This is a charming story of a father and son who are home sitting on the couch, when the son decided that the couch is  a big boat and they are actually floating in the ocean.  The father plays along with the imagination game and soon they are running from sharks, fishing for food, and paddling to a life saving island.  They build a fort, as shelter and create a fire to lay next to as they star gaze into the night sky.  It ends with the son telling the father, “You’re the best.  For pretend and for real.” Nice Water color and pen/ink illustrations.  Recommended.

Humpback whales are know for their songs and can be found in all oceans around the world.  Chapters in this book include: humpback and family, shape, size, and color, where they live, senses, defense, food, babies, behaviors, and a page on facts.  A diagram names some features of the humpback and a map of the world shows areas where they can be found.  The photographs are colorful and will hold the reader’s attention.  The text is easy to read and includes many facts about these magnificent creatures.  There is adequate information for pleasure reading or for a short report.  A glossary, index, and an ABDO website are in the back, however there is no bibliography for further reading.

Great white sharks are a fascinating topic which will attract all readers.  Chapters in this book include: what they look like, where they live, food, senses, babies, attack and defense, attacks on humans, and a page on facts.  A diagram shows the fins and gill slits and a map of the world show areas where great whites can be found.  Although the information appears to be correct, one caption reads,”The great white can smell a single drop of blood in 25 gallons (96L) of water.  The reader may wonder how that fact was obtained.  The caption for one photo states: “Young great whites snack on rays” yet no rays are seen in the photo.  Perhaps the caption is simply additional information, but the result is misleading.  This book will hold the reader’s attention and information provided is adequate for short reports.  There is a glossary, index, and an ABDO website in the back, but no bibliography for further reading.

In short chapters, readers learn what cocker spaniels are like, their coat and color, size, care, feeding, things they need, and about puppies.  The text is easy to read and photographs are focused and well-chosen to accompany each topic.  Other dog books in the series are: German Shepherds, Dalmatians, Mutts, Labrador Retrievers, and Poodles.  These books provide a basic introduction to the breeds, especially if one is looking for a suitable pet.  A glossary, index and ABDO website are provided in the back.

Boxer is one of the Top Dogs series from Children’s Press.  The book begins with defining this breed that originated from Germany.  They are large, playful dogs that enjoy having fun with, and protecting, their people.  The reader is cautioned to not get a boxer if they cannot spend playing and exercising with it.  They are highly energetic and playful and don’t like to be left alone.  Chapters include information on choosing a puppy, care, size, and behavior.  Every page has a “Fast Fact” of additional information.  The layout of the book has a pleasing arrangement of colorful photos , text, chapter titles and Fast Facts.  Readers will learn much about this breed and many important details if one is looking for a suitable pet for the family.  Other books in the series include: Beagle, Dachshund, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier.  Glossary and Index are on the last page.  Recommended for inclusion in elementary libraries.

Michael Garland creates another Miss Smith literary adventure.  The setting is a fall day at the local library.  Virginia Creeper, the librarian, wants to read some spooky stories so Miss Smith lends her the Incredible Storybook.  As Ms. Creeper reads, characters from 13 scary stories emerge from the book.  The children shudder as the Queen of Hearts, Captain Hook, Frankenstein, and the Headless Horseman, to name a few, fill the library.  When the librarian stopped reading and handed out cider and cookies, a party began.  The characters seem happy and not nearly as scary.  Everyone had fun until Ms. Creeper noticed the senior Book Club approaching the library.  Hurriedly, Miss Smith cleaned up, Ms. Creeper delayed the Book club, and Zach read all the characters back into the Incredible Storybook.  Garland’s bright images depict the children’s awe as characters appear.  Although a picture book, young readers may be unfamiliar with these characters.  However, this book could be used as an introduction to these classic tales in literature.

Daphne’s diary begins on the first day of fourth grade.  Her teacher mispronounces her name and so begins a whole list of disasters which commonly befall fourth graders.  Daphne soon learns mistakes happen and anyone can make them.  Resorting to teasing is not a good solution.  Marissa Moss is known for her Amelia books which are in a notebook, handwritten style.  Daphne’s diary is written on pink pages and contains many drawings and doodles.  The plot is simple and The Name Game is a good transition from picture to beginning chapter books.

This ABC book is filled with colorful, lively paintings of animals paired with the collective noun associated with them, as suggested by the title.  Many of the featured animals can be found mixed in the illustrations for each letter, and at least one duck is on each two-page spread.  Joseph Kelly’s oil and acrylic art work is festive, entertaining, and appealing to kids of all ages.  Astute readers may find connections with other animals or objects beginning with the same letter; for example a mob of kangaroos watching a koala soccer game or one of the sloth of bears with a red balloon.  This book is delightful and would make an excellent addition to any library.

Fairies can be found in myths and legends world wide.  Some pages contain maps showing countries with fairy myths.  Names for fairy-like creatures vary around the world.  One excellent feature of this book is the pronunciation included next to each name.  “Did You Know” boxes contain additional facts or information.  Short chapters with colorful illustrations are sure to engage reluctant readers.  The text is large and pages are filled with colorful photos and illustrations to hold attention.  Enough information is provided to encourage further investigation.  Each book in the series concludes with pages discussing “Reality versus Myth” along with a glossary, index, and books for further reading.

In a fun twist, Dog wants a boy for a pet, even though warned that boys are hard to train.  All week long, Dog makes preparations for the day he gets a boy.  When Dog went looking for a suitable boy, he kept running into places where dogs were not allowed.  Dog was caught by the dogcatcher and taken to a kennel.  The next day, Saturday, Dog was taken to the “Meet ‘n’ Greet” room, where he met the perfect boy.  Instead of going home, Dog went to the boy’s house where he proceeded to teach the boy how to play fetch, go on walks, and share food.  On Sunday, Dog wrote to his mom telling her he found a boy to keep but was going to live at the boy’s house for a while.  Ashley Spires’ illustrations are cartoon-like in muted blues, greens, and browns.  There are some plot inconsistencies but enjoyable all the same.