The Frog Princess

by Ellen Conford
Ages: 10+

Chandler has everything money could buy except what she really wanted. She was an orphan at the age of nine and has longed for someone to like her for her and not her money. One day Danny, the cutest boy in the whole school, asks if he can kiss her and she was very excited. When Danny kissed her, she turned into a frog. Now she has to rely on Danny to help her find a cure to her curse.

Cute book! It was a great remix on the princess and the frog story. It is a modern version of Disney movie version, recently released. Chandler who doesn't trust anyone has to trust Danny. You journey with her as she learns what true friends are.

Save Queen of Sheba

by Louise Moeri
Ages: 10+

David finds himself and his sister alone after the vicious attack on their wagon train. He survived a failed scalping attempt and now has to find a way to survive with his sister, whom he calls the Queen of Sheba. David has to use his wits and whatever supplies they can scavenge. The Queen of Sheba is counting on him and he is seriously hurt. He only hopes that their parents are somewhere up ahead and if he can find them.

I enjoyed this book. David and Sheba have the typical older brother and younger sister relationship. Sheba is the baby girl and David has always had to take care of her. David often resents her and is frustrated, but ultimately he realizes how much he cares for her.

The Inside Story (Sister's Grimm Series #8)

written by Michael Buckley and illustrated by Peter Ferguson

ages: 8- adult

Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are storybook detectives. In the small town of Ferryport Landing where they live, all kinds of strange things can happen; the Queen of Hearts is the mayor and Snow White teaches self defense classes. Descendants of the famous Brothers Grimm, who chronicled the lives of the Everafters (or characters in fairy tales), Sabrina and Daphne are off on another adventure to help solve a crime involving the evil Master and the mysterious Book of Everafter. As Sabrina and Daphne navigate their way through the book, they must watch out for the Editor and his monster-like story editing revisers. The future of the Master, their family, and ultimately, the whole world lies in the girls ability to succeed. The Grimm sisters are certainly becoming more savvy in the ways of the Everafters, but will it be enough to save their family?

Buckley succeeds in creating yet another fun page turner. Readers will not be disappointed as book eight is just as engaging and intelligent as book one. Smart and sassy, the Grimm sisters are delightful characters. The Sisters Grimm is a series to add to your summer reading list!

Julius: the Baby of the World

written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes

ages: pre-reader through age 8

Before Julius is born, Lilly is a wonderful big sister. She shares with him and tells him secrets. But after the baby, things change for Lilly. Lilly begins to pinch his tail and say ugly things to him in his crib. Her parents even say that Julius is, "the baby of the world." Of course, Lilly thinks that this is, in her own words, disgusting. Lilly has her own ideas of how to get rid of Julius: she tries learning magic to make him disappear, ignoring him, and even scaring him with her clever disguises. Needless to say, Lilly spends a lot of time in the uncooperative chair. It isn't until her parents throw a party in Julius's honor and her cousin Garland remarks on his "slimy nose...beady eyes...and stinky fur" that Lilly begins to rethink her baby brother.

Julius: the Baby of the World is the perfect book for any family expecting a baby. Henkes demonstrates his understanding of the struggles of children and of sibling rivalry. The endearing Lilly has spirit and spunk. Look for her in Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse and Lilly's Big Day. Wildy funny and clever, both parent and child will enjoy the humor and delightful illustrations that Henkes creates.