Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart


Join the Mysterious Benedict Society as Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance embark on a daring new adventure that threatens to force them apart from their families, friends, and even each other. When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, the foursome must unravel clues relating to a nefarious new plot, while their search for answers brings them closer to danger than ever before. Filled with page- turning action and mind- bending brain teasers, this wildly inventive journey is sure to delight.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O'Malley

From Publisher's Weekly:
Scott Pilgrim is 23 years old, lives in a cold, unnamed Canadian town, plays bass in a band called Sex Bob-Omb and has a very cute 17- year- old Chinese- Canadian girlfriend, Knives Chau. His "precious little life" is amiably unstructured, and he drifts, happily unemployed, between band practice and time spent with Knives. His relationship with Knives is chaste— walks, chats and hugs— although Knives is getting bigger ideas. "We haven't even held hands," Scott explains. "It's just nice, you know." But then he starts having dreams about Ramona Flowers, a mysterious, equally cute and perfectly legal hipster chick on Rollerblades who delivers books for Amazon.com. Ramona is anything but simple, and O'Malley's tale of adorable slackers in love is transformed into a wildly magically manga– kung fu fantasy adventure. We meet the first of Ramona's seven evil ex- boyfriends, Matthew Patel, who challenges Scott and his band to a supernatural martial arts duel right out of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. O'Malley has crafted a delightfully hybrid comics love story. It's an alt- lit, rock 'n' roll graphic novel with wonderful manga- influenced drawing and a comically mystical plot that manages to capture both the genuine intimacies and serial dishonesties of young love.

When the Silliest Cat was Small by Gilles Bachelet

From chapters.ca:
In this sequel to the sleeper hit My Cat, the Silliest Cat in the World, Bachelet recounts choosing his cat as a kitten, and how the cat got used to living with him.

On Our Way Home by Sebastien Braun

From chapters.ca:
This warm and heartfelt picture book celebrates the love between father and child. Together, Daddy Bear and Baby Bear walk through the forest, racing and resting and gazing at wonderful things on the way: golden leaves falling from the trees, the big yellow sun going down, and beautiful stars twinkling overhead. When they arrive home, Daddy tucks his sleepy little bear into bed with a kiss and a cuddle. With its gentle, simple text and lovely art, On Our Way Home is the perfect bedtime story.

Easy as Pie by Cari Best, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

From chapters.ca:
Jacob watches his favorite television show, "Baking with Chef Monty," and bakes a beautiful peach pie, which he gives to his parents for their anniversary.

Gorgonzola: A Very Stinkysaurus by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Tim Bowers

From chapters.ca:
Long, long ago, when dinosaurs ruled the land, there lived a dino who was the worst of them all: Gorgonzola. Not really large, not really scary, Gorgonzola was known near and far for his...D.O. Yes, dinosaur odor. From horn to toe, Gorgonzola was one serious stinker. That is, until a bold little birdie decides it's high time to show this soap- challenged big boy just how to clean up his act. Young readers will laugh, squeal, and wrinkle their noses as this very stinkysaurus learns to freshen up.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

A Horse in the House and Other Strange but True Animal Stories by Gail Ablow, illustrated by Kathy Osborn

From chapters.ca:
Whoever heard of a horse who lived in a house (while its owners lived next door)? Or two donkeys who had a marriage feast? Or an official spying cat who was wired for sound? These stories and many more - all quite strange, all very true - come from newspaper reports around the world. With paintings by Kathy Osborn hinting at magic realism and journalist Gail Ablow's wonderfully witty text, this fascinating collection has much to say about creatures ranging from hippos to humans, who may in fact be the strangest animals of all.

Going to the Zoo by Tom Paxton, illustrated by Karen Lee Schmidt

From chapters.ca:
Daddy's taking us to the zoo tomorrow, zoo tomorrow, zoo tomorrow. Daddy's taking us to the zoo tomorrow. We can stay all day. Now you can go along too, as Tom Paxton's classic song comes to life in this boisterous picture book. Rhythmic verse leads you through a wild kingdom where animals burst from every page. Monkeys are scritch, scritch, scratchin', and kangaroos are hop, hop, hoppin', making every moment an adventure.

Red Ted and the Lost Things by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Joel Stewart

From chapters.ca:
One day, a little bear named Red Ted is accidentally left on the seat of a train. When he winds up on a high shelf in the place for lost things, he doesn't despair - he puts his mind to work! With the help of new friends and the use of all their senses (including a certain fondness for cheese), Ted and pals are determined to find their way back to the little girl who loves and misses him. Author Michael Rosen and illustrator Joel Stewart offer a sweet graphic storybook about pluck, persistence, and the pure comfort of home.

My Parents are Divorced, My Elbows have Nicknames, and Other Facts about Me by Bill Cochran, illustrated by Steve Bjorkman

From chapters.ca:
Ted's parents are divorced, but that's just one fact about him. The fact that he has named his elbows Clyde and Carl? Or that Ted walks around with soap in his hair and likes to squawk like a chicken on the phone? Now, that's definitely weird. As shown in this lighthearted yet heartfelt account, life with divorced parents isn't always easy, but above all Ted knows he's loved - and there's nothing weird about that at all.

Dinosaur Starts School by Pamela Duncan Edwards, illustrated by Deborah Allwright

From chapters.ca:
What would you do if on the very first day of school, Dinosaur wasn't smiling his big, toothy dinosaur smile? This little boy knows exactly what to do. His Dinosaur is worried that school will be too big and too noisy, with yucky food at lunchtime. But with such a good friend to reassure him, Dinosaur soon discovers just how fun and friendly school can be. And by the end of his first day, Dinosaur is once again smiling his big, toothy, dinosaur smile and better still, he can't wait to come back!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Hush, Little Dragon by Boni Ashburn, illustrated by Kelly Murphy

From chapters.ca:
Adorable dragons search for a bedtime snack in this heartfelt and funny debut picture book set to the tune of Hush, Little Baby.
Baby and Mama dragon are almost ready to settle in for the night. But Baby can't sleep until he gets a treat, so together they search for one in a beautifully detailed village. But there are so many options to choose from! Will they devour the town's magician? Eat the three musketeers? Gobble up the princess? Or maybe dine on the mean old queen? Exhausted from their clever culinary adventure, Mama and Baby dragon settle down to a good night's sleep in this warm, funny tale.

Wow! City by Robert Neubecker

From chapters.ca:
Everyone dreams of visiting the big city, with its bright lights, tall buildings, and millions and millions of people. One lucky girl named Izzy climbs in her stroller and rides through all the hustle and bustle, impressed by the sheer magnitude of everything she sees. Wow! City! is based on Izzy's real- life escapade, as page after page she is quoted verbatim. (Izzy was just learning to speak at the time.) Every illustration captures the grandeur, energy, and exuberance of Izzy's great adventure with her dad, in a book children will quickly learn by heart and ask to read over and over and over.

Olvina Flies by Grace Lin

From chapters.ca:
Olvina was starting to feel very nervous. "Maybe I should get off the plane," she thought. "Chickens aren't supposed to fly." When Olvina gets invited to the Tenth Annual Bird Convention in Hawaii, she decides it's high time to overcome her fear of flying. But on the day of her big plane trip, Olvina's tummy is filled with butterflies and she has second thoughts. After all, chickens aren't supposed to fly. Or are they? This tender and funny story is for children who love to fly as well as those who have not yet had the experience. From takeoff to landing, Olvina's journey is one kids won't want to miss! The ideal picture book for every child's first plane trip.

LMNO Peas by Keith Baker

Meet the Alphabet Peas. They do all sorts of jobs. Do you think you will do any of these things when you're bigger?

The 39 Clues Book Ten: Into the Gauntlet by Margaret Peterson Haddix

From chapters.ca:
Throughout the hunt for the 39 Clues, Amy and Dan Cahill have uncovered history's greatest mysteries and their family's deadliest secrets. But are they ready to face the truth about the Cahills and the key to their unmatched power? After a whirlwind race that's taken them across five continents, Amy and Dan face the most the difficult challenge yet - a task no Cahill dared to imagine. When faced with a choice that could change the future of the world, can two kids succeed where 500 years worth of famous ancestors failed?

Friday, November 26, 2010

The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust by Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland DeSaix

From chapters.ca:
When the Nazis occupied Paris, no Jew was safe from arrest and deportation. Few Parisians were willing to risk their own lives to help. Yet during that perilous time, many Jews found refuge in an unlikely place - the sprawling complex of the Grand Mosque of Paris. Not just a place of worship but a community center, this hive of activity was an ideal temporary hiding place for escaped prisoners of war and Jews of all ages, especially children. Beautifully illustrated and thoroughly researched.

The Journey that Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margeret and H. A. Rey by Louise Borden, illustrated by Allan Drummond

From chapters.ca:
In 1940, Hans and Margret Rey fled their Paris home as the German army advanced. They began their harrowing journey on bicycles, pedaling to Southern France with children's book manuscripts among their few possessions. Louise Borden combed primary resources, including Hans Rey's pocket diaries, to tell this dramatic true story. Archival materials introduce readers to the world of Hans and Margret Rey while Allan Drummond dramatically and colorfully illustrates their wartime trek to a new home. Follow the Rey's amazing story in this unique large format book that resembles a travel journal and includes full- color illustrations, original photos, actual ticket stubs and more. A perfect book for Curious George fans of all ages.

Just the Right Size: Why Big Animals are Big and Little Animals are Little by Nicola Davis, illustrated by Neal Layton

From chapters.ca:
Did you ever wonder why there are no high- flying, wall- climbing, tall- building- leaping superheroes in real life? Find out what keeps big animals (like us) from engaging in astonishing feats of strength and agility, and yet why being tiny and all- powerful might have a downside. What if you could lift fifty times your weight (hello, ant), but getting wet could kill you? Or you could soar like a bird, but a cold breeze would do you in? Whether big or small, our size defines more about us than we could ever imagine.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck, illustrated by Tricia Tusa

From chapters.ca:
Alice is wide, wide awake. Mama brings flowers, tea, a quilt, even lullaby bells to help her sleep. But none of these things are blue, and Alice can sleep only in a blue room. Yet when the light goes out, a bit of magic is stirred up. Pale blue moonlight swirls into her bedroom window. Then the night swirls out, around the moon and into the universe, leaving Alice fast alseep in a most celestial blue room.

Frog Goes to Dinner by Mercer Mayer

Boy is going out to dinner with his family and frog is not invited. That doesn't deter frog, though, as he tags along with disastrous results.

Frog on his Own by Mercer Mayer

From chapters.ca:
On a walk in the park with his friends, Frog decides to do some exploring on his own.

One Frog too Many by Mercer and Marianna Mayer

From chapters.ca:
A Boy, a Dog, and a Frog, the first book in this series, launched Mercer Mayer's distinguished career over twenty- five years ago, and also helped to create the wordless picture book genre. Full of warmhearted mischief and play, the books express the humorous trials and tribulations of friendship and the joy of summertime discovery. Readers will want to collect the entire set.

Wendel's Workshop by Chris Riddell

Wendel is an inventor. He invents day and night and, when something doesn't turn out the way he wants it, he throws it on the trash heap. Eventually the trash heap gets too big and Wendel needs some help to clean it up. The first cleaning robot he builds doesn't quite work out the way he planned. The second is VERY good at cleaning. Maybe a little too good...

Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

From chapters.ca:
Jenna, a contemporary Muscogee (Creek) girl in Oklahoma, wants to honor a family tradition by jingle dancing at the next powwow. But where will she find enough jingles for her dress? An unusual, warm, family story, beautifully evoked in Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu's watercolor art.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms selected by Paul B Janeczko, illustratd by Chris Raschka

From chapters.ca:
In this splendid and playful volume, acclaimed poetry anthologist Paul B. Janeczko and Caldecott Honor illustrator Chris Raschka present lively examples of twenty- nine poetic forms, demonstrating not only the (sometimes bendable) rules of poetry, but also the spirit that brings these forms so wonderfully to life. Featuring formal poems, some familiar and some never before published.

I can't rave about this book enough! Share the poems with children, get it to help with English homework, get it as a graduation gift for anyone you know who loves poems.

Katy Duck Center Stage by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Henry Cole

From chapters.ca:
Katy Duck dreams of dancing on a great stage with lights, costumes, and, of course, lots of applause. She practices and practices for her big recital, but when the curtain opens, Katy sees that there's a great big audience. Suddenly, this dancing duck has a classic case of stage fright! Is it too late, or will Katy Duck realize she can shine center stage? This humorous story is just right for any duck or child anxious about having their moment in the spotlight.

Katy Duck Dance Star by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Henry Cole

From chapters.ca:
Join Katy Duck, everyone's favorite dancing diva, as she learns important first lessons about consideration and stage fright. From her first dance recital in front of "an audience filled with people... lots of people" to learning that her favorite dance accessory, a multi- colored boa, may not make dance class easy for her classmates, this adorable duck's escapades are sure to strike a chord with preschoolers.

Katy Duck is a Caterpillar by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Hery Cole

From chapters.ca:
It's time for Katy Duck's spring dance recital and as usual Katy is looking forward to taking the stage by storm. But she's not cast not as a daffodil or the bright sun or even a fluffy cloud. Katy is cast as a caterpillar. A wiggling, crawling caterpillar. As usual Katy has to learn to manage disappointment and as only Katy can do turn a small part into the starring role as she realizes that caterpillars always emerge as beautiful butterflies. This springtime story is a lovely tale of making everything your own and making every part count, no matter how small. It will be truly appreciated by preschoolers and ballerinas cast as caterpillars everywhere.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Guess Again! By Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex

Think you know what eats carrots and looks like it has floppy ears? Guess again!

Meeow and the Pots and Pans by Sebastien Braun

From chapters.ca:
Bang a pot, hit a lid, beat the mixing bowls: Meeow and his friends are cooking up a musical treat With just a little imagination and a few colorful kitchen items, they've created an amazing animal orchestra. Young readers will feel inspired to grab a spoon and a dish and join right in Third title in the new MEEOW series from best- selling author- illustrator Sebastien Braun.

Meeow and the Big Box by Sebastien Braun

From chapters.ca:
Start with an ordinary brown box. Get out the red paint. Add a chair and a mug. Then, watch as Meeow works his magic, transforming everyday objects into an amazing fire truck. What a clever kitty!

Hockey Opposites by Per-Henrik Gurth

From chapters.ca:
Popular artist and best- selling illustrator Per- Henrik Gürth puts his winning team of lovable animals into play to demonstrate a wide range of opposites, including home/away, behind/ahead, win/loss and many more. The excitement of a hockey game and the bright, bold illustrations will keep the attention of children while they are introduced to the concept of opposites.

Ladybug Girl at the Beach by Jacky Davis, illustrated by David Soman

From chapters.ca:
Lulu, who likes to wear a ladybug costume, goes to the beach for the first time and makes sand castles, flies kites, and deals with her fear of the ocean.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Alvin Ho, Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters by Lenore Look

From chapters.ca:
Alvin Ho is back and his worst fear has come true: he has to go camping. What will he do exposed in the wilderness with bears and darkness and...pit toilets? Luckily, he's got his night- vision goggles and water purifying tablets and super- duper heavy- duty flashlight to keep him safe. And he's got his dad, too. Lenore Look's touching, drop- dead- funny chapter book about an Asian- American second grader- with illustrations by New York Times bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham is perfect for beginning and reluctant readers alike, and has tons of boy appeal.

The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan

From chapters.ca:
Tall tale. Thriller. Gripping historical fiction. This artful, sparely told graphic novel - a tale of a boy in Dust Bowl America - will resonate with young readers today. In Kansas in the year 1937, eleven- year- old Jack Clark faces his share of ordinary challenges: local bullies, his father's failed expectations, a little sister with an eye for trouble. But he also has to deal with the effects of the Dust Bowl, including rising tensions in his small town and the spread of a shadowy illness. Certainly a case of "dust dementia" would explain who (or what) Jack has glimpsed in the Talbot's abandoned barn - a sinister figure with a face like rain. In a land where it never rains, it's hard to trust what you see with your own eyes - and harder still to take heart and be a hero when the time comes. With phenomenal pacing, sensitivity, and a sure command of suspense, Matt Phelan ushers us into a world where desperation is transformed by unexpected courage.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman, illustrated by Ben Cort

Everyone knows that there is a sock monster that eats socks in the washing machine, but did you know that aliens often borrow our underpants? No? They LOVE underpants! They're good for so many things and so much fun to wear! Make sure you check your underpants for aliens before you put them on or you may get a nasty surprise.

Snow by Uri Shulevitz

"It's snowing!" proclaims the little boy with the dog, but no one listens. One snow flake doesn't mean it's snowing. The weather says it's not going to snow. But snow doesn't watch the news and the dull grey city is transformed as the boy is proved correct.

Hoptoad by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Karen Lee Schmidt

From chapters.ca:
A boy, his dad, and his dog are out for a drive on a beautiful sunny day. Unfortunately, a hapless toad is trying to make its way across the very same road. Talk about bad timing. Is there any hope of avoiding toad- al disaster? Maybe. See what a sharp- witted and caring boy can do to save the day.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly by Alan Madison, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

From chapters.ca:
It's hard to be Velma entering first grade. That's because everyone has marvelous memories of her two older sisters, who were practically perfect first graders, and no one even notices Velma. But all that changes on a class trip to the butterfly conservatory, a place neither of her sisters has been. When a monarch roosts on Velma's finger and won't budge for days - no one will ever forget it...or her!

Jumpy Jack and Googily by Meg Rosoff, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

From chapters.ca:
Meet Jumpy Jack, a very nervous snail who's afraid of monsters, and Googily, who is a - well, who is a very good friend, indeed. Wherever they go, Googily kindly checks high and low just to make sure there are no scary monsters about. But as every child knows, monsters come in many shapes and sizes. Some are even blue with hairy eyebrows and pointy teeth.

Day is Done by Peter Yarrow, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

From chapters.ca:
As night falls, animal and human parents everywhere tenderly tuck their children into bed.

Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton

From chapters.ca:
Katy the snowplow loves to work, but Geoppolis's mild winters don't give this plucky little plow much opportunity to shine. Then a blizzard blankets the city and it is Katy to the rescue as she digs out the city and helps everyone in need.

Friday, November 19, 2010

I am a Backhoe by Anna Grossnickle Hines


A fantastic book for any little boy who loves trucks or construction equipment, I am a Backhoe shows a little boy being his favourite machines as he plays in the sand and with his father.

No by Claudia Rueda

From chapters.ca:
It's winter and little bear doesn't want to go to sleep. He'd rather play, and he's sure he won't get cold outside, no matter how long the winter is, how deep the snow might get, or how hard the storm might blow. Until, that is, little bear finds himself all alone in a snowstorm. Claudia Rueda's classic picture book illustrations, with their simple, strong lines, shapes, and colours, show a very determined little bear and his mother in a striking, increasingly snowy landscape. Children everywhere identify with little bear as mama figures out how to tell him no.

Homework by Arthur Yorinks, illustrated by Richard Egielski

A boy hasn't finished his homework before he falls asleep so his stationary gives him a bit of a hand.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino, illustrated by Steven Kellogg

From chapters.ca:
With clever rhymes, readers will learn to identify many animals as they follow a baby llama in search of its mother.

Dancing Feet by Lindsey Craig, illustrated by Marc Brown

From chapters.ca
Lindsey Craig's rollicking text features funny sound words (Tippity! Creepity! Stompity! Thumpity!), dancing animals, a singsong beat, and a guessing element just easy enough for preschoolers to anticipate. Marc Brown's artwork is bright, textured, and joyful, a collage of simple shapes for kids to find and name.

A perfect read aloud.

Case Closed: 40 Mini-Mysteries for You to Solve by Jurg Obrist

Test your observational skills and see if you can solve these 40 mysteries all on your own.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Nick of Time: An Adventure Through Time by Ted Bell

From chapters.ca:
The setting is England, 1939, on the eve of war. Nick and his sister, Kate, begin gathering vital information for Winston Churchill as he tries to warn England of the imminent Nazi invasion. But the Nazis become the least of Nick's problems after he discovers a time machine hidden in a cove. Unfortunately, the evil pirate, Captain Billy Blood, who travels through time capturing little children and holding them for ransom, will stop at nothing to possess the priceless machine. With the help of Lord Hawke, whose children have been taken by Blood, Nick must fight the ruthless pirate on land and sea in two different centuries in a desperate attempt to save his home and his family from being utterly destroyed.
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