How an E-Book Works

How an E-Book Works
Author: Amanda St. John
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Reviewer: Helen

 

Summary: Stew Rabbit and Opal Owl love the library and learning how to find, check-out and take care of books. They also discover technology, self-checkout, and best of all downloading e-books and on-line searches.

 

Review: Simple cartoon illustrations fill the pages opposite the text and glossaries; word definitions are in bold face type. Real situations are in easy story form on a level perfect for beginning readers while introducing them to library technology. This little book is simple to follow and full of good and useful information and does not overwhelm the beginning reader.



 

Creepy Carrots

Creepy Carrots
Author: Aaron Reynolds
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Aleece

Summary: The carrots that grow in Crackenhopper Field are the fattest and crispiest around and Jasper Rabbit cannot resist pulling some to eat each time he passes by, until he begins hearing and seeing creepy carrots wherever he goes.

Review: Jasper is a hungry rabbit that absolutely loves the taste of the Crackenhopper Field carrots.  However, one day he believes that they are following him and are always watching him but nobody believes him.  Will Jasper ever be able to leave his house without looking over his shoulder? 

This is a fun but spooky tale perfect for the Halloween season and great for a beginning scary story for kids because it isn’t too scary.  The black and white illustrations really set the scene for the story and the orange carrots really accent the illustrations.  Overall this is a wonderful story for kids and parents of all ages.

 

*Caldecott Honor Book of 2013

Sophie's Squash

Sophie's Squash
Author: Pat Zietlow Miller
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Sue

Summary: On a trip to the farmer’s market with her parents, Sophie chooses a squash.  While her parents are thinking of eating it for dinner, Sophie has other plans for the acorn squash.  It is now Bernice, a new best friend for Sophie!  Bernice is just the right size to love, tuck into bed, take to the library, and practice somersaults.  But with time, Bernice starts to get “freckles” and becomes a little softer.  After talking to a farmer at the farmer’s market about how to keep a squash healthy, Sophie buries Bernice in the back yard.  She is overjoyed to see Bernice’s babies growing next year!

Review: This is a sweet book that says a lot about imagination, friends, and parental patience.  It will bring a smile to your face. 

A Monster Calls

A Monster Calls
Author: Patrick Ness
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Conor awakens one night to find a monster outside his bedroom window, but not the one from the recurring nightmare that began when his mother became ill- an ancient, wild creature that wants him to face truth and loss.

 

Review: After seeing a number of booklists recommend Patrick Ness’ work, I wanted to give this book a try. A Monster Calls was inspired by an idea from author Siobhan Dowd, who died of cancer. This is a thought-provoking read for mature pre-teens and teens and addresses such difficult subjects as illness, death, bullying and the emotions that follow. I enjoyed the mysterious elements involving the monster and appreciated the descriptive words. The black and white illustrations by Jim Kay add to the story. Conor is a character that needs to exist for all those young readers who may have lost a parent or are going through a difficult time. The three separate stories within the book make this a worth-while read.