Pumpkin Moon by Tim Preston

Minimal text accompany the colorful, surreal illustrations of what happens on October 31 after humans go to bed. Pumpkins, witches and ghosts have the wildest party of the year.

The watercolor illustrations were vibrant and active replacing the storyline. The text was used as transitional or explanatory to the illustrations. I can imagine young children will enjoy looking at the pictures and forming their own story as they turn the page.

Preston, T. (2001). Pumpkin moon. New York, NY: Dutton Children's Books.
ISBN: 0525467130
Illustrated by Simon Bartram

My Season with Penguins: An Antarctic Journal by Sophie Webb

A journal describing the author's two month stay on Antarctica participating in a scientific study project of the Adelie Penguins. She provides day to day details, descriptive prose of the penguins and scientific explanations of the study. A glossary is provided to help understand the scientific terms. The journal is beautifully illustrated.

I found the book enjoyable and learned some things about penguins. The author acknowledged the director of the penguin study. The illustrations and design were appropriate for the age level and book. At times, the writing style was verbose. Overall, I would recommend it.

Webb, S. (2000). My season with penguins: An antarctic journal. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
ISBN: 0395922917
Illustrated by the author

Water Pollution by Rhonda Lucas Donald

A True Book that explains the water cycle, how water is polluted, the impact of water pollution and how to conserve water. Concepts are explained using photos, fact and real life examples. The author includes a glossary and list of books and sites for additional resources on how to stop pollution

A small book but effective in explaining the complex topic of water pollution to children. The author specializes in books for children on science and natural history. Both a reading and content consultant are acknowledged. The photos and simple word choice help make the concepts clear. I learned things from this book!

Donald, R. (2001). Water pollution. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 0516221949

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

A collection of Kipling's first Jungle Book which features Mowgli, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and Toomai stories with Kipling's poetry mixed throughout the book. Color illustrations accompany this edition. Some content might be questionable for young children.

I hadn't heard the Rikki-Tikki-Tavi story in a long time and really loved it again. I also enjoyed revisiting Mowgli, Baloo and Baghera. This would be a good option to read aloud to children especially boys. I remember loving this book and the idea of the jungle and wild animals.

Kipling, R. (1977). The jungle book. New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap.
ISBN: 0448060140
Illustrated by Fritz Eichenberg

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

A collection of silly poems guaranteed at least one will make a child/adult smile.

I loved these when I was a child and I loved it again now. I can think of nothing better for a teacher, child librarian or parent to have on hand. This book reminds me of the best parts of childhood - laughter, what ifs? silliness.

Silverstein, S. (2000). Where the sidewalk ends. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0060291699
Illustrated by the author

The Way A Door Closes by Hope Anita Smith

A book of poems told from the perspective of C.J describing his family and the emotional upheaval caused when his father leaves temporarily. The poems are accompanied by lovely illustrations that depict the content perfectly.

The author captures the emotions felt by C.J. and his family so clearly, especially the words of hope. I am continually amazed when reading poetry. How do they get those words to come together so right?

Smith, H.A. (2003). The way a door closes. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.
ISBN: 080506477X
Illustrated by Shane W Evans

Little Women or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy by Louisa May Alcott

The unforgettable story of the four March sisters and their lives during the Civil War. We see these sisters mature and find love and heartbreak over the course of the book.

I have been rereading this book every few years since I was in fourth grade. The March sisters are like old friends. I read it this time in comparison t0 all the other books I have been reading in this "childrens" portion of my contract. I think the story would be difficult for some readers to sit through. It is slower paced and very descriptive. Depending on the mood a child was in, it might not be a hit.

Alcott, L.M. (no date). Little women. Garden City, NY: International Collectors Library.
No ISBN

Eight Cousins or The Aunt Hill by Louisa May Alcott

Orphan Rose Campbell is living with her aunts while awaiting for the arrival of her guardian, Uncle Alec, on Aunt Hill. Rose is nervous and skittish child mourning for hte loss of her father and definitely not ready for the company of her boisterous seven boy cousins. Under Alec's care, Rose becomes a caring, healthy giving child able to keep up with her cousins.

A classic book that I haven't read since I was a child. I imagine the language might be outdated and potentially offensive if not understood it was representative of the culture and society at that time. I loved the book and Rose learns self-acceptance becoming a strong female character.

Alcott, L.M. (1958). Eight cousins or the aunt hill. Garden City, NY: Nelson Doubleday, Inc.
No ISBN
Illustrated by Ruth Ives

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Ten year old Winnie Foster runs away one morning and encounters a family who has drunk from a spring giving them everlasting life. Winnie goes with the family willingly and is enchanted by the son, Jesse, who proposes she drink from the spring when she turns sixteen so they can be together forever. Meanwhile, a man approaches the family about the spring and events occur that will change Winnie's plans.

I was surprised by the ending expecting a happily ever after one. It is a magical story and left me wanting to know more about the Tuck family.

Babbitt, N. (2002). Tuck everlasting. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
ISBN: 0374480134

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo

A tale told in four parts of a mouse, Despereaux, who falls in love with the princess and then must use all his wits to save her when she is kidnapped.

This was very light reading after The Dark is Rising. It reminded me of a fairytale and not the fantasy/supernatural category it is placed in. It is a sweet story and their is humor found for adults reading this book similar to what is found when watching a Disney film. Despereaux is an appealing main character and the rat society is similar to our own.

DiCamillo, K. (2006). The tale of despereaux: Being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup and a spool of thread. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
ISBN: 0763625299
Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

Will Stanton finds out that he is special one of the Old Ones. His job is to find the six signs for the Old Ones and with those in place the Dark will be extinguished. In this quest, his family is endangered and Will must protect them while still unsure of how is powers work.

I was immediately drawn into this story and read it in one sitting. I was not surprised to see the copyright date in the early 70's. I found the style, theme and characters reminiscent of JRR Tolkien's. The good versus evil theme and a singular quest to save the world make great reading (in my opinion). The detail the author spent on describing the environment and nature helps set the stage.

Cooper, S. (1999). The dark is rising. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperbacks.
ISBN: 0689829833

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace and new friend Calvin are thrust into another world after encountering Mrs Whatsit on a stormy night. They travel through time and space to bring back Mr Murry who has been missing for a long time.

The story is adventurous and opens the mind. I didn't read this when I was younger and I found myself completely enthralled in the story. I look forward to reading the rest of their adventures.

L'Engle, M. (1976). A wrinkle in time. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Books.
ISBN: 0440998050

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Ten year old orphaned Harry Potter is forced to live with his aunt, uncle and horrible cousin. He is treated like a thorn in their side until his 10th birthday when a special message arrives by owl and his life will never be the same again.

I hadn't read this book until now. I loved it so much that I had to read the rest of the books. I am completely in awe of the author. As Harry ages, his language and situations he encounters become more complex just like any child. How did she do that so well? I understand why children and adults lined up for each new book.

Rowling, J.K. (1999). Harry potter and the sorcerer's stone. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 059035342X
Illustrated by Mary Grandpre

The Secret of the Mansion (Trixie Belden #1) by Julie Campbell

The first book in the series where Trixie meets her soon to be best friends Honey Wheeler and Jim Frayne. They band together to help Jim find the money his uncle, Mr Frayne was reputed to have hidden in his mansion after he passes away. The search becomes frantic when Jim's evil stepfather comes to get his share.

My mom gave me a box of my stuff a few years ago and in it were a few Trixie Belden books. I placed them on my bookshelf and thought maybe I would read them someday. After reading Nancy Drew, I HAD to read Trixie Belden. I remembered this book more clearly than the Nancy Drew. I prefer Trixie Belden to Nancy Drew. A blasphemous statement for some!

I again tried to consider this book from a child of today. I still found it interesting if not slightly outdated in language. The pace was quick and the characters different enough to be interesting. I found it amusing that both Trixie and Nancy were dealing with snake bites. Snake bites must have been terrifying back in the day. Trixie is a strong female character especially for 1948. And it was printed in Racine where I grew up!

Campbell, J. (1948). The secret of the mansion. Racine, WI: Western Publishing Company.
ISBN: 0307215245

The Secret of Red Gate Farm (Nancy Drew, Book 6) by Carolyn Keene

Nancy with pals, Bess and George, help new friend Millie's grandmother keep her farm by being boarders for a part of the summer. Before long, the gang is investigating the goings on of a cult renting part of the property, Nancy is accused of passing counterfeit money and a mysterious woman doesn't accept Nancy's help.

I think I read all of these books when I was younger. I tried to read it as a child of today to see if it would still be relevant. Some of the language is out dated but the pace was quick and the story was still engaging. I am amazed at how strong Nancy is considering this was written in 1931!

Keene, C. (1989). The secret of red gate farm. New York, NY: Grosset and Dunlap.
ISBN: 0448095068
No illustrator credit listed

Skeleton Man by Joseph Bruchac

Molly wakes up one morning and her parents have disappeared. Once the authorities have been alerted, she is placed in the care of an uncle she has never met. Remembering the Native American tale of the Skeleton Man her father told her, she becomes suspicious of her uncle. Molly soon realizes her suspicions are true and it is up to her to save herself and her parents. Story may be scary for young children.

A scary story!

Bruchac, J. (2003). Skeleton man. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0064408884
Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

The Miserable Mill (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 4) by Lemony Snicket

The Baudelaire Orphans, Viola, Sunny and Baby Sunny, find themselves being sent to a new home where they are forced to work in a lumber mill. Count Olaf shows up and no one believes the orphans so they are forced to save themselves.

I have not read any of these books and had no problem becoming engrossed in the story. The hook of these books is the unfortunate, unpleasant tone Lemony Snicket takes in telling the story. I found the story more funny than scary. It would appeal to both boys and girls.

Snicket, L. (2000). The miserable mill. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0439272637
Illustrated by Brett Helquist

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Twelve year old Claudia, with her younger brother in tow, runs away from home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to live. The two adapt to their new situation and find a mystery to solve that will lead them home again.

The author captures the voice of the oldest child and the sleights felt. Who didn't wish to crawl into a bed at a museum and just sleep there?

Konigsburg, E.L. (2002). From the mixed-up files of mrs. basil e. frankweiler. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperbacks.
ISBN: 0689711816
Illustrated by the author

My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier & Christopher Collier

Tim is torn when the Revolutionary War comes to his home and his brother and father are on different sides. Tim isn't sure his brother is on the right side and sides with his father. The consequences of war are felt by the family on both sides.

Heart-breaking story. I do not enjoy reading history and especially not military history. However, this book captured my attention. I can imagine it would be a hit with boys especially reluctant readers.

Collier, J. L. and Collier, C. (2005). My brother sam is dead. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0439783607

The Fighting Ground by Avi

Thirteen year old Jonathan runs off one day to serve his country in the Revolutionary War against his father's wishes. Twenty four hours later he returns home physically unharmed but grown in many ways.

A quick picture of what life might have been like for a boy like Jonathan.

Avi, (1984). The fighting ground. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0064401855