tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4871714751411173802024-03-04T20:22:58.960-08:00Litlb00k's SpotLitlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-89808960220765518412018-03-13T11:29:00.001-07:002018-03-13T11:29:32.425-07:00Dino Duckling by Alison Murray ****Well the story does hit you over the head with its message but who doesn't love dinosuars and ducklings?! My preschool outreach classes were crazy about the dinosaur in this story and so happy with the comforting ending. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16901803400317748778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-84298381806935038062018-03-13T11:26:00.001-07:002018-03-13T11:26:35.805-07:00Splish, Splash Ducky! by Lucy Cousins ****Yes -that is four stars just because it is so much fun. I did a Duck-themed storytime for my three outreach classes this week and all three stories I used were so fun! This one is particularly great for a group storytime as all the children could join in on the actions and they, of course, loved calling out "quack, quack, quack" each time it came up in the book.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16901803400317748778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-84713280166558162322018-03-13T11:23:00.000-07:002018-03-13T11:23:17.040-07:00Ducks Away! by Mem Fox ****I took this book, along with two other new Duck-themed titles, to my preschool outreaches yesterday. I thought it was a cute counting book but what I didn't realize is that it is FUNNY! The kids in all three of my classes thought it was hilarious that the little ducks kept falling into the water and the mom didn't know what to do. They laughed and laughed which made a book I liked into a book I loved. Super fun with a group of preschoolers!<br />
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<span id="goog_1262477561"></span><span id="goog_1262477562"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16901803400317748778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-47060164751999388162018-02-27T09:49:00.000-08:002018-02-27T09:52:35.904-08:00Silver Mask ***Another entry in the Magisterium series. Callum Hunt is in prison and heart broken at the death of his best friend Aaron as the book begins. Aided by his friends, and, unhappily, by his unwanted dark allies, Callum is rescued from prison only to find himself a prisoner of his enemies. This is another interesting exploration of good and evil and the difficulty of making the right choice. The writing may not be perfect but the characters are intriguing and I always find myself cheering for Call.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16901803400317748778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-58962460298351436472018-02-27T09:40:00.001-08:002018-02-27T09:42:05.342-08:00Shadow Weaver by MarcyKate Connolly ****Emmeline was born with the gift of controlling shadows. Her gift, however, includes an extra element - her own shadow, named Dar, is alive and communicates with Emmeline. As Emmeline grows, her shadow becomes her only friend and the one she trusts most in the world. But, when a noble family offers to take Emmeline away and "cure" her magic, Dar convinces Emmeline that if they run away, she knows magic that Emmeline can perform to make Dar into a real person. Emmeline agrees, only to discover the next morning that one of the nobles is in a coma and Emmeline suspects her own shadow is to blame. The two flee determined to make Dar flesh. However, as they continue on their journey, Emmeline becomes more and more certain that Dar cannot be trusted and may be the real entity to fear.<br />
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This is surprisingly creepy and intriguing. The first of a series of two, it left me looking forward to the conclusion.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16901803400317748778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-14423978193617665012017-12-11T14:37:00.001-08:002017-12-11T14:46:53.502-08:00Orphan Island ****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKHinC9unQT1PRggra-Dsk1dr6iNWO6lNjOISo32mUGsR433wB1HCSVmxCSJg-IT9vHn7cN98QSALsUNqdUBRwK0oXIlHepPBJa1L179Z36kw-rMsJY8YJj99MD-nmZrHxE-JHwbiqMnt/s1600/OrphanIsland.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKHinC9unQT1PRggra-Dsk1dr6iNWO6lNjOISo32mUGsR433wB1HCSVmxCSJg-IT9vHn7cN98QSALsUNqdUBRwK0oXIlHepPBJa1L179Z36kw-rMsJY8YJj99MD-nmZrHxE-JHwbiqMnt/s320/OrphanIsland.png" width="211" /></a></div>
With a touch of <i>The Giver</i> and a bit of <i>The Maze Runner</i> this title is more an allegory about growing up than a traditional story. When I read <i>The Maze Runner, </i>for example, I was fully expecting a sequel to solve the mysteries of the story. When I completed this title, I expected nothing further. It stand alone, leaving the reader to wonder what it means - as a story, for them personally, for society as a whole. I like the telling and I like the thinking required but somehow felt a little let down at the end.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16901803400317748778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-24130205352336400152012-10-08T07:13:00.004-07:002012-10-08T07:14:42.121-07:00Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead *****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppC0uOlpgyfta2tH8J8MyRcivSEm2a4_ZTkGCy_c06iatX4lhMSeAD8l4HwYytRJ-WYH8KcvvUnxpecYHtEs5RYBhXZsWgxuv65yULIlEbY1XhMF_0Cwq8qc20hRubmQOq6vvK3WW0zqI/s1600/Liar+and+Spy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppC0uOlpgyfta2tH8J8MyRcivSEm2a4_ZTkGCy_c06iatX4lhMSeAD8l4HwYytRJ-WYH8KcvvUnxpecYHtEs5RYBhXZsWgxuv65yULIlEbY1XhMF_0Cwq8qc20hRubmQOq6vvK3WW0zqI/s320/Liar+and+Spy.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
Georges has a lot to deal with: His father has lost his job; his family has moved into an apartment; his mother is working extra shifts as a nurse at the hospital; he is hounded by several of the kids at school; and his new neighbor "Safer" wants him to join in his activities as a spy. Part mystery but so much more, this is a winner and one of my top picks for the Newbery this year.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-57391523268476246112012-06-05T09:29:00.002-07:002012-06-05T09:29:49.495-07:00Chomp by Carl Hiaasen ****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM4zBMLnIpFPY9o3TPhEev0mVehNDd2QuvzzcTG-bVRsVkAr_NVmeBMSy4VitXDzUlDjUhMZoPBBQlZxKlEQ6r5E5y2wAw3F_FQhL-yjcudsDQResDiyhipunzjnVk_RoU7Fsx_-Q2Ujw/s1600/chomp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM4zBMLnIpFPY9o3TPhEev0mVehNDd2QuvzzcTG-bVRsVkAr_NVmeBMSy4VitXDzUlDjUhMZoPBBQlZxKlEQ6r5E5y2wAw3F_FQhL-yjcudsDQResDiyhipunzjnVk_RoU7Fsx_-Q2Ujw/s320/chomp.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
When Wahoo Cray and his animal-wrangling father agree to take a job with the popular series Expedition Survival, they quickly find themselves facing off with the star of the show, egomaniac Derek Badger. However, when Derek goes missing in the Everglades, Wahoo and his new-found friend Tuna find themselves running from her deranged father and dealing with a confused Derek at the same time. I love the humor in this one along with the wildly engaging characters.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-37601997360004712342012-06-05T09:14:00.001-07:002012-06-05T09:14:49.945-07:00Captain Awesome to the Rescue by Stan Kirby; Illustrated by George O'Connor ****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2Q7MG9kSV2szLocbGlo3w6DVN5_ICK2QaCfSxMgaUWw-Eh-5drfwDhjh5gFeQnzIswk4UeKltHcXxzLIYrAfORInebHNTS92lxBQ6dbs7BPq_tW_l9WGUoqIhogXFBqN4rv6FRensZla/s1600/Captain+Awesome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2Q7MG9kSV2szLocbGlo3w6DVN5_ICK2QaCfSxMgaUWw-Eh-5drfwDhjh5gFeQnzIswk4UeKltHcXxzLIYrAfORInebHNTS92lxBQ6dbs7BPq_tW_l9WGUoqIhogXFBqN4rv6FRensZla/s320/Captain+Awesome.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
Young readers will find a new superhero to root for in the fun new series. 8-year old Eugene pulls out his alter ego, Captain Awesome when he moves to a new town and sets out to find the missing class hamster. his enthusiasm and humor is contagious and the illustrations more than add to the appeal. This one is perfect for beginning chapter book readers looking for fun.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-23271091180085095012012-06-05T09:09:00.000-07:002012-06-05T09:09:44.353-07:00The Great Cake Mystery by Alexander McCall Smith ****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSLNVZP5zihLwMBhwqB7GLQAyImtQO8WbEdicXXhw48F32OUOji_ag8XvWdRxAjQQk0Wtin1mQ7xPKPhzP4OiMo8jitf3sQNY-WVmMR9pVQXTHXfTWyf64lTG5Vt1r0TZ6YEzbbc6kPn1/s1600/Great+cake+Mystery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSLNVZP5zihLwMBhwqB7GLQAyImtQO8WbEdicXXhw48F32OUOji_ag8XvWdRxAjQQk0Wtin1mQ7xPKPhzP4OiMo8jitf3sQNY-WVmMR9pVQXTHXfTWyf64lTG5Vt1r0TZ6YEzbbc6kPn1/s320/Great+cake+Mystery.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
This humane title explores the beginnings of Precious Ramotswe's very first case. The celebrated heroine of the adult series <i>The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency</i> solves the mystery of some treats missing from her classroom. When others rush to quickly accuse an overweight classmate, Precious takes the time to follow the clues and find the real culprits.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-59639780013107886292012-06-05T08:53:00.002-07:002012-06-05T09:03:17.059-07:00A Bus Called Heaven by Bob Graham *****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In a touching celebration of community, Bob Graham pulls together gentle illustrations and an engaging story to tell the story of an abandoned bus, adopted by a little girl, and made into a community center. When the bus is towed, little Stella attempts to bargain with the junkyard boss to get the bus back. He challenges her, "tell me why should I play you for the bus?" Her response captures the essence of the story, "Because there are sparrows nesting in the engine." Here people look out for and care for one another as well as the creatures found on their city block. Lovely!!Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-90346237627208756682012-06-05T08:28:00.001-07:002012-06-05T09:03:10.544-07:00Sophie's Fish by A.E. Cannon; illustrated by Lee White ****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7_QyNpW02IuGN40iPxFbMC2mmvwD9WKIOuNH-7RZqpDoDOnXjMNcySsp-yDwqpUb4E-eTPn_aBHNMeCuw1pyxSCbwqDDsCKb3fq0EdrHHURJEizJl844R8BLpOImRwf_jnS0JzOQplS6/s1600/Sophie's+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7_QyNpW02IuGN40iPxFbMC2mmvwD9WKIOuNH-7RZqpDoDOnXjMNcySsp-yDwqpUb4E-eTPn_aBHNMeCuw1pyxSCbwqDDsCKb3fq0EdrHHURJEizJl844R8BLpOImRwf_jnS0JzOQplS6/s320/Sophie's+fish.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
A young boy imagines all the disasters that could come his way after he agrees to pet sit his friend's fish while she is away. He calms down just in time for the fish to arrive and a surprisingly shocking ending to greet him. I love the touch of humor and the mixed media illustrations dominated by watercolor and collage provide a fascinating back-drop for the story.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-30312787938256239972012-06-05T08:22:00.000-07:002012-06-05T09:03:24.308-07:00Sent: The Missing Book 2 by Margaret Peterson Haddix ***<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vrpPftLtohxQlmwVsWmtkwhjbTZDkR8MiBrrqFt2vadbLKWDvwUFocNvKDkUREkDB362p6fssACavZeVZFE00AHr0Gdqb2SoVbObp2ESrgiUvZob4EmOSPvuKpBVSFBngczelKNPY77G/s1600/Sent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vrpPftLtohxQlmwVsWmtkwhjbTZDkR8MiBrrqFt2vadbLKWDvwUFocNvKDkUREkDB362p6fssACavZeVZFE00AHr0Gdqb2SoVbObp2ESrgiUvZob4EmOSPvuKpBVSFBngczelKNPY77G/s320/Sent.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
Well, after all these years I have finally found myself involved in this series. This second installment took some getting used to as the first seemed more like sci-fi and this is firmly in the Historical Fiction Time Travel genre. For that reason I didn't love it from page one but I was turning pages by the conclusion and plan to continue reading on.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-47060596124369232752012-06-05T08:16:00.002-07:002012-06-05T09:02:59.915-07:00Fish had a Wish by Michale Garland ***<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFimL4-sMF1mhFuo9z6AAkpcBafmCY6huYXLhgdP3ptYiF96lsXVetw7c2f3ewT6W47-0C97RrRT2ggsJ6qXow-UBK5PlZ7w63udvzh9O2N8MoAwS0POB-4a2rh-iTfiQnemIviUSTSNP/s1600/Fish+had+a+wish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFimL4-sMF1mhFuo9z6AAkpcBafmCY6huYXLhgdP3ptYiF96lsXVetw7c2f3ewT6W47-0C97RrRT2ggsJ6qXow-UBK5PlZ7w63udvzh9O2N8MoAwS0POB-4a2rh-iTfiQnemIviUSTSNP/s320/Fish+had+a+wish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Fish dreams of being bird, a turtle, a bee, and more in this beginning reader picture book. The satisfying conclusion finds fish joyfully acknowledging, "It is good to be a fish"! Readers captivated by the unique "digi-wood" illustrations will be visiting this one over and over again.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-63521729527213593352012-06-05T08:10:00.001-07:002012-06-05T09:02:50.618-07:00What Little Boys Are Made Of by Robert Neubecker ***<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguW_5wO-cq8sgrXykjAQ0D7vppnfPax2U85WZKsfaS2_mUTyeXxYD8H5rrGbdmqj6SyEOK-eHfqJG933j5EXQezQht2abMSqY5hnmoW46tMR_Aw-l0HITxakGzHBPs80xt6KA3-xit7VIu/s1600/what+little+boys+are+made+of.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguW_5wO-cq8sgrXykjAQ0D7vppnfPax2U85WZKsfaS2_mUTyeXxYD8H5rrGbdmqj6SyEOK-eHfqJG933j5EXQezQht2abMSqY5hnmoW46tMR_Aw-l0HITxakGzHBPs80xt6KA3-xit7VIu/s320/what+little+boys+are+made+of.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
This celebration of boys manages to move beyond the stereotype, offering a fun romp through many of the things that might make up a boy. Delightful illustrations, full of color and action support the text.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-89247795396056791992012-04-19T11:24:00.001-07:002012-04-19T11:25:12.070-07:00Every Day's a Dog's Day by Marilyn Singer; illus. by Miki Sakamoto ***<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWDWST5iDcyqc3S7wHfKhq5JbJEL_Vtf53yahVwZ_hHBTOPidjtmtmbuTJ2Y8pC0FKCGCTBOkMWlYLRnhU4CVAUDoCY13CetQD4u9aRm6pcqfNCkt0eBuToFuHpPaUFHq9d-DxROTCinf/s1600/Dog+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWDWST5iDcyqc3S7wHfKhq5JbJEL_Vtf53yahVwZ_hHBTOPidjtmtmbuTJ2Y8pC0FKCGCTBOkMWlYLRnhU4CVAUDoCY13CetQD4u9aRm6pcqfNCkt0eBuToFuHpPaUFHq9d-DxROTCinf/s320/Dog+Day.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>Appealing and full of cuteness for the dog lover. That said, there's nothing that really makes it stand out above others in the area. My favorite dog lover's poetry is <i>Once I Ate a Pie</i> by Patricia MacLachlan.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-89724290296333209162012-04-19T11:10:00.002-07:002012-04-19T11:17:02.987-07:00The Case of the Deadly Desperados by Caroline Lawrence ***<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sFmQpoQ8a42V6dYvyBiuYlDMOZbkCNMp_xhuR2i4kxUE5HGfzEZJiygWG50FxtW6KH-VGpPFAli2OhsgTk0DaU4FmAaiucdLwJQnTzxb6ZTy7WbPWqcSmmtnnINbj3R1hmtbYFdkxG7H/s1600/deadly+desperadoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sFmQpoQ8a42V6dYvyBiuYlDMOZbkCNMp_xhuR2i4kxUE5HGfzEZJiygWG50FxtW6KH-VGpPFAli2OhsgTk0DaU4FmAaiucdLwJQnTzxb6ZTy7WbPWqcSmmtnnINbj3R1hmtbYFdkxG7H/s320/deadly+desperadoes.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>I would give T. Sands' audio presentation of this title 4 stars. The only reason I hold back a little on the story itself is I find the audience a little questionable. This is a rip-roaring western mystery set in 1862. P.K. Pinkerton's parents have just been murdered and P.K. travels to Virginia City in an attempt to escape the ruthless desperadoes and claim his deed to a large amount of land and silver mines. Along the way P.K. acquires some interesting acquaintances including Samuel Clements. The story is entertaining and the characters intriguing. The title does include plenty of salty words, a dash of gore, and some questionably mature references.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-44723910957635742492012-04-16T11:50:00.003-07:002012-04-19T11:17:25.228-07:00Wonder by R. J. Palacio *****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRILc_MfgjtoTNGWDApbahn0mYzXI6vegy7UyrUsHf4gYFmIVWrOFgkU0PpKfRgFkGBw79VkQPdCVFeDlXxminYENCxT2hPzD3azDstzLAYNfMNVpyqRUdxlJiHyNZdZbzQbsllTwzptC9/s1600/wonder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRILc_MfgjtoTNGWDApbahn0mYzXI6vegy7UyrUsHf4gYFmIVWrOFgkU0PpKfRgFkGBw79VkQPdCVFeDlXxminYENCxT2hPzD3azDstzLAYNfMNVpyqRUdxlJiHyNZdZbzQbsllTwzptC9/s320/wonder.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Wow! I think this deserves 5+ stars. It has been a long time since I've read late into the night - but this one had me doing just that even without the adventure or fantasy element. Just spectacular writing kept me wanting more. This is the fascinating story of 5th grader, Auggie Pullman who was born with sever facial abnormalities. For the first time in his life he is being sent to school (having been home-schooled previously). This title follows Auggie through his first year at school and includes sections told from the viewpoint of various supporting characters. Wonderful.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-24366464452487059442012-04-11T06:54:00.002-07:002012-04-19T11:17:37.871-07:00The Candymakers by Wendy Mass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2H6jKLxfzShj2_r851FRuASRnIyYzt8XeW4otJNSnoDIbXLzBG5my9WpxRnZBz_F6vx8-TkKrz5Z48-CnC_H9EBImXuXjK6z8SMq6UAGIqd638s35ej1YTNzAtpkKCX-vq5fTAk3eRtz/s1600/candymakers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2H6jKLxfzShj2_r851FRuASRnIyYzt8XeW4otJNSnoDIbXLzBG5my9WpxRnZBz_F6vx8-TkKrz5Z48-CnC_H9EBImXuXjK6z8SMq6UAGIqd638s35ej1YTNzAtpkKCX-vq5fTAk3eRtz/s320/candymakers.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>I listened to the audio on this one. Mark Turetsky, the narrator, does a nice job, providing easily distinguishable voices for each character and carrying the action along nicely. A Candymaker's son with a terrible past, a quiet boy who witnessed a drowning, a rich snob hiding more than one secret, and a perky young girl who is really a spy come together in this intriguing title. If one can slog through the first half of the book they will be well rewarded.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-14079571335310152282012-04-09T08:36:00.005-07:002012-04-19T11:17:50.300-07:00Green - Written & Illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger *****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRZH_aB51AB3EJ0BIUDrnyAUp0vZfXRlCv-8vw-XufRgqZQZrP2MLcfs22qzfq8-iSlCLT7YQk6heGKv2uy3baF3iWHk8KbgRWkhUIX9cmNXNovC8SWXLqnj1K9srKUsiRIkEKtaFnvU3/s1600/green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRZH_aB51AB3EJ0BIUDrnyAUp0vZfXRlCv-8vw-XufRgqZQZrP2MLcfs22qzfq8-iSlCLT7YQk6heGKv2uy3baF3iWHk8KbgRWkhUIX9cmNXNovC8SWXLqnj1K9srKUsiRIkEKtaFnvU3/s320/green.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In this celebration of the color green, Seeger's amazing textures will have readers lingering over each page.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-83439747801990334262012-04-09T08:34:00.002-07:002012-04-19T11:18:06.329-07:00The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? by Mo Willems *****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaY8sNWNV1NdKMKKESzAf6BFHaTuundFtFEVJWekrp6ahEjavt3TJP9IpBq_3Tq1YEz06t-hcDMX0wnRr1lM_-l4Zjp0MBm4zabHuPvvoX9TUm_Yp2WGsoiU-why6W-n1ZT93RYX9arUZQ/s1600/Duckling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaY8sNWNV1NdKMKKESzAf6BFHaTuundFtFEVJWekrp6ahEjavt3TJP9IpBq_3Tq1YEz06t-hcDMX0wnRr1lM_-l4Zjp0MBm4zabHuPvvoX9TUm_Yp2WGsoiU-why6W-n1ZT93RYX9arUZQ/s320/Duckling.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>Willems is the master when it comes to very young readers. The pigeon appears once again in this new outing, this time learning a little lesson in humility. While the youngest readers may not pick up on it, the last line will leave older readers laughing.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-36286138973959547452012-04-09T08:30:00.001-07:002012-04-19T11:18:43.036-07:00Sadie and Ratz by Sonya Hartnett; illustrated by Ann James ****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuPpN9WLB5dq93g-MLIuQZBPUp2UPlmFMLBYRf-c6US2W4yPeoaxdvFElzTibz9egTvs21CkGEcoLj2gihv97e4KqtbfaBQXfWXHUx-ELw6PYWCVcsYlGkepOgXgnEjq4ua5pOAsTMbj2/s1600/Sadie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuPpN9WLB5dq93g-MLIuQZBPUp2UPlmFMLBYRf-c6US2W4yPeoaxdvFElzTibz9egTvs21CkGEcoLj2gihv97e4KqtbfaBQXfWXHUx-ELw6PYWCVcsYlGkepOgXgnEjq4ua5pOAsTMbj2/s320/Sadie.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>This title for young chapter book readers is just right - short chapters, large type, engaging characters, and a touch of humor. Hannah's hands, Sadie and Ratz, get her in plenty of trouble. They especially like to try to rub Baby Boy's ear's off - UH, OH!!Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-66659418075071130022012-04-06T07:43:00.002-07:002012-04-19T11:19:10.068-07:00and then it's spring by Julie Fogliano & illus. by Erin Stead *****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CxPwBWVYDUH7YEhjqLjJyZ9Vw3Xpyn2o-heRFPSnYYa4A6V6l78cIAiuFu07hwxYNl6n2EhUarNROkYNz8zhIYR_qM82kC5A0Ac-OjnB010iOij8tvMtFQegiZ80SA7PyMFVOkE4Y-vz/s1600/spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CxPwBWVYDUH7YEhjqLjJyZ9Vw3Xpyn2o-heRFPSnYYa4A6V6l78cIAiuFu07hwxYNl6n2EhUarNROkYNz8zhIYR_qM82kC5A0Ac-OjnB010iOij8tvMtFQegiZ80SA7PyMFVOkE4Y-vz/s320/spring.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>This sweet poetic text meshes perfectly with Stead's woodblock prints with pencil. They come together perfectly in this hopeful celebration of spring and the anticipation that proceeds it. Lovely in every way!Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-17707335326383495612012-04-06T07:37:00.002-07:002012-04-19T11:19:31.729-07:00Kali's Song by Jeanette Winter ****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_UPSBia6AUy52jyMOtK42SbeQ6XLiI9rrJ6ES3SlIPPPHk8b2sOfaFI-TIByDhebsvzokPjkkgt4MWRc-kGt5VSQj-54WrDmWMdasdYzp2X4qXicPtuPuDJQCQNzZFC1GYJitcjv-g_7/s1600/kali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_UPSBia6AUy52jyMOtK42SbeQ6XLiI9rrJ6ES3SlIPPPHk8b2sOfaFI-TIByDhebsvzokPjkkgt4MWRc-kGt5VSQj-54WrDmWMdasdYzp2X4qXicPtuPuDJQCQNzZFC1GYJitcjv-g_7/s320/kali.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Kali <span style="font-family: arial;">a Paleolithic cave dweller, discovers music in the string of his bow, leading him to care more about the beauty of the sound than the hung. I love the textures of the illustrations.</span>Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487171475141117380.post-37092669089868438122012-04-06T07:35:00.001-07:002012-04-19T11:20:01.465-07:00Crow by Barbara Wright *****<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKK3TrxQBEjbry7ll3WtGWZve8045F68tQtC2VxAlQx2PsIR5GiYH9zu17BU2gTYNBv9lZNem7ro4vDXb7E_QnGePFhflWV1CsWZj5CFEvpRdx2jGiuJcefTxywdkin0Lj5Ag6NJL0GVwH/s1600/crow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKK3TrxQBEjbry7ll3WtGWZve8045F68tQtC2VxAlQx2PsIR5GiYH9zu17BU2gTYNBv9lZNem7ro4vDXb7E_QnGePFhflWV1CsWZj5CFEvpRdx2jGiuJcefTxywdkin0Lj5Ag6NJL0GVwH/s320/crow.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Moses Thomas is a sympathetic and compelling character that offers readers a look into the terrible Wilmington Massacre of 1898.Litlb00khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15120547450115519744noreply@blogger.com0