Book Review: The Wild Robot Escapes

THE WILD ROBOT ESCAPES by Peter Brown is a sequel continuing the story of a robot who calls an island her home.

Roz the robot is taken to a farm where she helps a family run a dairy. After telling the farm animals about her experiences on the island, they agree to help her find a way home to her son Brightbill and her wild creature friends. Much of the story involves Roz’s journey that ultimately leads to meeting her designer.

Librarians will find this middle grade novel a popular follow-up to the original. The Wild Robot books provide a nice bridge between beginning chapter book and longer novels for young readers. Use the book to jumpstart discussions about perseverance and what it means to be human. Feature the title in a display exploring robot characters.

Published by March 13, 2018 by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publishers.

Book Review: Duck on a Tractor

DUCK ON A TRACTOR by David Shannon is an hilarious farm-themed road trip featuring a duck who likes to drive.

When Duck figures out how to start the tractor, his farm animals friends jump on for an unforgettable ride. This humorous picture book will have children giggling from beginning to end. Young children will be attracted to the large, whimsical illustration featuring fascinating perspectives and quirky townspeople.

Librarians will find this book popular with children who enjoy animal and farm stories. Ask students to extend the experience by writing about Duck’s next transportation adventure.

To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to http://nodavidshannon.com/.

Published by The Blue Sky Press, an imprint of Scholastic on September 13, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: An Inheritance of Ashes

AN INHERITANCE OF ASHES by Leah Bobet is a gripping young adult fantasy exploring issues of war, family, and community.

Sisters Hallie and Marthe are alone on their family farm in the aftermath of a war. A mysterious veteran, the arrival of “twisted things,” and strange stone messages mark the beginning of a fight for survival.

This work of dystopia fiction has the feel of historical fiction, monster fantasy, and even the horror genre. However, at it’s core is a story of family, friendship, and forgiveness that transcends genres.

Librarians will find that this unusual fantasy appeals to a broad spectrum of readers.

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

Published by Clarion on October 6, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox

THE MALONEYS’ MAGICAL WEATHERBOX by Nigel Quinlan is an unusual middle-grades fantasy adventure featuring wild weather, evildoers, and meteorological magic.

Ireland is stuck in Summer when the Weatherman’s special weatherbox is disconnected by a power hungry neighbor who wants control of the seasons. The Maloney family including children Neil, Liz, and Owen must fight and sacrifice in their battle with their evil competition and the angry elementals.

While the rural Irish setting is familiar, everything else about this unconventional tale is slightly out of kilter. From the mysterious tourist to the magical cat creature, Quinlan keeps readers guessing as they explore a weird world closely connected to our own. While some children will find this type of fantasy disorienting, others will enjoy suspending disbelief and immerse themselves in this fictional universe.

Librarians will find an audience for this strange story among children who enjoy magical situations, odd characters, and unusual weather phenomena. Those middle-grade youth with strong roots in reality and science may simply find the premise silly and nonsensical.

To learn more about Nigel Quinlan, go to http://nigelquinlan.tumblr.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook Press on July 28, 2015. ARC from Edelweiss.

Book Review: The Secrets of Blueberries, Brothers, Moose & Me

THE SECRETS OF BLUEBERRIES, BROTHERS, MOOSE & ME by Sara Nickerson tells the heart-warming story of twelve-year-old Missy who takes a job picking blueberries over the summer.

In this coming-of-age story, Missy learns that the world isn’t black and white, good or evil, or even right versus wrong. Instead, connections like divorce and remarriage, friendships, sibling relationships, and a family farm feud contain multiple perspectives that evolve over time.

Nickerson’s conversational writing style is perfect for middle grade youth negotiating a constantly changing world. Many youth will relate to Missy’s wide range of emotions regarding work and family.

Librarians will find a large audience for this realistic, coming-of-age novel that bridges the middle grades and young adult genres. While any of today’s novels contain over-the-top drama, this quiet story is a good choice for readers seeking relatable characters and authentic situations with a twist of secrets and the feeling of magic.

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

Published by Dutton, an imprint of Penguin on July 21, 2015.

Book Review: Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer

UNUSUAL CHICKENS FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL POULTRY FARMER by Kelly Jones is a charming and fun fantasy about a twelve-year-old girl who moves to a farm and stumbles upon chickens with superpowers.

With the help of family and friends Sophie becomes a poultry farmer, but faces the challenge of dealing with a chicken thief who’ll do anything to steal her special chickens.

The story unfolds in letters written by Sophie to her deceased great-uncle and grandmother. Sophie also communicates with the owner of a poultry supply company who helps her learn about raising chickens.

The author does an outstanding job seamlessly weaving in topics related to diversity without making it the focus of the story. From Sophie’s brown skin to a passing reference to Jane’s girlfriend, readers are exposed to authentic situations, relationships, and reactions. There’s even a great recipe for migas.

Katie Kath’s whimsical illustrations add to the appeal of the story and also visualize the diversity represented in the book.

Librarians will be happy to see Sophie riding her bike to the library and interacting with a caring librarian. Many readers will particularly enjoy the informational pages describing the breeds and care of chickens.

Children who enjoy farm settings, humorous stories, and animal books will be delighted to find a novel that combines all three into an engaging, fast-paced fantasy.

To learn more about the author, go to http://curiosityjones.net/.

Published by Alfred A. Knopf (Random House) on May 12, 2015.

Book Review: P. Zonka Lays An Egg

P. ZONKA LAYS AN EGG by Julie Paschkis tells the charming story of a daydreaming chicken who lays a spectacular egg.

The other hens in the chicken yard can’t figure out why their friend spends her time observing the natural world rather than laying eggs, so they’re shocked when one day she lays a beautifully designed, multicolored egg.

Designed for ages 3 through 7, Paschkis’ colorful folk art style inspired by Ukrainian eggs designs will appeal to young readers. The simple, easy-to-understand picture book story focusing on the value of creativity and the beauty of nature will be appreciated by readers of all ages.

The book is a great addition to the library’s collection of Spring and Easter-themed books. Librarians will find the publisher “event kit” useful for promoting the book. Go to http://peachtree-online.com/pdfs/PZonkaEventKit.pdf.

To learn more about the Ukrainian egg designs, go to http://www.pysanky.info.

To enjoy the White House Easter Egg Roll, go to https://www.whitehouse.gov/EasterEggRoll/

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

Published by Peachtree Publishers on March 1, 2015.

Book Review: Audrey (Cow)

AUDREY (COW) by Dan Bar-el is a charming farm animal story.

When Audrey the cow realizes that she’s destined for the slaughter house, she enlists both animals and humans to help her escape. With dozens of narrative voices ranging from cows and sheep to a rowdy rooster, readers will quickly become engaged in this heart-warming tale of a cow-on-the-run.

The nontraditional writing style is what makes this book distinct from the other farm animal books already in your library. Written as a series of short oral accounts, children will enjoy the various personalities and viewpoints of the farm animals. Bar-el’s wonderful descriptions and beautiful use of language add to the appeal.

However at over 200 pages, the book is quite lengthy for young readers. While the content will be of interest to younger children (grades K-3), the reading level is high (Lexile 450L; grades 3-5). Like Charlotte’s Web and Babe, this humorous story is perfect as a primary grades read-aloud. It would also be fun as a reader’s theater-type experience with groups of older children reading to younger listeners in a library setting.

LibraryThing Early Reviewer ARC used for review