Abe's Fish: A Boyhood Tale of Abraham Lincoln

Bryant, J. (2009). Abe's fish: A boyhood tale of Abraham Lincoln (A.J. Bates, illus.). New York: Sterling.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Storybook
Age Recommendation: 5-12 years

If your children didn't know who Abraham Lincoln was before reading this book, they will afterwards, and they'll want to know even more about him. Based off of Abraham Lincoln's childhood during the War of 1812, this story is a perfect reflection of the strong character that defined one of America's greatest presidents and how it was molded. The story begins with young Abe going out into the woods with the hopes of helping his father chop some wood, but the axe is too heavy for him to be of any use so he gets sent back home. Dreading the fact that he'll probably have to help his sister pick berries, Abe is reluctant to head back, yet when he gets there his mother instead asks him to go fishing. Abe doesn't hesitate to meet his mother's request and heads to the river where he successfully catches a big fat fish. My favorite part is at this point in the story as he begins to head home: "Abe had one worm left. He rolled it in a damp leaf and, smiling to himself put it in his pocket. A nice surprise for Sarah's pillow tonight." I simply love the boyishness of that line. Continuing on, as Abe is heading down the road home he comes across an American soldier who looks worn and hungry. Abe wrestles with himself, but in the end decides that the soldier probably needs the fish more than him and gives the fish to the man. The soldier graciously thanks him and continues down the road, but just then Abe yells "Hey---wait!...Did you find freedom?" The soldier replies, "I reckon I did see it sometimes...But other times it seemed a long way off." Abe goes home and his family is disappointed that there's no fish, but are certainly proud of his selflessness.

I absolutely loved this book. The watercolor illustrations were stunning, and I loved the fact that the text was always surrounded by a log border, which was so fitting to both the story and the life of Abraham Lincoln. I recommend this book to children ages five to twelve. They'll enjoy the illustrations, yet more importantly they'll learn an important moral lesson within the story. They'll learn about freedom and selflessness, and hopefully their curiosity about Abraham Lincoln will be sparked so that they'll go on to learn more about this great American leader. Teachers and librarians should seek to add this to their collection as it would make a great aid in teaching American history, and parents should add it to their home collection simply because it's such a wonderful book. Overall, this book's a real gem.

Bryant, J. (2009, April 1). Abe's fish: A boyhood tale of Abraham Lincoln [A book review of Abe's fish: A boyhood tale of Abraham Lincoln]. School Library Journal. Retrieved May 6, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6648615.html?q=abe%27s+fish.

Bryant has many positive things to say about this book, especially the artwork, saying "Bates's lively watercolors have rich detail, depicting Abe as a boy in a coonskin hat, still too small to lift his father's ax. The full-spread, sepia-toned paintings capture his rustic lifestyle, the Kentucky landscape, and the reactions of Abe's family to his generosity." Whereas Bryant did not describe the plot, he did describe the story as a Good Samaritan story, which is entirely appropriate since that is the very biblical reference which came to young Abe's mind as he pondered giving the fish to the soldier. In addition, Bryant believes the boyishness of Lincoln to be captured well, which I absolutely agree with: "Additional details reveal a boy who can be a prankster, wishes he were taller, and ponders the meaning of words like 'freedom'." Overall, he described the book to be "a worthy addition to the iconic portrait of a man so lauded by history," and I deem this review to be worthy as well.

Highlights Magazine

Clark, C.F., Ed. (2010, May). Highlights for Children, 65(5).

Genre: Informational/Fiction
Format: Magazine
Age Recommendation: 6-12 years

Ah, sweet memories. Highlights for Children is just as delightful as I remember it. The magazine is not just any magazine, but serves a higher purpose of both educating children and teaching them proper behavior. Throughout the magazine were scattered several short stories and poems, one which featured the topic of new step-siblings learning to get along. Also scattered throughout were blurbs created purely for entertainment value, such as comics, games, crafts, jokes, and reader art. Yes, the classic favorite are still there. I can't even express how ecstatic I was to see hidden pictures, The Timbertoes comic strip, and the reader art splayed across the pages. It just goes to show that the greatest of things can outlast time. The crafts were just as exciting too, as there were so many things to make. Kids could make a shoebox puppet theater and accompanying cardboard tube puppets, a braided bracelet, a may basket, and a puppy dog made out of beans. I would recommend this magazine for kids ages 6-12 years, as kids first of all need to have a reading ability. There are so many topics and activities scattered throughout that kids will no doubt be entertained and at the same time both education and a positive morality will be enstilled within them. I would have recommended Highlights as a child, and now I'm recommending it as an adult. Teachers, librarians, parents...subscribe! You won't regret it!

*Note: No review could be found for this magazine.

National Geographic Kids

Bellows, M.G., Ed. (2010, May). National Geographic Kids, (400).

Genre: Informational
Format: Magazine
Age Recommendation: 7-13 years

Even though this is a kids magazine, just like the magazine for adults, National Geographic Kids does not disappoint. The entire magazine is filled with incredible, eye-popping photographs of animals, people, and everything else imagineable. Not only is it a visual feast, but it is also an accumulation of so many facts that after reading a single issue the kids are sure to be ready to compete on Jeopardy. This particular featured sections on outrageous facts, guinness world records, cool inventions, and facts about our world. They even had a "Green Scene" where it spoke of vehicle emissions, and in order to encourage bike riding offered a do-it-yourself craft for a bike plate. One can not overlook the educational importance of the magazine, either, of course. There were several articles on animals, including a section on "Amazing Animals," otters, and the "Secret Life of Sea Turtles." Also included was a blurb called "Culture Trek," which this month featured an article about Kenya. The back of the magazine is sure to entertain kids as well as it provides jokes, games, comic strips, reader art, and in this issue the winning pictures of a reader photography contest. This magazine is a real winner, and I would recommend it for children ages seven to thirteen, as children within this age span are becoming much more interested in the world outside of home---what's in it and how it works. I would not hesitate to recommend this magazine to teachers, librarians, and parents.

*Note: Review could not be found for this magazine.

Hi! Fly Guy

Arnold, T. (2005). Hi! Fly guy. New York: Scholastic.

Genre: Easy to Read
Format: Chapter Book
Age Recommendation: 5-7 years

Hi! Fly Guy is the perfect introductory chapter book to young readers. With simple sentence structures and illustrated pictures, readers will learn the story of a newly formed friendship between a boy named Buzz and his pet fly, Fly Guy. At first, Buzz's parents try to swat the little fly and tell their son that a fly isn't suitable for a pet, but they soon discover how smart Fly Guy is and make him at home. Then in the last chapter, Buzz tries to enter Fly Guy in an amazing pet show, but everyone laughs at him because, once again, "Flies can't be pets. Flies are pests!" Yet Fly Guy shows his stuff with some fancy flying and in the end impresses everyone and wins the award for smartest pet.

I would recommend this book for children ages five to seven. They'll love the fact that a fly is the main character, and they'll especially feel a sense of accomplishment at being able to read entire chapters, even though a chapter is merely a few simple sentences. The illustrations are fun and cartoonish, yet the text seems to be a little lacking, which is mostly due to the fact that no complex sentences are used. Overall, it's a cute plot but a mediocre execution, yet I would still recommend it to librarians and teachers as a means of introducing chapter books to young children.

Knickerbocker, A. (2006, February 1). Hi! Fly Guy [A review of the book Hi! Fly Guy]. School Library Journal. Retrieved May 5, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6304147.html?q=hi+fly+guy.

Short and sweet, Knickerbocker goes straight to the point and gives a brief overview of the plot of the book. She then goes on to say "the cartoon illustrations showing characters with exaggerated wide eyes are delightful, but the text is somewhat weak and disjointed." That's really all she had to say of the book, and given the short length of the book there isn't much more to be said, but I think in order for a review to be considered good an author must go into more depth. I agree with her on what she said, yet wish she had gone into more detail.

Naughty Cherie!

Oates, J.C. (2008). Naughty Cherie! (M. Graham, illus.). New York: HarperCollins.

Genre/Format: Picture Storybook
Age Recommendation: 3-5 years

Simple and charming, this book is a perfect book for young children who just want to hear a story. Cherie is the cutest of his litter and is by far the little girl, Evan's, favorite. There's only one problem, though: Cherie is very naughty! He climbs on the table, pulls down the curtains, gets inside the piano, and causes all kinds of ruckus. One day the Smith family had enough, so Mrs. Smith put Cherie in a time-out in the corner, but all the little kitten thought was "I don't have to be 'good.' I'm little Cherie." It was then that Cherie noticed a small crack in the wall that led the kitten down a stairwell and into "Little Friends Kindercare," where a baby elephant, ostrich, giraffe, monkey, and panda were all gathered together playing. Cherie spent time with the other animals only to witness their misbehavior and in time grew weary of them and their shenannigans. Cherie then headed back upstairs and from then on was on his best behavior.

The best part of this book was by far the illustrations. The paintings perfectly captured the expressions and mannerisms of a real kitten, and even the Smith family were drawn with extreme realism. The plot, however, suffered in my opinion. The books greatest flaw was its failure to provide an explanation as to what "Little Friends Kindercare" was and why it was there. Was it a magical world? Was the kitten merely dreaming? No explanation is given whatsoever, so readers are left wondering "What just happened?" The scene is of course a necessity to the story as it's how Cherie learns his lesson, but the effort should have been taken to provide some logical explanation. I would recommend this book for young readers ages three to five years, as it provides a lesson about what is good and bad behavior and how inconvenient and hurtful bad behavior can be towards others. In addition, the fact that the main character is a kitten will certainly keep their attention. Overall, I would consider this to be a mediocre book, and therefore wouldn't recommend it for anything other than light reading.

Blankenship, D. (2010, January 11). Naughty Cherie! by Joyce Carol Oates. Retrieved May 5, 2010 from http://www.booksforkids-reviews.com/2010/01/naughty-cherie-by-joyce-carol-oates.html.

It was difficult to even find a review on this book as it surprisingly, despite its well-known author, hasn't gained much attention in the literary realm. This review gave the basic background of the plot to the story and had many positive things to say, but it wasn't of the greatest quality. The grammar and the sentence structure was poor and a little too simple for an adult audience, so that made it difficult for me to take anything they had to say about it seriously. I would agree that the illustrations were good and even the text was for the most part decent, but I wouldn't rave about it near as much as Blankenship did.

Finn McCool and the Great Fish

Bunting, E. (2010). Finn McCool and the great fish (Z. Pullen, illus.). Ann Arbor, MI: Sleeping Bear.

Genre: Folktale
Format: Picture Storybook
Age Recommendation: 4-12 years

Hailing from Irish folklore, Eve Bunting's Finn McCool and the Great Fish is a delightful read. Finn McCool is a gentle giant, whose constant good deeds, kind heart, and protection of the townspeople of Drumnahoon has made him loved by all. There's only one problem, though: he isn't very smart. Sometimes the townspeople whispered, although kindly, that "He's a bit of a turnip head....He doesn't know much. But he's a great big man for all that." One day Finn heard the whisper and set out in search of an old man in a nearby town who was said to know the source of great wisdom. Never before had the old man imparted this knowledge to anyone, despite the constant pleas and gifts bestowed upon him, but come to find out he didn't do so because he was waiting for Finn all this time. The old man tells Finn, "In the River Boyne there lives a fish, a great salmon, the red of the sky at sunset. In him is the wisdom of the world. Catch him, cook him, and eat him, and that wisdom will be yours." Finn sets out to do this great task, and gets as far as catching the fish when he can't bear to kill the poor thing. However, because the hook cuts both the fish's mouth and Finn's thumb, their blood gets mixed and the gentle giant magically receives the wisdom he desires. From that moment on, Finn was known for his wisdom as well as his size, and he always had the townspeople pondering why he always sucks his pink thumb when he's thinking.

As if the storyline weren't wonderful enough, the illustrations were absolutely stunning. The acryllic artwork perfectly captured every kind expression, every wrinkle on his brow, every tiny hair on his head. No combination of author and illustration could have better captured Irish culture and tradition the way Bunting and Pullen did. I would recommend this book for children ages 4-12. No matter how young or old they are, children will be drawn by the detail in the illustrations, and the story will warm their heart. This is a must read and I highly recommend it to librarians, teachers, and parents, especially for a storytelling time.

She Is Too Fond of Books. (2010, February 20). Children's Book Review: *Finn McCool and the Great Fish* by Eve Bunting. Retrieved from http://www.sheistoofondofbooks.com/2010/02/20/childrens-book-review-finn-mccool-and-the-great-fish-by-eve-bunting/.

This review had nothing but positive things to say about the book. She was especially fond of the illustrations, saying "Zachary Pullen’s illustrations are gorgeous – detailed acrylics that carry the landscape of Ireland, the strokes of thatch on a roof, and perhaps most telling, the expressions on Finn McCool’s face." In addition, she points out that it's enjoyable for all ages, saying "Bunting retells the legend in a way that a 5-year-old will sit for it, and a 12-year-old will read it on his own." I couldn't help but agree with everything said in this review, and I liked the fact that she included publishing information as well as the books own description along with her review.

Liberty's Kids: Est. 1776

Heyward, A. (Producer). (2002). Liberty's Kids: Est. 1776 [Television series]. Los Angeles: Melusine Productions.

Genre: Informational/Animated

Format: DVD

Recommended Ages: 5 years & up

In this television series, the Revolutionary War comes to life as the story is told through the eyes of three young characters. James Hiller is a young journalism apprentice who follows trouble anywhere for a story and tends to create his own trouble when he acts before thinking. Sarah Phillips is a young girl of British society who has just traveled to America only to be caught up in a political stir. Stubborn, intelligent, and quite snobby, she has strong opinions on issues such as slavery and doesn't hesitate to express them. Henri is a French orphan who seems to serve more as a comedic relief in his constant search for food. Together they run around sometimes stirring up trouble, while at other times they just get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. In these episodes the three young ones end up witnessing the Boston tea party and later fall victim to the squatting of British soldiers, as they took up residence in any home they liked for no charge at all. Within these episodes such historical figures as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin are introduced to children, as well as Phyllis Wheatley, the first African-American poet.

I throughly enjoyed watching this show. Not only did it make American history interesting, but it made it fun and exciting as well. I'm no history buff, but the facts seemed to be accurate and I'm quite certain that some of the things said by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were actual quotes. Throughout the episodes, children are introduced to important historical figures, events, and documents, so this would be a perfect teaching aid for young children. The animation quality was decent as well. Not quite at the Disney level (which I would consider to be top of the line), but still of good quality, and still able to capture the setting and character expressions perfectly. At times, the dialogue seemed a little too scripted, which was no doubt because of their efforts to weave in historical accuracy, but at the same time I found myself appreciating the fact that I was able to learn from what they were saying. I would recommend this television series to children ages six and up. Younger children may not yet be able to understand the politics involved, but it will still serve as a good introduction to American history even though it will be mostly used for entertainment. Children aged 10-12 will probably get the most use out of it as they are more likely to seek information. I would therefore highly, HIGHLY recommend this series to teachers to use as an aid in the classroom. Libraries and parents shouldn't hesitate to own this series as well. Your children will be entertained AND learn...could there be anything better?

Olsen, T.A. (2008). Liberty's Kids [A review of the television series Liberty's Kids]. Retrieved May 4, 2010 from http://www.knowledgehouse.info/libertykid.html.

Olsen absolutely raves about this television series! She's clearly watched many episodes, and is therefore able to more thoroughly describe the plot and characters introduced, as well as articulate the themes within the plots. She describes the series as "an exciting adventure in which today's kids can discover the real heroes and events that gave birth to the United States of America....[it] touches on issues that are still current in modern America-taxation, freedom of the press, race relations, the role of government and gun control....it's refreshing to see that this show did not rewrite history, but portrays it accurately and patriotically." Olsen also points out that through the characters of Sarah and James, the story is also able to present both the British and American side of the Revolutionary War. Olsen also points out her surprise that several references to God and prayer were allowed within the dialogue, a fact that I didn't notice, but which I am also very pleased with. I enjoyed reading this review and found Olsen's excitement for the series contagious. All in all, a good review.

Note for Teacher: Although this series was aired in 2002, the DVD series was not published until 2008.

KidsBiology.com Animal Database

Animal Database
http://www.kidsbiology.com/animals-for-children.php?animal=Sloth%20Bear

Genre: Informational
Format: Database
Age Recommendation: 6-12 years

If one word could describe the animal database featured on KidsBiology.com, "simple" would be that word. Kids are supplied with a list of animal types to choose from, such as "bears," "flying lemurs and tree shrews," "hippos and pigs," and "marsupials." Whereas these animal types don't follow the typical classification pattern of kingdom, phylum, class, etc., I daresay that this type of search is much simpler for children to use in comparison. Once children have chosen the type of animal they're looking for, they choose from a list within that type. For example, the bear type includes the American black bear, Asiatic black bear, grizzly bear, polar bear, sloth bear, spectacled bear, and sun bear. Then follows the disappointment. Each animal has a mere paragraph written about it. The American black bear, for example, merely states that "These bears are often found in national parks, where they raid campsites for food. They have a keen sense of smell, and usually hunt at night. They are smaller and less dangerous than their brown bear cousins." Accompanying each animal is also a chart which includes the animal's name, class, what it eats, and where it lives. That is the extent of the information provided within this database. Many of the informational paragraphs were poorly structured, meaning that I found several grammatical mistakes throughout the site. Overall, the animal database is a wonderful concept, and it's great if kids want nothing more than basic information, but there is room for much improvement. The inclusion of more information would make this database ninety times better, and would then prove itself to be a great resource for kids as they research animals for school. Including more than one picture of each animal and maybe even an accompanying video would also do strides for this site. So now comes the big question: would I recommend this site? The answer is yes. It's simple design is sure to satisfy young children's curiosity, but I wouldn't recommend it for any purposes other than that. I therefore wouldn't recommend it to teachers as a resource, but would consider it something valuable for parents and librarians to utilize. I would recommend this database for kids ages 6-12, although ages above 10 are a bit of a stretch as older children will no doubt desire more in-depth information.

*No reviews could be found for this database.

International Children's Digital Library

International Children's Digital Library. http://en.childrenslibrary.org/

Genre: Children's Books
Format: Database
Recommended Age: 8 & Up

Within the realm of ingenius ideas lies the International Children's Digital Library, first created with the intention to "build a collection of books that represents outstanding historical and contemporary books from throughout the world." Today, the library contains 4,418 books in over 54 different languages and serves users from 228 different countries. After browsing around this site for several minutes, I have officially fallen in love. Upon first arriving at the website, it seemed as though the setup wasn't very kid friendly. There were featured books, newly added books, library news, and other aspects that would really only appeal to adults. However, as soon as one clicks on the icon in the middle, which proclaims "Read books!," one enters the childlike splendor of their simple search. Here the options are endless for children. They can search according to the color of the book cover, according to age, according to book length, and the list goes on. Instead of fiction and non-fiction, children can choose what is labeled "make believe books" and "true books." They can even choose based on the characters within the books, with buttons for "kid characters," "real animal characters, and "imaginary creature characters." Also available is an option for the language in which the book is in as well as a keyword search so that children can search for a particular subject rather than browse the whole collection. The large icons, bright colors, and illustrations that are present on the simple search are sure to help guide children in their search. Even as an adult I find the search options far more impressive than any library catalog I've ever seen, which is of course due to the fact that the library is entirely digital, making even visual aspects important to index. Another neat search feature is their organization of award books, as well as several collections they've put into "exhibitions", which focus on themes such as friendship or overcoming obstacles. If one dares go into the advanced search, even more options are available, such as the country of origin, the rating, and the subject.

What makes this database even better than most is that one isn't merely searching for what is available from another location. Everything is available in an instant for free. One merely has to click on the desired book, and the layout of the entire book is spread out right before your eyes. Click on the first page, and there it appears. Is the text too small? Zoom in. Is it too big? Zoom out? If you don't want to do those you have the option to just click on the box around the text and just the text will zoom in rather than the whole page. Do you need to read it in another language? That's an option too! You don't even have to click a next button, but can just click the page itself to go on to the next page. Conveniently as well, the entire page fits within the screen, so you don't have to annoyingly scroll up and down to get the whole picture. In addition, one can choose either a single page view or a double page view. The only problem I encountered within my search was finding the language options once I had clicked on the book. I clicked on a book that was written in Dutch, yet once I was reading the book there was no option to read it in English. I had to go back to the "about the book" section to see the available languages and click on it from there. After encountering that, I have a feeling many children will encounter frustration with this. How disappointing would it be for a ten year-old to see a book and click on it only to discover that they have no idea what's being said? Besides that, however, I give this database a raving review and recommend it for children ages eight and up, as they've got the appropriate problem solving skills at this age to be able to navigate the database. One thing's for sure, though, this database will not only be enjoyable for children, but for parents, teachers, and librarians as well. It's the perfect tool to introduce to children, and comes at no expense. All I can say is, utilize this tool! Take a look around! See for yourself...you'll love it!

Ewing, R. (2010, March 2). International Children's Digital Library. Retrieved May 4, 2010 from http://rdlr.org/2010/03/02/international-childrens-digital-library/.

Ewing's review is both thorough and informative, and she gives both the negative and positive aspects of the site with an overall positive review. She describes the Simple Search feature interface as "bright, colorful, easy to use, and provides a number of unique browsing options," yet she also offers tips for improvement: "1) make it easier to find from the home page; 2) add a search reset button to clear search results; and 3) add a button to return to search results from the Book Viewer." Ewing even discussed a feature that I didn't even notice, which allows two different book viewers to be downloaded, one in a spiral format and the other in a comic book format. Perhaps what is most impressive about her review was the provision of her own book recommendations as well as a wrap-up chart which rates such overall aspects as metadata quality, asset quality, and overall design. This review was incredibly helpful. I wouldn't hesitate to visit her site again for reviews on other digital libraries.

Kidz Bop 14

Kidz Bop Kidz. (2008). Kidz bop 14. New York: Razor & Tie Records.

Genre: Alternative/Pop
Format: Music CD
Age Recommendation: 8-12

As an adult, words can not express how horrible any Kidz Bop album is to my ears, but given that this CD is geared towards children I'm going to be charitable. With a track list of 18 songs, children will love this CD simply for the fact that it's all modern hits and it's all sung by none other than kids. Whereas many children will undoubtedly be listening to this CD on repeat for hours at a time, parents however will be clawing at their bleeding ears as songs such as "Don't Stop The Music," "4 Minutes," and "Clumsy" are sung entirely in chorus. The CD seems to ruin each child's individual talent by insisting that nearly every song must be sung in sync. Had each song featured a main singer with the chorus as the background, the CD would have been much more bearable. The Kidz Bop Kidz are incredibly talented singers, there's no question about that, but the overall song selection does not do them justice. On a positive note, however, the more alternative songs seem to have a much more quality sound in comparison to the pop songs featured on the album. "Love Song" and "Stop and Stare" actually had me singing along, and some of the hip hop selections such as "Superstar" and "Take You There" had me dancing ever-so-slightly in my seat (but don't expect me to admit that I even listened to this in public). Overall, I must come to the conclusion that parents will hate it, but children will love it. The songs were picked with censorship in mind, so the songs feature no inappropriate content, yet certain love themes still seem far too old for even kids to be singing them. Some parents will therefore, of course, have objections based on their own music standards presented to their own children. If your child isn't allowed to listen to any of these songs on the radio, then the fact that kids are singing them doesn't make them magically appropriate. Parents should therefore screen the lyrics if they think they might have any objections. I would recommend this CD for kids ages 8-12, as kids within this age are just getting into the popular music scene and will find themselves able to relate to the kids singing because, hey, they're a kid too!

*Could not find professional review for this selection

The Higher Power of Lucky

Patron, S. (2007). The higher power of Lucky. New York: Listening Library.

Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Format: Audio Book/Chapter Book
Age Recommendation: 10 & Up
Awards: 2007 Newberry Medal Winner

Don't let Lucky's name be deceptive, for luck is not on her side. After losing her mother and being left by her father, Lucky took up residence in a trailor home in the dusty California town of Pan Handle - population 43. At the kindness of Brigitte, Lucky's father's first wife, Lucky is cared for and loved, yet lives in constant fear that Brigitte will one day abandon her for her homeland of France. A charming story, it is not the plot that makes this story but rather the characters. Each character is so full of quirks and has so many layers that you feel as if it's a real person. Lucky carries a survival kit around with her everywhere she goes, her hero is Charles Darwin, and she regularly listens in on Anonymous meetings for smokers, drinkers, and the like. It is from these meetings that lucky hears of people finding their "higher power," so naturally she goes in search of this "higher power" herself, and begins to unknowingly utilize the twelve step program to do so. Lucky's friend Miles is full of character as well. Like any five year-old, he's obsessed with cookies and Dr. Seuss's classic "Are You My Mother," and despite the fact that Lucky is so often mean to him, he loves being in her presence. After a later adventure centered around the two of them running away in order to achieve the step of "getting control of your life," one comes to better understand Lucky when she explains, "It's almost impossible to get control of your life when you're only ten. It's other people, adults, who have control of your life, because they can abandon you."

Had I read this book rather than listened to the audio book, I probably would have enjoyed it more. The narrator, Cassandra Campbell, had little variation in voices for the characters, if any at all, so I found it difficult to pay attention. In addition, since the book is more about character development than an actual plot, listening was also made more difficult. I would recommend this book for an older audience, ages ten and up, since it deals with more serious topics than are appropriate for younger children. Parents should be aware that the word scrotum is briefly mentioned and pondered on, and the topics of alcoholism and smoking are also touched on as Lucky listens in on the meetings. However, these topics were presented in an innocent manner and are probably not worth dwelling upon in light of the book as a whole. Overall, though, the Higher Power of Lucky is a quirky delight, in which children can explore the effect of family dynamics and friendship, and go in search of the "higher power" right alongside Lucky.

Kenney, B. (2007, March 6). "Lucky" is indeed worthy of attention [A review of the book The Higher Power of Lucky]. School Library Journal. Retrieved May 2, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/850000285/post/1360007336.html?q=the+higher+power+of+lucky.

Kenney doesn't go into much detail at all in his review of The Higher Power of Lucky. He wrote his review mainly in response to all of the controversy that apparently surrounded the use of the word "scrotum" within the book. Kenney refutes those that hold the position that book is yet another example of "social problems being crammed into a book for kids." In the end, Kenney finds that "Lucky’s quest for stability, and above all love, is deeply powerful and sure to resonate with readers of all ages." I can somewhat agree with Kenney's review, and think that the emotional tone of the book is what will impact children the most, yet I can't help but agree with the opposing view, because at times it did feel like social problems were just being crammed in. Overall, I found this review to be mediocre and in all honesty probably wouldn't have looked for the book after having read it.

Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach

Deedy, C.A. (2007). Martina, the beautiful cockroach: A Cuban folktale (M. Austin, illus.). Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.

Genre: Folktale
Format: Picture Storybook
Recommended Age: 6-12 years
Awards: 2008 Pura Belpre Honor Book, for narrative

What felicity Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach will bring to any reader! Martina is a beautiful cockroach who at the ripe age of 21 days is just beginning to accept suitors for marriage. Among her suitors are the most unlikely of creatures to suit a cockroach: a rooster, a pig, and a lizard. As each one approaches, he woos her with the phrase "Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha. Beautiful muchacha. Won't you be my wife?" Yet little do her suitors know that Martina is acting upon her Cuban grandmother's wise and shocking advice, and as a test of their temperament she pours coffee all over their shoes. After the rooster is cocky, the pig behaves boorishly, and the lizard is just plain cold-blooded, Martina is ready to give up hope, yet her grandmother quickly points out a quiet, shy mouse waiting for her. Martina goes to meet him and finding him to be kind-hearted nearly doesn't go through with her grandmother's advice, yet at grandmother's urgings Martina begins to pour the coffee when suddenly the mouse himself grabs the cup and pours it on her shoes! "How did you know about the Coffee Test?" she asks. "Well, mi amor, my love...I too have a Cuban grandmother."

Filled with what appear to be computer generated illustrations, this book is a real gem. Not only do children get to experience a romantic and traditional Cuban story, but as they read they will also learn the meaning of such Spanish words as una peineta, una mantilla, abuela, and a plethora of others. I would recommend this book for children ages six to twelve, as children within this age span will appreciate the Cuban culture embedded deep within the tale, and the younger children will especially enjoy the personified animal protagonists. In addition, the book will greatly aid in language development, particularly for those children beginning to learn Spanish within the classroom. Overall, I give this book 10 stars out of a possible 5 stars! It would make a great addition to any library!

Del Negro, J. (2007, October 1). Martina, the beautiful cockroach [A review of the book Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach]. Retrieved April 30, 2010 from http://www.booklistonline.com/default.aspx?page=show_product&pid=2086688.

Del Negro has nothing but positive things to say about this book, but perhaps what is most evident within her review is her extensive knowledge of art: "The acrylic illustrations, in a hyperrealistic style reminiscent of a softer William Joyce, are rendered in a vivid tropical palette. Shifting perspectives and points of view add vitality to the compositions, and facial expressions reveal both emotions and character traits." In addition Del Negro too finds the Spanish words scattered throughout to be a real treat for the children. Though short, I found this review to be helpful, and I can't help but admit that her extensive vocabulary may have slightly seduced me. After reading her write-up, I don't know who wouldn't want to read this book!

Crossing Bok Chitto

Tingle, T. (2006). Crossing Bok Chitto (J.R. Bridges, illus.). El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos.

Genre: Legend
Format: Picture Storybook
Recommended Age: 8 & Up
Awards: 2008 American Indian Youth Literature Award

Weaving together a tale of beauty and history, Tingle and Bridges work together to create an inspiring tale rooted deep within Native American history. Through the Mississippi bayou cuts a river called Bok Chitto. Before even the civil war, the Choctaws took up residence on one side of the river while plantation owners and their slaves lived on the other. It was law that if slaves were able to cross Bok Chitto, they were then considered free. The story begins when Martha Tom, a young Choctaw girl, is sent by her mother to pick blackberries for a wedding to take place later that night. However, Martha Tom did what she was never supposed to do---she crossed Bok Chitto. It is here that the author gives the importance of that crossing: "The only way to cross Bok Chitto in those days was a stone path just beneath the surface of the river. Only the Choctaw's knew it was there, for the Choctaw's had built it." Upon her crossing of the river, Martha meets many of the slaves, and begins a new friendship with Mo, who in turn visits her side of the river. From then on, Martha Tom crossed the river every Sunday to go to church with the slaves, yet trouble came when Mo's mother was sold to a new slave owner. When they had only one night left with their mother, then, the family decided to flee across Bok Chitto. The plantation heavily guarded, the family took to their fathers words, moving "not too fast, not too slow, eyes to the ground, away you go!" They made it to the river, but did not remain unseen. Thankfully, though, Mo made it across the river to ask Martha Tom and her family for help. The Choctaw women then gathered together, dressed in white ceremonial wedding gowns, carrying candles and singing as they walked to the river. When they crossed the river, it appeared as though they were walking on water, and the guards were so taken aback that they simply let Mo's family cross the river too. To this day, people still "talk about the night their forefathers witnessed seven black spirits, walking on the water---to their freedom!"

Not only is this a beautiful tale, but the book also provides a history lesson in the back which tells about the Choctaws today as well as their tradition of storytelling. I recommend this book for children ages eight and up as they're beginning to build interest in stories of the past. In addition, children this age are more open to discussion of books, and this book would make a great introduction to the topics of slavery as well as African American and Native American traditions. Overall, this was a wonderful story. The illustrations captured the mood and emotion perfectly, and readers are left with a sense of pride, hope, and fulfillment. Well worthy of its award, I recommend this book to all. Parents, teachers, and librarians shouldn't hesitate to add it to their collection.

Riedel, C. (2006, July 1). Preschool to grade 4 cont.: Crossing Bok Chitto [A review of the book Crossing Bok Chitto]. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 30, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6350108.html?q=crossing+bok+chitto.

Riedel gives Crossing Bok Chitto and overall positive review, saying "This is a lovely story, beautifully illustrated, though the ending requires a somewhat large leap of the imagination"---a point I have to agree with. Riedel also points out that "Tingle is a performing storyteller, and his text has the rhythm and grace of that oral tradition. It will be easily and effectively read aloud." This was an aspect I hadn't really thought of, yet Riedel does well to point it out, as it is most certainly true. Overall, this was a good review. Short and sweet, it provides the basic plot outline as well as a few tidbits of information that most readers wouldn't know, yet that would also enrich their reading experience were they to go out and read the book.

Christian the Lion

Bourke, A. & Rendall, J. (2009). Christian the lion. New York: Henry Holt & Company, LLC.

Genre: Biography/Informational
Format: Picture Story Book
Recommended Age: 8 & Up

Christian the Lion tells the inspiring story of a young lion cub as he grows up in London and follows him until his eventual release into the wild. Composed in a scrapbook format, children will see pictures taken of Christian taken by his owners, John and Anthony, as he grows up in their flat. John and Anthony first saw Christian in a cage in a department store in London. Sad to see him in such a place, the two bough him and took him home to live with them in the apartment above a store. Eventually, Christian got too big to live in the apartment and he was taken to live in the country just outside of London. He eventually moved to Kenya, where he was introduced to other lions and slowly incorporated into the wild. As children read, they'll not only learn about Christian, but they'll learn loads of fun facts about lions, and they'll love all of the silly pictures of Christian as he grows up. Pictures of Christian watching TV, getting into the sock drawer, sitting on the couch, and hugging his owner are sure to warm the hearts of children.

I would recommend this book to children eight years old and up. Children this age are just beginning to find interest in biographies an informational books, and this book is a perfect introduction to the genre. Since it's in a scrapbook format and therefore not quite structured for story time, it's the perfect way to get children to read independently as well. Yes, it's true. Like every other book I've read, Christian the Lion, too, has the Tiffany stamp of approval. Librarians, teachers, and parents...consider this one recommended.

Bad Kitty

Bruel, N. (2005). Bad Kitty. New Milford, CT: Roaring Brook.

Genre: ABC
Format: Picture Storybook
Recommended Age: 3 & Up

Never has a trip through the alphabet been so charming and so fun. In Bad Kitty, readers go through the alphabet not once, but four times, and it's no ordinary journey. The first journey begins when kitty becomes upset with his owner because they ran out of food. As a result, he's forced to eat vegetables ranging from asparagus to zucchinis, thus the first span of the alphabet. Then, out of revenge, kitty decides to be a very very bad kitty and goes on an alphabetical rampage, clawing the curtains, damaging the dishes, and zeroing the zinnias, along with a plethora of other bad deeds. Perhaps the most hilarious misdeed is his quarreling with the neighbors, which is illustrated by an angry kitty peeking through the mail slot as his neighbors read his angry letter: "Dear neighbor, meow, hiss, hiss, hiss, meow, meow, meow, hiss, meow! Sincerely, *paw print*" It is only just after kitty goes on his angry rampage that mom comes home with all of his favorite food, ranging from kangaroo kidney pie to baked zebra ziti. This makes kitty very happy, and he therefore resolves to make up for all of his bad behavior. Thus ensues kitty's alphabetical charity in which he repairs the curtains, files their taxes, invites affection, and quits quarreling with the neighbor, an illustration which this time involves a happy kitty peeking through the mail slot as the neighbor reads: "Dear neighbor, purr, purrr, purr, purr, purrr, purr, purr! Sincerely, *paw print*" In the end, the owners are so happy with kitty's good behavior that they give him a reward...a brand new puppy! Kitty is not happy...

In the world of ABC books, this one tops them all. The plot is hilarious, the illustrations are hilarious, and the way in which children are introduced to the letters of the alphabet is, yes, hilarious. I would recommend this book for ages three and up. Children just beginning to develop their language will learn their alphabet as well as a plethora of new words, and children of all ages will especially love kitty as the main protagonist with all of his zany facial expressions and shenannigans. In addition, kids will also learn the names of all sorts of vegatables and animals, as they're purposefully incorporated throughout sections of the book. A wonderful story and a wonderful learning tool, I give Bad Kitty the highest of recommendations. Parents, teachers, and librarians...buy it immediately!

Bresnahan, M. (2005, October 1). Preschool to grade 4 reviews: October 2005 [A review of the book Bad Kitty]. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 29, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA446412.html?q=bad+kitty.

In this review, Bresnahan gives Bad Kitty a positive review, claiming it will "appeal to youngsters who like their stories more naughty than nice. She goes on to describe the contents of the book, pointing out that sometimes the use of the letters are a bit of a stretch, such as "sQuashes" for "Q" and "rhUbarb" for "U." In addition, I couldn't agree more with the fact that "it is Kitty who steals the show with her slyly drawn feline expressions. As always, School Library Journal doesn't disappoint and delivers a good review.

The Butt Book

Bennett, A. (2010). The butt book (M. Lester, illus.). New York: Bloomsbury.

Genre: Informational/Humor
Format: Picture Storybook
Recommended Age: 8 & Up

If you're looking for a way to lift your child's spirits, The Butt Book is the perfect antecdote to a foul mood. A rhythmic comedy, Bennett uses poetry as a medium to communicate the many functions of the rear end as well as a plethora of fun facts, all the while accompanied by even funnier illustrations. As soon as one turns the first page, they know they're in for a treat: "Eyes and ears are much respected, but the butt has been neglected. We hope to change that here and now. Would the butt please take a bow." Throughout the book children will learn what the butt is used for, which animals have butts, and different slang words used for the butt. Perhaps one of the most delightful illustrations in the book accompanied the lines "Some names for butts have foreign flair: tuchas, keister, derriere." Right above the lines, children's eyes are drawn up to see the bottom half of three men in their underwear. The first in boxers with the star of David across his tuchas, the second in suspenders, tall socks, and boxers with the German flag stamped upon his keister, and the third in little tighty whiteys with the French flag stretched across his derriere.

I would recommend this book for children ages eight and up. Children are just beginning to learn about their bodies at this age, and teaching them about their rear end will most likely be done best through the use of a little humor since at this age most will lack the maturity to seriously discuss the topic. Some parents, however, will likely have objections to this book as it uses the word "butt" on many occasions. For parents who do not wish their children to refer to their rear end as a "butt," I would therefore certainly not recommend this book. With this in mind, I would also suggest against the public reading of this book by teachers or librarians without first checking that it is alright with parents. Overall, though, The Butt Book was a joy to read. As I sat reading it in a Barnes & Noble, I found myself laughing quietly out loud on several occasions. This book has easily become one of my personal favorites, and I suggest it to anyone who enjoys a bit of silly humor every now and then.

Eric Carle's 123

Carle, E. (2009). Eric Carle's 123. New York: Grosset & Dunlap.

Genre: Counting Book
Format: Picture Book
Age Recommendation: 1-5 years

A compilation of Eric Carle's past illustrations, Eric Carle's 1, 2, 3 provides the bare basics when it comes to learning to count. Providing a two-page spread for each number 1-10, each number is both spelled out and represented numerically, as well as accompanied by a classic illustration of an animal. Also accompanying the number are the colored dots in the top left-hand corner, allowing children many different visual representations of the featured number. As children move forward with each new number, a brand new animal is added to a line formed at the bottom of the page. Beginning with the tallest animal, the giraffe, children will love Carle's classic artwork as they continue to discover the elephant, bear, hippo, pig, dog, squirrel, turtle, chick, and caterpillar. The best part of the book comes at the end, where a pull-tab acts as a flip book of each number so children can count along. Given the simplicity of the book, I would recommend this book for children ages 1-5, as they are just beginning to develop language and learn concepts such as counting. The fact that the book provides several different methods by which children can learn to count is indeed a plus as well: some will count the animals, some the dots, and some will simply recognize the number or spelling of the word. This is a great starter book for infants and toddlers, and I highly recommend it as a tool for parents, teachers, and librarians.

*Note: No review could be found for this book.

I See Colors

Disney Baby Einstein. (2010). I see colors. New York: Disney.

Genre: Concept Book
Format: Board Book
Recommended Age: 1-4 years

A simple board book, I See Colors is filled with captivating photographs and adorable cartoon illustrations to teach young children about basic colors. As one first opens the book, they are greeted by an adorable yellow chick on the left page, whose words describe the stunning photograph of a yellow rose on the right page: "Yellow as the sweetest rose," the chick says. On each page is also a peek-a-boo hole that gives children a sneak peak of the color to come, allowing them to interact with the book and guess the name of the color. In the end, a rainbow cutout reveals a photograph of a rainbow, asking kids "What other colors do you see?"

Since this book is a simple concept book mean to teach children about colors, I would recommend this book for ages 1-4. The sturdy format of the book will stay in tact after the wear and tear that infants and toddlers will no doubt cause to it, the bright colors will appeal to their senses, and the short length and interactive questions will keep their attention and excite them as they're able to name the colors. A good book for early childhood education, I highly recommend I See Colors to librarians, teachers, and parents everywhere, and encourage them to implement it into their collection.

Aigner-Clark, J. (2010). I see colors (Disney: Baby Einstein) by Julie Aigner-Clark. Retrieved April 29, 2010 from http://www.curledupkids.com/seecolor.html.

Aigner-Clark gives the typical book description, describing the many photographs and illustrations within the book. Yet she takes it a little bit further by throwing in some good parenting advice, suggesting "Make paging through the book a game by asking your child what color various objects are. Then, when you go out, ask, "Do you see something red?" (or some other color). While you are at it, you can practice animal recognition with the cow, monkey, zebra, and lion cartoon animals." Although a short review, it was a practical review nonetheless, providing the necessary basic information for those who want a quick read-up.

Bee & Me

McGuiness, E.J. (2009). Bee & Me. (H. Brown, illus.). Denver: Accord Publishing.

Genre: Picture Storybook/Informational
Format: Toy Book
Age Recommendation: 1-5 years

Young children will ooh and aah at Bee & Me, a story of only a few pages in which a little bee gets chased inside of a house by a dog only to get trapped inside with a little boy. "'Please help me,' said Bee, as I peered through the crack. 'I'm in a big hurry and have to get back. My friends are all busy working hard at the hive. They wiggle, they waggle, they jiggle and jive'." Told in rhyme, children's attention will easily be kept, yet the best part is the three dimensional aspect to each page, as different parts of the bee move as the page is turned back and forth. In one scene the bee shakes his booty, in another tears trickle down as he explains that all bees try to do is help people. They help the flowers and trees, yet humans run away in fear. In the end, the bee is released, and the boy is no longer afraid of bees: "Now that I've met you---I'm not scared anymore. I know lots about bees, way more than before." This book will serve as a perfect tool to teach young children about bees as well as comfort them about being around bees, yet the book does not seem to mention that bees sting and can cause pain, which is something I think children need to know as well. The last thing parents want is for their young children to seek out bees and personally investigate them. Overall, I recommend Bee & Me to all librarians, as it would make a perfect addition to an early childhood collection.

Brimful Curiosities. (2009, March 20). Bee & Me - Review and Book Giveaway. Retrieved from http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/2009/03/bee-me-review-and-book-giveaway.html.

In her blog, Brimful Curiosities does a great job of reviewing the book. She provides the basic plot, and adds in the fact that "Bee & Me teaches kids the ecological and environmental importance of the honeybee and instructs children to respect the remarkable insect." In addition, she raves about the illustrations, saying "Young and old alike will have a hard time setting this unique moving picture book down with it's colorful, eye-catching illustrations by Heather Brown. Even my one-year-old watches with fascination and wonder as the pictures move." Perhaps what I liked best about the review was the fact that she gave a name to the three-dimensional aspect within the book, which is apparently called an AniMotion™ Illustration Technique. I for one feel relieved to know that there's a name for it, and that it's not something I should have known off the top of my head. Overall, it was a good review, and it's a great review if you consider the fact that she attached a YouTube video to her post which includes an interview of the author and illustrator.

Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Night Wolf

Riddell, C. & Stewart, P. (2008). Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the night wolf. New York: David Fickling Books.

Genre: Mystery/Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book
Age Recommendation: 10-12 years

Taking place in a Sherlock Holmes-esque setting, Barnaby Grimes works as a tick-tock lad delivering messages, yet he soon finds himself mixed up in an erie mystery when his friend Benjamin suddenly disappears. Already suspicious of a Doctor Cadwallader for his miracle concoction Benjamin spoke so highly of, Barnaby later intercepts a message from the Dr. to Benjamin speaking of a missed appointment and "side effects of the worst kind." Thinking he could be of more service to the Dr. than the lad who delivered the message too late, Barnaby goes to see the Dr. and is indeed hired on to deliver messages to Dr. Cadwallader's many patients. It isn't long before Barnaby finds himself mixed up in a plot involving werewolves, fur coats, disappearing patients, and mad scientists. Children ages 10-12 will especially enjoy this book as it sends them on an intriguing adventure and keeps them guessing the whole way through, yet readers beware...there are scenes describing bloody massacres caused by the werewolf that could easily frighten younger readers. Parents should keep this in mind and use the information to their own discretion. Nonetheless, Barnaby Grimes is a real gem, combining mystery with sci-fi, and all the while keeping the eerie tone of 18th century London that was so well-loved by Sherlock Holmes fans. Libraries shouldn't hesitate to add this to their collection, nor the books that follow.

Knight, E.E. (2008, December 21). Grades 5-8: Curse of the Night Wolf [a review of the book Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Night Wolf]. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 21, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6618442.html?q=barnaby+grimes.

Knight gives a good overview of the book, describing the plot to readers in a concise, yet detailed manner, and supplying brief quotes for readers to get a taste of the text. A positive review, Knight says of the book, "The setting resembles Sherlock Holmes's London as seen in a shadowed, slightly warped mirror. There are hansom cabs, high-gabled row houses, and foul rat-infested slums, but mad scientists hold sway and fiendish creatures lurk in odd corners. Eerie, angular black-and-white drawings complement the atmospheric text." I love the way Knight describes the setting, and couldn't agree more with her descriptions. Overall a good review, and executed in an unbiased manner, which is always appreciated.

The Princess and the Frog

Del Vecho, P. (Producer), Clements, R. (Director) & Musker, J. (Director). (2009). The princess and the frog [Motion picture]. United States: Walt Disney.

Genre: Family/Fantasy/Musical
Format: DVD
Age Recommendation: All Ages

I was originally skeptical about The Princess and the Frog, as the last few animated Disney films released have not particularly met my personal expectations. Yet after having now watched The Princess and the Frog not once, but twice, I can say with much assurance that I absolutely LOVE this movie. Taking place in New Orleans during the rip-roaring twenties, the film is filled with jazz, humor, romance, and strong moral values. Tiana is a hard-working, strong-willed, African-Americna young woman, working two waitressing jobs with the hopes of someday opening her own restaurant. Prince Naveen, however, is a rich playboy cut off by his parents as a punishment for his bad behavior. When Prince Naveen comes to town, he gets mixed up with the big bad voodoo Dr. Facilier, who turns him into a frog. The plot takes a twist when Tiana and Prince Naveen first encounter each other, and Tiana, dressed as a princess for the ball, kisses the frog prince (at his urging) only to turn into a frog herself! From then on ensues a tale of adventure as the two frogs flee from Dr. Facilier's clutches to the Bayou swamp, then set out to return again and save the day with the help of their newfound friends, Louis the trumpet-playing alligator, and Ray the warm-hearted cajun firefly. I recommend this movie for all ages, yet some parents might find the voodoo magic present in the movie to be objectionable, especially as the dark shadows that act as the voodoo spirits can easily frighten small children. Some stereotyping is also present within the movie, as the cajuns, depicted as fireflies, are characterized as unintelligent, backwoods hillbillies. However, the theme of good vs. evil is ever present throughout the movie, with good prevailing in the end, and all the while enstilling the values of hard work and unconditional love within the viewers.

Dargis, M. (2009, November 25). That old bayou magic: Kiss and ribbit (and sing) [Review of the film The Princess and the Frog]. New York Times. Retrieved April 18, 2010 from http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/movies/25frog.html?pagewanted=print.

A more in-depth review of the movie, Dargis's review gives both negative and positive aspects of the film. Whereas he is appreciative of the fact that Tiana is a hard-working heroine, he also finds this aspect to make her somewhat of a bore. "Although she can be a whirlwind of activity, as when she balances multiple plates at the cafe where she works double shifts, Tiana doesn’t have the verve of the spunky little girl who bounces through the first few minutes of the movie. What she does have, like most Disney heroines, is a prince charming." Dargis also becomes somewhat disappointed with the fact that Prince Naveen indeed ends up being Tiana's savior, for she can not achieve her dreams without him. Dargis is clearly not sold on the film, as he counterbalances every positive aspect with a negative one: "Gorgeously animated with bursts of bright purple and acid green — the realistic lines of the characters explosively give way to increasingly jagged, graphic and surreal shapes — this number erupts early in the story, setting false expectations for the rest of the movie and its songs and animation. Despite some ensuing comic relief, largely in the hefty form of a musical alligator, Louis (Michael-Leon Wooley), and a snaggletoothed Cajun firefly, Ray (Jim Cummings), the film sags without Dr. Facilier and his menace." Overall, Dargis gives this movie a so-so review, yet I would have to disagree with him given the fact that it's a movie aimed at an audience of children. In my opinion, Dargis is over-criticizing the film, going too in-depth with details that despite his opinion, would undoubtedly capture the hearts of young viewers. I found Princess and the Frog to be fun and fancy free, staying true to the long-held traditional tone of Disney films, yet Dargis's review would communicate otherwise.

Who's That Snoring?

Chapman, J. (2008). Who's that snoring?: A pull-the-tab bedtime book. New York: Campbell Books.

Genre: Picture Storybook
Format: Toy Book/ Board Book
Age Recommendation: 1-4 years

This pull-tab story will delight young children as they go through the book in search of the barnyard culprit who's waking up all of the animals with his loud snoring. Five pull-tab pages let children open the eyes and mouth of each animal as they awaken with a start. Children will love being able to interact as the story is read, and the simple rhyme with which the story is told will capture their attention as well: "Who could snore so loudly? No one had a clue. Ducks, cat, chick, and chicken didn't know what to do." My personal favorite part is the awakening of the culprit---the dog, as his ears perk straight up and his eyes shoot wide open when the other animals yell "Wake up dog!" I couldn't help but laugh at the accuracy of the expression, and the soundtrack in my head supplied the image with a deep, gruff "Barrr?" I would recommend this book for children ages 1-4, as it will aid in the development of motor skills and is short enough to keep their attention. Parents and librarians will love the delighted expressions on their childrens' faces as they read through this book, and they might as well prepare to read it again and again, because the children will love it!

Carter, R.J. (2010, January 18). Book review: Who's that snoring?: A pull-the-tab bedtime book. Retrieved April 18, 2010 from http://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=11605.

Carter has nothing but positive things to say about this book, but given the fact that the entire book is only five pages long, his review is bound to be short and sweet. Through several quotes directly from the book as well as descriptions of the delightful pop-up-feature, Carter gives readers an overall picture of the book. Parents in search of a good bedtime book will find much use out of his review, and should keep an eye out for the book at their local bookstore.

Rapunzel's Revenge

Hale, D and Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel's revenge (N. Hale, illus.). New York: Bloomsbury.

Genre: Fractured Fairy Tale
Format: Graphic Novel
Age Recommendation: 8 & up

Shannon Hale and her husband Dean Hale, accompanied by illustrator Nathan Hale (no relation) work together to make their graphic novel debut with Rapunzel's Revenge, an adventure story set in the old west, loosely based on the fairy tale classic Rapunzel. Having been raised with a privelaged life by Mother Gothel inside the castle walls, Rapunzel one day lets her curiosity get the best of her and ventures outside the towering walls only to find a ravaged land and her own mother enslaved as a mine worker. Having previously believed Mother Gothel to be her real mother, all of Rapunzel's repressed memories come flooding back to her and in her bravery she confronts Mother Gothel, only to be tied up, dragged away, and locked up in a towering magical tree. With no hope of being rescued, Rapunzel passes her time reading books and practicing kicks and flips. As her hair grows longer, she begins using it to jump rope, swing from the towering heights of the tree, and practice rope tricks. Her hair eventually grows so long that she's able to escape from the tree holding her captive, and she sets out on a journey to return to Mother Gothel and defeat her once for all so as to free the land from her magical destruction. Along the way, Rapunzel meets Jack (who is later discovered to be the same Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk), and together they face villain after villain until the final showdown with Mother Gothel. (My personal favorite parts of the book are, of course, these very fighting scenes where Rapunzel uses her long braids as a whip to defeat the villains. Only the Hale's could think of such a creative use for her classic long locks...)

Full of fun, adventure, wit, romance, and every other ingredient needed for a successful graphic novel, Rapunzel's Revenge is an absolute delight. I recommend this book to children at least eight years old, as children of this age are developing more of an interest in adventure stories as well as stories set in the past. Children stuck in a cowboys and indians phase or a fairy tale phase will especially love this book. Schools, libraries, and parents alike shouldn't hesitate to own this book, as it will no doubt be a great way to get kids interested in reading.

Bird, E. (2008, June 24). Review of the day: Rapunzel's revenge by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 15, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379/post/1650028565.html?q=rapunzel%27s+revenge.

Bird gives Rapunzel's Revenge a raving review in School Library Journal, and her sharp wit makes even the review a delight to read: "Why an enterprising young man or woman---and man, could perhaps even take a fairy tale and do wondrous things with it. You could even, and maybe I'm just talking crazy stuff here, take the fairy tale of Rapunzel slap it into a psudo-cowboy/wizardry setting. Add in Newberry-Honor winner Shannon Hale, her husband, and a guy with the same last name who doesn't happen to be related to either of them, and you have a rip-roaring tale of betrayal, escape, romance, and very long locks. Hypothetically, of course." Had I read this review without having read the book, I would have gone out and bought it. She describes the plot with great detail, discusses the personality quirks of the characters, and describes the book as a "kick-butt girl package," a term that would have had me sold in an instant. In the end, the only problem Bird finds with the book is "in figuring out what to recommend to patrons when they finish the book and want more of the same." Now that's a good review if I ever saw one.

What's Wrong Little Pookie?

Boynton, S. (2007). What's wrong little pookie? New York: Robin Corey Books.

Genre: Picture Storybook
Format: Board Book
Age Recommendation: 1-4

Sandra Boynton is back again with yet another charming story, What's Wrong Little Pookie? Little Pookie is upset, yet his mother can't figure out why: "Oh sweet little Pookie! Your eyes are wet. Come over and tell me why you are upset." Yet Pookie simply will not reveal his dilemma. "Are you tired?...Are you hungry?" his mother asks in big bold print. "No," he responds, in little red letters. His mother goes on to suggest that perhaps hippos are borrowing his shoes, or frogs are snoozing in his bed, or maybe tiny green blue-winged elephants are stealing cookies. Maybe that's why Pookie is upset! Yet Pookie's mother's suggestions are so silly, that when she makes her final plea as to what's wrong, he responds with "Um...I forget." Accompanied by simple illustrations, with Pookie and his mother drawn as the most adorable pigs anyone has laid eyes upon, this book is a delight for young children and their parents. I would recommend this book mainly for toddlers, ages 1-4, as it can easily aid in calming them down during a crying episode as well as teach them about their emotions and how to communicate them. This book is a real gem, and parents and teachers will find it to be a wonderful resource for young children.

Slide & Find ABC: Early Learning Fun for the Very Young

Play and Learn. (2004). Slide & find ABC: Early learning fun for the very young. New York: St. Martin's Press.

Genre: Alphabet Book
Format: Board Book/ Toy Book
Recommended Age: 3-5 years

Slide & Find ABC: Early Learning Fun for the Very Young is more than just an average alphabet book, it's an interactive photographic world for young children to revel in as they grow and learn. Each letter of the alphabet is accompanied by a photograph of an object, animal, or action that represents that letter, such as a zebra for the letter z, or a child jumping for the letter j. For some, but not all, of the letters is a small yellow sliding window which displays the letter on top, yet when the child slides the window the corresponding photograph is revealed. Throughout the book, further learning is prompted, as questions such as "I'm a baby dog. What am I?" or "Which M can you dance to??" are asked along the top of the page. At the very end of the book, the page also displays several groups of pictures that all begin with the same letter, asking children "Which letter does each group begin with?"

Being an ABC book, this book is clearly meant for a younger age, typically children around 3-5 years old. Since children within this age range are rapidly developing language and love to explore things, this book is a perfect way to teach them the alphabet. Some of the questions asked in the book, however, may be too difficult for some children to answer, especially since the children might not know what the picture displayed is, yet overall, this book proves to be a fun and interesting read for young children.

*Note: No review could be found for this book.

Yellow Star

Roy, J. (2006). Yellow star. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish.

Genre: Biography
Format: Chapter Book
Recommended Age: 10-12
Awards: 2009 William Allen White Award

A relative of the main character, Roy tells the true story of Syvia, a young Jewish survivor of WWII who spent the majority of the war locked in the Lodz Ghetto among thousands of other Jews. From the time Syvia was 4 1/2 years-old to when she was released at the age of 10, Syvia witnessed unspeakable horrors during her time in the ghetto. Told from the perspective of a child, at times the dreadful events were vague, yet at the same time perfectly obvious to the adult reader, such as the sudden disappearance of her friend Hava. Throughout her time there, children were murdered, families were shipped off on trains to meet their eventual death, and the Jewish extermination was well underway, yet miraculously, Syvia and her family survived, with Syvia being one of only 12 children left alive in the ghetto. The content of the book is violent at times, sad at others, yet sprinkled with happier memories here and there. Although the prose is never too violent, I would still recommend this book for children ages ten and up, as they are so easily drawn to stories of adversity and individuality. The fact that the story told here is true will only serve to grasp their attention even more. Beautifully told, this story will capture the hearts of readers. They will both laugh and cry, and be inspired to press on in the face of difficulties as Syvia and her family did when it seemed all hope was lost.

Ford, S. (2006, October 19). Yellow Star - Jennifer Roy [Review of the book Yellow Star]. Message posted to http://childlitbookclub.blogspot.com/2006/10/yellow-star-jennifer-roy.html.

On her blog for The Children's Literature Book Club, Stephanie Ford provides a wealth of insight into Roy's work Yellow Star. In addition to an overview of the book, Ford points out that "Holocaust books for middle grades can be very difficult because they shouldn’t hide the truth, but they shouldn’t be overly graphic and gruesome. Yellow Star walks the fine line perfectly because it’s told from the point of view of a young girl who didn’t always understand the truth and her parents and older sister protected her as much as they could." Ford also mentions that the story seems to be strengthened through verse, as "the simplicity of prose matches the descriptions young Syvia lends credit to her perspective as a child." Ford gives far more valuable insight than I tend to see in other book reviews, perhaps because of its blog format, so I particularly enjoyed reading her review of the book. She had nothing but positive things to say, and the same goes for me.

Scaredy Squirrel

Watt, M. (2006). Scaredy Squirrel. Tonawand, NY: Kids Can Press.

Genre: Easy to Read
Format: Picture Book
Recommended Age: 4-6

Words can not fully express how much of a delight Scaredy Squirrel is to virtually any reader. Scaredy is an agoraphobic squirrel, too frightened to venture out of his tree in case of an unexpected mishap with the likes of tarantalas, poison ivy, killer bees, green martians, germs, and sharks. Through the use of humor, colorful illustrations, and many lists, Watt reveals Scaredy's daily schedule, the advantages and disadvantages of leaving his nut tree, and his own well-thought out emergency exit plan. Yet things don't go quite according to plan when Scaredy suddenly spots a "killer" bee and in a frenzy drops his emergency kit. Without thinking, Scaredy leaps out of the tree to retrieve it only to accidentally discover that he's not just any squirrel, but a flying squirrel. After hours of playing dead upon his landing, Scaredy finds that nothing horrible happens if he leaves his tree after all, and in the end he incorporates both flying and playing dead into his new daily routine. Joyful, witty, and filled with adorable illustrations, Scaredy Squirrel is a treasure. Children of all ages will enjoy this book, and adults will enjoy reading it to them. Children ages 4-6 will especially enjoy the artwork and the many lists used to tell the story. It is of my opinion that every home, school, and library should own not just this book, but the whole series.

Payne, R.G. (2006, June 1). Reviews: Preschool to Grade 4 [a book review of Scaredy Squirrel]. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 3, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6340931.html.

Having not even read Payne's review before writing my own, I found both our reviews and our opinions to be strangely similar. Payne gives a quick, witty summary of the book, and ends by saying, "with his iconic nervous grin and over-the-top punctiliousness, Scaredy Squirrel is an endearing character. Thick-lined cartoons with bold patches of color, quirky charts and graphs, and clever asides provide humor that will appeal to children...Scaredy Squirrel needn't fret about finding readers to cheer him on." Short, sweet, and to the point, this review is for those who want just the basic overview of the book, yet Payne still delivers a positive review by keeping the fun and witty tone of the book throughout her review.

Electricity: Bulbs, Batteries, & Sparks

Stille, D.R. (2004). Electricity: Bulbs, batteries, and sparks (Sheree Boyd, illus.). Minneapolis, MN: Picture Window Books.

Genre: Non-fiction/Informational
Format: Picture Book
Recommended Age: 7-9

Stille's book Electricity: Bulbs, Batteries, & Sparks is a treasure trove of information. Children will learn about where electricity comes from, how it's made, how we store it, and the many uses we have for it in this world. Simple, colorful illustrations accompany each new page, demonstrating acts such as a girl using electricity to blow-dry her hair or a boy using electricity to turn the TV on and off. Pictures of powerlines and windmill farms also give children a visual image of the many ways we create and store electricity. Scattered throughout the book are "fun facts" and at the back of the book children are provided with fun science experiments to try out, as well as important safety tips concerning electricity. This book would work wonders for children ages 7-9, as it is a wonderful introduction to children on the topic of electricity. Children will get fun illustrations they wouldn't usually get with textbooks, and the experiments in the back will give them hands-on experience they need to better understand electricity and how it works. An excellent resource for the classroom and any library, I highly recommend this work to any collection.

OK Go by Carin Berger

Berger, C. (2009). Ok Go. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Genre: (Nearly) Wordless
Format: Picture Book
Recommended Age: 2-4

Carin Berger uses OK Go as an environmental plea to children to take care of their planet. Charming collages made of recycled materials such as old patterned papers, magazines, letters, & newspapers create a setting of a seemingly neverending traffic jam, where the only accompanying words are "Go." Soon after, though, smog fills the air, and the characters are pleaded with a two-page spread yelling "Stop!" A few pages later, children are given a solution with a whimsically illustrated fold-out spread filled with flowers, balloons, sunshine, and a plethora of happy things, accompanied by the chracters finding new ways to get to where they're going. "Waste less, Jess," it says. "Roller skate, Kate," it suggests. "Use the bus, Gus. Recycle, Michael," it pleads. At the end, the characters are assured that all is well conce again as one yells happily, "OK Go!"

Being a nearly wordless book, I would suggest this book for children aged 2-4 years. Children will love the bright, unique illustrations, and will undoubtedly love reciting the simple words back as it's read to them. Some parent could possibly have an issue with the strong environmentalist message of the book, yet the message is not too overpowering. After all, it's never too early to teach children to be resourceful and to be a good steward of their belongings and this beautiful planet on which we reside. I would recommend this book for home, school, and public libraries, as it serves as an excellent introduction to teaching children good stewardship.

Elleman, B. (2009, April 1). Reviews: Preschool to Grade 4. [a book review of OK Go]. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 4, 2010 from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6648615.html?q=OK+Go.

Never have I read a more eloquent review of a book with so little words in it itself. Elleman perfectly captures the essence of OK Go through her description of the plot, using phrases such as, "Idiosyncratic creatures decked out in fabric pieces, buttons, and tall imaginative hats sail along in even more idiosyncratic vehicles that are variously colored and decorated with stickers and decals." Elleman gives the book an overall positive review, saying "While the opening pages may puzzle younger children, the offbeat presentation will undoubtedly initiate interest among older readers, and the fanciful collages (made from recycled materials) will have artistic readers poring over the pages." I couldn't agree more with Elleman's review, as I personally found the message to be positive yet not overwhelming, and was utterly captivated by the fanciful illustrations. A good review of a good book in my opinion.

Django: World's Greatest Jazz Guitarist

Christensen, B. (2009). Django: World's greatest jazz guitarist. New York: Roaring Brook.

Genre: Biography/ Poetry
Format: Picture Book
Awards: 2009 Schneider Family Book Award
Recommended Age: 8-10

Django: World's Greatest Jazz Guitarist by Bonnie Christensen is truly a work of art. Having myself never even heard of Django, Christensen's work served both as a history lesson and as a lesson in will and determination. As the book relates, Django grew up as a traveling gypsy in France. A hard life through and through, Django pressed on and began writing and playing music at an early age. The text describes this beautifully through the use of poetry when it says "Still a boy he's playing dance halls. Fingers flying down the fretboard. Writing waltzes, making records, putting money on the table. Known around the streets of Paris 'Gypsy Genius,' 'Prodigy Boy'." Django became well-known throughout Europe, yet tragedy soon struck when a fire severely impaired him: "'Such awful burns, that leg, that hand.' The hand he used to fret guitar---Burned so deeply, nearly useless." Against all odds, however, through hard work and determination, Django was one day able to take the stage again and play his music for all to hear. Captured beautifully through oil paintings and rhythmic poetry, Christensen presents an inspirational story that both children and adults will appreciate.

Django would be an ideal book for children ages 8-10, as the poetry can at times be a little more difficult for younger children to understand. In addition, the content teaches a more serious topic, showing children how hard life can be, but also revealing to them that obstacles can indeed be overcome. Children will certainly enjoy the illustrations within as well as the poetic style that so brilliantly accompanies them. I highly recommend this as a book to add to any and all library collections.

Goedhart, B. (2010, March 13). True stories, real people: Henry Aaron, Django Reinhardt, Houdini, and Tim Horton are among the subjects of new illustrated biographies for children. The Gazette (Montreal). Retrieved April 2, 2010 from LexisNexis Academic database.

Perhaps what I appreciated most about Goedhart's review was his inclusion of other biographies in addition to his review of Django: World's Greatest Jazz Guitarist. Goehart did not shy away from praising Chrsitensen's work, as he deemed that the "text has a music all its own, written in a free-verse style and accompanied by lively, vibrantly coloured paintings that befit the gypsy arts and lifestyle." In addition, Goedhart made a very practical suggestion that I hadn't thought of, which was to provide a CD of Django's work to accompany the book. This would surely give the book even more meaning to its readers, as children would be able to hear the music for themselves. Among other books that Goedhard reviewed for this article were Henry Aaron's Dream by Matt Tavares, Shake, Rattle, & Turn that Noise Down: How Elvis Shook up Music, Me, & Mom by Mark Alan Stamaty, and It's a Snap! George Eastman's First Photograph by Monica Kulling, illustrated by Bill Slavin, yet many more are included within the article. I would highly recommend one give this review a read if they are looking for a good biography to introduce their child to.