Book Review: Let's Go to the Hardware Store

LET’S GO TO THE HARDWARE STORE by Anne Rockwell tells the delightful story of siblings who accompany their father on a trip to purchase tools and supplies.

After moving into a bigger house, the family realizes repairs need to be made. Two children and their father visit the local hardware store to gather supplies. Along the way, the siblings learn about different types of hammers, screwdrivers, and other building supplies. When they arrive home without one item from their list, they head back to the store again for another adventure.

Regardless of whether children live near a small town hardware store or a big name brand megastore, librarians will find many children empathize with the story. The colorful illustrations and many visuals depicting hardware products in the store will stimulate lots of classroom conversation. Create a display featuring the book along with some of the tools described in the story. Or, build a makerspace station devoted to construction and repair projects.

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

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

Published by Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan on March 22, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Little Shop of Monsters

THE LITTLE SHOP OF MONSTERS by R. L. Stine and Marc Brown is a picture book with just the right balance of giggles, gross outs, and evil grins to please most monster book fans.

Written for ages 4-8, this silly-scary book actively engages readers. Potential monster buyers are asked to guess the name of a creature or what it eats. The author use rhymes and visual clues to keep readers thinking.

These two popular children’s authors make a great team. R.L. Stine’s creepy creatures are beautifully illustrated by Marc Brown. The gross visuals and goofy jokes are just right for the primary grade audience. The quick scare at the end will keep readers coming back for more.

Librarians will have fun with the variety of creatures displayed at the Little Shop of Monsters. Involve the art teacher in creating your own library-front window display of student-produced monsters. Then, get students to write stories to go with the creatures. This is also a great opportunity to bring out your creature puppets and other monster books. Pair this picture book with the beginning chapter books from the Magical Animal Adoption Agency by Kallie George.

To learn more about R.L. Stine, go to http://rlstine.com/.
To learn more about Marc Brown, go to http://marcbrownstudios.com/.

Published by Little, Brown Kids, an imprint of Hachette Book Group on August 25, 2015.