This addition to the hugely successful series is delightful.  Packed with thirteen Aesop fables, the majority of which are well known, such as The Lion and the Mouse, Hoberman has added a few of the lesser known…The Dog in the Manger and The Peacock and the Crane. The repetition and rhyme is the perfect support for reluctant readers.  Begin with humor and witty characters, add a theatrical element plus Emberley’s energetic illustrations and this title begs for wide appeal. 

This book consists of a conversation between a little apple tree and God.  The tree is not satisfied with itself as it is and wants stars in it like the big oak trees.

the pictures are colorful and fun.

the book was just OK.

This is a cute book that uses the fun song with the same name,”Little bunny Foo Foo.”   Every one loves the song and the book is very cute.  I love the pictures.

The author focuses her tale on Susan B. Anthony’s act of civil disobedience when she illegally voted in the 1872 presidential election.  Susan believed that the new law, the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which included rights for all citizens, obviously meant women.  She was arrested, tried and fined $100.  The story ends informing the reader that she never went to jail or paid her fine.  The Author’s Note provides the bigger picture of this women’s life long journey (over 48 years) to pass a women’s suffrage amendment.  She died at age 86, thirteen years before Congress finally passed such a law.  Her motto throughout…”Failure is impossible.”  Being well researched and written in moving free verse with vibrant painted illustrations makes this a great choice for read alouds.  Back Matter includes a Selected Bibliography and primary source images.

This series of Blastoff! Readers, level 1, provides young readers with nonfiction books in a simple format.  Warthogs are wild pigs.   The bumps, or warts, on the sides of their heads provide protection during skirmishes with each other or predators.  Each spread contains two sentences in large font and a large, colorful, well-chosen photograph.  Nonfiction books to read for further information are mostly written at a similar level.  One, a fiction story, is written at a higher level.  The Factsurfer internet site has some good pictures and videos of warthogs, but the reading level is higher than first or second grade.  Good basic introduction to nonfiction for young readers.

Written for young readers, a description of what gazelles look like, what they eat, and where they live is given.  Gazelles have an odd behavior called”pronking” where they leap into the air, arch their backs, then land on all four feet.  This may be a message to others to stay away.  Each spread contains two sentences in large font and a large, colorful, well-chosen photograph.   Books for further reading are mostly written at a similar level.  the factsurfer internet site provides information at a middle elementary reading level.  Young readers will need assistance but should enjoy photos and videos.  Good basic introductory to nonfiction for young readers.

Patricia MacLachlan has written a prequel to the Boxcar Children mysteries to provide an explanation of how Henry, Jessie,Violet, and Benny began their adventures.  The style and gentle tone of the story behind the four children living on their own flows well with the other Boxcar children stories by Gertrude Chandler Warner.  Taking place on their farm during the Great Depression, Mr. and Mrs. Alden provide a home for the Clark family who’s car has broken down during a blizzard.  The families develop fond friendships and everyone is sad when the Clarks continue their journey in the summer.  Shortly afterward, a catastrophe sends the Alden children on the beginning of their adventures.  The personalities of each child comes through along with the love and support the four children have for each other.  Robert Dunn’s soft pencil illustrations complement this new addition to the series.  Resources used by MacLachlan, acknowledgements, and internet sites are found in the back of the book.  Boxcar Children fans will appreciate having a probable beginning to all the mysteries and adventures of the Alden children.

This is one of a series of seven books on colonial America written for elementary aged children.  Each chapter in “Families” focuses on various aspects of life – work, school, prayer, play, meals, slaves, and Native Americans.  Words to know are in bold font of a different color and are also defined on the page.  Occasional side bars compare colonial times to modern days.  “Did You Know” boxes add more information.  Books for further reading are written at a similar interest level and provide projects and activities .  Websites provide a wide variety of information that help bring the past to life.

Jam-packed with fascinating information, maps, photos, colorful illustrations, brief primary sources, and fact boxes, this book provides readers with a detailed look at life in the 1600s.  A variety of people from many countries settled in colonial America for several reasons.  Life was hard, clothing mostly unsuitable, homes drafty and dark, and work seemingly unending.  Celebrations provided times to gather for fun and relaxation.  The text is written at a 4th – 5th grade reading level and provides clear, factual information in a pleasing format.  Other books in the series are: The Cold, Hard Facts about Science and Medicine in Colonial America, The Dish on Food and Farming in Colonial America, and The Real Story about Government and Politics in Colonial America.  This set will assist the reader to step back in time to get a realistic look at life 400 years ago.  Books for further reading, glossary, internet sites, index, and a primary source bibliography are found in the back of the book.

Interesting, and sometimes amazing, defenses by a variety of animals are presented in simple sentences.  They are accompanied by on-page definition of terms.  Terms are also found in the glossary along with the pronunciation.  A “fierce fact” provides additional information.  Close-up photographs are large, colorful, and well chosen to illustrate each animal’s mode of protection from predators.  Recommended books to read more about survival techniques are written for a similar age group.  Facthound internet links are appropriate for elementary aged children.  The title alone is sure to attract readers.  This is a great introduction to the sometimes amazing defenses in the animal kingdom.  Glossary. index, books for further reading, and internet sites are in the back.