Category Archives: Chapter Books

The Poet’s Dog

Posted on November 22, 2016 by

Narrated by a dog who can understand humans and be understood by poets and children, The Poet’s Dog is a beautifully written story about love, loss and understanding. The dog finds a boy and a girl during a snow storm … Continue reading →

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Julia Child: An Extraordinary Life in Words and Pictures

Posted on August 15, 2016 by

Julia Child was extraordinary in many ways. Even so, this biography shows how highly relatable Julia Child was, from her nonchalance about making cooking mistakes on TV to her dedication to keep trying until a recipe became perfect. Julia’s unique … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography, Chapter Books, Nonfiction | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Like Carrot Juice On A Cupcake

Posted on September 2, 2014 by

Sometimes we need a light read about life in school, a best friend and the new girl who changes everything. Like Carrot Juice On A Cupcake by Julie Sternberg fits the bill, and it’s in light verse to boot. It’s all hard … Continue reading →

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Three Books Featuring Emily Dickinson

Posted on August 20, 2014 by

I have unintentionally read three books about Emily Dickinson, only one of which did I realize was going to feature the late poet. It’s easy to become enamoured with Emily Dickinson, reclusive, poignant word artist. Here they are in order of … Continue reading →

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Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

Posted on October 24, 2013 by

There is a soft spot in my heart for squirrels and their stories. Kate DiCamillo has created  an important book about a superhero squirrel whose best weapon is poetry. As Dr. Meecham says, “Take this squirrel, for instance. Ulysses. Do … Continue reading →

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Violet Mackerel’s Natural Habitat

Posted on August 20, 2013 by

Violet is the smallest one in her family and she feels a bit overlooked. Befriending a sparrow in a shopping mall and a ladybug from the garden help her see her own place and home in a new light. Full … Continue reading →

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Mouse Bird Snake Wolf

Posted on August 13, 2013 by

In this myth-like story, three children play with their creative powers while the gods laze around. Their lovely creations inspire them, until they create the big, bad wolf. Is it possible to un-create? Should creation be left to the gods? … Continue reading →

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Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse

Posted on May 6, 2013 by

A novel in verse for younger readers, Gone Fishing by Tamera Will Wissinger and illustrated by Matthew Cordell, includes the ballad, cinquain, curse poem (gotta love that one) and triolet, among others. All poem types are explained in the end pages. What … Continue reading →

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Almost Forever

Posted on March 18, 2013 by

When a father goes to Vietnam, the rest of the family has to keep living a life that seems so much the same and yet so different from what it used to be. Told in spare verse from the six-year-old daughter’s … Continue reading →

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Twelve Kinds of Ice

Posted on January 2, 2013 by

An ode to ice and all its wonder and wintertime fun, Twelve Kinds of Ice reminisces about the anticipation of skating on a homemade rink. First comes the ice in the pail, so thin it breaks when touched. The colder the … Continue reading →

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