Moonpowder by John Rocco

Moonpowder by John Rocco
(Kindergarten - Grade 2)

The Moonpowder Factory is on the fritz! Only one person can fix this terrible problem: Young Eli Treebuckle "fixer of all things fixable." Can he do it? Can he stop the nightmares he has every night? Will the world ever have sweet dreams again? The author's illustrations are vivid, colorful and very engaging. The journey Eli takes with Mr. Moon is a perfect read-aloud for parents and school-age children.

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

Reviewed by Mary Lynn T., Children's Staff

The Many Rides of Paul Revere

The Many Rides of Paul Revere, by James Cross Giblin
(Grades 4 and up)

Award-winning author James Giblin explores the myth and facts of Paul Revere's rides. Beautifully written and crafted, this book features photographs of Revere's silver craftsmanship and other artifacts, portraits of historical figures and illustrations of historical events and places. For anyone (including adults) interested in American history this book is delight. Giblin's writing style is accessible to older grade-schoolers, and Revere's life is certainly entertaining. Giblin also compares Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's account of Paul Revere's ride to the actual event, while acknowledging Longfellow's intent to make Revere an American legend.

Reviewed by Korie B.

The Twin Giants

The Twin Giants, by Dick King-Smith, illustrated by Mini Grey
(Preschool - 3rd Grade)

The twin giants are alike in nearly every way, except that one is a vegetarian and one prefers meat. As the giants grow up they decide to head down the hill to find wives for themselves, which proves harder than expected (go figure). Short, sweet and entertaining, young readers will delight in the illustrations and story.

To find this and other titles, visit: newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

The Wildest Brother by Cornelia Funke

The Wildest Brother by Cornelia Funke
(Preschool - Grade 1)

Attention all strong, fierce monster-hunting kids (who are only a little afraid of monsters, just sometimes). Author Cornelia Funke has written a laugh-out-loud funny book starring a boy who battles imaginary creatures daily to protect his big sister. He sees himself as "lion-hearted and elephant-strong" in his quest. His sister doesn't REALLY mind when he uses her makeup to paints scars on his face or make "blood drops from a man-eating monster" on her desk. Mostly because he needs her protection too at a certain time of day. This picture book is currently the favorite at our house for its hilarious depiction of the monsters in our heads. It certainly empowered my son while making it okay to for him to be scared sometimes too. Watch for funny details in the great illustrations by Kerstin Meyer.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman

Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman, by Marc Tyler Nobleman, illustrated by Ross MacDonald
(Preschool and up)

Where did the Man of Steel come from? Boys of Steel tells the story of Superman's humble beginnings as the brain child of two quiet comic strip geeks from Ohio. Jerry and Joe meet in high school where their love for comics and dislike of sports draws them together. Both short, unassuming and bespectacled, it's easy to see where the inspiration for Superman's alter ego comes from. Wonderfully illustrated in a retro style, this read will delight those interested in comics, and inspire young artists and writers. An author's note at the end explains the fate of Jerry and Joe, and their battle with DC Comics for the rights to their creation.

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Salad People and More Real Recipes by Mollie Katzen

Salad People and More Real Recipes
by Mollie Katzen
(Preschool and up)

At our house, we are in the midst of holiday cooking and baking with Mom at the helm of the stove. My kitchen-loving son is always ready to stir, shake spices or lick spoons. I know, however, that he would love to lead the way through a recipe instead of just assist. We tried several kids cookbooks and found a series perfect for the preschool set. Mollie Katzen has lovingly created both Salad People and More Real Recipes and a companion book Pretend Soup and other Real Recipes as "first cookbooks." Each step is beautifully illustrated so that even pre-readers can act as head cook. The food is simple, healthy and meatless. Kids can contribute to family meals with dishes like Sweet Potato Surprise, Corny Corn Cakes, Counting Soup, Polka Dot Rice and Salad People made from cheese, fruit, veggies and pasta.

My son loved the introductory quotes from the preschool class that tested each dish included with the recipes (i.e. "I hear the bubbles! I can hear bubbling!"). He also learned a little about measurement along the way. Grown-ups can follow along in traditional recipe format with tips for success. Happy cooking!

Older kids (ages eight and up) may enjoy Katzen's cookbook, Honest Pretzels And Other Amazing Recipes for Cooks Ages 8 & Up.

To find this book in our library, visit http://www.newberglibrary.org/.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Igraine the Brave

Igraine the Brave, by Cornelia Funke

(Grades 3 - 5)

Twelve-year-old Igraine's parents are famous magicians, but she has no interest in following the family business. Instead she practices her fighting skills, dreaming of becoming a famous knight. When a magical mishap turns Igrain's parents into pigs and Greedy Osmond decides to attack the family castle, only Igraine is left to to save her family, and keep their precious magical secrets from falling into the wrong hands. This book is the perfect story for every girl who wants to be the knight, and not the princess waiting to be rescued. Check out this title on CD as well - read by Xanthe Elbrick, this book is a treat for the ears!

For older readers, check out Cornelia Funke's wonderful Inkheart series (ages 12-16), before it hits the movie screen in January 2009.

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff