MotherReader

That's right, another animal book. This has been a somewhat intense summer, so I'd like to surround myself with adorable pictures of baby animals for a while.

Zooborns: The Next Generation
by Andrew Bleiman and Chris Eastland
Simon & Schuster 2012, review from library copy
Certainly, this book delivers on its promise of cute baby animals from zoos across the world. But along the way, it draws in the reader with stories about the particular baby animal - if it was rescued, abandoned or endangered - and information about the species and conservation. While the pictures dominate the spreads, the text goes beyond dry facts with an engaging tone. For instance in talking about an eagle chick, "While Caspian may be fluffy and awkward as a chick, as an adult he could have a wingspan six feet long, making him fully capable of hunting small deer." Some words may be difficult for the elementary school crowd, but the book itself is perfect for their interests and even a great size for smaller hands. This new title would make a great addition to any public, classroom, or home library.

For more Nonfiction Monday selections, visit the host of the round-up at Wrapped in Foil.

I'm falling a little bit in love with National Geographic for their books for kids. I've waxed poetic about the Book of Animal Poetry, and now I'm gigging over their Just Jokes series. The books were an easy hit in booktalking with a couple of knock-knock jokes for the school kids. I took them for a test drive at home, and my second grader niece could comfortably read many of the jokes without help. While she didn't always get the jokes without explanation, she enjoyed telling them.

National Geographic Kids Just Joking books are full of tongue twisters and funny photos along with knock-knocks and question jokes. ("Why do hens lay eggs? Because they break if they drop them.") But they've also brought something very new to the joke book genre: quality. Most of the joke books in our library are cheap paperbacks stuffed with jokes and one-liners only broken up with the occasional dumb illustration. The Just Joking series (the fourth book will be out in October) are hardback books with heavy paper, full-color photos, and attractive design elements. Variety in the page layout keeps visual interest while packing in as many as five jokes/twisters on a page. But interspersed with the joke-heavy pages, are two page spreads featuring one fabulous photo of animal with one highlighted joke and a fact about that animal. So with quality construction, engaging design, great photography, AND jokes, these books would make a fantastic addition to any library - public, classroom, or personal.

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by Abby the Librarian.

I'm already over the idea of posting these booktalks, as evidenced by my weeklong absence. So let's knock out a few that had some oddball tricks to the hook. In the first, I howled. That shuts up a room, I'll tell you that. In the second, I used a fake mustache on a stick. Again, attention grabber. In the third, I used the ask-a-question technique, but with the twist that the third part of the question is clever. There were always a few who raised their hands, and I told the classes to hang out with those kids.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling
by Maryrose Woods, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Balzar & Bray, 2010
Awhooooooooo! That was the noise that Penelope heard as she was being interviewed to be governess to three children in a very grand house called Ashton Place. Oddly the mistress of the house was very eager to hire Penelope, even though she had yet to meet the children. Awhooooooo! Penelope heard as she followed the sound to the barn, expecting to find dogs in some distress. Awhoooooo! She heard just before she opened the door, and as her eyes adjusted to the darkness within she saw three children, dirty with tangled hair and wide eyes. Three children who had been raised by wolves, and who were now in her care. Other young ladies might have run away, but Penelope had the training of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, a determined state of mind, and a very, very fortunate love of animals. Can Penelope help The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place?

Fake Mustache
by Tom Angleberger
Amulet Books, 2012
I couldn’t fool you with this mustache into believing that I am someone else, but that’s exactly what happens when Lenny’s friend Casper buys a fake mustache, specifically the Heidelberg Handlebar Number Seven. Along with a specially fitted suit for a man-about-town, he is fooling everyone into believing he is someone else, someone important. Lenny is the only one who can see the seventh grader behind the mustache and the only one who can keep Casper from taking over – not only the little town of Hairsprinkle – but the entire country. Yes, it's that wacky. Tom Angleberger, the author of the Origami Yoda books, has given us a funny, wild story in Fake Mustache: or How Jodie O’Rodeo and her Wonder Horse (and some nerdy kid) Saved the U.S. Presidential Election from a Mad Genius Criminal Mastermind.

Earthling!
by Mark Fearing, illustrated by Tim Rummel
Chronicle Books, 2012
Raise your hand if you’ve been the new kid at school? Moved in from another state? From another country? How about from another planet? Well, Bud has moved to New Mexico with his dad and he's waiting for the bus on the first day of school. It's early in the morning, and he thinks he sees it leave, but no, it pulls up and he steps on and the bus takes off. I mean, really takes off into space. Instead of Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Bud finds himself on the way to Cosmos Academy on the other side of the galaxy. This it not the plan. Saving the life of a kid on the bus wins him a friend, and he needs one after finding out that his planet – our planet – is the most feared and despised in the universe! He has to fit in at this odd school of aliens or be discovered as an Earthling! His new friend Gort warns that he could get suspended or expelled – um, meaning “suspension for eternity in molecular binding gel or being expelled into deep place to die” – but Bud needs to get back to Earth. But how? Pick up this colorful graphic novel that’s funny and out of this world.

Another in the series of booktalks, here are three where I set the scene by describing the beginning of the book. I added bits to these on the spot, but this covers the basics.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
written and illustrated by Grace Lin
Little, Brown 2009
In long-ago China, Minli’s family is very poor, barely getting by living in the shadow of the Fruitless Mountain. All they have is a bowl and two copper coins Minli was given at birth. When an unexpected traveler comes by selling goldfish with the promise that the fish will bring gold to the home, Minli spends one of her two precious coins on a goldfish. Though her father supports Minli, her mother scoffs at the notion, angry that they even have as small as an extra fish to feed. Feeling bad for causing any trouble, Minli releases the goldfish into the river, asking out loud how to change their fortune. Imagine her surprise when the fish answers. That magical moment begins her a journey to the Never Ending Mountain for the wisdom the Old Man of the Moon.

Wildwood
by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis
Balzar & Bray, 2011
When Prue's baby brother is picked up and carried off by crows, she has no choice but to go after him. She is responsible for him after all, and who would believe that he was stolen by birds. She can't believe it herself! She ventures into the Impassible Wilderness along with a classmate to find her little brother,and they discover a world of talking animals, warring factions, and terrible consequences for her brother if she can’t find him. An adventure story that continues with the new book, Under Wildwood. A great summer reading choice if you're missing the days of seven hundred page Harry Potter books (though this one is only 560 pages.)

The Last Dragon
by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Rebecca Guay
Dark Horse, 2011
Centuries ago, the islands of Dragonfield were rid of the dragons… except for an egg nestled in the roots of a tree, suddenly awakened. The egg hatches, and the dragon grew quickly Sticking close to the water, the dragon managed to go unnoticed by the nearby villagers occupied by the harvests. Until the town healer goes missing, and his daughter Tansy investigates his disappearance and the oddly scorched bag left behind. As the town discovers the dragon, they look for a hero and find one – sort of – in young man how brags of his battle scars (in hopes for money). But it will be more basic skills needed to save a village. Beautiful artwork compliment a classic fantasy story in this graphic novel.

This book is really funny, but I never did really capture that in the booktalk. But hey, I introduced the series to bunches of kids, so there's that.

The Warrior Sheep Go West
by Christine and Christopher Russell
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2011
From the ancient Songs of the Fleece, the verses of prophecy: “A terrible monster will come from the West; And a brave flock of warriors will be put to the test. /For this monster has woken from centuries of sleep, /And its stomach will hunger for sheep. Then more sheep. /Hundreds of thousands will die every hour /All the sheep in the world it will seek to devour. /Like a gigantic dog from the West it will come /and the name of this monster, be warned, is: Red Tongue.” These words, along with an unfortunately timed pop-up ad, start a crazy adventure as The Warrior Sheep Go West. This group of highly intelligent sheep and their owners travel to the American west under the false promises of a sleazy scientist. But as the evildoers have search for the sheep that they have lost, the little herd is trying to save fleecekind from the terrifying Red Tongue in this silly, mixed-up story.

Honestly, this is more like an approximation of a booktalk because after the first two sentences, I held up the book, the room buzzed with appreciative recognition, and I kind of winged it. It was an easy sell, especially when I hold up the latest book in the series.

Squish: Super Amoeba
by Jennifer L. Holm, illustrated by Matt Holm
Random House, 2011
I don’t know if you’ve ever heard somebody called “pond scum,” but it’s not a nice thing to be called. Unless that slimey, oozy stuff is your hometown, like it is for Squish. Squish is your everyday amoeba who loves comic books and idolizes his favorite hero, Super Amoeba! He has a couple of good friends, an odd amoeba named Pod, and Peggy a paramecium who is happy happy happy all the time. Squish has problems too, especially in a bully, Lynwood, who wants to copy Squish’s science homework and well... absorb Peggy. Can Squish live the message of his idol and “have the courage to do what is right?” Find out in the first book of the Squish series, by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm, the same team that brought you Babymouse.

I don't ever have enough time to talk about all the books I'd like to share, but here are three that I've been doing in a quick booktalk minute to show the variety of early chapter books for young readers.


Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Takes Off!
by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Miquel Benitez
Albert Whitman, 2010
Freddie gets a package delivered to his apartment, but he doesn't know who has sent it. What he finds inside is a cool pair of sneakers that let him run faster than a train! He looks for ways to use his new superpowers in his elementary school and tracks down the mystery of who gave him the shoes and thus, ZAPATO POWER!


The Great Cake Mystery
by Alexander McCall Smith, illustrated by Iain McIntosh
Anchor, 2012
When a piece of cake goes missing and a fellow classmate is blamed for the crime, Precious becomes a detective to find out who really stole the sweet. Set in Africa, the book features great illustrations and a nice introduction to another culture.


Duck for a Day
by Meg McKinlay, illustrated by Leila Rudge
Candlewick Press, 2012
Abby works hard to be able to take the class duck home for a day, but all of her plans can't match up to the unexpected. And could it be that her "weird" neighbor Noah will be the one to help get things back on track?

This booktalk has been a real winner every time. I do put a lot of feeling into setting up the story, and I think the kids like my walking back and forth chant-singing the little song. I also make sure at the end to flip through the book to show them that it is an early chapter book with lots of pictures inside, and I let them know about the new title, Lulu Walks the Dogs

Lulu and the Brontosaurus
by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Lane Smith
Atheneum Books, 2010
Lulu wanted a pet. But not just any pet. Not a cat or dog or rabbit or goldfish or turtle or hamster. No, Lulu wanted a brontosaurus. Now you know that is ridiculous and so did Lulu’s parents who said something she did NOT like. No. NO? Lulu didn’t like to hear no, and threw a terrible fit, stamping her feet and screeching. But when her parents didn’t give in and get her a dinosaur – because really, what were they going to do? – she decided to go out on her own and find one. She sang as she went into the forest, “I’m gonna, I’m gonna, I’m gonna gonna get. A bronto-bronto-bronto brontosaurus for a pet. I’m gonna, I’m gonna, I’m gonna gonna get. A bronto-bronto-bronto brontosaurus for a pet.” But as she goes into the forest she runs into some dangerous creatures who are bothered by her loud song. And some have fangs, and some have claws, and one might - just might - be a brontosaurus. Find out the rest of the story in Lulu and the Brontosaurus, by Judith Viorst.

In my library weeding I had to pull several damaged and dated books about a variety of small mammals. Those titles get a lot of use and love. So I was really excited to see this new book arrive in my library because it was from my request to purchase books more books in that area. So, cool.

Choosing a Hamster, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Ferret, Mouse or Rat: How to Choose and Care for a Small Mammal
by Laura S. Jeffrey
Enslow Elementary, 2013

From the title and cover alone, this seems like a perfect book for kids choosing a pet. The gerbil on the cover - which given the angle of the photo looks pretty much like a hamster or mouse too - looks like he is begging for his forever home and the photographs throughout the book are similarly appealing. Clear language and short sentences are used to describe different small mammals with a focus on their particular needs and benefits as a pet. While not a thorough book on the care of each animal, the care is described in terms of what will be needed when selecting an pet. There are short chapters on health, picking up small mammals (oddly calling 'Preventing Problems') and one page on "living with your animal." It's a worthy title for an early elementary kid pondering the mouse-to-rabbit continuum of small pets.

That said, I did have a few problems with the book. While pros and cons of each pet are described, the hamster falls entirely on the negative side. "They are also known to get upset easily, and they bite or nip at their owners. Because of this, hamsters may not be the best small mammal for you." While the first is true, the direct suggestion is the only one given of any of the animals mentioned, and it bugged me as a hamster-owner. Also the bibliography only lists titles for rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Perhaps this accounts for the hate on hamsters - the author didn't read a book about how certain types of hamsters are better than others for kids. So my recommendation for the book is somewhat qualified. I am intrigued by the rest of the series from American Humane Society, which includes choosing a cat, dog, fish, and horse. Separate books. (I mean, no one is out there debating between a fish and a horse.)

For more great books, visit the Nonfiction Monday round-up hosted today at A Wrung Sponge.

I write a lot of notes on books in an old-school, spiral notebook. These are usually for the books that I want to seal in the lessons by writing out notes, passages, and thoughts. I never really knew what to say as in way of review of My Name is Mina and I Love the Night by David Almond, but I wrote this entire passage by hand in my notebook because I thought it was so perfect. Both in how it captured the feel of the book and in the deeper message. So I won't say much more about this title other than it is about a girl who is homeschooled because she is just too connected to the world to fit in with her peers, but she finds her place in wide branches of her favorite tree and the white pages of her own journal.

I think about how it was the dinosaur that survived the disaster that wiped out all the other dinosaurs. And it didn't just survive. It evolved and became more elegant and skillful and powerful. It started the line of evolution that led to birds! And I look how the birds fly and soar over everything. I think of how they mange to inhabit the whole world, from the frozen poles to the steamy equator. And I've been thinking: if the human race mages to destroy itself, as it often seems to want to do, or if some great disaster comes, as it did for the dinosaurs, then the birds will manage to survive... It could be that the birds will exist forever and forever until the earth itself comes to an end, no matter waht might happen to the other creatures. They'll sing until the end of time. So here's my thought: If there is a God, could it be that he's chosen the birds to speak for him? Could it be true? The Voice of God speaks through the beaks of birds.

She also writes suggestions for Extraordinary Activities. Here's one for today: "Listen for the frail and powerful thing at your heart."

My library chose a nonfiction location for Can You Survive the Titanic?: An Interactive Survival Adventure by Allison Lassieur. The book shares lots facts about the ship, the process of the sinking, the types of passengers, and chances of survival. It includes a bibliography, index, glossary, and photographs. It's also one of a You Choose Books featuring multiple story paths and possible endings, which stretches the nonfiction label for me.

After a short introduction, the reader has the choice to navigate the book as part of the crew as a surgeon's assistant, as a governess of a wealthy family, or a 12 year old boy traveling with his father as a third class passenger. At different points, the book offers choices, for instance whether to help third class or go to the upper deck, until the end of your story. As fiction, it was engaging, interesting, and detailed, with a well-researched historical and emotional accuracy of the experience. The truth certainly wasn't sugar-coated, as many of the storyline endings did not leave the characters alive.

These dire conclusions are where the book gets tricky for me. I know death happens in the genre of "choose your own adventure," but this was more real... because the Titanic itself was real. I'm not sure how I feel about that. The other survival books in the You Choose Books are more vague - Antarctica, storm chasing, the jungle. The basis on an actual event made me uncomfortable in sort of a voyeuristic way, much less wondering if it was appropriate for younger readers for whom the series is intended. Or in our twenty-four hour news cycle of the latest tragedy, is this the new normal? Thoughts?

For more titles, visit our Nonfiction Monday host, Supratentorial.

Quickie review today of a middle grade and/or middle school book that should be required reading for every young teenage girl who wonders what boys could possibly be thinking with courtship techniques that sometimes involve spitballs.

Crush
by Gary Paulsen
Wendy Lamb Books 2012, review from library copy
“I’m the most romantic guy you’ll ever meet. Potentially, that is.” Kevin Spencer, 14 yrs old, would love to be Tina’s boyfriend, but first he has to be able to talk to her without making a fool of himself. He decides to make a study of love and dating to improve his chances, as his ego needs no work. Though he makes some wrong turns – hilarious ones, mostly – he also brings some people together and resolves his own crush. Paulsen has created a character with a lot of charm and humor. The book is full of funny lines, for instance Kevin's view of his parents' relationship: “In summation: Don’t annoy her, listen – and hear – her, and feed her. Except for the listening/hearing part, it’s kind of like having another cat. And I’m an excellent pet owner.” Does he stop experimenting and get the girl? Sure, but the fun is along the way. The shorter length of the books in the series – which includes Liar, Liar and Flat Broke – are great for reluctant readers in middle school. Boys will enjoy this relatable character and girls may find usable insight into the mind of a teenage boy in love.

These past few weeks I've been working on two separate and important lists of books. Well, three if you count my 150 Ways to Give a Book. The first you know about as a blogger, the Cybils, where the picture book panelists will bring over two hundred nominations down to a shortlist of seven. Crazy. The other is for my actual job, where I am working on a selection of titles to promote during our summer reading program. These committees add a lot to my full plate, but I can't object when they introduce me to books like today's selection.

National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry: 200 Poems with Photographs That Squeak, Soar, and Roar!
Complied by J. Patrick Lewis
National Geographic, 2012, review from library copy

Honestly, I could probably just make the cover photo larger and point you to Amazon's Look Inside feature and sell you on this book. The poems about animals vary in style from the quick silly musings of a purple cow to deeper contemplations about the loss of the buffalo. Every poet you would expect is in there. Yes, even her. But it's the photography - it's National Geographic, remember - that will bring in the readers and make this book a favorite. Absolutely stunning. In my time crunch, I had to share this title now as a perfect present for any child in your life, maybe with a promised trip to the zoo. (One way to give a book.) Or give it to a teacher as a gift that will be enjoyed personally and for the classroom. If I haven't sold you on this book, seriously, visit the Look Inside feature at Amazon and I dare you not to buy a copy on the spot.

With poetry books, I include a poem as an idea of the style. Here you don't really need a sample, but it's a tradition and it is Poetry Friday.

The Pasture

I'm going out to clean the pasture spring;
I'll only stop to rake the leaves away
(And wait to watch the water clear, I may):
I shan't be gone long. -- You come too.

I'm going out to fetch the little calf
That's standing by the mother. It's so young,
It totters when she licks it with her tongue.
I shan't be gone long. -- You come too.

-Robert Frost

Poetry Friday is hosted today at Read, Write, Howl. Head over there for more poetic thoughts.

Thanks to all for your compliments, support, and promotion of my 150 Ways to Give a Book! It's a lot of work, but one of my favorite things to pull together. I hope it helps you find ideas and maybe makes your shopping a little easier.

A Nonfiction Monday contribution, with the round-up hosted at Perogies & Gyoza

Citizen Scientists: Be a Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own Backyard
by Loree Griffin Burns, photographs by Ellen Harasimowicz
Henry Holt and Co, 2012 review from library copy

Well written and skillfully executed, this is the kind of book that could get kids excited about science by making their contributions to it more tangible. Sections show citizen scientists in each of the four seasons - Fall Butterflying, Winter Birding, Spring Frogging, and Summer Ladybugging - along with information on the background and research goals of each venture. The layout is attractive with different styles reflecting the type of information presented with good use of color, patterns, and photography. The concept of citizen scientists is explained and reinforced throughout describing being in the field, with page spreads focusing on a particular person involved in the research and lists of what you will need to prepare. There are also some quizzes, but there is no grade. The end of the book is full of information on taking the adventure from book to real life with books, field guides, and internet resources to the various organizations. The book provides a thorough bibliography, glossary, and index, along with the answers to the quizzes. An interesting and accessible look at science and scientists.

With the results of Tuesday's election an entire category of books does not become obsolete, including today's title.

Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and what the Neighbors Thought)
by Kathleen Krull and Kathryn Hewitt, 2011
Harcourt Children's Books 2011, reviewed from library copy

Using a conversational style, regular "important" history and background - like former jobs, college, and marriages - is mixed with more personal information about our nation's Presidents. Each man is afforded only a few pages, keeping the descriptions tight and the book easy to dip into, making it a great selection for the classroom. The illustrations have a caricature feel to them incorporating hobbies, favorite things, and places. Some have backgrounds that fill out the places where they are from, but not all. There may be some sly digs like "A man of many appetitles, Clinton loved to schmooze." but the book doesn't shy away from mention of his affairs and impeachment hearings. As a sample of the writing on our still-current President Obama: "He tries to be healthy, but it's not entirely clear whether his promise to quit smoking has worked out. He eats salads, zucchini quesadillas, and Michelle's shrimp linguini, but never beets - he hates them." Fun insight combined with standard biographical facts offers a unique perspective in a concise and interesting book.

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today at The Flatt Perspective.

Tucked somewhere in old, old papers from my school days, is a collection of poetry that I memorized for extra credit. Today it seems well, old-school, but while our education system seems to emphasize memorized facts, we've lost the art of memorization as knowledge, as an art. While I can't claim that can recite those poems of my youth, I value the skill set learning how to memorize. That the techniques of memorization so fully unlock the levels of a poem was one concept that presented itself in this book.

Forget-Me-Nots: Poems to Learn by Heart
selected by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Michael Emberly
Little, Brown 2012, reviewed from library copy

Divided into categories that range from easier to harder and to logical grouping of animals, food, time, feelings and more, this collection of poetry is meant to be savored. More than savored, memorized. The poems were selected with this goal in mind, and reflect a broad range of styles and subjects for maximum appeal. The diverse group of poets include Carl Sandberg, Emily Dickinson, Edward Lear, Nikki Giovanni, Gary Soto, Naomi Shihab Nye, Walter Dean Myers, A.A. Milne, Eloise Greenfield, Odgen Nash, and many more. The author contributes several poems and lays out the reasoning and approach for learning a poem by heart. Some of that here in the first poem:

A Poem for the Reader
...
You'll pick out your favorites
From those that you've read
And invite them to live in
The house in your head.
This house is called Memory,
Everyone knows,
And the more you put in it,
The larger it grows.
The more that you give it,
The more it will give,
And your poems will live with you
As long as you live.
- Mary Ann Hoberman

With poems short and long, silly and serious, concrete and surreal, she's brought together a collection that expands the idea of a "children's poetry book" to something that will be shared with an adult with equal interest. Emberly's illustrations are a perfect fit with this concept, with styles adaptable to lighter or serious verse, showing humor, sensitivity, and a gentle touch that complements the text. Wonderful book for a classroom - think teacher gift! - or to read at home.

For more poetry books and poems, Poetry Friday is hosted today at Think Kid, Think!

Here on the verge of selecting between "Bronco Bama" and Mitt Romney, it seems appropriate in the KidLit world to note other contests are taking place with more two-dimensional characters. (Yes, even more two-dimensional than Romney. BAM!)

Babymouse for President
by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
Random House 2012, reviewed from library copy

Fueled by her elaborate fantasies, Babymouse decides to run for student council president. She is up against some tough competitors, including her nemesis Felicia Furrypaws and her own locker. As she gets caught up in the campaign and winning, she forgets her purpose. (Like no presidential candidate does that.) But in the end, she comes back to the truth even if she doesn't win. (Come on, it's Babymouse.) Another fun addition to the series with some greater truths, clever asides, and humorous illustrations. Some jokes may only be picked up by adults, like the series of posters similar to candidates of the past. Love the Obama-inspired poster, Typical.

Bad Kitty for President
by Nick Bruel
Square Fish 2012, reviewed from library copy

With the former president of the Neighborhood Cat Club stepping down, Bad Kitty has an opportunity to take charge. But it's no simple process, starting with primaries of the left and right sides of the street and ending with the election decided by an absentee ballot. A nicely humorous story that hits on a lot of election aspects like endorsements, caucuses, delegates and negative ads often explained in inserts and in a glossary. It's a lot of information, but the funny side of the character and cartoons shines through. Some important lessons like not blowing the debate or not being someone else in ads feel very current somehow.

In my adult reading I'm exploring Tudor period fiction, but I'll admit that it can be a challenge for my American brain to keep track of the European history involved. Especially how everyone can be called by both their name and their title, so its like everyone has two names. Plus everyone has the same names - Anne, Mary, Catherine - and knowing what the "close stool" is or why it matter so much if the ladies wear the Spanish or French hood. It can be a bit overwhelming. But I've found an enjoyable Cliff Notes sort of help in this series, Life in Elizabethan England, and especially this particular title.

Elizabeth and her Court
by Kathryn Hinds
Benchmark Books, 2007
reviewed from library copy

Excerpts of letters, poems, quotes, and literature from the original period capture the feel of the times, while the clear text summarizes and clarifies the historical elements. Lots of period artwork gives readers a view into the styles, homes, and faces of the important figures. This particular book in the series Life in Elizabethan England breaks down chapters on Elizabeth I, Homes, Courtiers, Ladies, Children, Celebrations, and War/Intrigue. While the title includes a glossary, further reading, bibliography, sources and online information, one thing it was missing is a map. An annoying omission, especially as it would have fit in perfectly in the section "Neighbors, Allies and Enemies" which talks about nearby countries, but features a portrait instead of the oblivious and more helpful map. Overall though, a great book for students of the period, no matter their age.

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today at Check It Out

Booktalking at schools is a time-honored way of pitching summer reading, but only if you have the books that command attention. With a great topic, title, and cover, this one is a booktalker's dream.

How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous
by Georgia Bragg, illustrated by Kevin O'Malley
Walker Books 2011, reviewed from library copy

It starts with a warning: "If you don't have the guts for gore, do not read this book." It continues with a conversational and cheeky tone, "There are funny crying parts and disgusting stupid parts and hideous cool parts, but it's pretty much one train wreck after another." There are stories about people from the past like Cleopatra, Pocahonatas, Mozart, Dickens, Darwin, and Einstein, along with little fun fact breaks about mummies, scurvy, and bloodletting. Yay! In exploring the ends of historic figures - often in graphic and gruesome detail - bits of actual history and biography are included. Perhaps without the student realizing that learning may be taking place. For instance, to get to Marie Antoinette's losing her head at the guillotine, the reader goes through pages of description of her life and place in the French revolution. The clever illustrations add to the irreverent feel, while adding interest and explanation. You know, in case you wondered what George Washington's wooden teeth might have looked like. While disgusting, horrifying, and absolutely creepy, How They Croaked is completely engrossing - with emphasis on the gross. Available in paperback this month, this is a fantastic, highly appealing book for public and school libraries. Not to be missed!

Nonfiction Monday is hosted at Perogies and Gyoza.

This past week I was wrapping up the last bits of the Girl Scout year for my two troops, so it's not a big surprise that I'd stumble on this appropriate title. Timely too, as it gave me that extra bit of connection and dedication I needed to make it through two financial reports.

First Girl Scout: The Life of Juliette Gordon Low
by Ginger Wadsworth
Clarion Books, 2012 review copy from library

If you were a Girl Scout, than you may know a little bit about the founder of the organization, Juliette Gordon Low. We hear about how spunky she was as a child and the sad tale of how a grain of rice thrown at her wedding caused her to lose her hearing. And then all of a sudden she's a woman in her fifties starting the Girl Scouts. Is it just me, or are we missing some backstory there? Well, this book provides it. At the same time it becomes clear why it is missing from the narrative that the organization prefers. For the founder of an American classic in scouting, "Daisy" spent a lot of her life in England. For an organization of acceptance, she spent her life in a truly privileged class. For an organization of high integrity, she was forced into divorce proceedings at a time when such things were absolutely scandalous. The lady herself - for all her drive, dedication, and lasting impact - could have been, personally, a little hard to take. All of which made the book fascinating for a Girl Scout leader and former scout who loved to see the blanks filled in. The book is also an insight into a personal story of growing up in southern society at the turn of the century, with lots of photos, letters, and personal stories. It was a truly interesting middle-grade biography with a great deal of care devoted to the research and to telling the story of a woman who defied the odds and expectations.

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