Ten Gallon Bart and the Wild West Show, by Susan Stevens Crummel

Illustrated by Dorothy Donahue

Rating: Very Good
Marshall Cavendish, 2008, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0761453918
Age/Grade Level: K-3

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Ten Gallon Bart is bored until the Buffalo Chip's Wild West Show comes into town. Bart wants to be star of the show. He is ready to ride Crazy Bull, but is Crazy Bull ready for Bart? When the sleepy Bull's "blankey" enters the picture, it is a fight to the end.

The bold and "busy" illustrations create a wild animation of very delightful, colorful animal characters. Wonderful action words jump off the pages.

Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

Rufus and Friends Rhyme Time, by Iza Trapani

Rating: Very Good

Charlesbridge, 2008, $16.95
ISBN: 978-1580892063

Age/Grade Level: 4-7 years

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Several familiar nursery rhymes have been extended with what the author refers to as silly sounds. the alliteration in many of the poems is somewhat excessive and may wear out the tongue of the reader, but the light humor and delightful illustrations will attract the children.

Rufus and his four canine friends act out fourteen "plays" using these fanciful rhymes. An added challenge for the reader is to locate hidden pictures in the illustrations.

Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

Tupelo Rides the Rails, by Melissa Sweet

Rating: Very Good
Houghton Mifflin, 2008, $17.00

ISBN: 978-0618717149
Age/Grade Level: preschool-grade 2

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Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. It is also known as the "Dog Star" and worshipped by a pack of stray dogs who call themselves BONEHEADS (the Benevolent Order of Nature's Exalted Hounds Earnest and Doggedly Sublime). Tupelo, just abandoned by her owner, travels with this group and Garbage Pail Tex, a hobo. To make a wish come true, the Boneheads complete an ancient bone-burying ritual with chanting. Tupelo, however, has no bone to offer and can't give up her only companion, Mr. Bones, a sock toy. Pretty soon, all the other dogs find what they were looking for, no matter if it was a home, people to play ball with, or a bed to claim. Except Tupelo, who is on her own again. Will Tupelo ever find a person and a place where she belongs?

This heart-warming tale is skillfully unfolded by the author's vivid watercolor illustrations. Multi-panel framed pages, foldouts, and craftily illustrated constellations enhance the storytelling. Young readers will enjoy this tearjerker that is full of funny moments.

Reviewer: Zhen Li, Orange County Public Library/Laguna Niguel

Blood Roses, by Francesca Lia Block

Rating: Additional
HarperTeen, 2008, $15.99

ISBN: 978-0060763848
Age/Grade Level: Teen

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This novel is comprised of nine short stories that are loosely connected by a handful of recurring characters. The highly artistic blend of fantasy and reality will appeal to a niche audience that enjoy's Block's characteristic writing style. Each of the stories centers around an adolescent girl and delves into heavy themes such as death, love, and sex. The dark tone to the novel is sometimes disturbing, with dream-like references to abuse and suicide. But the drama will no doubt appeal to teenagers interested in the depressive and raw nature of adolescence. This might also be a good suggested read for teenagers who enjoy poetry, since much of the writing is poetic in its imagery. The inside cover reads, "What shall we do, all of us? All of us passionate girls who fear crushing the boys we love with our mouths like caverns of teeth, our mushrooming brains, our watermelon hearts?" In general, this book is better suited for older teen readers--definitely not for children. In addition to the mature topics discussed, there is also adult language. While this book will not have broad appeal, there is sufficient social commentary and literary merit to make it a good book for the right reader.

Reviewer: Sarah Stimson, Orange County Public Library/Irvine University Park

Peaceful Piggy Yoga, by Kerry Lee MacLean

Rating: Very Good

Albert Whitman & Co, 2008, $16.95
ISBN: 978-0807563823

Age/Grade Level: preschool-grade 3

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In Peaceful Piggy Yoga, Kerry Lee MacLean couples one-line sentences about who uses yoga and how, with step-by-step instructions for basic poses. The text on the left could be read aloud for a preschool storytime, complete with adorable pigs in yoga poses, while the text on the right could be used to lead that same group in gentle stretches. The illustrations are cheerful, and the rounded child-like font makes the text approachable for new readers. This could be a great title for the stacks, display, a family workshop or for a body-movement storytime!

Reviewer: Jacqueline Barry, Orange County Public Library/Villa Park Branch

Pirates Drive Buses, by Christopher Morgan

Illustrated by Neil Curtis

Rating: Marginal
Roaring Brook Press, 2007, $15.95

ISBN: 978-1596433137
Age/Grade Level: 1st and 2nd grades

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The illustration on the front of the book gave me great hope. However, as I started reading it, I was disappointed. The story was nonsensical, but the illustrations are great. I think 1st and 2nd graders might like the nonsense of this short book, but I didn't.

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

The Mysterious Case of the Allbright Academy, by Diane Stanley

Rating: Additional
HarperCollins, 2008, $17.89

ISBN: 978-0006085186
Age/Grade Level: grades 3-7

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Not just anybody is admitted to the Allbright Academy, which was founded by two Nobel Prize winning scientists. Only the creme de la creme are enrolled. Four of the school's students are Franny and her friends Cal, Brooklyn, and Prescott. Once the gifted children arrive, it is time for their mind-control lessons and their chemically formulated brownies, as the Academy prepares to rule the world, or at least portions of it, through their alumni. New recruit Franny and her pals begin to unravel the sinister machinations of the power-hungry echelons. The plot thickens rather predictably for adult readers expecting grist. Children may enjoy exploring the theme of mind control or freedom and the aspect of students vs. teachers.

Reviewer: Rebecca Porter, Orange County Public Library/Laguna Beach branch

The Day the World Exploded, by Simon Winchester

Adaptation by D.J. Zimmerman

Illustrated by Dwight Jon Zimmerman

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins, 2007
ISBN: 978-0061239830

Age/Grade Level: 4th-8th grade

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This beautifully illustrated account of the explosion of the volcano Krakatoa is an adaptation for younger readers of Simon Winchester's New York Times best-selling book, Krakatoa.

Although the events leading up to, during, and following the volcanic explosion are the main focus for this fascinating book, there is a broad range of simultaneous historical events and inventions interwoven in the narrative. The content is rich in detail about the famous explosion, the theory of plate tectonics, Sumatra and Java history, and the role of the telegraph in reporting this event.

The devastation and the loss of 30,000 people in this August 1883 catastrophe can only be imagined; its effects were felt around the world. The book held my interest, cover to cover.

Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

Fly, Monarch! Fly! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Rating: Recommended
Marshall Cavendish, 2008, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0761454250
Age/Grade Level: 4-8 years

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A rabbit family decides to visit Butterfly Place to see the monarchs. They meet Bert, the Butterfly Man at the Milkweed Meadow. Bert takes Mom and Dad, Minna and Pip through the stages of the monarch butterfly: the eggs, caterpillar, pupa, and adult.

A very complete description of the stages, the terms, and simple but colorful illustrations meet the qualifications for an excellent science lesson.

End pages include a plan for making a butterfly magnet and planting a butterfly garden. The charming characters will enhance the student's understanding of the beautiful monarch butterfly.

Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

Pretty Face, by Mary Hogan

Rating: Recommended

HarperTeen, 2008, $17.89
ISBN: 978-0060841126

Age/Grade Level: Older teen

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Hayley is an overweight teen living in Umbria, CA. Her best friend Jackie is thin and cute. Hayley's crush, Drew, likes Jackie, which bums Hayley. But Jackie is a true best friend and doesn't encourage Drew. Hayley's mom is obsessed with her weight issue, and so she sends her to Italy to stay with Hayley's mom's best friend for the summer.

Hayley falls in love with Italy, among other things. She finds the life there very calm and beautiful. And she loses weight because she has to walk everywhere. This book is definitely one for the older teen, as there are sexual situations toward the end. All in all, the book was a fast, enjoyable read.

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

Asian Art (Come Look With Me series), by Kimberly Lane

Rating: Additional
Charlesbridge, 2008, $15.95

ISBN: 978-1890674199
Age/Grade Level: Ages 9-12

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Part of an art appreciation series for children, this Asian Art volume features twelve masterpieces from all parts of Asia. Each work of art is accompanied by its background and information about its creator. The book also features discussion questions for examining each piece and instructions on how to use the book. An interesting and educational read, it would make most sense as a companion to other books in the same series.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Waltur Paints Himself into a Corner and Other Stories, by Barbar Gregorich

Illustrated by Kristin Sorra

Rating: Very Good

Houghton Mifflin, 2007, $15.00
ISBN: 978-0618747962

Age/Grade Level: Ages 6-8

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Though I am not entirely sure if children will understand the cliche's, this was a very humorous read for adults. Waltur the bear finds himself in trouble after each warning from his friend Matilda that he should "let sleeping dogs lie," "not paint himself into a corner," and "not put the cart before the horse." Waltur literally manages to do all of these things, with comically disastrous results, and Matilda is always back at the end to help him put things to right. The loveable accident-prone bear will be appreciated by young readers, and the explanation of these saying is broken down in simple terms so that children can hopefully see some of the humor in each clever adventure.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Bedtime at the Swamp, by Kristyn Crow

Rating: Recommended
HarperCollins, 2008, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0060839512

Age/Grade Level: 4-8

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It's time for bed, but there's a monster out there! A young boy hides from it in a tree, while every child in his family ends up joining him as they deliver the bedtime message from Ma only to be scared into hiding by the monster's splishes, spashes, rumbas, and booms. Finally, the swamp monster himself is scared up a tree by the frightening presence of a frustrated Ma. The illustrations are unique and absolutely delightful, very reminiscent of a Pixar film instead of just still pictures. This is a story that will capture a child's imagination. The rhyming verses are easy to get a feel for the rhythm and the repetitive monster noises would make a great storytime chant.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

Big and Bad, by Etienne Delessert

Rating: Marginal

Houghton Mifflin, 2008, $17.00

ISBN: 978-0618889341
Age/Grade Level: 4-8

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A twist on the "Three Little Pigs" story, the animals fear that the appetite of the ravenous wolf will soon devour the planet. They devise a plan, consisted of three different types of houses, culminating to the wolf trying to make it down the chimney of the brick house only to end up a fiery ball forever circling the earth. This is definitely an interesting concept, though I have several concerns: the cover shows three pigs lighting another animal with a match. I have a great apprehension about featuring this illustration on our library shelves. Also, I would recommend the story for the 6-8 age range, though it says age 4 would be appropriate, because the illustrations along with wolf's frightening habits may be unsuitable for children that young.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library

The Best Chef in Second Grade, by Katharine Kenah

Illustrated by Abby Carter

Rating: Additional
HarperCollins, 2007, $15.99
ISBN: 978-0060535612

Age/Grade Level:

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Ollie wants to be the best at something in his second grade class, and the opportunity to cook for famous class guest Chef Antonia seens to be the perfect time to shine. But will his family be able to decide on what their favorite dish is for Ollie to make in time? And if so, will their choice be too silly for such a renowned chef? Ollie finally finds his niche, and this is a nice story for teaching kids at the early reading stages that it is all right to be different. It also gives an idea for getting picky young eaters to finish their dinners.

Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library