A Birthday for Bear

Written by Bonny Becker

Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

Most enjoyed by Kindergartners through 2nd Graders

Bear is busy tidying his house and ignoring the fact that it is his birthday. Mouse, his good friend, is doing his very best to help Bear celebrate. A bunch of balloons, a hand-delivered card, even a present brought by a cleverly disguised Mouse down the chimney cannot convince Bear to stop his work and celebrate. It takes one very special present to make Bear see that celebrating your birthday is something a friend does best.

Written as a chapter book, 'A Birthday for Bear' is perfect for beginning readers but could easily be read in one sitting by more advanced readers. Kady MacDonald Denton's ink and watercolor illustrations give Bear and Mouse such personality. I love their facial expressions and their body language.

Bear and Mouse are such a great pair. No matter how hard Bear tries to resist Mouse's offers of friendship, Mouse simply will not give up. Isn't that what true friends do - never give up on you? What a wonderful message for young readers!

Little Blue Truck

Written by Alice Schertle

Illustrated by Jill McElmurry

Most enjoyed by Preschoolers through 1st Graders

Little Blue Truck is loved by all of the farm animals. When he drives by with his cheery 'Beep!', they answer in return in their own unique way. Along comes Big Yellow Dump Truck pushing his way through. He has no time for niceties and lets everyone know it. But when he gets stuck in the mud, who comes to his rescue but the little truck with the big heart. As he pushes Big Yellow with all his might, Little Blue Truck finds himself stuck in the mud, too. At the sound of his 'Beep!', the animals come to his rescue.

'Little Blue Truck' is a sunny little truck who loves helping anyone. Young readers will cheer for his animal friends as they help their buddy, especially when it's the littlest friend who provides the most help. A great read-aloud, 'Little Blue Truck' is one you don't want to miss.

Doctor Ted

Written by Andrea Beaty

Illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre

Most enjoyed by Preschoolers and Kindergartners

Is there a doctor in the house? There is if you live with Ted, the lovable bear at the center of the delightful 'Doctor Ted'. When Ted bumps his knee, he's sure he needs a doctor but none is to be found. So, who better to answer that need than Ted himself! Not everyone thinks there's room for another doctor, especially at school where they already have one on staff. But guess which doctor helps out when Mrs. Johnson hurts her ankle!

You'll fall for Ted and his superb medical skills. He does a great job at diagnosing problems ("You have gingivitis") and determining the correct medical cure ("You need a full-body cast.")

In fact, even thought this book will appeal to little ones, older kids will really get the humor. If you need a book for an older sibling to read to a younger sibling, 'Doctor Ted' would be a great choice.

Let it Snow

Written and illustrated by Holly Hobbie
Most enjoyed by Kindergartners through 2nd graders


We received this book in the library today and I debated about reading aloud to the 1st graders. It's really a Christmas book so it seemed a little after-the-fact since the holiday has passed. However, I decided to give it a go and read it anyway since it's such a great book about friendship. I'm glad I did; the 1st graders agreed that it's perfect for any time of year.

Toot and Puddle are the best of friends. Puddle knows that Toot loves hiking and maps and is very brave and daring. Toot knows that Puddle loves trees and cooking and is a true artist. In fact, they know each other so well, they're stumped for what to make each other for Christmas (no store-bought whatsits for these two). A snowy day, though, provides just the inspiration both need to create just the right gift for a very best friend.

This is such a warm, wonderful story that perfectly embodies the idea that the best gift giving is from the heart rather than a store. Despite the fact the story takes place at Christmas, it's a sentiment that can be put into play any time of the year. Toot and Puddle are such warm, caring friends that young readers will fall in love with them right away. There are many Toot and Puddle stories and unfortunately, this is the only one we have right now. But I'm adding some of their other titles to our 'must buy' list so we can enjoy more of their adventures together.

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas

Written by Jane O'Connor

Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Most enjoyed by Fancy Nancy fans in Preschool through 2nd grade

It's Christmas at Fancy Nancy's house. Her house looks fancy, her gifts are wrapped in a fancy way, and she's even saved her money for a fancy tree topper to crown the family Christmas tree. If only Grandpa would arrive so they could decorate the tree! Waiting is hard, especially when Fancy Nancy opens one of her puppy's gifts a little early. A playful puppy makes for a broken tree topper and one unhappy Fancy Nancy. But Grandpa's arrival comes with a solution, one even fancier than Fancy Nancy could expect.

I love the solution Grandpa comes up with to Nancy's situation. It's a down-to-earth solution that every family can relate to. Despite her fanciness, Nancy is one practical gal after all. Dress up in your best and enjoy this holiday treat with Fancy Nancy.

Dragonbreath

Written and illustrated by Ursula Vernon

Most enjoyed by 2nd through 4th graders

Babymouse, let me introduce you to Danny Dragonbreath. He's a little dragon who will be sharing some of your readership soon. Don't worry, kids will still love you and want to read you over and over. But I predict Danny will be finding a few new friends among our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade boys.

Danny Dragonbreath has been assigned to write a paper about the ocean. Waiting until the last minute, he throws together something that his teacher doesn't like. When he has to go back to the drawing board and write a real report, he finally does some research. He calls on his cousin, Edward the sea serpent, to take him and his friend Wendell on a fantastic ocean journey. Thanks to special breath mints, Danny and Wendell are able to breath under water for a few hours, long enough to get the information Danny needs to rewrite his paper. Much to his surprise, Danny finds that research is pretty fun, not to mention a little life-threatening once in a while.

On land, Danny has another problem in addition to his paper. The problem is in the form of Big Eddy, a Komodo dragon who likes to bully Danny. Danny's ocean journey gives him ideas not only for his paper but for dealing with Big Eddy perhaps once and for all.

Despite the fact that Danny is not a full-fledged fire breathing dragon, at least not yet, his book will have readers hooked right from the start. There's plenty of action, humor, and likeable characters to keep readers turning the pages. It also encourages kids to stand up to bullies. Despite his fear of Big Eddy, Danny learns there are ways to turn the tables on bullies and he does, with a little help from Wendell. This won't be the last we see of Danny Dragonbreath which makes me happy. His next adventure is called 'Attack of the Ninja Frogs' and I can't wait to read that one!

The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Written by Megan McDonald

Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Most enjoyed by 1st through 4th graders

Judy Moody and Stink are back in a new adventure that finds them playing pirate. The Moody family is off to Ocrakoke Island for a little fun in the sun. Stink is thrilled because it means he and Judy can fulfill their inner pirate and shiver their timbers all they want. When they find from Pirate Scurvy Sam that there is a real treasure hunt, the two can't resist and join forces to solve the clues and gather pieces of eight. But they get some stiff competition from two other kids who seem hot on the trail of the treasure. Will Judy and Stink find the treasure first? Get ready for a winning ending that proves the treasure of friendship is the best treasure of all!

Otis

Written and illustrated by Loren Long
Most enjoyed by Preschoolers through 2nd graders

Here's a story about friendship that will warm your heart and make you smile. Find your favorite little someone and read this one together.

Otis is a friendly little red tractor who loves helping out around the farm. When a new baby calf arrives in his world, it's Otis's soft humming motor that comforts the little fellow. They become fast friends, spending evenings together watching over the farm. One day, a big yellow tractor arrives and Otis is moved to the back of the farm, back where the weeds grow and where he becomes a forgotten tractor. When the baby calf gets a little too curious and ends up stuck in the pond, everyone tries their best to get him out. But only the best of friends can do the job, proving that friendship wins out over all else.

Loren Long has perfectly captured Otis's personality and it really shines through in the illustrations. Young readers will be captivated by Otis's enthusiasm for life, shown in the way he moves and in his facial expressions. The affection he shows for the calf and the calf's devotion to him ring true, not overdone or unrealistic. I hope Mr. Long creates more books about Otis. He's a character young readers will love and want to read more about.

He's Here!

The newest 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' book is now on Zion's library shelves. At least it was, until our two copies were checked out before the end of the day! Titled 'Dog Days', this newest diary from 6th grader Greg Heffley has Greg planning on a video- and TV-filled summer. But his mom has other plans. Will Greg have the summer he dreams of? Stop by the library to put your name on the waiting list for the latest installment from this wimpy kid's life!

Jumpy Jack and Googly

Written by Meg Rosoff

Illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Most enjoyed by Preschoolers through 1st Graders

Jumpy Jack is a snail who is scared of monsters. He's sure there's a monster behind the tree or in the swimming pool or hiding in the shed. He's awfully lucky that his best friend Googly isn't afraid to check for monsters. Googly, who is blue, has sharp teeth and two fingers on each hand, has no fear of monsters but patiently helps his friend by checking for them. But will Jumpy Jack be brave when he discovers what Googly is afraid of?

Little listeners will delight in the humor here. They can see that Googly is most definitely a monster, especially when he matches Jumpy Jack's description of one. Yet Jumpy Jack can't see it; he only sees Googly as his friend. And what else does a friend do but stick by his buddy through scary and not-so-scary? There's a nice lesson about friendship and acceptance here, but young readers will enjoy the simple pleasure of Jumpy Jack and Googly being together.

Ranger's Apprentice: The Sorcerer of the North

Book 5 in the series

Written by John Flanagan

Most enjoyed by 5th through 8th Graders

I haven't read this one yet, but it's the latest in the Ranger's Apprentice series which is so popular here at Zion. If you're a fan, be sure to stop up and check this one out.

Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: Moving Day

Written by Meg Cabot

Most enjoyed by girls in 3rd through 5th grade

Allie Finkle is 9 years old and she's moving. Her parents have decided to move the family into a fixer-upper so Allie's mom can do the home improvement projects she enjoys so much. But how could her parents make Allie leave the home she loves, her best friend, her school, and her rock collection? To Allie, the new house looks haunted, and, thanks to the advice of a new neighbor, is sure there is a zombie hand hidden in the attic just waiting to attack her. Despite the promise of a new kitten if she goes along with the move, Allie is determined to sabotage it whenever she can. But a missing 'For Sale' sign and a deadly rock collection collapse don't seem like they'll stop the big move. Will Allie's never-ending list of rules help her adjust to her new life?

Meet Allie Finkle, a fresh new voice for younger chapter book readers. Allie loves collecting rocks (geodes, as she'll quickly correct you), ballet, and baseball (except the part where you have to wait your turn, which seems to take forever). Her best friend is Mary Kay who only wants to play one game, lions, leaving Allie with rug burns on her knees. And take a look at Allie's list of rules. It's quite long and contains some interesting ones. Take, for instance, the first rule - Don't Stick a Spatula Down Your Best Friend's Throat. Now what could that be all about? Oh, and did I mention she's an animal rights activist, too? Just ask her about the turtle in the pond at the Chinese restaurant.

So, are you ready to meet Allie?

Bear Stays Up For Christmas

Written by Karma Wilson

Illustrated by Jane Chapman

Most enjoyed by Preschoolers through 2nd Graders

Normally, at this time of year, Bear would be sound asleep, just getting started on his long winter's nap. But his animal friends won't hear it; they want him to stay up to help them celebrate Christmas. He sleepily trundles out of his cave with them to get just the right tree and droops as he's stringing popcorn, but he still manages to stay awake. Just when his friends have fallen asleep, the Bear finds all kind of energy to make them gifts. But who else is awake on this special night?

This story is a great read-aloud because listeners can chime in with the refrain 'but the Bear stays up' at just the right time. The illustrations are perfect, making Bear so big and cuddly and the other animals so friendly. Keep cozy warm under a big quilt when you read this one, just like Bear does!

Thomas' Special Delivery

Based on The Railway Series by the Rev. W. Awdry

Illustrated by Tommy Stubs

Most enjoyed by train lovers in Preschool and Kindergarten

Thomas the Tank Engine, a Really Useful Engine, has three special deliveries to make before heading back to the engine shed to hang his Christmas stocking. With each delivery he makes, the snow falls faster and harder, making Thomas worry that he'll miss Father Christmas' visit. At the last stop, a children's hospital, Sir Topham Hatt asks Thomas to make one more stop on his way to the engine shed. Thomas is sure Father Christmas won't forget him for being so useful. When he finally arrives back to the shed, the stockings have been hung. But is it snowing too hard for Father Christmas to make it through?

If you have a Thomas the Tank Engine fan in your house, snuggle up and read this story together. Thomas is a good role model for little ones. He never gives up and always does his best, two messages worth repeating. And most likely it will be repeated because this is one holiday story you'll be asked to read over and over!

Skipppyjon Jones is Here!

Written and illustrated by Judy Schachner

Most enjoyed by readers in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade

One of this year's most popular Monarch Award books is 'Skippyjon Jones' by Judy Schachner. A Siamese kitty who can't sit still, Skippyjon Jones is always ready for adventure. The best thing about his adventures is that they come from his imagination. And let me tell you, his imagination is an active one! And readers will be happy to know that we have two more of Skippyjon's adventures in the library ready for checkout.

In the first book, 'Skipppyjon Jones', the little bundle of moving fur is not quite ready to settle down to being a good little kitty so Mama sends him to his room with the charge to stay out of his closet. But the little guy can't resist, especially when he dons his mask and hops onto his stick mouse. Off he goes to discover a band of Chihuahuas looking for someone to rescue them from the terrible Bumblebeeto. Is Skippyjon Jones just the kitty for the job?

Full of Spanish words and phrases, 'Skippyjon Jones' is one wild read full of laugh-out-loud fun. Readers who love the first book will be eager to gobble up the next two titles, 'Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble' and 'Skippyjon Jones in the Dog-house'. Both continue Skippyjon's wild antics and come with CD's so the stories can be heard anytime and anywhere. Make your car ride a little more fun by bringing Skippyjon along!

Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach

Written and illustrated by Melanie Watt

Most enjoyed by squirrel lovers of all ages

I am so thankful for Scaredy Squirrel. He can make me laugh no matter how many times I've read his books. If you're not familiar with Scaredy, make sure you check one of the three Scaredy Squirrel titles out. In 'Scaredy Squirrel', we meet our hero of caution and clean living and find out that he is afraid of everything. Really. But he learns to make adjustments and finds life a little more fun with just a tiny bit of adventure. In 'Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend', making a 'safe' friend is all Scaredy wants. But he discovers that his checklist for the perfect friend needs a little adjusting when he meets a dog.

In his newest adventure, 'Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach', Scaredy Squirrel avoids the beach like he avoids door handles and bungee jumping. Beaches are too dangerous what with all the mobs of lobsters and herds of sea monsters. So he builds his own beach in the backyard. But that beach is missing something - the sound of the ocean. And that can only come from a seashell, which can only come from the beach, which means a trip to the beach, which requires an elaborate plan. Scaredy Squirrel arms himself with his best beachwear (you have got to see the picture of him suited up!) and heads to the beach, only to discover it full of people, which was not part of the plan!! Will Scaredy ever get his seashell?

In this week of giving thanks for the many blessings we have, Scaredy Squirrel is definitely on my list. As a matter of fact, he's pretty high on that list, awful close to chocolate. Once you read one of his books, you'll find yourself thankful for the little guy, too! Don't miss this one!

Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig

Written by Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Most enjoyed by Kindergartners through 2nd Graders

Mercy Watson is sunning herself on the back yard patio when she smells something wonderful. Poking her head through the hedge, she spies some freshly planted pansies in the yard of Baby and Eugenia Lincoln. Taking one bite leads to another and another and pretty soon, the pansies that Eugenia has planted to spruce up the house have disappeared. And so has Mercy. A phone call to Animal Control starts a chain of hysterical events until Mercy ends up back home, along with everyone else, enjoying her favorite snack.

Kids love Mercy Watson. Her stories are read over and over and this newest title in the series is sure to delight. The illustrations are a big reason for the fun. Chris Van Dusen has captured the characters' personalities so well that the book has to be read more than once to catch all of the expressions on their faces. 'Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig' is a delight for readers young and old.

Hate That Cat

By Sharon Creech
Most enjoyed by 4th through 8th graders

Jack is back. Remember him from 'Love That Dog'? In that book, Jack was learning about poetry from his awesome teacher, Miss Stretchberry. Using classic poems, Miss Stretchberry taught Jack to love poetry and encouraged him to try writing it. Not only did Jack discover he was a pretty good poet, but the poems gave him an outlet for sharing the grief he felt over losing his dog, Sky.

In 'Hate That Cat', another year is here and Jack and Miss Stretchberry are back together. They have moved up a grade, but Miss Stretchberry is still teaching poetry using classic poems. Jack keeps a poetry journal again, but this year he has more to ponder. He's tormented by a cat on his way to school which is why he hates cats. At least he thinks he does until Miss Stretchberry brings her new kitten to class. Jack' s uncle has expressed his opinion of what poetry is and isn't, leaving Jack to ponder the question himself. As Jack listens to the poems Miss Stretchberry reads, he hears their rhythm and beat, feels their cadence and pulse. He plays with rhythm in his own poems, but he still wonders about rhythm for those who can't hear. Slowly, poem by poem, Jack reveals why he's concerned and once again, we learn something about someone very close to Jack that he can only share best through his poetry.

Even though 'Hate That Cat' continues where 'Love That Dog' left off, it can be read and enjoyed on its own. More classic poems are included and used as writing models, making 'Hate That Cat' an excellent book to use with poetry units. Jack's confidence in his writing has grown between the two books and it shows, both in what he writes and in his discussions about poetry with his uncle. The questions Jack asks about the hearing and non-hearing worlds are good for classroom discussions and will stay with readers long after the book is finished. Read what inspired Sharon Creech to continue Jack's story on her website here.

Sadly, there is no reference to Miss Stretchberry's brownies in 'Hate That Cat' . I hope she's still bringing them in once in a while for Jack's class to enjoy as she did in 'Love That Dog'. I wonder how many teacher she's inspired to do the same over the years!

New Elephant and Piggie Books!

Yeah! We have the newest Elephant and Piggie books!

Kids young and not so young can't get enough of these two characters. I've had 6th graders ask if there are more on the shelves because they've read all the titles we have. They'll be happy to see the latest additions.

A good friendship can go sour when one party's toy gets broken by the other. In 'I Love My New Toy', Piggie can't wait to show Gerald his new toy, but Gerald accidentally breaks it. Piggie is upset and angry. Will he give up being friends with Gerald? Kids can relate to both Piggie and Gerald's feelings because they've been in their spots before. How the problem is solved gives them ideas for resolving toy crises themselves.

Isn't it fun to surprise your friend once in a while? Hide behind a door and jump out with a loud 'Boo!'? In 'I Will Surprise My Friend!', Elephant and Piggie watch two squirrels do just that. It looks like so much fun, the best friends decide to surprise each other. Except it doesn't quite work out the way they had planned. Watch the expressions on Elephant and Piggie's faces as the tension builds for them to surprise each other. You just may find yourself looking through your house to find someone to surprise!