This modern fairy tale, third in the series, is a whimsical story of magic and charm. It describes the origin of the character, Jack Frost. He is known as Nightlight, sworn to protect the Man in the Moon and light his way. But when the Nightmare King attacks, Nightlight brings him down with a price of losing his thoughts and his name. He awakens many years later as Jackson Frost, “an icy boy . . . whose slightest breath or touch brought spirals of frost.” Cold and lonely, he flies aimlessly until he encounters children in need and remembers his earlier oath to guide and protect, and finds renewed purpose watching over the children of Earth. The illustrations are magical with an intensity that feeds curiosity.

This is a very silly book about a donkey and a yam arguing about proper pronunciation and grammar. The donkey is oblivious to his misuse of the words, “is,” “am,” and “are.” The yam grows continually more irritated and finally gives the donkey a lecture about proper verb conjugation, only to finally be eaten by the donkey at the end of the book. Children will be amused by the comic-book style speech bubbles and highly expressive characters.

This is an artistic look into the life of a young boy and his dog who run a morning paper route. The lyrical prose set against the vivid paintings present a highly nostalgic view of what used to be many young men’s early morning routine, before the shift toward digital news. Children will find the illustrations visually stimulating, and parents may enjoy the calming tone of this lullaby-like tale.

Nine eyewitness accounts of suspected bigfoot encounters, from across the United States, eight of which occurred within the past seventeen years.  These occurrences took place in Pennsylvania, Washington state, Alaska, New Jersey, Texas, Oregon, Ohio, and California. One sighting was by a postal work delivering mail, another by a snowmobiler, another by a man fishing his favorite fishing spot along a river, another by an experienced deer hunter, and yet another by a family hiking.

The book leaves the topic open ended, saying this is what these people think happened. “What do you think the men saw?” (7) “Or could it have been something else?” (9) “But could he have been mistaken about what he saw on that dark night?” (11)  And there is a disclaimer on page 3 saying, “Stories in this book are taken from eyewitness accounts and cannot be proven true or false.” The majority of the accounts were told to the Bigfoot Field Research Organization (BFRO) who found them to be credible.

The graphic novel presentation of this topic will appeal to readers. Especially since there are so few actual photos of bigfoot and most encounters seem to be short and visual.

What readers are looking for! A smart girl who is good at math and does not take guff about it from anyone!

Summer vacation will start any minute. Alice can hardly wait to begin her vacation. Alice plans on using vacation to prove the Goldbach’s Conjecture. Twelve year old Alice loves math! When she gets upset, instead of counting to ten, she counts using prime numbers to calm herself down.

Just prior to the last bell ringing, Sammy invites Alice to his house for a very important press conference. Sammy’s father owns Delgado Industries and an invention is about to be unveiled. Alice turns Sammy down, but gets forcefully transported to the event in a black towncar, with a, “Mr. Delgado would like to see you.” (8)

Mr. Jones, Alice’s father who writes for the Philadelphia Daily News, is also at the press conference. Mr. Delgado begins the press conference by announcing his friend and scientist inventor, Dr. Adrian Learner, is missing. The press conference will only take place once Dr. Learner has been found. Sammy is deeply disturbed. Dr. Learner might be Sammy’s only friend. Sammy wants his father to hire Alice to find Dr. Learner. Mr. Delgado hires Alice, but as a way to get publicity, as a joke. This ticks Alice off! Alice only accepts to prove to Mr. Delgado she CAN find him. Plus, her father will get the exclusive story.

Alice takes on the investigation to find Dr. Learner. She visits his top secret lab, visits his super messy apartment, and eventually pieces together Dr. Learner should be at the University of Pennsylvania where Mr. Delgado and Dr. Learner first met. In the meantime, a silver Mercedes begins to follow Alice. The FBI becomes involved, too.

When Alice does find Dr. Learner, it is not enough for Alice. She still needs to prove to herself how he disappeared. Alice’s math equation needs to be  solved,   ” (one exit)+(security camera footage)+(disappearing man)=x”.  Then, maybe the equation should be “(one exit)+(disappearing man)= x-(security camera footage) … or maybe…(one exit)+(security camera footage)= x-(disappearing man) ” . (page 258)  Little by little Alice discovers Dr. Learner’s missing medical prescription was for an experimental drug to slow down Alzheimer’s disease.

Alice holds a press conference stating Dr. Learner’s disappearance was a scam. It turns out Mr. Delgado had staged the entire disappearance to help out his friend Dr. Learner keep his disease a secret, or at least until Mr. Delgado signed a government contract for Dr. Learner’s work.

The book’s cover illustration of Alice needs some revamping, if middle schoolers are going to pick it up and read it. The existing cover is fine for fourth and fifth graders.

On the first day of summer, Shaggy, Scooby, and their friends in Mystery, Inc., join their friend Fred on a trip to his boyhood camp.  The camp is pretty run down but Jasper, the owner, appreciates all the help he gets from Hank, the handyman.  After setting up the tent, having a meal, and telling scary stories, they relax for the evening.  Later that night a thunderstorm shakes the tent.  Looking out, they see a looming creature.  Racing off to the woods, they hide and wait out the storm.  In the morning, they follow tracks to a cave.  Although warning signs say to stay away, the kids decide to investigate.  With quick detective work, they discover the rocks are painted diamonds and the “wild ape-man” is really Hank.  Jasper is relieved and thankful.  Now he has the money to fix up the old camp.  The cartoon artwork is colorful and illustrations and text are well placed.

In this graphic novel, Shaggy’s Aunt Isabelle is a judge for the Chocolate Art Show.  It is being ruined by an unknown phantom.  She enlists Shaggy and friends to help solve this mystery.  They search for clues and eventually set a trap to catch the one responsible for stopping the show.  As in most graphic novels, many details are added in the illustrations.  One point that is disturbing to me is that Scooby is shown to enjoy eating chocolate.  Chocolate can be toxic to dogs depending on the type of chocolate and the size of the dog.  A young reader may get the idea it is okay to feed chocolate to their pet.

Back in the 1930s, Earnie Seiler was a tireless promoter of what was to become the Orange Bowl, one of the final major football contests of the season.  Seiler enticed top teams, the Oklahoma Sooners and the Tennessee Volunteers, to face off in the first game played in Miami.  The other chapters highlight noteworthy competitions and athletes from 1939 to 2012.  Anecdotes, sidebars, and photographs accompany the fact-filled pages.  Also included are a timeline of memorable  events, Orange Bowl records, and quotes.  Additional resources include books, websites, and a place to visit are in the back with the glossary, index and note about the author.  Extraordinary players and remarkable plays throughout add interest to this fact-filled book.

The sphinx and the pyramids in Egypt’s Sahara Desert have intrigued people for thousands of years.  Scientists, archeologists, and scholars have studied, excavated, repaired, and wondered about the creation and purpose of the sphinx.  Which came first, the sphinx or the pyramids?  The sphinx is carved from a single rock.  How old is it?  Why does it have the head of a man and the body of a lion?  Why has it eroded as it has?  What ties does it have to the pharaohs’ pyramids?  Does it contain hidden chambers?  People are concerned with the future preservation of the sphinx.  Erosion, some natural and some man-made, have caused cracks and flaking.  All-in-all, this remarkable structure has created more questions than answers.  Primary sources, sidebars, diagrams, comprehension questions, pros and cons of particular theories, as well as points to consider fill this interesting book.

This biography is of Dr. Charles Drew and his amazing contributions to science concerning blood.  Born in 1904 in Washington DC, Drew, an African American, had more opportunities for a solid education.  Because of DC’s large African American population, schools were good.  He excelled in sports, was a dedicated student, and received a scholarship to Amherst.   Wanting to begin school before fall, he instead attended McGill University in Montreal.  There he realized a dire need for a reliable blood supply.  He returned to Wash. DC as a doctor and surgeon.  He was chosen to study and train with renowned doctors and in 1939, learned how to preserve blood for transfusions.  This led to the life saving creation of the blood bank.  During WWII, Dr. Drew experimented with plasma, the fluid in blood.  It could be preserved and used more easily than whole blood.  The Red Cross organized a donor program and a blood mobile was used for transportation.  Because of racism, the military refused to accept blood from non-whites.  Drew left the Red Cross and returned to teaching, becoming chief of staff, and medical director at Freedman Hospital.  Dr. Drew died at 45 as a result of a car crash.  Some speculate about his care as hospitals were still segregated at the time.  A remarkable story about a remarkable man.  Photographs and sidebars are on every page.  One can read and respond to primary sources.  Diagrams, questions to ponder, glossary, resources, and index included.

Several sports are represented in which players exhibit strange superstitions based on achieving a perfect performance.  In this book, all players are male, both from team and individual sports.  Tennis star Rafael Nadal has a whole routine he follows before and during the game.  A football coach eats grass to “keep himself grounded”.  Hockey players don’t shave until the Stanley Cup playoffs are over.  Baseball’s Wade Boggs ate chicken daily before games.  Basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian chewed a water soaked towel to stay cool.  The layout is pleasing with photos and well-spaced text.  An extra page at the end provides a few additional superstitions.  Packed with trivia, this will be popular with sports fans.  Two other recommended books on sport superstitions are mentioned, as well as a website, index, and note about the author.

An odd mixture of animals, Pandora, a cat, Seabold, a dog, and three mice, Whistler, Lila, and baby Tiny, have come together to form the lighthouse family.  One day, while collecting shells, Lila and Whistler hear the crying of a baby beluga whale.  They learn his name is Sebastian and that he cannot find his mother.  Pandora suggests they enlist the aid of Huck, a cranky cormorant.  With encouragement, Huck is persuaded to fly over the ocean to try to locate Sebastian’s mother.  By the time they spot the beluga pod, Huck is too exhausted to fly home.  With praise about being noble, Huck allows himself to ride home on the back of a whale.  Mother and son are reunited, the lighthouse family had a successful adventure, and cranky old Huck was secretly pleased by praise for being a hero.  McDaniel’s soft, sepia-like graphite illustrations give a pleasant old-fashioned quality to the book.  His artwork charmingly portrays the traits and character of each individual.  Rylant’s books are good for those readers who are reluctant to move from picture books to longer chapter books.  This is a reissue of book number three in a series of seven adventures of the lighthouse family.

Outdoor adventures can be fun for everyone and being prepared is a must.  Caring for our environment and suggestions for packing suitable gear are mentioned on the first pages.  Eight basic knots, with simple directions how to tie them, are described next.  Four designs for using a tarp for a shelter are shown.  Also in this informative book, are instructions how to make a raft, how to safely cross streams, escape quicksand, and build dams.  Safety is always paramount.  Signs to mark a trail are pictured as well as Morse code and semaphore illustrations.  Should an injury occur, several methods to apply first aid until help arrives are explained.  Finally, some fun outdoor games and activities are included with a Did You Know page, index, and paragraph about the author and illustrator.  Many comic critters offer comments from the margins.  Colorful cartoon artwork and a variety of type fonts create an attention-getting outdoor activity (and potential survival!) book for young adventurers.  Lots to learn and think about in this 32 page book.

When J.P. and his family go to a dinosaur themed water park, J.P. is having a wonderful time until he comes up to the dinosaur shaped sign saying, “You must be this tall.” Young children will identify with J.P.’s tear,  frown, and attempts to show he is big enough for this section of the park thanks to Erica Sirotich’s simple, yet effective illustrations.

J.P. states, “I almost threw a fit. I was so sad.” Then with help, he remembers his previous fun. The day is saved.

This is one of three books with the Mood-o-Meter by Ana Crespo aimed at pre-school and early primary aged children.

Focusing on the cretaceous period, this book starts with a brief introduction of how the land masses on our planet shifted and a descriptive timeline of each period from the Precambrian to Quaternary (now).  The tone is conversational but includes a great variety of facts and details readers seek.  There are many logical suppositions about how dinosaurs lived, ate, and protected themselves.  Illustrations are full-color, realistic scenes.  Double-page spreads include 2 – 3 text boxes, a location/length box, and a “Did You Know?” box.  The end of the cretaceous period is explained by the asteroid impact, most likely near present-day Mexico.  This well-written, informative book is one of four in the series.  Each could stand alone.  Other titles are, The Dawn of Planet Earth, Dinosaurs Rule, and The Rise of Mammals.  The complete set would be great addition to any library.  A final “Did You Know?” page with accompanying pronunciation is at the back of the book with an index and short comments about the author and illustrator.

Beginning with suggested drawing materials, the reader is encouraged to learn and use the vocabulary of an artist.  3 – 4 sentences introduce each vehicle.  Instructions are given in 6 easy steps.  Basic shapes are drawn to help focus on the size and position of the final drawing.  Penciled details are defined with a thin marker before the final color and shading are completed.  (Spoiler – this is step 5 for every drawing!)  Illustrations are simple and clear.  This a good introductory book for young artists wanting to learn steps for drawing cars or trucks.  An Art Tip and fact box for each car or truck are included on each spread.  Additional information, a glossary, and a website finish the book.

Red pandas are tiny relatives of the giant panda and live in bamboo forests.  Each spread includes 1 or 2 fact sentences and a large, full-color photograph.  Large easy-to-read text provides basic details about physical characteristics, diet, behavior, and habitat.  Additional suggested books written about the same level, a website, glossary, and index are included.  This is a good introductory book on red pandas for young readers.

Lamond retells the classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen.  In this children’s adaption, the prince goes off to find a true princess that is wise, sensible, and delicate.  He met many women but none were all the things for which he was searching.  Soon after his return, a huge storm raged.  A young girl appeared at the door seeking refuge.  The king, queen, and prince were all impressed with her, but the queen wanted to be sure she was a princess.  As a test, she placed a dried pea underneath 40 mattresses on the princess’s bed.  Only a true princess would be unable to sleep in such a bed.  However, no one slept!  The king was bothered by the storm, the prince was so in love he could not shut his eyes, and the queen lay awake wondering if the princess was sleeping!  This retelling is short but humorous.  Mitch Vane’s ink and watercolor illustrations are expressive and amusing.

Poppy finally gets her wish to own a dog.  She selects Rosie from the shelter and almost immediately realizes how much attention small puppies need.  Poppy’s friend, Millie, helps her teach Rosie a few games.  After a full day of playing and teaching Rosie how to fetch, the girls take a snack break while Rosie takes a nap!  The stories in this series are short (three chapters) and fairly predictable.  They definitely have girl-appeal.  Illustrations on every page focus on Poppy, a cute redhead, and her white, puff-ball puppy.  In the back is a glossary, suggested games to play with one’s pet, and a page devoted to the author and illustrator.

Lenny is the 2nd grade class reporter who interviews the “Student of the Week”.  In this book, he and his camera follow Jasmine to highlight her and her family.  When they reach her farm-home, he finds that Jazz has two dads. Lenny asks who helps her do what and learns that Dad braids her hair, Papi makes dinner, and both pitch in for dancing and stories.  Lenny continues to snap photos of the many activities that take place at Jasmine’s home.  But what makes Jasmine’s family the same as most other families is that her parents love her completely.  The colorful pictures are cartoon-like (big heads and large eyes).  Lenny’s photo collection of Jazz is shown on the “Student of the Week” wall on the last page.  Other books in the series are: My Grandparents, My Military Mom, My Mom and Dad, My Two Homes, and My Two Moms.  This is a gentle was to learn about diversity and family life through the eyes of 2nd grade Lenny.

Cork is a little muskrat who likes to think.  His best friend is Fuzz, a tall possum who loves to play.  It is winter and Cork feels there is something special about the day but cannot figure out just what it is.  They look for a quiet place under a tree to think.  The first tree has noisy birds (tweeters), the second tree has playful squirrels (squirtles), and Fuzz keeps singing a silly song, “Merry, merry, holly, holly, ho-ho-ho!”  As Cork continues looking for a quiet thinking tree, Fuzz finds a shiny stone that jingles which only add to the cacophony of noise that bothers Cork.  At last they find a perfect pine tree quietly twinkling with lights.  As they lay under the snow-laden branches, Cork realizes why the day is so special.  It’s “because I’m in a beautiful place with my friend”.  Readers will quickly guess it is Christmas from the many clues but will be just as satisfied with this ending.  Lisa McCue’s detailed and colorful illustrations are charming.

Beginning with a definition of green and  how it is made by mixing colors, simple text gives examples of where green animals can be found on land, in air, or in water.  Color and animals are popular topics for young readers.  This book is pleasing to the eye.  Photographs are large, clear, and interesting.  Each close-up animal photograph is accompanied by a short, informative explanation or description.  Some terms are in bold font and can be found in the glossary.  One page contains additional facts about the color green – how it is often used in nature, how people use it as a safe color, as in traffic signals, and as a symbol of spring, youth, and envy.

There is lots of humor in this retelling of Humpty Dumpty’s fall.  It takes place in a hospital setting with animal characters.  Weasel is getting bubblegum removed from his fur when  cracked Humpty Dumpty is brought in.  The king’s men explain they tried to put him together before calling for help0.  Dr. Glenda questions Humpty and discovers he fell while watching the king’s men and horses because of a loud POP (Weasel’s bubblegum!).  Dr. Glenda’s quick thinking using Weasel’s bubblegum and headphones save the day – but not before admonishing the king’s men to not move an injured person until help arrives.  This is a fun twist on an old favorite with a little bit of medical information thrown in.  Illustrations are simple and colorful, the txt is easy to read, and the plot is fast paced.  Readers can enjoy other adventures in this animal hospital series.

The  Land Sharks (carnivores) are in a swimming competition with the Algae Eaters (herbivores).  They compete in several pool events from swimming to diving.  Told in rhyme, the various dinosaurs strut their stuff.  Some names are shortened to fit the rhyme, but dino-fans will love the realistic action.  As the dinosaurs compete, many experience mannerisms as most kids – making mistakes, bragging, pouting, being nervous, etc., as they  join in energetic performances.  Illustrations are large, colorful, and stylized.  The Land Shark uniforms are red, while the Algae Eaters are green.  Even the names of each dinosaur are either red or green to help identify the teams.  In this book, the Land Sharks win the meet.  However, reader can follow their competitions in other dino-sporting events y Lisa Wheeler.  Illustrations are colorful and lively.