Book: Leaf It to Dot

LEAF IT TO DOT by Randi Zuckerberg is part of a developing reader series.

When Dot, Hal, and Dad go on a scavenger hunt, they find using a tablet useful but also a distraction. This engaging short chapter book provides a timely lesson about the importance of balancing screen time and nature exploration.

Librarians will find this short book to be a great way to talk with youth about enjoying nature. Weave it into the information literacy curriculum when discussing screen time and limiting device use. Children may recognize the characters from the television series.

ARC courtesy of the publisher.

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: Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker

BEATRICE ZINKER, UPSIDE DOWN THINKER by Shelley Johannes is the first book in a new chapter book series exploring friendship and social issues.

Beatrice is a fun-loving child who loves to do everything upside down. However, she’s disappointed when her best friend shows up to school with a new look and a new friend. She must find a way to fix her friendship without losing herself.

Librarians will find this easy-to-read chapter book perfect for readers who enjoy stories of friendship, school, and home. Many children will empathize with a girl who likes to be “upside down” and the book’s frequent, quirky illustrations will keep children reading.

Published by Disney/Hyperion on September 19, 2017. ARC courtesy fo the publisher.

Book Review: Press Start!

PRESS START! by Thomas Flintham is a new adventure series from Scholastic’s Branches chapter book collection.

Each story features a child playing a video game. Like the child in the story, readers are immersed in the game world.

GAME OVER, SUPER RABBIT BOY! kicks off this series featuring Super Rabbit Boy, the star of a video game. 

SUPER RABBIT BOY POWERS UP! features nasty King Viking who seeks special powers to defeat Super Rabbit Boy. Our hero must overcome a series of obstacles in the Secret Land to beat King Viking to claim the Super Power Up first.

SUPER RABBIT RACERS! Immerses readers in an exciting racing video game featuring Super Rabbit Boy, King Viking, and other characters trying to win the Super Cup Power Up challenge.

Librarians will find this series a hit among newly independent readers who enjoy video games. At least two additional books will be available in 2018.

Published by Scholastic in 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Juana and Lucas

JUANA AND LUCAS by Juana Medina is a new series featuring a young girl and her dog growing up in Colombia.

In her first humorous adventure, Juana shares her likes and dislikes. For instance, she isn’t excited about learning English. However when she learns about the value of language learning, she changes her mind.

Librarian will find that the short, easy-to-read chapters and comic-style illustrations will appeal to young readers. The international setting provides a unique perspective.

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

Published by Candlewick on September 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Lucy

LUCY by Randy Cecil tells three overlapping stories that come together for a heart-warming finale.

Told in four acts through through different perspectives, this sweet story explores the lives of a lonely dog, a young girl, and an aspiring juggler.

The clever storytelling approach, sparse text, and grayscale illustrations all come together for an unusual reading experience.

Librarians will find this highly-illustrated book popular with dog lovers. Both beginning readers and older children will enjoy the repetition and compelling conclusion.

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

Published by Candlewick on August 2, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Tony Baloney Yo Ho Ho, Halloween

TONY BALONEY YO HO HO, HALLOWEEN! by Pam Munoz Ryan tells the story of a young penguin who looks forward to the Halloween parade.

Tony Baloney is so excited about his Halloween costume that he wants to show it off in the days leading up to the parade. However when Halloween arrives, Tony has a problem. The humorous story is balanced with a useful lesson.

Edwin Fotheringham’s large characters and bright colors will appeal to young readers.

Librarians know that holiday books are popular year-around. Feature all the Tony Baloney books in a display to promote this new series or include it in a Halloween display. With four, short chapters, beginning chapter book readers will enjoy the length.

Published by Scholastic on June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Wild Robot

THE WILD ROBOT by Peter Brown tells the thought-provoking story of a robot trying to survive and thrive in the wilderness.

When a ship carrying crates of robots sinks, one surviving robot is marooned on a remote island. Roz the robot soon finds a place in the unpredictable, outdoor world. Experiencing the seasons, making animal friends, and learning about nature, Roz gradually becomes part of the island’s animal community. When intruders come for Roz, the island creatures band together in support of their friend.

Young readers will be attracted to the many illustrations woven throughout the story. Peter Brown’s fascinating characters, fast-paced plot, and short, easy-to-read chapters will draw a large audience.

Librarians will find this book to be an engaging read-aloud option. The story’s unique premise combining the worlds of science fiction and the great outdoors makes for an unforgettable reading experience. Look for this title on many “best of 2016” lists.

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

Published by Little, Brown for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Rescue on the Oregon Trail

RESCUE ON THE OREGON TRAIL by Kate Messner is the first book in the newly released, action-packed historical fiction series titled RANGER IN TIME. Ranger the rescue dog is sure to be a hit with young readers.

Ranger is a time-traveling golden retriever. Trained as a search-and-rescue dog, he is transported back in time to the year 1850 to help the Abbott family on their journey west along the Oregon Trail.

The authentic historical details mixed with the fast-paced story make this an excellent book for young history fans who are just beginning to read chapter books. Using a rescue dog as the main character was a brilliant move and will easily draw dog lovers into the historical context.

Although the first book in the series focuses on the Oregon Trail, references are also made to the Mormon Trail and the California Gold Rush. The outstanding author’s note section contains excerpts from real journals, facts about training rescue dogs, and additional readings.

Written for ages 6-10, this series is perfect for fans of the Magic Tree House books. Teachers will find this book an excellent interdisciplinary resource for literature circles. It’s a great jumping off spot for a more detailed exploration of the Oregon Trail.

There are lots of great websites geared to children and the Oregon Trail such as Kids on the Trail. Go to http://goo.gl/amWduJ. For a great teacher’s guide, download http://goo.gl/UgTxn6. Check out a video at http://goo.gl/5OlRsN. Check out at cool interactive map at http://goo.gl/JbRonp.

There are also apps you can download with Oregon Trail games. Try http://goo.gl/tc38tx.

The second book in the series titled Danger in Ancient Rome due out June 30, 2015.

Edelweiss ARC used for review