Babymouse: Cupcake Tycoon

Babymouse: Cupcake Tycoon by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

The school library is hosting a fundraiser and Babymouse is determined to win the grand prize--and help the school--but to win she will have to outsell her classmates, including her nemesis, Felicia Furrypaws.

My Thoughts: I loved this Babymouse book! Really! It has a special place in my heart because there is a fabulous librarian in the story and the library benefits from the fundraiser! Babymouse really wants to sell the most cupcakes and win the grand prize. But does she want to win for the right reason? You'll have to read and find out!

The next installment is Babymouse: Mad Scientist. Another graphic novel series by the same authors is also previewed: Squish: Super Ameoba. (It won't be pink! I predict lots of green!) Both will debut in summer 2011!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Bink & Gollie

Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillor and Allison McGhee

Two roller-skating best friends--one tiny, one tall--share three comical adventures involving outrageously bright socks, an impromptu trek to the Andes, and a most unlikely marvelous companion.

My Thoughts - I've been looking forward to reading this book for quite awhile! Kate DiCamillo never disappoints! This is a book of three stories with lots of ironic humor. The pictures do a wonderful job of helping to convey the humor. It is the first in a hopefully long easy reader series. I'm looking forward to the next one!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Auntie Claus

Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera

When her eccentric Auntie Claus leaves for her annual business trip, Sophie stows away in her luggage, travels with her to the North Pole, and discovers that her aunt is really Santa's sister and helper.

My Thoughts - This is a good holiday story to illustrate the idea that "It is better to give than to receive". Look for more Auntie Claus stories! This is a great read-aloud! Students sat hypnotized as I read through this story!

*Summar taken from CIP data.

Miss Brooks Loves Books!

Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don't) by Barbara Bottner

A first-grade girls who does not like to read stubbornly resists her school librarian's efforts to convince her to love books until she finds one that might change her mind.

My Thoughts - Every librarian needs to read this! It just proves that every reader deserves his or her book to read and enjoy!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

It's Christmas David

It's Christmas David by David Shannon

Christmas has arrived with so many rules to follow that David fears his mistakes will cause Santa to pass him by.

My Thoughts - If you have loved David before, you will love him again! Don't forget to look for Fergus in the pictures! Years ago I heard David Shannon speak and he said that he has to put his own dog Fergus in at least one picture in each of his books so that Fergus won't get depressed!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Thank You, Miss Doover

Thank You, Miss Doover by Robin Pulver

Jack learns the value of revision as he practices Miss Doover's lesson how to write a proper thank you note.

My Thoughts - I laughed out loud at the end of this book! The author clearly shows what Jack is thinking and his point of view is funny! He obviously doesn't like to revise his writing and somehow, even though he takes all of his teacher's advice, he has to revise many, many times! Any teacher will appreciate Miss Doover's point of view too!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Farmer George Plants a Nation

Farmer George Plants a Nation by Peggy Thomas

Describes how George Washington built his farm at Mount Vernon, discussing his experiments with seeds, fertilizers, and tools and presenting related letters and diary entries.

My Thoughts - Reading this biography of George Washington gives a new appreciation for his contribution to our country beyond being a leader of the Revolutionary War and our first President. This was a facinating look at his lasting contribution to agriculture, his experiements and inventions. I think this is a must read for any student! It is also great for a read aloud for older students who already think they know all about George Washington.

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Very Hairy Bear

Very Hairy Bear by Alice Schertle

Recounts the experiences of a shaggy, "boulder-big" bear as the four seasons come to the beautiful wood which is his home.

My Thoughts - I love this book! The artwork by Matt Phelan is just gorgeous! My favorite picture is the one with Hairy Bear in the blueberries! The words also have an interesting rythym that makes this a fun story to read aloud.

*Summary taken from CIP data.

I Spy Fly Guy!

I Spy Fly Guy! by Tedd Arnold

While playing hide-and-seek with Buzz, Fly Guy is taken away by a garbage man.



My Thoughts - Another great Fly Guy story! Kids can learn a lesson in problem solving here!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Hooray for Fly Guy!

Hooray for Fly Guy! by Tedd Arnold

Fly Guy joins Buzz's football team, despite Coach's misgivings, and hits the field for a special, secret play.

My Thoughts - Boys will go wild for Fly Guy! Everyone will identify with Fly Guy when Coach first rejects him from the team, and then they will cheer for Fly Guy when the secret play is revealed!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig

Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig by Kate DiCamillo

After Mercy Watson follows the delightful scent and delicious taste of the pansies her thoughtful neighbors plant to beautify their yard, Animal Control Officer Francine Poulet is called out to handle the case, which brings unexpected results.

My Thoughts - It has been awhile since I've read the first Mercy Watson book and now I want to go back and read them all!  This story was great fun!  Beginning readers will like the repetition of the easier words and still enjoy the story and some more challenging words.  You've got to read all about Mercy!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Babymouse Burns Rubber

Babymouse Burns Rubber by Jennifer Holm and  Matthew Holm

Babymouse's dreams of being a race car driver come true when she and her best friend Wilson enter a soap box derby.

My Thoughts - This was another fun installment in the Babymouse series, with lots of pink along the way!  If you like Babymouse, you can't miss this one!  Will Cupcake Cannon win the race?  Also, look for the next installment in Babymouse Cupcake Tycoon!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians

Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians by Jarrett J. Kroscoczka

The school lunch lady, a secret crime fighter, sets out to stop a group of librarians bent on destroying a shipment of video games while a group of students known as the Breakfast Bunch provides backup.

My Thoughts - This is a funny, fast paced graphic novel that many students will enjoy.  It would be great for young, independent readers or struggling readers or for anyone who likes something funny and action packed!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Llama Llama Misses Mama

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney


Llama Llama experiences separation anxiety on his first day of nursery school.



My Thoughts - This is another sweet story about Llama Llama!  This would be great to read before the beginning of school or to remember the first day of school and how a child might feel on that special day.


*Summary taken from CIP data.

When the Wolves Returned

When the Wolves Returned by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

This is the story of how the wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park.  The author explains how the killing off of the wolf population changed the natural balance of life in Yellowstone and how bringing the wolf back has brought back the natural equilibrium.  Actual photographs are used and text is both simple and complex.  On the left page there is a text box with a sentence or two and then more detailed information in a paragraph on the right page.

My Thoughts - I enjoyed this non-fiction book!  The photographs were fabulous!  The narrative is written clearly and simlpy for children of many ages to understand.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Kid Lit Chick Blog!  Children's literature is a love of mine that I want to share with anyone else who is interested.  As I read good children's books, I will share them here.  My recommendations are meant to help you choose good books to read yourself or share with a child, Pre-K through 5th grade.  You can also refer to my other blog for YA or Young Adult literature suggestions that would be of interest to young people in 6th grade on up through high school.   

Please don't hesitate to comment!  I would love to read your thoughts and ideas about this blog or children's literature!

Enjoy!
Anne:)