Ivan the Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla

Ivan The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate

Illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Published by Clarion Books

2014
Shelf:  Picture Book
Ages:  4-8

Opening Line:  "In leafy calm, in gentle arms, a gorilla's life began."

Favorite Quotes:  "In leafy calm, in gentle arms, a gorilla's life began again."

Blurb:  "In spare, moving words and evocative illustrations, Newberry medalist Katherine Applegate and artist G. Brain Karas present the extraordinary real account of a special gorilla."  This is the true story of Ivan, the shopping mall gorilla who captured our hearts, and captivated our minds.

Within its pages: 
The illustrations are simply astounding and breathtaking, and clearly depict the trials and tribulations of this beloved gorilla.  In fact, Karas spent plenty of time observing gorillas and their behaviors at our very own Bronx Zoo.  Karas does a stellar job of capturing Ivan's emotions in this picture book geared towards younger readers, but surely to be enjoyed and appreciated by all ages. 

 


 

Shelf  it!

To all Bookies who fell in love with the brave and heroic gorilla in the Newberry-winning, The One and Only Ivan by Applegate, this is a must-read, simply put!  This picture book adaptation is a great companion piece to the middle-grade novel, The One and Only Ivan. It could also stand alone and will work as a great way to build background, and spark curisioty that might entice younger readers to give a longer novel a try. We love everything about this book, from the dedication, to the true story in picture book form, and the background information on Ivan.  It is understandable why he has become such a fixture in so many people's hearts.  A must-shelf for all fans of Ivan!

More Bookie Fun:

Book Trailer
Katherine Applegate tells the true story of Ivan in her new picture

            

Isabella: Star of the Story

Isabella:   Star of the Story, Just How Much can a Little Girl Dream? by Jennifer Fosberry

Pictures by Mike Litwin

Published by Sourcebooks

2013
Shelf:  Picture Book
Ages 4 and up

Opening Line:  "Slow down Isabella," the father said, "those books aren't going anywhere."
"Oh yes they are - some lucky books are going home with me!" the little girl said.

Favorite Quotes:  "I know that you will never OUTGROW a good story."

Blurb:  Each day is an epic adventure with the little Isabella.  Join Isabella on her latest journey through the library where she's on a quest to find that "just right" book.  Virtually impossible to choose just one, Isabella likens herself to a variety of timeless storybook characters, such as Peter Pan, Goldilocks, Black Beauty, and many others.  At the end of the day, she's just Isabella, someone who loves a good book....a true Bookie! 

Within its pages: 

Litwin's illustrations are colorful and vivid, with a touch of magic!  Bookies will enjoy trying to figure out who the character will be on the upcoming page, by looking at the clue on each page before a new character arrives.  For example. a bowl of porridge for Goldilocks can be found on the page that precedes this character or a horse shoe for Black Beauty. 

The final pages provide some background, and trivia for each of the characters and stories mentioned along Isabella's literary journey. 

                                   

Shelf  it!

The very spunky and charming Isabella returns in the third installment of this picture book series. True to form, Isabella's spark and zest for life are both delightful and infectious.  A great book to include in a library study, help foster a love of reading, and/or cuddle up with.  After all, Isabella is an extraordinary girl who loves a good book....certainly something all bookies can relate to. 

Be sure to visit the author's page for an interactive read aloud of this story.

"All you need is a library card and a big imagination."

 

 

 

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Published by Random House Children's Books
2013
Ages 8-12
Shelf: Middle Grade


Opening Line: "This is how Kyle Keeley got grounded for a week." 

Favorite Quotes: "A library should be a know-place for know-bodies."

"Knowledge not shared remains unknown"

Blurb: It's been 12 years since Alexandriaville has had a functioning library.  Luigi Lemoncello, the world's most famous game maker, has just designed the most interactive, state-of-the art library new library for his hometown.  And to celebrate the grand opening, he has invited 12 lucky seventh graders to spend the night exploring its incredible rooms. Kyle Keeley, a lifelong gamer, becomes one of the lucky winners after his essay is selected by Mr. Lemoncello. But what was supposed to be a simple sleep over at the library, turns into an exciting scavenger hunt game where Keeley and a cast of characters have 24 hours to find a secret exit out of the building and win a superb prize.

Within its pages: 
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library takes its readers through a series of puzzles in a 24 hour scavenger hunt.  Prolific readers will love finding all the obvious, and not so obvious references to other books (classics and recently published), while puzzle solvers will salivate trying to get ahead of the characters and solve the mystery first.  Mr. Lemoncello continually makes literary puns and there's a puzzle at the end of the book that will make readers go back and analyze everything he ever said to connect it to specific books, like: "The Dewey decimal doors are now open, and, unlock Tuck, this game will not be everlasting."
And then there are the puzzles...all kinds of puzzles:

Shelf it!:
Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library will appeal to all mystery-loving bookies out there.  It will remind you of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Mysterious Benedict Society.  The author's website includes games and a study guide with chapter questions.  For teachers and librarians, there are many ways to bring the book to life, like creating a scavenger hunt around the school. Now that we think of it, there is no reason why parents can't do the same at home...Who doesn't love a good scavenger hunt? And if it has to do with books, then...that just sounds like something a Bookie will definitely want to do.   

The One and Only Ivan

  

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Published by Harper

2012

Ages 8-12

Shelf: Middle Grade 

Opening Line:  "I am Ivan.  I am a gorilla.  It's not as easy as it looks."

Favorite Quotes: "
"Her pictures are like pieces of a dream."

"Old age is a powerful disguise."

"Memories are precious."

"I always tell the truth.  Although I sometimes confuse the facts."

"I don't know why.  I never know the why of humans."

"But many days I forget what I am supposed to be.  Am I a human? Am I a gorilla?"

"It's an odd story to remember, I have to admit.  My story has a strange shape:  a stunted beginning, an endless middle."

"That's called artistic license."

Blurb:  Based on a true story of a real gorilla named Ivan, Ivan is a gorilla who lives in a shopping mall.  His circle of friends consists of:  Bob, the dog, Stella and Ruby, the elephants, and Julia, the human.  Ivan didn't always live in a shopping mall.  He was captured by the bad humans, and lost his family.  Ivan counts his days in captivity, and there are many.  He lives in a stupor spending his days behind a glass. But when Ruby comes into his life something awakens inside Ivan.  Will Ivan ever be free and live among his kin again?

Within its pages:

There are many teaching themes to tap into with this wondrous novel:  Friendship, courage, determination,  animals in captivity, perseverance, personification, and finding your inner strength.  The author highlights the importance of keeping a promise, and how we can reach deeper than we sometimes think possible.  For younger students, The One and Only Ivan would be an excellent read aloud.  One that will surely evoke some deep, rich discussions around the various themes that emerge within the text.

The way the book is organized, with short paragraphs and chapters (sometimes just a couple of lines per page) is a great example that sometimes less is definitely more.  Applegate is able to show how powerful just a couple of words can be.  It's a great example to share with those kids intimidated by the empty page when they need to write.

Shelf  it!

Ivan is a fighter, and his friendships give him a sense of pride and purpose.  In Ivan's mind, humans don't make sense....humans and their words, they just talk too much.  This is a wonderfully remarkable and powerful story.  An absolute must shelf! Applegate has a found a way to reach deep into your heart and soul with this deeply poignant and captivating story.  It will tug at your heart strings, and you might even cry, we're just saying!
Just stop reading this blog already, and GO SHELF IT!!! :-)

The book's website has a wonderful book trailer that will surely have kids begging to read the book and will also provide more info. on the real Ivan.

FYI - A picture book about the true story of Ivan, the gorilla, is due to be released in early October by Katherine Applegate.  Yay!

 

The Midnight Library

                                                              
The Midnight Library by Kazuno Kohara

Published by Roaring Book Press

2014
Shelf:  Picture Book

Opening Line:  "Once there was a library that opened only at night."

Favorite Quotes: 

"I must stay until I finish  reading this book," said the tortoise.  "I only have 500 pages left!"

Blurb:  Meet the Little Librarian who happily works in the Midnight library, only opened at night.  The Midnight library caters to all those nocturnal animals, active and lively at night, searching for just the right book, and the Little Librarian and her assistants, the owls,  know just how to help them.
 

Within its pages:  This picture book is so precious and charming.  The illustrations are simply adorable.  Readers will be able to relate and identify with the feeling of finding that perfect book. 

Shelf  it!

Midnight library is a beautiful book, bursting with cozy charm.  A perfect picture book to cuddle up with at bedtime, kick off the school year, launch a library study, and to help cultivate a love of reading.  Simply idyllic for turning them into bookies!

 

 

 

eleanor & park

                                                          
eleanor & park by rainbow rowell
Published by St. Martin's Griffin
2013
Ages: 14+
Shelf:  Young Adult (YA)

Opening Line:  "He'd stopped trying to bring her back."

Favorite Quotes: 
"Holding Eleanor's hand was like holding a butterfly.  Or a heartbeat.  Like holding something complete, and completely alive."

"He made her feel like more than the sum of her parts."

"It was like their lives were overlapping lines, like they had their own gravity.  Usually, that serendipity thing felt like the nicest thing the universe had ever done for her."

"She looked like art, and art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something."

"I might not use capital letters.  But I would definitely use an apostrophe...and probably a period.  I'm a huge fan of punctuation."

"I want everyone to meet you.  You're my favorite person of all time."

"I love your name.  I don't want to cheat myself out of a single syllable."

Blurb:
It is 1986, and two sixteen year old misunderstood, geeky teenagers, Eleanor and Park are about to fall in love - of the extraordinary variety!  Eleanor and Park's story begins on the school bus (yes, extremely romantic), and they embark on the journey of their lives (well, their lives up until this point anyway).  "Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds - smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try."

Within its pages:

This is not your typical teenage romance novel.  It is raw, real, and deep.  The main characters are not glorified.  Eleanor and Park are both outcasts - both subject to bullying and scrutiny. 

Park is half-Korean in a mostly-white part of town, hopeful, and adores alternative music, superhero comics, and Eleanor. 
Eleanor is cynical, funny, awkward, and adores music, superhero comics, and Park.  She's not your classic love story protagonist, unknowingly beautiful or nerdy cute, she's on the heavy side and her clothes stand out for all the wrong reasons. But within the confines of the school bus they discover that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and while reading comic books and listening to music, they find a love that binds them.  

Park is intrigued by Eleanor.  She stands out like a sore thumb.  Eleanor remains a mystery for Park to figure out...he is trying to put the pieces together.  Eleanor has much to be mysterious and secretive about.  Her story is a complicated one, and not something to be shared with anyone....at least not yet. 

Shelf It!  

Remember how it felt to be 16 and be desperately in love? This novel will take you back there.  The love between Eleanor and Park is all-consuming and intense.  At times, it appears to be on the verge of obsessive, but then you are reminded that the characters are only 16, after all.  Rowell delivers a timeless teenage love story filled with agony and heartache, but tons of hope and inspiration, and a plethora of 80's nostalgia!

Summer of the Gypsy Moths

                                                                           
Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker (Author of the Clementine Series)

Published by Balzer + Bray

2012

Ages 8-12

Shelf: Middle Grade 

Opening Line:  "The earth spins at a thousand miles an hour."

Favorite Quotes: 

"I like to imagine the ties between us as strands of spider silk:  practically invisible, maybe, but strong as steel."

"I stayed cool.  Those icebergs, floating silent and steady, ignoring the fierce storms raging around them."

"Being an iceberg takes a lot of effort."

"Your heart is like every other muscle Stella, you have to stretch it out when it cramps up."

Blurb:  It is the start of another summer season on Cape Cod.   At a glance, Stella appears to be your typical eleven-year old, who enjoys reading on the beach.  No one would ever suspect the secret Stella is hiding.  Stella has been living here with her great-aunt Louise, ever since her mom decided to go out and "find herself."   Although Stella fantasizes her mom will soon return to the Cape, she enjoys living with Louise, and really appreciates the routines that Louise has put into place.  The only potential glitch in her plan:  Angel.  Angel is the foster child Louise has taken in.  Stella and Louise are like oil and water, and hardly ever speak to one another.  But when tragedy strikes, Stella and Angel must rely on each other.   Will Stella and Angel discover a common thread between them?

Within its pages:
Connections. Throughout the story, Stella likens herself to an iceberg - standing still and firm in the fierce storms around her.  A fairly accurate metaphor for her life.  Although Stella's situation is obviously extreme, she teaches us about courage, as well as  how to cope with loss, changing expectations, and the tricky and rewarding process of making and keeping connections.

The heart of this novel lies in the friendship that grows between Stella, the planner, and Angel, the free spirit.  There is an unspoken bond that develops between these two young girls that's heart-warming and endearing.  Pennypacker teaches us that sometimes hope lies in the most unexpected places, and that the deep connections we form with others can be life-changing. 

Shelf  it!

Summer of the Gypsy Moths surprised us in the most delicious way! The simplicity and heart in this story was very captivating.  At first, we found the premise a bit disturbing and seemingly unrealistic.  We definitely had mixed feelings in the beginning (You will too).  Despite this, the resilience of the characters, as well as the blossoming friendship, was strong enough that we just couldn't abandon the book.  We were pleasantly surprised by its poignancy, humor, beauty and, most of all, with the way its story gripped our hearts and still hasn’t let go.  The element of suspense kept us on the edge of our seats as well.  Just go "Shelf It" and read it while listening to some Fado music (Angel sings it throughout the book) and find out just what we're talking about!

Half a Chance

Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord
2014
Published by Scholastic Press
Ages: 8+
Shelf: Middle Grade

Opening Line: "Lucy, we're going to love this place!"

Favorite Quotes:

"Even half a chance beats none."

"If you can get people to care about the little things, they'll care about the big things, too."

"Last times and first times shouldn't matter more than all the middle times, but somehow, they do."

"People will think what they think! Don't ever choose those people who don't matter over the ones who do."

"Sometimes people are like shooting photos. It takes a bunch of misses before something good happens."

Blurb:
It's the beginning of summer break and Lucy has just moved to an old house by a lake in New Hampshire.  As soon as they arrive, her father, a prominent photographer, heads out to Arizona to work on a photo project.  Left behind with her mother and a temperamental dog, Lucy deals with the nerves of being in a brand new place with no friends and the prospect of a lonely school year.  When she finds out that her father is running a photography contest for kids, Lucy decides to participate anonymously.  She meets Nate, a boy her age who spends every summer in one of the other cottages by the lake. Together they embark on a journey to discover friendship and loss behind the lens of Lucy's camera.  Will her photographs live up to her father's expectations?

Within its pages:
We loved the clever way the chapters are organized in Half a Chance.  The photography contest Lucy and Nate are trying to win is a photo scavenger hunt; where they are given the title of an image and it's up to them to interpret the kind of photo that would match the name.  What would you photograph to represent Journey, Left Behind,  or Wonder?  
As they look for those photos, the author titles each chapter with the name of one of the scavenger hunt challenges, and then perfectly develops the story to match the images being captured. 

Shelf it
Half a Chance feels like the kind of book you want to take with you on a camping trip and read while sitting on a dock, with your toes barely touching the water.  Cynthia Lord paces the book beautifully  and gives us a story about friendship and self-discovery, with a subplot about dealing with a relative suffering from dementia.  Great summer read and a perfect match for bookies who can't stop taking photos (even selfies)!

The Dark

The Dark by Lemony Snicket
Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Published by Little, Brown and Company
2013
Shelf: Picture Book

Opening Line: "Laszlo was afraid of the dark."

Favorite Quote: "You might be afraid of the dark, but the dark is not afraid of you. That's why the dark is always close by."

Blurb:
Laszlo is a little boy, wearing blue footie pajamas, living in a large home where the dark hides in the basement.  He's afraid of the dark but the dark has never come to visit him upstairs in his bedroom, that is until his night-light burns out.  When the one thing Laszlo is afraid of is also the thing that holds the key to ending his fears, will he be brave enough to go down to the basement and face the dark?   

Within its lines:
Lemony Snicket has crafted a wonderful story of a boy dealing with one of the most common childhood fears: the dark.  But this dark, talks to Lazslo and guides him through creaky old hallways, down empty rooms, all the way down to the basement where it offers him the solution to his fear: a new light bulb.

The way the text is placed around the pages is quite remarkable.  Whenever Laszo speaks, his words appear in the areas of the page where the light sips in. And when the dark speaks, his words are, well, in the dark.

Let go back to this whole, "when the dark speaks" we just mentioned.  This is a fantastic book to introduce kids to the concept of personification.  Dark takes on its own persona in this book and the reader can't help but connect with it and befriend it.

The illustrations in sepia tones and inky darks by Klassen are a perfect match. And the lack of any sort of furniture or evidence of any other person living with Laszlo, that emptiness, really adds to the feeling of fear and loneliness that sets up the scene for this wonderful picture book.

Shelf it!
Yes! Shelf it! We don't get tired of reading The Dark.  Share it with a kid who's afraid of the dark, with one who loves the dark, with one who loves creepy stories, with one who loves sweet ending...Just share it!!

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling (Book 1)

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood
Published by: Balzer + Bray
2010
Age: 8-12
Shelf: Middle Grade

Opening Line: 
It was not Miss Penelope Lumley's first journey on a train, but it was the first one she had taken alone.  As you may know, traveling alone is quite a different kettle of fish from traveling with companions.

Favorite Quotes:
"All books are judged by their covers until they are read."

"If you have ever opened a can of worms, boxed yourself into a corner, ended up in hot water or found yourself in a pretty pickle, you already know that life is rarely, if ever, just a bowl of cherries. It is far more likely to be a box of problems, worries, and difficulties. This is normal and should not be seen as cause for alarm."

"Things may happen for a reason, but that doesn't mean we know what the reason is -at least, not yet."

Blurb:
Miss Penelope Lumley has just graduated from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females.  At 15, she's ready to take on her first job as a governess at Ashton Place.  But when she arrives, she finds three wild children, who are barely dressed and act like wolves, madly howling and growling.  The children were discovered roaming around the Ashton Place property by the head of the house, Lord Frederick.  Soon, Penny applies all the knowledge she received from Agatha Swanburne at the Academy and the children begin to enjoy poetry and the classics.  But there's more lurking behind the staircase walls of Ashton Place.  Not everyone wants to see the children succeed.  

Within its Pages:
The narrator on The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place creates a deliciously Victorian and ominous tone that reminded us of A Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (the first book in his Series of Unfortunate event).  Its lines are full of foreshadowing decorated with humor.  And while you find yourself falling deeper into the mystery of the incorrigible children, you hear the voice of the narrator teaching you the meaning of words like hyperbole and irony (again reminiscent of Snicket's series). 

The illustrations by Jon Klassen (author of I Want My Hat Back and Extra Yarn) are a perfect match with the Victorian tone of the novel:

The author, Maryrose Wood, has included on her website a fantastic discussion guide to be used by teachers and book clubs. Check it out. 

Introducing children to an engaging series like this one, it's a sure way to guarantee multiple book readings.  The ending will leave you wanting more and there's a book for that!
 
Shelf it!
If you love a quirky mystery full of great vocabulary this is a book for you.  The mystery of the incorrigibles and of Penelope's background is still unresolved, and you'll have to come back for the next installments in the series to figure it out.  But with such great characters, humor, and voice, who can complain?

The Fault in Our Stars

                                                                  

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
Published by Dutton Books
2012
Ages: 14+
Shelf:  Young Adult (YA)

Opening Line:  "Late in the winter of my seventeenth year, my mother decided I was depressed, presumably because I rarely left the house, spent quite a lot of time in bed, read the same book over and over, ate infrequently, and devoted quite a bit of my abundant free time to thinking about death."

Favorite Quotes: 
“Almost everyone is obsessed with leaving a mark upon the world. Bequeathing a legacy. Outlasting death. We all want to be remembered."

"I decided that the proper strategy was to stare back.  Boys do not have a monopoly on the Staring Business, after all."

"The world is not a wish granting factory."
 
"I fell in love the way you fall asleep:  slowly, and then all at once."

"Some infinities are bigger than other infinities."

 

Blurb:

Sixteen-year old year old, Hazel Grace Lancaster has been battling cancer since she was twelve, and is indefinitely bound to a portable oxygen tank.  Despite a tumor-shrinking medical miracle, her days are numbered.  Hazel lives under the tangible weight of the unknown, and this affects how she lives and views the world.  As per her parent's wishes, Hazel attends a  cancer support group where she subsequently meets and falls in love with seventeen-year old Augustus Water, a cancer survivor.  Hazel likens herself to a grenade when she constantly imagines the pain she will cause her loved ones when she dies.  Augustus fears oblivion and being anything but extraordinary.  Hazel will learn that "Some infinities are bigger than other infinities," and that sometimes it just has to be "okay."

Within its pages:

The true charm of this novel lies within its two leading characters, Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters, and the evolution of their relationship, and in turn, their character.
The story is narrated by Hazel.  She is smart, witty, has a wonderful sense of humor, super sarcastic, sometimes a bit cynical, and is constantly consumed with thoughts of death and being a grenade.  Agustus is charming, charismatic, confident, funny, and a "glass half full" kind of guy.   The connection between these two is instantaneous.  You will get lost in their world. 

There is no shortage of figurative language in this novel - it is filled with metaphors, personification, and symbolism.  

"I was veritably swimming in a paralyzing and totally cynical depression."
"That's the thing about pain, it demands to be felt."
"'I'm a grenade and at some point I'm going to blow up and I would like to minimize the casualties, okay?
"My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations."
"I believe the universe wants to be noticed. I think the universe is improbably biased toward the consciousness, that it rewards intelligence in part because the universe enjoys its elegance being observed."

You will find yourself marveling and stopping at various points in the novel, not only because the book is that good, but because the lines are that deep, and thought-provoking. 

Shelf It! (Okay?!)
As you read this novel, prepare to embark on a roller coaster ride of emotions.  It is filled with peaks and valleys, but the thrill will always leave you wanting more - so hang on tight!
At times, you find yourself smiling, and laughing out loud.  Other times, you may find yourself feeling angry, saddened, and quite possibly shedding a few tears.  And you will most likely fall in love along the way....In fact, we have a bookie crush on Augustus Waters!
It is all these emotions that keep you so deeply connected with the characters.  Green has done an outstanding job of accurately depicting and capturing the deep love these characters have for one another through their dialogue and actions.  It is thought provoking and compelling. 

Despite the circumstances, Hazel and Augustus teach us that having cancer, doesn't define who you are.  You have to appreciate Hazel's wicked sense of humor and sarcasm. The back and forth banter between Augustus and Hazel is irresistible and endearing.   

Admittedly, this teenage love story filled, with heartbreak and realistic tragedy, is somewhat predictable, but still so intense and gripping! You will question the fairness of life, but the world is not a wish grantig factory, after all.  Additionally, the chosen title of this novel is very compelling and intriguing, and leaves you pondering its meaning. 

Finally, you will never look at the word "okay" in the same way again!

 

Counting by 7s

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Published by Penguin Group

2013

Age 10 and Up

Shelf: Middle Grade 

Opening Line:  "A genius shoots at something no one else can see, and hits it."

Favorite Quotes: 

"My mouth is open and I'm suddenly some kind of fish out of water.  You can't see the hook, but it must be in my cheek."

"I don't want to know how you did it.  I want to believe that you're magic."

 

Blurb:

Willow is a twelve-year old genius who certainly doesn't fit in with the crowd.  She is obsessed with plants, medical conditions, and the number seven. Her safe haven is to be in the public library, surrounded by books, where she finds comfort and solace.  She has only conected with her adoptive parents and after they're killed in an accident, Willow must search for a surrogate family. Will Willow Chance find where she belongs?
 

Within its pages:
Willow Chance......You had us at page one!  Willow's strong voice echoes throughout all the pages in this book.  Her knack for accurately analyzing and depicting each scenario and character is both astonishing and refreshing.    Willow's determination, tenacity, and intelligence will astound and inspire you.  She is clearly wise beyond her years, as evident in some of the following lines:

"It had been my experience that rewarding and heart-breaking often go hand in hand."

"What we expect rarely occurs; what we don't expect is what happens.'

"I can't risk heading in what feels like the wrong direction."

"I'll be ready.  I'm not sure for what exactly. But maybe that's what being ready really means."

"A second can feel like forever if what follows is heart-break."

"She' s always the toughest person in the room, but with me leaving her armor cracks."

"Balance is critical in the natural world."

Shelf  it! (Counting by 7 reasons to shelf this book)

1.  Willow Chance.  Enough said!

2.  Willow will encourage you to think bigger! You will immediately be smitten with this twelve-year old genius, and then proceed to fall head over heels with the supporting characters.  The author has written such a touching and poignat book. She has created a cast of ordinary, everyday folk:  a fiesty teenager and her cranky brother, a nail salon owner, a taxi driver, an oddball counselor...And turned them into everyday heroes.

3.  Willow is the prototypical underdog in this book.  She is misunderstood and an outsider. You will find yourself rooting for her the entire book. 

4.  In times of despair and sorrow, this novel reminds us that hope can manifest and grow in unexpected places, and that miracles really do happen. 

5.  The prevalent themes of unconventional family, loss, grief, and belonging, combined with a strong-female character make it a book that begs to be shared. 

6.  Counting by 7s is a heart-warming story that promises to leave the characters lingering in your mind long after you turn the final page.  Don't be surprised if you can't put it down.  It's really that good!

7.  Willow Chance (In Case we didn't already mention it). 

 

The Watermelon Seed

The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli
Published by Disney Hyperion Books
2013
Shelf: Picture Books

Opening Line: "I love watermelon!"

Blurb:
This croc loves watermelon! He loves it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. He's loved it since he was a teeny tiny crocodile. But, what happens the day he swallows a seed? Will a whole plant grow inside of him? Is his love affair with watermelon over?

Within its pages:
Pizzoli's bright and clean illustrations with close-ups of the croc's facial expressions allow even the youngest of readers to fully grasp the hilarity of the situation. 

The croc's dramatic tendencies and exaggerations are cleverly delivered in sharp and quick lines.

Shelf it!
The watermelon Seed it's a hilarious book.  I've shared it multiple times with tiny bookies at home and at school and they keep asking for it.  Great picture book to read and share during the hot summer days accompanied by a nice cool watermelon slice!

Going Places

 



Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds

Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

2014

Age 4-8

Shelf: Picture Book
 

Opening Line: "Rafael had been waiting all year long for the Going Places contest, a chance to build a go-cart, race it....and win."

Favorite Quotes: 

"Rafael, are you thinking what I'm thinking....?"
"To all the great thinkers who have gone above and beyond." (Dedication Page)

Blurb:

It's that time  of year for the Going Places contest.  And Rafael can hardly wait to get his hands on a kit....an identical kit given to every student, that is.   Rafael has a clear vision for this contest:  follow a set of precise instructions(Following directions was his thing),build a go-cart, race it - and win! Sounds like the perfect plan, right? Enter.........Maya!

Will these two classmates be able to put their heads together and cross the finish line?

Within its pages:

The illustrations, compliments of Peter Reynolds, are absolutely delightful (Think of his other bestselling picture books, I'm Here, The Dot, and Ish).  Reynold's illustrations are vivid and colorful, and really capture the characters' emotions and actions.

 

Shelf  it!

Peter Reynolds has teamed up with his identical twin brother, Paul Reynolds to create this jewel of a story.  This charming picture book encourages creativity, ingenuity, and "outside the box" thinking.  The Reynolds' message is apparent here.  Imagination should be valued and appreciated, as well as giving children the gift of time to allow creativity and original ideas to flourish.  One-track bound, we often fail to realize the various possibilities available to us.   Quite often, there can be more than one solution to a problem, especially when we work together as a team. A great resource to teach about creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

 

Even when faced with adversity and scrutiny from others, Rafael and Maya literally rise above all the drama.  A perfect picture book to share with that special graduate(s) in your life.  From the pre-school graduate to one who is college bound.... 'tis the season!  Also, a great read aloud to kick off the school year.  They are all most certainly going places!

 

A fabulous quote by Douglas Pagels that we feel captures the essence and message of this book:

Many of us have road maps we envision for the course we think our lives should take. It's important to get headed in the right direction, but don't get so caught up in the concerns over your destination that you forget to delight in the scenery of each new day. Remember that some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by inventing some imaginary letters along the way.--Douglas Pagels

 

Three Times Lucky

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

Published by Penguin Group

2012

Age 10 and Up

Shelf: Middle Grade 

Opening Line: "Trouble cruised into Tupelo Landing at exactly seven minutes past noon on Wednesday, the third of June, flashing a gold badge and driving a Chevy Impala the color of dirt."

Favorite Quotes: 

"When you feel lost, let the stars sing you to sleep.  You'll always wake up new."

-"It's common knowledge."
-"There's nothing common about knowledge."

Blurb:
Trouble was the last thing on Mo LoBeau's mind.  These were the lazy days of summer filled with the sweet sounds of tree frogs and crickets in Tupelo Landing, North Carolina.  For this rising sixth grader and aspiring detective, serving crepes and peanut butter entrees at the café seemed idyllic.  But when Tupelo Landing becomes a murder and kidnapping scene, Mo's natural detective skills are put to work. 

Within its pages:
Three Times Lucky's magic lies in its narrator.  Mo's southern charm and cadence flow effortlessly through the pages. Mo's voice and use of poetic language makes this a perfect book for lessons in the use of similes, metaphors and personification:

"Miss Lana's voice is the color of sunlight in maple syrup."
"My anti-invitation hanging in the air like eau the skunk." 
"The frost in her voice nipping my ears."
"Her quiet laugh sounded the way she looks without her make-up."
"Spinning wheels and flying gravel chewed up the end of my sentence, spitting it across the parking lot like a fighter spitting teeth."
"Uneasiness ran its fingertips across my shoulders"
"Her silence stretched like old elastic about to give."

It's Mo's power as a narrator that made Three Times Lucky such an enjoyable read.  You find yourself re-reading her descriptions, sometimes laughing out-loud and other times marveling at her wit and ability to find the right word at just the right moment.  


Shelf  it!
If you're searching for a good mystery book, with a strong female character, filled with small-town charm, this book belongs on your shelf. Enter Moses (Mo) LoBeau, a spunky and upbeat character, who has a sensational sense of humor, tons of grit, and an absolutely charming sidekick, her best friend Dale.  You have to admire her strength, determination, and perseverance.  And sometimes having a little luck helps too!    

On a journey, to find her upstream mother, Mo helps us realize that sometimes what we need is directly in front of us. That not all families look the same or come about in the expected ways.  The bonds and relationships we form with others are sometimes immeasurable. The characters and relationships in this book will resonate with you long after you read the last page.  For those of us who have longed for a new Scout Finch, we have found her in Mo.  

The action and suspense are totally gripping.   As the leader of the Desperado Detective Agency, Mo really gets to put her detective skills to good use.  Will Mo and Dale be able to solve this mystery before it's too late?

Three Times Lucky is sure to be a page turner, and one you won't soon forget.  And believe us when  we say, it's even better the second time around.