Geo Librarian

SCARY SCHOOL (Scary School #1) written by Derek the Ghost, illustrated by Scott Fischer HarperCollins, 2011 ISBN13: 9780061960925 237 p. Grades 3-6 Reviewed from e-book provided by author for review. Opinions expressed here are solely my own. No compensation was received for this review. BLURB : You think your school's scary? Get a load of these teachers: "Ms. Fang," an 850-year-old vampire. "Dr. Dragonbreath," who just might eat you before recess. "Mr. Snakeskin"--science class is so much more fun when it's taught by someone who's half zombie. "Mrs. T"--break the rules and spend your detention with a hungry "Tyrannosaurus rex" Plus Gargoyles, goblins, and Frankenstein's monster on the loose. The world's most frighteningly delicious school lunch. And the narrator's an eleven-year-old ghost. Join Charles "New Kid" Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends--including Pet...

ALL THE WATER IN THE WORLD written by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Katherine Tillotson Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011 ISBN: 978-1-4169-7130-6 32 p. Grades K-2 Reviewed from personal copy.  Illustrations come from Amazon.com and are copyrighted material. BLURB : All the water in the world is all the water in the world. We are all connected by water, and this message is beautifully, lyrically delivered from poet-musician-author George Ella Lyon. Where does water come from? Where does water go? Find out in this exploration of oceans and waterways that highlights an important reality: Our water supply is limited, and it is up to us to protect it. Dynamic, fluid art paired with pitch-perfect verse makes for a wise and remarkable read-aloud that will resonate with any audience. This is a wonderful book, full of poetic language and gorgeous illustrations.  In fact, the book flows rather like its subject, water. I love the way the water cycle is introduc...

Star of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish written by Janet Halfmann, illustrated by Joan Paley Henry Holt and Company, 2011 ISBN: 978-0-8050-9073-4 unp. $16.99 5 stars Grades K-5 Reviewed from library copy. BLURB : With the ocean her home, an ochre sea star hunts for her morning meal.  She folds over her rays and grips the rocky shore with sticky feet as she feasts on shellfish.  When she takes too long, the tide flows back without her and Sea Star becomes easy prey.  But she is built to survive and eventually makes her way back to the sea, although with one less ray than before.  This inspiring story informs young children about the important role of a small but fascinating sea creature. Not only is this book gorgeously illustrated but very informative as well. The book follows a single day of a sea star struggles to survive as both predator and prey. The reader watches as the sea star makes her way out of the water toward a group of musse...

The winner of the paperback copy of My Sparkling Misfortune by Laura Lond is... Rea!!! The winners of an ebook copy are... Vinni and Catherine! Congratulations!! Many thanks to all who participated. Be sure to check back on February for a great Followers giveaway of a middle grade/young adult book(s) of up to $20 from The Book Depository.

Forbidden Sea written by Sheila A. Nielson Scholastic Press, 2010 ISBN:  978-0-545-09734-5 Grades 5-8 Reviewed from copy borrowed from library. BLURB : Yet, when the islanders find out about Adrianne's encounters with the mermaid she is scorned, for this small and superstitious community believes the mermaid will bring devastation to the island if Adrianne does not give herself to the sea. When Adrianne comes face-to-face with the mermaid of Windwaithe Island, of whom she has heard terrible stories all her life, she is convinced the mermaid means to take her younger sister. Adrianne, fierce-willed and courageous, is determined to protect her sister from the mermaid, and her family from starvation. However, the mermaid continues to haunt Adrianne in her dreams and with her song.  A powerful and lyrical story of one girl who must choose between having everything and having those she loves. I came across this book while doing reading for the Beehive Book Awards...

A Bad Kitty Christmas written and illustrated by Nick Bruel Roaring Brook Press, 2011 ISBN: 978-1-59643-668-8 Grades 1-5 Reviewed from purchased copy. BLURB :  A HILARIOUS NEW HOLIDAY PICTURE BOOK ABOUT EVERYONE'S FAVORITE NAUGHTY FELINE "Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the city, not a creature was stirring...Except for BAD KITTY." A greedy Bad Kitty didn't get all the presents she wanted for Christmas, but after she goes on a Christmas caper across town and through multiple alphabets, she makes a new friend, finds an old friend, and learns the true meaning of Christmas. Or not. Nick Bruel's first picture book about Bad Kitty since the uproarious Poor Puppy in 2007 is full of rhyming mayhem... and Christmas cheer. I have enjoyed all the Bad Kitty books, but I think this one is my favorite.  Maybe because Bad Kitty for the first time, thinks of someone besides herself (a temporary fluke I'm sure).  Once again, the way Bruel us...

The Third Gift written by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011 ISBN: 978-0-547-20195-5 Grades: All Reviewed from purchased copy. All opinions expressed are solely my own. BLURB :  From two extraordinary talents, a beautifully crafted picture book for the Christmas season. The three wise men, or the three kings, are familiar figures in the Christmas tradition. Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park has taken the brief biblical references to the three as the starting point for a new story. In it we meet a boy who is learning his father’s trade; a man who gathers resin from certain trees; a merchant in the marketplace; and three strangers in brightly colored robes who are shopping for a gift for a baby. Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline with exquisite paintings, this simple, moving tale of ordinary people involved in an extraordinary event brings new resonance to the well-known gift list of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  ...