The One and Only Stuey Lewis by Jane Schoenbery- ADVISABLE

Schoenberg, Jane. Evans, Cambria. The One and Only Stuey Lewis.  128 pgs.  Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011.  $15.99.  Content: G. This book has four different stories about a boy named Stuey Lewis.  He starts second grade but can’t read very well. Does he end up learning?  It is getting close to Halloween.  On Halloween he plans out this huge Halloween Caper and succeeds in getting a ton of candy.  Later, he goes to his brother’s soccer game and his brother’s coach wants Stuey to try out for the team.  Will he join the soccer team?  The last story about a school activity with secret friends.  A girl named Lily is Stuey’s secret friend.  Having a secret friend is really fun.  I liked the fact that there were a few different stories in one book.  This book was easy to read and interesting.  It was also funny.  EL (K-3). ADVISABLE.  Student Reviewed: JL- age 9.

Listen to My Trumpet! by Mo Willems - ESSENTIAL

Willems, Mo. Listen to My Trumpet! Hyperion Books for Children, 2012 $8.99. Rated G-Picture Book. In this Elephant and Piggie book, Piggie gets a trumpet and tries to impress Elephant with his talent. Elephant has a hard time breaking the news to Piggie that although his trumpet is making noise, it’s not making music. Piggie isn’t trying to make music though; he’s trying to speak elephant. 

This book has simple pictures and simple text. It’s entertaining and super cute. If you are a lover of Elephant and Piggie you will definitely want to add this to your collection. 

ESSENTIAL - EL (K-3), Pre-K. Shauna, reading teacher.

Peas on Earth by Todd Doodler - OPTIONAL

Doodler, Todd H. Peas on Earth. Robin Corey Books, 2012 $6.99. Content G- BOARD BOOK. There’s a bit of a social commentary and encouragement to do the right thing mixed throughout the book. The peas give examples of what “peas on earth” would look like as everyone gets along and no one gets hurt.  The book has a cute message if you want to teach your kids that life could be perfect if you make the effort. If you want your kids to get used to disappointment so they will have the coping skills later in life, this might not be the book for you. 

Pre-K, EL - OPTIONAL. Shauna, reading teacher.

B is for Babar by Laurent Brunhoff - ADVISABLE

Brunhoff, Laurent De. B is for Babar: An Alphabet book. Abrams Appleseed, 2012 $7.95. BOARD BOOK. The text is new, but the pictures are classic Babar. The text gives early readers a small taste of alliteration as it reinforces the sound that each letter makes. The pictures are cute and the text is not too easy; just a bit of a challenge for an emerging reader. Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE. 

Shauna, reading teacher.

Pantone Colors by Abrams Appleseed

Pantone Colors by Abrams Appleseed.  BOARD BOOK.  $10.  The people at Abrams have partnered with the professional color people – Pantone - to create a board book of the basic colors matched with twenty variations, each with the official pantone number and a real life name.  

When my daughter was little, she was always very precise – “These aren’t shoes, Mom.  I am wearing sandals,’” she would say.  Thank goodness this book wasn’t around then, because them every single color in the world would have had a specific name!   I would have never heard the word ‘green’ again – instead it would have been pistachio, olive, lettuce, leaf, grass, emerald and so on.  And I would have loved every minute of it!  I can’t imagine an art teacher that wouldn’t love to share it with their classes.  

PRE-K, EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL; EVERYONE – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher

Anna Hibiscus’ Song by Atinuke - OPTIONAL

Atinuke Anna Hibiscus’ Song, illustrated by Lauren Tobia  Kane Miller, 2011. PICTURE BOOK  $15.99  Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa and when she wakes in the morning she tries to find ways to describe how happy she is, so she goes from her grandparents, aunts, cousins and parents to ask them how they express their happiness.  Towards the end, Anna decides that the way she expresses her happiness is through singing.  

Great illustrations with cute storyline.  Sometimes the story feels choppy, but it has a good message.  EL (K-3)-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Dear Santa, Please Come to the 19th Floor by Yin - OPTIONAL

Yin Dear Santa, Please Come to the 19th Floor, illustrated by Chris Soentpiet.  Puffin, 2011.  PICTURE BOOK $7.99 Content: G. Willy and Carlos are best friends in a hard neighborhood.  Both boys are convinced that Santa won’t come to their scary neighborhood, especially because their apartment doesn’t have a chimney.  Willy writes a note telling Santa that he will stay up on Christmas Eve so that he can show Santa how to get to their apartment.  On Christmas Eve, Santa does show up, but the elevator doesn’t work, so he has to take the stairs to the 19th floor, just when it doesn’t seem that he will make it, he does.  Santa brings a present for both boys.  

This is a different take on Christmas Eve than the more traditional Night Before Christmas fare, but it could hit a target of students who find themselves wondering if Santa can make it into an apartment building.  EL (K-3)-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

The Hungry Ghost of Rue Orleans by Mary Quattlebaum - ADVISABLE

Quattlebaum, Mary  The Hungry Ghost of Rue Orleans  Illustrated by Patricia Catelao  Random House, 2011.  PICTURE BOOK  $15.99  Content: G  Fred the ghost loves his dusty home on the Rue Orleans, but it is soon invaded my Marie and her father Pierre.  They clean the home and set up a restaurant to Fred’s dismay.  Fred does everything he can to scare the customers away, but it just intrigues people to come to the restaurant.  Fred packs up and is ready to leave when Marie makes him a dusty room and feeds him some of her father’s dessert.  Cute story with fun illustrations.  EL (K-3)-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Who Am I? by Gervase Phinn-ESSENTIAL

Phinn, Gervase. Who Am I?  illustrated by Tony Ross.  $16.95.  Content: G.  PICTURE BOOK.  A baby chameleon has just hatched and finds himself alone in the middle of the jungle.  He doesn’t wait long before he sets off to find out who he is and where he belongs.  He confronts a variety of jungle animals on his quest.  Each jungle animal is beautifully illustrated in bold colors.  From giraffes to cheetahs, each jungle animal shares their distinct and unique character trait to the young chameleon.  There is excitement and suspense at the end of the story that will have children begging for more.  This book would be perfect in a unit on colors, jungle animals or families.  We loved this book!  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer:  SL. 

Maudie and Bear by Jan Ormerod- OPTIONAL

Ormerod, Jan. Maudie and Bear, illustrated by Freya Blackwood.  $16.99.  Content: G.  PICTURE BOOK.  This is a book with five stories starring Maudie and Bear.  Maudie is an adorable little girl.  Bear is her best friend.  These stories explore the two enjoying bike rides, making snacks, mending differences, and sharing quality time together.  There is one story that is a take-off from Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  The illustrations are quaint and memorable.  For that alone the book is worth reading.  Some stories were tender and memorable, other were not.  We didn’t like how bossy Maudie could be.  She obviously represents young toddlers, but Bear’s unwavering devotion to Maudie isn’t realistic.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SL. 

A Leaf Can Be... by Laura Purdie Salas- ADVISABLE

Purdie Salas, Laura.  A Leaf Can Be…, illustrated by Violeta Dabija.  $17.95.  Content: G.  PICTURE BOOK.  This rhyming book explores the many roles that leaves play in nature.  From “snake concealer” to “rain stopper” the illustrations and simple words explore the world of leaves.  We enjoyed the illustrations and the variety of uses in this book. Some of the animals and characters are absolutely adorable!  The book ends with, “A leaf is a leaf- a bit of a tree.  Now go and discover what else it can be!”  Obviously teachers could use this to further student imagination and discovery of leaves and their uses. Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL. 

The Lost Dog: The True Story of a Brave Dog Named Baltic by Monica Carnesi- OPTIONAL

Carnesi, Monica.  Little Dog Lost: The True Story of a Brave Dog Named Baltic. $15.99.  Content: G.  PICTURE BOOK.  This is a true story of a dog that was rescued after traveling seventy-five miles for two days on the Baltic Sea. This lost dog is found floating on sheets of ice and is finally rescued by the crew of R/V Baltica.  It is a heartwarming account of this brave dog’s adventure and the crew members who eventually found him.  We liked the story. However, we didn’t like that the author called him “Dog” instead of “the dog” or by his real name, “Baltic”.  We realize that he wasn’t named until after his rescue, but calling him “Dog” made the story somewhat impersonal and more difficult to read.  The illustrations are unique and exciting.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  EL.  OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SL. 

Barnyard Purim by Kelly Terwilliger- OPTIONAL

Terwilliger, Kelly. Barnyard Purim, illustrated by Barbara Johansen Newman.  $7.95   Content: G.  PICTURE BOOK.  This book celebrates a Jewish holiday known as Purim.  The holiday celebrates the Biblical story in the book of Esther.  In this picture book, the barnyard animals dress up and perform a play recounting the story of Esther and Mordechai and their efforts to save the Jewish people.  I don’t know if it’s appropriate to tell a biblical story in the classroom, but if so, this is a cute way of doing so.  The illustrations are wonderful, fun and exciting.  The story is told in an intriguing and interesting way.  There is a sly fox that makes the ending exciting.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SL.   

Big Birthday by Kate Kosford- ADVISABLE

Hosford, Kate. Big Birthday, illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown. $16.95.  Content: G.  PICTURE BOOK.  Everyone wants the perfect birthday party- especially Annabelle.  She is tired of the traditional parties and wants something extra special this year.  After examining all other options, she gets the idea of celebrating her birthday on the moon. Annabelle is certain that a party on the moon will exceed all her expectations!  Little does she know, parties on the moon have their challenges as well.  The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful!  The story is imaginative and creative.  The ending is superb!  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL. 

The Great Sheep Shenanigans by Peter Bently-OPTIONAL

Bently, Peter. The Great Sheep Shenanigans, illustrated by Mei Matsuoka.  $16.95.  Contend: G.  PICTURE BOOK.  A sneaky and hungry “wily old wolf” by the name of Lou Pine is looking for  sheep to eat for a snack. He comes up with a crafty plan to trick the sheep and hopefully have his fill of cutlets, roast leg of lamb, chops and more!  What Lou Pine doesn’t know is that sheep are very crafty themselves.  Who will get the last laugh?  The book is beautifully illustrated.  The colors are bright and the illustrations tell the story perfectly.  Be aware:  there is mention of the wolf landing in a pile of poop.  Make sure to prepare for students laughter and comments with that one! There is also a little twist on the story of “Little Red Riding Hood.”   Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SL. 

Pretty Penny Cleans Up by Devon Kinch-ADVISABLE

Kinch, Devon.  Pretty Penny Cleans Up, 40 pgs.  Random House for Young Readers, 2012.  $16.99.  Inside cover: “The Sassy Pants concert is only one week away, and Penny’s best friend, Emma, has spent her whole allowance.  It’s Pretty Penny to the rescue with another of her big ideas- La Perfect Pup Salon!  Local pups will come away with such hilarious styles as the Punk and the Regal, and the girls will earn enough money for their tickets.  And with the Pretty Penny Saving Setup, they’ll save for charity and for future needs, too.”  This book could be used in a unit on money management, jobs/trades, and friendship.  We liked how Pretty Penny chose to give some of her money to charity and to save some as well.  This is a lesson many children struggle to learn.  The illustrations are bold and bright.  The story is interesting and easy to follow.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3). ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL. 

Half-Pint Pete the Pirate by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen- OPTIONAL

Bardhan-Quallen, Sudipta.  Valerio, Geraldo.  Half-Pint Pete the Pirate, 32 pgs. $16.99.  Inside cover:  “Half-Pint Pete the Pirate sailed half the seven seas with a patch hiding half his eyes.  But with only half a treasure map, he’d never find his prize!  Until one day when he meets Belle-a female pirate with an incomplete map of her own.  When they combined their halves to make a whole, they find that working together is the best way to find buried treasure.”  This is a cute story with a cute ending.  It could be used in a unit on fractions or friendship.  Other than that, we don’t have anything exciting or negative to say about it.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  OPTIONAL. Reviewer: SL. 

Martha Speaks: Story Time Collection by Susan Meddaugh- ADVISABLE

Meddaugh, Susan.  Martha Speaks: Story Time Collection, 208 pgs.  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books, 2011.  $10.99.  Back cover:  “Martha is a talking dog who discovered her ability to speak after eating alphabet soup!  In this twentieth anniversary six-book collection, readers join Martha on her adventures as she exercises her unique gift of gab.  From sneaking into a “Not Dogs Allowed” Inn to uncovering the truths behind a mysterious obedience school, Martha reminds us why we love dogs and what they might teach us if only they could speak.” This book contains a special introduction and 100 stickers inside.  The stories are fun and adventurous. A lot of the stories are told in comic bubbles. We loved having six stories in one book!  It is a great bedtime book.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE. Reviewer: SL. 

The Third Gift by Linda Sue Park- ADVISABLE

Park, Linda Sue. Ibatoulline, Bagram.  The Third Gift, 32 pgs.  Clarion Books, 2011.  $16.99.  Inside cover: “As sons have been doing throughout the ages, a boy is learning his father’s craft- recognizing the trees that release valuable resin and gathering the round drops, which look almost like pearls.  Or tears.  Today is a proud turning point for the boy.  They have found a “tear” of unusual size, big enough to fill his two hands.  And in the marketplace, three strangers-foreigners- have their own surprising reason for wishing to buy the day’s harvest.”  The story and illustrations in this book are touching and expressive.  We enjoyed the book from beginning to end, but were pleasantly shocked when we realized it is a story of The Nativity. We didn’t realize that the setting for this story was two thousand years ago until the very ending of the book.  This will be a favorite Christmas story for years to come.  EL (K-3).  EL.  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL. 

Beep and Bah by James Burks-ADVISABLE

Burks, James.  Beep and Bah, 32 pgs. $16.95. Inside cover: “Beep is a robot who hungers for adventure.  Bah is a goat who wants to stay out of trouble.  When Bah discovers a single sock, Beep knows there’s only one thing to do: Find its match!  Together, Beep and Bah begin a winding journey that takes them up high hills and deep into the ocean.  On the way, they’ll meet monkeys, whales, and angry bears- but will they find the missing sock?”  This is a cute comic type book that has a hilarious ending!  Much of the story is in looking at the drawings.  The illustrator does an incredible job bringing the characters to life.  We enjoyed reading this book!  There are a lot of animals and animal sounds in this book that could be used in a unit. EL (K-3).  EL. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: SL.