Summer Reading....Skippy Jon Jones!

Hola dudes! Reading out loud to kids-any kids-is one of my all-time favorite things to do. And no one writes books that are more fun to read out loud than Judy Schachner. Her Skippy Jon Jones series is wonderful: hysterical and fun with delightful illustrations. Skippy is one of the most imaginative and creative Siamese cats to ever grace the pages of a children's book.

Skippy Jon Jones is a Siamese cat who thinks he is a dog. He is always off on an adventure after a jump on his big boy bed.  He has an imagination that is wild and wonderful and so appealing to kids. Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Skippy Jon Jones with one of eight titles including: Skippy Jon Jones, Lost in Spice, Cirque de Ole, Presto Chango, and Skippy Jon Jones and the Big Bones. Coming this fall: Skippy Jon Jones Snow What.

Learn more about this fun author at www.judithbyronschachner.com. You can check these books out at your local library or take a look at http://skippyjonjonesstuff.com. Skippy Jon Jones books are also especially wonderful when read by the author; the books on CD make for fun road trip listening and are worth checking out!

Happy summer reading!

Summertime Reading Series

It's almost summertime and with that, extra reading time and (hopefully) lazy afternoons. A series of summertime reads begins today with a different author and their amazing books each week. 

One of my favorite authors growing up was William Steig, particularly Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. I have always loved his books with their magical illustrations. 

William Steig began his career as a cartoonist and sculptor and only late in life began illustrating and writing children's books. He is best known for creating Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, the Dr. DeSoto series and Shrek! 

Here are a few of my favorites:

When Sylvester accidentally turns himself into a rock to escape a hungry lion, Sylvester's family is distraught. This classic children's story has magic and excitement.

Doctor De Soto is a mouse dentist cares for animals both large and small with the help of his very able assistant, Mrs. De Soto. 

You must check out Shrek! about an ordinary ogre who leaves the home he has always known to explore the world and search for a bride. 

Happy Reading!

The Day the Crayons Quit

The Day the Crayons Quit

by Drew Dewitt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

ages: well, everyone. I laughed out loud and might have had to put the book down to regain my composure. Total picture book success in my opinion. 

All Duncan wants to do is color, but his crayons have gone on strike. A series of letters written by the crayons to Duncan let him know that things are not copasetic in his crayon box. Red crayon is feeling overused, yellow and orange crayon are not speaking, purple demands neatness, green is actually feeling jolly, but poor, poor peach crayon is-gasp-naked! What can Duncan do to make things right?

First time author Drew Dewitt has written a clever and fun book along with NY Times bestselling illustrator Oliver Jeffers. Witty and well illustrated, The Day the Crayons Quit shows that even crayons have feelings! 

A Best Book of 2013 at Barnes and Noble and Goodreads. 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell and (more than a) Bit of a Rant....

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
YA

Cath writes Simon Snow fan fiction; spending her time writing, rewriting, and hanging out in Simon Snow forums. She and her twin sister Wren have always done things together-dressed the same, written together, and had the same friends. But now the twins are headed to college and entering a whole new world. Fangirl is a wonderfully written coming of age tale complete with fan fiction, first loves, and family heartbreaks.

Let me begin by saying brava to Ms. Rowell for a book well crafted. Themes of betrayal, rivalry, abandonment, and independence flow throughout the book. Rowell even deals with mental illness in a very honest way. Beautifully written and poignant, I could not put this book down.  

I'd love to rally behind this book and recommend it highly to each and every reader, but this being a children's book blog I have to be honest when I say that I can't. I love, love, love this book-it's amazing and I'm all for kids having access to all kinds of books. No book bans here! But I'm not for kids having access to books with themes and ideas that are just flat out inappropriate for their age. Fangirl has alcohol, sex, and mature themes. Children don't need to be sheltered, but they need to have some understanding of what they're reading. Parents: if you choose to let your child read this book, be sensible and read it before them or read it together.

And here's the rant - or my two cents about finding books that are a good fit for your reader.

The Young Adult genre in literature is relatively new. When I was growing up (yes, in the dark ages) "Young Adult" wasn't the booming genre that it is today. There were books for children and then there were books for adults. Anything in the middle usually ranged from classics to the Sweet Valley High series that my mom forbade me to read. Sometimes I wish that publishers would determine a book to be "Young Young Adult" or "Older Young Adult." I would imagine that they can come up with a more creative title, but the idea is there. Please use caution when choosing what to allow your tween or young teen to read. Just because it's at the library or a friend is reading it, doesn't mean that it's appropriate for your child. Read together or choose to preview their books. Be available to talk about these very mature themes and questions that they kids might have. Give this book a try, but please carefully consider your child's ability to handle adult subjects and language.

Finding books that are appropriate and provide kids well crafted, challenging material can be frustrating and feel impossible as a parent or teacher. It is our responsibility as adults to help our kids find "good fit books" or books that are on par with our children's abilities, personalities, and disposition.

Now get out there and read on!

Guest Post: Three Times Lucky

Three Times Lucky
by: Sheila Turnage

This guess post is courtesy of my book-hungry 4th grade daughter, Regan. She finished this beauty in one day....

Here is her review:

Moses's hometown will never be the same. As a baby, Mo was sent during a hurricane on a raft to North Carolina. Nobody knows where Mo is from. She got her name because of how she arrived in town-like the prophet Moses. Colonel and Ms. Lana adopted her and she grew up in a cafe. Her best friend Dale helps her save Ms. Lana, Colonel, and the whole town. When murderers and cops come to town, it is up to Moses to save the day! 

I would recommend this book to others because this story tells you how to accept and enjoy your life.You may think that Mo is a normal girl, but you are wrong. This book has lots of suspense and surprises. Three Times Lucky is a book best read by ages nine and up.

Enjoy!
Regan

Weasels

Weasels
by Elys Dolan

What exactly do weasels do all day? Do they frolic in the leaves, collect nuts and berries, play, hide, or....plot world domination?

This clever and fun book, complete with coffee drinking, tool wielding, madcap weasels is silliness at it finest. Mayhem and mischief surround these clever critters as they plot to take over the world. Will they be successful?

Elys Dolan's illustrations are detailed, intelligent, and fun!  It's enough to keep any keen eye and clever brain very busy looking- and laughing. Enjoy this book with your favorite fan of all things silly.

Torn Series

Torn, Tangled, and Bound

Ages- 14+

The series written by Erica O'Rourke is about a girl, Mo Fitzgerald, who witnesses her best friend's murder in the first book.   As the police try to discover the "real" truth, Mo's family becomes a suspect because her father is in jail and her family is connected with the mob.  Her uncle hires a body guard, Colin who Mo begins to fall for. As she investigates further, she finds out that her best friend, Verity, was magical.  Verity was murdered because of her magical connections.  Mo becomes involved in the magical world and has a strong connection a magical boy, Luc. 

After her first adventure, Tangled, she again is needed in the magical world and has to make some difficult decisions about her life.  Mo is torn between her love for Colin and Luc.  She struggles with the magical world when she has no magic, but the magical world needs her presence. 

Bound is the third book in the series, I have not read it, but I am interested to see how the trilogy ends.  Will she choose the magical world with Luc and her powerful connection with him or the human world and her strong love for her previous bodyguard Colin that could protect her from her families connections? 

This series is alright.  Mo is not as annoying as Bella is in Twilight, but frustrating enough as struggles between the two worlds. 

Warning to Parents: Mo is a typical teenager who struggles with the lustful feeling she has Colin. She begs Colin to give her into her lustful feelings.  He refuses.  The book language could be considered inappropriate for some families.   

Cinder

Book One in the Lunar Chronicles
by Marissa Meyer
Ages: 12+

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg.  She is considered a second-class citizen in New Beijing.  Her stepmother blames her when the stepsister gets the mysterious plague.  Her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai and finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle between humans and the ruthless lunar people.  She uncovers her mysterious past which leads her into making difficult choices in order to protect her world's future.   

I was very hesitant to read this book at first because it seemed like another Cinderella story remake.  I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book and had to finishing reading.  I was drawn into the world of humans and androids.  I felt torn when Cinder's past was slowly revealed and she had to make some difficult decisions. I can't wait until Book 2 Scarlet comes out.  It will be featuring Cinder meeting Little Red Riding Hood in France.  There will be four books in the series.     

Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys

written by: Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard

illustrated by: E.B. Lewis
ages: school aged

All that Virgie wants to do is attend school with her five older brothers, George, Will, Nelson, Val, and C.C. They keep saying that she is too small to walk the seven miles, that she'll miss her parents too much, and that girls don't need to go to school anyway. Virgie proves them wrong with her desire to learn to read and go to school.

Set in the post-Civil War South, this true story is beautifully written and illustrated. Virgie's story takes place during Reconstruction when schools were created to educate newly freed slaves and their children. Fewer than 10% of slaves were literate and schools offered an unprecedented opportunity to learn. During Reconstruction, only boys were allowed to go to school, but that doesn't stop Virgie. This book has a rich message of education and freedom and can be a real jumping off point for conversations with kids about the Civil War, slavery, determination, and the value of education.

Goodnight Ipad

by Ann Droyd
All ages

A great parody book of our technology craze society.  I laughed so hard.  Everyone will enjoy this book if they loved "GOODNIGHT MOON."

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Happy birthday to Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss! Dr. Seuss was a man who wrote books filled with wonderful wordplay and jubilant silliness. Although he was a cartoonist and not a real doctor, we can thank him for some of the most memorable characters in children's literature: the Grinch, the Cat in the Hat, and Yertle the Turtle to name only a few.

To celebrate his birthday and National Read Across American Day, here are a few favorites to try with your family:

Here's an interesting fact: did you know that The Cat in the Hat was originally created as a reading primer for children? The Beginner Reader series includes other new reader favorites such as Hop on Pop and Green Eggs and Ham.

Whether you celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with crazy socks or green eggs and ham, make sure that you include some quality reading time with your favorite kiddos. 

The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch
ages 14+

When Alex's mother suddenly dies, she is left to live with her wealthy Grandmother in Savannah, Georgia. Little does she know, but she is a member of the Magnolia League, Savannah's exclusive debutante society. The members of the Magnolia League are all beautiful, wealthy, and powerful women. But at what cost? Will Alex discover the secret to their world before she becomes entangled in it?

While this book is a real page-turner, it has some references to drugs (Alex grew up in a commune/pot farm) and sex. Hoo-doo also figures prominently in the novel as it is the main source of the Magnolia League's power and beauty. Although Katie Crouch creates memorable characters and a heart thumping story, I would encourage parents to peruse this novel before allowing their young adults to dive into it.

Ida B

by Katherine Hannigan
Ages 10+

Ida B is a happy girl living on her parent's farm and being home schooled.  She loves the land and talks with everything all living things daily.  Then, her mother is diagnosed with cancer and everything begins to change.  Ida is forced to attend public school and refuses to like her teacher or make friends.  Her father has to sell some of their land.  Her mother and father have been acting different and breaking promises they made with her.  Ida B has to find her way through all the changes that are happening to her.

The book is written from the perspective of Ida B.  When Ida B's life starts to fall apart, you feel her frustration and how she acts out is typical of child behavior.  I recommend this book to families who are experiencing illness in their families  It could help understand everyone's perspective and how to help people work out things during this difficult time.

Bear in Underwear

by Todd H. Doodler
Ages: pre-readers to 5

Bear found a backpack while playing hide and seek with his friends.  When they opened the backpack, they found it was full of different kinds of underwear.  Bear tried all the kinds on.  He finally found a pair that was just right.

I saw this book in the bookstore.  I was drawn to it because of the cover.  Bear was in underwear and the underwear was soft on the cover.  This is a great story to help start interest in potty training.  My favorite part when Bear tries all the kinds of underwear.  I died laughing.  Go to the library and get this for those pre-readers to get them ready and interested in learning about going the potty. 

The Princess Academy

by Shannon Hale
Ages: 11+

Miri, a 14 year old girl, wants to be a miner with her father and older sister in the quarry.  Mining linder (stone) is the way of the life for the town of Mount Eskel.  All the local girls are rounded up to attend a princess academy, when the prophecies state the prince will choose his wife from their town.  Miri and the other girls are taught how to read, write, and act like a princess.  In addition to her natural intelligence and high spirit, she discovers a special language "quarry-speech" that grew out of work songs in the mines and uses linder as a medium.  Miri struggles to make friends with other girls because of the natural competition to become princess.  She also struggles with her own feelings of wanting to become princess and her feelings for Peder and her village.  Miri is able to lead her classmates in the fight against being treated as social inferiors in the academy, at the same time educating herself in ways that will better the village.  The prince will choose a princess, but who and what happens?

This book is a Newbery Honor Winner in 2006.  Hale is a great story teller.  I really enjoyed this book because it was a fairy-tale with updated feminist ideas.  It reminds me of the story of Mulan.  This book is for younger girls.  It teaches the importance of education and be true to yourself and dreams. 

Life, After

by Sarah Darer Littman
Ages: 14+

Dani's aunt and unborn cousin were killed in a terrorist attack.  Since then, everything in her life in Argentina begins to crumble including private school, boyfriend, loving family, etc...  Dani's family finally decides to escape the United States when there is nothing left in Argentina.  Dani tries to start fresh, but adjusting to a new culture, learning a new language, and living in a small apartment is difficult.  America is not all is cracked up to be.  Dani is able to make friends with an usual boy named Jon and it changes her life.

I really enjoyed this book because it gave me great insight into students who have moved to the United State trying to adjust to everything that is different.

The Hundred Dresses

By Eleanor Estes
Ages: 10-14

Wanda Petronski is a poor Polish-American girl that wears the same faded blue dress to school everyday.  Her classmates, Peggy and Maddie, laugh at the dress and Wanda claims to own one hundred dresses. This outrageous and obvious lie becomes a game, as the girls in her class corner her every day before school, demanding that she describe for them all of her dresses.  After Wanda has moved unexpectedly, Peggy and Maddie discover the truth about Wanda.

This cute book addresses the theme of bullying and judging a book by its cover.  Peggy and Maddie get to know about Wanda and realize they were not nice to her. 

Peter and the Starcatchers (Starcatchers Series #1)

written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

illustrated by Greg Call

grades: 4-6

Peter is a lost and lonely orphan who has been put on the ship The Neverland in order to become a servant in the court of the evil King Zarboff. When Peter discovers a mysterious trunk aboard the ship, he takes it upon himself to discover its secret. Little does he know, but the trunk will change his life forever.

The adventurous prequel to Peter Pan is fast paced and exciting. Authors Barry and Pearson answer the questions of how Captain Hook lost his hand, how Peter learned to fly, and how he ended up on an island with mermaids, a group of boys, and pirates. Consider this book only if you have plenty of time and a very comfy chair!

The Twits

by Ronald Dahl

Ages 8+

Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the nastiest, meanest, ugliest, and smelliest people in the world.  They hate everything except playing jokes on each other, catching birds to make bird pie, and making the Muggle-wumps (caged monkeys) stand on their head all day.  Finally, the Muggle-wumps have had enough and seek revenge.

I normally enjoyed Ronald Dahl.  This book has highs and lows for me.  It is typical interesting Dahl book, but I didn't enjoy how mean the Twits are others.  If you are concerned with your child reading about bad behavior this book may not be for your children.  It is funny, but didn't finish the book feeling good.  

The Mother-Daughter Book Club (The Mother-Daughter Book Club Series #1)

written by Heather Vogel Frederick

ages: 12 and up

Sixth grade is never easy-especially when your mother decides to start a mother-daughter book club. This novel follows four unlikely friends throughout a year of reading Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Cassidy would rather be playing hockey, Jess loves animals, Megan has her mind on the world of fashion, and Emma loves to read. Together the girls will learn to navigate crushes, stolen journals, Halloween pranks, first dances, and the difficulties that come with growing up.

Although this is written as a children's book, it is probably most appropriate for girls who are preparing for or are already in the 6th grade. Frederick touches on challenging issues of family and death with heart and candor. Kudos to Miss Frederick for writing with clean language and subject matter that is as appropriate as it is charming. Maybe this will inspire you to start your very own mother-daughter book club; it did for me.