Nominated for a Cybil Award in Science Fiction & Fantasy.

Repossessed by A. M. Jenkins.

Kiriel is a Fallen Angel, okay a demon, who decides he is sick of working in Hell and takes over the body of a teenage boy named Shaun.  It may be unethical, but Shaun was in the last seconds of his life and Kiriel was able to continue that life.  Kiriel attempts to live as Shaun, but is continually distracted by sights, feelings, and touch.  Plus, he is far more interested in the details of Shaun’s life.  Even homework is fun because he can try out the feel of different writing implements.  As the possession goes on, Kiriel learns about humanity as well as lessons about his own position in the universe. 

Written with a great sense of humor, this book dashes along quickly but has far more depth than it might seem to on the surface.  The questions of Hell, self-imposed suffering, guilt, family connections, and what it means to be human are all part of it, handled deftly and as a part of the story itself.  Kiriel is a fascinating character who is clearly written and a joy to spend time with.  His grappling with modern human life makes for great action and the pacing of the novel is fast but never frantic. 

The book does have some mature themes, so it is appropriate for older teens.  A lively fun read that generates more questions than answers, this book is sure to infuriate and anger some people with its questions of faith, demons and God.  However, it is more than worth the trouble of having it available for teens who may be on their own quest to figure it all out.

Ivan the Terrier by Peter Catalanotto.

As the author tries to tell stories like the Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Three Bears and the Three Little Pigs, he is constantly being interrupted by Ivan, a small black and white dog.  Ivan bursts into each story, barks loudly and makes a horrible mess.  When finally the author decides to tell a story featuring Ivan himself, Ivan ignores him.

The illustrations of each fairy tale are deep colored and pastoral, but when Ivan arrives, each image has bright white as a background and all pastoral feeling is gone.  It is a dynamic way to make the illustrations burst with noise and surprise as well as the words.  The language of the book uses the same model from calm storytelling to a wild burst of yelling and scolding of Ivan. 

If you are looking for a story to capture the attention of children at the end of a preschool storytime, you have found it.  Recommended for sharing with a group, especially if you are not afraid of really yelling out loud.  This book will have children giggling and demanding a return of Ivan as soon as possible.

Glass slipper, gold sandal: a worldwide Cinderella by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Julie Paschkis.

Fleischman has created a picture book that pays tribute to the varied Cinderella stories from around the world.  The storyline of the book follows the Cinderella tale, but touches from each country can be felt.  What could have been a muddled mishmash is a truly amazing experience as readers see the differences and the similarities in Cinderella tales.  A large part of the success is Fleischman’s ability to showcase cultures in single lines, small details and wording.  Another part of the book’s success are the illustrations which have bright colored frames that allude to other details of the story in that culture.  Each frame offers insight into the differences of that exact story, and the book could be read again and again looking at the various pictures.

This is exactly what is meant by a multicultural story.  It is a celebration of both our kinship and our diversity.  A must-purchase for all public libraries, you will find that older children who have a sense of different countries will enjoy this more than 4-6 year olds.  Highly recommended for folktale units or just for the joy of sharing.

Jabberwocky by Lewis Carrol, reimagined and illustrated by Christopher Myers.

Myers has done a courageous and marvelous thing in recreating the battle of the Jabberwocky using basketball.  Jabberwocky is one of my favorite poems, one I remember from my childhood.  The power of the imaginative language and creating images in one’s head about what “brillig” and “slithy” meant.

The illustrations are strange and edgy enough to suit the language of the poetry.  The dynamic motion, deep colors and use of colors even in the words themselves makes this a book that kids will pick up and enjoy even if they don’t understand most of the words.  And what more joy could there be?

Highly recommended for children ages 8-12.  It is the perfect vehicle to introduce children to the poem and the fun of a frabjous day.

Nobody Notices Minerva by Wednesday Kirwan.

Minerva just can’t get noticed by her family!  No matter how very naughty she is, her mother and father just ignore her.   Finally, it is too much to take and Minerva starts to cry.  Her father sits near her and explains that he has noticed her and that she probably wants to be noticed for other things than being naughty.  So Minerva makes up her mind to be noticed for being very good.  And it works!

Minerva is a charming little whirling dervish of a child.  The scowl on her face and the attitude of her body completely encapsulate her attitude.  The illustrations are bright, and vibrantly colored.  The book is well done with just the right amount of information for the reader who will also be worried that Minerva’s parents ignore her!  I haven’t seen a book before on ignoring unwanted behavior, and this one captures it perfectly.

Recommended as a book to share with preschool groups or with your own child.

Paul Bunyan’s Sweetheart by Marybeth Lorbiecki, illustrated by Renee Graef.

Lucette Diana Kensack was quite a large girl, an equal to Paul Bunyan.  She and her similarly large cow, Nel, would mix up rivers of butter, quilt acres of seeds, and create cooling breezes by shaking out her rugs.  When Paul Bunyan comes to meet her, she sets him three tasks.   He tries his best to do her bidding, but somehow never gets it right.  Lucette’s tasks are all about respecting the environment and loving the land they are using.  In the end, she shows Paul and the readers exactly how to do just that.

Lorbiecki has created a book with a rollicking rhythm to the text, a heartiness to the tale and a lovely and worthwhile message for readers.  Her text has nice touches to it that make one read it with a certain woodsy cadence.  Combined with Graef’s illustrations, the book really sings.  The illustrations have a certain Garth William’s feel to them with a similar softness. 

This book begs to read aloud.  Reading it silently will not give you the same feel for the rhythm and joy of the language here.  Recommended for sharing with children for environmental units or just for a rollicking super-sized time.