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Red Butterfly, Emily Loveless
Red Butterfly, Emily Loveless
Children's Book and Media Review
Abandoned at birth, Kara has called an elderly American woman “mama” for the last eleven years. Now that she’s older, she’s looking for answers to questions like why Mama never goes outside, and why can’t they move to live with Daddy in Montana? It is sobering to learn that, according to the Chinese government, Kara doesn’t exist, and that Mama stayed in China illegally to care for her. Their secluded days make more sense, but when Kara’s visiting “sister” has to be taken to the hospital, their life is blown wide open. Suddenly, Kara is separated from the only family …
Fairy Spell: How Two Girls Convinced The World That Fairies Are Real, Haley Singleton
Fairy Spell: How Two Girls Convinced The World That Fairies Are Real, Haley Singleton
Children's Book and Media Review
This short book is the story of two girls, Frances and Elsie, who were responsible for the first ever ‘real’ pictures of fairies. During their childhood, these cousins lived together and spent a lot of time out playing in a beautiful wood, with a little brook nearby. There they ‘found fairies’ and were able to eventually convince the adults to give them a camera in which they found ‘fairies’ and took photographs. The story follows how famous people, such as Arthur Conan Doyle, helped propel these photos to viral status. The story ends with Elsie admitting, many many years later, …
Our Car, Leah Christopher
Our Car, Leah Christopher
Children's Book and Media Review
What is your car like? A son riding along in the car with his father describes all the things their family’s car can do and the adventures they have in each season. In rainy weather, the car’s hood goes up; in summer, the car tows their trailer. It also takes work to care for the car; they need to wash it and get it repaired. The boy dreams of the day he can drive on his own—but for now, his mom tells him not to park on the rug.
What The Ladybug Heard Next, Leah Christopher
What The Ladybug Heard Next, Leah Christopher
Children's Book and Media Review
With the fat red hen’s eggs disappearing, the heroic ladybug is back to defend the barnyard. The ladybug overhears the plan of robbers Lanky Len and Hefty Hugh to sneak onto the farm to steal the hen and get rich by selling her eggs. Working together, the animals hatch a plan to trick them. The hen persuades the dimwitted duo to search for the downy duck instead, toting the duck’s larger size and eggs as bait. Eventually the trail leads to goose who claims that the imaginary Snuggly Snerd, hiding in the compost heap, has the hugest eggs of all. …
Elmer's Walk, Leah Christopher
Elmer's Walk, Leah Christopher
Children's Book and Media Review
While life swarms on around him, Elmer the elephant enjoys the beauty and peace of nature. A beautiful spider web doesn’t entice the monkeys to pause, but Elmer observes it thoughtfully. Elmer points out an interesting log to the crocodiles—but they keep on moving. He invites the snake to admire the colorful flowers to no avail. Even the lion won’t delay his nap to look at the waterfall. Rush, rush, rush—no one has time to appreciate nature with Elmer. Eventually, Elmer finds and joins his cousin Wilbur in watching the sun setting and stars rising in the night sky. But …
Elmer And The Birthday Quake, Megan Hall
Elmer And The Birthday Quake, Megan Hall
Children's Book and Media Review
In this Elmer the Elephant book, Elmer learns an important lesson about enjoying each day for what it is. A herd of pink elephants celebrate the birthday of the oldest elephant in their group. During the birthday festivities, one of the elephants suddenly needs serious help. With the aid of Elmer and Super El, the birthday elephant is saved and the festivities continue. Even though it was not Elmer’s birthday, he still learned that he could have a good day.
My Best Friend Is A Goldfish, Megan Hall
My Best Friend Is A Goldfish, Megan Hall
Children's Book and Media Review
Having a best friend isn’t always easy, but it is always worth the struggle. After an argument with his best friend, a boy tries to become best friends with a dog, a cat, a goldfish, and a hamster. Although they are fun to play with for a brief amount of time, he realizes they do not have enough in common to be best friends. My Best Friend Is a Goldfish teaches the importance of sticking with our friends through thick and thin.
Not Just A Book, Samantha Bullock
Not Just A Book, Samantha Bullock
Children's Book and Media Review
Have you ever stopped to think about what makes books so great? Books can serve many different purposes, from the imaginative (a hat) to the practical (stabilizers for short, wobbly table legs). Not Just a Book catalogs some of the creative ways a book can be used in fun and play but also dives into books’ emotional and intellectual value. The book’s self-proclaimed best thing turns out to be its ability to be read and loved by people.
Spacepop #1: Not Your Average Princesses, Jazmin Gomez
Spacepop #1: Not Your Average Princesses, Jazmin Gomez
Children's Book and Media Review
When the evil Empress Geela kidnaps their parents and takes over their planets, the five princesses of the Pentangle are forced into hiding. Not content to quietly bide their time, Princesses Athena, Rhea, Juno, Luna, and Hera go undercover. They form a band to fight back in their own way and spread a message of hope. As their fan base grows, they team up with The Resistance to carry out missions that weaken Geela’s position. Though they are successful in their first battles, it’s only the beginning of the war, and the princesses prepare to continue the fight for their …
Make It Yourself! Paper Pop-Up Art, Beverly Jones
Make It Yourself! Paper Pop-Up Art, Beverly Jones
Children's Book and Media Review
Crafty children will love this creative paper art book. There are six pop-up art projects included that will provide hours of fun for young creators. Unique cards and one-of-a-kind pieces of art are featured in this crafter's dream. Though the projects look challenging, the step-by-step instructions make these artistic masterpieces something that elementary-aged children and even their parents and teachers will want to try.
Hello, My Name Is . . . How Adorabilis Got His Name, Leah Christopher
Hello, My Name Is . . . How Adorabilis Got His Name, Leah Christopher
Children's Book and Media Review
When a small, pink octopus joins a new aquarium, he meets interesting and beautiful creatures. All have a name to match their characteristics—everyone, that is, but him! Is he less valuable because he can’t change color like Mimic Octopus, breathe from many gills like Six-Gill Shark, or glow like Moon Jelly? After he tries to suggest his own name (Parachute Steerfish) to the laughter of the tank, he becomes even more upset. Just then, a scientist brings the best news possible—the octopus’s name is Adorabilis! It fits just right, and Adorabilis is happy to have a name.
Knock, Knock, Leah Christopher
Knock, Knock, Leah Christopher
Children's Book and Media Review
Bear is snuggling down for a long winter of hibernation. But other forest animals keep pestering him, knocking on the door and scooting inside with food and decorations. After each knock at the door, Bear grows more impatient. How is he ever going to get some sleep? With his den filled to the brim, a frustrated Bear is ready to tell the giddy bunch all to get out. When he sees the cause for the celebration—“Happy Hibernation!”—he realizes his friends are going to miss him, and he will miss them, too. And once spring arrives, Bear is ready to party …
Little Bo In London #4: The Ultimate Adventure Of Bonnie Boadicea, Maryn Wheeler
Little Bo In London #4: The Ultimate Adventure Of Bonnie Boadicea, Maryn Wheeler
Children's Book and Media Review
Little Bo, a small gray Persian cat, and her owner, Billy, are part of a crew aboard the yacht Legend cruising the Mediterranean. Like previous adventures, Little Bo and Billy run into excitement when pirates board the yacht for a ransom. Little Bo’s excellent timing and courageous spirit help Billy save the day. When they are invited to Buckingham Palace to be awarded by the Queen of England, Little Bo finds herself in trouble with the royal dogs. Luckily, she finds her way back to her owner to finally meet the Queen.
Dusk, Maryn Wheeler
Dusk, Maryn Wheeler
Children's Book and Media Review
A boy, his grandfather, and his dog go for a winter walk to the river at dusk. As the sun goes down, they head back to the city and notice all types of people scurrying about for their holiday shopping. Soon the city lights come on, one by one, highlighting the holiday festivities for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. The city lights are as bright and cheerful as day.
The Three Mouths Of Little Tom Drum, Maryn Wheeler
The Three Mouths Of Little Tom Drum, Maryn Wheeler
Children's Book and Media Review
After his mother makes him his favorite strawberry pie for his eighth birthday, Little Tom Drum can’t wait to try a piece, but it only has him begging for more. His wish of having three mouths to eat more pie comes true when he sneaks back to the kitchen to steal a piece. His mother catches him and notices his two extra mouths, one on each cheek! Thereafter, he opts to lead a life of isolation and inventing. On his next birthday, he wishes for his old face back. Eventually with the help of an invention, his granted wish comes …
Shell, Beak, Tusk: Shared Traits And The Wonders Of Adaptation, Maryn Wheeler
Shell, Beak, Tusk: Shared Traits And The Wonders Of Adaptation, Maryn Wheeler
Children's Book and Media Review
In a world of predators and prey, animals have adapted to survive. Animals have specific traits to help them eat, while other traits protect them from being eaten. This vivid picture book explores convergent evolution where similar traits are seen in unrelated animals. Each informative page compares animals from different environments who share a helpful trait such as spines, shells, or tall ears. Animals use these survival traits in parallel ways even though they are distinct species. When a trait works, it works in multiple circumstances!
The Rose Legacy, Gabrielle Borg
The Rose Legacy, Gabrielle Borg
Children's Book and Media Review
After being shifted about between family members and unwanted for nearly ten years, Anthea dreams about a loving family. Her long-lost uncle, Andrew, requests for her to come live with him at Last Farm. Little does she know that Last Farm hides an enormous secret: horses, the animal that has been forbidden in the kingdom for centuries. In a moment of weakness, Anthea writes to her aunt about the horses. As Anthea grows to love the horses, especially her dear Florian, she finds that she has an ability called The Way, an ancient power that allows humans to communicate with …
Moon, Taran Burnett
Moon, Taran Burnett
Children's Book and Media Review
Moon goes outside to wish upon a star and finds a friendly wolf instead. As a busy girl with school, homework, trumpet lessons, and sports, Moon is feeling overwhelmed with her growing list of things to do. Every day is the same busy day—until she meets wolf. Wolf and the pack teach Moon their “wolfy ways.” It is in the forest that she finds joy in playing, enjoying nature, and learning how to embrace the wild that is within.
I Am Actually A Penguin, Taran Burnett
I Am Actually A Penguin, Taran Burnett
Children's Book and Media Review
Imagine living in the snowy world of Antarctica and eating fish for every meal. That is exactly what a little girl does when she receives a stylish penguin costume from her uncle. She loves the costume so much that she feels like she actually becomes a penguin—even when her family tries to convince her otherwise. She hangs out in the fridge and tries to create snow in her house. All the while, her family persistently reminds her that she is not a penguin. When Monday rolls around she is persuaded that her exciting costume needs to be washed. She is …
A Plump And Perky Turkey, Karen Abbott
A Plump And Perky Turkey, Karen Abbott
Children's Book and Media Review
What would Thanksgiving be without a mouthwatering turkey on the table? The people of Squawk Valley would prefer not to find out, but all nearby turkeys have gone in to hiding. The town decides to do a turkey art festival and to advertise for a turkey model. It’s a clever plan. Sure enough, a plump and perky turkey answers the call. But this poser may have a plan of his own that he is keeping close to his plump turkey breast.
Flotsam, Karen Abbott
Flotsam, Karen Abbott
Children's Book and Media Review
A young boy is at the beach with his parents. He is ready for some sort of adventure and exploration when he discovers that a camera has washed up on the beach. What secrets might be on the film inside the waterproof case? He takes it to a one-hour film developer and discovers the most amazing images of underwater sea life. In the last photo is a child holding a picture of another child, who is holding a picture of another child, and on it goes. There is a picture this boy must take before he sends the camera back …
A Tangle Of Brungles, Karen Abbott
A Tangle Of Brungles, Karen Abbott
Children's Book and Media Review
How surprising is it to discover that a "clowder" really is the word for a bunch of cats? As four bewitching members of a coven put together a brew to summon a groom, readers will discover a whole slew of disturbing new vocabulary words. Cobras, for example, are a "quiver" when they gather together. A group of mice is a very apropos “mischief.” Find out more as the witches gather toads, goldfish, worms, and more—only to discover that the desired groom, Brungles himself, is less than willing to find matrimonial bliss.
Missing May, Emma Patton
Missing May, Emma Patton
Children's Book and Media Review
Summer and Uncle Ob are grieving. After Aunt May’s death, they realize May was the heart and soul of their little family. May was the mother figure Summer always needed and had been since Aunt May and Uncle Ob adopted her when she was six years old. Summer is devastated at the loss of Aunt May, but she is also saddened that Uncle Ob seems completely lost without May. Summer wishes that Ob loved her enough that she could be the reason for him to keep on living and trying, but she can see that she is not enough. Luckily, …
Gooney Bird And All Her Charms, Kristie Hinckley
Gooney Bird And All Her Charms, Kristie Hinckley
Children's Book and Media Review
Gooney Bird is a high-spirited, bright second-grader at Watertower Elementary School. For their science unit, Gooney Bird brings in a skeleton named Napoleon for the class to borrow. They find ways to teach their whole school about the human body by placing Napoleon in different relevant places in the school with posters around him. He starts in the library as they learn about the brain. Then, he travels to the cafeteria, the gym, and outside to teach about the digestive system, the muscular system, and the respiratory system. His time outside quickly comes to an end when he is stolen. …
Hello Ruby #2: Journey Inside The Computer, Ariel Woodbury
Hello Ruby #2: Journey Inside The Computer, Ariel Woodbury
Children's Book and Media Review
Ruby is bored and her dad isn't home. Ruby decides to try and use the computer on her own, but when she types in the password and tries to log in, nothing happens! Mouse tells her the Cursor is missing, and they dive through his mouse hole to search. They start in the first level of the computer that is filled with Bits. Then they meet Logic Gates. Next up is the CPU. He doesn't know where Cursor is, he just tells other people what to do. RAM can't remember what happened to Cursor. Mass Storage directs them to software. …
Ninja!, Ellen Mccarty
Ninja!, Ellen Mccarty
Children's Book and Media Review
Ninja Maxwell opens our eyes to the secret adventure that is all round us. Hidden in the everyday surroundings of a normal household, he finds the tools and shows us the skills necessary to be a ninja. He sneaks through the rooms of his house, tumbles, and is fast on his feet. We follow this young boy as he enters enemy territory of the kitchen on a secret mission: cookies and milk! He must be strong, face danger, and overcome obstacles of dog, mother, little sister, and kitchen counters. When his sister falls and cries, it brings dishonor on this …
Third Grade Mermaid, Cynthia Phillips
Third Grade Mermaid, Cynthia Phillips
Children's Book and Media Review
Cora the mermaid has got to memorize her spelling words, and fast. Her spot on the swim team is in jeopardy because of her horrific grade in spelling. Maybe her friends can help her figure out the secret to memorizing. But any time Cora sits down to study, she ends up either falling asleep or being distracted by giant shrimp, singing sirens, and birthday parties. Just when it seems like she’ll never pass her test, she realizes she’s been living the words all week.
Angel In Beijing, Sara Esplin
Hazy Bloom And The Pet Project, Cynthia Phillips
Hazy Bloom And The Pet Project, Cynthia Phillips
Children's Book and Media Review
Hazy Bloom can tell the future—at least, she thinks she can. She’ll be doing something ordinary when suddenly a “tomorrow vision” will appear in her head. The challenge then is to make sense of it. So when Hazy gets a vision of the logo of a pet shop, she’s sure this means she’ll finally get a long-awaited pet iguana. That is, if she can convince her parents that she is responsible enough for a pet. When Hazy is roped into being in charge of a fundraiser at school, she realizes that this is an opportunity to show her maturity. Only …
Princesses Make It Now, Ashley Mckenzie
Princesses Make It Now, Ashley Mckenzie
Children's Book and Media Review
A busy book fit for a princess, this book contains five princesses to decorate and create. Each princess comes with a little animal friend, and both can be popped out of the board book and placed in the included stands, making them perfect for pretend play after they are completed. The princesses are partially colored, with black-and-white areas left to color in. Stickers in the back of the book allow readers to decorate the princesses with crowns, flowers and jewelry. The finished product is five sweet and customized paper princess dolls.