Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on May 12th, 2013 Author: Kuskowski, Alex Illustrator: Nobens, C.A. Series: Unusual Pets Publisher: ABDO Publishing ISBN: 9781617834028 Year Published: 2013 Price: $15.95 Grade Level: K-3 Rating: R
- Author: Kuskowski, Alex
- Grade Level: K-3
- Illustrator: Nobens, C.A.
- ISBN: 9781617834028
- Length: 24 pages
- Price: $15.95
- Publisher: ABDO Publishing
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 2.3
- Series: Unusual Pets
- Year Published: 2013
Divided into 2 sections, this book on unusual pets begins with basic facts. Because there are often laws about owning unusual pets, the reader is advised to check state laws. Facts include details about preferred environments, food, and care. The second section is atypical of most animal fact books. This section is a rhyming short . . . → Read More: Tricky Tarantulas
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on May 12th, 2013 Author: Schneider, Josh Illustrator: Series: Publisher: Clarion Books ISBN: 9780547149561 Year Published: 2011 Price: $14.99 Grade Level: K-3 Rating: R
- Author: Schneider, Josh
- Grade Level: K-3
- ISBN: 9780547149561
- Length: 48 pages
- Price: $14.99
- Publisher: Clarion Books
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 2.9
- Year Published: 2011
What a fun book! James is a very picky eater – most families have one. Dad needs to get inventive to entice his son to try meals. Divided into 5 chapters, in the first, James is encouraged to eat broccoli or choose between the finest dirt, walked on by only the best chefs wearing deluxe . . . → Read More: Tales for Very Picky Eaters
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on May 12th, 2013 Author: Watts, Frances Illustrator: Legge, David Series: My Little Library Publisher: Little Hare ISBN: 9781921541636 Year Published: 2010 Price: $12.99 Grade Level: K-1 Rating: R
- ISBN: 9781921541636
- Illustrator: Legge, David
- Grade Level: K-1
- Price: $12.99
- Author: Watts, Frances
- Publisher: Little Hare
- Rating: R
- Series: My Little Library
- Year Published: 2010
Grumbly little Baby Bear does not want to give his parents a kiss before taking a bath before bed. Daddy gets inventive and asks if Baby Bear would like to give a giraffe kiss as he holds Baby Bear up high. Baby refuses. As he carries Baby Bear upstairs, Daddy asks if he would like . . . → Read More: Kisses for Daddy
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on May 5th, 2013 Author: Harper, Charise Mericle Illustrator: Harper, Charise Mericle Series: Just Grace Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children ISBN: 9780547577203 Year Published: 2012 Price: $15.99 Grade Level: 2-4 Rating: R
- Author: Harper, Charise Mericle
- Grade Level: 2-4
- Illustrator: Harper, Charise Mericle
- ISBN: 9780547577203
- Length: 192 pages
- Price: $15.99
- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 4.2
- Series: Just Grace
- Year Published: 2012
In this 8th book of the Just Grace adventures, Grace’s favorite neighbor is getting married and Grace is not chosen to be flower girl! At first, Grace is crushed. Then her indomitable personality takes over. She gathers her friends and plans an unusual surprise for the wedding day. Many large headings and fun cartoons are . . . → Read More: Just Grace and the Flower Girl Power
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on May 5th, 2013 Author: Harper, Charise Mericle Illustrator: Harper, Charise Mericle Series: Just Grace Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children ISBN: 9780547370262 Year Published: 2011 Price: $14.99 Grade Level: 2-4 Rating: R
- Author: Harper, Charise Mericle
- Grade Level: 2-4
- ISBN: 9780547370262
- Length: 167 pages
- Price: $14.99
- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 4.3
- Series: Just Grace
- Year Published: 2011
- Illustrator: Harper, Charise Mericle
Energetic 8 year old Grace has humorous and insightful observations about life at home, in the neighborhood, and at school. Next door, best friend Mimi’s family is in the process of adopting a younger sibling. At the same time, Grace’s parents have finally agreed to get a dog for a pet. For readers venturing into . . . → Read More: Just Grace and the Double Surprise
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 14th, 2013 Author: Monroe, Chris Illustrator: Series: Publisher: Carolrhoda Books ISBN: 9780761356172 Year Published: 2013 Price: $16.95 Grade Level: K-2 Rating: R
- Author: Monroe, Chris
- Grade Level: K-2
- ISBN: 9780761356172
- Length: 30 pages
- Price: $16.95
- Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 2.2
- Year Published: 2013
Cookie is an unusual dog. Having discovered the many advantages of walking on her hind legs (looking out of the window without climbing on chairs, reaching the candy bowl…) she also gets lots of attention and treats. She is promoted by a dog trainer, joins a circus, and finally becomes a TV star. As the . . . → Read More: Cookie the Walker
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 14th, 2013 Author: Higgins, Ryan Illustrator: Series: Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers ISBN: 9780803737327 Year Published: 2013 Price: Grade Level: K-2 Rating: R
- Author: Higgins, Ryan
- Grade Level: K-2
- ISBN: 9780803737327
- Length: 30 pages
- Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
- Rating: R
- Year Published: 2013
Wilfred, the monster, was huge, hairy, and lonesome. One day he came to a town where everyone was bald. Only one child was brave enough to recognize a special friend in Wilfred. With winter approaching, the townspeople gave Wilfred an ultimatum – stop being big or stop being hairy. His only choice was to let . . . → Read More: Wilfred
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 14th, 2013 Author: Telgemeier, Raina Illustrator: Series: Publisher: Graphix, and imprint of Scholastic ISBN: 97805452326988 Year Published: 2012 Price: $23.99 Grade Level: 5-8 Rating: R
- Author: Telgemeier, Raina
- Grade Level: 5-8
- ISBN: 97805452326988
- Length: 233 pages
- Price: $23.99
- Publisher: Graphix, and imprint of Scholastic
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 2.3
- Year Published: 2012
Drama is a good title for this graphic novel: theater drama, middle school drama, and friendship drama. Callie is excited about designing the set for the new theater production. Her attention is divided between creating an awesome set and dealing with friendships and crushes. Telgemeier’s knowledge of backstage workings help the theater focus of the . . . → Read More: Drama
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 14th, 2013 Author: Harness, Cheryl Illustrator: Molinari, Carlo Series: Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co. ISBN: 980807549902 Year Published: 2013 Price: $16.99 Grade Level: 3-5 Rating: A
- Author: Harness, Cheryl
- Grade Level: 3-5
- Illustrator: Molinari, Carlo
- ISBN: 980807549902
- Length: 32 pages
- Price: $16.99
- Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co.
- Rating: A
- Year Published: 2013
Mary Walker was raised to think for herself. She became one of the first female doctors, was against slavery, and spoke out for civil rights. She defied the traditional fashion of women wearing uncomfortable dresses and wore pants, which allowed more freedom of movement, in public. She helped treat wounded soldiers during the Civil War, . . . → Read More: Mary Walker Wears the Pants: the True Story of the Doctor, Reformer, and Civil War Hero
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 13th, 2013 Author: Gordon, Nick Illustrator: Series: Dangerous Jobs Publisher: Bellwether Media ISBN: 9780531221419 Year Published: 2013 Price: $17.25 Grade Level: 3-7 Rating: R*
- Author: Gordon, Nick
- Grade Level: 3-7
- ISBN: 9780531221419
- Length: 24 pages
- Price: $17.25
- Publisher: Bellwether Media
- Rating: R*
- Reading level: 4.1
- Series: Dangerous Jobs
- Year Published: 2013
Coast Guard rescue swimmers endure rigorous training in extreme conditions and are highly prepared to rescue people in dangerous situations. Trainees are both male and female, must pass extensive physical trials for endurance and swimming, and learn how to perform effective first aid. Swimmers have specialized gear to help keep them safe while rescuing victims . . . → Read More: Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 13th, 2013 Author: Guard, Anara Illustrator: Jones, Dani Series: Danger Zones Publisher: Picture Window Books ISBN: 9781404866843 Year Published: 2012 Price: $18.99 Grade Level: K-2 Rating: R*
- Author: Guard, Anara
- Grade Level: K-2
- Illustrator: Jones, Dani
- Year Published: 2012
- ISBN: 9781404866843
- Length: 24 pages
- Price: $18.99
- Publisher: Picture Window Books
- Rating: R*
- Reading level: 2.7
- Series: Danger Zones
Children can easily get separated from their family or group. This is a “self-help” book written for young children but applicable to everyone. Scenarios include a carnival, walking to school, a store, a field trip, a beach, and the woods. Each one has a “safety tip” box. A list of basic rules and procedures are . . . → Read More: What if You Get Lost?
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 13th, 2013 Author: Harrison, David Illustrator: Burr, Dan Series: Publisher: Wordsong ISBN: 9781590798776 Year Published: 2012 Price: $17.95 Grade Level: 4-8 Rating: R*
- Author: Harrison, David
- Grade Level: 4-8
- Illustrator: Burr, Dan
- ISBN: 9781590798776
- Length: 48 pages
- Price: $17.95
- Publisher: Wordsong
- Rating: R*
- Year Published: 2012
22 free verse poems take one back to the 1860s and life on a cattle drive from Texas to Kansas. Dan Burr’s realistic digital paintings are an excellent combination with Harrison’s descriptions of life out west living under the stars with 3000 longhorn cattle. Sometimes humorous, sometimes thoughtful, sometimes candid, these poems give insight to . . . → Read More: Cowboys: Voices in the Western Wind
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 7th, 2013 Author: Howard. Melanie A. Illustrator: Series: Edgebooks: Wild About Snakes Publisher: Capstone Press ISBN: 9781429676632 Year Published: 2012 Price: $20.49 Grade Level: 3-8 Rating: R
- Author: Howard. Melanie A.
- Grade Level: 3-8
- ISBN: 9781429676632
- Length: 32 pages
- Price: $20.49
- Publisher: Capstone Press
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 4.8
- Series: Edgebooks: Wild About Snakes
- Year Published: 2012
Beginning with a Cherokee Indian legend about copperheads, facts are presented about this fascinating reptile. Their habitat, coloring, types of copperheads, and how they hunt fill this 32 page book. Highlighted terms are defined on the page as well as again in the glossary. Fact boxes provide extra details. Photographs are large, colorful, and show . . . → Read More: Copperheads
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 7th, 2013 Author: Gunderson, Jessica Illustrator: Wood, Katie Series: Jake Maddox Girl Sports Publisher: Stone Arch Books ISBN: 9781434232922 Year Published: 2012 Price: $17.99 Grade Level: 3-4 Rating: A
- Author: Gunderson, Jessica
- Grade Level: 3-4
- Illustrator: Wood, Katie
- ISBN: 9781434232922
- Length: 62 pages
- Price: $17.99
- Publisher: Stone Arch Books
- Rating: A
- Reading level: 3.1
- Series: Jake Maddox Girl Sports
- Year Published: 2012
Ramona loves to play beach volleyball and dreams of playing in the Olympics. When a developer plans to build on their court, Ramona must learn how to be a team player instead of just a skilled one. Each chapter has black and white illustrations. In the back are: a glossary of volleyball terms, brief information . . . → Read More: Volleyball Dreams
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 4th, 2013 Author: Thomson, Jimmy Illustrator: Lobbecke, Eric Series: Publisher: Random House ISBN: 9781742750071 Year Published: 2011 Price: $16.99 Grade Level: K-2 Rating: R
- Author: Thomson, Jimmy
- Grade Level: K-2
- Illustrator: Lobbecke, Eric
- ISBN: 9781742750071
- Price: $16.99
- Publisher: Random House
- Year Published: 2011
- Rating: R
Karri, the bouncing koala, is peacefully relaxing at home in the bush when a gang of scruffy, homeless cats move in. The small animals and birds are frightened so Karri is elected to ask them to leave. The cats have no place to go so they decide to play a football game – the winners . . . → Read More: The Koala Bounces Back
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 4th, 2013 Author: Allen, Kathryn Madeline Illustrator: Futran, Eric Series: Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co. ISBN: 9780807541869 Year Published: 2012 Price: $15.99 Grade Level: K Rating: R
- Author: Allen, Kathryn Madeline
- Grade Level: K
- Illustrator: Futran, Eric
- ISBN: 9780807541869
- Price: $15.99
- Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co.
- Rating: R
- Year Published: 2012
“A kiss means I love you, a wave means hello, a smile means I’m happy, a tug means let’s go!” Beginning with these simple, rhyming lines, young children see large, vivid photographs of peers using body language to illustrate actions and emotions. This colorful book would be easy to read one-on-one or with a group. . . . → Read More: A Kiss Means I Love You
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 4th, 2013 Author: Illustrator: Series: Publisher: Orchard Books ISBN: 978054533729 Year Published: 2012 Price: $15.99 Grade Level: K-2 Rating: R*
- Authors: Diane deGroat and Shelley Rotner
- Grade Level: K-2
- ISBN: 978054533729
- Price: $15.99
- Publisher: Orchard Books
- Rating: R*
- Year Published: 2012
Diane deGroat and Shelley Rotner work together as author-illustrators in this creative and humorous book about a baseball game for dogs. Homer, a golden retriever, sneaks out one night to play a championship game with his team, the Doggers, against their rivals, the Hounds. Well-chosen photographs and digitally drawn uniforms portray the game and emotions . . . → Read More: Homer
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 4th, 2013 Author: Llanas, Sheila Griffin Illustrator: Series: Children's Illustrators Publisher: ABDO Publishing Co. ISBN: 9781617832482 Year Published: 2011 Price: $17.95 Grade Level: 3-5 Rating: R
- Author: Llanas, Sheila Griffin
- Grade Level: 3-5
- ISBN: 9781617832482
- Length: 24 pages
- Price: $17.95
- Publisher: ABDO Publishing Co.
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 4.6
- Series: Children's Illustrators
- Year Published: 2011
Brian Selznick grew up drawing, painting, sculpting, and watching movies – just the thing for his imaginative mind! Thinking he would work in film or the theater, illustrating and writing children’s books was not one of Brian Selznick’s plans. This very readable biography tells of Selznick’s introduction to children’s books and illustrating for himself and . . . → Read More: Brian Selznick
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 4th, 2013 Author: King, M.C. Illustrator: Series: Hannah Montana Publisher: Spotlight ISBN: 9781599617312 Year Published: 2008 Price: $15.95 Grade Level: 3-5 Rating: A
- Author: King, M.C.
- Grade Level: 3-5
- ISBN: 9781599617312
- Length: 126 pages
- Price: $15.95
- Publisher: Spotlight
- Rating: A
- Reading level: 4.1
- Series: Hannah Montana
- Year Published: 2008
This book is divided into two parts based on two Hannah Montana episodes on the Disney Channel. The story for part one tells of Miley Cyrus trying to help her tom-boy girlfriend, Lilly, become more feminine. Pat two is about Lilly spending all of her time with new boyfriend, Lucas. Miley discovers Lucas has an . . . → Read More: Game of Hearts
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 2nd, 2013 Author: Kit, Katy Illustrator: Knight, Tom Series: Mermaid Mysteries Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co. ISBN: 9780807550908 Year Published: 2012 Price: $13.99 Grade Level: 2-3 Rating: A
- Author: Kit, Katy
- Grade Level: 2-3
- Illustrator: Knight, Tom
- ISBN: 9780807550908
- Length: 92 pages
- Price: $13.99
- Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co.
- Rating: A
- Reading level: 4.6
- Series: Mermaid Mysteries
- Year Published: 2012
Sula and her mermaid friends have a chance to sing for Princess Rowena. The princess is trying to get assistance to help others rebuild after a storm. Sula learns of a missing singing shell that has the power to cause storms or calm waters. When her friends become trapped by surging water, Sula decides to . . . → Read More: Sula and the Singing Shell
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 1st, 2013 Author: Taylor, Dereen Illustrator: Series: A World of Food Publisher: Clara House Books ISBN: 9781934545140 Year Published: 2010 Price: $24.95 Grade Level: 3-6 Rating: R
- Author: Taylor, Dereen
- Grade Level: 3-6
- ISBN: 9781934545140
- Length: 32 pages
- Price: $24.95
- Publisher: Clara House Books
- Rating: R
- Series: A World of Food
- Year Published: 2010
With a focus on food, one learns about the history, climate, religions, and cultures of Nigeria, a diverse country with many ethnic groups. Many of the staple foods came from trading with other countries. Because running water and electricity in rural areas is rare, food is often prepared in traditional ways. There are recipes included . . . → Read More: A World of Food: Nigeria
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 1st, 2013 Author: Schrier, Allyson Valentine Illustrator: Series: Snap Books: Get in the Game Publisher: Capstone Press ISBN: 9781429676717 Year Published: 2012 Price: $20.49 Grade Level: 3-5 Rating: R
- Author: Schrier, Allyson Valentine
- Grade Level: 3-5
- ISBN: 9781429676717
- Length: 32 pages
- Price: $20.49
- Publisher: Capstone Press
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 4.7
- Series: Snap Books: Get in the Game
- Year Published: 2012
Beginning with a short quiz to check prior knowledge, chapters start with describing each position, defining the terms, and telling how the game is played. An illustrated map of the playing field shows how to set up and mark the area. Soccer is a physical game and the benefits of the activity as well as . . . → Read More: A Girl’s Guide to Soccer
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 1st, 2013 Author: Britton, Tamara L. Illustrator: Series: Dogs, Set X Publisher: ABDO Publishing Co. ISBN: 9781617835919 Year Published: 2013 Price: $17.95 Grade Level: 3-5 Rating: R
- Author: Britton, Tamara L.
- Grade Level: 3-5
- ISBN: 9781617835919
- Length: 24 pages
- Price: $17.95
- Publisher: ABDO Publishing Co.
- Rating: R
- Series: Dogs, Set X
- Year Published: 2013
With a history as herding and guard dogs, this breed is now one of the ten most popular in the United States. Devoted and friendly, they can also be protective so obedience training is necessary. Attention is given to caring and feeding this large-size breed. Enough information is given to help one decide if this . . . → Read More: Rottweilers
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 1st, 2013 Author: Jeffrey, Laura S. Illustrator: Series: The American Humane Association Pet Care Series Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc. ISBN: 9780766040809 Year Published: 2013 Price: $17.95 Grade Level: 2-5 Rating: R
- Author: Jeffrey, Laura S.
- Grade Level: 2-5
- ISBN: 9780766040809
- Length: 48 pages
- Price: $17.95
- Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
- Series: The American Humane Association Pet Care Series
- Year Published: 2013
- Rating: R
Once a person or family decides to get a dog, attention must be given to choosing the right kind for the home. This book introduces characteristics, needs, and where to find the best match for the family. Information for caring for, feeding, housebreaking, the importance of grooming and exercising, and how to prevent some problems . . . → Read More: Choosing a Dog: How to Choose and Care for a Dog
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 1st, 2013 Author: Hutmacher, Kimberly M. Illustrator: Series: Pebble Plus: I Want a Pet Publisher: Capstone Press ISBN: 9781429675963 Year Published: 2012 Price: $18.49 Grade Level: K-2 Rating: R
- Series: Pebble Plus: I Want a Pet
- Reading level: 2.0
- Rating: R
- Publisher: Capstone Press
- Price: $18.49
- Length: 24 pages
- ISBN: 9781429675963
- Grade Level: K-2
- Author: Hutmacher, Kimberly M.
- Year Published: 2012
This easy-to-read book tells young readers what they need to know when choosing a cat for a pet. Responsibilities include caring for the cat every day. Caring means feeding, cleaning the litter box, and training. Various breeds are not discussed, but information is given for buying supplies, getting regular checkups, and being a committed cat . . . → Read More: I Want a Cat
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