--- title: "Reading Everywhere: children's" url: https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children's/ description: "Children's and YA book reviews. Library stuff. Possible overuse of the word AWESOME!" --- # Reading Everywhere: children's - [About](https://readingeverywhere.com/p/about-me.html) - [Review Policy](https://readingeverywhere.com/p/review-policy.html) - [Frequently Visited Posts](https://readingeverywhere.com/p/frequently-visited-posts.html) Showing posts with label children's . [Show all posts](https://readingeverywhere.com/) Showing posts with label children's . [Show all posts](https://readingeverywhere.com/) ## Monday, February 4, 2013 ### [What to Read When You're Sick of Being Sick](https://readingeverywhere.com/2013/02/what-to-read-when-youre-sick-of-being.html) Sniffle, sneeze, cough. Like everyone, I'm sick. I've been sick for over a week now, and I'm sick of being sick. There are really only two bright sides to this situation: 1. Tea. Lots and lots and lots of tea. Piping hot tea, with copious amounts of lemon and honey. Ahhh. 2. A chance to indulge in some comfort reads. Between Nyquil and general exhaustion, I'm not altogether sharp enough to concentrate on a book I haven't read yet, so I love to re-read when I'm sick. I don't always have time to re-read entire books, but even just revisiting a few happy-making chapters cheers me up. When I'm sick, I want to read something that will transport me to a different time or place, something with characters I can root for, and something with a certain amount of sweetness that just makes me smile. | | |---| | *[The Goose Girl](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582349908/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1582349908&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20)*, by Shannon Hale / *[Betsy and the Great World](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061795135/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0061795135&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20)*, by Maud Hart Lovelace / *[The Other Countess](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385740905/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385740905&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20)*, by Eve Edwards / *[Suite Scarlett](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545096324/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0545096324&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20)*, by Maureen Johnson / *[Entwined](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062001043/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062001043&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20)*, by Heather Dixon / *[The Dragonfly Pool](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142414867/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0142414867&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20)*, by Eva Ibbotson | Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2013/02/what-to-read-when-youre-sick-of-being.html) Labels: [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [comfort reads](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/comfort%20reads) , [young adult](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/young%20adult) ## Tuesday, January 22, 2013 ### [Introducing My Kids to a Classic: Richard Scarry](https://readingeverywhere.com/2013/01/introducing-my-kids-to-classic-richard.html) I gave my four-year-old his first Richard Scarry book last weekend, and as I'm sure you can guess, he loves it. He's obsessed! There's so much to look at! I bought him [What Do People Do All Day?](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0394818237/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0394818237) because I remember reading when I was little. It's funny how the illustration of pigs laying bricks and the cross-section of a ship can bring back an exact snapshot of a moment from my childhood. Scarry, Richard. What Do People Do All Day? (Abridged). 64 p. 1968. Random House. Hardcover $14.00. ISBN 9780394818238. I love the way this book enhances our daily walks to the park-- my son is now on the lookout for manhole covers, which he understands connect to the sewers, and he can tell you all about how the builders put a water heater in a new house. I also appreciate how the vignettes explaining various job functions demonstrate how we all do our part to contribute to society. This book gives my son and me a lot to talk about-- not just about the wide variety of jobs people do, but also about how we can all help each other by working together. And my two-year-old daughter just loves the illustration of the ballerina cat. Because mommy takes ballet! And of course I'm every bit as graceful as that dancing cat... or at least my daughter thinks so. My only objection to this fine tome? No examination of the inner workings of the Busytown Library. Ah, well. What was your favorite Richard Scarry book? Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2013/01/introducing-my-kids-to-classic-richard.html) Labels: [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [picture book](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/picture%20book) ## Friday, September 7, 2012 ### [Book Review: Red is a Dragon, by Roseanne Thong and Grace Lin](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/09/book-review-red-is-dragon-by-roseanne.html) Thong, Roseanne & Lin, Grace. Red is a Dragon . 40 p. 2001. Chronicle. Hardcover $15.95. ISBN 9780811831772. Having been a fan of Grace Lin's work for years, I'm so pleased to introduce her work to my children. I'm hoping they will become equally devoted fans. We've started with [Red is a Dragon](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811864812/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0811864812&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) , which was illustrated by Lin, and written by Roseanne Thong. Thong's text and Lin's illustrations complement each other beautifully to celebrate the wide variety of colors found in the world around us. What I love most about this book is the way it presents a uniquely Asian American identity. Some pages introduce elements of Chinese culture, such as incense, a festival with firecrackers and a dragon, or dumplings. Other pages are more universal, with images such as a taxi cab, sand castles at the beach, or flowers in the garden. The text includes Auntie and Grandpa, subtly showing the importance of extended family in Asian cultures. My children are half Vietnamese, and I really value the way this book speaks to my children's Asian-American experience just as naturally as we incorporate both sides of their cultures into their daily lives. Books can be a mirror of our own experiences or a window to another world-- and this book is both. It doesn't appeal to my children just because they're Asian-American; children of all cultural backgrounds can enjoy it. The reader might learn something new, see something familiar, or just enjoy the vivid colors and bold, lively illustrations. Whichever way a young reader approaches it, they will surely regard this book as the treasure that it is. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/09/book-review-red-is-dragon-by-roseanne.html) Labels: [book review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/book%20review) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [picture book](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/picture%20book) ## Thursday, August 16, 2012 ### [Book Review: Princess Academy: Palace of Stone, by Shannon Hale](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/08/book-review-princess-academy-palace-of.html) Hale, Shannon. Princess Academy: Palace of Stone . 336 p. 2012. Bloomsbury. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9781599908731. I was completely enchanted by 2006 Newbery Honor book, [Princess Academy](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599900734/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1599900734&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) . I mean, let's face it-- when am I NOT completely enchanted by Shannon Hale's writing? Never, that's when! I adore anything she writes. So... Princess Academy -- I thought it wrapped up beautifully and never did it enter my mind that there could be room for a sequel. Thus, I was a little...surprised?... to hear there would indeed be a sequel published this year. But, I figured, it's Shannon Hale. She can do no wrong. And? It's Shannon Hale! She can do NO WRONG! Princess Academy: Palace of Stone is an absolutely wonderful sequel. It was such a pleasure to welcome back characters I knew and loved in the first volume, delve deeper into the mysteries of quarry speech, and get to know more of the country of Danland as Miri travels beyond her mountain home. This book is a bit more mature than its predecessor; there is more romance, more danger, and more complexity. The narrative involves self-discovery and romance amidst political intrigue and revolution. It's sort of... Princess Academy meets Catching Fire . In other words, thought-provoking and multi-layered while somehow cozy and, of course, beautifully written. As usual with a Shannon Hale book, I just wanted the story to go on and on; I wanted to live in it. Gorgeous. Look for [Princess Academy: Palace of Stone](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599908735/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1599908735&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) on bookstore shelves starting August 21st. ARC for review provided by [Bloomsbury](http://www.bloomsburyusa.com/) via [Netgalley](http://netgalley.com/) . Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [2:11 PM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/08/book-review-princess-academy-palace-of.html) Labels: [book review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/book%20review) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [fantasy](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/fantasy) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [young adult](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/young%20adult) ## Monday, July 30, 2012 ### [Book Review: Liar & Spy, by Rebecca Stead](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/07/book-review-liar-spy-by-rebecca-stead.html) Stead, Rebecca. Liar & Spy . 192 p. 2012. Random House Children's Books. Hardcover $15.99. ISBN 9780385737432. I was so excited to get ahold of the ARC of the upcoming title from Newbery Medal winning author, Rebecca Stead. I absolutely loved her Newbery-winning title, [When You Reach Me](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375850864/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0375850864&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) . I still get chills thinking about the way she wove all the plot elements together in that book! On the other hand, I really didn't connect with her debut novel, [First Light](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440422221/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0440422221&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) . Having had such drastically different reactions to her books, I was curious to see how I would like [Liar & Spy](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385737432/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385737432&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) , a story about a kid trying to survive the awkwardness of middle school and navigate a strange but compelling friendship when he moves to a new apartment building. My verdict? I loved it. This slim volume, clocking in at under 200 pages, is a quick read that's jam-packed with thought-provoking themes and memorable, multilayered characters. It has the feel of an indie movie-- quirky and brilliant, and will undoubtedly appeal to fans of The Westing Game , by Ellen Raskin. The main character, Georges, is someone the reader really roots for. He's matter-of-factly morose at times, in the most endearing way. The themes of bullying, friendship, and fitting in versus standing out provide much fodder for discussion and insight, making this title a good choice for a middle school book group. Stead also weaves in unexpectedly delightful motifs like spelling and silent letters, choosing one's own name, and painter Georges Seurat's pointilism as a metaphor for life-- whether you see the big picture or examine all of the little dots individually. | | |---| | A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand-Jatte, by Georges Seurat, 1884-86 | As she did in When You Reach Me , Stead weaves a tight storyline with subtle clues and red herrings that keep the reader guessing and wondering-- and then brings it all together with a twist at the end. I love a good unreliable narrator, and this book has a great one. Brilliantly plotted, tightly written, and deeply satisfying. Look for [Liar & Spy](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385737432/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385737432&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) on bookstore shelves on August 7. ARC for review acquired at ALA Annual from [Random House](http://www.randomhouse.com/) . Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/07/book-review-liar-spy-by-rebecca-stead.html) Labels: [book review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/book%20review) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [contemporary](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/contemporary) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) ## Monday, July 23, 2012 ### [Audiobook Review: Call It Courage, by Armstrong Sperry](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/07/audiobook-review-call-it-courage-by.html) Weighing in with my second pick for the [Newbery Medal Reading Challenge](http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2011/12/newbery-medal-challenge-1922-to-present.html) , and I have to admit: I am not exactly rocking this challenge. It's a struggle to pick up an old Newbery winner when there are shiny new releases and ARCs that beg to be read. I feel like a student again, poring through the list of titles, thinking, "That one sounds boring.... so does that one... no way... nope..." But that's part of my motivation for participating in this challenge-- making myself read some of the titles I might not otherwise pick up. I am aiming to increase the depth of Newbery titles I can recommend to young readers at my library... and little by little, I will. My latest selection for this reading challenge is the 1941 Newbery winner: [Call It Courage](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/141695368X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=141695368X&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) , by Armstrong Sperry. Sperry, Armstrong. Call It Courage . 1994. Recorded Books. Audiobook $25.75. ISBN 0788746480. Why did I choose this one? I'm not a huge fan of survival stories, but it has two things going for it: 1. It's available on audiobook. 2. It's set in Polynesia. My husband and I honeymooned in Moorea and Bora Bora ten years ago, so I was eager to revisit that setting. | | |---| | Newlyweds on Matira Beach in Bora Bora. (Can we go back there, please?) | In Call It Courage , a young boy Mafatu survives a tragic incident in which he and his mother are caught by a hurricane. She doesn't survive, and he is left with a lifelong fear of the sea-- which is not an acceptable phobia for a Polynesian boy to have, considering so much of their daily life revolves around the water. Spurred by the constant taunts of his peers and determined to prove his bravery, Mafatu sets out in a canoe for places unknown and must survive against the elements with only his trusty dog and a friendly albatross for companionship. If you like survival stories, you'll probably like this one: it's pretty solid. As a bonus, contemporary readers will relate to the bullying Mafatu endures, and his desire to prove himself. I was curious, however, about how a 1940s novel would depict Polynesian culture. Would there be a lot of nonsense about primitive natives and whatnot? Mostly, the cultural elements come across well enough. The author describes Mafatu and his people respectfully. However, Sperry constantly refers to another (purportedly cannibalistic) tribe as "the black eaters of men." It's plausible that there were cannibalistic tribes in ancient Polynesia, but the emphasis on their skin color is problematic. Sperry hardly ever mentions this tribe's cannibalism without making sure the reader knows they're black, which is awkward and, frankly, disturbing. But on the plus side, there's a dog in this story, and he doesn't die! I thought for sure he was a goner when he fell in the water near a hungry shark, and his eyes were described as "puzzled" and "so faithful and true" or something along those lines. I was like, "OH NO, HERE WE GO." ...but the dog survived! Hooray! The audiobook makes for a pleasant way to approach this book. The narrator, George Guidall, gives a solid performance. He doesn't display much of a range of character voices, but most of the book is narration, rather than dialogue, so his performance works here. (There's also a 2009 recording from Listening Library done by Lou Diamond Phillips that I'd be curious to hear.) All in all, I'm not in love with this particular Newbery winner, but if I get a request for a Newbery from a young reader who likes action and adventure, I might recommend this one-- but then again, with all the "black eaters of men" stuff, maybe not. It would depend on whether or not the child's parent would be willing to discuss how the language used to describe other cultures or ethnic groups in the 1940s is not necessarily acceptable now. As long as it's used as a teachable moment, I think [Call It Courage](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/141695368X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=141695368X&linkCode=as2&tag=readineveryw-20) could work for a contemporary reader. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/07/audiobook-review-call-it-courage-by.html) Labels: [audiobook](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/audiobook) , [book review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/book%20review) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [newbery medal reading challenge](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/newbery%20medal%20reading%20challenge) ## Monday, May 28, 2012 ### [Audiobook Review: The Door in the Wall, by Marguerite de Angeli](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/05/audiobook-review-door-in-wall-by.html) This book is my first pick for the [Newbery Medal Challenge](http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/2011/12/newbery-medal-challenge-1922-to-present.html) ! Hooray! As mentioned previously, I'm modifying this reading challenge to make it a little less intense, and will be reading one Newbery Medal winner from each decade (instead of every single winner). And yes, I was going to start with the 1920s, but I have to admit that I keep getting hung up every time I look at the choices for that decade-- they're just not appealing. And it seems I'm not alone, according to [this article on the Digital Shift](http://www.thedigitalshift.com/2012/04/social-media/early-newbery-winners-pose-a-challenge-to-nerdbery-challenge-participants/) . So it's not just me. Whew! But... any advice, Newbery fans? I've got to read a 1920s Newbery winner at some point, after all... Anyway, after waffling for a few months, I decided to forget about going in order and just jump in with whatever title catches my eye. So! My choice for the 1950s is [*The Door in the Wall*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440227798/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0440227798) , by Marguerite de Angeli. de Angeli, Marguerite. The Door in the Wall . 2008. Listening Library. Audiobook $24.00. ISBN 9780739371879 . Winner of the 1950 Newbery Medal, this title piqued my interest because of its medieval England setting. Robin, the son of a nobleman, has always anticipated growing up to become a knight, but finds he must learn to cope with a different sort of life when he loses the uses of his legs after an illness. This book is what I'd call a cozy read. I enjoyed the details of medieval life and was inspired by Robin's struggle to come to terms with his physical challenges. His transformation from a spoiled brat to a young man with a sense of purpose is heartwarming, as is the large cast of endearing characters who support and encourage him. But I have to say: this is not the most suspenseful story ever. An adult with an interest in history (me!) is likely to enjoy it, but the lack of tension in the plot might make it pretty dull for a young reader. For example: the characters are traveling through a wood, and realize they have to stop for the night. One character mentions he had been this way before, and found a woodcutter's cottage to be a hospitable place to stay. With this kind of setup, you're thinking-- okay, SOMETHING BAD has definitely happened to that woodcutter, and our main characters are about to be attacked by wolves or bandits or zombies. Right? Nope. The band of travelers finds the cottage easily and the woodcutter and his wife are indeed friendly and accommodating. The lack of complications is sort of sweet, really. But will it appeal to today's readers, who expect twists and turns and cliffhangers? That said, the audio production of this book is truly stellar. Roger Rees, a well-known actor who got his start in the Royal Shakespeare Company, expertly breathes life into the archaic language of the book, making it accessible for contemporary readers. Too, his steady pacing and wide variety of character voices keep the narrative interesting despite its relatively low-key plot. The audiobook is further enhanced by the addition of medieval music and other sound effects at appropriate times (e.g. when the narrative mentions a song being played on a harp, or church bells ringing), making for a memorable listening experience. If you're going to read [*The Door in the Wall*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440227798/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0440227798) , the audiobook is definitely the way to do it. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/05/audiobook-review-door-in-wall-by.html) Labels: [audiobook](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/audiobook) , [book review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/book%20review) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [historical fiction](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/historical%20fiction) , [newbery](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/newbery) , [newbery medal reading challenge](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/newbery%20medal%20reading%20challenge) ## Tuesday, May 22, 2012 ### [Board Book Favorites: Mother Tested, Kid Approved](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/05/board-book-favorites-mother-tested-kid.html) As the mom of a one-year-old and a three-year-old, I feel I've become something of an expert in the area of board books. We've spent many happy hours all cuddled up and reading. Of course, that means I end up reading the same books over and over and over-- and I've discovered that some books are just more fun to read than others. My kids and I seem to agree that the best board books require some kind of audience participation, whether it's physical (giving a hug) or verbal (squealing or shouting or making funny noises). These little ones definitely like to be actively involved when sharing a book. Here are a few of our favorites: three published in the last decade, and three classics. ## Three recent board books [***You Are My Cupcake*, by Joyce Wan**](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545307414/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0545307414) Scholastic, 2011 Simple text accompanies the most adorable illustrations. Bold lines, raised textures, pastel colors, and Hello Kitty-esque levels of cuteness are nearly irresistible to toddlers. Text such as "You are my cupcake. My sticky little gumdrop" gives the reader an excuse to squeeze and cuddle their child at every turn of the page, culminating in a barrage of nibbly kisses at the end as the last page proclaims, "I could just eat you up!" Nom nom nom... mwah! [***Yum Yum Dim Sum*, by Amy Wilson Sanger**](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582461082/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1582461082) Tricycle Press, 2003 Dim sum is a staple of my family's restaurant-going patterns, and I'm so happy that there's a kids' book about the food we so love to eat! My three-year-old can recite the text along with me, and we all have fun pretending to pluck food from the pages and chomp. This book is part of Sanger's "World Snacks" series, featuring food from various cultures cleverly fashioned from fabrics and papers. ( [*First Book of Sushi*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582460507/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1582460507) is another of our favorites!) Now, if only Sanger would do a book about pho or banh mi... [*In My Flower*, by Sara Gillingham and Lorena Siminovich](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811873390/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0811873390) Chronicle Books, 2009 Chronicle publishes the prettiest books, don't they? The main appeal of this one, of course, is the felt butterfly finger puppet. The reader can wiggle it to and fro while turning pages, making for a delightfully tactile storytime experience with a curious child. My daughter loves to grab at the butterfly, and has recently discovered how to manipulate it on her own. She has so much fun making it "fly" around! This volume is part of the "In My..." series, which includes books about all sorts of other creatures, such as In My Nest (bird) and In My Den (bear). ## Three classic board books [***The Monster at the End of This Book*, by Jon Stone and Michael J. Smollin**](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375805613/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0375805613) Random House, 2000 (first published 1971) You know how librarians are always saying every reluctant reader just has to find the right book? Well, for my daughter, this was it! This is the book that made my one-year-old daughter a reader. When she was tiny, she was more into grabbing than reading, so this book played in nicely to her preferences. We discovered that she LOVED turning the pages to elicit a loud gasp or melodramatic "oh nooo!" from mama. She's since branched out, and loves all books now... but is always happy to come back to lovable, furry old Grover. I can hardly get through the story properly, to be honest-- it's just a series of frenzied page turns and shouts. And that's what makes this book so much fun! [*Goodnight Moon*, by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0694003611/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0694003611) HarperFestival, 1991 (first published 1947) This one is a no-brainer, but I have to mention how much I love the board book format. We also have it in hardcover and paperback, but this sturdy little board book gets the most use. The thick pages are a must when reading to a eager, grabby child night after night-- and it travels well, which is essential when taking the bedtime routine on the road for some family travel. [***Harry the Dirty Dog*, by Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham**](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006084244X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=006084244X) HarperFestival, 2006 (first published 1956) This book is perfect for an older toddler or young preschooler who's ready to experience a longer, more complicated narrative, but still benefits from those thick cardboard pages. My three-year-old loves the story, and really sits still with me to hear what's going to happen to that naughty runaway dog. My one-year-old loves the book too-- if only to point out all the illustrations of dogs. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [6:30 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/05/board-book-favorites-mother-tested-kid.html) Labels: [board book](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/board%20book) , [book list](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/book%20list) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [readaloud](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/readaloud) ## Friday, April 20, 2012 ### [Author Interview and Giveaway: Double Dog Dare, by Lisa Graff](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/04/author-interview-and-giveaway-double.html) Today, I'm thrilled to host the final stop in [Lisa Graff's *Double Dog Dare* blog tour](http://www.lisagraff.com/) ! | | | |---|---| Double Dog Dare is a middle grade novel filled to the brim with humor and heart-- I had a great time reading it. In this book, fourth graders Francine and Kansas find themselves competing for the position of news anchor in their school's media club, and the winner will be decided by a competition of dares. The two can't stand each other at first, but it turns out they have something in common: their parents' divorces. Lisa Graff strikes a neat balance between the hilarity of the dares and the tough stuff kids have to deal with, and young readers will really relate to this book. When I ask elementary school aged readers what kind of book they want, the most common response is: "something like real life and kinda funny." Double Dog Dare definitely fits the bill! It's a solid story that will appeal to both boys and girls, and I can't wait to recommend at my library. ***** As part of her blog tour, Lisa was kind enough to answer a few questions for me! Reading Everywhere: Your writing authentically captures the feel of being a kid-- you really hone in on the things kids worry about and laugh about. How do you get in touch with your inner kid when you’re writing? Lisa Graff: Thanks so much! That's something I try really hard to accomplish with all of my books. There are a lot of ways to get into that "kid zone" - I read a ton of children's books, for one thing, and visit elementary schools fairly often to talk about writing, so that helps. But most of it is just a matter of remembering. I’m pretty lucky in that I kept a diary for most of my growing-up years, so now it's easy to go back and see what a hilarious weirdo I was as a child. Case in point: I would like to share two pages from my actual fourth-grade diary. | | | |---|---| (In case you have trouble reading my stellar nine-year-old handwriting, I will decipher for you:) > 11/2/90 This year I'm in forth grade. I havent writen in a year, so I'm sort of out of date. It is still the 1990's but alot has changed. I havent written in so long because I lost my diary. This year I don't relly have a boy friend and I'm not relly poplaur, but I'm Ashley's best friend. And Ashley's relley poplaur this year, so I'll be more poplaur than Ashley soon. [Please note that this is a PHENOMENAL plan to take over the world. Please also note that it did not work in the slightest.] I relly like my theacher but, he gives me alot of homework, which I hate. His name is Mr. Oliver, [written before I got in trouble for passing notes in class later that year:] he's relley cute. [Text as altered after said note-passing incident:] no way!! Reading Everywhere: I LOVE IT. I think my elementary school diaries were very similar. You're no stranger to writing for kids-- in fact, Double Dog Dare is your fifth novel for young readers. What do you like best about writing for a middle grade audience? Lisa Graff: I really enjoy the themes of middle-grade novels-- family and friends and figuring out your place in the world. Something as slight as a snub from a friend can be so life-or-death at that age, and I love that. Because those things are extremely important, and we tend to forget that as we get older. I also enjoy that my audience is very honest, and they know what they like and what they don’t. If they think my book is boring, they will just stop reading it. And then they will probably write me a letter to tell me how boring it is. I like being held to such a high standard. Reading Everywhere: That's so true-- kids will always tell you what they think! You have a very memorable cast of young characters in Double Dog Dare . I empathized most with Francine and her determination to get the long-coveted role of news anchor in the fourth-grade media club. Which character in this book is most like you, and why? Lisa Graff: I think I'm probably most like Francine, in that she has a lot of trouble dealing with things that don't end up the way she thinks they’re supposed to, like her plan for becoming news anchor, or her parents' marriage. That kind of thing always throws me off my game, too, and I sometimes have a lot of trouble recovering. But I think I'm also a little like Kansas, in that I have a tendency to take care of others before myself. (I wish I was also as good at basketball as he is!) Reading Everywhere: They're both great characters! This book contains some really unique character names-- you don't meet a lot of little Kansas and Francines running around! How did you come up with the names in this book? Lisa Graff: Sometimes characters just pop into my head with names already attached, and that was the case with these two. I have no idea where the name Kansas came from. Once I came up with his first name, I gave him the last name Bloom, which I thought was completely random, but later I wondered if I was subliminally channeling actor Orlando Bloom (another place name!). Reading Everywhere: Well, it's not hard to see why Orlando Bloom might be on your mind! I mean... Anyway! So, you're originally from Southern California, but are now living on the East Coast. As a Southern California girl myself, I have to ask-- what do you miss most about SoCal? Lisa Graff: Most people expect me to say that I miss the weather, but I actually grew up in a weird little pocket of Southern California (the San Bernardino mountains, to be precise) where it snows fairly frequently. So, eschewing the obvious answer (my family), I am going to have to say that I desperately miss the Mexican food. New Yorkers think they know what Mexican food is, but they do not. Some days I would murder someone for a really decent taco. Reading Everywhere: Oh yes, Mexican food is part of the essential Southern California experience. I promise I will eat some authentic tacos in your honor! Lisa, thank you so much for this fabulous interview. ***** Readers, now that you've learned more about Lisa and her latest book, I know you must be eager to get a copy. I have good news for you! Philomel is giving away one copy of Double Dog Dare to one reader of this blog. All you need to do to enter is to email Lisa at graff [dot] lisa [at] yahoo [dot] com with the subject line READING EVERYWHERE . The winner will be chosen at random on May 1st. Good luck! And if you're looking for another way to win, Lisa has just the thing for you! Together with Penguin Books, she is sponsoring a contest to see who can build the best Rube Goldberg Machine. Check out Lisa's video to learn more! Many thanks to Lisa for inviting me to participate in her Double Dog Dare blog tour. I've had a blast! To catch up with the other tour stops and learn more about Lisa, visit the following: Tuesday, April 10th: [Mundie Kids](http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2012/04/double-dog-dare-author-interview.html) Thursday, April 12th: [Smack Dab in the Middle](http://smack-dab-in-the-middle.blogspot.com/2012/04/wheres-my-funny-hat-lisa-graff.html) Sunday, April 15th: [Pragmatic Mom](http://www.pragmaticmom.com/2012/04/blog-tour-double-dog/) Monday, April 16th: [Novel Novice](http://novelnovice.com/2012/04/16/blog-tour-guest-blog-double-dog-dare-by-lisa-graff/) Wednesday, April 18th: [From the Mixed-Up Files...](http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/2012/04/double-dog-lisa-graff/) Thursday, April 19th: [Greetings From Nowhere](http://greetings-from-nowhere.blogspot.com/2012/04/lisa-graff-is-in-house.html) And be sure to look for [*Double Dog Dare*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&keywords=double%20dog%20dare&tag=readineveryw-20&index=aps&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325) in bookstores everywhere! Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [6:30 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/04/author-interview-and-giveaway-double.html) Labels: [author interview](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/author%20interview) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [contemporary](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/contemporary) , [giveaway](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/giveaway) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) ## Sunday, March 11, 2012 ### [The Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/03/anniversary-of-great-east-japan.html) Today marks the one year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Can you believe it's been a year? This milestone weighs on my mind because, as [I've blogged about previously](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/03/japan.html) , I have a personal relationship with Japan. I lived and worked for a year in a small Japanese city as part of the [JET Program](http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET/) after I graduated from college. Although I only spent one year there, it's an experience that changed my life and I made memories that I will treasure forever. | | |---| | Visiting an enthusiastic elementary school class. How cute is this mob of kids?! | | | |---| | Hanging out after class with some of my students at a junior high school. These girls were always so cheerful and eager to ask me questions about my life in the United States. | | | |---| | I was invited to participate in this school's culture festival, and played the role of a queen in their school play. My costume was provided by the students, tiara and all! The kids decided to cast against traditional gender roles, so the boy next to me in the beautiful white dress played my daughter, the princess. | Because of my familiarity with the Japanese culture and language, I often review Japan-related material for [School Library Journal](http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/) . Here are a few of the titles I've been privileged to review-- I recommend them as a way to introduce Japan to young readers. [***Art and Life in Rural Japan: Toho Village Through the Eyes of its Youth*, edited by Cyrus Rolbin**](http://www.whatkidscando.org/featurestories/2011/05_toho_village/index5.html) I've [mentioned this one before](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/05/armchair-bea-best-of-2011-so-far.html) , but it bears repeating: this is an absolutely wonderful book. It's a rare glimpse at a small Japanese village, which is, sadly, a vanishing breed. The photographs and text that make up this book were created by the young people of Toho village as they tell their own story. Because this book is from a small publisher, it may not be on many people's radar. I highly recommend requesting that your librarian purchase it to ensure that your library carries a copy. In fact, Next Generation Press wants to make it easier for you to recommend this book for purchase at your library! See their [library campaign](http://www.whatkidscando.org/featurestories/2011/05_toho_village/pdfs/Toho_Book_Library_Campaign.pdf) for details. [***The Friendship Doll*, by Kirby Larson**](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385737459/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385737459) This lovely book by a Newbery Honor winning author takes place mostly in the United States, but it will pique readers' interest in Japan because it's the fictionalized account of one of the 58 Japanese dolls sent to the United States in 1927, and how she works in the life of five children over the decades. Larson did a great deal of research to write this story, and she expertly brings to life a little-known piece of history about Japan sending dolls to the United States as a gesture of goodwill. After so many years, sadly, some of the dolls have gone missing. Be sure to visit [Kirby Larson's blog](http://kirbyslane.blogspot.com/2012/03/exciting-news.html) for an incredible story about how her book was the catalyst in the rediscovery of one of the lost dolls! [Japanese Nursery Rhymes](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/4805311886/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=4805311886) [, by Danielle Wright](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/4805311886/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=4805311886) Traditional songs and rhymes from Japan are introduced with brightly colored illustrations and an accompanying music CD. This very sweet book is especially perfect for mothers and caregivers to share with young babies and toddlers, or librarians seeking to increase multicultural content in their storytimes. Text is in English and Japanese. [*All About Japan*, by Willamarie Moore](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/4805310774/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=4805310774) All aspects of Japanese culture, from arts to food, are celebrated in this lively collection of stories, information, crafts, and activities. Two fictionalized narrators- one child from the city and one from the countryside- describe their daily lives, making it easy for a young reader in the United States to identify with children in far-away country. [***Circus Day in Japan*, by Eleanor Coerr**](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/4805310596/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=4805310596) A delightful picture book by the author famous for writing Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes , this story follows a brother and sister who travel by train from the countryside to the city to spend an exciting day at the circus. This reprint of one of Coerr's lesser-known works is full of mid-century charm, and the bilingual text makes it an appealing choice for Japanese-American families. In addition to books, a young reader interested in Japan may also enjoy the beautifully designed iPad app, Chasing Fireflies: A Haiku Collection . Read my review on [School Library Journal's Touch and Go blog](http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/touchandgo/2012/03/05/chasing-fireflies-on-the-ipad/) . One year after the earthquake and tsunami, Japan has made an amazing amount of progress in rebuilding. Thanks to Google Street View, you can travel virtually through the affected areas as they were before the disaster and as they appear after recovery efforts: Japan: Before and After the Earthquake and Tsunami The Atlantic has an incredible gallery of photographs taken during and just after tsunami and the same locations now: [Japan Earthquake: Before and After](http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2012/02/japan-earthquake-before-and-after/100251/) A happy update on one of the iconic photographs that emerged last year: [After the Tsunami, Yuko Sugimoto's Reunion With Her Son](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/11/after-the-tsunami-the-sto_n_1337583.html) Despite the encouraging progress, help and support for Japan are still needed. It can be challenging to find organizations that are still actively involved in the relief efforts, but [Global Giving's Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund](http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/japan-earthquake-tsunami-relief/%20) looks like a good choice. You may also consider purchasing a copy of [*Tomo: Friendship Through Fiction*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1611720060/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1611720060) , a collection of short stories about Japan, written for teens. From [the anthology's website](http://tomoanthology.blogspot.com/%20) : > "Proceeds from the sales of > > Tomo > > will go to organizations that assist teens in the quake and tsunami hit areas. > > Tomo, > > which means friend in Japanese, aims to bring Japan stories to young adult readers worldwide, and in so doing, help support teens in Tohoku." And finally, consider visiting Japan. Tourism is down, and [visitors are very much welcome](http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/) . It's a fantastic, vibrant place to visit, with so much to see and do. Once my kids are a little bit older, I can't wait to visit Japan again-- and until then, I'll introduce them to Japan through books. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [5:16 PM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/03/anniversary-of-great-east-japan.html) Labels: [book recommendation](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/book%20recommendation) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [japan](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/japan) ## Monday, March 5, 2012 ### [Audiobook Review: The Mighty Miss Malone, by Christopher Paul Curtis](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/03/audiobook-review-mighty-miss-malone-by.html) Curtis, Christopher Paul. The Mighty Miss Malone . 2012. Listening Library. Audiobook $44.00. ISBN 9780307968227. Is it too much to say that Deza Malone is the most memorable young girl in children’s literature since Anne of Green Gables? Would I be going too far to suggest that we just put a gold sticker on this book right now? I mean, honestly. This book is SO. GOOD. In this story of a young girl and her family weathering hard times during the Great Depression, Christopher Paul Curtis returns to a character from his Newbery Medal winning title, [*Bud, Not Buddy*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553494104/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553494104) . So, first things first: does this story stand on its own if you haven’t read Bud, Not Buddy ? Well, I have something to confess. I read Bud, Not Buddy several years ago. Like, we're talking library school, pre-kids-- it was a whole different life. And while I remember loving it, I confess that I did not remember how and where Deza came into Bud's story. Like, at all . I’m so ashamed. But my faulty memory serves you well, dear reader, because I can say with absolute confidence that, YES, you can jump into this one without having read the previous volume. Having looked it up, I was amused to note that the interaction between Deza and Bud differs significantly between the two books-- each character tells their own version of their meeting, and I LOVE that Curtis sets them both up as slightly unreliable narrators. That suits the almost "tall tale" tone of these books just perfectly. So back to the excellence of [*The Mighty Miss Malone*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385734913/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385734913) ... I experienced this book on CD, and let me tell you, I cried in the car on the way to work listening to it. Not once, not twice, but THREE times! Seriously, you would think I would have learned after the first time to stop listening on my commute, but I couldn’t help it. This is a powerful story with exhilarating highs and devastating lows-- I sometimes found myself laughing and crying at the same time. And other times, just crying. In particular, the aftermath of a certain boxing match and what it meant to Deza, her family, and her whole community absolutely wrecked me. I came to love the characters in this book to the point that they became almost real to me-- as if this weren't historical fiction, but a biography. Deza herself is a delightfully flawed character who changes and grows as she experiences more than her fair share of challenges. The adult characters in the book, especially Deza's mother, are well-rounded and fully developed in their own right. I found myself wanting to know what would become of Deza and her family beyond the scope of this book. Basically, I want Christopher Paul Curtis to write Deza's entire life, because I need to know what happens to her. And I would want to have Bahni Turpin narrate the whole thing. As wonderful as Curtis' writing already is, her performance as the audiobook narrator really brings this story to life. She has an incredible range, doing a masterful job with women, men, and children's voices alike. Notably, when one character goes through a physical change after an accident, Turpin maintains the recognizable voice she had created for the character, but manages the distinct difference caused by his new circumstances. And her character voice for Deza's "second brain" made me laugh every time. I am floored by Turpin's talent. I was struck by the way this story begins with "Once upon a time," and ends with a hopeful yet ambiguous ending. The reader is left with a sense of optimism, but there's no easy "happily ever after" here. This is a story about poverty, and though it's historical fiction, the youth of today will relate as we all struggle with the current economy. [The Mighty Miss Malone](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385734913/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385734913) is already one of my favorite reads of 2012. I want my children to read it when they're older, and I want Christopher Paul Curtis to win a Newbery for it. If he does, I want to be at the banquet to see him speak. And I'll probably cry through the whole thing. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/03/audiobook-review-mighty-miss-malone-by.html) Labels: [audiobook](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/audiobook) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [historical fiction](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/historical%20fiction) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) ## Friday, February 10, 2012 ### [Audiobook Review: Hattie Big Sky](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/02/audiobook-review-hattie-big-sky.html) Larson, Kirby. Hattie Big Sky . 2007. Listening Library. Audiobook $37.00. ISBN 9780739350515. I never knew I was interested in the adventures of a girl trying to prove up on a homesteading claim in 1918 Montana until Kirby Larson wrote [*Hattie Big Sky*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073935051X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=073935051X) . I love it when a book surprises me like that. Sixteen-year-old orphan, Hattie, inherits a piece of land that must be "proved up" on before it's hers, meaning that she must show evidence that she's living there and must meet certain farming requirements before the land is officially hers. She doesn't know a thing about farming, but she's up for the challenge. The hardships of homesteading life are brought into vivid detail by Larson, who must have done extensive research. In addition to a multidimensional cast of characters that the reader grows to love and an episodic plot that borders on survival story at times, the setting and time period of the story are fascinating to me. Hattie is facing this incredibly intense pioneer lifestyle-- in 1918. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I didn't know people were still homesteading in 1918! By that time, most people in urban or suburban areas were living comfortably with indoor plumbing and automobiles, not living in a tiny shack and hammering fence posts into the ground. Hattie's struggles to reach her own barn in a blizzard are juxtaposed with a sobering portrayal of the prejudice against German Americans during World War I, and the combination of these elements makes for a truly unique setting. Much more Little House on the Prairie than Betsy-Tacy . The story has a satisfying and realistic ending that leaves the door open for more, so I just about squealed aloud when I read that Larson is working on a Hattie sequel. I can't wait to spend more time with this character. I'm glad I experienced this most excellent book in audio format. Kirsten Potter's engaging narration made my daily commute much more vibrant than usual. Her voice sounds a bit more mature than I would imagine Hattie, but she's got a strong, down-to-earth quality that really works for the character. Potter makes the listener believe that this girl is no cream puff-- she's a driven young woman, and she's going to do everything in her power to succeed. My children, ages three and one, are often subjected to random bits and pieces of whatever audiobook I'm listening to, and let's just say they don't hesitate to give me their opinions. (Seriously: there was another audiobook that actually made the one-year-old CRY every time we listened to it. Oops!) Well, Hattie got an enthusiastic seal of approval from my three-year-old. There's a particularly exciting chapter involving a cow, and every time we got into the car after that, it was, "Mama? Can listen to cow story, please?" We all loved this audiobook. [*Hattie Big Sky*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073935051X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=073935051X) was named a Newbery Honor book in 2007, and is very deserving of the award. I would recommend this rich and uplifting book to students assigned to read historical fiction for school, as well as readers who are already avid fans of the genre-- it's certain to please most any reader. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/02/audiobook-review-hattie-big-sky.html) Labels: [audiobook](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/audiobook) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [historical fiction](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/historical%20fiction) , [review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/review) ## Thursday, January 19, 2012 ### [Book Review: Martha Doesn't Say Sorry, by Samantha Berger & Bruce Whatley](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/01/book-review-martha-doesnt-say-sorry-by.html) Berger, Samantha & Whatley, Bruce. Martha Doesn't Say Sorry! 48 p. Little, Brown. 2009. Hardcover $15.99. ISBN 9780316066822. If you have a three year old, you NEED this book. Believe me, I know. It tells the story of a spirited young otter named Martha who, as you can guess from the title, is kind of a pain in the rear. She stirs up all kinds of trouble and then has a little trouble with apologies. NOT COOL, MARTHA. But, of course, she does learn the beauty of a nice, clear "I'm sorry" in the end. Whew! Now, why is it that kids love watching other kids do something bad and get in trouble for it? Toddler schadenfreude, I tell you. Our little guy picked out this book all on his own, and he finds Martha's naughtiness hilarious. He totally gets that she's doing bad things, and he delights in commenting disapprovingly on her behavior. ("Marfa not say sorry.") The story may seem didactic to an adult, but it's wonderfully simple and straight to the point, reinforcing the importance of an apology at just the perfect level for a small child's understanding. The illustrations add a layer of levity to the text that children and adults will both enjoy. The book's title is repeated quite a few times in the narrative, making for a fun-filled interactive reading experience. When you read it aloud, trail off with "Martha doesn't say..." and let your little one fill in with an exuberant "SORRY!" This works well for enhancing the participatory elements of a preschool storytime, too. I love it-- [Martha Doesn't Say Sorry!](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055X69RU/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0055X69RU) is a crowd-pleaser that teaches an important lesson. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2012/01/book-review-martha-doesnt-say-sorry-by.html) Labels: [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [picture book](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/picture%20book) , [review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/review) ## Saturday, December 31, 2011 ### [Book Review: Dumpling Days, by Grace Lin](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/12/book-review-dumpling-days-by-grace-lin.html) Lin, Grace. Dumpling Days . 272 p. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2012. Hardcover $15.99. ISBN 9780316125901. I once took a trip to China just for the food. True story! Of course, I was living in Japan at the time, so it wasn't that far, but still... I am dedicated to experiencing good food and interesting travel. Given that this book combines both of these things, it’s no surprise that I absolutely loved it. The third installment in Grace Lin's semi-autobiographical "Year of..." series sees the Lin family on a month-long trip to Taiwan. It's a first for Pacy, who is not exactly in touch with her Taiwanese heritage, having lived in upstate New York all her life. She doesn't feel like she belongs in Taiwan, and is caught between her two cultures. As Pacy navigates an unfamiliar language, a daunting new art style in Chinese painting class, and her own insecurities, her only comfort is dumplings. Luckily, there are a lot of delicious dumplings to be had in Taiwan! | | | |---|---| | Soupy dumpling photo by flickr member keepwaddling1 | | Filled with vivid descriptions of Taiwan, an exuberant extended family, and a rich array of new experiences for Pacy, this book is a treat for the senses. As in the previous books in the series, charming black and white line drawings accompany the narrative. In this volume, the illustrations give the feeling of a travel journal. One need not be familiar with Taiwan to enjoy the narrative; in fact, since it’s all new to Pacy, the reader is introduced to the sights and customs of Taiwan along with her. The wonder of discovering a new place deftly parallels the theme of self-discovery, and Pacy's struggle with the sense that she doesn’t belong in her parents’ homeland will ring true for many bicultural readers. The process of her coming to terms with her identity and finding balance is layered, realistic, and ultimately heartening. Those who have gotten to know Pacy through the first two books in the series will love witnessing her continued growth in [*Dumpling Days*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316125903/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316125903) . Here, in learning more about herself, she also forges deeper connections with her family, displaying increasing maturity as she considers how her parents must have felt when they left Taiwan to make a new home in the United States. I found this book to be completely enchanting, and so true to the confusing, amazing, exhilarating experience of travel. I'm so excited to give it to my niece as a Lunar New Year gift-- she'll get a red envelope too, don't worry... but a new book by her favorite author will be quite a bonus! I recommend reading the first two books in the series before this one, but [*DumplingDays*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316125903/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316125903) stands on its own quite effectively if you want to jump right in. Warning: you may feel an urgent need to run to the nearest dim sum restaurant and order up a mountain of dumplings while reading this book. I say go for it! [*Dumpling Days*](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316125903/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=readineveryw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316125903) will be available in bookstores everywhere on January 2, 2012. ARC for review kindly provided by [Little, Brown](http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/publishing_little-brown-and-company.aspx) . Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [7:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/12/book-review-dumpling-days-by-grace-lin.html) Labels: [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [contemporary](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/contemporary) , [illustrated](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/illustrated) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) , [review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/review) ## Friday, December 9, 2011 ### [Book Review: Stars, by Mary Lyn Ray and Marla Frazee](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/12/book-review-stars-by-mary-lyn-ray-and.html) Ray, Mary Lyn and Frazee, Marla. Stars . 40 p. Beach Lane Books. 2011. Hardcover $16.99. ISBN 9781442422490. This beautifully illustrated, simply written picture book calls children to notice the stars, to feel comforted and strengthened by their presence-- even when they're invisible. The narrative underscores the importance of having something to believe in. It also encourages creativity and imaginative play, and invites children to look beyond the literal and see stars in different places all around them. For me, the highlight of this book is Marla Frazee's artwork. Always expressive and endearing, her coloring technique reminds me of Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire's work, as the drawings seem to glow from within. There's an illustration of three children cozily huddled in a hollow tree trunk that's positively spellbinding. If it were made available as an art print, I would buy it immediately. (I'd like an art print of the cover illustration, too, please.) The richness of Frazee's artwork emerges with each reading of this book. Details and characterizations reveal themselves to the delight of a child who loves to make visual connections, and the brilliance with which Frazee depicts the vastness of the sky is stunning. Ray's text is spare and lovely. The concepts are easily relatable for a child, and an adult will enjoy the deeper themes reflected. It occasionally seems a little aimless to me ("Because a star is different from a rock."), but there are moments of pure beauty. I love the way the book begins: > "A star is how you know it’s almost night. > > As soon as you see one, there’s another, and another. > > And the dark that comes doesn’t feel so dark." This book has become a welcome part of my three-year-old son's bedtime routine. He asks for it every night, and I'm more than happy to cuddle up and read it with him. I've heard Caldecott buzz for this one, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a sticker on its cover next year. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [1:51 PM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/12/book-review-stars-by-mary-lyn-ray-and.html) Labels: [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [picture book](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/picture%20book) , [review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/review) ## Monday, October 17, 2011 ### [Audiobook Review: One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street, by Joanne Rocklin](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/10/book-review-one-day-and-one-amazing.html) Rocklin, Joanne. One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street . 2011. Listening Library. Audiobook $38.00. ISBN 9780307879745 Once upon a time, Southern California was covered in orange groves. Nowadays, you’re lucky if you spot one here or there. That’s how it is on Orange Street: just one tree left standing from what used to be hundreds. Over the span of a day and a half, the reader gets to know the residents of Orange Street, past and present, and learn what this wonderful tree means to all of them. Normally, the kind of story where seemingly unrelated threads come together in surprising ways is my favorite. I love that that spine-tingling moment where it all clicks. Unfortunately, I found this middle grade read to be a little lacking in the plot department. Rather, the emphasis here is on character development. Which isn't a bad thing! Character development is a good thing! BUT- but… there's a lot of time spent developing the various characters and their wants, hopes, and concerns, and I feel that their personalities and issues could have been more seamlessly integrated into the narrative, rather than forcing the plot into slow motion. Too, I have some quibbles with the storytelling. The object that sets everything in motion a suspicious orange cone placed near the neighborhood’s beloved tree, but the cone seems to be forgotten for the bulk of the book. Moreover, the orange tree’s fate is wrapped up with the appearance of a mysterious stranger, but his motivations were never entirely clear to me even after his backstory was revealed. That said, there's plenty to like about this book. Rocklin really captures the little rituals and worries and superstitions kids rely on. The gentle writing style and timeless setting are enjoyable, and the subtly diverse cast of characters is a plus. The highlight of the book for me was Ms. Snoops, the oldest resident on Orange Street, written with great sensitivity as she recalls the most minute details about the past, but can't seem to remember what happened an hour earlier. Oh dear-- I just want to give her a reassuring pat on the hand. Additionally, there are some genuinely stirring moments at the book's conclusion, and a comforting feeling of just-rightness with a satisfying epilogue. I love a good epilogue! Orange Street has received several glowing reviews from journals and has been getting some Newbery buzz, so I’ll be curious to see if the committee recognizes it. I think this title may only appeal to the most patient young readers, and in fact, feels like the kind of book that will appeal more to adults than kids-- but since child appeal is not one of the criteria for the Newbery, who knows? I listened to this book on CD, and I found myself ambivalent about Lisa Baney’s performance. I enjoyed her depiction of some of the adult characters-- Ms. Snoops and a cheerful set of grandparents in particular-- but her younger characters were unconvincing to me. So, the book itself and the audiobook experience were both a bit uneven for me. Still, I would recommend this title to an avid young reader looking for a realistic story, especially if they want something about friendship and community. I’m not sure it will appeal to everyone, but those who do connect with it will wholeheartedly enjoy it. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [8:00 AM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/10/book-review-one-day-and-one-amazing.html) Labels: [audiobook](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/audiobook) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [middle grade](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/middle%20grade) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) , [review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/review) ## Thursday, September 8, 2011 ### [Book Review: Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/09/wonderstruck-by-brian-selznick.html) Selznick, Brian. Wonderstruck . 608 p. Scholastic. 2011. Hardcover $17.99. ISBN 9780545027892. Quite simply, this is an incredible book. When I turned the last page, I wanted to start again at the beginning. It's that good. I forgot about the world for a while and completely lost myself in the story and the exquisite artwork. Selznick weaves together parallel stories about two children separated by 50 years. Rose's story, set in the beautifully depicted 1920s, is told entirely through images, and Ben's story in the slightly gritty 1970s is told in words. Both children are searching for something, both have hearing disabilities, and both find solace at American Museum of National History in New York City. Tension is sustained as the stories alternate back and forth, and the reader wonders what on earth is going to happen to these two kids. It's remarkable how much Selznick's art conveys. Rose's story is necessarily simpler than Ben's, but each illustration is so expressive, emotions come through with remarkable clarity and the reader becomes fully invested in the plot. Selznick's prose is strong, too. It's more descriptive than the text of his previous novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret , since images substituted descriptive language there, but the writing is still fast-paced and sufficiently straightforward to draw in even reluctant readers. When the two stories mesh, it takes a minute to sink in. I really had a moment of: "Whoah, wait a minute. What? OHHHH..." I can't say any more, because discovering it on your own is the most fun. But when you see it, you'll know what I mean. The transition is surprisingly emotionally affecting, and just gorgeous. There are several themes at play in this novel. It's a very affirming book about searching and finding, and also about curating, documenting, and defining one's self and one's experiences. The rather unexpected theme of curation is especially endearing to librarians, as are the references to the Dewey decimal system and Ben's librarian mother. When the last past is turned, there's a wonderful author's note detailing Selznick's meticulous research. Someday, whenever I have the opportunity to visit New York City, I will be sure to add the American Museum of National History to my list of places to see. In fact, I look forward to sharing this book with my children in preparation for a trip to New York. One of my favorite things to do when traveling as a child was visiting locations mentioned in books, and Wonderstruck lends itself perfectly to that agenda. I can't wait to share Ben and Rose with my children and seek out the special places they'll know from this book. Given that my children are currently still in diapers, I'll have to wait a while... but I know they're going to love it. My big question after reading this title is, of course: will it win a Caldecott? I think it's completely deserving, but I wonder if Hugo Cabret 's win will detract from this title's chances, since the format is very similar. I hope not! I feel like Selznick uses images in a slightly different way here than he did in Hugo Cabret , and I'd love to see this one win, too. Thank you, Brian Selznick, for contributing another amazing book to the world. Wonderstruck will be published on September 13. ARC for review was picked up by my library director at BEA and graciously shared. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [1:30 PM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/09/wonderstruck-by-brian-selznick.html) Labels: [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [historical fiction](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/historical%20fiction) , [illustrated](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/illustrated) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) , [review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/review) ## Saturday, July 23, 2011 ### [Audiobook Review: The Penderwicks at Point Mouette, by Jeanne Birdsall](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/07/book-review-penderwicks-at-point.html) Birdsall, Jeanne. The Penderwicks at Point Mouette . Random House Audio Publishing Group. 2011. Audiobook $34.00. ISBN 9780307915313. The third installment of the charming Penderwicks series is... oh, it's completely... just... BRB, BOOKING MY VACATION COTTAGE IN MAINE! ...okay, only in my dreams. Sigh. But yes, this book is truly a treasure. It makes you want to stay in a cozy cottage on the coast of Maine and eat lots of pie, just like the three youngest Penderwicks and their friend Jeffrey do. It's the perfect summer read. For the most part, the book isn't exactly plot driven, but is thoroughly enjoyable due to the charm of its characters, with their quirky and relatable personalities, their worries and hopes, and their delight in the everyday. Like Elizabeth Enright's Melendy quartet, which is one of the inspirations for this series, this book is filled with small adventures-- the kind that make summer magical, and can be replicated by the reader. The Melendy kids inspired me to count shooting stars during the Perseids meteor shower, eat petits fours, and get the occasional manicure (hee, poor Mona!). Likewise, Penderwicks devotees will undoubtedly be moved to build a fire on the beach and roast marshmallows, go boating, learn to play the piano (or at least appreciate it), and maybe hunt for lost golf balls. Lovely stuff. This the first Penderwicks book I experienced as an audiobook, and I wasn't sure I'd like it as well as the print version. One of the things I love best about reading this series is soaking up the language, and I didn't think I'd be able to do that with an audiobook. But Susan Denaker's performance is perfect for the Penderwicks. In addition to portraying each character with a distinct and believable voice, her narration has a gentle tone and precise diction, well-suited to the old-fashioned feel of the book. At first, I thought her pace was too slow, but as I relaxed into it, I realized the pace allowed me to soak up the language-- just like I wanted. Listening to this audiobook is like having a dear aunt read you a bedtime story. I wished it would go on forever. I came to love Skye more and more in this book, as much of the story is centered around her learning to take confidence in her ability to take care of her family in her older sister's absence. I always liked Skye, but she really shines in this book, sarcastic and straightforward. Maybe, too, it was the audiobook reader. She gets Skye's deadpan skepticism just right. Okay, now this next bit is only of interest to those of you who have read the series, but I have to get put it out there: I AM SO CURIOUS ABOUT WHO WILL END UP WITH JEFFREY. Because let's face it, somebody has to, right? Skye seems like the natural choice, but could Birdsall pull an Alcott and pair him with the youngest sister later on? According to [this fascinating interview](http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=2009) , the next Penderwicks book will take place six whole years (gasp!!) after this one, and the series finale will again jump forward in time, so it's possible. Batty and Jefferey do share a certain bond. OR... will Birdsall "fix" Alcott and pair the boy next door with the second-oldest, the sister he SHOULD end up with? (Because, seriously people, did anyone really like Amy with Laurie? Didn't think so!) Skye and Jefferey are so completely MFEO, in my opinion. I felt like there were definite hints at setting up a future romance in this book more than the others, but Birdsall is playing with us a little. AND I LOVE IT. Hmmmm. Am I the only one shipping Penderwicks? Probably! Still. Your thoughts? If you haven't read this series yet, and you've been wondering why nobody writes good, old-fashioned books for kids anymore... what are you waiting for? You'll love the Penderwicks, and the third book is no exception. Posted by [Allison](https://www.blogger.com/profile/06628530227439660832) at [2:38 PM](https://readingeverywhere.com/2011/07/book-review-penderwicks-at-point.html) Labels: [audiobook](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/audiobook) , [children's](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s) , [realistic](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/realistic) , [review](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/review) [Older Posts](https://readingeverywhere.com/search/label/children%27s?updated-max=2011-07-23T14:38:00-07:00&max-results=20&start=20&by-date=false) [Home](https://readingeverywhere.com/) Subscribe to: [Posts (Atom)](https://readingeverywhere.com/feeds/posts/default)