Tag: parents

Posted in Toddler Reads, Uncategorized

Book Review: How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen/Illus. Mark Teague (Blue Sky Press, 2000)

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

how-do-dinosaurs-say-goodnightRecommended for ages 2-5

Do dinosaurs really act up when it’s bedtime? A host of dinosaurs, acting much like preschoolers, react to bedtime and show readers how a dinosaur should say good night.

Dinosaurs are a popular topic among young audiences, and these dinosaurs, loaded with personality, will connect with young readers. Young audiences will see themselves reflected in the dinosaurs and how they approach bedtime. The earthy, colorful paintings offer varying perspectives – some dinosaurs are viewed from up high, some tower over everything around them – and multicultural families will appeal to all families. Dinosaur names are cleverly offered in each room, providing the chance for a fun name hunt. The endpapers illustrate all the dinosaurs found in the story, along with their names.

This is a great story for either a dinosaur-related read-aloud or a bedtime tale, where children and parents/guardians can talk about how they good night in their homes. There are numerous bedtime songs and fingerplays to use in conjunction with the book, and Massachusetts Honor Books offers a fun activity where children can write down “good night” in different languages, posting them on a map of the world.

The book has received numerous accolades, including the ALA Notable Children’s Books: 2001, Colorado: Children’s Book Award Nominees: 2002, Helbie Award: 2001, Maryland: Children’s Book Award Honors: 2003, Missouri: Building Block Picture Book Award Nominees: 2001, Nevada: Young Readers’ Award Nominees: 2003, Tennessee: Volunteer State Book Award Nominees: 2003, Texas: and the 2×2 Reading List: 2001.

The author’s website offers information about her other books, book trailers, and resources for teachers and storytellers. The How Do Dinosaurs series includes How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?, How Do Dinosaurs Go To School?, and How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends?

 

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Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Tween Reads

Book Review: A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness (Candlewick, 2011)

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Recommended for ages 11-13

A Monster Calls is one of those books that will tear your heart out while you’re reading it, but when you’re done, you’re glad that you went through the experience. It’s that good.

Conor is a 13-year old boy who lives in Britain with his single mother, has a strained relationship with his father, who has his own life and new family in the States, and is bullied at school. His mother is fighting a battle with cancer, and losing. Around this time, Conor starts receiving visits every night, just after midnight, from a monster in the guise of a yew tree in his backyard. The monster tells him stories – truths – whose outcomes really play with perspective, and he tells Conor that the fourth story will be Conor’s, telling the monster his own truth. It’s a truth that Conor doesn’t want to think about, but that gives him nightmares every night.

The story, originally an idea by author Siobhan Dowd, whose own life was cut short by cancer, is gorgeously written. Ness’ words bring the reader right into Conor’s fear, grief and anger at his mother’s battle, his grandmother’s fussiness, his father’s distance, and the numbness he feels as he endures the bullies at school. When the monster allows Conor’s rage an outlet, the reader feels it, viscerally. Jim Kay’s stark black and white illustations add to the moody feeling of Ness’ prose.
 
A Monster Calls has been shortlisted for several awards including the Galaxy British National Book Award, the Red House Children’s Book Award, and the Cybils Award in Middle Grade Fantasy. The author’s website features his blog, an FAQ, and information about his books and events.
Posted in Fantasy, Tween Reads

Book Review: The Summer of Moonlight Secrets, by Danette Haworth (Walker Books, 2010)

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Recommended for ages 9-12

Eleven year-old Allie Jo lives with her mother and father at The Meriwether, a Florida hotel that they help manage. She doesn’t have many friends, and the mean girls at school call her a “hotel rat”. The summer of 1987 changes things for Allie Jo, though – she meets Chase, a fourteen year-old guest traveling with his journalist dad and who’s working through some issues of his own, and they both meet Tara, a mysterious girl who appears one day and says she’s run away. As Allie Jo and Chase learn more about Tara, they’re split as to what they believe – is she a troubled teen, or is her fantastic story true?

A fantasy substory taking place within a realistic fiction plot, The Summer of Moonlight Secrets is great fun with a few big issues going on – there is some minor bullying, the issue of an absentee mom, and a runaway whose stories all intertwine here. Ms. Haworth’s story is evenly paced with well-developed characters. Chapters are narrated in each of the three main characters’ voices, so the reader truly gets a glimpse into each character’s mind and point of view in addition to how each perceives the others. The big reveal is also a pleasant surprise, as Ms. Haworth almost leads to reader to one conclusion to reveal another, more interesting one. Overall, an enjoyable read about friendship that will make readers feel good when they’re done – and leave them with some interesting things to consider.

Danette Haworth’s website offers information about all of her books, her biography, and contact information.

Posted in Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Tween Reads

Book Review: Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick (Scholastic, 2011)

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Recommended for ages 9-13

Wonderstruck tells the stories of two different people in two different time frames whose lives converge in an unexpected way. One story is told primarily through words and one through pictures; those familiar with Mr. Selznick’s Caldecott-winning The Invention of Hugo Cabret will recognize his artwork immediately.

The story, alternately told in 1927 and 1977, follows a young, girl named Rose who yearns to leave her New Jersey home and travel to New York City to see her favorite actress and a 12-year old boy, Brian, who is reeling after his mother’s sudden death. New York City, particularly the American Museum of Natural History, plays a major role in the book as we see the stories converge.

Wonderstruck relies as much on Selznick’s artwork as it does his prose in creating this story. The art is detailed and provides a comprehensive narrative on its own; his prose is simply stated and powerful. He weaves these two seemingly unconnected stories together and creates a powerful, emotional tale that readers will not want to put down. It is a love letter to New York City and a loving look at families lost and found.

 Brian Selznick’s novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, won the 2008 Caldecott Medal and has been made into a movie directed by Martin Scorcese. Scholastic’s Wonderstruck website offers features on American Sign Language and constellations, a link to the author’s website, and a sneak peek at the book for those visitors who haven’t gotten the book yet.