Saturday, October 26, 2013

The Apple Orchard Riddle

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.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

I Need My Monster

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!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Memoirs of a Hamster

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.
 

Friday, October 11, 2013

On My Way to Bed

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!

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.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Who's on First?

Who's on First? by Abbot and Costello

Summary: An illustrated edition of the classic comedy routine by Abbott and Costello about oddly named baseball players.

My Thoughts: This is a great book for reading aloud, either to younger kids or beginning readers! If they haven't heard it yet they will be in stitches!  Make sure that the kids can understand and follow a bit of word play to make sure they can really enjoy the book!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

I Broke My Trunk!

I Broke My Trunk! by Mo Willems

Summary: Gerald the elephant tells his best friend Piggie a long, crazy story about how he broke his trunk.

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book in the Piggie and Elephant series!  Gerald's story is so very funny it is sure to tickle anyone's funny bone!  There are many times when the reader will think "Ok, this is it!" but then it isn't.  The story continues on and on, but not too long!  Beginning readers will love this one!  It is a great book to have them read aloud to an adult.  They can be taught to use expression with their reading using this and any other of the Piggie and Elephant books.

*Summary taken from CIP data.