Book Review: Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens-Beth Stern

Once upon a time there was a Persian cat named Yoda, who dreamed about being a supercat. But then his owners do not want him, so he is taken to a animal shelter, where his fur becomes dirty and becomes skinny as a string bean. But then a lady named Beth adopts him, and while it is heaven, something is missing. Perhaps some kittens will help.

This is such an adorable, funny illustrated  book from Howard Stern's wife(and yes, this really is a true story). I especially love  all the little, sarcastic cartoon bubbles from big, blue-eyed Yoda ( especially when he is trying to keep the kittens out of trouble). A must have for animal ( and cat) lovers.

Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens by Beth Stern
Age Range: 6-8
Lexile: 530
**** ( 4 Stars)

Want more books featuring cats? Here are some recommendations:

• My Name is Bob by James Bowen
• Little Lola by Julie Saab
• Cheetah Can't Lose by Bob Shea
• I Love Cats  by Sue Stainton

Book Review-Unlikely Friendships for Kids ( Volume 1)-Jennifer S. Holland

 

Can a monkey and a dove be friends? Yes, they can. And you can read all about it in Unlikely Friendships for Kids ( Volume 1). Based on Jennnifer S. Holland's best-selling book, Unlikely Friendships: 47 Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom, this kid version of the book not only introduces readers to   these creatures but four other stories, like Cashew the dog and Libby the seeing-eye cat. Plus cute animal photos and a glossary of animal terms.

Unlikely Friendship for Kids ( Volume 1) by Jennifer F. Holland
Age Range: 6-10
**** ( 4 stars)
Note- The catalog has the book listed as The Monkey and the Dove: and Four Other True Stories of  Animal Friendships .


Want to learn about more unusual animal friendships? Check out Holland's original book ( which also features the stories of Owen the hippo and Mzee the turtle and Koko the gorilla and her kittens) and her new book, Unlikely Loves: 44 Heartwarming True Stories from the Animal Kingdom. Also check out:

• Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff
• Little Pink Pup by Johanna Kerby
• Koko's Story  by Francine Patterson
• Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival by Kirby Larson

Book Review: Curse of Maleficent: The Tale of Sleeping Beauty-Elizabeth Rudnick ( Plus Bonus Review!!!)

 

Most of us probably know the tale of Sleeping Beauty, where a young princess is cursed to an endless sleep by pricking the needle of a spinning wheel. But what if there was more to the story?

In Curse of Maleficent: The Tale of Sleeping Beauty, readers will learn how a horned fairy Maleficent was betrayed by love and cursed Princess Aurora to a dark spell on her sixteenth birthday. But as the years pass ( and the princess hides in exile and  cared  by three useless pixies), Maleficent watches over her and eventually befriends her. Can the curse be broken and peace be restore to the human and fairy kingdoms?

Based on the new Disney movie starring Angeline Jolie ( see bonus review toward the end), Curse presents a different side of the famed Disney villain from the points of view of three different characters(love the last half of the book from Aurora's point of view. However, it at times feels like Maleficent is pushed to the side. Rudnick also wrote a Maleficent book for teens and adults that is darker but much better. Don't know if the library will be getting this book or not, but is available at most book stores). The illustrations are well done and very graphic novel-like, giving the reader an idea of  what to expect in the movie. A great read for those that love fairy tales and Disney movies.


Curse of Maleficent: The Tale of Sleeping Beauty by Elizabeth Rudnick
Age Range: 9-11
*** 1/2 ( 3 and a half stars)

Here is a fan-made trailer featuring the illustrations from the book ( warning: many spoilers featured!!)

 Bonus Review!! 

So I went to see Maleficent  a few weeks ago and it is AWESOME!! Jolie is wickedly fun as the famed Disney villain ( with a killer wardrobe!!) The scenery is very beautiful and enchanting as the photography by Annie Leibovitz , and the effects are amazing ( but might be  bit scary and intense for  children under 7 , especially toward the climax featuring a dragon!!) A must see, can't wait to get to see again on DVD!! ( I also saw that Disney Channel's upcoming TV-movie for 2015 is about the children of Disney heroes and villains, and will feature Broadway's Kirsten Chenoweth as Maleficent.)

Book Review- The Mysterious Woods of Whistle Root- Christoper Pennell

 

In an small town called Whistle Root, there lives an orphan girl named Carly Bean Bitters. Carly is a bit of night owl and spends the midnight hour drinking hot tea and reading books til the sun rises, when she can sleep. One night, she finds a squash on her roof...

And that's all I going to tell you about this odd but charming and magical book featuring musical rats, a boy named Green who lives in a cabin under the school, and a monstrous creature know as the  Griddlebeast. There's also wonderful black and white illustrations that add charm and mystery to this very gentle  dream-like read.




The Mysterious Woods of Whistle Root-Christopher Pennell
Age Range: 9-12
Lexile: 790
**** ( 4 stars)

For information on Pennell, visit his website.

Want more books featuring talking rats ( or mice)? Here are a few recommendations:

• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brian
• Loamhedge by Brian Jacques
•  The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
• Redwall by Brian Jacques
• Walter: Story of a Rat by Barbara Wersba

Book Review: Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Solider- Ying Chang Compestine and Vinson Compentine

 

13-yr old Ming lives with his father, an archeologist, in a small  communist Chinese village during the '70s. One day, while his father is away, some local farmers bring pieces of a terra-cotta solider to his home. The soldier magically comes to life, and tells Ming of China's past, from Emperor Qin and the Great Wall to how the terra-cotta soldiers came to exist.

To be honest, this is not a normal read for me. However, it moves pretty fast and kept my interest, reminding me of Goonies or any action/ fanasty movie from the '70s or '80s. Compenstine and her son, Vinson, also do a great job in providing information about China during the Qin dynasty and Maoist. They also provide a lot of photos, Chinese words ( and a glossary), plus a recipe for stir-fry noodles. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an adventure read or wanting to learn about Chinese history.

Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier by Ying Chang Compestine and Vinson Compestine
Age Range: 9-11
**** ( 4 stars)

Book Review: What Does the Fox Say-Ylvis

 

Back in November, yours truly took part in the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon in Orlando, Florida ( I made three miles! My sister is trying to talk me into a 5K, we'll see.) Before the race, there was a dance party, and one of the songs that was played was " What Does the Fox Say?". Possibly weirder and crazier than last year's "Gangnum Style" by PSI , everyone from Glee to Dancing with the Stars has been going " Hatee-hatee-hatee-ho" to this Youtube sensation from Norway.

Would you believe someone decided to turn this tune into a book? Yes, children, now  brothers Bard and Vegard Ylvisaker's song is available in book form, with crazy, surreal, and whimsical illustrations from Norwegian illustrator Svein Nyhus. This is .. actually kind of cool. It's a little strange and awkward to figure out ( I'm still trying to figure out how the refrain goes) but since kids are consisting singing this song and doing the dance (Yes, there is a dance), they might like this (plus it's very Seuss-ish.) Heck, I might even use it for my winter school visits to promote Readathon.

Will Ylvis have another hit? Do have a future in making wacky children's books? Will we ever learn what the fox says? Who know? Let's howl, Aooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

What does the Fox Say?-Ylvis
Age Range: 6 and up
**** (4 stars)

Here is the video of the song " What Does the Fox Say?" If you Google it, you might also find the other takes of the song, like Glee's take with  puppets (speaking of puppets, I'm surprise we have yet to see a Muppet take on the song. They spoof everything, including Catching Fire.) Enjoy!

Rest in Peace, Barbara Park.

I was browsing our  library Facebook page to see if there was anything about Sunday's storm ( I just had some tree branches down) and saw that Barbara Park, author of the Junie B Jones series, passed away over the weekend at age 66. ( Please see this link for her obit).

I actually got into the series about 6 yrs ago when I started work here at the library ( this and Magic Tree House were constantly being asked about.) For those not familiar with who or what Junie B Jones is, it is a chapter book series for ages 8 and up, focusing on a 5-year old (  later 6-years-old in books 18-28) girl named Junie B Jones and her many adventures at home and school. Her first  book, Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly School Bus, was published in 1992 and focused on the first  day of kindergarten. Over 28 books, Jones has dealt with a new baby sibling, cut her own hair, graduated kindergarten and entered first grade ( with glasses.)  Her last book, Turkeys We have Loved and Eaten ( and Other Thankful Stuff) came out last year, and takes places doing a Thanksgiving classroom decorating contest. ( And it is the one Jones book I have not read, may have to wait till December.) Kids loved and laughed at the antics of  the spunky, Ramona-like girl with catch phases  like "Wowie wow wow!" and " The "B" stands for Beatrice. Except, I don't like Beatrice.". Parents....not so much (in fact, she's number 71 on American Library Association's Top 100 Banned Books 2000-2009 due to her bratty attitude and poor grammar. I didn't have a problem. In fact, I really enjoyed Junie B Jones is Party Animal, Junie B Jones is A Beauty Shop Guy, and Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (PS So Does May).)

We have most of the Jones books on display, in the same area as Magic Tree House ( which, coincidentally, also came out in 1992 and is by the same publisher, Stepping Stones/Random House). Park also picture books and other chapter books including(check library catalog to see if and where the book(s) is)-

• Kid in the Red Jacket
• Mick Hart was Here
•  Skinnybones

Junie also has a website at http://juniebjones.com/

 Rest in Peace, Barbara Park.

Book Review: The Beatles were Fab (and They were Funny)-Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer

 

Once about a time, there were four lad from Liverpool who loved to sing and make music. But they were also four friends who loved to laugh. Follow John, George, Paul and Ringo, as they go to "toppermost of the poppermost", always with silliness and laughter.

This is a great book for Beatle fans, whether young or old.  The book follows the Beatles chronologically, from the formation of the band in 1960 to their last live concert in 1966. Fun facts and stories are sprinkled throughout , such as Paul's father asking the group to change "yeah, yeah, yeah" in " She Loves You" to a polite "Yes" (they don't) and American fans, unable to find the English candy jelly babies, pelting the group with hard jellybeans ( and John's solution: Eat them.)

The illustrations  by Stacy Innerst are bright and quirky, especially the bobble-head caricatures of the Beatles (  Paul is cute, but  Ringo and his big nose  are  the best!!) Also included is a timeline ( which even features each member's birth and Lennon's and Harrison's death) and list of recommended books and websites.

A must-have for Beatle fans or those wanting to learn about the Beatles!!

The Beatles were Fab (and They were Funny)-Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer
Age Range: 6-9
Lexile: 860
***** ( 5 stars)

Book Review: The Enchantress Returns( Land of Stories 2)-Chris Colfer

 

Last year, Chris Colfer of the TV show Glee added "author" to his resume with the publication of his first book, The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell, in which two children enter a world where fairy tales come to life. Named as one of " Best Books of 2012" by Barnes and Nobles (and a number one best seller on the children's chapter book list of the New York Times), the adventures continue in The Land of Stories: The Enchantress Returns.


I loved Wishing Spell ( so much that I used for a program) and have been waiting for the sequel. And the wait was definitely worth it. Once again, Colfer creates a magical world that at times reinvents the fairy tales or stays true to the fairy tales (with wonderful illustrations from Brandon Dorman featured at the start of each chapter). Many characters from Wishing Spell return, but with bigger roles to play in the story. Froggy, Queen Red, Golilocks, and Jack ( of the beanstalk) team up with the twins on a greatest villain quest to save their mother and the fairy tale world. We also get a lot of new characters, like  a ghost called the Lady of the East,  Mother Goose,  Rumplestikin, and Emzia, an dark and evil enchantress who plots to take over the fairy tale world ... and beyond.

For those that love fairy tales or loved the first Land of Stories, it's a good read. It is a bit heavier and darker in plot ( especially the final half of the story, which is amazing) and the ending is bittersweet. I'll probably buy  myself a copy and reread it  a couple of times for a possible  program in the future. And I really hope we haven't seen the last of Alex and Conner or Land of Stories.

The Enchantress Returns ( Land of Stories 2) by Chris Colfer
Age Range: 8-12
Lexile: 730
**** 1/2 ( 4 and half stars)


For more information on The Land of Stories, visit the official website.

Book Review: Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Bird-Sy Montgomery

 

On a small island off the southern coast of New Zealand, there lives the bird called the kakapo ( pronounced KAR-ka-poe). Known as the "night parrot",  they are flightless, heavy birds that smell of honey and making booming or growling sounds. Once numbered in millions, there are only ninety left in existence. Join author Sy Montogomery and photographer Nic Bishop to Codfish Island to meet these rare and unusual parrots and the team of volunteers working to save them.

Being a fan of wild life programs like Wild America, I immediately loved this book ( and actually want to see a kakapo!!) Montegomery and Bishop do such a great job of presenting this trip, it feels like I'm actually there, seeing  these amazing birds. Filled with vivid pictures and amazing facts and stories, one will learn that life on Codfish Island is filled with happy and sad moments, triumphs and tragedies. Part of the great Scientists in the Field series, this is an amazing read you won't forget.

 Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Bird by Sy Montgomery
Age Range: 10-14
Lexile: 940
***** (5 stars)

To learn more about the Kakapo Recovery Team and their continuing efforts, visit their website (where you also hear sounds and see videos of the kakapo.)

Book Review: Starring Jules ( as Herself) ( Starring Jules # 1)-Beth Ain

 

Meet Jules Bloom. She loves making up songs, creating lists and having lots of pizzazz. While showing her little brother how to make a fizzy ice cream shake ( which is milk with ice water and bubbles!!), a talent scout sees her and invites to audition for a commercial.  Jules is excited... until she learns the mouthwash is orange-flavored ( which she hates because of a past incident with an orange-flavored ice cream.) Not wanting to ruin her starring moment, Jules seeks help family and friends, including new girl Elinor and ex-best friend Charlotte.

This is very cute, quick read. Yes, she shares similar qualities to other girl series ( Junie B, Judy Moody, etc), but   unique and spunky in her own way. I especially love all the lists she makes  and how she talks to her parents ( she raises her hand and calls them " Mrs." or " Mr.".) The illustrations are cute and so is the ending (which is a bit of a surprise). I'm looking to the next book,  Starring Jules ( in Drama-rama).

Starring Jules ( as Herself) (Starring Jules # 1) by Beth Ain
Age Level: 7-10
Lexile: 760
***** ( 5 stars)

Bookworm List: Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

This Saturday is the 109th birth anniversary of Thedor Geisel ( aka Dr. Seuss).  Here are some facts about the author ( courtesy of http://thefw.com/things-you-didnt-know-about-dr-seuss/):

1. He actually was not a doctor of anything ( only added the Dr. to his pen name because his father wanted him to go into the medical field).

2. His first book, And to Think that I Saw it on Mulberry Street, was rejected by 27 publishers! He finally did find a publisher in 1937.

3. He and wife Audrey never had children ( and actually, he did not like them.)

4. He coined the term " nerd" ( which apprears in If I Ran the Zoo, published in 1950.)

5. He helped animater Chuck Jones with the How the Grinch Stole Christmas cartoon , now a holiday classic ( even though it bombed when it premiered in 1966.)


We have lots of Seuess's books ( and a few bios, which can be found under JUV B SEU. All his books are listed as JUV P SEUS). A few recommended titles:

• The Cat in the Hat
• What Was I Scared of?
• Hop on Pop
• There's A Wocket in My Pocket
• The Bippolo Seed and other Lost Stories

We also have a lot of the films ( including the most recent film, The Lorax) and cartoons. Most are feature, seven day rentals, a few are educational, 14 day rentals. Check the library catalog for more details.

For a little treat, here is the 1972 Lorax cartoon. Enjoy!

Keep Reading!

Book Review: Who Could That Be at this Hour? ( All The Wrong Questions 1)- Lemony Snicket ( aka Daniel Handler)

There was a town, there was a girl, and there was a theft.

And so begins Who Could That At This Hour?, the first of four books in Lemony Snicket ( real name Daniel Handler)'s new series All the Wrong Questions ( or ATWQ).  Meant to be a prequel series to A Series of Unfortunate Events ( ASOUE), the first book introduces to a twelve and a half year-old Snicket, who is recruited by a mysterious detective agency to serve as an apprentice to S. Theodora Markson. The two go a town called Stain’d-by-the-Sea (  which ironically has no sea anymore, having been drained a long time ago)  and are hired by Mrs Murphy Sallis to find a black and creepy statue known as the Bombinating Beast. But young Lemony learns that is a mystery of many clues and no solutions.

I am bombinating ( which means buzzing) with happiness. I loved everything, even the beastie ( which we are making Bombinating Beast bookmarks in our upcoming creepy the funny book program next Thursday at 4 pm) and am so looking forward to the rest of the series. ( Book two comes out later this year, the other two to be announced.) It is a hilarous and mysterious read full of interesting characters, such as Moxie Mallahan, the budding journalist who wants to know the full story, and Pip and Squeak, two little kids who are subbing for their dad's taxi job ( one is stting on books to reach the steering wheel, the other is down below operating the brakes.) I love Dashiell Qwerty, the strange  but helpful sub-librarian ( the town cannot afford a full-time librarian). There's also the usual Snicketism of defining large words youngters may not understand and reference-dropping to literature and whatnot that encourages one to look up what it is.( Example: The last name of the sub-librarian is a reference to the top left row of the keyboard. Raise your hand if you are looking at your computer keyboard right now to see if I am correct.) I also love that the blue, grey,and white illustrations of  artist Seth, are appropriate and add to the retro-ness of the mystery.

I do have one small complaint about how it ends. I'm not really a fan of cliffhangers ( and it's kind of a eh end), and Snicket leaves a lot of questions unaswered. But I'm going to forgive him because this is the first book and obviously not everything is going to be answered in the first book. Still, I am keeping my fingers crossed that the rest of the books will be good, and perhaps not only answer the questions of Hour but also finally  answered questions left unanswered seven years ago from ASOUE. ( I'm betting the beastie, who everyone is also saying may/ maynot be the Great Unknown, ends up in ... the suguar bowl. But I could... be wrong.)

Who Could That Be at this Hour? ( All The Wrong Questions 1)- Lemony Snicket ( aka Daniel Handler)
Ages:9-11
Lexile: 850
**** 1/2 ( 4 and a half stars)



 

Book Review-Return to the Willows-Jacqueline Kelly

 

So 104 years ago, Scottish author Kenneth Grahame wrote The Wind in the Willows. Set on the riverbanks in an English countryside, it told a tale about a rat and a mole, a gruff but wise badger, and  a kind but spoiled toad obsessed with motor cars. It has been loved by young and old, and has had many adaptations ( including a ride that ran  from 1971-1998 at Walt Disney World, still available at Disneyland).

This year, author Jacqueline Kelly and illustrator Clint Young revisit the land of J. Thaddeus Toad and friends in Return to the Willows. Still  set in the turn of the century , the story starts with Rat and Mole enjoying an afternoon boat outing and talking about Toad's latest obsession, hot-air balloons. Later on in the story,Rat falls in love with a female rat named Matilda, Toad plays with some fireworks that leads to turning into an egghead (and a job at an university), all leading  daring rescue involving birthday cake and weasels and stoats ( short-haired weasels).


I loved this book. Kelly does a great job of  introducing Grahame's characters,plus  a few new ones, to a new generation. Along the way, she provides little footnotes that describe words not familiar to American readers and commentary to the story ( my favorite is on the first page, telling the reader if they have not read Wind in the Willows to put the book down and ask a librarian for the original tale or come along but do not complain if they are lost.) Young's illustrations are wondrous and rich as something you would see in an animated film. ( By the way, Young has a neat book coming soon called Toast, about a little pig. You can preview it on his blog ).

Return to Willows is worth a read, for young and old, for new and familiar fans of Toad and friends.

Return to the Willows by Jacqueline Kelly
Age Range: 9-12
Lexile: 890
***** ( 5 stars)

Bookworm List: 20 years at the Magic Tree House

Tomorrow at 4pm, children, grades K-5, are invited to spend Halloween at the Magic Tree House. We'll visit some of the no-so- scary adventures of Jack and Annie, play some games, and make a haunted house. Please register at Library Events or call 769-3541 ext 360.

Speaking of the Magic Tree House, this year is their 20th anniversary. The adventures of Jack and Annie started July 1992 in Dinosaurs before Dark, written by Mary Pope Osborne. While playing hide and seek in the woods of Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, they find a tree house filled with books. Jack was looking at a Pteranodon ( which was a flying reptile, the P is silent) and wishes he could see a real one. Suddenly the tree house starts to spin... and the children land in the time of the dinosaurs. They meet lots of them and almost eaten by a T. Rex. But don't worry, they find a way home and go on more adventures. They eventually learn in book 4, Pirates past Noon, the Magic Tree House is owned by Morgan Le Fay, an enchantress from the tales of King Arthur. Currently there are 48 books ( book 49 comes out in March 2013), and the children have gone everywhere from the prairie to the rainforest, even to the moon and the Titanic. (Note-There are actually two parts to the series. The original series consists of 28 books. At book 29, Osborne renamed the series The Magic Tree House Merlin Missions. While it is a continuation of the original series, they are a bit longer and feature a mix of fantasy and reality.)

I learned about the series about five years ago during my first two weeks on the job(every kid was asking for them or Junie B.  Jones). I decided to check them out, and they are a fun quick and educational read. Currently, my favorite in the series ( and we'll be hearing parts of it tomorrow) is A Good Night for Ghosts (book 42 in the series.) In this adventure, Jack and Annie travel to New Orleans, 1915, to help a young Louis Armstrong find his musical talent and face some real ghosts.

Our Magic Tree House collection can be found on the red display shelves in the middle of the department. Also, check out the Magic Tree House Fact Trackers. These are simple non-fiction books that provide more information on the topics covered in the series. Currently, there are 26 in the series, and they are shelved according to subject. Some titles ( and their call number) include:

• Rags and Riches : Kids in the Time of Charles Dickens (companion to A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time)-362.74 OSBO
•  Sea Monsters (companion to Dark Day in Deep Sea)-591.77 OSBO     
• Ghosts ( companion to A Good Night For Ghosts)-133.1 OSBO  
• Space( companion to Midnight on the Moon)-520 OSBO

Keep reading!!

Twice upon a review- Fairest of All and The Wishing Spell

For most of my book reviews, I just look at one book. But since the last two books I read are similar in plot ( siblings magically entering the world of fairy tales) and age range ( 7 and up), I decided look at them in one review.


First the summary of the two books:
Fairest of All ( Whatever After, Book 1) - Sarah Mlynowski- Once upon a time, life was normal for Abby and her younger brother, Jonah. That is, until Jonah finds a magic mirror in the basement, which hisses and glows... and sends them to Snow White's cottage. There, they accidentally save her from eating the poisoned apple. Hooray..oops. Now it's up to Abby and Jonah to help Snow find her happy ending ( plus a way home.)


The Wishing Spell ( Land of Stories 1)-Chris Colfer- Once upon a time, twins Alex and Conner receive a treasured book of fairy tales for their birthday. But this is no ordinary book,  because it sends them to a  land where fairy tales come to life. The only way to get home is collecting magical items, like Cinderella's glass slipper,  to perform the Wishing Spell.

My opinion: Both are great reads ( and great first books  to exciting new series.) I'm also a fan of all things dealing with the fairy tale world, particularly the ABC show Once Upon a Time and The 10th Kingdom ( an underrated but really long  NBC miniseries of the 90s.)

I've enjoyed Mlynowski's past books for teens and women, so I knew I would enjoy her first book for middle schoolers ( plus the cover was cute!!) Fairest is a fun, sassy ( and very quick) take on Snow White. I really enjoyed the dwarfs ( three of which are girls) and Jonah, who provides most of the comic relief. Even the ending is cute. It is a bit girly in tone ( most of Mlynowski's stuff is), but boys might like it. I'm actually planning to use this for my Cool Kids program this week, and can't wait to read If the Shoe Fits, the second book in the series coming in January.

Wishing Spell is a great debut for Colfer ( best known from the  Fox show  Glee) despite a few flaws. He writes with a lot of vivid detail that one wishes they could  go to this land of fairies, princesses, and trolls. There's a lot of heart and humor in the journey, and a great blend of reinvention and staying true to the fairy tales. There are even cool illustrations at the beginning of each chapter ( and a very cool map of all the lands in the story.) It does tend to drag a bit at times (plus sometimes gets a bit heavy with the plot, not something one would not expect to find in the first book of a series.) Still, it is a very worthwhile read ( and so is the audiobook, which shows that Colfer may a future as a  voice actor.) I'm considering using Wishing Spell for a future program, and can't wait to see more in the series. ( I did see online that Colfer does have another book coming in November, Struck by Lightening, but it is for older readers and based off a screenplay of a movie he wrote and stars in.)

Fairest of All  (Whatever After)-Sarah Mylnowski
Age Range: 7-12
Lexile: 500
***** ( 5 stars)

Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell- Chris Colfer
Age Range: 8-12
**** 1/2 ( 4 and a half stars)

By the way, both have cool websites-
Whatever After-http://www.scholastic.com/whateverafter/

Land of Stories-http://thelandofstoriesbook.com/index.html

Review-Tracing Stars-Erin E. Moulton

 

Indie Lee Chickory is not as cool as her big sister Bebe. Sure,  she is an expert at making fish faces, but she is viewed as  Fish Freak.  And accidentally bringing her pet lobster to school on the last day doesn't help either,  especially when it leads to her losing him and causing her sister embarrassment. So she wishes on a star to help her find her lobster and be friends with her sister again. Soon, it leads to a summer job working backstage at a community production and becoming friends with a  nerdy boy named Owen, who helps on her quest to "be a better Indie."

This is great coming of age book for middle school readers, full of quirky characters and fun adventures. Similar to Beezus and Ramona, it is a perfect read for the beginning ( or end) of summer.

Tracing Stars by Erin E Moulton
Age Range- 9-12
***** ( 5 stars)

Review- Minette's Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and her Cat -Susanna Reich

 

This year marks 100th birth anniversary of Julia Child. Born August 15, 1912 in Pasadena, California ( she died August 13, 2004), Child is best known for the cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking and the PBS cooking show , The French Chef ( which ran from 1963 to 1973).

In Minette's Feast, we visit's Child story through her cat, Minette Mimosa McWilliams Child. Minette was the luckiest cat of Paris, each day and night smelling hollandaise, cheese souffles, and other dishes of Child. But, the feast that Minette most prefers is mouse.

This is a neat way to introduce Child to children (and I think adult fans of Child will want to add this to their bookshelves). I especially love the use of actual quotes from Julia and her husband, Paul, French words ( glossary included at the end, along with biographical information on Child) and the rich and colorful watercolor and pencil illustrations of Amy Bates ( including a fun scene of the feline feasting and playing with a leftover bone).

Minette's Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and her  Cat by Susanna Reich
Age Range: 6 and up
Lexile: 810
***** ( 5 stars)

Review-Calli Be Gold-Michele W. Hurwitz

 

Calli Gold is the youngest child in a family of over-achievers. Her older siblings are involved in sports, whereas she has tried everything, from tennis to origami, to fit the family's motto, " Be Gold!", but fails every time. But when paired with a new kid named Noah for the school's peer program, she soon learns that even being ordinary has much to offer.

This is a very good read for middle schoolers, particularly with a very likable  character. I also like that it teaches an important message that  being true to one's self is an achievement in  itself.

Calli Be Gold by Michele W. Hurwitz
Age Range: 8-12
Lexile: 700
***** ( 5 stars)

By the way, the author has her own website. She can be found at www.micheleweberhurwitz.com

Review-The Great Cake Mystery- Alexander McCall Smith

 

When Precious dreamed about becoming a detective, she never dreamed it would happen right way. But it does at school, when a piece of cake and other sweets disappear. Soon classmates are accusing a rotund boy, and it's up to Precious to find the real culprit.

This is  a quick and easy read ( especially for those who are starting to read mysteries), filled with wonderful characters and simple, African-inspired illustrations from Iain McIntosh ( including illustrated pronunciation letters of hard to say names.) What also adds to the story's plot is the author's musings on human nature ( which might be a bit much for  some younger readers, but adds a personal tone). The plot itself does a wonderful job of teaching an important lesson not to judge others without proof. As readers get older, they may also want to follow Precious as an adult in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series ( currently 13 books).

The Great Cake Mystery (Precious Ramotswe's First Cases)-Alexander McCall Smith
Age Range-9 and up
***** ( 5 stars)