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Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Friday, October
7, 2005,
at the Neptune Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Announcements
Future meeting dates are December 2, 2005;
February 3, April 7, June 2 and August 4, 2006. Mark your calendars
now!
Missing Books:
Fran O'Brien's books from the August meeting are missing and her
books for the October meeting never arrived. Please be on the
look-out for the following titles: Martha; Pajamas Anytime;
Sky Carver; Shopping Expedition; My Daddy is a
Giant; The Matzo Ball Boy; Bless This Mouse; Potty
Poo-Poo Wee-Wee; You Can't See a Dodo at the Zoo; Surprise
Visitor; Pajama Day; and Gentle's Holler.
Barbara Mason, Brielle Elementary School, is also
missing books: Sweet Tooth; Tap Dance Fever; Usborne
Internet Linked World of Ballet; Looking for Uncle Louis on
the 4th of July; Brave, Brave Mouse; Baby Babka, the
Gorgeous Genius; Duncan Rumplemeyer's Bad Birthday; Even
More Parts; and One Little Lamb.
Book Notes
Family
My Mom
Browne, Anthony
Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2005
PS - Gr. 2, Fry n/a
This loving, but humorous, tribute to an unseen narrator's mom is
a must for most libraries according to Carolyn
Heuser. Browne at his best!
This is the Van That Dad Cleaned
Ernst, Lisa Campbell
Simon & Schuster, 2005
K - Gr. 3, Fry 3
Following the model of This is the House that Jack Built,
the author begins the tale with a newly cleaned family van. Karen
Stuppi says that readers and listeners will enjoy the tale as
well as the humorous illustrations.
Don't Tell the Girls: A Family Memoir
Giff, Patricia Reilly
Holiday House, 2005
Gr. 4 - 7, Fry 6
The author shares happy memories of her life with her maternal
grandmother. Carolyn Heuser feels that
the conversational style and family photos have kid appeal with a
general outline on starting to search a family history.
Oscar's Half Birthday
Graham, Bob
Candlewick Press, 2005
PS - Gr. 2, Fry 4
Unable to wait for 6 month-old Oscar's whole birthday, his family
decides to go out for a picnic lunch to celebrate his half birthday.
Elaine Pollak calls this book a
tranquil depiction of a non-traditional family.
Papa, Do You Love Me?
Joose, Barbara M.
Lavallee, Barbara (illus.)
Chronical Books, 2005
K - Gr. 3, Fry 2
This book presents a Massai father and son of the Serengeti Plain
with the same loving relationship as the previous book Mama, Do
You Love Me?, featuring an Alaskan Inuit mother and daughter. Linda
Mattison says this is sure to be a best-seller.
Piggy and Dad Go Fishing
Martin, David
Remkiewicz, Frank (illus.)
Candlewick Press, 2005
K - Gr. 3, Fry 2
This comical fishing outing is enhanced by the water color and
pencil illustrations. Karen Enggren
calls this a great read aloud story for fathers and sons and
everyone.
Fish & Frogs
Not Norman: A Goldfish Story
Bennett, Kelly
Jones, Noah Z. (illus.)
Candlewick Press, 2005
PS - Gr. 2, Fry 3
Maggie Hanley recommends this book
about a boy who wants to trade his goldfish for a "better
pet" but comes to realize Norman does things just right.
Hooray For Fish!
Cousins, Lucy
Candlewick Press, 2005
K - Gr. 3, Fry 2
Fish sporting bright colors and broad patterns swim across a
solid blue background as Little Fish introduces his friends. Patricia
Dobbin says this book is certain to make an impressive splash
with readers.
Froggy Fable
Lechner, John
Candlewick Press, 2005
K - Gr. 3, Fry 3
A little frog is upset when his life is changed by such things as
other animals moving in nearby, but during an unexpected adventure
away from the pond he learns that change can be good after all.
Recommended by Nancy Cornell.
Froggy's Sleepover
London, Jonathan
Remkiewicz, Frank (illus.)
Viking, 2005
PS - K, Fry n/a
If you like the Froggy books, this one is sure to please. Carolyn
Heuser says the story has been done before, but how can you
resist the adorable drawings!?
Friendship
Friendship According to Humphrey
Birney, Betty G.
G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2005
Gr. 2 - 4, Fry 4
Humphrey, a classroom pet hamster, oversees the class and solves
a number of problems for the students. Maggie
Hanley recommends this story.
Here We Go, Harry
Lewis, Kim
Candlewick Press, 2005
PS - K, Fry 1
A sweet and simple story about three stuffed animals who overcome
fear with friendship. Beautiful pastel illustrations and easy text
make this book perfect for toddlers according to Sara
Imranyi.
Wild and Woolly
Parker, Mary Jessie
McNeill, Shannon (illus.)
Dutton Children's Books, 2005
K - Gr. 2, Fry 3
A mountain sheep and a farm sheep meet by chance and visit each
other's homes, a little like Country Mouse/ City Mouse.
Highly recommended by Maggie Hanley.
A Friend Called Anne
Van Maarsen, Jacqueline
Lee, Carol Ann (adaptor)
Viking, 2004
Gr. 5 - 8, Fry 6
The author met Anne Frank in 1941 and the two became best
friends. This absorbing book vividly portrays life in occupied
Amsterdam and offers interesting sidelights on perhaps one of the
most famous victims of the Holocaust according to Cecelia
Ruegssegger.
Historical Fiction
Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl
Bolden, Tonya
Harry N. Abrams, 2005
Gr. 4 - 7, Fry 8
Maritcha was a free-born Black in the mid-1800's in New York
where her family ran a boarding house. After her home is destroyed,
the family moves to Providence, Rhode Island, where she is at first
denied access to an education. This is an uplifting story and one
that gives education a high place as a means to improve life. Highly
recommended by Denise Geier.
Hattie on Her Way
Clark, Clara Gillow
Candlewick Press, 2005
Gr. 4 - 7, Fry 6
This sequel to Hawk Hill Hattie is a stand alone, but
readers might be compelled to read the first volume after reading
this one. Hattie, 11 years old, lives in the late 1800's and is
brought to live with her grandmother by her widowed dad. A happy
ending finishes off this very readable book and leaves the door open
for a sequel, according to Denise Geier.
Hoofbeats: Lara & the Gray Mare, Book 1
Duey, Kathleen
Dutton Children's Books, 2005
Gr. 3 - 6, Fry 6
This is the first of four books about Lara, a 9 year-old girl
living in 13th century Ireland. An enjoyable title recommended by Karen
Stuppi.
The Color of Fire
Rinaldi, Ann
Hyperion, 2005
Gr. 7 - 10, Fry 7
A series of building fires fuels fears of a slave uprising in New
York City during the 1700's and leads to the massacre of many Black
people. Cecelia Ruegsegger calls this
another great historical fiction book from a New Jersey native.
School
Boy Proof
Castellucci, Cecil
Candlewick Press, 2005
Gr. 7 - 9, Fry 8
Victoria, a high school senior, hides her true self behind a
character from her favorite movie. Pham Wolfe
calls this a great book dealing with what many high schoolers are
going through every day.
Storky: How I Lost My Nickname & Won the Girl
Garfinkle, Debra
Putnam, 2005
Gr. 8 - 11, Fry 5
Michael is just starting his freshman year at high school.
Through entries in his journal, we get an inside look at the life of
a tall, skinny teenager whom everyone calls "Dorky Storky,"
much to his dismay. Recommended by Karen
Enggren.
Andy Shane & the Very Bossy Dolores Starbuckle
Jacobson, Jennifer
Candlewick Press, 2005
K - Gr. 3, Fry 3
Andy Shane hates school because of a bossy no-it-all by the name
of Dolores Starbuckle. His grandmother has a unique solution to the
problem. Karen Enggren says the
illustrations add to the charm and appeal of this humorous beginning
reader.
Pajama Day
Plourde, Lynn
Wickstrom, Thor (illus.)
Dutton Children's Books, 2005
PS - Gr. 3, Fry 4
As with the author's other titles, there is a lot of over-the-top
humor as Drew, who has forgotten pajama day at school, is
resourceful enough to invent ways to participate. Frances
Myers O'Brien recommends this cheery story.
Science Titles
That Crazy Eddie & the Science Project of Doom
Cox, Judy
Holiday House, 2005
Gr. 3 - 6, Fry 4
Matt teams up with his best friend Eddie to work on their science
fair project, but he finds that working together isn't so easy.
Recommended by Patricia Dobbin.
Owen Foote-Mighty Scientist
Greene, Stephanie
Smith, Cat Bowman (illus.)
Clarion Books, 2004
Gr. 2 - 4, Fry, 4
Two friends team up to participate in the school science fair but
the project turns out to be a failure. This book should be read by
all students participating in a science fair according to Susan
Brozena.
Big Surprise in the Bug Tank
Horowitz, Ruth
Holub, Joan (illus.)
Dial Books, 2005
Gr. 1 - 3, Fry 2
Sam and Leo take 2 hissing cockroaches from their scientist mom's
lab, only to discover that they quickly multiply. They need to find
a solution to their problem and after many failed attempts they find
the answer is in the library. Sara Imranyi
says the humor and unusual plot will make this a winner in the easy
reader category.
Bill Nye the Science Guy's Great Big Book of Tiny Germs
Nye, Bill
Zoehfeld, Kathleen W.
Hyperion Books, 2005
Gr. 3 - 7, Fry 9
Bill Nye's look at the world of germs is humorous, but there is
lots of information between the cartoon drawings. 12 experiments are
easy to follow and most children will be able to do them on their
own. Reviewed by Carolyn Heuser.
Zinnia's Flower Garden
Wellington, Monica
Dutton Children's Books, 2005
K - Gr. 3, Fry 2
Photo collages and gouache cartoons depict Zinnia as an
experienced and avid gardener. Her flowers are planted from seeds
and the entire process, with many sidebar illustrations, make this a
science lesson for even the youngest gardener. Rated outstanding by Linda
Mattison.
Disappointments of the
Day
A Picture Book of Samuel Adams
Adler, David A.
Himler, Ronald (illus.)
Holiday House, 2005
K - Gr. 3, Fry 5
The author is not up to snuff in this biography. Some information
is confusing. Karen Enggren says to
pass this one by.
Ghost Ship
Reiche, Dietlof
Brownjohn, John (trans.)
Scholastic, 2005
Gr. 4 - 6, Fry 6
Marianne Kerrigan calls this a
mysterious, pirate fantasy which was a great idea but poorly
executed with poorly developed characters and a contrived ending.
Cowboy Jose
Elya, Susan Middletown
Raglin, Tim (illus.)
Putnam, 2005
K - Gr. 3, Fry n/a
In short rhyming phrases, the author recounts a simple tale of
what happens to Cowboy Jose when he falls in love with the mercenary
beauty, Rosita. A marginal purchase according to Marianne
Schumann.
Ruby Gloom's Guide to Friendship
Riser, Matt
Hsu, Martin (illus.)
Harry N. Abrams, 2005
Gr. 6 - 9, Fry 6
Ruby quotes a virtue of friendship then follows it with an
example and illustration. Linda Mattison
observes that the felt cover will not last and the black pages hold
fingerprints. She says not to waste your time.
Raymie, Dickie and the Bean: Why I Love & Hate My
Brothers
Romano, Ray
Locke, Gary (illus.)
Simon & Schuster, 2005
PS - Gr. 2, Fry n/a
This is the story of 3 brothers who get along some of the time,
but not others. For someone with the author's comedic wit, the book
is a disappointment according to Judy
Casagrande.
Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House
Schachner, Judith Byron
Dutton Children's Books, 2005
K - Gr. 2, Fry n/a
Skip this second in a series about a Siamese cat who thinks of
itself as a Chihuahua. Carolyn Heuser
says poor quality drawings should have kept this one in the
warehouse.
Nancy, the Little Gosling
Tharlet, Eve
Minediton, 2005
PS - Gr. 2, Fry 2
Gentle greens and browns are the highlight of this hackneyed
story of a young gosling who waddles to a different drummer. Barbara
Mason gives it a marginal rating.
Rave Reviews
Granite Baby
Bertrand, Lynne
Hawkes, Kevin (illus.)
Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2005
K - Gr. 2, Fry 2
An original tall tale of 5 New Hampshire mountain women each with
a special talent and one granite baby. Susan
Brozena calls this a great read aloud.
Boy2Girl
Blacker, Terence
Farrar, Giroux, Giroux, 2005
Gr. 7 - 9, Fry 7
Told in short chapters by alternating voices, this is the story
of a young American boy who is taken to Great Britain after the
death of his mother. As a lark, Sam becomes "Samantha" for
his first week of school. Tastefully done and rated an outstanding
by Barbara Mason.
Clarice Bean, Spells Trouble
Child, Lauren
Candlewick Press, 2004
Gr. 3 - 5, Fry 7
Move over Junie B. Jones! Make room for Clarice Bean, Carol
Moroz's new heroine. This would make a fun read-aloud with
few explanations or excuses needed.
The Last Universe
Sleator, William
Amulet Books, 2005
YA, Fry 8
This science fiction thrill will keep students on the edge of
their seats unable to put this book down. Readers will be drawn to
Susan & Gary as they stumble on the strange power of the maze in
the family garden. Alice Burnett gave
the book an outstanding.
The Search for Belle Prater
White, Ruth
Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2005
Gr. 4 - 8, Fry 7
In this sequel to Belle Prater's Boy, Belle, who has been
missing for several months calls her son on his birthday. Elaine
Pollak calls this a wonderful continuation of a story of
family relationships and friendships.
Adam Canfield of the Slash
Winerip, Michael
Candlewick Press, 2005
Gr. 3 - 6, Fry 6
The protagonist teams up with the co-editor of his school
newspaper in a Woodward and Bernstein-like expose of their
shockingly corrupt school principal. Fans of Hoot as well as those
who enjoy authors Andrew Clements and Louis Sachar won't want to
miss this exciting school story and journalistic adventure according
to Carolyn Bailey. |
