What makes this book remarkable is that each set of pages opens up into a panoramic view of a forested area and a dinosaur.  The forest area looks to be a photograph as does the dinosaur, however, it doesn’t say so in the credits.  In which case, the illustrations are fantastic!  I thought maybe they were pictures of dinosaurs taken at perhaps a science center exhibit of the real-looking robotic dinosaurs.  In any case, the illustrations were credible enough to make kindergarteners and first-graders gasp.  The story is about a young ankylosaur trying to make friends with an old, injured ankylosaur and being rebuffed.  When a T-rex tries to kill the old ankylosaur, the young one steps in to help, and a friendship is made.  Young kids love dinosaurs and this book practically makes them lifelike.

Making a Bully-Free World identifies the various types of bullies and ways in which to handle each situation.  This is a hard topic to teach in schools, and although this book looks to be for the younger audiences, the topic and discussion it entails is actually for the more savvy students.  The book uses good examples of what bullying actually looks like.  I believe the  more opportunity for discussion is worthwhile and this book provides it.  I wish it were larger so that it would be easier to show larger groups of kids in a more intimate fashion.

Lou is a 12-year-old girl living with her single mom.  She’s noticing boys and finding out that playing with dolls isn’t the same now as it had been before.  Also, her mother is attracted to a new neighbor.  Just about each page is a new scenario for Lou, except for when her grandmother comes to visit.  That story takes several pages as ‘memaw’ is quite the character.  Quite a few realities are exposed.  Definitely a girls’ book, they should love the storylines and dialogue.

Teen Brie literally dies of a broken heart. She ends up in a place like Limbo; not really gone, but not able to connect with the living. She meets a mysterious spirit named Patrick who might be connected to her past. Overall, Brie must relinquish her former life and accept the fact that she is dead.

The author does an amazing job of depicting the character’s emotions and personalities. The well-written plot keeps the reader on ones toes – you will think you know what is going to happen next, but you will be surprised with the story’s twists and turns. There is a touch of romance in this story, but it is definitely not a romance novel, but a high drama read. This page-turner will delight all readers that enjoy the unexpected.

— Maggie C.

In this fantasy graphic novel, the main character, Seifer Tombchewer, has a great life being one of the most popular boys in his small village. But that all changes one day when he is kidnapped by the royal guard. It turns out that Prince Pandemonium, the next in line to the throne, has disappeared and Seifer happens to look identical to the missing prince. Seifer must now take over the prince’s role as diplomat, warrior and Lord Defender of the Realm. He must fool the royal family and their court and most of all, the kingdom’s enemies. Thus, ensues a fun madcap adventure as Seifer tries to fit into the prince’s “shoes.”

The plot is a fun mix of humor and drama. The art is absolutely gorgeous and complements the plot well. Anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story will devour this book.

— Mara B.

In this graphic novel, there is a serious plague that kills off everyone that is over 12 years old. The main character, Lisa Nelson, is one of the surviving 12 year olds. In a world without adults, she must try to keep her younger brother and herself alive. Lisa must keep her family safe from the vicious gangs of children who steal food. In order to keep her family safe from the gangs, she organizes the children in her neighborhood to create a city. Thus, she actually begins creating civilization while battling the Chidester Gang, the biggest and meanest gang in her town.

The characters are depicted age-appropiately and the plot is highly dramatic and thought-provoking. The art is top notch; The color palete works well for the book’s tone of gritty realism. Teens and younger children will enjoy this read for its unique and original idea.

— Mara B.

This book is a clearly written step by step guide to basic horse training for kids.  Every page has several demonstrative photographs along with instructions for training objectives.  The philosophy is horse control through respect, body language and establishing yourself in the hierarchy as leader of your horse.  The authors explain that training a horse is most effective when you “speak” their language.  I appreciate the positive and clear methods described in the this book.  I did find a few typos which is unfortunate but did not detract from my reading experience.

Echo, a bat, is the storyteller in this series. Echo is friend to the Silver family and their three children: Michael, Tyler, and Becca.

This episode begins when Echo sees a mummy  on their way home from a family fishing trip at Lake Placid. Soon afterward an Ancient Egyptian Exhibit opens at the local Fogville Museum. King Tut’s grandmother, Queen Tiye, is part of the exhibit. Legend has it  she tutored Tutankhamen on the ways of being a great pharaoh. She, also, enjoyed playing the ancient Egyptian strategy game of senet with Tut nightly. “Legend has it that the day her grandson won a game, it would be the sign that he was finally ready to become pharaoh.” Now, Queen Tiye is unable to rest peacefully since her tomb has been unearthed until her grandson wins a game of senet played with her. Tyler Silver learns how to play senet and begins to play it competitively. Michael, Tyler, and Becca Silver plan to have Tyler (dressed as Tut ) challenge Queen Tiye to a game in the museum after the museum has closed for the evening. Echo is instrumental in getting them inside the museum and in winning the game.

The color illustrations (12 full page, & 24- 1/3 page) add to the enjoyment of this exotic story line. The grandmother mummy wears granny glasses as part of the light-hearted fun.

Includes: 3 discussion questions, 3 writing prompts,  a glossary, and www.facthound.com.

This 12″ X 9.75 ”  book is a simple introduction into the world of a balanced diet.  Page 4 states, ” A balanced diet includes fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein.” From there it shows a  modified pie chart of a balanced diet using a dinner plate with fork, an additional circle (glass) for dairy, and ‘Choose MyPlate.gov’ written across the bottom of the place-mat. Facts about each food group are then given two pages with numerous photos of food large enough to be easily recognizable by young readers. Serving sizes are not mentioned.

Fruits include: apples, tomatoes, raspberries, and watermelon which help fight disease. Vegetables include: carrots, peas, and broccoli which keep a body healthy. Grains include: oats, wheat, and rice which give energy. Dairy include: milk, cheese, and yogurt which help build strong bones and teeth. Protein include: meat, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts which help you to grow.

‘Healthy Fats’, ‘Sugar’, and ‘Exercise and Sleep’ are also, given two pages apiece.

Concludes with “Can You Remember” (quiz) , “Words to Know”, and index.

What an excellent graphic novel!  Amelia Louise McBride is an only child whose parents are recently divorced.  She and her mom now live with her mom’s sister until they can save enough money to move into a house.  Amelia has a plan to make both her parents feel guilty about the change in lifestyle due to the divorce, and she’d benefit at Christmastime with a windfall.  However, among her new friends is a latchkey kid–something she’s never heard of before.  She had been feeling sorry for herself, but when she went to this kid’s house, she realized she had it a lot better than he did.  She knew Santa wouldn’t be visiting his house.  Anyway, she finds out that they have both asked for the same toy for Christmas, and Amelia knows it’s an expensive and hard-to-find toy.  When she gets it, she is so happy, but her  mind takes her back to her friend’s dreary house.  She rewraps the gift and sneaks out of the house over to her friend’s house.  She gets in a puts the toy under his tree and then hides to watch him open it.  Knowing she has done the right thing is gift enough for her.  She sneaks out of the house, but makes a small creak which her friend hears.  He runs to the window and sees her running home in her red outfit and red hat with white fur trim.  He’s positive it’s Santa!  Back at the clubhouse, he regals his friends with his story of seeing Santa and Amelia feels hope restored to her faithless friends.  Wonderful story!  This is a book I will definitely recommend to other librarians for their schools.