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Binky, License to Scratch by Ashley Spires
Summary: Binky the space cat and his team of space pets are left at the vet's office
while their humans are away. Binky plans an escape, only to stumble on a secret
experiment that could give vicious aliens the upper hand! It's up to Binky and
his friends to save the humans ... and themselves!
My Thoughts: Binky is a graphic novel, which kids will enjoy. It is the last of a series all about Binky and his adventures. In this story, Binky and his fellow animal friends have to go to what they are told is a "Pet Hotel" but is really the Vet's office. They feel they are doomed! This is a fun adventure with a little body humor thrown in that boys will enjoy! If you like this series, you might also try the Down Girl and Sit series by Lucy Nolan.
*Summary taken from MLS website.
The Apple Orchard Riddle by Margaret McNamara
Summary: When students in Mr. Tiffin's class are invited to solve a riddle during a field trip to an apple orchard, it is Tara's daydreams that may lead to the answer.
My Thoughts: This is a fun story about a field trip and apples. Readers can see some of the processes that go on at an apple orchard and farm. The riddle Mr. Tiffin gives his students is a puzzle that an astute reader may quickly see the answer to but should enjoy Tara's journey to the answer in the story. This would be fun to add to an unit on apples or just a fun read sometime.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
Summary: Ethan's monster is gone for the night but he is worried that none of the substitute monsters are scary enough to keep him in bed for the night.
My Thoughts: This would be fun to read with a child struggling with night time fears. It is a twist on the scary monster under the bed fear that many children may have. In this case, Ethan wants a scary monster under his bed to help him stay in bed all night!
Memoirs of a Hamster by Devin Scillian
Summary: A pet hamster is enticed by the family cat to venture outside his well-equipped cage to the sunroom only to very quickly discover life outside his cage is not the best for him.
My Thoughts: This is the same author-illustrator duo who wrote Memoirs of a Goldfish, another fun book. I really liked this story! It has lots of humor that kids and adults will get, although the Hoover reference may need to be explained to some children. The hamster has a wonderful voice, that lends this book to use in the classroom. This would be a fun book to use with a lesson on organization too. Downloadable teaching guides are available online at the publisher's website.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
On My Way to Bed by Sarah Maizes
Summary: Livi imagines herself as a tightrope walker, a zoo dentist, a magician, and more as she tries to avoid going to bed.
My Thoughts: This story brought back memories of childhood and my brother who was a master a drawing out the going to bed process. Livi is pretty good at that too! A parent will read this to their child and hope that their child doesn't get any new ideas! A child will hear this story and be entertained by the imagination and the fun pictures that add humor and details to Livi's imaginings. Don't read this before bed without expecting some new stalling tactics!
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Off We Go! A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand
Summary: Bear teaches his friend, Mole, how to ride his bike with no training wheels. After many bumps along the road, they make it to their final destination: the Storymobile.
My Thoughts: As a librarian, I love how this story ends! As a mom, I love the friendship and encouragement that the story illustrates! The pictures are wonderful too, with vibrant colors and a softness that makes them friendly and cheery.
*Summary taken from CIP data.
Binky, License to Scratch by Ashley Spires
