The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. Illustrated by Dave McKean. HarperCollins Publishers, 2008. 312 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-0605-3092-1.

Annotation: A young boy marked for murder by an assassin is saved and raised by a variety of ghostly characters in a graveyard.

Summary: A toddler’s family is murdered by the man Jack and the boy is spared due to the kindness of ghostly residents of a nearby graveyard. Spiritual denizens name the boy Nobody Owens (Bod, for short), and raise him to be a teenager. Bod has the freedom of the graveyard and is given special powers of Fading and Haunting. When the man Jack and his wicked organization find Bod and come back to finish him off, the graveyard residents rally together to save Bod.

Evaluation: This is a wonderfully complex story that combines horror, mystery, and suspense with a bit of wit and adventure. There are occasional pages of gray and black artwork that add a bit of a surreal atmosphere to the clever prose. The character of Nobody Owen and the graveyard family that raises him will delight readers despite the slightly macabre theme of the book. The darkness of the man Jack and his ancient league of assassins enhance the captivating tale. This book is all-around great storytelling. Recommended for ages 8 to 16.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Horror, Ghosts, Supernatural, Family, Graveyards,

Awards: 2009 Newbery Medal Winner, 2009 ALA Notable Children’s Book, 2009 Boston Globe-Horn Honor Book Award, 2008 Los Angeles Times Book Prize- Young Adult Literature, 2009 ALA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults, 2009 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2009 American Booksellers Indies Choice Book Award - Best Young Adult Book

We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson

Nelson, Kadir. We Are the Ship: The Story of the Negro League Baseball. Disney Press, 2008. 96 pages. Tr. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-7868-0832-8.

Nelson, Kadir. We Are the Ship: The Story of the Negro League Baseball. Narrated by Dion Graham. Brilliance Audio, 2009. CD, 120 minutes. $19.99 ISBN 978-1-4233-7536-4.

Annotation: The history, life style, challenges, discrimination, and popularity of Negro League Baseball from the 1920’s until 1947 is explored through text and paintings.

Summary: This is a fitting tribute to Negro League Baseball. It describes the beginning and history of the leagues, the players, the style of play and the league’s ultimate collapse when Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947. An elderly fictional baseball player gives an insider account of what is was like to experience segregated baseball. Since blacks were banned from playing in the major leagues, Rube Foster organized the Leagues and offered African Americans the chance to earn a living playing baseball. The accounts of great players like Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige are detailed. The impact of racism is discussed as well as how the League ultimately enabled black players to be given the chance to play in the major leagues.

Evaluation: This history book reads like a compelling story. Nine chapters (or innings) are chronologically presented with beautifully vivid muscular oil paintings spread throughout. The conservational text and the larger-than-life illustrations complement each other. The history of the Negro leagues and the discrimination that the players endured are brought to life. Recommended for ages 6 to 16.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Non-Fiction, Sports, Baseball, African Americans, History, Racism, Discrimination

Awards: 2009 Coretta Scott King Award Winner – Author, 2009 Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book – Illustrator, Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Winner- Children’s Book, 2009 ALA Notable Children’s Book, 2010 Odyssey Honor Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production, 2010 ALA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults Award

A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck

Peck, Richard. A Year Down Yonder. Penguin Group, Inc., 2002. 144 pages. pap. $6.99 ISBN 978-0-14-230070-1.

Annotation: A fifteen year old girl named Mary Alice is sent to live with her feisty Grandma Dowdel in rural Illinois during the Depression. Both women learn and grow during a hilarious, surprising, and heartwarming year.

Summary: This is a sequel to A Long Way From Chicago, a Newbery Honor book. It is set during the recession of 1937 in rural Illinois. A fifteen year old girl named Mary Alice is sent to live with her rough and feisty Grandma Dowdel in a sleepy farm town until her parents can afford to bring her back to Chicago. During her stay, Mary Alice gets to know the townsfolk and discovers a fiercely independent and eccentric yet surprisingly compassionate and devoted grandma. She learns how to cook, be a partner in crime, help friends, take revenge on enemies, fall in love, and be independent. The unspoken fondness between the two women grows with each chapter.

Evaluation: This is a superbly crafted glimpse into the life of an eccentric, but kind grandma and her intelligent and perceptive granddaughter. With wit and charm, Richard Peck reveals the growth and drama in an adolescent life’s while staying true to the attitudes and lifestyle of the times. It is an amusing, down-home adventure involving memorably strong characters. Recommended for ages 8 to 14.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Historical, Family, Friendship, Grandmother, Country Life

Awards: 2001 Newbery Award Winner, 2001 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2001 ALA Notable Children’s Book,

The Friendship by Mildred D.Taylor

Taylor, Mildred D. The Friendship. Penguin Group, Inc., 1987. 56 pages. Tr. $16.99. ISBN
978-0-8037-0417-6.

Annotation: In 1933 in the state of Mississippi, some black children witness a violent confrontation between an elderly black man, Mr. Tom Bee and a white storeowner. Mr. Tom Bee learns the hard way that kindness and friendship do not always have power over racism in the South.

Summary: The year is 1933 and the setting is rural Mississippi. Cassie Logan and her brothers go to the store for some medicine. While there they see a confrontation between Mr. Tom Bee, an elderly black man and a white store owner, John Wallace. The friendship between the men is put to the test against a background of racism and civil rights. Mr. Bee addresses the store owner, John, by his first name, which is forbidden to do by blacks. Mr. Bee had saved John’s life on a number of occasions and had even cared for him like a son in his own home. John had given Tom Bee previous permission to call him by his first name. But under pressure and taunting from other white men in his store, John reneges on his promise and shoots Tom in the leg as punishment for such unacceptable behavior.

Evaluation: This book is based on an actual event. Mildred Taylor wrote this story based on family stories that were handed down to her from her father. The simply written but powerful story of paints a clear picture of the tragedy of prejudice and racism in the United States in the 21st century. Children will marvel at the courage it takes to stand up for what you believe despite the social norms of the time. Recommended for ages 7 to 14.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Historical, Racism, African Americans, Violence, Friendship

Awards: 1988 Coretta Scott King Award Winner, 1988 Boston Globe-Horn Award Winner- Fiction

The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

Curtis, Christopher Paul. The Watsons Go To Birmingham- 1963. Random House Children’s Books, 1997. 224 pages. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-440-41412-4.

Annotation: A black family from Michigan decides to spend the summer in Alabama during 1963 when racism and civil rights tensions are high. Their grandmother’s church is bombed and the impact of violence will prove to strengthen their family’s love and endurance.

Summary: A middle class black family from Flint Michigan decides to spend the summer in Birmingham, Alabama during the year 1963. Kenny’s older brother, Byron, is getting into too much trouble with city life and gangs and needs to be straightened out by his strong grandma. Kenny, the narrator, tells of his family’s experiences, both humorous and tragic as they deal with both northern and southern racism. Curtis writes thoughtfully about family relations, civil rights, and the impact of violence. When a local church is bombed and the whereabouts of Kenny’s sister, Joetta, is uncertain, the strength of family love and endurance is revealed. The story is especially compelling because it is a fictional account of an actual event- the September 15th, 1963 bombing of the 16th Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham which killed four teenage girls.

Evaluation: This well-written book is both funny and serious. The reader gets to know what a wonderfully wacky family the Watson’s are and share in their sorrow when violence erupts upon this undeserving family. The family comedy turns into a national tragedy with hope for a future filled with equality and acceptance. Recommended for ages 10 to 16.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Historical, Family, Racism, African Americans, Violence

Awards: 1995 Golden Kite Award Winner- Fiction, 1996 Newbery Award Honor Book, 1996 Coretta Scott King Honor Book Award, 1996 Jane Addams Children’s Honor Book Award, 1996 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 1996 ALA Notable Children’s Book

Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Running Out of Time. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 1997. 192 pages. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-689-81236-1.

Annotation: Teenager Jessie Keyser lives in a restored historic village during the 1990’s but she and the other children in the village believe they are actually living in the 1840’s. This “scientific experiment” agreed upon by the children’s parents goes horribly wrong when diphtheria is released on the helpless villagers and it is up to Jessie to save them.

Summary: Jessie Keyser, a 13 year old girl, lives with her family in a restored historic village set in Indiana in the 1840’s. The children of the village actually believe that it is the year 1840; their parents have agreed to participate in an elaborate scientific experiment. The ruse is successful because the tourists from the present day (the 1990’s) are hidden from view. But things go horribly wrong when diphtheria is unleashed on the village because the corrupt researchers connected with the village want to see what would happen to patients without modern medical care. Brave, backward, and bewildered Jessie is sent by her mother into the modern world to find help for the “imprisoned” villagers.

Evaluation: Written in captivating manner, this book is an interesting take on “historical” events for those who love time-travel. A strong teen heroine uses her intelligence and courage to overcome her culture fears and physical threats in order to save the village children from dying. Each chapter is so gripping that it is difficult to put down. Recommended for ages 8-14.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Suspense, Family, Diseases, Historic Villages, Adventure,Survival

Awards: 1997 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 1996 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 1995 American Bookseller Pick of the Lists

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Among the Hidden. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2000. 160 pages. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-689-82475-3.

Annotation: Twelve year old Luke Garner lives under a totalitarian regime that limits the number of children in a family to two. Unfortunately, Luke is the third child in family and must deal with the consequences of having to remain hidden in order to survive.

Summary: This book is the first of seven in the Shadow Children Series. It begins with Luke Garner, 12 year old boy who lives in a futuristic dystopia where the totalitarian regime observes a very strict two-children-only policy for families. Luke is, unfortunately, the third child of a poor farming family who has been forced to hide since birth. The government takes the land away from the family farm and builds expensive houses. Among the houses, Luke spots another third child named Jen. As their friendship secretly develops, Luke learns of an entire subculture of third children. Jen organizes a rally protesting the government’s treatment of third children but it ends with the Population Police murdering her. Luke is forced to determine how far he will go to resist the government in order to have a life that is worth living.

Evaluation: Written with suspense, this thought-provoking novel addresses the important issue of what it means to be free. Haddix is able to write a gripping novel with elements of family devotion, friendship, rebellion, and the controlling use of technology. Readers will be thinking about the courage it takes to stand up for what is right in society. Recommended for ages 8-14.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Suspense, Computers, Dystopia, Totalitarianism, Friendship, Family, Identity, Survival

Awards: 1999 ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 1999 ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, 2000 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2000 ALA Top 10 Quick Pick for Young Adults, 2003 ALA Popular Paperback for Young Adults

The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle

Engle, Margarita. The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom. Henry Holt & Company, 2008. 176 pages. Tr. $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-8674-4.

Annotation: This book, written in free verse prose, sheds a personal light on Cuba’s three wars for independence from Spain between the years 1850-1899. The story in verse follows alternating voices including Rosa, a healer, Jose, a freed slave, Silvia, a refugee child, and Lieutenant Death, a slave hunter and soldier.

Summary: This novel in verse alternately follows four central characters as they are involved in various struggles with Cuba’s three wars for independence from Spain between the years 1850-1899. The most prominent voice is Rosa, a traditional healer, who nurses all people- blacks, whites, Cuban, and Spanish back to health during the fifty year struggle. Despite living her life on the lam, she uses herbal medicine she makes from the native plants and sets up hospitals in caves and other hidden places. The second voice is Rosa’s husband, Jose, who is a freed slave that assists Rosa in tending to the sick and dying. The third voice is that of Silvia, a refugee child who Rosa teaches the art of healing. The final voice is that of Lieutenant Death, a slave hunter and callous soldier who is obsessed with hunting down slaves and trying to kill the heroine Rosa. The story follows the struggle of slavery and the sadness involved with the concentration camps that bring starvation, disease, and death. But the story also shows the hope in Cuba’s quest for freedom. The healing kindness that Rose, Jose, and Silvia show to others touches people and changes lives.

Evaluation: With simple, short lines of prose the story is easy to follow and well-written. There is a Cuban flavor to the language with a sprinkling of Spanish words. The free verse poems vary in length and style and together construct a compelling narrative that offers an authentic-feeling glance into the Cuban history. Recommended for ages 10-17.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Non-Fiction, Poetry, Cuba, History, Independence, Racism, Survival

Awards: 2009 Pura Belpre Award Winner, 2009 Newbery Medal Honor Book, 2009 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2009 Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Winner – Books for Older Children, 2009 ALA Best Books for Young Adults

AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOKS

One Boy by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Seeger, Laura Vaccaro. One Boy. Roaring Brook Press, 2008. 48 pages. Tr. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-59643-274-1.

Annotation: A young boy draws artwork in this clever counting book that plays with words within words.

Summary: Part counting book and part word concept book, Laura Vaccaro Seeger plays with words within words. Using die-cuts, new words are revealed or covered that relate to a word on the previous page. One young boy paints pictures using objects that increase by one with each painting. Numbers from one to ten appear on every other page. The paintings at first seem unrelated, but the end of the book reveals a connection when it shows that the pictures are all the artwork of the young boy.

Evaluation: With creative wordplay and precisely positioned die-cuts, this simple picture book is transformed into an artistic treat with the bright, eye-catching colors. Youngsters learning to count will benefit as will beginning readers who are learning new vocabulary words. Recommended for ages 2 to 7.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Counting, Imagination, Die-Cut, Art

Awards: 2009 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award, 2009 ALA Notable Books for Children

Are You Ready to Play Outside? by Mo Willems

Willems, Mo. Are You Ready to Play Outside? Hyperion Press, 2008. 64 pages. Tr. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1347-8.

Annotation: Just when Piggie is excited to play outside all day, it starts to rain. Elephant saves the day by first sheltering Piggie from the raindrops and then suggesting that the two friends should go ahead and play in the rain anyway.

Summary: Part of the Elephant and Piggie Beginning Reader Book Series, Elephant and Piggie are once again together. Piggie is so excited to play outside for the day, but is quickly frustrated when raindrops start to fall. Gerald the Elephant uses his ear as an umbrella to shelter the sad Piggie. However, both notice two worms having a jolly time playing in the rain. Gerald suggests that they give it a try as well. Piggie and Gerald soon are having so much fun running, jumping, and skipping that they are saddened when it stops raining. Gerald uses his trunk to douse the delighted Piggie with more water.

Evaluation: With a soft color palette and uncomplicated, yet lively illustrations the adventures of Elephant and Piggie continue. The simple and repetitious text is appropriate for beginning readers. This is an excellent book about being a true friend. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Beginning Reader, Friendship, Animals, Elephant, Pigs, Weather

Awards: 2009 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner, 2009 ALA Notable Books for Children

Close to You: How Animals Bond by Kimiko Kajikawa

Kajikawa, Kimiko. Close to You: How Animals Bond. Henry Holt & Company, 2008. 32 pages. Tr. $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-8123-7.

Annotation: Just like people, animals have unique ways of bonding. The parent-child relationship between different animals is explored.

Summary: The bond between parent and child is strong, even in the animal kingdom. Just like people, animals form strong attachments to each other. Crisp, charming photographs include an adult giraffe licking its baby and an adult alligator gently holding its baby in its mouth. The book ends with the special relationship between people. Additional descriptive and behavioral information on each animal is included in the end matter.

Evaluation: With large, colorful photographs the animal world is investigated. The sweet bonding that occurs between baby and adult animals is tenderly portrayed. The simple rhyming text complements the close-up photos of the animals in their natural habitats. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Non-Fiction, Animals, Bonding, Family

Awards: 2009 Christopher Award – Preschool Books for Young People

Jazz by Walter Dean Myers

Myers, Walter Dean. Jazz. Illustrated by Christopher Myers. Holiday House, 2006. 44 pages. Tr. $18.95. ISBN 978-0-82-341545-8.

Myers, Walter Dean. Jazz. Narrated by James “D-Train” Williams and Vaneese Thomas. Live Oak Media, 2007. Cd with Hardback book, 43 minutes. $28.95. ISBN 978-1-43-010022-5.

Annotation: The history and feel of jazz music is presented beautifully in both poetry and picture.

Summary: An introduction to American jazz music is given through both pictures and words. Through varied poetic forms, the history, technical background, major musicians, styles, and influences are presented. The pulsating acrylic illustrations compliment the upbeat text. A jazz glossary and historical timeline add to the exploration of this important musical style.

Evaluation: Word and picture combine wonderfully to give the feeling and rhythm of American jazz music. The deeply rich and expressionistic illustrations flow like melodic music over the pages. The poems read like jazz music is played. Recommended for ages 4 to 9.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Non-Fiction, Music, Jazz, Musicians, Stories in Verse, Poetry

Awards: 2007 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2007 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award, 2007 Golden Kite Award Winner – Picture Book Text, 2008 Odyssey Award Winner for Excellence in Audiobook Production

Higher! Higher! by Leslie Patricelli

Patricelli, Leslie. Higher! Higher! Candlewick Press, 2009. 32 pages. Tr. $15.99. ISBN 978-0-76-363241-0.

Annotation: A little girl soars higher and higher into a world of fun as her father pushes her in a playground swing.

Summary: A little girl and her father are enjoying a day at the park on the swings. With each push, the girl tells her dad that she wants to go even higher. The girl swings past a giraffe, a high-rise building, a mountain climber, and an airplane. At her apex, she meets an alien child in outer space whom she high-fives. She safely descends back to her father and wishes to be pushed again.

Evaluation: The brightly colored acrylic paintings add cheerfulness and whimsy to the day at the playground. The repetitive and very simple text (only six words are used) will appeal to the youngest listeners. This is a good book to spur the imagination. Recommended for ages 2 to 5.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Imagination, Recreation, Family

Awards: 2010 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2009 Boston Globe-Horn Award- Honor Picture Book

I Stink! by Kate McMullan

McMullan, Kate. I Stink! Illustrated by Jim McMullan. HarperCollins Publishers, 2006. 40 pages. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-06-443836-0.

Annotation: A garbage truck with personality galore and a really big appetite for refuse from A to Z collects trash at night while people are sleeping.

Summary: A garbage truck who loves his job collects trash at night in a big city. While most people are asleep, he ravenously devours people’s discard from A (apple cores) to Z (ziti with zucchini). His rounds are described complete with noises, smells, and operating instructions. He mentions that without a garbage truck’s essential services, people would be living on a pile of trash. In the early morning, he unloads his last haul onto a barge and heads back to the garage for some well–deserved rest.

Evaluation: This boldly illustrated book using exaggeration and dark colors to achieve its desired effect. The brazen garbage truck narrates the story with commanding, lively text. Sound effects and humor add to the brash tone. The story of a day in the life of sanitation truck is great for truck lovers. Recommended for ages 3 to 9.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Alphabet, Trucks, Trash, Refuse Disposal

Awards: 2003 Charlotte Zolotow Award - Highly Commended Titles, 2003 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2002 Boston Globe-Horn Award- Honor Picture Book

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book by Yuyi Morales

Morales, Yuyi. Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book. Chronicle Books, 2003. 36 pages. Tr. $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-3758-3.

Annotation: A clever Grandma stalls Senor Calavera (Mr. Skull) from taking her away while she busily prepares for her own birthday party with her grandchildren. Part trickster tale/part counting book, readers will enjoy the glimpse into Mexican culture.

Summary: In this bilingual English-Spanish counting book, Grandma Beetle has an unwanted visitor, Senor Calavera (Mr. Skull), who wants to take her away permanently. Grandma cleverly stalls him by finding chore after chore to complete as she prepares for her own birthday party. Each task is linked to a number from one to ten. She politely asks Senor Calavera to wait just a minute during each chore. In the end, Grandma’s nine grandchildren join her at at the party and Senor Calavera is honored as a guest as well. Senor Calavera has such a good time that he leaves with a note explaining that he will be back in the future.

Evaluation: The textured acrylic and mixed-media illustrations create a warm and inviting palette as Grandma Beetle scurries about the house readying it for her birthday party celebration. The Spanish and English text is seamlessly written. Senor Calavera is not too scary as the skeleton. The vibrant illustrations show a glimpse of Mexican culture. Recommended for ages 4 to 9.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Counting, Folklore, Mexican Culture, Skeleton, Grandmothers, Family, Bilingual

Awards: 2004 Pura Belpre Award Winner – For Illustration, 2004 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2003 Golden Kite Honor Book – For Picture Book Illustration

Birds by Kevin Henkes

Henkes, Kevin. Birds. Illustrated by Laura Dronzek. HarperCollins Publishers, 2009. 32 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06136304-7.

Annotation: Birds are all around us; they come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. A young girl wonders at the movement and mysteries of birds.

Summary: This book is a good introduction to birds for the younger set. Birds come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. Their movements and singing are magical. A young girl is fascinated with bird watching and studying these beautiful winged creatures.

Evaluation: The vibrant acrylic paintings show the beauty of birds. The simple yet reflective text combines well with the bright colorful illustrations. Children will take a more active interest in observing our featured friends after reading this wonderful book. Recommended for ages 2 to 7.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Birds

Awards: 2010 Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, 2010 ALA Notable Books for Children

A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker

Becker, Bonny. A Visitor for Bear. Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick Press, 2008. 56 pages. Tr. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-2807-9.

Annotation: Bear is quite content being alone, so when persistent and friendly Mouse repeatedly pops up in Bear’s house wanting company, Bear gets frustrated. While Bear locks down his house against the menacing mouse, Bear slowly realizes that he would like a friend.

Summary: Bear does not want any friends; in fact, he has a “No Visitors” sign posted on his front door. So when friendly and persistent Mouse pesters Bear for a spot of tea and a seat by the fire, Bear becomes undone. Bear boards the windows, stops up the chimney and plugs the drain in a futile effort to stop Mouse from entering his home. Exasperated, Bear finally relents to Mouse’s requests. But after some conversation, Bears heart softens and he realizes that he does need a friend.

Evaluation: The energetic mouse and inhospitable bear are expressively portrayed in softly hued watercolors. The lively interaction between Bear and Mouse is comical. The slightly repetitive text and wonderful pacing allow for a storytelling treat. Recommended for ages 4 to 10.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Bears, Mice, Friendship, Persistence

Awards: 2009 Golden Kite Award Winner- Picture Book Text, 2009 ALA Notable Books for Children,

Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken by Kate DiCamillo

DiCamillo, Kate. Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken. Illustrated by Harry Bliss. HarperCollins Publishers, 2008. 56 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-075554-6.

DiCamillo, Kate. Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken. Narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. Live Oak Media, 2009. CD with Hardback book, 19 minutes. $ 28.95. ISBN 978-1-430-10688-3.

Annotation: A daring hen tires of her henhouse and goes in search of adventure. She is captured by pirates, nearly eaten by a lion, and is kidnapped at a bazaar but successfully escapes each time. Although she loves adventure, she always returns to the comforts and friendship awaiting her at home.

Summary: Louise, the brave French chicken, longs for adventure. She sets off to discover the world and is not disappointed. She is captured by hungry pirates, joins a circus and is nearly eaten by a lion, and is kidnapped at a foreign bazaar but escapes. After each short bout of adventure, she always returns to her henhouse to enjoy the company and comforts of home. After her last adventure, she finally shares the tales of her adventures with her sister chickens who are mesmerized. Louise realizes her adventures can continue with the transporting power of storytelling.

Evaluation: In this picture book divided into four short chapters, the line and watercolor illustrations detail the action scenes as Louise goes in search of and finds real adventure. The slightly repetitive narrative and the excellent pacing deepen the interest in the story. The main message is not about seeking your own adventure, but instead about the fulfillment found in sharing stories with friends and family. Recommended for ages 4 to 10.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Adventure, Animals, Chickens, Storytellling

Awards: 2010 Odyssey Award Winner for Excellence in Audiobook Production

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Henkes, Kevin. Kitten’s First Full Moon. HarperCollins Publishers, 2004. 40 pages. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-058828-1.

Annotation: A hungry kitten spies what she thinks is a bowl of milk in the sky and in a moonlit pond. After several ill-fated attempts to lick up the milk, she returns home sad and tired but soon discovers a bowl of milk waiting for her.

Summary: In the evening, a little kitten spies what she thinks is a bowl of milk in the sky. As she closes her eyes and tries to lick the moon, she gets a mouthful of bugs. Repeated attempts at trying to drink the milk from the sky and a nearby moonlit pond, results in a wet and tired kitty. Upon the return from her adventures, the kitten is excited to have a precious bowl of milk waiting for her on the porch. Persistence pays off.

Evaluation: In gouache and colored pencil, the hues of black and white illustrate the poor kitten’s milk misadventures. The rhythmic text coupled with the charming, expressive artwork add to the warm and comical story. The message of determination will be enjoyed by children. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Genre / Subject: Juvenile Fiction, Animals, Cats, Moon, Milk, Persistence

Awards: 2005 Caldecott Award Winner, 2005 ALA Notable Books for Children, 2005 Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner, 2005 American Booksellers Award - Children's Illustrated Honor Book