Look At Us!

Creature Features: Twenty-Five Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do

Written and Illustrated by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

ISBN:978-0-544-23351-5

Rating: 9/10

Creature Features: Twenty-Five Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do lets the animals tell the story. There are realistic cartoon illustrations show each different animal and the narration is done by each animal.

I personally really enjoyed this book. I think it will interest children to learn about animals. Not only are the illustrations captivating, but having it told from the animals' perspective makes it fun for the children to learn! 

The Magic of Germs

The Magic School Bus: Inside Ralphie - A Book About Germs

Written by Joanna Cole 

Illustrated by Bruce Degen and Beth Nadler

Published by Scholastic Inc.

ISBN: 0-590-40025-8

Rating: 7/10

The Magic School Bus series is known for its information texts, and Inside Ralphie is a great example. When poor Ralphie does not show up to class one day, the ecentric and quirky Ms. Frizzle and her class go to his house to make sure he is okay. When they see he is sick they take it upon themselves to help him get better- by taking their magic bus and going inside Ralphie himself to kill the germs. 

This book does a nice job simplifying what can be a difficult concept for children: the immune system and inside the body. Germs, red blood cells, and white blood cells are not something most second graders would be familiar with but Cole's manner of writing makes does not over-complicate the science. The plot-line is a little interesting, but it overall is an efficient and fun way to learn about germs.   

All Aboard!

The Polar Express
Written and Illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg
Published by Houghton Mifflin
ISBN: 0395389496
Rating: 7/10

The Polar Express is holiday favorite: the ideal fantasy of going to the North Pole. A mysterious train shows up on Christmas Eve and brings children to see Santa and his workshop. The reader follows the main character of a little boy who no longer believes in Santa and the innocent magic of Christmas. Throughout this trip his faith starts to strengthen, and by the end of the story it gives the message that seeing is not believing- believing is seeing. I believe this story is great for children of all ages. Although the plot is pretty predictable, this book is one that all children should experience not only to get them in the Christmas spirit, but to show them to that having a little faith is not a bad thing.

Do You Believe in Magic?

Matilda 
By Roald Dahl
Illustrated by Quentin Blake 
Published by Puffin
ISBN: 0141301066
Rating: 7/10


Roald Dahl is an author who is known for his unique and fantastical books and Matilda is a popular of one. Matilda takes the word prodigy to the next level- with her incredible mind she was able read and do advanced school work before she was even five. She also has the magical power to levitate and move objects, which thickens the plot. The reader follows her through her interesting family and school life where she just wants to be noticed and cared for.

Matilda is a great book for children who are ready to read chapter books. The magic makes it intriguing and exciting, but the plot allows readers to follow characters and really feel for them.

Born to Be Wild

Where the Wild Things Are
By Maurice Sendak
Published by Haper Collins Publishers: 1964
ISBN: 0-06-025492-0
Rating 10/10

 Where the Wild Things Are is a perfect example of children's fantasy books. It is a household classic- I believe I still have two copies of it in my house to this day. This book vividly depicts the fantasy that every child experiences when they get in trouble- to run away. When Max's mother sends him to his room, his imagination takes over, and as it grows so do the illustrations. His mind takes him to a new world with wild creatures who he befriends, but by the end of the story he discovers that his world is where he belongs, and returns to his room, where he finds supper waiting for him.

I believe this is an excellent book for young children. It shows them the power of imagination, but also the lesson that running away from problems is not the answer.

The Art of the Dot

The Dot
Written and Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Published by Candlewick
ISBN: 0763619612
Rating: 7/10

The Dot is a realistic fictional book aimed towards younger readers. It tells the tale of a girl who thinks she cannot draw. Her teacher encourages her and she ends up drawing a dot. The teacher frames it and the girl realizes that she can draw! No matter how simple it may be, it is still art. This allows her to have confidence in herself and abilities and to encourage others to do the same.

The story sends a nice message to children about self-worth and personal creativity.

Diggin Up Them Holes

Holes
By Louis Sachar
Published by Yearling Books
ISBN: 9990833087
Rating: 10/10

I seem to be getting a lot of good ones lately, but here is another great example of realistic fiction: Holes. It tells the story of a boy who gets in trouble for something he didn't even do and has to go to a disciplinary camp and dig holes. There is the subject of curses when a promise is broken and crazy characters, but still is something that can happen.

It teaches children to stick to their word and always be honest. The good guys win in the end because they fix the broken promise from the past. Older children should definitely read this book and check out the Disney movie!