Living next to Niagara Falls, Homan Walsh loved flying kites more than anything.  Whenever the winds were strong, he rushed out to send his kite dancing into the sky.  In the 1840s, there was no bridge connecting the United States and Canada over the Falls.  Engineer Charles Ellet instigated a contest rewarding $10 to the first boy to fly a kite from one country to the other.  Homan designed and built a hexagonal kite he named Union.  Traveling to the Canadian side to take advantage of the southwest winds, Homan launched his kite.  It flew for hours and into the night.  Heartbreakingly, the cord broke and, because of weather, he could not retrieve his kite for eight long days.  Returning home, he found Union, repaired her, and returned to Canada’s high cliffs.  Sending Union soaring once again, this time he was successful.  Two countries were joined by the span of a kite string.  Beautiful paintings illustrate the poetic text, the vastness of the scenery, the almost insignificance of humans along the shore, and the turbulence of weather and severity of conditions.  The vivid language intensifies the sensory experience of this historical event.  There are multiple potential uses for this book: to be enjoyed “as is”, as a historical fiction, or as an example of STEM literature focusing on the technology of bridge building.  Information from historical documents included at the back of the book provide many detail in the story.  There is an author’s note, known facts, what is not known for sure, what happened next, and a timeline.  A bibliography of primary sources, websites, interviews, and videos are also included.  This book is a treasure.

Eight year old Ellray (Lancelot Raymond) Jakes is the smallest person in his class, but he is also big brother to his four year old sister, Alfie (Alfleta).  When Alfie is being bullied by mean and bossy, Suzette, Ellray encourages his sister to stand up for herself.  Alfie is completely intimidated by the dragon Suzette so Ellray decides to take action.  At the same time, he finds he may need to stand up for himself after an incident at recess.  Black and white illustrations show Ellray in a variety of circumstances with family and friends.  Occasional bold and assorted fonts add focus and humor to many of Ellray’s situations.  This fourth book in the Ellray Jakes series is fun to read and shows how it is possible to work through life’s imperfections.

Large font and simple text tell who firefighters are and what they do.  These men and women put out fires, help others, and visit schools and talk about fire safety.  Special clothing protects them from heat and smoke, tools help get water to the fire.  Different trucks also have specific uses: carry water, pump water, extend ladders.  When on duty, many firefighters live at the fire station so they will be ready to respond to emergencies.  Each spread has a large photograph to accompany the text.  Glossary, index, additional reading and an internet site included.

This is a well-written resource for those wanting to know about Iceland.  Iceland is a large, volcanic island in the North Atlantic Ocean that has a history dating back to the 800s when Irish monks first settled.  Norway followed and began one of the world’s oldest governments, the Althing, or Icelandic parliament.  Most of the island is glaciers, volcanic lava rock, and natural hot springs.  Because of earthquakes and eruptions, the island is constantly changing and different regions can be remarkably varied.  Weather conditions and life can be harsh, yet beautiful and breath-taking.  Wildlife and plants need to be able to adapt to bitter cold and short growing seasons.  History from the early Viking days to modern life in the 21st century is related in ample detail.  A pronunciation key is provided to help read the Icelandic language.  Fact boxes with illustrations complement many pages.  This book is filled with amazing little details in a variety of topics.  The many photographs are captioned and well paired with he text.  Information is comprehensive.  A timeline compares Icelandic history to world history from ca 2500 BCE to 2011.  Four pages of fast facts include the normal longest, highest, government information as well as economy, common phrases, and prominent people.  Recommendations for further reading, music, and an internet site are provided along with an extensive index.

Vermont, the Green Mountain State, is one in a series of books presenting facts about the states.  A map of the state’s position with the United States, a brief history, landmarks, wildlife, industries and natural resources, as well as places and things to do are included.  “Fun Facts” and “Did You Know?” sections can be found on many pages.  Photographs and insets are colorful and highlight the text.  The layout is pleasing.  The last pages include quick facts about Vermont along with the glossary, index, and book and internet resources.  Sufficient information is presented to introduce readers to basic facts about the state.  Good general resource for state reports.

Best friends Fish and Snail live in a book.  Each day, Fish journeys to a new book and returns home with a story to tell Snail.  Then one day Fish returns all excited to show Snail the fun and adventure of a pirate ship and treasure discovered in another book.  Timid little snail likes the quiet and safety of their own book where they can pretend to be kittens.  They argue and Fish angrily leaves.  Snail is sad and hesitant after Fish is gone.  Gathering courage and taking a leap, Snail tumbles down into the new book.  Surprised, Fish congratulates Snail’s bravery for leaving the security of their old book.  Snail is tentative but willing to try a big adventure in small steps, as a kitten pirate, as long as they can be together.  The gender of Fish and Snail is never revealed, leaving it to the reader.  The message of all the wonders found in books cannot be missed.  Beautifully illustrated in watercolor and pencil, this book is sure to attract readers.