Buddy is a loveable mixed-breed dog who is happy in his new home. He tells the story of his former life with a family who did not care for him properly, how he was rescued, and how he came to live with his new family. A gentle story with a lesson about caring for animals and the role of humane societies. Written by Daisy Bix (pseudonym for Minnesotan Emilie Buchwald), and illustrated by Joe Hyatt, the book includes endnotes and resources about caring for a dog.
In this autobiographical story, author Douglas Wood tells of how a special second grade teacher helped him learn to read despite his ADHD. A book that is featured in the story is The Little Island, a story that reflected some of Douglas' life experience while visiting northern Minnesota. Years later when he wrote Old Turtle, he sent a copy and special 'thank you' note to his former teacher. The bright warm illustrations by Jim Burke add atmosphere to the story.
Vincent Shadow's top secret science lab in the attic is crammed with new toy prototypes and he has a sketchbook filled with drawings of inventions that he wants to build. When a chance encounter with an eccentric toy maker offers Vincent the chance to go from a bullied weird kid to toy inventor extraordinaire, he realizes that it is time to get serious about toys. Written by Minnesotan Tim Kehoe, this clever book not only tells Vincent's story, but also includes a copy of his top secret invention notebook.
In the second installment of his Motor series, author Will Weaver continues the story of dirt-track race car driver Trace Bonham. A corporate sponsor chooses Trace to drive its brand new super stock. It's a fantastic car with a professional crew, eye-catching car hauler, money, and attention. But there are things Trace will have to give up in order to take the offer. How will he handle the speed of his successful young career? This is a fantastic read for high school boys who love cars and car racing.
It's a little past the holidays, but I just read this new book from Marion Dane Bauer. It is a simple retelling of the Nativity story; how Joseph, Mary, and the donkey found a welcoming place in the stable for Jesus' birth. It also celebrates the timeless joy that families experience when they welcome a new baby into the world. With illustrations by Richard Cowdrey, this is one for families to share and enjoy.
We have a new cat at our house, and we are gradually learning her ways of communicating with her human 'mom and dad'. People who have a cat or dog may have times when they wish it could talk and describe its daily adventures. In this story, a young girl imagines a fabulous trip that her cat takes around the continent of Europe. With rhyming text by Minnesotan Caroline Lazo and collage and oil illustrations by Krysten Brooker, this book could be used to introduce European countries and geography to young readers. End notes provide additional information about the countries that this feline visits.
Kelly doesn't know how to ice skate, but all her friends can. Then she meets Snowden, a very special snowman who comes to life when Kelly hangs her Grandpa's skates around his neck. Snowden doesn't know how to skate either, so they learn together. After lots of practice, Kelly is able to return to the rink and impress her friends with some neat tricks. Written and illustrated by Nancy Carlson, this will be a fun story for winter (brrrr, it's cold today!)
