Reviews
What DO Teachers Do (after YOU Leave School)?
“Gott’s computer-generated cartoon illustrations are energetic and colorful with lots of whooshy movement and splashy action, supporting the atmosphere of mayhem and fun.” —School Library Journal View →
In Business with Mallory
“The illustrations are dark and bold, and interesting to look at. From the characterizations to the visuals, this chapter book is a winner.” —School Library Journal View →
Heart to Heart with Mallory
“Friedman finds a true voice for her likable but somewhat self-centered character. . . Fans of Megan McDonald’s ‘Judy Moody’ books (Candlewick) and Marissa Moss’s ‘Amelia’ notebooks (S & S) will enjoy Mallory.” … View →
Finding Day's Bottom
“After the death of her father in a sawmill accident, Jane-Ery, 11 passes through levels of grief so poignantly revealed that her voice sets a ragged emotional tone throughout. . . it both uplifts and uncovers the family’s raw and slowly healing spirits. A novel full of… View →
Christmas Is Coming
“Conversational prose complements spreads that feature impressionistic pastel colors. Some pages also include vignettes, and all elements combine successfully to present an older sister’s perspective and love-filled explanations.” —School… View →
Packed with Poison!: Deadly Animal Defenses
“. . .interesting reading for newly emergent readers or for small-group sharing. High-interest content makes these titles perfect for reading practice.” —School Library Journal View →
Sam Collier and the Founding of Jamestown
“Colorful paintings help readers visualize the historical setting.” —School Library Journal View →
Shipwreck Search: Discovery of the H. L. Hunley
“. . .interesting reading for newly emergent readers or for small-group sharing. High-interest content makes these titles perfect for reading practice.” —School Library Journal View →
A Style All Her Own
“Watts splashes the pages with predominately pink watercolor-and-ink cartoon sketches that are reminiscent of the 1960s to show Isabelle’s flare for fashion to a tee. A fun bit of fluff for fashion-focused girls.” —School Library… View →
Santa's Secrets Revealed: All Your Questions Answered about Santa's Super Sleigh, His Flying Reindeer, and Other Wonders
“Kids who have grown out of warm-and-fuzzy Christmas books will enjoy this wise-cracking approach to the holiday. The cartoon artwork is loaded with funny, if not hugely imaginative, details.” —School Library Journal View →
Robert Smalls Sails to Freedom
“Brown makes this an exciting, well-told story that may spark readers to search for more information.” —The Horn Book Guide View →
I and You and Don't Forget Who: What Is a Pronoun?
“Using a fast-moving, quick-witted rhyming text. . . Comically crazy cats are drawn in a childlike style, adding to the book’s giddy factor and making the subject matter appealing to students. Ruth Heller covered pronouns in Mine, All Mine: A Book of Pronouns (Puffin,… View →
Willie McLean and the Civil War Surrender
“These beginning readers offer basic historical overviews in story format. Both books have clear, unencumbered texts complemented by serviceable period art in color and an author’s note. These books offer perfunctory descriptions and interpretations for readers just… View →
Saving the Liberty Bell
“The easy-reader format will bring history alive for young readers, and the dramatic paintings, some full page, reflect the action and the characters’ emotions.” —School Library Journal View →
The Star-Spangled Banner
“Both books have clear, unencumbered texts complemented by serviceable period art in color and an author’s note. These books offer perfunctory descriptions and interpretations for readers just becoming interested in history or embarking on a museum visit.”… View →
Blackberry Stew
“The textured paintings nicely depict the child’s emotions. Useful bibliotherapy for children dealing with the loss of a loved one.” —School Library Journal View →
Coriander the Contrary Hen
“. . .children will be able to relate to her and may even want to talk about their own ‘Coriander days.’” —School Library Journal View →
“Whimsical watercolor illustrations of the perplexed but determined young tooth fairy perfectly capture the spirit of the story. An imaginative tale with a satisfying ending, and a suitable addition to the tooth fairy picture-books collection.” … View →
Harriet and George's Christmas Treat
“The characters expressions are great fun, and beginning readers will get a laugh and perhaps learn some manners from this latest addition to Carlson’s popular series.” —School Library Journal View →
Almost to Freedom
“A compelling story told from the point of view of an enslaved child’s beloved rag doll. This accessible story. . . makes its impact without frightening or overwhelming readers. It is ultimately a story of hope and resilience, love and friendship. The evocative oil… View →
Dandelions: Stars in the Grass
“This cheerful book is a nice combination of rhyme and information. As the dandelion’s life cycle is described, bright and pleasing acrylic illustrations extend the text. . .” —School Library Journal View →
Life on a Cattle Farm
“. . .the narrative presents easy-to-understand information about raising these animals. Sharp, clear, full-color photos appear on every page.” —School Library Journal View →
Life on a Goat Farm
“An accurate and interesting view of modern rural life. Clear, color photographs of the Search family and their animals fill the pages.” —School Library Journal View →