Z Is for Moose by Kelly Bingham Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky Picture Book * * * * Stars (Great!) The zebra has directed the production of this book, and after consulting his list, he decides and orchestrates who or what is to appear on each page. This seems to be working out until his friend the moose gets overexcited and can’t wait his turn. “Now?” he asks, “now?” appearing on every page, much to … Read more
Ungifted Ungifted #1 by Gordon Korman Funny Realistic Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Donovan Curtis is sent to the Academy of Scholastic Distinction by mistake after he’s caught by the Superintendent for destroying school property. While Donovan is not gifted, he’s smart enough to know that he’d better hide out there as long as he can or he’s going to be in huge trouble with both his family AND the Superintendent. For awhile, … Read more
This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers Picture Book * * * Stars (Pretty good) When a moose enters Wilfred’s life, he just knows “that it was meant to be his.” He names his moose Marcel, and gives him some rules to follow in order to be a good pet. Marcel isn’t particularly invested in these rules and does whatever it is that he’s decided to do – regardless. You might say that he’s … Read more
Christmas Wombat by Jackie French illustrated by Bruce Whatley Picture book * * * Stars (Pretty good) Following the format of “Diary of a Wombat,” “Christmas Wombat” details the activities of a wombat as it goes about its day – resting, scratching, eating, and discovering…CARROTS! After a delicious snack, the wombat curls up for a nap in Santa’s sleigh and then finds itself making the rounds on Christmas Eve as packages are delivered to homes … Read more
Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters by K.G. Campbell Picture book * * * Stars (Pretty good) Lester lives a very orderly, meticulous life until the arrival of Cousin Clara (whose “cottage was consumed by a crocodile). She installs herself in his family’s home and begins knitting sweaters – each one more horrific than the last. Lester manages to destroy every single one of them almost as quickly as Clara churns them out, but his reputation is beginning … Read more
Bon Appétit! The Delicious Life of Julia Child by Jessie Hartland Biography Juvenile Nonfiction Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Julia Child and her husband spent many years living abroad in France and other places, traveling when necessary to accommodate Paul’s employer. While they were living in France, Julia took cooking classes and met two other women – Simca and Louisette – who were trying to create a book of French recipes for … Read more
Homer by Elisha Cooper Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Homer is an older, laid-back family dog (he looks to be a golden retriever or yellow lab). He spends a day on the porch while the other members of his family (other dogs and people, too) come and go about their business. Everyone checks in with him – inviting him along on their adventures and activities – but Homer is happy where he … Read more
Robin Where Are You? by Harriet Ziefert illustrations by Noah Woods Picture Book In this picture book, a birdwatcher grandpa and his beginning birdwatcher granddaughter go birding together. Grandpa explains how to use binoculars to spot birds and helps his granddaughter find and identify the different species they encounter. Cleverly constructed foldouts allow readers to peer into trees, bushes, and brushy areas and discover the birds as the characters do. Descriptions of the birds, their … Read more
Raining Cats and Detectives Guinea PIG #5 by Colleen AF Venable illustrated by Stephanie Yue Funny Mystery Graphic Novel * * * * Stars (Great!) Sasspants and Hamisher have finally committed to being “real” detectives – by getting a desk and a cup of pens – when Viola’s (Mr. Venezi’s newest employee) efforts to sell pets (it is, after all, a pet store!) begin to pay off. Sasspants is adopted by the perfect owner – … Read more
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake Audio edition Horror Supernatural Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) Cas is a professional teenage ghost hunter. He uses his father’s athame (specially blessed – or possibly cursed – knife) to send harmful, destructive, dangerous spirits to their eternal rest. His father was killed several years ago, and while Cas is following in his footsteps, he’s also amassing the knowledge, experience, and power he will need … Read more