Parrots

PARROTS OVER PUERTO RICO by Susan Roth and Cindy Trumbore with illustrations by Susan Roth. Lee and Low, 2013.

Parrotse native to Puerto Rico came close to extinction due to encroachment of humans within their habitats. Now steps have been taken to ensure their survival. Colorful collage illustrations enhance the narrative of how the parrots' numbers dropped precipitously over the year and what scientists are doing to save the species.

Neil Gaiman on Books and Reading and Reading Aloud

Listen to Neil Gaiman talk about the importance of books and reading here: http://amanpour.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/30/imagination-under-threat/

Favorite quote: "'It tells children that they can go into these books, into these forests of words,” Gaiman said. “They can take these 26 symbols and a handful of punctuation marks and build them into stories themselves.'”

NYT Best Illustrated Books for 2013

Here is the link to the NYT Best Illustrated Books for 2013:

http://investors.nytco.com/press/press-releases/press-release-details/2013/The-New-York-Times-Book-Review-Announces--Annual-List-of-the-10-Best-Illustrated-Childrens-Books/default.aspx

And here are the covers:

The Peanut

THE PEANUT: A NUTTY TALE ABOUT SHARING by Simon Rickerty. Aladdin, 2013.

Two "creatures" (you can see them on the cover; they look rather like bright splotches of color) find a peanut. Each claims the nut as its own and shows how they can use the nut as a chair, a hat, a boat, etc. However, whose peanut is it? The answer will surprise readers as will the lovely twist at the end.

Magic Outlook

PETE THE CAT AND HIS MAGIC SUNGLASSES by Kimberly and James Dean. Harper, 2013.

Pete the Cat is back and feeling a little down. Along comes Grumpy Toad just in time. Toad gives Pete some magic sunglasses that allow Pete to see the brighter side of things. Pete passes along the magic. For a free animated video for this book, you can visit: http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/petethecat

Counting potatoes

ONE POTATO, TWO POTATO by Todd H. Doodler. Little Simon, 2013.

The birthday party is fun at first as 1 then 2 then 3 potatoes join in the celebration. But when there are 20 potatoes in one room, things get a bit crowded. How can this problem ever be resolved? Can you say "mashed"?

Empathy

YEAR OF THE JUNGLE by Suzanne Collins with illustrations by James Proimos. Scholastic, 2013.

Suzy's father is off serving in a war in a jungle far away. Suzy frets for his safety, of course. But as time passes she finds it hard to remember exactly what her Dad looks like. Why has she not herd from him for a while. Collins address children's fears in a straightforward manner, always ensuring that it is Suzy's voice reders will hear.

WHEN LIONS ROAR by Robie Harris with illustrations by Chris Raschka. Orchard, 2013.


What can a child do when The Scary is near? Harris' simple text and Raschka's illustrations combine to create a perfect book about emotions and moods.

THE INVISIBLE BOY by Trudy Ludwig with illustrations by Patrice Barton. Knopf, 2013.

Brian is the invisible kid in his class until a new boy named Justin arrives at school. When Brian reaches out to Justin and offers to work on a project with Justin, Brian discovers that he is not so invisible any longer.

cats and dogs

WHAT CAT IS THAT? ALL ABOUT CATS by Tish Rabe with illustrations by Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu. Random House (Cat in the Hat Learning Library), 2013.

Simple text and illustrations worthy of the Dr. himself inform readers all about cats. Breeds, physical features, and behaviors are three aspects of the learning that can take place within the pages of this book.

DOG LOVES COUNTING by Louise Yates. Knopf, 2013.

A terrific story involves dog who cannot sleep. Counting sheep is not helping and so Dog turns to books for other things to count. He begins with one egg, a dodo, and then the counting continues in book after book.

animal and mineral

BONE COLLECTION: ANIMALS. by Rob Colson. Scholastic, 2013.

Strip away the skin and we can begin to see the commonalities our skeletal structures have with various animals. Skeletons from bats, possums, whales, snakes, slots, and more are presented with call out boxes and fun facts about each.

DISCOVER MORE: ROCKS AND MINERALS. Scholastic, 2013.

This series offers some interesting topics and presents them on glossy pages with incredible photographs and illustrations. In addition, a code inside the book leads readers to an online book that is related to the topic at hand. Explore the world of rocks and minerals in this entry. From types of rocks to the composition of various rocks and the qualities of minerals, there is much to be "mined."

Choo-choo

TRAIN by Elisha Cooper. Orchard Books/Scholastic, 2013.

Various types of trains criss-cross the landscape. Watercolor illustrations range from calm to powerful as readers will discover how trains move people, produce, and more across the country. This book is a perfect pairing with the following.

LOCOMOTIVE by Brian Floca. Atheneum, 2013.

More than one narrative thread winds its way down the tracks and across the US in this book about trains. Fiction and nonfiction are effortlessly woven together. Back matter, endpapers, and notes offer more information for readers.

rushing the season

CHRISTMAS A B C by Florence Johnson with illustrations by Eloise Wilkin. Little Golden Books, 1962.

More than half a century later, this Little Golden Book still appeals to children because of its universal themes surrounding the holiday. It might prove interesting to locate and share books from each decade since the publication of this holiday book. Ask kids to compare and contrast them.

DINOSAUR CHRISTMAS by Jerry Pallotta with illustration by Howard McWilliam. Scholastic, 2013.

Santa remembers back when, instead of reindeer, dinosaurs pulled his sleigh. Sometimes the dinosaurs were a good match, and sometimes the results were less than laudatory.

Unwilling Witch

THE UNWILLING WITCH by David Lubar. Tor Starscape, 2013.

Hurrying to meet her friend Jan at the mall, Angie stops to assist an old woman who looks in distress. As it turns out, the woman instead is a witch who is ready to transfer her power to Angie. But being a new witch is very dangerous. Angie has no understanding of what her powers are and can do. She needs to figure that out, though, before the one who would take that power from her dispatches her. Lubar's new series MONSTERRIFIC TALES, is sure to be popular with middle grade readers with its skillful combination of humor and danger.

Color-full

THE KNIGHT AT DAWN by Mary Pope Osborne with illustrations by Sal Murdocca. Scholastic, 2013.

Twenty years after its initial publication, THE KNIGHT AT DAWN has been reissued in full color.

Golden Advice

EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED FROM A LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK by Diane Muldrow. Golden Books, 2013.

Double page spreads and illustrations from many of the beloved Golden Books accompany simple advice for leading a good life. Kids who have never seen the Golden Books might not quite get all the references, but the advice is still good. This would make a lovely gift for a special adult.

A rose by any other name

A WOUNDED NAME by Dot Hutchison. Carolrhoda LAB, 2013.

The headmaster, Hamlet, is dead. Ophelia mourns his loss as he was one of the few people at her boarding school who understood the demons who haunted her after her mother's suicide. But now, he is gone, and his son Dane is also being haunted by demons. Hutchison places the elements of Shakespeare's play in the present day, populates it with familiar characters, and set the wheels of the tragedy in motion. Tie this one to SOMETHING ROTTEN by Alan Gratz and other variations of the story.

Spy Story

NAZI HUNTERS: HOW A TEAM OF SPIES AND SURVIVORS CAPTURED THE WORLD'S MOST NOTORIOUS NAZI by Neal Bascomb. Scholastic, 2013.

The story behind the capture of Adolf Eichmann is the focus for this piece of narrative nonfiction. Pacing suitable for a grand spy adventure novel, spies whose identities are tied in no small part to their feelings about Eichmann and Hitler and the Holocaust, all combine to create nonfiction that will draw readers in and hold them captive. Other suggestions for books include HITLER YOUTH by Susan Campbell Bartoletti and the GN biography of Anne Frank by Colon and Jacobs.

Classic Reenvisioned

ROMEO AND JULIET adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds. CandleWick Press, 2013.


Gareth Hinds turns his talents to a retelling of Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULEIT in graphic novel form. A note in the introduction explains why the cast of this retelling is multicultural. From Hinds' perspective, using characters from different ethnic groups demonstrates the universality of the story. Much of Shakespeare's language is used, especially some of the soliloquies. This is a perfect way to provide an introduction to the play, to the language, and to the Bard. Begin the introduction with Bruce Coville's picture book adaptation, Charles and Mary Lamb's TALES FROM SHAKESPEARE along with ROMIETTE AND JULIO by Sharon Draper and IF YOU COME SOFTLY by Jacqueline Woodson.

Give thanks

THANKSGIVING DAY THANKS by Laura Elliott with illustrations by Lynne Munsinger. KT Books/HarperCollins, 2013.

Much to give thanks for
But what should little bear share?
Suprising answer!

Getting to Know You

SUPERHERO JOE AND THE CREATURE NEXT DOOR by Jacqueline Weitzman with illustrations by Ron Barrett. Simon and Schuster, 2013.

Superhero Joe
Must be brave and face the
New Creature next door.

Poetic

HOW TO BE A CAT by Nikki McClure. Abrams Appleseed, 2013.

Cat's lives are quite hard.
There's so much to do, precious
Time left to do it.

The Tree Lady

THE TREE LADY by H. Joseph Hopkins with illustrations by Jill McElmurry. Beach Lane Books, 2013.

Kate Sessions loved trees.
San Diego had few trees,
Til she planted them.

First book of the Christmas season

TEH TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS by Susan Jeffers. Harper, 2013.



Twelve days of Christmas
From Emma's point of view. A
Visit to St. Nick.

Middle Grade Books

STARRING JULES (IN DRAMA-RAMA) by Beth Ain. Scholastic, 2013.

Jules is set to star in a movie. When the shoot is postponed, Jules knows her former friend will be the first one to say something snide. And then a different opportunity opens up for her: starring in the pilot for a TV sitcom. All of this is still new to Jules who has enough to juggle with school and her new friend. Ain handles the day to day stuff of a typical school along with the demands of being a budding actress which makes this a book that will appeal to a wide cross section of readers.

NO SUCH THING AS A WITCH by Ruth Chew. Random House, 2013. (original copyright 1971).

Tad and Nora's new neighbor is a bit, well, different. She just might have a touch of magic. Her fudge seems to work magic on Tad when he heats more than one piece. Fortunately, this knowledge of the magic fudge comes in handy as Tad and Nora attempt to help Maggie Brown, friend to the animals, and next door neighbor witch.

HOW NOT TO BE A DICK by Meghan Doherty. Zest Books, 2013.

Irreverent. Funny. Pointed. All of these apply to this book about etiquette perfect for college kids. How to behave at work, in the dorm (or at home with your parents), at parties where too many sugary drinks might be consumed. Sections on bullies and social media and bathroom manners, like all the other topics in this book, are addressed in short blurb-y paragraphs accompanied by illustrations straight out of the basal readers of the 1950s.

Various and Sundry

DEE AND ME by Amy Schwartz. Holiday House, 2013.

Sometimes it is tough to be the little sister. Dee is bossy and does not play with her sister when she has other friends nearby. Eventually, though, the two sisters find a way to work things out.

SANTIAGO STAYS by Angela Dominguez. Abrams, Appleseed, 2013.

Santiago refuses to budge even when tempted with all sorts of treats. Why does Santiago stay?

TEDDY BEAR PATTERNS by Barbara McGrath with illustrations by Tim Nihoff. Charlesbridge, 2013.

Six colors of teddy bears (they look like gummy bears) can be arranged in all sorts of ways: by color for start. And then those colors can be combined to make all types of patters with two, three, four, five, and even six colors. Perfect book for math skills on patterns.

BANG!

BANG! by Leo Timmers. Gecko Press, 2013.

Only one word appears in this book: BANG! As different vehicles crash into one another across double page spreads, the story unfolds (and does that literally on one DPS that folds out on both sides to show the large scene from start to finish). Plenty of story here through remarkably detailed illustrations. Check out the facial expressions of the drivers and passengers.

LITTLE GHOST PARTY by Jacques Duquennoy. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2013.

Young readers can interact with the pages, each of which features some lightweight chain element that can be jiggled, turned sideways or upside down, or otherwise moved to create different effects.

Ladders to the Moon

MAX AND THE TAG-ALONG MOON by Floyd Cooper. Philomel, 2013.

Max hates to leave his Grandpa. But Grandpa tells Max that the moon is always following him, that the moon connects them both. I did a quick brainstorm below of other books that could fit on a ladder featuring the moon:





KITTEN'S FIRST FULL MOON
MAX AND THE TAG ALONG MOON
THE MOON WAS THE BEST
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
A LADDER TO THE MOON
COME BACK MOON
GOOD NIGHT MOON
HOW TO BICYCLE TO THE MOON AND PLANT SUNFLOWERS
MOONCAKES
THE MOON SAW IT ALL
SIDNEY, STELLA, AND THE MOON
LITTLE BUNNY'S NIGHT LIGHT
CINDY MOO
ON THE NIGHT YOU WERE BORN
OWL MOON
THE SAND MAN
BEFORE YOU CAME
BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON
A CIRCLE IN THE SKY
HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE
THE RABBIT AND THE COYOTE

Flights of Fancy

CAN'T SCARE ME by Ashley Bryan. Atheneum, 2013.

He's ever afraid
Until three headed giant
Threatens to eat him.

WHEN EDGAR MET CECIL by Kevin Luthardt. Peachtree, 2013.

Edgar's in a new school.
He makes a new friend, Cecil.
They become buddies.

PIRATES LOVE UNDERPANTS by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort. Aladdin, 2013.

Golden underpants
Are the treasure pirates seek
Beautiful bounty.

Talk to the animals

DING DONG! GORILLA by Michelle Robison with illustrations by Leonie Lord. Peachtree, 2013.

A young boy explains to his parents that all of the destruction in the house is due to a gorilla who rang the front door bell. And the gorilla is also why the ordered pizza is missing.

LION VS. RABBIT by Alex Latimer. Peachtree, 2013.

The lion cannot be bested by any of the animals of the jungle. And then, the rabbit arrives and challenges Lion to contests that the Lion loses over and over again. How can one tiny rabbit best the lion?

PANDA-MONIIUM AT THE PEEK ZOO by Kevin Waldron. Templar Books, 2013.

Fold outs are just part of the fun as readers follow the zookeeper Mr. Peek and his son Jimmy as they prepare for an important event. Some carelessness lets animals loose as evident in the illustration above.

ABOUT PENGUINS: A GUIDE FOR CHILDREN by Cathryn Sill with illustrations by John Sill. Penguin, 2013.

Each double page spread presents a simply text along with illustrations of different species of penguins in different habitats.