Book Review: I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur

I WANNA BE A GREAT BIG DINOSAUR by Heath McKenzie is an adorable picture book featuring a boy and an imaginary T Rex.

A young boy enjoys pretending he’s a dinosaur. When a T Rex shows up, the boy learns all about being a dinosaur. In turn, the boy shares his life as a human. Together they decide they can be whatever they want to be.

Librarians will find a huge audience for this picture book among young dinosaur lovers. Teachers will connect with the “be yourself” themes. The humorous, fast-paced story is perfect for story time and discussions. There are endless opportunities for imaginative play and art activities associated with the story.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.heathmck.com/.

Published by Sourcebook Jabberwocky on May 17, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Ms. Bixby's Last Day

MS. BIXBY’S LAST DAY by John Anderson explores the relationships among three sixth-grade boys and their beloved teacher.

Told through the eyes of three friends in alternating chapters, this emotionally charged story follows Topher, Steve, and Brand who learn that their favorite teacher has cancer. As the story unfolds, each child shares their experiences with Ms. Bixby and readers learn why its so important to set off on a journey to see her one last time.

Librarians will find that this sweet story has the perfect balance of realism and humor to keep children enthralled from beginning to end. Both middle grade students and their teachers will fall in love with the characters and the authentic story. It would make a wonderful read-aloud book for teachers who can “keep it together” for the last chapter.

Look for this title on the “best of 2016” lists.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.johndavidanderson.org/.

Published by Walden Pond Press, an imprint of HarperCollins on June 21, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Every Single Second

EVERY SINGLE SECOND by Tricia Springstubb is a realistic fiction story examining the struggles of middle grade friends in an urban neighborhood.

This story of friendship and families tells the story of Nella, Clem, and Angela who are friends that attend Catholic school together. A school closing, accidental shooting, and medical crisis cause stress in both the families and the local community.

Librarians will find the themes of racial tensions, PSTD, and school closings to be very timely. Youth who enjoy contemporary fiction will enjoy the authentic family and neighborhood situations. The coming-of-age approach will appeal to a broad spectrum of students.

The author’s use of “now” and “then” chapters is an appealing literacy element, but requires readers to pay close attention to the narrative. The addition of the statue’s perspective provides an additional point for discussion for those who choose a “read-aloud” approach.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.triciaspringstubb.com/.

Published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of Harper Collins on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

App Review: Messy Mia & the Tale of Ancient Technology

MESSY MIA & THE TALE OF ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY is an interactive story and learning app focusing on old and new technology.

Designed for preschool and primary aged children, the 20 page storybook explores how technology such as televisions, phones, and music players have changed over time. The large text, engaging storyline, and attractive illustrations will keep young children interested. The app provides “Read it Myself” and “Read to Me” options. Readers are encouraged to interact with the screen using predictable icons. In addition, a “What’s That Picture?” quiz and three, short games will appeal to users and keep them involved in the story content.

Librarians will find this app an effective way to address digital literacy standards related to changes in technology.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/messy-mia-tales-sto…/id928647708…. The basic app is free, but additional resources can be purchased.

Published Avatar Generation.

App Review: Who is the Ugliest of All?

WHO IS THE UGLIEST OF ALL? is an engaging, interactive e-book app by Joshua and Donna Wilson.

This clever story follows a girl as she prepares to go out for the evening. Her fashion choices seem strange until readers discover she’s getting ready for a Halloween party. This short, interactive picture book incorporates interesting interactions, appealing illustrations, and entrancing rhymes.

Readers move forward or backward through the story by touching the right or left side of the screen. Users can explore each story page by touching various areas of the screen. Touching the words will read the page aloud.

Librarians will find this storybook app to be an exciting addition to the growing number of holiday-themed interactive books.

To purchase the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/who-is-the-ugliest-…/id930248798….

Published by The Happy Dandelion. Advanced copy courtesy of the publisher.

App Review: Is that an Earthquake?

IS THAT AN EARTHQUAKE? is an engaging electronic picture book app for young children.

Part of the Ready to Read series from the New Zealand Ministry of Education, this appealing story helps young readers learn about what it’s like to experience an earthquake. The realistic illustrations and large, easy-to-read font is effective for beginning readers.

The book contains limited audio features including background music, narration that can be adjusted on/off and by speed, and the ability to record narration. Users can also enter paint mode to add color to each page.

Librarians will want to add this title to their collection of e-books for young readers. Place this electronic picture book in a display featuring both fiction and nonfiction books about earthquakes and safety.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/is-that-earthquake-r…/id892584539.

Book Review: Henry David Thoreau for Kids

HENRY DAVID THOREAU FOR KIDS: HIS LIFE AND IDEAS by Corinne Hosfeld Smith features the life and legacy of this beloved author, philosopher, and naturalist.

Aimed at the middle grades, this well-written biography tells the story of Henry David Thoreau. Focusing on his significant contributions and stressing his wilderness experience, the book is well-organized and focuses on topics of interest to youth.

Twenty-one engaging, hands-on activities including journal writing and gardening are woven throughout the book immersing readers in Thoreau’s world. The many visuals add interest to the story. The book also includes a timeline and list of resources.

Librarians will find this book to be an excellent addition to the library’s biography collection. The hands-on activities add to the appeal for reluctant readers.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.corinnehsmith.com/.

Published by Chicago Press on February 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Tech Review: International Children's Digital Library

The INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DIGITAL LIBRARY (ICDL) website and app provide access to historical and contemporary, multi-cultural e-books from around the world.

The ICDL contains thousands of children’s books representing many different cultures and languages. Hundreds of award-winning books are included in the collection.

At the website, users can locate children’s books by country or conduct a search using their keyword or advanced search tools. Users wishing to set up preferences and save their favorite books can register for a free account.

The website also provides information for researchers, educators, and those interested in how they can contribute to the project. An Exhibitions area provides small, thematic collections on topics such as friendship, seasons, or diversity. An Activities area of the website includes ideas for using e-books in library and classroom settings.

The app provides a user-friendly interface for accessing e-books.

Librarians will find this resource an excellent addition to their e-book collection. It’s particularly important for those seeking resources related to cultural diversity. Of particularly note is the availability of books in multiple languages. Teachers will also find a wealth of books focusing traditional tales, legends, and folk tales from around the world.

To learn more, go to http://en.childrenslibrary.org/.

Tech Review: Expedition: Insects

EXPEDITION: INSECTS by the Smithsonian Science Education Center is an ebook exploring the exciting world of insects.

From deadly hornets to stealthy stink bugs, young readers will enjoy learning about six different types of insects in their natural habitats from around the world. Designed for grades 3 through 5, interesting text and colorful images will appeal to science students. In addition to insect facts, the informational text also provides suggestions for ways that youth can observe nature.

Short video clips, interactive images, sounds, and links to key terms will maintain students interest and promote scientific understandings. Animated maps help children connect world geography to their exploration of insect habitats and an interactive sketchbook encourages young artists.

The iBook interface divides that book into eight chapters investigating the blue morpho butterfly, Asian giant hornet, Malaysian walking leaf, African dung beetle, brown marmorated stink bug, and firefly. Students can add highlights and notes using the built-in note taking features.

The accompanying project website includes downloads such as sketchbook pages and informational pages.

Those without access to the iBook format can still read a full-color PDF version of the book.

Go to the project website at http://www.ssec.si.edu/books/expedition/insects.

Download the iBook at https://itunes.apple.com/…/b…/expedition-insects/id912242496

Read a PDF version of the book at http://www.ssec.si.edu/Media/SSEC/PDFs/ExpeditionInsects.pdf.

THE ADVENTURES OF BILLY POSSUM by Thornton W. Burgess is an enchanting e-book app produced as part of a doctoral research project by Michelle Somerton. Originally published in 1920, the e-book is an adaptation of this well-loved children’s classic.

Readers begin by entering their name and choosing an avatar. This is used to track student progress in the story. Multiple users can be added to the system. A walkthrough at the beginning of the book introduces readers to the features of this interactive environment. The book is divided into 25 short chapters that are “unlocked” as youth move through the story. Narration is provided in a soothing Australian voice.

Throughout the story, question icons appear to check student comprehension. Optional clues are provided for youth needing help. Picture Builder activities involve readers in creating a picture to show what’s happening in the story. These fun scenes are saved.

Much more than a typical interactive storybook, this app learning environment was specifically designed to promote reading comprehension. Built-in features including audio and dictionary features, response checking, and a reporting function make this a powerful environment for learning. When the “export option” is enabled for the app, a Results button appears that allows results to be sent through email to a teacher or parent. These results include activity results including the images created by each child. These images could be used in a fun book review activity.

Michelle Somerton has done an outstanding job seamlessly weaving questioning throughout the book. These questions check a reader’s understanding of meanings, sequencing, and prediction without distracting from the storyline. The stunning visual activities encourage children to reflect on the characters, plot, and setting of each chapter.

Hopefully, this is just the first of many e-books that focus not only on beautiful illustrations and stories, but also on strategies for increasing reading comprehension.

App Review: The Wired Bunch Series

THE WIRED BUNCH from nine22media is a rip-roaring western e-book series infused with interactive technology. Blending the best of old westerns and classic cartoons with engaging robots and fun animation, this series will be a hit with kids.

Six issues of this popular interactive e-book series have been published so far and six more are under development. The first issue is free, while other issues need to be purchased. The app opens to a bookshelf showing the issues currently available.

Set in an alternative Old West setting, each story revolves around robot cowboys. In the first exciting episode, Marshal Ram and his deputies are introduced to readers. These Old West bots must protect their town from O.L. Tycoon and his evil robots. Children can read the story, listen to the story read aloud, or a combination. At any point, readers can go to a particular page, set a bookmark, or edit the story.

The old-time piano music along with the engaging animation immediately immerse children in the world of the wired bunch! Each e-page is visually stunning with crisp bright colors. Basic animation adds to the experience without distracting from the story. The bright yellow font is presented in a size that is easy to read. The audio narration fits perfectly with the western theme. Throughout the story, readers are encouraged to participate by exploring the screen or answering a reflective question. These interactions relate directly to the story so they enhance the reading experience.

Like the Saturday Morning cartoons of the past, some of the technology references and sophisticated humor may be “over the heads” of some children. However, parents, teachers, and librarians will enjoy every play on words making the books a wonderful joint reading experience.

This interactive e-book series would be a wonderful way to engage reluctant readers both inside and outside the classroom. Children will read these engaging stories over and over again.

Book & App Review: Noisy Sing-along Collection

The NOISY SING-ALONG collection by John Himmelman is a wonderful way to connect children with science and nature. Available as both print books, e-books, and apps, you’ll want to get all three for your library.

Designed for pre-K through grade 3, NOISY BIRD SING-ALONG is the latest addition in this nature awareness series. The print book and e-book includes large, colorful illustrations of robins, sparrows, owls, mallards, and more. Colorful text is used to introduce the sound of each bird. In addition to information about the bird and sound, the habits and habitat of each bird is described.

This easy concept book would be an effective way to introduce young children to informational reading. In addition, the text is easy enough for primary grade readers to enjoy independently. The Fun Facts and Things to Do pages are useful for older children, teachers, and parents.

In addition to the print version, an app version is available for NOISY BUG SING-ALONG and NOISY FROG SING-ALONG. One advantage to the app is that children can hear the sounds. App designer Malachi Bazan successfully adapted the print books to the app environment. Users have two easy-to-use options for reading: Read to Me and Read to Myself. The Read to Me option highlights each word as it’s read by an engaging narrator. Clicking on the illustrations generates simple animation. A matching game builds in the facts found at the end of the print version of the book and actively involves readers with the sounds.

Active listening is an important skill. Getting children involved with identifying creature sounds is an excellent way to develop observational skills using the auditory channel. This book series would be an outstanding addition to an elementary school library collection.

To learn more about bird sounds, explore Songs & Calls athttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/page.aspx?pid=1059. Their free bird guide contains hundreds of sounds to explore. Go tohttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search.aspx.

The Noisy Sing-Along collection is published by Dawn Publications

Website & App Review: Curious George

The CURIOUS GEORGE website and apps provide endless hours of fun and learning for young children.

The free website is attractive and easy to use. The GAMES section contains 18 games featuring Curious George. While some activities focus on a learning activity such as matching or patterns, others seem to have little educational value. The STORIES section contain a few e-books to read online. The CREATE section contains fun writing, drawing, recording, music, and art activities. The CURIOUS ABOUT.. section provides a collection of activities based on a theme such as zoo animals. Questions are provided for adults working with children. The PARENT and TEACHER sections include lots of on- and off-computer ideas.

Eleven apps are available with the Curious George character. They include an interactive story builder, interactive books and games, literacy learning activities, drawing tools, an interactive picture dictionary, and a reader collection. The Curious Reader app contains a collection of interactive books with read-to-me and read-to-myself options. The books are purchased separately.

Both the website and apps are published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The website is free, but the apps are sold individually or in two, 4-app bundles.

To explore the website, go to http://www.curiousgeorge.com/.

To access the apps, go to http://www.curiousgeorge.com/store/apps.

App Review: Smithsonian's Prehistoric Pals

SMITHSONIAN’S PREHISTORIC PALS is a series of engaging interactive book apps exploring dinosaurs and the prehistoric world.

While these e-books are short and lack some of the interaction of some other apps, they provide excellent reading experiences for young children. Designed for ages 3-8, users choose from the standard read-to-me, read-it-myself, and autoplay modes. Each screen contains a colorful picture along with a couple sentences of text. New vocabulary and pictures are clickable and provide additional information. An option is provided for students to record and share their own voice reading.

The books are all based on traditional paper books published by Smithsonian. Titles include It’s Tyrannosaurus Rex, Saber-Tooth Trap, Mosasaurus, Pteranodon Soars, and others.

Oceanhouse Media is known for their high-quality apps for youth. A collection of 10 books is available in a bundle.

For a complete list, go to http://www.oceanhousemedia.com/products/smithsonian/.