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The Golden Library Lady - October 7, 2009
There are some books that I read in one sitting because I just couldn't put them down (Graceling, The Hunger Games). There are some books that take me way too long to read (HP and the Half-Blood Prince took me 6 weeks) and I struggle through them. There are some books I savor and try not to finish too quickly (Catching Fire.) There are some books that I recommend to every student (Holes) and some to those that request scary books (How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found, Lake of Secrets). There are very few that have me thinking about coming home from work, taking care of the evening business (dinner, homework) and finally sitting down to read. That was Kyle's Island. I looked forward to reading it and savored it over three nights.
Kyle's relationship with his younger brother was amazing. His maturity shone through always and you just know Kyle will always be there for him. I could almost picture the lake and the sky and the cabin as the imagery was vivid. The local adults were supportive but not in an overwhelming way. The writing was wonderful.
Some of my favorite parts of the book are the fishing scenes. There are not a lot of books for those kids asking about fishing (The Young Man and the Sea is the only one off the top of my head). This book will find an audience in my library.
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School Library Journal
The spare text deftly conveys Nonie's reactions and emotions, which are clearly reflected in Tadgell's realistic, folksy watercolors sweeping across double pages. Ultimately, this gentle story addresses the universal frustration older siblings often face at having a new baby in the family.—
Booklist
The spare text deftly conveys Nonie's reactions and emotions, which are clearly reflected in Tadgell's realistic, folksy watercolors sweeping across double pages. Ultimately, this gentle story addresses the universal frustration older siblings often face at having a new baby in the family.—
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School Library Journal
This delightful read-aloud nearly ripples as the wind whooshes and roars, lifting readers into the enchanting tale.
Booklist
The acrylic-and-charcoal illustrations, which reflect Nguyen's work with animated movies such as Ice Age, effectively use perspective to generate the melee. From climbing a mountain of dandelions to coaxing chickens from the courthouse roof with popcorn (which the boy always carries in his lunch bag), the boy's fanciful, whirlwind journey to school will leave children grinning...
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Publishers Weekly
While the teacher's away, the students will play—as long as Mr. Hiram Wuerst is their substitute...Herbert's (illustrator) boldly hued cartoon illustrations, featuring her trademark round- and large-headed characters, boost the comical tone.
School Library Journal
Children who have had experience with substitute teachers will appreciate this wacky story about a Mr. Magoo of the education world.
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School Library Journal
When a tall, unshaven peddler with a "stern and sinister" appearance walks through the village of Tarnof carrying a large blue bundle, two lazy simpletons decide to follow him to see what he is up to and, perhaps, to earn a reward for themselves...This fine marriage of story and art will both amuse and entertain young listeners.
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School Library Journal
The shadows, the full moon, and the muted lights in the windows of houses help to create the nighttime mood. Readers will be able to feel the wind blowing as they turn the pages and experience the feline's enjoyment of his freedom.
Booklist
Derby's poetic text sets just the right tone for this atmospheric nighttime excursion. |
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Publishers Weekly
Alternating chilly grays with warm terra cotta shades, debut artist Swiatkowska's paintings contrast stunning wintry landscapes against the bookmobile's snug interior in Derby's cozy holiday tale.
Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books For
Children
Transcending the genre of the holiday title, the author orchestrates a magical foray into back roads America, where the sound of sleigh bells is replaced by the swish of windshield wipers on a trusty traveling library. |
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Booklist
A child tells about her front steps, her favorite place to play...children who don't have a flight of cracked concrete steps may end up wishing for a stoop of their own.
Kirkus
Anyone who has played "pretend" with cracks in the sidewalk, held a tea party in the shade of a hanging blanket, or ridden a sawhorse to first place will understand the rules of Derby's steps, where each scene has the pleasing simplicity of Peter's world in Ezra Jack Keat's The Snowy Day.
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Publishers Weekly
While the components of its plot are wildly exaggerated, the tale itself is subtly comforting. The lighthearted art, peopled with daffy caricatures, radiates sunny colors-and a keen sense of humor.
Booklist
The two fold message is sound: even powerful people get scared, and it's by facing our fears that we become truly deserving. Glowing watercolor illustrations, richly detailed in warm, vibrant colors, add to the royal atmosphere and bring the whimsical characters to life. |
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Smithsonian
The tale, ravishingly original and eloquent, of a young man instructed to tend a mysteriously fecund plant...Not to be missed.
School Library Journal
There is much arcane magic in this fantasy patterned on the folkloric genre. Gore's interesting black-and-white illustrations, done in ink and acrylic, enhance the ominous mood.
Booklist
An interesting alternative to beginning chapter books.
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Publishers Weekly
Derby introduces a mouse who, knowing nothing of the world around him, is self-assured enough to think the sun rises and sets at his command. When the mouse is presented at the king's court, he opts to sell his prized solar orb to the king in exchange for a map of the forest in which he lives. Derby's dialogue is swift and sure...
School Library Journal
This lovely little romp illustrates the many ways of seeing and interacting. Readers are sure to smile at Mouse's special sense of place. |
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