Book Review: Fortunately, The Milk

Author: Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Skottie Young
Publisher: HarperCollins (September 17, 2013)
Audience: Grades 2nd to 5th
Formats: hardcover, e-book, audiobook
Source: book for review; purchased audiobook
Fiction * Adventure * Fantasy

Description from GoodReads:
"I bought the milk," said my father. "I walked out of the corner shop, and heard a noise like this: T h u m m t h u m m. I looked up and saw a huge silver disc hovering in the air above Marshall Road."

"Hullo," I said to myself. "That's not something you see every day. And then something odd happened."

Find out just how odd things get in this hilarious story of time travel and breakfast cereal, expertly told by Newbery Medalist and bestselling author Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Skottie Young.

My thoughts on this book:
When I heard that Neil Gaiman was reading Fortunately, The Milk, I knew I had to listen to the audiobook.  Gaiman does a great job as the narrator for this story.  As I listened to the audiobook, I couldn't help but imagine Doctor Who as the father, who goes out for milk for his children's breakfast and gets waylaid by a fantastical story. Was the excuse real or just made up?   Fans of Doctor Who will recognize both the analogy (comparison of the Doctor to the father in the book), but also the fact that Gaiman has penned an episode or two of Doctor Who.

Fortunately, The Milk has time travel (albeit questionable at best), dinosaurs, slobbery aliens, pirates/wumpires, and ponies.  The story is a fast-paced, fantastical adventure, definitely imaginative, and would make a great read aloud (especially if you can pull off a British accent), or better yet, just play the audiobook.

Check out the videos below for a taste of Fortunately, The Milk. 

Watch the Official Book Trailer:



Neil Gaiman reading Fortunately, The Milk.  Gaiman reads Fortunately, The Milk in the audiobook version:



Chris Riddell illustrating Professor Steg from Fortunately, The Milk.  Chris Riddell illustrated the UK version of the book.  Though I enjoyed Skottie Young's illustrations, I would love to find a copy with Riddell's illustrations.


Look for a copy of Fortunately, The Milk at your nearest Indie Bookstore.

Book Review: The Year of Billy Miller

Author: Kevin Henkes
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (September 17, 2013)
Independent Reading: Second and Third Grade
Read Aloud: First to Third Grade
Source: Purchased Copy
Fiction * Family * Humor * School

Description from GoodReads:
Award-winning, nationally bestselling author Kevin Henkes introduces second-grader Billy Miller in this fast-paced and funny story about friendship, sibling rivalry, and elementary school. The Year of Billy Miller includes black-and-white art by Kevin Henkes and is perfect for fans of the Ramona books, Frindle, by Andrew Clements, and the Clementine series.

When Billy Miller has a mishap at the statue of the Jolly Green Giant at the end of summer vacation, he ends up with a big lump on his head. What a way to start second grade, with a lump on your head! As the year goes by, though, Billy figures out how to navigate elementary school, how to appreciate his little sister, and how to be a more grown up and responsible member of the family and a help to his busy working mom and stay-at-home dad. Newbery Honor author and Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes delivers a short, satisfying, laugh-out-loud-funny school and family story that features a diorama homework assignment, a school poetry slam, cancelled sleepovers, and epic sibling temper tantrums. Illustrated throughout with black-and-white art by the author, this is a perfect short novel for the early elementary grades.

My thoughts on this book:
Every once in awhile you need to pick up a book that makes you feel good. I figured that I had read enough Kevin Henkes' books to safely know that this would be one with great characters, a fun story, and maybe even something a bit special.  The Year of Billy Miller was exactly what I was looking for and I am glad I picked it up to read.

What is different about The Year of Billy Miller is rather than be a story that fixates on Billy's issues at school with one classmate or how he struggles with homework or paying attention, readers get insights into the life of this second grader through his relationship with his teacher, father, sister, and mother.  Some readers may believe that there were lost opportunities.  However, I felt as if, Henkes was really doing a character sketch of this very energetic young boy.  He is a typical second grader.  He accidentally misunderstands when a classmate says that her nickname is "Emster" instead hears it as "hamster".  While playing around with two red markers, Billy is worried that maybe his new teacher thinks he is making fun of her and the red chopsticks she uses in her hair.  And when he should be working on his poetry, Billy gets distracted with a water fight, and building a volcano, and even covering his little sister in mud.  As I read through the story, I kept saying "Yes, he is a 2nd grade boy."
 
There are several things that I love about this book.  Henkes use of language is superb which makes this an ideal read aloud.  Readers will also identify with Billy, his younger sister Sal, and even his father. And where most books feature mom prominently and dad takes a more backseat role, this book is reverse. Dad is an artist who stays at home to work and take care of the kids.  It is his father that cooks during the week and makes fabulous cookies.  Mom, on the other hand, works as at teacher in a high school. And though it is the relationship that Billy has with his dad that you see the most, there are a few scenes with his mom towards the end of the book, which are very touching.

So, what do you do with a book that is clearly written for a particular age group but is also 240 pages?  First, there is a lot of white space and has large type.  It would be a perfect independent read for mid-year second to third grade.  It will also provide kids with that "thicker" book they want to carry around. Second, even more so, it would make a lovely read aloud.  I look forward to sharing this one with students.

Meet Kevin Henkes video by HarperCollins:



Look for The Year of Billy Miller at your public library or independent bookstore.

The Wig in the Window Blog Tour & Giveaway

The Wig in the Window

by Kristen Kittscher

Publication Date: June 18, 2013 by HarperCollins

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound

About the book:
Sophie Young and Grace Yang have made a game of spying on their neighbors, but when they stake out the home of notoriously phony middle school counselor Dr. Charlotte Agford (aka Dr. Awkward), they stumble across a terrifying scene.

Or do they? The girls are convinced that Dr. Agford’s sugary sweet façade hides a dark secret. But as they get closer to the truth about Agford, the strain of the investigation pushes Sophie and Grace farther apart. Even if they crack their case, will their friendship survive?

Perfect for fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Wig in the Window is a smart, funny middle-grade mystery with a Rear Window twist.

Jax, Age 12 and her mom talk about the book:

I am sitting here with Jackie (you know her from the Interview Video) and her mom talking about The Wig in the Window.

Mom:  Why did you think I liked this book?

Jax: I think you liked this book because it kept you on the edge of your seat and it captured you from the start and you didn't want to put it down... 

Mom:  Can I put words in your mouth?  You told me that it needed to be captivating for me because I had a short attention span.

(now they are trying to bribe me not to write this)

Jax: That is so true.  Mom, do you relate to any of the characters  and why?

Mom: Kids aren't suppose to ask questions like that...hmmmm...well...I relate more to the kids than the adults because when you break rules, I haven't been successful in taking your phone for any length of time...  And I do like the idea of spying on neighbors.

Jax: How do you know I haven't already done so?

Mom:  Give me your phone, girl! *waits, turns to me* See she won't give it to me... Jackie, I felt this book brought us closer.  I want to start a spy business with you now.

Jax:  Am I getting paid for that?

Mom: You can stick to making fan videos!  Why did you like the book?

Jax:  I liked the book partially for the same reasons; kept me on the edge of my seat, there were these smooth turns that kept me wanting to read it. It, it grabs your chest, I mean it, it holds your heart.

Mom: Are you trying to say it made you anxious or excited or that the book grew arms and attacked you?

*laughter all around at this point*

Jax: No, it was like...I wanted to use a big word...It is inevitable that...

Mom:  ...You will devour it, much liked pickled beets?  ...I bet those tasted horrible.  What a loser gift.  I never trusted that counselor.  Anyhow, Did you think it was realistic?

Jax:  I thought it was realistic because of what the characters went through seemed realistic, plus they seemed realistic and the plot line seemed realistic and the scenes were realistic...

Mom: can you say realistic one more time...*giggles*

Jax: *rolls eyes* Realistic, I said it one more time.

Mom: When I read it, it sounded realistic (don't write that word!) and I went "no way... way... they'd never... well maybe... no way!... way!  where am I going with this? 

Jax: Did you have a fight inside your head?  Wait, what do you call that?

Mom: Domestic violence?

Me: Dang this has just deterioriated...maybe we need to go back to...

Mom: I do have a short attention span!!

Me:....maybe we need to just watch the video.

 And now for a special treat - Jackie and Amelia's Shameless Promotion Video


The Wig in the Window: Jackie & Amelia's Shameless Promotion from Alyson Beecher on Vimeo.

About the author:  "Kristen Kittscher was a child neighborhood spy but (allegedly) grew up to be an upstanding citizen and middle school English teacher. A graduate of Brown University, she now works as a writing tutor in Pasadena, California where she lives with her husband, Kai, and their hyperactive lab mix. The Wig in the Window is her first novel. Visit kristenkittscher.com to investigate more about her and Young & Yang's next adventure, The Tiara on the Terrace."

Kristen Kittscher: website | facebook | twitter |

If you haven't seen, the Author interview conducted by Jackie and Amelia, click here.  Check out the official book trailer, here.

To check out all of the blog tour stops, click here.



As part of the blog tour, I am giving away a signed hardcover of The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher.

This giveaway is open to those with US and Canadian mailing addresses:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

School Visit - Fancy Nancy's Robin Preiss Glasser

Last school year, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Robin Preiss Glasser at Vroman's Bookstore.  We chatted and talked about her visiting my school for an illustrator visit.  This past February, I ran into Robin again at the SoCal Independent Bookseller's Association Literacy Dinner.  Over dinner, we reconnected and agreed to work out a time for a school visit.  Well, the wait was finally over this past Thursday.  I had the wonderful honor to host Robin at two of our Pasadena Unified School District Elementary Schools.

Robin kicked off the morning visiting 300+ Kindergarten to Second Graders at Willard Elementary.  I love her boa and tiara.

Kris (Once Upon a Time Bookstore) and Karen (Willard Librarian) organized all of the order forms for books at a very fancy table.  There were a lot of book orders. 

The kindergarteners were dressed up in some very fancy clothes. 

Robin taught the boys the proper way to bow. 

Then she proceeded to instruct the girls in how to curtsy.

The visit ended with a question and answer time. 

Next stop, Cleveland Elementary.  This was their first author/illustrator event.  Damaris Raya the school librarian welcomed some very excited little girls into the library to celebrate Fancy Nancy.

Here is Damaris with Robin.  I think this was a dream come true for Damaris.

Robin is fantastic at explaining her work with author Jane O'Connor, and how she is the boss of the pictures whereas Jane is the boss of the words.

Robin explained to students that she modeled Fancy Nancy's dog after her own dog Boo. 

Robin had the girls work on their posture by balancing a banana on their heads.  It was so cute.

Thank you Robin Preiss Glasser for coming and visiting Willard and Cleveland.  We loved our time with you.  And thanks to Harper Collins for sending bookmarks, and stickers to share with students.

I, also, want to thank Kris from Once Upon a Time for arranging for the book sales and for all the logistics that went into it.

Thank you everyone for giving such a wonderful experience to so many students!!!!

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909

Author: Michelle Markel
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Publisher: Balzer & Bray (January 22, 2013)
Source: Bought
Audience: Grades 2 to 5
Nonfiction * Women's History * Strikes * Clothing Makers
Melissa Sweet's website | Michelle Markel's website

Description from GoodReads:
When Clara Lemlich arrived in America, she couldn't speak English. She didn't know that young women had to go to work, that they traded an education for long hours of labor, that she was expected to grow up fast.

But that did not stop Clara.

She went to night school, spent hours studying English, and helped support her family by sewing in a factory.

Clara never quit. And she never accepted that girls should be treated poorly and paid little.

So Clara fought back. Fed up with the mistreatment of her fellow laborers, Clara led the largest walkout of women workers in the country's history.

Clara had learned a lot from her short time in America. She learned that everyone deserved a fair chance. That you had to stand together and fight for what you wanted. And, most importantly, that you could do anything you put your mind to.

My thoughts on this book:
To close out National Women's History Month, I am featuring Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel and Melissa Sweet.  It's books like this that can ignite an interest in children to research and look into historical events which they may not have otherwise had an opportunity to learn about.  Markel's story focuses on one particular women, a young immigrant named Clara Lemlich who played a significant role in launching one of the most significant strikes in United States history, the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909.

In Brave Girl, Markel provides young readers with enough background history for them to understand some of the conditions faced by factory workers in the late 19th century and early 20th century.  By sharing Clara's story, readers have a face and a name in which to identify with the cause including the significant risks that workers took when striking against factory owners.

Melissa Sweet's mixed media illustrations beautifully compliment this story and there is a link below where you can browse through the book on the HarperCollins website.  At the end, more information is provided on the history of the Garment Industry along with some additional resources.  Below, I have included a link to a discussion guide also provided by the publisher. 

If you can't tell already, I am very excited about this book.  Pick up a copy of it for your classroom or school library.  And remember to shop Indie whenever possible.

If you are wondering, what is a Shirtwaist? Check out this article.
  
A video of Shirtwaist Makers' & The Strike of 1909:



Remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911, check out video below:


Browse inside the book, click here. HarperCollins has put together a discussion guide, click here.

Don't forget to link up your recent nonfiction reviews:
 

Everything Goes...Brian Biggs

In April, I did a review of Brian Biggs' Everything Goes On Land.  I likened Biggs to a modern day Richard Scarry.  And similar to Scarry, Biggs has expanded formats for his Everything Goes series.  In addition to the oversized picture books, you can now get the great images and work of Brian Biggs in a board book format for the toddler set.  There are also several I Can Read books that are based on Biggs' Everything Goes. 

If you are looking for gifts this holiday season for young readers with a penchant for books that feature vehicles and various forms of transportation, here you go.      

Everything Goes - Stop! Go!
Balzer & Bray/Harper Collins (December 26, 2012) - Ages: 2 to 4 years
Format: Board Book

Everything Goes - 1, 2, 3 Beep, Beep, Beep!
Balzer & Bray/Harper Collins (December 12, 2012) - Ages: 2 to 4 years
Format: Board Books

 

Everything Goes Henry Goes Skating
Balzer & Bray/Harper Collins (August 21, 2012)
Format: Early Reader
Author: B.B. Bourne (Based on the Everything Goes Books by Brian Biggs)
Illustrator: Simon Abbott (in the style of Brian Biggs)
Independent Reading Level: 1st & 2nd Grade
Read Aloud Level: Kinder to 2nd grade

 

Everything Goes In the Air
Balzer & Bray/Harper Collins (September 11, 2012) - Ages: 4 to 7 years old
Format: Oversized Picture Book

Official trailers of Everything Goes In the Air:


Everything Goes: In the Air (animated trailer) from Brian Biggs on Vimeo.

Look for books by Brian Biggs at your local library or bookstore.  Don't forget to shop at an Independent Bookstore when possible.

Thank you to Harper Collins for sharing these books with me.  I can't wait to share them with teachers and librarians that I work with, and I know a few beginning readers who are going to particularly enjoy the Early Reader series.

For more information about Brian Biggs:  website | blog | twitter | facebook | etsy | vimeo

Book Review: Everything Goes On Land

Author/Illustrator: Brian Biggs
Publisher:  Balzer & Bray/Harper Collins (September 13, 2011)
Source: Copy for Review
Audience: Ages 4 to 7
Fiction * Interactive Concept Book * Vehicles

Description from Publisher:
Cars and trucks and bikes and trains! Rvs and construction vehicles too! Everything goes Ride along with Henry and his dad as they visit the big city and check out all the amazing vehicles around them. Full of mini-story lines, endless seek-and-find activities, and hundreds of funny details, Everything Goes: On Land is an interactive book that provides hours of fun!

My thoughts on the book:
Some books make excellent read alouds. Other books are perfect for curling up in a chair and reading alone or with 1 or 2 friends.  Everything Goes: On Land is the later.  Even though the book is oversized and there are lots of larger illustrations, there is just so much wonderful details that children are going to want to linger over this one.  I can see an older child sitting with a younger child, heads bent over the book, finding numbers, or examining the various vehicles.

When I first sat with this book, my brain immediately thought back to the old Richard Scarry books, and when I looked at Brian Biggs' website, I noticed that he was a fan of them as well.  If you can improve on Scarry's work, then Biggs has done it.  I loved that the two page spreads with lots of detail were broken up with two page spreads on a particular mode of transportation.  For example, you will have a two page spread with lots of different kinds of bicycles followed by a two page spread with an individual bike and labels for all of the parts of the bicycle.  And there is a fun surprise towards the end. 

This will be a hit with preschool and primary grade students but I do expect to find older children pulling this one off the shelf.

Check out the book trailer:



For more information about author Brian Biggs, click here to go to his website.
Follow him on twitter: @mrbiggsdotcom
Like his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brian-Biggs-Illustration/257196412600 

Book Review: What Little Boys Are Made Of

Author/Illustrator: Robert Neubecker
Publisher: Balzer & Bray/Harper Collins (March 27, 2012)
Source:  Copy for Review
Audience:  Ages 4 to 7
Fiction * Imagination * Stories in Rhyme

Description from Publisher:

What are little boys made of? Moons and stars and rockets to Mars Wings and tails and dragons with scales Little boys are . . . as adventuresome and bold and heroic as they imagine they can be! Celebrate the exuberance of little boys in this playful spin on a classic nursery rhyme. 

My thoughts on the book:
Take one classic nursery rhyme, add some new verses, and stir in bright, imaginative illustrations and you have Neubecker's version of What Little Boys Are Made Of.

Though the text begins like the original version, Neubecker has added his own twist.

"What are little boys made of?
Moons and stars and rockets to Mars,
Blast and boom and uppity zoom!
That's what little boys are made of."

Accompanying Neubecker's words are two - two page spreads. The first spread shows a little boy playing in his room with a toy rocket and toy figurines.  Flip over the page and the reader sees what the child is imagining - in this case a ride into outer space in a spaceship.  The book follows in the manner showing first the playful antics of a child acting out his dress-up fun and then the scene from his imagination.  Neubecker ties it all together with the young boy in his mother's lap reading a dinosaur book.

This is one of those books that can be used as a read aloud, but will likely find a special audience between parent and child.  

For more information about author/illustrator, Robert Neubecker, click here to check out his blog. 

Book Review: Peepsqueak

Author/Illustrator:  Leslie Ann Clark
Publisher:  Harper Collins (January 24, 2012)
Source:  Copy for Review
Audience:  Preschool
Farm Animals * Fiction 

Description from  the Publisher:

As soon as little Peepsqueak bursts out of his shell, he is on the move!
He is determined to fly--high, High, High But is he too little to reach the sky?
Young children will love this debut from author-illustrator Leslie Ann Clark about Peepsqueak, a lively little chick who doesn't give up, no matter what.

My thoughts on the book:
When I read this book, it made me smile.  My favorite line was the repetitive line "He was on the move!"  And Peepsqueak was certainly on the move.  As someone who has worked with young children, this was one chick that reminded me of so many of the small children I knew.  They are up and down and all around just like this little chick.

Peepsqueak wants to fly and he isn't listening to the other farm animals.  He is determined and all attempts just make him try harder.  Finally, thanks to the help of an old gray goose, Peepsqueak just might find a way.  Of course, Peepsqueak doesn't stop there.

Peepsqueak works well as a read aloud.  The repetitive language and colorful illustrations will engage the younger audiences.  Before the end of the first read through, young children will be joining in with words like "up, up, up" and "down, down, down".

For primary classrooms that do units on chicks and hatching chicks, this would make for a fun tie-in.

Check out the book trailer:



For more information about Leslie Ann Clark, click here to go to her website.

Thank you Katherine Applegate

Last Wednesday, we had a special visitor in our Literacy Café, author Katherine Applegate.

 Five special readers were lucky enough to have lunch with Katherine where she shared with them about her first rejection letter, what kinds of notes her editor writes on her manuscripts, and all the books that she has written.  She also brought them each a stuffed silverback Gorilla with a special T-shirt that said "The One and Only Ivan".

After lunch, about 18 students from grades 1 to 5 had the opportunity to come into the Literacy Café for a special writer's workshop.

Katherine shared about her research for The One and Only Ivan.  And she told them all about how she creates her characters, and figures out the setting and the plot.  I loved that she referred to the plot as a "what if..." as in "What if your principal turned into a cat?"

Students had an opportunity to create some of their own characters, and figure out where their story would take place, and decide on their "what if's".  While they were doing this, Katherine came around and chatted with them.

I know that if I had been 10 years old and having lunch with Katherine Applegate or having her give me feedback on my story idea that I would be in some kind of book heaven.  Hey, I am way older than 10 and I was in some kind of book heaven as I watched the students enjoying their time with our very special visitor.

Katherine is truly wonderful and we love Ivan over at my school.  We are also thankful to Kris and Maureen from Once Upon a Time for helping to arrange for the visit and for providing volunteer help and ordering all of the books.  You ladies rock!

Check out the animoto of Katherine's visit and don't forget to order of copy of The One and Only Ivan from your local Independent Bookstore.

Book Review - Snowy Valentine

Author/Illustrator:  David Petersen
Publisher:  Harper Collins Children's (November 11, 2011)
Audience: Ages 4 to 8
Source: Copy for Review
Picture Book * Fiction * Holiday * Valentine

Description from Publisher:

Step out into a snowy Valentine’s Day with Jasper the bunny as he searches the forest valley for a special gift for his loved one.

In his picture-book debut, David Petersen, the Eisner Award–winning creator of Mouse Guard, tells a delightful tale that becomes the perfect way to say “I love you.”

Bring this sweet story home to your Valentine today.

My thoughts:

I discovered the work of David Petersen last summer when I came across his Mouse Guard series while I was preparing for a presentation on Graphic Novels.  I was immediately taken by his illustrations which were vivid and beautiful.  A few months later I came across an advanced copy of Snowy Valentine; Petersen's first picture book.   

In a Snowy Valentine, Petersen brings his trademark style and uses it to tell the story of Jasper and Lilly Bunny.  Jasper loves his wife Lilly and sets out through the snow to find a gift for her.  He quickly discovers that gifts that might appeal to porcupines, toads, racoons, and cardinals just aren't the right match for Lilly.  The story even includes a bit of a close call when Jasper runs into a fox and almost ends up as a Valentine for Mrs. Fox.  However, Jasper's wanderings lead him to the perfect gift for Lilly. 

Holiday picture books can be scary territory to explore.  So many of them are overly sweet or silly, or somewhat annoying.  When I read this book months ago, my reaction was positive.  It was refreshing to come across a story that was charmingly illustrated and sweet without being cloying. The twist at the end seemed like a fitting way to conclude the book.  As I read the finished copy in preparation for this review, not only did I feel the same way about the story, but I felt like I picked up some new details in the illustration.  I was also excited to discover from reading Petersen's blog that the story originated as a gift to his wife.  What a lovely gift both for Petersen's wife and for readers.   

David Petersen talks about the making of Snowy Valentine on his blog.  You can follow him on twitter @mouseguard
Part I 
Part II
Part III

You can follow him on twitter @mouseguard

The Familiars (well the authors) visit San Rafael School

On Monday, September 26th, 150 third to fifth graders at my school had a special treat. Andrew Jacobson and Adam Jay Epstein, co-authors of The Familiars series, came to visit.  They shared some fun videos they had created to promote their books and told about how they created the series.

The Familiars 2 is now available for sale.

There was some impromptu acting going on.

Some questions and answers.

And even books being signed and many happy fans.

Thank you Andrew and Adam for sharing with my students and getting them all excited about reading. 

LIESL & PO Booktrailer

I just recently received a press release for LIESL & PO by Lauren Oliver.  I don't know about you but this is one of the fall titles that I have been excitedly anticipating.  It will be released on October 4, 2011.  If you like what you see, please consider checking it out at your school or public library.  And remember, whenever possible, please support your local independent bookstores.

Harper Collins is excited to announce that LIESL & PO, the middle-grade debut by New York Times and international bestselling author Lauren Oliver will be available everywhere on Tuesday October 4th. Lauren Oliver captivated readers with her groundbreaking first novel, BEFORE I FALL and her followup DELIRIUM was made an instant bestseller by teens the world over. Filled with intricate and beautiful illustrations from rising star Kei Acedera, LIESL & PO is an unforgettable Dickensian tale of ghosts and magic, friendship and homecoming.

Synopsis: Liesl’s cruel stepmother, Augusta, keeps her locked in her attic bedroom. Lonely and grieving for her recently deceased father, Liesl is surprised one evening by Po, a ghost who suddenly materializes in her room. The two become fast friends, and it is because of Po that Liesl is able to escape from her attic room and embark on a journey to bury her father’s ashes beside those of her mother. However, because of a mix-up at the undertaker’s, the box that Liesl carries does not contain her father’s ashes. Instead, it contains the most powerful magic in the world. And the alchemist who created that magic desperately wants it back.

What people are saying about LIESL & PO:

"With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms, and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original." Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Classic fairy tale elements weave throughout this spirited, old-fashioned adventure. [Liesl & Po] testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression." Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"With her third book, Lauren Oliver (Before I Fall; Delirium) creates another highly original world, this one for middle-grade readers." Shelf Awareness

Check out the official LIESL & PO animated trailer, featuring the original song "A Train with Wings"at YouTube: 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://lieslandpo.com/ 

AUTHOR WEBSITE: http://www.laurenoliverbooks.com/

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - The Trouble With Chickens (A J.J. Tully Mystery)

Author: Doreen Cronin
Illustrator: Kevin Cornell
Publisher: Balzer & Bray (Harper Collins)
Release Date: March 1, 2011
Pages: 128
Ages: 7 to 10 years
Source: ARC from ALA Midwinter
Rating: Buy multiple copies...1 won't be enough for your school or library.

Description from GoodReads:
J.J. Tully is a former search-and-rescue dog who is trying to enjoy his retirement after years of performing daring missions saving lives. So he’s not terribly impressed when two chicks named Dirt and Sugar (who look like popcorn on legs), along with their chicken mom, show up demanding his help to track down their missing siblings. Driven by the promise of a cheeseburger, J.J. begins to track down clues. Is Vince the Funnel hiding something? Are there dark forces at work—or is J.J. not smelling the evidence that’s right in front of him?

Doreen Cronin is well known for her numerous picture books - Click, Clack, Moo; Duck for President; Rescue Bunnies; and The Diary of a Fly are just a few of her titles.  With The Trouble With Chickens, Cronin is making a leap into the world of chapter books or what I might refer to as early Middle Grade.  Though the book's marketing page indicates that the book is for Grades 3 to 7 (or ages 8 to 12), I would suggest that the book will appeal the most to children 7 to 10.  This actually excites me because where I can find numerous books that are perfect for children 9 to 12 there seems to be a void of excellent stories geared for that more diverse range of reading abilities that you may find in younger children.  However, I believe Cronin has nailed it with The Trouble With Chickens, and with a subtitle of "A J.J. Tully Mystery" I am hoping that it means there will be future books with J. J. 


In The Trouble With Chickens, Cronin has developed a story around a former search and rescue dog named J.J.  who is currently in retirement and living on a farm.  J.J. is not particularly happy about this and even less happy when a "crazy chicken" named Millicent or whom he nicknames Moosh appears in his dog house.  Adults familiar with the 1940's-1950's film noir style and format will immediately pick up on the similarities between the book and a Philip Marlowe/Humphrey Bogart movie. Children may miss the style reference but they will enjoy the banter between J.J. and the chickens and J.J.'s narrations.  The story has great dialogue, humor, wonderful characters, and even a villain in Vince the Funnel, the dog living in the big house.  The sense of mystery and the fact that not everything is always as it seems lends just enough twists to keep children guessing as to what will happen to J.J. and the chickens.


Kevin Cornell's playful illustrations add a great touch to the book and bring the characters to life in a new way. 


I'm excited to have this book to share with students.  I already know that I will have a list of children waiting in line to check it out.  


For more information about Doreen Cronin, check out her website here.  For more information about illustrator, Kevin Cornell, check out his work here. 

Below is the official booktrailer for the book.  Listen to Doreen speak in detail about the film noir aspect of the book.

* Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays were started by Shannon over at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe. You can check out her Marvelous Middle Grade Monday choice and Giveaway Post here.