Dooby Dooby Moo

Cronin, Doreen. Dooby Dooby Moo. ABDO Publishing: 2009. ISBN: 9781599614236.

In Dooby Dooby Moo the cows, sheep and ducks are making funny noises because they are trying out to sing for the county fair. Farmer Brown is keeping his eye on the animals to see what all the commotion is about. The pictures look like funny drawings that are colored in with watercolor paint.
My favorite part of the book was when the animals sang at the fair! I would recommend this book to kids 5-12 who are interested in animals.

I.W., 5th Grade, Eastwood Schools.

How to Raise Mom and Dad

Lerman, Josh. How to Raise Mom and Dad. Dutton Children's Books: 2009. ISBN: 9780525478706.

How to Raise Mom and Dad is about two kids, a boy and a girl, and they have all these ideas about how to keep mom and dad busy. They have a list that has a whole bunch of things like wake up mom and dad, help them get dressed, feed them breakfast and a lot more that will keep them busy! The pictures in the book have a lot of descriptive scenes that go along with the words in the paragraphs. The illustrations are the same color on each page, like shades of orange, blue, red and gray. The book has lots of humor. My favorite part is when the kids use a megaphone to wake up their parents! I would recommend it to other kids ages 8-12. It may be boring for older kids, and kids under 8 may not understand the humor.

E.T. , 5th Grade, Eastwood Schools.

My Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life

Feiffer, Kate. My Mom is Trying to Ruin My Life. Simon & Schuster: 2009. ISBN: 9781416941002.


My Mom is Trying to Ruin My Life is a story about a girl who thinks her parents are trying to ruin her life. But then she finds out that without her parents, her life is not the same or as good as her life with her parents. The pictures are outstanding. They show emotion and detail. The pictures are realistic and funny. This book was outstanding and funny, and many kids would be able to relate to it. I would recommend this book to kids of all ages.

H. F., 5th grade, Eastwood

Stanza

Esbaum, Jill. Stanza. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: 2009. ISBN: 9780152059989.


Stanza is a poet with two mean brothers. He is also a dog. Stanza writes in a secret corner at night after his brothers are asleep. He enters a poetry contest hoping to win first place - money! Stanza got second place. His brothers made fun of him, but he got a year supply of "Snappers" dog treats that he decided to share with them. The pictures in this book are funny, cartoonish and very colorful.


D.A., 5th Grade, Pemberville Elementary

It's a Baby Cheetah

Doudna, Kelly. It’s a Baby Cheetah!. ABDO Publishing Company: 2009. ISBN: 9781604531510.


It's a Baby Cheetah!, an inviting non-fiction story in the “It’s a Baby …” animal series is a gorgeous pictorial representation of life of a cheetah from birth to adulthood. Kelly Doudna does an excellent job anticipating information that will spark the interest of the young readers this book targets. Even readers with a limited ability will be drawn in by the simple text and vivid photography. The photos depict the information the text wishes to convey and enhances its meaning. Little “extras”, factoids about the cheetah, weave throughout the pages that enhance the information that is being highlighted. I especially liked the “Fun Fact” at the end of the story that relates the cheetah’s non-retractable claws to something that children are familiar with, sports cleats. The author has also included a vocabulary list of 11 words for an independent reader in need of a little more information. There is also a single page of “vitals” about the cheetah that engage the reader in the information the text will provide. The beautiful close-up photography allows the reader to experience the world of the cheetah first hand. Any reader will be captivated and drawn in to the life of the cheetah.


Sue Tressel, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

Over In the Arctic: Where the Cold Wind Blows

Berkes, Marianne. Over in the Arctic: Where the Cold Wind Blows. Dawn Publications: 2008. ISBN: 9781584691099.

Marianne Berkes has once again created an interactive story that is whimsical and inviting to the reader in Over in the Artic: Where the Cold Wind Blows. This continuation of the “Over in the…” theme captures the reader’s attention with its rhythmic flow. From the cover of the book, the reader is fully engaged in the melodic verse that weaves the story together. The reader anticipates the sequential nature of the book and remains engaged for what arctic animal comes next. The reader’s eye is drawn to the varying textures on the page that the illustrator, Jill Dubin, has skillfully crafted with her cut paper designs. The combination of color and texture gives the allusion of a 3-D creation. Following the text, the reader is invited on an “I Spy” adventure of sorts to look back through the illustrations in search of more arctic animals. There is a brief synopsis of each type of animal to further develop the reader’s understanding of the animals and their relation to the world around them. The author has graciously included related activities to extend the child’s learning and spark their creativity. This frozen adventure draws the reader into this stark world that in reality is teaming with life and possibility.


Sue Tressel, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

I Am An Octopus: The Life of a Common Octopus

Shaskan, Trisha Speed. I Am an Octopus: The Life of a Common Octopus. Picture Window Books: 2008. ISBN: 9781404847293.

This vibrant colored, non-fiction book, I Am an Octopus: The Life of a Common Octopus, by Trisha Speed Shaskan is one of eight in a series entitled “I Live in the Ocean" where ocean animals provide a first-hand account of their life as told in this story by the common octopus. The uncomplicated, scientific text enlightens even the youngest of readers about animal life in the ocean. The detailed, up-close visually intriguing illustrations are age appropriate and very well matched to the text. Made available to the reader by the author are many extras such as an index, diagram, glossary, book list, fun facts, sidebars and safe websites in an attempt to further educate the reader on the subject matter introduced in the story. This book about the life of the common octopus will captivate the interest of both young children and adults alike and they will want to go through the pages time and time again.

Sue Winebar, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

I Can Do It Myself

Adams, Diane. I Can Do It Myself!. Peachtree Publishers, 2009. ISBN: 9781561454716.

I Can Do It Myself!, a familiar stage in a child’s life is portrayed in this book about Emily Pearl, who thinks she is big enough to do everything for herself. Mom is ever present and ready to offer her daughter assistance throughout the story however, through the repetitive refrain of “I can do it myself!” Emily makes it crystal clear that she is in no need of assistance from anyone who attempts to offer it. The story offers a lesson to all that while we prefer to be independent beings and do things for ourselves, there are times in life that everyone, big or small, welcomes the assistance of others such as Emily does with her mom at bedtime. The reader will be able to observe through the soft and gentle colored illustrations of colored pencils, watercolor and pen, the imaginative and inventive ways in which Emily demonstrates her ability to be self reliant. Young children will enjoy reading this rhyming book over and over, seeing themselves through the eyes of Emily Pearl as she demonstrates her need for independence.

Sue Winebar, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

Solving the Mysteries of Stonehenge

Gray, Leon. Solving the Mysteries of Stonehenge. Marshall Cavendish: 2009. ISBN: 9780761431107.


Readers seeking information about ancient mysteries will appreciate this well organized, enticingly illustrated book that deals with what we know, what we want to know and what some have thought they knew about one of the great mysteries of the modern age. In Solving the Mysteries of Stonehenge, an always fascinating subject, is brought to light through well articulated text supplemented with eye-catching information bubbles, proposed sketches and actual stock photos of the sight. Bold print words call attention to key points, but do not spoon feed the reader, while also allowing the less initiated to check the coordinated glossary for additional understanding. An offering of additional resources at the end of the book makes further exploration easy. This book is very classroom friendly. It is exciting in content, but has information presented on various levels to give readers enticement to revisit time after time to see what they may have missed or want to confirm. I appreciated this book as more than just a collection of photos. It goes farther to explain some of the discovery processes as well as noting there have been many theories over the years rather than just endorsing the author’s point of view. By chunking information into smaller bites, reluctant or lesser able readers still get meaning without the potential to be overwhelmed making this a very user friendly selection.


Beth Ebinger, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

Appetite For Detention

Tanen, Sloane. Appetite for Detention. Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books: 2008. ISBN: 9781599900759

Ms. Tanen has captured the essence of middle school/high school angst with her cast of characters, yellow baby chicks known as peeps, in an Appetite for Detention. She tells an imaginative story with razor sharp humor of seven typical teenagers as they start and traverse through a new school year. Through the vagaries of teenage relationships, the reader is caught up in the trials and tribulations of the peeps’ lives – such as the comments about hair, clothes, geeks, the inability to fit in, romance, gym class, dealing with parents, and the extremely humorous diaries of Annalise. The photographs are inventive and cleverly done with miniature sets that help move the story along. The author’s reflection of the over-dramatic musing of the teenagers in the context of the story makes each character’s remarks come out hilariously funny. The story is provocative and brings up young adult issues, so the book is not compatible for children under 12. This would be a great book to pass around at class reunions.


Daleen Askins, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

Constitution Day

Aloian, Molly. Constitution Day. Crabtree Publishing: 2009. ISBN: 9780778742869.

“Each year on September 17, every school and college that receives federal money, or money from the government, must teach students about the Constitution” (p. 18).
Imagine my excitement, as a Title I reading teacher, to discover Constitution Day just waiting to be shared with my primary students next September 17th. This book follows the patriotic red, white, and blue theme throughout and has bright, vibrant stock photos. This informational text is complete with a table of contents, glossary, and index. Each double-paged spread of this thirty-two page book tells some fact about the Constitution or Constitution Day. It also includes a “Did You Know?” insert with a quick fact that could easily be incorporated into a Constitution themed display for a classroom. This very informational book will be enjoyed by both teachers and students and is definitely a book I would add to my classroom library.

Karen Hernstein, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

Gobble It Up

Arnosky, Jim. Gobble It Up! Scholastic Press: 2008. ISBN: 9780439903622.

With rhythm and rhyme this song turned book, Gobble It Up!, captures the imaginations of young readers while introducing them to the concept of interconnectedness of nature, who eats what and how we all have that in common. Readers can’t help but smile as the story line reassures they that they would “gobble them up and they’d taste good!!” Illustrations, created by using semi-opaque style acrylic paints on acid-free watercolor paper are realistic enough to reinforce the informative nature, but just slightly cartoonish enough to be reassuring and appealing. The accompanying CD gives even the reluctant reader confidence to tackle the print which displays the words to the catchy song that they will want to play again and again.
This is a book I will use in my classroom. The illustrations make it less frightening than a photo production, but are not so babyish and cutesy as to offend older students who are experiencing processing delays. It is clear in the concept, but presents it in an amusing, captivating way- especially once the CD is utilized. I found this useful book to be a great way to cover concepts required without the trauma sometimes experienced by young readers who had never given thought to the process before.


Beth Ebinger, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

What Are These Animals Doing?

Kalman, Bobbie. What Are These Animals Doing? Crabtree Publishing: 2009. ISBN: 9780778733249.

What Are These Animals Doing? is a delightful book about animal behavior. It is interactive by challenging students to guess what the animals are doing and why. The book is organized into short, fact-filled chapters that will keep the readers engaged with its narrative and visual style. The author uses a consistent format, including large type for reading aloud, bold-faced vocabulary words, which are defined within the text, and colorful chapter headings. Most importantly, the author provides colorful pictures that reinforce the content, but do not distract from the information on each page. I really enjoyed the chapter “Sing and Dance.” It was interesting to learn why male humpback whales jump out of the water. The author expounds on this by giving important information on the whales mating habits. I believe that this book would be of great use as a supplemental resource in the classroom.

Daleen Askins, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

Ms. McCaw Learns to Draw

Zemach, Kaethe. Ms. McCaw Learns to Draw. Scholastic, 2008. ISBN: 9780439829144.

In Ms. McCaw Learns to Draw, Dudley Ellington personifies several students I come in contact with daily as a Title I Reading Teacher – difficulty paying attention, fidgeting and academically challenged. Ms. McCaw is the patient, understanding teacher we all aspire to be and an “expert” in the eyes of her students. When her deficit – not being able to draw – is brought to the attention of her class, Dudley finds that he can do something well and can face his fears. This is an engaging story with an important message for all primary students; those who succeed as well as those who struggle. The reassuring tone to the story, as well as the colorful, watercolor and pen illustrations help to deliver this message. These illustrations have a humorous edge to them which would appeal to the readers and capture their attention as the children and classroom come to life. Students and teachers alike will enjoy this book due to the combination of its message and its presentation of artwork.


Karen Hernstein, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

Fartiste

Krull, Kathleen. Brewer, Paul. Fartiste. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: 2008. ISBN: 9781416928287.


An author named Krull,
Not known to be bashful,
With her husband named Brewer,
Entertained this reviewer.
Fartiste is the name of the book that they wrote, and yes,
As you’ve quite likely guessed,
Together they have raised the lowliest fart
Up out of the gutter to a place of high art!

Illustrated by Boris Kulikov, using a deft mix of acrylic, gauche, watercolor and ink that uses an understated palette, at least until a particularly explosive moment in the story, recalls an era gone by. The “artiste” complements the authors’ text with what at first glance appears to be a literal interpretation of the text, but upon further study reveals both a deeper understanding of the text to the reader and then kicks the humor up a notch or two as well. Fartiste is the story of the life of Joseph Pujol, a Frenchman, who used his rather unique, thank goodness, gift to provide for his family of 10. Laughs are plenty, but never at the expense of our hero whose dignity in life and in verse is maintained. Krull’s and Brewer’s use of simple rhyme is infectious, effective and remarkably unforced. Their dauntingly literal exploration of the farts, excuse me, facts leave only one sense to the imagination, your sense of hearing, but fear not, your imagination will be working overtime! The subject matter will appeal to children of all ages and, in the end, so to speak, to the smarmiest school marm.


Lane M. Hackel, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

Big, Bigger, Biggest

Coffelt, Nancy. Big, Bigger, Biggest! Henry Holt & Co.: 2009. ISBN: 9780805080896.


Nancy Coffelt has written several children’s books. Big, Bigger, Biggest! follows in the same tradition as Dogs in Space and Pug in a Truck where she writes informative text in a fun and appealing way. Coffelt uses bold acrylics on canvas to create the animals who help to introduce the sometimes confusing concepts of comparisons, synonyms, and antonyms to young children. Each animal is simply depicted in bright colors and bold strokes that complement the background color on each page. These engaging creatures help even the youngest reader to visualize the hippo as big, the whale as bigger and the dinosaur (where she has cleverly shown only the feet and tail) as biggest. This is only part of the charm of this highly educational work as when comparing slimy, Ms. Coffelt uses words like viscous and slick to describe even the slimiest of creatures. The book continues its appeal through seven common comparisons, 21 amusing animals and over 60 superb synonyms and awesome antonyms to the very end, conclusion, finale.


Marla Ritter, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

Penelope and the Preposterous Birthday Party

Radford, Sheri. Penelope and the Preposterous Birthday Party. Lobster Press: 2009. ISBN: 9781897550007.

Sheri Radford’s third adventure, Penelope and the Preposterous Birthday Party, is another exuberant example of the antics of that joyful character. Just like Radford’s first two outings, this escapade appeals to the young and young at heart. The story careens through Penelope’s birthday party where every time the doorbell chimes more guests arrive to help celebrate with Penelope. From her fathers’ exasperated query “Is this everyone”, to Penelope’s repeated refrain “ Just one or two more”, each new arrival brings color, fun, and mischief. Using bright imagery and alliterations, the descriptive text leads the reader through the party as each surprising guest arrives. Finally, after the whole class, the soccer team, the ballet class and the circus have made their appearance at Penelope’s party even the reader begins to wonder, “Just how many guests did Penelope invite?” After her parents’ final outburst, “This party is preposterous!”, Penelope agrees with a humorous solution.


Marla Ritter, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story

Kimmel, Eric A. Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story. Holiday House: 2008. ISBN: 9780823418930.

In Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story, three of Judaism’s founding fathers in disguise visit the booths of two brothers on holiday of Sukkot. Both of the brothers find after the visit that they have earned what they have received, but one finds that the visit teaches a much sterner lesson to one brother than the other. Illustrator, Katya Karenina uses a dreamy brush with her acrylics to create a literal and fantastical accompaniment to Kimmel’s telling of a traditional Hebrew tale. Krenina’s particular skill is demonstrated in the faces of her subjects which display simple emotional clues to the viewer that are unmistakable. Kimmel’s simple text helps the reader/listener understand the terms that are unfamiliar to most readers, while not talking down to them. His use of repetition in the story the guests tell builds a delicious sense of tension as we anticipate each brother getting his “just desserts”. This story is suitable for anyone, whether they are trying to learn more about Judaism or helping a child understand why selfishness is short-sighted strategy.


Lane Hackel, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

Solving the Mysteries of the Pyramids

McDonald, Fiona. (Digging into History) Solving the Mysteries of the Pyramids. Marshall Cavendish Benchmark: 2009. ISBN: 9780761431060.


Solving the Mysteries of the Pyramids is part of a series entitled Digging into History. Focusing on Egyptian pyramids, it provides an interesting look into the past of Egyptian burials and history. Information on the pyramids is divided into six sections, which are titled in question form. The book reconstructs what we already know about Egyptian mummies, pyramids, and history, to what we can still discover through DNA samples, C.A.T. scans and further archaeological finds. Included in the book is a complete glossary, Names to Know, an index, and a well-constructed timeline. The presented story line is logical, factual, and written in an expository manner. Actual pictures of archaeological sites, mummies, pyramids, and museum displays make the book realistic and informative. The writing style is descriptive, uses primary sources and is relatively appropriate for intermediate grades. Since Egypt is a topic for the 6th grade Social Studies, this would be an excellent resource book for the core subject, and could also be used in Language Arts as part of a collection on Egyptian history. The book is student-friendly, in its writing style and factual, popular topic. It is focused, interestingly designed, and captures the reader’s attention by using a variety of topics and photographs concerning Egyptian pyramids and other related facts.



Beth Ann Hummel, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950

Labradoodles

Larrew, Brekka Hervey. Labradoodles. Capstone Press: 2009. ISBN: 9781429620093.

For people seeking information on Labradoodles, this book is exceptional. It is well organized and easy to follow. The table of contents readily identifies the book’s topics, and it a breeze to navigate through the entire book. The layout and color scheme of the pages are enticing to the reader. Most pages are bordered with a darker purple background, fading into a soft lilac. This gives the reader a sense of comfort, making it seem as if this type of dog would provide the same aesthetic feeling. Real life snap shots also accompany the text. Many have captions, truly showing the physical attributes and temperament of the breed. Within the text, there are bold-faced words which are defined at the bottom of the page. Interpretation of the information is easily comprehended with detailed descriptive sentences. At the back of the book, there is a glossary which contains the bold-faced words. What I really like is the page where there are two additional sections: Read More and Internet Sites. This provides the reader with an extension to the informational text. The last page is the Index, allowing the reader to quickly refer back to the page of a certain topic.


Tammy Leady, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950