Geo Librarian

SPARKS! written by Ian Boothby, art by Nina Matsumoto with color by David Derick Graphix, 2018 ISBN: 978-1-338-02947-5 Source: school library Ages 9-12 All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK This Super Dog is the Cat's Meow! August is a brilliant inventor who is afraid of the outside. Charlie is a crack pilot who isn't afraid of anything. Together these pals save lives every day. They also happen to be cats who pilot a powerful, mechanical dog suit! Always eager to leap into danger, this feline duo have their work cut out for them as they try to thwart Princess, an evil alien bent on enslaving mankind. Don't let the fact that Princess looks like a cute, diaper-wearing baby fool you. She's clever, determined, and totally ruthless. So when Princess and the browbeaten fools she calls servants enact a brilliant and dastardly plan to conquer Earth, August and Charlie pull out all the stops to save the day. REVIEW I'm always thr...

SYLVIA ROSE AND THE CHERRY TREE by Sandy Shapiro Hurt, illustrated by Xindi Yan Tilbury House Publishers, 2018 ISBN:978-0-88448-527-8 Source: publisher for review Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK This very strange tale began in May in a friendly forest on a sunny day. Skipping along a path in the wood danced Sylvia Rose, and man, she was GOOD! Laughing and leaping came Sylvia Rose, Whirling and twirling on twinkly toes. Bold, adventurous Sylvia Rose loves visiting the animals and trees of the forest. The girl and her favorite cherry tree share almost everything, including dancing and stories, but they can’t travel the world together because the tree is rooted deep in the earth. Determined to overcome this obstacle, Sylvia Rose enlists her animal friends to uproot the glorious tree, and Sylvia and the tree set off globetrotting together, taking in the wonders of the world from the Eiffel Tower to the Sydney Opera House, each sig...

THE HYENA SCIENTIST Scientists in the Field by Sy Montgomery, photographs by Nic Bishop Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018 ISBN: 978-0-544-63511-1 MG/YA Nonfiction Ages 10 and up Source: purchased All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK The Hyena Scientist sets the record straight about one of history’s most hated and misunderstood mammals, while featuring the groundbreaking, pioneering research of a female scientist in a predominately male field. As a scientist studying one of the only mammalian societies led entirely by females, zoologist Kay Holecamp has made it her life’s work to understand hyenas, the fascinating, complex creatures that are playful, social, and highly intelligent—almost nothing like the mangy monsters of pop culture lore. REVIEW I love these Scientists in the Field series. Not only do they give the reader a glimpse into what it's like to be a field scientist but the information about the topic is fascinating.  I learne...

STINK: Hamlet and Cheese Stink #11 by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds Candlewick Press, 2018 ISBN: 978-0-7636-9163-9 Ages 6-9 Chapter book--contemporary Source: ARC from publisher for review All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Hie thee to Shakespeare camp with Stink to learn fake sword-fighting, spout silly curses, and prithee try to escape a kiss . . . BLUCK! It's spring break, and Stink is faced with a difficult choice: hang out at home with his sister, Judy, or become a Shakespeare Sprite with his friend Sophie of the Elves. Hanged be! When Sophie tells Stink that there will be swordplay and cursing at Shakespeare camp, his choice is made. But wait! How now? The eager young thespian hadn't counted on Riley Rottenberger being a Sprite, too. And he positively had not counted on being the only boy! Fie upon't! REVIEW I'm not a huge fan of introducing Shakespeare to children.  I had a hard enough ...

GORILLAS UP CLOSE by Christena Nippert-Eng, photographs by John Dominski and Miguel Martinez Henry Holt and Company, 2016 ISBN: 978-1-62779-091-8 Ages 10-14 Middle grade nonfiction Source: school library All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Stunning photographs, an eye-catching design, and complete with anecdotes and facts,  Urban Gorillas  explores the lives of two resident troops of gorillas at the Lincoln Park Zoo. With histories and biographical details for each ape, this book immerses readers in the gorillas' individual personalities while also presenting a fascinating window into their daily routines and care, touching on zoo habitat design and gorilla conservation. REVIEW  This is what narrative nonfiction ought to be:  fascinating, beautifully documented, with gorgeous illustrations, maps, and captions.  It's clear a lot of work went into this book.  Hours of observa...

THE CREATURE OF THE PINES The Unicorn Rescue Society #1 by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly Dutton Children's Books, 2018 ISBN: 978-0-7352-3170-2 Ages 8-11 Middle grade speculative/fantasy Source: purchased All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Elliot Eisner isn't exactly excited about starting at a brand-new school in a brand-new town; he'd much rather stay at home and read a book. But things take an unexpected turn when he finds out his weird new teacher, Professor Fauna, has planned a field trip for Elliot's very first day. Along with a new friend--brave, outspoken Uchenna Devereaux--Elliot gets caught up in a secret group of adventurers, The Unicorn Rescue Society, whose goal is to protect and defend the world's mythical creatures. Together with Professor Fauna, Elliot and Uchenna must help rescue a Jersey Devil from a duo of conniving, greedy billionaires, the Schmoke Brothers. REVIEW I'm always on...

THE INVENTORS AT NO. 8 by A.M. Morgen Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2018 ISBN: 9780316471497 Source: NetGalley Middle grade historical mystery Ages 8-12 All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Brimming with mystery and treasure, this action-packed tale sends a boy in need of luck and girl in need of a friend on an adventure that will change their lives forever. Meet George, the third Lord of Devonshire and the unluckiest boy in London. Why is George so unlucky? First, he's an orphan. Second, unless he sells everything, he's about to lose his house. So when his family's last heirloom, a priceless map to the Star of Victory (a unique gem said to bring its owner success in any battle) is stolen by a nefarious group of criminals, George knows that there is no one less lucky-or more alone-than he is. That is until Ada Byron, the future Countess of Lovelace, bursts into his life. She promises to help George recover his family legacy...