Chalk the Block - a Klutz book

A whole lotta fun - and a book too! 
Chalk the Block by Michael Sherman

Scaredy Squirrel has a Birthday Party by Melanie Watt

Have you met Scaredy Squirrel yet?!  He was introduced to the world back in 2006 and has since faced scary adventures such as making a friend, going to a beach, and attempting to avoid sleep.   Now, Scaredy Squirrel is going to have a birthday party!  What can be scary about a birthday party?!? 

Scaredy Squirrel had always celebrated his birthdays quite happily alone.  "Why?", you may ask, well scary things can happen at birthday parties, such as ponies, confetti and clownfish.  So, he goes about planning a party for himself with his name being the only one on the guest list, until he finds a birthday card in his mailbox.  Going out on a limb, Scaredy Squirrel decides to add this "Buddy" to his list.  

Scaredy Squirrel plans every aspect of his party, down to the very last detail, covering every possible happening as only he can, but what should happen?!?!  Not something that was part of his plan!  Does Scaredy Squirrel survive his own party?!  Well, you'll have to read to find out - just be prepared to laugh!

This series is great to share with your child, especially if they are dealing with their own fears.  Laughter may or may not be the best medicine, but it sure helps an awful lot!

Suggested Books for a 6th Grade Girl Reluctant Reader who Likes Paranormal or Fantasy Reads

Nice long title for this blog entry, eh?  Ok, I have to admit that this was a tough one.  My daughter needed a book to read, and yes, she is a reluctant reader - it is very difficult to find something that interests her!  She loves graphic novels, and I have no problem with them, but in this particular case, she needed a "book".  Usually when she needs a "book" for a reading assignment, I can get away with finding non-fiction for her - she loves that - but in this case, it had to be fiction.  Well, I racked my brain, scanned the internet, read through numerous lists, and finally came up with these books to take home for her perusal.  Thought I would share it in case there are other parents out there trying to find a book for their 6th grade reluctant reader!

The Giver by Lois Lowry

In the story of a seemingly utopian city in a futuristic world, Jonas is singled out to receive special training from The Giver, who alone holds memories of pain and pleasure in life.

Pure Dead Magic by Debi Gliori

When their father is kidnapped and danger looms, the Strega-Borgia children, their mysterious new nanny, and a giant tarantula use magic and actual trips through the Internet to bring peace to their Scottish castle.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Nobody Owens is a normal boy, except that he has been raised by ghosts and other denizens of the graveyard.

Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan

Two boys who are best friends visit an illegal freak show, where an encounter with a vampire and a deadly spider forces them to make life-changing choices.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Everybody gets to be supermodel gorgeous. What could be wrong with that? Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license -- for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. (series)

Wings: A Fairy Tale by E. D. Baker

When Tamisin discovers that she is half fairy, she decides to find out more answers directly from the fairies themselves, including her mother, the fairy queen.

Wings  by Aprilynne Pike

When a plant blooms out of fifteen-year-old Laurel's back, it leads her to discover the fact that she is a faerie and that she has a crucial role to play in keeping the world safe from the encroaching enemy trolls.

Breathe: A Ghost Story by Cliff McNish

When he and his mother move into an old farmhouse in the English countryside, asthmatic, twelve-year-old Jack discovers that he can communicate with the ghosts inhabiting the house and inadvertently establishes a relationship with a tormented, malevolent spirit that threatens to destroy both his mother and himself.

Half-Minute Horrors edited by Susan Rich

An anthology of very short, scary stories by an assortment of authors and illustrators including Chris Raschka, Joyce Carol Oates, Neil Gaiman, Jack Gantos, and Lane Smith.

13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison

Bedeviled by evil fairies that only she can see, thirteen-year-old Tanya is sent to stay with her cold and distant grandmother at Elvesden Manor, where she and the caretaker's son solve a disturbing mystery that leads them to the discovery that Tanya's life is in danger.

Fat Vampire: A never coming of age story by Adam Rex

After Doug Lee is attacked by a vampire he is forced to remain overweight and fifteen for eternity and as he attempts to prove himself to the new Indian exchange student, Doug must navigate high school and avoid a persistent vampire hunter.

And I couldn't help but pick out a few new graphic novels for her:

Death: the high Cost of Living by Neil Gaiman

A graphic novel in which Death, going about her business ushering the about-to-die into the afterlife, meets up with Sexton, a New York teen who is contemplating suicide.

Simpson's Comics: Wingding! by Matt Groening
Simpsons #19. Don't cry for me Mr. Jebediah! -- Simpsons #20. The artist formerly known as Bart -- Simpsons #21. Stand & deliverance -- Simpsons #22. Little Big Mart -- Simpsons #23. Bart de Triomphe -- Hellfire comics--Citizen Shame.

Emily the Strange by Rob Reger
Emily the Strange, or Emily Strange, is a thirteen-year-old girl who has a rather dark outlook on life. (series)

Chicks Run Wild by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

The author of the adorably quirky Quackenstein (reviewed here) has released her latest book, another feathered friend adventure.  Ok, I admit that when I first read the title, my thoughts went to spring break vacations on a beach, but rest easy, this is simply a fun romp with the fluffy kind of chicks that cheep (and don't sleep!). 

My first quick read of the story and I was hooked!  The rhyming lines are fun to read aloud and the illustrations by Ward Jenkins are a hoot too.  I was surprised by the ending, as were the chicks, but a good lesson is to be learned (and a fun trick to get your little ones tired out!)

Couple this with Tough Chicks for a wild time!

Monkey Truck by Michael Slack

Bodily function jokes never grow old - right?  Well, at least not to kids, and the kids will love the "toot" in the beginning of Monkey Truck by Michael Slack.  Look beyond the gas joke folks, and you will find a fun story that combines two childhood favorites - monkeys and trucks - into a cute rhyming romp.   Take a look:

Mr. Duck Means Business by Tammi Sauer

Animal books always are well received at the library, and this one will be no exception.  Adorable Mr. Duck and his feathery tantrums will win the hearts of little tots everywhere (and their parents' hearts too, I am sure). 

The story begins with Mr. Duck and his love of peace and quiet, plus a well established routine.  Mr. Duck was very happy until one hot summer SPLASH! pig cannonballs into the pond, along with cow.  Soon, more farm animals join in and Mr. Duck's pond is anything but quiet.  Duck snaps with a lound QUACK and all the unwelcomed visitors depart.

Of course Mr. Duck soon learns that "sometimes life calls for a little noise" and the other animals are allowed back, if only for scheduled visits, but it's a start, and a fun lesson on sharing as well as respecting others. 

The farm animals are brought to life by Jeff Mack, who's expressive Mr. Duck perfectly (and humorously) depicts the appropriate mood on each two page spread.  Such a fun story that will certainly be a story time hit!

Cat Secrets by Jef Czekaj -- Book Trailer

We all know that cats keep secrets.  You can see it in their faces.  Oh sure, they may bring you the occassional rodent, leave a furball on your carpet, or even jump in your lap when they have a particular itch they can't scratch, but they will never share their secrets with you, unless of course you are a cat.

That simple issue is at the heart of this hilarious new book by Jef Czekaj.  You see, the adorable tiger tomcat who is in possession of the famous book of Cat Secrets will not let you or anyone else for that matter, read the book unless you are a cat.  Because at times it is difficult to tell, he puts the reader through a series of tests developed to determine if you are of the feline persuasion. I cannot wait to read this book aloud to a group of preschoolers.... watching them perform the "tests", and then showing them the reactions of the cats in the book will be priceless.  Great for story time, nap time, or any time!

Cat lovers, pick this book up today!   Even if you are not a cat lover - you will develop a whole new respect for our furry feline friends.

Another great secret in life.... how do you pronounce "Czekaj"?  Hmmm I wonder if the cat knows?

Forever Friends by Carin Berger

Created with the same peaceful style as Little Yellow Leaf, Berger has now given us Forever Friends, a quiet Spring time story about a bird and a bunny and their friendship which lasts throughout the seasons.  

This very tender yet simple story is made all the stronger when coupled with Berger's detailed cut-paper collage illustrations.  The muted tones and flowing curves give the book an ethereal  feel.  It is such a nice, quiet story about the lasting bonds of friendship - one that I am sure you will turn to again and again.

Hop into Spring

Spring is less than two weeks away here in the northern hemisphere!  Can you believe it?!  Looking out at the snow covered ground, I can't! 

Spring is a wonderful season full of multiple opportunities to explore this fascinating world of ours.  I've chosen a few books that can help you along when investigating this miraculous season with your young child.

Spring (Seasons)Simple text and photographs describe the different things one can see in spring. Suitable for Pre-K - 1st.

 

Spring (Bridgestone Science Library Seasons)  Explains why seasons change and describes the ways trees, animals, and people react to spring. Excellent introduction to the season for K-3. 

The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the Earth  Surveys the many ways the arrival of spring is celebrated.  Suitable for grades 2-5.

Explore Spring: 25 Great Ways to Learn About Spring (Explore Your World series)  Spring is a busy time of year with animals on the move, babies being born, and crazy weather.  Maxine Anderson presents 25 ways in which children can learn about Spring through fascinating and fun activities