Forever by Judy Blume

Book Summary
Katherine and her best friend Erica decide to go to Erica's cousins house for a party. There Katherine met a boy named Michael. They didn't talk much until Michael returned to the house the next day. After spending the day together, Katherine and Michael became a couple. Michael was sweet and loving and never pressured inexperienced Katherine into having sex. When the time was right, they did and their relationship grew even more. They were in love...forever. As the school year came to a close, both Michael and Katherine's parents decided the couple needed to spend some time apart. They swore it wouldn't change a thing. Then Katherine met Theo.

My Thoughts
This book is a very light read. It is fun but not really too interesting. The story is a play by play of the teenage couple's relationship. Judy Blume does a great job of describing the feelings of a teenage girl when faced with love and sex. It is a great read for teenage girls dealing with a similar situation.

Library Usage
Forever is a good book to recommend to patrons on an individual basis. Due to the controversy surrounding this book, I would hesitate to use it in any other way.

Journal Reviews
Booklist, October 15, 1988
"Katherine and Michael's romance progresses rapidly from kissing to sexual intercourse after Katherine gets the Pill-- but will their love last forever?"

Note: This is the only review I was able to locate.

Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy by Sonya Sones

Book Summary
Stop Pretending tells the story of Cookie, a girl whose older sister has a nervous breakdown and ends up in the psychiatric ward of a hospital. The story, told entirely through poems, expresses Cookies feelings as she watches her sister disappear into a world of crazy people. As a result, her family falls apart and her friends desert her. Cookie feels helpless and hopeless. She struggles with the idea that she too could go crazy. She also learns about love, friendship, and strength.

My Thoughts
Reading a book entirely in verse was not an idea that thrilled me. Overall, it wasn't a bad read but I would rather have read it in a prose format. It was a very interesting story and I wanted to know more details than I was getting.

Library Usage
Stop Pretending would make a good book club read. It's also an excellent book recommendation for a young adult that may be going through a similar situation.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal
"An unpretentious, accessible book that could provide entry points for a discussion about mental illness-its stigma, its realities, and its affect on family members."

Kirkus Reviews
"In a story based on real events, and told in poems, Sones explores what happened and how she reacted when her adored older sister suddenly began screaming and hearing voices in her head, and was ultimately hospitalized.To a budding genre that includes Karen Hesse's Out of the Dust (1997) and Virginia Euwer Wolff's Make Lemonade (1993), this book is a welcome addition."

Bone Volume 1: Out from Boneville by Jeff Smith

Book Summary
Fone Bone's cousin Phoney Bone has gotten himself in trouble again. In an effort to help Phoney escape the angry mobs in Boneville, Fone Bone and his other cousin Smiley Bone all run from Boneville. After traveling for some time, they realize they are completely lost. They find themselves caught in a storm of locusts which separates them all from each other. Fone Bone makes his way into a forest where he befriends many of the creatures. He also realizes that a dragon is watching over him and protecting him from the evil rat creatures who want nothing more than to eat him. Fone Bone also meets Thorn, a very attractive young girl who lives with her grandmother, a famous cow racer. Even with his newly found happy life in the forest, Fone Bone doesn't give up hope that he will find his cousins and return to Boneville.

My Thoughts
The story of Fone Bone and his adventures is truely a great read for anyone from elementary school students and up. Jeff Smith's expressive characters are illustrated so simply yet with so much emotion. This is a graphic novel series that I will continue to read and will recommend to friends and patrons.

Library Usage
This graphic novel is a great tool getting relectuant readers to start reading. I would use it on a display for graphic novels in the young adult section of the library as well as in a readers advisory pamphlet. It could also be used to help launch a library program or contest based on graphic novels.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal
"A whimsical journey, cunningly told. It combines fable with American legend in a tale of greed, friendship, and struggle." Scott La Counte, Anaheim Public Library, CA


Publishers Weekly, February 07, 2005
"The story is something like a Chuck Jones version of The Lord of the Rings: hilarious and action-packed, but rarely losing track of its darker subtext about power and evil. This volume is the most lighthearted of the bunch, though, featuring some of the wittiest writing of any children's literature in recent memory-a few of Smith's gags are so delicious that he repeated them for the rest of the series. This is first-class kid lit: exciting, funny, scary and resonant enough that it will stick with readers for a long time."

Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein by Don Brown

Book Summary
Young Albert Einstein never quite fit in. He had a horrible temper but was also very focused on how things work. He never enjoyed his studies until he was introduced to math. It fascinated him. He studied math and science. He eventually grew to become one of the most famous scientists in the world.

My Thoughts
This book offers young children a great introduction to Albert Einstein and how he became a scientist. The book barely makes mention of exactly what he is famous for but as a story about a boy who becomes a scientist, it is a good book.

Library Usage
Due to its limited text and eye-catching illustrations, this book would make an excellent read-aloud for a science oriented program for elementary school students.

Journal Reviews
Publishers Weekly, October 18, 2004
"Writing in the present tense, the author shares anecdotes that reveal young Einstein's character. The writing occasionally becomes muddy when discussing Einstein's scientific thinking and discoveries, targeting the book more to kids who identify with the hero's personality traits than to those interested in the man's ideas. But Brown's narrative and appealingly quirky pen-and-ink and watercolor art effectively illuminate the eccentricities and intelligence of Einstein the boy and the man." Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal, October 01, 2004
"This well-crafted picture-book biography focuses on Einstein's hard-to-classify brilliance, which led to awesome scientific discoveries, but all too often left him a misunderstood outsider. Through eloquent narrative and illustration, Brown offers a thoughtful introduction to an enigmatic man. This book will pique the interest of readers with little or no knowledge of Einstein." -Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Bodies From the Ash by James M. Deem

Book Summary
This book describes the events that took place on August 24 and 25, AD 79 when Mount Vesuvius erupted and destroyed the city of Pompeii. It also tells about the excavation of Pompeii and how the story of those days was pieced together. Included are photographs of the excavation site and the plaster casts of the bodies that were found.

My Thoughts
This book does an excellent job of teaching about Pompeii and the events that have taken place there since the eruption. It is extremely informative, explaining how the excavations were done as well as how the stories of those who died were figured out. The facts are given in an interesting way so as not to loose the interest of the reader.

Library Usage
I would use this book for a display on ancient times. It would also be useful in a reader's advisory recommended informational books.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal, December 01, 2005
"In this well-researched account, Deem retells the story of this devastating eruption, combining a lively text with photographs of the bones and artifacts that have been unearthed through the years. Dramatic photographs of the casts capture the horror of this event and help readers to envision day-to-day life in this civilization. With incredibly engrossing images and narrative, this is a powerful and poignant piece of nonfiction." -Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Booklist, November 01, 2005
"What the text lacks in excitement is made up for by the enormous amount of information Deem offers, some of which was acquired in on-site research. But the jewels here are the numerous black-and-white (and some color) photographs, especially those featuring the plaster casts and skeletons of people in their death throes. The horizontal format, with pages looking as though they were partially bordered in marble, makes an attractive setting for the art. Excellent for browsers as well as researchers." --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2005

Day of Tears by Julius Lester

Book Summary
As a child born into slavery, Emma works hard to care for the children of plantation owner Pierce Butler. When Butler gambles all of his money away, he must sell his slaves in order to pay his debt. Throughout the slave auction there has been heavy rains which the slaves explain as god's tears for the horrible injustice that is taking place. On the last day of the auction, Butler requests Emma accompanies him in order to help watch over his two young daughters. Without warning, Emma is sold to a new owner and taken from her family and friends. Through stories told from each characters point of view, Lester pulls you into this story of Emma and her life as she goes from slave to a free woman.

My Thoughts
This is a very powerful book. It easily engages the reader in the story and shoves the reality of slavery in your face. It is heart wrenching to read about these families being torn apart so that a stupid man can pay off his gambling debt. Once you begin this book, it is nearly impossible to put down.

Library Usage
This book is a great way to tie together literature and history. Slavery is a fairly abstract concept in today's world but this book will help bring it to life in the mind's of young readers. Use this book in a book club setting since it will provide an excellent opportunity for discussion and teaching.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal, March 01, 2005
"The text itself is easy to read and flows nicely. Different typefaces distinguish the characters' monologues, their dialogues with one another, and their memories. Still, middle school readers may have some difficulty following the plot until they get used to the unusual format. Altogether this novel does a superb job of showing the inhumanity of slavery. It begs to be read aloud, and it could be used in sections to produce some stunning reader's theatre." -Bruce Anne Shook, Mendenhall Middle School, Greensboro, NC Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Booklist, February 01, 2005
"From his first book, To Be a Slave (1968), Lester has told the history of slavery through personal accounts that relay the dehumanizing message of the perpetrators. The personal voices make this a stirring text for group discussion. Older readers may want to go on from here to the nonfiction narratives in Growing Up in Slavery." --Hazel Rochman Copyright 2005 Booklist

Down the Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrahams

Book Summary
Thirteen year old Ingrid Levin-Hill has a love for acting, soccer, and Sherlock Holmes. When she takes a wrong turn on her way to soccer practice, Ingrid finds herself in the middle of a real life mystery. Cracked-Up Katie helps her get back home, then winds up murdered. Ingrid fears that she will become a suspect and returns to crime scene to retrieve the soccer cleats she had accidentally left behind. Now, having committed a crime herself by tampering with a crime scene, Ingrid feels trapped. In an effort to avoid trouble, she decides to solve the crime herself proving that she and the current suspects are innocent. All this, along with soccer, school problems and the lead role in the local theatre play turns out to be more than Ingrid can handle.

My Thoughts
Less than half way through this book, I was still forcing myself to go on and had already solved the mystery. The story seems to drag on with little to no action. Ingrid makes so many bad decisions it is impossible to like her. The relationships she has with her family & friends are completely artificial. There is not a believable character in this story.

Library Usage
This book could be used as part of a young adult book club.

Journal Reviews
Publishers Weekly
"In his first novel for kids, bestselling author Abrahams unspools a tale that fittingly gets curiouser and curiouser. The fresh dialogue and believable small-town setting will tempt fans to visit Echo Falls again for any sequels." Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal
"She [Ingrid] and the other main characters are all solidly drawn, including the newest member of her family, a droopy-eyed dog named Nigel. Deft use of literary allusions and ironic humor add further touches of class to a topnotch mystery."–Susan W. Hunter, Riverside Middle School, Springfield, VT, Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyers

Book Summary
Bella Swan's mom has decided to get remarried and go on the road with her sports playing husband. In order to give her mom the freedom she needs, Bella moves to a small town called Forks to live with her dad. While in Forks she meets Edward and his very strange family. Clumsy Bella is always getting in trouble and somehow Edward is always there to save her. She soon learns of Edward's secret. He is a vampire. Edward and Bella fall in love and learn that being in love with a vampire has it definite disadvantages.

My Thoughts
This is a great, easy to read book for female readers. While Bella's whining can be quite annoying, the story itself is entertaining enough to get past it. It is easy to see why so many teens have fallen in love with Edward and his family and have become obsessed with Bella's world. The love they have is one that young girls fantasize about.

Library Usage
Due to the popularity of this book, there is a great opportunity to introduce young adult readers to other books as well. I would create a Reader's Advisory brochure (and web page) recommended books to read for those who enjoyed the Twilight series. I would also create programs for young adults that are related to Twilight.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal, February 01, 2006
"One of the more original vampire constructs around... Although Edward and Bella's romance and subsequent danger develops slowly, the pacing is appropriate for teens who want learn all the details in this suspenseful tale. An excellent purchase for both school and public libraries." -Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Booklist, November 15, 2005
"This is a book of the senses: Edward is first attracted by Bella's scent; ironically, Bella is repelled when she sees blood. Their love is palpable, heightened by their touches, and teens will respond viscerally. There are some flaws here--a plot that could have been tightened, an over reliance on adjectives and adverbs to bolster dialogue--but this dark romance seeps into the soul." --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2005

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Book Summary
Lina & Doon were born and raised in the City of Ember. There is no sun in Ember and no neighboring cities. Ember's power is supplied completely by a generator and it's obvious to everyone that the generator is dying. In an effort to fix the generator and save Ember, Lina & Doon discover a way out and soon learn the history of how Ember came to be.

My Thoughts
I couldn't put this book down. The characters were very well developed as was the City of Ember itself. It was easy to create a visual image of the city in my mind complete with streets and buildings. I rooted for Lina & Doon and enjoyed being a part of their growing friendship.

Library Usage
This book would be a great book club read. It is an easy read for middle schoolers and offers many points for discussion.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal, May 01, 2003
"DuPrau debuts with a promisingly competent variation on the tried-and-true "isolated city" theme. ...the quick pace and the uncomplicated characters and situations will keep voracious fans of the genre engaged" .-John Peters, New York Public Library

Booklist, April 15, 2003
"Readers will relate to Lina and Doon's resourcefulness and courage in the face of ominous odds." --Sally Estes

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

Book Summary
When Roy moves from Montana to Florida, he expects the usual attacks by bullies and loneliness in the cafeteria at lunch but he never counted on the running boy that he sees from the school bus. His curiosity gets the best of him as he follows the boy in an effort to learn more about him. He does learn about the boy and soon becomes friends with him and his sister. He also learns of the burrowing owls who are about to get buried by the construction of a new pancake house. Will Roy and his friends be able to stop the construction and save the owls?

My Thoughts
In a time when the state of our environment is a pressing issue, this story makes young adults aware of some of the problems that come along with land development. It also shows them that even students can make a big difference when they set their minds to it. This book presents an excellent environmentally proactive story that, while a little slow at times, is interesting to the reader. It also addresses the issues of bulling and being the new kid in town.

Library Usage
This is a great book to booktalk in the schools around Earth Day in April. It would also be a good introduction to a community service project or a trip to a bird sanctuary.

Journal Reviews
Publishers Weekly, May 17, 2004
"With a Florida setting and pro-environment, anti-development message, Hiaasen returns to familiar turf for his first novel for young readers. Several suspenseful scenes, along with dollops of humor, help make this quite a hoot indeed."

Booklist, October 15, 2002
" The story is full of offbeat humor, buffoonish yet charming supporting characters, and genuinely touching scenes of children enjoying the wildness of nature. He [Hiassen] deserves a warm welcome into children's publishing." --Bill Ott

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Book Summary
Sixteen year old Steve Harmon is on trial for murder after supposedly taking part in a convenience store robbery that results in the killing of the store owner. Steve decides to deal with his situation by turning the events that unfold into a movie and so the book "Monster" is born. His script depicts the trial itself and includes all stage/camera directions. Every statement made by the lawyers and judges and every testimony given by every witness is included. When the trial is not in session, Steve writes journal pages where he writes about his life in jail and his personal thoughts on what has happened to him. Throughout the trial, Steve often wonders whether or not he is the monster that he has been accused of being.

My Thoughts
A good book for high school students and one that can be enjoyed by both sexes. I thought the script format of the book allowed the reader to really get into Steve Harmon's head and watch the trail as it unfolds along with him. There were certain parts of the trial that seemed to me a little unrealistic but seeing as I have never studied any type of law, I could be completely wrong. Overall, this is a good realistic fiction book that focuses on a situation that could happen to students that get involved in the wrong crowd.

Library Usage
A good book talk book for high school classes focusing on criminal justice or social studies classes discussing the legal system or gangs.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal, 1999
"Monster will challenge readers with difficult questions, to which there are no definitive answers. Monster lends itself well to classroom or group discussion. It's an emotionally charged story that readers will find compelling and disturbing." - Edward Sullivan, New York Public Library, Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Booklist
"Myers combines an innovative format, complex moral issues, and an intriguingly sympathetic but flawed protagonist in this cautionary tale of a 16-year-old on trial for felony murder." - Debbie Carton

The School Story by Andrew Clements

Book Summary
In The School Story, Natalie and Zoe (two best friends) decide to get Natalie's first novel professionally published. Zoe decides that Natalie's novel is too good not to be published and comes up with a plan to make it happen. Natalie finishes her novel, takes on the pen name Cassandra Day and sends her novel to the publishing company where her mom is an editor. With Zoe as her literary agent, Ms. Clayton as their adult adviser, and eventually the help of Zoe's lawyer dad, the girls manage to get the novel edited by Natalie's unsuspecting mother and published by her company. A reveal of the author to her editor (mother) at the end of the story in a publicity stunt pulled of by Zoe, launches the book onto the children's bestseller list.

My Thoughts
While I often question the possibility of the events in the book actually happening, I was drawn into this book through the interesting characters and the adventure they embark on. It is easy to envision myself at their age wanted to write and publish a book on my own without anyone knowing. Although the ending is somewhat predicable, the story itself was enough to keep me interested the entire time I was reading.

Library Usage
This book would make for a great discussion when talking to elementary age students about books for recreational reading. It could be used to offer a challenge for children to create their own story for "publication" at the library.

Journal Reviews
From Publishers Weekly, September 2002
"In a starred review, PW called this book about a 12-year-old aspiring author a "standout. Indeed a 'school story,' this is at heart a tale about the love between a father and a daughter." Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

School Library Journal
"The girls are believable characters, completely different, yet better friends because of it. Selznick's black-and-white illustrations add humorous details. A comic novel that's a sure winner." - Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Booklist
"Clements' story of how two 12-year-olds sell a book is amazingly believable, and his characters are as real as the reader's best friends. Children will connect with thoughtful, talented Natalie as she comes to terms with her father's death through her story, and with brash, loyal Zoe, who gets things done. They'll be drawn quickly into the story's action as the girls plan, connive, write and rewrite, and ultimately celebrate the book's publication. Brian Selznick's occasional illustrations add zest. Be prepared for kids lining up to read this one." - Chris Sherman, Copyright © American Library Association.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Book Summary
In this story narrated by Jack (as in Jack and the Bean Stalk), popular
fairy tales turn into "fairly stupid tales" that will make any reader, young or old or somewhere in between, giggle to themselves (and maybe even out loud). Each tale is a favorite retold in a shorter , cut to the chase way with a sarcastic tone and abstract illustrations. Stories like "The Princess and the Bowling Ball", where the prince takes the selection of his bride into his own hands, offer a refreshing new take on happily ever after.

My Thoughts
The Stinky Cheese Man is a must read for everyone. After finishing it at the library, I knew this was a book that must be added to my home collection. Simply put, it is a fun.

Library Usage
I would recommend this book be used in a storytime setting with elementary school children. It's also a book I would recommend to parents who are trying to get their children more interested in reading.

Journal Reviews
Booklist Review, Sept. 1, 1992
"It will take older children (that's teens along with 10s) to follow the disordered story lines and appreciate the narrative's dry wit, wordplay, and wacky, sophomoric jokes. There's more than a touch of black humor, too. Smith's New Wave art is an intricate part of the whole, extending as well as reinforcing the narrative; the pictures are every bit as comically insolent and deliberately clever as the words, with Smith's dark palette giving them a moody feeling. Every part of the book bears the loving, goofy stamp of its creators, and while their humor won't appeal to everyone, their endeavors will still attract a hefty following of readers--from 9 to 99." -- Stephanie Zvirin

Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 1992
"From the front jacket copy to the Little Red Hen's hack-cover diatribe, the parodic humor here runs riot. AH of this is fairly amusing, but what's most unusual is the innovative play with typography and Smith's wondrously bizarre and expressive art. Irrepressibly zany fun."

The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

Book Summary
Ten year old Lucky has been searching for her higher power ever since the untimely death of her mother. Now living with her father's first wife, Bridgette, Lucky 's life has become mostly stable but the fear of losing Bridgette and ending up in an orphanage is ever present. She spends her evenings listening to the twelve-step program meetings in hopes of learning where her higher power may be and how to find it. When Lucky finds out that Bridgette plans to return to her family in France, Lucky packs up her homemade backpack survival kit and runs away. A dust storm ruins her plans but leads her to the answers she'd been looking for.

My Thoughts
The Higher Power of Lucky is not one of my favorites. The book often refers to the twelve step programs and how a person finds their higher power. I don't know of many kids that are familiar with these programs or know what a higher power is. I have to wonder whether or not a young reader can really relate to this story and its characters without having that vital information. I can definitely see why people were surprised when this book won the Newbery.

Library Usage
Good to showcase with other Newbery winners. Possibly an opportunity to talk this book up with children that might be in the midst of dealing with family members and addiction.

Journal Reviews
Booklist Review, 12-01-2006
"Patron's plotting is as tight as her characters are endearing. Lucky is a true heroine, especially because she's not perfect: she does some cowardly things, but she takes pains to put them to rights." -- Francisca Goldsmith

School Library Journal Review, December 1, 2006
"This character-driven novel has an unusually complicated backstory, and a fair amount of exposition. Yet, its quirky cast and local color help to balance this fact, and the desert setting is fascinating. Phelan's cover and line drawings are simple and evocative, a perfect complement to the text." --Adrienne Furness

Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2006
"Readers will gladly give themselves over to Patron, a master of light but sure characterization and closely observed detail. A small gem."

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Book Summary
Kit Tyler decides to leave her home in Barbados for America after the death of her grandfather. She heads to Connecticut to live with the only remaining members of her family. Kit learns quickly that her free-spirited attitude and lavish lifestyle causes her to stand out in the Puritan town. As she desperately tries to fit in, she meets a strange old woman who is an outcast in the town. As two other misfits join the friendship, she finally begins to find happiness but her strange ways and forbidden friendship catch up with her when she is accused of being a witch.

My Thoughts
I couldn't put this book down. The story line and character development is excellent. I became a part of the story and a part of the world in which it took place. I'm not sure that this story would be something that today's young reader would pick up on their own, however, it could certainly be used as a part of a school curriculum dealing with the witch trials or the Puritan lifestyle. Of course, there is always the young girl struggles through hardships but ends up becoming a heroine and meeting the love of her life that is always a popular theme with female tweens.

Library Usage
I would use this book in a Book Talk program with tweens who are studying the Puritans and Witch Trials.

Journal Reviews
Booklist Review, December 15, 1958
"The author of Calico Captive has written another outstanding historical romance with a compelling theme and fully realized characters and background."

Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 1958
"Kit's vindication, her gradual integration into the community, and the positive effect she has on those about her combine here in a well documented novel to rival the author's first work, Calico Captive, which received wide acclaim as a work of "superior historical fiction".

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

Book Summary
The Little House tells the tale of a small house built by a man and his wife in the country. The man tells the house that she will never be sold and will be kept in the family forever. As the years go by, the little house sees her countryside turn into a small city, then expanded to an even bigger city. She begins to fall apart when no one wants to live in her anymore. Decades later, the great-great-granddaughter of the house happens to pass by and decides to make it her home. She moves it out of the city and back to the country where they all live happily ever after.

My Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. I became attached to the little house. I was happy when she was happy and sad when she was sad. The illustrations were very important in visualizing what life was like through the years that the little house sat on her little hill. Seeing the city built around her as well as reading it made the story all that more interesting. Although this book was a little long for a preschooler, my 4 year old daughter also sat through the entire story waiting to see what would happen to the little house at the end.

Library Usage
As mentioned before, this book is a little long so it would not hold a group of childrens' attention long enough for a storytime. I would definitely recommend this book and include it in a reader's advisory for Pre-K through 1st Grade.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal, 2002
"Virginia Lee Burton's The Little House begins with a promise, evolves into a heart-tugging drama, and closes on a pleasing note. A simple story. A simple message."

Elleman, B. (2002). Virginia Lee Burton: an American classic. School Library Journal, 48(8), 48-51. Retrieved September 16, 2009, from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database.

Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman

Book Summary
Officer Buckle is serious about safety. He is often coming up with new safety tips and shares them with the local school children at school assemblies. The children are very bored at these assemblies and sometimes fall asleep. When Office Buckle gets a new partner, a dog named Gloria, he brings her to the assemblies and is amazed when the children clap and cheer. Soon he is traveling all over the area holding safety assemblies for large audiences. What Officer Buckle does not realize is that Gloria preforms the consequences of not following each safety tip while he presents them. The pair make quite a team and help a child avoid what could be a very bad accident.

My Thoughts
Officer Buckle and Gloria was not one of my favorites but my children both enjoyed it. They love to listen to each safety tip, even the extras included on the front and back inside covers. It is a nice story and an interesting way to try and teach about safety. The illustrations of Gloria performing each safety tip are humorous and add a lot of fun to the book.

Library Usage
This book is a great storytime book. Librarians could present a safety storytime where they talk about the importance of safety. It could be paired with an informational picture book on safety.

Journal Reviews
Kirkus Reviews, 1995 August
"The unexpected theme of this picture book featuring a policeman and his dog is jealousy over attention; it has definite child appeal. The book is quite funny, thanks to Rathmann's frenetic cartoons. The text is very direct; Gloria's performances only show up in the pictures, and the contrast is hilarious. The idea of a of an adult's envying a dog is amusing, and the emotions portrayed will hit home with children. Fans of Rathmann's Good Night, Gorilla (1994) will like this one, too." Copyright 1999 Kirkus Reviews

SLJ Reviews, 1995 September
"A fresh, funny story about the wonders of teamwork. The vibrant palette of the cartoon art, as well as the amusing story, make this title an appealing read-aloud choice. Older children will enjoy poring over the many safety tips presented on the endpapers, all illustrated by Gloria's antics. A five-star performance." Lisa S. Murphy, formerly at Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Book Summary
Harriet wants to be a spy. She trains for her future career by spying on her neighbors and writing all the details in her notebooks. Her notebooks also contain her thoughts about her friends and family and those thoughts are not always nice. After her nurse leaves to get married, Harriet's friends find one of her notebooks and they read it aloud. Harriet learns a lot about the consequences of spying as she struggles with her anger and loneliness.

My Thoughts
I had a difficult time getting involved in this story. I felt as though the concentration on character development slowed the story down significantly as I kept waiting for something to happen. The relationship that Harriet has with her parents is hard to define and changes throughout the story with little explanation as to why or how. I would hesitate to recommend this book to any reluctant reader although a young girl who loves reading may very well enjoy it.

Library Usage
I would use this book in conjunction with the movie as a book to film display. As I mentioned above, I would recommend it as a good book for a girl who is already in love with reading.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal Review
"Harriet is determined to become a famous author. In the meantime, she practices by following a regular spy route each day and writing down everything she sees in her secret notebook. Her life is turned upside down when her classmates find her notebook and read it aloud!." Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Mouse Soup by Arnold Lobel

Book Summary
Hungry for some mouse soup? Don't forget the stories! This is what a little mouse tells the weasel who his trying to make him into soup. The mouse goes on to tell the weasel four short stories, elements of which must be added to the soup in order to make it delicious. When the weasel heads out, the mouse escapes to the safety of his home.

My Thoughts
Mouse Soup is a great book for beginning readers. The stories are short and easy to understand. The sentences are simple and the text is large enough to help children separate one letter from another when sounding words out. The cute stories sound as if there is a morale to each but alas there is not. Still, Mouse Soup makes for a bunch of great bedtime stories.

Library Usage
I would use this book in a Reader's Advisory for beginning readers or as a bedtime story for younger children. It would also make for a great story time program. Crafts, games and other activities could easily be tied into the five stories.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal, May 1977
"Arnold Lobel presents another winner in this simple, satisfying tale of a clever mouse who talks his way out of becoming the key ingredient in a weasel's Mouse Soup. Lobel's gentle blue, green and yellow sketches suit the story perfectly."

Kirkus Reviews, March 1977
'"Small but satisfying, and all informed with Lobel's own gentle resonance."

I Already Know I Love You by Billy Crystal

Book Summary
In this picture book, a grandfather shares his plans, hopes and love for his unborn grandchild. He talks of taking her to movies and ball games, teaching her new things, and sharing in her life.

My Thoughts
While I appreciate the strong bond and love that this grandfather feels for his grandchild, I have to wonder if perhaps his plans overstep his boundaries as a grandparent. I would recommend this book to any grandfather but I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone else. The words read nicely and the illustrations are dreamy which makes it a nice book for a grandfather to read to an infant. Toddlers on up would most likely not be interested enough to sit through it.

Library Usage
Leave this one for displaying on Father's Day and Grandparent's Day.

Journal Reviews
Kirkus Reviews, 2004 April #1
"Another celebrity author misses his audience. Picture-book readers will not identify with the adult perspective and the logic of activities, which has the child sliding into bases and later reverting to bouncing on Grandfather's knee. And the rhymes are just atrocious." Copyright Kirkus 2004 Kirkus/BPI Communications.All rights reserved.

PW Reviews, 2004 March #3
"Comedian Crystal's unabashedly sentimental poem to his first grandchild rather clumsily starts on the opening endpapers. The rhyming narrative that follows echoes this hypothetical tenor, as Sayles's softly focused, emotion-filled pastels reveal a devoted grandfather and a girl-as an infant, toddler and elementary schooler. The verse's rhythm and rhyme at times falter and several passages are awkward. Yet Crystal's name and the inherent appeal of his theme should put this in the spotlight on the grandparent/baby gift bookshelf." All ages. (Apr.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? by Bill Martin Jr.

My children were infants when I started to reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? to them. Each page of this book features a different animal and each animal "sees" the animal on the next page. The colorful collage art work of Eric Carle brings the animals to life. When I read this book to my kids, each animal has a different voice. The animal's reply to the "what do you see" question, the animal starts off by making its animal sound. In other words, brown bear doesn't just say "I see a ...", he says "GRRRRRR, I see a ..." Our favorite is the goldfish who's sound is just puckered lips smacking together. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to start reading to their infant. Every baby I know gets this book as a present from me for some event during his/her first year. And, the enjoyment of it will last well through toddlerhood. With it's easy to memorize lines, before you know it, your child will be "reading" along with you.

A Crack in the Track by W. Rev Awdry

During our last visit to the bookstore, my daughter picked this book of the shelve. "Mommy, can we get this one?" she asked. "No honey, we have that one already," I replied. We had bought this book for my son when his obsession with Thomas the Train started. He was somewhere between the ages of 1 & 2. It was his favorite book for a long time. We all had it memorized and so it seems like an appropriate book to start with.

A Crack in the Track is a short (very short) story about how the trains in Sodor deal with a broken track. The passengers are shuffled around from train to bus and back to train before happily arriving at their destination. It is told in rhyme and is very easily remembered. This board book is a great bedtime story for any Thomas loving toddler. Beware: You will be reading it again, and again, and again.

After the brief discussion with my daughter in the bookstore, I ran home to check the shelves. How could she not have seen it? Sadly, I couldn't find the book. At the same time I realized it was gone, I also knew I would be heading back to the bookstore to buy another copy. Though my son had long outgrown the story, he would need a copy to read to his children over and over and over again. After all, don't we all await the day when our children are put through the same tortures of parenthood that they put us through?

Are you kidding me?

As if I didn't have enough to do already, I've decided to try blogging. I have a very large collection of children's books and I would love to share it with others. So, I will try very hard to write a review of each book that I have. We'll see how it goes.