IRC Book Reviews

Jazz on a Saturday Night

2007-11-20T11:21:00.001-05:00

Author/Illustrator: Leo Dillion & Diane Dillon

Welcome to Saturday night at a 1940’s era jazz club; an all star lineup of jazz greats is about to perform. Uncomplicated rhyming text highlights the show providing an overview of jazz music, instrumentation, and the overall musical wonder transfixing the audience. Deep, richly colored illustrations highlight the text as double page spreads draw attention to each musician in turn. Focus moves seamlessly between audience and performer, while the deft use of color and light prove it is possible to see music, “The curtain is closed, but we still hold the glow.” While it may seem impractical to visually present jazz music, this book is up to the task. Additional information in the form of a brief introduction and brief biographies of jazz musicians are provided. An accompanying CD features the Dillon’s introducing “jazz and the instruments in this book,” as well as their original song “Jazz on a Saturday Night,” performed by Ira Ingber.

Quick catalog links: Jazz musicians - biography - juvenile literature, Jazz - History and criticism - juvenile literature, Jazz - juvenile literature, Jazz - juvenile fiction

Tags: Leo Dillon, Diane Dillon,Jazz on a Saturday Night, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

Knock, Knock

2007-11-20T09:51:00.000-05:00

Author/Illustrator: Saxton Freymon, et al.

Fourteen children's illustrators present their vision of the classic knock knock joke resulting in a fun picture book guaranteed to elicit a chuckle and smile. Each artist's joke has a set up page and corresponding answer reveaqled by turning the page; perfect for reading aloud in the classroom or for story time. Beautifully illustrated, jokes contain not only artistic humor, but each illustrators individual style and medium. All the classics are here, presented with a fresh style; from Saxton Freymann's creative food to Yumi Heo's ice cream extravaganze; from Brett Helquists' classic three little pigs to David Small's charmingly practicle blonde toddler, the jokes are definitely on us. A final question of "Who do these artists want knocking at their doors?" completes the book as each artists answer is accompanied by a self portrait. This would be a fun story starter for a language arts lesson, be prepared for some punny answers. Grades PreK - 3.

Participating Illustrators: Sophie Blackall, Henry Cole, Tomie DePaola, Saxton Freymann, Brett Helquist, Yumi Heo, Laurie Keller, Boris Kulikov, Jon J. Muth, Christopher Raschka, Peter H. Reynolds, Judy Schachner, David Small, and Dan Yaccarino

Catalog quick links: Knock-knock jokes, Wit and humor, juvenile

Tags: Saxon Freymann, Knock Knock, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

Stick

2007-09-19T10:19:00.000-05:00

Author/Illustrator: Steve Breen

The debut book of cartoonist Steve Breen, Stick, is a nearly wordless picture book chronicling the adventures of an independent young frog who likes to do things "all by himself." One afternoon his overzealous lunch selection, a large dragonfly, results in a wild adventure; flying through towns and cities, by car and by plane, Stick eventually ends up alone on a pier. Help arrives in the form of a friendly gull that flies a hungry and lonely Stick back home. Hungry from his adventure, children will be tickled with Stick’s final glowing lunch choice, a firefly. Breen's watercolor and pencil artwork is presented in comic book-like panels, as well as full double-paged spreads that move the story along at a gloriously fast pace. From ground level to a birds-eye view, Stick's journey is presented in humorous detail. A final treat, readers will be pleased at the map end papers rendering Stick's adventure. Grades K – 3.

Quick Catalog Links: Frogs -- juvenile fiction, Humorous stories -- juvenile fiction

Tags: Steve Breen, Stick, Ashland University IRC, IRC Book Reviews

Catching the Moon

2007-09-19T09:42:00.000-05:00

Author: Myla Goldberg
Illustrator: Chris Sheban

Catching the Moon is the tale of a Fisherwoman trying to stop high tide from completely eroding her neighborhood’s shacks and piers. Knowing the moon controls tides, she and her mouse concoct an ingenious plan, fishing at night to attract the Man in the Moon for help. Evening fishing expeditions result in garnering a mysterious, yet familiar, monthly guest visiting on moonless nights. She shares her plight to a sympathetic friend and one evening her fishing results in a can of shimmering paint. The Fisherwoman paints her shack and it begins to glow like the moon, holding back the tide. Illustrations, bold watercolor paints and pencils are well placed, presenting a visually appealing foil for the plain gold panel text. Use of light, in the form of Moonbeams and the night time sky, is a purveying theme. From the grimacing mouse struggling to pull in a teakettle from the sea, to the thoughtful Moon in his many disguises, each illustration is delightfully complete. Grades K - 4.

Catalog quick links: Moon -- juvenile fiction, Fishing -- juvenile

Tags: Myla Goldberg, Chris Sheban, Catching the Moon, Ashland University IRC, IRC Book Reviews

The Perfect Nest

2007-07-09T13:46:00.001-05:00

Author: Catherine Friend
Illustrator: John Manders

Jack the cat is hungry for eggs, an omelet to be precise. He determines building a perfect nest in the barn. Complete with fresh smelling hay, sumptuous pillows, food, and a welcome mat, Jack’s plan works! His perfect nest appeals to a chicken, a duck, and a goose, each of them laying an egg. Unfortunately, they refuse to leave; he tries everything, even crying wolf, to entice them to abandon their perfect nest. When eventually the idea of a better empty nest at the next farm clears the barn, Jack settles in for lunch … and the eggs hatch. Friendly hilarity ensues as the baby chicks mistake Jack for their mother chasing him around the farm. Richly colored gouache illustrations highlight Jack’s plotting, unsettling results, and a charming happily ever after inside the perfect nest. Grades PreK – 1.

Catalog quick links: Cats -juvenile fiction, Chickens - juvenile fiction, Birds - nests - juvenile fiction

Tags: Catherine Friend, John Manders, The Perfect Nest, Ashland University IRC, IRC Book reviews

Winston the Book Wolf

2007-05-14T13:38:00.000-05:00

Author: Marni McGee

Illustrator: Ian Beck

In this fractured tale Winston Wolf has somewhat of a different appetite; instead of Little Red Riding Hood or the Three Little Pigs, he favors books to eat. One day, after a particularly disruptive trip to the library, a young girl named Rosie (aptly dressed in a red jacket with a hood) tricks Winston into leaving the library and shows him a better way to feed his hunger for books. “You do not have to chew on a book to taste the wonderful words inside. Words taste even better when you eat them with your eyes!” Fluid text placement illustrates Winston devouring his new treats and soon, with Rosie’s help, a clever plan to return to the library is revealed. Book design, along with pastel toned illustrations, echoes Winston’s healthy appetite as bites are taken out of the cover, various text blocks within the book, and an assortment of page borders throughout the tale. Readers will enjoy finding other cleverly placed fairy tale characters as they follow Winston’s adventure. Grades 1 – 3.

Catalog quick links: Books and reading - juvenile fiction, Wolves - juvenile fiction, Libraries - juvenile fiction

Tags: Marni McGee, Ian Beck, Winston the Book Wolf, Ashland University, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

Courage of the Blue Boy

2007-05-14T11:40:00.000-05:00

Author / Illustrator: Robert Neubecker

Blue boy and Polly, his calf, live in a land where everything, including them, is blue. They dream of seeing other places of colors and travel to lands of yellow, purple, orange, red, pink, and green. Blue and Polly feel oddly out of place in each as the only thing blue, but soon arrive in a wondrous multi-colored city. It fills them with joy until they notice once again they are the only blue thing. Gathering his courage, Blue decides to add his own hues to the city so it will represent all colors and but enable him to remain true to self. In doing so, “He wasn’t just blue anymore. He was every color of the world.” Vibrant illustrations, done on watercolor paper and colorized by computer, are saturated with color making Blue and Polly starkly noticeable on the landscape when visiting each land. This book is a nice introduction to multiculturalism for youngsters and would be suitable for discussions regarding courage and self worth. Grades K-3.

Quick catalog links: Color - juvenile fiction, Self realization - juvenile fiction

Tags: Robert Neubecker, Courage of the Blue Boy, Ashland University, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

The Book of One Hundred Truths

2007-02-22T15:58:00.000-05:00

Author: Julie Shumacher

Boarding the plane for a summer visit with grandparents in New Jersey, Thea is given a notebook with instructions from her mother to write four truths a day; at the end of her vacation Thea will have 100 true things. Complicating this seemingly simple directive is the fact that Theodora Grumman, self proclaimed liar, has a secret. Begrudgingly balancing vacation with family obligations, Thea spends time babysitting nosy 7 year-old cousin Jocelyn and interpreting the truth. Thea’s notebook account of the girl’s initially harmless day jaunts ultimately discloses their relatives are harboring secrets; while the same entries begin to subtly reveal layers of Thea’s secret, the root of her talent for lying. Schumacher’s characters are ripe with personality; Thea is short tempered and often rude, and from eccentric aunts to annoying cousins, secondary characters are equally charming and flawed. Thea’s secret would have been better detailed outside of her notebook, but when all the lies, half-truths, and secrets are revealed, she demonstrates a maturity and understanding gained during her summer visit. Grades 4 – 6.

Quick catalog links: Honesty - juvenile fiction, Diaries - juvenile fiction

Tags: Julie Schumacher, The Book of One Hundred Truths,Ashland University, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

Not a Box

2007-02-15T16:44:00.000-05:00

Author / Illustrator: Antoinette Portis

A rabbit and his plain brown cardboard box are featured in this witty story of childhood imagination. Readers are introduced to a rabbit, starkly drawn in black and placed on an uncluttered white page, which at first glance appears to be sitting in an empty cardboard box. Turn the page and learn it is not a box, but a race car, a robot, or a pirate ship! Pages featuring drawings of rabbit’s imagination are inked in red, perfectly juxtaposed over the original box drawing, and presented on a creamy yellow background. Simple text of questions and answers allow the wonderful imagination of rabbit to be the focus of this story. Children will enjoy answering the questions in their own words as they follow rabbit on his adventure. This book definitely answers the unending adult question, “Why are you sitting in a box?” Bring in various sized boxes to class and use this book as a culminating activity. Grades: PreK - 2

Catalog quick links: Boxes - juvenile fiction, Rabbits - juvenile fiction, Imagination - juvenile fiction

Tags: Antoinette Portis, Not a Box, Ashland University, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

The End

2007-02-15T12:18:00.000-05:00

Author: David LaRochelle
Illustrator: Richard Egielski

“Once upon a time a clever princess decided to make a big bowl of lemonade.” Or so the story ends? This charming fairy tale has a unique twist; it begins with the traditional happily ever after and ends once upon a time. Led through a series of surprising events with the princess are a brave knight, a fire breathing (yet artistic) dragon, an angry giant, and a kingdom of delightful characters who all contribute as each aspect of the story is revealed. Text on each page is hand lettered calligraphy on parchment colored banners, complimenting richly colored double page spreads. Illustrations are filled with artistically whimsical good humor, deftly highlighting each separate incident; the “enormous tomato” and laughing forest of trees will surely elicit laughter. A great addition to lessons on fairy tales or a classroom read-aloud, students will enjoy predicting what might come next, “because …” Grades K-3.

Catalog quick links: Fairy tales, Fairy tale adaptations

Tags: David LaRochelle, Richard Egielski, The End, Ashland University, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

3-D ABC: A Sculptural Alphabet

2007-02-01T15:28:00.000-05:00

Author: Bob Raczka

Another entry in Bob Raczka’s Art Adventures series, this smart picture book presents the alphabet in a unique manner by utilizing photos of sculpture. Each letter of the alphabet is introduced with a simple sentence, accompanied by a corresponding piece of sculpture, and includes an art appreciation statement. Children will enjoy the visually eclectic variety of sculpture presented, especially the larger than life entries “Walking Man” in Munich, Germany, and the cover art photo of “Spoonbridge and Cherry” in Minneapolis, Minnesota (photo credits are included at the books end). While some of the items chosen may be initially misconstrued, Y is a yellow sculpture and U is an upside down piano, they in no way retract from the overall appeal of this picture book. Use this in the classroom for art appreciation, the alphabet, or just for fun. Grades K - 2.

Catalog quick links: Alphabet books, Art - juvenile literature

Tags: Bob Racaka, 3-D ABC: A Sculptural Alphabet, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

The Show-And-Tell Lion

2007-01-11T10:53:00.000-05:00

Author: Barbara Abercrombie
Illustrator: Lynne Avril Cravath

Matthew’s turn for show-and-tell arrives and he impulsively tells disbelieving classmates he has a lion. As he struggles with the truth, Matthew’s imaginary lion “Larry” begins to take on a life of his own complete with a trip to the vet and imminent move to live at the zoo. When a field trip to see Larry is proposed, Matthew reluctantly confesses to his mother. Gentle reminders of honesty are presented without hindering the importance of imagination and creativity as Matthew decides to write a story about Larry for school. Illustrations done in chalk pastel and acrylic add a comforting touch to this story and are perfect compliment for Matthew’s drawings. This would be a nice beginning of the year book for younger students. Grades PreS - 1

Catalog quick links: Honesty - juvenile fiction, Imagination - juvenile fiction, Lions - juvenile fiction, Kindergarten - juvenile fiction

Tags: Barbara Abercrombie, Lynne Avril Cravath, The Show And Tell Lion, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

Hippo! No, Rhino!

2007-01-11T09:58:00.000-05:00

Author/Illustrator: Jeff Newman

What happens if a zookeeper mislabels the rhinoceros as a hippopotamus? This whimsical book answers that question with simple, well-placed rhyming text and delightfully expressive zoo animals and visitors. Readers will be charmed by the rhino’s increasing frustration as time and time again visitors call him “hippo.” Hope arrives in the form of a young boy, entering the gloomy, overcast picture of rhino’s depression wearing bright yellow. He commiserates with rhino, replaces the incorrect sign, and saves the day. Or does he? Multifaceted mixed media illustrations of pencil and ink, watercolor, and gouache, add depth to this nearly wordless picture book. A great classroom read aloud, this tale would be a good addition to lessons on feelings or beginning art interpretation. Grades K – 2.

Catalog quick links: Rhinoceroses - juvenile fiction, Hippopotamus - juvenikle fiction, Zoos - juvenile fiction

Tags: Jeff Newman, Hippo! No, Rhino!, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

Across the Alley

2007-01-10T15:25:00.000-05:00

Author: Richard Michelson
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

A poignant story of friendship between two young boys, one Jewish and white, the other African American, highlights this tale set during a time when racial discrimination is prevalent. Willie and Abe live across the alley from each other. Unable to be friends during the day, they talk nightly through their windows, sharing secrets, hopes, and dreams. Willie, whose father once played Negro League baseball, knows how to pitch, teaches Abe to throw a splitter. Abe, who’s Grandpa was a premier violinist, shares the violin with Willie. The boy’s individual talents shine, revealing it is Willie who has an aptitude for the violin and Abe who shows promise with pitching. Soon Willie is invited to play his violin at Synagogue and Abe pitches in a baseball game. Beautifully rendered watercolor illustrations highlight a touching story of friendship without racial boundaries. Grades 1 - 4

Catalog quick links: Friendship - juvenile fiction, Baseball - juvenile fiction, Violin - juvenile fiction, African Americans - juvenile fiction, and Jews - United States -juvenile fiction

Tags: Richard Michelson, E.B. Lewis, Across the Alley, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

Wake up, Henry Rooster!

2007-01-03T12:29:00.000-05:00

Author: Margriet Ruurs
Illustrator: Sean Cassidy

Henry Rooster has a problem, he likes to stay up all night and sleep during the day. His father bemoans Henry’s odd sleeping habit, but his mother explains, “Henry’s just not a morning rooster.” One morning Henry’s father leaves for a Roosters’ Union Convention and assigns Henry the task of waking up the farmer while he is gone. Mayhem follows soon after as Henry struggles to find his own way of waking the farm at dawn without giving up late night fun. A wise old goat’s advice presents an unusual twist to the final resolution of Henry’s problem. Lively illustrations of Henry’s messy room, his gray shadowed gloomy demeanor trying to raise the sun after a particularly long night, and his fun blue sneakers worn to skateboard with the horses, are among the many humorous details that highlight this book. A fun read aloud, children will relate to Henry’s antics. Grades K – 2.

Catalog quick links: Roosters - juvenile fiction, Domestic animals - juvenile fiction, Farm life - juvenile fiction

Tags: Margriet Ruurs, Sean Cassidy, Wake up, Henry Rooster, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

Max's Words

2006-12-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

Author: Kate Banks
Illustrator: Boris Kulikov

Max is part of a collecting family, his brother Benjamin collects stamps and his other brother Karl collects coins. Neither brother wants to share, so Max decides to begin his own hobby; he is going to collect words. As the collection takes form and substance, the words soon overflow Max’s desk to the floor and beyond, becoming a story. Text of each word chosen is highlighted with a bold, dark font, and the matching cutouts strewn gleefully across the page with the word baseball in the shape of a baseball bat, ice cream beginning with an ice cream cone, and hungry shown with a strategically placed bite. Illustrations enhance the developing story; at the beginning a forlorn Max is separated from the richly colored scenes of his brother’s collections. On subsequent pages, Max is a focal point, cleverly placed with his scissors and small words around him. Individual words become sentences and each sentence part of the story; illustrations are more vibrant, filling the page. A story about collecting becomes a story in itself, something children will thoroughly enjoy. This book would be a great introduction to creative writing in the classroom. Grades K-3.

Catalog quick links: Language and Languages juvenile fiction, Storytelling juvenile fiction, Collectors and collecting juvenile fiction

Tags: Kate Banks, Boris Kulikov, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC book reviews

Bad Boy's Get Cookie

2006-12-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

Author: Margie Palatini
Illustrator: Henry Cole

Bad boys Willy and Wally Wolf are back for another adventure and this time they want cookies! To satisfy their sweet tooth cravings the boys pose as private eyes, from the firm Dewey-Ketchum and Howe, to help Mr. Baker locate his recently escaped gingerbread cookie. Cole’s colorful illustrations highlight the ensuing mayhem as Willy and Wally track down the cookie in true Gingerbread Man fashion. Children will enjoy the cookie’s repetitive refrain, “Na-na-ni-na-na! Lookee! Lookee! You can’t get me I’m one smart cookie!” Eagle-eyed readers will recognize the boy’s Hansel and Gretel-like disguise as the cookie, the story, and maybe Willy and Wally, come to an end. Grades 2 – 4.

Catalog quick links: Cookies - juvenile fiction, Wolves - juvenile fiction, Gingerbread - juvenile fiction, Gingerbread - folklore, Fairy Tales

Tags: Margie Palatini, Henry Cole, Bad Boys Get Cookie, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC Book Reviews

Time Warp Trio: Nightmare on Joe's Street

2006-11-08T16:07:00.000-05:00

Author: Zachary Rau
Created by: Jon Scieszka

Nightmare on Joe’s Street is a graphic novel adaptation of the popular Time Warp Trio cartoon series. The story begins with a series character introduction along with a description and synopsis of the time warp device, a book, and a listing of “special guest stars” for the episode. In this episode, the monster appears in Joe’s house looking for his creator. Sam and Joe decide to warp back to the nineteenth century and return Frankenstein to Mary Shelley. Along the way the boys meet Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Lord Byron as they use music to sooth the savage monster, prevent history from changing, and locate their lost book to return home successfully. Color illustrations appear to be screen shots of the television series and perform well in graphic novel format. Fans of Scieszka’s Time Warp book series may prefer the originals; this offering may appeal to a new group of readers as well as fans of the television show. Grades 3 – 6.

Internet Links:

Quick catalog links: Graphic novels, Jon Scieszka, Time Warp Trio

Tags: Jon Scieszka, Zachary Rau, Nightmare on Joe's Street,Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC Book Reviews

Chowder

2006-11-08T11:02:00.000-05:00

Author/Illustrator: Peter Brown

Chowder is a distinctly different kind of bulldog. “His owners liked to think of him as quirky, but most people thought he was just plain weird.” Regarded as part of the family, Chowder responds in kind enjoying the computer instead of playing catch. Other neighborhood pets do not understand him; Chowder longs for friends and to fit in. One afternoon the lonely bulldog spies a billboard through his “far-out stellarscope” advertising a local supermarket’s newest feature, a petting zoo. Since he has been told he belongs in a zoo, Chowder is excited to meet new friends. Surreal, yet engaging acrylic and pencil illustrations draw attention to Chowder’s quest for acceptance and highlighted text throughout draws attention to specific story elements on each page. An interesting take on individuality, young readers will enjoy the conclusion that being different may open doors to new experiences. Grades 1 – 3.

Catalog quick links: Dogs - juvenile fiction, Animals - juvenile fiction

Tags: Peter Brown, Chowder,Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC Book Reviews

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

2006-10-30T12:44:00.000-05:00

Fourteen children’s book artists answer the age old question, “Why did the chicken cross the road?” and embellish greatly concerning what is on the other side. Each artist has a double page spread, illustrating his or her artistic interpretation on the query with spectacular results. Though not a wordless picture book, text is sparse and well placed. From John Agee’s chicken and possum to Chris Sheban’s baseball game gone awry, from the chicken eating in David Catrow’s “Diner Across the Road” to Christopher Raschka’s chicken questioning the sphinx, each illustration is unique to the artist, rich, colorful, and humorous. The book ends with a “Scoop from the Coop” where a question of a different kind is asked of each artist: “Why did the artist cross the road?” Students would enjoy using their own artistic talents to answer the same question. Grades 1 – 4.

Other books by the contributing illustrators:

Quick catalog links: Wit and humor juvenile, Riddles juvenile, Riddles juvenile fiction

Tags: Why Did The Chicken Cross the Road?, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC Book Reviews

Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make a Difference!

2006-10-30T12:21:00.000-05:00

Author: Lynne Truss
Illustrator: Bommie Timmons

“Commas can create havoc when they are left out or are put in the wrong spot, and the results of misuse can be hilarious.” This smart picture book takes a unique look at commas and the important function they provide in English language sentence structure. Each set of pages displays the same sentence with and without commas, or with commas placed in strategically different positions. Cartoon illustrations accompany the text, providing witty representations of both sentences and aptly displaying the different meanings resulting from comma placement. In one set of pages sure to get a laugh, you see people outside of a gas station filling up their cars, “Eat here, and get gas.” The corresponding page depicts a restaurant serving beans, “Eat here and get gas.” Truss provides an introduction to the text, as well as explanations at the end regarding all the sentence structures used. Grades 1 – 4.

Language Arts, see also:

Tags: Eats, Shoots & Leaves, Lynne Truss, Bonnie Timmons, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC Book Reviews

Alphabet Explosion! Search and Count from Alien to Zebra

2006-10-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

Author / Illustrator: John Nickle

Not just another alphabet book, this captivating title combines the alphabet with a visual treasure hunt. Each page features a single letter, a collection of things beginning with that letter, and a numerical clue. For example, “S” has 47 items pictured including a snake, snail, squirrel in a show on skis, and a sheep wearing socks. Acrylic and spray paint illustrations range from lush representations of animals to simple pen and ink drawings, all clean and crisp making the items easy to find. Instructions and tips are present at the beginning of the book and a book ending answer key provides relief with explanations of each page. This would be a great rainy day activity for the whole class; some of the more difficult pages may require a collaborative effort. Grades 1-4.

Catalog quick links: Alphabet books
Read alikes: Walter Wick, Joan Steiner

Tags: Alphabet Explosion, John Nickle, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC Book Reviews

Around the House the Fox Chased the Mouse: A Prepositional Tale

2006-10-27T09:33:00.000-05:00

Author: Rick Walton
Illustrator: Jim Bradshaw

A rousing chase between fox and mouse, enhanced by colorful, cartoon like illustrations, teaches students simple prepositions. Throughout the story each page portrays a preposition and accompanying illustration ingeniously support the phrase. Text is simple and effective with the preposition highlighted using a bold, colorful font. Students will enjoy the comical reactions of observing farm animals and the double page spread for the word “until” is priceless! A surprise twist at the end tops off this story and begs rereading. This book could be just for fun, but is a nice classroom introduction to prepositions for young children and a possible refresher for older students. Grades 1 – 3

Quick catalog links: English language prepositions juvenile literature, Foxes pictorial works juvenile fiction.

Tags: Around the House the Fox Chased the Mouse, Rick Walton, Jim Bradshaw, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC Book Reviews

Leapholes

2006-10-17T10:33:00.000-05:00

Author: James Grippando

One afternoon while out riding his bike, Ryan Coolidge is hit by an ambulance and taken to the hospital. After faking amnesia, wanting to be anonymous and tired of being infamous, Ryan escapes a hospital fire along with five other people by stumbling mistakenly into a top secret facility. By entering this facility, they are infected with "BODS" or Blood Oxygen Depletion syndrome. The good news, a prototype vaccine exists that may offer a cure. The bad news, six people need the vaccine and only five vials are available. Everyone agrees to draw lots with the person choosing the short straw not getting the vaccine; a veritable death sentence. Ryan’s friend Kaylee chooses the short straw and his subsequent decision to mix the five vials and evenly distribute the vaccine to save everyone has immediate repercussions as he must now defend himself against charges of manslaughter.

Assigned a lawyer, Hezekiah, Ryan is given the opportunity to research his case via the use of leapholes. Hezekiah is a member of a secret society, Legal Eagles, who earn leapholes by closing inappropriate law loopholes. Earned by closing a loophole, leapholes facilitate traveling through time enabling Legal Eagles to learn first hand of historically relevant court cases. Included within the book are cases such as the William Brown (who lives, who dies), Dred Scott ("the brood follows the dam"), the Underground Railroad, and abolitionists. Cases are presented without embellishment, offering readers an opportunity to understand more than bald facts presented in court. Journeying with Ryan and his friends makes it easier to comprehend how laws actually shaped what happened historically.

Leapholes concludes with discussion questions for classroom use and a note from the author concerning the historical accuracy of cases presented. An appealing afterward presents comments from well-known authors and lawyers regarding their decisions to enter into law. With read-aloud potential, this book would be a great selection for social-studies or history units covering the civil war and slavery. Grades 5-9

Catalog quick links: Law United States Juvenile Fiction, Lawyers juvenile fiction

Tags: Leapholes, James Grippando, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC Book Reviews

Are You Quite Polite? Silly, Dilly, Manners Songs

2006-10-05T11:12:00.000-05:00

Author: Alan Katz
Illustrator: David Catrow

Not your traditional book on manners and etiquette, this recent entry in the Silly Dilly book series is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Catrow’s delightfully irreverent watercolor and ink illustrations add just the right touch to each poetic entry and are guaranteed to induce a fit of the giggles. Katz’s limericks are flawlessly set to such well known childhood songs as “Alouette” for Writing Thank-Yous, and “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” for Quiet in the Library. This is a book that begs to be sung and is a definite starter for lessons on good, and bad, manners. Grades K-3.

Catalog quick links: Children's songs - United States - Texts, Humorous songs texts, Manners and customs - juvenile literature, Etiquette for children and teenagers

Tags: Are You Quite Polite?, Alan Katz, David Catrow, Ashland University, Ashland University Library, Ashland University Library IRC, IRC Book Reviews