Basic facts about the American black bear begin this informative book.  Colorful double-page spreads combine additional statistics with detailed and labeled photographs.  Words to know are in bold font and defined at the bottom of the page.  The same words are in the glossary with the pronunciation clues.  Each page includes a fast fact with extra details.  A map shows where American black bears are most often found.  The book is well designed with a pleasing balance of informational and easily read text with a variety of well-chosen photographs.  The final page consists of one more “Amazing but True” fact.  Recommended books for further reading are written at a similar level and interest are in the back with the index.  A facthound internet site provides a variety of information,k games and activities to accompany this book on bears.  Molly Kolpin consulted with a a research ecologist to insure accuracy.

This is the third of Ashley Spires’ graphic novels of  Binky, the Space Cat Adventures.  Binky is bored with the routine of his life.  His space station is secure, his humans are safe.  One day his human brings home Gracie, a foster cat.  Binky resents having to share his home, food, and playthings, as Gracie competes for human attention.  When Binky discovers Gracie is actually sent to evaluate him, he goes from being confident to becoming panicked as he appears to be failing everything.  When security of the space station is breached, both Binky and Gracie work together to fend off the invasion.  He gets a promotion and Gracie is assigned her own space station – right next door.  New adventures are bound to follow.  The pages in this graphic novel are well designed and the reader is taken easily through the action, flashbacks, and private thoughts.  This is sure to be popular with both cat and graphic novel fans.

Dogs, horses, elephants, glowworms, camels, pigeons and dolphins are some of the animals that accompanied troops during battles throughout history.  Photographs and drawings illustrate their heroism around the world.  Within the pages are additional boxes of information titled, “What Would You Do?”, “Remembering Bravery”, Number Crunching”, and “Secret Heroes”.  Words in bold font are defined in the glossary.  Also included are stories of how some of these animals helped their people.  Nonfiction and fiction books are included in the bibliography.  All are at similar reading and interest levels.  Also included are 3 web sites, the address of a place to visit, and an index.  This is a very informative book and would make a great addition to an upper elementary or middle school library collection.

The recipes in this book depend on basic ingredients such as grains, spices, yogurt, dried fruits, and nuts.  Specific dishes, most of which have been passed down for generations, list ingredients as well as directions on how to prepare them.  As recipes and traditions are shared, many Afghan terms, and pronunciations, are included.  This book is chock-full of background information on the history and traditions of each food.  Recipes list ingredients and instructions for cooking but a true understanding of the dish is in the reading of eating habits and customs.  Text is easily read and the layout is pleasing.  This book is interesting to read even if one does not intend to prepare any of the recipes!  Books for further reading and informative websites are included in the back with a glossary, index, photo credits and a paragraph about the author.  Recommended for elementary libraries.

Books in this series begin with two, Find the Truth!, statements.  By the end of the book, readers will know which statement is true and which is false.  Short chapters tell about life of the native Algonquian people before Europeans arrived in the 1600s, life and anxieties of the colonists as they struggled to achieve a successful way of life, and eventual statehood in the 1700s.  Pivotal people and events are noted as well as a look at daily life and concerns.  Paintings and photographs illustrate the text.  The layout is pleasing and the writing is clear and easily understood.  This series provides interesting details for casual reading as well as adequate information for reports.  A list of other books to read, web sites, places to visit, a glossary and an index are found in the back.  Recommended for elementary and classroom library collections.

Sir Gawain, the undefeated, is King Arthur’s nephew and one of his knights. However, the giant Green Knight challenges him, and threatens to change his title to Sir Gawain, the defeated. On his way to challenge the giant Green Knight, he meets a few unique characters that help him learn lessons in manners, honor and the importance of keeping a promise. Gerald Morris has a writing style that is quite unique and very witty.

Basil, the greatest dragon of all time, organizes a team of residents  from the land of Avalon to battle against swarms of fire dragons that kill rampantly. Emerging from the battle, Basil knows that he must seek out the evil mastermind behind the mayhem and stop him forever. This requires Basil to make a trip into the Haunted Marsh with his beloved Myrna and risk their future. Although this is the third in the trilogy, this book is written well enough that it can stand alone. Adventure, thrill, fear, courage, honor and true love is at the reader’s fingertips.

Another wonderful story to add to Kasza’s collection.  Goose’s friends love his stories, but he is always the hero.  When he gets in trouble, though, his friends are the ones who become the heroes and come to his rescue.  A story about imagination, sharing, and the value of friends who will be there for you even when you are at your worst.  All with Kasza’s expressive illustrations and clever text.

This picture book is a wonderful introduction to yoga for preschoolers as well as older children.  The 2 pages of “instructions” are perfectly illustrated with young children.  Each pose is then related to a different animal that is revealed in a colorful two page spread after each exercise, complete with rhyme. (“You are a…/DOG/Stretch in the sun/Bark at your friend/Ready for fun”).  A great example of how text and illustration work together. And fun to act out, too!

Felicia Bond creates beautiful collage art in this book.  The text of the book, however, does not have any kind of unifying theme.  She begins with hugs from different kinds of animals, and then introduces opposites (upstairs/downstairs), and then more abstract opposites (winter/summer), beginning and ending with “Everyone hugs, all over the world.” Lovely collage, but the text seemed random.