June 2012

Summer Recommendations for the Emerging Reader

Summer days are upon us – the very best of times to slow down, stretch out, and take in the wonder of a good book. Younger readers, and those readying to start their first year of kindergarten in the fall will look forward to PICTURE MY DAY created by Séverine Cordier and Cynthia Lacroix (Owlkids… Read more »

One Day I Went Rambling Giveaway!

Parents, teachers, and librarians! Take a moment to consider the absolutely charming premise of One Day I Went Rambling, written by Kelly Bennett and illustrated by Terri Murphy, won’t you? You’ll be glad you did. In the story, Zane, the protagonist sees magic in the mundane surrounding him. Pop tops are jeweled rings. Wooden crates hold… Read more »

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud

If you have child who is fascinated by graphic art, Scott McCloud’s  phenomenal Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art is the perfect summer read for them – and maybe you, too. Why not? A number of magnet schools, high schools, and art programs all over the country have adopted this easy-to-read, highly-complex, and at-times-quite-humorous book as… Read more »

Recommended Graphic Novels, Part 2

Graphic novels are perfect for summer reading. Some kids (and parents) gasp when I say that graphic novels and comic books “count” for reading just as much as words-only books do. Of course they do! Open up a graphic novel like The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis and you’ll find… Read more »

Missile Mouse: Rescue on Tankium 3 by Jake Parker

Jake Parker kept a smile on my face throughout every colorful page of his comically compelling Missile Mouse: Rescue on Tankium 3. Action, drama, suspense, danger, and a whole lot of tongue-in-cheek humor – Missile Mouse has it all. I especially enjoyed the artistically descriptive sound effects. Whack! Chack! Skrash! Fraaash! Clink. Tink. Beep. In it, Missile Mouse (A character… Read more »

Recommended Graphic Novels

Graphic novels are perfect for summer reading. Some kids (and parents) gasp when I say that graphic novels and comic books “count” for reading just as much as words-only books do. Of course they do! Open up a graphic novel like Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires and you’ll find rich vocabulary, an enticing… Read more »

Can I Bring Woolly to the Library, Ms. Reeder?

Can I Bring Woolly to the Library, Ms. Reeder? by Lois G. Grambling, illustrated by Judy Love, Charlesbridge, 2012. Children are clever and convincing and comedic and Grambling showcases these qualities in Can I Bring Woolly to the Library, Ms. Reeder? How could a librarian possibly resist having a woolly mammoth in her library? Especially… Read more »