Pick 6: early chapter books

When I introduced this feature last spring, early chapter books were one of the first lists I shared. At the time I focused on new series. Many of the books on this year's lists are part of ongoing series. Still, they are well worth reading. Here are six books for kids just beginning to read chapter books published in the last six months.

6 new early chapter books

1. Dino-Mike and the T-Rex Attack by Franco Aureliani

2. Frank Einstein and the Electro Finger by Jon Scieszka

3. The Ghost and Max Monroe: The Missing Zucchini by L.M. Falcone

4. Pop Goes the Circus by Kate Klise

5. Piper Green and the Fairy Tree by Ellen Potter

6. Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon by Kate DiCamillo

Book review - Scar Girl

Title: Scar Girl
Author: Len Vlahos
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: The Rise and Fall of the Gallivanters by MJ Beaufrand
                     Adios, Nirvana by Conrad Wesselhoeft
Rating:

A pretty nice sequel

Summary: They called themselves The Scar Boys, mostly because of the burn scars that marred the face of their guitarist, Harry. After an accident took vocalist Johnny's leg, the name seemed especially apt. After their first taste of fame and success, their search for direction and purpose leads them to discover that there are many kinds of scars.

My opinion: The first book, The Scar Boys, focused on finding a sense of normalcy while also realizing that none of us are ever truly "normal". It was a fun, sometimes deep, book. This book takes those ideas and builds upon them. It unapologetically explores all of a person's scars. It can be rather rough, emotionally. None of the problems are easily resolved. It's not a perfect read. Some may find the interview style rather distancing, the decisions of some of the characters too simple. If you've read the first book, though, this one is a solid read.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Custom centaur

I've been cleaning house lately and, as is inevitable in a big clean-out, I found a bunch of stuff I had forgotten I even owned. Most of has been packed away to take to Goodwill. A few things, though, I set aside to craft with. Like today's craft.

I blame this one entirely on Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic (see my review dated 8/21). In the book, Desmond talks about altering his sister's Barbie dolls into monsters. I had already thought about trying my hand at frankentoys, so that reference was enough to put me over the edge. Luckily I had a few little McDonalds toys that were well suited to what I had in mind: a centaur.

Metro Man

My Little Pony

It was a pretty simple matter to sever Metro Man at the waist with a hobby knife and pry off his cape. I also cut off the extra decorations on his arms. Removing the pony's head was a little messier and I had to trim her neck afterwards. Once the toys were dismembered, I hot glued Metro Man's torso to the pony's neck. I ended up smoothing that joint somewhat with extra glue.

Now, once I got him assembled, I realized that the legs were a little short so I added a little height with some Model Magic that I had lying around. While the pony's hooves have depressions that helped anchor the clay, I did end up having to glue those additions on with hot glue. 

 

After a quick base-coat of white, I painted his features in acrylic. I finished him with clear acrylic sealer.

Summer Reading

As part of our summer reading program, my library hosts presenters one night a week for five weeks. Here's a photographic recap of this year's performers.

Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers - Everybody Loves Pirates

Mad Science of Maine

Magician Peter Boie

Juggler and stunt artist Steve Corning

Chewonki

After the presenters, we have our end of summer reading party. 

Book review - Desmond Pucket 1&2

Title: Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic
         Desmond Pucket and the Mountain Full of Monsters
Author: Mark Tatulli
Genre: humor
Similar books: The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett
                     The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon
Rating: 

wicked fun

Summary: In book one, we find Desmond trying to get through the sixth grade without getting expelled. It would be easier if he could stop pulling pranks, a vice he can't seem to resist. If he can't stay out of trouble for the rest of the year he'll be banned from the class trip to Crab Shell Pier. And he must ride the Mountain Full of Monsters!
In book two, Desmond has made it to Crab Shell Pier at last. He has a plan to go on his favorite ride with the girl of his dreams. If only he could get away from Mr. Needles. Matters are complicated when he gets bad news about his favorite ride.

My opinion: Because Tatulli is primarily a comic strip artist (he's the creator of the largely wordless surreal strip "Lio") he has an excellent sense of visual timing. Thus, Tatulli uses the illustrations in these books to full effect. While Desmond is a prankster with a fondness for the macabre, his pranks come from a sense of fun and pleasant fear rather than anything truly malicious (excepting those he plays on his older sister), making him a likable, if somewhat odd, character. I liked the emphasis on planning and design before Desmond pulls any stunt, encouraging the same process thinking from readers .The plots are a little silly but in an entertaining way. Desmond Puckett is a solid choice fore young, fun-loving mischief makers.

More information: Currently available in hardcover, both of these books will be released in paperback August 25.
Advanced Reader copy provided by NetGalley.

Book review - Icebreaker

Title: Icebreaker
Author: Lian Tanner
Genre: sci-fi/distopia
Similar books: The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann
                     The Lost Prince by Matt Myklusch
Rating:

rather unique

Summary: Ever since her parents committed a serious crime and were cast overboard, Petrel has had to fend for herself aboard the Oyster. None of the three warring tribes aboard ship will accept her. She spends her days hiding from bullies, stealing food, and speaking only to two intelligent grey rats. When a boy is found out on the ice, it upsets the balance of the shipboard culture and might just reveal a secret that has been concealed for three hundred years.

My opinion: This may well be the first dystopian novel I've seen aimed at middle grade readers. The focus is a little different than your standard dystopia. While it does delve somewhat into the way the society works and Petrel's place (or lack thereof) in it, the larger focus is on Petrel and her sense of self and value, her desire to belong somewhere. Like many preteens, she wants just one friend and sees the mysterious boy as her chance. That exploration of value and acceptance is far more typical of middle grade fiction than any other dystopia. The portrayal of the characters is somewhat simplistic but with the complexity of the world that's understandable. Overall, its a solid read for 5th-8th graders.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Picture books for everyone

Actual Size by Steve Jenkins

It's interesting enough to read that a giant squid's eye can be 12 inches in diameter. We don't realize the full implication of that fact until we're looking at it and realize that said eye is larger than our heads. And that's what gives this book such broad appeal. Little ones will enjoy comparing the size of their heads, hands, and more to the animals in this book. for older readers each page has a few animal facts. Jenkins has also written a similar book for dinosaur fans: Prehistoric Actual Size. I've used both of these books with my preschool storytime and they are always a hit, even drawing older siblings who usually ignore what we are doing into the conversation.