On the book jacket is the note “10-Minute Bedtime Stories,” to show that the stories are short, although I’m not so sure before bedtime is the best as they can be violent and cause nightmares.  Similar to fairy tales, this compilation of seven stories introduces the reader (or listener) to Ali Baba, Aladdin and Sindbad the Sailor and their adventures.  Stories are simple without too much imagery or multisyllabic words.  The illustrations are sweet, however, I had trouble figuring out if Sindbad was a fox and what other animals portrayed the characters.  The illustrations probably balance out the viciousness of the stories (i.e., sailors eaten alive by snakes).  Nevertheless, this book is a great addition to an elementary library to bring awareness of the classics to children.

This is such a cute book with the extraordinary animal friendships.  The pictures are so cute they draw you in.  The stories are very interesting and unusual.  What a great book to look at.

Ghosts are a good topic for the series, The Unexplained, because many people have differing opinions on whether or not they exist.  This book presents both points of view with supporting explanations.  Although there is no solid proof either way, the reader is left to form their own beliefs.  There are stories of ghosts and color photos along with a glossary, index, and sources for more information.  This 24-page book provides a balanced beginning introduction to ghosts.

The Bermuda Triangle is a good topic for t he series, The Unexplained, because of the mystery surrounding disappearances in the area.  The 24-page book provides possible explanations but leaves the reader to form one’s own opinions.  Color photos and illustrations are on every page.  Glossary and index included.

This collection of 20 poems highlight things a young boy may do on his weekends – from going to the fair or to Grandma’s, getting a haircut, doing homework, or just being bored.  Most poems are humorous but some lack a rhythmic flow where the rhyming words seem forced.  Illustrator Mark Beech’s colorful ink and watercolor paintings add energy and details to each poem.  Young readers will relate to the topics in many of the poems.

Grab cardboard and wrapping paper to recycle into creative, useful items.  Understandable step-by-step instructions show how to make cartons, bags, envelopes, frames, bulletin board organizers, game boards, and jewelry as well as how to make pressed paper.  The illustrations for the steps of each craft are colorful and clear.  Most crafts can be easily made by upper elementary children with little assistance by adults – except perhaps the pressed paper project.  The glossary includes pronunciation which is helpful for words like “couture” and “decoupage”.  An index and other resources complete this book.

Sasspants is worried.  Mr. Venezi, the pet shop owner, has put up a “help wanted” sign in his window!  What if this means he sells more pets and Sasspants’ friends have to leave their homes?!?  Sasspants sets out to convince Mr. Venezi that he doesn’t need more help after all, but when her efforts are sabotaged, Sasspants must find the culprit!  This charming graphic novel for kids takes a common theme in children’s literature (leaving home) and uses it as the basis for a mystery.  Sasspants is aided (or maybe hampered) by Hamisher the hamster, a goofy sidekick for the ages.  The story is told on square, approachable pages and in bright, friendly colors.  Although this is the third the Guinea PIG series, the reader can enjoy the story with no knowledge of Sasspants’ other adventures.

200 stunning photos from the NASA archives help document the missions to the moon, explain the space race, phases of the moon, and even myths and legends of the moon.  The accompanying DVD contains footage of the Neil Armstrong’s first walk on the moon, as well as future missions.  The DVD is so good, I plan to shelf it with other DVDs in my media section.

Earth gives us air, water, and soil to live. “But people do things that hurt Earth.” (p. 8)  Author Peggy Hock stays objective as she mentions air pollution from power plants which burn coal and car exhaust, water pollution from chemicals used on lawns and gardens, and land pollution from littering and improper disposal of garbage.

Pages 20-21 “Five Ways to Help Earth”  1- Don’t litter…, 2- Recycle and buy recycled products…, 3- carpool…, 4- turn off lights…, 5- Plant a tree…”

Page 23  Four Pollution Fighting Inventions: electric car, solar plane, soybean-oil-powered bus, pedal-powered bus

“Spanish missionaries set up missions to spread Christianity to Native Americans. Even if the Native Americans did not want to become Christian, the missionaries forced them to follow Christian religious practices.” (p. 21)  The Spanish were not friendly in their methods of establing missions in New Mexico with the various groups of Native Americans.

Author, Robin Lyon, shows missions, not just as a church, but as a place – village- a governmental institution. The missions’ timeline consists of 1500 to 1800.

6 chapters include: 1- Into New Mexico, 2- Exploring New Mexico , 3- Mission Life, 4- Missions of New Mexico, 5- Growing Conflicts, and 6 Times Change.  Also includes: True Statistics, Resources, Important Words, & Index.

* Photo on page 18 is incorrectly labeled – “The Navajo”.