Snail and Slug is a  tale of friendship between a slug and snail. Snail invites Slug into her very large home (which has a cellar, a sink, and a dishwasher) because it is so hot outside. The two develop a friendship even though they have differences. While on a picnic, Slug stands up to a bully (a banana slug). Snail and Slug become such good friends that Snail asks Slug if she would like to share her home. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the expression on the character’s faces add to the story.

The story of how three young girls: Maria Merian, Mary Anning, and Maria Mitchell changed science. The stories are told separately, occur at different time periods, and are written in verse. Maria Merian observed and painted pictures of the life cycle of insects. Mary Anning looked for fossils. Maria Mitchell mapped the night sky. All three were doing things that were deemed unladylike, but they persevered and influenced science. There is an author’s note at the end discussing how and why she wrote this book. Although this is a work of fiction, she also includes a bibliography about each girl and notes the books that were written for young readers.

The Telling, by Alexandra Sirowy, is a murder mystery and a coming of age story, which deals with social issues confronting today’s teens sensitively.  Lana McBrook divides her life into “before” and “after.”  Before includes her stepbrother, Ben; after does not.  Ben was murdered under suspicious circumstances; then others involved with Lana and Ben are also murdered.  This story is tightly written, with believable characters having realistic interactions.  There are interesting plot twists, and very good storytelling.  However, Lana does tend to go on a bit with some of her descriptions. The author is in no hurry to delve into the murders, prefering to establish the main characters and their relationships first.  The main thrust, besides the murders, is in exploring interactions among the main characters.  Lana was never part of the “in-group,“ keeping to herself along with her best friend.  After Ben’s murder, she is welcomed into this group and devotes a lot of time in learning how to resolve the sudden change.  There are elements to attract audiences of different types of literature.  There is a murder mystery, a ghost story, high school tensions, the meaning of the changing aspects of friendship, and, above all, courage in the face of adversity.  A murder mystery with surprising twists, an element of otherworldlyness, high school social angst, and personal growth for the main characters, The Telling will draw the reader into its web from the very first sentence.  Highly recommended.

This graphic novel for young readers introduces a new series dealing with how fairies come to learn of their own existence. BUT on a deeper heavier topic, it lets children know about how hard it is when parents split up.

Page one shows Cici and her father crying in front of his packed boxes and suitcases as he moves out. This happens just days before Cici’s tenth birthday. Hazel is having a hot tub party of Cici’s birthday which quite a few students want to attend, even Cici’s good friend. Since Cici’s father won’t be home for her birthday, Cici decides  to go to Hazel’s party. Meanwhile, Cici’s Abuelita comes to live with her, her mother and little sister.

The morning of Cici’s birthday, suddenly she has fairy wings. SURPRISE! So does Abuelita! Abuelita revels, ” In our familia , there have always been fairies. First, your wings grow in. Then, little by little you discover your powers.”(21) Cici’s first fairy power is the power of fairy sight. She sees people for who or what they truly are. Her mother has as many arms as an octopus, which are always busy. The girls at Hazel’s party are all chickens. Distraught by what she is experiencing at the party, Cici finally tells her friend about her father’s moving out. Her friend is not sympathetic and stays at the party, becoming another chicken.

The next morning, Cici must choose to believe in fairies or loose her fairy sight forever. Abuelita tells Cici, ” Your wings are a symbol of your powers. You must be careful who you share them with. Once you decide, you will be able to control when your wings are seen. If you give them up, however, you also give up the power to believe. You will never see wings on yourself or anyone else ever again.” (45)  Cici states, “I choose to believe.” (47)

Just as rainbows silently appear this book begins slowly building filling with falling rain until the rainbow finally shows.

It is a book of few words, but those words matched with the illustrations by John Wallace prove the old saying- a picture is worth a thousand words, especially to young readers. The two page spread of the bright rainbow up above with the small young children in yellow rain slickers pointing up to it down below a dark bluish grey sky show the wonder and awe of a rainbow. Then, the next two pages are filled with the brilliant seven bands of color as the rainbow’s spectrum of colors are listed. Followed by a two page diagram of sunlight going through a giant raindrop which bends the light into what we know as a rainbow.

Now the reader will see a double rainbow, followed by an “upside down” rainbow (20-21), followed by a rainbow at a park fountain, and at a waterfall. Then, it is revealed rainbows are full circles if you can view them from up in the sky, so there are no ends and no pots of gold. Finally, the important fact of needing to have your back to the sun is revealed. The illustrations end with that bit of information, but the very last page states five more “Facts about rainbows” not previously stated in the book.

A very readable, very informative biography of Benjamin Franklin, it includes discussion of his role as one of America’s Founding Fathers, but focuses on his role as scientist, in an era when the word scientist was not even yet in use.  It tells about his curiosity and inquisitiveness, about his lack of formal education, but his constant pursuit of understanding through reading and experimentation.  It shares how much of his experimentation stemmed from the desire to solve real-world problems, from the invention of a better stove to help folks stay warm, to the invention of bi-focal lenses so that he didn’t have to keep changing glasses.  It shares how his fame as a scientist opened doors to him in his role as ambassador.  It shares enough to give the reader a real sense of knowing him as a person, not just as a list of accomplishments.

A solid little early chapter book for beginning readers.  In four chapters, it tells the story of animal-loving Lulu trying to bring her less-than-enthusiastic grandmother around to her way of thinking, when a large, cantankerous cat is found left in a bag on Lulu’s front porch, while her parents are away.  The first time the cat runs away, grandma is thrilled, but after it find’s its way back into their lives through Lulu’s open bedroom window, when reeks all sorts of havoc, and still manages to leave even grandma sad when she disappears again.  When she’s found again, with a new batch of kittens, it’s reluctant grandma who agrees to take them in and find them homes.

Okay, so you don’t need me to tell you these books are recommended for school libraries.  Their legendary popularity speaks for itself.  However, let it be known that my recommendation has more to do with how popular I know them to be with kids than with my own opinion of the writing.  When it comes down to it, it’s the kids’ opinions that matter.  It took SSBRC to get me to finally read a complete one of these books, with the impetus that it would be good for me to educate myself as to what it is the kids are reading.  The character, and the situations he faces, are relateable, but the writing babbles on like a rambling string-of-consciousness.  Even reading silently, I felt out of breath, as if I’d spent two hours listening to a motor-mouth who doesn’t stop for breath, or require any response, but just shares non-stop every thought in his/her head, no matter what tangents they go down.

Eloise finds living in The Plaza hotel has its perks as she watches the Grand Ballroom being prepared for a wedding. When Eloise announces she is going to the wedding, Nanny says, ”  ‘No one asked you to go.’  ”

After Eloise’s bath, “Nanny says, ‘If you are very good you may see the bride.’  ”   Now, (illustrator- Katherine Mitter has) Eloise off and running in her pink bathrobe down to the Grand Ballroom to see the bride. Eloise discovers the bride is crying because her flower girl is sick. Eloise to the rescue, pink bathrobe and all.

Take three friends, a cute boy, a slightly goofy stepsister and a hypnotist and they all add up to a breathless, crazy sleepover. Will Meghan, Paige, Anna Marie and Veronica be able to fix everything – even Meghan’s missing left eyebrow? What about the mascot from the rival school and the chicks in the bathtub? Things can’t be any more exciting than this…or can they?
This is a fun, fairly benign tween story about a sleepover that goes wonky with a tiny bit of romance to spice it up. The characters are believable and their antics would make any parent giggle and shudder at the same time. A fast read – recommended.

Looking for a rollicking account of the old Red Riding Hood story? Look no farther than Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith!
Little Red is on a mission to Auntie Rosie’s house to bring her some medicine for her outbreak of spots. Along the way, she encounters playful African animals of every sort. The bad guy, a lion in this case, sees Little Red and hatches a very naughty plan in which he will end up eating Little Red AND Auntie Rosie (for dessert).
Well, Little Red can spot this rather poor actor from a mile away and decides to teach that naughty lion a lesson! In the end, he promises to never ever eat another auntie or any children…but, what about daddy?
Bold colors and cartoon-like art are full of energy. Kids will laugh out loud at Little Red’s ability to thwart that naughty lion at every turn with wit and humor. She’s one tough Little Red! Add this one to your collection!

Sherlock Holmes never looses its appeal and this version of him is still going strong in this republished story.

Basil and Doctor Dawson learn how to be great detectives through observing the great Sherlock Holmes, himself. The reader discovers that Basil and Dr. Dawson are mice that live in Sherlock Holmes’ building. Basil and Dawson often sit quietly in the corner of Sherlock’s apartment as they discuss their cases. Now, Basil and Dawson are called in to find twin mice who did not return home after school. Basil chides Dr. Dawson, ” ‘You are not making full use of your deductive powers.’ ” (24) after the ransom note is delivered for the twins release. Using a magnifying glass on the dirt left behind from the messenger’s boots, Basil is on the trail to find the missing children. Basil and Dawson disguised as seamen gain more information by casually talking with the innkeeper in a seaport town. Later, they set a trap for the kidnappers by talking just loud enough so they will definitely be heard while eating dinner at the cafe. What the kidnappers do not know is that Basil has gotten the local constable involved in the plan. Basil and Dr. Dawson rescue the twins, but not without a scratch or two to themselves.

The reader will enjoy the text along with the pencil sketches, in every chapter, giving the reader a look at fashion and decor from the late 1800s.

Introduction to the next book- Basil and the Cave of Cats.

Spring has sprung and Nanny informs Eloise she needs a new hat. Eloise tries on all the different hats worn by the employees of The Plaza hotel where she lives on the “tippy-top floor”. Each time Nanny comes up with a reason why the hat is not suitable: too tall (chef’s), no brim ( room service’s), and not colorful enough (bell captain’s). Finally, Nanny brings out a hat box just for Eloise with a hat that meets all of the requirements. Precocious as ever Eloise, ” ‘ Oh, I love, love, love hats!’ “

Chloe Zoe, the little elephant, remembers  making special cupcakes, a heart wand, and fancy paper flowers last year for Valentine’s Day. This year, Chloe Zoe’s class made shoe box mailboxes. Chloe Zoe has a valentine for all her classmates. She is making three extra special ones for her two best friends and teacher. When it is Chloe Zoe’s turn to hand out her valentines, George’s is missing. Tears form in her eyes. The entire class helps her look for it. George tells Chloe Zoe, ” ‘ You and Mary Margaret are my best friends. I know that even without a special valentine.’ ” Just then, Mary Margaret finds George’s special valentine stuck to the bottom of Chloe Zoe’s backpack from all of the glue she’d used. Everyone cheers.

Jane Smith’s artwork is simple yet strikingly intricate, too.  The brightly colored solid blanket on the bed has stripes where it is turned down by the pillows. Half of the valentines are solid color with black outline, while the other half each have a unique design. Chloe Zoe’s ears are patterned with diamond stars and white polka dots, while the rest of her body is a solid yellow. Each elephant has a different pattern on their ears. The balance between solids and patterns is very pleasing to the eye!

Chloe Zoe, the elephant, is celebrating all the secular customs of Easter. Chloe Zoe is sure she will find the special golden egg this year at the park’s Easter egg hunt. Her friends each have a particular item they want to find at the egg hunt.  Mary Margaret, the crocodile, wants only  pink eggs, her favorite color. Later, when Mary Margaret’s basket is still empty Chloe Zoe gives her pink egg to Mary Margaret. “After all, I think, there’s still plenty of time to find the golden egg.” George, the giraffe, and Chloe Zoe help Mary Margaret find pink eggs. Then, Mary Margaret finds the gold egg and Chloe Zoe’s “cheeks get hot”. Chloe Zoe’s mother comforts her with, ” ‘look at all the goodies you did find– eggs, toys, and candy!’ ” Chloe Zoe realizes, ” ‘ I am having a lot of fun, especially finding pink eggs for Mary Margaret…’ “.    When Mary Margaret opens the golden egg there are three sparkling gold coins, ” Three coins for three best friends.”

Looking forward to reading It’s Valentine’s Day, Chloe Zoe! to see if it has as wonderful a message about friendship as this book’s.

Jane Smith’s artwork is simple yet strikingly intricate, too.  The brightly colored solid pink blanket on the bed has pink stripes where it is turned down by the pillows. Half of the colored Easter eggs are solid colors with black outline, while the other half each have a unique design. Chloe Zoe’s ears are patterned with diamond stars and white polka dots, while the rest of her body is a solid yellow. Each elephant has a different pattern on their ears and each giraffe has a different pattern for their spots. The balance between solids and patterns is very pleasing to the eye!

It’s a book about digging your way out of a bad mood.  Child-like art accompanies the tale of a girl’s giant bear helping her accomplish her to-do list, which includes such things as driving to the moon, polishing stars, and finding a baby unicorn.  If you do decide to purchase a copy for your library, I would recommend either finding a library-bound copy or settling for a paperback, since the publisher’s hardcover is sewn so loosely it’s going to fall apart quickly.

It definitely has the cuteness factor going for it:  full of fluffy baby animals with over-sized heads and big eyes.  It’s not really a book to be read to self — it’s really intended as a book for a parent to read to a small child:  it’s a litany of, “Next to you, the softest puppy in the world is only kind of cute,” and more of that ilk.  It would get a certain amount of traffic in a school library just because of the cuteness factor, but it seems more like a book you give as a gift at a baby shower.

I love this illustrator’s artwork.  There’s something charming and enchanting about it that draws  the reader in.  The story is somewhat Velveteen-Rabbit-esque, telling the tale of a boy whose family doesn’t believe his beloved stuffed lion is real, even though he’s sure he is.  When they’re out for a walk one day, the lion gets left behind.  The family searches high and low when they get home, but must postpone their search until the next day when it gets too late.  A wordless sequence in the middle shows the lion in the woods, found by some other animals who help him find his way home.  When morning dawns and the family’s search resumes, Leo is found in the bushes right outside the front door, much to the surprise of everyone who insists they’d looked in just that spot the night before.  I will confess there are some elements to the artwork that I don’t completely “get”: a coffee pot and cups in the bushes? and crowns floating over the heads of all the people, also floating over the heads of the animals at night but not during the day?  But I think that’s okay, in fact I think it makes the artwork more compelling to leave it open to discussion/interpretation/possibilities.

It’s obviously the sequel to The Boss Baby, which I’ve never read, but would like to get, base on the recommendation of this book.  The illustrations and text work together to tell the tale of the arrival of a new baby sister, from the perspective of the toddler big brother, who is used to being the boss, but is finding himself displaced, that is, until baby sister manages to wrap him around her little finger.  It’s fun, and a fresh twist on the new-baby-in-the-home theme.  For librarians who have parents who might object to such things, you should be aware that the illustrations include mom breast-feeding baby (or providing “organic catering service”), toddler stripping down and peeing in the flowers (backside view), and parents sipping martinis together when peace is restored to the household.

A cute reminder that art is in the eye of the beholder. When a hippo is impressed by a mouse’s painting of the sea, he asks to have his own portrait painted.  After posing very carefully, he is very impressed with the mouse-sized paper that gets painted solid gray because that’s all of him that would fit on the paper.  When they swap roles, and the hippo paints a portrait of the mouse, it turns out like a tiny dot in the middle of the paper, with which mouse is delighted.

It’s not getting a high recommendation, but there is a certain population of library patrons who will eat this up, for the illustrations alone, loaded as they are with pink and purple and rainbows and unicorns and princesses and sparkles and a mermaid, too.  Frankie, a fan of fairy tales, is surprised one day to find a princess in her bedroom, seeking refuge from a witch.  As soon as she gets the princess hidden under her bed, the unicorn arrives, also needing someplace to hide.  After Frankie has hidden the mermaid and the knight and the king and the frog, the witch arrives, and though Frankie does her best to keep her new friends’ secrets, the witch’s broom rounds up them all, but it’s okay in the end, because it turns out they’re just playing hide and seek, and Frankie gets to be “it” next.

A sweet, comforting, reassuring book to remind small children that there are grown ups in the world to keep them safe when storms rage.  Rhyming couplets and charming illustrations describe a series of young animals being protected by their grown ups while a storm rages:   the moles snuggling  close under ground and touching noses, the duckling under mama’s wing, the rabbits cozy in their burrow, etc… On the final page the puppy is reassured that, “A storm will always end.”

” The creators of the internationally bestselling Bear Snores On Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman” bring us Big Bear, Small Mouse. These two friends meet and greet pairs of their woodland friends on the way to Bear’s den. These pair of friends is compared presenting the reader with a set of ‘opposites’ which are visually reinforced through the colorful artwork: small – big, slow-fast, high-low, quiet-loud, and cold-warm.

Buster is the new puppy in the Roger’s house. Phoebe, the older dog, is tricking Buster by taking his bones while his back is turned. Phoebe the Trickster, might be a better title for this book.

Phoebe convinces Buster his bones need training to stay in place. When Phoebe runs barking out the dogie door, Buster follows. Then Phoebe returns first hiding Buster’s bone. Phoebe tells Buster she’ll help train his bones to “stay”. Each time Buster leaves to see if his bones “stay”, Phoebe takes one, telling Buster, ”  ‘It was not a smart bone… The smart bones will stay. Try again. ‘ ” (13)  Roger watches as Buster growls at his new bone, runs outside, and then back again. ”  ‘ That is one smart bone,’  said Phoebe.” (16)

The second half of the book continues with Phoebe now wanting the bone of the big dog next door. Phoebe pushes Buster through the loose board in the fence.  While Buster is innocently trying to teach the new dog’s bone to stay, Phoebe takes the bone. When caught with the bone in her mouth, Buster reasons that Phoebe is simply returning the bone.

Twenty-one poems and six recipes grace the pages of this book as collage animals romp around their page of food.

The free verse poems,  in one, two or three word lines, usually describing the food’s outward appearance. The poems run from five to twelve lines, but one or two have as many as eighteen or twenty-five lines.

Strawberry Jamboree

So many strawberries

costumed in red–

they carry green parasols

to shade their heads.

Tatseless, or tasteful?

You decide.

They wear their seeds

on the outside.