Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty illustrated by David Roberts

 Aaron Slater loves art but struggles with reading. His second grade teacher celebrates his gift of story telling through art. The book reveals the struggle dyslexics experience learning to read. I liked how the text was set in Dyslexie, a typeface designed for people with dyslexia. In the back the author explains a bit about dyslexia and other learning difficulties. A boy with hearing aides is also included in the illustrations. Mr. Roberts displays the 1970's fashion well!

Aaron Slater was based on Aaron Douglas, an African American artist, who was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance.

Warning: The illustrations depict that Aaron Slater has two moms. The text does not mention this relationship. I looked up Aaron Douglas to see if his parents were two moms. They were not.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Secret Lake by Karen Inglis

 Stella and Tom have moved to England from Hong Kong. Strange events occur in their neighborhood's garden-a gardner protective of the moles, an elderly woman's dog who disappears for days at a time, a hole in the ground which leads to another time period. . .  Stella and Tom unearth (literally) new friendships and adventures.

Although the plot idea was good, I found the writing, plot development and punctuation lacking.

-Borrowed from the library.

How the Cookie Crumbled written and illustrated by Gilbert Ford*

 The True (and Not-So-True) Stories of the Invention of the Chocolate Chip Cookie

Mr. Ford evaluates the three stories that surround Ruth Wakefield's "invention" of the chocolate chip cookie and guides the reader to a logical conclusion. Readers will learn about Mrs. Wakefield's childhood, her education and career pursuits. Very interesting!!

Since Mr. Ford is also the illustrator of this book, his illustrations greatly enhance the story. He uses clever layouts and different illustration styles to distinguish his various focuses.

I would like to read his book The Marvelous Thing That Came from a Spring.

Of course, Mrs. Wakefield's recipe is included at the back! 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Oscar Wilde Stories for Children illustrated by P.J. Lynch*

 At the end my older son's tenth grade year, he will read The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. To deepen his appreciation for this author, I will probably have him also read these intriguing short stories. Six fantastical stories beautifully told will capture the reader's attention and imagination. A lot of the stories, however, do not end necessarily happily, or the character with major flaws remains self-delusional. The stories will evoke interesting discussions. Allusions to Christ and his sacrifical love appear a couple of times.

Points to discuss/Warnings: Death, unhappy/"unfair" endings, prideful & self-delusional attitudes, word a**, call African-Americans "Negroes"

The illustrations are lavish and stunning. I love P.J. Lynch's art. His art certainly adds another layer of beauty and delight to these stories. I own several picture books illustrated by him and think of them fondly, not just because of the story but also for the art.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Lumber Camp Library by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock illustrated by James Bernardin*

 Ruby loves her pa, a lumberjack in the northern hills of Vermont. She loves school and dreams of becoming a teacher and opening a library. When a terrible accident occurs, her dreams, so it seems, must be put on hold. Caring for her siblings and earning money for the family, Ruby can no longer attend school. Then two people step in to assist her family, Jim, a lumberjack whom her father died saving, and an elderly blind woman, Mrs. Graham. Hope arises within Ruby once again.

Points to discuss: death of Ruby's father, lumberjacks/time period (very interesting!), lying, superstitions

The short chapters with illustrations and shorter length novel make it perfect for transitional readers and for readers trying to develop stamina.

Pair with Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Big Truck Little Island by Chris Van Dusen**

I LOVED this book (Chris Van Dusen is one of my all-time favorite authors/illustrators)!! It is based on a true story. Mr. Van Dusen shares the story at the end with a photo of the tractor trailer.  

A tractor trailer is transported by ferry to a Maine island to deliver something big and mysterious. Unfortuantely, the payload shifts, the trailer slips, and the wheels lodge in mud! The road is blocked. People in cars are on either side and have important places to go. The kids gather and problem-solve. The last page reveals what the tractor trailor was hauling. This book focuses on the good in people and will leave the reader with a hopeful outlook. 

I recommended it to my twelve-year-old . . .he liked it too!

Rhyming text and vibrant, colorful illustrations in a bigger-size book  I especially loved the bird's eye view of the island (the reader can see the start of the journey and the destination). Actually, many unique perspectives abound! Lupines, evergreen trees, gulls, and bald eagles dominate the landscape illustrations. After reading this book, my desire to visit Maine has deepened!

Please write and illustrate more books, Mr. Van Dusen!

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Doorman's Repose by Chris Raschka

 The New York Review-Children's Collection

This book is unique. Each chapter is about a different resident in 777 Garden Avenue, a  brownstone in New York City. The first and last chapter feature, Mr. Bunchley, the doorman. Characters ranged from teens to the elderly to mice to an elevator! Although the reading level is elementary, I am not sure if an elementary age student would select this book to read independently. I think my junior higher would enjoy it . . .if I read it aloud!

Considerations: The chapter, "Hot Water", is about two men who live together and who care deeply for each other. I could not tell if their relationship based on friendship or romance. The last chapter includes alcohol drinking. 

-Borrowed from the library.

If Monet Painted a Monster and more in the series by Amy Newbold illustrated by Greg Newbold

 Cleverly this husband-wife team incorporates monsters in famous artists' works. At the back they offer a brief, interesting biography of each artist mentioned. Comparing the art depicted in this picture book to the actual art would be a beneficial and a memorable experience.

This team has also written If Picasso Painted a Snowman and If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur. I have requested both titles from the library and will review them soon.

More in the series:

If Picasso Painted a Snowman-same idea as above   Featured artists: Picasso, Joseph Mallord William Turner, Roy Lichtenstein, Georgia O'Keeffe, Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet, Pablita Velarde, Jackson Pollock, Slavador Dali, Paul Klee, Marc Chagall, Georges Seurat, Piet Mondrian, Sonia Delaunay, Jacob Lawrence, Vincent van Gogh, Grant Wood

Idea: This coming school year I may have my seventh grader read this book and then have him create a snowmen in the style of the two artists we are studying (Whistler and Millet).

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These books are so clever and will help focus the reader on the artist's style. Very talented author-illustrator team!

Another book in the series-If da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur  The dinosaurs depicted are listed in the back. Advice for artists is included.

  Artists featured in this book-Leonardo da Vinci, Edgar Degas, Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, Katsushika Hokusai, Mary Cassatt, Grandma Moses, Frida Kahlo, Qi Baishi, Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, Diego Rivera, Franz Marc, Aaron Douglas, Harrison Begay, Alma Woodsey Thomas, Mark Rothko, Lois Mailou Jones, Marguerite Thompson Zorach, Edvard Munch

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

 Nora Seed decides to end her miserable life. Her life has comprised of poor decisions and haunting regrets. Instead of dying she finds herself at the Midnight Library, where a former school librarian, Mrs. Elm, awaits her. At the Midnight Library, she can choose a book which will transport her to a parallel universe where she made a different decision. She can live that life for a time and decide if she was to remain as her parallel self. 

This book was intriguing and unique. It will be one I will always remember! Thankfully, my husband has his undergrad and Masters in physics and could explain a bit about quantum physics and the theory of parallel universes. 

As I was reading, however, I realized I was given a picture of how people may feel about life who do not know Christ and who do not find purpose in Him. I found the philosophers quoted depressing. The theory of evolution has impacted how man views himself and life. The novel ends hopefully but the character's hope is falsely placed.

Warnings: some intense cursing (f word) at times, The following concerns are included but not graphic: Nora has sex, Nora's brother, Joe is gay and his lifestyle is commended, suicide, drug & alchohol abuse 

-Borrowed from the library

Blockhead The Life of Joseph Fibonacci illustrated by Joseph D'Agnese illustrated by John O'Brien*

 This coming school year we will be studying medieval history, and I will be recommending this picture book biography to my sons. Joseph Fibonacci lived in medieval Italy and was obessessed with numbers. He advocated the using the Hindu-Arabic numerals (which we use today) instead of Roman numerals. People resisted.  Told in first person, the reader intimately experiences Fibonacci's thoughts. Throughout the book, the illustrations incorporate spirals (the Fibonacci sequence). Additional information and hands-on activities at the back enrich this story even more.

Worldview to discuss: "I think people are happiest when they know what pleases them." (-Alfredo, Joseph Fibonacci's father's adviser).

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller**

 Our neighbor has placed a flock of sheep in his plot of land that borders our yard. As I daily watch the sheep grazing, I ask the Lord to reveal to me how I am like a sheep. Mostly though, He has been teaching me about HIM, the good and perfect Shepherd. My friend told me about this book and allowed me to borrow her copy. It is one I would like to reread each year. Mr. Keller takes the reader through the psalm by comparing it to what he has learned as a shepherd. A shepherd's insight certainly enriches the readers' understanding of the psalm.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from a friend.

Miss Scarlet and the Duke-Masterpiece Mystery-DVD

 PBS  Starring Kate Phillips & Stuart Martin

When Eliza Scarlet's father is brought to his detective agency dead, she decides to continue his legacy by solving cases. In the 1850's, however, it is daunting for women to even prove that they are equal to men in intellect and ability. Her childhood friend and her father's mentee, Inspector William Wellington, aka the Duke, finds Eliza annoying and challenging. Before long the two, reluctantly, find themselves working together to solve cases.

I like Eliza's wittiness and her determination. The shows are entertaining and well-produced. I, however, did not like how the producers had to include a nontraditional lifestyle.

Not recommended for children.  For teens, proceed with extreme caution. See warnings.

To discuss/Warnings: drinking, whoring mentioned, Eliza's investor is a homosexual (the 2nd episode -"The Woman in Red" reveals his preferences) and is in every episode-sometimes his lifestyle surfaces in conversation), violence/murder, one episode a couple is having an affair-nothing is shown-confessed verbally, To discuss- women's suffrage--very interesting piece of history is revealed well through this show

The Mystery of the Monarchs by Barb Rosenstock illustrated by Erika Meza*

 Ms. Rosenstock presents the life of Canadian Fred Urquhart-from his early interest in bugs to his tenacious search where monarchs go during the winter. This picture book reveals the importance of perseverance and ordinary people, and  how one person can make a difference.

The illustrator lives in Mexico!

Lots of background information about monarchs and other interesting information in the author's note and illustrator's note.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Puffin Keeper by Michael Morpurgo illustrated by Benji Davies*

 Such a sweet, uplifting story! 

Benjamin Postlethwaite, a lighthouse keeper, rescues Allen, his mother and twenty-some other people when their schooner begins to sink. Memories of that evening in the lighthouse bouyed Allen through difficult times at his grandparents' home and then at boarding school. Determined to return to Benjamin, Allen journeys there after completing high school and finds a home with Benjamin.

A beautiful story of friendship and family.

*Highly recommend. I want more stories like this one! 

Something to consider: Reluctant readers will appreciate the illustrations and short chapters. The themes, however,  may be a bit mature for these readers. My junior high son would enjoy the story but may not pick it up because the length and illustrations would make him erroneously conclude it was too "babyish" for him.

-Borrowed from the library.

Great Illustrated Classics-The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas adapted by Mitsu Yamamoto illustrated by Pablo Marcos Studio

 My son will be reading the full-length novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, this upcoming school year. To refresh my memory of its plot, I read this abridged version.

On his wedding day, successful and handsome Edmond Dantes is arrested for conspiracy against the king. He, however, does not know the intricate plot or the men behind his arrest. While he is in prison for fourteen years, he faces despair and almost ends his life until he hears scraping from the cell next to him. He and fellow prisoner, Father Faria, then meet and plan to escape. The escape does not proceed as planned, but Edmond Dantes manages to return to his homeland for revenge.

Points to discuss/warnings: drunkenness, revenge (is it right?), bitterness (where does it lead?)

The full-length version, I have heard from my friend, exolts opium use. It was not mentioned in this kid-friendly version. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe a graphic novel by Martin Powell illustrated by Eva Cabrera

 Since my son will be reading Robinson Crusoe this coming year for English, I read this graphic novel to understand the main storyline  . . .in under ten minutes! 

Robinson yearns for adventure at sea, but his father, a wealthy merchant, forbids him. When his friend, Daniel, asks Robinson to join him on a quick voyage to London, Robinson agrees, without asking for his father's permission. This voyage only strengthens his thirst for adventure. Robinson then pursues any opportunity to venture into the sea and experiences many adventures.

Before the story begins, the author shares how Mr. Defoe based his novel on an actual man, Alexander Selkirk, a buccaneer who chose to live on a deserted island.

-Perfect for reluctant readers.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken

For her entire childhood Bonnie has lived happily at Willoughby Chase, despite the wolves lurking on the moors. When her parents depart for a extended vacation so Bonnie's mother can recover from an illness, Miss Slighcarp, a distance relative, stays to instruct the child and her cousin Sylvia. Quickly the girls ascertain that Miss Slighcarp and her companions have constructed a sinister plot and cannot be trusted. 

I highly recommend it for its literary value. Sensitive readers may be appalled at Miss Slighcarp's and Mrs. Brisket's cruelty and abuse. Justice is administered at the end, and the "good" characters "win".

Some words are archaic. Papa calls Bonnie a  "hussy" but was not being derogatory. Its definition has changed since the publishing of the book.

Points to discuss/warnings: scary scenes, abuse/cruelty

-Borrowed via inter-library loan  The libraries in my county do not have this book!