Friday, October 31, 2008

Farmer's Market; Families Working Together

Where's the best place to buy the freshest vegetables, fruit, and flowers? Try a farmer's market. In this book, readers will get a behind-the-scenes look at two farm families who raise produce and flowers to sell at the St. Paul farmer's market. They will also see how everyone in the family, including children, work together to grow the food and flowers that fill the market from Spring through Fall each year. Written by Marcie Rendon with photographs by Cheryl Walsh Bellville, it also includes instructions for growing vegetables from seed, and may be a resource for Spring gardening units.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

My Head is Full of Colors

Each day when Maria wakes up, her head is full of something. One day it may be books, another - colors, another - animals, another - people. A bright a colorful book written by Catherine Friend, illustrated by Kiki Oberstenfeld de Suarez, it was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 1995.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Hayloft

This one may bring back summer memories on a cool October day.

In this beginning chapter book, sisters Caroline Rose and Ivy enjoy summer on the farm, especially the hayloft of the barn. It's a great place to play, and perhaps even sleep overnight in -- except for the spiders and other creepy things. Written by Lisa Westberg Peters, with illustrations by K.D. Plum, this will be enjoyed by girls from town or country.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Utterly Otterly Day

In the newest collaboration of Mary Casanova and Ard Hoyt, this is the story of a young otter who believes he's big enough to explore the world on his own. After several close calls, Little Otter realizes that the best and safest place is at home in the den with his family. Funny pictures and lots of word play will make this a popular choice with early readers.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

A Very Brave Witch

In a spooky house on the far edge of town lives a brave little witch. She has heard about the human holiday, Halloween, but she has never seen it for herself. This year will be different as she hops on her broom to see what all the excitement is about. When her broom crashes, she becomes friends with a human 'witch'. Now, who's the bravest witch? Written by Alison McGhee, with delightful illustrations by Harry Bliss (don't overlook the endpapers), it's a fun Halloween story for young readers.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Some Dog

George, a bloodhound-like dog, has had a good life. But now he's getting old, and expecting peace and quiet, and a slower pace to life. But one day, a small, stray, yappity dog moves into his home. This dog has so much energy that the family names his Zippity. Eventually, Zippity's frenetic energy is too much, and he's banished out into a thunderstorm. When he doesn't return, George is sent to find him, and what an adventure it is. Written by Mary Casanova, illustrated by Ard Hoyt, this will have readers cheering for George all the way.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

In the Driver's Seat

The reader gets behind the wheel in this funny adventure. Down the road, around curves, through a barnyard, up a mountain road, and even under water we all go as readers laugh their way to a surprise conclusion. Simple, but bold, colors fill the pages of this preschool adventure by Max Haynes.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Look What the Cat Dragged In!

One of our cats is a fantastic hunter. The bad news is that he loves to bring his hunting trophies home and into the house through the cat door.

Here is a story of an unusual cat who drags other things home.

Deep in the woods, in the heart of winter, the Lazybones family is too lazy to work for themselves. All they can do is complain, and it is up to the little orange cat to gather firewood, and bring home dinner and entertainment. "Look what the cat dragged in" is a familiar refrain on each successful venture. But finally the cat is fed up with the selfish, whining, ungrateful Lazybone clan, and takes matters into his own paws--earning himself some well deserved peace and quiet. This silly story by Gary Hogg, illustrated by Minnesotan Mike Wohnoutka, will have readers laughing all the way to the end.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Trick or Treat on Milton Street

Charley is not excited about Trick or Treating on his new street, especially when he has to go with his new stepfather because his mom is sick. But, after he meets a witch, mummy, vampire, and other creepy creatures who throw a special party just for him, Charley gains a new perspective on Milton Street. Written by Lisa Bullard, with wonderful illustrations by Joni Oeltjenbruns, this is a special Halloween story.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Trick or Treat Fraidy Cat

It's Halloween night, and Fraidy Cat is all dressed up and ready to go Trick-or-Treating. But what happend to all his friends? Where are they? A lift-the-flap book in bold colors by Max Haynes will have plenty of surprises for young children.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Grandmother's Pigeon

Full of imagination and fantasy, this picture book tells the story of a close-knit family of parents, children and a grandmother. While at the beach one day, grandmother decides to sail for Greenland on a porpoise. A year later when she hasn't returned, the others start to clear out her room where they find a bird's nest with three eggs. Then the eggs hatch! The baby birds are pigeons and an onithologist tells everyone that the babies are passenger pigeons (extinct since 1914). I won't spoil the ending for those who haven't read it. This story was Louise Erdrich's first book for children. The acrylic and colored pencil illustrations by Jim LaMarche add to the magical quality of the story. There is a lot to think about and talk about in this story.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Snap

It's the summer between sixth and seventh grade, and Edwina is keeping her world in order by making lists and wearing colored rubber bands on her arm which she snaps when she wants to remind herself of something. Her best friend Sally is having a difficult summer because her beloved grandmother is dying. Written by Alison McGhee, this gently told story shows the struggles that can be part of life for an early teen. This could be the basis for a book club or small group discussion for girls at this age. It was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2005.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Twin Cities: Then and Now

A part of history is the opportunity to study how people and places change over a period of time. This book shows the evolution of Minneapolis and St. Paul through a collection of 72 historic photographs of city streets and other landscapes. The pictures were taken between the 1880's and 1950's and they are paired with modern pictures of the same locations. Written by Larry Millett, with new photographs by Jerry Mathiason, this could find a home in school library reference collections, and be used by students studying Minnesota history or working on History Day projects. It also could be a resource for high school classes studying urban development, as it shows how changing streets and roads from pedestrian-friendly to car-friendly has made significant changes in our lifestyle.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Troll With No Heart in His Body

Trolls are central characters in Norwegian folklore. In this book. Lise Lunge-Larsen retells nine stories about trolls, from the title story to the Three Billy Goats Gruff, and Butterball. Trolls are the central characters in each one, and the book would be a great resource for a folklore unit. With woodcut illustrations by Betsy Bowen, this won the Minnesota Book Award in 2000, and was selected for Horn Book Fanfare and the national social studies list that year as well.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The Hidden Folk

Subtitled, Stories of Fairies, Dwarves, Selkies, and other Secret Beings; this book is a collection of nine stories about faries, gnomes, elves, dwarves, water horses, hill folk, river sprites, and selkies compiled by Lise Lunge-Larson. The stories are drawn from northern European folklore, and tell about those "beings whose presence we feel but whom we cannot see". The scratchboard illustrations by Beth Krommes add to the fairytale feel of this book. It won the Minnesota Book Award in 2005.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Sees Behind Trees

Here is the story of Walnut, a near-sighted Native American boy. Because of his poor eyesight, he has difficulty passing the challenges with bow and arrow that prove he is ready to receive a new name and become an adult. But his uncanny ability to use his other senses earns him the name Sees Behind Trees. An elder in his clan, Gray Fires seeks his guidance on a special journey, and Sees Behind Trees learns many valuable lessons along the way. Written by Michael Dorris, this won the Minnesota Book Award in 1997, and was selected for the Best Language Arts list that year.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Stinky Stern Forever

Matthew Velvel Stern (nickname Stinky Stern) is the classroom bully in second grade. But one day after school, he dashes out into the street without looking, and is run over by a van. The next day is a very sad day for Pa Lia, Calliope, Howie, and the rest of the class as they search for ways to remember Stinky Stern. Death is a very challenging subject to write about, especially for a young audience, but Michelle Edwards handles it well in this fourth book of the Jackson Friends series. This volume was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2006. A teachers guide for this and the other books in the series can be found at www.michelledwards.com.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

The Talent Show

Jackson Magnet School is having a talent show and Howardina Geraldina Paulina Maxina Gardenia Smith (Howie for short) is singing a solo as a representative of second grade. She is excited because everyone will be there. But at the final dress rehearsal, she gets stage fright, and cannot sing. How will she ever make it through Opening Night? Written by Michelle Edwards, and third in the Jackson Friends series, this continues the easy chapter book series.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Zero Grandparents

In the second volume of the Jackson Friends series, readers will find a story about Calliope Turnipseed James. The second grade class is having a special event for Grandparents Day. Unfortunately, Calliope doesn't have any living grandparents, and she must find another way to celebrate this special day. Written by Michelle Edwards, this continues the easy chapter book series for early readers.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Pa Lia's First Day

Pa Lia Vang is off to school for the first day of second grade. It's pretty scary because she is starting at a new school, Jackson Magnet School. Her big brother drops her at the front door, but with help from a girl named Calliope she finds her classroom, begins to find more friends, and event gets into a little trouble with her teacher. Written by Michele Edwards, and the first of the Jackson Friends series, this is a good story for early chapter book readers.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Someday

In this simple picture book, a mother reflects on all the dreams she has for her new born daughter. Written by Alison Mcghee, with illustrations by Peter Reynolds, this isn't really a classroom book, but a great gift for new moms and their daughters to share when she is old enough to understand.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

What Baby Wants

When Mama gets tired and the rest of the family volunteer to take care of Baby; trouble is about to arrive. Everyone (Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle, and Sister) tries unsuccessfully to soothe baby--with increasingly hilarious results. Finally, Brother is able to figure out that Baby just needs a hug, a cuddle, and a soft lullaby. Written by Phyllis Root, with illustrations by Jill Barton (they may remind you of Patricia Polacco's work), it is a wonderful read-aloud in class or as a bedtime story for the little ones.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Northwoods Cradle Song

In this picture book, Douglas Wood has adapted a Menominee lullaby to show how the world gradually goes to sleep as night arrives. The rhyming text is simple but elegant, and the oil painting illustrations by Lisa Desimini, though somewhat primitive, add to the simplicity of the story. It could become a bedtime tradition for children of any culture.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Mill City: A Visual History of the Minneapolis Mill District

St. Anthony Falls, the only falls on the Mississippi River, and the birthplace of Minneapolis, has held a prominent place in the city's history. In this book, edited by Shannon Pennefeather, readers will learn about the history of the Falls through the writings of explorers, early settlers, business leaders, and employees of the mills and other businesses that were established next to the Falls. The book includes numerous historical photographs, and can be used as a resource for Minnesota history classes or for History Day projects. The reading level is high school or beyond, but the images make it a good resource for junior high and up. It won the Minnesota Book Award for History/Biography in 2004.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Shingebiss; An Ojibwe Legend

This is the story of Shingebiss, a little duck who lived in the Northwoods near Lake Superior. Since Lake Superior does not freeze over in winter, he has always had lots of food. But one year, the winter is particularly harsh, and Shingebiss must outsmart the fierce Winter Maker. The lesson in this folktale is that those who follow the lessons of Shingebiss will always have plenty to eat. Written by Nancy Van Laan, with wood block print illustrations by Minnesota's Betsy Bowen, this was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 1998, and was selected for the national social studies list that year.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Small Steps; The Year I Got Polio

Popular children's author, Peg Kehret (a native of Austin, Minnesota), tells the true story of the year she spent recovering from polio. At first she was almost completely paralyzed, but with the help of special doctors, nurses, therapists, family and friends; she was able to recover and lead a nearly normal life. Readers will get insight into life and the treatment programs at the Sister Kenny Institute. The book has been selected for several national notable lists and state children's literature awards.