Book Reviews and More

Good Night, I Love You - Caroline Jayne Church

2012-05-30T00:03:00.003-04:00

Good Night, I Love You
Caroline Jayne Church
Cartwheel Books an Imprint of
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545392150

Caroline Jayne Church is one of our favorite children's illustrators, but among our favorites from the books she illustrated are some of those she wrote also. This book falls into that category. It is a wonderful bedtime story, with CJC's characteristic illustrations. The joy and emotions she captures in her illustrations are wonderful; my children and wife love her books and this will be a new favorite.

Books by Caroline Jane Church:
Leaf Trouble
Here Comes Halloween!
Here Comes Easter!
Here Comes Christmas!
The More We Get Together
You Are My Sunshine
Goodnight I Love You

Books Illustrated by Carolyne Jayne Church:
I Love You Through And Through
How Do I Love You
A Kiss For You

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl - Barry Lyga

2012-05-28T00:03:00.004-04:00

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl
Barry Lyga
Haughton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN 9780618723928

This book was the first novel published by Barry Lyga and it is the first of four in the Brookdale High series, which I just happened to read in reverse order. The strength of Lyga's writing is evident from this first novel and gets better with every book he writes. Lyga has an incredible gift as a storyteller. He captures life in and around high school in this series in a wonderful way. His stories are about real people with real problems and real life. Each of his books has something the reader can take away and it will help them be better at being. But I think the greatest testament to Lyga's craft as a writer is that even though I just finished this book, I am already planning to reread it.

Brookdale High or South Brook High is an interesting school. Not the worst school and not the best. There are cliques, and jocks, and geeks - all the usual groups you would find in and around a high school. And like most high schools, some of them get it and some do not. For Kyra Sellers and Fanboy (aka Donnie) it is just putting in time. Both want to be somewhere else. Both need things to change. Kyra witnesses Fanboy being punched repeatedly in gym class and wonders why he allows it to happen. Soon they have a strange friendship developing. They both have a love of Graphic Novels but prefer different styles. Fanboy is working on one and Goth Girl wants to help make it better. But as we all know, life in high school or life in general is usually not easy and things often go wrong or at least not the way we expect, and in this story that is definitely the case.

There are a number of strengths that make this novel so good. First, there are the characters. Readers cannot help but become fans of Kyra and Fanboy; they are so well written and capture much of the spirit of being an outsider in high school you can't help but root for them. Second is the story itself. It has a sinister darkness to it, but at the same time provides some hope. It is not a fast-paced novel but it will definitely keep your attention and interest turning the pages. Third is the essence of both high school and life that Lyga has managed to capture. This was an amazing novel to read and after reading it I now plan to go back and reread the whole series!

Books by Barry Lyga:
I Hunt Killers:
I Hunt Killers (2012)
I Hunt Killers #2 (2013)

Brookdale High:
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl (2006)
Boy Toy (2007)
Hero Type (2008)
Goth Girl Rising (2009)

Archvillian:
Archvillain #1 (2010)
The Mad Mask - Archvillian #2 (2011)
Archvillian #3 (2013)

Other Books By Barry Lyga:
Graphic Novels in Your Media Center: A definitive Guide (with Alison A.W. Lyga - 2004)
Wolverine: Worst Day Ever (2009)
MangaMan (with Colleen Dorren 2011)

Contributed to:
Geektastic (2009)

Author Profile and Interview with Barry Lyga

The Etch-A-Sketch Book - Klutz

2012-05-25T00:03:00.000-04:00

The Etch-A-Sketch Book
Klutz
ISBN 9781570540509

This is a great little toy and book from the Klutz team. It starts by teaching children to make basic shapes then takes them through more and more complicated projects. It also has a series of overlays that you put right on the etch-a-sketch screen, they are lessons and games. It's an amazing little book. Thanks Klutz and Scholastic for coming up with such awesome products for kids.

From the Ashes - Jeremy Burns

2012-05-23T00:03:00.002-04:00

From The Ashes
Jeremy Burns
Fiction Studio Books
ISBN 9781936558322
eISBN 9781936558339

This story is the debut novel from Jeremy Burns. It is a thriller novel, but more than that it is historical fiction with a twist. It was a fast-paced race from the beginning to the end. It was more enjoyable than the Dan Brown books I have read and almost reads like a cross between Tom Clancy and John Grisham. The writing was superb and the story excellent. The greatest strength though was probably the characters. Once you start reading about Jonathan Rickner you will find yourself wanting more. The cover of the book has a sub title "A Jonathan Rickner Thriller" and I, for one, hope it is the first in a long line of novels featuring this character. Not since I first read the Jack Ryan or Spencer for Hire novels 20 years ago have I found a character I liked so much in the mystery or suspense genre.

Jon cannot accept that his brother's death was a suicide, and as he begins to look into his brother's thesis research, he uncovers the tangled threads of a deadly Depression-era conspiracy - one entangling the top levels of the Hoover Administration, Rockefeller, and the rise of Nazi Germany. Joining forces with Michael's fiancée Mara Ellison and with Michael's thesis advisor Professor Leinhart doing research from the background, Jon and Mara travel to New York to discover Rockefeller's deepest secret and hidden clues to a secret that could rock the nation. Maybe even the world.

With an attempt on his life and then encountering the assassin again in New York, the pressure is on. A secret government agency known only as The Division is after a few pieces of paper, paper they have been trying to track down for over 70 years. Jon, relying only on his brilliance and following his brother's clues, is on the hunt and he will either uncover a buried truth or be buried along with it. In a chase that crosses the country and travels all over historic sites in New York City, the story will catch you and keep you reading as you cannot wait to find out what happens next.

This story was very well written and as I stated earlier, I can only hope it will be the first in a series!

Chuggington Dinosaur Adventure - Ian Carney

2012-05-21T00:05:00.000-04:00

Dinosaur Adventure!
Chuggington
Ian Carney
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545368636

At first I was worried that Chuggington would be a modernized version of Thomas the Train. Boy was I wrong. Both the TV show and the books are great. In this particular book, they encounter a new dinosaur - a Photosaurus. It was part of a display for a new museum exhibit. But soon they realize the dinosaur is a great height for taking pictures. So with the help of friends and a friendly exhibit, Wilson gets his pictures for the new posters. We have only read a few of the Chugginton books but the colors are super bright and vibrant. The stories are fun and this book will get kids by having both trains and dinosaurs. Awesome story for Chuggers young and old.

The Most Amazing Thumb Doodles Book - Klutz

2012-05-18T00:05:00.000-04:00

The Most Amazing
Thumb Doodles Book
(In The History of the World)
Klutz
ISBN 9781591745907

This book will provide hours and hours of fun. Thanks Klutz and Scholastic for coming up with such awesome products for kids. This book is full of activities you do right in the book and all of them can then be done again and again with your own paper. Thumbprint art, thumb print games and more. With Four colors of stamp pads and a pen, it comes with everything you need. The first thing the child does is a framed thumb print of the owner of the book. Get your hands dirty and play with this book - guaranteed fun for the whole family! My daughter asks to play with this every day!

Judy Moody Double-Rare Way-Not-Boring Book of Fun Stuff To Do - Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds

2012-05-17T00:03:00.002-04:00

Judy Moody Double-Rare Way-Not-Boring Book of Fun Stuff To Do
Judy Moody Activity Book 1
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763644314

This awesome activity book will be tremendous fun for fans of the Judy Moody books. It has 86 pages packed full of stuff to do, from jokes, quizzes, fun facts crossword puzzle and more. It draws from the first 6 Judy Moody books:

Judy Moody
Judy Moody Gets Famous!
Judy Moody Saves the World!
Judy Moody Predicts the Future
Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
Judy Moody Declares Independence

This book will draw children out. As they interact with the excerpts from the books, they will be drawn to learn more about themselves and who they are becoming. In many of the exercises, you find out about Judy and so the same for the person working through the book. An example is a poem that is an acrostic of Judy Moody, and then the reader does a poem with their name to tell about themselves. It was an incredible book and I know a number of youngsters who will get it for their next birthday or Christmas!

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
10a. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Movie Tie-In Edition)
11. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Mini-Mysteries and Other Sneaky Stuff for Super-Sleuths

Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1: Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography

Books by Megan McDonald:
Sisters Club:
Sisters Club 1
Sisters Club 2 Rule of Three
Sisters Club 3 Cloudy With a Chance of Boys

Books by Peter H Reynolds:
The North Star
ish
The Dot
Rose's Garden
I'm Here

Darth Maul's Mission - Lego Star Wars - Ace Landers and David White

2012-05-16T00:03:00.003-04:00

Darth Maul's Mission
Lego Star Wars
Ace Landers (Author)
David White (Illustrator)
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545304412

This book was a lot of fun. It took the characters we know and love and put them in a story a child's imagination could have come up with, such as Darth Maul's Party Town, a beach part with beach balls and sand castle, and Star Destroyers. Wonderfully illustrated and with the Lego Star Wars Characters. The story is light and fun and will entertain and spark the imagination of children either for story telling or creating with their own lego.

Other Scholastic Books:
Star Wars Books:
Star Wars The Complete Saga
Star Wars Millennium Falcon YT-1300: A 3-D Owners Guide
Star Wars Darth Vader A 3-D Reconstruction Log
Star Wars Folded Flyers
Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace 3D
Star Wars The Complete Saga

Lego Star Wars Books:
Save The Galaxy!
Anakin: Space Pilot 3D
Darth Maul's Mission
The Padawan Menace

Lego City Adventure Books:
Fire Truck To The Rescue
Help Is On the Way!
Calling All Cars
All Aboard!
Ready For Take Off
Build This City
City Adventures Sticker Book
Work This Farm
Fight This Fire!
Lego City Heroes!
Trucks Around The City
Escape From Lego City
3, 2, 1 Liftoff
All Hands On Deck
Fire In The Forest!
Catch That Crook!

Lego Ninjago:
Collector's Sticker Book

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer - Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds - Book 10

2012-05-15T00:03:00.002-04:00

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
Judy Moody Book 10
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763657109
eISBN 9780763662233

This is a review of the illustrated edition of this book. Earlier this year I read the Movie tie-in Edition of this book. I enjoyed the story but found it wanting because the illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds add so much to the story. It was an absolute pleasure to re-read the story, and this time have the wonderful illustrations.

Judy Moody has come up with a super plan, a super duper cool plan for the T.P. Club to have an awesome amazing summer. They will compete for thrill points. The day she announces her plan she finds out that three of her closest friends will be away for the summer and Judy moody ends up in a mood, not a good mood, a bad mood, and it just keeps getting worse as thing after thing goes wrong and spoils her plans.

The chapters are:
No More Snoresville
Funk-a-delic
Bored-e-o
Aunt Awful
Gross grub Club
Thrills and Spills
Puke Monster
Goliath Glue
Poop Picnic
Frankenscreamer
Code Bigfoot
The Chase Is On
Thrill-a-delic

This book was an amazing read. I love the series and how Peter and Megan capture family life. These books can be enjoyed by the whole family. I can only hope we see many more Judy or Stink Moody books in the years to come.

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
10a. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Movie Tie-In Edition)
11. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Mini-Mysteries and Other Sneaky Stuff for Super-Sleuths

Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1: Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography

Books by Megan McDonald:
Sisters Club:
Sisters Club 1
Sisters Club 2 Rule of Three
Sisters Club 3 Cloudy With a Chance of Boys

Books by Peter H Reynolds:
The North Star
ish
The Dot
Rose's Garden
I'm Here

Caillou Learns To Skate - Marion Johnson

2012-05-14T00:03:00.000-04:00

Caillou Learns To Skate
Marion Johnson
Chouette Publishing
ISBN 978 2894504208

Recently my son and I went to the bookstore and he got to pick two books for me to get to read to him. I was very surprised when he passed all the Disney books and many of the others and picked two Caillou books. Instead he wanted the simple stories from the Caillou book which are much like the TV shows by the same name that he watches occasionally. The books are brightly illustrated and are a joy to read.

In this adventure, Caillou decides he wants to be a hockey player, because he likes watching hockey on TV. His father builds a back yard rink and his parents try to teach him to skate. It doesn't always go well. But Caillou learns a valuable lesson.

On the Chouette Publishing website it states that the purpose of the Caillou books is to "provide a way for young children to better understand what they are experiencing and to find the words to express their feelings. Using everyday situations and written from a child's point of view, the books help children cope with the various developmental stages of their lives." They definitely do that. From the two we have read and what we have seen of the show, it is great for children of all ages.

The 57th Keeper - R.G. Bullet

2012-05-11T00:03:00.002-04:00

The 57th Keeper
R.G. Bullet
Silver-House Books
ISBN 978-983103806

It is interesting that this short story was released as a prequel to The 58th Keeper but while reading it, it was so engrossing, so gripping, I forgot that I was reading a novella and when I hit the end I was desperate for more of the story. Fortunately there is a continuation and another in the works. If the others are as compelling as this one, we are in for some great reading ahead.

This story goes back to the 57th Keeper. It is the story of Alturus a man who spent his whole life scheming, stealing and plotting. Then when he is given an ancient relic with magical powers, he squanders the responsibility. But as we watch Alturus's rise and fall, the story rips along at an amazing pace. It was a great read. And like I said earlier, it left me wanting more.

Books by RG Bullet:

Keeper Chronicles:
The 57th Keeper
The 58th Keeper

The Caldecott Chronicles:
Excerpt 1
Excerpt 2
Excerpt 3

Author Profile Interview with R.G. Bullet

Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do - Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds

2012-05-10T00:03:00.013-04:00

Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody Activity Book 2
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763643096

I did not think McDonald and Reynolds could surprise me, but now having read all 24 books in the Judy Moody or Stink Moody series they have managed to do so. This second of the activity books lived up to its title it really is "Uber Awesome" it is a jam packed 86 pages of super fun. It draws from the following Judy Moody and Stink Moody books:

Judy Moody
Judy Moody Gets Famous!
Judy Moody Saves the World!
Judy Moody Predicts the Future
Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
Judy Moody Declares Independence
Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
Judy Moody Goes to College
and also:
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday

This book is full of fun facts, stories, jokes, activities, games, quizzes and more. It even gives you instructions for making your own board games that will definitely not be boring. The great thing about the way the book is done is that many of the activities you can do in the book, but most of them can be done out of the book and you can go back and do them over and over again. It will provide hours of entertainment for the fans of Stink and Judy Moody! We can only hope there will be a third activity book down the road encompassing the newer Judy moody books.

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
10a. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Movie Tie-In Edition)
11. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Mini-Mysteries and Other Sneaky Stuff for Super-Sleuths

Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1: Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography

Books by Megan McDonald:
Sisters Club:
Sisters Club 1
Sisters Club 2 Rule of Three
Sisters Club 3 Cloudy With a Chance of Boys

Books by Peter H Reynolds:
The North Star
ish
The Dot
Rose's Garden
I'm Here

Caillou The Captain - Sarah Margaret Johanson and Eric Sevigny

2012-05-09T00:03:00.000-04:00

Caillou The Captain
Sarah Margaret Johanson (Author)
Eric Sevigny (Illustrator)
Chouette Publishing
ISBN 9782894507476

The other day my son and I went to the bookstore and he got to pick two books for me to get to read to him. I was very surprised when he passed all the Disney books and many of the others, and picked two Caillou books. Instead, he wanted the simple stories from the Caillou books which are much like the TV shows by the same name that he watches occasionally. On the Chouette Publishing website it states that the purpose of the Caillou books is to "provide a way for young children to better understand what they are experiencing and to find the words to express their feelings. Using everyday situations and written from a child's point of view, the books help children cope with the various developmental stages of their lives." They definitely do that.

In this book, Caillou is going on an outing with his grandfather. His grandfather has a surprise in a box. Caillou tries to guess what it is on the way to the park. When they get there he finds out it is a boat - a motor boat, and his friend and another child are there with theirs also and every Saturday they race. Caillou wants to win but we all know we do not always get what we want. But Caillou learns a valuable lesson and looks forward to many more Saturdays at the park with his new boat. It is a great story and one I am happy to read to my son as many times as he wants.

Judy Moody Declares Independence - Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds - Book 6

2012-05-08T00:03:00.019-04:00

Judy Moody Declares Independence
Judy Moody Book 6
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763648510
eISBN 9780763652050

It was with great sadness that I read this book for it was the 10th and final current Judy Moody book for me to read. The good news is that I can read them again and this time I will likely do so in chronological order. The first time through, I read them randomly and each book is strong enough to stand alone. Judy Moody and her brother Stink are among my all-time favorite characters in children's books. I rank them up there with the Pevensie children in the Narnia books and with The Austin and Murry children in Madeleine L'Engle's books. These are characters I know I will visit again and again and will share with my children and if lucky, eventually my grandchildren. The Moodys are an amazing family as are their groups of close friends.

The chapters in this story are:

Bean Town, MOO-sa-chu-setts
Freedom (from Stink) Trail
Sugar and Spies
In a Nark
The Purse of Happiness
Huzzah!
The UN-Freedom Trail
The Boston Tub Party
Sybil La-Dee-Da
The Declaration of UN-Independence
Yankee Doodle Dandy

This book begins with Judy Moody and her family on a trip to Boston to visit some historical sites. Judy meets a girl from England and they become friends and commit to being pen pals. But Judy as usual ends up in a mood, and with all her historical perspective she decides to declare independence herself. With a trip to historic sites, a graveyard, a sailing ship, a bath tub tea party and water fight, this story is full of adventure and fun for the whole family. It is a great book and I can only hope that we get many more books by McDonald and Reynolds in the Moody series.

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
10a. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Movie Tie-In Edition)
11. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Mini-Mysteries and Other Sneaky Stuff for Super-Sleuths

Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1: Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography

Books by Megan McDonald:
Sisters Club:
Sisters Club 1
Sisters Club 2 Rule of Three
Sisters Club 3 Cloudy With a Chance of Boys

Books by Peter H Reynolds:
The North Star
ish
The Dot
Rose's Garden
I'm Here

Bones - Terrifying Tales to haunt Your Dream - Edited by Lois Metzger

2012-05-07T00:03:00.000-04:00

Bones
Terrifying Tales to haunt Your Dream
Edited by Lois Metzger
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545158916

This collection of seven short stories is all about the strange, the unusual and haunting. It is at times funny and at times frightening. From a story about a cell phone that seems possessed but wants to make its owner a better person, to a box of bones that speaks to a young boy about the same age as the skeleton within, this collection is the companion to Bites Scary Stories to Sink Your Teeth Into and both are excellent reads. The contributors are:

Todd Strasser
David Levithan
Elizabeth C. Bunce
Nina Kiriki Hoffman
Richard Peck
R.L. Stein
Margaret Mahy

This was a fun collection to read. Much like children telling ghost stories at camp or during a sleepover, these stories are intended to stir up the imagination and they do just that. Lois Metzger does an amazing job of compiling a collection that can be read again and again.

I Love You Through And Through - Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak and Caroline Jayne Church

2012-05-04T00:03:00.004-04:00

I Love You Through And Through
Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak (Author)
Caroline Jayne Church (Illustrator)
Cartwheel Books an Imprint of
Scholastic
ISBN 9780439673631

In the last few years our family has read a number of books written and illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church. This is the first thing that we have read that she has illustrated for another author. It was just as wonderful and I am sure will be a family favorite. It is a great story with amazing illustrations. It will be great to share with any child in your life you love. It will affirm them, encourage them and make them laugh. It is a wonderful little book.

Books by Caroline Jane Church:
Leaf Trouble
Here Comes Halloween!
Here Comes Easter!
Here Comes Christmas!
The More We Get Together
You Are My Sunshine
Goodnight I Love You

Books Illustrated by Carolyne Jayne Church:
I Love You Through And Through
How Do I Love You
A Kiss For You

Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express - Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds

2012-05-03T00:03:00.017-04:00

Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
Stink Moody Book 4
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763642341
eISBN 9780763651916

Stink Moody and his friends, Sophie and Webster, are trying to make a replica of the Great Wall of China using cereal boxes. But as they finish building it, it starts moving and as they investigate they discover it is making strange sounds also. The sound it is making is wee, wee, wee, wee. And the three children discover 3 Guinea pigs. And that is the beginning of a grand adventure of the 101 guinea pigs and the Great Guinea Pig Express. The chapters in this book are:

The Great Wall
One Hundred and None
Knock, Knock-Who's There?
Squeals on Wheels
The Guinea Pig Whisperer
And Then There Were Five
Virginia Beach or Bust!
This Little Piggy
All the Way Home

In this book, Megan McDonald and Peter H. Reynolds tell the story of a guinea pig rescue. They draw from a real rescue and road trip to find homes for animals rescued from labs where they were being mistreated. The story is hilarious and with 101 guinea pigs, Stink and his friends sure end up with their hands full. From the animals getting into a thermos of coffee and getting hyper, to being on the loose in Fur and Fangs pet shop, there is laughter at every turn and on almost every page. This is another great book in an awesome series. Go Stink Go.

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1: Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography

Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
10a. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Movie Tie-In Edition)
11. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Mini-Mysteries and Other Sneaky Stuff for Super-Sleuths

Books by Megan McDonald:
Sisters Club:
Sisters Club 1
Sisters Club 2 Rule of Three
Sisters Club 3 Cloudy With a Chance of Boys

Books by Peter H Reynolds:
The North Star
ish
The Dot
Rose's Garden
I'm Here

The Padawan Menace - Lego Star Wars - Ace Landers

2012-05-02T00:03:00.003-04:00

The Padawan Menace
Lego Star Wars
Ace Landers
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545404501

Off all the Lego Star Wars and Lego books from Scholastic, this is the only one I find is over the heads of the intended audience. The images are very dark or subdued compared to the rest of the Lego books by Scholastic. This book is an adaptation of a TV special and I feel that something was missed. Overall a first disappointment in a great series.

Other Scholastic Books:Star Wars Books:
Star Wars The Complete Saga
Star Wars Millennium Falcon YT-1300: A 3-D Owners Guide
Star Wars Darth Vader A 3-D Reconstruction Log
Star Wars Folded Flyers
Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace 3D
Star Wars The Complete Saga

Lego Star Wars Books:
Save The Galaxy!
Anakin: Space Pilot 3D
Darth Maul's MissionThe Padawan Menace

Lego City Adventure Books:
Fire Truck To The Rescue
Help Is On the Way!
Calling All Cars
All Aboard!
Ready For Take Off
Build This City
City Adventures Sticker Book
Work This Farm
Fight This Fire!
Lego City Heroes!
Trucks Around The City
Escape From Lego City
3, 2, 1 Liftoff
All Hands On Deck
Fire In The Forest!

Catch That Crook!

Lego Ninjago:
Collector's Sticker Book

Judy Moody Saves The World - Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds - Book 3

2012-05-01T00:03:00.006-04:00

Judy Moody Saves The World
Judy Moody Book 3
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763648596
eISBN 9780763652012

Judy Moody gets better and better. With each book I read, I am more impressed with the storytelling abilities of Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds. Their ability to capture family life, with all its quirks, is amazing. They also do an incredible job of capturing friendships and a child's enthusiasm for something that grabs their attention. And in this book, that is protecting the environment. It all starts in science class and the section on the environment. The chapters in this story are:

Crazy Strips Contest
Batty for Banana Peels
A Mr. Rubbish Mood
Pigtoes, Pumas, and Pimplebacks
Beetle Emergency
Pond Scum
Luna Two
Batty for Band-Aids
Project P.E.N.C.I.L.
Batty for Bottles
The Winking Disease

Judy, as usual, gets herself into trouble. She wants to save the world. And she starts at home. Unfortunately she upsets her mother, father, and little brother Stink in her first attempt. Second, she tries to do something at school, but she ends up angering her whole class. But that leads to the idea for Mr. Todd's class 3T to collect bottles to plant trees in the rainforest. The class works together and they achieve some amazing results. To find out what, pick up the book and give it a read.

This is another wonderful book in a great series. And while most of the books have lessons about learning who you are and becoming better at being, this one focuses outward and has a lesson we can all learn from. Great story in an amazing series.

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
10a. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Movie Tie-In Edition)
11. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Mini-Mysteries and Other Sneaky Stuff for Super-Sleuths

Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1: Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography

Books by Megan McDonald:
Sisters Club:
Sisters Club 1
Sisters Club 2 Rule of Three
Sisters Club 3 Cloudy With a Chance of Boys

Books by Peter H Reynolds:
The North Star
ish
The Dot
Rose's Garden
I'm Here

Right Behind A Parody of Last Days Goofiness - Nathan D. Wilson and Mr Sock

2012-04-30T00:03:00.002-04:00

Right Behind
A Parody of Last Days Goofiness
Mr Sock and Nathan D. Wilson
(Not Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins)
Canon Press
ISBN 9781885767875

This book was written to be a parody of the Left Behind series. It had a great deal of potential and the concept was amazing, but the execution was a little flawed. I am not sure if it was Wilson's youth or inexperience as a writer that lead to the let-down. Or maybe it was having read many of his more recent books and finding his fiction, especially in the 100 Cupboards series, almost 'Tolkienesque', that I had such high expectations. Instead, I read something like a Christian version of a fraternity joke. The style was a little rambling, the story inconsistent and it constantly made reference to the fact that it was an end-times book - characters referring to what evangelicals would and would not accept in the writing and also characters talking about their character and its focus or intent. Overall it was a let-down. I read it because I set the goal of reading all of Wilson's books and I will read the sequel to this but I know he could have done so much more with it if he had written it today!

Books by N.D. Wilson

100 Cupboards
Dandelion Fire - 100 Cupboards Book 2
The Chestnut King - 100 Cupboards Books 3

Notes From The Tilt-A-Whirl
Leepike Ridge

The Dragon and the Garden - The Old Stories
In The Time of Noah - The Old Stories

Right Behind
Supergeddon

Author Profile Interview with N.D. Wilson

Judy Moody Around the World in 8 ½ Days - Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds - Book 7

2012-04-26T12:42:00.007-04:00

Judy Moody Around the World in 8 ½ Days
Judy Moody Book 7
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763648633
eISBN 9780763652067

Jody Moody is awesome! I love her character, and her interactions with her friends and her family. The books in this series will make you laugh and look at the world a little differently. This book is a little different from most in the series, as it really focuses more closely on just Judy. There is a little less interaction with her family and her friends than in the other 6 books I have read in this series. The chapters are as follows:

Rhyme Time
Heebie-Jeebies
Club Snub
Nellie Bly Says Goodbye
Bella Tarantella
Fratellino Bratellino
Addresses and Messes
Pickle Chicle
No-Talky Rocky vs. Judy Snooty
Elf Schmelf
Red-White-and-Green Machine
Eatsa Pizza

In this adventure, there is a new girl at school, Amy Namey. And she seems to be a lot like Judy Moody. At first Judy is jealous of Frank and Rocky's interactions with Amy, but soon the tables have turned and Judy upsets them by spending so much time with Amy. Judy upsets them so much, they stop talking to her and even refuse to help on a school group project. Judy works hard to make things up to them and help the two classes make it around the world in 8 and 1/2 days.

I really enjoyed what Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds did in this book. It was different from the others in the series and as such we saw more development in Judy. It was another great read in an absolutely wonderful series.

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
10a. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Movie Tie-In Edition)
11. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Mini-Mysteries and Other Sneaky Stuff for Super-Sleuths

Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1: Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography

Books by Megan McDonald:
Sisters Club:
Sisters Club 1
Sisters Club 2 Rule of Three
Sisters Club 3 Cloudy With a Chance of Boys

Books by Peter H Reynolds:
The North Star
ish
The Dot
Rose's Garden
I'm Here

How Do I Love You? - Marion Dane Bauer and Caroline Jayne Church

2012-04-25T00:03:00.003-04:00

How Do I Love You?
Marion Dane Bauer (Author)
Caroline Jayne Church (Illustrator)
Cartwheel Books an imprint of
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545072700

Between the two authors they have written well over 100 books for children. This is the first book by Marion Dane Bauer we have read, and about the 10th by Caroline Jayne Church. CJ Church is one of our favorite authors and illustrators. And based on this book we will need to track down more by Marion Dane Bauer. The illustrations are unmistakably in Caroline Jayne Church's style and yet they use a much brighter pallet than some of her other books. It is a wonderful little book and it will quickly become a family favorite.

Books by Caroline Jane Church:
Leaf Trouble
Here Comes Halloween!
Here Comes Easter!
Here Comes Christmas!
The More We Get Together
You Are My Sunshine

Books Illustrated by Carolyne Jayne Church:
I Love You Through And Through
How Do I Love You
A Kiss For You

Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers - Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds

2012-04-24T00:03:00.008-04:00

Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
Stink Moody Book 3
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763636692
eISBN 9780763651909

Stink Moody is at it again. Stink got his nickname from his stinky diapers when he was young. But he is also known, nay renowned, for his stinky feet. But in this book he also becomes known for his nose. His class goes on a trip to the museum for a special exhibit - Gross me Out, the Wonderful World of Smelly Stuff. Stink can detect different smells that most other people cannot. But while at the show he finds out about The All-Time World's Super-Stinky Sneaker Contest. Both Stink and one of his best friends Sophie of the Elves are going to enter the contest. And Stink really wants to win. Stink also starts experimenting with creating stinky smelling liquids eau-de-toilette and he creates some doozies. The chapters in this volume are:

Gross Me Out
More Fun than Earwax
Rumpel-STINK-skin
Toilet Water
Eau de Corpse Flower
Unidentified Flying Odor
Professor Smells-a-Lot
The Golden Clothespin Award
World's Worst Super-Stinky CHEATER Contest
Mr. Stinky

The books by Peter H Reynolds and Megan McDonald are always fun. Their way of capturing day to day family life with a quirky twist is wonderful and enjoyable for both children and those who read to and with them. The books in the Stink and/or Judy Moody series have this year become among my favorite books for young readers. I am constantly telling people to give them a try. With 23 books between the two characters, there is a lot of fun reading to be had, and hopefully we will get many more as time goes on. This was a laugh out loud funny book that is part of an incredible series for young children, and even just for the young at heart.

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1: Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography

Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
10a. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Movie Tie-In Edition)
11. Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Mini-Mysteries and Other Sneaky Stuff for Super-Sleuths

Books by Megan McDonald:
Sisters Club:
Sisters Club 1
Sisters Club 2 Rule of Three
Sisters Club 3 Cloudy With a Chance of Boys

Books by Peter H Reynolds:
The North Star
ish
The Dot
Rose's Garden
I'm Here

The Case of the Terrible T. Rex - Doyle and Fossey, Science Detectives - Michele Torrey and Barbara Johansen Newman

2012-04-23T00:03:00.000-04:00

The Case of the Terrible T. Rex
Doyle and Fossey, Science Detectives
Michele Torrey (Author)
Barbara Johansen Newman (Illustrator)
Sterling Publishing
ISBN 9781402749667

The cover of this book caught my attention. I had never heard of the series and thought I would give it a try. It was a good read - something I am sure children will enjoy and with 5 other books in the series, there are lots of stories to read.

Drake Doyle and Nell Fossey are science detectives in the fifth grade. Then there are problems in Mossy Lake. In this book, they have four mysteries to solve. The cases in this volume are:

Werewolf at Midnight
Poor Little Fish
Digging for Dinosaurs
Hamming it up

They use science and the scientific method to figure out problems that are plaguing the people around town, kind of like the Ghostbusters. Where there is a problem, people call Doyle and Fossey, for as their business cards say 'Call anytime'. Or read anytime for a good story.

Ninjago Collector's Sticker Book - Lego Ninjago - Scholastic

2012-04-20T00:03:00.002-04:00

Ninjago Collector's Sticker Book
Lego Ninjago
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545356305

This is the first of the Lego Ninjago books that I have looked at. The first part of the book is Character maps for 16 of the Ninjago characters:

Ninja :
Kai
Jay
Zane
Cole

Ninja Allies:
Sensei Wu
Nya

Ninja Enemies:
Garmadon
Kruncha
Chopov
Nuckal
Bonezai
Krazi
Samukai
Wyplash
Frakjaw
Skull Truck

With each profile you fill in the date you obtained it and who it battles against. There is also a quick fact for each. Then there are over 100 stickers. Finally, there is a series of pages for you to use the stickers to create battle scenes. The only thing that would make this book better would be if the stickers were the reusable decals. But all in all a book children will love.

Other Scholastic Books:
Lego Ninjago:
Collector's Sticker Book

Lego Star Wars Books:
Save The Galaxy!
Anakin: Space Pilot 3D
Darth Maul's Mission
The Padawan Menace

Lego City Adventure Books:
Fire Truck To The Rescue
Help Is On the Way!
Calling All Cars
All Aboard!
Ready For Take Off
Build This City
City Adventures Sticker Book
Work This Farm
Fight This Fire!
Lego City Heroes!
Trucks Around The City
Escape From Lego City
3, 2, 1 Liftoff
All Hands On Deck
Fire In The Forest!
Catch That Crook!