Puppy Mudge Takes a Bath by Cynthia Rylant

Puppy Mudge Takes a Bath by Cynthia Rylant
(Preschool - Grade 1)

When I need a lighthearted, funny and down-to-earth book to bring home for bedtime readings, I rely on Cynthia Rylant and her dependable Henry and Mudge reader series. I was delighted to come across the Puppy Mudge series to recommend for brand new readers that are not quite ready for the Level 2 Henry and Mudge series. With Puppy Mudge, we have a much more basic storyline, simple text, larger pictures and LOTS of repetition. Puppy Mudge Takes a Bath is one of my favorites and is truly funny if you have ever tried to give a big dog a bath in your tub or been on the losing end of a skunk. Either way, this series provides a wonderful boost in self-confidence for a brand new reader looking to finish an entire book on their own.

To find this book and others in the series at our library, visit www.newberglibrary.org.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Dessert First by Hallie Durand

Dessert First by Hallie Durand
(Grades 2 and up)

Dessert First is a debut chapter book from author Hallie Durand. I was drawn to its bright red cover with a front-and-center ice cream sundae. As a food person, I'm always looking for food-related reads with colorful characters. Dessert Schneider is a third grader with a sweet tooth and a crazy, restaurant-owning family. Her new teacher, Mrs. Howdy Doody, shows her how to "march to her own drummer," and to "consider the repercussions before taking action." Dessert has no trouble blazing her own trail as she convinces her family to start each meal with something sweet. She bribes her little sister Charlie with pieces of gum to clean her room and satisfies her sweet tooth with dips in Maisie's Melted Lollipop fondue at her family's restaurant. Her independent spirit creates havoc when Grandma Reine's Double Decker Chocolate Bars mysteriously 'disappear.'

This delightful early chapter book has just the right amount of mischief, all in an easy-to-read format with lots of sweet illustrations. Have fun with this one, and enjoy a treat of your own afterward - maybe even the chocolaty recipe included on the back cover.

To find this book at our library, visit www.newberglibrary.org.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Enigma, A Magical Mystery by Graeme Base

Enigma, a Magical Mystery by Graeme Base
(Kindergarten - Grade 2)

New to our library is another visually spectacular offering from author/illustrator Graeme Base known for classics like Animalia and Uno's Garden. My son and I spent an entire afternoon hunched over the pages of Enigma, a Magical Mystery searching for clues and deciphering code. We follow our main character Bertie Badger to visit his Grandpa in the Retirement Home for Elderly Magicians where he usually enjoys spectacular shows reminiscient of years past. This visit is different because someone has stolen the magicians' props ending the spectacular shows. Now it's up to Bertie (and you dear reader!) to find the props, reveal the thief and help the show to go on! Base really delivers in Enigma with clever rhyming text, advanced vocabulary, and challenging activities. The 'cupboard' at the book's conclusion opens up to reveal color-coded dials, buttons and encoded messages. A spectacular find for any treasure hunter or mystery lover. There is much to see and do in this book So much so, in fact, that I would recommend this to an older child or as a fun activity for the whole family to attempt together. Truly a book to check out many times over. Just be ready with your eagle eyes and a handy pencil and paper.

To find this book at our library, visit www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Monster Trucks by Ian Graham

Monster Trucks by Ian Graham
(Kindergarten - Grade 2)

Monster Trucks, a new release from the QED Mighty Machines series, is an eye-catching winner for young vehicle enthusiasts and reluctant readers. The bright red cover, gigantic truck wheels and flame-painted hood beckon to those looking for a colorful introduction to these unique trucks. Each different type of monster truck - Bigfoot, car crushers, racers, road giants, miners and even NASA's giants - earn a two-page spread of their own complete with large, vivid photographs, easy-to-read text, and bold words defined in a glossary at the end of the book. This book was a surprising treat, even for me who had no initial interest in monster trucks except for my son's wild love for all things with wheels.

Check out this and author Ian Graham's wide variety of transportation-themed books like the Best Book of the Moon and Ships and Submarines at www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Ballet Shoes

Ballet Shoes, by Noel Streatfeild
(Grades 3-6)

The Fossil sisters - Pauline, Petrova and Posy- were adopted by G.U.M. (Great Uncle Matthew) who brought them back on one of his voyages, instead of the fossils he had set out to collect. Although unlike in physical appearance or talent, the three sisters are united in their goal to make a name for themselves, and help out the family in any way they can. When hard-times leads to the girls enrolling in the Academy of Dancing and Stage Training in London for some much needed extra money, a new world opens before them and their quest to fulfill their dreams unfolds.

Reissued many times since 1936, Ballet Shoes is a must read for any child remotely interested in ballet. Wonderfully read on audiobook by Elizabeth Sastre, and newly dramatized for the BBC starring Emma Watson, this story is delightful in all its formats!

To check out the book, audiobook or DVD, please visit www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff