SUPERDOG: THE HEART OF A HERO by Caralyn Buehner EASY BUETHE GRUFFALO by Julia Donaldson EASY DONI STINK by Kate McMullan EASY MCM UNDERWEAR! By Mary Elise Monsell EASY MON and EASY PB MON DOG BREATH: THE HORRIBLE TROUBLE WITH HALLY TOSIS by Dav Pilkey EASY PIL DOGZILLA by Dav Pilkey EASY PIL and EASY PB PIL KAT KONG by Dav Pilkey EASY PIL and EASY PB PIL THE STINKY CHEESE MAN AND OTHER FAIRLY … Read more
Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Lola is a happy girl. Why? Because it’s Tuesday and Tuesday is library day. Little ones will relate to Lola and appreciate her celebration of books as they shadow her through her adventures from wake-up time to bedtime when, of course, her new library books are read to her. Bright, but soft and fuzzy, acrylic illustrations … Read more
LITTLE MOUSE AND THE BIG RED APPLE by A. H. Benjamin EASY BEN SHARING IS FUN by Joanna Cole EASY COL IT’S SHARING DAY by Kristen Larsen EASY DOR KINDNESS IS COOLER, MRS. RULER by Margery Cuyler EASY CUY I CAN SHARE WITH OTHERS by Jenette Guntly Donovan EASY DON BOSSY BEAR by David Horvath EASY HOR IT’S MY TURN! by Heather Maisner EASY MAI AND TANGO MAKES THREE by Justin Richardson EASY RIC WILLIAM … Read more
Little Joe’s Big Race by Andy Blackford 1st Reader * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Its unique plot and laugh-out-loud ending, paired with engaging illustrations, make this an outstanding choice for beginning readers with basic skills. Reviewed by Debbie Luetscher, Youth Services Staff
The Great Doughnut Parade by Rebecca Bond Picture book * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This picture book bounces along with delightful rhythm as more and more townspeople join in an impromptu parade. The story invites reading aloud. Reviewed by dluetscher
A young girl shuttles back and forth between divorced parents…different homes, different routines. The one constant is her dog Fred who, though not perfect, is always there. When Fred disrupts Mom and Dad’s respective lives, their daughter reminds them in no uncertain terms that Fred Stays with Me! They see the wisdom in this, and make the necessary adjustments. This book is a positive and relatable picture book choice that reinforces the life-skills of communication … Read more
A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck Historical Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Richard Peck is an author of several award-winning historical fiction books for kids. In A Season for Gifts, he has written another exceptional story. Set in the 1950’s, this is the story of 12-year-old Bob, his family and his experiences as the new kid in town. This novel is filled with remarkable characters, including the older teenage sister who begins … Read more
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) When Liam is out exploring (he seems to be the only one in his city that enjoys being outside) he discovers some plants struggling to grow between the rails of an abandoned elevated railway. He starts tending these plants, even though he doesn’t have much experience with gardening, and he gradually learns how to care for them. The plants flourish and … Read more
How to Clean a Hippopotamus: A Look at Unusual Animal Partnerships by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page Juvenile Nonfiction (Grades 4-7) Intricate and colorful torn paper collages illustrate the fascinating symbiotic (mutualistic) relationships between various animals and organisms. Their stories are told in comic book/graphic novel-like panels, describing the nature of the relationship and how it benefits each animal. Even if you know something about symbiosis, this book really brings it to life – from … Read more
How to Scratch a Wombat by Jackie French Juvenile Nonfiction (Grades 4-6) * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Jackie French has been living among wombats in the near-wilds of Australia for over 30 years. She’s made friends with her neighborhood wombats and has cared for orphaned and injured wombats. Wombats are curious creatures, marsupials, which like to dig. They experience the world primarily through their large nostrils and have a highly evolved sense of … Read more