Monday, May 11, 2015

Poppy the Pirate Dog

From the Candlewick Sparks for New Readers series, comes the endearing tale of Poppy, the dalmatian, in search of the perfect pirate ship. When her family is planning their beach vacation, Poppy stumbles across a skull and crossbones scarf. It can only mean one thing, a new adventure on a pirate ship. Although, things don’t go as planned for Poppy when trying to find the perfect pirate ship. Will she be lucky enough to find the perfect ship? Beginner readers will love the vibrant illustrations and Poppy’s positive attitude during these engaging short chapters. (Reading Level: PS-2)

Dorkius Maximus in Egypt

In this historical fiction series, Dorkius Maximus must survive another adventure through an ancient culture. He must defeat a powerful pharaoh, survive the unforgiving desert, and keep the Egyptians from turning him into a mummy. Will Dorkius Maximus survive another will adventure through ancient Egypt and be known as the greatest hero in Roman history? Young readers will love the hilarious illustrations, Dorkius Maximus’ wild antics, and a close look into ancient Egyptian culture. (Reading Level: 3-5)

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Space

For all those visual learners, Space provides information graphics about the Universe, Galaxies and Stars, the Solar System, the Sun, the Earth and Moon, observing space, and exploring space. This informative text provides an excellent introduction to outer space and our universe. It’s written for middle school aged readers, but all ages will love the wildly colorful graphics and illustrations. (Reading Level: 6-8)

Toy Boat


A young boy loves his toy boat. “He made it from a can, a cork, a yellow pencil, and some white cloth.” He goes everywhere with his favorite toy especially down to the lake where he keeps it close to the shore by tethering it. Unfortunately, a storm rolls in and the boy loses his grip on the string. The boat floats away. Will the boy ever see his favorite toy again? Young readers will empathize with the young boy and will greatly appreciate this poignant tale told from the perspective of the toy boat.  (Reading Level: P-2)

Denver: Then and Now


Readers are whisked away on a fascinating journey through the city of Denver’s past. Incredible images of Denver’s most famous locations in the past and how they look today allow the reader insight into a forgotten world. Along with the images, the author includes short descriptions of what took place and how Denver became the city it is today.The short descriptions are written at a high school level, but even elementary students can enjoy the amazing images and captions associated with them. (Reading Level: 9-12)

Trees

From the Compare and Contrast Book series, Trees provides young readers information on the different types of trees, where certain trees grow, and how to know the differences between the types of trees. Young learners will also love the four pages of learning activities including how trees help your breathe, other ways we use trees, tree parts, and trees with animals towards the back of the book. Young elementary students will also appreciate the vivid photography on every page! (Reading Level: PS-2)

Zippy the Runner

Zippy loves to run but he never finishes better than last place. His friends encourage him to quit but he refuses. Running is his passion, and he’s willing to help others find their passion as well. It’s a great message of perseverance and doing activities you love. Young readers will enjoy the vibrant illustrations and Zippy’s positive attitude, while teachers will appreciate the social and emotional learning lesson and reader’s theater website included in the back of the book. (Reading Level: PS-2)

Beast Quest: Slivka


In this installment of the Beast Quest series, Tom finds himself in another terrifying adventure. The Judge, one of Tom’s sworn enemy, sends him on the Warrior’s Road as punishment. In order to hold his title of Master of the Beasts, Tom must survive the to the very end. Will Tom survive the perils and defeat the evil Slivka along the way? Young readers will love the action and adventure of the Beast Quest series. (Reading Level: 3-5)

Beast Quest: Tecton

In this installment of the Beast Quest series, Tom finds himself in another terrifying adventure. The Evil Wizard Malvel has created another horrific monster for Tom to battle.  Luckily, Tom has the help of his father, Taladon, to help defeat Tecton, the armoured giant. With the help of his father, can Tom survive the giant creature and save Avantia once again? Young readers will love the action and adventure of the Beast Quest series. (Reading Level: 3-5)

Robinson Crusoe


Based on the true story, originally written by Daniel Defoe, of a man left on a deserted island after fighting with the captain of the ship he was aboard. Will he survive long enough to be rescued? This is part of the Essential Classics series where classic novels are retold in abridged versions and are accessible to a wider audience of readers. Young readers will enjoy this adventurous classic, the introduction about Daniel Defoe, the glossary of unfamiliar terms, and the quizzes in the back of the book. (Reading Level: 3-5)

Jaguars


From the series of Animals of the Rain Forest, Jaguars is a great read for students wanting to learn more about these jungle cats. It’s full of information about the different kinds of jaguars, includes a description of these cats, their habitats, what they eat, their babies, and the future of these jungle animals. Also, this informative book includes a glossary of unfamiliar terms, resources to find more information, and an index to easily locate specific information about the jaguar. Although young elementary students can access the content and be drawn to these animal books, they may find some of the images of the jaguar’s prey frightening and disturbing. (Reading Level: 3-5)

Boas

From the series of Animals of the Rain Forest, Boas is a great read for students wanting to learn more about these jungle snakes. It’s full of information about the different kinds of boas, their habitats, what they eat, their babies, and the future of these jungle animals. Also, this informative book includes a glossary of unfamiliar terms, resources to find more information, and an index to easily locate specific information about the boa. Although young elementary students can access the content and be drawn to these animal books, they may find some of the images of the boa’s prey frightening and disturbing. (Reading Level: 3-5)

Tigers


From the series of Animals of the Rain Forest, Tigers is a great read for students wanting to learn more about these jungle cats. It’s full of information about the different kinds of tigers, their habitats, what they eat, their babies, and the future of these jungle animals. Also, this informative book includes a glossary of unfamiliar terms, resources to find more information, and an index to easily locate specific information about the tiger. Although young elementary students can access the content and be drawn to these animal books, they may find some of the images of the tiger’s prey frightening and disturbing. (Reading Level: 3-5)