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When I sat down to read Phyllis Root’s latest picture book, Scrawny Cat (Candlewick Press, 2011), to a class of second graders, they were all excited.

They had lots of stories to share about their pet cats, cats that belonged to friends and neighbors, and cats looking for homes.

So, they were very interested to hear the story of a lonely, little, lost cat looking for a home. They were sad when people told the cat to “get out of here.” They were worried when a mean dog chased him. And they were scared when the dinghy the cat hid in floated out to sea in a storm.

But just when it seemed all was lost, the dinghy landed on an island and Scrawny Cat met Emma who was just as lonely as he was.

And when I finished the book at the kids saw Scrawny Cat happy, safe and loved with Emma, they all said, “Awwww …”

Now, let’s hear from today’s guest reviewer, Aria, one of the students in the class. She’s never had a cat, because her sister is allergic to them, but she says that someday she’d like to have one.

Today’s reviewer: Aria.

Age: 7

Things I like to do: Climb trees, color and paint.

This book was about: A cat named Skipper who was a stray. His owners must have lost him. And he hides on a boat to get away from a mean dog and the boat sails away to a girl named Emma.

The best part was when: Skipper got his home and family — a new owner.

I smiled when: Skipper met Emma and she scratched his ears.

I was worried when: The boat drifted away in the big storm. And when the cat was being chased by the big dog.

I was surprised when:The girl picked him up and took him home and the cat was so worried that she would toss him out the door.

This book taught me: If a friend doesn’t want to be your friend anymore, that’s OK. Because you can find another friend who will like you, too.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Kindness.” “Nice.” “Friendly.”

My favorite line or phrase in the book: “Now, everyone called him Get Out of Here. But the scrawny cat knew his name was not Get Out of Here.

Other kids reading this book should watch for: “The big, growly dog.”

You should read this book because: It’s nice. People who have cats might like this book, too.

Thanks, Aria! You did a marvelous job.

This book’s author, Phyllis Root, has written more than 30 children’s books. If you’d like to learn more about her, you can visit this website, or read this question-and-answer interview.

If you’d like to learn more about illustrator Alison Friend, who made scrawny cat look so pathetic and scared I just wanted to pick him up and give him a hug, you can visit her website.

Starting a new school year is always exciting and scary. And that’s doubly true for students venturing off to kindergarten for the first time.

Author Catherine Urdahl takes on this topic in Polka-Dot Fixes Kindergarten (Charlesbridge, 2011). Dorothy, who’s better known as Polka-Dot, skips off to kindergarten ready to learn. But she brings a fix-it kit full of her grandfather’s favorite repair tools just in case.

At first, kindergarten doesn’t look like it will be very fun. Her name tag says, “Dorothy,” there are lots of rules to remember and there’s a girl named Liz who doesn’t appreciate Polka-Dot’s name or fashion sense. And, grandpa’s fix-it tools don’t seem to work as well at school as they do at home — at least initially.

Today’s guest reviewer has successfully navigated the waters of kindergarten and, therefore, is thoroughly qualified to comment on this book. So take it away, Brooke!

Our reviewer: Brooke

Age: 8

Things I like to do: Play with my friends and my sister.

This book was about: A girl named Polka-Dot going to kindergarten.

The best part was when: Liz and Polka-Dot made up.

I smiled when: Polka-Dot fixed Liz’s dress.

I was worried when: The boys saw Liz’s underpants.

I was surprised when: Liz’s dress split.

This book taught me: To always be nice.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Fix.” “Help.” “Friendship.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: When she said, “Let’s be friends.”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: Stripes and polka-dots.

You should read this book because: It is a good book.

Thanks, Brooke!

If you’d like to learn more about author Catherine Urdahl, you can visit her website. Or, you can read this blog post where Catherine describes how Polka-Dot’s story came to be.

If you’d like to learn more about illustrator Mai S. Kemble, you can visit her website. Or, you can stop by her blog.

Finally, if you’d like to see what other reviewers had to say about this book, you can visit:

Books That Heal Kids

Jen Robinson’s Book Page

If you’re a shoe person, you know just how exciting it can be to find the perfect pair.

One that looks good.

One that feels good.

One that makes your feet smile.

Debut picture book author Sue Fliess knows this feeling well. And, she’s captured it perfectly in Shoes for Me! (Marshall Cavendish Children, 2011).

The book tells the story of a rhino who outgrows her shoes and goes shopping for the perfect replacement pair. But there are so many options! Her quest for perfection is told in an easy-to-read rhyme and illustrated with understated charm by Mike Laughead.

Today’s guest reviewer, Sienna, is only 4 years old, but she already knows a thing or two about shoes.

She’s wearing her favorite sparkly pink pair in the photo to the right, along with pajama bottoms featuring flip-flops. She also has a pair of pink cowgirl boots she’s partial to.

So here she is to tell us what she thought of the book. Take it away, Sienna!

Our reviewer: Sienna.

Age: 4.

I like to: Play baby, play chase and do karate.

This book was about: Finding shoes.

The best part was when: I got some shoes. (Editor’s note: Shoes for the reader are not included in the price of this book!)

I smiled when: She got her shoes.

I was worried when: The shoes were all piled up.

I was surprised when: She couldn’t find shoes she liked.

This book taught me: Don’t look for shoes all day and night.

Three words that describe this book: “Shoes.” “Shoes.” “Shoes.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book: “I’m no duck!”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The fuzzy duck shoes.

You should read this book because: It’s so hilarious.

If you’d like to learn more about Sue Fliess and future books she has coming out, visit her website.

If you’d like to learn more about Mike Laughead and his previous work, you can visit his website.

And, just to prove that shopping for cool shoes is not limited to the younger set, here are the shoes I recently purchased that make my feet smile.

But unlike the main character in Fliess’ picture book, it did not take me very long to find them. I saw them on the John Fluevog website and instantly fell in love. (Sorry for the shameless product promotion. Fluevog is not giving me any sort of a reimbursement for mentioning their extremely pumped-up kicks. Although if they wanted to, they certainly could contact me through this blog.)

And, unlike the rhino in this book, my mother did not tell me the shoes I lik

As a brand-new first grader, today’s guest reviewer, Tyler, hasn’t had to take too many big tests yet.

But when his first one rolls around, he’ll probably be ready thanks to The Big Test (Charlesbridge, 2011) written by Julie Danneberg and illustrated by Judy Love.

The book features a teacher, Sarah Jane Hartwell, making sure her class is ready for the big test. She teaches them to sit quietly, follow directions and fill in bubbles with their No. 2 pencils.

And then, just before the big day, she teaches them what might be the most important lesson of all — how to relax.

Kirkus Reviews had this to say about the book:

“Once they stop laughing at the spot-on depiction of standardized testing, teachers should take a page from Mrs. Hartwell’s book.”

But now, it’s time to hear from today’s guest reviewer. Take it away, Tyler!

Our reviewer: Tyler

Age: 6

Things I like to do: Play games, play with cars and play with my mom.

This book was about: Getting ready for the big test.

The best part was when: They had the party.

I smiled when: They had the party.

I was worried when: The teacher put the sign on the door.

I was surprised when: I saw the party.

This book taught me: To work hard and have fun when you’re done.

Three words that describe this book are: “Educational.” “Interesting.” “Colorful.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “Just relax.”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The party!

You should read this book because: It teaches good lessons.

Thanks, Tyler!

This book is part of a series by Julie Danneberg. If you’d to see more of the teacher, Miss Sarah Jane Hartwell, check out First Day Jitters, First Year Letters and Last Day Blues. You also can visit Julie’s website.

The book is illustrated by Judy Love. She also has a website.

Finding the right place to get your hair cut can be difficult.

Some salons are too expensive. Others aren’t open when you’re available. Still others have stylists who cut your hair too short or do whatever they want instead of what you asked for.

As you might imagine, finding a barber or beautician is even harder for monsters. Their stylist of choice has to work nights, not be squeamish and be able to handle everything from braiding live snakes (Hello, Medusa!) to polishing a skeleton’s skull.

Even Monsters Need Haircuts by Matthew McElligott (Walker Children’s Books, 2010) introduces readers to a young barber who is up for the challenges presented by his unconventional clientele.

It’s a warm-hearted book described by Publishers Weekly as, “a delightfully deadpan story” with a “distinctive combination of the freakish and the humdrum.”

Today’s guest reviewer doesn’t have to look too hard to find someone to cut his hair. But he was happy to read about the challenges faced by monsters who aren’t as naturally handsome as he is.

So let’s hear it for Brett! (And by the way … doesn’t his hair look tremendous?)

Our reviewer: Brett

Age: 5½

Things I like to do: Skateboard, draw and play Xbox

This book was about: Monsters getting hair cuts.

The best part was when: All the monsters hid.

I laughed when: Igor came to the door.

I was worried when: The skeleton came for a haircut.

I was surprised when: The lady had snake hair and the barber was braiding it.

This book taught me: Don’t go out of the house alone

Three words that best describe this book are: “Cool.” “Shamp-ewww.” “Customers.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “Can you take a little off the top?”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The full moon.

You should read this book because: It teaches you how to take care of monsters.

Thank you, Brett!

If you’d like to learn more about Matthew McElligott and his other books, visit his website. or read this interview.

Lucy Wu thinks she has her school year planned out perfectly.

She’ll play basketball, her favorite sport, and lead her team to victory. And, she’ll finally get her own room now that her annoyingly perfect older sister is heading off to college.

But nothing goes as planned.

First, her great-aunt arrives from China for a visit. Yi-Po doesn’t speak much English and Lucy doesn’t speak much Chinese. Even worse, Yi-Po looks different than anyone in Lucy’s friends’ families. And, she ends up sharing Lucy’s room.

Next, Lucy’s parents say she can’t play basketball because practice times conflict with her Chinese language lessons. Even when the practice time changes, they aren’t thrilled that she’s playing a sport instead of studying.

And if that weren’t bad enough, a mean girl at school decides to take on Lucy for team captain.

Debut author Wendy Wan-Long Shang tells Lucy’s story in The Great Wall of Lucy Wu (Scholastic Press, 2011).

Does Lucy find a way to salvage her sixth-grade year? Let’s ask today’s reviewer.

Today’s reviewer: Abby

Age: 10

I like: Reading, chocolate, baseball, bowling, sheep and dogs.

This book was about: A girl named Lucy who thinks she is going to have the perfect year, but then, she finds out that her grandmother’s sister, Yi Po, who she never knew existed is going to live with them for a while, and Lucy has to share her own room with Yi Po and is angry at first.

The best part was when: They were playing basketball with eleven seconds left in the game and Talent Chang got the ball and made the winning shot.

I laughed when: It said Kenny had been eating the dumplings for the party as a nightly snack.

I was worried when: Paul passed the ball to Talent in the basketball game and Talent had never played basketball before.

I was surprised that: Yi Po got Lucy a brand new basketball net and backboard for her birthday.

This book taught me: That you can get to know someone new and then be really close to them as if you had been friends forever.

Other kids reading this book should watch for: All the different ways Lucy reacts to Yi Po throughout the book.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Realistic.” “Funny.” “Interesting.”

My favorite line or phrase in the book is: “I thought I was going to have the perfect year …”

You should read this book because: It’s very realistic, and it teaches you a lot about family and friends. It is also a very fun book.

Thanks, Abby!

If you’d like to learn more about Wendy Wan-Long Shang, you can visit her website. Or, you can read this interview on Madelyn Rosenberg’s blog, The Furnace.

You can read other reviews of this book on these blogs:

The Happy Nappy Bookseller.

Reading in Color.

Jama Rattigan’s Alphabet Soup.

Good books are meant to be shared.

So sisters Jaiden and Sienna did just that, sharing reviewing duties for Immi’s Gift (Peachtree Publishers, 2010).

This is an appealing picture book written and illustrated by Karin Littlewood.

Immi, an Inuit girl, fishes every day. And, she often catches brightly colored carvings of exotic birds and animals along with her fish.

These carvings make her wonder what life is like in other parts of the world. And, eventually, they inspire her to share something she loves with someone far away.

As Booklist says, the book is about “the interconnectedness of all beings on earth.” And that theme is especially effective when it’s told with Littlewood’s gorgeously vivid  illustrations and charming text.

But don’t take my word for it, listen to our sister act. They’re double the fun.

Today’s guest reviewers: Jaiden, 6.5, and Sienna, 3.

Jaiden likes: To read, cook and garden.

Sienna likes: To play chase and hide-and-seek and cook.

Jaiden and Sienna say this book was about: A little girl who wears a bear on her neck. Every day when she fishes, she finds more and more stuff. Then one day, her igloo turns different colors and all the animals stay for supper. Then, when the snow melts, she drops her polar bear in the water.

Jaiden says the best part was when: Her igloo turned different colors.

Sienna says it was when: The polar bear dropped in the sea and goed on the beach.

Jaiden smiled when: Immi dropped her polar bear necklace in the sea, and the boy found it.

Sienna smiled when: The girl came up with the idea.

Jaiden was worried when: Immi was hugging that fox, because I thought it was going to eat her.

Sienna was worried when: She dropped the polar bear in.

Jaiden was surprised: When the other little boy found Immi’s bear.

Sienna was surprised: On every page.

This book taught Jaiden: To share.

This book taught Sienna: Never litter. (Editor’s note. This may be my favorite response EVER from any kid who’s done a book review for me.)

Three words that describe this book: “Colorful.” “Happy.” “Cold.”

Favorite line: “Oh, it was cold.”

Jaiden says you should read this book because: It was a very happy story.

Sienna says you should read this book because: It is special for you.

Thank you Jaiden and Sienna. You’ve just proved that two heads really are better than one!

If you’d like to learn more about Karin Littlewood and the other books she’s created, visit her website.

If you’d like to see other reviews of this book, visit:

• The Sunday Book Review
• Spirituality and Practice
• Janet Boyer’s blo
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Judith Viorst’s  classic children’s book describes a boy named Alexander who survives a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

Julie Sternberg’s debut book describes a girl named Eleanor who makes it through an awful month.

Alexander’s bad day is made up of a series of small slights and insults. He gets gum in his hair, he doesn’t get a seat by the window in the car, and the cat wants to sleep by his brother, and not him. There’s even kissing on TV, and he hates that.

Eleanor’s month is ruined by one momentous event. Bibi, the babysitter she’s had since she was — well — a baby, is moving far, far away.

And that’s so bad it’s Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie (Amulet, 2011).

As Eleanor’s world is turned upside down, she’s forced to cope the best she can.  And, she learns that life goes on, even when it’s not the way she always thought it would be.

Now, let’s hear from today’s guest reviewer. Her babysitter moved to Arizona several years ago, so she could relate to the story:

Our reviewer: Sonia

Age: 9

I like: Coloring, playing on the computer, playing with my DS, reading Highlights magazine, and snuggling with my blanket and my cat, Vince. 

This book was about: A girl named Eleanor. Her babysitter, Bibi, moves to Florida to help her Dad get better. They have a good-bye party, and all of Bibi’s friends cry. Then, they all go outside to get Bibi a taxi. Now, Eleanor doesn’t like taxis because they took Bibi away. Then, Eleanor gets a new babysitter, Natalie. Eleanor doesn’t like her like she liked Bibi, but then she gets used to her.

The best part of the book was: When Eleanor writes a note to Bibi while her dad is singing with Agnes, a neighbor. Once Agnes leaves, Eleanor wants to put the letter in the mailbox. So she gives it to the mail carrier, Val. Later, Val gives Eleanor a letter from Bibi.

I was surprised when: Bibi’s letter didn’t come sooner.

I was worried when: Eleanor had a big tantrum because she wanted her old babysitter back.

Three words that describe this book are: “Bibi.” “Eleanor.” “Natalie.”

This book taught me: You will always miss your first babysitter. But, you’ll probably get a new one that you like.

Other kids should read this book because: It’s a good book. I liked all the characters. I liked the picture where Val is waving the letter from Bibi.

Sonia has never put pickle juice on a cookie. But she concedes that it probably wouldn’t taste very good. She adds that the worst month she ever had was this very month because there was one day in it where she threw up five times. But she’s feeling much better now.

Thanks, Sonia!

To learn more about author Julie Sternberg, visit her website.

To learn more about illustrator Matthew Cordell, visit his website.

And, here’s a delightful interview with both of them at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

Would you like to

Jane Yolen rocks.

She’s written more than 300 books and numerous poems, and has been referred to as the American Hans Christian Andersen. Her book, Owl Moon, which was illustrated by John Schoenherr, won the 1987 Caldecott Medal, and Jane’s other books have received numerous awards.

David Small rocks too.

He’s illustrated more than 40 picture books (some written by his wife, Sarah Stewart). He’s also created a graphic memoir and won the 1997 Caldecott Honor for The Gardener, written by his wife, and the 2001 Caldecott Medal for So, You Want To Be President? by Judith St. George.

So chances are any collaboration between them is a book worth checking out. And, Elsie’s Bird (Philomel, 2010) definitely is.

It’s the lovely story of Elsie, a Boston girl, who’s transplanted to the Nebraska prairie with her grieving father after her mother dies. Now the sounds of the ocean and the bustling city are replaced by the sounds of prairie grasses and nature.

Elsie doesn’t like the change at first, Her only comfort is her canary, Timmy Tune. But when Timmy escapes from his cage, Elsie runs after him, and — in the process – starts to feel at home.

The publisher calls it, “A remarkable, poetic, vividly rendered book about finding one’s place in the world.”

And reviewers agreed. It received starred reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus.

Now, let’s hear from today’s guest reviewer.

Our reviewer: Ellie

Age: 7

Things I like to do: Play sports, make arts and crafts, and listen to music.

This book was about: A girl who lived in Boston a long time ago. Her mother died, and her dad was sad. So they moved to Nebraska.

The best part was when: She found her bird out in the prairie. And when her dad brought home the hound, the banty hens and the rooster.

I smiled when: Everyone was singing.

I was worried when: The bird was lost.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Sing.” “Town.” “Bird.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book: “Timmy Tune began to sing back, circling and circling overhead.”

You should read this book because: It helps you learn about nature.

Ellie adds that she has a dog, a cat and two frogs, but not any hens or roosters.

Thanks, Ellie!

If you’d like to learn more about Jane Yolen (and you really should) you can visit her website or watch this video interview. Or, read this written one.

And certainly don’t forget David Small. Here’s his website, and an illuminating interview.

You can find other reviews of Elsie’s Bird at:

• Fuse Eight.
• Add a Comment

Flora isn’t having the best day.

In Flora’s Very Windy Day (Clarion, 2011) her little brother, Crispin, spills her paints, so their mother sends them outside to play while she cleans up even though Flora tries and tries to tell her the wind will blow them away.

Sure enough, once they’re outside, the wind lifts Crispin away and Flora has no choice except to soar up after him. He might be annoying, but he is her brother after all.

Once they’re in the air, Flora is amazed at how popular Crispin is. A dragonfly wants him to polish its wings. A sparrow wants him to sit on her eggs, a rainbow wants him to guard its gold and a cloud wants him to squeeze out its raindrops. And, the man in the moon just wants him to be his friend.

Flora is slightly tempted, of course, but she knows how disappointed her mother would be if she came home without Crispin. But to get them home, she has to convince the wind to help them out.

Is she successful? Let’s see what today’s guest reviewer has to say:

Our reviewer: Kelsie

Age: 7

I like: Playing four-square, jumping rope, playing kickball and drawing.

This book was about: A girl named Flora who didn’t like her baby brother at first. But after they get blown away by the wind, and the moon and the rainbow asked if they could have him, she decieded she liked her brother after all.

The best part was when: When Flora and her brother got back home.

I smiled when: At the end, when she asked the wind if she could go home with her brother.

I was worried when: Her brother got blown up in the air.

I was surprised when: She decided she wanted to keep her brother.

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “If the wind lets you.” And, “super-special, heavy-duty red boots.”

This book taught me: Before you say something, you should think about it first. It might not be what you really want to say.

Other kids reading this book should watch for: When Flora brushes a shred of rainbow off her clothes.

You should read this book because: It teaches you that just because you think you want something, you might not really want it.

Thanks, Kelsie!

Kelsie doesn’t have a younger brother, but she has an older sister. And she wasn’t completely positive her older sister would save her if the wind decided to blow her away.

If you’d like to learn more about author Jeanne Birdsall, who is best known for her series of books about the Penderwick sisters, visit her website. Or, read this interview.

If you’d like to learn more about illustrator Matt Phelan, visit his website and blog. Or, read this kid review of another one of his many books — Two of a Kind.

Today’s reviewer is a bit of a blanket expert, as you can see in the photo to the right and the one near the bottom of this post.

That makes her a good choice to review Mary Ann Rodman’s latest picture book Camp K-9 (Peachtree, 2011) about Roxie, a dog with a favorite blanket.

Roxie likes to sniff her blanket. And, sometimes, Sonia does the same thing. She says it makes her feel better.

So cuddle up with something cozy, and hear her take on this warm and fuzzy tale.

Our reviewer: Sonia

Age: 8

Things I like to do: Color, watch TV, listen to my iPod, read books and sleep.

This book was about: A doggy named Roxie. She goes to Camp K-9, and she has a secret in her backpack. She meets a new girl, Pearl, and thinks she would be a good friend. But then she thinks you have to tell friends secrets, and Roxie doesn’t want to tell her secret – that she has a blanket – because Pearl might laugh at her.

The best part was when: Roxie goes in the cabin and sees Lucy, and Lucy has a blanket. Roxie laughs at her, but then she shows Lucy her blanket. No one laughs and everyone pulls out their own blankets that they’ve hidden.

I smiled when: Pearl and Roxie held hands and went to the pool together.

I was worried when: Pearl’s favorite dessert got knocked to the floor. It was pork pudding and liver snacks.

I was surprised when: Lucy was being all mean.

This book taught me: To be nice to your friends and not to laugh at people.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Camp.” “K-9.” “Roxie.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “‘Sorry,’ says Lucy. But I know she’s not.”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: All the different blankets. And when Lucy jumps out from behind a tree and scares the other dogs.

You should read this book because: It’s about cute dogs, and I like dogs.

Thanks, Sonia.

If you’d like to learn more about Mary Ann Rodman, visit her website. Or, read this interview at Becky’s Book Reviews.

Mary Ann also is one of six authors who blog about writing and teaching writing at Teaching Authors.

To learn more about illustrator Nancy Hayashi, read this biography.

Thanks to Peachtree Publishers for providing a copy of this book for Sonia’s review.

Chances are, you’ve never heard of a chiru.

If that’s true, don’t feel badly. Chiru (chee-roo) are only found on the Tibetan plateau and surrounding areas. And because they have not survived in captivity, the only way to see them is to visit  their natural habitat.

Jacqueline Briggs Martin traveled 7,000 miles from her home in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, to the Chang Tang Reserve in Tibet. The result is a nonfiction picture book, The Chiru of High Tibet (Houghton Mifflin, 2010).

The chiru are worth a book for several reasons. They’re rare. And, their wool can be made into warms shawls which people value because it’s very cold in that part of Tibet.

The chiru are also endangered. And although it’s illegal to kill them for their wool, people still do it. So every year, there are fewer and fewer chiru.

Briggs Martin tells the true story of George B. Schaller, a scientist who wanted to protect the Chiru by making the area they travel to each year to have their babies safe from poachers and development.

But first he had to find it. Four men helped him and followed the chiru through their long trek to the calving grounds. They walked for days, pulling food and supplies behind them through gorges, mountain passes, icy water and rugged terrain. Finally, they found the spot in the Kunlun Mountains.

Here’s what today’s reviewer had to say about the book.

Reviewer: Anneka.

Age: 9

Things I like to do: Go to art class, sing, help people and play computer games.

This book was about: Some men finding out where a mysterious breed of wild goats goes to have their babies. The men want to protect that spot because the breed is endangered.

The best part was when: The men found where the animals go.

I was worried when: The breed got to a fairly low population.

The book taught me: To be patient and persistent to achieve your goals.

Three words that describe this book: “Interesting.” “Tibet.” “Mountains.”

My favorite line: “Without the Chiru, there would be no story.”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The interesting facts in the corner of many pages. (Editor’s note: And the cute picture of the baby chiru in the back of the book!)

You should read this book: To learn about the difference some men made.

Thanks, Anneka!

The Children’s Book Council’s Outstanding Science Committee of the National Science Teachers Association has named the book to the “Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12” list for 2011.

If you’d like to learn more about the author, visit Jacqueline Briggs Martin’s website, which has links to a book trailer and a radio interview. Or read her blog.

If you’d like to learn more about the illustrator, read Linda Wingerter’s blog. Or read this article about her work.

To learn more about the chiru, see

There are certain phrases most children hear at least once in their life :

“Clean your room.”

“Eat your dinner.”

“What on earth were you thinking?”

And …

“Don’t slam the door.”

Dori Chaconas has turned this last phrase into a rhyming picture book called, surprisingly enough, Don’t Slam the Door (Candlewick Press, 2010).

In her book, the little girl is the one who doesn’t want the door slammed. And she’s not just worried about the noise. She knows the slamming door will set off a whole series of unfortunate events.

The door will wake the cat, which will put knots in mom’s yarn, which will mean lumpy socks for pa, which will make him hop around and bump the honey hive, which will disrupt the bees, which will sting the bear, which will scare the cows.

And all of this will make an awful mess that SHE will have to sort out.

Today’s guest reviewer, Arun, got caught up in the fun. Here’s what he had to say.

Our reviewer: Arun

Age: 8

I like: Karate, running, reading and telling my mom to hurry up and take me to school.

This book was about: The girl was trying to let the cat sleep, but the door slammed and the cat woke up. Then the yarn got tangled and the mom was still knitting with it and Pa bumped the bees who went for the bear. The cows went into the house and there was a BIG MESS, so the girl said “I’m going to count to five …”

The best part was when: They made the big mess.

I laughed when: The girl tried to warn everybody about what would happen but no one listened.

I was worried when: I thought the bear would eat the cows.

This book taught me: To warn people not to wear lumpy socks.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Don’t.” “Slam.” “Door.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “Pa, don’t hop and yell.”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The lumpy socks mom knit. How the bees spell out “OK” when the girl tells them to get out of the house.

You should read this book because: It’s funny and kind of weird.

Thanks, Arun!

This book is a delight to read out loud, and there’s a lot going on in the illustrations for kids and parents to notice.

You can learn more about author Dori Chaconas by visiting her website.

You can learn more about illustrator Will Hillenbrand, by visiting his website.

Almost everyone likes a day at the beach. And this is the perfect time of year to forget the snow and the cold and think of sand between your toes.

If you’re looking for a picture book to help you do just that, check out A Beach Tail (Boyds Mills, 2010) by Karen Lynn Williams and Floyd Cooper.

The book tells the simple story of Gregory and dad spending a day at the beach. Gregory uses a stick to draw a lion in the sand. When his dad suggests he add a tail, Gregory does, and it turns out to be the longest tail a lion every had.

In fact, Gregory gets so caught up in drawing the tail that he gives himself a tour of the beach and temporarily loses sight of his father. (Although he does discover a purple jellyfish, a horseshoe crab, a ghost crab and a jetty.)

But when he needs to find him again, he just follows the tail back to his lion — and his dad.

Today’s guest reviewer: Aidan

Age: 7

Things I like: Playing chess, reading and playing sports like basketball.

This book was about: A boy named Gregory drawing a lion in the sand.

The best part was when: Gregory passed all the animals while he was drawing the tail.

I laughed when: Gregory made a funny face.

I was worried that: He wouldn’t find his dad.

I was surprised when: The water splashed up by the jetty.

This book taught me: To never leave a lion.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Gregory.” “Dad.” “Lion.”

My favorite pictures in this book were: The horseshoe crab and the jellyfish.

Other kids reading this book should know: You shouldn’t leave your dad. 

You should read this book because: It has a lion in it.

Thanks, Aidan!

Karen Lynn and Floyd both have lots of books — and awards – to their credit. Floyd won the 2009 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and Karen Lynn’s book have been named to several notable books list. The two have even worked together before — 20 years ago — on the picture book When Africa Was Home.

You can learn more about Karen Lynn Williams by visiting her website or reading her blog.

You can learn more about Floyd Cooper by visiting this website. Or read this interview at The Brown Bookshelf. 

If you’d like to see what others had to say about this book, read these reviews:

• Bookends: A Booklist Blog.
• Library Voice.
• Add a Comment

There are all kinds of lies.

Little white ones.

Nasty, malicious ones.

And real whoppers.

In The Big Whopper, the second book of Patricia Reilly Giff’s early chapter book series The ZigZag Kids, it’s Discovery Week at the Afternoon Center. And Destiny Washington wants to think of something new to discover.

Instead, she ends up telling a really big whopper — that she’s distantly related to George Washington.

And then she doesn’t know what to do about it. 

Let’s see what today’s guest reviewer has to say.

Today’s reviewer: Julia

Age: 8

I like: Volleyball, horses and playing with my friends.

This book was about: A girl tells a story about that her great-grandfather is George Washington, but he’s really Abraham Washington. Then she knows she told a big whopper, and she doesn’t want her teacher to know.

The best part was when: Two older high school kids pushed a big cart of paper and the kids got to ride in it.

I was surprised when: Destiny said who she was related to.

This book taught me: It’s easier to tell the truth. That way your stomach doesn’t get tied in knots.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Lying.” “Funny. “ “Honesty.” At the end, Destiny is honest.

My favorite line or phrase in the book is: “Abrehem Washington Father of our Kuntry. My greatest great grandfather. ” And “Telling fibs was not the way they did things at the Zelda A. Zigzag After School Center.”

You should read this book because: It teaches other kids not to lie. And Destiny, too.

You can see Cora’s review of the first book in the series here.

Or, you can learn more about Patricia Reilly Giff by:

• Visiting this website.
• Reading this blog.
• Or reading this interview from the Teaching Authors blog. (Which originally offered the first two books in the ZigZag Kids series in a giveaway. Which I was lucky enough to win.)

Want to learn more about illustrator Alasdair Bright? Visit his website.

There’s no denying that Goodnight Moon is a timeless classic.

But, maybe, your child has requested it as a bedtime story for 822 consecutive nights, and the end doesn’t seem to be in sight. You need a break, and your child needs to branch out.

Give Good Night, Little Sea Otter (Star Bright Books, 2010) a try. Janet Halfmann’s picture book will be a welcome relief.

It’s delightful on several levels. The story is adorable, with a baby sea otter saying good night to all the animals nearby. Mixed in with all the good nights are lots of ocean facts.

Then there’s the art. I’ve always liked otters, but illustrator Wish Williams made these especially cute. And the other sea life is adorable, as well.

So go ahead and read it — even if your child isn’t addicted to Goodnight Moon. 

Now, let’s hear from our guest reviewer.

Our reviewer: Danni

Age: 4

I like: Flowers, hearts, cheeseburgers, swimming, ballet and gymnastics.

This book was about: A baby sea otter saying good night to everything.

The best part was when: The sea otter fell asleep in his mama’s arms.

I laughed when: The whole ocean sang good night to the baby sea otter.

I was worried when: I saw the picture of the crab.

I was surprised that: The baby sea otter finally fell asleep. I thought he would never go to sleep.

The book taught me: That seagulls squawk when they talk and that sea otters wrap themselves up in seaweed when they go to sleep.

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The baby sea otter dipping his face in the water to say good night to the fish.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Good night,” “crabs,” “sea otter.”

My favorite line in the book is: “Good night little sea otter, the entire ocean sang back to him.”

You should read this book because: You can learn about the different animals and fish in the ocean.

Thanks, Danni!

If you’d like to learn more about Janet Halfmann and her other books, visit her website.

Pie is prevalent this time of year.

In fact, according to the American Pie Council — and it makes me happy just knowing such a council exists — the most popular holiday pies are:

• Pumpkin.
• Apple.
• Cherry.
• Lemon meringue.
• Pecan, chocolate cream and mincemeat (in a three-way tie).

So this seems the appropriate time to feature Cari Best’s latest picture book, Easy as Pie (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2010)

In this book, Jacob sets out to make a perfect peach pie for his parents’ anniversary.

And why wouldn’t it work out? He’s following the recipe from none other than the famous TV personality Chef Monty. But Jacob runs into a few pastry snags along the way that he solves with ingenuity and persistence.

Along with the story is a recipe for Happy Peach Pie, baking rules from Chef Monty and a few tips Jacob learned as he stirred.

Now, today’s guest reviewer, Allison, joins us. And for the record? Her favorite kind of pie is pumpkin.

Today’s reviewer: Allison

Age: 7

I like: Ballet and soccer.

This book was about: Pie.

The best part was when: Jacob and his family finally ate the pie.

I was surprised that: The family ate dessert before dinner.

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “A happy baker makes a happy pie.”

Thanks, Allison!

If you’d like to see other blog review of this book, check out:

• Librarian Tasha Saecker’s review at Kids Lit.
• Phoebe Vreeland’s The Pie List, a collection of picture books about pie.

If you want to learn more about illustrator Melissa Sweet (and you really should, she won a 2009 Caldecott Honor Medal for A River of Words by Jen Bryant), you can visit her website. You also can read this interview at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast or this one with Jama Rattigan.

If you’d like to learn more about author Cari Best and the wonderful other books she’s written, you can read this article at Answers.com or this one from the Educational Book & Media Association. (My personal favorites of her other books are Shrinking Violet and

With lots of snow in the forecast — at least where I live — it seems like the ideal time to curl up with a bowl of perfect soup.

Not in the mood to cook? That’s OK. All you have to do is open the pages of Lisa Moser’s newest picture book Perfect Soup (Random House, 2010) and you’ll be warm and cozy before you know it.

The book features Murray, a kind little mouse, who wants to ease winter’s chill with his own, homemade perfect soup. There’s just one problem. He doesn’t have a carrot, and the recipe specifically calls for one.

Murray’s search for that elusive carrot involves a farmer, a horse, a snowman, a shopkeeper, a boy and a woman having a bad day. After they all work together, Murray gets his carrot, but how he uses it might surprise you. 

Let’s see what today’s reviewer, Sonia, has to say:

Name: Sonia

Age: 8

I like: Riding horses, collecting pigs, playing The Storybook Game with my babysitter, Maria, and reading Perfect Soup and James and the Giant Peach. 

This book was about: A mouse named Murray who thought it was a good day to make soup. He needed a carrot to make the soup perfect.

The best part was when: When everyone got what they wanted, but Murray didn’t want the carrot any more.

I laughed when: The horse said, “I’ll caarrry those logs if you give me jingle bells. I want to be faaancy like the town horses.” And, when I saw that Mrs. Wooley’s house looked like a teapot.

I was surprised when: He didn’t want the carrot for his perfect soup.

I was worried when: Murray didn’t notice the snowman when he said, “Hi.”

Three words that describe this book: “Perfect.” “Soup.” “Snowman.”

Other kids reading this book should look for: The message the snowman wrote for Murray in the snow. The house where Murray lives.

My favorite word or phrase in this book was: “Murray was in a hurry.”

This book taught me: To always say “hi” to people and to help people. That things don’t always have to be perfect.

Sonia says her favorite kind of soup is chicken noodle. She’d like to try Murray’s recipe for Perfect Soup.

Thanks, Sonia!

If you’d like to learn more about Lisa Moser, visit her website or read this interview.

If you’d like to learn more about Ben Mantle, visit his website or his blog.

And if you’re looking for other reviews, check out these:

• BookLoons
• Kiss the Book

Young readers may already be familiar with Farmer Greenstalk and his farm thanks to Chickens to the Rescue, a 2006 picture book featuring a flock of poultry that responds every time there’s a crisis on the farm.

In the follow-up, Pigs to the Rescue (Henry Holt, 2010), the pigs respond to small farm disasters, but they’re a bit … over eager.

Here’s what Booklist had to say: “Eight excitable pigs mount overachieving rescue missions to cope with minor problems at the farm. Does the rooster have a sore throat? Pigs to the rescue! Eight pigs, perched on the barn roof, wake the farm at daybreak with oinks, squeals, and snorts. Emily broke her shoelace? Pigs to the rescue! The weirdly costumed swine lasso her and tie her up, mummy style. Written with a minimum of fuss and illustrated with comic delight, this picture book from the To the Rescue series offers plenty of laughs for the read-aloud crowd.”

Now, let’s see what Tyler has to say:

Today’s reviewer: Tyler

Age: 5

I like: Playing with my cars, going to Wisconsin to visit my cousins, eating ham-and-cheese sandwiches.

This book was about: Pigs coming to the rescue!

The best part was when: The cows came to the rescue at the end.

I laughed when: The pigs were carrying on in the pool. When the pigs tied up Emily.

I was worried when: The tractor broke and Farmer Greenstalk couldn’t plow his fields.

I was surprised that: The pigs were helping people and other animals.

This book taught me: About helping people.

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The silly noises the pigs make.

Three words that best describe this books are: “Funny.” “Colorful.” “Fast.”

My favorite line or phrase in the book is: “Pigs to the rescue!”

You should read this book because: It teaches people about helping.

Thanks, Tyler!

To learn more about author and illustrator John Himmelman, visit his website. You also can listen to an interview with him on Just One More Book.

If you’d like to see other blog reviews of Pigs to the Rescue, visit:

• Books for Kids.
• Kids Lit.
• Chalkfull of Books.

You just can’t ignore a good book.

And based on some anecdotal evidence, it seems Justin Case: School, Drool and Other Daily Disasters (Feiwel and Friends, 2010) is a very good book indeed.

Here’s what happened.

When Niki, today’s guest reviewer, got the book, she started reading and — according to her dad — didn’t stop.

And after she’d given the book and her questionnaire back to me, my daughter grabbed the book and read straight through supper. She was so focused, I even had to remind her to eat.

I have yet to read this book myself, but based on the interest it’s generated so far, you can be sure I’ll start as soon as my daughter is finished.

Now, let’s hear from Niki.

Reviewer: Niki

Age: 10 

I like: Horses, dogs, reading, Irish dance, jazz dance, playing with my friends, golf, winter, computers, watching television and eating breakfast.

This book was about: Justin Case. He was a boy who was afraid of everything. But by the end of the book, he was no longer afraid. In Justin’s mind, his old stuffed animal (which was a dog) told him to face his fears.

The best part was when: Justin climbed a rope and was scared when he looked down. The picture showed Justin was sweating and shivering. 

I laughed when: Justin said the boiler in his basement was a big bad monster.

 I was worried when: Justin said he would never be friends with Daisy (his best friend) again.

I was surprised that: Justin actually climbed the rope and overcame his fears.

This book taught me: That it’s okay to be scared and that you can still conquer your fears.

Other kids reading this book should watch for: All the ways Justin conquers his fears. 

 Three words that best describe this book are: Funny, hilarious, hysterical.

 My favorite line or phrase in the book is: When Justin says, “What the heck?”

 You should read this book because: It’s an awesome book because it will make you laugh and teach you how to conquer your fears.

Thanks, Niki! You weren’t the only reader who liked it. There’s another great review at Kid Lit Blog.

Author Rachel Vail writes for little kids, tweens and teens. You can learn more about her books here. Or read a great Publishers Weekly interview with her here.

This book has charming spot illustrations by Matthew Cordell. A website full of his wonderful work is here.

Halloween is getting closer, so here’s Boo Cow (Charlesbridge, 2010) — a fun, friendly, spooktacular mystery by Patricia Baehr to get you in the spirit of the season.

Chicken Noodle Farm has a fresh coat of pickle-green paint, 552 chickens and no eggs at all.

Mr. and Mrs. Noodleman, who own the farm, are beside themselves.

What are they doing wrong?

Will they ever have eggs for breakfast?

At first, they blame Boo Cow, the ghost of a cow named Molly who used to live on the farm. Surely she’s scaring the chickens. But as they dig further into the mystery, they discover another culprit altogether.

To find our more, let’s talk to Chase.

Today’s reviewer: Chase.

Age: 7

I like:  Playing sports. My weiner dogs, Dexter and Daisy. Eating macaroni and cheese.

This book was about: A boo cow that the farmers thought was scaring their chickens. But the cow really loved the chickens.

The best part was when: Boo Cow scared Farmer Hackett as he was stealing chicken eggs. He said, “Mooo-ooo-ooo!”

I laughed when: Mrs. Noodleman used pink, fluffy nightgowns for the chickens’ beds.

I was worried when: The ghost cow said “Mooo-ooo-ooo” for the first time. They should have called Ghost-Busters. And, I was worried when the chickens didn’t lay any eggs.

I was surprised that: Farmer Hackett stole the eggs.

This book taught me: To buy nightgowns for chickens. And, to not judge people if you don’t know things for sure.

Other kids reading this book should watch for: Why the chickens weren’t laying any eggs.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Fun.” “Silly.” “Ghost.”

My favorite line or phrase in the book is: “A cowbell softly tolled. Clink-clunk! Clink-clunk.”

You should read this book because: It’s good. I was glad Boo Cow wasn’t stealing the eggs.

By the way, Chase says his favorite way to eat is scrambled with some cheese on top. And he’s going to be a football player for Halloween, although it would be fun to dress up as a chicken in a pink nightgown.

If you’d like to know more about author Patricia Baehr, read this blog post.

If you’d like to know more about illustrator Margot Apple, you can read this biography.

More Halloween book reviews are in store. Stay tuned! And there’s still time to comment on the question of the month:

What are YOUR favorite Halloween books?

Fasting might not seem like fun to most people.

But, it’s what Shirin wants to do more than anything in Moon Watchers: Shirin’s Ramadan Miracle (Tilbury House, 2010) a new picture book by Reza Jalali.

Shirin’s parents fast. So does her older brother — or at least he tries. What can Shirin do to celebrate Ramadan, help her family, and feel more grown-up?

Fortunately, she comes up with the perfect idea.

Here’s what ForeWard Reviews had to say:

“This book is perhaps most valuable as a lesson on Islam. Each practice and tradition is explained, but without disrupting the pace of the story. Non-Muslim readers will walk away with a more developed global perspective. Muslims will relate the tale to their own Ramadan experiences, and every young reader will identify with hearing that terrible phrase: ‘You’re too young.’ ”

Now, let’s hear from another reviewer!

Today’s reviewer: Jaiden (shown in the photo with her little sister, Sienna.)

Age: 6

I like: My little sister, Sienna, my mom’s famous ice-cream sandwiches and playing
chase.

This book is about: Ramadan. Having to not eat for awhile. Shirin, the little sister, wanted to not eat for awhile – but her family said she was too young. She wanted to do what everybody else did.

The best part was when: She could not eat and she fasted with everybody
else.

I laughed when: I laughed when the brother gave the present to her, and my
mommy started to cry.

I was worried when: The little sister couldn’t do the fasting.

I was surprised that: The brother gave his sister a present.

This book taught me: That people fast at Ramadan.

Other kids should watch out for: The heart-shaped rock.

The words that best describe the book: A girl and her dad watching the moon.

Favorite line: You’re too little to do Ramadan.

You should read it because: It teaches you about something important.

Thanks, Jaiden!

If you’d like to learn more about Ramadan, visit this site. Or go check out this list of books about Ramadan for children and teens.

If you’d like to learn more about author Reza Jalali, read his biography.

If you’d like to learn more about illustrator Anne Sibley O’Brien, visit her website or read this interview at Into the Wardrobe.

Check out this fantastic cheer, written by an 8-year-old as her book report on the Jake Maddox book Cheer Challenge!

I like the book I read
Cheer Challenge is its name
The story of two friends
That really like to dance
They both are in a squad
That dances really bad
Arms and legs are flying
The Cougars are terrible no lying
The captain Amanda comes with a plan,
She thinks competing would be fun,
They practice every day,
Nobody can stand in their way,
This girl’s friendship is put to the test
For what these two friends love doing best.

--Victoria Fraser

I just love hearing about kids who love our books. Here's an email from a librarian in California:

Just had to tell you this....one of my students was in line with two books yesterday all excited to check them out. When it was his turn he told me, "I just LOVE these Stone Arch Books!" Thought you'd enjoy that one.

Yay! Love it.

More soon, really, as soon as it stops being so busy around here!

Beth