Make Believe

SEA MONSTER AND THE BOSSY FISH by Kate Messner. Chronicle, 2013.

Sea Monster is trying hard to be a good friend to the newest member of his class. But the new fish seems pretty self-confident all by himself. He is critical of everyone and everything. Can Sea Monster really make this fish his friend? Bright illustrations (with loads of humor in the pictures--check out the books the school librarian recommends for instance) lighten the serious issue at the core of this book: dealing with bullies of all kinds, even fishy ones.

LINUS THE VEGERTAIRAN T.REX by Robert Neubecker. Beach Lane, 2013.

Everyone fears the mighty T.Rex, but all Linus wants are some yummy vegetables.

YETI, TURN OUT THE LIGHT! by Bruce Long and Chris Edmundson with illustrations by Wednesday Kirwan. Chronicle, 2013.

Strange shadows and shapes in the dark keep Yeti nervous. One by one, though, he comes to realize that there is no danger, particularly with his friends always nearby.

Doll Bones

DOLL BONES by Holly Black. Audio by BOT/Listening Library. Narrated by Nick Podehl. .

Even though I am not serving on an audio committee, I still enjoy listening to audio on my commutes. Nick Podehl's narration of DOLL BONES achieves just the right level of creepiness as the tale of a doll that is more than simply a be china doll. As Zach and Poppy, and Alice undertake their quest, their friendship is teetering on the brink of extinction. Perhaps this journey will pull them back together to the friends they once were. The story is a mystery adventure combined with elements of a ghost story and perhaps even a touch of peculiar possession. This would be a terrific read aloud (or you could play a chapter a day as well). It is certainly one that deserves a booktalk early in the school year.