These are not your dragons from fairy tale days. These are dragons on a mission. Dragons who do the bidding of the powerful evil Lennix family from Fortress Lennix. The Lennix want to rule the world and dragons are a huge part our this undertaking. The Lennix matriarch , D’Mara realizes she needs a special silver dragon to achieve her goal because some of the younger dragons are beginning to grumble. In comes poor orphaned Joss who literally has a silver dragon egg dropped from the sky into his life. Thrills, treachery, and hope follow as the silver dragon Lysander hatches, grows, and locks (bonds) with Joss, all while D’Mara is furiously having her family and dragons out searching for THE egg.

It turns out a few dragons are not savage and not all Lennix family members are cruel, but need to keep this hidden and play the part to survive.

The sub-plot plays a small role in this first book in the series. Sirin’s mother has shared centuries old dragon stories with her daughter and given Sirin the precious dragonstone to keep. Sirin is about to loose her mother due to illness. Sirin is able to visit her mother in the (present day) hospital while she lives in foster care.

Sirin’s and Joss’ / Lysander’s worlds come together just as this book concludes. Cliffhanger!

Book includes a set of nine game cards and directions inside the book’s covers.

What a wonderful collection of ten stories by ten different authors and all for the price of $12.99. What a deal! My biggest problem with this book is the title! If a person read each story in five minutes they would totally miss out on the illustrations which make the stories come to life because “A picture is worth a thousand words.” The text and illustrations are by their original authors and illustrators from their first publication dates, which run from 2004 – 2018.

The titles include: A Couple of Boys have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee, Space Boy by Leo Landry, Happy Belly, Happy Smile by Rachel Isadora, Guyku: A Year of Haiku Boys by Bob Raczka, Mustache Baby by Bridget Heos, Quiet Wyatt by Tammi Sauer, Kid Amazing vs. the Blob by Josh Schneider ( a Theodor Suess Geisel Award winner), Brothers by David McPhail, Curious George and the Firefighters by Margret and H.A. Rey, and Real Cowboys by Kate Hoefler.

By Jesse Wiley

A perfect “choose your own adventure” book for those students who love video games.

The reader picks the path to go on and follows the color trail, turning pages riddle with bright pictures and many choices. The end goal is to make it safe and sound to Oregon City while encountering the same trials and tribulations that the pioneers faced. With more than 50 scenarios, this book will take the reader on a long trek and provide many hours of entertainment.

Written by Einal Tsarfati

This book tells the story of a very imaginative girl who lives on the seventh floor of an apartment building. Daily, as she walks the stairs, she imagines who lives behind the doors of other apartments. She makes up creative stories about the occupants to divert her mind from her own boring apartment, which turns out not to be so boring.

Orginally written in Hebrew, Annette Appel translates this expressive tale for our pleasure.

Written by Kerry Lyn Sparrow
Illustrated by Guillaume Perrault

Kerry Lyn Sparrow introduces us to Duncan, the boy who likes the many preparations of getting ready for bed except the actual act of going to sleep. His exasperated Mom goes one step further one night. When Duncan complain again that he can’t sleep, Mom suggested counting sheep. In this hilarious story, Duncan encounters quite the flock of sheep. Thanks to a particular sheep, Duncan eventaully falls asleep.

Written and illustrated by Rashin Kheinyeh

This book is based on a memory of the author and depicts some of the differences between the United States and Iran.

After moving to New York City, Rashin’s parents take her and her brother to Coney Island. Along the way, Rashin reminisces about her family’s trips to the Caspian Sea and her favorite part, getting saffron ice cream.

Upon arriving at Coney Island, Rashin discoveries that many things are drastically different in America. Will she be disappointed or delighted with her new discoveries?

The bright folkart type illustrations do a good job reflecting the story and the author.

Written and illustrated Jennifer Black Reinhardt

Jennifer Black Reinhardt introduces us to Alfred, a nervous possum that couldn’t excel in most activities. Whenever he encountered an uncomfortable situation, Alfred played dead. Then Alfred notices Sophia an armadillo who curls into a ball when she feels nervous.

Together, they discover thaqt with patience, they no longer are nervous around each other. They start to notice other animals defense mechanisms. They try all sorts of things to overcome the other animals’ nervous habits and become friends.

The author includes a short essay on truth and imagination and a short glossary of animals.

By David Shannon

David Shannon brings back the incorrgible David in this endearing story of little brother antics. Like most older siblings, David’s older brother doean’t want David around him. Therefore, he blames many things on David but not without reason. With simple sesntences, it is an easy reader that younger student will enjoy.

Written by Scot Ritchie

Pedro is moving and he is so anxious. To ease his mind, his mom invites some of his friends for a sleepover. Mrs. Rivera introduces the children to mindfulness to help ease Pedro’s anxiety. This book is a great introduction to mindfulness with tips on how to accomplish it. There are activities in the back that families can practice along with definitions to help really understand the context of the exercises.

Written by Patty Lovell
Illustrated by Davis Catrow

Patty Lovell brings back the adorable Molly Lou Melon in Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon. Instead of her grandmother’s affirmations, she has her mother’s reminders to use her voice for good. Molly Lou’s mother prompts Molly Lou to do what is right even when it is the bully and difficult. This is an excellent lesson for children to learn without them realizing there is a lesson.

David Catrow comes through again with beautiful bright watercolor and ink drawings.