Sunday, July 29, 2012
Hunger Games embroidery
Stunning! Here's a work of art by a Hunger Games fan... an embroidered version of the clock arena. Check out craftster.org for more pictures.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Picture book mini-reviews, part 12
by Margaret Hillert, illustrated by David Schimmel
Norwood House Press
January 2012
What this book lacks in narrative sparkle, it makes up for in attractive formatting. Utilitarian short sentences show a strong basal reader influence. If not for the addition of the friendly green dragon, this could easily substitute for nearly any Dick and Jane adventure. Kids do flock to this series, however! Looking for something with a little more humor and pizzazz? Try the Dragon series by Dav Pilkey.
I borrowed this book from the library.
The Duckling Gets a Cookie?!
by Mo Willems
Disney Press
April 2012
Hahahahaha! This latest installment of the Pigeon saga has our hero completely indignant that SOME birds seem to get everything they want -- just by asking! Imagine everyone's surprise when Duckling reveals the real reason for his request: so that he could give the cookie (with nuts) to Pigeon. Trademark bold lines, expressive characters and a zany sense of humor will satisfy any fan of this series.
by Mo Willems
Disney Press
April 2012
Hahahahaha! This latest installment of the Pigeon saga has our hero completely indignant that SOME birds seem to get everything they want -- just by asking! Imagine everyone's surprise when Duckling reveals the real reason for his request: so that he could give the cookie (with nuts) to Pigeon. Trademark bold lines, expressive characters and a zany sense of humor will satisfy any fan of this series.
I borrowed this book from the library.
Dini Dinosaur
by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by Daniel Rood
HarperCollins Children's Book
March 2012
This book was so cute! This story combines bathtime with dinosaurs to very great effect. My only quibble (and it's a minor one) is that I wasn't sure if the main character's name should be pronounced "Deeney" or "Dine-E" The story seems to scan just as well either way - just pick a pronunciation and stick with it all the way through. Dini Dinosaur gets dirty and needs to take a bath before bedtime. After jumping in the tub fully clothed, he gradually takes off one layer after another. With a repeating rhyming refrain, "Dirty Dini Dinosaur splashed in the tub. He tried to wash... with a scrub-a-dub-dub!" this is sure to be a hit at storytime. It's up to Mama Dinosaur to finally set things to rights, giving him a thorough scrubbing before settling down for bed. Rood's crisp digital illustrations are large and easy to see from a distance - another reason why this makes such a great storytime selection.
I borrowed this book from the library.
by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by Daniel Rood
HarperCollins Children's Book
March 2012
This book was so cute! This story combines bathtime with dinosaurs to very great effect. My only quibble (and it's a minor one) is that I wasn't sure if the main character's name should be pronounced "Deeney" or "Dine-E" The story seems to scan just as well either way - just pick a pronunciation and stick with it all the way through. Dini Dinosaur gets dirty and needs to take a bath before bedtime. After jumping in the tub fully clothed, he gradually takes off one layer after another. With a repeating rhyming refrain, "Dirty Dini Dinosaur splashed in the tub. He tried to wash... with a scrub-a-dub-dub!" this is sure to be a hit at storytime. It's up to Mama Dinosaur to finally set things to rights, giving him a thorough scrubbing before settling down for bed. Rood's crisp digital illustrations are large and easy to see from a distance - another reason why this makes such a great storytime selection.
I borrowed this book from the library.
All for Me and None for All
by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
April 2012
Greedy Gruntly pig wants to hog everything for himself. During a treasure hunt with friends, his attempts to outwit and beat them to the treasure all backfire, and he thinks he's left with nothing... until his friends show him that they saved a bag of treats just for him. Munsinger's watercolor illustrations seem a little reminiscent of David McPhail. This story was just a wee bit didactic for my tastes.
I borrowed this book from the library.
by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
April 2012
Greedy Gruntly pig wants to hog everything for himself. During a treasure hunt with friends, his attempts to outwit and beat them to the treasure all backfire, and he thinks he's left with nothing... until his friends show him that they saved a bag of treats just for him. Munsinger's watercolor illustrations seem a little reminiscent of David McPhail. This story was just a wee bit didactic for my tastes.
I borrowed this book from the library.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Waiting on Glitch
What else can I say, except: Sounds. Awesome.
Glitch
by Heather Anastasiu
St. Martin's Press
by Heather Anastasiu
St. Martin's Press
August 2012
In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.
When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.
As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.
In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.
In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.
When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.
As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.
In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Forever review
by Maggie Stiefvater
Scholastic
July 2011
First line: "I can be so, so quiet."
I can't believe I haven't written a review for this book yet. It's one of those books that is so... wow, terrific, over-the-top wonderful. I don't feel like anything I can say will do it justice! It's one of those rare books that I'm not afraid of overhyping, because it's better than any description I can summon.
And I know others have said it before, but it's true, so I'll join in the chorus, and say that this book was poetic, lyrical, magical and completely amazing.
Obviously, readers should go back and read the first two of The Wolves of Mercy Falls books if they haven't yet. Shiver and Linger establish memorable characters and magical, yet somehow believable scenarios for an active werewolf population in Minnesota. I loved that the werewolves are not controlled by the moon - rather, their shapechanging abilities hinge on the temperature. The finale of the trilogy hinges on the relationships between rock-steady Grace and Sam, and the more electric and unstable Isabel and Cole. Mad werewolf Shelby stirs up trouble by randomly attacking people and Isabel's blustering father forces the issue when he organizes a chopper hunt to shoot down the wolves outside Mercy Falls.
Grace and Sam have a really strong connection, and even if I was a little surprised at how much Sam was ready and willing to marry Grace right away, I did appreciate that Grace finally confronts her parents for essentially abandoning her to raise herself. They forbid her to see Sam, and predictably, once she's eighteen, she pretty much moves out. The story wraps up most major plot points, but what I wouldn't give for another chapter or two to hash out a few of the finer details!
Normally, I'd recommend a slew of other werewolf books (and there are plenty out there, believe me) but this time around, I'd say what makes this book really distinctive is the beautiful language, so I'll recommend some equally lyrical paranormal/fantasy/horror YA titles instead.
Compare to:
Beautiful Creatures - Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
The Forest of Hands and Teeth - Carrie Ryan
The Daughter of Smoke and Bone - Laini Taylor
I purchased this book.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Picture book mini-reviews, part 11
by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Jui Ishida
Random House Children's Books
March 2012
Here's another Jewish family picture book from Laurel Snyder. This is as sweet and gentle as her other books have been snarky and funny. A mom and dad plant trees everywhere they go and their two kids fall asleep - a lot! The tables are turned when the children tuck their parents in when they return home. Cozy illustrations show the family bathed in yellow light. This could be nice as a bedtime story or for Tu Bishvat.
I borrowed this book from the library.
An Awesome Book
by Dallas Clayton
HarperCollins
March 2012
This book may be a little more for grown-ups than for kids? It's kind of along the same lines as Oh, the Places You'll Go by Seuss, crossed with the silly sensibility of Todd Parr. Things get off to a strong start, "There are places in the world where people do not dream... of rocket-powered unicorns." Busy sketches full of detail have a hipster vibe to them. The artwork reminded me a little of Hallmark Shoebox greetings, too. This is a reprint of a 2008 release.
I borrowed this book from the library.
by Dallas Clayton
HarperCollins
March 2012
This book may be a little more for grown-ups than for kids? It's kind of along the same lines as Oh, the Places You'll Go by Seuss, crossed with the silly sensibility of Todd Parr. Things get off to a strong start, "There are places in the world where people do not dream... of rocket-powered unicorns." Busy sketches full of detail have a hipster vibe to them. The artwork reminded me a little of Hallmark Shoebox greetings, too. This is a reprint of a 2008 release.
I borrowed this book from the library.
That's Not Funny!
by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Adrian Reynolds
Andersen Press, USA
September 2010
Willis treats us to a silly story of a naughty hyena, who LOVES to laugh at all the animals when he puts a banana peel on their path to step on. The joke is on him when after a long series of mishaps, Hyena lands in "a huge, steaming heap of Elephant's POO!" Colorful illustrations really bring the African plains to life. Pair this with Why Do Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears or any of Eric Kimmel's Anansi books for a fun storytime.
I borrowed this book from the library.
by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Adrian Reynolds
Andersen Press, USA
September 2010
Willis treats us to a silly story of a naughty hyena, who LOVES to laugh at all the animals when he puts a banana peel on their path to step on. The joke is on him when after a long series of mishaps, Hyena lands in "a huge, steaming heap of Elephant's POO!" Colorful illustrations really bring the African plains to life. Pair this with Why Do Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears or any of Eric Kimmel's Anansi books for a fun storytime.
I borrowed this book from the library.
National Geographic Kids Just Joking: 300 Hilarious Jokes, Tricky Tongue Twisters, and Ridiculous Riddles
edited by Robin Terry
National Geographic Society
March 2012
Kids jokes are just too funny. You'll be holding your belly, and rolling your eyes as you groan over these delightfully corny jokes.
Jokes like:
"Q: What rock group has four men who don't sing?
edited by Robin Terry
National Geographic Society
March 2012
Kids jokes are just too funny. You'll be holding your belly, and rolling your eyes as you groan over these delightfully corny jokes.
Jokes like:
"Q: What rock group has four men who don't sing?
A: Mount Rushmore."
Knock knocks like these:
"Knock, knock"
"Who's there?"
"T. Rex."
"T. Rex who?"
"There's a T. Rex at your door, and you want to know his name?"
And unique tongue-twisters such as:
"Girl gargoyle, guy gargoyle."
will all be very well received by kids with a sense of humor.
Brilliant color photos of all manner of wild animals and an appealing layout make this a perfect choice for reluctant readers. I highly recommend this book!
I borrowed this book from the library.
Knock knocks like these:
"Knock, knock"
"Who's there?"
"T. Rex."
"T. Rex who?"
"There's a T. Rex at your door, and you want to know his name?"
And unique tongue-twisters such as:
"Girl gargoyle, guy gargoyle."
will all be very well received by kids with a sense of humor.
Brilliant color photos of all manner of wild animals and an appealing layout make this a perfect choice for reluctant readers. I highly recommend this book!
I borrowed this book from the library.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Waiting on The Spy Princess
Let's face it. I have a weakness for kick-ass princesses. And for spies! This book looks like it's going to rock!
The Spy Princess
by Sherwood Smith
Viking Juvenile
by Sherwood Smith
Viking Juvenile
August 2012
When twelve-year-old Lady Lilah decides to disguise herself and sneak out of the palace one night, she has more of an adventure than she expected--for she learns very quickly that the country is on the edge of revolution. When she sneaks back in, she learns something even more surprising: her older brother Peitar is one of the forces behind it all. The revolution happens before all of his plans are in place, and brings unexpected chaos and violence. Lilah and her friends, leaving their old lives behind, are determined to help however they can. But what can four kids do? Become spies, of course!
When twelve-year-old Lady Lilah decides to disguise herself and sneak out of the palace one night, she has more of an adventure than she expected--for she learns very quickly that the country is on the edge of revolution. When she sneaks back in, she learns something even more surprising: her older brother Peitar is one of the forces behind it all. The revolution happens before all of his plans are in place, and brings unexpected chaos and violence. Lilah and her friends, leaving their old lives behind, are determined to help however they can. But what can four kids do? Become spies, of course!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Rejected Voldemort names
Thinking up a flashy stage name isn't easy. Here's some evidence of possibilities that Volde... ahem, "He Who Must Not Be Named" rejected.
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