Bizarro is a not-too-bright copy of Superman. An evil copy of Superman. Bizzaro has designs to change the world to an alternate reality of this one. It is up to Superman to save the day.
Full color graphic novel format. Struggling and reluctant readers will be draw to this easy-to-access book.
Mr. Pants Trick or Feet!
Third in the series of Mr. Pants books, Trick or Feet is as funny and entertaining as the other books.
It’s Halloween and all Mr. Pants and his siblings, Foot Foot and Grommy, want is to get lots of candy and play zombie tag. But their plans are ruined when they get stuck in the airport because of bad weather. All is not lost when Mom saves the situation and hilarity ensues.
From an elementary school librarian’s point of view, this is a book series that will be destroyed from overuse – a very good thing. Children will identify with the antics of the three siblings. For readers who want chapter books (but who may not be ready for the “real thing”) these books will be a good transitional choice.
Bottom line: full color, engaging, humorous and worth buying the series for your young readers.
The Daring Escape of The Misfit Menagerie
“Smalls the sun bear, Tilda the Angora rabbit, Rigby the Komondor dog, and Wombat the wombat are the four animals that make up “the misfit menagerie.”
Together they’ve always lived a happy life on Mr. Mumford’s farm. That is, until one fateful evening when Mumford, loopy from elderberry wine, accidentally loses them to the dastardly circus owner Grande Master Claude. Suddenly, these animals are forced to perform death-defying tricks and live in filthy, cramped cages as members of Claude’s traveling circus. But all hope is not lost! Claude’s nephew Bertie and his friend Susan, a circus acrobat, are equally fed up with Claude’s evil ways, and together they might just have what it takes to find their ticket out of the circus.” Amazon.com
Resnick is a writer who creates characters worth caring about and a plot line that keeps the reader engaged. However, the abuse that occurs is harsh. Once the reader has begun to care about the characters it is very hard to read the detailed description of their individual cruel treatments and sufferings. An angry elephant, a hot-to-trot Zebra and an elderly monkey who has given up on life are a few of the side characters. These animals are starkly contrasted by the main animals: a wombat, a sun bear, a Komondor dog and an angora rabbit who live an idyllic existence until a cruel circus master swindles them away from their loving owner. The circus master also “owns” two children. One performs in the circus and the other does everything necessary to help keep a circus running.
The story line is very engaging and the writing style is fluid and descriptive. Perhaps a bit too strong in many instances where the cruelty and abuse is concerned. The harshness without redeeming or redemptive outcomes makes me rate this book as not recommended.
There is a sequel and perhaps that will add light and meaning to this work.
How to Draw Batman and His Friends and Foes
A step-by-step drawing tutorial on how to draw Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Two-Face, The Penguin, Mr. Freeze, The Riddler and The Joker. Also included are step-by-step visual guides to drawing the Batmobile, bat cave and the bat suit. Each two page spread shows five panels of steps to drawing the character. Character bios on each page makes this an interesting book for reading as well. The drawing tutorials are not for beginning artists, but may be appropriate for upper elementary and beyond. A sample of the Superman page is shown here as a visual example of what the Batman style and layout looks like as well.
Leopardpox!
Little kindergartener, Sadie, does not quite feel right. Her mother asks the usual questions, “sore throat?” , “tummy ache?” , and checks for a rash.s “A strange cough rumbled in her throat and turned into a roar…as her fingernails grew longer and longer…as her teeth grew sharper and sharper.” SADIE transforms into a frisky leopard cub.The pediatrician “announced, ‘ I am a doctor for children not for leopards.‘ ” So mama and the 3 brothers take her to a veterinarian. The vet was excited to see such a healthy leopard, but couldn’t help if Sadie was really a person. So mama and brothers took Sadie to the zoo. BUT mama could not stand the thought of Sadie in a cage, so she took Sadie home and doctors her with “a big bowl of chicken soup, which she lapped right up.” Sadie and mama “watched interesting programs on the nature channel.” By bedtime Sadie was feeling better, but mama was feeling “kind of funny…” As the reader turns to the final page, Sadie the little girl, is sleeping curled up with mama the leopard.
Birthday Rules
Everyone loves birthdays, but here is a boy who thinks he has it mastered with his 10 rules.
“Here’s a little secret.
I’m a birthday pro.
When it comes to festivities,’There’s nothing I don’t know.”
Percy Isaac Gifford explains these 10 rules will help you.
#1 Make the most of your birthday it’s only once a year. (Birthday cheer with cheer leaders pictured.)
#2 “Today is all about you!” (Dancing around – pictured.)
#3 Get ready, Get set. Get picture perfect. take a bath for all of the photos.
#4 Do the math. Friends + family = fun!
#5 Party like it’s your birthday. Balloons, hats, and noise makers will help.
#6 There’s no time like the present for a present- Thank you.
#7 It ain’t over till there’s singing.
#8 Part A: Have your cake, Part B: and eat it too!
#9 Be careful what you wish for. “As you put your gifts away… What does all this mean? …Growing older is a wondrous thing.
#10 Birthdays Rock! Growing up is cool!
Percy is polite, says “thank you”, shows his appreciation for all the festivities, and has moments of introspection .
Teresa Murfin has smiles with and without teeth showing in her action packed mixed media illustrations of Percy’s birthday.
We Forgot Brock!
We Forgot Brock! is a very exciting, adventure filled children’s picture book that will keep readers engaged. Phillip sets out on a journey of a lifetime to find Brock when the family accidentally left him at the fair. What puts a twist on this conflict is that Brock is Phillip’s imaginary friend. But what reader’s are pleasantly surprised to find is that Phillip’s journey will give him a friend beyond imagination. Younger readers will surely be absorbed into the story while adult readers will love the special heart-warming effect. Recommended for preschool – 1st grade.
I Love You More Than Moldy Ham
I Love You More Than Moldy Ham is an intricately illustrated picture book that is sure to keep kiddos intrigued. The young monster sets out to make a little feast at his house for his mom as a surprise. The rhythmic sequencing of the text creates a tune as one reads along. Well placed rhymes make one want to turn the page. Surprisingly, there are no names for the characters but they are still easy to keep track of and allow the idea that this story could be about anyone. The colorful illustrations really add to the excitement and keep it just silly enough to truly enjoy. Could be used to prepare for Mother’s Day. Recommended.
The Normal Kid
Fifth-graders, Sylvan, whose parents’ divorce causes him stress, and Charity, who lived in Kenya for the past five years, both strive for normalcy at school and start a petition to keep their teacher from being fired. Certainly appropriate for students dealing with issues who want to be “normal.” A pleasant, clean novel.
Zora!: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston
Zora Neale Hurston(1891-1960) was confident, charismatic and determined to be extraordinary. She grew up in Eatonville, Florida, an all-black community. She loved the arts and writing and became a writer. Her life story is one of ups and downs and many attempts at writing with some good success. She was mostly forgotten as an author until 10-15 years after her death when she was written about in Ms. Magazine . Her book, Their Eyes Were Watching God, was rediscovered and interest in her as a writer has sparked. I loved the authors’ information, humor and candor in writing this biography and I did not put it down until finished! Includes a timeline of her life, bibliography, index, and photographs. Measures 10 1/2″ x 8″. Would be excellent for Black History Month.