CJRLC's Book Evaluation Committee's "Book Notes"

From the October 1, 2004 meeting
Edited by Sandy Michlich

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Friday, December 10, 2004, at the Neptune Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Reviewer Notes: Welcome to new reviewers Marianne Kerrigan (Cheesequake & Alan B. Shepard Elementary Schools); Carolyn Bailey (Johnson Park School); and Patricia A. Dobbin (Southard Elementary School). A couple of name changes: Sara Maleski (Matawan-Aberdeen Public Library) is now Sara Imranyi; and Natalie Shinn (Cove Rd. School) is now Natalie Auch. We do regret to let you know that after many years of reviewing, Faith Yim (Mercer County) is no longer able to participate. We will certainly miss her eloquent reviews.
   
• Missing Books: Jennifer Salt (Middletown Public) is missing her books from the last meeting. The titles are Mommy’s Best Kisses by Margaret Aastas; Flight of a Dove by Alexandra Day; Time for Ballet by Adele Geras; Rex Tabby Cat Detective by Daniel Kirk; Messenger by Lois Lowry; and Twice as Nice by Nicole Rubel. If you have seen them, please contact Jennifer directly or speak to Cheryl Thanks for looking!
   
• Meetings Schedule: The meeting schedule is as follows: February 4, 2005; April 1, 2005; June 3, 2005; and August 5, 2005.

Raindrop, Plop
Lewison, Wendy Cheyette
Paparone, Pam (illus.)
Viking, 2004
PS–Gr.1, Fry 2

In this rhyming text, the first half of the story counts raindrops 1 – 10; the second half counts down 10 – 1 until the sun comes out. Big, beautiful, bold pictures illustrate this delightful story according to Denise Geier.

One is a Drummer: A Book of Numbers
Thong, Roseanne
Lin, Grance (illus.)
Chronicle Books, 2004
K–Gr.3, Fry 4

A young Chinese girl notes the numbers around her from one to ten. Colorful, appealing pictures incorporate many aspects of Chinese culture. Barbara Mason calls this a welcome addition.

Prancing, Dancing Lily
Arnold, Marsha Diane 
Manders, John (illus.)
Dial Books for Young Readers, 2004
K–Gr.3, Fry 4

In this delightful romp, Lily the cow wants to be the leader of the herd, but her dancing annoys the other cows. The colorful illustrations, especially of the belly- dancing cow, are a wonderfully hilarious accent to the exuberant tale. Highly recommended by Karen Enggren.

Operation Clean Sweep
Beard, Darleen Bailey
Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2004
Gr.3–6, Fry 4

Cornelius’ Suffragist mother secretly decides to run against his father who is up for reelection as mayor. The author recounts a true historical event when a group of women ran for and won all the major positions in Umatilla, Oregon, in 1916. Jean MacMillan says the author tells the story with humor and good fun.

Hot, Hot, Hot
Layton, Neal
Candlewick Press, 2003
K–Gr.3, Fry 2

Oscar and Arabella, both woolly mammoths, are miserable when the short, but intense, Ice Age summer comes. After trying several things to cool themselves, they finally solve the problem with haircuts. Barbara Mason calls this book rated X for excellent, but be aware of bare behinds.

What’s That Awful Smell?
Tekavec, Heather
Spengler, Margaret (illus.)
Dial Books for Young Readers, 2004
K– Gr.3, Fry 4

While investigating an odor in their barn, a group of animals discovers a little piglet and engages a variety of antics to get rid of the awful smell. Nancy Cornell feels to be used effectively for storytime, you must have the sandwich ready when the kids come in. A must purchase.

Maps and Mapping
Chancellor, Deborah
Kingfisher, 2004
K–Gr.3, Fry 3

Very brief explanations of what maps are and why we need them are followed by examples of town, country, and world maps. This illustrated book includes projects, table of contents and an index. A good first introduction to cartography according to Denise Geier.

The Coast Mappers
Morrison, Taylor
Houghton Mifflin, 2004
Gr.5–7, Fry 7

This story details the work of the men who surveyed the west coast from Canada to Mexico in the 1850’s to create maps for sailors. Recommended by Denise Geier.

Chasing Vermeer
Balliett, Blue
Helquist, Brett (illus.)
Scholastic, 2004
Gr.4–7, Fry 6

This novel is a delight about a missing painting, two unusual children and an inspired teacher who sees a teaching opportunity and goes for it. For all mystery lovers and secret code lovers. Rated outstanding by Catherine Miller.

Feast of Fools
Crowley, Bridget
Simon & Schuster, 2003
Gr.6–9, Fry 7

John is taken on as a choirboy in a Cathedra in the 13th century. After a murder, John seeks the truth. Recommended by Ann Perrone.

Duel
Grossman, David
Bloomsbury, 2004
Gr.3–6, Fry 6

This mystery, which takes place in Israel, centers on 12 year-old David’s friendship with an elderly man and a missing sketch. An enjoyable mystery reviewed by Karen Stuppi.

Lights, Camera…
Keene, Carolyn
Aladdin, 2004
Gr.3–6, Fry 4

It’s a scary thing when an icon such as Nancy Drew is redone, but Jennifer Salt says never fear. The new Nancy is respectable as ever and still a strong character who demands respect.

A Couple of April Fools
Maguire, Gregory
Clayton, Elaine (illus.)
Clarion Books, 2004
Gr.3–6, Fry 5

This is the 6th in a series of books chronicling the happenings of Hamlet, Vermont. The main plot revolves around the disappearance of beloved grade school teacher Miss Germaine Earth. Karen Stuppi says this installment has intrigued her to read others in the series.

Tuff Fluff
Nash, Scott
Candlewick Press, 2004
Gr.1–3, Fry 4

Residents of “Los Attic,” the city of worn out toys, and Tuff Fluff, private eye, work together to solve the mystery of Duckie’s missing brain. Frances Myers O’Brien calls the illustrations brightly detailed showing humorous details.

Blood in his Hands
Roberts, Willo Davis
Atheneum, 2004
Gr.9+, Fry 8

16 year-old Marc is a runaway teen who fears he has killed a bullying camp counselor. Cecelia Ruegsegger calls this story a solid, fast-paced mystery capable of thrilling even the most reluctant of readers.

I Wonder Why Volcanoes Blow Their Tops, and Other Questions About Natural Disasters
Greenwood, Rosie
Kingfisher, 2004
Gr.4–6, Fry 6

Monika Sisbarro calls this title another great book in the I Wonder Why series. Colorful artwork and fun facts hold the reader’s interest.

Earthquakes: Earth’s Mightiest Moments
Harrison, David L.
Nathan, Cheryl (illus.)
Boyds Mills Press, 2004
Gr.1–5, Fry 4

Colorful paintings accompany this simple account of how earthquakes happen. Carolyn Heuser recommends this entry in the Earthworks series.

The Artful Alphabet
Jirankova-Limbrick, Martina
Candlewick Press, 2003
PS, Fry n/a

This alphabet book is not for the young, according to Maggie Hanley. There are many things to search for but much of the text and pictures are very small. The illustrations have no child appeal.

Rex Tabby: Cat Detective
Kirk, Daniel
Scholastic, 2004
Gr.3–4, Fry 4

A so-so attempt at parody of the detective novel. The story is not very exciting and the jokes are not very funny. Jennifer Salt advises to pass on this one.

When Mommy Was Little
Larrondo, Valerie
Desmarteau, Claudine (illus.)
Chronicle, 2003
K–Gr.2, Fry 4

A story about a mother who says she never did anything bad, but the pictures reveal otherwise. Sara Imranyi says the book reinforces bad behavior and the illustrations of the mother appear scary.

If Roast Beef Could Fly
Leno, Jay
Simon & Schuster, 2004
Whitehead, S.B. (illus.)
Gr.2–6, Fry 3

Young Jay Leno describes his father doing everything in a big way, including the building of a patio complete with rotisserie. Everything is excessive about this story including the pictures and accompanying CD according to Frances Myers O’Brien.

My Beastly Brother
Leuck, Laura
Nash, Scott (illus.)
Harper Collins, 2003
PS–Gr.1, Fry 6

Despite the fact that his beastly older brother torments him, the younger monster says his big brother is always there to provide comfort after a scary dream. There are better books about brothers out there and Denise Geier says to buy only if you have money to waste.

Show Dog
McCarthy, Meghan
Viking, 2004
Gr.1–3, Fry n/a

Two neighbors both enter their dogs in the upcoming dog show. Penelope Conway feels that much of the humor is above the intended audience.

The Moon In My Room
Wallen, Ila
Sauber, Robert (illus.)
Bent Willow, 2002
PS–Gr.1, Fry n/a

This is the first in a series of “Willowbe Woods Campfire Stories,” each one designed to help children gain confidence and find answers to common problems. Carolyn Heuser feels this title about being afraid at night is not very promising.

Counting Our Way to the 100th Day! 100 Poems
Franco, Betsy
Salerno, Steven (illus.)
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2004
K–Gr.3, Fry 3 

Counting 100 days of school has become such a popular part of elementary curriculum and this book of poems will be a real addition on many levels, raves Barbara Mason. There are 100 children, 100 spots on the gecko, 100 stars in the sky and 100 ways to like this book.

Spiders: Biggest! Littlest!
Markle, Sandra
Pollard, Simon (photos)
Boyds Mills Press, 2004
Gr.1–4, Fry 5

This is a great book for young spider lovers according to Maggie Hanley. Excellent photos and great facts.

Squirrel and John Muir
McCully, Emily Arnold
Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, 2004
K–Gr.3, Fry 3 

This book is based on the true story of John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club, and Floy “Squirrel” Hutchins, an adventurous child constantly in trouble. Denise Geier calls this a beautiful story, lovingly illustrated, that may encourage children to think about the environment.

Three Stories You Can Read to Your Teddy Bear
Miller, Sara Swann
Kelley, True (illus.)
Houghton Mifflin, 2003
K–Gr.2, Fry 1

Fans of the other books in the series will gobble up this easy-reader about a bored bear and the trouble he makes for the cat and dog when he is rambling around the house. Jenny Mischner calls this a delightful beginning-to-read story that children will request again and again.

What Presidents Are Made Of
Piven, Hannah
Atheneum, 2004
K–Gr.3, Fry 4 

Piven’s comical, delightful, creative collages feature 14 Presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush. Darwin Page feels this is a wonderfully unique picture book which excels for the artwork.

Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog
Turner, Pamela S.
Nascimbene, Yan (illus.)
Houghton Mifflin, 2004
Gr.2–5, Fry 4

This is a great story about a dog who continued to be loyal to his master long after the master’s death. Elizabeth Bergslien says the book will be useful for introducing Japanese culture and character education.

The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray
Wooding, Chris
Orchard Books, 2004
Gr.8+, Fry 13

Set in an alternate Victorian London, the author brings to the reader a gripping gothic story of horror and suspense. A complex plot with twists and turns, this book will appeal to teens of fantasy. Terrie Katz rates it an outstanding.