Detective Gordon

Book talk: Detective Gordon is getting on in years but he's still the best detective around. When he discovers a young mouse who steals a single nut out of hunger, he decides that instead of arresting her, he should take her on as an apprentice. A case is calling, but first they must take care of the terribly important business of tea and cakes!

Rave: This book is full of wry humor and witty observations. Detective Gordon has a good heart and shows mercy as he metes out justice to the woodland creatures. There's a lot of cute childhood touches like how particular Gordon is with his stamp. It reminds me of how serious the kids take it when I let them stamp their library books. It's all rounded out with simple but beautiful illustrations.

Every book its reader: I'd give this to early chapter book readers who enjoy animals and mystery. It would also make a great class read aloud.

Topics and trends: early chapter books, mysteries, animals,

Source: school library

The First Case by Ulf Nilsson: buy it or check it out today!

Clover's Luck Review

Book talk: When Clover's friends get accepted into a horse camp and leave her behind, she knows she's fallen victim to her bad luck yet again. Then she stumbles upon a magical animal adoption agency in the woods by her house. She learns how to take care of fairy horses, unicorns left behind by spoiled princesses, and even a baby dragon. It seems her luck is turning around, until the owner of the agency disappears on a trip and leaves her to take care of the animals by herself. Will she be up to the challenge? Is there more bad luck lurking around the corner? Clover's summer is going to be either the best or worst of her life, but it certainly won't be boring!

Rave: I would have been all over this when I was a kid! Employee at a magical animal adoption agency would have immediately become my dream job, and I would have spent hours playing imaginary games where I was Clover. Even as an adult I couldn't resist the charm of this novel as Clover slowly gained confidence and learned how to take care of herself by taking care of others. Plus, fairy horses! They're tiny horses for fairies! Why has no one told me about these before?

Every book its reader: I'd give this to animal lovers and fans of fantasy looking for a sweet early chapter book. The reading level is 2nd & up but there's nothing in it that younger kids couldn't handle as a read aloud or if they're strong readers themselves.

Topics and trends: mythical animals, unicorns, dragons, pets, animal rescue

Extras: 


Source: school library

Magical Animal Adoption Agency: Clover's Luck by Kallie George, Illustrated by Alexandra Bolger: buy it or check it out today!

Gum Girl Review

Book talk:  Have you ever had gum stuck in your hair? How did you get it out?  Gabby's mother uses peanut butter to do the trick, but she warns Gabby to stop her constant chewing.  But Gabby just can't resist and after all, how would her mother ever find out?  Then she blows a giant bubble that touches the telephone wires and electrocutes her.  This turns her into the gumazing gum girl!  At first Gabby just wants to get out of the sticky situation, but she soon realizes that being the gum girl has its advantages.  Will Gabby save the day--or will she just get busted?

Rocks my socks:  This quick read is packed full of laughs and classic super hero tropes.  There are ample illustrations in black, white, and bubblegum-pink that show off gum girl's special powers and crime-fighting action scenes.  The occasional Spanish word is used and introduced in ways that are easy to understand.  There aren't many early chapter books starring Latina characters, so I was excited to find this one.

Rocks in my socks:  The plot and characters are a bit cliche, but it makes the story easy to follow which makes sense for an early chapter book.  Especially considering that this is at the easier end of the early chapter spectrum with many pages only containing a few words in dialogue bubbles.

Every book its reader:  This is an excellent early chapter books for fans of superheroes and humor.  A fast, engaging read for those just diving into chapter books.

Extras:  

Rhode Montijo has a blog where you can find early sketches for the book:  http://rhodemontijo.blogspot.com/

Source: school library

The Gumazing Gum Girl by Rhode Montijo: buy it or check it out today!

Sir Gawain the True Review

Book talk:  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be one of King Arthur's knights?  Have you imagined dressing up in a suit of armor, slaying dragons, and battling giants?  If so, you'll love this story about Sir Gawain.  The Green Knight shows up at the round table one night and offers anyone the chance to hit him with an axe if he will allow the Green Knight to do the same in one year and one day.  Sir Gawain volunteers and beheads the Green Knight, but the Green Knight just picks his own head up and reminds Gawain to meet him again in a year.  Should Sir Gawain keep his promise and let himself be killed by the Green Knight, or should he use the year to run as far away as he can?  What would you do?

Rocks my socks:  This book had me laughing along to a skilled retelling of a familiar tale.  Fans of knight tales in general and King Arthur specifically will enjoy this fresh new version of the story.  In addition to all of the humor and action this story contains a lot of wonderful lessons about why vows were so important in Sir Gawain's time and why Arthur valued manners in knights as much as their fighting skills.  The ample pictures portray the action and provide additional humorous touches.

Rocks in my socks: nada

Every book its reader:  This is a wonderful early chapter book and would also make a great read-aloud.  I'd give it to fans of humor and adventure and particularly fans of knights.  2nd grade and up.

Source: school library

The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True by Gerald Morris illus. by Aaron Renier: buy it or check it out today!