Provo Library Children's Book Blog

In another fast-paced novel by Margaret Peterson Haddix, Found features the story of teen-aged Jonah Skidmore, an adopted child. The drama begins when he starts receiving cryptic letters suggesting he may be in danger. Then things start to get hairy when he discovers he's not the only one getting strange letters. Jonah, his sister, and friend, Chip, start to dig into the mystery that keeps expanding as they search. As the FBI becomes involved and things get more and more bizarre, the trio wonders if the knowledge is worth the danger. Read the book to find out what happens, but be aware the ending keeps you wishing for the sequel! I thought this was an entertaining book. It's a very fast read and has some interesting elements. Although it's definitely not my favorite juvenile science fiction work, it will be a fun book for kids who are interested in the the idea of time travel and who already enjoyed other books by Haddix, such as the Shadow Children series.

Poor Henrietta--her older sisters never stop teasing her! When they tell her she's a chicken, she begins to wonder if it's true. One morning she even finds an egg in her bed and feathers on the floor! Convinced of her fowl heritage, she heads to the farm to unite with her real chicken family, proving that birds of a feather don't always flock together. This funny little book will hit home with anyone who's been teased by siblings, as well as practical jokers. The vivid "henscratchy" illustrations by Delphine Durand are fun and quirky, the perfect compliment to the text.

In this wonderful spin on the old rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb," young Mary is very fond of an unusual object--a desk lamp. Mary loves all of the lamp's characteristics and takes it everywhere, which always seems to cause problems. Everyone is mystified by her strange companion, but Mary remains oblivious. However, after summer camp, something changes. Read Mary Had a Little Lamp for a great laugh! This is a marvelous book. The story was fresh, hip, and hilarious. The illustrations by Bob Staake accompany the text beautifully with a sharp, graphic, modern style that manages to be charming as well. This book is definitely a great one to add to your shelf.

Other Goose is a collection of altered nursery rhymes. This book is marketed for children but will most likely not be enjoyed by them. The rhymes are forced and do not read smoothly. The illustrations are rather creepy and not at all engaging for young children. Klunder seems to be writing a book of political views disguised as children's nursery rhymes. My recommendation is to steer clear of this one unless you like verse such as: Twinkle, twinkle, little starlets More and more resembling harlots Up above the world so high - Celebrity fame's the reason why.

In this twisted little fairy tale, Prince Charming is not quite "with it." He wants to wake Sleeping Beauty and tries everything but the traditional method first, including jumping on her bed, screaming, and a cannon! Will he ever figure out how to wake her? Waking Beauty is a delightfully irreverent spoof that will entertain boys and girls alike. The girls will enjoy the feminine details in the illustrations such as lots of pink, pretty patterns, and glitter. Boys will snicker at the outrageous things the prince does to wake the girl. Check this book out for a fun new take on an old story.

A little girl visits a strange land called the "growling place" across the water--a land inhabited by large bears. They try and scare her, but in stereotypical bully style, they turn out to be old softies at heart. A Growling Place is a very strange picture book that feels much too close to the famous "Where the Wild Things Are." The story line is very similar as well as the overall mood, although not even close to the quality of Sendak's classic tale. The illustrations are the only redeeming aspect of this book--they are quirky, whimsical, and drawn with a lovely original style.

BASEBALL CRAZY: TEN SHORT STORIES THAT COVER ALL THE BASES ; New York: Dial, 2008; 191pgs. Fiction. For anyone who loves, plays, or has played baseball, Baseball Crazy is a delight. Rather than a table of contents, this book has a Lineup chart. Jerry Spinelli leads off with a story of an orphan boy who is taken to a ball game by a very nice bald guy, who explains the game to him for the first time. Batting cleanup is Paul Acampora with "Great Moments in Baseball," the story of a brother and sister whose father is gone, and whose mother has become cranky and demanding. They cope by working together on the brother's slider (the "wishball," and reeneacting great moments from baseball). My favorite is Sue Corbett's "Fall Ball"--". . . height is my shortcoming as an athlete," but Ron Koertge's "Riding the Pine: a Play," and John H. Ritter's title piece, "Baseball Crazy" are both funny and touching. Each author has ...