Wave by Suzy Lee

Wave by Suzy Lee
(Preschool - Grade 1)

Wordless stories are both invaluable tools in early literacy and just plain fun to 'read' with your child. Though Wave contains no text aside from its simple title, it has a real story to tell. Children learn narrative skills and oral language, both of which create a readiness to read. In Wave, the simple act of heading to the beach and sizing up a wave makes for a delightful, funny and memorable picture book.

Using charcoal and acrylics, author/illustrator Suzy Lee relates to a young child's fear of an ocean wave's size and surprise factor. Our young heroine approaches cautiously, tries a few intimidating moves and finally revels in all that the wave has to offer. A laugh-out-loud story that will leave both children and parents eager to visit their nearest coastline.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

What the World Eats

What the World Eats,
Photographed by Peter Menzel, Written by Faith D'Aluisio
4th Grade and Up

Have you ever wondered what someone from another country eats? In What the World Eats twenty-six families from around the world (and 3 from the U.S.) are photographed with their entire week's worth of groceries. Each entry delves into the day-to-day lives of the families, detailing eating habits typical in their county. Each family's story also includes a family recipe, a breakdown of food, facts about the country, a map and much more.

This book is a fascinating look at other cultures and a wealth of information, beautiful photographed and laid out. The adult version of this book is Hungry Planet: What the World Eats.

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

An Egg Is Quiet by Dianna Aston

An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston
(Preschool - Grade 3)

An egg can be so many things author Dianna Aston reveals in An Egg Is Quiet. Kids (and their grownups) familiar only with the humdrum chicken egg at the market will find much to marvel at here. An egg is also colorful, shapely, clever, artistic, and giving as Aston outlines in both preschool-friendly text and more complex notes for older kids. Illustrator Sylvia Long compels the reader to reach out and touch each egg with stunning ink and watercolor images of hundreds of eggs from turkeys to dogfish. At the book's surprise conclusion we quickly learn that an egg is quiet, but it is also so much more.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

No Talking, by Andrew Clements

No Talking, by Andrew Clements
Grades 3-5

The Laketon Elementary School fifth graders have been nicknamed "the Unshushables" by their teachers for their out-of-control talking. So when all of the 5th graders suddenly stop talking at lunch one day it takes everyone by surprise. This is a story of the power of silence, teamwork, girls vs. boys and teachers vs. students.

Andrew Clements' school stories are fun and always empowering. This story will likely appeal to kids looking for entertaining realistic fiction. If you like this story, check out my favorite Andrew Clements stories, Frindle and School Story.

No Talking is a 2010 Young Reader's Choice Award nominee.

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

10 Things I Can Do To Help My World by Melanie Walsh

10 Things I Can Do To Help My World by Melanie Walsh
Preschool - Grade 1

As Spring approaches thoughts often turn to improving household habits. Helping the environment is at the top of our list, but it is often difficult to explain the concept to our young son. Author Melanie Walsh has come to the rescue with her new book (made out of 100% recycled material no less). These are tips that children can actually do, and "help my world" seems to resonate better than "save my world" which can be overwhelming. The bold illustrations, creative die-cuts and simple text are perfect for teaching young children about the world around them. The die-cuts are especially well-done with each tip divided into a unique page turn. For instance, the text reads " I help..." over a page full of recyclables which, when turned, reveals each item in its appropriate container and the words, "sort the recycling." The storyteller can choose to read only the large text for read-alouds or to include Walsh's additional explanation for one-on-one time with older children. The book is never preachy or confusing - just inspiring and fun. Perfect for Earth Day or any other day of the year.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

The Maze of Bones

39 Clues: The Maze of Bones (book 1)
by Rick Riordan
(Grades 4-6)

Orphans Dan and Amy Cahill are in a race for their lives - against their own family members. When their grandmother Grace dies, she leaves in her will a choice: a million dollars or the first clue in a hunt for wealth and power beyond imagining. When Dan and Amy take the first clue they become the prime target of their evil cousins, aunts and uncles.

This global fast-paced adventure begins with a bang and doesn't stop. At this time 3 books in the series exist, but the other 7 are coming out in quick succession. It also looks like Steven Speilberg might be making the movie...

Click HERE to visit the related website.

Book 2: One False Note
Book 3: The Sword Thief
Book 4: Beyond the Grave (coming out June 2, 2009)

Reviewed by Korie B.

The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg

The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg
(Preschool - Grade 1)

Allan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman are reunited in the whimsical The Pencil, a stand-alone sequel to The Runaway Dinner. The sequel opens with a "lonely little pencil" that decides to draw a boy for companionship. The boy instantly demands a name and a dog, and the pencil is happy to oblige. Our characters are off on a quirky adventure until they realize that their entire world is void of color. The pencil solves this supposed dilemma (and many more) with quick wit and hilarity. It can not seem to please everyone however, so the drama continues, much to the delight of my son who loved the child-like illustrations and mischevious characters. My son mentioned Harold and the Purple Crayon while we read, a compliment of the highest order.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff