Candle Island by Lauren Wolk*

A great summer read! 

Lucretia & her mom move to Candle Island, Maine to escape---her father's death, journalists who want to interview her artist mother. Candle Island contains its own secrets-vandals, children with special gifts, a hidden room. 

I was captivated by the author's poetic sentences, her development of the setting (I wanted to move to Candle Island & explore it!), and her plot pace-how she revealed the secrets to the reader. Ms. Wolk also created likable, distinct characters. I appreciated Lucretia's relationship with her mom-so sweet.

The description of yummy meals Mrs. Sanderson made & served gave me the desire to knock on their door & ask to partake!

*Highly recommend but--Lucretia seemed too wise beyond her years . . .yet when I learned her full story, I could understand why she seemed a lot wiser than a typical 12-year-old.. . . Despite this slightly downside to the book, I still consider this novel as one of my favorite middle grade novels I have read in awhile.

-Borrowed from the library.

Sunrise Summer by Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr**

 What a fascinating picture book!! A young girl relates her first summer being part of the fishing crew in Alaska. The illustrations are descriptive and humorous. 

The author and his wife, the illustrator, take their family to her famiy's property in a remote area in Alaska to fish for salmon each summer. I was surprised to learn at the end it was based on the author/illustrators' family. Ms. Behr offers more details about salmon fishing in the last four pages.

I was delighted the entire time I read this book!

**Highly, highly recommend this unique book. 

-Borrowed from the library.

A Day at the Beach by Gary Schmidt & Ron Koertge

 The beach beckons all types of people to spend a day in its beauty and in its delight. Each person playing and relaxing on the beach possesses a unique story. Mr. Schmidt & Mr. Koertge reveal over twenty-five very diverse middle school perspectives/lives during one day at Rockcastle Beach, NJ. I loved how the authors caused some of the characters to meet, to interact, and to impact each other. Beginning and ending the day with siblings, Jackie & Simon, running on the beach was an apt way to begin and end the story.

Although I love Gary Schmidt's books, this one was not a favorite (see below why). It is a clever concept and well-written. The diverse characters and their stories are intriguing.  I just didn't agree with the worldviews they presented. 

Warnings/considerations: One character mentions that her parents divorced and her mom has a girlfriend, one Dad tells his son that he has good taste in girls (creepy!!), a group of girls walks the boardwalk where a group of boys checks them out and flirts with them-when one of the boys messes up a compliment, things become a bit messy/mean, a girl interacts with a girl with Biblical knowledge, who people may conclude she is a "Christian", this "Christian girl" is quite pushy and not kind in sharing her beliefs, a few swear words

A Cup of Quiet by Nikki Grimes illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson

 A young girl relates how much she loves spending two weeks at her grandmother's house. Spending two weeks crafting, baking, playing, acting out stories is glorious! This day, however, Grandma thirsts for a cup of quiet. Exiting the house, they find a quiet spot in the back yard where the girl collects sounds of nature in her imaginary cup. Grandma drinks deeply and is refreshed.

A delightful book  I especially like that it features a Black family with no mention of race.

-Borrowed from the library.

Summer Evening by Walter de la Mare illustrated by Carolina Rabei*

 Ms. Rabei transforms Mr. de la Mare's simple yet picturesque poem into a humorous story.  Her illustrations build and extend on the poem so young children will enjoy it. How wonderful to be able to share beautiful language with younger children!

A farm family sits down to enjoy an evening treat. Mr. de la Mare then gives the reader a tour of the farm and relates what "dainty treats" the farm animals are savoring. Ms. Rabei focuses on the mouse encounter and imagines what chaos could ensue.

The warm colors with green depict a summer evening well.

Part of a series by Ms. Rabei-The Four Seasons.

*Highly recommend.

Borrowed via ILL.

If You Spot a Shell by Aimee Sicuro*

 A girl and her mother visit the beach. The girl imagines all of the things a shell can be. Real shells are part of the illustrations. Ms. Sicuro offers ideas how to make art with shells after the main text.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Come Again, Pelican by Don Freeman*

 Each summer Ty returns to the same beach with his parents and encounters the same pelican. This summer Ty sets out to fish for the first time. He and the pelican help each other out in meaningful ways.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Sal Boat by Thyra Heder*

 Despite scoffing and questions from friends and family, Sal is determined to build a boat so he can be out on the water on the waves by himself. He gathers materials from various places and people around town. He doesn't want anyone's help. He, however, has forgotten one vital part of boating.

I loved the extra dialogue handwritten in the illustrations and Sal's creativity.

Considerations: His parents are divorced; written in one illustration is the song "---bottles of beer on the wall..."

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Duck Says Don't! by Alison Ritchie illustrated by Hannah George*

 When Goose leaves for vacation, he asks Duck to be in charge of the pond. Soon Duck is enforcing new rules, which enrages his friends and prompts them to leave. Duck learns the value of  refraining from bossiness! 

After reading this book, adults could take their children outside to observe the various creatures depicted at the pond. 

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd illustrated by Abigail Halpin*

 A beautifully illustrated book

Children who live in the city discover nature and the wild even in the asphalt world. A call for children (& adults) to spend time outside!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Little Blue Cottage by Kelly Jordan illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle*

 A girl and her parents visit the blue cottage each summer. The cottage anticipates the girl's arrival each summer. One summer she does not return. The cottage falls into disrepair. A hope-filled ending. I loved the illustrations.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Canadian Summer by Hilda Van Stockum*

 Volume 2 from the Mitchells trilogy

After WW II, Mr. Mitchell finds a new job in Montreal, Canada, where the cost of living is less. The dearth in available houses to rent causes him to rent a summer hut in the Canadian wilds. Hopefully by summer's end he will discover a house to rent. The six children, the mother and Grannie spend a summer full of adventure and freedom in the woods, making new, unusual friends. 

This series is based on the author's childhood. God is mentioned a few times. The characters' religion seems Catholic as "mass", "priests", and praying to a saint are mentioned. One character logically says she is going to pray directly to God because He is the one who makes everything happen anyway. Why waste time praying to a saint?!! 

How I wish I could give my sons the gift of a summer like the one described in this book!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via inter-lib. loan.

Other books in the series: Volume 1- Five for Victory & Volume 3- Friendly Gables 

Zap! Clap! Boom! The Story of a Thunderstorm by Laura Purdie Salas illustrated by Elly MacKay*

 Rhyming, rhythmic text celebrates a thunderstorm formation and its aftermath. The layered paper illustrations depict the words precisely yet also add to and enhance the story.

Perfect read for late summer thunderstorms.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer text set

 I have discovered several illustrated version of this poem. 

Casey at the Bat drawings by LeRoy Neiman introduction by Joe Torre

The introduction by Joe Torre is inspiring and insightful. I loved the layout of the book-large in size, words spaced out to build suspense. The illustrations were too smudgy for me.

Illustrated by Gerald Fitzgerald-These illustrations were blurry too. My favorite rendition has been Patricia Polacco's. This one also subsitutes different word from the original.

-Borrowed from the library.

Casey Back at Bat by Dan Gutman illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher

This humorous sequel parallels the structure of the original narrative. Children will enjoy the absurd humor. Consideration: Some women thought Casey was a "jerk". 

-Borrowed from the library.

Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer illustrated by Patricia Polacco*

 In April I am planning to feature this poem for our "Poetry Treat" day. A humorous ballad about baseball

I love Ms. Polacco's added story line/back story to the poem. Her illustrations will render smiles.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book. Our library system does not have this version. Thankfully my local used bookstore had it in stock.

Hot Dog by Doug Salati**

 Winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal

An adorable book! A dog and his owner leave the blistering heat of the city for a day at the beach. The illustrations enhance the story and relate the emotions.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Vanderbeekers on the Road by Karina Yan Glaser

 We own this entire series. Each September when the next book is published I buy it for my youngest son's birthday gift. I read aloud this latest Vanderbeeker enstallment to him. 

To surprise their Papa and to celebrate his 40th birthday, the Vanderbeeker children, their mom, Mr. Beirderman , Orlando and pets drive to Indiana to pick up Papa and then travel to CA. Along the way they not only visit magnificent sights, but  they also encounter interesting people and form new friendship. Of course, some of the siblings create a huge mess while attempting to "solve a problem".

Points to discuss: lying/keeping secrets, sabotage, a man they see at a tourists sight has male partner (probably will go over most readers' heads).

Series tend to continue longer than they are interesting. This one felt a bit more stretched than previous ones. I liked the earlier Vanderbeeker books best. The later ones  are still wholesome, wonderful stories.

-We own this book.

Minnow on the Say by A. Philippa Pearce illustrated by Edward Ardizzone*

 I recently heard about Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce on a podcast. I borrowed it from the library, read it and didn't care for Tom or the plot that much. I, however, loved this book! This book was her first book.

After a storm, David finds a canoe near his family's dock along the River Say. Paddling up the river, he discovers its owner, Adam. Adam lives with his aunt and his senile grandfather. Together the boys repair the canoe and become friends. Adam shares his desire to find the family treasure dating from the Spanish Armada. If they can discover the treasure, Adam and his aunt may continue to live at the family home. 

Full of adventure! The author based the setting on her childhood home.

*Highly recommend.

Points to discuss: one character was fired from a job because of drinking too much and now has a reputation, lying

-Borrowed from the library.

Cobble Street Cousins #6 Wedding Flowers by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin**

 This adorable series ends with the ultimate celebration-a wedding! The three cousins, Lily, Rose and Tess, return to Aunt Lucy's to help with the wedding and to be in it!

Six short chapters-perfect for transitional readers.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Cobble Street Cousins #5 Summer Party by Cynthia Ryant illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin**

 The cousins, Lily, Rose and Tess, have lived with Aunt Lucy for their entire fourth grade year. Now their parents are returning from their world tour with the ballet, taking the girls to their respective homes. The girls are weepy. Michael, Aunt Lucy's boyfriend, and Aunt Lucy encourage the girls to think of the future. To welcome their parents home, they plan a party. During the party an event occurs that causes much celebration for everyone!

Five shorter chapters that encourage stamina-perfect for transitional readers.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.