Book Reviews

The Cazuela that the Farm Maid Stirred

by Samantha R. Vamos

I love bilingual books that integrate Spanish words into an English text, and this one does it extremely well. The story starts out with the "this is the house that jack built..." construction but varies it at the end in an interesting way. Rafael López's illustrations are like going to a party - bright, bold, colorful - joyous. I wanted to dance with la campesina y sus animales at the end! Lovely book.

- Karla Giraldéz, BCL - Southwest

Prom and Prejudice

Elizabeth Eulberg

This was a delight! This is a modern version of 'Pride and Prejudice' set in a fancy prep school on the east coast. Eulberg does an entertaining job of assigning modern characters to the "originals" and she hits both the moods and the class system right on. Terrific!

- Elizabeth Timmins, Muehl Public Library

Book Reviews

The Unsinkable Walker Bean

by Aaron Renier

Aaron Renier's artwork reminds me in a way of Where's Waldo artist Martin Handford in its complexity and detail, but better. The story is fun and quirky and filled with pirates, sea-witches, high adventure and wonderful gadgets. It reminds me of when I was a little girl and spent my summers inventing fantastic stories with pirates, cowboys, and brave orphans that I then acted out with my sisters and the neighbor boys. Thanks, Aaron for bringing back the memories! :)

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave

by Laban Carrick Hill

Beautifully illustrated, poignant story of an African-American potter in the 1800s. The little we know about his life comes partly from the beautiful pots he made and the few lines of poetry etched on the surface of a few. The author and illustrator show the dignity of his life and the beauty of his work in in the face of his condition as a slave.

- Karla Giraldéz, BCL- Southwest

Karla's Reviews

Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors by Joyce Sidman, Illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

An entire book of poems about colors and weather ~ how can it possibly keep the reader's interest? I was skeptical.

However, Joyce Sidman's images are so evocative and so crisp, that I was completely captivated. "In spring, Red sings from treetops: cheer-cheer-cheer, each note dropping like a cherry into my ear/Red turns the maples feathery, sprouts in rhubarb spears; Red squirms on the road after rain." I read the whole thing cover to cover in one sitting. Pamela Zagarenski's fanciful and colorful illustrations perfectly enhance the images in the poems. What a delight! (Children's)


Hold Still
by Nina LaCour

Caitlin's best friend, Ingrid, commits suicide, and all Caitlin is left with is her journal. She has to try to make sense of Ingrid's senseless death. Caitlin's process of grieving and coming back to life herself is gracefully and poignantly drawn. A lovely, sad, but ultimately hopeful read. (YA)


~ by Karla Giraldéz, BCL- Southwest

Karla's Reviews

When You Reach Me
by Rebecca Stead

If you loved "A Wrinkle in Time" when you were a child, you will love this new take on time travel. Twelve-year-old Miranda has read the book, ""A Wrinkle in Time, hundreds of times. Her copy is worn and old. But when she receives the first note, "I am coming to save your friend's life and my own...", she doesn't know what to make of it. More notes follow, giving proof the mysterious writer knows what will happen to her before it happens. A lovely, thoughtful story that is definitely worthy of its newly won Newberry Award. I couldn't put it down.


Odd and the Frost Giants
by Neil Gaiman

Another winner by Neil Gaiman, this simple story is about a Viking boy with a lucky name who isn't lucky. Odd's father has died, his new stepfather and step-siblings mistreat him, and he has a crippled leg. One endless winter, Odd decides he has had enough and leaves. When he rescues an enormous bear, his luck takes a turn for the better. Enchanted animals turn out to be Norse gods who need Odd’s help to free Asgard from the Frost Giants. Kids will want to read more Norse mythology after finishing this lovely, simple fable.

- Karla Giraldéz, BCL- Southwest

Have you read a children's or YA book recently that you couldn't put down? Write a review for Little Nit Bits!

Book Reviews

Spellbinder
By Helen Stringer

Belladonna Johnson can see ghosts ~ not something she wants to blab about all over the school. It's pretty much a pain, until her parents die in a car crash. Then, instead of being gone for good, they're still at home taking care of Belladonna ~ only in ghost form. Until one day, they're not. In fact, all the ghosts are disappearing. "Tell the Spellbinder," one ghost tells her. Now it's up to Belladonna and her trouble-making friend, Steve, to find out what's happening to the ghosts and bring back her parents so they're not gone again ~ this time forever.

A Season of Gifts
by Richard Peck

I haven't read "A Year Down Yonder" by Richard Peck but will have to now that I have met the character of Mrs. Dowdel in this wonderful book about a preacher's family who move next door to the crotchety old woman. Mrs. Dowdel doesn't "neighbor" or hold with church going but manages to befriend and support each member of the family in her own way. Fabulous story and a great holiday read for all ages!


Reviewed by: Karla Giraldéz, BCL - Southwest

Karla's Reviews

Hook
by: Ed Young

A boy finds an egg. He gives it to a chicken to raise. It hatches into a strange chick, an eagle, and they teach it to fly. Spare text, lovely illustrations, and a metaphor for anyone who feels they aren't "meant for earth."



Princess Arabella's Birthday
by: Mylo Freeman

What do you get the princess who has everything? An elephant - that's what! But when Princess Arabella gets her birthday present, the elephant begins to cry, so Princess Arabella decides to take it home. When she arrives in the jungle, she gets a surprise that makes her think twice about getting everything you want...

~ Karla Giraldéz,
BCL - Southwest

Karla's Reviews

Gooney Bird is So Absurd
Lois Lowry
A good chapter book for younger readers. I found the character of Gooney Bird funny, but a little unbelievably "adult" at times. The class is interesting and well-rounded and behaves how I imagine a second grade class would behave. Their wonderful teacher, Mrs. Pigeon, stays calm in the face of the noise and chaos of the class, while respecting their individuality. A nice read with a lovely ending. (children)


Big Chickens
Leslie Helakoski
The chickens in this book are "big chickens" who run away to hide when the wolf comes calling...along the way, they find lots of things to be scared of until they realize they are BIG chickens and don't have to be scared! Great book for calming fears. (picture book)

Karla Giraldéz, BCL, Southwest

CCBC Shorts - New Webinars

CCBC Shorts: A (Brief) Monthly Look at Books for Children and Teens
Join us for brief, timely tours through some of the newest and best in children’s and young adult literature. Librarians from the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) will be your guides for these monthly 30-minute sessions designed to give librarians a heads-up about selected brand new titles of note. We’ll also revisit some of the gems already in your library collections. Each month will feature a different topic or theme.


Future CCBC Shorts dates for the year:
October 28 - http://tinyurl.com/otva7z Great New Gift Books; Holiday Books
November 18 - http://tinyurl.com/qmpb9q
December 16 - http://tinyurl.com/olkkke

All sessions will run from 9:00 - 9:30 am. Programs will be recorded and archived on the SCLS Continuing Ed. web site.

Karla's Reviews

Hate That Cat: A Novel
by Sharon Creech
Jack is back for another year in Miss Stretchberry's class, and he is writing more poetry - this time about cats. As usual, Jack reveals something from his life in his poetry, this time something about his mother. I didn't like this book as well as Love That Dog, but I love Jack's voice, the gentle guidance from his teacher, and the use of favorite classic poems as a basis for the writing. A good read for kids that like poetry ~ and even those that don't!(children's)


Messed Up
by Janet Nichols Lynch
R.D.'s mom is in jail, he doesn't know his dad, and now his grandma left him with her ex-boyfriend, Earl, to go off with her new boyfriend. R.D. is just trying to get by in his third year of eighth grade until he turns 16 and they have to move him up to high school. Then Earl dies and R.D. is alone. He doesn't even know how to cook. He has to learn how to survive , mature and make it on his own. I really liked R.D. and want to know more about him. Although his dad was mentioned, I'd love a sequel where we learn more about his dad and mom. Maybe when mom gets out of jail? and how that impacts his new self-sufficiency??? I want more! A good read! (YA)

~ Karla Giraldéz, BCL - East Branch

Karla's Reviews...and Wiki!

In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck
The story begins, "In a blue room, Alice bounces, wide-awake past bedtime," and I am intrigued because the room is clearly not blue. Alice's mother brings her things that Alice rejects because they are not blue: lilacs and lily whites that "give off a gentle scent," orange tea cooling in a brown cup, "lullaby bells to sing (her) to sleep. When Alice asks for the moon, Mama whispers, "Here it comes," and the magic begins. Lovely read-a-loud, lovely illustrations - a necessary bedtime book in a market of too many bedtime stories.


Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban
Mouse was mad. He was hopping mad, stomping mad, screaming mad, and rolling-around-on-the-ground mad, but he just couldn't express himself as well as the other animals. Until finally, he found his own way - and then he realized... he wasn't mad anymore! Cute book that all kids will be able to relate to.

- Karla Giraldéz, BCL- East Branch

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Karla told me about her wiki on children's books that she has been working on for a few months. She said it's still a work-in progress, but wanted me to let you all know it was available. It's a great example of how a wiki can be used, as well as a good resource of children's materials. Thank you, Karla!!

PS. If anyone else has something like this they would like to share, please let me know!

CCBC Podcast

The CCBC Choices presentation was held on Thursday, May 21. If you were unable to attend, you can listen to the audio podcast below of Megan and Tessa!

The following books were presented:

The Natural World
Wolfsnail: A Backyard Predator – Sarah C. Campbell
Big Brown Bat – Rick Chrustowski
Loon Summer – Sandy Gillum

Historical People, Places and Events:
Comic Book Century: The History of American Comic Books – Stephen Krensky
Seabiscuit the Wonder Horse – Meghan McCarthy

Biography and Autobiography
Phillis’s Big Test - Catherine Clinton
Up Close: Thurgood Marshall – Chris Crowe
Wanda Gag: The Girl Who Lived to Draw – Deborah Kogan Ray

Contemporary people, places and events
Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai – Claire A. Nivola

Issues in Today’s World
50 Simple Things You Can do to Save the Earth – John Javna, Sophie Javna and Jessie Javna
We Are All Born Free: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Pictures– In Association with Amnesty International

Understanding Oneself and Others
My Two Grannies – Floella Benjamin
An Artist’s America – Michael Albert
Punk Rock Etiquette: The Ultimate How-To Guide for Punk , Underground, DIY and Indie Bands – Travis Nichols
Before John was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane – Carole Boston Weatherford

Picture Books for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
Round like a Ball! – Lisa Campbell Ernst
Buster Goes to Cowboy Camp – Denise Fleming
Giorgio and His Star Crane Train – Jessica Spanyol
How to Heal a Broken Wing – Bob Graham

Picture Books for School-Age Children
The Chicken of the Family – Mary Amato
The Cow That Laid an Egg – Andy Cutbill
The Scrambled States of America Talent Show- Laurie Keller
Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad – James Rumford
Growing up with Tomales = Los tamales de Ana – Gwendolyn Zepeda

Fiction for Children
The London Eye Mystery – Siobhan Dowd
Diamond Willow – Helen Frost
Rapunzel’s Revenge – Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Every Soul a Star – Wendy Mass
Greetings From Nowhere – Barbara O’Connor

Fiction for Young Adults
The Savage – David Almond
The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
The Knife of Never Letting Go – Patrick Ness
Lunch with Lenin and Other Stories – Deborah Ellis
How They Met, and Other Stories – David Levithan
Two Parties, One Tux, and a Very Short Film about the Grapes of Wrath – Steven Goldman
The Adoration of Jenna Fox – Mary E. Pearson

DS400027.WMA -Click here to listen to the podcast!

Karla's Reviews

Wake
by Lisa McMann
Seventeen-year-old Janie gets sucked into other people's dreams, and she can't control it. Since the age of eight, she experiences everyone else's falling dreams, walking naked into class dreams, sex dreams, and nightmares. She has managed to keep her "condition" hidden for all these years, but now she is falling into a nightmare that is affecting her more than any other. Can she learn to control it? And what about Cabel, her newly attractive neighbor? What secrets is he hiding? Part mystery, part romance, and lots of the supernatural, I couldn't put this one down. I can't wait to read the next one!


What I Saw and How I Lied
by Judy Blundell
WWII is over and the soldiers are returning home, including Evie's step dad, Joe. Shortages are over, skirts are longer and fuller, and 15-year-old Evie can't wait to be like her glamorous mother. And then she meets and falls in love with Peter, a young soldier who served with Joe "over there." But Peter has secrets, grown-up secrets he shares with her parents, and when those secrets blow up in their faces, Evie is forced to grow up and make some very adult choices. I literally was up until 3 a.m. finishing this book...so good!

Karla Giraldéz, BCL

Karla's Reviews

Graceling By Kristin Cashore

Katsa is born with the "grace" or special ability of killing. As such, she is taken and trained by her uncle, the king, to be his trained thug and enforcer. Then Katsa meets another graced individual, Prince Po, and everything begins to change for her. I absolutely couldn't put this book down! A fabulous first book. I hope she writes more about these characters.



All We Know of Love By Nora Raleigh Baskin

Natalie is confused about love. Her mother left without a word four years ago and never came back. Her dad is often distant. Her boyfriend seems to be only interested in her for sex. So Natalie leaves on a bus to Florida to find her mother. Unlike other "on the road" books with children on a mission to find missing parents, this one lets the reader glimpse snippets of the lives (and thoughts about love) of the people with whom Natalie comes into contact during her trip.

~ Karla Giraldéz, BCL

Karla's Reviews

Ten Things I Hate About Me
Randa Abdel-Fattah
Jamila hides all evidences of her Muslim Lebanese culture in order to fit in at school as Jamie. But it becomes increasingly difficult to explain to her "friends" why she can't do the things they do... hang out with boys, be out after dark, attend dances, etc. Then she meets someone online who seems to understand and like the real Jamila. Will she have the courage to reveal herself at school? And will her father ever trust her enough to loosen her restrictions? A little predictable, but still an enjoyable book about a teen struggling to fit in. It is nice to read books about normal Muslim teens, their lives and families.

Born to Read
Judy Sierra
Sam is born knowing how to read and uses his skills in a variety of ways, finally rescuing the town from the clutches of a spoiled baby giant and proving the value of being a reader.
This is a cute, rhyming read for younger school-age kids about the power of reading. It's a little long to do in a preschool storytime, in my opinion, but definitely a good read-aloud for a library class visit!


Karla Giraldéz, BCL - East

Karla's Reviews

The Chicken Dance
by Jacques Couvillon

I never knew chickens could be so interesting...or at least Don, the 11-year-old protagonist of the story, makes them interesting. Don's mother is a self-absorbed former Vegas showgirl who hates living on a chicken farm in a po-dunk town on Horse Island. Don's father is mostly absent. Neither pays Don any attention until he becomes the youngest person to win the local chicken judging contest. Suddenly, he is a minor celebrity. Don is such a charming, funny, sincere boy that you just find yourself rooting for him to be valued by his family and community. A funny, poignant read with surprising twists for middle grade readers.

The Looking Glass Wars (Book 1)
by Frank Beddor
Oooo, I am always intrigued when a book has such mixed reviews. Some people just hated it! I really enjoyed the premise and thought it was a rather clever twist on the traditional "Alice in Wonderland." I liked the character of Alice when she was a little girl with so much imagination, and I loved Hatter Madigan's portrayal. But now I want to re-read the original books, and re-read this one in the light of the comments made by other readers. Looking forward for number two!

~ Karla Giraldéz, BCL, East Branch

Karla's Reviews

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa
by Erica Silverman

A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book from 2005, this beginning reader is the story of Cowgirl Kate and her horse Cocoa. Kate is a cowgirl "from the boots up" who loves her horse even when he is a lot of work - behaving like a child at times with Kate as the responsible parent... The first in a series of funny stories kids will enjoy reading for themselves.



If You Find a Rock
by Peggy Christian

Remember the joy of finding the perfect rock? Carrying it around in your pocket? Skipping it across the water? Marveling at its smoothness, its colors, its size or shape? Then you will love this book with its softly colored photographs of the natural world.

~ Karla Giraldéz, BCL, East Branch

Interested in submitting a review for Little Nic Bits?? Submit it to Jamie!

Karla's Reviews

Lock and Key, by Sarah Dessen
Ruby Cooper had been alone for weeks after her addict mom disappeared one day and didn't come home. When she is discovered by nosy landlords, she is sent to live with her older sister, Cora, whom she hasn't seen in ten years. Ruby struggles to adjust to her new life. Can she learn to trust again? And what about Nate, the boy next door who has secrets of his own? A good read for teen girls.




Airborn, by Kenneth Oppel
Great adventure story with pirates, strange winged cats, airships and a shipwreck. The full cast audio performance with original musical score is very well done. Matt Cruse is a cabin boy who was born in the air and wants nothing more than to be a sailmaker on the Aurora, the ship he calls home. Kate De Vries is a rich aristocrat who wants to be taken seriously as a scientist. When they are shipwrecked after an attack by pirates, things get seriously interesting! A good listen and a good read!

~ by Karla Giraldéz, BCL, East Branch

Recent Reviews!

The Willoughbys, by Lois Lowry
What a gem! With echoes of Lemony Snicket, Lois Lowry takes on orphans, nannies, wealthy benefactors and neglectful parents. She throws in references to classic children's stories and lots of big words (accompanied by a clever glossary in the back and a bibliography of story titles.) Very funny and clever. Grownups who have read the books she refers to will enjoy the references. Children will be encouraged to seek out the titles and read more.


The Higher Power of Lucky, by Susan Patron
I listened to the audio of this book which was lovely. I find that listening to the books, often helps me slow down and savor the poetry of the writing on a quality read. I could have read this in a sitting, but it was worth the longer listen. I fell in love with the desert as described by Lucky - even though, like Brigitte, I don't like heat or bugs or sand. I loved Miles, and Lincoln, and of course, Lucky. I enjoyed the reader's voice. She was able to do a completely convincing French accent for Brigitte.

~ Karla Giraldéz, BCL - East Branch

PS. To read more of Karla's reviews, log in to goodreads.com, and become her friend!
Not a member? Become one! It's free, easy and you can share "good reads!"

Or...send me a review to share on LNB of a recent youth or teen book you read!

Nicole's Favorite Children's Book

How many books -- for adults or children -- have inspired dozens of
sequels, countless books that borrow the story or reference it, several
movies (the latest a science fictional version on the SciFi Channel) and
no less than three major stage musicals? L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz" is an American cultural touchstone, and my favorite children's book of all time.

The book that initially many librarians refused to stock or recommend
endures as a great read-aloud for children of all ages, full of dry wit
and utter strangeness. I revisit it at least once a year. Forget all of
the wonderful adaptations that have been done since; "The Wizard of Oz" itself is one of the zaniest, funniest and most memorable stories of all time.

Nicole Lowery
Lakes Country Public Library

Want to share YOUR favorite children's book of all time? Email Jamie!