Park, Barbara, ill. Denise Brunkus. 1999. Junie B. Jones is a Beauty Shop Guy. Random House Books for Young Readers: New York, N. Y.
Junie B. Jones’s latest adventure begins in the “spinny” chair at the local beauty shop. The excitable kindergartener becomes convinced that her calling is to be a “beauty shop guy”, and she begins to practice on her dog, rabbit slippers, and eventually herself. She covers her “unfortunate sprigs” with several hats, but upon her arrival at school, eventually has to ask her teacher for help. As always, Junie B. is the focus of this delightful story, but the adult characters are close by to assist and reaffirm, but without being over-bearing. Parks has hit another home-run with the colorful, witty story that will hold the attention, and bring rollicking laughter from children and adults alike. Brunkus’s illustrations add to the fun and bring the finishing touch to a delightful short novel. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Book review - The Road to Paris
Grimes, Nikki. 2006. The Road to Paris. Putnam Juvenile: New York, N.Y.
This poignant and beautiful story about family, friendship, and faith is told by Grimes from the viewpoint of eight-year-old Paris Richmond. Paris and her brother Malcolm have moved from one foster home to another, and when Paris is finally placed in a loving home, the price is separation from Malcomb. Paris’ foster brother encourages her to keep God and her pocket and she shares her new-found faith through the beauty of her music. The harsh realities of alcohol abuse, abusive relationships, foster homes, and racism are dealt with delicately, but maintain plausibility. Readers will cheer as Paris and Malcolm are reunited with their mother and husband. Grimes has weaved a story that readers will not soon forget. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS).
This poignant and beautiful story about family, friendship, and faith is told by Grimes from the viewpoint of eight-year-old Paris Richmond. Paris and her brother Malcolm have moved from one foster home to another, and when Paris is finally placed in a loving home, the price is separation from Malcomb. Paris’ foster brother encourages her to keep God and her pocket and she shares her new-found faith through the beauty of her music. The harsh realities of alcohol abuse, abusive relationships, foster homes, and racism are dealt with delicately, but maintain plausibility. Readers will cheer as Paris and Malcolm are reunited with their mother and husband. Grimes has weaved a story that readers will not soon forget. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS).
Book review - The Penderwicks
Birdsall, Jeanne. 2005. The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy. Alfred A. Knopf: New York, NY.
This enjoyable book is the summer tale of four fascinating sisters – Rosalind, 12; Skye, 11; Jane, 10; Batty, 4 – and their many adventures at the Berkshire cottage on the Arudel estate. Although the story may seem a bit old-fashioned, it definitely works with the Penderwicks! Their father is widowed and has a very gentle, easy-going personality. Although he is good-intentioned, he rarely is clued in on his daughters many misadventures. The girls spend their three weeks of vacation frolicking around the Arudel estate and avoiding its owner, the snooty Mrs. Tifton. After befriending her son Jeffrey, the gardener Cagney, and the hospitable house-maid Churchie, avoiding Mrs. Tifton becomes more difficult, and then eventually impossible. The sisters’ characters are deep, well-developed, and believable. Each has a unique personality and powerful range of emotion, and their relationship with each other is both endearing and very realistic. Most of the other characters re rather static and superficial, especial Mrs. Tifton and her gentleman friend Dexter, but they balance with the strength of the sisters’ characters. The setting is perfect for the content of this novel and the plot moves along at snippy pace without ever feeling heavy or bogging down. This is a well-written, easy to read novel with wide-appeal. Highly recommended. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS).
This enjoyable book is the summer tale of four fascinating sisters – Rosalind, 12; Skye, 11; Jane, 10; Batty, 4 – and their many adventures at the Berkshire cottage on the Arudel estate. Although the story may seem a bit old-fashioned, it definitely works with the Penderwicks! Their father is widowed and has a very gentle, easy-going personality. Although he is good-intentioned, he rarely is clued in on his daughters many misadventures. The girls spend their three weeks of vacation frolicking around the Arudel estate and avoiding its owner, the snooty Mrs. Tifton. After befriending her son Jeffrey, the gardener Cagney, and the hospitable house-maid Churchie, avoiding Mrs. Tifton becomes more difficult, and then eventually impossible. The sisters’ characters are deep, well-developed, and believable. Each has a unique personality and powerful range of emotion, and their relationship with each other is both endearing and very realistic. Most of the other characters re rather static and superficial, especial Mrs. Tifton and her gentleman friend Dexter, but they balance with the strength of the sisters’ characters. The setting is perfect for the content of this novel and the plot moves along at snippy pace without ever feeling heavy or bogging down. This is a well-written, easy to read novel with wide-appeal. Highly recommended. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS).
Book review - Flush
Hiaasen, Carl, 2005. Flush, Alfred A. Knopf: New York, NY.
To protest the illegal dumping sewage from the floating casino the Coral Queen, Paine Underwood sinks it. It’s not the first time this often misguided, volatile husband and father has been in trouble with the law, no matter how good-intentioned he might be. Paine is out of jail, but under house arrest, so it’s up to his clever kids, Noah and Abbey to devise a plan to stop the crooked casino owner, and once and for all prove that their dad isn’t crazy. With the help of some shady individuals like Lice Peeking, Sherry the bar-tender, and a mysterious man with a gray beard and wicked scar, the two managed to flush dye down the toilets of the casino, and prove that the sewage was being dumped from the Coral Queen. Set in the Florida Everglades, this book is full of humor and quirky characters, yet presents an environmental message that strikes deeply. The plot is timely and adventurous and packs an exciting punch that will keep readers wanting more.
Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS).
To protest the illegal dumping sewage from the floating casino the Coral Queen, Paine Underwood sinks it. It’s not the first time this often misguided, volatile husband and father has been in trouble with the law, no matter how good-intentioned he might be. Paine is out of jail, but under house arrest, so it’s up to his clever kids, Noah and Abbey to devise a plan to stop the crooked casino owner, and once and for all prove that their dad isn’t crazy. With the help of some shady individuals like Lice Peeking, Sherry the bar-tender, and a mysterious man with a gray beard and wicked scar, the two managed to flush dye down the toilets of the casino, and prove that the sewage was being dumped from the Coral Queen. Set in the Florida Everglades, this book is full of humor and quirky characters, yet presents an environmental message that strikes deeply. The plot is timely and adventurous and packs an exciting punch that will keep readers wanting more.
Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS).
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Prelutsky, Jack, ill. Meilo So. 2006. The Beauty of the Beast: Poems from the Animal Kingdom. Knopf Books for Young Readers: New York, NY.
A stunning anthology for animal and poetry lovers alike, The Beauty of the Beast: Poems from the Animal Kingdom boasts over 200 works by 123 poets that celebrate the many members of the animal kingdom. Poems are grouped into five sections, insects, fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Each page is filled with an array of poems and vibrant watercolor illustrations that capture the essence of the animals and bring the entire collection to life. This brilliant anthology will be savored for years to come. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS)
A stunning anthology for animal and poetry lovers alike, The Beauty of the Beast: Poems from the Animal Kingdom boasts over 200 works by 123 poets that celebrate the many members of the animal kingdom. Poems are grouped into five sections, insects, fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Each page is filled with an array of poems and vibrant watercolor illustrations that capture the essence of the animals and bring the entire collection to life. This brilliant anthology will be savored for years to come. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS)
Book Review - Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers
Hoberman, Mary Ann, ill. Marilyn Hafner. 1991. Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers: A Collection of Family Poems. Scholastic, Inc.: New York, NY.
This wonderful collection of poetry has something for everyone. The poems are written in a variety of formats ranging in topic from family relations – “Big Sister”, and “Grandmas and Grandpas” and more - to vacation and adoption. The rhyme of each selection creates a sing-song effect, and yet is pleasing to the ear. Comical, colorful illustrations fill each page, making this collection a well-rounded crowd pleasers. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS)
This wonderful collection of poetry has something for everyone. The poems are written in a variety of formats ranging in topic from family relations – “Big Sister”, and “Grandmas and Grandpas” and more - to vacation and adoption. The rhyme of each selection creates a sing-song effect, and yet is pleasing to the ear. Comical, colorful illustrations fill each page, making this collection a well-rounded crowd pleasers. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS)
Book Review - Meet Danitra Brown
Grimes, Nikki, ill. Floyd Cooper. 1984. Meet Danitra Brown. Scholastic, Inc.: New York, NY.
In the voice of Zuri Jackson, this spirited collection of 13 poems elegantly weaves the story of her friendship with the spunky Danitra Brown. The simple poems portray common experiences as the girls share work, play, trouble with bullies, secrets, and pride in their cultural heritage. Impressionistic cityscapes are the background for Cooper’s illustrations, featuring portrait close-ups of the girls in warm hues with splashes of vibrant color. Meet Danitra Brown is a celebration of friendship and a welcome addition to any poetry collection. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS)
In the voice of Zuri Jackson, this spirited collection of 13 poems elegantly weaves the story of her friendship with the spunky Danitra Brown. The simple poems portray common experiences as the girls share work, play, trouble with bullies, secrets, and pride in their cultural heritage. Impressionistic cityscapes are the background for Cooper’s illustrations, featuring portrait close-ups of the girls in warm hues with splashes of vibrant color. Meet Danitra Brown is a celebration of friendship and a welcome addition to any poetry collection. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS)
Book Review - This Little Piggy
Yolen, Jane, ill. Will Hillenbrand. This Little Piggy: Lap Songs, Finger Plays, Clapping Games and Pantomine Rhymes. 2006. Candlewick Press: Cambridge, Mass.
An endearing, annotated collection of over 60 children’s songs, rhymes, lap songs, and clapping games for babies and toddlers. Each poem is completely shareable, with directions for play in smaller print. Included are both classic favorites such as “I’m a Little Teapot”, and some less familiar rhymes, all expertly selected and edited by Yolen, and delightfully entertaining. The package is completed with Hillenbrand’s lively, pastel-colored, happy pig illustrations that frame each of the selections. This charming book’s broad scope and aesthetic appeal make it an excellent choice for the young and young-at-heart. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS)
An endearing, annotated collection of over 60 children’s songs, rhymes, lap songs, and clapping games for babies and toddlers. Each poem is completely shareable, with directions for play in smaller print. Included are both classic favorites such as “I’m a Little Teapot”, and some less familiar rhymes, all expertly selected and edited by Yolen, and delightfully entertaining. The package is completed with Hillenbrand’s lively, pastel-colored, happy pig illustrations that frame each of the selections. This charming book’s broad scope and aesthetic appeal make it an excellent choice for the young and young-at-heart. Mandy Hooker (Written as an assignment for TWU SLIS)
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