Tadpole Rex by Kurt Cyrus

Tadpole Rex by Kurt Cyrus
(Preschool - Grade 2)

Tadpole Rex by Oregon author and illustrator Kurt Cyrus is a refreshing addition to the multitude of dinosaur picture books available to the preschool set. This tale follows the development of Rex the tadpole amongst his dinosaur neighbors. From its first pages readers are drawn in by its rhyming text and figurative language, "Stomp! Squish! Bloop! Swish!" Young children will be captivated by the suspense as Rex thrives even while he dodges dinosaur footsteps. Tadpole Rex is focused on the familiar frog that kids may have seen or even touched, yet maintains the mystery of a 200-million-year old creature that dinosaur lovers will appreciate.

Cyrus doesn't shy away from challenging vocabulary (which is so important as an early literacy or pre-reading skill) yet the text flows beautifully as a read aloud; "primeval puddles were desperate places of ambush and panic and life-or-death chases." I was rooting for Rex to make his mark on the prehistoric setting and smiled at his bravery in the face of such huge dinosaurs. A well-known illustrator, Cyrus truly shines here with big, bold and colorful renderings of another place and time.

This is a fabulous storytime or anytime choice for early elementary and preschool children. Don't miss The Voyage of Turtle Rex by Kurt Cyrus for a similar tale, this time following the ancient sea turtle.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this and other books at our library.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

The Resisters, by Eric Nylund

The Resisters, by Eric Nylund
(Grades 4-6)

Looking for a science fiction story that will grab you from the first page? Look no further (at least until you've finished this one).

Ethan Blackwood lives in a world controlled by aliens, only he doesn't know it, and neither does his sister or the other kids he hangs out with. Until puberty their supple minds can't be absorbed into the collective, so the aliens have created an elaborate ruse to keep the kids in a creative environment to get the most from their brains.

Sound creepy? When Ethan is approached by two "Resister" kids he has trouble wrapping his brain around the idea until he is launched into battle wearing the exoskeleton of a giant bug with whom he has mind-melded.

This story is action-packed fun at the start, and it doesn't let up! This is the first in a series... So now we just have to wait.

Korie B.
Children's Services Staff
Find this book and more at newberglibrary.org