Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Three Minute Tales: Stories From Around the World to Tell or Read When Time is Short by Margaret Read MacDonald

From chapters.ca:
Anyone who teaches, leads, or speaks in public has had the experience of needing to fill short amounts of time in order to hold the attention of the group. The challenge is familiar to Margaret Read MacDonald, who for thirty- five years told stories weekly to preschoolers. MacDonald has assembled 100 simple, short, pithy tales for all occasions holidays, history or nature walks, public speaking and media appearances, and especially for the classroom.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

From chapters.ca:
Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Ms. Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments - and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns he does have something to say.

Sequel: Hate That Cat

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Knock Knock by Various Authors

Similar in style to Why did the Chicken Cross the Road?, this book of knock knock jokes is illustrated by a number of different illustrators and can be enjoyed by all ages.

What is Peace by Emma Damon

A simple lift the flap book about what peace means to different people.

Little Beauty by Anthony Browne

From chapters.ca:
With his hyper- realistic artwork full of striking detail, the award- winning Anthony Browne tells a story of an unlikely friendship. Once there was a very special gorilla who had almost everything he needed. There was only one thing he didn’t have: a friend. With no other gorillas at the zoo, the keepers try something new. Will the gigantic ape strike a bond with another sort of creature, one as tiny and innocent as a kitten? Sparked by the story of a real gorilla who learned to sign, Little Beauty is a celebration of a most surprising friendship.

Cat by Matthew Van Fleet, photos by Brian Stanton

Similar to his book, Dog, Cat is an amazing pop up, touchy feely, book about cats.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart

From chapters.ca:
The fabulous foursome readers embraced as The Mysterious Benedict Society is back with a new mission, significantly closer to home. After reuniting for a celebratory scavenger hunt, Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance are forced to go on an unexpected search - a search to find Mr. Benedict. It seems that while he was preparing the kids' adventure, he stepped right into a trap orchestrated by his evil twin Mr. Curtain.

With only one week to find a captured Mr. Benedict, the gifted foursome faces their greatest challenge of all--a challenge that will reinforce the reasons they were brought together in the first place and will require them to fight for the very namesake that united them.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Knucklehead by Jon Scieszka

From chapters.ca:
How did Jon Scieszka get so funny, anyway? Growing up as one of six brothers was a good start, but that was just the beginning. Throw in Catholic school, lots of comic books, lazy summers at the lake with time to kill, babysitting misadventures, TV shows, jokes told at family dinner, and the result is Knucklehead. Part memoir, part scrapbook, this hilarious trip down memory lane provides a unique glimpse into the formation of a creative mind and a free spirit.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Mr. Chickee's Funny Money by Christopher Paul Curtis

From chapters.ca:
Mr. Chickee, the genial blind man in the neighbourhood, gives 9- year- old Steven a mysterious bill with 15 zeros on it and the image of a familiar but startling face. Could it be a quadrillion dollar bill? Could it be real? Well, Agent Fondoo of the U.S. Treasury Department and his team of Secret Government Agents are determined to get that money back! But Steven and his best friends, Russell and Zoopy the giant dog, are more than a match for the Feds. After all, Steven is the president of the Flint Future Detectives Club, and the inventor of fantastic spying and detecting equipment such as the Snoopeeze 9000!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Jack London's Dog by Dirk Wales, illustrated by Barry Moser

From chapters.ca:
In 1897 Jack London went to the Gold Rush in the Yukon. This was to be a harsh time in the North Country with 100,000 men from all over America as well as other countries who came to strike it rich. However, Jack London landed just as the fall "freeze up" came and no one could pan for gold until spring. While waiting to strike it rich, London stayed with other men on Split Up Island. There he met the dog of another man. The dog's name was also Jack, and he and London became friends. When the thaw came in the Spring and it was time to pan for gold, London was ill and had to return to San Francisco. As a result of his experiences in the raw north country, he would write Call Of The Wild. He used his friend Jack as a model for Buck, Dog of the North. Call Of The Wild immediately became a hit in American and London the most popular author.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

From chapters.ca:
Fourteen- year- old Maximum Ride, better known as Max, knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the "Flock" - Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel - are just like ordinary kids - only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time - like when Angel, the youngest member of the "Flock," is kidnapped and taken back to the "School" where she and the others were genetically engineered by sinister scientists. Her friends brave a journey to Death Valley, CA, to save Angel, but soon enough, they find themselves in yet another nightmare - this one involving fighting off the half- human, half- wolf "Erasers" in New York City. Whether in the treetops of Central Park or in the bowels of the Manhattan subway system, Max and her adopted family take the ride of their lives. Along the way Max discovers from her old friend and father- figure Jeb - now her betrayer and greatest enemy - that her purpose is save the world - but can she?

Monday, March 23, 2009

Baby Bites by Bridget Swinney

From chapters.ca:
Finally, it's all in one book. Parents used to need an entire bookshelf to feed one baby and now everything you need to know about feeding your infant and toddler is available in one book. This unique book- part nutritional guide, part recipe book- helps parents understand their baby's nutritional needs and prepare tasty food that encourages healthy eating habits. This helpful guide includes detailed information on both breastfeeding and formula- feeding, a chapter explaining how a baby's digestion works, including tips for dealing with digestive challenges like illness, allergies, intolerances, and reflux, tips to help caregivers maintain baby's healthy diet when parents return to work, and much more.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Zorgamazoo by Robert Weston

From chapters.ca:
Are you a believer in fanciful things? In pirates and dragons and creatures and kings? Then sit yourself down in a comfortable seat, with maybe some cocoa and something to eat, and I'll spin you the tale of Katrina Katrell, a girl full of courage (and daring, as well!), who down in the subway, under the ground, saw something fantastical roaming around...What was it she saw? I'd rather not say. (Who's ever heard of a Zorgle, anyway?) But if you are curious, clever and brave, if intrepid adventure is something you crave, then open this book and I'll leave it to you to uncover the secret of ZORGAMAZOO!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

1-2-3 Magic for Kids: Helping Your Children Understand The New Rules by Thomas W. Phelan and Tracy M. Lewis

From chapters.ca:
By presenting the popular 1-2-3 Magic parenting program from a child’s point of view, this innovative guide provides kids with a thorough understanding of the disciplinary system — from the counting and time- out methods parents will be using to how better behaviour benefits the entire family and leaves more time for play. Storytelling portions are coupled with copious illustrations to help describe the basic tenets of 1-2-3 Magic — such as positive reinforcement, charting, and the docking system — while a question- and- answer section outlines common situations, including What if I don’t go to my room? Will I still be counted if I have a friend over? and What kinds of things can we do for one- on- one fun? Crossword puzzles, word searches, and journal suggestions further encourage children to apply what they’ve learned about the methods.

Friday, March 20, 2009

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

From chapters.ca:
Ted and Kat watched their cousin Salim board the London Eye. But after half an hour it landed and everyone trooped off– except Salim. Where could he have gone? How on earth could he have disappeared into thin air? Ted and his older sister, Kat, become sleuthing partners, since the police are having no luck. Despite their prickly relationship, they overcome their differences to follow a trail of clues across London in a desperate bid to find their cousin. And ultimately it comes down to Ted, whose brain works in its own very unique way, to find the key to the mystery. This is an unput- downable spine- tingling thriller – a race against time.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Graphic Novel Jack and the Beanstalk retold by Blake A. Hoena, illustrated by Ricardo Tercio

A graphic retelling of the classic fairy tale, Jack and the Beanstalk.

The Life of Anne Frank by Nicholas Saunders

From chapters.ca:
On July 6, 1942, when Anne Frank was only 13 years old, her whole world turned upside down. On that day, Anne and her family entered a secret apartment in an attempt to hide from Nazi soldiers. Anne did not leave that apartment for two years, fearful of being captured and sent to a Nazi concentration camp. Anne's story is one of bravery and sacrifice, just one example of the Jewish strength under Nazi rule during World War II.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Science Fair by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

From chapters.ca:
Toby Harbinger, an eighth grader at Hubble Middle School near Washington, D.C., is in big trouble. He made the mistake of selling his dad's priceless original Star Wars blaster to a lunatic who thinks he's Darth Vader and travels with a large, hairy sidekick known as the Wookiee. Now the lunatic wants more from Toby, whose only hope of getting out of this mess is to win first prize at the school science fair: $5,000. But others want the prize too - a group of rich students and their super- ambitious, high- powered parents, who will stop at nothing to see their spoiled kids win. What these parents don't know is that an evil mastermind is using them to get hold of top- secret military technology as part of a fiendish plan to destroy the United States.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The Three Robbers by Tomi Ungerer

From chapters.ca:
First published in 1962, this classic has delighted readers around the world for generations. Unavailable in English for years, this international bestseller is now reissued in a lovely new edition.

My Penguin Osbert in Love by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, illustrated by H. B. "Buck" Lewis

From chapters.ca:
Joe couldn't be more surprised to find his friend Osbert knocking at his front door — AWOL from the zoo — with an invitation to a South Pole extravaganza under his wing. Since penguins can't fly, and Joe has a helicopter from Santa, the boy is soon piloting a bunch of penguins on a long journey south. But when Osbert ignores the southern lights and only has eyes for a penguin named Aurora, Joe starts to worry. Will he ever get back in time for his own family's midwinter bash?

Hieronymus Betts and His Unusual Pets by M. P. Robertson

From chapters.ca:
Hieronymus Betts certainly has some very unusual pets. All of his pets are gruesome and disgusting but Hieronymus knows of something slimier than Slugapotamus, fiercer than the grizzly hare and greedier than the sabre- toothed Rhino Toad! Dare you read this book to find out?

The Boy Who Went Ape by Richard Jesse Watson illustrated by Benjamin James Watson

From chapters.ca:
What would happen on a class trip if the worst behaved boy in the class accidentally traded places with a chimp at the zoo? As the class continues on its field trip through town, the chimp's behaviour as a 'boy' becomes increasingly hilarious. The stern teacher doesn't realize the switch, but she gets fed up with the misbehaviour and antics. Children will laugh aloud as the chimp wreaks havoc at the grocery store, library, and bank. Meanwhile, back at the zoo, the boy is having a very different day!

Monday, March 16, 2009

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

From chapters.ca:
When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance. But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes

From amazon.ca:
A spare, patterned text and glowing pictures explore the origins of light that make a house a home in this bedtime book for young children. Naming night time things that are both comforting and intriguing to preschoolers a key, a bed, the moon. This timeless book illuminates a reassuring order to the universe.

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

From chapters.ca:
Little Sal and Little Bear both lose their mothers while eating blueberries and almost end up with the other's mother.

Spark the Firefighter by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Amanda Haley

From chapters.ca:
When the town of Hardscrabble placed an ad for a new firefighter, they never expected a dragon to apply. But Spark wants the job because he has a secret. He's afraid of fire...and that's not good when you are a fire- breathing dragon Spark knows the only way to conquer your fear is by facing it. A fun- filled tale with plenty of fire safety tips.

Yum Yum! What Fun! by Mara Bergman, illustrated by Nick Maland

From chapters.ca:
Creak, crack, creak, crack.
There's a mysterious noise in the house, but Katie and James and their little dog, Harry, are too busy cooking up something delicious to notice.
Crash Bash Crash Bash
Everyone heard that noise...What could it be? Katie and James and their little dog, Harry, are happy to share their snacks with anyone who drops by...but what if this boisterous surprise guest wants to snack on them instead?
Yum, Yum

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Skim by Mariko Tomaki, illustrated by Jillian Tomaki

From chapters.ca:
The time is the early 1990s, the setting a girls' academy in Toronto. Enter "Skim," aka Kimberly Keiko Cameron, a not- slim, would- be Wiccan goth. When her classmate Katie Matthews is dumped by her boyfriend, who then kills himself, the entire school goes into mourning overdrive. It's a weird time to fall in love, but Skim does just that after secret meetings with her neo- hippie English teacher, Ms. Archer. When Ms. Archer abruptly leaves the school, Skim has to cope with her confusion and isolation, as her best friend, Lisa, tries to pull her into "real" life by setting up a hilarious double date for the school's semi- formal. Skim finds an unexpected ally in Katie. Suicide, depression, love, being gay or not, crushes, cliques of popular, manipulative peers - the whole gamut of tortured teen life is explored in this masterful graphic novel by cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Thirty Days has September: Cool Ways to Remember Stuff

From chapters.ca:
Packaged like the New York Times bestselling Best at Everything series, this informative guide is full of tips and tricks for remembering everything from math and spelling rules to tricky science, history, and geography facts. A lovely gift from parent to child and a perfect learning companion to help any student who has ever struggled to remember his multiplication tables, the spelling of the word "Mississippi," or the names of the nine planets.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson

From chapters.ca:
A hero with an incredible talent - for breaking things. A life or death mission - to rescue a bag of sand. A fearsome threat from the powerful secret network that rules the world - the evil librarians. Alcatraz Smedry doesn't seem destined for anything but disaster. But on his thirteenth birthday, he receives a bag of sand, and his life takes a bizarre turn. This is no ordinary bag of sand - and it is quickly stolen by the cult of evil Librarians who are taking over the world by spreading misinformation and suppressing the truth. The sand will give the evil Librarians the edge they need to achieve world domination. Alcatraz must stop them all - by infiltrating the local library, armed with nothing but eyeglasses and a talent for klutziness.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Tillie Lays an Egg by Terry Golson, photos by Ben Fink

From chapters.ca:
Unlike the other hens at Little Pond Farm, Tillie isn't one to wait her turn to lay her eggs. And she's certainly not one to stay cooped up all day. Off she goes! Author Terry Golson and photographer Ben Fink invite you to join Tillie on her first eggs- straordinary adventure. Come along as she explores the cozy world of Little Pond Farm - and lays her eggs in the unlikeliest of places!

When Royals Wore Ruffles: A Funny and Fashionable Alphabet by Chesley McLaren, illustrated by Pamela Jaber

From chapters.ca:
In this hilarious, fascinating trip through fashion history, a little girl goes back in time and meets a cast of characters wearing the latest trends. In B, we see Bustles, in H there’s sky- high hats (and hair!) and, in S, well, you won’t believe the shoes. And when the girl finishes her stylish trip — with Y for You and Your own Zany style — she puts on a fashion show for the people she’s met. From fashionistas Chesley McLaren and Pamela Jaber comes an informative look at outrageous styles and how they came to be. With tidbits, anecdotes, and laugh- out- loud styles, this is the perfect picture book for fashion lovers everywhere.

What Aunts/Uncles do Best by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger


From chapters.ca:
Aunts can do lots of things, like take you on rides at the amusement park, tell silly jokes, and help you pick out new shoes at the mall. There are so many things that aunts do, but what do they do best? You'll find out in this delightful celebration of the everyday things that aunts do best. Uncles can do lots of things, like win prizes for you at the amusement park, play the piano with you, and help you draw. There are so many things that uncles can do, but what do they do best? You'll find out in this delightful celebration of the everyday things that uncles do best.

What Daddies/Mommies do Best by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger


From chapters.ca:
This charming book, really two books back- to- back, shows preschoolers that mothers and fathers are equally important and equally special. Five different animal pairs demonstrate the skills that mothers possess - turn the book over and children see fathers doing the same things, in their own way. Children from any kind of family will be able to relate to the familiar domestic scenes portrayed with plenty of whimsy and warmth.

Piglet and Papa by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Stephen Michael King

From chapters.ca:
For all children who have wondered what their parents are thinking, this warmly illustrated book is perfect for bedtime and story hour. Piglet feels a little insecure. She has upset her papa. Does that mean he no longer loves her? Horse, Sheep, Donkey, Duck, and Dog all tell her that they love her, but they know someone who loves her a million times more! Who can it be? In this affectionate barnyard tale, Piglets loving relationship with her papa will comfort every child who has ever been naughty to get attention.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

The Boggart by Susan Cooper

From chapters.ca:
When Emily and Jess Volnik's family inherits a remote, crumbling Scottish castle, they also inherit the Boggart - an invisible, mischievous spirit who's been playing tricks on residents of Castle Keep for generations. Then the Boggart is trapped in a rolltop desk and inadvertently shipped to the Volniks' home in Toronto, where nothing will ever be the same - for the Volniks or the Boggart. In a world that doesn't believe in magic, the Boggart's pranks wreak havoc. And even the newfound joys of peanut butter and pizza and fudge sauce eventually wear thin for the Boggart. He wants to go home - but his only hope lies in a risky and daring blend of modern technology and ancient magic.

Monday, March 09, 2009

Ramp Rats by Liam O'Donnell, illustrated by Michael Deas

From chapters.ca:
Fresh from his adventures in Wild Ride, Marcus is back and helping his cousin, Bounce, learn to skate. Between learning how to ollie and do a 50- 50 grind, Bounce and his friends also have to avoid the skate- park goons and take on the outlaw bikers who are terrorizing the small town. Excitement, action and some radical skating tips. Hang on for another wild ride!

Bad Kitty Gets a Bath by Nick Bruel

From chapters.ca:
Bad Kitty is back (and badder than ever)! When she is forced to take a bath in this hysterical new illustrated how- to for young readers. The following are some items you will need for Kitty's bath: one bathtub, plenty of water, dry towels, a suit of armour, a letter to your loved ones, clean underwear (because stressful situations can cause "accidents"), an ambulance in your driveway with the engine running, and, oh, yeah, you'll also need Kitty...but good luck with that! Since its publication in 2005, Bad Kitty has captured the hearts of cat lovers and haters alike. This time Kitty is at her worst in this riotous how- to guide filled with bad smells, cautionary tales of horror, and hopefully by the end...some soap. The funniest of any of Kitty's adventures, though don't tell her that.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Sing a Song of Tuna Fish by Esme Raji Codell

From chapters.ca:
Like any fifth grader, Esme Raji Codell spends her days at her school, in her neighbourhood, and with her family. But this small world provides rich material for these hilarious, moving, and engrossing stories. Esme tells us about the night she and her mother became egg vigilantes against an illegally parked car; her freewheeling first school, where kids sat on sofas instead of at desks and could choose disco dancing instead of math; and her dangerous neighbourhood, which her father made seem friendly and wondrous. In this childhood memoir, Esme demonstrates her gift for making the ordinary extraordinary, and the unusual familiar.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Doctor's Meow's Big Emergency by Sam Lloyd

From chapters.ca:
Doctor Meow's Big Emergency is the first in a series of books which all take place in the friendly Whoops- a- Daisy world. In this exciting adventure, Tom Cat has hurt his leg, and Doctor Meow must help him right away. Doctor Meow and her helpers are good neighbours, and good friends, too! Sam Lloyd's humorous, brightly coloured art is thoroughly kid- friendly, and will appeal to fans of Curious George, Richard Scarry, and other children's classics. Each book will feature a different character, but all of the characters reappear throughout the series, so kids can return to their favourite friends in various books. Stay tuned for the second instalment from Whoops- a- Daisy World, Chief Rhino to the Rescue!

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Patrick Benson

From chapters.ca:
Three baby owls awake one night to find their mother gone, and they can’t help but wonder where she is. What is she doing? When will she be back? What scary things move all around them? Martin Waddell’s tender text and Patrick Benson’s stunning illustrations capture the anxious little owls as they worry - and the joyous flapping, dancing, and bouncing that greet their mother’s return.

The Family Book by Tod Parr

From chapters.ca:
There are so many different types of families, and The Family Book celebrates them all in a funny, silly, and reassuring way. Parr includes adopted families, step- families, one- parent families, and families with two parents of the same sex, as well as the traditional nuclear family. His quirky humour and bright, childlike illustrations will make children feel good about their families. Parents and teachers can use this book to encourage children to talk about their families and the different kinds of families that exist.

Snappy Little Families by Dugald Steer, illustrated by Derek Matthews

From chapters.ca:
Renowned for their bold graphics, simple clean design, engaging rhyming text, and large stunning pop- ups on each spread, Snappy books are a favourite among youngsters ages three to five. Brightly illustrated by Derek Matthews, the Snappies have been a children's literary phenomenon for more than four years. It's time to meet the families in Snappy Little Families. Readers go on a fun- filled journey around the world to see a baby penguin sitting on Daddy's feet, watch chameleon babies change colour, and more. It's a pop- up book that will make children gasp with glee!

Stanley's Wild Ride by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Bill Slavin

From chapters.ca:
Stanley's Party may have come to an end...but our favourite party animal's back and ready to roll! Stanley knows he's not supposed to leave the yard, but he's dog- tired of it. So when he discovers a way out...he's gone! A few escapes later, five dogs are on the lam. And with Stanley in the lead, they're off to have the kind of fun you can't find in a yard - chasing tomcats, sampling tasty garbage and soaking fire hydrants. Then, late at night, atop the steepest hill in town, they come upon a mysterious wheeled...thing. And before you can say "Hot dog!" Stanley's off on the ride of a lifetime!

Friday, March 06, 2009

Warriors by Erin Hunter

From chapters.ca:
For generations, four clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to the laws laid down by the powerful ancestors. But the warrior code is threatened, and the ThunderClan cats are in grave danger. The sinister ShadowClan grows stronger every day. Noble warriors are dying - and some deaths are more mysterious than others.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

The Little Elephant With The Big Earache by Charlotte Cowan, MD, illustrated by Elaine Garvin

From chapters.ca:
After a busy afternoon of making mud castles with his cousins, little Eddie awakens at night with a terrible earache. His mother takes excellent care of him and Dr. Hippo reassures them both the next day. Will Eddie recover in time for his birthday party?

The Moose With Loose Poops by Charlotte Cowan, MD, illustrated by Penelope Neal

From chapters.ca:
Four year old Miles develops a tummy ache while on a family picnic in Maine. His planned camping trip with Papa (complete with canoeing and fishing) is postponed when throwing up (oops!) and diarrhea (loose poops) develop. Mama, Papa and Lucy Moose take excellent care of Miles at home helped by their kindly pediatrician, Dr. Hippo. Of course, Miles recovers in time to camp with Papa under a special, star filled sky.

A Very Special Snowflake by Don Hoffman, illustrated by Todd Dakins

From chapters.ca:
Snowflake, the puppy, disappears as her white fur blends right into a mound of snow. Young children can search for Snowflake in each delightful illustration!
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