Sunday, August 31, 2014

The Angry Little Puffin by Timothy Young

From the back of the book:
“Look at the funny little penguin!” and “What a silly-looking penguin!” Hearing this all day long is enough to make any little bird angry, especially when he’s NOT A PENGUIN! This is the story of a puffin who is upset that he’s constantly mistaken for a penguin. He finally reaches his breaking point and goes on a rant about the many differences between the two. A little girl stops him in mid-speech because she does know the differences, and he listens as she explains to her father why puffins are her favorite. When you are feeling alone and misunderstood, sometimes it only takes the understanding of one small person to turn things around.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

The Rat by Elise Gravel

From chapters.ca:
One in a series of humorous books about disgusting creatures, The Rat is a look at the black rat. It covers such topics as the rat's long, agile tail (it's good for balancing and picking noses), long teeth (they can chew through anything, including books) and disgusting taste in food (delicious electrical wires in tomato sauce, anyone?). Although silly and off-the-wall, The Rat contains real information that will tie in with curriculum.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Too Much Stuff! By Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchnko

From chapters.ca:
How can a few extra toys cause so much extra trouble? Temina is excited about taking a trip on an airplane, and super-excited to include ALL of her toys and dolls on the trip as well. Until mom says: "You can bring just ONE doll." Impossible! How is she going to pick just ONE? She hatches a top secret plan and sneaks more than one toy into the airport and onto the plane. While everyone around her gawks, Temina proudly displays her beloved companions. Word spreads quickly to other children on the plane, who feel lonely without their own dolls. Temina is happy to lend out her treasures. The flight becomes a happy memory for Temina and her family, and even more so months later when her generosity is rewarded in the most surprising way!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

The Secrets Cave: Discovering Lascaux by Emily Arnold McCully

From chapters.ca:
Jacques, Jojo, Simon, and Marcel were looking for buried treasure when they explored a cave in the south of France in 1940. But the treasure inside was not what they expected, and in fact far more valuable: the walls were covered with stunning prehistoric paintings and engravings, preserved within the sealed cave for over 17,000 years. This is the true story of the boys who discovered the cave of Lascaux, bringing to the modern world powerful examples of the very beginning of art.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Lola Loves Stories by Anna McQuinn

From chapters.ca:
Lola loves to go to the library with her daddy. Every night she reads a new story, and the next day, she acts it out. One day she's a fairy princess, the next day she goes on a trip to Lagos! She becomes a tiger, a farmer, a pilot...what will Lola be next? Children and adults will love following along with Lola's adventures. Lola Loves Stories celebrates imaginative thinking and the importance of books as a way to inspire young minds.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Three Thieves Book 5: Pirates of the Silver Coast by Scott Chantler

From chapters.ca:
In this fifth book in the Three Thieves series of graphic novels, Dessa convinces the smuggler Quinn to transport her, Topper, and Fisk to the mysterious Island of Astaroth. Dessa is convinced her twin brother, Jared, who was abducted years earlier by the Queen's chamberlain, is being held on the island. However, soon after setting sail, they are overtaken by a pirate ship commanded by the King of Pirates, whom they discover is interested in only one treasure on board: Dessa's map to the location of Astaroth! Will Dessa's plan for finding her brother be thwarted?

Monday, August 25, 2014

Three Thieves Book 4: The King's Dragon by Scott Chantler

From chapters.ca:
In this fourth installment of the Three Thieves fantasy adventure series of graphic novels, Captain Drake's quest to find Dessa, Topper and Fisk has led him to a remote healing monastery where he believes they have gone to tend Dessa's broken leg. While pursuing his quarry, Captain Drake finds himself beset by memories of his early days as a young and idealistic knight in King Roderick's service. Featured as flashbacks, these memories provide readers with important clues to the unfolding story, such as that the King's Dragons were more loyal to the palace chamberlain, Maarten Greyfalcon, than to the king; that there was a mysterious letter written by the king, meant to be read only at his death, which had disappeared; and that Drake had uncovered a plot to murder the king. The tale moves forward in both the present and the past, with the flashbacks drawn in black-and-white to differentiate the time. As with the very successful and well-reviewed first three titles by award-winning cartoonist Scott Chantler, high action propels this fast-moving story forward, with sword fighting, chase scenes and a bold and daring narrow escape, while intricate plotlines full of intrigue and suspense (and occasional witty banter) keep the reader guessing. The art is dramatic and evocative, offering emotional close-ups, telling details and believable backdrops. This is a wonderful graphic novel that will engage reluctant readers, providing a painless way to dive into literature and learn about plot, character, setting and other literary devices.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Pierre’s Friends by Andrea Beck

From chapters.ca:
Pierre, a pampered pooch, misses his friends, Sparky and Lou. But how will he ever find them? They live in a park on the other side of town. Pierre has a plan, and one afternoon while Miss Murphy naps, he slips out of their apartment and sets off to bring his friends home. Along the way, Pierre meets Old Wheezer and remembers Miss Murphyís words, Dogs and people belong together. In the end, Pierre helps find a loving home for everyone.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Up and Down by Oliver Jeffers

From chapters.ca:
In this engaging sequel to the picture book, Lost and Found, by internationally bestselling author/illustrator Oliver Jeffers, we re-visit the boy and the penguin after their trip to the South Pole. The boy and the penguin still enjoy spending all their time together. That is, until the penguin starts to dream of flying, ignoring the boys advice that it is impossible. Running away, the penguin visits place after place, searching for a chance to get his feet off the ground. But will flying be everything he had hoped? And is the boy missing him, as much as he is missing the boy? A heart-warming story about friendship, love and reaching for your dreams, from highly-regarded, multi-award-winning author-illustrator Oliver Jeffers.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Zero by Kathryn Otoshi


Follow up to the award winning book, One, a number called Zero wonders, "How does a number worth nothing become something?" The story of Zero covers themes of finding value in yourself and in others, working with others, developing social skills, counting, and courage.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Piper Reed, The Great Gypsy by Kimberly Willis Holt

From chapters.ca:
Piper's dad - the Navy Chief - might be gone again, but Piper's got plenty to keep her busy at home: new neighbors, a spaceship beach house, a trip to New Orleans, and most important, the upcoming Gypsy Club pet show. Piper is determined to win, but teaching tricks to her dog seems nearly impossible. Bruna is simply unteachable! Or is she? Join Piper as she embarks on new and exciting adventures!

The Handiest Things in the World by Andrew Clements, photos by Raquel Jaramillo

From chapters.ca:
The mother of invention is right at your fingertips! Ten knuckles, two thumbs, two flat palms, and all those fingers - but our hands can be so much more. They were once the first pair of earmuffs, a primitive sun visor, and a convenient set of chopsticks. The work done by hands centuries and centuries ago has paved the way for many of our favorite and most useful tools. The always clever Andrew Clements reminds us all that the mother of much invention is right at our fingertips.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Butterfly Birthday by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Mark Jones

From chapters.ca:
Butterfly Birthday completes a quartet of books - Snow Party, Mermaid Dance and By the Light of the Harvest Moon - that celebrates the many and miraculous wonders of the changing seasons. On the first day of spring, bugs - dressed in their finest attire - greet one another after the long, cold winter and hold a spectacular party to welcome the vernal equinox. Mark Jones' beautiful and bewitching pastel illustrations bring this magical world to life.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Would You Rather… by John Burningham

From chapters.ca:
Would you rather have supper in a castle, breakfast in a balloon, or tea on the river? Would you rather be made to eat spider stew. taste slug dumplings, chew mashed worms, or drink a snail shake? In a series of challenges inspired by the beloved game Top That!. John Burningham lets readers' imaginations soar with propositions from the whimsical to the outrageous. Here is a surefire giggle-getter for storytime. perfect for sharing with any child who's ever wanted to do something completely out of the ordinary.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson, and Mary Nethery

From chapters.ca:
Nubs, an Iraqi dog of war, never had a home or a person of his own. He was the leader of a pack of wild dogs living off the land and barely surviving. But Nubs's life changed when he met Marine Major Brian Dennis. The two formed a fast friendship, made stronger by Dennis's willingness to share his meals, offer a warm place to sleep, and give Nubs the kind of care and attention he had never received before. Nubs became part of Dennis's human "pack" until duty required the Marines to relocate a full 70 miles away - without him. Nubs had no way of knowing that Marines were not allowed to have pets.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

The Bearskinner: A Tale of the Brothers Grimm retold by Laura Amy Schlitz, illustrated by Max Grafe

From chapters.ca:
Man or bear? When a person gives up hope, is he still human? Such is the story of a soldier who has lost everything to war: his childhood home, his family and friends, his youth, and his innocence. Enter that sly opportunist, the devil, who wraps the soldier in the armor of a dead bear's skin, fills its pockets with gold, and makes a dangerous and horrible wager. An unforgettable retelling of a classic Grimm tale, The Bearskinner is a story about the struggle between the two sides of our selves, and the heroic strength it takes to claim a victory.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Making Money by Terry Pratchett

From chapters.ca:
"Whoever said you can't fool an honest man wasn't one." The banks are facing a crisis, and this time it's too serious even for the old boys' club to sort it out - this time, they've sunk to government intervention. But opening the vaults to public scrutiny brings a whole host of problems for those at the top: people want to know where the money's gone, they want loans, reasonable interest rates and much much worse - accountability. The fortress of high finance is crumbling, and it may be time for a change of management - before it's too late.

Friday, August 15, 2014

What in the Egg, Little Pip? By Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman

From chapters.ca:
A new egg has just arrived, and Little Pip’s parents are so excited! Little Pip doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about -it seems like all anyone cares about is that boring old egg. Still, when danger strikes, Pip learns to help as much as she can. After a long, harsh winter, the egg finally cracks open, and Pip is thrilled to meet her baby brother, Sam, for the very first time! Lyrical text and charming illustrations illuminate this heartwarming exploration of the uncertainties children experience as their families expand.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

A Tale of Two Mommies by Vanita Oelschlager

From chapters.ca:
A Tale of Two Mommies is a beach conversation among three children. One boy asks another boy about having two mommies. A young girl listening in asks some questions too. A Tale of Two Mommies is intended for 4-8 year olds. This book lets us look inside one non-traditional family, a same sex couple and their son. As the children talk, it's clear this boy lives in a nurturing environment where the biggest issues are the everyday challenges of growing up.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita Oelschlager

From chapters.ca
A Tale of Two Daddies is a playground conversation between two children. The boy says he heard that the girl has two dads. The girl says that is right - she has Daddy and Poppa. Intended for 4- to 8-year-olds, this book introduces a type of family increasingly visible in modern society. Neither fa
voring nor condemning, it reflects a child's practical and innocent look at the adults who nurture and love her. It becomes clear that the family bond is unburdened by any cultural discomforts.
Related Posts with Thumbnails