Category Archives: Reviewer’s Library Type

Card and Coin Magic to Shock and Amaze

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This book, part of the Super simple Magic and Illusions series, is a solid introduction to sleight of hand with cards and coins. It begins with a general introduction to this type of magic trick, discusses props that are needed and then goes into step by step directions for several tricks. Each trick has illustrations to help young magicians perfect their craft. Young magicians pictured are fairly diverse and the materials are simple to acquire. There are added tips to become more polished in your magic. Examples are practice (no surprise) and using distractions. This book will not be on the shelf for long. It’s got some great, simple tricks that are accessible to most young readers. Recommended.

Ayes-Ayes

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A book about Aye-Ayes is difficult to find, yet here is one that is full of great pictures and information. Readers learn about the characteristics of this animal, as well as its habitat, food sources and population levels. Labeled photos, bolded words, text boxes and short, informative paragraphs make this nonfiction book an engaging read. Other nonfiction features include table of contents, index, glossary and an online resource list. The “bells and whistles” of this book are the QR codes that lead the reader to linked videos and activities online. That is some great extra content!

This books is part of the Weird and Wonderful Animals series. Adding this to your collection will add some dimension to the typical shelves of big cats, elephants whales and so forth. How many librarians can point a student to the Aye-Aye book? Recommended.

Swimming

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This nonfiction book gives a good overview of swimming, including four basic strokes. equipment and safety. labeled photos accompany the simple text, with bolded words that might be unfamiliar. Those words are then defined in the glossary at the end of the book. Typical nonfiction features (table of contents, index, resource list, text boxes, labels) are present. An additional feature, which makes this book stand out over others is the number of QR codes, which link to extra resources. Once accessed, there are activity pages to print, videos and many other extras that take this book a step above the rest. While it is a fine introduction to the sport of swimming for young readers, the extra features will engage students and the adults around them. Highly recommended.

The Piano Recital

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Momo is nervously awaiting her turn on stage at her first piano recital. As she repeats to herself “I’ll be ok”, she looks down and sees a small mouse saying the same words. The mouse tells Momo that she has a recital as well and invites her new friend to come watch. Momo follows the mouse to a wonderful concert hall filled with an audience of attentive mice and an incredible array of performers. There are mouse magicians, dancers, singers and an orchestra. They fill the concert hall with color and excitement. Finally, it is the mouse’s turn to perform and Momo offers to accompany her on the piano. They finish the piece and as Momo stands to take a bow, she looks out and realizes that she has just performed at her own recital!

What a beautiful book that is filled with imagination! Momo expresses the nervousness that many children feel at some point in their lives and that nervousness is alleviated in a sweet, magical way. Charcoal and pencil illustrations with a hint of color in the right places are a beautiful accompaniment to a sweet story. Recommended.

Good Guys, Bad Guys

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A pair of siblings that seem so different start their day – one grouchy and messy, the other happy and squeaky clean. They play with their respective groups, the “good guys’ and “bad guys”, throughout a day filled with imagination and fun. Near the end of the day, their paths converge and they retreat to their respective homes, tired and happy. The siblings wave goodbye to their friends and head to bed, agreeing to switch places tomorrow for a new day of fun and imagination.

This book is brimming with joy and play as a wonderful mixture of kids use their imagination to make the day so fun. Characters are diverse and the play is full of action and dramatic play. Colors are vivid and there is movement in the illustrations that enhances the short, rhyming text. Young readers will see themselves in the story. Or, at the very least, glean some awesome ideas for their own playtime! Recommended.

At the Mountain’s Base

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With lyrical text the reader follows a interconnected path from the base of the mountain into the cabin of a Cherokee family where in the kitchen sits a grandma weaving. As the family gathers round, the singing and the weaving unite them and create a bridge to a young woman flying an airplane in a distant conflict. Her prayers for peace in turn link her with her family back in the cabin. The circular story and illustrated threads both add to the feeling of unity and connection.

The author’s note recognizes the role of Native American women in the United States Armed Forces. She highlights the accomplishments of Ola Mildred “Millie”Rexroat, a Oglala Lakota pilot who served as a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) in World War II and beyond.

Leila in Saffron

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Leila and her family arrive her Naani’s (grandmother) house for an extended family dinner. When Leila looks in Naani’s mirror she thinks, “I’m not sure if I like being me.” Over the course of the evening, Leila finds things about herself to like. She shares her aunt’s smile, recognizes the beauty of her Pakistani artistic heritage, and successfully helps with cooking the curry. Finally when it is time to leave, her Naani helps her try on a saffron scarf. Reflected in the mirror, Leila now sees a beautiful girl looking back at herself.

A sweet story about recognizing the beauty found in connections to family and tradition as well as the beauty from within.

The colorful illustrations have a folk-art feel. Endpapers include a glossary of ethnic terms with definitions and pronunciation, but does not include language of origin.

Once Upon an Eid

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Once Upon an Eid is an amazing collection of short stories by Muslim authors that celebrate the intersection of the modern Muslim childhood and the powerful meaning and significance of Eid. Many of the stories approach this special time for Muslims with typical childhood experiences like cooking disasters, experiencing firsts, impatience for presents, facing loss, siblings, and feeling different. With the characters’ growth, large and small, the tears, frustrations, insecurity, and heartache resolve into the peace, joy and hope of Eid.

The majority of the offering are in the form of prose short stories, but the book also includes two stories in verse and one in graphic novel format. A definite middle grade first purchase for all libraries.

Be Bold!: A Hero’s Guide to Being Brave

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Be Bold provides a kid friendly approach to bravery. The book starts by defining bold and gives examples that a child would understand; talk to a new kid, stop a friend from saying something mean, or admitting a mistake. It also reminds students that true heroes are smart about not taking unnecessary risks that might put themselves or other in danger.

  • To help children develop boldness, the book provides suggestions.
    • Baby steps – break scary task into small parts and face them one at a time.
    • Be adventurous – be open to new experiences
    • Let yourself fail – and learn from your mistakes
    • Know when to say no – when either you or someone else might be hurt
    • Do your research – understanding can make things less scary
    • Believe in yourself – be confident and proud of who you are

The book concludes by asking the reader how a bold hero might react in three situations.

The specific suggestions, child appropriate scenarios, and connection to superheroes makes this a good choice for young children. Share individually or as part of a class lesson to encourage children to be bold and courageous in the face of new or scary things.

I would have liked to see the book also remind young children that asking for help does not mean your are not brave.

Photosynthesis

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This title introduces readers to the process of photosynthesis with large colorful photographs and simple clear text. The reader is first informed that photosynthesis makes life on earth possible. The book then explains the role of plants and sun in this process followed by an explanation of the steps in the process. The book concludes by placing the process of photosynthesis within the food chain.

The book contains a Table of Contents, as well as endpapers with a “Let’s Review” section, Glossary, Index, and link to Abdo Kids online activities.