Nick Magazine

Nick Magazine, May 2008.


Nick magazine is a side kick for Nickelodeon. Whether you watch this station or not all readers will enjoy what this magazine offers. Written to intrigue the most reluctant readers you can find a wide variety of articles, a celebrity page, and lots of fun quick reads. For your comic book lovers, readers can enjoy multiple comic stripes that will have you laughing out loud. While you are reading though, don’t forget to look for Zelda Van Gutters, Nick mag’s great reporting dog. That’s not all, readers can also enjoy there website at Nickmag.com that offers much more including games. This addition will be a thrilling read for many young adults.

Sports Illustrated Kids

Sports Illustrated: Kids is the perfect magazine for our children who are sport nuts. This magazine offers the same content as Sports Illustrated, but it is geared to what our children want to know. The articles are shorter in length that will help maintain a child’s interest in the story. Throughout the magazine readers can find many well taken photos that will grab at it readers. Also, included on several pages is their website, http://www.sikids.com/, which offers students more information on the topic, numerous photos, and sport tips. For those children who love free stuff the magazine offers several tear out posters and a variety of sports cards. This magazine is well put together and great addition to magazine racks everywhere.

Sigmund Freud by Kathleen Krull

Krull, Kathleen. Sigmund Freud. New York: Penguin Group, 2006.

Illustrated by Boris Kulikov

Kathleen Krull will take readers into the life of Sigmund Freud from his childhood through what he accomplished in the world of science. Krull discusses with readers how he invented psychoanalysis and his steps to getting to that point. However, she doesn’t hold back on her facts. Readers will also be informed of his study of cocaine, problems with women, and even discuss his final disease. Krull will capture her audience with her writing as she describes the life of a man that truly made a impact on our world of science today. To add a small touch to this book, Kulikov does a fabulous job with a few of his drawings that portray Freud. This book is a great addition to any library’s biography section.

Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow. New York: Scholastic, 2005.

Could you imagine being a teenager during Hitler’s term in office? Did you know that German teenagers where required to become a part of Hitler Youth by the year 1939? Using a wide range of resources like diaries and letters, Bartoletti will share stories of teenagers who were a part of Hitler’s Youth and what their life was like through the rise and fall of Nazi Germany. From experiences like wrecking Jewish homes to Herbert Norkus being killed on a public street, readers will be amazed with the lives these children lived. The black and white historical pictures provided will also help readers visualize what life was like during Hitler’s reign. This book is a great addition to classrooms all over who are studying the Holocaust, and will help students understand what it was like for children their own age.

Bone: Out From Boneville by Jeff Smith

Smith, Jeff. Bone: Out From Boneville. New York: Scholastic, 2005.

Who can’t love these crazy characters of Boneville that will begin an adventure of a lifetime? When greedy Phoney Bone gets himself ran out of town his loyal cousins, Fone and Smiley, will come along. Soon tragic strikes and this three pair will be separated for some time. However, Fone makes friends with a country girl, her grandmother, and a great dragon that will help him and his cousins fight the “hooded ones.” This graphic novel will be a hit for young adults and many others. The illustrations created for this tale adds much creativity to the book that all will enjoy. Nevertheless, don’t fret readers with the ending of this book, because there are plenty more to follow that will continue the adventures of the Bones.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Lewis, C.S. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe . New York: HarperCollins, 1994, c1950.

C.S. Lewis captivates his audience with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as he takes his readers on a journey they will never forget. In the midst of hiding, four children will find the world of Narnia that will take them to a mystical land of Narnia. There they will discover engaging and villainous creatures, learn to do heroic deeds, and find a whole world of magic. As they enter into this new world, it has been frozen into eternal winter by the White Witch. However, with the help of the Great Lion, Aslan and many new friends they will battle the war of good and evil. Readers of all ages will enjoy this extraordinary fantasy that will have them wanting more adventures from this series.

Cirque Du Freak: Tunnels of Blood by Darren Shan

Shan, Darren. Cirque Du Freak: Tunnels of Blood. New York: Little, Brown, and Company, 2002.

With this third installment of Cirque Du Freak, Darren Shan will continue to hold on to his readers. Crepsley will take his assistant and new found friend, the snake-boy on a mysterious mission. While Darren and Evra are running the town, Crepsley will be on a mysterious mission that turns out to be a “vampaneze” that believes in killing his victims. The problem is that Crepsley does not share his mission and the boys think that he is the killer. After many nights of following Crepsley, they will soon interfere that will cause more problems for this trio. To add to this great obstacle will be Shan’s new found friend who happens to be a girl that he likes. From meat lockers to sewer tunnels, Shan will keep his readers coming back for more. Although this book belongs to a series it could definitely stand on its own if readers prefer, due to Shan’s explicit details of the characters and their past. Don’t worry though because the ending will bring some closure, but have readers itching for more.

Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan

Shan, Darren. Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant. New York: Little, Brown, and Company, 2001.

Darren Shan’s second sequel to Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare will continue to grab his readers. Vampire Larten Crepsley begins to train Shan on how to be a vampire’s assistant, but runs into trouble when Darren refuses to drink human blood for survival. Now traveling with the Cirque Du Freak, Crepsley hopes that finding new friends will help him except his new life. Soon finding friendships in a snake-boy, a human boy named Sam, and another who turns out to be an eco-warrior that will eventually cause problems after seeing the show. This will bring death to a new found friend, but will save Darren’s life as he finally drinks the blood to hang on to his friends memories. Readers be ready for a page turner that will have your heart pounding and your stomach queasy, but will keep you wanting more.

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff

Giff, Patricia Reilly. Lily’s Crossings. New York: Delacorte Press, 1997.

In this Newbery Medal/Honor book, Giff writes about the life of girl and her family who’s affected by World War II. As Lily is preparing for a summer of fun in her grandmother’s house, she soon learns that her best friend is moving so her father can work and her own widowed father is going overseas for the war. To make matters worse Lily has a slight problem of telling lies which will get her in trouble with her new Hungarian friend. As the summer progresses the two friends will learn to trust one another and use each other for support to survive this time of need. This story will tug at your heart as you learn their secrets and watch these two children grow through hard times.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books, 1989.

Lois Lowry does an incredible job in her first historical fiction novel and it truly deserves the Newbery Medal/Honor. Annemarie Johansen, at the age of ten, already knows what life is like under Nazi occupation. However, her lessons in life will continue to grow as she learns that she must help her best friend and family to escape and have a chance of survival. Learning that everyone’s chance of life depends on the least that everyone knows, Annemarie must help her friends and remain silent throughout. Readers will be caught up in the suspense of whether or not they will all escape. This gripping story will give a small glimpse at life in Denmark and what citizens were willing to do for their friends during the Nazi invasion.

Days of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue by Julius Lester

Lester, Julius. Day of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue. New York: Hyperion Books, 2005.

Through dialogue, Julius Lester recreates what could possibly be going through the minds of people who went through one of the most emotional slave events in American history. In 1859, Savannah, Georgia will have one of the biggest slave auctions, and Lester will show readers what they are thinking during the time it takes place and their thoughts when each person becomes older. Seeing viewpoints from the auctioneer, the masters and their families, and adults and kids both included in the auction will give readers a vivid image in their head of what is was like for each of them. During the three days this auction takes place, rain will fall as it represents the tears that will shed from people who are truly affected by this auction. Hearing of split families, runaway slaves, and the lives of everyone around, you will walk away from this feeling like a part of this time period.

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

Curtis, Christopher Paul. Bud, Not Buddy. New York: Delacorte Press, 1999.

Your heart will just melt for Bud, a ten year old boy who is placed in an orphanage after the death of his mother. Trying to find his father is now the goal, Bud will spend his time searching based off of simple clues his mother left behind. Making the journey from Flint, Michigan to Grand Rapids after running away from a terrible foster home, Bud will come across many people who will in their own way help him complete his search. Curtis does a fascinating job creating this story that will allow readers to laugh at Buds encounters as well as fall in love with him. This book is one that will have you rushing to turn the page to see what happens.

Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee.

Yee, Lisa. Millicent Min, Girl Genius. New York: Scholastic Inc., 2003.

You thought the normal eleven year old girl had problems, but try being eleven and taking a class in college. Millicent Min is that girl, however her social skills lack more than the average eleven year old. As summer roles around, Millicent finds herself taking a volleyball class that will lead to a new friend, and tutoring her worst enemy, Stanford. The summer will be full of surprises including Emily finding out the secret that Milli and Stanford were hiding from her. Yee writes a humorous page turner for her first novel.

So B. It by Sarah Weeks

Weeks, Sarah. So B. It. New York: Scholastic Inc., 2004.

Heidi, a twelve-year-old girl, lives with her mentally disabled mother named So B. It, who survives life with the help of her next door neighbor. However, to make matters worse, the neighbor, Bernadette, is an agoraphobic. Living with these two different women, Heidi will grow up in a world different from many other children; however just like everyone she will soon start asking questions about her past and about her mother. Especially, when Heidi finds a role of film that doesn’t answer anything, but just adds to her curiosity. To learn about who she is she must travel by bus by herself to her mother’s previous home to find the answers. Several weak spots throughout, but the reader's love for Heidi makes it worth continuing on. The book is well written and will keep you wanting to know the secret of her life. Make sure you have a box of Kleenex handy, because Weeks will have you crying, but satisfied with the turn out of this book.

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald

McDonald, Megan. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2005.

Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

Stink, the little brother of Judy Moody series, will get his turn in the spotlight. This new series will have Judy Moody fans and attract others as well with the humor that James Moody can bring to these books. In this adventure, James, stresses over being so short, but finds support in the president James Madison, the shortest president ever. He will also encounter his bossy sister Judy, and even take care of his class pet newt. Peter Reynolds adds his touches in with black and white illustrations. Plus, adding in a few comic strips with Stink being various superheroes throughout the book gives extra humor that all will enjoy.

Marvin Redpost: Alone in His Teacher's House by Louis Sachar

Sachar, Louis. Marvin Redpost: Alone in His Teacher's House. New York: Random house, Inc., 1994.

Illustrator: Barbara Sullivan

Sachar’s fourth chapter book remains as funny as the rest. Marvin is asked to take care of his teacher's aging dog, Waldo, while she is out of town. Now Marvin will face being in Mrs. North’s house and learning to do what's right from wrong. With pressure from his friends to let them in the house to learning how to deal with things when they go wrong, Sachar will teach a good lesson using humor throughout. Barbara Sullivan adds her touches in the book with pencil drawings that are done in black and white. Plus, good facial expressions allow the story to be reiterated with the reader’s thoughts. A good combination of writing and illustrations with great humor will make reader’s love this addition to Marvin Redpost.

Judy Moody Gets Famous! by Megan McDonald

McDonald, Megan. Judy Moody Gets Famous!. New York: Candlewick Press, 2001.

Illustrator Peter Reynolds

In this sequel to Judy Moody, McDonald does a fantastic job maintaining the humor in Moody’s quest to be famous. This Judy Moody book portrays Judy in a jealous mood as she continues to witness others find their fame moment as she has nothing. Moving from one crazy idea to another, like having George Washington’s cherry pit, she will do her best to find away to get her “famous” moment. In the midst of trying hard, she manages to find her fame just by helping others. Children will enjoy this chapter book and come out with a good feeling. Peter Reynolds has black and white drawings that are simple but descriptive, and it gives just enough to get a good image in your head. The drawings scattered throughout are both small and large. Also, the book starts off with a Who’s Who at the beginning that gives a picture and description of each character. The continuation of this series is one that all will love and laugh at.

¡Pio Peep! Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes selected by Alma Flor Ada & F. Isabel Campoy

Ada, Alma Flor, and F. Isabel Campoy. ¡Pio Peep! Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2003.

Illustrated by Viví Escrivá

English Adaptions by Alice Schertle

The twenty-nine nursery rhymes and songs selected makes this book a wonderful read. Each one presented in Spanish, and poetic recreations in English for all to enjoy. The rhythmic flow in both languages is simple and will have children reading to a great beat. The illustrations throughout the book are done in detail with vibrant colors that add much style to the book. This book can be a great use for teachers and parents both, and a must carry for all libraries.

The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury selected by Jack Prelutsky

Prelutsky, Jack. The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1999.

Illustrated by Meilo So

Jack Prelutsky creates an outstanding book of poetry by selecting 211 different poems to complete this creation. Using a variety of authors like Shel Silverstein, Nikki Grimes, and even himself, he puts together groups of poems in double page spreads that have closely related content. From weather, to months, or poems about school, readers can a find a wide range of poetry for any age. The watercolor illustrations created by Meilo So add to the selection of poems by using characteristics that fit the tone of each poem or the collection of a page from pictures that are silly to serious. A poetry book that can be read in one sitting or piece by piece in several days depending on the reader.

Eureka! Poems About Inventors by Joyce Sidman

Sidman, Joyce. Eureka! Poems About Inventors. Brookfield: The Millbrook Press, 2002.

Illustrated by K. Bennett Chavez

Using a free verse style, Sidman creates sixteen poems in a chronological order to honor many different inventors. From a prehistoric woman to the inventor of the World Wide Web, Sidman presents each person and what they achieved. She also includes a short biographical note after each set of poems to tell a little more of the person’s history. Each page comes with attractive paintings created by K. Bennett Chavez that helps create this book. The print used within the book is quite small and makes it a little harder to read, but the information presented is well worth it. The book is great for students who are studying a particular time period and want a creative way of learning about a person. The poems can be read all at once or in sections as needed, and a definite good tool for teachers in their classrooms.

Swimming Upstream: Middle School Poems by Kristine O'Connell George

O'Connell George, Kristine. Swimming Upstream: Middle School Poems. New York: Clarion Books, 2002.

Illustrated by Debbie Tilley

Kristine O’Connell George does a remarkable job with an unnamed character about a girl and portraying her first year of middle school for readers. Using short rhymed poems that are free verse the book easily flows from page to page. With poems covering “Each Class,” the school’s “SNOB,” and “Growth and Development” O’Connell George gives a vivid idea of what it is like to be in middle school for the first time or again as an adult. To bring out this delightful read, Debbie Tilley, uses full page illustrations that are found periodically throughout the book that help create images for readers that will have them smiling at the scenery in a middle school. Although, the illustrations add to the read, the book could easily stand on its own. This is definitely a must read for any one in middle school, or those who interact with students in middle school. However, any one looking for a quick glance in the days of their middle school this one is for you and it even ends with a happy ending.

The Little Red Hen by Jerry Pinkney

Pinkney, Jerry. The Little Red Hen. New York: The Penguin Group, 2006.

In this classic tale of helping others out, Pinkney does a terrific job of using animals to get a positive message across. Four animals, a dog, pig, rat, and goat are offered several chances to help out a hen who finds some seeds to make bread. When they all decline every time the hen must tend and harvest the seeds with just the help of her chicks. When the bread is finally done the animals jump right in to have a chance to share, but soon learn the hen will not share anything since they decided not help. Each animal is written in its color which really brings the words out and allows word recognition amongst younger children. The illustrations are done in earthy tones with some bright colors on each page like the red hen or yellow flowers. They are created in full page art that is eye catching and artistic. The story is fun with a good valuable lesson at the end that children will enjoy.

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Game by Yuyi Morales

Morales, Yuyi. Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Game. San Francisco: Chronicle Books LLG, 2003.

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Game is a fun read for all ages. As Grandma Beetle is visited by Senor Calavera who beckons her to “come along,” she will keep telling him just a minute because there is something she needs to do. As she continues to do each chore that is linked from numbers one to ten, the skeleton just continues to wait. Morales use the numbers in both Spanish and English which is a great way to teach young readers how to spell in both ways, and simply adds to this wonderful book. Now, as she reaches number nine, there are nine children that show up for Grandma’s birthday party, but guess who is surprised to find out they are number ten. When Grandma Beetle is finally ready to go, she soon finds a note with a surprising ending that will have everyone smiling from ear to ear. The illustrations throughout the book are bright, full pages using colors like orange and pink that just grabs the eye. The skeleton, Senor Calavera, on each page is a treat alone to look at with his expressions and body language. This book is a true deserver of the Pura Belpre Award/Honor and I feel a must read for all ages.

Noah's Ark by Jerry Pinkney

Pinkney, Jerry. Noah's Ark. New York: SeaStar Books, 2002.

Jerry Pinkney, Caldecott Honor Book, Noah’s Ark is a story that interprets the Old Testament story of Noah’s Ark. Pinkney tells the story of how God approached Noah to build an Ark as he is going to flood the land, because he is not pleased with the people on earth. The illustrations done in an earthy tone with pencil and watercolor are full paged with much detail. Using the majority of earthy tones allows the occasional use of color, like the bright red apple, to stand out even more. The recreation of this story and the full page art will allow children to get a true understanding of the story’s message.

Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales by Neil Philip

Philip, Neil. Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet: Mexican Folktales. New York: Clarion Books, 2003.


Illustrator – Jacqueline Mair

Neil Philip does an incredible job of picking out folktales and retelling them in simple versions that are about an average of five pages long. The stories are entertaining and fun to read that all will quite enjoy. This is a great book to read all at once or in sections. For example, a teacher or parent could pick one story a day or week to read out loud. The illustrations created by Jacqueline Mair are done in bright colors like red and orange, and each illustration gives a drawing of the person they are talking about. For example, the story called Horse Hooves and Chicken Feet about the prettiest girl whose feet were of a chicken. The illustration shows a couple dancing, but the girl actually has chicken feet. A red pepper can be found on almost every page which adds to the creativity of the book. The book has an interesting collection and ends with detailed notes of each story to give more of a background.

Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

Chodos-Irvine, Margaret. Ella Sarah Gets Dressed. New York: Harcourt, Inc., 2003.

Ella Sarah has one outfit that she wants to wear and she tells her family it is, “My pink polka-dot pants, my dress with orange-and-green flowers, my purple-and-blue striped socks, my yellow shoes, and my red hat.” As each of her family members try to talk her into wearing something else, she will not hear of it, because she has picked out the perfect outfit. The pictures are simple, but rewarding. The use of bold and bright illustrations helps bring much creativity to this book that just adds the perfect touch. The ending will have everyone laughing; especially those who love to play dress up. The creation of both the illustrations and storyline make this a perfect choice for a Caldecott Medal Honor book.

Show Way

Woodson, Jacqueline. Show Way. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2005.

Woodson traces eight generations in her family, starting it off with Soonie’s great-grandmother being sold into slavery at the age of seven. Soonie’s skills and creativity is past down to each generation that will help each of the girls in their own way. Going from slavery to freedom with this timeline shows readers how life and this family changed throughout history and using the skills that have been given to them. Illustrator, Hudson Talbott, creates each page as if it was a part of the quilt that adds to the words and the history this story is portraying. Talbott uses a contrast between dark and bright colors like pink, purple, and yellow that truly makes each page stand out. The quilt patterns are amazing to look at as they are portrayed throughout the book. When reading this a person needs to take a moment and examine the art that is absolutely remarkable, and adds such a reality to this story. Between the amazing story that is being shared and the creation of each page this book is definitely a deserved Newbery Medal Honor.

The Three Questions: Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy by Jon J. Muth

Muth, Jon J. The Three Questions: Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy. New York: Scholastic Press, 2002.

Muth takes the story of Tolstoy’s about a tsar who asks three important questions. In this simpler version, a boy asks three questions to his animal friends: What is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? When trying to discover the answers to the following questions from his friends and then consulting the wise old turtle, he manages to discover it on his own after saving a panda and her child. The illustrations for this book are done in smooth watercolors that blend very well. They are full page creations that allow the texture of the painting to make the pictures pop out. The shading is done with much detail to create drawings that portray the characters as standing out. Muth ends this story describing Tolstoy and his work. I would definitely recommend this book for readers.

Dahlia by Barbara McClintock

McClintock, Barbara. Dahlia. New York: Fances Foster Books, 2002.

Charlotte, who prefers to play in the mud and climb trees, receives a beautiful doll from her Aunt Edme. The doll, Dahlia, is dressed in beautiful attire, but do not fit into Charlotte and her toy bear Bruno's lifestyle. Charlotte excepting Dahlia begins her adventures of climbing trees and making mud pies and the looks of Dahlia begins to show this. Soon the doll falls out of the tree, and Charlotte is worried so she rushes to clean her and make her better. Aunt Edme soon arrives and wants to see the precious Dahlia. As she is looking at the doll, readers are waiting for her to become upset over this, but her response is totally different. She states, “She needed to be out in the sunshine, and played with, and loved.” The story line and the writing is just one part of this extraordinary book, the illustrations throughout are very detailed, precise, and has a wonderful Victorian appeal to it. The colors are muted, but grabbing to the eye. This book will capture the hearts of all its readers.

I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed by Lauren Child

Child, Lauren. I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2001.

Lauren Child did an impressive job with I am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed, with both the writing and the illustrations. Charlie, Lola’s older brother is trying to get her into bed, but her imagination is helping her stall for time. From a whale in the tub to the three tigers needing something to drink, Lola has an energetic mind that will have readers laughing. Child also does a fabulous job with the designs of the layout for each page. The words are printed in different patterns on each page that will intrigue all readers of all ages. The illustrations are bright and eye catching. Some of the pages offer few words, but the illustrations presented tell much more to the story. The one thing I liked about this book is Child discusses things Lola needs to do like brushing her teeth or take a bath, and she uses large illustrations of the items to enhance the words. Like the large bathtub with a whale in it or a large bottle of bubble bath with a sponge. This is great for students to match pictures and words. Also, this can be used as an educational book for any adult to read to their children that have this same conflict, and use this as a fun motivation to teach them the things to do before bed. This is an exceedingly fun read with a good flow to keep reader’s attention.

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

Knudsen, Michelle. Library Lion. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2006.

Library Lion will catch readers right away with the beginning line of “One day, a lion came to the library.” As he just goes on in past the circulation desk like he truly belongs, Mr. McBee, the assistant, is ready to throw him out being he is a large cat and must not belong. The loving librarian, Miss Merriweather, informs him to leave him be since he is not breaking any rules. The lion becomes like any other visitor coming in to enjoy all the activities the library offers and even helps out with dusting, licking envelopes, and helping small children. When Miss Merriweather falls from a stool, the lion cries out for help, but is soon charged of breaking the rules. This upsets him so he does not return to the library with fear he can not follow the rules. Everyone misses his presence, even Mr. McBee. The closing of this story will have all readers cheering for joy. To add to this appealing book, the illustrations are done in a soothing tone that has much creativity. Taking a few moments on each page just to look at the details of the pictures and the expressions given by each character is a must. Children of all ages will love this book, and will finish with the great feeling that everyone belongs in the library and the library is for everyone.

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

Eastman, P.D. Are You My Mother?. New York: Random House, 1960.

As a baby bird is hatched and falls from his tree he will begin the adventure of finding his mother. He ventures all around asking everyone he meets like a cat, cow, and even a boat if they are his mother. When finally he runs into a snort that places him back into the nest right before his mother comes back with something to eat. The easy vocabulary used throughout allows this great classic to be a book that many children can learn to read with. The illustrations are simple, but delightful which adds a great deal more to this book. This fun, charming book will have young children all over turning the pages to see if this bird will find his mother.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss. Green Eggs and Ham. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers, 1960.

This classic book will be one that generations to come will be reading. Sam-I-am is determined to have the no name skeptic try the green eggs and ham with every possible scenario one could think of. As children turn each page a new possibility will be given, but also reviews previous ones allowing a reoccurring of vocabulary words. Finally, the no name character decides to take a bite to hush up Sam-I-am and realizes that green eggs and ham are great and he will eat them in any way given like in a house or with a mouse. To add to this great classic, the illustrations are done with bright colors, like green and red, which will catch young children’s eyes. So between the fun illustrations and the rhyming words readers will be mesmerized by this Dr. Seuss book.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Potter, Beatrix. The Tale of Peter Rabbit. New York: The Penguin Group, 2002.

In this captivating story, children of all ages will enjoy Peter Rabbit who does not listen to directions and heads right towards Mr. McGregor’s garden after told to stay away. Soon entering into the garden he is spotted by Mr. McGregor, and will have to work extra hard just to find his way out before getting caught. This is a great story for little ones to hear about the consequences that one will have if they do not follow directions, or just seeing the other siblings shows the advantages of doing the right thing. Potter’s illustrations only add to this tale which is done in a way that grabs readers. These eye catching pictures will help give readers a good image of the story and enhance the words as they read. This humorous story will hold your attention while at the same time teach a very valuable lesson. A must read for all ages!

Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano

Engle, Margarita. The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2006.

Using a free verse style, Margarita Engle will capture readers with the story of the Cuban boy, Juan Francisco. Using alternating points of view gives a vivid imagine of the feelings each character has. She starts this biography with Juan, age six, who is a slave that is a genius with words that helps his parents become free, including any future brother and sisters. His owner promises him freedom when she passes away, but he soon learns is not true when she does at age eleven and he is given to a woman who abuses him dramatically. Readers will get a thorough understanding of an enslaved person in Cuba during the late 1700s and see the cruelty that took place. Also, Sean Quall does an incredible job with the black-and-white sketches. These pictures help readers see the suffering that Juan encounters and gives readers a clear vision of the story. As you are reading along some of the pictures will pull at your heart as you can truly feel what Juan is going through. These illustrations only add more strength to the book that will give young readers a true feeling of this situation. Although, I did feel it took a few pages to get into the rhythm of the book and have an understanding of each character, once you are in full swing you will not be able to put it down.