My Beijing is a book with four stories about a sweet little girl, Yu’er, her grandfather and friends. Yu’er and her grandpa have a very close, loving relationship and he helps her navigate a world that is somewhat difficult for her, since she has a (unspecified) disability.  Her difficulty with walking doesn’t stop her from enjoying the world around her as her grandpa wheels her in a cart, on his bike or even on his back.  The reader will cheer for Yu’er and Grandpa in this lovely book.

This book of four stories keeps a slow, relaxed pace.  They have an almost dreamlike flow, where the author/illustrator mixes the magical elements casually among the everyday aspects of life. This is much different from many American graphic novels in that respect – both the fantastical elements and the  big plot happenings in general avoid being “in your face”.  The stories are a bit strange, but weirdly comforting.  If you have read stories of a similar genre, these aren’t surprising.  But, some readers might not really understand the flow or casual plot twists.  Even so, it’s good for kids to be exposed to lots of different types of storytelling and this is a fun way to do it.  

There are asterisks that explain different parts of Chinese culture in the story, which is helpful for those that are unfamiliar with it. The illustrations are gentle and sweet, with mute tones.  This book is highly recommended for all library collections!

Mouse, an avid outdoorsman, invites his friend Monster to go camping.  Monster isn’t too keen on the idea until Mouse assures him there will be…FOOD.  That clinches it for Monster and they are on their way.  Monster pulls the wagon load of supplies while Mouse darts ahead to scout out possible camping sites.  Unfortunately,  Monster eats something from the wagon each time Mouse runs ahead.  When they find a suitable campsite, Mouse discovers that Monster ate the lantern, tent and sleeping bags.  At least they still have food…nope, Mouse forgot to pack it in the box (conveniently marked “food”).  The hungry, cold friends sit sadly in the dark until they spot a group of humans around a campfire.  Yay! They rush toward the campers, who are in the middle of a scary story about monsters.  As one might guess, the human campers run screaming away, leaving behind a lovely campsite, campfire, food and tents. Mouse and Monster are puzzled at their sudden departure, but decide not to waste the lovely camping experience.  

This fun, colorfully illustrated story will delight young readers as they follow the two friends on their adventure.  The background of the illustrations darken as the story moves from day to night and  the readers will watch as monster continues to eat their supplies, although Mouse has no idea.  This will be a great addition to your library and a fun read-a-loud.

This is a story about Archie (who thinks he’s a bear) and a bear (who thinks he’s a boy).  Archie and the bear have a wonderful day together after meeting  in the woods.  Archie is there because he is fed up with people not understanding that he is not in a bear suit…he is a bear!  He and the bear learn so much from each other, like skimming stones and eating honey sandwiches.  

The illustrations are dramatic and bold.  The size difference between the boy and bear are quite evident in each two page spread.  More often than not, the reader does not see the entire bear – just rather large parts of him!  This is a very gentle tale of two friends who might be different, yet are comfortable in their relationship and learn so much from each other.    

This book, published by the National Wildlife Federation, is a wealth of information for kids who want to know all about camping. Each chapter begins with a question, which is answered with photos, diagrams and succinctly written information.  Bold face type is used for emphasis (important points) and unusual words.  Readers will enjoy the suggested activities – even the ideas for rainy days in camp (because, really…we have all had rainy days while camping, right?).  There is a helpful checklist near the end and a listing of National Parks and website reference.  An index is helpful for quick reference.  

Kids’ guide to camping : all you need to know about having fun in the outdoors is part of a four book Ranger Rick series.  This won’t be on your shelves for long.  It’s a fun, fairly easy read and will interest those readers that have an interest in the outdoors. 

Rory Tiger and Sheldon Turtle are getting ready for Christmas, when they change into their super hero gear to help out the woodland animals from Grumpus Bear. Grumpus Bear has been taking bees’ honey, rabbit’s carrots and squirrel’s nuts. Rory and Sheldon start by doing research on the internet and in books and discover, “I think I know the reason Grumpus didn’t hibernate. His red coat is so big and warm and puffy…”, says Rory. Sheldon finishes, ” …he doesn’t REALIZE that it’s wintertime!”

Rory and Sheldon decide to trick Grumpus into hibernating by offering a free show in a heated tent with free candy.  Once inside the tent, the usher (AKA Rory) takes Grumpus’ coat, as “Operation Bear-in-Underwear is about to get underway.” First comes the dancing squirrels, then the magic show with a disappearing tent and heater, followed by, “You are getting very sleepy… Hush, little baby… Time to take a beary long nap!” Mission accomplished. 

The graphic science novel ends with a “Super-Duper Animal Fact” about bears hibernating.

Story by Henri Meunier/ Illustrations by Nathalie Choux/ Adapted by Liza Charlesworth by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / first published in France 

The Unwanted is a vivid description of life experiences that result in the people of Syria leaving their homes to find a new place in the world.  In this graphic novel it is easy to relate to the plight of the refugees and understand why they undergo risky and harsh conditions to flee the life threatening war in their homeland.  It is highly understandable as the refugees speak simple sentences about their viewpoints. This book describes the obstacles to finding a new home plus why other countries may not welcome them.  It talks about historical events and the underlying political forces. The stories do tend to be sad. Anyone who wants to build a wall to keep out immigrants should read this book. It is interesting and informative for all levels of readers and I highly recommend it.

A retired pigeon private detective is hired by a little canary to track down a feather thief. The feather thief turns out to be the detectives old partner. After solving the crime, the retired detective and the young canary are back in business again. This book would make a better one on one book versus a read aloud. There is some humor and play on words that adults would catch, but children probably would not. 

From the series, Just Like Us, this book compares how birds are just like humans. They make music, build and decorate homes, take care of babies, and teach their young. With color cartoon illustrations and text boxes with information, this book gives examples of how birds build nests, attract mates, and care for their young. It also gives gives examples for specific bird species. There is a glossary at the end titled “Say What?” and a Bibliography. 

Luka has smuggled himself out of a Nazi labor camp even though he had to leave his friend, Lida, behind. He makes his way towards the mountains trying to escape detection from the Nazis and the Soviets and find his way back to his father. He stumbles upon the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and decides that he needs to be with them and fight for the resistance. 

An action packed novel inspired by true events from the author of Making Bombs for Hitler. A recommended purchase for grades 5 and up. 

What happens after the Big, Bad Wolf goes down the chimney and is captured by the Three Little Pigs?  Look no further than The Three Little Superpigs to find the ‘rest of the story’!  This book continues the tale of the intrepid pigs and their nemesis, the wolf.  Our heroes, aka Superpigs, are keeping the local fairy tale residents safe from bad guys and basking in the glow of fame.  Unfortunately, the biggest, baddest guy, aka Big, Bad Wolf, escapes from “Happily Never After Prison” and acts upon his plan to take revenge on the Superpigs.  He easily captures the first two pigs, who obviously didn’t learn anything the first time around.  Luckily, the third pig is still smarter than his siblings and the wolf.  He rescues his brothers, captures the wolf and makes Fairyland safe again.  Whew!  What a great ending to the story…or is it really the end?? 

Fun illustrations and tongue-in-cheek text will make readers young and old chuckle and cheer at the eventual capture of the Big, Bad Wolf.  This book would be a great introduction to student writing – what happens next for other fairy tale characters/stories? Ex. Do the three bears see Goldilocks again? Does the Gingergread Man run away again?  Hmmm… Highly Recommended.