This is book number eight of the Scream Street series where Luke, Resus, and Cleo are out on another adventure. Scream Street is in trouble. Although the trio worked so very hard to open the portal into Scream Street, they have decided they need to close the portal to keep the “normals” from coming through it to tour Scream Street.  As a result they must return all of the relics they collected to open the portal. The first item they attempt to return is the fang from Count Negatov. Their adventure  has danger around every corner that includes trolls and piranhas. One or two black and white illustrations are included in each chapter.

Murphy-Stop-That is a scruffy terrier who lives in the country.  One day, his family takes him to the city.  Although he hates riding in cars, he discovers that there are many dog-friendly places to visit in the city.  Soon, Murphy-Stop-That grows bored.  After wandering outside and barking at a flock of birds, he is taken to the city pound.  After his family retrieves him, they return home and Murphy-Stop-That realizes that he really doesn’t mind sleeping in the barn at the farm.  Although the illustrations are engaging, the story is predictable and somewhat rote.

Flowers are stationary plants, rooted firmly in the ground.  They rely on birds and insects for pollination.  In rhyming pros, Rita Gray describes the interactions between flowers and the insects and animals that complete nature’s cycle.   The illustrations are stunning.  Although this book could be incorporated into a STEM activity, it doesn’t hold wide appeal for young readers.

At first, I thought this book was specifically for preschoolers and the primary grade kids, but after re-reading the book, I realized that the message of love, kindness, and thoughtfulness are not restricted to the youngest but should be modeled for people of all ages.  It is a story of a young boy and young girl who spend time with their grandparents, and when they perhaps do something not quite right, instead of saying ‘No, that’s not how you do it,’ the grandparents encourage and help them do it,  making positive statements.  Kids who have adults in their lives who do this are lucky and maybe in reading this book will learn how lucky and to do it themselves.

Science, math, and technology have just become “way cool” in this book using a hands-on approach through the graphic novel format and Max Axiom -super cool, lab coat wearing, action figure, super hero science guide.

Max begins his guided step-by-step instructions of nine activities with, “ Join me at my lab for the inside scoop on a variety of machines. From simple to complex, test your engineering skills by designing and constructing your own amazing mechanical projects.” (p. 5)

Each of the nine activities consist of a list of the equipment needed, step-by-step photo and text instructions, and Axiom Alternative suggestions on how the reader could take this machine a step further.  The nine activities include making: a hovercraft, pulley system, diving submarine, pendulum painter, pump drill, trebuchet, hydro-powered winch, hydraulic arm, and an electric fan motor. Some of the equipment will be easier to get hold of than other pieces, but Home Depot and Lowe’s will be a good starting point.  Max is quick to add, each and every time, “Safety First” when a hot glue gun, utility knife, drill, and / or saw will need to be used get  permission from an adult. There a couple of spots where the photo definitely is needed in conjunction with the written instruction, but between the two, the reader should be able to make the machine.

Includes: Index, glossary, and www.facthound.com.

I, myself, can be a picky eater with foods from the United States. This book offers foods from around the world that I would be squeamish about eating. It is all a matter of culture! The book is broken down into “Bizarre Breakfasts”, “Loony Lunches”, Strange Suppers”, “Surprising Snacks”, and “Wacky Desserts and Treats”. Each section has at least seven food items, usually accompanied with a color photo, name of the food, what the food is made from, and country where it is eaten. It is too bad the index does not list the countries from which the foods come.

“We live in a world that offers a variety of strange food options. Let’s take a look at some of the bizarre foods people around the world prefer on their plates.” (p. 5)  From “Bizarre Breakfasts” comes scrapple from the eastern United States, cow’s feet soup from Ecuador, and laverbread (seaweed) from Wales. From “Loony Lunches” come mopane worms from southern Africa and fried tarantulas form Cambodia. From “Strange Suppers” come guinea pigs from Peru and Ecuador, svartsoppa (sweet and sour goose blood soup) from Sweden, and kangaroo from Australia. From “Surprising Snacks” comes a variety of deep fried insects and other animals, like starfish and sea horses, from China.

This book ends with, “try to keep an open mind. If you’re traveling in a different country, you never know which far-out food might become your new favorite!” ( p. 29)

Includes: Index, glossary, and  www.facthound.

A yam and a donkey cannot seem to make themselves understood to the other. The yam’s frustration escalates as the donkey does not seem to grasp the point the yam is trying to make.  Cute illustrations add to the humor of the story. Younger students are unlikely to appreciate the point being made with the grammatical corrections, but older students will still enjoy the humor in the story line and illustrations.

While the story fixates on a couple of grammatical mistakes, the strength of the book is in reminding students that grammatical errors change the meaning of writing.  For teachers or peer editors the story is a reminder that correcting a grammatical error does not mean it will not be repeated if the writer does not understand the error.

Very simple, easy-to-read text pairs up with fun photographs to teach little readers that hands are for touching, as well as all the soft and fuzzy–or rough–things they can touch!

When young Hillary Rodham’s hopes of joining NASA as an astronaut were dashed because she was a girl, she didn’t stop dreaming or doing. Following Clinton from girlhood to the presidential campaign trail, the narrative hits on many of the high points and as few of the low points as possible along the way. As seen in Bates’s watercolor, she goes from a perky, ponytailed girl to the somewhat careworn but determined figure readers will recognize. Timed for release with the Democratic National Convention, this picture-book nevertheless has a dated feel to it already, although the conclusion hedges its historical bets: “Not afraid to fly, daring to compete, she decided to run for the highest office in the land. Was the land ready? No matter—she was propelling her way into history.”

This seek-and-find book uses repetition, color, pattern, and size to engage readers on a hunt for animals big and small.  Directions for each search is provided in a large spot of a contrasting color. The majority of the pages require deciphering and comprehending the language as the reader must search and spot animals that are swimming upstream, climbing, quiet., or don’t belong in this forest.

Created by Swedish artist Laura Ljungkvist.  This book is a fun alternative for fans of seek-and-find books.

In this emotionally rich story, a little girl and her family live happily in Paris until Nazi soldiers arrive during World War II. She and her family must flee or risk being sent to a concentration camp, so they run into the woods, where they meet resistance fighters. But they’re still not safe. They must cross tall mountains and sail in a rickety boat to England. Yet the whole time they’re struggling to survive, the little girl thinks of the stone angel near their apartment in Paris and imagines it watching over her family.
Filled with sorrow, hope, comfort, and triumph, this gorgeously illustrated book is a perfect vehicle with which to share a difficult subject with school-aged children.

In a charming and accessible introduction to the beloved holiday classic, Bea and her ballet school classmates perform a simplified interpretation of The Nutcracker. The group of dancers, who appear to be only 3 or 4 years old, includes adorably costumed children of different ethnicities, indicated by hairstyles and facial features rather than skin tone, as the children are outlined against white backgrounds. The ballet’s plot is skillfully summarized, including integral elements such as the Nutcracker/Prince, the battle between the mice and the soldiers, and the visit to the Land of Sweets. The text, set in attractive silvery type, is just one sentence per page plus some speech balloons, reduced to the simplest terms that even young preschoolers will easily comprehend. Isadora conveys the magical aspects of the beloved holiday ballet in an easy, straightforward way that will prepare first-time attendees for a holiday performance.

Little readers will learn all about what mail carriers do, where they work, and why they are important in our communities. The very simple text combined with correlating and colorful images will both inform and strengthen reading skills.

The animals in this silly story try to convince the reader not to close the book and trap them inside in the dark.  As the book progresses and the animals’ anxiety over the approach of the last page increases, calmer reasons escalate to begging.   The combination of simple text and pictures work together on a black background to build an argument for leaving the book open.

This book follows the book In Warning: Do Not Open This Book! where the authors’ entreat the readers not to let the animals escape.  Used together, these books can be used to support young writers as they explore point of view in persuasive arguments.

Adapted from the bestselling book of the same title for adults (2011), this abridged version presents the true story of a friendship between an impoverished African-American boy and a young white woman who becomes his mentor.

The boy, Maurice, narrates this relatively lengthy story of his budding friendship with Laura, a professional woman working in an unnamed big city. He first meets Laura when he asks her for spare change and she buys him dinner. Maurice explains that he doesn’t have enough to eat at home. This leads to regular weekly dinners with Laura, visits to her apartment, and a Christmas visit to Laura’s extended family. Maurice enjoys the big family’s holiday celebration, and he receives all the presents on his Christmas list. He hopes that someday he will have his own big family like Laura’s. In a sentimental conclusion, Maurice gives Laura his white teddy bear, the only Christmas present he had ever previously received. Illustrations in pencil and watercolor bring the holiday celebrations to life with a wide variety of perspectives and illustration sizes. The final pages include two author’s notes and one from the real Maurice.

The ballerina mouse and her friends take their show on the road.

Angelina and her fellow ballet students board a little blue bus to present the Cinderella Dance Tour in towns all over Mouseland. Angelina is happy to be featured in the starring role, but some of her fellow student performers are not in such good spirits. There are mishaps on stage, lost props, upset stomachs, uncomfortable beds, and a good dose of homesickness. On the way to their final destination, their bus becomes mired in the mud after a rainstorm, and the scenery is ruined. Not to worry. Their hostess, Countess Von Whiskers, suggests a visit to her castle gardens, where Angelina is inspired by Cinderella’s magical pumpkin. She and the other mouselings gather flowers and vines to re-create everything they will need to dance under the stars for their grand finale. Angelina’s fans will enjoy this different take on the ballet world that is not so much a retelling of the classic fairy tale as a gentle glimpse into the travails of a traveling troupe. Craig’s signature watercolors are the ideal medium for the pretty scenery, flowers, and dancing mice.

Max and Marla (pet owl) are best friends.  They are also “Real-life, honest to goodness, cross your heart, Winter-Olympics Olympians.”  They make a number of attempts to sled down the big hill by their house.  Regardless of the setbacks, they don’t give up because “True Olympians never give up.”  This heart-warming story about snowy day fun will delight young readers.

Yetis love winter.  They love waking up on snowy quiet mornings, drinking hot chocolate, sliding down hills on their bottoms, and building snow castles.  But sometimes, Yetis miss summer.  They miss looking for little sea creatures, having sea monster beauty contests, and building sand castles.  So on the coldest, wettest, windiest winter days, Yetis know how to make the warmest, coziest summer day right at home.  This is a beautifully illustrated book that encourages the young reader to find the cup half full and find ways to be happy wherever they are!

It is a day at Grandma’s for little Yujin. It is an ordinary day, nothing special is happening. Since nothing special is happening at Grandma’s, this book is nothing special either, as far as the story line goes. It is good for talking about the passage of time with little ones though, which is the goal of this TanTan Math Story.

As little pre-school Yusin spends the day at Grandma’s both Mother, at home, and Yujin reminisce about what would be happening if they were together. This gave me a sad, lonely feeling.

Dawn, morning, almost noon, noon, afternoon, dusk, evening, and night are each given an activity assigned to it to acquaint and  familiarize the young reader with the concept of the passage of time.  There are no shadows at noon and lunch is eaten then. During the afternoon, you take a nap. “It is evening. I see the lights turn on, one by one, along the street.” Daddy finally comes to pick Yujin up and take her home for the night. ”   ‘Even though we were apart for just one day, I missed you so much, ‘ I say. ‘Tonight I want to fall asleep with you right by my side. And when I open my eyes tomorrow morning, you are the first person I want to see, Mommy!’   “

Two adult pages with suggestions for further use with children follow the story. The second one contains a game. Two more pages, for the young child, review the parts of the day with the sky /sun. Followed by 2 pages of activities a child takes part in during the day.

Kitten wants a basket, a pillow, a blanket AND a puppy.  “No, no, no, Kitten.  You cannot have a puppy.  You are a cat!  Cats do not have pets.”  But this is one insatiable kitten who also wants a helmet, engines, gadgets and lasers and then wants to blast off to Jupiter!  When the Jupiter launch actually goes off (unsuccessfully), the kitten’s owner decides that maybe kitten can have a puppy.  But the plot thickens when puppy wants a bowl, some kibble, a bone, and a dinosaur!  This is an engaging story with vibrant illustrations and will thrill young cat lovers!

Here is a book to recommend to a child looking to purchase a cat as a pet. There is all of the general information needed to take of a cat of almost any breed, mixed in with specific information on the Turkish Van. Some of the general information includes size, care of, feeding, and kittens.  This includes the number of kittens to expect in a litter, the type of foods out on the market, and medical care; such as, vaccinations, and spay and/or neuter.

Some of the specific information, “Turkish Vans are often compared to dogs. They can fetch toys, growl, and learn tricks. Turkish Vans can also be taught to walk on a leash.” (p. 8) Turkish Vans enjoy water, are semi-long haired, white in color with some color on head and tail, and don’t like to be cuddled. “With regular care, plenty of love, and good food, your Turkish Van will be an active addition to your family for 15 to 20 years.” ( p. 21)

The book usually has three paragraphs on the left hand page opposite a full color photo on the right hand page.

Here is a little boy, with an over-exaggerated big head, who is trying to be a spy, but without much luck. He isn’t good at sneaking up on people because he bumps into table lamps, has squeaky shoes, is in need of a disguise, sneezes, and burps. His “Chief”, aka father, helps him get new quiet shoes, but that does not help because the shoes are so colorfully awesome. Then, he tries “some camouflage”, but the tree branches make him sneeze. Finally, because he has been persistent he is able to sneak up on his “Chief”.

”  ‘The secret to spying,’ said Spy Guy, ‘is never stop trying!’  ”

Throughout the book, on every page turn, there is a spider who finally comes into play at the very end to help out Spy Guy. Children will enjoy finding the spider as the read the story.

In some ways the illustrations remind me of those by Tedd Arnold.

I find watching big-screen action movies quite enjoyable. Here is a book that takes the reader behind the  scenes into the world of big budget action movies. The three or four sentences of information given on a page is very basic, but the photo opposite the text helps the reader interpret the information. One of the special effects includes filming the actor in blue make-up in front of a blue  screen. In this way, the computer later adds the desired detail over the top of the blue areas. Another effect deals with placing small computer markers on an actor to use as reference points for the computer to use in post-production to add features or help in the animation of cartoon characters. Freezing an actor in space is dealt with through the use of filming with multiple cameras on a track. The seven sidebars sprinkled throughout the book labeled “FACT” include one dealing with ‘freeze-action” on page 20, “The 1999 movie The Matrix used more than 100 cameras to make actors freeze in place.”

The FACT sidebars always are bits of trivia about a specific movie which used the special effect being talked about on that page.

Includes: www.facthound.com

TanTan Math Story publishes story books detailing math concepts. This particular book is the best in their series I have read to date. Who Eats First deals with comparing, sorting, and measuring.  The illustrations have soft backgrounds, while the characters are colorfully vibrant and full of action.

The story begins, ” The rain forest animals were hungry. They followed a sweet scent… And there was a BIG round peach! Surely, it was a delicious peach. But who would eat the first bite?”  Giraffe convinces the other animals the first bite should go to ‘the tallest animal’. The animals measure their heights using the lines ( like a ruler) etched into the tree trunks. Just when giraffe is about to take the first bite, rhino wants to sort the animals by weight. They use a seesaw as a weighing balance. “The animal balanced by the most rocks is the heaviest!” When rhino is about to eat the peach, gator wants to sort by ” the animal with the biggest mouth to eat first.” Soon the rabbit wants the sorting to go by who has the longest ears, followed by monkey wanting to sort by who has the longest tail.  Each time the illustrations cutely show the animals process of measuring. Finally the caterpillar asks, “Why should the biggest… or the heaviest… biggest mouth, or longest ears” eat first? “If we measure from the shortest… lightest, shortest ears… smallest mouth” I’m first every time. And caterpillar ate first.

Two adult guidance pages follow the story with suggestions for further use with children, the second page is a game.

Then, there are four more pages for the young child showing items in order by shortest, lightest, smallest mouth, shortest ears, tallest, heaviest, longest nose, and most legs.