The Girl and the Bicycle

 The Girl and the Bicycle

 Author: Mark Pett

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: A wordless picture book in which a girl sees a bicycle she wants to buy, works hard for a kindly neighbor to earn the money for it, then gets a pleasant surprise.

Review: This is one of the few wordless picture books I enjoyed. I like the clear message it sends to kids of earning money to get something you really, really want. We see the character doing all sorts of chores so she can one day go to the bike store and purchase her bike after all her hard work. The surprise twist at the end and simplistic illustrations adds emotion to this wordless story.

The Prophecies of Nostradamus

The Prophecies of Nostradamus
Author: Ryan Nagelhout
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: The prophecies of sixteenth-century French astrologer Nostradamus still resonate in our world. Many of his predictions have seemed to correlate with major world events. There are more predictions that may yet come to pass. However, there's much controversy surrounding Nostradamus's complicated writings. His use of anagrams and multiple languages make some doubt whether today's translations are even accurate. Believers and nonbelievers both will be fascinated at this look at the mysterious man's life in plague-infested France as well as his most famous predictions. Readers will be able to decide for themselves whether they believe in the mystical powers of Nostradamus.

Review:  This is a great book for a biography assignment or simply learning about an interesting person in history. Any reader who is interested in prophecies and psychic predictions would appreciate knowing more about Nostradamus. I found it interesting to hear more about his predictions and this book cautions that it is up to the reader to believe or not believe in his predictions. Other pieces of history, like Hitler and walking on the moon, are introduced as true prophesies Nostradamus might of made. Pictures and scattered facts make this book very kid-friendly and the element of mystery in Nostradamus’ predictions make this topic thought-provoking and fun.

Open This Little Book

Open This Little Book
Author: Jesse Klausmeier
Rating: 5/5 Stars

 

Summary: Open this book to find different animals reading different color books that keep getting smaller and smaller.

Review: This is a fun, unique picture book that kids will love! The book looks big on the outside, but once you open the cover, you quickly discover the cute pattern that incorporates animals and the colors they represent, as well as how the “books” keep getting smaller. Kids will enjoy seeing how the pages go from big to small and it’s a great way to teach them about animals, colors, and sizes while encouraging them to read just like the animals do in the story.

The Not So Quiet Library

The Not So Quiet Library
Author: Zachariah OHora
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Oskar and his bear Theodore must save the day when an angry monster barges into the library and thinks it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet!

Review: I thought this was a cute, funny story that involves a huge monster with an amusing misunderstanding. The monster thinks all the books in the library are there for eating and when he finds out they taste horrible, he gets loud and boisterous! Oskar and his bear save the day when they explain to the monster that books are for reading and not eating. The library is no longer a noisy one and everyone enjoys storytime. This book encourages library visits, being quiet in the library, and enjoying reading and listening to stories. I would recommend this book to those who like a funny picture book and to those who need a nudge to welcome reading and to visit the library.

 

Esperanza Rising

Esperanza Rising
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie H.

 

Summary: Esperanza, the only child of a wealthy ranch-owner in Mexico, has everything a little girl could ever wish for; beautiful dresses, a loving family, elaborate parties… But suddenly, something happens, and Esperanza’s world is changed forever. Esperanza and her mother are forced to flee the country and Esperanza, who has never worked a day in her life, must adjust to the harsh reality of life as a Mexican immigrant in America during the Great Depression. This Pura Belpre Award-winning book is based on the author, Pam Munoz Ryan’s grandmother’s life, and is an inspiring and hopeful coming-of-age tale that readers won’t forget anytime soon. Recommended for grades 5 and up.

Review: While I don’t normally gravitate towards historical fiction, I truly enjoyed this book and thought it was incredibly well done. Although sometimes sad, this story always remained positive and uplifting. Spanish words and phrases are incorporated into the book, but are skillfully interspersed so readers who do not speak Spanish will have no trouble following the story. I listened to the audiobook version, and thought the reader’s voice and pace were perfect for it. I highly recommend this book for all middle-school readers (and adults too)!