Synergy: Moviemaking

Also known as filmmaking, moviemaking is the process of making a film for theatrical release. The production process includes development, pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution.

Read the recently published book series, then learn more at the website:

THE MOVIEMAKING MAGIC OF STAR WARS is a nonfiction series focusing on the process of moviemaking. Each book uses interviews, photographs, original artwork, and behind-the-scenes stories to engage readers. In addition, accordion folds and interactive folds add an addition layer of fun. CREATURES + ALIENS and SHIPS & BATTLES are the first two books in this highly illustrated series.

The STAR WARS DATABANK is part of the official movie series website. Users can browse for information by character, creature, droid, location, organization, species, vehicle, weapon, technology, and more.

To learn more, go to https://www.starwars.com/databank

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Drawing Aliens

People have been imagining what aliens might look like for generations. Are they little green men or otherworldly figures? No one knows, but children love to speculate.

Read the recently published children's book, then learn more at the website:

RALPH MASIELLO’S ALIEN DRAWING BOOK is part of Masiello’s popular drawing series that provides easy-to-following instructions for drawing. Whether sketching robots and flying saucers or the Multimouthed Martian, kids will have hours of fun with this engaging how-to picture book. The book concludes with suggested readings and websites.

Use NASA’S SPACE PLACE to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality. The website contains dozens of hands-on activities to explore space science topics.

NASA’s SpacePlace <https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/>

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Website Review: 78 Coins

78 COINS is an interactive website that shows why we’re probably not alone in the universe.

This interactive story takes users through a series of slides that discuss the probability of rolling all “heads” or “tails” with 78 coins. As users flip through the story, they learn about chance and the findings of astronomers.

Librarians will find this simple interactive to be a fascinating introduction to both probability and the nature of the universe. Use it to jumpstart a discussion of aliens and feature the library’s fiction and nonfiction works associated with the possibility of alien life.

To visit the website, go to http://www.joshworth.com/dev/78coins/.

Book Review: Red's Planet

RED’S PLANET by Eddie Pittman is the first book in a new, science fiction graphic novel series for middle grade readers.

When Red stows away on a UFO to get away from her foster family, she begins an adventure that crosses the galaxy. After her spaceship crashes, Red and an odd assortment of aliens must survive on a hostile planet.

The high-quality, color illustrations and fast-paced story will easily attract readers to this new science fiction series. Librarians will find a large audience for this graphic novel among readers of Bone, Amulet, Hilo, and the many other middle grade fantasy series. Fans of Eddie Pittman and his Disney series Phineas and Ferb will enjoy the familiar batter of characters and nonstop action.

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

Published by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS on April 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Stranded on Planet Strip Mall

STRANDED ON PLANET STRIP MALL by Tom Angleberger is the first chapter book in the new Rocket and Groot trilogy for middle grade readers.

Rocket Raccoon and his giant plant sidekick Groot have crash landed on a planet that’s a giant strip mall. Filled with slapstick comedy, this unlikely duo face raccoon-eating toilets, bizarre robots, and other strange shopping related hazards. This wacky adventure features non-stop action for fans of silliness and the galaxy’s most dangerous super intelligent tape dispenser.

Librarians will find fans of Angleberger’s Origami Yoda books flocking for this new science fiction trilogy. The book will appeal to reluctant readers who enjoy the varied fonts and small chunks of text interwoven with simple artwork. With the popularity of the Guardians of the Galaxy comics and movies, this title with be popular with younger readers who want to feel connected to this media franchise.

Published by Disney-Marvel on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Orphan Army

THE ORPHAN ARMY by Jonathan Maberry is the first book in the new Nightsiders fantasy series.

When Earth is invaded by aliens, young Milo becomes part of a group of scavengers helping soldiers in a remote area of the Louisiana bayou. During a scouting expedition, Milo stumbles upon magical creatures who are also battling the alien invaders. Together, they form a ragtag army, save their friends, and take back an ancient, magical artifact stolen by the evil Huntsman.

This fast-paced, science fiction adventure is well-written with engaging plot elements that keep the heart-pounding tension going from start to finish. Middle grade readers will enjoy the banter among the well-developed fantasy creatures reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy. The author skillful interweaves dream segments and diary entries to add appeal.

With both giant bug aliens and magical creatures, this new series will appeal to a wide range of fantasy and science fiction fans. Youth will be begging librarians for the next book in this hot new series.

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

Published by Simon & Schuster, May 19, 2015.

Book Review: Dinosaur Boy

DINOSAUR BOY by Cory Putman Oakes is a goofy new science fiction series. Featuring human-dinosaur hybrids and aliens, it’s the perfect combination for middle-grade readers.

During summer vacation, Sawyer is growing spikes and a tail. His school has a zero tolerance policy for bullying human-dinosaur hybrids. However when the bullies begin disappearing, Sawyer and his friends find themselves in an “out of this world” cover-up involving aliens and an interplanetary pet market.

Although the premise is silly and the situations predictable, important themes including bullying, racial identity, and friendship are skillfully woven through the narrative. Even reluctant readers will enjoy the fast-paced, action-packed story.

Fans of books like Boy or Beast and Aliens on Vacation will dive into this science fiction adventure.

Dinosaur fans will be intrigued by the idea of Dino DNA and the author’s note will encourage them to re-read the story again for hidden details. Librarians will enjoy building dinosaur displays to highlight this popular new series.

Learn more about the author at http://www.corypoakes.com/.

Available February 3, 2015 and published by Sourc