Book Review: Andy, Also

Andy Also
By Maxwell Eaton III
Blue Apple Books, 2014
Reviewed from Edelweiss
Audience:  Preschool to Grade 3
ISBN:  9781609054571
Expected Publication Date:  August 5, 2014


In this short chapter book/graphic novel adventure, Preston and Andy have an identity crisis of sorts.  Preston insists on being called Andy which angers the original Andy who then somehow becomes Doctor Turkeyfeet, which in turn confuses the original Doctor Turkeyfeet.  In the next chapter, the animals strike up a band much to the dismay of Andy, the original.  Finally, Preston, once again Preston, tricks Andy into a foot race with 100 insulted bunnies.  If it all sounds a little too strange, that's because it is, and young readers will love every word!

I enjoyed this sequel to Okay, Andy!  Like most buddy books, you have one fanciful character and one curmudgeon and plenty of fun. The dialogue is easy to read and the action is snappy and will provide plenty of laughs.  

My only problem would be cataloging this book.  Where would you put it?  Picture book, easy reader, chapter book, graphic novel?  I think the case could be made for all of these.  I would like shelve this in the easy reader section despite the designation as a beginning chapter book.  The chapters are more like simple stories to me.

One final thought, this book would be great for a simple reader's theatre or class play.  Each chapter could easily be played out by students and they would greatly enjoy the humor.

And how surprising is it that I actually posted a book review?  I'm just as shocked as you are!

Happy Reading!

Read-a-Louds for a Zany 6-Year Old

Now that Anthony is a big time Kindergarten graduate, he's ready for some more serious read-a-loud books.  He wants action, adventure, humor, and his mom would like some things that are not totally formula fiction.  Aunt Lou the librarian to the rescue!  Put down your Magic Tree House and pick up something else!

Not that there's anything wrong with MTH, quite the contrary.  However, if the only book that your child's teacher or librarian can recommend for your reader is MTH, suggest they spend a little more time hitting the books--or that they check out this post.

I've taken the liberty of breaking this list into three categories as defined below:

Stand Alones-books that either have no sequel (and in some cases, no equal) or books that really don't need a sequel.

Super Series-okay it's a series, there's a formula, but it's a darn good formula!

Maybe Give it a Year-books that Anthony (or your zany child) might like today, but might like more tomorrow.  You know your kid and what they can handle.

Also, I'm not including some basic parent/child read-a-loud favorites like HP, Narnia, Percy Jackson, so on and so forth.  I'm here to tell you about the hidden gems!  You are here for personalized book recommendations, if you want generic info about bestsellers, go to Amazon.

I give you Read-a-Louds for a Zany 6-Year Old!

Stand Alones:

Bunnicula by James Howe.  This is required reading in my world.  I'm guessing that Anthony will love the animal narrators and strange action.  Yes, there are more books in this "series" and there are newer versions, but stick with the original.

The Dunderheads by Paul Fleischman.  A caper for the youngest readers, with pictures!  Quick and satisfying, and there are a couple more of these as well.

The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleishman.  A Newbery!  For younger readers!  It's a great adventure story that's funny too, and Newbery-approved.

Mammoth Academy by Neil Layton.  This short, illustrated chapter book has a little mystery and a lot of laughs.  Also a few of these, but really, stick with the first.

The Boy of a Thousand Faces by Brian Selznick.  This book is beautiful, a perfect Halloween read-a-loud, or a great read-a-loud for a boy that thinks dressing up for New Year's means wearing his pirate costume.  Again, it's short, but wonderful.

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar.  You have to be young with a weird sense of humor to get this book.  It's one of my top expiration date books, but 6-year old boys have a bizarre sense of humor, so I'm guessing this will be a hit.

Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins.  This book always struck me as a weird sell, but this might be the place for it.  You need a reader that likes longer stories, but still believes in the magic of their toys, and six might just be the perfect age.

Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi.  Anthony loves good dragon hunt, and might appreciate this little book about saving, not slaying, a dragon.

Half Magic by Edward Eager.  Nothing like the classics!  A family of children find a magic coin, but their wishes only come half-true.  It's gentle but engaging.

Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes.  This gentle classic is about a great little dog that goes missing, but all's well in the end.

Super Series:

The Time Warp Trio by Jon Scieszka.  Start reading these about these time-travelling adventurers today, then read Scieszka's biography Knuckleheads in a couple years.

43 Old Cemetery Road by Kate Klise.  This book is full of puns and word-play, plus it's written through notes and letters, which will provide a great teachable moment about narration.  And it's funny.  Like snort-Sprite-through-your-nose-funny.  Not that I've ever done that.  Or can tell you how much it hurts.

The Knights' Tales by Gerald Morris.  A very light-hearted looks at Arthurian legend complete with illustrations and harrowing battles, perfect for my little knight in shining armor.

Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo.  Mercy Watson is a pig that just can't stay out of trouble and it's all really, really funny.

McBroom by Sid Fleischman.  I mostly recommend these because I remember finding them hilarious in elementary school, meaning that these books are old.  Really old, so good luck finding them!

Maybe Give it a Year:

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo.  Really everything by Kate DiCamillo is beautiful and adventurous in it's own quiet way, but this book might be especially great for bedtime since it's magical and quiet.

Swindle by Gordon Korman.  Another great caper book, and several others that follow, but the group of kids are older, and there's more talk about school, which a six-year old wouldn't have a context for just yet.  But a great adventure none-the-less.  Also, maybe talk to your child about when to involve a parent in their capers!

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood.  Three adopted children that act like wolves--does that sound at all familiar, sister?  This book is a little snarky, so some of the humor will go over Anthony's head, but make you laugh.  That's why I say give it a minute.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.  Like the Magician's Elephant, this is a quietly beautiful quest story.  Might be good for bedtime now.

What did I miss?  What did I get right?  Was this at all helpful?  Are questions annoying?  Hopefully this list will help you out when picking books for your reader, or read-to-er, this summer.  And parents, just because your little one can read on their own doesn't mean you have to stop reading to them.  It's such great bonding time!  It's one of the things I'm most looking forward to about being mom!

Happy Reading (to your zany child!)

But You Knew That Already

I interrupt this reading of Dreams of Gods and Monsters for an important announcement.  Well, it was important a month ago.  The results of the 2014 Monarch, Bluestem and Caudill have been released!  Now, let's see how I stacked up.

The 2014 Monarch Award Winner:  The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray
My Pick:  I Wanna A New Room by Karen Orloff Kaufman
The Verdict:  I didn't do so hot.  I gave Gingerbread Man 10-1 odds and 12 place in my bracket.  The rhyme didn't work correctly for me, and that's a major deal breaker.  New Room took the number 9 spot, which I find a little surprising.  I would say that mostly the books fell in the range that I thought they would as far as Top, Middle, and Bottom, with the big exception being the winner.

The 2014 Bluestem Award Winner:  Wonder by R. J. Palacio
My Pick:  Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
The Verdict:  As far as the real winner and my pick, I wasn't that far off, but holy cow, I was dead wrong on almost everything else!  I thought the Bluestem would skew younger, which is why I had Wonder at number 3.  But Wonder benefited from what I deem The Older Sibling Effect--the older sibling is reading the book, so the younger reader wants to read it too!  But really all the great non-fiction or quicker chapter books that I thought would own the top half fell to the bottom.  That's something to remember for next year:  Bluestem readers are a savvy bunch.

The 2014 Caudill Award Winner:  Wonder by R. J. Palacio
My Pick:  Wonder by R. J. Palacio
The Verdict:  I didn't have to read all 20 books to know that Wonder was going to win (in fact, I only read three).  Wonder is the book of the moment, for very good reason too.  And seeing it win the Bluestem and Caudill, and countless other regional awards means that this is a book that is here to stay. Like I've said in the past, if students are reading it for fun anyway, it's a guaranteed win.

With the 2014 award season behind me, I need to start thinking about 2015.  I already did a little recap of my 2015 reading progress here, but just in case you want to jump to the master lists, check out the 2015 Monarch, Bluestem, and Caudill lists.

Happy Reading!

(I will now return you to your regularly scheduled reading of Dreams of Gods and Monsters)

Buddy Books for All Young Readers

I've reviewed some great buddy books recently, namely Scribbles and Ink:  Out of the Box, and Okay, Andy?.  That got me thinking about all of the great buddy books out there for readers of all ages.  Because everyone needs a buddy!

Picture Books:

Cowboy and Octopus by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith.  Only this duo could come up with such a lively and unlikely pair.  This book is hilarious to all readers as these two friends share some laughs, and baked beans.

A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom.  This book is sweet as sugar and will have even the most curmudgeonly reader cracking a smile.  There are five Bear and Goose books so the fun doesn't have to stop!

The Adventures of Max and Pinky:  Best Buds by Maxwell Eaton, III.  Simple drawings, silly story, and lots of marshmallows, what's not to love?  Three in this series.

Duck and Goose by Tad Hills.  Learning to share never looked so sweet.  Plus there are ten Duck and Goose books between picture books and board books, so keep feeding that reading addiction.

Easy Reader Books:

Elephant and Piggie:  Today I Will Fly! by Mo Willems.  20 Elephant and Piggie Books!  The best part is watching your beginning reader read these to themselves.  The dialogue is very funny, and I always encourage readers to read it with some feeling!

Dog and Bear:  Two Friends, Three Stories by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.  What's better than a wiener dog and a patchwork bear?  The two being friends and sharing adventures!  Four of these books for interested readers.

Scribbles and Ink by Ethan Long.  Cats and mice can be friends, once they realize how to work together.  Plus, the art possibilities with this book are endless.  Three in this series.

Bink and Gollie by Kati DiCamillo and Allison McGhee.  One's all serious, the other's all silly, but together they are all good.  I wonder which character represents Kate and which represents Allison?  Three so far, hopefully more to come!

Ling and Ting:  Not Exactly the Same! by Grace Lin.  These twins are quite different and make great characters for an easy reader book.  Only two so far, but let's hope there are more.

Thanks to some amazing animal friendships, there are even great non-fiction buddy books!

Owen and Mzee by Craig Hatkoff.  This friendship started after the tsunami of 2004 and a baby hippo and 130-year-old turtle became inseparable.  You are learn more about them in the two following books.

Tarra and Bella by Carol Buckley.  A retired circus elephant and stray dog become best friends at an animal sanctuary.

Two Bobbies by Kirby Lawson.  A dog and cat stick together to survive after Hurricane Katrina and tell an amazing story.

What did I miss?  What are your favorite buddy books?  I'm a big fan of Elephant and Piggie, but I have a soft spot for A Splendid Friend, Indeed too.

Happy Reading!

Scribbles and Ink: Out of the Box

Scribbles and Ink: Out of the Box
By Ethan Long
Blue Apple Books, 2014
Reviewed from NetGalley
Audience: K to 3
ISBN:  9781609053666
Publication Date:  March 11, 2014

When Ink orders some cheese online, Scribbles becomes enchanted by the box and sets out to make something spectacular.  His creation works fine for him, but doesn't work for Ink, so Ink makes it over.  Then it's a fight to see who can make the best creation, when the box is finally torn up.  But Scribbles knows how to fix this situation and make them both very happy.  Another great easy reader from Ethan Long about friendship and working together.

There's so much to love about this adventure between Scribbles and Ink.  First of all, kids love playing with boxes.  In fact, I did a whole story time just on boxes and we played with a pile of them at the end.  It's completely relatable.

Also, friends know that feeling all too well when a playdate or project goes wrong and you both say something you wish you hadn't.  But there's always a way to overcome that, like Scribbles did.  And doing a massive amount of online shopping never hurts.

I've got a major thing for buddy books lately and that's got me thinking about the best buddy books for young readers.  I'll be back tomorrow with my picks.

But for right now, think outside the box with Scribbles and Ink.

Happy Reading!

Okay, Andy!

Okay, Andy!
By Maxwell Eaton III
Blue Apple Books, 2014
Reviewed from NetGalley
Audience:  Preschool to Grade 3
ISBN:  9781609053505
Publication Date:  February 11, 2014

Andy the alligator and Preston the rodent-like animal are unlikely friends.  First, Andy is trying to catch a rabbit and Preston is not exactly helping.  Then, Preston start picking up many different items in the forest and when Andy gets angry with him, they both exchange presents to make up.  Finally, Andy is just trying to get some sleep when Preston wants to play a guessing game.  Maybe this book is a little less about friendship and a little more about the parent child relationship sometimes as Preston can be a little too much to take.   Readers will love the simple drawings and action and find themselves laughing out loud more than once.  

I first discovered Maxwell Eaton III from The Adventures of Max and Pinky: Best Buds.  It's another great buddy book that features plenty of marshmallows.  This book follows the same simple style that will appeal to beginning readers.  I just love a simple, charming, entertaining easy reader in the land of formula fiction ickiness from TV and movies.  

Sit down with your best buddy, or pet, or toy, and share Okay, Andy! today. 

Happy Reading!

Bluestem Round-Up: My Picks

I finally finished all 20 Bluestem Nominees and I am ready to make some predictions!  For everyone following along at home, the Bluestem Award is an Illinois Reader's Choice award for children in grades 3-5.  This award is in it's fourth year and it is still finding it's niche, but we have a great line-up of books.  As always, this is entirely unscientific and all my humble opinion.  Let's see the list!

20.  Seaglass Summer by Anjali Banerjee
19.  Edgar Allan's Official Crime Investigation Notebook by Mary Amato
18.  Little Wolf's Book of Badness by Ian Whybrow
17.  A Strong Right Arm:  the story of Mamie "Peanut" Johnson by Michelle Green
16.  Emily's Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
15.  Knights of the Kitchen Table by Jon Scieszka
14.  Cheesie Mack is not a Genius or Anything by Stephen Cotler
13.  Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
12.  Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
11.  Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
10.  I Feel Better with a Frog in my Throat:  history's strangest cures by Carlyn Beccia
9.  Pie by Sara Weeks
8.  Nubs:  the true story of a mutt, a marine, and a miracle by Brian Dennis, Kirby Lawson, and Mary Nethery
7.  The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins:  an illuminating history of Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, artist and lecturer by Barbara Kerley
6.  Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan
5.  The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
4.  Calli Be Gold by Michele Weber Hurwitz
3.  Wonder by R. J. Palacio
2.  Bones:  skeletons and how they work by Steve Jenkins
1.  Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Just like my Monarch Predictions, I just sat down with the list after I had read all the books and just started ranking them based on my gut.  I first went through and marked where I thought each book would fall:  bottom, middle, or top.  Then I went through and gave them number rankings.

There are some surprises like always.  I gave most of these books 3 stars on Goodreads.  Meaning that they were good, but not awesome.  Very few received less than 3 stars so then it was up to thinking about the audience.  Little Wolf's Book was good, but seemed a bit immature for the audience-it would make a better Monarch.  I know that I said the reverse for Wonder, it would make a better Caudill, but I think it might benefit from the older sibling effect, i.e. the older sib is reading it and that makes the younger sib want to check it out too.

It came down to an oldie but a goodie.  I said before that Kate DiCamillo hits the Bluestem sweet spot.  Winn Dixie is a book that is perfectly written for the age group, it's got heart, dogs, great characters, and some good laughs.  It's also very appealing to boys and girls, making it a universal read.  If Winn Dixie doesn't win, it will at least have a strong finish.

With that, I set off for the Caudill list.  Soon that is.  I have some great spooky books to share for Halloween next week and I can't wait for you to read all about them.

Happy Reading!

Katie Woo Rules the School

Katie Woo Rules the School
by Fran Manushkin
Capstone, 2012
Format:  Beginning Chapter Book
Audience:  Grades K to 2
ISBN:  9781404879089
Publication Date:  August 2012

Katie Woo might seem like a normal student, but she is actually pretty extraordinary.  She can become the star of the show dressed as a worm, smile her way through an annoying bully's taunts, keep the class pet safe and happy, and tell the truth when it might be easier to lie.  Katie is a energetic and spunky character that is sure to please many readers.

This collection of previously published stories makes a greater beginning chapter book.  The text is simple but entertaining and there are just enough pictures to keep a reader's interest without competing with the text.  From what I can tell, Capstone is trying to reinvent Katie Woo as a beginning chapter book and take her out of the Early Reader zone.  

Which begs the question, where would you shelve Katie Woo?  I would say that her stories are a little longer than Bink and Gollie, but the tone of the books are similar.  It also reminded me of Mercy Watson as far as length.  Where do you put those books that hug the line between Early Reader and Chapter Book?  Shorter chapter books seem to get swallowed up in the Juvenile Fiction section, but they seem too grown-up for the Early Readers.  I think that a Beginning Chapter book display or book list would be a great way to promote these great books that can sometimes be overlooked.

But don't overlook Katie Woo!  She's fun, relatable, and sure to attract fans.

Happy Reading

New Series to Notice: Boris

Boris on the Move
ISBN:  9780545484428

Boris Gets a Lizard
ISBN:  9780545484476

by Andrew Joyner
Scholastic, 2013
Format:  Early Reader
Grades K to 2

Boris is a warthog that lives with his parents in a bus by the bay (not to be confused with a van down by the river).  He is a happy warthog with big dreams and goals.  In his first adventure, he wants to travel like he parents used to when they were young, so when he feels his bus/home moving, he's very excited.  But when he finds out that they are just going a few minutes away, he forgets that you can have an adventure anywhere.

Next, Boris brags to his whole class that he is getting a lizard, specifically a Komono Dragon with poisonous spit.  Of course this doesn't happen, even though he asks the zoo very nicely to let the lizard vacation at his home, but he comes up with a great solution.

Add Boris to the growing list of early readers that make me smile!  The action is simple, the pictures are delightful, and Boris is just a likable kid, or warthog.  My favorite thing about Boris is that in every book introduction it lists his favorite things, including his favorite book (this week).  I can relate to a character that picks a new favorite as often as that!

Again, this is an easy chapter book, perfect for confidence building in newly independent readers.  It just reads like a fun book.  This series does not have any kind of lame disclaimer about controlled vocabulary or a doctor of some sort promoting the educational value of the message provided in the text.  This is a book that will teach children that reading independently is fun!  What a crazy idea!  Also, who do I write to make this a Monarch nominee for next year?  I'm going to start that campaign right now!

I discovered Boris from the lovely Cinjoella, and I'm glad I did.  Quick and funny early chapter books like this are the perfect palate cleanser from dark YA or saucy New Adult fiction.

Give Boris to any new reader you know that has dreams as big as the moon!

Happy Reading!

Dino-Wrestling

Dino-Wrestling
by Lisa Wheeler
Illustration by Barry Gott
Carolrhoda Books, 2013
Previewed from NetGalley
Audience:  Early Elementary

ISBN:  9781467702126

Publication Date:  October 1, 2013

Let's get ready to rumble!  I had to say it.

After taking on several other sports (football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer), these dinosaurs are ready for some wrestling.  Different types of dinos demonstrate the different types of wrestling, from the more admired Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, to the more entertaining world of Lucha Libre and WWF styles.  The illustrations are vibrant and the whole tone is fun.  Even T-Rex gets in on the action, although as the text points out "T-Rex arms are way too short/Why did he ever choose this sport?".  The rhymes lose some momentum toward the end and start falling off the meter, but this mash-up of two popular topics will have your youngest readers captivated.

I personally love the Dino-Sport books by Lisa Wheeler.  It can be surprisingly difficult to find simple enough books for a sport story time.  The Dino-Sport books not only are great for story time read a-louds, but they also contain dinosaurs, which just ups the cool factor.  Although you will have that one kid that actually knows facts about dinosaurs and he will spend the entire story time correcting you.  That's just part of the job.

This Dino-Sport books is a little interesting.  While I like it and I certainly think it will be a hit with the readers, I think I would pass on it for story time.  Mostly because at the end, the whole crowd gets involved in the wrestling match, and I wouldn't want to put that idea in my story time crowds head.  Now, for one on one reading, it could lead to a pretty epic round of couch cushion wrestling, and that's fine, just hide the metal folding chairs.  If parents are really ambitious, this is also a great teachable moment for what's real and not real in the world of wrestling, although that's probably pushing things a little far.  But I am the kind of person that loves to talk over children's heads on occasion just to see their reaction.  

Anyway, overall, Dino-Wrestling will be a hit sure to inspire like luchadores and sumo wrestlers alike!

Happy Reading!

Scribbles and Ink: The Contest

Scribbles and Ink:  The Contest
by Ethan Long
Blue Apple Books, 2013
Format:  Early Reader
Audience:  Elementary School
ISBN: 9781609053512
Publication Date:  September 10, 2013

When Ink finds a contest looking for the best dinosaur drawing, there's only one thing to do-draw a dinosaur!  But with limited artistic ability and drawings that take on a life of their own, Scribbles and Ink might have to come up with their own prize.  Add this series to the growing list of excellent early readers.

I received Scribbles and Ink:  The Contest for early review from Edelweiss, but all opinions are my own.  This is an early reader book with chapters that is fun for readers and their parents.  There is quite the growing cannon of these types of books:  Elephant and Piggie, Bink and Gollie, Dog and Bear, Mercy Watson.  I love this type of book!  Readers might have a difficult time the first read through, but they will quickly get the hang of the words and the content and enjoy reading this independently.  Plus there are chapters!  Imagine a 6 year old bragging about reading a chapter book!  What a great confidence builder.

And Scribbles and Ink are funny in just the right way.  Readers will enjoy their exchanges and will be inspired to take up their own pencil and draw something too.  After reading this book, a class could have their own draw a dinosaur contest, or draw Scribbles and Ink.

These types of buddy books are great too because there is the solid lesson that friends are always better together.

Welcome to the club Scribbles and Ink!  I do hope you're here to stay!

Happy Reading!

Lucy on the Loose

Absolutely Lucy #2:  Lucy on the Loose
by Ilene Cooper
Random House Book for Young Readers, 2010
Audience:  Ages 5 to 8 
ISBN:  9780307265081
Publication Date:  April 14, 2010

Bobby Quinn has a funny beagle named Lucy, and while she's a good dog, she's also a little tricky.  She has helped Bobby make friends, like his new neighbor Sam, but she also likes to get in trouble, like when she chases a cat and runs away.  Now Bobby and Sam are chasing Lucy and as they go, they have to talk to people, despite their shyness, to find out where she's gone.  Will they ever find Lucy?  This sweet book ends happily enough for all dog lovers and beagle lovers will definitely relate to Lucy.

I bet some of you were a little scared when you saw this blog title.  That's because I have my own Lucy beagle and I know all too well how it feels when she runs off.  But my girl didn't end up at a Little League game causing so much trouble.  A friend of mine bought this book at a rummage sale, so I had to read it before I sent it on to my Lucy-loving nephew.

While this is the second in the Absolutely Lucy series, it does not need to be read in order.  From what I can gather, in the first book Bobby gets Lucy and she helps him overcome his shyness and make friends.  In this book, he's still a little shy but not when he has Lucy, or when he needs to save her.  It's a sweet relationship and some readers that are shy themselves will appreciate it.  

While searching for Lucy, Bobby picks up more help at each stop, making it quite the rag-tag parade that is looking for this dog.  Readers will enjoy the humor that is included because it lessens the anxiety that comes with a missing dog.  

And that cover.  How can you not love that cover?  What a darling beagle dog!!

I didn't read Lucy on the Loose to my Lucy because I don't want to give her any ideas, but I did manage to snap a couple of pictures of her with the book without her eating it entirely. 

But she did try to eat it.  Anthony, if there are a few bite marks on this when it gets to you, just know that your furry cousin thought it was delicious!

Happy Reading!

Nubs

Nubs:  The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine, & a Miracle
by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Lawson, and Mary Nethery
Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009
Audience:  Elementary Readers
2014 Blustem Nominee
ISBN:  9780316053181
Publication Date:  November 1, 2009


While on assignment in Iraq, Major Brian Dennis and his platoon met a pack of wild dogs.  All of the dogs seemed friendly, except for their leader who took much longer to warm up to the men.  Once he did warm up, Nubs, as the dog was called, became best friends with Major Dennis.  Nubs even walked over 70 miles while quite sick to catch up to his friend.  This story tells not only have Major Dennis saved Nubs, but how much joy a dog can bring in a tough situation.

I used to be pretty ambivalent about dogs.  I didn't particularly like them when I was growing up, but then we got Lucy and now I am a bona fide dog person now.  And as a dog person, this book took my heart!  He rescued a sad and lonely dog from a war zone!

Back to evaluating this story as a book.  The story is illustrated with pictures of Nubs and Major Dennis, so readers will see soldiers in uniform and see what kind of conditions the soldiers live in.  The text is laid out quite well.  The main points are presented in a large font size that would be enough to read in a storytime, or you can dig a little deeper with the text in a smaller font size and get the complete story.

I think that Nubs has a good chance as a Bluestem.  There are several things working in it's favor like universal appeal, short in length, and full of heart.  It's a short story that is not childish, so I see many readers picking it up just to make their Bluestem quota.  Also, it's a story that sticks with readers, so I don't think there will be much chance of readers forgetting about it when voting time comes around.

I loved it.  I read it to my husband, who normally hates when I do that, but since it was a dog story he allowed it.  I tried reading it to my dog, but she was more interested in sticks.  For more great heart-warming dog stories, check out Two Bobbies also by Kirby Lawson.  Pair that books with Nubs for a full story time of incredible dogs.

Happy Reading!

Little Wolf's Book of Badness

Little Wolf's Book of Badness
by Ian Whybrow
Audience:  Early Elementary
2014 Bluestem List
ISBN:  9781572055503
Publication Date:  November 1, 1995


Little Wolf writes letters home as he journeys to his Uncle Bigbad's school of badness and tries to convince his parents to let him come home because he was only be good as a joke.  Little Wolf describes his situation with all of the gloominess of a typical letter from camp.  Once at his uncle's, he finds that the school is in complete disrepair and that his uncle is the very definition of bad.  But, after a chance meeting with a scout master, Little Wolf learns that their might be a better way to live and ends up befriending the scouts instead of being bad.  This is a quick, sweet little book about being yourself.

Little Wolf's adventure reminded me of Little Oink and Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, because you have a character that is acting correctly according to our standards (brushing his teeth, being nice to his brother), but is acting out of turn for his species.  I think that is a lesson that many readers will enjoy.  Especially when it comes to the other scouts.  Instead of getting one badge for badness, Little Wolf can get dozens of badges for more interesting pursuits like climbing and navigating.  Isn't that a better deal?

I also like his messages within the letters to his cousin Yeller (cousin to a wolf?  Maybe Yeller is Ol' Yeller?) and his brother Smellybreath.  I thought those little asides showed that maybe not all of the little wolves out there want to be big and bad.

I am more familiar with Ian Whybrow as a picture book author than a beginning chapter book author, and again, I think this is a book that is better suited for the Monarch List.  The letters are short with plenty of drawings and the action is pretty well suited for beginning elementary.  I would think that most fifth graders would turn their nose at this book, so I don't see it going very far.  I see Little Wolf staying near the back of the Bluestem pack.

But, if you know a strong, independent first or second grade reader, this is a great pick.

Happy Reading!

Clementine

Clementine
by Sara Pennypacker
Turtleback Books, 2006
Format:  Beginning Chapter Book
Audience:  Early Elementary
ISBN:  9781417815388
Publication Date:  September 12, 2006


While most adults think that Clementine has a problem paying attention, she really pays excellent attention, just to unusual things.  Like the clouds out the window, the mustard on her teachers shirt, and ceiling snakes.  Also, she's helpful, but not in a normal way either.  When Margaret gets glue in her hair and tries to cut it out, Clementine helps by evening out the haircut, or cutting off all her hair, and then helps some more by coloring Margaret's head with permanent marker.  Clementine is the type of character that has a heart of gold, but some trouble executing her plans, except when it comes to pigeons, then she's right on!

Clementine is the first book that I read from the Bluestem List.  Since Bluestems tend to be longer, I didn't quite think it would be fair to blow through them all in four or five posts.  Also, I need more material to talk about.

Clementine as a Bluestem is tough.  Clementine is in 3rd grade and her friend is in 4th grade, which makes this a pretty solid book for 2-3 grades, but this is an award that goes up to 5th.  And, Clementine was already on the Monarch List in 2009, and it came in 6th.  See what I mean by saying that the Bluestem is going through some growing pains?  This list is still trying to figure out where it fits in with the Monarch and Caudill.

Forget the Bluestem for a minute.  Clementine as a character is very interesting.  She is definitely part of the spunky, yet age-appropriate backlash that came after the success of Junie B. Jones.  She has definite kid appeal, and readers will love her.  I'm sure that boy would enjoy hearing about some of her exploits, but this might be a hard sell for some boys as leisure reading.

There is also an important lesson about friendship and family in this book that gets overshadowed by Clementine's energy and enthusiasm.  The end is very touching and readers will know that her parents are not going to get rid of her, but haven't we all had that moment when we know we're not "the easy one".  And that realization is hard for kids to swallow.  Well, not me, because I was the perfect child.  You can stop laughing mom.

In general, Clementine strikes a chord with readers.  She's a little edgy, but honestly kind, and with a whole series to back her up, it's comfortable for readers to go back to her world.  As a Bluestem, I'm just not seeing a ton of success here.  It doesn't have quite enough appeal for a wide age range.  I give it 20-1 odds and I expect to find it in the bottom ten.  Not that it's not a great book, it is, but it's for a very specific age group.

Happy Reading!

Monarch Round-Up: My Picks

After weeks of tirelessly reading all 20 of the 2014 Monarch Award Nominees (really, it's 20 picture books and easy readers-this award list is a breeze), I've made my picks!

Now, the ranking of this list is very scientific.  I have researched student reading habits, Lexile levels, controlled vocabulary, signs of the moon, patterns found in rock formations, and the migration habits of bluebirds.  No, I haven't done any of that.  This is all just my opinion.

I think I'll start at the end and work my way up to the grand reveal!

20.  Same, Same by Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw (15-1)
19.  Swirl by Swirl:  Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman (20-1)
18.  The Camping Trip that Changed America:  Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir and Our National Parks by Barbara Rosenstock (20-1)
17.  The One and Only Stuey Lewis:  Stories from Second Grade by Jane Schoenberg (15-1)
16.  Perfect Square by Michael Hall (15-1)
15.  Bibloburro:  A True Story from Colombia by Jeanette Winters (10-1)
14.  Chicken Big by Keith Graves (8-1)
13.  One by Kathryn Otoshi (10-1)
12.  The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray (10-1)
11.  Balloons Over Broadway:  the True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade by Melissa Sweet (8-1)
10.  11 Experiments that Failed by Jenny Offill (3-1)
9.  Brothers at Bat:  The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball Team by Audrey Vernick (7-1)
8.  The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin (20-1)
7.  Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming (8-1)
6.  Say Hello to Zorro! by Carter Goodrich (5-1)
5.  One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo (5-1)
4.  Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz (10-1)
3.  Tales for Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider (5-1)
2.  I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen (3-1)
1.  I Wanna New Room by Karen Kaufman Orloff (5-1)

Putting together this ranking is kinda like picking my NCAA March Madness Bracket, I just go with my gut and sometimes I am surprised by the results.   Like 11 Experiments that Failed - I really like it, but I'm starting to doubt the kid appeal.  Also, after reading a great review on Goodreads, I had to give dark horse status to The Trouble with Chickens.  I do feel pretty confident that I Wanna New Room will finish strong, maybe not first place, but top five.

What are your thoughts?  Do you agree, disagree, would you like to passionately endorse Perfect Square or Same, Same but Different?  Leave me a comment or send me an email at misstiffread at gmail.com.

And for all things Monarch, check out the full list and round-ups one, two, three, and four.

Happy Reading!

Monarch Round-Up Part Four

I am down to the final five contestants for the Monarch Award.  For more Monarch fun, see parts one, two, and three, and see the full list here.  I'll be back tomorrow with my top five picks.  Then, it's a long wait until the award announcement in March and we'll see just how right (or terribly wrong) I am.

Monarch Round-Up Part Four!

Contestant Number Sixteen:  The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin. A former rescue dog is called to save some chicks that have been taken hostage by the inside dog, but there is more to this crime than meets the eye.

My thoughts:  It's a hard boiled (ha!) mystery for the younger crowd, but it runs a little long for the youngest Monarch voters.

Odds:  20-1

Contestant Number Seventeen:  Chicken Big by Keith Graves.  A giant chick is born to some very confused chickens and proves himself quite helpful.

My thoughts:  This funny story is not only great for read-a-louds but it can also be easily adapted for a simple reader's theatre and retellings.  Great for the classroom.

Odds:  8-1

Contestant Number Eighteen:  Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm by John Katz.  All the dogs on the farm appear to have a job to do, except Lenore, but her's just might be the most important job of all.

My thoughts:  Loved it.  My parents have a border collie named Susie and she's wonderful.  Dog lovers will adore this book.  But kids will likely just think it's okay.

Odds:  10-1

Contestant Number Nineteen:  The Camping Trip that Changed America by Barbara Rosenstock.  The fictionalized story of the creation of our national parks and the friendship of Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist, John Muir.

My thoughts:  It's a nice book with good facts and a tight plot, but it's not going to stand out against the rest of the field.  This is a teacher book that made the list to give a lesson.

Odds:  20-1

Contestant Number Twenty:  Tales for Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider.  A picky boy gets some very interesting lessons in eating your food.

My thoughts:  This Geisel winner hits the right note.  It's accessible for solo reading, it's funny, and it can lead to further stories from the child.  Have your reader say why they should eat lima beans, or pot roast, or liver (shudder!).

Odds:  5-1 (I love it for a strong finish!)




And that's how you finish a children's book award list!  I have such a feeling of accomplishment right now.  Come back tomorrow for my official predictions.

Happy Reading!

Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Halloween

Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Halloween:  A Safety Guide for Scaredies

by Melanie Watt

Kids Can Press, Ontario, Canada, 2013

Format:  Picture Book

Ages:  Elementary School

ISBN:  1894786874

Publication Date:  August 1, 2013

Scaredy Squirrel has tackled many frightening events, but none as terrifying as Halloween!  He takes readers through all of the basics like costumes and decorations and through some more advanced tips like party games and candy transportation in a effort to make this Halloween the best and least surprising Halloween ever.  As always, Scaredy Squirrel's fears are unfounded, but he does add a spooky new twist to playing dead.  Since Halloween books are popular all year long, and Scaredy Squirrel is a delightful character, this is sure to be a hit.

You know by now that I love Scaredy Squirrel, see the round-up here, the Christmas review here, and the camping review here.  His over-the-top safety lessons are funny to readers and leave the impression that you need to be careful, but not that careful.  Personally, I wish that I had his tips for going through a haunted house when I was a kid.  

Again, there are some great programming possibilities here, especially since Scaredy Squirrel walks you through planning a non-threatening Halloween party.  You can start by taking the scaredy quiz, then work through some decorating, attempt to crave a pumpkin with a plastic knife, then do a real jack-o-latern craft and finish up with a costume parade and games as described in the book.  

Or, you could just recommend this book to every child that walks into your life.  That's my plan at least.

Now that Scaredy Squirrel has made Halloween completely safe and harmless, I'm wondering what holiday he will tackle next?  Valentine's Day?  Mother's Day?  Talk like a pirate day?  I could personally use some help getting through Arbor Day, but I might be the only one.

Did you notice all of the official publication information?  Things are starting to look very professional around here!  

Happy Safe and Non-Frightening Halloween!