Beautiful Creatures comes out in book form today. I have been reading all of the praise for this novel and look forward to starting it.
/Film covers the announcement that Warner Brothers has acquired the film rights to the book which is the first in a five-book series. Richard LaGravenese will be writing the script and directing the film.
Summit Entertainment is talking about creating two films from Breaking Dawn, the fourth (and perhaps final?) book in the Twilight series. Unfortunately, the stars were only secured for four films so it’s going to cost to get them to do five.
Via Cinematical
Who Would Like a Christmas Tree? by Ellen Bryan Obed, illustrated by Anne Hunter
Take a look at a Christmas tree standing in the forest. One wonders who needs a Christmas tree in months other than December, and the answer is surprising! Chickadees, deer, robins, butterflies, turkeys and more need the tree for all sorts of different reasons. Some need it for food, others for shelter, and others for a place to raise their young. This gentle picture book is about far more than the Christmas holiday. It leads children through an understanding of the role of all trees in the natural world.
Obed’s prose has a sweetness to it that suits the natural themes. She writes with a quietness and simple frankness that works well with the more scientific content. Each animal is given several paragraphs, allowing readers to really understand why they need these trees. Hunter’s illustrations are large, simple and friendly as well.
This book will work well for holiday story times, but should also be considered for Arbor Day or tree-themed units. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
Reviewed from library copy.
Also reviewed by A Year of Reading.
Dragonfly by Julia Golding
Princess Taoshira comes from a court of rules, order and gentility, though she used to be a goatherd. Prince Ramil comes from a life filled with horses and action. The two of them could not be more different or have more different beliefs about life and religion. Yet the two of them are betrothed to unite their two countries which are both on the brink of war with Fergox who believes in a god of war and blood. Their first meeting is fraught with misunderstanding and miscommunication. When they try to go out for a ride in the forest together, they are both kidnapped and taken to Fergox. Now the question is whether they trust one another enough to escape together, because their odds of survival are better if they act as one.
Excellent fantasy, this book creates a world that is complex, fascinating and tangible. Both protagonists are complicated people who learn much about themselves as they interact with one another. There is growth in both of them throughout the book. Part of that growth is their slow-building romance that also reads as so real that it almost aches. Golding’s writing is strong and easily carries a book of this length without bogging. In fact, the action is swift and often great fun as are many of the supporting characters the two come across in their journey.
The most vital part of this book is the message of acceptance across cultural boundaries. Though the two main characters are so different, they still have much in common as rulers of lands. Yet it is the differences that are immediately apparent, it takes time and effort to find the common ground.
A beautifully rendered, complex novel, this book will be enjoyed by fans of Kristin Cashore and Suzanne Collins. Appropriate for ages 12-15.
Reviewed from copy received from publisher.
Also reviewed by Library Lounge Lizard.
School Library Journal has just posted its Best Books 2009 list on their website.
It is an incredible list filled with many of my favorites of the year. As always there are ones that I haven’t managed to read yet, but they are obviously worth adding to my to-be-read pile since they are in such good company.
Bravo SLJ for a great list!
So what do you think? Any that are your favorites that either made the list or didn’t?
Eliot Jones, Midnight Superhero by Anne Cottringer, illustrated by Alex T. Smith
Eliot is a very quiet child by day. He reads books and feeds his fish. But when midnight strikes, Eliot becomes a superhero! He has all sorts of adventures: returning lions to the zoo, saving ships, and recovering the crown jewels. Tonight he has to stop a huge meteor that is heading right for earth! In a series of adventures and mishaps, the question becomes whether he can save earth in time.
Imagination to the rescue! Eliot has great classic adventures that will appeal to children. His quiet identity at home is also a classic superhero alter-ego, which will be appreciated. The text is written to be read aloud with fonts that call for crashing noises, loud explosions, and even quiet. Smith’s illustrations are a great mix of collage and drawing, creating an exciting setting for each of Eliot’s adventures. They are clever, wry and very silly, perfection for the book.
Recommended for children who have their own capes, this book will fly into eager hands. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
Reviewed from library copy.
Looking Like Me by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Christopher Myers
This father and son partnership has created a picture book that will work with a broad span of ages. Walter Dean Myers’ poem explores everything that a person can be, all the various aspects of a person. He focuses on what a person loves to do, relationships with others, and who that person really is. It is an empowering message of both individuality and connections to others.
The poetry in the book dances from one idea to the next with a jazzy rhythm and urban vibe. Christopher Myers’ art is joyous, loose and loud. The two work together to offer a book filled with rhythm and movement.
This book is accessible enough to be used with children in elementary school, but may speak loudest to older children and teens who are asking themselves about their identity. It begs to be used with students and reacted to in a personal way. Appropriate for ages 7-14.
Reviewed from library copy.
Firefighter Ted by Andrea Beaty and Pascal Lemaitre
When Ted woke up one morning, he smelled smoke. He knew that he needed a firefighter! Unable to find a firefighter anywhere in his room, he become one. He did have to make his own fire extinguisher our of whipped cream and an air tube from the fish tank. Firefighter Ted started the day by putting out a breakfast fire, much to his mother’s dismay. He then rescued a kitten from the hot sidewalk. This made him late to school. Met at the door by the principal, Ted became alarmed that the principal was overheating, so he wrapped him in hazard tape and used his fire extinguisher on him. When the class went to the science fair, Ted had to leap into action again to make it all safe. In the end, there was a real fire and you know who came to the rescue!
This second Ted book follows Doctor Ted. Done with the same humor and spunk as the first, readers will be very happy to have a second adventure that hints at a third. Ted is a great character who takes imaginative play to an entirely different level. He combines ingenuity with courage, never paying attention to what others have to say about his costumes or what he does to help. The illustrations are done with thick black lines and bright colors. They are inviting, fun and fresh.
Recommended for all public libraries, this series will fly off of the shelves. It will also make a welcome addition to fire safety story times and units. Appropriate for toddlers through preschoolers, this series will be enjoyed by ages 2-5.
Reviewed from library copy.
The Scottish children’s books of the year have been announced. They were voted on by over 15,000 school-aged children.
Older Readers
Ostrich Boys by Keith Gray
Younger Readers
First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts by Lari Don
Early Years
Manfred the Baddie by John Fardell
