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