read-aloud.
by Tony DiTerlizzi Reviewed by Cynthia December 1, 2006 The Grace kids have moved into their new home. Yuck! They are not impressed. One night, they hear rustling in the kitchen. When they investigate, they find a squirrel’s nest in the wall. When they remove the nest, bad things start happening. Later, a hidden, dust covered library is discovered. They come across a book describing local fairy creatures. Maybe it wasn’t a squirrel’s nest after all. . . Available in audio book, and a wonderful fantasy series comprised of 5 volumes. 1st grade and up for a read-aloud.
by Kathy Mackel Reviewed by Cynthia December 1, 2006 If you feel like you don’t fit in, and no one likes you, this story has a character you can relate to. In fact, Mike Pillsbury is so upset; he sends a S. O. S. into outer space and begs to be taken off of this inhospitable planet! Filled with aliens, spacecraft, and other worlds, this is one fantastic science fiction story. I don’t generally read sci-fi, and I thought it was hilarious! 1st grade and up for a read-aloud.
by Annie Appleford Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 This beautifully illustrated ABC book is for an older child. Each letter of the alphabet is shown and connected to a Michigan place, person or event. In addition, each page contains a detailed paragraph providing extra information on the subject. Very well presented and can be used effectively either for Michigan history or an alphabet review.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 This is a very straight forward alphabet book. Each letter is shown in large font and is easily identifiable. In addition, each letter is linked to a word that is then found in four pictures at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This book is an excellent springboard for conversation as style of art, colors and location of certain objects in the art work can all be discussed. Vocabulary can also be improved using this book as you can ask a lot of “What is this?” and “What are those?” type questions. Very bright and visually stimulating! Preschool and up.
by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 Another masterpiece by Jenkins! This is a fabulous concept book that describes animal movement. All illustrations are done in torn paper collage. Jenkins has a number of books out in the same format and that are also very interesting and engaging. Toddlers and up.
by Patrick McDonnell Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 Excellent! A wonderful rhyming text describes the kinds of art Art likes to make. This story can be used to talk about colors and shapes with a younger crowd, and would be very easy to read aloud before bedtime. Pair it with any of the Harold and the Purple Crayon stories by Crockett Johnson for a great combination! Preschool and up.
by John Segal Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 What a cute story! It is spring, and Rabbit can finally plant his garden full of carrots! When it comes time to harvest them, something dreadful has happened! Where are all his carrots? Beautifully illustrated, and includes a recipe for carrot soup. Preschool and up.
by Denise Fleming Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 Mr. McGreely has a fabulous garden planned in his mind, and it is finally time to plant it. Three rabbit friends are determined that it is time to eat it. The methods he tries to keep his garden rabbit free are hilarious! Denise Fleming is an accomplished author, and you’ll find many of her wonderful stories on our shelves. This can be used with Carrot Soup, by John Segal for a spring planting/rabbit theme. Preschool and up.
by Erika Oller Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 This is one of my favorites! The water color art is beautiful and engaging. I love the facial expressions! This is a story of loneliness and solitude that is fixed with cabbages and rabbits. This story can be used together with Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!, by Denise Fleming, and Carrot Soup, by John Segal. Preschool and up.
by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 What a neat book! The trouble George Washington had with his teeth is legendary, and this book provides an insider’s view with rhyming, easy to understand text. The authors did a fantastic job of making the subject humorous and approachable for children. Also included is an excellent timeline of events and tooth issues in George’s life. Kindergarten and up.
by Lynne Cherry Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 Beautifully illustrated, this book tells a story of rain forest destruction, and what would happen if a mighty Kapok tree is cut down. The animals and people native to the area must convince the sleeping logger to leave the tree standing. Do you think they can be successful? Age 4 and up.
by Donald Crews Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 A must read for any one who has a train lover at home! Very simple text, and bright, interesting pictures make this perfect for a bedtime or anytime read. This can also be used to teach colors and train car names. Toddler and up.
by Gloria Whelan Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 This is a superb example of well written multicultural fiction. Koly is a thirteen year old girl growing up in India. Her family is not wealthy, and they struggle to get through daily life. To reduce their financial burden, Koly’s family has decided she is of marrying age, and has found her a groom. She doesn’t know it yet, but she is being married for a reason far different from love and respect. An excellent read that is suspenseful and moves quickly. Look for many other titles on our shelves by Gloria Whelan.
by Andrew Clements Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 Nick is a bright and intelligent boy. When challenged at school by Mrs. Granger, an equally bright and intelligent teacher, the war is on! Nick decides he will change the English language by renaming “pen” as “frindle”. The new phrase catches on, and soon “frindle” is all over the country. This is hilarious and really enjoyable! Chapter book good for ages 8 and up. (Can be read aloud to a younger group.)
by Jerry Pallotta Reviewed by Cynthia November 15, 2006 This is a great book for anyone who loves insects! Bright, colorful pictures, and accurate descriptions make this really interesting and informative. Some of the pages have hidden text! Can you find it? Other titles from Jerry Pallotta are available in our library. See the reference desk if you need help to locate them. This book can be used with toddlers to compare sizes, describe shapes, body parts and colors, or with older children learning about the alphabet and insects.
by Michael Morpurgo Reviewed by Cynthia, October 10, 2006 This absorbing historical fiction novel takes place in England during World War II. Because the Allies need to practice beach landings, people who live along the East Coast have to evacuate. Lily and her family prepare to move to Uncle George’s farm, but when it is time to go, Tips the Cat has disappeared! Two Yanks who have become friends with Lily’s family promise to find Tips for her, since Lily’s home and barn are now off limits because of the military activities taking place. Discover along with Lily’s present day grandson what happened to Lily, Tips, and their Yankee friends, as the Allies prepared to land on the coast of France! For kids grades 4-6.
by Ruth Krauss Reviewed by Kate, July 29, 2006 This is one of my favorite books EVER! Maurice Sendak, of Where the Wild Things Are fame, is the illustrator, and the pictures are a hoot! Some of my favorite definitions? “A hole is when you step in it, you go down.” Or “Noses are to rub.” Or “Toes are to dance on.” Or “Eyebrows are to go over your eyes.” My absolute favorite? “Mud is to jump in and slide in and yell doodleedoodleedoo!” For all ages!
by Mark Teague Reviewed by Kate, July 29, 2006 You have to laugh, just looking at the cover! Enjoy this tale of how young Wallace Bleff spent his summer, as reported to his class! He tells how he took the train out West to visit his aunt but was captured by cowboys, who needed another cowhand for the round-up. Don’t miss the expression on the face of this duded up cowboy, chaps and all, as he comes face to face with the steer he’s just roped! (Don’t miss the steer’s expression, either!) This is a very interesting take on a normally boring school assignment! For all ages.
by Jack Prelutsky Reviewed by Cynthia, August 16, 2006 Absolute hilarity! Poems written in a style similar to Shel Silverstein, these are sure to amaze and delight! With lines like “bugs with big rear ends,” or “hippo hip hyena hair” (type of soup), you know you can’t go wrong! We also have this on CD, so you can sing your favorites at the top of your lungs! Ages 3 through adult!
by Lois Ehlert Reviewed by Cynthia, August 16, 2006 This is a wonderfully bright and engaging book! Solid colors, interesting shapes, and limited words make this an excellent choice for a snuggly toddler bedtime story! Ages 18 months through age 3
by Keiko Kasza Reviewed by Cynthia, August 16, 2006 What starts out to be a very unlucky day for a little piglet soon turns into an unlucky day for Mr. Fox! And what an ending! This is one of my absolute all time favorites! A must read! Ages 3 through adult!
by Bill Peet Reviewed by Cynthia, August 16, 2006 A welcome addition to any train lover’s list! Poor Katy is tired of being at the end of the train, but what other life is there for a red caboose? Read this tale to find out if there is life beyond the tracks. Bill Peet writes mostly in a sing-songy rhyme, and what looks like a lot of text actually reads out loud quite fast. Ages 4 through adult!
by Margaret Peterson Haddix Reviewed by Cynthia, August 16, 2006 Jessie is a normal girl living in 1840 with her parents and siblings... or is she? Very early on, Jessie learns things are not what they seem, and many of her friends and family are in danger. Her mother sends her on a dangerous mission to get help for those in need, and just when you think you’ve got this one figured out -BAM! - It’s a plot twist! An excellent story! For older readers, check out her Shadow Children Series upstairs in the teen library. Ages 4th grade on up
by Gertrude Chandler Warner Reviewed by Cynthia, August 16, 2006 Four young orphans running from their mean Grandfather find and turn a red boxcar into a warm and loving home. This is a delightful and imaginative tale; full of happiness and examples of children taking joy in living together and helping one another. This book is the first in a series of over 100 mystery titles! The reading isn’t difficult, but it sure is fun! Ages 3rd grade and up |
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