Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales, by Nathan Hale

Published March 12, 2013 by Dagmar

I’m so happy to see that graphic novels are expanding to include history, mythology, and adaptations of classics. I have a few readers who will not read anything unless it’s in graphic novel format. They’re big readers and are in the library always looking for new books. They are really excited about this series. I’m excited, because they’re reading American History!

This new series, Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales is a funny recounting of the story of Nathan Hale, the Revolutionary War spy who famously said, “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” In this version, Nathan Hale and the hangman are discussing “last words” and the fact that Nathan Hale should say something memorable before he is hanged. Nathan Hale not only thinks of his last words, but then delays his hanging by recounting the story of the seige of Boston, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and General Howe’s invasion of New York.

This is real American history but presented in a funny and engaging way. I laughed out loud several times at the cleverness of the book. There are two books in the series so far, One Dead Spy and Big Bad Ironclad and more to come. (Thank goodness!) My only regret… is that the pages are not full-color. I think it would add a lot to the book if the illustrations were more attractive. That said, it’s a great series and kids love it.

So B. It, by Sarah Weeks

Published March 10, 2013 by Dagmar

If you haven’t read my review of One for the Murphys, please do. This book might be tied with One for the Murphys for my favorite book of the year. I closed it and thought “That was a great book.” I have a wonderful fifth grade reader who looked at me and said exactly the same thing.

Heidi was a baby when her neighbor Bernadette found her outside in the hallway with her mother. Her mother is mentally disabled. Heidi’s mom knows only 23 words, most of the common, but there is one that only Heidi’s mom says, “Soof”. Bernadette is agoraphobic. Luckily, Bernie’s apartment has a connecting door with Heidi’s apartment. Together, they survive. Bernie manages everything, including teaching Heidi, while Heidi and her mom go out to do the shopping. Heidi wonders about her past, but her mother cannot give her any clues about it nor can Bernie. One day, Heidi finds an old camera with undeveloped film. She takes it in to be developed and finds a picture of her mother at a home for the mentally disabled in New York State. Heidi is determined to find out about her mother’s past. Her search, and the answers she finds, including the meaning of “Soof” make this book incredible. Highly recommended for middle readers.

A Ball for Daisy, by Chris Raschka

Published March 9, 2013 by Dagmar

The 2012 Caldecott Medal winner. This is a terrific wordless story. Students can follow along as I turn the pages and they “read” about Daisy the dog and her love for her red ball. One day, Daisy goes for a walk in the park with her owner. Daisy and a brown dog play with her red ball. When the other dog pops Daisy’s ball by accident, and the ball is thrown away, Daisy goes home and puts her head on her paws. No words are necessary to know exactly how Daisy is feeling. Everyone’s hearts go out to her. When Daisy goes to the park the next day, there is the brown dog with a blue ball. They play together. The book closes with Daisy happily sleeping on the couch with her new blue ball.

This book was so fun to show my K and Prek students. The library was absolutely silent as my K students realized they had to follow each of the pictures in order to understand the story. We then went through the book together as students retold the story. My Prek students tended to shout out what they thought was happening. Either way was fine and very entertaining to watch my students faces as I turned the pages.

The water color illustrations really shine.

Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony Snicket

Published March 7, 2013 by Dagmar

This series for those kids who don’t mind “dark”. Yes, the children are orphans. Yes, they are followed by creepy characters. Yes. Many bad things happen. But. These villians are no match for the three Baudelaire children, Violet, Klaus and Sunny. Violet is a 14 year old inventor with a hair ribbon. Klaus has read every book imaginable and is a walking encyclopedia. Sunny, just a baby, has a remarkably strong set of teeth. All these skills, inventions, book knowledge and a strong set of teeth are the keys to these children’s survival in the 13 books that comprise this series. Yes. These books are dark. But. These books are great.

Mr. Putter and Tabby, by Cynthia Rylant

Published March 7, 2013 by Dagmar

I love the Mr. Putter and Tabby series for 1st and 2nd grade readers or a fun read aloud for K and 1st grade. There are about 20 books in the series and would make great gifts. My personal favorites are: Mr. Putter and Tabby Take the Train, Mr. Putter and Tabby Feed the Fish, Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane and Mr. Putter and Tabby Row the Boat.

Mr. Putter is an elderly man who lives with his fine cat Tabby. He lives next door to Mrs. Teaberry and her naughtly dog Zeke. Together, Mr. Putter and Tabby and Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke go on many fun, and funny, adventures. The three short chapter format is perfect for young readers.

The illustrations by Arthur Howard are colorful and engaging. Highly recommended for young readers.

Amulet, by Kazu Kibuishi

Published February 19, 2013 by Dagmar

This graphic novel series flies off my shelves, and I constantly have to answer the question, “Why haven’t you ordered number 6!” Those of you following the Amulet series will know that there isn’t a number 6 yet. I can see why this book is so popular with my students. There is a great mix of something tragic, something mysterious and a new fantasy world. The illustrations are really beautifully done. Highly recommended for third grade and older.

Emily and Navin lose their father in a car accident and move to a remote town with their mom. The house they move to is an old house owned by their great grandfather Silas. When Emily and Navin wander upstairs, they discover a room and a mysterious amulet. When their mother is lured into a trap, the children follow her, guided by a mechanical rabbit named Miskit. They find their great grandfather on his death bed. He urges Emily to become the new Stonekeeper, leading her into a new world and teaching her the power of the Amulet.

Chicken Big, by Keith Graves

Published February 18, 2013 by Dagmar

This Is a hysterical take on the chicken little story. I love to read this to second and third graders. A humongous chick is born and joins his fellow chickens in the chicken coop. No one seems to realize that he is a chicken. The smallest chicken is not the brightest chicken in the coop. When he is hit with a falling acorn and then rain drops he becomes just like Chicken Little. Poor Chicken Big tries to calm the chickens while they guess again and again what he might be…is he an elephant, a squirrel, an umbrella? Each guess is more hilarious. Such a fun book – always a hit with my students.

Perfect Square, by Michael Hall

Published February 13, 2013 by Dagmar

Perfect Square is just a perfect book. Imagine just being a square – a plain, red square, but a happy square. Then imagine that one day someone cuts you into pieces and makes holes in you. This is the classic story of making lemonade out of lemons. Each day of the week, the square is somehow ripped, torn, cut, wrinkled or folded. Each day, the square thinks of something wonderful it can be.

This book is great for young kids, because the colors are bright, the drawings simple but beautiful, and the ending really wonderful. It’s a wonderful imaginative book. This book is great for color recognition and learning the days of the week as well. Highly recommended for pre-k-1st. Honestly, older readers will love it as well.

Alexander and the Wind-up Mouse, by Leo Lionni

Published February 13, 2013 by Dagmar

Written in 1969, this is a timeless book about friendship. Leo Lionni’s beautiful and colorful illustrations make the book come alive. My kindergartners loved this book. I hope you will as well.

Alexander is a mouse who is constantly being chased when he looks for food. One day, he finds another mouse, Willy. Willy is a wind-up mouse who is loved by the family, because he is a toy. Alexander and Willy become good friends, but Alexander is jealous that Willy is so loved while he, Alexander, is so hated. Willy tells him that he can go talk to a chameleon in the yard who can turn him into a wind-up mouse. When Alexander finds Willy in a box of old toys to be thrown away, Alexander’s mission to join his friend becomes even more urgent. Read this great book to find out how it all works out.

Tikki Tikki Tembo, by Arlene Mosel

Published February 9, 2013 by Dagmar

How many of you can say, “Tikki Tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo” without even thinking? I had great memories of this book from my own childhood, then reading it to my son and now reading it to my students. I’m thrilled to see that my students can chant the name just as enthusiastically as I used to do. I love the story and the incredible illustrations by Blair Lent.

First published in 1968, Tikki Tikki tembo is the retelling of an ancient Chinese folktale. It’s the story of two brothers. The first, honored son has a great, long name, which means “the most wonderful thing in the whole wide world!” The second son has a short name, Chang, which means “little or nothing.” Tikki Tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo pays the price for his great, long name when he falls into a well and needs to be saved. His little brother struggles to tell others that his brother has fallen into the well. It’s a classic and well worth a read. Enjoy.

Kids' Lit Corner

Books kids will love!