The Seventh Level

Jody Feldman

Travis Raines is 12 years old and in middle school. His greatest desire is to be able to join The Legend. It is, however, very secret, by invitation only, and no one ever, ever talks about it. Then one day, a shiny blue envelope mysteriously shows up in his locker. One of the requirements of The Legend is staying out of trouble. It is too bad for Travis that he keeps getting into trouble. That first letter from The Legend somehow goes flying out the second story window. To retrieve it, Travis makes a daring rescue from the roof, where he meets Assistant Principal Mrs. Pinchon when he comes back up. She is in charge of discipline, but for some reason she decides to take it easier on Travis. She also keeps telling him, “Things aren’t always as they appear, remember that.” Shiny blue envelopes continue appear in his locker, and soon he finds other blue envelopes addressed to him in another locker. Some messages could get him into trouble, and others remind him to stay out of trouble. What’s a 12 year old to do when he can’t talk with anyone about any of the messages – they are supposed to be secret! Travis has a dilemma on his hands. He has to follow the directions in the blue envelopes, but are they really from The Legend? And, why are the envelopes different? Travis tries to remember what Mrs. Pinchon said, “Things aren’t always as they appear.” Will he succeed, or will Travis wind up in more trouble?

Ms. Feldman’s story of a struggle for a 12 year old boy trying to determine what is the right thing to do in light of such great motivation. This chapter book was written for the 10 and up audience, perhaps they are a better judge of this type of story. It was a laborious read; perhaps the same story could have been told in half the pages.

BIBLIO: 2010, Greenwillow Books, Ages 10 and up, $16.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: YA
ISBN: 978-0-06-195105-3

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 8/10/10

Freda Plans a Picnic

Stuart J. Murphy
Illustrated by Tim Jones

Freda Plans a Picnic is a playful story about a backyard picnic with friends. Freda invites her friends, a dog, and soon it is the morning of the picnic. First things to PACK in the basket are sandwiches, apples, and cookies. Freda’s mom wants to CARRY the basket outside before her friends arrive. It is heavy so they carry it together. The blanket has been spread and Freda’s friends begin to arrive – they all jump right in the middle. The food is UNPACKED and they are ready to EAT. Freda even has a treat for the dog! After dessert, it is time to CLEANUP. Everyone has so much fun they don’t want to stop.

Mr. Jones’ clever character illustrations are original and colorful and will surprise young readers while keeping their attention on the text. This book is part of Mr. Murphy’s “I See I Learn” Series, which is the reason for the capped words above. At the end of the book is “A Closer Look”, 5 questions, is included to engage the young reader and the one reading. This book is an excellent addition to any library.

BIBLIO: 2010, Charlesbridge, Ages 3 - 5, $14.95.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-58089-456-2

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 8/10/10

All Around the Seasons

Barney Saltzberg

Spring, summer, fall, and winter come alive in rhyming text for young readers. Hatching chicks, playing hide and seek, rainbows, long picnic lunches – these are things found during the spring. Summer time is full of wonderful fun water days, lemonade, making s’mores, campfires, and lots of lazy days. As the days cool into the fall, the rhymes include turtlenecks, kites, leaves, jars with bugs, and of course, Halloween. Of course, winter, the coldest of them all, is depicted just as charmingly.

Young readers will enjoy the colorful illustrations and the not-so typical type. Mr. Saltzberg introduces the four seasons visually and with rhyming text. All Around the Seasons is an easy-read young readers is sure to enjoy. Adding this book to any library will be enjoyed by young readers.

BIBLIO: 2010, Candlewick Press, Ages 2 - 5, $11.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Rhyming Text
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3694-4

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 8/10/10

Nico & Lola, Kindness Shared Between a Boy and a Dog

Meggan Hill
Photography by Susan M Graunke

Nico’s Aunt Sue was going away for the weekend and needs a favor. Her little girl, Lola, needs a special person to take care her while she was away. Would Nico be willing to take care of Lola while she was gone? Nico is more than happy to watch Lola over the weekend. Lola is a little black pug, and he knows she will need time to get to know him first. She first sniffs his hand and soon they are on their way to the backyard for fun and games. Nico makes sure Lola has plenty of cool water when she gets thirsty. When friends come over to play with Lola, Nico shows them how to be careful with Lola. All too soon Nico’s time with Lola is over and Aunt Sue will be there shortly. Nico wonders if he will ever see Lola again.

There are several lessons to be learned in this sweet picture book. From the value of kindness, to remembering manners, taking turns, helping others in needs, and more. This book is not just a story of a boy caring for a dog over the weekend. Ms. Hill successfully crafted a picture book that teaches life skills to beginning readers using engaging photographs of a friendly pug named Lola. Ms. Graunke’s photographs are perfect for this story and will draw the young readers in. The cover photograph is the perfect foreshadowing of the context of this picture book. Nico & Lola is an excellent addition to a home, public, or school library. Bonuses for this book are three PDF activities available at the publisher’s website.

BIBLIO: 2009, Harper Collins Children’s Books, Ages 4 - 8, $16.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-06-199043-4

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 8/10/10

At the Supermarket

Anne Rockwell

From a young child’s perspective, a trip to the supermarket is an adventure! The magic of an automatic door begins the journey and a grocery cart only adds to the fun – how fast can it be filled! From there the smells and colors of food is the draw to keep going. His mom has chicken planned for dinner tonight, so that is the first stop but more dinners are planned. Vegetables and fruits are added to the cart. Then, lots of things that are cold are added from the dairy case – milk, eggs, butter, and cheese. There is so much more to add to the cart. Still, the most important thing to get are the things for his birthday party the next day.

Small children love to go on adventures and the supermarket is no different. This book is a delightful quick trip through colorfully illustrated pages. Age appropriate for young children who don’t understand the concept of “shopping for groceries” will soon put the two-together. Ms. Rockwell’s illustrations in this updated version use acrylic gouache that results in bright colors on white backgrounds.

BIBLIO: 2010, Henry Holt & Company, Ages 2 - 5, $16.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-8050-7662-2

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 8/10/10

Saxby Smart - Private Detective in The Treasure of Dead Man’s Lane …

Simon Cheshire
Illustrated by R. W. Alley

In The Treasure of Dead Man’s Lane, Saxby Smart requires the help of his friend George “Muddy” Whitehouse, and Isobel “Izzy” Moustique to solve the mystery of the horror house at 13 Deadman’s Lane. The house had been vacant for many years, but had been recently purchased by the parents of a school friend, Jack Wilson. During the renovations a secret scroll was found that claimed a hidden treasure was somewhere in the building. A great deal of history was involved from World War II to Napoleon Bonaparte in solving the mystery of the scroll. The prior owner of the house, Silas Middlewich, built the house in 1837, and appeared to have a reputation of being a very nasty man. In order to solve the mystery, Saxby and his friends had to follow many trails before answers were found. When the truth was discovered, the house Jack’s parent’s bought known as the horror house, became a true historical find. Two other Case Files are included in the book, The Tomb of Death and The Fangs of the Dragon. Each Case File is just as mystifying as the Treasure of Dead Man’s Lane. It should be noted that Saxby Smart is a student and his office is in a tool shed.

In Saxby’s investigations, he includes the reader, as his ‘side-kick’, asking questions throughout creating a rather interactive read. This book was difficult to put down, even for the reviewer to take notes. Mr. Cheshire, the author, has found a primary character and cohorts that are ageless within the middle-grade readers. The black illustrations are right on target for the characters and more so for the pages from Saxby’s notebooks. We can only hope that Cheshire has a third book on the way. In the meantime, grab this and the first book for any bookshelves you may have.

BIBLIO: 2010, Roaring Brook Press, Ages 9 - 12, $15.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Middle-Grade Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-59643-475-2

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 7/8/10

Twinkle, Star of the Week

Joan Holub
Illustrated by Paul Nicholls

The teacher, Ms. Sun, will give each of her students an opportunity to be a superstar, to sit in the Milky Way chair during Sharing Time. Of the nine students, the brightest, Twinkle, knew she wanted to sing her song. The others all had things they would share for their special time. Dazzle went first – three planets circled around her. The class counted eight planets circling Ms. Sun. When Blaze was a superstar he brought asteroid cookies and explained asteroids are mostly rock. Soon it was Shimmer’s time and she shared a shape game of stars called Constellation Tag. Twinkle thought about mentioning planet tutus, but decided against it. Finally, since she was the brightest star, she decided to do something no one else had done. Surely, you may have seen her star up in the sky and thought about it now and then?

The publisher note considers this book as a low-key introduction to the stars, planets, and other objects of the Universe. Considering the target age of the book, readers of the 6 – 8 age groups will be unnecessarily deprived of additional science. Why were the three planets around Dazzle not identified? It would only have been one more sentence. If the class counted eight planets circling Ms. Sun, why not identify those planets. The Constellation Tag game clearly shows the Big Dipper yet it does not identify it. Finally, Twinkle mentions planet tutus – we should all look that one up. On a scale of one to ten, this book receives a one. Doing a halfway job in explaining science is not the correct way to show a child they are special; do not bother putting this one on your shelves.

BIBLIO: 2010, Albert Whitman & Company, Ages 6 - 8, $16.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-8075-8131-5

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 7/8/10

Fire Drill

Paul DuBois Jacobs and Jennifer Swender
Illustrated by Huy Voun Lee

In this classroom, young students are learning many lessons - from getting along with each other, putting puzzles together, painting, and singing. Their most important lesson though is learning to listen to their teacher. Suddenly, a loud bell sounds, and the children must be quiet to find out what they should do. A poster on the wall, FIRE DRILL RULES, suddenly becomes the focus. It is time for the children to follow the rules, and wait patiently for their teacher to say, “Okay!” Then it is back to fun.

This is a very age appropriate book that teaches young children the importance of fire drills, and listening to their teachers. Illustrations are bright and colorful, easily engaging children’s eyes and interest. Also, the clever illustrations are replete with an array of patterns. The text is simple and easy for children to understand and absorb. This is a wonderful book every elementary class should start with, and refer to during the school months.

BIBLIO: 2010, Henry Holt and Co., Ages 4 - 7, $15.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Rhyming Text
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8953-0

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 7/8/10

Cat Diaries – Secret Writings of the MEOW Society

Betsy Byars
Betsy Duffey
Laurie Myers
Illustrated by Erik Brooks

Cat Diaries – Secret Writings … who knew? - The independent creatures we stroke, feed, and hope will eventually return home, keep secret journals and belong to the MEOW Society! Cats never forget our motto – MEOW, Memories Expressed in Our Writing. It was the third full moon of the year – where is your cat? Mice ran without fear, alleys and streets were quiet. The MEOW Society was coming to order somewhere … everywhere. So many stories to share – Rama, the Gypsy Cat, 1900 Kansas – cats have two purrs. The first purr is for the public, and the second purr is for your special person. Evidently, that person can change depending on the weather. The Library Cat found her home by chance. She was born outside the Library and by chance followed some children inside – where she just happened to become useful. Now she belongs in the Library – that’s her home and her life. Poor Whiskers, back in 1943, over in South Carolina. He made the mistake of winding up in the wrong hands. Fortunately, it all worked out for him, but he doesn’t want to do anymore parachute rides anytime soon. There are so many stories that were read, but even more that were not because of time. Next year we will meet again, with more stories, and more members.

Such a delicious thought – one night a year our cats get together and read their journals to each other. What a concept! Having had a cat since I was six years old, it gives me pause to consider what they do when we sleep. However, since the technological age has not yet reached the feline population, I do believe we have some degree of safety. Hence, my comments to the authors, Cat Diaries – Secret Writings Of the MEOW Society, is a must read for anyone who loves cats, regardless of age. Although children might enjoy it over a longer period of time, this reviewer is enchanted with the concept of cats writing journals. Children should keep up with the feline population in the journal writing, huh? It is a very enjoyable read, put it on your library shelf and pull it out often. Mr. Brooks' black ink illustrations are animated and on target. My favorite is page 50.

BIBLIO: 2010, Henry Holt and Company, Ages 7 - 10, $15.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Chapter Book
ISBN: 978-0-8050-8717-8

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 7/8/10

Annie Hoot and the Knitting Extravaganza

Holly Clifton-Brown

Annie Hoot loved to knit, any time of day or night. She would knit anything as long as she had the yarn. Too bad her friends did not appreciate the things she knitted for them. She decided to leave her woods and finds friends who would appreciate her knitted gifts. To do that, she must knit one more time in her wooded home. To her friend’s surprise, Annie Hoot left in a knitted hot air balloon and off she went. She had many adventures as she knitted her away across the world. She started in the rain forest, and sailed across the sea. Still no one was happy with her knitting. The elephants, a giraffe, polar bears, walrus’, and penguins – so many she had shared her knitting with. Finally Annie Hoot had run out of yarn and she was feeling homesick. But without yarn how could she get home?

This is a sweet picture book about friendship and sharing. Annie Hoot had a gift of knitting and all she wanted to do was share, with everybody. The concept of sharing with their friends is something all children should understand. The author/illustrator combined a pleasing text with illustrations that are colorful and whimsical, sure to catch a young reader’s attention.

BIBLIO: 2010, Andersen Press USA. Ages 4 - 8, $16.95.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-7613-6444-3

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 7/8/10

Kitten’s Spring

Eugenie Fernandes

The sun is shining on the farm and kitten has gone exploring. There is much to see and hear this morning. First kitten listens to the song of a hummingbird, and the buzz of a bee. As kitten goes along, there is a frog, and a bird leaving her nest. Yet, there is so much more to see. Kitten plays chase with the dog and hears the chicken clucking with her chick. The farm is full of things to see and hear! There are still ducks, cows, pigs, and so much more for kitten to see and hear.

The illustrations are very colorful, almost appearing to be three-dimensional. Each page is full of things to see, despite the text. Ms. Fernandes has done an excellent job creating a book that will appeal to young readers beyond just the initial story line. Young readers will find much to look for on the pages of this very colorful fun read.

BIBLIO: 2010, Kids Can Press, Ages 1 - 4, $14.95.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Rhyming
ISBN: 978-1-55453-340-4

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 5/24/10

Oh No! Time to Go! Book of Goodbyes

Rebecca Doughty

Everyone has their own way to say goodbye. From toodle-oo, g’bye, to later gator! The concept of goodbye can be difficult for young children to understand. Auntie Lou wants to have a chat and drink tea, and then it’s time for goodbye. Uncle Ed, with his southern drawl, says g’bye y’all. When Granny comes for a visit, there are hugs and kisses, but there is always a goodbye. Other good-byes could be just a handshake, or a baby who says goo-goo. Dogs seem to have it easier than anyone else does – a simple grrr sends the other one on their way. There is a goodbye that is harder for a young child to deal with. Yet, along with good-byes there are also hellos.

This rhyming book of meeting, visiting, and saying goodbye will help young readers understand the concept of saying goodbye. The illustrations are in primary colors, and are drawn to appeal to the young readers. The book is a reminder to the readers and to those who read to them, that good-byes are a part of life.

BIBLIO: 2009, Schwartz & Wade Books, Ages 3 - 7, $15.99.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Fiction / Rhyming
ISBN: 978-0-375-84981-7

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 5/24/10

A Mountain Alphabet

Margriet Ruurs
Illustrated by Andrew Kiss

This is an alphabet book that will not go out of style! The alphabet is depicted in the western mountain region of North America where the letter “A” starts at a view of an avalanche. “B” shows a bear in the boreal forest. Elks represent the letter “E” shown through evergreens. A laughing loon on a lake is great for the “L”. Following is massive mountains, nocturnal animals, an otter, a provincial park, and a quilled creature. The “R” for raccoons, “S” for salmons, and “Z” for a zigzagging trail. The last two pages give further descriptions of the illustrations that were used for the alphabets, and the very last page asks readers to find hidden items used in the illustrations.

This book is one that children and adults will want to come back to over and over again. Not only is it beautifully illustrated, which engages the readers eye, there is so much more to the book than just the alphabet. The illustrations draw the reader in to find all the elements included, bighorns, cougars, grizzly bear, a wide variety of flowers, picnic tables, jewelry – and so much more. Each illustration is a challenge for the readers to return and find more on each return.

BIBLIO: 2009, Tundra Books, Ages 6 and up, $7.95.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 978-0-88776-940-5

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 5/24/10

Eliot Jones, Midnight Superhero

Annie Cottringer
Illustrated by Alex T. Smith

By day, Eliot Jones is a quiet child. He reads his books and takes care of his goldfish. However, when midnight strikes, Eliot Jones becomes a superhero! The adventures he has after midnight call on his many skills. He hangs from a helicopter to return missing teddy bears. As an expert lion tamer, he is able to return lions that have escaped from the local zoo. His skill as a champion swimmer helps save a ship destined to crash on rocks and sailors from the sea. Eliot Jones is a great help with the Queen in returning her jewels, using his skill as an excellent sleuth. From there, his adventures become more dangerous, calling on courage and ingenuity. It is no question that when his superhero tasks are complete, Eliot Jones is tired and quiet during the day.

The typeset and colorful illustrations are creative and add to the whimsy of the story. This book is a fun read for the age group and adds a little mystery to the activities of young Eliot Jones after midnight.

BIBLIO: 2009, Tiger Tales, Ages 3 – 7, $7.95.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-58925-416-9

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 5/24/10

The Blues Go Birding Across America

Carol L. Malnor and Sandy F. Fuller
Illustrated by Louise Schroeder

Five birds make up the group: Bing, Lulu, Uno, Eggbert, and Sammi. The five birds were asked to sing in concert on the Fourth of July at the White House Lawn. Their mission is to find a new song to sing at this concert. To do this, the group of five birds decides to go on a road trip to find new sounds for the White House concert. Setting off, the first stop was in Alaska where the Bald Eagle lived. From there the group of five traveled to Hawaii spotting a Black-Footed Albatross. Going east to California, the next bird they found was a Ring-Billed Gull. Still, though, the group had not found sounds they could use for the White House concert. There were more stops coming up, New Mexico and the Rocky Mountain National Park. They did not stay long and continued on to Kansas to hear the song of the Western Meadowlark. Perhaps the fancy whistles they heard could be learned, but the group of five were not done yet. The Turkey Vulture in Texas was next, and there were more birds across America to be seen. Does the group ever find the new sounds they are looking for?

For each bird they came across, Eggbert added his birding tips on each stop, and one of the five in the group includes a notebook. Statistics are included for each bird that is easy to learn. The illustrations are beautifully colored, realistic portrayals of each bird. A Reading Guide, in pdf format, is available online for those who may read this book to multiple children. This is an excellent book to teach young readers about bird watching.

BIBLIO: 2010, Dawn Publications, Ages 5 – 9, $8.95.
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Easy to Read Nature
ISBN: 978-1-58469-1259

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 5/24/10