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Edwards, Michelle. ROOM FOR THE BABY
Edwards, Michelle. ROOM FOR THE BABY New York : Random House, 2012 IL K-3, RL K-3 ISBN 0375870903 It won't be long before the new baby comes. But the boy is really nervous. There just doesn't seem to be any room for the baby. Mom is really good at recycling and reusing donated items from the neighbors. And they are all kept in the room that they plan to use for the new baby. The room is full of boxes of odds and ends, worn out clothes and leftover yarn. Is there anyway that the room will be ready for the baby in time?
Monday, December 31, 2012
Book of the day 12/31/2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Book of the day 12/26/2012
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Welsh, M. L. HEART OF STONE New York : David Fickling, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.9 ISBN 0385752431 After defeating the Mistress in the first book of the series, Verity Gallant and her friend have been enjoying the summer sailing and relaxing. They thought the danger was over. But that is simply not the case. The Earth Witch is determined to come back and crush Verity and all the happy stories. Is Verity up to the challenge this time? She is determined to find a way. With lots of library research and some luck, she may just be able to defeat the Earth Witch.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Book of the day 12/24/2012
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Watson, Renee . HARLEM’S LITTLE BLACKBIRD
Watson, Renee . HARLEM’S LITTLE BLACKBIRD New York : Random House, 2012 IL K-3, RL 3.5 ISBN 0375869735 Way back about 100 years ago, a little girl name Florence Mills was learning to sing. Her mother used to sing around the house and Florence loved to join in. It is said that she had an amazing voice. So amazing, that she was asked to sing professionally when she was only a teenager. But things were different back then. You see, Florence was black and only whites were allowed in the theater. That didn’t change Florence’s mind about wanting to be a famous singer. She traveled around Europe and did all she could to make her career. And Florence was successful. But she was much more than just a singer. Read about this incredible woman in Harlem’s Little Blackbird.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Book of the day 12/20/2012
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Spinner, Stephanie. ALEX THE PARROT : NO ORDINARY BIRD
Spinner, Stephanie. ALEX THE PARROT : NO ORDINARY BIRD New York : Knopf, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.9 ISBN 0375868461 “The bigger the brain, the smarter the creature.” At least that’s what scientists thought before they met an African Grey parrot who would change their thinking. Alex, short for Avian Learning Experiment, was raised by Irene Pepperberg. She bought Alex when he was just a year old. She believed that she could teach the bird to talk and perform mathematics. No one paid too much attention to this since most scientists believed that birds were not very smart. But Alex sure proved them wrong. Read about the incredible story of Alex and Irene.
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Spinelli, Eileen. COLD SNAP New York : Knopf, 2012 IL K-3, RL 5.0 ISBN 0375857001 What do you think about when you think of winter? Do you think of beautiful snow? Playing in the snow? Having a good time? Or do you think of bitter cold? In this story, the town is going through a cold wave. For a week, it gets colder and colder. We see the icicle on the statue of the town founder getting longer and longer as the cold goes on. And the townspeople go from playing in the snow, to trying to stay warm. But the mayor’s wife has a great idea. Can you guess what it may be?
Monday, December 17, 2012
Book of the day 12/17/2012
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Shank, Marilyn Sue. CHILD OF THE MOUNTAINS
Shank, Marilyn Sue. CHILD OF THE MOUNTAINS New York : Delacorte, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.7 ISBN 0385740794 Growing up poor in West Virginia in the 1950s was hard for Lidia. She lives with her mother, brother and grandmother in the Appalachian Mountains. After Gran dies, it gets worse for them. Then Lidia’s brother dies from cystic fibrosis. Can things possibly get worse? They can’t believe that Lidia’s mother has been charged with killing BJ. There is no way that this can be happening. Send to live with an uncle , Lidia finds herself in a strange place with people she doesn’t know. The kids at school tease her about her homemade clothes and her hillbilly way of talking. Lidia knows that the only way to get back home is to prove her mother is innocent.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Book of the day 12/15/2012
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Salm, Arthur. ANYWAY : A STORY ABOUT ME WITH 138 FOOTNOTES, 27 EXAGGERATIONS, AND 1 PLATE OF SPAGHETTI New York : Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.5 ISBN 1442429305 Twelve year old Max cannot believe his parents dragged him to this boring family camp. And plan to stay the whole summer! Max just has to do something to make this all tolerable. So he reinvents himself into Mad Max. He is not the bad boy of the camp. He is fearless and daring and cool. But can he keep this up?
Friday, December 14, 2012
Book of the day 12/14/2012
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Rose, Caroline Starr. MAY B : A NOVEL
Rose, Caroline Starr. MAY B : A NOVEL New York : Schwartz & Wade Books, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.7 ISBN 158246393X Life on the frontier is certainly never easy but young May is going to find that things can get worse. Her parent ship her off to a remote farm where she is to work for the family. Her father promises her that he will come to get her before Christmas. But that is probably not going to happen. When the couple she is working for leaves, May is left alone in the remote house with little food and little fuel. The blizzards rage outside and the wolves howl in the night. May is alone and needs to find a way to survive. May’s story is told in verse.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Book of the day 12/13/2012
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Rivers, Phoebe. MISCHIEF NIGHT
Rivers, Phoebe. MISCHIEF NIGHT New York : Simon Spotlight, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.8 ISBN 144245380X Sara is still trying to cope with all the paranormal activity in her New Jersey town. She would rather just be normal but can’t deny her psychic abilities. Especially with all these ghosts around. And now it is Halloween and there are more ghostly encounters than ever. When Sara unwittingly releases the ghost of a young boy, she might be in for more than she can handle.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Book of the day 12/12/2012
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Rivers, Phoebe. HAUNTED MEMORIES
Rivers, Phoebe. HAUNTED MEMORIES New York : Simon Spotlight, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.1 ISBN 1442453818 Being a psychic may seem like a cool thing. But to Sara, it is most definitely not. She and her dad have moved to a town that seems to have more than enough ghosts in it. But Sara is determined to be normal. She has a vision of a really cute boy and she is sure that the two of them belong together. But when she meets him, she finds that he has a ghost attached to him. A ghost that doesn’t seem to want Sara in his life.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Book of the day 12/11/2012
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Rivers, Phoebe. GHOST TOWN New York : Simon Spotlight, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.0 ISBN 1442440384 In the first book of the series, Saranormal, we meet 12-year-old Sara Collins. Sara is a pretty normal kid except for one thing. She is a psychic. She has been able to see ghosts for as long as she can remember. She doesn’t tell anyone about it because she just wants to be normal. But now she and her dad are moving to the coast of New Jersey. And this is a town with more than its share of ghosts.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Book of the day 12/09/2012
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Oxley, Jennifer. THE CHICKEN PROBLEM
Oxley, Jennifer. THE CHICKEN PROBLEM New York : Random House, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.6 ISBN 0375969896 When Peg and her cat have a bit of a picnic, they decide to share a piece of pie with one of the chickens. But they accidentally let out all the chickens. All 100 of them! Now they have to get them back into the chicken coop. All 100 of them! How will they know when they have all the chickens back? Do you think you could help?
Friday, December 7, 2012
Book of the day 12/07/2012
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Nielsen, Jennifer A. ELLIOT AND THE GOBLIN WAR
Nielsen, Jennifer A. ELLIOT AND THE GOBLIN WAR New York : Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2010 IL 3-6, RL 4.7 ISBN 1402240198"Only seven children who have read this book lived to tell about it." Are you brave enough to see if you will be a lucky reader? Elliot is out on Halloween and finds a girl in a goblin costume. She is being chased by goblins. It turns out that she is actually a brownie and this is a war between the brownies and the goblins. And Elliot finds himself right in the middle of it.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Book of the day 12/05/2012
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Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds EMILY AND JACKSON HIDING OUT
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. EMILY AND JACKSON HIDING OUT New York : Delacorte, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.9 ISBN 0375989781 Emily and Jackson are happy living with Aunt Hilda. In the last book, Emily inherited $10 million and a bad guy try to steal it from her. But that is behind them now. The two orphans are happy living on the farm and the money is safely tucked away in the bank. But now someone else is trying to find a way to get Emily’s money. And she and Jackson are hiding out.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Book of the day 12/04/2012
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Moser, Lisa. RAILROAD HANK New York : Random House, 2012 IL K-3, RL ISBN 0375868496 Railroad Hank is a “fine little train”. With a good heart. When he learns that Granny Brett is feeling blue, he rushes off to help her feel better. Along the way he gets advice from those he meets on how to cheer Granny Brett up. Follow along as he gets some unusual suggestions.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Book of the day 12/02/2012
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Mone, Gregory. DANGEROUS WATERS : AN ADVENTURE ON THE TITANIC
Mone, Gregory. DANGEROUS WATERS : AN ADVENTURE ON THE TITANIC New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.2 ISBN 1596436735 Patrick is a 12 year old boy living in Belfast in the early 1900s. His brother has gotten a job on a luxury ship that is sailing to America. Patrick sneaks aboard the ship with stolen papers to try to work his way to America as well. But shoveling coal is just not the thing for Patrick. After he passes out, he is sent to work with the waitstaff. His job is to empty the big spittoons aboard the ship. In spite of this awful job, fortune finds Patrick in the form of a wealthy book collector who takes him under his wing. More adventure awaits him as he sails to America on the maiden voyage of the Titanic.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Book of the day 11/30/2012
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Kuhlman, Evan. BROTHER FROM A BOX
Kuhlman, Evan. BROTHER FROM A BOX New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.2 ISBN 1442426586 Matt’s computer genius father has a big surprise for the family. It’s a robot. It is actually a bionically modified lifeform. It sure looks human and even calls Matt his brother. Matt has to bring his new brother Norman to school with him and pretend he is normal. But Norman is a bit of an attention freak and just wants to show off. He even flirts with the girls. Matt isn’t sure what to think now. But when it seems as if some bad guys are out to steal Norman, Matt must help him.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Book of the day 11/29/2012
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Kendall, Jane F. TENNESSEE ROSE
Kendall, Jane F. TENNESSEE ROSE New York : Random House, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.1 ISBN 0375970061 Tennessee Rose is a Tennessee Walking Horse living in the south just before the Civil War. She loves to practice her running walk that these horses are famous for. Levi, a young slave is her groom and she loves it when he spends time with her. As war looms, the horse wonders what the future will hold for her. And for Levi.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Book of the day 11/28/2012
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Kelly, Katy. MELONHEAD AND THE VEGALICIOUS DISASTER
Kelly, Katy. MELONHEAD AND THE VEGALICIOUS DISASTER New York : Delacorte Press, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.6 ISBN 0375990151 Have your parents ever gone on a health kick? Did they make you eat lots of vegetables and other “good for you” foods? Maybe you didn’t like it so much. Well, Adam “Melonhead” Melon is not so crazy about his mother’s new cooking ideas. She is making him eat more and more vegetables. Melonhead is also having a problem wit his new teacher who is really mean. Melonhead and his friends come up with a plan to fix all his problems. But will it work?
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Book of the day 11/27/2012
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Hopkinson, Deborah. ANNIE AND HELEN
Hopkinson, Deborah. ANNIE AND HELEN New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2012 IL K-3, RL 3.9 ISBN 0375857060 Helen Keller was a remarkable person. She lost her sight and her hearing when she was very young and grew up in a world with no sound and no light. I can’t even imagine what her life was like. When her parents hired Annie Sullivan to teach Helen, it was a life changer. Annie was able to break down the walls to Helen’s world and help her understand the world around her.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Book of the day 11/26/2012
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Holm, Jennifer L. SQUISH NO. 1, SUPER AMOEBA
Holm, Jennifer L. SQUISH NO. 1, SUPER AMOEBA New York : Random House, 2011 IL 3-6, RL 2.2 ISBN 0375937838 Move over Babymouse, there’s a new hero in town. From the creators of Babymouse comes Squish. Squish is a little amoeba who has dreams of becoming a superhero. But first he must make it through school and all that comes with it. And then there are his friends Pod and Peggy. This new series will have you laughing right along with Squish.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Book of the day 11/24/2012
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Empson, Jo. RABBITYNESS Auburn, ME : Child’s Play, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.5 ISBN 1846434920 Rabbit enjoys doing the same things as all the other rabbits. He enjoys jumping, hopping, twirling his whiskers, burrowing and sleeping. But he also enjoys doing un-rabbity types of things like painting and music. The other animals enjoy having Rabbit around because of all the things he does. But what happens when he disappears?
Friday, November 23, 2012
Book of the day 11/23/2012
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Cotler, Stephen L. CHEESIE MACK IS COOL IN A DUEL
Cotler, Stephen L. CHEESIE MACK IS COOL IN A DUEL New York : Random House, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 6.3 ISBN 0375864385 Cheesie and Georgie are back for another adventure. This summer they are heading off to summer camp in Maine. They will be the oldest kids in the Little Guys cabin. And they are looking forward to it. They’ll get to make the campfires and even choose the teams. But what they don’t know is that they will be put in the Big Guys cabin. So now they are the youngest and are picked on. And Cheesie’s biggest bully is in the cabin too. How is he going to get out of this one?
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Book of the day 11/22/2012
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Dotlich, Rebecca Kai. WHAT CAN A CRANE PICK UP?
Dotlich, Rebecca Kai. WHAT CAN A CRANE PICK UP? New York : Knopf, 2012 IL K-3, RL 1.8 ISBN 0375867260 Do you like to watch construction vehicles? What is your favorite? A dump truck, a steam shovel? What about a crane? They are really strong and can pick up a lot of things. Can they pick up a car? Or a truck? What do you think? What can a crane pick up?
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Book of the day 11/20/2012
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Cody, Matthew. SUPER New York : Knopf, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.5 ISBN 0375868941 In the first book of the series, Daniel finds that he is not powerless after all. Although not as gifted as his friends, the Supers of Noble’s Green, Daniel did help in vanquishing Herman Plunkett. But now a new evil has descended in the form of one Theo Plunkett. He is wealthy and smooth talking and may have his uncle’s power. More adventures await the Supers as they try to keep their powers.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Book of the day 11/18/2012
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Blume, Lesley M. M. THE WONDROUS JOURALS OF DR. WENDELL WIGGINS
Blume, Lesley M. M. THE WONDROUS JOURALS OF DR. WENDELL WIGGINS New York : Knopf, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.2 ISBN 0375968504 Dr. Wiggins’ journals were once thought lost. The greatest paleozoologist of all time traveled the world in search of ancient creatures. He was interested in creatures who lived before humans. And the loss of his journals would be devastating. But it has been found and it is here for you to enjoy. Read about his fantastical findings such as the two headed mammoth buffalo in Nebraska, the rainbow spitting cobras in India and, of course, the hummingbird people from South Africa.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Book of the day 11/16/2012
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Bacon, Lee. JOSHUA DREAD New York : Deleacorte Press, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 6.3 ISBN 0385741855 When you are in middle school, it can sometimes be embarrassing for your friends to meet your parents. But what if you are Joshua Dread and your parents are The Botanist and Dr. Dread and they are out to destroy the world? Joshua must fight zombies, killer robots and teenage girls to help save the world and his parents.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Book of the day 11/15/2012
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Amara, Philip. SO, YOU WANT TO BE A COMIC BOOK ARTIST? : THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ON HOW TO BREAK INTO COMICS! New York : Aladdin, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 7.0 ISBN 1582703582 The title of this book pretty much says it all. So, You Want to be a Comic Book Artist. Do you like to draw? Do you sometimes draw comics? This book may be just want you need to help you go further. Learn how to create a great character. Write a story. And even get some publicity. Give it a try.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Book of the day 11/14/2012
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Alko, Selina. DADDY CHRISTMAS AND HANUKKAH MAMA
Alko, Selina. DADDY CHRISTMAS AND HANUKKAH MAMA New York : Knopf, 2012 IL K-3, RL 3.2 ISBN 0375960937 Sadie’s family celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah in her home. She tells us that she is a mix of two traditions. And she loves it that way. We get to visit the family as they blend traditions into their own special time of year.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Book of the day 11/12/2012
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Jukes, Mavis. THE NEW KID New York : Knopf, 2011 IL 3-6, RL 4.4 ISBN 0375858792 Have you ever been the new kid in school? It is not a good feeling, is it? Carson Blum has moved to a new home and is going to a new school. And he knows no one. The school is large and seems very different from the very small Montessori school he was used to. Will he find any friends? Will he ever fit in? What do you think will happen to Carson?
Friday, November 9, 2012
Book of the day 11/09/2012
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Levinthal, David. WHO PUSHED HUMPTY DUMPTY? AND OTHER NOTORIOUS NURSERY TALE MYSTERIES
Levinthal, David. WHO PUSHED HUMPTY DUMPTY? AND OTHER NOTORIOUS NURSERY TALE MYSTERIES New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.8 ISBN 0375841954 OK, we need to do some investigation now. Did Humpty really just fall off that wall? Or was he pushed? And what about that break in at the Bears house? And why didn’t Snow White make it to the beauty pageant? I sense that there is more going on here than we have been led to believe. And now detective Binky is going to get to the bottom of all these crimes.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Book of the day 11/06/2012
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Bruel, Nick. BAD KITTY FOR PRESIDENT
Bruel, Nick. BAD KITTY FOR PRESIDENT New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2012 IL K-3, RL 4.3 ISBN 1596436697 Bad Kitty is back and this time she will shake up the political world. Well at least in the neighborhood. Old Kitty is going to step down as President of the Neighborhood Cat Association. And Bad Kitty is determined to win that election. And what a campaign it is. From the primaries to the debates and right up to election day, it is a close race. But what is going to happen on election day?
Monday, November 5, 2012
Book of the day 11/05/2012
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Carter, Scott William. WOODEN BONES
Carter, Scott William. WOODEN BONES New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 6.4 ISBN 1442427515 What do you think of when I say wooden boy? Do you think of the story of Pinocchio? He was a wooden puppet who became a real boy. In this book, Pino also has the gift of turning wood into real life. You see, it wasn't Geppetto's gift, it was Pinocchio who made the life possible. Now, you might think this is a cool thing to do. But it doesn't turn out that way. Everyone wants help bringing their loved ones back to life. On the run, the two are in for many adventures along the way.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Book of the day 11/04/2012
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Jenkins, Emily. LEMONADE IN WINTER
Jenkins, Emily. LEMONADE IN WINTER New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.2 ISBN 0375858830 Have you ever had a lemonade stand in front of your house? Did you make any money? Pauline and her brother decide to set up a lemonade stand to make some money. They are not only going to sell lemonade, they are going to sell limeade. And lemon-limeade. And they are sure they will make lots of money. There is just one thing they didn’t think of.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Book of the day 11/03/2012
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Gershator, Phillis. MOO, MOO, BROWN COW, HAVE YOU ANY MILK?
Gershator, Phillis. MOO, MOO, BROWN COW, HAVE YOU ANY MILK? New York : Random House, 2011 IL K-3, RL 1.5 ISBN 0375967443 A young boy visits the animals on the farm. He learns what they do and how they make his life so much better. "Sleep tight, farm friends. / May I dream with you? / 'Yes, sir, yes, sir, yes, please do.'"
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Book of the day 10/28/2012
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Harvey, Jacqueline. ALICE-MIRANDA ON VACATION
Harvey, Jacqueline. ALICE-MIRANDA ON VACATIONNew York : Delacorte, 2010IL 3-6, RL 4.8ISBN 0385739958Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones has survived her first semester at boarding school. Now it is time to head home for vacation. And who has she invited to spend break with her? None other than the school’s second-best tantrum thrower, Jacinta Headlington-Bear. At the family’s estate, things are not always what they seem. Soon Alice-Miranda finds herself caught up in a mystery than involved a famous movie star, a mysterious man, the maid and a new bully. What could possibly be going on here?
Friday, October 26, 2012
Book of the day 10/26/2012
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Gutman, Dan. THE TALENT SHOW New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2010 IL 3-6, RL 5.4 ISBN 1416990038 What would you do if you town was hit by a tornado and practically destroyed? Would you want to move away? Or would you want to do all you could to rebuild? The kids of Cape Bluff want to find a way to help rebuild. What better way than to put on a talent show? The biggest problem with this idea is that there is very little talent in Cape Bluff.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Book of the day 10/24/2012
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Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE MIGHTY MISS MALONE
Curtis, Christopher Paul. THE MIGHTY MISS MALONE New York : Wendy Lamb Books, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.8 ISBN 0385904878 Deza is the smartest girl in her class in Gary, Indiana and her teacher has hopes for Deza’s future. But it is a time of high unemployment and poverty. They call it the Great Depression and there are few jobs around Gary. Deza’s father sets off to find work in Flint, Michigan and soon, Deza, her mother and brother follow hoping to catch up with him. They settle in Hooverville outside of Flint and there the family hopes to see Dad again. As they cling to hope, they must find ways to support themselves. Life is hard but the family lives by their motto “We are a family on a journey to a place called Wonderful.”
Monday, October 22, 2012
Book of the day 10/22/2012
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Burkhart, Jessica. POPULAR New York : Aladdin Mix, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.3 ISBN 1442419504 Lauren is enjoying her popularity at Canterwood Crest Academy. She has a new boyfriend and things are all going her way. But is she taking on too much? All this pressure may just be too much for her.
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Burkhart, Jessica. COMEBACK New York : Aladdin Mix, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.3 ISBN 1442419520 Lauren enjoys being the It-girl at Canterwood Crest. But she might just be losing that title. And an important competition is coming up that may just change everything. And what happens when someone from her past shows up? Lauren is determined to overcome all obstacles but is that possible?
Friday, September 21, 2012
Book of the day 09/21/2012
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Yates, Louise. DOG LOVES DRAWING
Yates, Louise. DOG LOVES DRAWING New York : Knopf, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.8 ISBN 0375870679 Yes, Dog still loves books. Since he first discovered the joy of reading, he can be found giving books to others or reading them himself. But now he has received a book as a gift from Aunt Dora. This book is nothing like the other books he's seen. All the pages are blank. He realizes that this is a sketchbook and that he can create his own book. What will he draw?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Book of the day 09/19/2012
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Shelton, Dave. A BOY AND A BEAR IN A BOAT
Shelton, Dave. A BOY AND A BEAR IN A BOAT New York : David Fickling Books, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.5 ISBN 0385752490 The boy has decided to take a journey. As he steps into the row boat, he gives his destination as "just over to the other side, please". You will notice that the ship's captain is a bit different. He's a bear. That doesn't faze our boy though. So off they go -- destination, the other side of the sea. It doesn't seem like such a long trip when they start out but they soon find that it is not as easy as they thought. There are storms, sea monsters and they are running out of food. And now they have found themselves in the middle of nowhere with only sea and sky in sight.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Book of the day 09/18/2012
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Matheis, Mickie. BEDTIME FOR BOO
Matheis, Mickie. BEDTIME FOR BOO New York : Golden Books, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.7 ISBN 0375869913 This is not your average bedtime story. Young Boo is a ghost and he is having trouble settling in to go to sleep. His mother tells him to listen to the sounds around him. Now, I don't know about you but I don't think these sounds would help me fall asleep. What about Boo?
Monday, September 17, 2012
Book of the day 09/17/2012
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Hoberman, Mary Ann. I LIKE OLD CLOTHES
Hoberman, Mary Ann. I LIKE OLD CLOTHES New York : A. A. Knopf, 2012 IL K-3, RL 3.0. ISBN 0375869514 When I was growing up, just about all my clothes were hand-me-downs from my sister or my cousins. Have you ever had hand-me-down clothes? What did you think about that? Did you wish for new clothes? Or did you like old clothes? The girl in this book loves old clothes. Why? Check it out and see.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Book of the day 09/16/2012
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Harvey, Matthea. CECIL THE PET GLACIER
Harvey, Matthea. CECIL THE PET GLACIER New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2012 IL K-3, RL 4.9 ISBN 0375867732 Do you sometimes think your family is really different from everyone else's? Well Ruby does. And she may be right. Her dad spends his time making topiaries which is shaping hedges like animals. Her mom spends her time making tiaras. Now there isn't a big market for either of these. And her parents are not above dancing right out in the open where anyone can see them. When Ruby asks for a pet, she never imagines what will happen on a vacation to Norway.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Book of the day 09/12/2012
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Duke, Kate. READY FOR PUMPKINS
Duke, Kate. READY FOR PUMPKINS New York : Knopf, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.2 ISBN 0375870687 Hercules, or Herky, has a very good life. He is the 1st grade guinea pig. The kids love him and he gets all he needs. He loves helping out with the Halloween Herk-o-Lantern and finds he loves, loves, loves pumpkin seeds. He keeps a few of them for later. When the children plant their class garden in the spring, Herky wishes he could plant one too. Will he get his chance? And what do you think he will plant?
Monday, September 10, 2012
Book of the day 09/10/2012
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Blair, Mary. A MARY BLAIR TREASURY OF GOLDEN BOOKS
Blair, Mary. A MARY BLAIR TREASURY OF GOLDEN BOOKS New York : Golden Book, 2012 IL K-3, RL 1.5 ISBN 037587044X Enjoy these books from years gone by. The five books in this collection were originally published in the 1950s and 1960s but they don't feel dated. The book also includes 21 standard folk songs and singing games. There are even some nursery rhymes in the collection. Whether you are a baby boomer and drawn to the nostalgia or finding these books for the first time, there is plenty to like in this treasury.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Book of the day 09/01/2012
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Osborne, Mary Pope. PANDAS AND OTHER ENDANGERED SPECIES
Osborne, Mary Pope. PANDAS AND OTHER ENDANGERED SPECIES New York : Random House, 2012. IL 3-6, RL 5.0 ISBN 0375970258 Have you ever seen a panda bear? They are adorable. This book is filled with information about panda bears. Learn where they live, what they eat and how they spend their time. Like, when pandas are born, they are only about 6 inches long and weigh only three to five ounces. They are so helpless that the mother can't leave them and she may go three to four weeks without eating just to care for her baby. Learn about the panda and other endangered species that share our world.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Book of the day 08/29/2012
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Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY AND THE MUTANT MATHLETES
Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY AND THE MUTANT MATHLETES New York : Knopf, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.0 ISBN 0375870288 The Breakfast Bunch has skipped the museum tour and now the principal is going to discipline them. After discussing it with their parents, he decides that Dee, Hector and Terrence will join the mathletes team to help them in their quest to win he trophy. Why would anyone join the mathletes team if they didn't have to. Well, the kids will do their best to help the team beat Willowby Academy in the championship. But Lunch Lady notices something odd about the kids from Willowby.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Book of the day 08/28/2012
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Cooper, Rose. SECRETS FROM THE SLEEPING BAG
Cooper, Rose. SECRETS FROM THE SLEEPING BAG New York : Delacorte Press, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 6.4 ISBN 0385742460 Summer camp. Is there really any thing like it? For Sofia Becker and her best friend Nona, the idea of summer camps is a bit mixed. They are looking forward to it but don't know what to expect. They certainly don't expect to be in different cabins! And the idea of going four weeks with no Internet is not a pleasant thought. How is Sofia going to keep up her blogtastic blog? So now she is keeping a journal of all the things that happen so she can blog about them when she gets home. And she is sharing her adventure with us!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Book of the day 08/26/2012
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Clements, Andrew. ABOUT AVERAGE
Clements, Andrew. ABOUT AVERAGE New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 6.5 ISBN 1416997245 Have you ever thought of yourself as average? Jordan Johnston does. She gets average grades, she has average looks, she is an average singer. Then there are those things that she is below average in like playing an instrument. She relates to the book Sarah Plain and Tall except she is Jordan Plain and Average. The class bully finds a list Jordan made listing Things that I'm Good at, Things I'm OK at, Things I Stink at. This puts Jordan into a really bad mood but she comes up with a plan to make Marlea stop teasing her. And she just may find a way to become a little less average.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Book of the day 08/22/2012
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ZEAL OF ZEBRAS: AN ALPHABET OF COLLECTIVE NOUNS
ZEAL OF ZEBRAS: AN ALPHABET OF COLLECTIVE NOUNS New York : Chronicle Books, 2011 IL K-3, RL 3.8 ISBN 1452104921 You all may know that when you have a group of dogs, we say a pack of dogs. But what is the word for a group of zebras? Would you believe that it is zeal? Want to take a guess on what a group of turtles is called? Did anyone think of bale? This wonderful alphabet book introduces us to lots of words that you may not know. Anyone ever see a galaxy of starfish?
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Book of the day 08/19/2012
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Russell, Rachel Renee. TALES FROM A NOT-SO-GRACEFUL ICE PRINCESS
Russell, Rachel Renee. TALES FROM A NOT-SO-GRACEFUL ICE PRINCESS New York : Aladdin, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 6.2 ISBN 1442411929 Nikki cannot believe that Brandon has asked her to a party. BRANDON! Her absolute crush. How lucky is she? Brandon is so sweet. And when Nikki finds out that Brandon volunteers at an animal shelter, she is more in love. But the shelter is in danger of closing. Nikki is determined to help save it and she teams up wih Chloe and Zoey to find a way to get the money needed for the shelter. It involves entering an ice skating compettion so you just know that is not going to go as planned. And then there is Mackenzie to deal with.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Book of the day 08/16/2012
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Nichols, Tavis. MATTHEW MEETS THE MAN
Nichols, Tavis. MATTHEW MEETS THE MAN New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 6.4 ISBN 1596435453 Meet Matthew. He is a freshman in high school and he has a dream. His dream is to play drums in a rock band. Unfortunately, his parents think that the trumpet is a great instrument and can't see spending money on something like a drum kit. But after he sees some local bands, he is more determined to follow his dream. And he won't let "The Man" get him down. Well, the man is really his parents. But he is determined not to let his frugal dad or even the IRS who takes a bite out of his first paycheck stand in the way of his dream. Do you have a dream that you would be willing to do just about anything for?
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Book of the day 08/15/2012
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Na, Il Sung. HIDE AND SEEK New York : Knopf, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.3 ISBN 0375870784 Do you like to play hide and seek? In this book, Elephant agrees to be "it" and all the other animals go and hide while he counts to 10. As the counting goes on, they panic looking for places to hide. Where can a giraffe hide? What about a gorilla? Elephant has fun finding all the animals. But which animal is better at hiding than all the others?
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Book of the day 08/14/2012
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Murguia, Bethanie Deeney. BUGLETTE THE MESSY SLEEPER
Murguia, Bethanie Deeney. BUGLETTE THE MESSY SLEEPER New York : Tricycle Press, 2011 IL K-3, RL 2.9 ISBN 1582463948 Little Buglette is a neat little bug. During the day she cleans and tidies up but nighttime is a different story all together. She has the wildest dreams and ends up with a very messy bed in the morning. The blankets are all thrown around and who knows where the pillow will end up. Her parents wish she was a neat little sleeper like her brothers. But one night, her wild imagination may very well save the family.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Book of the day 08/13/2012
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McElmurry, Jill. MARIO MAKES A MOVE
McElmurry, Jill. MARIO MAKES A MOVE New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2012 IL K-3, RL 1.8 ISBN 0375868542 Meet Mario. He is a squirrel who really has some moves. He loves to invent wild moves that only he can accomplish. He has invented the Super Looper and the Tail, Don't Fail moves. He is famous for his moves. His family all tell him how amazing he is. But when his friend Isabelle tells him his moves are nice, he freaks. Nice?? They are amazing. But Isabelle insists that anyone can have a move.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Book of the day 08/12/2012
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Kredensor, Diane. OLLIE AND MOON : FUHGEDDABOUDIT!
Kredensor, Diane. OLLIE AND MOON : FUHGEDDABOUDIT!New York : Random House, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.3 ISBN 0375870148 On their trip to Paris, Ollie kept Moon laughing. Moon is determined to return the favor during their trip to New York. She tries everything she can think of from food jokes, dance moves, silly snapshots and even joining in with a troop of mimes! But nothing gets more than a smile from Ollie. Until the end. I suspect you will be laughing then too!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Book of the day 08/11/2012
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Kinche, Devon. PRETTY PENNY COMES UP SHORT
Kinche, Devon. PRETTY PENNY COMES UP SHORTNew York : Random House, 2012IL K-3, RL 2.0ISBN 0375969780Penny learns about an animal farm that is in need of donations to buy feed for the animals. Of course she wants to help. But she has no money. So she organizes a fund raiser. She has a neighborhood movie night and all the proceeds will go to Doodle's Animal Farm. But is everyone on the same page with this?
Friday, August 10, 2012
Book of the day 08/10/2012
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Khan, Hena. MARS : YOU DECIDE HOW TO SURVIVE!
Khan, Hena. MARS : YOU DECIDE HOW TO SURVIVE!New York : Chronicle Books, 2011IL 3-6, RL 5.2ISBN 081187124XDo you ever dream of going to Mars? Would you like to be in charge of the expedition? Well, I can't give you that but this book is the next best thing. In this choose your own adventure, you are the commander of a mission to Mars. Your mission is to prepare Mars Base I for the first wave of permanent settlers and then return to Earth. As you read the book, you decide on the next step. Chose right and you return safely. Chose the wrong path and things may not go so well.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Cooper, Elisha. BEAVER IS LOST
Cooper, Elisha. BEAVER IS LOST
New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2010
IL K-3
ISBN 0375857656
In this wordless picture book, we see a beaver on a log in the river. When the log gets picked
up by a crane, the beaver begins a journey that will take him far away from his home. Travel
with the little beaver as he tries to find his way home.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Bobrick, Benson. A PASSION FOR VICTORY
Bobrick, Benson. A PASSION FOR VICTORY
New York : A.A. Knopf, 2012
IL 5-8, RL 8.7
ISBN 0375868690
As I watched the opening ceremonies of the summer Olympics, I was thrilled by the spectacle. The modern technology that allows the amazing show. And the athletes all looked so proud as they marched into the stadium. But has it always been like this? What were the Olympics like years ago? In this book, we find out. We learn about the first Olympic festival in 776 BC. And as we watch celebrities from the world attending the games, could it have been the same feeling when Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Herodotus and other celebrities of their time attended? From the games of the ancient times up through the 1948 games, we learn about the athletes both famous and little known. Like the Cuban marathoner Felix Carbajal, who stopped along the route to shake hands, paused in an orchard to eat some fruit which made him sick. Then he took a nap before finishing the race. And he actually came in fourth! That certainly wouldn't happen in the 21st century!
New York : A.A. Knopf, 2012
IL 5-8, RL 8.7
ISBN 0375868690
As I watched the opening ceremonies of the summer Olympics, I was thrilled by the spectacle. The modern technology that allows the amazing show. And the athletes all looked so proud as they marched into the stadium. But has it always been like this? What were the Olympics like years ago? In this book, we find out. We learn about the first Olympic festival in 776 BC. And as we watch celebrities from the world attending the games, could it have been the same feeling when Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Herodotus and other celebrities of their time attended? From the games of the ancient times up through the 1948 games, we learn about the athletes both famous and little known. Like the Cuban marathoner Felix Carbajal, who stopped along the route to shake hands, paused in an orchard to eat some fruit which made him sick. Then he took a nap before finishing the race. And he actually came in fourth! That certainly wouldn't happen in the 21st century!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Conkling, Winifred. SYLVIA AND AKI
Conkling, Winifred. SYLVIA & AKI
New York : Tricycle Press, 2011
IL 3-6, RL 4.7
ISBN 1582463972
This is based on the true story of two girls who lived in 1942. The United States was at war with Japan. In an attempt to keep the west coast safe, the government rounded up all Japanese Americans in California and send them to live in internment camps in Arizona. Aki and her family are one of those families and this is partly her story. The homes and businesses that were left behind by the Japanese Americans were rented out to others. Sylvia Mendez is Mexican American and her father is excited about being able to lease the farm that Aki's family had to leave behind. But things don't go well for Sylvia either. When she tries to go to school, she is turned away. She is told that Mexicans are not welcome at the neighborhood school. If she wants to go to school, she will have to attend one of the second rate Mexican schools. Her father decides to take legal action against the school district for discrimation. Learn about two girls facing different hardships during a difficult time in history.
New York : Tricycle Press, 2011
IL 3-6, RL 4.7
ISBN 1582463972
This is based on the true story of two girls who lived in 1942. The United States was at war with Japan. In an attempt to keep the west coast safe, the government rounded up all Japanese Americans in California and send them to live in internment camps in Arizona. Aki and her family are one of those families and this is partly her story. The homes and businesses that were left behind by the Japanese Americans were rented out to others. Sylvia Mendez is Mexican American and her father is excited about being able to lease the farm that Aki's family had to leave behind. But things don't go well for Sylvia either. When she tries to go to school, she is turned away. She is told that Mexicans are not welcome at the neighborhood school. If she wants to go to school, she will have to attend one of the second rate Mexican schools. Her father decides to take legal action against the school district for discrimation. Learn about two girls facing different hardships during a difficult time in history.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Klass, David. STUCK ON EARTH
Klass, David. STUCK ON EARTH
New York : Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2010
IL 5-8, RL 6.0
ISBN 0374399514
Ketchvar III is an unlikely earth invader. He actually resembles a largish snail. He has been sent to earth to do some reconnaissance for his planet (Sandoval IV) before they blast humans out of existence with a Gagnerian Death Ray. Ketchvar has taken over a human boy named Tom during this observation by crawling up his left nostril and taking over lodging in his brain, while secreting the boy’s consciousness away. Ketchvar finds some serious problems taking place within Tom’s family. Unfortunately, Ketchvar loses contact with the ship which is supposed to be his transport home. While stuck on earth, Ketchvar really gets to know Tom’s family and begins to wonder if humans are as worthy of destruction as his planet believes. (NH Isinglass Teen Award nominee, 2013)
New York : Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2010
IL 5-8, RL 6.0
ISBN 0374399514
Ketchvar III is an unlikely earth invader. He actually resembles a largish snail. He has been sent to earth to do some reconnaissance for his planet (Sandoval IV) before they blast humans out of existence with a Gagnerian Death Ray. Ketchvar has taken over a human boy named Tom during this observation by crawling up his left nostril and taking over lodging in his brain, while secreting the boy’s consciousness away. Ketchvar finds some serious problems taking place within Tom’s family. Unfortunately, Ketchvar loses contact with the ship which is supposed to be his transport home. While stuck on earth, Ketchvar really gets to know Tom’s family and begins to wonder if humans are as worthy of destruction as his planet believes. (NH Isinglass Teen Award nominee, 2013)
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Schmidt, Gary. OKAY FOR NOW
Schmidt, Gary. OKAY FOR NOW
New York : Clarion Books, 2011
IL 5-8, RL 4.6
ISBN 0547152604
Doug Swietek is angry - angry his eldest brother is serving in Vietnam, angry his middle brother pounds on him regularly, and very angry Dad has lost his job and the family must move. Doug loves New York City and has no desire to move away; however, Dad has found a new job, which is supposed to have great pay. Doug discovers small town life might not be as bad as he thought as he finds he has a unknown talent for drawing. While taking drawing lessons at the library, Doug finds a book containing John Audobon prints. Unfortuantely, the book has had prints sold off to make some needed funds for the library. Doug vows to get the prints back by whatever means necessary. (NH Isinglass Teen Award nominee, 2013)
New York : Clarion Books, 2011
IL 5-8, RL 4.6
ISBN 0547152604
Doug Swietek is angry - angry his eldest brother is serving in Vietnam, angry his middle brother pounds on him regularly, and very angry Dad has lost his job and the family must move. Doug loves New York City and has no desire to move away; however, Dad has found a new job, which is supposed to have great pay. Doug discovers small town life might not be as bad as he thought as he finds he has a unknown talent for drawing. While taking drawing lessons at the library, Doug finds a book containing John Audobon prints. Unfortuantely, the book has had prints sold off to make some needed funds for the library. Doug vows to get the prints back by whatever means necessary. (NH Isinglass Teen Award nominee, 2013)
Friday, July 6, 2012
Zoehfeld, Kathleen Weidner. SECRETS OF THE GARDEN : FOOD CHAINS AND THE FOOD WEB IN OUR BACKYARD
Zoehfeld, Kathleen Weidner. SECRETS OF THE GARDEN : FOOD CHAINS AND THE FOOD WEB IN OUR BACKYARD
New York : Knopf, 2012
IL K-3, RL 2.8
ISBN 0517709902
Alice and her family are planting a vegetable garden so they can have fresh, delicious vegetable all summer. They spend time plannning the garden. As they plan, plant and watch the garden grow, they learn about how plants grow, what insects eat the plants and why birds and other animals come to visit the garden.
New York : Knopf, 2012
IL K-3, RL 2.8
ISBN 0517709902
Alice and her family are planting a vegetable garden so they can have fresh, delicious vegetable all summer. They spend time plannning the garden. As they plan, plant and watch the garden grow, they learn about how plants grow, what insects eat the plants and why birds and other animals come to visit the garden.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Watterson, Carol. AN EDIBLE ALPHABET : 26 REASONS TO LOVE THE FARM
Watterson, Carol. AN EDIBLE ALPHABET : 26 REASONS TO LOVE THE FARM
New York : Tricycle Press, 2011
IL K-3, RL 4.8
ISBN 1582464227
This is not your typical alphabet book. Sure it has the letters and gives us a word that begins with that letter. A [is for] ants on asparagus. It then goes on to tell us more about what happens when ants get on the asparagus. And we learn that farmers do not need to plant asparagus every year. In "Stink Stank Stunk", we learn all about manure from what it is made of to how it helps the crops grow. Give it a try and learn about what happens on the farm.
New York : Tricycle Press, 2011
IL K-3, RL 4.8
ISBN 1582464227
This is not your typical alphabet book. Sure it has the letters and gives us a word that begins with that letter. A [is for] ants on asparagus. It then goes on to tell us more about what happens when ants get on the asparagus. And we learn that farmers do not need to plant asparagus every year. In "Stink Stank Stunk", we learn all about manure from what it is made of to how it helps the crops grow. Give it a try and learn about what happens on the farm.
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