Monday Children’s Book Reviews for March 7, 2016

Bea in the Nutcracker by Rachel Isadora

“Bea and her friends are excited to put on their costumes and dance onstage in The Nutcracker! Bea is going to be Clara, and Sam is going to be the Prince. They will dance in the ballet’s magical Land of Sweets. Yum!”              [JPB ISADORA,R]

Lily and the Bear by Lisa Stubbs

“Lily likes nothing better than to imagine and draw the things she loves. She draws cats and birds and boats and houses, and one day she makes a very special drawing of a bear who comes to life. Lily shows Bear her favorite things, and Bear shows Lily his—because everyone knows that friends help friends see the world in a new way. That’s why Lily and Bear are forever friends!”     [JPB STUBBS]

One Bear Extraordinaire by Jayme McGowan

“Bear wakes up one morning with a song in his head, but something is missing. What’s a one-bear band to do? He travels the forest in search of his song and meets a few other musicians along the way, but even with their help, his song still feels incomplete. Will Bear find the perfect accompaniment and learn that every song sounds sweeter with friends by his side?”                    [JPB McGOWAN,J]

Monday Children’s Book Reviews for January 25, 2016

Lailah’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi

“Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom. Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs.”                      [J FARUQI,R]

Shaken Up by Alex Morgan

“When Devin, the girl who usually inspires confidence in her friends and teammates, has her confidence shaken by a series of events, she must turn to others for support.

“When Devin experiences an earthquake, she’s more freaked out than she expected she would be.

“The earthquake is just the first in a series of events that shake Devin’s confidence. She fails a test in a subject she knows well. Her crush seems to have his attention on another girl. And worst of all, her soccer game is off.

“Now Devin, the girl who usually inspires confidence in her friends and teammates, will have to turn to them for support.”  The fifth book in the series The Kicks.         [J MORGAN,A]

Dream On, Amber by Emma Shevah

“‘My name is Ambra Alessandra Leola Kimiko Miyamoto.

“‘I have no idea why my parents gave me all those hideous names but they must have wanted to ruin my life, and you know what? They did an amazing job.’

“As a half-Japanese, half-Italian girl with a ridiculous name, Amber’s not feeling molto bene (very good) about making friends at her new school.

“But the hardest thing about being Amber is that a part of her is missing. Her dad. He left when she was little and he isn’t coming back. Not for her first day of middle school and not for her little sister’s birthday. So Amber will have to dream up a way for the Miyamoto sisters to make it on their own…”       [J SHEVAH,E]

 

 

Monday Children’s Book Reviews for November 30, 2015

 Little Elliot, Big Family by Mike Curato

“When Mouse heads off to his family reunion, Little Elliot decides go for a walk. As he explores each busy street, he sees families in all shapes and sizes. In a city of millions, Little Elliot feels very much alone–until he finds he has a family of his own!”                    [JPB CURATO,M]

The Tale of Rescue by Michael J. Rosen

“A family—a mother, a father, and their ten-year-old son—have come all the way from Florida to the Appalachian foothills to experience the wonder of a snowy weekend. At a nearby farm, a cattle dog is working, as she does every day, driving her forty head of cattle from pasture to corral and back again. And then, suddenly, a blizzard descends. The family is trapped outside, disoriented in the whiteout. They are panicked, exhausted, freezing, and stranded in waist-deep drifts. From off in the distance, the cattle dog has heard their faint, snow-drowned cries. Her inexhaustible attention turns to saving them.”                  [J ROSEN,M]

 The Tournament at Gorlan by John Flanagan

“In this prequel to the Ranger’s Apprentice series, Halt and Crowley travel north seeking Prince Duncan’s royal warrant to stop Morgrath from corrupting the Corps, but if they are to prevent a coup that is nearing success, the young Rangers will have to tread a dangerous path toward the annual tournament at Gorlan.”                        [J FLANAGAN,J]

 The Bamboo Sword by Margi Preus

“Set in 1853 in Japan, this novel follows Yoshi, a Japanese boy who dreams of someday becoming a samurai. Unfortunately, as part of the serving class, Yoshi can never become a warrior. He is taken up by Manjiro, the protagonist of Preus’s Heart of a Samurai, and becomes his servant and secret watchdog. Meanwhile, Commodore Matthew Perry and his USS Susquehanna squadron of steamships arrive in Edo Bay demanding ‘diplomatically’ that Japan open its ports to foreign trade. Aboard the commodore’s flagship is a cabin boy, Jack, who becomes separated from his American companions while on shore. When he and Yoshi cross paths, they set out on a grand adventure to get Jack back to his ship before he is discovered by the shogun’s samurai.”                     [J PREUS,M]

The Fog Diver by Joel Ross

“Joel Ross debuts a thrilling adventure series in which living in the sky is the new reality and a few determined slum kids just might become heroes. Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Brandon Mull, this fantasy is filled with daring and hope and a wonderfully imaginative world.

“Once the Fog started rising, the earth was covered with a deadly white mist until nothing remained but the mountaintops. Now humanity clings to its highest peaks, called the Rooftop, where the wealthy Five Families rule over the lower slopes and floating junkyards.

“Thirteen-year-old Chess and his friends Hazel, Bea, and Swedish sail their rickety air raft over the deadly Fog, scavenging the ruins for anything they can sell to survive. But now survival isn’t enough. They must risk everything to get to the miraculous city of Port Oro, the only place where their beloved Mrs. E can be cured of fogsickness. Yet the ruthless Lord Kodoc is hot on their trail, for Chess has a precious secret, one that Kodoc is desperate to use against him. Now Chess will face any danger to protect his friends, even if it means confronting what he fears the most.”            [J ROSS,J]

 The Book of Kings by Cynthia Voigt

“In Act III of Newbery Medalist Cynthia Voigt’s Mister Max trilogy, the solutioneer sets off to rescue his missing parents!

“Ever since Max’s parents were spirited away on a mysterious ship, he has longed to find them.

“He’s solved case after case for other people in his business as “solutioneer.” And he’s puzzled out the coded messages sent by his father. He doesn’t know exactly what’s happened, but he knows his parents are in danger—and it’s up to Max to save them.

“Max and his friends (and a few old foes) don disguises and set sail on a rescue mission. It will take all of Max’s cleverness and daring to outmaneuver the villains that lie in wait: power-hungry aristocrats, snake-handling assassins, and bombardier pastry chefs.

“And behind the scenes, a master solutioneer is pulling all the strings…. Has Max finally met his match?”   [J VOIGT,C]

Monday Children’s Book Reviews for November 16, 2015

 Snow by Sam Usher

“Wanting to join his friends at the park during a rare snow day that closes his school, an impatient Sam waits for his grandfather to arrive before embarking on a fun-filled day of playing in the snow.”           [JPB USHER,S]

Pinkalicious and the Sick Day by Victoria Kann

“Pinkalicious gets to be Principal for a Day because she has perfect attendance! Pinkalicious can’t wait to be in charge, but when she wakes up sick on the big day, will her dreams of being Principal Pinkalicious be—ACHOO!—blown away? Beginning readers will love seeing how Pinkalicious turns a sick day into a special day in this I Can Read adventure!”                          [JE KANN,V]

 The Odds of Getting Even by Sheila Turnage

“A follow-up to Three Times Lucky finds Mo and Dale testifying against Dale’s kidnapper father, who has plotted a retaliation that threatens Dale’s brother’s life.

“The trial of the century has come to Tupelo Landing, NC. Mo and Dale, aka Desperado Detectives, head to court as star witnesses against Dale’s daddy. Dale’s nerves are jangled, but Mo, who doesn’t mind getting even with Mr. Macon for hurting her loved ones, looks forward to a slam dunk conviction–if everything goes as expected.”                       [J TURNAGE,S]

This Bridge Will Not Be Gray by Dave Eggers and Tucker Nichols

“The Golden Gate Bridge is the most famous bridge in the world. It is also, not entirely coincidentally, the world’s only bright-orange bridge. But it wasn’t supposed to be that way.

“In this book, fellow bridge-lovers Dave Eggers and Tucker Nichols tell the story of how it happened – how a bridge that some people wanted to be red and white, and some people wanted to be yellow and black, and most people wanted simply to be gray, instead became, thanks to the vision and stick-to-itiveness of a few peculiar architects, one of the most memorable man-made objects ever created.”                                [J624.23097 EGGERS,D]

Monday Children’s Book Reviews for October 5, 2015

 The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

“Born on a faraway island, an imaginary dragon patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child only to be overlooked repeatedly before he embarks on an incredible journey to the city in search of his perfect match. By the award-winning creator of Sidekicks.” Winner of the 2015 Caldecott Medal, awarded annually by the American Library Association to the “artist who had created the most distinguished picture book of the year and named in honor of the nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph J. Caldecott.”                  [JPB SANTAT,D]

T is for Time by Marie and Roland Smith and Renee Graef

“This alphabet book uses poetry and expository text to explore the concept of time, from explaining basic units of measurement to showcasing important scientific achievements. Topics include famous inventors (Albert Einstein and John Harrison) and important structures and landmarks (Kulkulkan Pyramid and Big Ben). Budding scientists will discover what world-famous stone structure is believed to be an early calendar, follow the voyages of explorer Ferdinand Magellan to better understand the International Date Line, and learn to tell time using the Zulu time system.”    [JPB SMITH,M]

 I Will Take a Nap! by Mo Willems

“A latest Elephant and Piggie adventure finds a tired and cranky Gerald’s longing for a nap challenged by well-intentioned Piggie’s disruptions. By the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” Laugh-out-loud fun!                  [JE WILLEMS,M]

 Orphan Army by Jonathan Maberry

“Milo’s Louisiana bayou is overrun with alien bug invaders and magical creatures in this start to a breathtaking series from bestselling author Jonathan Maberry.

“In a world filled with Bugs—monsters that ceaselessly ravage the Earth—Milo Silk has a hard time keeping his dreams separate from reality. So he keeps them locked up in his dream journal and hopes they’ll never come to pass. But too often, they do—like when his father disappeared three years ago. Lately, the Witch of the World has been haunting his dreams, saying he is destined to be the hero who saves everyone. But all Milo can think about is how he fears the Bugs will attack his own camp, and bring something even more terrible than ever before.

“What Milo doesn’t know is that the Earth is already fighting back with its own natural power in the form of Nightsiders, magical creatures who prefer shadows to sunlight and who reside in trees, caves, and rivers. And the Nightsiders are ready to find an ally in Milo…”                        [J MABERRY,J]

 Fatal Fever: Tracking Down Typhoid Mary by Gail Jarrow

“In March 1907, the lives of three remarkable people collided at a New York City brownstone where Mary Mallon worked as a cook. They were brought together by typhoid fever, a dreaded scourge that killed tens of thousands of Americans each year. Fatal Fever: Tracking Down Typhoid Mary is  the true story of the woman who unwittingly spread deadly bacteria, the epidemiologist who discovered her trail of infection, and the health department that decided her fate.”   [J614.5112 JARROW,G]

Monday Children’s Book Reviews for September 7, 2015

Today is Labor Day. “Labor Day is a holiday in the United States that is dedicated to workers across the country. The intention of the holiday is to recognize the contributions that laborers make to the United States as a whole. The public holiday always falls on the first Monday in September.”

 Messy Jesse by Paula Bowles

“Jesse is good at making all kinds of things. But he’s especially good at making messes! One day, he makes a mess so big that he gets lost in it. His friends try to find him, but they get lost, too! How will they ever find their way out?”               [JPB BOWLES,P]

Ten Pigs: An Epic Bath Adventure by Derek Anderson

“One pig looks to take a relaxing bath in solitude, only to be joined by another pig, then another, then another. When Pig Number 10 jumps into the crowded tub, the first pig comes up with a plan to enjoy his bath.”                     [JPB ANDERSON,D]

 The Year We Sailed the Sun by Theresa Nelson

“Orphaned Julia never expected to be sent away, especially not to the ill-named House of Mercy. But adventure awaits her in this historical journey, based on a true story.

“’Go home,’ eleven-year-old orphan Julia Delaney is told, but home for her is gone. Spirited and strong, Julia faces a cruel life at an orphanage—the House of Mercy—blistering cold winters, and countless disappointments. But not even hopeful Julia can imagine what awaits her in Montana—and with the help of a miracle or two, she sets the sun a-sailing.”                     [J NELSON,T]

Project Blastoff by Mark Kelly

“A team of middle schoolers prepares for blastoff in this adventure from the author of the New York Times bestselling Mousetronaut, based on the childhoods of real-life astronauts Mark Kelly and his twin brother Scott.

“It’s a long, hot summer and Scott and Mark are in big trouble for taking apart (aka destroying) their dad’s calculator. As a punishment, they’re sent to their grandfather’s house, where there’s no TV and they have to do chores. And Grandpa is less tolerant of the twins’ constant bickering. ‘Why don’t you two work together on something constructive. What if you built a go-kart or something?’ Grandpa suggests.

“But it’s not a go-kart the twins are interested in. They want to build a rocket. With the help of Jenny, nicknamed Egg, and a crew of can-do kids, they set out to build a real rocket that will blast off and orbit the Earth. The question soon becomes: which twin will get to be the astronaut?”                        [J KELLY,M]

 

Monday Children’s Book Reviews for August 31, 2015

 Little Sleepyhead by Elizabeth McPike and Patrice Barton

“Baby’s bedtime is more cuddly than ever!

“Tired little eyes, ready now for bed,                                                                                                                    “Tired little everything, precious sleepyhead.

“By the end of a busy day, little knees are tired from crawling, little arms are tired from stretching—even little lips are tired from blowing kisses. But with the help of gentle verse, and art as sweet as a bedtime lullaby, tired little eyes will quickly give way to sleep.

“Shhh . . .”                       [JPB McPIKE,E]

The Monkey and the Bee by C. P. Bloom and Peter Raymundo

“After the success of The Monkey Goes Bananas, the silly monkey is back for another adventure. This time, he finally has his banana, but he doesn’t want to share when a playful bumblebee wants a bite! The monkey tries to swat away the bee and enjoy his banana in peace, but in the process finds himself with a much bigger problem on his hands: he’s awakened an angry lion! Will the monkey and the bee work together to escape the king of the jungle?”               [JPB BLOOM,C]

 Mrs. Noodlekugel and Drooly the Bear by Daniel Pinkwater and Adam Stower

“Staying with Mrs. Noodlekugel while their father competes to become a speed knitter, Nick and Maxine are surprised by the return of Captain Noodlekugel, who practices his animal-taming skills on a rather untrainable bear.” Sequel to Mrs. Noodlekugel and Mrs. Noodlekugel and the Four Blind Mice.                                [J PINKWATER,D]

Melonhead and the Later Gator Plan by Katy Kelly

“My best pal Sam and I are in Paradise, the community in Florida where my grandparents Nana and Jeep live. We’re staying with them while my dad works and my mom is on a trip with her lady relatives. Everything in Paradise is swank and deluxe, and lots of stuff is ‘For the Convenience of Our Residents.’ We’re sure that means free. We especially like the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet.

“Since Florida is loaded with animals, we’re going to capture a pet for Sam. We considered a wild piglet or a parrot or an armadillo or an iguana, but we’ve decided to find an alligator egg because it’s easy to carry on an airplane and it can hatch once we’re home. All we have to do is come up with a way to get that egg. Luckily, Sam and I are idea men!”                                         [J KELLY,K]

Monday Children’s Book Reviews for August 24, 2015

 Room For Bear by Ciara Gavin

“Waking up in the springtime and embarking on a search for a new home, Bear finds a perfect place with the family of five little ducks despite being rather too large to fit in.

“Can five little ducks find room for one big bear in their home—and in their hearts?”       [JPB GAVIN]

 Work and More Work by Linda Little and Oscar T. Perez

“Tom lives in the countryside in the mid 1800s, and he’s curious what is it like in the town, the city, and the world beyond? ‘It’s all work and more work,’ everyone tells him. Determined to find out for himself, Tom sets off with a bit of bread and cheese in a bundle . . . He encounters crowded marketplaces, bustling wharves, and storms on the high seas. In China he sees how tea is made; in India he watches men make deep blue dye from indigo; in Ceylon he marvels at the skill of cinnamon peelers. Eventually he returns home with stories and gifts, showing his parents the riches to be found all over the world. This wonderful book includes an illustrated afterword about the different kinds of work mentioned in the story, work that was done when, in the days before steam, nothing moved except through the power of wind, water, and muscle.”       [JPB LITTLE,L]

 Fort by Cynthia DeFelice

“In this boys-will-be-boys summer story about friendship and revenge, eleven-year-old Wyatt and his friend Augie aren’t looking for a fight. They’re having the best summer of their lives hanging out in the fort they built in the woods, fishing and hunting, cooking over a campfire, and sleeping out. But when two older boys mess with the fort–and with another kid who can’t fight back–the friends are forced to launch Operation Doom, with unexpected results for all concerned, in this novel about two funny and very real young heroes.”                     [J DEFELICE,C]

The Tortoise and the Hare: an Aesop Fable retold and illustrated by Bernadette Watts

“A classic re-envisioned and retold by Bernadette Watts—one of Europe’s most recognized and beloved fairy-tale artists! When Tortoise says to Hare, ‘I bet I can beat you in a running race!’ everyone laughs. Tortoise puts one foot in front of the next. Hare stops to nibble carrot tops and cabbages. . . . Who will have the last laugh? ‘The Hare and the Tortoise‘ has been a favorite with generations of children around the world. Bernadette Watts’s lovable animals and sumptuous settings bring great warmth and charm to this timeless tale. Little listeners will celebrate anew with all the animals at the finish line!”                                 [J398.2452 WATTS]

Monday Children’s Book Reviews for June 15, 2015

Today is the first day to start playing the Summer Reading Game, Read to the Rhythm! Bring your game board in to any branch of the Alameda County Library, spin the wheel for every 30 minutes you’ve spent reading or doing other special activities, and travel along the path. Win prizes when you reach the FIRST PRIZE and FINAL PRIZE spaces! And along the way have lots of fun and great reading!

Don’t forget that this Sunday, June 21st, is Father’s Day.

 Return to Augie Hobble by Lane Smith

“Augie Hobble lives in a fairy tale–or at least Fairy Tale Place, the down-on-its-luck amusement park managed by his father. Yet his life is turning into a nightmare: he’s failed creative arts and has to take summer school, the girl he has a crush on won’t acknowledge him, and Hogg Wills and the school bullies won’t leave him alone. Worse, a succession of mysterious, possibly paranormal, events have him convinced that he’s turning into a werewolf. At least Augie has his notebook and his best friend Britt to confide in–until the unthinkable happens and Augie’s life is turned upside down, and those mysterious, possibly paranormal, events take on a different meaning.”                              [J SMITH]

Universe by Robin Kerrod

“Whether you have special interest in space exploration or the origins of the universe, or you want to find more resources available outside of school, Eyewitness: Universe is the ideal choice for learning more about the universe.

“DK’s Eyewitness series is perfect. It  presents information with a combination of photography, small nuggets of information, and fact-packed annotation so you can really dig into topics without becoming overwhelmed. One picture at a time, Eyewitness books teach big subjects in easy ways.”     [J523.1 KERROD]

 

Monday Children’s Book Reviews for June 1, 2015

 Amazing Visual Math

“Covering the essential math concepts learned in the first years of school, Amazing Visual Math brings a whole new dimension to learning.

 “Amazing Visual Math is an interactive hands-on experience that makes math fun. Key curriculum subjects including shapes, patterns, telling time, lines of symmetry, addition, subtraction, measurement and more are explained through over 50 interactive elements throughout the book including pop-ups, flaps, and pull the tab elements, making an otherwise tedious subject entertaining.”                        [JPB AMAZING]

Biscuit Goes Camping by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Pat Schories

“Biscuit can’t wait to go camping! From tents and flashlights to frogs and fireflies, there are so many new things to discover when you’re sleeping outdoors. But are those rain clouds in the sky? How will Biscuit go camping now?

“Biscuit Goes Camping is a My First I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for shared reading with a child. This easy-to-read story is also the first Biscuit I Can Read book that takes place at night, making it a great choice for bedtime reading practice.”       [JE CAPUCILLI]

 Graceful by Wendy Mass

“An exciting new story in the bestselling Willow Falls series [11 Birthdays, Finally, 13 Gifts, The Last Present] from Wendy Mass!

“Angelina D’Angelo has left town to see the world. It’s now Grace’s turn to use her magic to protect the people of Willow Falls, and she is up to the challenge. This is her destiny, after all. But destiny is a funny thing – it doesn’t always behave the way you’d expect it to.

“Mysterious postcards from Angelina begin showing up in the mail, Grace’s parents are freaking out with worry, and something BIG is coming to town that will affect everybody who lives there. But all Grace is powerful enough to do is turn leftover meatloaf into pizza.

“Fortunately, she’s not alone. She has Team Grace on her side! Amanda, Leo, Rory, Tara, David, and Connor know a thing or two about magic and how it works. But none of them are prepared for what’s coming, and none of them know how to stop it. Life in Willow Falls is about to change forever.”         [J MASS]

Civil War by John Stanchak

“Whether your child has a special interest in the Civil War, you want to encourage further learning about this important time in American history, or your child is studying the Civil War in the classroom and you want to add more learning to school curriculum, Eyewitness: Civil War is the ideal choice for learning about the Civil War.

“DK’s Eyewitness series is perfect for children. It engages both readers and visual learners by presenting information with a combination of photography, small nuggets of information, and fact-packed annotation so children can really dig into topics without becoming overwhelmed. One picture at a time, Eyewitness books teach big subjects in easy ways.

“We’ve revamped our Eyewitness series to be even better with solid facts, shorter texts, more emphasis on images, and fresh new learning sections, making Eyewitness books the perfect way to encourage curiosity in your child or to supplement classroom learning.”                      [J973.7 STANCHAK]