Fun non-fiction read for teens about the world’s strangest parrot.  A native of New Zealand, the enormous, flightless and friendly Kakapo is on the verge of extinction- for obvious reasons.  It’s a fat, friendly, ground dwelling bird- people arrived in New Zealand and immediately thought- ‘Hey! Green Chickens!’  This book tells the story of one breeding season on the last tiny island home of the kakapo, and everything that the scientists and volunteers are doing to keep them from disappearing.  Lots of pictures, best for older elementary or  middle school but there’s more than enough info to keep a highschooler engaged as well.  In fact it’s a YA book in the Timberland Library system.

Elmer and Wilbur are asked to escort a shy young elephant named Rose back to her herd.  She thought that Elmer and Wilbur were unique and special; they thought she was unique and special.  Until they saw her herd — all pink!  Pretty colors; young children will like the concept of feeling like one of a kind.  Same quality as previous Elmer books.

Great teenage boy protagonist and a very kick-ass girl love interest.  Mackie is a changeling, he was switched at birth for the real Mackie Doyle.  He’s survived this long, despite fatal allergies to consecrated ground and iron, but it doesn’t take a genius to realize the human world is slowly killing him.  He’s been offered the chance to go back to where he comes from, but he doesn’t want to leave his life! His family truly loves him, in spite of his weirdness, he’s got great friends and might actually get a girlfriend this year.  This book has some language, though in my opinion it serves to make him a believable teenager, and a little sexual content.

Reminiscent of Eric Carle, a soothing story of a boy going to dinner with his grandfather at his Chinese restaurant, a Friday ritual.  Beautifully illustrated.  I have become a true fan of Isadora’s books.  I’ve not been disappointed in any of her works.

The Little Blue Truck is going into the big city and everyone is in a hurry and thinks they they are the most important person on the road.  The cars and trucks make angry sounds at Little Blue to get out of their way.  But then the limmo’s engine dies and Little Blue takes the major, who echoes Little Blue’s advice — ‘one at a time, single file, we’ll all get there, don’t be impatient or mad’.  Lesson to be learned is to slow down the pace of life; it isn’t worth getting in a rage being in a hurry.  Great illustrations, vehicles have humanistic faces, told in rhyme.

Includes a table of contents page and glossary; interesting book which very young students will enjoy.  Well explained, good examples to go along.  It’s a very small book and would like it to be large and life size.

Another book in the “Emma” realistic series, which follows a 3rd grader who is upset and jealous of her father’s new wife’s niece.  This niece is her age and excels at horseback riding.  What makes Emma even more upset is that her father lives in England and she rarely gets to see him and the ‘new’ niece sees him often.  At school they will be participating in a winter games competition (supposedly for exercise) but it’s important for Emma to win and excel at something so that her dad doesn’t forget about her.  Very real, funny and a clever insight into the minds of both boys and girls.

Absolutely riveting photos!!!  Amazing details, some interesting facts, but lacks oomph!  Needs more photos and facts; feels insubstantial.  Too costly of a purchase with today’s limited library budgets.

Annie is going to be in a school play and Henry and Mudge help her practice.  She still gets butterflies in her tummy just before she goes on.  This book will make a nice addition to a collection of beginning to read books.

A gentle book with terrific illustrations–clear and defined, but not too much detail.  When mouse is down in the dumps, he calls his friends and they make elephant soup.  First, they get the elephant and scrub him — the look on elephant’s face while he’s being bathed is priceless, pure bliss.  But once the water starts getting too hot and he catches on to what is happening, he gets outta there!  It turns more into a swimming party and all have fun, even elephant.