Monday, December 30, 2019

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

Kurt Cyrus' book Fix That Clock is a 2019 release.  It has rhyming text, and will hopefully help your child learn about counting, shapes and working together with others.  We just got our copy, so come check it out on your next visit!

Monday, December 23, 2019

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

Rags: Hero Dog of WWI, is an excellent easy picture book to help children understand World War I warfare.    Margot Theis Raven wrote this, as well as many other historical picture books.  This book is on a 4.4 A. R. level, and is 0.5 points.

Saturday, December 14, 2019

YA Read-A-Likes

A very short list of books that went out on our YA Read-Alike book display. A fair number of titles have been paired with a movie/tv series.


Friday, December 13, 2019

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

The board book The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Christmas 123 is a precious counting book for little ones with appropriately colorful holiday pictures in Eric Carle style.  We have other great board books for this season, as well! 

Monday, December 9, 2019

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

Thirty Minutes Over Oregon by Marc Tyler Nobleman tells of Japanese pilot Nubuo Fujita's missions into the United States.  Mr. Fujita actually dropped bombs on Oregon soil twice during World War II.  He returned several times in later years as a friend to the people of that region.  The book is on a 5.7 A. R. level, and is worth 0.5 point.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

Come and check out our new scratch and sniff book, Christmas in the Air!  This Thomas the Tank book has ten scents for your child to enjoy as you read about Christmas on the island of Sodor.

Friday, November 29, 2019

Summer Reading Book Review - Erin, Tayla and Jazmyn W.

Book Title: DC Super Hero Girls: Final Crisis

Author: Shea Fontana

What was the story about? All the superheroes had a test.

Did you like the book?  I liked the book because it was special since it had all my favorite superheroes in it

Reviewed by: Erin W.

Erin rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.


Book Title: Barbie Starlight Adventure: Star Song


Author: Apple Jordan
What was the story about? This story is about Barbie working with her friends to help save the galaxy.

Did you like the book?  I liked the book because I like the movie. I loved the book and will get it again to read.


Reviewed by: Tayla W.

Tayla rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.





Book Title: Obsidian


Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

What was the story about? Katy just moved to a new town with her mom. Next door is an alien boy who had many secrets that could be dangerous if revealed.

Did you like the book?  I love this book because it is so interesting. The books was so good that I had a hard time putting it down.

Reviewed by: Jazmyn W.

Jazmyn rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

Ben Mantle wrote The Best Christmas Present Ever.   Sometimes the simple things are what make life fun, and Bear learns that after he opens his huge gift box from Squirrel.
We have recently gotten in several new holiday books!


Monday, November 18, 2019

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

Jan Brett is the author of many good winter books, including The Mitten.  This book is on a 3.9 A. R. level, and earns one half point upon passing the test.  Her books are great for the holidays!

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Summer Reading Book Review - Deacon, Nicole, Tykeria, Taylor and Sarah

Book Title: The Grouchy Ladybug
Author: Eric Carle
What was the story about? Two ladybugs saw the aphids and wanted them for breakfast. The grouchy ladybug wanted to fight. He flew away. He kept seeing other animals and wanting to fight them, but the whale gave him no answer. He just slapped him. And then he shared with the nice ladybugs.
Did you like the book?  Yes! I liked it. I read it a bunch. I liked all the animals.
Reviewed by: Deacon T.
Deacon rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.


Book Title: President Donald Trump


Author: Joanne Mattern
What was the story about? This story is about the life of Donald Trump. Him growing up, school days and getting famous. It talked about his family life and becoming president.
Did you like the book?  Yes, because it gave us a story on our president.
Reviewed by: Nicole H.
Nicole rated this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Title: The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Author: Stephen Carpenter
What was the story about? It is about how the first goat goes over the bridge and the troll let him go and the second oat goes by and the lets him through and the third goat goes by and ?
Did you like the book?  I liked it because the third one ... so I can't tell you
Reviewed by: Taylor R.
Taylor rated this book 3 out of 5 stars.





Book Title: The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

Author: Mitch Albom
What was the story about? The story is about Frankie Presto's life and childhood
Did you like the book?  Yes, because it tells me all about Frankie Presto
Reviewed by: Sarah W.
Sarah rated this book 4 out of 5 stars.




Book Title: Rosa Parks
Author: Jennifer Strand
What was the story about? Rosa Parks rode on a bus of whites and she did not get out of her seat.
Did you like the book?  Yes, you can learn about what she did and became.
Reviewed by: Tykeria R.
Tykeria rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.






Book Title: Real Friends

Author: Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
What was the story about? It is about where Shannon goes to a new school where Jenny is. She is really mean to Shannon then Shannon has a group then Jen. 
Did you like the book?  Yes, it can show you how people are mean to you.
Reviewed by: Tykeria R.
Tykeria rated this book 3 out of 5 stars.






 Book Title: President Donald Trump
Author: Joanne Mattern
What was the story about? The story was about how Trumps nickname is The Donald was popular. He has a Trump Tower that is 10 stories high and that is building a wall from Mexico.
Did you like the book?  Yes, you can learn more things about Donald Trump.
Reviewed by: Tykeria R.
She rated this book 5 out of 5 stars

Monday, November 11, 2019

Summer Reading Book Review - Ryker V.

Book Title: Berenstain Bears On the Job


Author: Stan & Jan Berenstain
What was the story about? The book was about different jobs around town that you could be. It was about what sister and brother wanted to be when they grow up.

Did you like the book?  Yes, because I like Berenstain Bears and seeing different jobs around Bear country.


Ryker rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.




Book Title: Don't Read This Book!


Author: Jill Lewis
What was the story about? The King didn't want me to read the book. The King and his writer tried the whole book to find the King's new story that his writer had lost.

Did you like the book?  Yes, because it was funny and I liked finding out what happened next.


Ryker also rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. Thanks for the awesome review Ryker!!

Summer Reading Book Review - Ella Kate T.



Book Title: You're Our New Mascot, Chuck!

Author: E. Schulz

What was the story about? Peppermint Patty wanted Charlie Brown to be the baseball teams mascot. Marcie told him not to come, but he did any way.

Did you like the book?  It was okay. It wasn't bad but it wasn't the best. It was just something to read.

Reviewed by: Ella Kate T.

Ella Kate T. rated this book 2 out of 5 stars. Thanks for this fantastic review!

Summer Reading Book Review- Ronin S.

Book Title: Stick Cat

Author: Tom Watson

What was the story about? Stick Cat and Edith saved Mr. Music from the piano

Did you like the book?  I like it because I like the story.

Reviewed by: Ronin S.
Ronin rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. Thanks for this great review!

Summer Reading Book Review- Kemunti and Braylon S.

Book Title: The Dark Knight Rises: Batman Versus Bane
Author: Jodi Huelin
What was the story about? Batman and Bane fight because Bane tried to destroy Gotham City.
Did you like the book?  Yes, because I like to see Batman fighting people.
Reviewed by: Kemunti S.
Kemunti rated this book 3 out of 5 stars. Thank you, Kemunti! 



Book Title: Randy Orton: A Living Legacy
Author: Martin Gitlin
What was the story about? A man named Randy Orton. He is a wrestler player. He is not just a wrestler player, he is a family guy. He has a wife and a daughter.
Did you like the book?  Yes, because he is strong and has skills.
Reviewed by: Braylon S.
Braylon rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. Thanks for this fantastic review!

Friday, November 8, 2019

Summer Reading Book Review - Samantha S

Book Title: Anne of Windy Poplars
Author: L.M. Montgomery
What was the story about? Anne Shirley, who is now engaged to her old schoolmate Gilbert Blythe and is working as the principal of Summerside High. She bonds with new friends, makes enemies into friends and solves people's problems.
Did you like the book?  Yes, I love how Anne can make friends anywhere and brighten people's day. She also is humble, funny and gives good advice.
Reviewed by: Samantha S.
Samantha rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. Thanks for this fantastic review!

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

Pete the Cat's Giant Groovy Book has nine books in one.  Most of the books in this volume are A. R. levels 1.3 to 2.1.  Almost all of the Pete books are written by James Dean, who was born in Fort Payne and went to Auburn University.  I love to let kids know about that local connection.  We have so many other Pete books, as well, so take a look the next time you are here!

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Summer Reading Book Review - Elliot R

Book Title: Who was Elvis Presley?

Author: Geoff Edgers
 
What was the story about? Elvis singin
Did you like the book? It was interesting
Reviewed by: Elliot R.
Elliot rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. Thanks you Elliot!

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Summer Reading Book Review - Ethan R.

Book Title: Mountain Night Mountain Dry

Author: Athony D. Fredricks


What was the story about? What lived in the mountains during the day and the night.
Did you like the book?  Yes, because the pictures were so detailed and the writing was perfect for anyone to read.
Reviewed by: Ethan R.
Ethan rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.




Book Title: A is for America
 
Author: Tanya Lee Stone

What was the story about? What was important to America.

Did you like the book?  It was too easy
Reviewed by: Ethan R.
Ethan rated this book 2 out of 5 stars.Thanks for reviewing these 2 books Ethan!

Monday, November 4, 2019

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

The Simple Prince, by Jane Yolen, teaches children gratitude, as well as an appreciation of all the hard work that goes into living daily life.  Jane Yolen is a wonderful author of so many children's books, and although this was one of her early works, she shows us such a valuable lesson about responsiblities and privileges.
This would be a great accompaniment to a lesson on Farm to Table eating.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Summer Reading Book Review - Kacia E.

Book Title: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Author: Eric Carle

What was the story about? A little egg grew into a caterpillar. He kept eating, eating and eating until he had a very bad tunny ache. Then, he ate a nice green leaf and felt much better. So he decided to make a cocoon because he had grown so big. Finally, he became the best surprise.

Did you like the book? Yes, I loved this book because he was always hungry just like me. And he became a beautiful creature just like me. 

Reviewed by: Kacia E.

Kacia rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you so much for this wonderful book review on this literary classic! The drawings you attached to your review are beautiful!!



Friday, November 1, 2019

Summer Reading Book Review - Ethan W.

Book Title: DragonBreath


Author: Ursula Vernon

What was the story about?He went to see his cousin Edward and he almost got eaten by a shark. .

Did you like the book?  Yes


Ethan rated this book 4 out of 5 stars.



Book Title: Eerie Elementary: The Science Fair is Freaky
 
Author: Jack Chabert

What was the story about? They had a science fair. Earthquake the the volcano came out of the ground. The volcano erupted. 

Did you like the book?  Yes


Ethan rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you Ethan W. for reviewing these two books for our Summer Reading Book Review challenge!

Summer Reading Book Review - Izzy W.

Book Title: The Bus Ride That Changed History: The Story of Rosa Parks

Author: Pamela Duncan Edwards

What was the story about? It was about black people and white people and black people were not getting treated right.

Did you like the book? Yes because it talked about how Rosa Parks changed history.

Reviewed by: Izzy W.

Izzy rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Summer Reading Book Review - Camon, Micah and Cara S.

Book Title: Ella the Elegant Elephant 


Author: Carmela and Steven D'Amico

What was the story about? Everybody makes fun of Ella's hat. She gets teased. Find out how Ella makes friends with her magic hat!

Did you like the book?  Yes. Ella was kind and I like the pictures.

Reviewed by: Cara S.

Cara rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. Thanks for this great review!


Book Title: Mr. Popper's Penguins

Author: Richard and Florence Atwater

What was the story about? Mr. Popper heard about penguins on the radio. A few days later, someone game him a box. He opened it and a penguin got out. He said, "ork" and found the bathtub! The penguin tried to bite the faucet. Find out what happened to Mr. Popper's penguins.

Did you like the book?  Yes. Because of the silly phone call (Mr. Popper called City Hall to ask about penguins). Captain Cook, the Penguin tried to disconnect by biting the cord! There was a lot of funny misunderstanding in the phone call.

Reviewed by: Camon S.

Camon rated this book 4 out of 5 stars.


Book Title: The Quiltmaker's Gift
 
Author: Jeff Brumbeau 

What was the story about? This book is about a quiltmaker who makes quilts. She gives them to the people who are on the streets with no blankets and are cold. There is a GREEDY King who wants a quilt. Read the book to find out if and when the King gets a quilt!

Did you like the book?  Yes. Because the quiltmaker gave the quilts to the people lying on the streets that were cold. I liked that she was helping the poor people.

Reviewed by: Camon S.

Camon rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. Thanks for your fantastic reviews, Camon!!


Book Title: Freight Train

Author: Donald Crews

What was the story about? The train is on the tracks, I like the black steam engine and green cars. I like the trestles. The train goes slow.

Did you like the book?  Micah loves this book :)

Reviewed by: Micah S.





Summer Reading Book Review - Evelyn & Eileen S.



Book Title: The Mark of Athena

Author: Rick Riordan

What was the story about? Annabeth searches for the Athena Parthenos and battles Arachne. 

Did you like the book?  Yes, because I like fantasy and fiction
 
Reviewed by: Eileen S.

Eileen gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Book Title: Risby

Author: Beverly Cleary

What was the story about? Ribsy gets lost then his boy goes on an adventure to find him.

Did you like the book?  Yes, good story

Reviewed by: Eileen S.

Eileen rated this book 4 out of 5 stars.

 Thanks for these great reviews, Eileen!






Book Title: The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero

Author: Rick Riordan

What was the story about? Demigods having to defeat an evil earth goddess without destroying the earth.

Did you like the book?  I loved this book alot. It has fun characters and is full of adventure!


Reviewed by: Evelyn S.

Evelyn rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.


Book Title: Mythology: The gods, heroes and monsters of Ancient Greece 


Editor: Dugald A. Steer

What was the story about? Greek gods, heroes and monsters 

Did you like the book?  Yes, it was good and interesting

Reviewed by: Evelyn S.

Evelyn gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you Evelyn! 

Summer Reading Book Review - Aaron S

Book Title: Pirate Boy



Author: Eve Bunting
What was the story about? Danny imagined he was a pirate on a ship. He asked his mom lots of questions. She saved the day.

Did you like the book?  Yes, Danny reminds me of me asking a lot of questions and his mom always able to save the day

Reviewed by: Aaron S.

Aaron rated this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

Who doesn't love to travel?
Who doesn't love to have fun while we learn?
This book, Are We There Yet, Daddy? by Virginia Walters, takes us on a road trip with a boy and his dad.  The boy studies the map as they cover the miles, and we are able to view the map frequently as we follow their trip.  Map skills are still needed, because we may not always have an electronic device with us to guide us somewhere.
The book is on a 2.2 A. R. level, and a passing score earns 0.5 point.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson is a Caldecott Medal winner in our easy books.  This cumulative story is based loosely on an old nursery rhyme, and the striking pictures put you in mind of the woodcutting illustrations in the very first children's books of many years ago.  It is on a 1.6 A. R. level, and is worth 0.5 points when you pass the test.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari tells about a dog who wants to be with his girl, even when she is at school.  This books shows us how well the girl manages in school with her wheelchair, and gives a glimpse of the training process for a therapy dog to be certified.  The A. R. level is 2.3, and it's worth 0.5 point on the test.

Monday, October 7, 2019

Ms. Mary's Monday Review

If your child needs reassurance that there's nothing to be afraid of in their rooms in the dark, we have several new books about a big-kid bed or being brave at night.  Come and try them all, including I'm Not Afraid of the Dark by Helena Harastova.  This book has pull flaps that show us what we are really seeing at night rather than the monsters we can imagine!

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Summer Reading Book Review - Taylor R.

Book Title: Helen Keller



Author: Kitson Jazynka
What was the story about? It tells about how she learned how to spell and write and about her life.

Did you like the book?  I liked the book because it tells about how her life was dark and quiet.

Reviewed by:Taylor R.

Taylor rated this book 4 out of 5 stars. Thanks for the review!

Summer Reading Book Review - Jon Robert N.


Book Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Author: JK Rowling

What was the story about? After Voldemort killed Harry's parents, Dumbledore, McGonagall and Hagrid rescued Harry from the scene and left him on the doorstep of the Dursley residence (Number 4 Privet Dr). Several years later, Hagrid takes Harry away after a series of unanswered letters to find himself at Hogwarts. After quidditch and lessons, can Harry and his friends keep the stone safe from you-kno-who?

Did you like the book? Yes. There were always plot  twists. The book was unpredictable.

Reviewed by: Jon Robert N.

Jon Robert rated this book 5 out of 5 stars. Thanks for the awesome review!


Book Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets


Author: JK Rowling

What was the story about? In the second edition to Harry Potter, we see the Dursley's passionately pursuing a business deal with Mr and Mrs Mason. That is stopped when Dobby comes to warn Harry that he should not go back to school. Harry is now locked up in his bedroom to then be rescued by the youngest Weasley boys: Ron, Fred and George. Off to school, Harry is attacked by a tree, an enchanted bludger and later on a partially existent Voldemort.

Reviewed by: Jon Robert N.

This book also received 5 stars!