Monica's Book Corner: December 2015

Title: The Little Prince: The Planet of the Wind

Author: Delphine Dubos

The Little Prince comes to the Planet of Wind to stop Snake from destroying another world. He discovers that someone is steeling the Wind and the Wind City is in danger of falling from the sky. He finds the culprit and heals the rift between the Windmaster and his son.

This story was very confusing. It kept jumping between characters views. The plot was not very good. I could not figure out what Snake’s plan was to destroy the planet and the exact relationship between the Windmaster and his son was. More detail could have been added to the story.

Publisher: LPPM

ISBN: 978-0-8225-9422-2

Monica’s Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Title: Hamster and Cheese

Author: Colleen AF Venable

Someone is stealing Mr. Venezi’s sandwiches. Hamisher the hamster recruits Sasspants, the guinea pig, to help investigate the crime. They investigate everyone in the pet shop and finally they discover and stop the culprit by setting a trap.

This is a cute story about a grumpy guinea pig and an energetic ham ster. It is particularly funny when they rescue one of the other animals from being sold. The story jumps around a little that may be a little confusing to some children.

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

ISBN:978-0-7613-4598-5

Monica’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Title: Captain America Origins “The Legend Reborn”

Writer: Scott Gray

Captain America has just been revived after being frozen in the Atlantic for many years. Uncertain of where he is, he breaks out of SHIELD head quarters into the middle of modern day New York City where he meets Rick. Rick listens to Captain’s story when Hydra attacks. The Captain defeats the Hydra team and determines that as long as they are still around, the world needs him.

This comic is great for any young reader who wants to learn more about what happened to Captain America when he was revived. The reader has to realize that there are multiple origin stories within the book that were written by different authors to understand how it pieces together. The illustrations are different for each of the authors which helps identify a new author, though it may be confusing.

Publisher: Marvel

ISBN: 978-0-7851-5325-2

Monica’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Title: “Diving Board”

Book: Falling Up

Author: Shel Silverstein

You are on top of a diving board making certain everything about it is just right. The only thing that is left to be done is to dive off of the board.

The poem is humorous and has some words that rhyme. Children can relate to the poem if they have been afraid of jumping off of the diving board for the first time. Silverstein really catches the experience. The illustration matches the poem and is an ink drawing.

Publisher: Harper Collins

ISBN: 0060248025

Monica’s Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Title: “Grandma”

Book: Dirt on My Shirt

Author: Jeff Foxworthy

Grandma is a funny poem about how grandma cannot put on her lipstick properly because she is losing her eyesight.

There is only one rhyme in this poem and it is four lines long. The picture depicts the poem. The words are simple yet funny.

Publisher: Harper Collins

ISBN: 978-0-06-120847-8

Monica’s Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Title: "What Do You See?"

Book: Dirt on My Shirt

Author: Jeff Foxworthy

This poem is about nature. It talks about a habitat and discusses what one might find there.

The lines are comprised of questions with rhyming every two lines. The words are simple. The picture that accompanies the poem is made of ink outlines and water colors and depicting children in nature.

Publisher: Harper Collins

ISBN: 978-0-06-120847-8

Monica’s Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Title: John Philip Duck
Author: Patricia Polacco

Young Edward Pembroke finds a little duckling and brings it to the hotel that he works at and he an the staff work hard to hide the duck from the owner, Mr. Schutt. One day Mr. Schutt finds out but Edward convinces him to let him stay by showing him the tricks that he has taught the duck. Mr. Schutt gives him one month to train other ducks to do the same and stay in the fountain all day at the hotel. Edward is able to do this and it becomes a hotel tradition.

This is a historical fiction story about the ducks of Peabody hotel in Memphis, TN. The main character of the story is African American so the story is diverse. Also Edward’s father is a prominent figure in the story. The story concludes with Edward about 50 years later reminiscing with about his duck training. At the very end the author makes a disclaimer saying that the story is fictional but inspired by the Legend of the Peabody Ducks.

Publisher: Babushka Inc.

ISBN: 0-399-24262

Monica’s Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Title: Clara and Davie: The True Story of Young Clara Barton Founder of the American Red Cross
Author: Patricia Polacco

Young Clara grew up with a lisp that made it difficult for her to make friends with in school. Her brother taught her and encouraged her to be herself. When he injured himself and almost gave up, Clara supports him and pushes him to walk as he once had.

This is a cute story about a brother and sister bond. They support each other through their strengths and weaknesses. The story jumps around a little, not giving it a very good flow but the message of the story is good, to encourage others to be the best person that they can be.

Publisher: Babushka Inc.

ISBN: 0545354773

Monica’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Title: The Lemonade Club
Author: Patricia Polacco

Tracy’s best friend Marilyn just found out that she had Leukemia. She, her class, and teacher work together to support Marilyn through her trials of battling cancer. Tracy and Marilyn learn that their teacher has breast cancer. They form a group called the lemonade club where they meet after school to talk and provide encouragement for each other.

This story gives children an idea about what people with cancer go through. Children can read this book and have an idea of how to support their own friend who may be battling cancer. The plot line of the story is not very straight forward and jumps from one point to another that may be difficult to follow for some children.

Publisher: Babushka Inc.

ISBN: 978-0-399-2450-4

Monica’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Tuesday, December 1, 2015