Hamster and Cheese Guinea PIG #1 by Colleen AF Venable illustrated by Stephanie Yue Funny Mystery Graphic Novel * * * * Stars (Great!) Sasspants the guinea pig lives in a pet shop with a bunch of other animals. The owner of the shop, Mr. Venezi, has really bad eyesight, though, and doesn’t know much about the animals he’s selling. As a result, most of their cages are grossly mislabeled – the hamsters are “koalas,” … Read more
The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary by Jeff Kinney Juvenile Non-fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Jeff Kinney has written a behind-the-scenes look at the Wimpy Kid Movie that’s just as entertaining as his bestselling book series. Not only does it capture the same humor and charm of Greg Heffley’s diaries, but it also provides a lot of insider information about how movies get made (and, of course, how this movie in particular was made). … Read more
Fablehaven Fablehaven #1 by Brandon Mull Fantasy * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Kendra and Seth believe they are in for a long boring visit at their grandparents’ country home. The wooded property begs to be explored, but they are not allowed to enter the woods or go into the barn, and there are so many rules, they will never have any fun! Deciding to bend the rules, they venture out and discover … Read more
Emmaline and the Bunny by Katherine Hannigan Realistic Fiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This would make a delightful read-aloud for grades 1-4. Author/illustrator, Hannigan, embraces word play and fun in this charming story of a young girl’s quest to be true to herself and be lonely no more. The book’s short chapters and big illustrations make it a good transition to longer juvenile fiction. Reviewed by Debbie Luetscher, Youth Services Staff
Little Pea by Amy Krause Rosenthal illustrated by Jen Corace Picture book * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This tongue-in-cheek take on cleaning one’s plate is humorous fun for kids and grown-ups alike. “If you want to grow up to be a big, strong pea, you have to eat your candy.” Papa Pea tells Little Pea. That’s a tall order, but Little Pea acquiesces. And what’s for dessert? You might be surprised. Corace’s signature … Read more
Imagine Harry by Kate Klise illustrated by M. Sarah Klise Picture book * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Little Rabbit is quite dependent on his friend, Harry, especially when it’s time to start school. The thing is, no one else sees Harry, or even seems to realize he’s there. This warmly reassuring tale underscores the security Little Rabbit has in his relationship with his mother and the inner resources he draws upon in adjusting … Read more
Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Lola is a happy girl. Why? Because it’s Tuesday and Tuesday is library day. Little ones will relate to Lola and appreciate her celebration of books as they shadow her through her adventures from wake-up time to bedtime when, of course, her new library books are read to her. Bright, but soft and fuzzy, acrylic illustrations … Read more
Little Joe’s Big Race by Andy Blackford 1st Reader * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Its unique plot and laugh-out-loud ending, paired with engaging illustrations, make this an outstanding choice for beginning readers with basic skills. Reviewed by Debbie Luetscher, Youth Services Staff
The Great Doughnut Parade by Rebecca Bond Picture book * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This picture book bounces along with delightful rhythm as more and more townspeople join in an impromptu parade. The story invites reading aloud. Reviewed by dluetscher
A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck Historical Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Richard Peck is an author of several award-winning historical fiction books for kids. In A Season for Gifts, he has written another exceptional story. Set in the 1950’s, this is the story of 12-year-old Bob, his family and his experiences as the new kid in town. This novel is filled with remarkable characters, including the older teenage sister who begins … Read more