Little Rooster's Diamond Button, by Margaret Read MacDonald

Illustrated by Will Terry
Rating: Recommended

Albert Whitman, 2007, $16.95

ISBN: 9780807546444

Grade Level: PreK-2nd grade

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This is a delightful retelling of a folktale especially popular in Poland, Russia, India, and Burma. In this story, a little rooster found a diamond button to take home to his mistress. As the king was riding by, he saw the button in the rooster's beak and took it to his treasure chamber. As the king tried to get rid of the indignant and tenacious rooster, the roosters magic stomach, as well as the rooster's ingenuity and resourcefulness cause the king to give up in the end. The loyal rooster comes home to his mistress with the diamond button and other treasures to live richly and happily ever after.

The acrylic on paper illustrations in Little Rooster's Diamond Button are bold and colorful, while the storyline and text is to the point, descriptive, and clear. The story and illustrations together make this title perfect for a preschool or young school-aged storytime.

Reviewer: Virginia Edwards, Orange County Public Library/Mesa Verde Branch

The Zombie Nite Cafe, by Merrily Kutner

Illustrated by Ethan Long

Rating: Very Good
Holiday House, 2007, $16.95
ISBN: 9780823419630

Age Level: 5-9 years
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The Zombie Nite Café is a great read aloud, that would give a storyteller much to work with. The words in this story-in-rhyme are very descriptive and visual, and the story has a rap-like beat to it. The story could easily stand alone, yet the illustrations make it more exciting.

Zombie Nite Café is not for the faint hearted. It is populated with Zombies, Ghouls, Trolls, etc., and brains and eyeballs are on the menu. However, it is scary, but not too scary and could be told to a young school-age audience.

Reviewer: Virginia Edwards, Orange County Public Library/Mesa Verde Branch

My Mother the Cheerleader, by Robert Sharenow

Rating: Very Good

Laura Geringer Books, 2007, $17.89

ISBN: 0061148970

Grade Level: 7th and up

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Louise Collins is a thirteen-year-old girl growing up in segregated New Orleans in 1960. She sees all kinds of prejudice, especially from her mother who is a member of the Cheerleaders; a group of women who protest integration. When a stranger comes to their rooming house, things get turned upside down. I would recommend this book as an older teenage read.

Reviewer: Kim Bell, Orange County Public Library/Cypress Branch

Hugo & Miles in I've Painted Everything, by Scott Magoon

Rating: Recommended
Marshall Cavendish, 2007, $16.00
ISBN: 0-618-6438-8
Age Level: 3-6 years
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Scott Magoon's illustrations are colorful and cute and the story he tells is well written. The story is about Hugo the elephant who is an artist that thinks he has painted everything. His friend Miles takes him on a business trip to Paris. There Hugo sees the world in different ways.

Reviewer: Kim Bell, Orange County Public Library/Cypress Branch

Patches and Scratches by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (Simply Sarah series)

Rating: Recommended

Marshall Cavendish, 2007, $14.99

ISBN: 978-0-761453475

Age Level: 6-8 years

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This book would be an excellent one to give a child who has ever wanted a pet. The large text makes the book easy to read, and the illustrations are fun as well. A good transitional book for children who are ready for a chapter book. Sarah wants to help her friend Peter find a pet that he can keep in the apartment he and his Grandmother live in. The only problem is Peter wants a dog and there are no dogs allowed in the apartment complex they live in.

Reviewer: Kim Bell, Orange County Public Library/Cypress Branch

Lungs: Your Respiratory System by Seymour Simon

Rating: Recommended
Collins, 2007, $16.99
ISBN: 978-0060546540
Age Level: 4-8 years


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This tutorial on the human respitory system is very informative. Colorful pictures of the body's inner workings lend great visual explanations that mix well with the text. The text itself is large and reader friendly, helping the it to remain easy to follow. This is a great way for anyone to learn about lungs, and I believe it would succeed in keeping a young person's attention.



Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Had Gadya by Michael Strassfeld

Illustrated by Seymour Chwast
Rating: Additional

Roaring Brook, 2007, $15.99

ISBN: 978-0-7614-5353-6

Age Level: 4-8 years

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In his afterward, Rabbi Michael Strassfeld writes that Had Gadya was designed to provoke the interest of children. While this story may not circulate well in a public library, it certainly is interesting and educational, in a very simple way. Through light-hearted singing and childlike illustration, a symbolic tale of Jewish belief and survivial through the ages is told. The ending may turn some off, but it is the most impactful way to portray this Jewish folk song.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Wiggle and Waggle by Caroline Arnold

Illustrated by Mary Peterson

Rating: Not Recommended

Charlesbridge, 2007, $12.95

ISBN: 978-1596431362

Age Level: 4-8 years

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There seems to be neither a point nor a coherency to this book. The characters are flat and uninteresting, and there are too few lessons to be learned from their adventures. Because the main characters are worms, the illustrations are equally uninteresting. Also, the chapters do not seem to end at satisfactory points or flow well as an overall story. The only real positive thing that can be said for this book is the worm facts on the final page, which at least offer some education if not entertainment.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Alaska by Shelley Gill

Illustrated by Patrick J. Endres

Rating: Recommended
Charlesbridge, 2007, $6.95
ISBN: 978-0881062939

Age Level: 4-8 years
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This is a great book to learn not only about the beauty of Alaska, but also the importance of conservation. The latter is a subtle message that does not beat the reader about the head like other similar tales. I learned many new facts about Alaska, and have a whole new respect for the land. The gorgeous photographs and laugh-out-loud "Cheechako Tips" help make this book almost as fun as it is educational. The short poems that go with each new topic are another great bonus. This is a very good book for Alaska state reports or just casual learning.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Show Horses by Margaret Fetty

Rating: Recommended

Bearport, 2007, $25.27

ISBN: 978-1597163996
Age Level: 9-12 years

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It is clear in the book that the author is passionate about horses. Informative yet easy to follow, this is a lovely book that offers an inside look at the world of competitive horse racing. The corresponding photos, vocabulary words, and fast facts add icing to the cake. This is a great book that will both educate and intrigue readers.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Custard Surprise by Bernard Lodge

Illustrated by Tim Bowers

Rating: Recommended
HarperCollins, 2007, $16.89
ISBN: 978-0-06-073688-0

Age Level: 4-8 years
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An excellent book for children who are just starting to read on their own. Big, widely spaced text makes it especially new reader friendly. The story itself is silly, and added with the comical illustrations it becomes downright funny. It is a great book to entertain children and hopefully make them want to read more.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Cassie Was Here by Caroline Hickey

Rating: Additional

Roaring Brook, 2007, $16.95

ISBN: 978-1596432055

Age Level: 8-12 years

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The characters in this book are very well developed, especially that of the title character Cassie. Written from the eyes of the lonely and younger Bree, Cassie is especially frightening in her confidence and lack of regard for the rules. The reader will cringe a number of times right along with Bree as Cassie turns her life upside down. Each of the other characters is almost equally as relatable, and this story takes the adult reader right back into their own preadolescence. I recommend this book to the savvy young reader, and even to their parents.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Every Season by Shelley Rotner and Anne Love Woodhull

Rating: Additional
Roaring Brook, 2007, $16.95
ISBN: 978-1596431362
Age Level: 4-8 years
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Visually, this book is beautiful. Unfortuantely, many children may not appreciate this as much as an adult, or even a photographer, would. In fact, this book does feel like a photographic indulgence rather than a book aimed at getting a child's attention. However, the small amount of text nicely pulls things together, and this book brings the imagination right into the seasons of topic. Overall, this book is worth adding to the collection, but it may not have a high rate of circulation.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Emma Dilemma and the Two Nannies by Patricia Hermes

Illustrated by Vera Soki

Rating: Marginal
Marshall Cavendish, 2007, $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-7614-5353-6
Age Level: 9-12 years
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I have seen this character of Emma Dilemma be compared to Junie B. and Ramona, but I feel that Emma is much less entertaining. While Emma has the same types of thoughts and feelings as many children her age, she lacks that extra spark that both Junie and Ramona have. This lack of spark carries throughout the story, which is too long for the end result. The ending has a very nice message, but one that was simple enough to not need over 100 pages of almost humorless misadventure. Overall, this Emma Dilemma tale feels like real life, and what is the purpose of reading the ordinary?

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

The Terrible Storm by Carol Otis Hurst

Illustrated by S.D. Schindler
Rating: Not Recommended
Greenwillow, 2007, $16.99
ISBN: 978-0060090012
Age Level: 5-8 years
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Terrible Storm is an example of an adult indulgent story that would be of little or no interest to children. The characterization is clever, especially by the end. However, this cleverness may either not be understood or be of no consequence to the young reader. The illustrations go well with the story, but lack any sort of liveliness that might have possibly saved the story from losing a child's interest. Also, these same illustrations are at times too detailed, including close-up drawings of the main characters that almost make them look frightening. Overall, it seems that the writer wanted to share a story that would have best been left as an oral tradition within her own family. I do not see a story of this type circulating well within a library.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

The Storm: Students of Biloxi, Mississippi, Remember Hurricane Katrina by Barbara Barbieri McGrath

Illustrated by Biloxi Public School children

Rating: Recommended

Charlesbridge, 2006, $18.95

ISBN: 978-1580891738

Age Level: 4-8 years

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This is an extremely powerful book for both children and adults. The testaments from the children who lived through Katrina are gripping, and really help to bring this disaster into reality for those of us who did not live through it. The illustrated depictions of Katrina made by the children are equally as compelling. This is an excellent book to help explain to a child about the devastation caused by Katrina, or any natural disaster. I highly recommend this for every library's collection, as well as for every home.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

The Growing Story by Ruth Krauss

Rating: Additional
HarperCollins, 2007, $16.99
ISBN: 978-0060247164
Age Level: 4-8 years
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This book may be good for reading to any child who is anxious or curious about growing up. A simple story, with illustrations to match, it offers no memorable characters or plotline. For this reason, it may not be suitable for keeping children's attention during storytime. However, it would be a nice, calm read for bedtime.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Dear Miss Perfect: A Beast's Guide to Proper Behavoir by Sandra Dutton

Rating: Marginal

Houghton Mifflin, 2007, $16.00

ISBN: 978-0618677177

Age Level: 4-8 years

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Two things struck me before I even started reading the story: the different fonts are too light and hard to read, and illustrations are too pastel and do not add anything to the story. The story itself is cute often comical, and even has a great message about being polite. However, because it is a series of questioning letters and answers from Miss Perfect, there is no cohesive tale that runs throughout. Also, the ending is a bit depressing when we find out that Miss Perfect is lonely. Overall, the nature of the book alone almost guarantees that only girls would be interested, and without a real story here, even they may lose interest.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Waynetta and the Cornstalk: A Texas Fairy Tale by Helen Ketterman

Illustrated by Diane Greenseid

Rating: Very Good
Albert Whitman, 2007, $16.95
ISBN: 978-0-8075-8687-7
Age Level: 4-8 years

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An adorable Texas-twang twist on the classic Jack and the Beanstalk fariy tale. This book may be somewhat lengthy for storytime, but there is never a dull moment. I especially appreciate both the Texas vibe and the use of a female in the role traditionally played by Jack. The illustrations are as lively as the characters, especially the close-up picture of the giant. This book is a solid addition to your children’s collection.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

The House Takes a Vacation by Jacqueline Davies

Illustrated by Lee White
Rating: Additional

Marshall Cavendish, 2007, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0-7614-5331-4

Age Level: 4-8 years
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The idea of your house indulging in a vacation when you do is certainly inventive and intriguing. This is a satisfying story, though perhaps a bit too full of jokes that children may not understand. The illustrations are entertaining, like the faces drawn onto various parts of the house, but the colors are a bit boring. This book has a tidy ending, though again, it may go over the younger children's heads. Overall, not a must read but certainly a nice children's story.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Kid Tea by Elizabeth Ficocelli

Illustrated by Glin Dibley

Rating: Additional
Marshall Cavendish, 2007, $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-7614-5333-8
Age Level: 4-8 years

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This story is inventive, and even somewhat cute, but somehow it also seems a bit gross to me. Children are dirty, but turning their bath water various colors is a greater level of filth. That aside, this book does succeed in giving the adult reader a chance to re-live one week in the life of a child. This book would only work for storytime if the reader practiced with the rhyme scheme. There are lots of things to see within the illustrations on each page, and this book could be lots of fun at bedtime.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Dog and Bear by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Rating: Marginal
Roaring Brook Press, 2007, $12.95
ISBN: 978-1-59643-053-2
Age Level: 3-7 years

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An overly simplistic story, even for a children's book. It has three distinct sections, yet each one is short and lacking in substance. The illustrations are lively and original, but the same cannot be said either the characters or the story itself. Overall, not entertaining enough to keep the reader's interest.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

King Puck by Michael Garland

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins, 2007, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0-06-084809-5

Age Level: 4-8 years
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This beautifully illustrated story offers both a taste of Irish culture and an appreciation for books. It is a sweet story throughout, though possibly just a bit too sappy. Overall, worthy of adding to your library collection and even good for storytime use.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Shells! Shells! Shells! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Rating: Very Good
Marshall Cavendish, 2007, $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-76145332-1
Age Level: 5-8 years

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This story is both entertaining and very informative. Though it comes close to overloading on facts at times, the liveliness and realism of the "bear-child" character saves this book from becoming too dull for young readers. Due to the length and relative complexity of the topic, Shells! is not storytime material. However, it is a wonderful book for teaching children about seashells and ocean life.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Lizard Walinsky, by Roberta Baker

Rating: Recommended

Little, Brown and Co., 2004, $15.95

ISBN: 0316073338

Grade level: Preschool

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There are lots of books about fairies, princesses, and girly situations. Lizard Walinsky is for girls who like to play with lizards, go camping, and play in the mud. The illustrations will bring a smile to a preschooler's face. Definitely a book to add to your collection.

Reviewer: Karen Emerson, OCPL/Costa Mesa Technology Library

The White Elephant by Sid Fleischman

Rating: Additional

Greenwillow, 2006, $15.99

ISBN: 0061131377

Grade Level: 3rd/4th

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This is a well-written book with a nice layout. Double-spaced sentences make this book easy to read. A good book to be read by a teacher or librarian. Worth adding to your collection.

Reviewer: Karen Emerson, OCPL/Costa Mesa Technology Library

What Does Bunny See? by Linda Sue Park

Rating: Additional

Clarion, 2005, $15.00

ISBN: 9780618234851

Age level: Preschool

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This book is a good way for preschoolers to learn their colors and the names of flowers. Nice illustrations, but not outstanding. Add to your collection if you have money to spend, but it's not special enough for a tight budget.

Reviewer: Karen Emerson, OCPL/Costa Mesa Technology Library

The Spectacular Adventures of Sophie and Sebastian by Ruth Jeyaveeran

Rating: Additional

Houghton Mifflin, 2005, $16.00

ISBN: 9780618507566

Age level: Preschool

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The illustrations are attention-getting and unique. However, the book has a clumsy layout for storytime, with long-ways illustrations that cannot be easily turned the right direction while reading to a group. The plot felt formulaic and a bit too obviously didactic for my comfort, although there were some clever word images and turns of phrase.

Reviewer: Cathy Gillette, OCPL/La Habra branch

Pete the Sheep-Sheep by Jackie French

Rating: Very Good

Clarion, 2004, $14.00

ISBN: 9780618568628

Age Level: 5 and up

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This book features a cute story and illustrations, and it reads well for storytime. The only problem might be that USA readers might not understand what a "sheep-dog" does, making a "sheep-sheep" an unknown, and therefore miss out on a big part of the book's humor.

Reviewer: Cathy Gillette, OCPL/La Habra branch

Stink Files/Dossier 002: To Scratch a Thief by Holm and Hamel

Rating: Very Good

HarperCollins, 2004, $15.89

ISBN: 0060529830

Grade level: 4th and up

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A clever, tongue-in-cheek book about a cat, formerly owned by a British spymaster, who is an international spy. Mr. Stink is undercover as a housecat whose new American family is being threatened by someone from his own past. Clever references to James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, the Godfather, etc. might be hard for kids to understand, but the names and terms will soak in for later identification. A fun book that will appeal to both boys and girls.

Reviewer: Cathy Gillette, OCPL/La Habra branch

Sally and the Something by George O'Connor

Rating: Additional

Roaring Press, 2006, $16.95

ISBN: 1596431415

Age Level: 5+

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This book has great illustrations for storytime, but unfortunately it is difficult to see the text on some pages because it is set upon the pictures. The story is a bit predictible, but not annoyingly so: a little girl finds a friendly juvenile monster to play with when bored.

Reviewer: Cathy Gillette, OCPL/La Habra Branch

Brother Juniper by Diane Gibfried

Rating: Recommended

Clarion Books, 2006, $16.00

ISBN: 0618543619

Grade level: K-3rd

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Brother Juniper was a holy friar who lived in the hills of Assisi with Father Francis and his seven brothers. One day the fathers go out to preach and leave Brother Juniper to stay behind and watch the chapel. The brothers' concern for Brother Juniper's generous nature is proven beyond measure as he gives away everything in the church to the very needy people of the village.

When the brothers return, Juniper stands in the hole where the chapel once stood. It is only after the crowd of villagers come to thank them that the brothers realize his generosity is what the church is really about.

A story of love and kindness with warm and tender illustrations that only add to its charm.

Mountains: Surviving on Mt. Everest, by Michael Sandler

Rating: Very Good

Bearport, 2005

ISBN: 1597160865

Grade level: 3rd/4th

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Temba Tsheri, a Sherpa, is the youngest climber to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. Dramatic descriptions of survival on the mountain are accompanied by brilliant-colored photographs, maps, and illustrations of survival equipment.

Sidebars provide interesting facts about elevations, oxygen levels at high altitudes, and the dangers of frostbite. Back pages provide a timeline of the many 'firsts' - important events on Mt. Everest from 1850 to 2001.

Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

United No More! Stories of the Civil War by Doreen Rappaport and Joan Verniero

Rating: Additional

HarperCollins, 2006

ISBN: 0060506008

Grade Level: 5th through 8th

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Seven stories of the famous and the ordinary citizen, from both the North and the South, who became a part of the Civil War story. In "The Bread and Blood Riots," a group led by Mary Jackson takes to the streets to complain of the high prices for food and their inability to feed their starving familes. There is Farragut's accounting of the fierce battle of Mobile Bay, and the brave Union soldiers of the Massachusetts 54th colored infantry, and finally the moving story, "The Surrender: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee."

The strength of these seven documented stories is found in the vey real and personal accounts of people and events from the North and the South during the Civil War.

Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

When Mr. Jefferson Came to Philadelphia by Ann Turner

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins, 2003

ISBN: 0060275804

Grade level: Picture book for older children (5th grade content)

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It is the summer of 1776, and the calls for freedom are everywhere. Young Ned's mother's boarding house becomes Mr. Jefferson's lodging place while he works with other colonists in writing the Declaration of Independence.

Through the eyes and ears of Ned we see and hear the story unfold of those moments in history when our country fought for its independence. Ann Turner's words verge on a poetic narrative that "carries" the theme of freedom to the highest level. Mark Hess's exceptional illustrations portray a colonial time when, as the author said, "There was a wild feeling in the air and a fierce wind blowing."

Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

Rotten School series by R.L. Stine

This review is for two titles, Lose, Team, Lose! and Shake, Rattle, and Hurl!

Rating: Recommended
2005, HarperCollins, $14.89
Grade Level: 3-4th

R.L. Stine has done it again! These books are fun reads, great for the reluctant reader. Wonderfully funny stories that children will enjoy. The comical illustrations will bring smiles to readers' faces. Add this series to your collection.

Reviewer: Karen Emerson, OCPL/Costa Mesa Technology Branch

Who Will I Be? A Halloween Rebus Story by Shirley Neitzel

Rating: Additional

2005, Greenwillow Books, $13.89

ISBN: 006056068

Grade Level: Preschool

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Who Will I Be? should keep the interest of a preschooler. The illustrations are fun and very well done. The type is large, with plenty of space between the sentences. A good book to add to your Halloween collection.

Reviewer: Karen Emerson, OCPL/Costa Mesa Technology Branch

Grandfather's Dance by Patricia MacLachlan

Rating: Recommended
2006, Joanna Cotler, $14.99
ISBN: 0060275618
Grade Level: 3-4
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This is the last of the Sarah, Plain & Tall stories. Well written, and easy to read, with double spacing, and wide borders. The book is a - must have - to complete the collection.

Reviewer: Karen Emerson, OCPL/Costa Mesa Technology Branch

Tripper's Travels: An International Scrapbook by Nancy Kapp Chapman

Rating: Additional

2005, Marshall Cavendish, $16.95

ISBN: 0761452400

Age Level: 5-9

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Canine "Tripper" earns a well stamped passport as he internationally travels from his birthplace of "Dogtown" to ten cities. Flags, stamps, scenic shots, and vocabulary are introduced as the tailed traveller sight sees with tour guides like the Mexican Chihuahua and the French Poodle. Cultures never clash and friendships are founded in this enjoyable voyage. Sentence structure becomes redundant in areas, but content makes amends. Layout and illustrations are attractive, although some of the title fonts fade into the page and Tripper's tail colors get reversed when he visits the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. Tripper is a likeable pooch who does well at introducing young readers to far away places.

Reviewer: Rebecca Porter, OCPL/Laguna Beach

Soccer Chick Rules by Dawn FitzGerald

Rating: Additional

2006, Roaring Brook Press, $16.95

ISBN: 1596431377

Age Level: 11-15

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Tess Munro, 13 year old soccer chick, puts gumption into more than sports in this “well-rounded girl enters the school of life” story. Author Dawn FitzGerald gets soccer’s kinematics, and brings the reader on and off the field into the life of not easily subdued Tess. As the athletically nimble teenager learns her "soccer chick rules," she also buds friendships, endures conflicts with perky cheerleaders and dancers with purple manicured nails, as she fights to keep school sports intact. As Munro notes "The U.S. Women's Soccer League bit the dust," but in reading at least, there is room and hope for this sporty novel, even with its few cliches. The front cover jacket, however could be improved.

Reviewer: Rebecca Porter, Laguna Beach

Nosy Rosie by Holly Keller

Rating: Recommended

2006, Greenwillow, $16.99

ISBN:0060787597

Grade Level: K-2

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Rosie the little fox uses her exceptional sense of smell to help others find things they have lost until they start teasing her, calling her "Nosy Rosie". Because of her hurt feelings, she decides not to make use of her gift anymore until one day, in the woods, she smells powder and soap and finds baby Harry while everyone is frantically searching for him. She is now a hero and all agree to call her just Rosie.The simple words and line and watercolor pictures perfectly convey the intended message - how wrong namecalling is - and might also tempt some preschoolers to discover the many scents of the world around them.

Reviewer: Beatrice Carswell, OCPL/West Garden Grove

Tunjur! Tunjur! Tunjur! by Margaret Read MacDonald

Rating: Very Good

2006, Marshall Cavendish, $16.95

ISBN: 0761452257

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A lively Palestinian folktale in which a woman who wishes for a child is given a little cooking pot to love. Mother and child spend nice days together indoors, but soon Little Pot wants to explore the wider world. Her adventures take her to the market and even the king's palace, and every time she manages to roll away with valuable goods under her lid, which she is most reluctant to relinquish. She does receive a stinky comeuppance though, and is made to stay at home until she learns right from wrong. The briskly paced text, repetitive phrases and tumbling rythms, as well as the striking, richly hued and stylized acrylics bordered with Islamic motifs help leaven the didactic message, and make this an enchanting tale to share with all young children.

Reviewer: Beatrice Carswell, OCPL/West Garden Grove

Polo, the Runaway Book, by Regis Faller

Rating: Not Recommended

Roaring Brook Press, 2005, $18.95

ISBN: 159643189X

Grade level: PreK - 2nd

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This is a wordless book that just goes on too long. It is from France, and created by an established artist and illustrator, but I found it to be very awkward and difficult to follow. It is about a little dog who gets a book and then it is taken away from him, and he goes from place to place to place to place to try to get it back. I just didn't have the patience to sit and study each picture to try to figure out where the author was taking me. I was bored and felt that it just went too long and wasn't clear. A wordless book has to be compelling to keep the interest of the "reader," and it just didn't catch me.

Reviewer: Ruth Callahan, OCPL - Rancho Santa Margarita

Akira to Zoltan, by Cynthia Chin-Le

Rating: Recommended

Charlesbridge, 2006, $15.95 ISBN: 1570915792

Age level: 8 and up

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Akira to Zoltan is the companion book to Amelia to Zora. This is another well-written compliation of short biographical essays about prominent men in world history. The subtitle reads "Twenty-six men who changed the world." It includes such people as filmmaker akira Kurosawa, painter Diego Maria Rivera, poet Langston Hughes, soccer player Pele, animator Walt Disney, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. It covers a broad spectrum of political, social, and cultural figures. Although the essays do not provide enough information for reports, the book could certainly supplement other biographies. The book is very browsable and open to a broader audience. Will there be a third in the series?

Reviewer: Ruth Callahan, OCPL - Rancho Santa Margarita

Powers by Deborah Lynn Jacobs

Rating: Very Good

Harper Tempest, 2006, $16.95

ISBN: 1-59643-112-1

Grade Level: 7th Grade and up

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When hottie Adrian tranfers to her Canadian school, Gwen feels something immediately - a sense of foreboding. Visions begin appearing in her mind, and they all involve Adrian, death, and destruction. Something happens to Adrian when he's with Gwen, too - he can hear the thoughts of those areound him, but he feels especially close to Gwen. And when they're together - there are literally sparks. But will getting together make them more powerful or just cauase more destruction? Told in the alternating voices of Gwen and Adrian, Powers is a cut above the usual 'teen-angst,' and with the addition of supernatural elements, it is likely to grab an even wider audience. It's a fun and exhilarating ride, and the reader's sympathies change from chapter to chapter as more and more information is revealed. Jacobs has left room for a sequel, and depending on the success of this one, I think she'll deliver.

Reviewer: Chaunacey Dunklee - Fullerton Public Library

The Turning by Gloria Whelan

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins, 2006

ISBN: 006075593

Grade level: 4-6

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The Turning is a companion novel to National Book Award-winner Gloria Whelan's breathtaking epics Angel on the Square, The Impossible Journey, and Burying the Sun. It offers a riveting portrait of a nation and a young woman at a time of her life when she is growing up and dealing with decisions and possibilities for major change. The story is about a ballerina from Russia who, in 1991, is leaving Leningrad forever. She hopes to be chosen for a French tour, and by leaving Russia will be able to escape the KGB and defect to France. It is not an easy decision, and it is not an easy task. The turmoil within this young girl is beautifully described in Whelan's lyrical prose. The book is a gem and will be added to Whelan's list of well-written and popular novels for children and teens. Highly recommended.

Reviewer: Ruth Callahan - OCPL/Rancho Santa Margarita

How Do You Count a Dozen Ducklings? by In-son Chae

Rating: Additional
Albert Whitman, 2006, $13.00
ISBN: 0807517186
Grade Level: K-2
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An interesting counting book with the additional feature of a more complex lesson on multiplication and division. The illustrations are delightful, with individual expressions and personality for each duck. The text is a little stiff, however, and has some grammatical problems. Younger children would enjoy it as well, but older children would more likely understand the math.

Reviewer: Ruth Callahan, OCPL - Rancho Santa Margarita

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

Rating: Additional
Grade level: 9th grade and up
Harper Tempest, 2006, $16.99
ISBN: 978-006-0887308
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Three years after the disappearance of one of their clique, a group of friends begins to receive threats of revealing their closest guarded secrets. Could it be their missing friend? The girls have grown apart, but they must work together to try to find out who is tormenting them . This is the first book in a planned series. Pretty Little Liars is an entertaining teen thriller. While relying on name-dropping designer brands to provide cachet, Shepard gives readers a serviceable plot, while effectively portraying some of the conflicts facing students. There are a number of questions left unanswered (including passing references to a specific, traumatic event that never gets detailed), which will encourage readers to look for the second book in the series.

Reviewer: Chaunacey Dunklee, Fullerton Public Library

SLS Ratings Explained

The general guidelines used by SLS Reviewers when assigning ratings:

Recommended: First purchase for all libraries.
Very Good: First purchase for most libraries.
Additional: It’s okay.
Marginal: Something is wrong with the book.
Not Recommended: There is definitely something wrong.

Special reader: This book is meant for a special kind of reader, such as a dyslexic child or a child going through a divorce.
Special Collection: This book would be essential for completing a collection of books on a topic, although it might not seem essential for the library as a whole.