Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs, by Mo Willems

Rating: Recommended
Balzer and Bray, 2012, $17.99
ISBN: 978-0062104182
Age/Grade Level:

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When has Mo Willems written anything bad?  Never, of course, and this retelling of the classic Goldilocks story is no exception.  It's darling and hilarious in that sly only-adults-know-how-funny-this-is way, while never failing to appeal to children.  In this boo, Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur, and a visiting dinosaur from Norway try to bait Goldilocks wiht chocolate pudding so that they can create the perfect "chocolate-filled-little-girl-bonbon."  But she wises up to the face that their lovely home's furniture is just too enormous to belong to bears and runs out the back door, leaving the dinosaurs hungry and disappointed.  There are two morals to the story that are pretty darned appropriate and funny.  Highly recommended for the witty writing and crayon-like illustrations that Mo Willems perfected in his pigeon books!

Reviewer:  Rita Law, Children's Librarian, Fullerton Public Library

Little Sweet Potato, by Amy Beth Bloom

Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones
Rating: Recommended
Katherine Tegen Books, 2012
ISBN: 978-0061804397
Age/Grade Level: Primary

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Amy Beth Bloom's debut picture book is simply adorable.  After getting dislodged from his garden one day, a little sweet potato tries to find his way back home.  Along the way he meets some not-so-nice flowers, eggplants, and carrots who call him "dumpy, bumpy, and kind of lumpy."  But finally the little sweet potato comes upon a nice hodgepodge garden with many oblong vegetables and flowers.  Calling him "bumpalicious," they welcome him in and tell him they like "all kinds."  Children and adults alike will appreciate the book's message of acceptance, not to mention the bright illustrations with plenty of smiley faces to go around.  Highly recommended!

Reviewer:  Rita Law, Children's Librarian, Fullerton Public Library

Seed by Seed: The Legend and Legacy of John "Appleseed" Chapman, by Esme Raji Codell

Illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins

Rating: Recommended

Greenwillow, 2012, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0061455155

Age/Grade Level:

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This is a must-buy for any school or public library.  Gorgeously illustrated and written, this picture book explores the life of John Chapman ("Johnny Appleseed") by taking readers back in time to the start of his apple seed-planting movement.  Five of his philosophies are expounded upon: "Use what you have," "Share what you have," "Respect nature, "Try to make peace where there is war," and "You can reach your destination by taking small steps."  Different vignettes show how he lived by these philosophies and became an American hero.  The mixed media artwork, especially a two-page spread with intricate embroidery, adds to the luxe feel of the book, while a short apple pie recipe on the last page gives this simple biography plenty of flavor.

Reviewer: Rita Law, Children's Librarian, Fullerton Public Library

Bang! Boom! Roar! A busy crew of dinosaurs, by Nate Evans and Stephanie Gwyn Brown

Illustrated by Christopher Santoro
Rating: Recommended
HarperCollins, 2012, $15.99
ISBN: 978-0060879600
Age/Grade Level: Grade 1-2

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This book combines almost all of the slam-dunk elements a child likes in a book, which means it has a lot going on, but it has a lot going for it, too. A fun, rhyming ABC book, it appeals to kids who love dinosaurs and kids who love bulldozers, featuring computer-generated art alongside real photographs.  On top of all this realistic whimsy, the wacky expressions on the dinosaurs' faces simply inspire joy in the reader.  The book is very charming, although every stanza is a mouthful to read.  The passages emphasize letters of the alphabet with non-stop alliteration, making it a good selection for bedtime, though not for library storytimes.  Recommended!

Reviewer:  Rita Law, Children's Librarian, Fullerton Public Library

Amelia Bedelia's First Vote, by Herman Parish

Illustrated by Lynn Avril

Rating: Recommended
Greenwillow, 2012, $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-209406-3
Age/Grade Level: 6-8 years

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Amelia Bedelia returns to the classroom as a busy young lady who runs errands for Miss Edwards, and runs into "Mr. K," the principal.  When Amelia suggests that the kids in her class VOTE on the school rules, Mr. K. agrees.  Students learn the process of casting a ballot, dealing with a tie vote, and its solution.  Everyone is delighted with the school rule that gets the most votes, including Miss Edwards and Mr. K.  A totally upbeat, delightful story.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

The House that George Built, by Suzanne Slade

Illustrated by Rebecca Bond
Rating:  Recommended
Charlesbridge, 2012, $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-58089-262-9
Age/Grade Level: 1st-3rd grade

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A true story about our first president's role in the locating, designing, and supervising the building of the White House.  A clear and simple progression of events, as George plans to build a special house that will be the symbol of this great new nation.  Although Washington never lived in the White House, it was ready in 1800 for John Adams.

A wonderful piece of history for the young reader. Author's notes are very helpful.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

Family Pack, by Sandra Markle

Illustrated by Alan Marks
Rating: Recommended
Charlesbridge, 2011, $15.95
978-1-58089-217-9
Age/Grade Level: K-4

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Based on true evens; the reintroduction of grey wolves to Yellowstone Park.  The story follows the ventures of a young grey wolf who leaves her mother to roam an unknown place.  She attempts to track deer and elk only to find herself alone howling in the wind.  As winter goes on, she learns to hunt, grows stronger.  As spring comes she finds a mate, and soon the family pack begins.  Beautiful illustrations, and great insights into the life of the wolf.  The back pages provide interesting information about the wolf.

Reviewer:  Jane Yarbrough, Library Consultant

No Dogs Allowed, by Anne Davis

Rating: Recommended
Harper, 2011
978-0-06-075355-9
Age/Grade Level: 4-8 years

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A visual description of exclusion that turns to kindness and caring, by two house cats and a new unwelcome dog named Cookie.  A wonderful read-aloud with an opportunity to identify all the acts of kindness.  Delightful animal illustrations.  Cat and dog lovers will enjoy this book.

The Adventure of Granny Clearwater and Little Critter, by Kimberly Wills Holt

Illustrated by Laura Huliaka-Beith
Rating: Recommended
Henry Holt, 2010, $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-8050-7898-2
Age/Grade Level: Grades 1 to 3
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Granny and Little Critter are seated in the back of the wagon as the Clearwater family moves West.  A big bump in the trail bounces them out, and a new adventure for them follows.  As Granny leads the way, they encounter the MOUNTAINS, the Bad Poet train robber, and a brief ride with the Pony Express.  After an exciting journey, they meet up with Pa and Ma in California.

Wild and wacky illustrations fill the pages with opportunities for hilarious observations about Granny's next move as she and Critter travel West.

A delightful reading experience.
Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Consultant

The Secret Cave: Discovering Lascaux, by Emily Arnold McCully

Rating: Recommended
Farrar Straus Giroux, 2010, $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-374366940
Age/Grade Level: Grades 1 to 4

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Four French schoolboys looking for treasure explore a deep hole in 1940.  They discover pristine old wall paintings of animals in the cave.  The boys tell their teacher, Monsieur Laval, who contacts Abbot Breuil, France's greatest expert on prehistoric art, to verify the find.  This true story of an unusual discovery is sure to appeal to the young explorer.  The author's note updates the story of Lascaux and includes a bibliography.  The watercolor illustrations are spectacular and beautifully complement the story of Jacques, Georges, and Simon and the discovery of what will become a Unesco World Heritage site.
Reviewer: Anne Williams, OCPL/Fountain Valley

Black Hole Sun, by David Macinnis Gill

Rating: Recommended

Greenwillow Books, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0061673047

Age/Grade Level: YA

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Earth has been decimated by a plague. Mars is in the process of being terraformed so that at the present time, the air and water of Mars are barely capable of supporting life. Mars resembles earth's wild west where kidnapping, assault and murder are common and no one is to be trusted. Durangeo is a mercenary--ahired gun but with a difference. He has an AI called Mimi flash-cloned to his brain, the latest in armor and weapons, and a conscience. Nonstop action and the bodies pile up as Durango and his crew of misfits are in a battle to the death against the Queen of Mars and her army of Draeu--DNA experiments gone wrong.

Reviewer: Patricia Campbell, OCPL/La Palma Library

My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story, by Jamie Lee Curtis

Illustrated by Laura Cornell

Rating: Recommended

Joanna Cotler Books, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 9780060290160

Age/Grade Level: 4-8 years

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Opening Curtis and Cornell's book challenges the reader to actually begin reading, so mesmerizing is its visual largess. With deep, rich jewel tones, My Mommy Hung the Moon is as bold as the bond of love between Mother and Child. With carefree aplomb, each page solidifies the safety, security, and confidence children so need to feel for their parents. Trochaic rhyme is the lynchpin holding the child on the page while, at once, the dazzling illustrations send one into hyperspace--much like watching fireworks while holding your parent's hand. Through learning to burp, writing all the books, webbing the world, and making everything from scratch, the mesmerized reader is conviced in the end that there is absolutely nothing Mommy can't do!

Reviewer: Marie Louise Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

The Accidental Adventures of India McAllister, by Charlotte Agell

Rating: Recommended

Henry Holt, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 9780805089028

Grade/Age Level: 3rd-6th grade

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Creating a microcosm of real-life dilemmas, Agell's authentic 9-year-old voice examines familiar emotions such as jealousy, friendship, and social mores from the fresh and charming perspective of India McAllister. Fourth grader India, of Chinese descent, is the adopted daughter of Rosemary and Andrew. Rosemary, an artist, and Andrew, a doctor, divorced when India was seven. Andrew now lives with Richard, and the only problem India has with that is sharing her father with someone new. Agell deftly develops familial acceptance and love through Tofu and Beatrice Strawberry while guiding the reading down the perilous path of friendship via Colby and Amanda "the rodent," while solidifying how truly loved India is by all. Agell's perky illustrations offer just enough humor and wit to make it enjoyable reading for young and old alike.

Reviewer: Marie Louise Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Bear Dance, by Jan Wahl

Illustrated by Monique Felix

Rating: Recommended

Creative Editions, 2008, $17.95

ISBN: 8791568461991

Age/Grade Level: 4-8

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With Van Gogh-esque illustrations, Felix and Wahl draw the reader into the natural beauty of the wilderness where Bear is dancing, living in freedom and peace. To the adult reader the ominous approach of the tiny caged wagon drawn by two horses signals impending doom. Small men with orange hats capture Bear, shove him in a wagon, and feed him only when he performs their demanded requests. If your goal is to subtly imbue children with respect for nature's freedom, the egregious wrong of dominating and taking against someone's will, then this is the book for you. Circling back to the way things should be, Bear teaches the reader that despite terrible things that happen to you, joy of spirit cannot be destroyed.

Reviewer: Marie Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Floating on Mama's Song: Flotando en la Cancion de Mama, by Laura Lacamara

Illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 9780060843687

Age/Grade level: ages 4 to 7

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Simply delightful! Mama loves to sing, and her gift holds a special magic. But sometimes special magic is not understood by everyone. Out of fear and ignorance, negative neighbors pressure Grandma into making Mama promise never to sing again. Told from the young daughter's perspective, we learn how to navigate our way out of misery and oppression. Singing during childhood is a powerful method of expressing emotions that young children may not be capable of articulating. Moreover, Lacamara's text teaches a lesson of self-esteem by juxtoposing the neighbor's negative disapproval against the positive aspects of Mama's singing. Morales' dreamy illustrations soften what could be a pedantic lecture, although Lacamara's lyrical style would not have permitted that either. All in all, an enjoyable bilingual tale that will encourage the Spanish and English learner to read on!

Reviewer: Marie Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Spartacus the Spider, by Etienne Delessert

Rating: Recommended


Creative Editions, 2010, $17.95


ISBN: 9781568462134



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Delessert is without a doubt one of the most talented illustrators, as is evidenced by numerous awards and renowned recognition. So it goes without saying that the contrast between glossy white, charcoal grays, honey browns decorated with soft rose-toned hues, accented occasionally with some fire-engine red makes Spartacus the Spider visually uplifting. Equally uplifting is the story of a young spider imbued with expectations of grandeur by his parents, who discovers through an intricate process of reflection and consideration the rewarding confidence healthy self-esteem supplies. Moreover, Delessert's platform provides considerable topics for discussion depending upon one's viewpoints. His work supplies an arena in which values can be discussed and considered; an excellent method of developing a child's mind.





Reviewer: Marie Twombly, OCPL/Aliso Viejo

Pajama Pirates, by Andrew Kramer

Illustrated by Leslie Lammle

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0-06-1251948

Age Range: Ages 4-6

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This simple rhyming book captures the fun of imaginative play. It's bedtime and three children and a dog turn into pirates on the hunt for treasure in a bed-boat. They barely escape with their lives when they meet up with unfriendly pirates and are hopelessly outnumbered. They outwit them by turning their torn sail into a ghost and scaring them off. This brave trio and dog can't escape Mama Nature's final call, so they land their ship and walk the plank to their beds and dream about buried treasure. The double spread watercolor illustrations are perfect with their dreamy quality and soft pastel colors.

Reviewer: Pat Campbell, OCPL/La Palma Branch

Hey, Rabbit by Sergio Ruzzier

Rating: Recommended

Roaring Brook, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 978-1-59643-502-5

Age Range: Toddler-Kindergarten

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Take a rabbit, add a magical suitcase and rabbit's animal friends, and you have a recipe for an enchanting and delightful read-aloud story for prereaders. "Hey, Rabbit! Is there anything for me in your suitcase?" is the question that greets rabbit as he pushes, carries and pulls his magical suitcase along the grass and individually meets his friends. Of course there is! As the suitcase is opened, each animal friend gets exactly what they want and more. The magic spills onto a double page for each one. A dog wants a bone for his birthday and gets a birthday cake made of bones. A toucan wants a leaf to remind him of home and gets a jungle complete with plants and animals. A bear, cat, mouse, and crab also get what they want. When rabbit wonders if there is anything left for him in the suitcase, he slowly opens it and all his friends come out of it, along with a huge radish. The illustrations are simple and sweet. There is plenty of white space in most pictures. I would highly recommend this book. It will be enjoyed by anyone who has a special wish.

Reviewer: Pat Campbell, OCPL/La Palma Branch

The Karma Club, by Jessica Brody

Rating: Recommended

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2010, $16.99

ISBN: 978-0-374-33979-1

Age/Grade Level: YA

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After a romantic setback, three teens discover the concept of karma and decide it's their job to make the universe right. Their plans for revenge, I mean, karmic retribution are creative, if at times only marginally legal, and often hilarious. But playing with karma leads to unexpected and mostly unpleasant consequences. In other words, don't try this at home! The girls are sympathetic and the Northern California setting rings true. A fun summer read teenage girls are bound to enjoy.

Reviewer: Linda McLaughlin, Fullerton Public Library

Who Would Like a Christmas Tree? by Ellen Bryan Obed

Illustrated by Anne Hunter
Houghton Mifflin, 2009, $16.00
ISBN: 978-0-547-04625-9
Age/Grade Level: K-3rd grade
Rating: Recommended



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A Christmas tree farm is home to all kinds of animals. It depends upon which month of the year, from January to December, that you visit the farm. You will catch sight of these wonderful woodland creatures feasting on the roots and pine nuts, feeding their young and spinning webs. We learn about the habits of bucks and fawns, woodchucks and wild turkeys. But, "Who would like a Christmas tree in December?" "We would!" answer the happy children and their parents.


At the end of the book, a month-by-month plan describes how a Christmas tree farmer takes care of her farm. Bright and bold colored illustrations greatly enhance the theme of the story.


Reviewer: Jane Yarbrough, Library consultant