Library

Anansi Boys

Anansi Boys

By: Neil Gaiman

Fat Charlie Nancy is your average, every-day kind of guy.  He gets up, goes to work, sees his fiancée, Rosie, and starts all over again.  No, he really isn't fat; he's actually skinny guy with a horrible name.  Charlie Nancy?  Really?

Charlie lives in London and couldn't be happier to be away from his father.  That is, until he gets word that his mother is dying.  He returns to Florida to see her, and his father shows up for a visit.  Suddenly, his mother is no longer dying of cancer and she's going to use her life savings to travel the world.  Fat Charlie doesn't really understand how someone can have a few days to live, then suddenly be let out of the hospital - but he knows his father is somehow behind it.

When his mother does die in Saint Andrew he heads home again for her funeral.  Off in the distance he sees a tall, slim figure that looks vaguely familiar, but then dismisses it.  Charlie heads back to England and Rosie.  And then it happens: his father dies on a karaoke stage in a somewhat ungentlemanly manner (in his defense, he was dying...).  Charlie again heads back to Florida and sees Mrs. Higgler, Mrs. Bustamonte, Mrs. Dunwiddy and Miss Noles who tell him some surprising information: he has a brother - and that's not all they tell him.  They drop a bomb-shell about his father.

When Charlie's brother Spider arrives, chaos ensues.  Spider is used to doing what he wants, when he wants, with little concern for the feelings of others.  Until Rosie, that is.  Charlie's in the battle of his life to try and figure out the truth about his father, his brother, Rosie, his job and his future.  Just a few things. 

Keep in mind the title of the story!  If you're not familiar with the Anansi stories (Anansi is the stories) don't worry: Gaiman gives you the background and even gives you a few tales.  Anansi is a trickster - things may not always be as they seem!

Recommended To:

• Science-Fiction fans
• Neil Gaiman / Terry Pratchett / Ellen Kushner
• Fans of trickster tales
• Everyone!

Notes on the Cover:

I like it.  I like it a lot!  The version I have has a beautiful gold, yellow and black sky with a sparkly, silvery spider web and Spider, Charlie and their father walking or dancing, depending on how you look at it!  I love the umbrella!  It's a great touch, plus it helps you figure out who's who!

Yes, we have it!

The Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County

The Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County

By: Janice N. Harrington

Pictures By: Shelley Jackson

Holy cow are the little kids going to like this one!  With a catchy title like that you're going to pique their interest like no other!

Our character needs no name: she's the Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County, after all!  Every day she does three things: eat breakfast, tell stories to Big Mama, and when Big Mama turns her back she chases chickens.

She even has a plan.  She sneaks up on them, slowly and then stands silently by until she finds the hen she wants.  It's the most beautiful hen in the yard and she has proved difficult to catch.  Our Queen has to think about how to out-smart this particular hen.  She tries a few things out that don't work.  That hen is just too quick for her!  Then she does some detective work and finds her prize, but there's another surprise in for her as well!  Will our little Queen continue to chase chickens, or will she outgrow this phase?

The Illustrations:

This book is great fun.  The illustrations are a mixture of painting and real-life objects collaged together.  Just take a look at the hens!  They are quite distinguishable!  The spreads that come up right after she is sneaking up on the chickens are great.  If read with the right inflection children will squeal in delight at every pounce the Chicken-Chasing Queen makes!

Recommended To:

• Storytellers - really, the kids will love this!
• Parents who have adventuresome children
• Everyone!

On our shelves by the Fall!

Famous Crimes

Famous Crimes: Stories of Law and Order in Minnesota

By: Sheri O'Meara and Merle Minda

Blast those Barnes and Noble displays!  I was doing so well, just getting things off my list when what do I see but a book on famous Minnesota crimes.  Being a little morbidly curious, I picked it up.  And it was kind of fun!

The chapters are short and have nice photos at the end of each so that you can see the people that are being talked about.  Chapters cover topics such as ‘Gangsters in the Streets,' ‘The Congdon Murders,' and ‘The Murder of Dennis Jurgens.' 

Did you know that there were gangsters in Minnesota?  I didn't.  I guess I figured it would have been too far away from places like Chicago and New York where they were supposed to hang out!  The interesting thing about the gangsters is that they were invited.  No, that was not a typo!  Because of a crime problem in the early 1900s, Police Chief John J. O'Connor introduced the O'Connor system.  It had three rules:

1. They would commit no crime within the city limits of St. Paul ( O'Connor didn't care where else they committed crimes, and the hoodlums he harbored could feel free to go to Minneapolis, for example, and do all the robbing and killing and criminalizing they desired.  But they were to behave themselves in his city.)
2. Criminals were required to "check in" with the police department or a go-between when they came to town and to identify themselves so the police would know they were there.  And they would be left alone.
3. It was expected they would make a "donation" to the police department. (8)

You have any idea on who took him up on this offer?  John Dillinger, "Baby Face" Nelson, Alvin "Creepy" Karpis, the Barkers (Ma, Doc and Fred), "Machine Gun" Kelly, Verne Miller, Fred Goetz and more. (7)  I didn't recognize all of the names, but I'm sure you can guess a few of the obvious ones!  The deterioration of the O'Connor system led to some interesting times!

The gangsters were basically the first chapter.  A couple of them are mentioned later on in a kidnapping case (I don't recall it involving murder, but that doesn't mean anything).  The rest of the chapters profile kidnappings, murders and child abuse.  A couple of the stories may not be for the faint of heart, but nothing is extremely graphic or gruesome in the book.  I'm not saying things won't disturb you, because they will, but there are not detailed descriptions of the more unpleasant side of things. 

It looks like there's going to be a follow-up to this book that will include information on the James-Younger gang (Jesse James!), Sarah Jane Olson aka Kathleen Soliah, Jacob Wetterling and more.

Recommended To:

• All Minnesotans! In this year of the sesquicentennial you should catch up on your Minnesota trivia! (There's also a Celebrities and Sports Legends book from the same press).
• True Crime fans
• Adults!

A note on the text:  It could have withstood a bit more editing, but for a short book from a small press, I'm not going to split hairs.  I just hate typos.  (Yes, I'm aware there are some on this blog - I try to catch them, I just don't always go back and read what I posted!)

Moral Disorder and Other Stories

Moral Disorder and Other Stories

By: Margaret Atwood

In this collection of short stories there is a major uniting theme: they are all about Nell.  The thing is, you don't know her name right away - or even that much about her until you finish the collection.  You just get bits and pieces of her life in each chapter, which do not go in "order" of birth, teenager, middle-aged, elderly, etc.  The way the stories are arranged help you to see why Nell is the way she is, the events, people and places that have shaped her life. 

We meet her sister, a high school boyfriend named Bill, Tig and his almost ex-wife Oona (now this is an interesting relationship, especially how the two of them pertain to Nell), learn about her parents, her first gift for her baby sister and so much more.  These life stories are personable, emotional and affecting.  The narrator makes identifying with her particularly easy.  Her tone is natural and very matter-of-fact.  She's just telling you how she sees it.

I feel that I am sadly lacking in this review and that I'm not getting across how wonderful this book really is.  It's one that will leave you thinking about your life and the relationships you have, and maybe even those you don't.

Recommended To:

• Margaret Atwood fans - you know who you are
• Anyone looking for a little lesson on life
• Those who really enjoy identifying with their narrator
• Everyone!

Notes on the Cover:

Fun.  Very fun.  The face screams 1950s to me, but that's the charm of it.  It's broken up into three sections that have it in different positions, then there are the bands across the front: the one on top is blue with the title in it, and the one below is green with the author's name in it.  The breaking-up of the face really made me think about the order of the stories in the book.  Maybe that's just me though...

Margaret's Official Website:

http://www.owtoad.com/home.html

Also, if you loved this title, check out one of her many others!  I really loved: The Handmaid's Tale, The Blind Assassin, Oryx and Crake, and Alias Grace.  Sadly, those are the only ones I've read, but she also has poetry collections, children's books and nonfiction.  Something for everyone!

Henry's Freedom Box

Henry's Freedom Box

Caldecott Honor Book 2008 

By: Ellen Levine

Illustrated By: Kadir Nelson

It's a picture book!  Really!

I have to start with the cover on this one!  Just looking at young Henry sitting in a field you feel your heart strings tug for this adorable child.  His eyes will haunt you though.  They have seen things that many of us never have and never will see, for Henry was a slave.

The very first words of the book will also send a chill through you: "Henry Brown wasn't sure how old he was.  Henry was a slave.  And slaves weren't allowed to know their birthdays."  Right off the bat we know that things will probably get much worse for young Henry before they get better.  Henry's mother compares the leaves being torn from the trees to the lives of slave children and their families: they may be together for now, but that will not necessarily always be the case.

Predictably, Henry is not granted freedom, and he's sent to work for the master's son when he was still a young boy.  Henry goes to the city and works well for his new boss (pretty much because you had to in order to avoid a beating) and ends up meeting his future wife.  They are very fortunate, for they have different masters yet they are allowed to live together and raise their family, until tragedy strikes.  Nancy's (his wife) owner was not doing well financially; she feared their children would be sold.  Henry worries over this problem, and then he hears the worst news in his life: his wife and children have just been sold.  He can't even leave work to say goodbye.  He has to sit there until lunchtime before he can rush after them, but by then they are already heading out of town. 

This really starts Henry to thinking about being free.  He asked his white friend, Dr. Smith, to help him with his plan: he was going to mail himself to Philadelphia in a crate.  It sounds completely crazy, but it worked!  Henry had to endure much discomfort during his trip, but when he landed in Philadelphia in a safe house, he had gained his freedom, decided his birthday (that day, March 30, 1849) and gained a middle name: Henry "Box" Brown.

Now, to my problems with this book: 

The book abruptly ends when Henry gains his freedom.  Quite frankly I have more questions than answers at this point:  What happened to his wife and children?  Were they also separated?  Did Henry look for them?  Did he find them?  Were they all reunited or some of them or none of them?  What did Henry do for a job?  Where did he live?  Did he stay in Philadelphia?  I understand that the title of the book alone makes this about a particular event in a man's life, but to bring in his back story and not really finish it (his wife and children) bothers me a lot.  It may not have been so bad, except for this is a text about an historical figure, based on his experiences, and there is no "For Further Reading" section at the back of it.  There is a short author's note at the back of the book, but that's more of a tease than an answer.  About the only thing it really adds to the story is the number of hours he traveled (27), the number of miles he covered (350) and that he was one of the most famous slaves on the Underground Railroad. 

Please realize that my issues are not with the text that is there, but with the things I feel are left out.  The language is beautiful and lyrical - it just begs to be read aloud.  The only thing is, if you have a curious child who likes to question everything, you may want to do a bit of research before introducing this to your youngsters. 

The Illustrations:

Gorgeous.  Simply gorgeous.  I am in love with what that man can draw!  If you'll recall, his illustrations won a Caldecott Honor and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator award last year for Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. 

Recommended To:

• Fans of Nelson's work.  You know who you are!
• Children big and small!
• Everyone!

Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf

Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf

By: Jennifer L. Holm

Remember Pennies from Heaven?  Have you heard of Babymouse?  If so, then you know that Holm has a talent for writing, and Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf is no exception.

This is a story not told in your typical book format: paragraphs!  It's not even a diary or journal; it's something unique unto itself (as far as I'm concerned anyways!).  This is a story told through things, or items and poetry, notes, report cards, Dr.'s reminders and so much more!  Part of the fun of this book is that you are not directly told what's happening in Ginny's life.  We get it through her poetry and the items that are on the refrigerator. 

Since we're not told how everything is right away, we need to make some educated guesses as to what's happened: did Ginny get the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy? Is her older brother going to be okay?  Her new stepdad that she was excited about presents a bit of a problem when he leaves the toilet seat up and she falls in....This is a great book - especially for an older person reading it and thinking back to the torment that may or may not have been your experience in middle school (oh yes, there's that person she wishes desperately to be friends with, but does it turn out alright?). 

Now, in a format like this you may wonder if there are problems with the text?  Not with the content of the text, but some of the handwritten notes from Ginny's mom and teachers could prove difficult to read for kids not familiar with cursive handwriting.  There is a lot going on in the pages of this book; to get a really good feel of the text you'll want to read through it more than once.

Recommended To:

• Fans of graphic novels - yes, the format's a little different, but it's still interesting!
• Those suffering from middle school angst (or their parents...)
• Jennifer L. Holm fans
• Everyone!

Notes on the Cover:

THERE'S MEATLOAF ON THE COVER!  Holy cow!  Something mentioned in the title and the story is on the cover of the book!  It also makes sense when you bring the design of the book itself into play: Meatloaf, a pencil and a notebook are all a part of the stuff that's going on in this book!

Ms. Holmes website -

http://www.jenniferholm.com/index.html

Blog Formatting

Sorry for the weird way the a few of the posts are viewing.  I've been typing my reviews into Word before I publish them to this site - I've tried fixing the Wildwood Dancing post numerous times, but I'll try again later.  It's so sad, because that was such a great book!

 No, I haven't forgotten about doing a picture book review or three or nineteen for you.  I've been busy with inventory and stuff - but if it makes you feel any better I have some new picture books on my desk just begging for some attention.  I don't think I can hold off much longer!

Wildwood Dancing

Wildwood Dancing

By: Juliet Marillier

By now I think you all know how much I enjoy re-writes of fairy tales.  This book was no exception!  In fact, it's one of the best!

The setting: Transylvania

The Problem: Jena's father is sick and needs to go away for the winter to recover.  Jena needs to run the finances of the house and business, take care of her 4 sisters, and go to the Other Kingdom at every Full Moon for dancing with her sisters.  (Can you guess the tale?)

Of course, nothing is as it should be.  Months go by and Jena doesn't hear from her father.  A horrific accident occurs causing Jena's cousin Cezar to think he can control her, her sisters, their home, and their father's business.  He takes things so far that he eventually imprisons his cousins in their own home, all to make himself feel powerful and in charge. Although Jena and Cezar have been friends since childhood, he's gone too far in his desire to destroy Jena's spirit and the Wildwood.  (The forest area around Piscal Dracului and Varful cu Negura which is controlled by Draguta - a name that brings fear and respect at the same time to everyone except Cezar - and inhabited by fairies, elves, dwarves and a huge variety of other characters.) 

Then we bring in the fact that Jena's beautiful sister Tati has fallen in love with a member of the Night People.  She is so distressed by their separation (he lives in the Other Kingdom) that she wastes away.  Jena doesn't trust Sorrow, but when she looks into Draguta's mirror she learns about his history that brings her an understanding she never would have had previously.  That one look also causes her much sorrow, for the man she knows she could love is there, and he turns into a monster and chases her sisters: that, she can not tolerate, and when the creature that is dearest to her in the world makes a startling transformation, Jena doesn't know if she can trust him or not.  It takes the Queen of the Fairies to realize who can be trusted, who can't, and what love is really worth; even if it means giving up someone or something that you hold dearly.

I have to say, Cezar was a character I loved to hate.  You feel badly for him as he has suffered a deep, personal loss, but at the same time his choices reflect the kind of person he is fast becoming.  I don't want to give too much away, but he does have a chance to redeem himself, and his choice will affect all of those around him!

Jena was a narrator that I completely loved.  You could really feel her anguish when she was trying to make the decisions that were the best for her family.  She has an enormous responsibility on her shoulders, but she does manage, even when she thinks she's failing.  She learns how to adapt to things she can and can not control, and she grows up a lot in the months during which the novel takes place. 

This is a tale full of family-love, responsibility, how our choices affect us and those around us, and how to live in harmony with those who are different from us.  The characters, the settings, the descriptions - all of it was wonderful!  I had a hard time putting this one down this weekend.  The story literally will sweep you away!

Recommended To:

• My fairy-tale re-write friends!
• Historical fiction fans - the author describes her works as those of historical fantasy. Don't let the fantasy scare you if that's "not your thing." This book is really, truly, wonderful!
• Everyone!

Juliet Marillier http://www.julietmarillier.com/default.htm

Juliet has written for mostly adults.  This is her first foray into Young Adult literature.  It was wonderful, I'm going to have to look up her adult novels, and the sequel to this, Cybele's Secret, won't be out until September.  *sigh, I want it now!*

Notes on the Cover:

Cover art by Kinuko Y. Craft - you can get to her website from the Books page and holy cow!  This is one talented lady, but one look at the cover of this book and you'll realize that!  It is gorgeous.  Okay, this is a kind of art that I love: folksy, whimsical, and so full of detail that you can get lost in the cover.  If you look closely you can identify many of the characters from the book on the cover.  I love that!  It seems to me that covers just aren't what they could be these days.  Many are objective and don't really give you a sense of the book.  So what about this cover?  This cover invites you into another world where things may not be as they seem, but it's beautiful and imaginative and detailed to give you a fantastic glimpse of the Other Kingdom.  Another note: her art reminds me of Richard Doyle's fairy paintings.  Not that they're identical or specific, but there's magic in there!

Sorry, we do not have this title at this time and most likely won't in the fall.  You'll have to go to the public library to get it.  You can ILL it through the TDS Public Library link on our webpage if you have a library card (it's yellow).  The local library doesn't appear to have it at this time, but St. Peter does! 

Shopgirl

Shopgirl

By: Steve Martin

Yes, that Steve Martin.  Generally speaking, I avoid reading books by celebrities.  Why?  Because they’re already famous and they could be getting a book contract just because they’re famous, and they’re quite possibly really bad writers.  Maybe that’s a little judgmental, but I’d rather support an author who writes because they love it. 

So why in the world did I pick up this book?  It was in the bargain section, the title intrigued me and it was short – if I hated it I could always stop reading it.  (Gasp!  Yes, you too can stop reading a book if you’re not enjoying it and no one will judge you – at least I won’t!)  Guess what?  It was really good.  I know, I was a bit shocked too!

We’re told the story from a third-person point-of-view.  The narrator knows all about Mirabelle, Ray Porter, Jeremy, and even Lisa from the 4^th floor of Neiman’s. 

Mirabelle is an extremely interesting person.  She works the glove counter at Neiman’s.  People very rarely ever stop there, so she spends most of her day just standing around.  She also considers herself an artist – each of her drawings takes a lot out of her, but she has had some in a gallery and even sold; just not enough to ‘make it’ as an artist.  Neiman’s is just something she does to live.  She also suffers from a sometimes debilitating depression and longs to have a relationship that matters.  Her friendships are hardly that and she spends much of her time alone. 

Jeremy is a young guy who dates Mirabelle on occasion.  I don’t know if ‘dates’ is the right word, as he will invite Mirabelle out then make her pay for half.  Mirabelle doesn’t always understand this, but she accepts it and uses Jeremy when she really needs human companionship.  Jeremy has a lot of growing up to do at the beginning of the book.  By the end he has matured into a young man.

Ray Porter is an older businessman (fifty-something I think) who is attracted to the beautiful, young Mirabelle.  There’s something about her that strikes him and he needs her.  Ray doesn’t understand relationships or women for that matter.  He’s divorced and is trying to figure out how things really work between men and women.  He wants Mirabelle because he just does, how he treats her is complicated.  He is honest and up-front with her about seeing other people, but when he later makes a confession it changes a major dynamic of their relationship.

Lisa – what to say about her?  She’s the woman with the “perfect” body who has perfected the art of using and manipulating men and women.  When she finds out about Ray Porter she is instantly jealous of Mirabelle: why should she get the guy?  Lisa feels she’s way better than Mirabelle, but is she really?

Honestly, this book is all about personal values, finding yourself, human relationships, interpretations of what you think your relationships are and so much more.  I found it to be an extremely intriguing look at the human mind and how we act and re-act in varying situations.

Don’t come into this one looking for lots of action.  It’s a character driven book and more about emotion, personal responsibility and learning than anything else.

Notes: This is an adult novel and contains adult themes in the relationship aspect between the characters.  There is also some language.

Rasputin's Daughter

Rasputin’s Daughter

By: Robert Alexander

Are you a fan of Russian history?  Are you interested in the reign of Tsar Nicholas II and the man behind the scenes, Rasputin himself?  If so, then this is a tale of historical fiction for you!

We meet Rasputin’s spirited eldest daughter Maria when she is being taken to St. George’s Hall to be questioned by order of the Thirteenth Section (Extraordinary Commission of Inquiry for the Investigation of Illegal Acts by Ministers and Other Responsible Persons of the Tsarist Regime (p.3-4)).  She knows why they’re interested in her, she is, after all, Rasputin’s daughter and she watched him die by people that she knew.

Maria starts her story before the troubles in Russia are truly horrible.  Don’t get me wrong, they’re getting bad, and quite quickly, but she gives us a little back story into who Rasputin the man really was.  Many have vilified him, many were afraid of the ‘powers’ he held over Alexandra, and she, in turn, over her husband.  Rasputin, however, does not appear as all bad in this text.  According to the text it is he who tells Alexandra to bring more food to the capitol to feed the starving population.  It is also he whom she turned to when her son was ill – and that was really the cause of his demise, as well as being the cause of that of the Tsar’s family.  The problem with the situation is that people worried Rasputin had too much control over the royal family, especially Alexandra.  He would end up going to the palace surrounded by secrecy.  He wasn’t going to tell Alexandra what to do, he was going to help little Alexie, who suffered from hemophilia.  Any little bump could cause the young boy to bleed to death – the Tsar’s family needed an heir, and the population couldn’t know (according to the ruling family – it was very important at the time to have a male heir). 

To be clear, I’m not saying that Rasputin was a good or bad man.  He seems to be a complicated man and misunderstood by a majority of people.  That is not to say he was a “good” man either.  Believe me, his daughter sees him do some truly despicable things – things so bad that she loses her faith in her father and wonders if she can really trust him.  Her revelations around this time in the book are a little iffy to me – she hates him then she can suddenly forgive him because she realizes he really is a healer – I understand that he is her father, but I don’t know if I could have been as forgiving as her.  He truly humiliates an innocent woman at one point in the book. 

I really enjoyed this book.  So much so that I read it start to finish in an afternoon.  I found Maria’s voice to be as honest as it could be – considering the subject was her father and she is being questioned by the Thirteenth when we get her story.  She suffered, she worried, and I can’t decide if she left things out of her story or not.  She flat-out states that the truth of her father’s life and death will never be told – the new government won’t allow it as the legend of her father and the example they made of him works very well for the new government.  Honestly, if you have any interest at all in Russian history this will pique your interest and maybe start you on a path of research.

¨      Historical Fiction Fans

¨      Russian history fans

¨      Readers who enjoy a good first-person narrative

¨      Everyone!

Note: As I mentioned above, Rasputin humiliates a woman in a vile way and there is some violence in the text.  If you’re really sensitive to those kinds of issues this may not be the tale for you.  However, this is Russian history and to tell the tale without any sort of violence wouldn’t be fair to the tale. 

Pssst!

Pssst!

By: Adam Rex

How naughty am I?  I realized that I have not reviewed a single picture book on this blog!  Shame on me!  I love picture books!  (It's okay to admit it - big kids like pictures too!)

In order to rectify this horrible situation, I will review a picture book for you today!  I think that this may be my summer goal: review at least one picture book for you every week.

Why am I starting with Pssst! by Adam Rex?  Do you want the truth?  Honestly, it's because it just came in.  Yup, that's it!

On to the story!

First of all, when you open the book you see a map of the zoo.  This is very important as we follow our helper around the zoo.  It truly looks like a real zoo map - it even has a key to tell you where you can find food, restrooms, first aid, telephones, a gift shop and even outdoor seating.  There is also a note stating: "Lost children may be claimed at the Information Kiosk.  Children not claimed at closing time become property of the zoo and will be fed to the bears."  Now, as a person who used to work in a public library, this is hilarious.  We used to have a sign in our workroom that said, "Unattended children will be given free puppies."  Unfortunately we didn't have any free puppies to give, but we had numerous unattended children.  I'm just telling you this as I look at it and to let you know that your public librarians are not babysitters - if they had free puppies they really would give them away!

The opening sketch has few colors in it, but that helps to make the important parts of the illustration to really stand out.  What are the important parts?  The girl, the peacock and the "Pssst!"  When you turn the page we meet a gorilla who needs a new tire as his tire swing broke.  The girl says she guesses so and the gorilla asks for two, just in case the first one breaks on him as well.  The little girl walks on and the javelina is the next to make a request, then the bats and hippopotamus, penguins, turkeys, baboon and tortoise.  The animals all make interesting requests.  Sorry, I'm not going to give any more away as that ruins part of the fun of the story.  My favorite spread is when the little girl is leaving the bat cave.  When you check out the walrus, please note his sign! (koo-koo-kachoo!) For that matter, look at ALL of the signs on that spread!  They're all great, but the walrus is my favorite!

The little girl isn't sure how she's going to pay for everything, but the animals have a unique solution to that problem as well!  They don't however, have a solution as to where she is going to find everything they requested.  She does make her purchases and struggles to get them back to all of the animals.  Wait until you see what the animals do with their new treasures!  It's fantastic!

The last picture is pretty great too: "A week later I went to the circus."  When you get to the back cover make sure to also read the giraffe's message, then look in the top, right corner.  This is the stuff of greatness people!  Rex excels at simple drawings that are packed to the hilt with commentary on the situation at hand.  Some you just have to look at for awhile to really get the full effect, or hilarity of the picture.

Recommended To:

• Teachers!  Read this aloud to your students!  Rip-roaring fun it is!
• Parents!  Read it to your children!  Let them really explore the things going on here!
• Everyone!

Adam Rex's Website

Adam is also the author of Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich which we also have downstairs.  That's a great book that I'll try to review as well!

Look for Pssst! on our shelves this fall, possibly sooner!

Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel

Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel

By: Ruth McNally Barshaw

This is a great book for those in-betweeners: picture books are not long enough, junior fiction is a little long and daunting, so what's a person to do?  Pick up a nice middle-grade book like Ellie McDoodle. 

Ellie McDoodle is a pretty unique book: it's told in diary format and Ellie illustrates it herself - and does quite a good job of it!  Her depiction of her cousin Eric (er-ick) is hilarious!  He's usually shown in the form of a monster because: he's a boy, he's a pest, and he lies, cheats and steals (p.8). 

Why is Er-ick such a big part of this book? Because her parents have gone to a funeral and Ellie and her little brother Ben-Ben have to go camping with their aunt, uncle, and cousins.  As you can tell by her affectionate name for her cousin, Ellie and Eric don't always get along.  You can even include his twin sister Deanna in that problem!  Her relatives are staying in a cabin and Ellie wanted to bring along a tent because that's the "real" way you camp.  She was vetoed and has to sleep under her little cousin Tiffany - who has some ill-luck in this book, nothing major though!  One night Ellie wakes to a very unpleasant and unexpected surprise from little Miss Tiffany.  It's funny to read about, but not if it had happened to you!

If you add in a boy, some frogs, a stolen diary, and a foray into a smelly pond you'll just be scratching the surface of Ellie McDoodle.  She's an observer of her surroundings and she's really funny.  You really can see her personality shine through - she's a bit of a smart-aleck and I really liked that about her. 

Recommended To:

• people who still like their books with some illustrations
• those starting their foray into longer books - this is a gem that many will identify with
• smart-alecks (seriously!  trust me on this!)
• Parents: read this to your child!  You'll enjoy it just as much as they do!
• everyone!

On our shelves by Fall 2008!

Ruth McNally Barshaw's website.  Teachers, take a look!  There's a guide and info. on school visits!

The Mysterious Benedict Society

The Mysterious Benedict Society

By: Trenton Lee Stewart

There's no better place to start this review out than with the first thing you see on the back of the book:

"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?"

Reynie Muldoon has been in an orphanage for forever.  The orphanage is his home, and since he really is a gifted child and has a tutor who encourages him to apply, he does.  And why not?  Miss Perumal has been the only real friend and family young Reynie has ever known, and if she thinks he can do it, well, then why can't he?

Miss Perumal drops Reynie off to take the test, and in a room filled with gifted children, Reynie is the only one who passes and is instructed on how to get to the next phase and what to bring with him.  Reynie experiences a series of tests that get more challenging each time.  Sometimes the test is worded, sometimes it's based on your reactions to certain situations, and some of it is personal integrity.  Very interesting, very mysterious, and about to become the biggest adventure in young Reynie's life.

Reynie is not the only child to have passed the test, there are 3 other children from different groups of test-takers that he ends up spending a lot of time with - why, you ask?  Well to form The Mysterious Benedict Society of course!

Now, this is maybe the first quarter of the book.  The rest delves into who Mr. Benedict is, why he is recruiting gifted children with a certain background into his society, why they're being sent to an island and what their mission is.  Have you figured anything out yet?  Oh, and then there are the people he meets and it is very interesting!

This book is an extremely quick read even though it may look a little daunting: it comes in at 485 pages, it does not lag or bore the reader.  It's the exact opposite: it lures you in and you can't stop and end up staying up way past your bedtime on a work night.  I'm just saying!

Recommended To:

• mystery fans
• fans of secrets
• fans of 1984 (this'll get a few of you adults!)
• adults - read this to your kids! (not at bedtime, they'll beg you for more!)
• everyone!

Notes on the Cover: I love the cover, but if it's the headquarters it looks like I pictured it, but the people are not where they should be.  Once you read the story you'll understand; the people are doing things they actually do in the book, just not necessarily at their headquarters.  You'll even know which character is which!  If it's a building that's on the island, well, then it looks nothing like it!  (Which I'm pretty positive it's not).

 **On looking this review over I really don't think I did the book justice.  It really does beg to be read!

13 Little Blue Envelopes

13 Little Blue Envelopes

By: Maureen Johnson

This is my first foray into the mind and humor of Maureen Johnson and boy, did I like it! 

Ginny has received a letter from her recently deceased Aunt Peg which instructs her to go to the Fourth Noodle and pick up a package there.  There are a few more rules to follow, like: You can only bring a backpack; no guidebooks, phrasebooks or journals; no electronic crutches, only postcards and letters are allowed.  (That's the long and short of it anyways.)

So, unassuming Ginny heads out to follow her Aunt's instructions.  Once she arrives in London, her adventures really begin!  She ends up with 13 Little Blue Envelopes from her Aunt giving her instructions to follow before she can open the next one.  Ginny travels throughout quite a bit of Europe, has some really great and some really not so great experiences - I totally feel her pain in one of the hostels she stayed at.

Ginny's experiences traveling and meeting new people help her to grow and come out of her shell.  I had a hard time putting this one down because I was always excited to see what Aunt Peg would put her up to and if she'd follow through all-the-way or only half-heartedly.  Aunt Peg is totally my kind of a character: fun, eccentric, and maybe not entirely dependable, but she's loving and always means well.

Notes on the cover:  My paperback edition shows a girls body from the nose on down.  First of all, I hate bodies on covers without the heads - it's pretty creepy.  Yes, yes, it's probably to allow us to invision the character as we want to see her, but if that's the case, leave the body off entirely.  I'm sure their art departments could come up with something better... Secondly, this girl looks nothing like how I envision Ginny - this girl is oozing confidence and that's just not the impression I get of our Miss Ginny for the majority of the book.  Not to say she doesn't gain confidence....

Anyways, super fun, quick, summer read here!

Recommended To:

• guys and gals - it's about the travel and adventures people!
• anyone with a travel bug - you might learn something interesting!
• summer reading enthusiasts!
• everyone!

Maureen's Official Website - Her blog is really quite fun - you get to see a really fun side of her personality.  If I remember correctly, she had a contest a few months ago that involved taking a piece of fiction and incorporating zombies into it.  Pretty interesting stuff!