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.

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. 

George Washington's Birthday: A Mostly True Tale by Margaret McNamara-ADVISABLE

McNamara, Margaret.  Blitt, Barry.  George Washington’s Birthday: A Mostly True Tale, 40 pgs.  Schwartz & Wade, 2012.  $17.99.  Inside cover: “When George Washington woke up on Saturday, he was seven.  It’s my birthday, he thought.  Happy Birthday to me.  But everyone in his family was so busy they didn’t even notice.  Would anyone ever remember George’s birthday?  Full of facts about the first president-as well as many myths, debunked!- this is a partly true and completely funny birthday celebration.”  We loved this book!  The illustrations are fun and exciting.  Each page has either a myth or fact about George Washington. The storyline is fun to read.  This book could be used in a unit on celebrating President’s Day. Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ADVISABLE.  Reviewer: SL. 

Mr. Putter & Tabby Ring the Bell by Cynthia Rylant- ADVISABLE

Rylant, Cynthia.  Howard, Arthur.  Mr. Putter & Tabby Ring the Bell, 44 pgs.  Harcourt Children’s Books, 2011.  $14.99. Inside cover: “Dong! Dong! Dong! The school bell is ringing.  The crispy fall wind is blowing.  Mr. Putter wishes he could go back to school- even for just one day.  Then he has an idea: How about a visit during show-and-tell with Mrs. Teaberry, Tabby and Zeke? The teacher agrees, but there’s one problem.  She and the students expect pet tricks.  Will Tabby and Zeke be able to deliver?”  I liked the illustrations in this book.  The story was very funny.  This was as fun and easy book to read.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3). ADVISABLE.  Student Reviewed: JL- age 9.