Geo Librarian

SPARKY AND TIDBIT Ready-to-Read, Level 3 by Kathryn O. Galbraith, illustrated by Gerald Kelley Simon Spotlight, 2015 ISBN: 978-1-4814-0424-2 Ages 4-6 Source: Blue Slip Media All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK An intrepid do-gooder dog named Sparky and an eager young pup named Tidbit star in this charming Level 3 Ready-to-Read that's all about helping others, gaining confidence; and learning to read! Brave and bold Sparky receives a K-9 badge for his birthday and cannot wait to start doing heroic things. But he's having a hard time finding ways to help. Then he hears Tidbit, the neighborhood pup, yipping and howling away because he is the worst in his class at reading. Sparky sighs. He can't possibly help with that or can he? Join the adorable team of Sparky and Tidbit in a story that will teach young readers that with a lot of patience and a little help from a friend, reading will become as easy as it is fun! REVIEW I quite e...

  Coming this April 28th, Diana’s first book for readers eight and up is a thrilling adventure story, perfect for people who like their books with a side of rocketships and hidden treasure. Find out what secrets are hidden beneath the Maryland countryside in... Omega City Gillian Seagret doesn’t listen to people who say her father’s a crackpot. His conspiracy theories about the lost technology of Cold War-era rocket scientist Dr. Aloysius Underberg may have cost him his job and forced the family to move to a cottage in the sticks, but Gillian knows he’s right, and plans to prove it. When she discovers a missing page from Dr. Unerberg’s diary in her father’s mess of an office, she thinks she’s found a big piece of the puzzle–a space-themed riddle promising to lead to Dr. Underberg’s greatest invention. Enlisting the help of her skeptical younger brother, Eric, her best friend, Savannah, and Howard, their NASA-obsessed schoolmate, Gillian sets off into the ruins of a vast doom...

50 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE FIRST WORLD WAR by Jim Eldridge QEB Publishing, 2015 ISBN: 978-1-60992-630-4 MG/YA Nonfiction Ages 9 and up Source: publisher for review All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK The story of the War, brought to life through illustrations, photographs, diaries, and newspaper reports. In this illustrated exploration of World War I, readers discover what caused the war and why it eventually affected every corner of the globe. The key battles, events, and figures are all explored and recounted in succinct and easy-to understand text while illustrations and photographs bring the past vividly back to life. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jim Eldridge is the author of many books for children, including titles in the My Story series, the Warpath books, and How to Handle Grown-Ups. He has had 250 TV scripts broadcast in the UK and internationally for children's and teen television, and is also the creator and writer of Radio 4...

AVA AND TACO CAT by Carol Weston Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2015 ISBN: 978-1-4022-8873-9 Middle Grade Contemporary Ages 9-12 Source: purchased All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Ava desperately wants a pet for her eleventh birthday-but gets way more than she bargained for when she adopts T-A-C-O-C-A-T. When Ava Wren hears about an injured yellow tabby with mismatched ears, she becomes obsessed and wants to rescue him. She even picks out a perfect palindromic name: T-A-C-O-C-A-T. But when Taco joins the family, he doesn't snuggle or purr-all he does is hide. Worse, Ava's best friend starts hanging out with Zara, a new girl in fifth grade. Ava feels alone and writes an acclaimed story, "The Cat Who Wouldn't Purr." What begins as exciting news turns into a disaster. How can Ava make things right? And what about sweet, scared little Taco? REVIEW I enjoyed reading more about Ava and her family.  When Ava's mother tells ...

GO, PEA, GO by Joe Moshier, Chris Sonnenburg Running Kids Press, 2015 ISBN: 9780762456789 Ages 3-5 Source: publisher for review All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Pea Junior has to go, go, go, go! The end feels so far away, but with his family and friends cheering him on, Pea knows he can make it and go number one! A potty chart, a sheet of stickers, and the lyrics and music notation for the "Go, Pea, Go!" song are included to make an easy, all-in-one, go-to book for parents to help ease the pressure of the race to the Pea Bowl. ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR Joe Moshier is a character design artist who has worked on such films as Bolt , Hercules , Chicken Little , The hunchback of Notre Dame , and Rise of the Guardians .  He attended California Institute of the Arts and lives in Los Angeles, CA, with his family. Chris Sonnenburg has worked in development, direction, and as an artist at a variety of animation studios. He attend...

THE IMPOSSIBLE RACE Cragbridge Hall #3 by Chad Morris Shadow Mountain, 2015 ISBN: 978-1-60907-979-6 Ages 9-12 Source: publisher for review All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK In the final book of the Cragbridge Hall trilogy, Abby, Derick, and their friends must utilize their skills in time travel and technology to survive roving bands of dinosaurs, race through space, build robots, and fight virtual dragons. It’s known as the Race—an annual tournament where teams of students compete in the hopes of winning an unbelievable prize. But before this year’s competition, Derick and Abby receive a terrifying message from the future: Charles Muns’s plan to control history is going to succeed. It will cost countless people their lives and change the destiny of the world. And there is nothing anyone can do to stop them. Despite the danger, the twins gather their friends and enter the Race, ready to compete against the best of the best in order to claim ...

JUNA'S JAR by Jane Bahk, illustrated by Felicia Hoshino Lee & Low Books, 2015 ISBN: 9781600608537 Ages 4-8 Source: publisher for review All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Sometimes a simple, everyday object can take you away on great adventures. Juna and her best friend, Hector, have many adventures together, and they love to collect things in empty kimchi jars. Then one day, Hector unexpectedly moves away without having a chance to say good-bye. Juna is heartbroken and left to wonder who will on go on adventures with her. Determined to find Hector, Juna turns to her special kimchi jar for help each night. She plunges into the depths of the ocean, swings on vines through the jungle, and flies through the night sky in search of her friend. What Juna finds is that adventure and new friends can be found in the most unexpected places. Coupled with dreamy watercolor illustrations by Felicia Hoshino, Juna's Jar is a heart-warming and whimsic...

“Few writers for small children so empathize with them as does Charlotte Zolotow.” — Zena Sutherland, children’s literature reviewer and scholar “Ms. Zolotow’s own picture books — she wrote more than 70 — were cleareyed explorations of the interior landscape of childhood by one who had obviously not forgotten what it felt like to dwell there.” – Margalit Fox,   The New York Times Charlotte Zolotow (1915-2013) was a distinguished author and editor of children’s books, and one of the most important contributors to children’s literature. During the course of her career she wrote more than 70 books, many of which are picture-book classics, including the Caldecott Honor medalist   Mr.Rabbit and the Lovely Present . Now, for the very first time, and published on the occasion of her 100 th   birthday, Zolotow’s most beloved seasonal poetry will be available in one collection—   Changes:  A Child’s First Poetry Collection   (9781492601685; Apri...

These books are the perfect way to celebrate a child’s individuality and what makes them special, and are also great for Pre-School and Kindergarten graduation gifts.  The giveaway books include: Just One You   from the Sesame Workshop April 1, 2015; 9781402297359; $10.99; Hardcover Sourcebooks Jabberwocky- Juvenile Fiction/Picture Book Ages 3-7, Grades Pre-3 There is nobody else in the whole world just like you! Elmo, Big Bird, and all the rest of the Sesame Street friends are here to tell you just how special you truly are! You!   by Sandra Magsamen April 7, 2015; ISBN 9781492619345; $16.99; Hardcover Sourcebooks Jabberwocky- Juvenile Fiction/Picture Book Ages 0-5, Grades Pre-3 A life full of adventure first requires big dreams. And big dreams need big encouragement. From world-renowned author and artist Sandra Magsamen comes   YOU! , offering inspiration and hope to readers from 1 to 100. Includes colorful, liv...

TOAD WEATHER written by Sandra Markle, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez Peachtree Publishing, 2015 ISBN: 978-1-56145-818-9 Picture book Ages 4-8 Source: publisher for review All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK There's nothing to do on a rainy day, Ally thinks. But Mama says shes seen something amazing, so despite Ally's misgivings, she sets out with her mother and grandmother. On her journey, she sees all sorts of things: dripping awnings, splashing cars, storm drain geysers, and oil slick patterns. They turn the corner, just in time to see a big crowd. Whats happening? ABOUT THE AUTHOR   Sandra Markle is the author of more than two hundred children's books, which have won numerous awards, including Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book , IRA/CBC Children's Choice, NSTA/CBC Outstanding Trade Books for Children, NCTE Orbis Pictus Recommended, and ALA Notable Books for Children. She lives in New Zealand. You can vi...

BUTTERFLY PARK by Elly MacKay Running Press Kids, 2015 ISBN: 9780762453399 Ages 4-8 Source: publisher for review All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK When a little girl moves to a new town, she finds a place called Butterfly Park. But when she opens the gate, there are no butterflies. Determined to lure the butterflies in, the girl inspires her entire town to help her. And with their combined efforts, soon the butterflies—and the girl—feel right at home. Elly MacKay's luminous paper-cut illustrations and enchanting story encourage community, friendship, and wonderment in the beauty of everyday life. Free poster on reverse side of book jacket.   ABOUT THE AUTHOR Elly MacKay is the author and illustrator of IF YOU HOLD A SEED and SHADOW CHASERS.  She attended Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and now her artwork is sold around the world, including through her Etsy.com shop, Theater Clouds.  To learn more about Elly, vi...