Provo Library Children's Book Blog

All the World By Liz Garton Scanlon; illustrated by Marla Frazee Beach Lane Books, 2009. Unpaged. Picture book. What makes the world beautiful and wonderful? Is it the bright beaches with shells to gather, the amazing plants and foods that grow in its earth, or all the varieties of people scattered the whole earth over? Luckily, we don't have to choose, because we can enjoy it all, and what's even better, we can enjoy it together. With beautiful words and equally captivating illustrations, this winsome picture book is sure to sweep you off your feet. It has a very warm, cozy, joyful feel like your favorite blanket or a hot mug of cocoa. The last line of the book is the most resounding, one that will echo in your heart-- "All the world is all of us."

The Goblin & the Empty Chair by Mem Fox; illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon Beach Lane Books, 2009. Unpaged. Picture book. Seeing his reflection, a goblin is so horrified by his visage that he determines never to expose his hideous countenance, thus shrouding his face. As he lives a lonely, solitary life to avoid frightening anyone, he happens to see a family in need and silently does what he can to ease their pain. Through an all-star team of renowned author and illustrators comes this lovely, understated picture book. The Dillons are some of my favorite artists, their style being beautifully composed and crafted in every way. The little details tell the story very aptly--I didn't catch the full meaning of the family until I read the book a second time, carefully following the pictures. Mem Fox, of course, also does a nice job with telling this story simply and tenderly. A wonderful, original fairy tale.

Daughters of the Sea: Hannah By Kathryn Lasky Scholastic Press, 2009. 310 pgs. Juvenile fiction. Hannah Albury, an orphan with no knowledge of her identity, is hired as a scullery maid for the Hawleys, a wealthy and well-known family in Boston. She finds herself mysteriously drawn to the ocean as well as the family's portrait painter, Mr. Wheeler. Strange things commence shortly after she leaves the orphanage such as the salty crystals she begins shedding and the extreme antagonism she senses from fanatical Lila Hawley and her cat. As Hannah comes closer to discovering her true identity, her circumstances grow increasingly bizarre and she discovers she must make a life-altering choice. This book did an excellent job in surprising me with how captivating it was. I zipped through the novel and was much more engaged in the story than I had expected. I enjoyed the blend of fastasty and history and found the characters to be well fleshed and interesting. Although very simply written, th...

Operation Yes by Sara Lewis Holmes New York: Scholastic, 2009. 234pgs. Juvenile Fiction. Bo Whaley, son of an Air Force colonel, is often in trouble at the base school, but he knows sixth grade will be different when his new teacher, Ms. Loupe, begins class by outlining a stage in masking tape on the classroom floor. Anyone inside the box must arrange himself or something else to "create beauty"; aka, art. Before he knows it, Bo is tapping into unknown depths of imagination and theatrical talent, stung by the knowledge that his father will be transferred away from North Carolina before the Dirty Couch Players will take the boards. But greater things are afoot: Bo's cousin arrives from Seattle to stay while her mother is deployed to Afghanistan; the School Commission is inspecting the school hoping to get away without doing anything about the cracked walls and the little kids' stinky bathroom; worst of all, Ms. Loupe's brother goes missing in Afghanistan. T...

Eddie is excited to learn that he has just moved into the home town of his favorite author, Nathaniel Olmstead —a popular writer of children’s horror stories. The only problem is, Olmstead has been mysteriously missing for the last thirteen years and his home now stands abandoned at the edge of the woods. Rumor says Olmstead and his creepy stories have brought a curse down upon the whole town and that the monsters from his books now roam the woods. Eddie and his two new friends from school decide to figure out what is really going on but quickly discover there are some secrets that should never be unraveled. Horrifying monsters, creepy curses, nightmares to keep you awake at night—this book has got everything to make delicious chills go up and down your spine. Poblocki ’s novel is a masterpiece of suspense and horror. Each twist and turn in the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what will pop out at you next. I don’t know how Poblocki sleeps at night with all ...

Lyle Williams (otherwise know as Mudshark) is the one person everyone in school comes to when they need help. Toxic plumbing mishaps, masses of missing erasers, and a devious spying parrot—you never know what will happen next in this hilarious romp through the everyday life of Mudshark. Be sure to read the principal’s entertaining daily announcements at the beginning of each chapter, they are a riot! Short and sweet, this is a great book for reluctant readers.

A Taste for Red by Lewis Harris 169 pages juvenile fiction Boston : Clarion Books, 2009 Svetlana (formerly known as Stephanie) is having some trouble adjusting to public school after being homeschooled her whole life. To make things more interesting, Svetlana is convinced she is a vampire. But don't believe any of those foolish stereotypes you hear about vampires, they just aren't accurate. Svetlana only eats red foods (they just taste better). She also sleeps underneath her bed (vampires do like to feel confined, but a coffin is just a little ridiculous)! And she definitely has ESP (didn't you know, vampires can read your mind)! Svetlana quickly determines that her beautiful science teacher is a vampire too? But will they be allies or enemies? This is a strange little book that I haven't decided if I like or not. Svetlana is an intriguing character as is Ms. Bones her neighbor. Other characters I could've done without. The storyline was an interesting mix of fantas...