No Passengers... by Gennifer Choldenko

No Passengers Beyond This Point by Gennifer Choldenko

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When Finn, India, and Mouse are forced to move from their home and into Uncle Red's house, they are unhappy with their mother--to say the least. However, their plane doesn't land at the airport where Uncle Red should be waiting. They end up in "Falling Bird" where everything they've ever wanted is within reach. But, do they abandon their "real" life for this seemingly fantasy one?



As always, a superb story from Choldenko. I love everything she writes! She is quite possibly my favorite author, hands down for children. Way to go!



The only reason this is getting 4 stars instead of 5 is I feel like something was left out of the story. Maybe I just missed it...but I just feel like there is something more that should have been told. The ending was too abrupt for me. And, I would have liked to hear from Finn, Indian, and Mouse one more time after the last chapter.



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A book that will make you LOL! 4 Real!!

Just Too Cute!: And Other Tales of Adorable Animals for Horrible Children by Mike Reiss

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is HILARIOUS! I love the sarcastic tone of the text, the illustrations, the odd stories and poetry. LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! Older children and children with a sick sense of humor will love this...not to mention the adults who read it with the children. My favorite story is the Appalling Polar Bear with a happy ending and with an ending for those of us who enjoy a truer end to a story. LOL hilarious!



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Poetry!!! Yes!!!

Pass the Poetry, Please! by Lee Bennett Hopkins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a great book for anyone wishing to explore why poetry is so important in children's lives. Lee Bennett Hopkins (an amazing poet if I may say so myself) has organized the book into 4 sections: "Poetry Refreshes the World" (brief history and introduction), "From Adoff to Yolen" (brief bios on a number of famous children's poets), "And One Day the World Will Know Me" (helping children write poetry), and "From Acorns to Zinnias" (great resources for finding poetry for EVERY subject).

I was introduced to poetry early on by my absolutely wonderful elementary school librarian and it has remained one of my favorite escapes since, both reading and writing poetry. All children need exposure to poetry for a number of reasons and those reasons are explored in this book. This is a must read for all professional educators, librarians, and parents. Poetry can open up a wonderful world for children...especially children who have difficulty reading. EVERYONE MUST READ THIS BOOK!



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This book ROCKS!

The ABCs of Rock by Melissa Duke Mooney

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really love the illustrations for this alphabet book. Each letter is represented by a different rock band. Most bands are not recognizable by children who need alphabet books...but the parents (or grandparents) will definitely recognize them. Some kids who play Guitar Hero/Rock Band may be familiar with the bands. But, it doesn't matter, because the book is so fabulously illustrated that it is unnecessary to know the bands. I plan to use it with school age children this summer and have them create their own illustrations for a letter of their favorite rock (or rap, or country..etc) band.



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