Welcome to the Galapagos-an amazing place like nowhere else on earth, most definitely, a natural treasure. Vivid, enticing photograhy entices the reader to explore facinating geographic and political history, botanical descriptions, and the Ecuadorians who inhabit the islands. Also featured, are the discoveries/theories of Charles Darwin, and legislation- the Galapagos Special Law-enacted  to protect and conserve this fragile ecosystem. With a format that enables students to quickly access specific information (glossary, Fast Facts, and index) this title is a valued addition to our collection.

Titles in Series: The Great Barrier Reef, The Great Lakes, The Nile, The Sahara

This bilingual picture dictionary with its  colorful photos and bold text is sure to draw the interest of young readers. Includes these categories: members of a family, parts of the body, clothing, toys, rooms in a home, food, farm animals, garden plants, colors, classroom vocabulary,  city words, numbers, and useful phrases. Dictionary begins with a brief explanation of the Russian alphabet/ language, and concludes with additional titles. Even if one isn’t traveling to the Russian Federation, it’s important take a peek at other cultures and languages; we are, afterall, a global society.

Series includes these languages: French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish

Abby is puzzled when she discovers many of her favorite books are missing from the library.  She checks the shelf, the cart of books waiting to be shelved, and the online catalog.  The books should be there!  Then she sees a suspicious man with a briefcase, with one of the books inside, racing out of the library.  She jumps to conclusions and enlists the Book Bunch to help her solve the mystery.  This simple story contains several small side issues of school bullies, family dynamics, and library procedures.  Many black and white drawings by Amanda Chronister complement the action.

Rich in language and visually stunning, Long’s retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, is a treasure to behold. Lessons re: kindness, compassion, loyalty, and happiness are embedded, and  ring as true today as they did so many years ago. Readers will delight in following this tiny girl’s adventures, and benefit from exposure to  different perspectives, provided by a cast of characters which includes a toad, fish, butterfly, beetle, field mouse, mole, swallow, and of course, the fairy prince. For those who appreciate “A Seed is Sleepy” and “An Egg is Quiet”, this is sure to please.

Children’s Poet Laureate, J. Patrick Lewis has written an entertaining book of inventive, off-beat poems to delight children of all ages.  Lewis flips between imaginative, fanciful subjects (Dragon Dinner Etiquette) to normal, everyday topics (Dude Food).  There are tongue twisters, riddles, limericks, anagrams, haiku, word play, and puzzles.  Many encourage a second look or a second thought.  Teachers may find this an excellent resource for writing prompts as well as a support of common core standards for literature.  Matthew Cordell’s usually literal pen and ink drawings are reminiscent of Quentin Blake’s.

Beginning with what it means to volunteer, suggestions are given for people wanting to make a positive difference in the life of an animal.  Realistic ideas are child and family centered.  Proposed motivations include: adopting a pet from a rescue center, providing food, water and shelter to pets or wild animals, volunteering for animal care at a shelter or when a family goes on vacation, donating to animal organizations or fundraisers, and helping take care of the environment.  One does not need to be rich or connected to make a difference.  Colorful photographs show examples of children helping in many situations.  Recommended books and appropriate websites are included with the glossary and index.

Making a Circuit is one of four books in the “It’s Electric” series.  It introduces the concept of electricity and clearly explains terms and procedures in making a circuit.  The font is large, sentences are brief, color photographs are relevant and labeled, most with captions, and words to know are in bold font.  The layout is clean, simple, and pleasing.  All learners, including English language learners, can benefit from this book and/or series.  It is a terrific resource for understanding the basic scientific concept of circuitry and components.  Other titles in the series are Conductors and Insulators, Using Batteries, and Using Electricity.  All are written at a similar level and are recommended for elementary libraries.  Books to read, helpful websites, a glossary, and index are included.

This quiet, simple story illustrates some common zen concepts: living in the moment, being kind and pleasant without regard to reward, and letting go of past unpleasantness to enjoy the here-and-now.  A girl is angry and upset about losing an earring.  One of two boys gets dirty while searching but finds the jewelry.  The girl is rude when he returns it and stomps off.  The boy’s friend cannot understand why her behavior does not upset him.  His reply is that the event happened a while ago, the girl is gone, the day is beautiful, and they should be enjoying the moment, not stewing about the past.  Worrying and thinking about the event will not change it so letting go prevents the girl’s negative behavior from affecting his.  This story presents one more tool for children to try when dealing with problems.  Large, uncomplicated illustrations are a good match with this calm approach to conflict.

Ol’ Mama Squirrel is a valiant protector of her babies.  She chases off cats, dogs, kites, airplanes, and repairmen with her loud and scolding, “Chook chook chook!”  One day a grizzly bear was unaffected by her zeal or barrage of nuts.  Instead of being frightened, Ol’ Mama Squirrel voiced an alarm all over the park.  Just as grizzly approached Grandpappy’s nest, Mama returned with her angry “Chook chook chook!” – along with a hundred other furious mamas, scolding and throwing nuts!  Grizzly ran away, never to return and Ol’ Mama Squirrel’s babies were safe.  The townspeople were so grateful to be rid of the grizzly they erected a plaque next to her tree – which you should go see… if  you can get near it!  David Stein’s humorous ink and watercolor illustrations are a great combination with the action and passion of the text.  This fun story would be a great read-aloud, too!

This is the second book by this author/illustrator that I’ve read (the other being Dancing with Grandma), and I’ve loved them both.  The illustrations are utterly charming, and the stories are whimsical and fanciful, even while they are very relatable (and I like that the grandparents are spunky).  This one tells of a young boy spending the day with his grandfather, and all the adventures they get up to (at least in their imaginations) with the things they find laying around Grandpa’s    shed and yard, from tree house and tire swinging to building a race car, rocket, and sailboat, and battling dragons in the bargain.