Maggie Fortini listens to every game her beloved Brooklyn Dodgers play, usually at the firehouse with her father’s former co-workers. When Jim joins the firehouse, she is shocked to discover he is a huge fan of the Dodgers arch-rivals, the New York Giants. She determines to never be his friend. But slowly, he wins her... Continue Reading →
Aviary Wonders Inc.
Author/illustrator Kate Samworth has hit on a novel idea in her Aviary Wonders Inc.: Spring Catalog and Instruction Manual. This picture book reads like a catalog. The premise is that birds are nearly extinct, so you can create your own bird by ordering parts from Aviary Wonders Inc. The pages are full of beautiful illustrations... Continue Reading →
A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson
You haven’t heard of Peanut Johnson? That’s OK, not many have. If you love baseball, even if you don’t, you will enjoy A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson by Michelle Y. Green. Written in first person, Green did an excellent job capturing the voice of Mamie Johnson, her expressions, interjections and... Continue Reading →
Master Cornhill
Before the dreaded plague swept through London in 1665, Michael Cornhill lived a very happy life with his foster family. But Master Cornhill by Eloise Jarvis McGraw is not a book about the plague. The story opens with Michael returning to London after spending a winter in the countryside to escape the plague. But the... Continue Reading →
Brother Hugo and the Bear
The interesting title encouraged me to pick this book off the library shelves. "It befell that on the first day of Lent, Brother Hugo could not return his library book. 'I shall have to inform the Abbot of this, Brother Hugo,' said the librarian." That wonderful first sentence granted Brother Hugo and the Bear by... Continue Reading →
The Easter Story
This weekend Christians all over the world celebrate Easter, arguably the holiest of Christian holidays. Children and adults alike will hear the story of Jesus and the week leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. For families celebrating Easter, The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith is a beautiful retelling of the story. Beautiful, not only... Continue Reading →
Al Capone Does My Shirts
Moose is not happy about leaving his best friend in Santa Monica to move to Alcatraz Island. He knows its not easy for his dad to find a job in the middle of the Great Depression, but it just isn't fair. His mom has pushed this move on his family because the Esther P Marinoff... Continue Reading →
Knights of the Kitchen Table – The Time Warp Trio series
Author Jon Scieszka has a gift for writing books that he would love to read. The more excellent news is that lots of children - especially boys - love to read his books too. For boys ready for short chapter books, I’ve found the pickings quite slim - especially if you’re not into the latest... Continue Reading →
Bones
As a child, I thought science was a dull and boring subject. I think it was because my childhood was missing fantastic science books - the kind that make kids sit up and take notice, and realize science is very interesting (though still not my favorite subject). Bones by Steve Jenkins is one of those... Continue Reading →
Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions
For preschoolers learning about other people groups and the alphabet, Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions by Margaret Musgrove is the perfect picture book marrying the two. Musgrove works her way through the alphabet, telling a bit about a different African tribe for each letter. The tribal illustrations by Leo and Diane Dillon are as interesting... Continue Reading →
Cultivating Readers 