Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Louise the Big Cheese and the La-Di-Da Shoes by Elise Primavera, illustrated by Diane Goode

Louise wants la-di-da shoes, but her mother insists on lace up brown shoes. If Louise can't have those shoes she won't be glamorous and no one will believe that she wears gold underwear!

Which Way? by Marthe Jocelyn, illustrated by Tom Slaughter

From chapters.ca:
A new book from the team of Marthe Jocelyn and Tom Slaughter, Which Way? is an invitation to explore and understand the concepts we see every day in the signs around us. Navigating the world involves many decisions. How do we know which way to go? Will we pedal or drive? Do we need a map? Will we detour to see the scenery? This colorful book takes the reader along the right path; introducing road signs, directions, stoplights, and common sights that are part of any journey.

Monday, August 30, 2010

The Sorceress by Michael Scott

From chapters.ca:
Nicholas Flamel's heart almost broke as he watched his beloved Paris crumble before him. The city was destroyed by Dee and Machiavelli, but Flamel played his own role in the destruction. Sophie and Josh Newman show every sign of being the twins of prophecy, and Flamel had to protect them and the pages from the Dark Elders. But Nicholas grows weaker with each passing day. Perenelle is still trapped in Alcatraz, and now that Scatty has gone missing, the group is without protection. Except for Clarent - the twin sword to Excalibur. But Clarent's power is unthinkable, its evil making it nearly impossible to use without its darkness seeping into the soul of whoever wields it. If he hopes to defeat Dee, Nicholas must find an Elder who can teach Josh and Sophie the third elemental magic - Water Magic. The problem? The only one who can do that is Gilgamesh, and he is quite, quite insane.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Daniel Jennewein

From chapters.ca:
Your buffalo is growing up. He plays with friends. He shares his toys. He's smart! But is he ready for kindergarten? (And is kindergarten ready for him?)

The Way We Work by David Macaulay

From chapters.ca:
In this comprehensive and entertaining resource, David Macaulay reveals the inner workings of the human body as only he could. In order to present this complicated subject in an accurate and entertaining way, he put in years of research. He sat in on anatomy classes, dissections, and even reached inside the rib cages of two cadavers to compare their spleen sizes. He observed numerous surgeries, including a ten- hour procedure where a diseased pancreas was removed, as well as one where a worn- out old knee was replaced by a brand new one. This hands- on investigation gives Macaulay a unique perspective to lead his readers on a visual journey through the workings of the human body. The seven sections within the book take us from the cells that form our foundation to the individual systems they build. Each beautifully illustrated spread details different aspects of our complex structure, explaining the function of each and offering up- close glimpses, unique cross- sections and perspectives, and even a little humor along the way. This one- of- a- kind book can serve as a reference for children, families, teachers, and anyone who has questions about how his or her body works. When readers see how David Macaulay builds a body and explains the way it works, they will come away with a new appreciation of the amazing world inside them.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Mama, is it Summer Yet? by Nikki McClure

A beautifully illustrated book about the change in the seasons as spring comes to an end and summer begins.

Same Same by Marthe Jocelyn, illustrated by Tom Slaughter

From chapters.ca:
Forget about differences! Here's a wonderful new concept book to explore and enjoy!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

While I can't say much about the actual plot of the book without giving away at least some of what happens in Catching Fire I will say that this trilogy is one of the best things I've ever read and the last installment is no exception. A page turner right from the start with incredibly realistic and well developed characters in a horrific world, I felt like I was there for the entire thing and almost hurt now that it's over.

This is essential reading!!!

Turtle's Penguin Day by Valeri Gorbachev

From chapters.ca:
Turtle is so excited by the book about penguins that his dad reads him at bedtime that he decides he wants to be a penguin. So the next morning, he creates a penguin costume, grabs his book, and heads for the school bus. His kindergarten classmates are thrilled. They all want to be penguins too! Turtle shows his book to his teacher, and all day long he and his classmates do as the penguins do - they slide down the slide on their bellies during recess, form a waddling conga line at music time, and snack on goldfish crackers. It's a super- cool penguin day. Turtle thinks he'd like to be a penguin every day. But, that night, his dad has a new book to read - and this one is all about monkeys!

Bird Child by Nan Forler, illustrated by Francois Thisdale

From chapters.ca:
Bullying and the ability to rise above it are at the heart of this strikingly beautiful picture book. All school- aged children have either bullied, been bullied, or witnessed bullying, and all too often, they feel powerless to stop what has been set in motion. Such is not the case with Eliza. Her mother has given her "wings to fly" and the ability to see all the possibilities that lie before her. So, when bullies pick on the new student, Lainey, gradually robbing her of her smile and ability to paint beautiful pictures, Eliza wants to help, and she does, by finding a way to show Lainey all that she can be.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Wemberly Worries about everything. What if no one comes to her birthday party? What if they run out of cake for the guests? What if she loses her doll? Now she's facing her biggest worry: the first day of school.

Hip Hop Dog by Chris Raschka, illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

From chapters.ca:
From top dogs Chis Raschka and Vladimir Radunsky comes an uplifting tale of canine self- reliance told in acrobatic, infectious rhyme. In an empowering story of an underdog who finds his voice and sense of self- worth through music, here is one hip dog who starts out as a dejected mutt but finds his groove - and his place in the world - through hip hop.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

43 Old Cemetery Road Book 1: Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise, illustrated by M. Sarah Klise

From chapters.ca:
Ignatius B. Grumply, the bestselling (and crotchety) author of the Ghost Tamer series, has had a mean case of writer's block for the past twenty years. Broke, and desperate to finally write his new book, he rents a quiet mansion in a small town on Old Cemetery Road. Or at least he thinks that's what he's rented. It turns out the house is already occupied - by an eleven- year- old boy named Seymour, who came with the house. It's also occupied by a very cranky ghost named Olive. Grumply is NOT happy, but an abandoned kid and a frustrated ghost may just turn out to be the perfect cure for writer's block... and loneliness. The first book in a new, younger graphic series from the Klise sisters is written in their signature style, featuring letters, drawings, newspaper clippings, pun, and, of course gruffly lovable characters. (Some living, some dead.)

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

You're Too Big! by Simon Puttock, illustrated by Emily Bolam

Elephant's friends tell him that he is too big for everything at school. He doesn't fit on the swings or the slide, he bumps his friends and gets in the way. Is there any way he can fit in with his friends?

Farley Follows His Nose by Lynn Johnston and Beth Cruikshank

As soon as his bath is over Farley smells wonderful things and sets out after them. He has quite a few adventures before he makes it home again.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Stick Man by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Alex Scheffler

From chapters.ca:
Stick Man lives in the family tree, with his Stick Lady Love and his stick children three. But one day Stick Man is separated from his family, and all he wants is to get back to them in time for Christmas. He dodges dogs, navigates rushing rivers, escapes dangerous fireplaces - but he's farther away from home than ever. When Santa arrives with his sleigh and in need of help, is it Stick Man's opportunity to save Christmas and find his way home?

Perfect Snow by Barbara Reid

From chapters.ca:
A perfect snow has fallen, and first- grader Scott and fourth- grader Jim have been daydreaming the morning away, making plans, doodling sketches of snowmen and snow forts, all in anticipation of recess and the endless possibilities of this perfect snow.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Terrific by Jon Agee

From chapters.ca:
"Terrific," says Eugene, after winning an all- expenses- paid vacation in Bermuda. "I'll probably get a really nasty sunburn." Unfortunately, Eugene's luck is a lot worse than that. First, his cruise ship sinks, then he ends up stranded on a tiny island. But Eugene isn't alone. There's another castaway, a parrot with a busted wing, who tells him what there is to eat and drink and how to build a sailboat. Cranky Eugene pays attention, and now his luck begins to change.

Timmerman was Here by Colleen Sydor, illustrated by Nicolas Debon

From chapters.ca:
Timmerman is mysterious. Moreover, he is bitterly resented by the young girl who lives in the same boardinghouse. After all, he occupies her beloved granddad's now- vacant room. How dare he think he can take that space? But try as she might, the girl cannot dislike him forever. Timmerman is kind, gentle, and soft- spoken to everyone, even the dog, who lets him untangle her matted coat. Despite herself, the girl becomes fond of him. When rumors begin to fly, she tries not to listen. But it's hard, especially when Timmerman is often seen late at night, wandering the streets with a shovel and sack over his shoulder. Is he stashing stolen goods? Burying dead cats? The girl takes a black eye for defending him at school. Even so, curiosity compels her to ask the question she knows she shouldn't ask. Though Timmerman promises an explanation in time, he avoids a direct answer and disappears shortly after, leaving the girl to worry and wonder.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

The Mitochondrial Curiosities of Marcels 1 to 19 by Jocelyn Brown

From chapters.ca:
Biology is not Drees thing. Equally heinous are English, Social Studies, her sister and mother, not to mention Edmonton in general. Toronto is where she belongs specifically the upcoming Renegade Craft Fair where, finally, her crafts will be appreciated. But escape is imminent: on her fifteenth birthday, she will get the special fund her father promised, and the day after that, shell be on WestJet Flight 233 to Toronto. Instead, her dad has a fatal heart attack, and all she finds are clues leading to the ominous Alberta Psychiatric Hospital where her parents once worked. Along the way: a couple of fatal fires, mysterious inconsistencies in the family tree, nineteen sassy sock creatures named Marcel, a new friend, a stepmother who's maybe sympathetic after all, and the unceasing misery of school. As Dree tries to unearth a mystery, and to knit herself a passing mark in science, she keeps searching for the money, and for a proper way to grieve her father. Told in a fresh and frank voice, The Mitochondrial Curiosities of Marcels 1 to 19 is a wry, adventurous, unflinching look at the trials of teenage life. Instructions for renegade crafts included.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola

From chapters.ca:
Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize and founder of the Green Belt Movement, grew up in the highlands of Kenya, where fig trees cloaked the hills, fish filled the streams, and the people tended their bountiful gardens. But over many years, as more and more land was cleared, Kenya was transformed. When Wangari returned home from college in America, she found the village gardens dry, the people malnourished, and the trees gone. How could she alone bring back the trees and restore the gardens and the people?

No T.Rex in the Library by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa

From chapters.ca:
It is Tuesday morning in the library, and T. Rex is out of control! A little girl named Tess thinks T. Rex needs some time in time- out. But if angry pirates and charging knights are no match for T. Rex, can Tess return this wild dino to the pages of history?

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Skunkdog by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Pierre Pratt

From chapters.ca:
Dumpling is a dog of enormous enthusiasm, excellent obedience skills - and no sense of smell. She doesn't care about flowers, garbage, or any of the other smelly things most dogs enjoy. As a result, Dumpling has no dog friends. With a useless nose, she can't relate. Dumpling is lonely...until she and her people move to the country. And then the good dog has to choose between obedience and friendship - with a skunk.

Pigs to the Rescue by John Himmelman

The pigs on this farm are constantly trying to be helpful, but they get a little over excited.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer

From chapters.ca:
Artemis has committed his entire fortune to a project he believes will save the planet and its inhabitants, both human and fairy. Can it be true? Has goodness taken hold of the world's greatest teenage criminal mastermind? Captain Holly Short is unconvinced, and discovers that Artemis is suffering from Atlantis Complex, a psychosis common among guilt- ridden fairies - not humans - and most likely triggered by Artemis's dabbling with fairy magic. Symptoms include obsessive- compulsive behavior, paranoia, multiple personality disorder and, in extreme cases, embarrassing professions of love to a certain feisty LEPrecon fairy. Unfortunately, Atlantis Complex has struck at the worst possible time. A deadly foe from Holly's past is intent on destroying the actual city of Atlantis. Can Artemis escape the confines of his mind - and the grips of a giant squid - in time to save the underwater metropolis and its fairy inhabitants?

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Sumo Mouse by David Wisniewski

From chapters.ca:
"Grrr!" growl the cats. "Eeek!" squeak the mice. So it goes in the battle between cat and mouse. But when feline crime hits Tokyo, an unlikely hero strikes back. He's not lean and mean. He's round and profound. He's Sumo Mouse! And he's ready to wrestle all wrongdoers. But can this champion of justice squash the sinister schemes of Dr. Claw? Or will evil pin Sumo Mouse to the mat? Caldecott- winning illustrator David Wisniewski has wrestled brightly colored papers into fun, comic book- inspired collages for this action- packed mouse tale.

A Pirate's Guide to First Grade by James Preller

From amazon.ca:
It’s the first day of first grade, and it’s all hands on deck for a young pirate and his crew. How much trouble can they get into? What will they do at recess? And, most important, what treasure awaits them at school?

Monday, August 16, 2010

A Tree is Nice by Janice May Udry, illustrated by Marc Simont

From chapters.ca:
Trees are beautiful. They fill up the sky. If you have a tree, you can climb up its trunk, roll in its leaves, or hang a swing from one of its limbs. Cows and babies can nap in the shade of a tree. Birds can make nests in the branches. A tree is good to have around. A tree is nice.

Whose Feet are These? by Claire Belmont

From chapters.ca:
Which animal has feet that are webbed, slide across the ice, or have lots of bounces in them? With the help of fun, simple clues and adorable photographs, children will learn about animals as they guess who is hiding behind each flap. Little ones will want to read all of the colorful books in the "Guess Who?" series for lots of Lift-a-Flap animal fun!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Tough Chicks by Cece Meng, illustrated by Melissa Suber

From chapters.ca:
From the moment Penny, Polly, and Molly hatch from their eggs, the whole farm knows they are truly tough chicks. They wrestle worms, rope roosters, and are often found under the hood of the tractor. All the other animals, and even the farmer himself, tell Mama Hen to make her chicks good. "They are good!" Mama Hen always replies - though even she worries that her chicks are too loud, too independent, and too tough. But when a runaway tractor threatens the farm, these tough chicks prove just how good they are. Adorable, brightly colored illustrations highlight the action and make the most of the chicks' escapades.

Robot Zot by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by David Shannon

From chapters.ca:
From the minds of Scieszka and Shannon comes a tale of a quixotic robot determined to conquer the earth. The only problem is that the earth he lands on is a suburban kitchen and he is three inches tall. Robot Zot, the fearless and unstoppable warrior, leaves a trail of destruction as he encounters blenders, toasters, and televisions. But when he discovers the princess... a pink cell phone... his mission takes a new course. Robot Zot must learn how to be a hero - in the name of true love.

And for all those who can't pronounce Scieszka, listen to this.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Endymion Spring by Matthew Skelton

From chapters.ca:
Blake is visiting Oxford with his academic mother and his kid sister. While their mum immerses herself in olde worlde volumes, Blake feels trapped in the dusty air of the college library. Until one day, Blake is running his finger along the shelf and feels something pierce his finger, drawing blood - like a bite. The book responsible is a battered old volume, with a strange clasp like a serpent's head - with real fangs. Printed on its front are two words: Endymion Spring. Its paper is almost luminous - blank, wordless, but with a texture that seems to shine, and fine veins running through it. The paper quivers, as if it's alive. And as Blake looks, words begin to appear on the page - words meant only for him; words no one else can see. The book has been waiting five- hundred years for the right boy; now it must fulfill its destiny...

Friday, August 13, 2010

Super Guinea Pig to the Rescue by Udo Weigelt, illustrated by Nina Spranger

From chapters.ca:
Little guinea pig is obsessed with his favorite TV show and with its star, Super Guinea Pig. Every day he tunes in to watch Super Guinea Pig save the world from evil and terrible disasters. And every day he ignores his friends - an old hound dog, a yellow bird, and a plump goldfish - to watch his hero. When they start making fun of little guinea pig and asking why his new best friend never visits him, he dresses up as Super Guinea Pig to teach his friends a lesson. Leaping and acting like his hero, little guinea pig gets himself into a bit of trouble and calls upon Super Guinea Pig for help. Will Super Guinea Pig rescue him or will his real friends save the day?

Stink Soup by Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Roger Roth

From chapters.ca:
Annabelle and her little brother, Willie, are spending the week at Granny's. Annabelle, who has promised to keep her brother out of trouble, can't decide which is worse: being responsible for Willie, or helping Granny prepare tomatoes - which Annabelle hates - for home canning. Willie escapes his sister's surveillance to lasso chickens and torment the goat. Annabelle, when not searching for her brother, must squish hot tomatoes for juice - and find ways to avoid tasting the finished product. But the offending fruit ends up being of unexpected benefit as Willie's devilishness reaches an all- time high.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner

From chapters.ca:
Skippyjon Jones is no ordinary kitten. Oh, no....He's actually El Skippito, a great sword- fighter ready to battle banditos the world over! With a little imagination and a whole lot of fun, this frisky cat dons a mask and cape and takes on a bad bumble- beeto to save the day. And along the way, he'll be sure to steal young reader's hearts, yes indeed-o!

The Great Poochini by Gary Clement

From chapters.ca:
By day, Signor Poochini is just like any other dog, lying about his master's living room, sleeping and eating. But when the sun goes down, he becomes the Great Poochini, the most celebrated singer in all of dog opera. One night, he is ready to make his dash for the theatre when he realizes his master has locked the window. How is he supposed to sing when he can't even leave the house? But then a cat burglar comes knocking, opening up a world of opportunity for the baritone barker. Needless to say, The Great Poochini is a hilariously imaginative work by Gary Clement. Artistically drawn with a blend of contemporary atmospheres and traditional styles, it's a delight for both parents and children.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure by Kristina Stephenson

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks is out on an adventure. Can he be braver than all his companions and get to the top of the tower?

Book of Big Brothers by Cary Fagan, illustrated by Luc Melanson

Big brothers are good for all sorts of things. They help keep you safe from bullies, they play with you, and sometimes they get you in trouble. Even if they don't get along all the time, there's nothing like the bond between brothers.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The Magician by Michael Scott

From chapters.ca:
In the second book in the New York Times bestselling series, Nicholas, Sophie, Josh, and Scatty emerge in Paris, the City of Light, home to Nicholas Flamel. Only this homecoming is anything but sweet. Niccolò Machiavelli, immortal author and celebrated art collector, lives in Paris and is working for Dr. John Dee. He's in hot pursuit, and time is running out for Nicholas and Perenell. Josh and Sophie Newman are the world's only hope....If they don't turn on each other first.

Monday, August 09, 2010

Being a Pig is Nice: A Child's-Eye View of Manners by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Dan Krall

From chapters.ca:
A book about manners, all from the point- of- view of a little girl. In her refreshingly subversive world, monkeys must always use their fingers when they eat or get in trouble, elephants are encouraged to squirt and splatter everywhere, and pig parents ask their children to get muddy before they go to bed. Of course, if you're a pig, you smell, and that's not nice. Still, the girl can see that behaving like an animal could be fun....

At Grandpa's Sugar Bush by Margaret Carney, illustrated by Janet Wilson

From chapters.ca:
For a young boy and his Grandpa, making maple syrup is an annual springtime tradition. Together the two share the hard work of tapping the trees and boiling the sap. Finally, the two share in their hard work by eating a stack of pancakes with new maple syrup. At Grandpa's Sugar Bush is a beautiful story of the closeness of family that is perfect for beginner readers.

Sunday, August 08, 2010

Goldie and the Three Bears by Diane Stanley

From chapters.ca:
In this spirited new version of "Goldilocks," we meet a determined heroine with a mind of her own. Goldie knows exactly what she likes - and what she doesn't. Can she help it if everyone she invites over is too bossy or too boring or too snobby or too rough? What she desperately wants is a friend who is just right - someone she can love with all her heart. Then one day, Goldie gets off the bus at the wrong stop, walks to a nearby cottage to find help, and opens the door...

It's a Snap! George Eastman's First Photograph by Monica Kulling, illustrated by Bill Slavin

From chapters.ca:
In 1877 in Rochester, New York, George Eastman couldn't understand why picture- taking was so difficult. Having left school at fourteen to support his mother and two sisters, George decided to find out by making photography his hobby. He packed up glass plates, a plate holder, a tent, a heavy tripod, a thick piece of black cloth, a water jug, and chemicals and set off to take his first photograph. George realized that not many people could own a camera - they were too expensive and the size of today's microwave ovens! But how could he make picture- taking easier? Eventually, George created dry plates, and they were such a success that he opened his own dry- plate company in 1881. But this was only the beginning - George went on to invent film and the Brownie camera. The rest is history.

Saturday, August 07, 2010

The Kronos Chronicles Book II: The Celestial Globe by Marie Rutkoski

In this fantastic follow up to The Cabinet of Wonders Petra's problems are far from over after the retrieval of her father's eyes. The prince is more than a little annoyed that she managed to get into his castle and pilfer his most prized possessions and he is bent on revenge.

Friday, August 06, 2010

Blue Chameleon by Emily Gravett

From chapters.ca:
He can turn himself into anything and appear to fit in anywhere, but it seems that neither the swirly snail, the green grasshopper nor the stripy sock want to be friends. Will he ever find someone to talk to? Someone just like him? With a subtle and witty interplay between words and illustrations this introduction to colours and shapes (and chameleons) is sure to delight everyone, from the youngest child upwards. Another triumph by prize- winning Emily Gravett.

All in the Family: A Look-it-up Guide to the In-laws, Outlaws, and Offspring of Mythology by Steven Otfinoski

From chapters.ca:
This fun new series offers a fascinating way to introduce youngsters to the characters in Greek mythology. Each book contains an introduction that explains the origins of mythology, an A-Z Hall of Fame featuring the key characters in each book, full profiles of each character with their amazing myths, and much more.

Thursday, August 05, 2010

There was an Old Monster by Rebecca, Adrian, and Ed Emberley

From chapters.ca:
There was an old monster who swallowed a tick. I don't know why he swallowed that tick 'Cause it made him feel sick! When he swallowed some ants, he danced in his pants. He swallowed a lizard, a bat, a jackal, and a bear. Then he tried to swallow a lion! Now that monster eats no more! Children will laugh along with the funny text, bright bold illustrations, and delightful song created by three generations of the talented Emberley family.

The Scariest Monster in the World by Lee Weatherly and Algy Craig Hall

From chapters.ca:
Meet the scary, scary monster: his fur is wild and weird, he carries a club with giant bristles, and his teeth are green and mossy because he never, ever brushes them! Worst of all, he stomps through the woods, shouting "GET OUT OF MY WAY!" And all the forest creatures do just that, hurrying and scurrying whenever they see him coming. But one day, the monster starts to hiccup - and no matter what he does, the hiccups won't stop! Will the other animals help him or will they be too afraid?

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

The Fox Went Out of a Chilly Night: An Old Song illustrated by Peter Spier

From chapters.ca:
A favorite folk song about a clever fox who outsmarts a farmer provides the text for Peter Spier's splendid and humorous illustrations of a New England autumn night in a Caldecott Honor Book. Includes music for voice, guitar, piano, and all seven verses of the song.

Frankie Works the Night Shift by Lisa Westberg Peters, illustrated by Jennifer Taylor

From chapters.ca:
While everyone else is busy dreaming Frankie is hard at work, cleaning and scheming. There's no time for rest. But here's a little secret-Frankie really seems to enjoy the night shift. Is he working hard or hardly working? Open this book and decide for yourself.
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