The Giver by: Lois Lowry

Ages: 12+

Jonas lives in a “perfect world.” The community strives for sameness, where nothing is unexpected, inconvenient, or unusual. There is no color or past memories. The community lives only in the present, and the people have a narrow perspective of like because they only know their way of life. The people do not experience any feelings. The community has a book of rules that everyone must follow. Every new child is named and placed with a family. Once children reach the Ceremony of Twelve, they become “adults” and are assigned a job/position in society. When Jonas turns twelve, the Community selects him to be the new Receiver of Memories. This is the most honored job in the community. However, training involves physical pain. Only the Giver knows the truth and memories of the past, and now he must pass these memories on to Jonas. While receiving the memories, Jonas learns a different and better way to live. He realizes what he and the community have been missing. Jonas decides that something must be done to change the current conditions of his community. Read about Jonas’ experience in becoming the new Receiver of Memories in The Giver.

The Giver is a unique book. It was the first time I had read the book, and I found it to be an interesting book that I really enjoyed. I had hears so much about this book, and I am glad that I got the opportunity to read it. It was easy to read and follow, and was very engaging. The tone of the book is suspenseful, which makes readers want to keep reading to find out what happens next. This book is definitely a page-turner with all the action and suspense. I sat down and read it in one sitting. The author does a great job of including many details and great descriptions throughout the book. The Giver creates a movie in your head. The whole time the reader is seeing the story happen as he/she reads. This allows the reader to use his/her imagination, picturing the characters, the unique world that this story takes place, and the memories that are transferred to Jonas from the Giver. The author’s writing style is also engaging. She pulls you in to empathize with the characters and the major conflicts that occur. As I was reading, I found myself pulling for Jonas as he learns more and more about how different life could be with memories, color, and emotion. I like how the author ended the book with Jonas’ first memory he received from the Giver. However, I wish the author had given the reader more information about what happens, and didn’t leave the reader hanging. This book shows that life should not be perfect. Faults, problems, and differences make life interesting and fun. The Giver gives the reader an appreciation for family, emotions, love, choices, and freedom.

Although The Giver was a great book, it has some issues that I do not think are appropriate for young children. I think it would be appropriate for students starting in 6th grade. One of the controversial topics that the author touches upon is euthanasia, which is the practice of ending someone’s life to ease their suffering. In the book, the community where Jonas lives practices euthanasia. Old citizens and unhealthy newchildren are released from the community. They are injected with a liquid that kills them. The bodies are then placed in a carton and placed into a chute. Members of the community also have the choice of ending their own life (suicide). A few other topics that I do not think are age appropriate are when Jonas bathes a naked old woman and the sexual dream caused by stirrings. Some of the memories that Jonas receives from the Giver are also a bit disturbing. Besides these few issues, I would recommend The Giver to any older child or adult.

Nothing To Do by: Douglas Wood and illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin

Ages: 4+

What do you do when you have nothing to do? The author offers several suggestions throughout this book of ideas, including making toy ships, watching the clouds, building a fort, climbing a tree, or finding a quiet spot to read your favorite book. Find out what other activities you can do when you have nothing to do in the creative book, Nothing To Do.

Nothing To Do is more a book of ideas than a story. The illustrations in this book are beautiful. They are colorful and detailed, arranged in unique ways on the pages. I like the fact that children of many racial backgrounds/cultures can be found throughout the pictures. There are many pastimes that are revealed in the illustrations. At least ten per page can be found. In nature, there are eight patterns in the way things grow. These patterns are used as the basis for many of the illustrations in this book. This is a really neat and unique way to illustrate a book. The patterns are listed and shown at the beginning of the book before the story starts. This is a fun and engaging book for children. It will be fun for them to find the eight nature patterns throughout the book. They will also enjoy looking at the many pastimes found throughout the text and illustrations. These pastimes may give them some ideas of things to do. The text is simple, describing ideas of things to do. The text is creatively placed on each page, sometimes ranging in size. This book allows children to use their imagination and to think about what they would do if they had nothing to do. I would highly recommend Nothing To Do!

Snow Day! by: Barbara M. Joosse and illustrated by: Jennifer Plecas

Ages: 4-8

Robby wakes up to snow. There is so much snow that the snowplow or the school bus cannot get through. School is cancelled – it’s a snow day! Robby, and his dog Zippy, wake up his two sisters to tell them the good news. Robby and Zippy are excited to go out and play in the snow. The rest of his family eventually joins Robby and Zippy outside. They enjoy a snowball fight. When it starts snowing again, the family goes inside to drink cocoa and sit by the fire. Read about Robby’s snow day in Snow Day!.

Snow Day! is a cute book. The text is a little longer in this book, with three lines or more on most pages. The text contains several great descriptive words. There is great character development in this short book. The reader really gets to know Robby throughout the book. The illustrations are colorful and cartoon-like. They depict the joy and exuberance that the characters experience on their snow day. This is a book that most children can relate to. Many children, who live somewhere where they receive snow, have experienced a snow day. This story shows the fun that children can have outside, even on a cold winter day. There is also a sense of family bonding in this book. The family enjoys the day off from school and work, and bond through a snowball fight and relaxing at the end of the day. Snow Day! is a fun book that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

The Wall by: Eve Bunting and illustrated by: Ronald Himler

Ages: 4-8

A young boy and his father have come from far away to visit the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. They are there to find his grandfather’s name on the wall. While they are searching, they meet several visitors. They see flowers, letters, pictures, and flags that have been left by the wall. Will they find his grandfather’s name? Read The Wall to find out!

The Wall is a beautifully crafted children’s book about the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. I like that the story is told from a young boy’s point of view of his experience visiting the Memorial with his father. The beautiful watercolor illustrations go along with the text great. They are very detailed, and show the emotions that the characters are feeling. The text is a little longer in this book. It is descriptive and contains quite a bit of dialogue between the young boy and his father. At the end of the book, there is a short note about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I like that this is included after the story, because it gives readers information about the Memorial. This is a great book to teach children about the Vietnam War, and the many lives it affected. It can also be related to today, since we are currently in a war that has affected the lives of many. This book will deeply move the reader. The Wall would be a great book for both children and adults to read.

Where Are You Going, Little Mouse? by: Robert Kraus and illustrated by: Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey

Ages: 3-6

Little Mouse runs away from home because he doesn’t think his family loves him. He wants to find a new father, mother, brother, and sister. He looks for a new family by sailing across water, traveling through a jungle, traveling through a desert, and flying over the land. Will he find a new family, or return home to his family? Find out in Where Are You Going, Little Mouse?.

Where Are You Going, Little Mouse is a cute book. The text is very simple, with only a few words on each page. With many of the pages containing questions, children will be eager to turn the page to see the answer. It is also a great way to have children make predictions. The book is sure to keep the attention of children. The illustrations complement the text well. The illustrations start on the title page, showing sad Little Mouse. On the dedication page, it shows sad Little Mouse starting his journey carrying his belongings. This is where the story starts on the first page. It is a creative way to start telling the story without words. The illustrations are bright and colorful, showing quite a bit of detail. The emotions of the mice are depicted by their facial expressions. Many children will be able to relate to the common childhood feelings of occasional rejection, excitement for adventure, and reassurance of family love. Where Are You Going, Little Mouse is a great book for young children.

Families are Different by: Nina Pellegrini

Ages: 4-8

Nina lives in a large town with her family. She has a father, a mother, a big sister, and a dog. Nina and her sister were both adopted from Korea. Nina looks a lot like her sister, but not like her dad or mom. Nina feels strange that she does not look like her parents because her friends look like their parents. Nina’s mom tells her that there are many different types of families. Will this help Nina not feel strange anymore? Find out in Families are Different.

Families are Different is a simple book about the many types of families. The text and the illustrations are simple, yet go together great. The illustrator does a great job of showing many types of families in the illustrations. The illustrations show that even though families may be different, they still have a lot of love. I like that this book explored the issue of adoption, as well as the fact that many families are not “traditional.” This book exhibits a positive perspective towards multi-ethnic families. It can help children feel more confident about themselves if they are from a non-typical family. The message in this book conveys the need for accepting family differences, and that a family is a strong bond created more by love than by biological relationships. Families are Different is a great book for anyone wishing to read about or discuss the issue of the many types of families.

To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel by: Siena Cherson Siegel and illustrated by: Mark Siegel

Ages: 8-14

Siena begins her dance journey in Puerto Rico, where she is diagnosed with flat feet. She started dance classes and fell in love. Her family moves to Boston where she sees a ballet performance for the first time. She dreams of becoming a ballerina. At the age of eleven, she auditions and wins a spot in the School of American Ballet located in New York. Her family once again moves, this time to New York. Siena begins to work hard, dedicating a lot of time to dance. As her home life grows unpleasant with her parents divorcing, Siena’s time with ballet becomes even more precious to her. Read about Siena’s life as a ballerina in To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel.

Before reading To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel, I was not familiar with graphic novels. I found the book somewhat difficult to read, because I was not familiar with the layout. I personally would not choose to read a graphic novel again. However, this was a good book. I enjoyed that the book was a memoir. I liked the format of this story. It allows the reader to move through the years with Siena. The illustrations also depict this. As the years pass, the color of Siena’s leotard changes. Each color represents a higher level at the School of American Ballet. The writing works in many details of Siena’s life. The writing and the illustrations work together well. The illustrations throughout the book are simple and cartoon-like. They are very detailed. The emotions of the characters can be seen, from joy, nervousness, pain, and sadness. We see the excitement and glamour of performance, along with the hard work of practice. I like that the book opens with Siena dancing on a beach, and the book ends on a beach also. It is a great way to tie the whole book together. Overall, To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel was a great book that anyone who likes dance or ballerinas, and enjoy graphic novels, will enjoy.

Five Little Ducks by: Raffi and illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey

Ages: 3-7

Five little ducks go out over the hills and far away. Mother Duck calls them back by saying “Quack, quack, quack.” However, only four ducks return. This continues until only one duck comes back. Mother Duck calls one last time, but none of the five little ducks comes back. Mother Duck is so sad all through the fall and winter. When spring arrives, Mother Duck goes out all by herself. She calls out, “Quack, quack, quack.” Do the five little ducks come back? Find out in Five Little Ducks.

Five Little Ducks is a wonderful book for young children. The book has a rhyming text. The text is also in a pattern. This makes it easy for children to follow along and to learn the book. The text is simple enough with only a few lines on each page. This will help children catch on quickly. There is also a song at the end of the book that uses the words from the text. This makes it fun for many children, and will make it easier to learn the words of the book. The illustrations are colorful and well done. Although there is not much detail in the illustrations, they are sure to catch the eye of the reader. Each duck is a different color, so this can help young children learn their colors. This book helps children learn how to count backwards from five to zero. This book is also a great way to introduce the concept of emotions to young children. The mother duck goes from being sad to happy. Five Little Ducks is a story/song that many young children will enjoy and want to read/sing over and over!

Hazel’s Amazing Mother by: Rosemary Wells

Ages: 3-7

Hazel is a young raccoon. Her mother gives her money to buy items for their lunchtime picnic. Hazel goes to town, taking her doll Eleanor in a stroller. On her way home from buying items, Hazel gets lost. She meets three bullies on the way, and they tear her doll Eleanor apart and throw her stroller into the pond. Hazel cries that she needs her mother. Just then, a gust of wind blows her mother into a tree. Her mother orders the bullies to fix her doll and retrieve the stroller out of the pond. Will Hazel’s mother save the day? Will they still be able to have their picnic? Find out in Hazel’s Amazing Mother.

Hazel’s Amazing Mother is a well-crafted fantasy. The book is full of excitement and adventure. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. They take up the majority of the pages. The illustrations show what the text is conveying. The text is pretty simple, with about three or four lines on each page. I did not like the fact that young Hazel goes to town all by herself. She is a child, and should be accompanied by an adult. Also, the bullying may be a little harsh for some young children. It may be hard for children who have a doll they love to see the bullies rip and destroy Hazel’s doll. The instinct that mothers have in sensing that their children are in danger is evident in this story. Several children can relate to their mother’s saving them, or saving the day. The message of a strong, protective mom applies best when children are dealing with bullies. Hazel’s Amazing Mother is a book about a mother’s protective love that both children and adults will enjoy.

Ira Sleeps Over by: Bernard Waber

Ages: 4-8

Ira is thrilled to be invited over to his friend Reggie’s house for his very first sleepover. Reggie has all sorts of fun activities planned. However, Ira has a dilemma. It began when his sister asked if he was going to take his teddy bear. Ira has never slept without his teddy bear named Tah Tah. What would Reggie think if he knew that Ira slept with a teddy bear? His family gives him advice. His mother and father tell him to take his teddy bear, but his sister tells him not to take his teddy bear. The night of the sleepover, Ira goes next door to Reggie’s house without his teddy bear. Will Ira be able to sleep without Tah Tah? Find out in Ira Sleeps Over.

Ira Sleeps Over is a great book that will appeal to children and parents alike. It is an excellent book to read to a child going on his/her first sleepover. Sleeping over at a friend’s house for the first time is a major milestone in childhood that is often marked by a little anxiety. This book captures that anxiety with a lot of humor and real family interactions, such as supporting parents and a nagging older sister. I like the fact that this book is about boys having a sleepover. Sleepovers are often depicted with girls, and this book shows that it is acceptable for boys to have sleepovers too. The text and illustrations are simple and flow together well. The words are pretty easy words to read. Some pages have several words, while others only have a few. The illustrations are large, and only use the colors red, yellow, green, white, grey, and black. The pictures are not very detailed, but Ira’s emotions are depicted well. This book can lead to discussions about peer pressure and fears about being different. Lessons about overcoming fear and being yourself are seen in this book. I would recommend Ira Sleeps Over to any child.

My Family Is Forever by: Nancy Carlson

Ages: 3+

A young Asian girl introduces herself and her friend Jeffrey. Jeffery looks like his parents, but she is adopted so she looks just like her. She goes on to tell the story of her move from an Asian country. She describes her experiences with her family, the activities she enjoys, and the thoughts about her birth parents. The young girl has a loving family, and wherever she goes she will always have her family.

My Family Is Forever is a wonderful book about adoption. I enjoyed that the story was told from an adopted child’s point of view. I like how the reader gets the child’s point of view of what a family is. The bold and colorful illustrations go along great with the text. They take up the majority of the pages. The illustrations portray a supportive, loving family. However, the illustrations of the main character are stereotypical. The Asian child’s eyes are drawn as slanted lines, whereas the rest of the non-Asian characters have large dots for eyes. This book contains a positive message about the diversity of family and adoption. It also defines the importance of family, and contains the message that love defines a family. My Family Is Forever will appeal to many young children, though adopted children, and kids from blended families, single-parent homes, or any nontraditional family will feel a special connection.

Tabitha’s Terrifically Tough Tooth by: Charlotte Middleton

Ages: 4-8

Tabitha has a loose tooth. Her dad tells her that if she puts her tooth under her pillow that night, then the Tooth Fairy will take it and leaver her some money. Tabitha tries everything to make her loose tooth come out, including dancing, bouncing on a trampoline, and sticking one end of her bubble gum to her tooth and the other end to the door. Her stubborn tooth just wont come out. As she is about to give up, something happens. Find out if Tabitha looses her tooth and receives a visit from the Tooth Fairy in Tabitha’s Terrifically Tough Tooth.

Children loosing their first teeth will want to read this creative book. The text provides the content, and the colorful illustrations add the excitement. Bright cartoon-like illustrations fill the pages. I like that the illustrations look like a child drew them. The colors do not stay within the black lines, and colors overlap. The text is simple with not many words on each page. The text captures the desire, determination, and disappointment that can surround the event of losing a tooth in a child’s life. Tabitha’s Terrifically Tough Tooth is a hilarious book that children and adults will enjoy.

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by: Jack Gantos

Ages: 10+

Joey Pigza is a young boy who has big problems. He is constantly getting into trouble. He swallows his house key, puts his finger in a pencil sharpener, disrupts a class field trip, and runs with scissors and cuts the tip of a girl’s nose off. He is on medication for his behavior problems, but it does not seem to be very effective. He is suspended from school, and goes to a Special Education Center where he receives help. Some of his problems are related to his family. He does not have a father figure in his life, he lived with his Grandma (who emotionally abused him) because his mother was not in a fit state to look after him, and his mother has had problems with alcohol. Will Joey get the help he needs at the Special Education Center to fix his problems? Will he be able to return to school? Find out in Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key.

I am not a big fan of Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key after reading it. I do not think some of the content is very age appropriate for young children. It deals with some very heavy issues. I do not think it is appropriate for children to see the way Joey’s Grandma was treating him. The book also shows Joey’s mother using alcohol as “medicine.” This can show children that alcohol is okay to use when they are having a bad day or need to feel better. Also, Joey is left to be home alone after school until his mom gets home. Another reason this book may not be appropriate for kids is because of some of the language used. There are a few cuss words throughout the book. This book also presents the idea that drugs solve your problems. As long as you have the right medication, your problems will be solved. Instead of just going straight to medication, altering your lifestyle and behavior should be the first step. Although I did not really enjoy this book, it does teach the reader quite a bit about ADD/ADHD. I like how the book is told through the eyes of a boy with ADD/ADHD. This allows the reader to go along for the ride, and lets the reader see what life with ADD/ADHD is like through the eyes of Joey. Joey gives the reader the key to his world. The writing is also terrific. The text is exciting and the author keeps the reader on their feet. The characters were realistic and Joey’s family life was well done. Some of the dysfunctions, including neglect and secrets, are common in families today. However, since Joey is telling the story, it is hard to get a clear picture of the other characters. This book teaches about acceptance, and how other people can accept someone who is “different.” It may also help children accept kids they know who get in trouble a lot, or give them hope if they are the kid who gets in trouble a lot. There is also a sense of forgiveness and second chances found in this book. If parents allow their children to read Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, it is a wonderful medium to bridge the gap between the “normal” children and the “weird” or “disabled” children.

My Best Friend by: Mary Ann Rodman and illustrated by: E.B. Lewis

Ages: 4+

Six-year-old Lily wants to be best friends with seven-year-old Tamika. For weeks, Lily tries everything to get Tamika’s attention. However, Tamika and her best friend Shanice are mean to Lily, calling her a baby. Will Lily become best friends with Tamika after all, or will she find a new best friend? Read My Best Friend to find out!

My Best Friend is a simple but powerful picture book. Many children can relate to this book, because everyone wants a best friend. Best friends do everything together. The beautiful illustrations take up the majority of the pages and stand out in this book. They are detailed, and convey everything through facial expressions and body language. They show the longing for a best friend, disappointment, meanness, and fun. The pictures capture the essence of childhood and summer. The illustrations flow well with the text. The text captures the emotions of the young girls. This books shows that friendship can be fun, but also difficult. The depth of emotion can help children cope with unkind kids. My Best Friend is a great story about fitting in and making your own fun.

The Relatives Came by: Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by: Stephen Gammell

Ages: 5-8

The relatives from Virginia packed their station wagon, left their vineyard, and drove a long way to visit family over the summer. When the relatives arrived, there was a lot of hugs, eating, catching up, and spending time together. After a few weeks, it was time for the relatives to go back home to Virginia. Read about the relatives’ summer trip to visit family in this wonderful children’s book!

I really liked the book, The Relatives Came. It is a good book about family, and some things families do when they get together. The book was full of warmth and joy. The detailed artwork is beautiful, using both cool and warm colors. This gives the illustrations a joyful mood. The illustrations dominate the pages, and portray the text very well. They give the feeling of the mood and tone of the story. Although the reader can understand the story without the illustrations, they help tell and add humor to the story. I like how the story starts on the title page, with pictures of all the luggage lined up until the first page of the story. The text and the story line were simple. Children can relate to this book if they have had family come to visit them at their house. This book teaches children to love their family and the time they are able to spend together. It also shows that distance should not keep a family apart. This book is sure to open up conversation about children’s relatives. The Relatives Came is a cute book that both children and adults will enjoy!

First Grade Takes a Test by: Miriam Cohen and illustrated by: Ronald Himler

Ages: Kindergarten-1st Grade

A test arrives in the first grade classroom, and Anna Maria is excited because it will tell how smart everyone is. As the students begin the test, each one sees a question in a different and creative way, often having nothing to do with the “correct” answer. When the time was up, Anna Maria was the only student who finished the test. She does well enough to be moved to a special class, and the rest of the class is upset thinking that they are dumb. Is getting the best grade and being in a special class all that matters? Find out when you read First Grade Takes a Test.

First Grade Takes a Test was a good book that many children can relate to. In this era of No Child Left Behind, standardized tests are a large part of children’s lives at school. The teacher’s reassurance about test results may provide comfort to the reader. The watercolor illustrations were great, and dominated the pages. They started on the title page and continued onto the credits page and dedication page, showing the children lined up at the pencil sharpener. I like how the illustrations show a multicultural classroom, with the children working together. The illustrator does a great job of showing the emotions on the faces of the children, from happy, to confused, to nervous, to upset. The text is simple, and goes along great with the illustrations. I like how there are examples of test questions in the story. Since they are written in a larger font, they stand out. It may also be fun for the reader to try to answer the questions in the story. There is a great message in this book – that children are not defined by the standardized tests they are required to take. It also shows that each person has unique qualities and things that they are good at. First Grade Takes a Test has a good message about standardized tests for children, teachers, and parents.

Finding Joy by: Marion Coste and illustrated by: Yong Chen

Ages: 6-8

A couple in China has no room for their new baby girl Shu-li. They leave her on the street wrapped in her red blanket. The young girl is brought to an orphanage. At the same time, an older couple in America wants to adopt a baby girl. The wife flies to China, excited and anxious. She goes to the orphanage to adopt Shu-li. Will her family be able to love a baby born to strangers? Find out in this beautiful book Finding Joy.

Finding Joy is a well-written story. The illustrations are beautiful, with realistic depictions of both the American and Asian races. They compliment the text well. The text is easy for children to understand. The reader will want to keep turning the pages to see what happens in the story. This is an excellent picture book that deals with the issue of adoption. Adoption is gaining popularity in the United States. Many people will adopt from China, because of the one child per household rule. Many Chinese families prefer a baby boy over a baby girl, so many girls are put up for adoption in China. This book may be hard for some children to understand. They may not understand why some parents would give up their newborn baby. This is a great book for children to read to learn about adoption, and the way that the people in China live. Finding Joy is a beautifully crafted book that the reader will enjoy!

First Day, Hooray! by: Nancy Poydar

Ages: 4-8

It is the day before the first day of school. Young Ivy Green, the bus driver, the school janitor, the principal, and Ivy’s teacher each have a lot to do. There are new shoes to buy, bus routes to memorize, floors to be polished, notes to go over, and name tags to be made. Each person has night-before jitters and nerve-induced dreams. Will the first day of school turn out just right? Read First Day, Hooray! to find out!

First Day, Hooray! is an exploration of the anxiety and joy experienced before and during the first day of school. Many people can relate to this book, including students, parents, teachers, principals, janitors, and bus drivers. The brightly colored illustrations are simple and dominate the pages. They capture the anxiety and excitement of the characters in the story. The illustrations flow well with the text. The text in this book is different and neat. It flows from child to adult experiences, from morning to night and back to morning, and from excitement and nerves to reflection. This book shows that a lot of time, work, and thinking go into the first day of school. This book shows the reader that the first day of school will end up being just fine. First Day, Hooray! is a cute book that anybody who experiences a first day of school should read!

A to Z Mysteries: The Jaguar’s Jewel by: Ron Roy

Dink, Josh, and Ruth Roe visit Dink’s uncle in New York City. Dink’s uncle is he owner of a museum. He receives a stunning new treasure to add to his collection – a gold statue of a jaguar cradling an emerald between its front paws. It is discovered that the emerald is a fake, and Dink’s uncle is one of the suspects. It is up to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Roe to discover the real thief. Will it be Dink’s uncle or someone else? Read The Jaguar’s Jewel to find out!

The Jaguar’s Jewel is a great beginning chapter book for children. This book is in the A to Z Mysteries series. I like this series, because you do not have to read the books in order. Each book provides a new and exciting mystery. The three main characters, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose, are introduced in the first book, however they are reintroduced in each book. I found this book an exciting mystery book, and I am sure many children will too! The book keeps you guessing until the very end. The story flows well, and it is a pretty fast read. Children will want to keep reading to find out the solution to the mystery. I like that this book uses many good describing words. This helps the reader paint a picture in their head. I also enjoyed the simple pictures throughout the book, because they went well with the story. There weren’t too many pictures, but just enough to catch a glimpse of the story through the author’s eyes. Children enjoy having pictures throughout books to have a visual interpretation of the story. I also liked that the author included a lot of information and facts throughout the book. For example, he gave some facts about the Incas and New York City. This is great, because kids will possibly learn some new information from reading. One part of the book that I did not like was the fact that the three young children travel to New York City on a train by themselves. New York City can be a dangerous city, especially for three children. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It teaches children teamwork and hard work. Together, the three children were able to solve the mystery of the missing emerald. I would recommend The Jaguar’s Jewel for any young reader who enjoys mysteries!

My Shadow by: Susan Winter

Rosie spends a fun filled day playing with her shadow. Rosie and her shadow jump and tell secrets. She is surprised the next morning when she wakes up and cannot find her shadow. Rosie went searching for her shadow, asking several animals if they have seen her shadow. Will Rosie find her shadow again? Read this book to find out!

My Shadow is a cute book. I think any young child would like this book. Many children have played with and chased his/her shadow. I remember I used to chase mine when I was a child. The illustrations are beautiful, taking up the majority of the pages. They depict the young girl’s emotions from happy to upset. The story is simple and flows well. This book allows children to use their imagination and guess where the girl’s shadow went. I like the fact that there are several animals introduced in the story. It is a great way to help young children learn different animals. My Shadow is a book that young children will enjoy being read to or reading on their own.

Belinda Begins Ballet by: Amy Young

Belinda is a small girl with two very big feet. There are times when having big feet is useful, but also times when it is not fun. Belinda’s teacher chooses Belinda to play the clown in a skit for the school talent show. Belinda does not want to be the clown, but her teacher gives her no choice. After seeing an older girl soar across the stage as a ballerina, Belinda has other plans. Find out Belinda’s plans in Belinda Begins Ballet.

Belinda Begins Ballet is a very cute book. This book is geared toward girls since it is about a girl who wants to become a ballerina. The watercolor illustrations are simple, but lovely. They show emotion, and express how Belinda’s big feet transform from a problem into powerful, beautiful tools of art. I like that the illustrations take up the majority of the page, and they compliment the story well. The story is cute and flows well. One thing that I did not like about the book is the fact that Belinda’s teacher calls her a clown. I do not think it is appropriate for children to see an adult, especially a teacher, treating a child that way. The story does present a positive message about underdogs and self-confidence. It teaches children to go for their dreams, and not let others push you away from those dreams. Belinda Begins Ballet is a beautiful book with a great message that children will enjoy!

Queen of the World by: Thomas F. Yezerski

Three sisters have nothing in common, except the room they share. They are bound to argue about who is the smartest, prettiest, or the best. To settle once and for all who is the best, the three sisters have a contest. Whoever makes the best birthday present for their mother is the Queen of the World. After working in secret all day, the sisters are ready to give their presents to their mother. But things don’t work out as they had planned, and they end up making their mom cry on her birthday. The girls are sent to bed. They figure out how to make things right. Find out what this is and who ends up being Queen of the World.

I like this book because it is something that children who have siblings can relate to. Even children whose siblings are boys will be able to relate to this book. It may be reassuring to some children that they are not the only one who fights and argues with his/her sibling(s). All siblings disagree and don’t get along at some point during their childhood. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful, cozy, and detailed. The illustrations show sibling rivalry in action, showing dirty looks, moody moments, and family friendliness. They compliment the story very well. I like that the story is told from the middle child’s perspective. From this point of view, the family dynamics and the sisters’ feuding are realistic. The children’s actions seem real, and the parents’ reactions are what I would expect. The conflicts in this book are conveyed with warmth and humor, making Queen of the World a good choice for discussing sibling rivalry. A great lesson can be found in this book. This lesson is to think about others before yourself. This is a great message for children to learn, because it teaches them to be caring and considerate of others and their needs. Overall, Queen of the World will appeal to children who have shared some of these same sibling rivalry experiences.

Curious George by: H.A. Rey

What happens when a man in a yellow hat takes a curious monkey out of the jungle in Africa? What happens when the man lets the monkey run free on a ship and in a city in America? The answer is chaos and a lot of fun! There is one adventure after another until Curious George arrives at his final destination…the zoo.

George’s curiosity in Curious George makes this book a fun read for children and adults alike. The reader will get many laughs out of the human activities the monkey participates in, such as eating at the table, sleeping in a bed, and making a telephone call. The writing is simple and direct. Children will want to keep turning the pages as one adventure unfolds after another. The author fills every other page with colorful cartoonlike drawings. The illustrations are great, and help tell the story. Illustrations are great, because they often help children understand what is going on in the book better. This book may be a little long for younger children. There was one part of the book that I find inappropriate for a children’s picture book. The part that bothers me is the fact that George smokes a pipe before going to bed. A theme I found in this book is that there are consequences for your actions. Children may or may not pick up on this, depending on their age. Overall, Curious George is a fun book that both girls and boys will enjoy!

Green Eggs and Ham by: Dr. Seuss

Green Eggs and Ham is about someone who doe not like green eggs and ham. However, Sam I Am keeps pestering his friend to try them. However, because of the way they look, his friend will not eat green eggs and ham anywhere or with anything. Find out if Sam I Am convinces his friend to try green eggs and ham.

Green Eggs and Ham is a popular favorite of many children and adults. The words rhyme and the language flows in it’s own rhythm. I like the fact that there are repetitive passages. This helps beginning readers figure out words that are new to them. The book is filled with simple, fun phrases that children will enjoy. The illustrations are crazy and cartoon like. They go along well with the action that is taking place in the story. The colorful illustrations and creative cast of characters combine to make an unforgettable story. Many children can relate to the character who has never tried green eggs and ham. Several children are picky eaters, and are convinced that they do not like something even though they have never tried it before. This book portrays a message about trying new things and keeping an open mind. Trying new things can be a good thing. In addition, some things are not always what they seem to be. Green Eggs and Ham is a humorous book that both children and adults will enjoy reading over and over!