Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Ann Brashares

Title: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Author: Ann Brashares
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Reading Level: Ages 14+
Type: Chapter Book
ISBN: 978-1740517799
About:

Four friends set off on a summer apart. After find a thrift store pain of jeans that fit each girl perfectly they decide to keep in contact by sharing these pants and writing to each other throughout the summer. Each girl encounters a new obstacle that challenges her to grow and learn. The pants help these girls overcome fears.

The author uses letters written between the girls to tie their stories together. The story switches settings often as it rotates between girls. Dialogue is a strong part of the novel. It is used in a realistic way with inventive spelling to suggest dialect and Greek words are used in the dialogue between Lena and her family.

This book is my favorite of the series and was one that I could not put down. I could relate to these girls even though I didn’t share any similar circumstances (thank goodness!). This would be a book that I would recommend as a leisure read for any high school girl. The content is too strong for girls any younger than high school.

Charlotte's Web - E.B. White

Title: Charlotte’s Web
Author: E.B. White
Illustrator: Garth Willaims
Publisher: Harper Collins
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Type: Chapter Book
ISBN: 978-0064410939
About:

A young girl, Fern, saves the runt piglet of the litter from being killed. She raises him and names him Wilber. When he gets too big he goes to live in a barn where he makes many friends. After Wilber learns he will be killed and eaten for dinner he turns to Charlotte, the spider, for help. She decides that if she makes him famous he will survive!

The book is written in third person narrative. This helps young readers receive an unbiased view of the story. It is set in the 1950’s on a farm in middle America. The major themes are the importance of friendship, death and growing up. The plot seemed to follow a typical rising action and falling action although one could also consider the beginning conflict of Fern saving Wilber as another high point in the plot.

The illustrations are done in a cartoon style. They are present every few pages or so. They are done in black and white pen sketches except for the cover that is in color. Line is very important to these illustrations and it is used to in shading to suggest three-dimensional figures.

This classic novel is one of the first I remember as a child. I fell in love with Charlotte's motherly demeanor and Wilber's childlike worry. This is a story that will not soon be forgotten. It lives in our hearts and just as I was lead to this book by my mother will I surely guide future children to it!

Immigrant Kids - Russell Freedman

Title: Immigrant Kids
Author: Russell Freedman
Publisher: Puffin
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Type: Picture Book, nonfiction
ISBN: 978-0140375947
About:

Many immigrants came to America between 1880-1920. The conditions were poor and the people had little money. The children of this time were required to work. School was a strict environment where children were often put in classrooms where no one understood their language. During play they took to the streets.

The book is written as an informative look into the lives of these immigrants. First-hand accounts are used to tell readers just how things were for children from someone that was there. This book is set between 1880 and 1920 in New York City mainly. The theme is working children and learning to appreciate what you have.

The illustrations are photographs taken during the time in which the book was set. Many are candid shots of bustling city streets and overcrowded conditions. Others are close ups of children. The photographs are arranged one per page enlarged to about half of the page. This makes the detail in the poor quality black and white photo more evident.

Kisses - Nanda Roep & Marijke ten Cate

Title: Kisses

Author: Nanda Roep & Marijke ten Cate
Illustrator: Nanda Roep & Marijke ten Cate
Publisher: Scholastic
Reading Level: Toddler/Preschool
Type: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1886910850
About:

Lisa, a young raccoon, tells her daddy as she going to sleep that she wants a kiss. He asks her what kind of kiss does she want and lists many possible kisses like mom kisses, vacation kisses, witch kisses, etc. Lisa says she wants a goodnight kiss.

The book is written with large print and few words on each page for the young reader. It contains ellipses before each type on kiss listed on each page (“…a vacation kiss?”) to lead the reader easily from one page to the next. It ends with a sweet detailed expression of just what a goodnight kiss is. The raccoons as the main characters make this an animal fantasy. The theme of this book is how precious a parent’s love truly is.

The illustrations are bright detailed full-page spreads. They are painted and use the brush stroke to suggest movement. The details in the pictures are more important to the book than the simple text message that accompanies it. The pictures really tell the story and show the expressions of the characters in each situation.

The Fire Station - Robert Munsch

Title: The Fire Station
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Michael Martchenko
Publisher: Annick Books
Reading Level: ages 4-8
Type: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1550371710
About:

A reluctant Michael and curious Sheila walk past the fire station one afternoon. Curiosity consumes Sheila and she insists they go exploring. The pair are in for an adventure they didn't quite see coming! What will they get into next?

This is another great Robert Munsch book. If you get the opportunity to listen to him read it himself through TumbleBooks or his website it's a real treat. A fun adventure and characters you can relate to! Personally, I think I was more like Michael!

50 Below Zero - Robert Munsch

Title: 50 Below Zero
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Michael Martchenko
Publisher: Annick Press
Reading Level: ages 4-8
Type: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0920236918
About:

Do you know anyone with a sleepwalking habit? If so, this book is for them! Have you ever seen a grown man sleep on top of the refrigerator? In the bathtub? The boy in this story, Jason, sure has! Follow Jason through this silly story about his sleepwalking father and find out just how he solves the problem!

Robert Munsch is a brilliant author with over 50 children's books. His fun filled storytelling is bound to please you and your young reader. Until recently I didn't realize just how many of his books I already loved. Stay tuned for more great books from Robert Munsch!

Olive the Other Reindeer - Vivian Walsh

Title: Olive the Other Reindeer
Author: Vivian Walsh
Illustrator: J.otto Seibold
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Reading Level: ages 4-8
Type: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0811818070
About:

If you recall the story of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer or better yet the song you'll love this book! Olive, a cute little dog, is taking her daily dog walk when she hears people singing the classic Christmas tune, "All of the other reindeer..." She hums along and again hears the song on the radio while wrapping presents, of course! She mistakes the lyrics and believes she, Olive, must be the other reindeer! She quickly heads to the North Pole to help with the Christmas delivery. During their nighttime ride disaster strikes and nearly ruins their timely arrival, but thanks to Olive, Christmas is saved and every last gumdrop is safe. Pick up this new Christmas favorite of mine to see just how Olive saves the day!

Green Eggs and Ham - Dr. Seuss

Title: Green Eggs and Ham
Author: Dr. Seuss
Publisher: Random House Books
Reading Level: ages 4-8
Type: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0583324205
About:

This Dr. Seuss classic has been a long standing favorite for children and adults alike. Sam-I-Am, a persistent pest, pesters his doubting friend to try green eggs and ham. As many times as he's offered, in silly locations and the whole bit, he turns down poor Sam-I-Am. Not in a house, not with a mouse, not in a box, not with a fox... After attempt after attempt his friend decides to give him a chance and try those green eggs and ham. And alas, "They are so good, so good, you see!" This silly book is bound to tickle it's readers and will keep it's place of honor high on my self. It may even convince your little one to try those yucky vegies!