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READING STYLE GUIDE

If You Dare

9/10/2018

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The Darkdeep by Ally Condie & Brendan Reichs

The Darkdeep feeds off fear. ​Fear. Inside us.
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If I had a dollar for every time a student asked for a scary book, I could own a pair of Jimmy Choos. Let's face it: kids love creepy, spine tingling stories. Over time, this genre has consistently retained its appeal. R.L. Stein never goes out of style. Gaiman's Coraline, Black's Doll Bones, Baptist's The Jumbies, and Oppel's The Nest deliver contemporary horror to legions of young audiences.
Now, a dynamic writing duo has tapped into middle grade fascination with horror. Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs invite kids to explore The Darkdeep.
What if your worst nightmare came to life? What if the object of your childhood fears attacked you? What if a group of friends discovered that the terrifying figments of their collective imaginations took form?
Twelve -year-old explorers Nico, Taylor, Emma, and Opal discover a mysterious island hidden beneath massive cliffs. A strange-looking houseboat is moored on the island’s pond. Filled with a collection of the bizarre, this floating oddity feels like a “psychopath’s attic.” But even more intriguing is a swirling pool of black liquid at the bottom of the houseboat.
When Emma gets too close to the whirlpool, the opaque waters drag her into its chilly blackness. She senses a mysterious power which can “spy inside my head.” Soon each member of the group discovers that plunging into the deepness causes personal imaginary creatures to materialize. Everything from unicorns to dinosaurs begins to take shape and briefly inhabit the island. ​Gradually the embodiment of their imaginings become more sinister and more permanent. These monsters become horrific, bent on attacking and killing. The kids’ worst nightmares have become their community’s worst nightmare.
Tension is counterbalanced with the most ridiculous community festival yet to appear in kid lit. A radish festival. I kid you not. There are to be radish costumes, a parade and a pageant with the winner declared Citizen Radish. Note: I would like to have been a fly on the wall when the authors came up with this story element.
The narrative comes to a satisfying conclusion but Condie and Reichs drop tantalizing hints suggesting that the horror isn’t over. There is something else on that houseboat. As it did with the young protagonists in the story, The Darkdeep will entice readers with more mysterious secrets. They will breathlessly await the continuation of the story. Let’s hope they don’t have too long to wait.

Bonus

Coming to a city near you.... The Darkdeep launches a ten city tour, beginning October 1, 2018. 
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One lucky person's  will appear in next The Darkdeep book. Check out this offer to have a character named after you in the sequel.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: October 2, 2018  Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books  ISBN: 978-1547600465
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Of Pockets and Pocket Books

8/16/2018

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Pocket Bios by ​Al Berenger

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"You would need a big pocket to hold one of these." commented an adult when first encountering one of these micro-biographies. Measuring 5 3/4" tall by 7 1/4 " long, these little gems fit nicely into a small space and are perfect for small hands. Think ultra-thin board book.
For such a small package, Berenger manages to pack in a sizable amount of information. Arranged chronologically, each page highlights in simple text a significant life event. Dates are boldly centered on the page's  bottom. A facing page illustrates the event in full color. Illustrations feature cartoon-style figures with proportionately large heads.
Arresting bold color covers with a single cartoon image catch the eye. The unique size, shape, and color of the series presents an interesting shelving consideration. For the purposes of my users, I will shelve these tiny volumes as a series.
Clean, bold font with text centered on each page is easy to read. Infographics are clear and well organized. Ample white space and a facing page of engaging illustration make these pocket bios a user-friendly introduction to important individuals throughout history. 
Pocket Bios are a clever combination of board book, picture book, and nonfiction.  These mini-sized books can serve as an introduction to well-known individuals.  Format is also a clear template for organizing biographical information.  Colorful pages with limited text offer delightful nonfiction pleasure reading. This series can be enjoyed by a wide range of young readers.
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Titles published July 2018 include: Muhammad Ali, Neil Armstrong, Blackbeard, CoCo Chanel, Charlie Chaplin, Cleopatra, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Isaac Newton, Rosa Parks. Additional biographies in this series are also available.
All titles in the series follow a similar format: Life story details presented with a color illustration for each event, a two-page spread timeline, a simple map with a key to important life events, an introduction to individuals who are relevant to the life and work of the biographical subject, and a selection of interesting trivia items.
Review copies provided by publisher.
Pub date: July 17, 2018  Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
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Little Lion

4/12/2018

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I'm the Best! by Constanze V. Kitzing ​

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Look at the smug expression on the face of this young lion. Here is one cub who exudes self-confidence, convinced that I'm the Best! He sets off into the wild to proclaim his prowess to other members of the animal kingdom, announcing to each that he is: the loudest, the fiercest, the prettiest, etc.
Each boast from the lion is met with the retort, "oh really?" Eventually he comes to the realization that there are other animals who have some superior attributes.
All ends well. His younger brother arrives and after a playful romp, admiringly announces that his older brother is "the best."
A delightful picture book that celebrates the unique qualities that make each individual special.
Hand-painted illustrations fill the page with over-sized animal images.  Little Lion's facial expressions cover a wide range of emotions.  He moves from pride to doubt, fearlessness to trepidation with each page turn. Animals roar, grunt, snap, and whisper. These descriptive verbs enrich the story experience and provide opportunities for dramatic reading. With limited vocabulary and repetitive text, this book makes an excellent read aloud. A chorus of young voices will joyfully join in the refrain, "Oh really?" 
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Meet Constanze von Kitzing

German illustrator and author Constanze V. Kitzing hosts an interactive website and a newsletter which are chock full of interesting explorations for youngsters. There is one obstacle: the site is in German. However with the assistance of Google translate and some deductive reasoning, it is possible to share some of these creative activities with children everywhere.
Here is a sample of von Kitzing's  fun interactive activities.
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Sign up to receive a copy of the idea newsletter.
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Instructions and animated images for painting carnival faces.
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Spot the differences coloring page.
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Download this family tree template which can be customized for one, two, or three children.

Please may I have some more?

Did you know that there are two additional Little Lion titles? This trio of tales follow this cub who has a major attitude. He taunts boldly Can't Catch Me! and seeks a nighttime playmate when he asks Are You Sleeping?
​Triple reading pleasure.
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Review based on electronic copy provided by publisher
Pub date: April 1, 2018       Publisher: ​Barefoot Books   ISBN: 9781782853947
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What a Heroine Looks Like

3/27/2018

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Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

”Who are you?”
“Your worst nightmare. We're the Pandavas.”
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Full disclosure. I resisted reading this book. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed Riordan’s the Olympians series. But if this was another "child of a mythological god" wanna be, I wasn’t interested. Eventually I picked up the volume, started to read, and instantly realized that I was wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. The first few pages convinced me. This is no weak Percy Jackson remake.
​Roshani Chokshi has taken the concept, turned it inside out, ripped out the old construction, removed the fabric, woven a new tapestry and created something fresh and sparkling. She has breathed new life into a mythological adventure for middle grade readers. ​After the first chapter, I could not stop reading. I skipped meals and didn’t want to put the book down to search for food. Reading was more important than a growling stomach. This book is that good! Here some of the reasons why Aru Shah and the End of Time captivated me:
  • The setting. India's mythology is a rich source of fascinating lore that is less familiar to me. Twelve-year-old Aru and her mother live in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture. Her life is steeped in Indian stories and artifacts, from the giant stone elephant she passes each day to 400-year-old sea dragon statue where she hides her candy stash, Aru lives in a world that promises magic. Readers are introduced to a cast of exotic gods and goddesses. Fortunately, Chokshi includes a helpful glossary. It is possible to enjoy the tale without referring to this back matter. Usually I would wait until I came to a stopping place to use the glossary. I didn't like to disrupt the flow of the story.
  • Humor. Chokshi peppers her narrative with liberal doses of pop culture. Aru, dressed in her Spider-Man pajamas, travels to the Court of the Sky, visits the Pool of the Past, and seeks the Kingdom of Death. Her trip to Costco resembles my ventures into the massive warehouse and at the same time is unlike any shopping trip that I have experienced. It's a place of industrial concrete, frigid temperatures, and massive lines of people.  Aru and Mini head down the aisle of frozen foods seeing "black bean soup, lunch rolls, pizza, bagels, pizza bagels, tripe, codfish, catfish, I-can't-believe-it's-not-fish fish.....frozen waffles, frozen pancakes, frozen stars, frozen wings, ...frozen prophecies, frozen orrereis, frozen gold, frozen..." you get the idea. Did I mention the chapter headings? They are so clever and snarky. It’s fun to read chapter headings such as: "#1 on Mini's Top Ten Ways I Don't Want to Die List: Death by Halitosis" "Bring on the Next Demon! Wait, Maybe Not..."
  • Parents are not perfect. Aru lives with a mother who is away from home. A. Lot. Her father, who has been absent from her life ,makes a startling entrance. He is the Sleeper. The bad guy. How could this man be her father? How could her mother have fallen in love with him? Why has her mother kept her parentage a secret?
This is a heroic tale. Aru learns that she is the spirit daughter of Indra, king of the heavens, god of thunder and lightning. Together with her newly discovered spirit-related sister Mini, she must defeat the Sleeper. If she fails to succeed, the Sleeper will reach the Lord of Destruction and time will end. The two sisters take upon themselves the monumental tasks of locating celestial weapons and thwarting the Sleeper's plans. Yes, there is plenty of action, adventure, and magic. But it’s basically a story of a girl who understands that she makes mistakes and that she is not perfect. Nonetheless, deep inside her are the qualities of a hero. Make that heroine.
To all those Rick Riodan fans who know every single character in the Percy Jackson series and can answer a bazillion Olympians trivia questions, meet a new heroine. Her name is Aru Shah and she has more exciting adventures in the heavens and earth than you could possibly dream. (Paraphrasing Shakespeare) Bonus: Aru has another book coming soon. Look for Aru Shah and the Song of Death.
”You will never be hero. You were never meant to be a hero.​”
“I already am. And it's not hero...It's heroine.”
Review based on uncorrected text copy.
Pub date: March 27, 2018       Publisher: ​Rick Riordan Presents     ISBN: 978-1368012355
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Creatures Great & Small

3/23/2018

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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.
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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. 
It will take quick thinking, skillful maneuvering, and an enormous quantity of courage to protect the Jersey Devil from danger.   One constant threat to any mythical creature is the nefarious Schmoke Brothers, of Schmoke Industries. Their motto is "Making the World the Way We Want It to Be." They will stop at nothing to track down and capture mythical beasts.
Gidwitz's storytelling skills shine throughout the tale. He immediately takes readers into his confidence, sharing Elliot's thoughts as he boards the bus "They think I'm a weirdo." He mocks the eccentricities of adults. Miss Vole spoke to the students “like they were in kindergarten… if her voice got any higher, only dogs would be able to hear her. “ He keeps the action moving along, with plenty of hints suggesting possible peril. Short snappy sections are delicious little morsels, enticing readers on to the next page, paragraph, chapter.
Hatem Aly's black and white line drawings match character descriptions. Yes, Miss Vole does indeed resemble a vole.  The imposing figure of Professor Fauna completely towers over the children with eyes that look "like death."  Elliot and Uchenna have over-sized heads, giving them a slightly cartoonish quality.  It's like watching TV, only better.
My advice for libraries: begin clearing a shelf for this series. I worked with a group of youngsters last summer who could not get enough stories about Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster. Mythical creatures fascinated them. The Creature of the Pines is the first in a series that has the potential to be a sure-fire hit.
One final note about the end papers. The decision to show the "Official World Map" with edited improvements by Elliot and Uchenna is clever.  Let's hope that this map will evolve as the series progresses. 

Stay Connected to the Society

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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
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Join the Unicorn Rescue Society
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Get Ready for a New Adventure
Review, images, and text based on uncorrected copy.
Pub date: April 10, 2018       Publisher: ​Dutton Books for Young Readers      ISBN: 978-0735231702
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Legendary Leader

1/26/2018

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Shaka Rising: A Legend of the Warrior Prince
by Luke W. Molver & Mason O'Conner
Forward by Mbongeni Malaba, Ph.D. 

Gather round children, for that story is part of all our stories..
​it is in the stars above us, and the sand beneath our feet...
it is in the clay of our homes...in our blood and our bones...
A series of graphic novels from Story Press Africa, an imprint of Catalyst Press,  feature African characters and stories. The mission of this innovative and forward-thinking venture is” to place African knowledge in its rightful place among the knowledge of the world” … and to “… publish stories by Africans about Africa for a global audience: authentic, challenging, and frequently controversial visions of the continent that birthed humankind."
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Shaka Rising: A Legend of the Warrior Prince by Luke W. Molver and Mason O'Connor introduces readers to the early life and ascent to power of the founder of the Zulu Kingdom. 
Shaka was born in the 18th century, during the American Revolution and French Revolution. At that time small clans dotted the continent, vying for supremacy. Some chiefs sold conquered individuals to slave traders. With this practice, the southeast coast became "a wound” on Africa’s coastline.   Shaka temporarily left the Zulu clan to serve as an army commander under the tutelage of King Dingiswayo. Through victorious battles and strategic planning, he defeated his competition and united the warring factions to create the Kingdom of the Zulu.
African society and Shaka receive even-handed treatment. Throughout the narrative, heroic feats contrast with glaring character flaws. This balance adds credibility to the account. Note:  I'm still hurting over Shaka's insistence, despite her objections, that his sister must marry for political gain. 
Several interesting visual devices bring the story to life. Setting the story within the context of a storyteller relating the legend to a group gathered around a fire is an excellent way to reinforce the importance of the African oral tradition.  Hand and facial close-ups inset within the context of sweeping visual backgrounds highlight both the overall result, as well as the personal impact of key events. During intense battle scenes panels depart from the rectangular shape with diagonal frames.
Mbongeni Malaba's Forward places the story in context and provides the legend's academic foundation.  An illustrated "cast of characters" is helpful in identifying key individuals.
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The wealth of information provided in back matter is what makes this book stand out. Included are a discussion of the validity and accuracy of this portrayal of a historical figure, a timeline comparing Zulu chieftainships with world events, discussions of political, social, and family structures, highlights of Zulu culture, a glossary and fascinating insights into the language, including a pronunciation guide.
Classrooms will appreciate the emphasis on the insightful ideas and the sets of discussion questions devoted to exploring the concepts of leadership, accuracy of historical accounts, the role of women, and social structures. A useful springboard for teachers who wish to expand their students' world view as well as provide opportunities for critical thinking.
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Unlikely Heroes

1/9/2018

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Life is an Adventure

There are stories of noble heroes who seem born to greatness and then there are those that one would never imagine to be heroic. Consider the sisters Bland who quietly spend their days darning socks. Consider also a lowly runt of a rabbit, timid and fearful. Who knew that these unlikely heroes would capture the hearts and imaginations of middle grade readers with acts of cunning and bravery?
Meet these heroes featured in two delightful series for middle grade readers. Filled with sparkling repartee, clever wordplay, and expressive black and white line drawings, these books are an excellent choice for those who enjoy snappy chapter books loaded with adventure and wild antics.

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

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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 writing is packed with biting wit. Evil rats are part of a gang known as the Ratzis, whose leader is known as Papa Razzi. The plan to discredit the Queen involves posting embarrassing photos on the website Rat-on-a-celebrity.com. Great fun to read aloud!
Naturally our young hero triumphs over the greasy rats, vicious dogs, and his own fears.
Two carrots and a basket of celery to The Royal Rabbits of London, an enchanting new series from Santa Montefiore and Simon Sebag Montefiore.
Kate Hindley's line drawings complement the story, echoing its charm and humor.
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The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters:
​The Uncanny Express
by Kara LaReau  ill by Jen Hill

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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. ​
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Several suspects may be responsible for her disappearance and it is up to Jaundice and Kale to sift through a cast of passengers and solve the mystery.   Bald French detective, Hugo Fromage, interviews the suspects. There are plenty of clues and a few red herrings to keep readers engaged until the truth is revealed.
Think tongue-in-cheek  Murder on the Orient Express for youngsters. Readers will enjoy the double entendres: The train is derailed by a collision with a truck carrying barrels of marshmallow crème. "The Uncanny Express is now stuck."  Jaundice, becomes distraught and doesn't look like herself. Kale's asks, "Does this make any sense to you?" Jaundice, the sister who loves to tie knots responds, "I'm a frayed knot."
Kara LeReau's The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters: The Uncanny Express is replete with mystery and dry wit. Readers clamoring for more Bland Sisters will happy to learn that further adventures await in the skies. Bring it on!​
How bland can they get? Jen Hill's illustrations nail the personalities of our young heroines  Jaundice and Kale.
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Let's Get Crafty

12/7/2017

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Crafty Cat and the Crafty Camp Crisis by Charise Mericle Harper

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First Second has done it again. This publisher has its finger on the pulse of young readers' interests, moving beyond the genre traditionally found in comics and exploring fresh concepts to offer in graphic format.  Recent examples: The Science Comics series features a wide array of fascinating nonfiction in panel form. Also consider the brilliant journal/comic book hybrid CiCi's Journal: The Adventures of A Writer-in-Training.
​Now this leaders in children's comics turns its attention to the Maker Movement with a series of graphic novels for young readers featuring Crafty Cat, the fearless alter ego for somewhat timid Birdie.  Crafty Cat and the Crafty Camp Crisis finds Crafty Cat preparing for Monster Craft Camp.  She has the right tools, plenty of skills and the "crafty feelings" needed to create a winning project.   Best friend Evan, requisite "mean girl" Anya, and a school janitor who serves as craft instructor attend this camp. Each chapter is devoted the escapades surrounding the creation of a monster-related craft. ​Bonus: Birdie's imaginary friend Cloudy. Love this!
Take note. There will be a CRAFT-MERGENCY; plenty of drama from Anya; a healthy snack "another way of saying it's good for you and tastes bad" which, by the way,  is enjoyed by everyone;  and an important lesson learned about friendship. ​
Back pages include directions for making each of the six monster crafts described in the text. With great characters, clever dialog, and simple craft projects, Charise Mericle Harper has a created a graphic novel series for young craft and comic enthusiasts.
I followed the directions for making mini monsters. This is a fun and easy-to-do project. These would be great as place cards. They would also make terrific cards to top a gift. Think fun reminders for table tops too!
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Upside Down

9/19/2017

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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? 
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​Johannes’ early chapter book contains wild adventures, puns, and illustrations with just the right amount of zaniness. Did I mention the Pig Latin? Young readers will not be able to get enough of Miss Zinker, a book chock full of more fun than should be allowed. But go ahead and read it. You too might be an upside down thinker.

Upside Down Deliciousness

If you are acquainted with Beatrice, then you know of her affinity with this dessert. Why not try making these Pineapple Upside Down Mini-Cakes? They are fun and easy and yummy! Here is the recipe from an upright girl who knows the up and down sides of cake: Betty Crocker.
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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"

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I hope you like books written by somebody who once tipped a whole box of cornflakes over her head. That's me!
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Moms just have no imagination, thought Dyamonde.
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I'd rather jump on the bed than go to bed. Who wants to sleep when there are so many fun things to do?
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She wore lots of reflective tape- "Everyone should wear reflecitve tape." Ruby liked to say.
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Rock on!

7/25/2017

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Bob's Rock by Ann and John Hassett 

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Bob is back!
This message is for those who loved the story of Bob and his flashlight as much as I did. You are in for a treat.  Ann and John Hassett's latest book continues the saga of this winsome protagonist.  In this installment readers meet his new companion: a rock.
Yes, Bob has a rock.
​​​If you haven't read Goodnight Bob stop right now and read this charming picture book before continuing. I'll wait.
In Bob's Rock our young friend leaves the cozy confines of his bedcovers and ventures outside and onto the playground with his friend Max. Each boy brings a companion: Max has a dog. Bob carries his rock. A amiable competition ensues as each tries to prove that his sidekick is the better of the two. On command, which one will "Sit" "Stay" "Rollover"? Readers will quickly realize what is happening.  Anyone who has experienced the frustration of a pet refusing to perform when directed can relate to Max's dilemma. 
The simple text with controlled vocabulary makes this an excellent choice for emergent readers. But the gentle word play and charming characters will appeal to a wide-ranging audience. Thanks Ann and John Hassett for another wining book for young readers. More Bob stories please.

Rocks & Rocks

Rock Craft
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The Pet Rock craze continues to flourish in several iterations. Young crafters can purchase a kit with materials and instructions for creating a painted rock resembling an animal.
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Several retail outlets offer an assortment of unique hand painted rocks. I spied a few at the Arkansas Garvan Woodlands Gardens gift shop.

Message on a Rock

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The Kindness Rocks Project encourages individuals to paint rocks with inspiring messages and leave them for others to find. The website provides guidelines and tips for creating your own Kindness Rocks.  You will also find a photo album of Kindness rocks as well as a map for locating sites where kindness rocks have been deposited. Participants are encouraged to share photos of rock creations as well as add a pin to the U.S. map of rock locations.
​An engaging and interactive craft project!
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Companion Books

Want more picture books featuring rocks? Try out one of these delightful tales.
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Charlotte and the Rock
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Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
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Stick and Stone
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    Barbara Moon

    I like talking about books and  interesting ideas. I like thinking about how books affect my life. Not particularly interested in giving out stars or in rating books. 

    Audio Publishers Association
    2013, - present  Audies judge 
    American Library Association Book Awards and Lists 
    ​2017 YALSA Award Nominating Committee
    2016 Excellence in Nonfiction 
    2014 Margaret Edwards Award
    2012 Odyssey Awards.  
    2009, 2010, 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

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