Similarities between Little Robot and The Wild Robot are easy to find. Both begin with a robot sealed inside a shipping crate which accidentally falls into the water and eventually lands in a remote area. In this most unlikely setting, the robot escapes the packing crate, explores its surroundings and eventually begins to form relationships.
Both stories are testaments to the power of kindness and friendship. They poignantly illustrate that the capacity to care and make meaningful contributions to the wellbeing of others is limited only by one's willingness to try.
For me the similarity reaches beyond the books themselves and extends to authors Peter Brown and Ben Hatke. Each has consistently created an exceptional body of work which I deeply admire.

The National Park Service turns 100 on August 25, 2016.  This year-long celebration is marked by opportunities to experience the variety of park explorations available to all.  Find a park near you. Discover the grandeur of nature. Learn lessons from our past.  Be inspired.

We always called it the "Magical Geographic". Every month the bright yellow cover would arrive. We spent hours poring over the pages, picking out images we found captivating as well as photos of places we wanted to visit. We especially we delighted in pointing out the striking and unusual scenes and exclaiming to our siblings "You've gotta look at this!!!"

With the publication of this commemorative volume, Heacox shares a vision of the National Park splendor. This historical perspective opens with a poignant recounting of John Muir's efforts to preserve the Hecht Hetchy Valley and creation of the first National Parks. Subsequent chapters chronicle the development of the National Park Service and the establishment of parks throughout the United States.
The entire book is lavishly illustrated with stunning full page photographs that feature images from many of the more than 400 National Parks in the United States.  This tribute to the National Parks is enhanced with infographics, timelines, personal stories, and well-chosen quotations. This volume serves as a vivid reminder of the important role that the National Park Service plays in preserving our nation's natural and historic treasures.
A splendid addition to personal, school, and public libraries.

National Geographic has published some spiffy new and updated books to celebrate the National Park Service centennial. The updated Guide to National Parks is a handy resource. National Geographic Kids titles include a National Parks Guide U.S.A., Junior Ranger Activity Book, and Buddy Bison's Yellowstone Adventure.

I contacted a wonderful teacher who wanted to bring more books into the lives of her students. On a bright Tuesday morning, I traveled across town to visit this teacher's school.
​You have no idea how thrilling it was to meet with this excited group of youngsters and inform them that today they were going to get a book of their very own.  A book to keep. A book that each could write his or her name in. A book that would never ever be due back to any school or library.
They broke into huge smiles. Their faces were glowing.
I placed the gift books on a nearby table, and briefly described each one. Then small groups of children were invited to peruse the book display and choose a book. They looked over the selection carefully, whispering to themselves and each other. When the choice was made, they quickly returned to their seats, anxious to open this book. Their very own book. A book to keep and treasure.
Eventually they wanted to write and draw pictures about their personal books. The photos below show some of their responses.  Their teacher reported that it was very difficult for the students to stay away from the books for the remainder of the day. The children didn't want to put them down. 
Thank you Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for bringing so much joy to a special group of children.

"Worlds and everything in them are made real by the stories that inhabit them."
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Twelve year old Sophie Quire, working from her father's bookshop, spends her days lovingly mending books. Her life dramatically changes when she becomes the owner of a curious book that possesses magical properties. This volume is one of four books. She learns that the combined quartet contains the entire world's magic. She also discovers her true identity. She is Daughter of Coriander Quire, Bookmender of Bustleburgh, Keeper of Stories, Protector of the Four Questions, and The Last Storyguard.
Sophie undertakes a dangerous mission: to obtain all four books, learn the fate of her mother, and save her world from a massive book burning. A monumental task for one young girl!

Auxier skillfully weaves a spell of words that captures the imagination and delights the ears of readers. Consider places such as the city of Bustleburgh, the forests of Grimmwald and the abyss known as The Uncannyon. And of course, The Last Resort, where the precarious Battle of the Last Resort takes place.
Character names are equally intriguing. Readers meet Professor Cake, Inspector Prigg, and an important figure which goes by the name Taro and just happens to be a mandrake. Isn't the name Torvald Knucklemeat the best ever for a villain's henchman? I love the shadrach charm: a very powerful spell which makes the object impervious to flame.
Careful reading finds several veiled references to other works. One of my favorites "The task must have chosen Sophie, but now Sophie must choose the task." pays homage to Garth Nix's Sabriel "Does the walker choose the path or the path the walker?"
Readers will revel in the wordsmithing. Auxier knows how to turn a phrase, twist a word, and place a description in order to extract every ounce of meaning from the narrative,

Ultimately it is the heart of each character which breathe life into the book. Two of my favorite scenes are Sir Tode urging on Peter Nimble when his doubts overtake him during a moment of crisis and Sophie finally attempting to ring the bell charm hanging around her neck. Such poignant vignettes demonstrate the power of love to overcome all obstacles.
"There are moments in life - rare for most people- when you suddenly realize that the tapestry of the world is grander and more intricately woven than you had ever imagined."