In this thoughtful and heartfelt novel, a young girl grapples with big questions about life, religion, and her own beliefs. The story follows Agnes, an inquisitive 12-year-old, who grapples with the image of God as an old white man. As she wrestles with big questions, Agnes forms a friendship with her anthropologist neighbor, who helps confirm her curiosity and helps expand her thinking and she identifies with opossums’ survival strategy of “playing dead” in her confirmation class. With nuance and a pitch perfect mix of humor and heart, Opinions and Opossums encourages young minds to think critically and embrace the courage it takes to ask questions and seek their own truths. A short, powerful, resonant read!
Category Archives: Reviewer’s Library Type
Oodles of Doodles
It’s a fairly silly story in the spirit of Hop on Pop or Green Eggs and Ham, where it’s playing with words that rhyme: it’s got oodles of noodle dooles, doodled by a poodle, and it’s got two cartoony dudes negotiating for those doodles before saying, “tootle-Lou.” It works pretty well for what it is, though there are some uses of some words/word structures that may need to be explained to some small readers.
Interrupting Cow and the Horse of a Different Color
I’m sorry to say it, but I was disappointed. I couldn’t really tell what the purpose of this book was. It can’t count as a joke book, because the story really only contains two jokes, and they’re not especially good jokes. The main character even says his friends don’t like his jokes, and the zebra he’s telling them to straight-out tells him that jokes that have to be explained aren’t funny. It tells us the zebra showed up because he got left by a traveling circus, and it says they should find the circus so the ringmaster can teach them more jokes, but then they don’t actually go look. The book just ends with them rolling around in a field laughing with each other. And there were some pretty challenging words for an “easy reader.”
Hands on Science: Geology by Lola M. Schaefer
“Hands-On Science: Geology” by Lola M. Schaefer is an excellent resource for young scientists eager to explore the fascinating world of rocks and minerals. This book offers a perfect blend of informative text and engaging activities that make learning about geology fun and interactive. Schaefer’s clear explanations and vivid illustrations help bring complex concepts to life in a way that is accessible for elementary students. This is a great book for its ability to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for geology. It’s a fantastic addition to any classroom or library, providing an interactive information that encourages young learners to explore and discover the wonders of geology.
My House, My Family by C. Hope Flinchbaugh
“My House, My Family” by C. Hope Flinchbaugh is a delightful exploration of family life and home. The book celebrates diversity by showcasing different types of families and their unique traditions. Flinchbaugh’s engaging text, paired with warm illustrations, makes this an inviting read for young children. I recommend “My House, My Family” for its heartwarming depiction of family and the way it encourages children to appreciate their own homes and family dynamics. It’s a wonderful addition to any library collection.
Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi
“Little Shrew” by Akiko Miyakoshi is a beautifully illustrated and heartwarming tale that will charm young readers. The story follows a small but determined shrew on a big adventure, teaching valuable lessons about courage, perseverance, and self-discovery. Miyakoshi’s delicate illustrations perfectly capture the charm and emotion of the narrative, drawing readers into Little Shrew’s world. I highly recommend “Little Shrew” for its engaging story and stunning artwork. This book is an excellent choice for storytime, fostering a love for reading and appreciation for the delicate beauty found in nature and determination.
Super Gross Night Creatures by Maria Le
Learn about some of the creepiest nocturnal creatures in this sixth book in the nonfiction Level 2 Ready-to-Read series. This book explores fascinating and slightly icky creatures of the night, perfect for young readers who love a mix of gross and cool facts. The engaging text and vivid illustrations make learning about these nocturnal animals fun and accessible. I recommend “Super Gross Night Creatures” for its ability to introduce young readers to nonfiction text while building their reading skills and sparking curiosity.
Interrupting Cow and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing by Jane Yolen
This is author Jane Yolen’s fifth book in the hilarious Interrupting Cow series. This book is a level 2 in the Ready-To-Read series which includes longer sentences, simple chapters, and high interest vocabulary words. This charming story follows the interrupting cow as she helps a new friend find her flock. It’s a cute story of friendship and self-acceptance. Yolen’s engaging writing, filled with clever wordplay and light-hearted humor, makes it a perfect choice for young readers transitioning to independent reading. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, bringing the whimsical characters and their antics to life. I am a fan of the Ready-To Read series and I recommend this book for its entertaining story and its ability to encourage a love of reading in early readers.
The Giants Go Camping by Jane Yolen
“The Giants Go Camping” by Jane Yolen, with illustrations by Tomie DePaola, is a delightful and humorous story perfect for beginning readers. The book follows five friendly giants from Fe-Fi-Fo- Farm as they embark on a camping adventure as they encounter amusing mishaps along the way.
Yolen’s engaging narrative is filled with playful language and fun situations that will keep readers giggling and eager to see what happens next. Tomie DePaola’s illustrations are a perfect match, bringing the giants and their antics to life with expressive details.
“The Giants Go Camping” would be a great addition to any library especially for beginning readers. It’s a wonderful book that encourages imagination and the joy of friendship.
The Boy Who Said Wow
What a sweet book celebrating the power of music to move us! Based on a true story, it tells of a young boy who is non-verbal, rarely speaking, accompanying his grandfather on an outing to the symphony. When the music ends, in that moment of silence, Ronin bursts out with his first, “Wow!” Obviously impacted by the music he’s just heard, his Wow is a celebration, which further impacts the rest of the audience in its genuine, uninhibited joy. Ronin returns to being quiet, but the final page of the book shows him going to sleep night, and ponders what he may still be listening to in his dreams.