Book Review: Samson in the Snow

SAMSON IN THE SNOW by Philip C. Stead tells quiet story of blooming friendship on a snowy day.

Samson is a wholly mammoth that longs for a friend. What he doesn’t realize is that his simple acts of kindness are building the foundations of an unexpected threesome. Full-color, wordless pages contribute to the appeal of this simple story.

Librarians will find this sweet story to be useful in jumpstarting conversations about the meaning of friendship and importance of kindness. The prehistoric setting will be a drawn for some readers.

To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to https://philipstead.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on September 27, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Storybook Knight

THE STORYBOOK KNIGHT by Helen and Thomas Docherty tells the story of a young knight who would rather read than fight.

Leo would rather spend his days with a good book than fighting like the other knights. When Leo is sent on a quest, he encounters a scary griffin, hungry troll, and messy dragon. Rather than fight, he uses the power of books and reading to save the day.

Librarians will find this picture book to be a fun addition to the library’s picture book collection. Use the book to jumpstart a reading campaign focusing on the power of books.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky on September 6, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Little Elliot, Big Fun

LITTLE ELLIOT, BIG FUN is the third book in this popular picture book series featuring a polka-dot elephant.

Mouse assures Little Elliot that they will have a wonderful time at the amusement park. However, Little Elliot complains that the rides are too wet, fast, dizzy, or scary. Finally, Mouse finds a ride that Little Elliot enjoys.

Young children will enjoy the predictable elements and the story’s happy ending.

Librarians will find that this adorable elephant and his friend appeals to a cross section of young children. Consider a display that includes lots of books about friends going on adventures together.

To learn more about the publisher, go to http://www.mikecurato.com/.

Published by Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan on August 30, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Hunt for the Secret Papyrus

THE HUNT FOR THE SECRET PAPYRUS by Geronimo Stilton is an exciting mystery set at the New Mouse City’s Egyptian Museum.

Part of the “special edition” series, the adventure focuses on the mystery of the black papyrus. This ancient document is supposed to reveal the secret of eternal youth. Newspaper reporter Geronimo Stilton sets out to solve the mystery of the black papyrus and write an article for his newspaper.

The special edition book’s colorful illustrations and visual format will be particularly attractive to reluctant readers. While this book contains the fun highlighted words found in all the books, it also contains other interesting two-page spread visuals, diagrams, and other illustrations that will appeal to readers.

After the end of the story, the book includes a mini-mystery adventure titled The Cat Gang, jokes, and other information including a map of Mouse Island.

Librarians will find this book to be a popular addition to their growing collection of Geronimo Stilton books. Readers will particularly enjoy the full-color illustrations and additional features of this special edition. Use the author/series website to jumpstart library and classroom activities. Readers can play games, learn about characters, and even create their own comic.

To learn more about the author and series, go to http://www.scholastic.com/geronimostilton.

Published by Scholastic on March 29, 2016. ARC courtesy of Scholastic.

Book Review: Mr. Postmouse's Rounds

MR. POSTMOUSE’S ROUNDS by Marianne Dubuc is the charming story of a mouse postman who delivers mail to a variety of interesting creatures.

This adorable picture book takes readers from house to house as Mr. Postmouse makes his rounds. Each creature’s living space is displayed as a cross-section. Children will be delighted by the funny situations and fascinating variety of habitats.

Dubuc’s amazing illustrations will appeal to readers of all ages. The many tiny details found in each drawing will encourage re-reading and provide lots of opportunities for I-spy games.

Librarians will enjoy exploring each page with children. Pair this book with nonfiction works showing cross-sections. Or, seek out other picture books that explore life below ground or animal homes. Teachers will discover endless ideas for writing activities such as selecting a house from the book and writing about a day in the life of the creature that lives there.

Published by Kids Can Press on August 1, 2015. ARC from NetGalley.

Book Review: Duncan, the Story Dragon

DUNCAN THE STORY DRAGON by Amanda Driscoll is an adorable picture book exploring the love of books and an unusual friendship.

Written for ages 4-6, Duncan the dragon has a passion for books and a great imagination. Unfortunately, he gets so excited when he reads that he catches the books on fire! Duncan decides he needs to find a buddy who can read to him so he can finally reach “the end” of a book. Children will enjoy his quest and his unusual friend.

Driscoll uses colorful, attractive images to draw attention and spark the imagination of young readers. The short sentences and large, easy-to-read type will encourage pre-readers to follow along with the words.

Librarians will enjoy building story time events around this amazing picture book. In addition to the books and reading theme, the topics of imagination, animals, and friendship provide many additional connections.

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

Published by Knopf, an imprint of Random House on June 9, 2015.

App Review: The Mouse and the Meadow

THE MOUSE AND THE MEADOW by Chad Wallace is an interactive storybook app following the experiences of a mouse as he explores a meadow.

The “Read to Me” option reads aloud each page while displaying basic animation. The animated, interactive elements reinforce the story, so they aren’t distracting. Readers can follow along with the audio narration. Each word is highlighted as it’s read aloud.

The “Read to Myself” option is the same as the read aloud option, just without the audio support. Unfortunately, the font size is small and sometimes difficult to read against the colorful background.

From scary confrontations with a snake and great horned owl to quiet moments with fireflies, the storyline features believable situations and encounters among the creatures. The author skillfully weaves in nature facts making this an excellent science experience as well as an engaging story. The realistic flora and fauna contribute to the impact of the story. The colors and details of each creature are exceptional.

After reading the story, users are immersed in an informational reading experience focusing on facts and trivia about the habitat and creatures encountered in the book. They also learn about how animals communicate and help each other. Readers will also enjoy learning about the author. These special informational aspects are always available through a small icon on each page.

The book would be a wonderful addition to a collection of storybook reading apps for children.

This book is also available as a paper and electronic book. A Pop-Up App can be downloaded to go with the paper book.

To learn more about this app, go to http://www.dawnpub.com/apps/mouse-and-the-meadow-app/.

Published by Dawn Publications. Review copy courtesy of Dawn Publications.