On the heals of a very successful crowd pleaser, Rhyming Dust Bunnies, comes  Here comes the big, mean dust bunnies! Although the sequel lacks the punch of the first book, primary kids will still enjoy this clever take on bullies.  The rhyming text affords the elementary teacher a place to take off on an exploration of rhyming words and or “family words”.  The bold, comical illustrations gravitate children to these humarous books!  Be sure you read them in order!!

On the book jacket is the note “10-Minute Bedtime Stories,” to show that the stories are short, although I’m not so sure before bedtime is the best as they can be violent and cause nightmares.  Similar to fairy tales, this compilation of seven stories introduces the reader (or listener) to Ali Baba, Aladdin and Sindbad the Sailor and their adventures.  Stories are simple without too much imagery or multisyllabic words.  The illustrations are sweet, however, I had trouble figuring out if Sindbad was a fox and what other animals portrayed the characters.  The illustrations probably balance out the viciousness of the stories (i.e., sailors eaten alive by snakes).  Nevertheless, this book is a great addition to an elementary library to bring awareness of the classics to children.

This is such a cute book with the extraordinary animal friendships.  The pictures are so cute they draw you in.  The stories are very interesting and unusual.  What a great book to look at.

Drea is who she is.  Smart, witty, self-aware.  But a lot of people treat her with gloved hands, hushed voices, or they go to the the other side of the spectrum, all out mocking and bullying.  As a 16 year old who is literally “on the spectrum” with Asperger’s, she wants to be normal, just like any other 16 year old in the world.  Enter stage left Naomi.  Naomi is the purple haired drug user who accepts Drea for who she is.  This friendship becomes the perfect character contrast for a Venn diagram assignment.  Next, enter stage right Justin.  Justin is the nice guy but is recovering addict who also “gets” Drea’s quirks that come with Asperger’s.  All three share a passion for music, and of course create a band.  Justin and Drea’s relationship is natural, easy-going yet tingling with discovery of what passion is.  Namoi wants this too but has been looking for it through the drug crowd that uses her.  Naomi’s issues take center stage by the end, and unfortunately this trio will never make it to the big stage.  Author Tara Kelly’s account of what life might be like for a high functioning autistic girl coming out of her shell because she found true friends is a great read for high school and public libraries.

Ghosts are a good topic for the series, The Unexplained, because many people have differing opinions on whether or not they exist.  This book presents both points of view with supporting explanations.  Although there is no solid proof either way, the reader is left to form their own beliefs.  There are stories of ghosts and color photos along with a glossary, index, and sources for more information.  This 24-page book provides a balanced beginning introduction to ghosts.

The Bermuda Triangle is a good topic for t he series, The Unexplained, because of the mystery surrounding disappearances in the area.  The 24-page book provides possible explanations but leaves the reader to form one’s own opinions.  Color photos and illustrations are on every page.  Glossary and index included.

This collection of 20 poems highlight things a young boy may do on his weekends – from going to the fair or to Grandma’s, getting a haircut, doing homework, or just being bored.  Most poems are humorous but some lack a rhythmic flow where the rhyming words seem forced.  Illustrator Mark Beech’s colorful ink and watercolor paintings add energy and details to each poem.  Young readers will relate to the topics in many of the poems.

Grab cardboard and wrapping paper to recycle into creative, useful items.  Understandable step-by-step instructions show how to make cartons, bags, envelopes, frames, bulletin board organizers, game boards, and jewelry as well as how to make pressed paper.  The illustrations for the steps of each craft are colorful and clear.  Most crafts can be easily made by upper elementary children with little assistance by adults – except perhaps the pressed paper project.  The glossary includes pronunciation which is helpful for words like “couture” and “decoupage”.  An index and other resources complete this book.

Sasspants is worried.  Mr. Venezi, the pet shop owner, has put up a “help wanted” sign in his window!  What if this means he sells more pets and Sasspants’ friends have to leave their homes?!?  Sasspants sets out to convince Mr. Venezi that he doesn’t need more help after all, but when her efforts are sabotaged, Sasspants must find the culprit!  This charming graphic novel for kids takes a common theme in children’s literature (leaving home) and uses it as the basis for a mystery.  Sasspants is aided (or maybe hampered) by Hamisher the hamster, a goofy sidekick for the ages.  The story is told on square, approachable pages and in bright, friendly colors.  Although this is the third the Guinea PIG series, the reader can enjoy the story with no knowledge of Sasspants’ other adventures.