In this graphic novel, the first in a new series, Rufus goes to visit his grandma for a weekend.  She lives in a very private, wooded area.  While investigating the forest, Rufus finds a totem, a sasquatch necklace.  When he reads the word ‘sasquatch’ he turns into a sasquatch and can speak to the forest animals.  Wolves see him as an intruder and see that he has found the totem which protects the forest and blackmail him to give them the totem.  It’s an interesting story without much dialogue, but so much is told in the illustrations.  The characters were interesting, and the story left it as a cliffhanger for the sequel.  I will definitely get the next one.

Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library gives a brief history of the beginning of the Library of Congress and it’s current collection.  I have read many articles and books about Thomas Jefferson and was aware of his love of books.  However, Barb Rosenstock took a small factoid about an important man in the history of our country and was able to expand upon it, creating this lovely non-fiction picture book.  Additional information is included on just about every page in the form of a miniature book, open to reveal the page of  information.  From this book, it appears that Jefferson was obsessive about books, which dovetails nicely with his high value of education.  I found it interesting how many different and unusual subjects Jefferson collected.  I was left with the impression that great readers are smart people or maybe it’s smart people are great readers.    I hope students pick that up as well.

This book was really made for the younger student in mind.  First of all, each page is a different, bright color. Second, the text is also different colors as well as being bold and large.  And, third, there is a great balance of the text and photos, which give it a comfortable feel.  My only concern is that in several places within the book, it is stated that the dinosaur ‘might have’ done this or ‘might have’ done that and ‘could have’ this or that.  There is a lot of speculation as compared to actual facts.  However, a young audience will appreciate all the design that went into this book.

Gentle, kind, funny, and artistic all describe this new book by Daniel Kirk.  The characters and story reminds me of Piggie and Elephant books by Mo Willems.  There is a camaraderie between Pig and Rabbit that lets the reader think about friendship and what exactly friends like about each other.  This would be a great book to use for teaching social skills to students of all ages in elementary school.

Tedd Arnold’s illustrations are so distinctive, it’s easy to spot his work.  Fly Guy is a popular series in my school.  First-grade readers are able to both read the text and enjoy the art.  In Fly Guy and the Frankenfly, Buzz dreams that Fly Guy made a giant Frankenfly monster which scared him.  Who hasn’t had those kinds of dreams?  This is perfect for elementary libraries, plus the price is right.

This book is published in England and has an air of true English to it, such as “Mum” for “Mom”.  The illustrations are quite charming and suit the story perfectly.  This is a story of the germ battle going on in your toilet at home.  The main character is a boy who doesn’t wash his hands after using the toilet and the germs that ensue!  They transfer from the toilet bowl to his hands, and since he doesn’t wash, and then uses his toothbrush, Queen Bacteria’s army heads straight for his mouth!  King Antibod tries to thwart the queen’s army.  Who will win?  You’ll have to read this funny tale to find out.  Warning: this story may be bit “cheeky” for some folks.  It includes words like, “fart” and “runny bottom”.  This reviewer plans on placing it in her elementary library.  It provides a great lesson to be remembered: wash after using the toilet.

Nice quality binding, always appreciated in the priced non-fiction selection of books.  This science book explains how a solar and lunar eclipse occurs.  There is a section in the book which instructs the reader how to make their own model of an eclipse with a flashlight and ball and string.  Included is a glossary, other book recommendations, and a facthound website.  This reviewer explored all three sites and they were kid appropriate and had valuable information.  Recommended.

Well done!  This nonfiction book has enough visual appeal for the reader to scan and enjoy, and enough “meat” to it to hold your attention.  There is a nice balance and  selection of real black and white photographs, color photographs, maps, captions, and illustrations.  This includes a pull out map at the back, of the Antarctic, which includes Scott’s route to the pole.  Also in the back, an Index, further reading, glossary, timeline, and website.  The website is The American Museum of Natural History and has as much information as any student could desire.  The website was easy enough to navigate and from my one viewing, appropriate for all ages.

The only suggestion that I would have for this well-bound book, would be an improvement with the timeline.  It would be helpful to have it visual, instead of a vertical list.  Have it spaced with approximate proportions to time, maybe include an icon or inset map to show where.

The formatting of this book brings visual appeal and interest.  Differentiated fonts and brightly colored graphics give the reader not only “curb appeal”, but also interested faces about record setting football games.  It is basically a record book on football stattistics.

The back of the book has a further reading section, glossary and a Fact Hound website.  I followed both suggested sites and was relieved to find that they were geared towards children and not adults.  This would be an OK site to let a child explore.

This book would make a nice addition to a library collection.

Great photography gives this book a real boost, along with eye catching graphics.  This may entice reluctant readers who are interested in sporting facts to stick with this read.  Included are career statistics, team player, college play, and awards given to Tim Duncan.  Appreciated is an address located at the end of the book, that a child could use to write to this basketball star!

The usual further reading, glossary, and internet address are included.  The websites aren’t children’s sites, but would certainly contain some kid-appropriate material.  Depending upon age, the reader may need an adult to accompany them on the internet sites suggested.