Just in Time for Halloween...

The Creepy Carrots Zone from Peter Brown on Vimeo.

Locomotive

Locomotive by Brian Floca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great book! I brought it home and shared with my five year old, and we both really enjoyed it. We read it over two nights and after finishing it, he suggested I share it with his class. The historical content and the lively, colorful writing work so well together. In fact, Floca even managed to make me interested in the details of the machinery - which is not an easy task. I especially loved the map and beautiful illustrations - together they will make readers feel truly a part of the journey.

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The Year of Billy Miller

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've read some reviews that refer to The Year of Billy Miller as a quiet book, and I agree with that description. I was really excited to read this book and I enjoyed it very much. Because I most often read middle grade fiction, at times I found myself waiting for the action; however, I do appreciate this "quiet" story for younger readers.I think Henkes' novel would make a wonderful read aloud for first or second graders; the school story, the family relationships, and the friendships will provide opportunities for discussion. I look forward to sharing this one with the teachers and students at my school.

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Kate DiCamillo Speaks!

Check out this video of Kate discussing her new book Flora and Ulysses. I love hearing her talk about her ideas. So talented yet so down to earth!

Flora and Ulysses

Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure about this book at first. I have been so excited to get my hands on Kate DiCamillo's book, but as I began, I kept thinking this is a little odd, a bit quirky. And that is a pretty fair assessment of the book; however, the plot, characters, and themes move past quirky and into more depth and meaning as the book progresses. That is when I really started to appreciate it. I especially love the illustrations, the wonderful vocabulary, and - of course - the discussion that this book could inspire. I think Flora and Ulysses would make a fun and worthwhile read aloud. Lots of kids will get a kick out of this one. I can't wait to see what students and teachers at my school think!

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Bluffton

Bluffton by Matt Phelan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I know I shouldn't admit this as a librarian, but graphic novels are not really my thing. I admire the kids I know who can zip through them with appreciation and enthusiasm, but my brain does not work that way. I'm often overwhelmed by all the busyness on the page. However, just as he did in The Storm in the Barn, Matt Phelan has made me think twice. This time it's Bluffton which is just awesome. That one person can create the beautiful art, write convincing characters and plot, and do the research required for historical fiction is awesome. I'm interested to see what students will think of this one.

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The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I really say about this classic? It seems ridiculous to review it! I will say that am SO glad I finally made the time to read it - as it is considered a classic for good reason. I'm just beginning The Humming Room and I cannot wait to see how these two books relate to one another. My favorite parts of The Secret Garden were the beautiful, mysterious setting, the fascinating characters, and the hopeful theme.



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The Humming Room

The Humming Room by Ellen Potter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book and I think it will find an audience in the library as well. I especially liked reading it just after The Secret Garden. I'm not sure I would have liked it as much without the comparison. I love being able to recommend this book along with its classic counterpart to students reading TX Bluebonnets this year.

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Liar & Spy

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love Liar & Spy. It one that seems to fly right off the pages and feels real and quirky and truthful all at once. There's a bit of mystery here too that I think young readers will enjoy, but there are themes present that make the book special and wise. I love the ideas of friendship, change, fitting in (or not fitting in) and facing fears. For middle grade readers, there is a lot to like about this book. Stead's writing is awesome and the chapter "How to Land a Plane" blew me away.

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