The Joy of Cookies: Cookie Monster's Guide to Life by Cookie Monster

​"Me the only Cookie Thief in this here town. So no steal cookies! And no steal book about cookies! Or terrible cookie curse fall upon you: Cookie forever taste like dust in mouth. Fate worse than diet."

The Creature of the Pines by Adam Gidwitz ill Hatem Aly

Created by Jesse Casey, Adam Gidwitz, and Chris Smith

Can we start with the ring? This ring is the finger adornment that dreams are made of.       Defende Fabulos Defend the Imaginary      Potege Mythica​ Protect the Mythical Just think of it. ​It is noble. It speaks of grandeur.  This is one amazingly cool ring. ​I understand that it may only be worn by members of the Unicorn Rescue Society. ​​Professor Fauna, sign me up now. Please.

It's Elliot Eisner's first day at a new school and already he's feeling more than a little uneasy. The day is starting with a field trip. Boarding a bus with students he doesn't know, supervised by a teacher he has never met, and heading into the Pine Barrens of New Jersey does not appear to be a promising start.  Elliot and his new-found friend Uchenna Devereaux soon learn that this field trip will not be like any other school excursion they have experienced.  A very strange-looking man, with hair that "stood up from his scalp like he was in the habit of kissing electric eels" introduces himself to the busload of students as Professor Fauna and promises them a dangerous expedition. "Indeed. Danger is the greatest teacher." Then it happens. Elliot and Uchenna encounter a small furry blue creature, shaped like deer, with claws on its two front  feet and red bat-like wings.  It is a Jersey Devil, resident of the Pine Barrens.  Not only do they see this mythical creature, they carefully hide it in Uchenna's backpack.

Stay Connected to the Society

The Unicorn Rescue Society Book Tour with Adam Gidwitz April 7 Book Launch 4-6 pm @ Brooklyn Pubic Library, Central Library, Dweck Center  April 19 California 4 PM @ Copperfield's Books, Petaluma  April 21 Cavalcade of Authors Washington State University, Tricities May 21 Chicago 4:30 PM @ The Book Stall, Winnetka June 28 Follett's Reading Con, Northern Illinois University Conference Center,Naperville July 13 BYU Books for Young Readers  @Provo City Library at Academy Square, Provo

Meet Mr.Gidwitz

Join the Unicorn Rescue Society

Get Ready for a New Adventure

Stuck in the Stone Age by Geoff Rodney ill by Hatem Aly

Have you ever read a book that was so funny that you found yourself laughing out loud? Have you ever found people looking at you and asking “What’s so funny?” When this happens, you look up from your book and realize that you are making a public scene. Immediately you attempt to stifle the guffaws bubbling up inside you. Eventually you acknowledge that you can’t control your laughter. It is time to decide: either put the book away until you are alone or just keep reading and ignore the curious stares. This precisely describes my experience as I laughed my way through Stuck in the Stone Age by Geoff Rodkey. Note: I kept reading.

​"You think we'll be okay?" "Definitely not." "We'll survive, though, right?" "Not a chance." "Not even if we brace ourselves?" "Did you take physics?" "Yeah, But I got an H in it." "What's an H?" "It's a little worse than a G."

Bonus Resources

Arnold the Brave by Gundi Herget ill Nikolai Renger

No one in the meadow seems to take him seriously. He does have one fan, Milo the mole, who cheers for Arnold from an underground hole. Things change the day that a wolf is seen on the horizon and appears to be heading toward the flock.

This imposing canine has the sheep terrified.  Whatever will they do?

They decide that hiding from the wolf is their best recourse.

But not our fearless Super Sheep. He is ready to take on any foe. He has no fear and boldly approaches the wolf. ​Little does he realize that he has a secret accomplice: Milo bravely puts into action his own scheme to thwart Mr. Wolf.

Extension Activities

Ball of Yarn

School Heroes

May 4, 2018 is School Lunch Hero Day. Visit this website for biographies of real life lunch staff members. Get downloadable flyers, cards, lesson plans, and other resources.

Pignic by Matt Phelan

Who can resist this cover? Mr Phelan gets it right, down to the curly pigtail flourishes on the title letters G and C.

When they reach their destination, problems arise.  An exploration leaves them stranded until an animal friend comes to the rescue.  When the kite cannot be launched, Phelan provides a brilliant solution that is a clever comic twist on a fairy tale trope. Suddenly the sky darkens. Rain drenches the piglets.  It appears that the day is a disaster. Not so. Phelan works his storytelling magic with the perfect solution. Soft water color images exude personality and are well-suited to the setting.  Illustrations give young readers visual cues needed to decode unfamiliar words.  Repetitive phrases, limited vocabulary, and large font centered within plenty of white space provide readers additional support.  Pignic is a delightful adventure for young and not-so-young readers.

Life is an Adventure

​The Royal Rabbits of London
by Santa Montefiore & Simon Sebag Montefiore
ill by Kate Hindley

Meet Shylo Tawny-Tail, a scrawny, shy little country rabbit who resides with his family in a burrow at the edge of the forest. Compelled to wear a patch over one eye to correct his vision, Shylo, also known as bunkin, is the object of his siblings' constant barrage of teasing and taunts. One day he spies a trio of "big, greasy, menacing rats" and listens in on their plot to infiltrate Buckingham Palace and take a compromising photo of the queen. Gathering up all his courage and aided by important information from a wise old rabbit recluse, Shylo sets off on a seemingly impossible task. His journey takes him to The Royal Rabbits of London, a select society of Rabbits of the Round Table, sworn to serve the Royal Family of England. Summoning courage he didn't realize he possessed, he manages to outwit the rats, escape the jaws of a pack of the Queen's beloved corgis, and save the honor of the Queen.

The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters:
​The Uncanny Express
by Kara LaReau  ill by Jen Hill

After a harrowing adventure aboard a pirate ship, one would think that Bland sisters Jaundice and Kale would settle into a quiet life in Dullsville, resuming their daily routine of tying knots, cleaning the bathroom and darning socks. Until...They receive a letter announcing that Aunt Shallot is coming to town and that they are to meet her at the Dullsville depot. They learn that this meeting will involve more than a simple hello. Much more. Our reluctant heroines find themselves passengers on the Uncanny Express, headed for Uncanny Valley. They have been conscripted to serve as magician's assistants to Magique. She is planning a comeback performance which she hopes will return her to her former glory as a great magician. But things take a strange turn when Magique goes missing. ​ ​

Slides are perfect for the pool...but the gold trim on these sandals...

Never seen anything like the fluffy trimmed sneakers...wait! Hot pink laces...

Everyone is wearing booties now...however I’ve never owned glittering ruby slippers...

I like the black with rainbow detail.. check out the side zipper on this one!

It’s Shoe Time! written and illustrated by Bryan Collier

One of the best things about Bryan Collier’s It's Shoe Time! is that he makes shoes and shopping and reading so much fun.  Beginning with the title, the pages are brimming with word play. Consider:  Shoe Time vs Show Time. The text is also replete with homophones which accentuate the silliness:  knot vs not and pear vs pair. There is a running joke with respect to the dual meanings of right and left.  Right means "correct" and also refers to a side of the body. Left means both the opposing side of the body and is a past tense form of "leave."  The alternating sounds (squish! flop! squish! flop!) as the shoes descend stairs begs to be read aloud.  The conclusion, while not particularly practical, is none-the-less delightful. This is one that will quickly become subject to the "read it again" request. It's a match! This book fits perfectly.

Fun with Words

Homophone jeopardy for one or two players

Build a wall with homophone sentences

Companion Books

This series of early readers just keeps getting more fun. Well known authors and illustrators share their considerable talents in these high-interest books. The large thoughtfully placed font, with plenty of white space and limited vocabulary make them an excellent choice for beginning readers.  The wordplay, humor, and zany art have an appeal for a wide-ranging. audience.

The Cookie Fiasco

The Good for Nothing Button

We Are Growing

Waylon! Even More Awesome
by Sara Pennypacker ill by Marla Frazee

Are you ready for another serving of awesome? I certainly am. Sara Pennypacker delivers another tale of awesomeness with Waylon! Even More Awesome, the second of a three volume series featuring Waylon Zakowski. The boy we first encountered in the Clementine series is back and he’s bringing a friend, his recently acquired pet, Dumpster Eddy. Because mom is allergic to dogs and Eddy is a canine on the run, Waylon is constantly in search of a new home for his dog. More often than not, this includes ten day stays with Animal Control. This isn’t so bad. Waylon and his on-again off-again friend Baxter visit the police station each day, playing with their pooch and taking him out for walks. Unfortunately things are about to change. There is a new Animal Control officer and he has no intention of allowing Dumpster Eddy to continue his stays at the station. Eddy is about to be shipped off to a far away animal shelter. The boys must think fast and come up with a plan to save their dog and provide him with a home. They hit upon the ingenious idea of building an elaborate igloo or dogloo, complete with a special pad for cold nights. However when you’re working with a free-spirited dog, a hard-nosed official, and cold Massachusetts weather, there are bound to be complications.

OAT: One Awesome Thing Waylon enjoys playing OAT: recalling One Awesome Thing about his day.Try creating your own OAT bookmarks. What awesome thing happened to you today? Its a simple and easy way to maintain a positive outlook. Make homemade oatmeal cookies and share your OAT and delicious cookies with someone special. Awesomeness all around!

She was a girl who could not wait. Life was so interesting she had to find out what happened next ​​ If it isn't a requirement, it should be: ​ All Children Should Become Acquainted with Ramona Quimby Ramona is a girl who knows what she wants and speaks her own mind. She really isn't interested in what you think should happen. She already knows what should be done and goes about doing just that. She's the girl that everyone can relate with. Either you are a Ramona -type or you are older sister Beezus-type. You may be frustrated trying to deal with her. You may be exasperated trying to reason with her. But one thing is certain. You will never ever be bored. Never.

Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker by Shelley Johannes

She had high hopes for the day. All of them involved her ninja suit."You look like a criminal"
​"No I don't,"Beatrice replied."I look like me."

Welcome to 2017 and the new girl in Kid Lit, Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker.  Shelley Johannes has created one unique individual. Beatrice always does things her own way. Not the way that her family hopes. Not the way that her teacher expects. She thinks things out for herself. As second grade concludes, Beatrice and Lenny, her best friend and partner-in-hijinks, concoct a plan: third grade will be Operation Upside. They will be spies!  When the new school year begins, Beatrice sets out, wearing her ninja suit and ready for a year of reconnaissance. To her astonishment, Lenny instead shows up for class wearing a skirt and a pink ruffled sweater, bringing along  Chloe, a new friend. Beatrice is crushed. Gone are her plans for a secret mission with her unconventional ninja-loving friend. What happened to Lenny? Is her plan doomed? How will Chloe fit into her schemes? Can she survive the watchful eye of her new teacher?

Upside Down Deliciousness

Not everything in her life was a piece of cake -but tonight the Zinkers were eating cake for dinner. And tomorrow, if all went according to plan, Operation Upside would surprise another winner.

Ingredients 1/4 cup butter, melted 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 3 cans (8 oz each) pineapple slices in juice drained,  reserving juice 12maraschino cherries 1box  yellow cake mix 1 cup pineapple juice (from cans of pineapple) 1/2cup vegetable oil 3 eggs Steps 1 Heat oven to 350°F. Place 1 teaspoon melted butter in each of 12 ungreased jumbo or large muffin cups. Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar to each muffin cup. Place 1 pineapple slice in each cup; place 1 cherry in center of each pineapple slice. 2 In large bowl, beat cake mix, 1 cup pineapple juice, the oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed until moistened; beat 2 minutes on high speed. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. 3 Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and cakes spring back with touched lightly in center. Cool cakes in cups 5 to 10 minutes. 4 Place cookie sheet upside down over each muffin pan; turn cookie sheet and muffin pan over. Remove pan.

Girls Who "Did It My Way"

I hope you like books written by somebody who once tipped a whole box of cornflakes over her head. That's me!

Moms just have no imagination, thought Dyamonde.

I'd rather jump on the bed than go to bed. Who wants to sleep when there are so many fun things to do?

She wore lots of reflective tape- "Everyone should wear reflecitve tape." Ruby liked to say.

Ape and Armadillo Take Over the World by James Sturm

​Each year during the San Diego Comic-Con, winners of the prestigious Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are announced. Recognition is awarded to outstanding comics and comic-related materials published during the previous year. Among the many categories, this year's nominees include a stellar group of comics published for early readers. ​Take a look at one of the nominees for this year's award.

Ape and Armadillo Take Over the World by James Sturm introduces readers to the playground antics of two friends: Ape and Armadillo. As Agents of Evil, they devise a scheme to combat the evil forces of the world. However, there is a problem. Armadillo has developed his own special plan. Ape will combat the evil-doers. Armadillo will sweep in afterward, assuming the role of the conquering hero. This is not working so well for Ape and he objects. It's unfair! There follows a discussion on the meaning of "unfair" and what is a "good idea" entails. Eventually the friends compromise, negotiating a plan that both agree will work. Engaging characters, sparkling dialog that zings when read aloud, great action scenes which include a space cannon, plenty of gentle humor, and ice cream, make this a sure-fire hit for young readers. Bonus: There are also dogs. Lots of dogs. World domination like you've never experienced it.

I have planned a few workshops and storytimes to take place this summer. One workshop will be with a group of teens and a separate storytime will be for children whose ages span a wide range. I plan to use this book along with the comic panel templates and prompts. While the book is specifically geared to younger readers, the concepts translate well with middle grade and teens interested in creating their own comics. ​Thanks James Sturm and Toon Books for this fantastic leveled comic for early readers.

Why yes. I do have a signed copy!

Companion Books

Burt's Way Home ​by James Martz

The Creeps: The Trolls Will Feast ​by ​Chris Schweizer

I'm Grumpy ​by Jennifer L. Holm & ​Matthew Holm

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea ​by Ben Clanton