Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters by Rachel Vail

Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters

Written by Rachel Vail

Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Well, I must begin as I began this book. How am I going to make it through 246 pages of a whiney third grader's diary? However, after just a few more pages, I was hooked! 

Justin Case is witty. His fears are genuine. His problems are realistic. Mostly, the book is funny! Rachel Vail does a great job of including smile makers for kids and adults. A great read.

Below is one of my favorite diary entries from the book. Have I mentioned this book is written in the ever popular diary format? It is. 

Those of us who would rather curl up with a good book, or any book for that matter, rather than go to gym class can relate to Justin's thoughts:

May 3, Monday

There is something worse in gym than relay races.

It is called gymnastics.

There is a reason people don't normally climb up ropes or hang upside down by their knees.

It is called we are not monkeys or bats.

Yay, Justin! I adore how you think! 

A Whole Nother Story As told by Dr. Cuthbert Soup

Fabulously Illustrated by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins

Since I don't possess vocabulary sufficient to share my adoration of this book and it's witty witticisms, I'll simply quote the genius Dr. Soup, purveyor of unsolicited advice. Enjoy...


The characters depicted in this book are real. Any similarity to cartoon characters, living or dead, is purely coincidental.


The pen is mightier than the sword, though both can ruin a good shirt.


A wise man once said, 'Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it,' and that would be a terrible thing because, as a wise man once said, 'Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.'


I couldn't put this book down! It kept me wondering what would happen next as I continuously smiled at the subtle witty genius contained within the pages.


Sadly, I can't seem to get my 9 year old, read a book a day, niece interested. The cover didn't grab her.  However, I plan to read an excerpt to her the next time I'm blessed with her magnificent presence.


She is currently borrowing my copy of The Memory Bank by Carolyn Comen which she couldn't put down during her last visit. 


Shameless Plug: Watch for an upcoming review of The Memory Bank. My niece's comment that The Memory Bank is "Really, really, really good" has given me high expectations.

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Peaceful Poet

The illustrations are my favorite part of this literary work of art.  Kids of all ages will have a great time seeking the hidden images inside the big pictures. No wonder Bryan Collier won the Coretta Scott King award for illustrators.  The story is also excellently told by Laban Carrick Hill through the use of poetry.  Not only does this book offer biographical information about Dave the potter, but it offers a glimpse into slave life in the mid 1800's. It also serves as somewhat of a "How to" guide for making poetry.


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Peas Please

by Keith Baker

Youngun's will love the bright and cheerful illustrations as much as grownups do! Need a little pick me up during the day? Take a peek at any page of LMNO Peas!

Let me start with a positive reference. My 5 year old nephew chose this bright and beautiful book out of a stack of similar picture books. This is the one he wanted to hear.  He asked may questions about the pictures and vocabulary.  His vocabulary now includes the words acrobats, electricians, inventors, miners, unique, voters, yogis, and his new favorite: outlaws!  

Keith Baker uses precious drawings of peas to illustrate this alphabet book that introduces a wide variety of titles for professions, hobbies, and other activities people do. The peas are drawn in all sorts of outfits and poses. As I said earlier, my nephew's favorites were the outlaws. They wear masks and caps and are robbing lots of money from vaults. My nephew is very interested in Star Wars and superheroes right now so these bad guys caught his attention. 

All young children will find peas to admire and appreciate in this delightful book. A must have for every early learning classroom and library. 

Through the Eyes of Mona Lisa

by Ruthie Knapp

Illustrated by Jill McElmurry

This 2010 Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books winner will hold the attention of any listener. A great way to introduce biographies or point of view to any age level. 


Ruthie Knapp gives readers a Mona Lisa eye's view of her life as a famous painting.  Readers experience her creation, the admiration by many kings of France, Napoleon, and her placement in the Louvre.  However, she is stolen in the middle of the night by an thief who sadly stores her under his oven for two years. Eventually, she is recovered and returned to her home in the Louvre.


The reader will get a true feeling of what it must have been like to be a famous painting in the Louvre.  Mona Lisa comments "Tall people poke their noses up close. I can smell their breath: garlic, coffee, cigars." 


The author includes a brief description of Leonardo Da Vinci as well which could lead to guided inquiries regarding that famous Italian.  


I highly recommend this book for teachers and libraries of all ages. Yes, it is a gorgeous picture book, however, it serves as a wonderful introduction to point of view and biographies for students of any age.

Short Hypnotic Bedtime Story Full of Love

By Eric Metaxas

Illustrated by Nancy Tillman

This book is perfect for those nights when it's late, you need a meaningful, yet short, story to help your child feel loved and ready for sleep.

The illustrations are dreamlike and fantastical.  They are like falling into the peaceful night of a familiar yet far away dream world.

The story itself is repetative and hypnotic until the end when the pace seems to quicken and felt a bit different than the rest of the story.


Although beautiful, not my favorite bedtime story.  However, if I were a parent, I'd keep this one handy for the nights when I need something loving, hypnotic, and short with mesmerizing pictures. A quick and happy read.

Link & Follie

Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

Illustrated by Tony Fucile

In this Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winning book Bink & Gollie are linked by their friendship and folly.  These girls, despite their very different personalities, are typical best friends. They experience great fun together, yet must also deal with their differences. Bink & Gollie demonstrate how two very different personalities can work well together if they seek to understand each other.  

This book will work best for elementary students, however, it could also work for some middle school students. It also might be good for some grown folks I know! 

The authors use three short stories to help readers develop a better understanding of common relationship issues such as compromise, boundaries, and jealousy. The format is particularly enjoyable thanks to the fabulous illustrations.  Picture book meets graphic novel meets cartoon for elementary readers.

The vocabulary is fantastic. There are many ways this book could be used to introduce a variety of lessons related to writing and vocabulary.  

Lesson Plans

It'll Do

City Dog, Country Frog

Written by Mo Willems

Illustrated by Jon J Muth

The illustrations are very nice, however, the story left me wanting and wondering. I got the feeling that Mo's publishers created this book simply because Mo's name is on it.  

It's not a BAD story, it just didn't feel at all like Mo Willems to me. Friendship wasn't treated as he usually treats it. In this story, friendships don't last and aren't very meaningful. A line that is repeated throughout the story in regards to making new friends is "But you'll do." 

Perhaps the story was written to show that acquaintances come and go throughout our lives?

I was left wondering what happened to the frog.  The story just felt weak and incomplete to me.  Sadly, not Mo's best work, however, like I said, I have the feeling he was pressured to publish.  

Kids will like the illustrations, however, I wouldn't invest in this book for my personal or school library.

Stay tuned for my next Mo Willems review!  It's a good one :)  Despite this not so great book, I still adore Mo!

I Love Cloudette!

Cloudette by Tom Lichtenheld

Lesson Plans

Cloudette is the kind of character I really love. She's friendly, extra cute, helpful, shy, brave, and introspective. Tom Lichtenheld gives us a story filled with cuteness, silly banter, and an important life lesson - make the most of what you have.

The illustrations are fabulous. I especially liked the beginning of the book that offers a size comparison of little Cloudette and an average cloud using a grid. 

Thanks to Cloudette and one of her nicknames - Shortcake - I was reminded of one of my favorite people in the world. Shortcake, you know who you are! Both are overflowing with super sweet cuteness. I wish I could have much more of both of them in my life!

Your elementary students will love Cloudette as much as I do.  They will appreciate the silly banter and the subtle bewilderment Cloudette feels about finding her place in the world.  I plan to share this beautiful book with my middle school students.

Helpful Links:

Activity Guides to Other Tom Licthenheld Books for Kids Sadly, there isn't a guide for Cloudette, but there are several quality guides for his other books. Maybe there will be one by the time you click the link!

Book Trailer at Macmillan Children's Check out this super cute trailer.  It will make you smile.


Tom Lichtenheld's Website

Lesson Plans

Peace and Understanding Thanks to The Black Panthers - From a Child's Perspective

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

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Congratulations to Rita Williams-Garcia, winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, Coretta Scott King Award, Newbery Honor, and National Book Award Finalst.  As the awards indicate, this book is well worth your time. 

In this book Rita Williams-Garcia opens the door to 1968 and the unconventional family of Delphine, Vonnetta, and Fern, three young, yet powerful, sisters.  One Crazy Summer uses Delphine's point of view to tell the sisters' story of their summer in Oakland, California with their mother, who they haven't seen in seven years. Oakland is a far cry from Brooklyn, where they live with their protective Pa and Big Ma.  As the girls adjust to the intense and cold behavior of their mother, they discover their individual and relational strengths.  Not only does their relationship with each other and their mother grow, but they develop an entire new view of the world thanks to the people they meet in Oakland.

On a personal note, I'm guilty of trying to categorize characters as antagonists or protagonists with everything I read. I like things clear cut and simple. When this story began I quickly threw Cecile (aka Nzila), the girls' mother, into the antagonist category.  How could a mother abandon her three precious daughters?  However, along with Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern, I was reminded that no one is all good or bad.  We all have tough choices in our lives.  We all make mistakes.  


Rita Williams-Garcia uses this work of historical fiction to remind readers that finding peace in life is a matter of perspective and attempting to understand the opposing viewpoint.  As a friend of mine often says, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood".  I'm sure there is some famous person I should credit for that quote, but I'm giving the credit to my friend - she'll know who she is!  Thanks to these sisters, I was better able to understand Nzila's point of view and the bigger picture she saw for her daughters.

From a historical perspective, One Crazy Summer takes the reader into some of the inner workings of the Black Panther operations of 1968, a time of much turmoil in the United States.  The girls, having been thrown from the safeguarding of Big Ma to the streets of Oakland, find solace in the care of the Black Panthers. Thanks to their mother, the Black Panthers, and their own observations, the girls gain a new perspective on life.

No ifs, ands, or buts about it, One Crazy Summer is worth a read.  Surely is... as little Fern would say.

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A Sweet Helpful Book

Remembering Crystal by Sebastian Loth

Crystal is my favorite character. She's exactly the kind of turtle I want to grow up to be. She's patient, loving, a great listener, adventurous, dependable, and a great friend. Zelda, Crystal's young goose friend, loves her very much. Zelda is a pretty cool character too. I like that she is headstrong and seeks her own understanding of the situation.

Sadly, the premise of this book is Zelda coming to terms with Crystal's death.  It is gently written and delicately illustrated. The illustrations are my favorite part of this book. They are very neutral yet expressive as necessary. The overall tone works beautifully with the story.

There are no specific lesson ideas that come to mind for Remembering Crystal. However, it's a great book to keep handy for students to read on their own or for the student who experiences a serious loss. It can also serve as an opening read aloud to prompt discussion about friendship and/or loss.

Girls Want to Slay Dragons Too!

Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch

The description offered on the cover of the book says it all: 

"Yet Another Troll-Fighting 11-Year-Old Orthodox Jewish Girl"

This book was an eye-opener for me on many levels.  To start with, I've not read many graphic novels, especially those written for girls.  I'm also not a big reader of fantasy.  Deutsch offered me an inside view of the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle.  

One of my favorite things about this book is that it promoted old fashioned family values like being home in time for dinner, helping around the house, and learning crafts from elders.  

Mirka is a young lady who is often hindered in her pursuit of becoming a dragon slayer because she must deal with the loss of her mother, the acceptance of her stepmother, the strong views of her religion and siblings, as well as school and peer pressure.  As the story unfolds, she manages to come to terms with all she is facing thanks to her self confidence, the support of her family, her beliefs, and her ability to win an argument.

While I don't think this book will appeal to large masses of young readers, I do believe it will appeal to the insightful, analytical, adventure seeking young person who enjoys a peek into the life of another young person and culture.  

Hats off to Amulet Books (Publisher of Diary of a Wimpy Kid) for taking on a less popular type of diary for young people. 

As far as lesson ideas for this book goes, I say simply make it available for young people to enjoy.  On a more academic note, it serves as wonderful clear and humorous view of Orthodox Judaism if studying cultures or religions.  

Hereville is a fairly fun and easy read.  Check it out and keep an eye open for a young person who can appreciate all this book has to offer.  May it lead to an inspiring and quality discussion of life and dreams. 

History - Exactly How I Like It

Kubla Khan: The Emperor of Everything

Written by Kathleen Krull and Illustrated by Robert Byrd

Short and to the point with a little adventure and great illustrations. Exactly how I believe all history books should be written. For example, does it really take hundreds of pages to learn about a battle or war? For folks like me - heck no! I just want the facts so that I have a general idea of what happened and who the key people were. Pictures make it even better! All history books should be exactly like this one.  

Of course, this book is more of a biography than a history book, but I chose it in hopes of developing a better understanding of the Khan inspired Mongol Empire. I never really knew much about the Khan's other than they were a super scary force to be reckoned with.  

I now know that when they were attempting to conquer the world back in the day (1200's) it was a serious JOB to conquer the world. They did a right fine job of it.  

The author does an excellent job of focusing on the positive effects that Kubla Khan and his mother had on their empire.

Students of any age will enjoy the history/bibliography as well as the illustrations. The art is gorgeous and ties directly to the text.  

Kubla Khan The Emperor of Everything was a much better read than I expected. It's a great tool for history or biography lessons. I highly recommend it - give it a look.

A Home Run for Erin E. Stead!

A Sick Day for Amos McGee won the 2011 Caldecott award.  This is particularly exceptional since this is Erin Stead's first children's book.  Hat's off to her magnificent and meaningful masterpiece!

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Obviously, this book has beautiful illustrations - The Caldecott Committee said so!  Most of the time I prefer children's literature with bright sharp colors. However, A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a refreshing and gentle reminder of the warmer softer side of life.  The illustrations are the perfect companion for the well written text that reminds readers to always make time for friends.  This gracious story offers children the opportunity to fall into a compassionate place and consider the spirit of true friendship.  An exceptionally pleasant "Do unto others..." tale set within a delightfully delicate canvas.


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All Hail Mo Willems!

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For those of you who are often in the company of children, you are probably already familiar with the most wonderful and fabulous Mo Willems.  Mo brings us several wonderful characters such as Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and my current favorites for children: Gerald (an elephant) and Piggie (well, a pig).  To quote my precious and insightful niece "Piggie is my favorite, but Gerald is a drama king, so he is fun too."  I agree wholeheartedly.  


This week I discovered We Are in a Book.  This charming and interactive story details Piggie and Gerald's discovery that someone is watching them. Gerald, in his usual 'Gerald' way, panics a bit at first.  Once they conclude that it is only a reader, they are much relieved and make great sport of having the reader say, "Banana".  Brace yourself for hysterical laughter!


My five year old nephew was enthralled by the idea that he was entertaining Piggie and Gerald.  He cracked up with the characters and hung on their every word bubble.  Later, when asked which Gerald and Piggie book is his favorite, he was quick to say, "The one that was about me."  Like most five year olds, he adored the idea of characters appreciating him as much as he appreciates them.  I must add that this is the first book my nephew has ever read to me ~ it will live in my memory forever!


My nine year old niece was as amused as my nephew. When we began reading, she was sitting next to us reading on her own.  She stopped her independent reading several times to look at the pictures that went with the words she was hearing. It didn't take long before she put her book down and joined us for a good laugh.  Her favorite Piggie and Gerald book is My Friend is Sad.  She likes that Piggie is able to lift Gerald's spirits.


We all agreed that Mo Willems is one of our favorite authors and that I'm Invited to a Party is one of Gerald and Piggie's most fun adventures.  Check it out.  You'll discover a whole host of things to consider before heading to your next party.


Piggie and Gerald totally rock! They are great company for elementary students of any age.  Today's children will love Piggie and Gerald just as we loved The Cat in The Hat, Ramona, Margaret, Charlotte and Wilber.   Our children's children's children will ensure that these fine outstanding characters are loved for lifetimes to come.  Thank you Mo Willems!


Here is a link to Mo's site.  He is truly amazing!
http://www.mowillems.com/

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Book-Blubia: Blurbs from a Book Lover/Educator

The Open Window by Henri Matisse 1905

Come on in!

Welcome to my little bitty blog that offers the whole great big world a glimpse into the wacky, whimsical, and at times woebegone window of my somewhat sagacious opinions and mental musings regarding literature created for children, teens, and adults. The educator in me will also throw in an instructional idea now and then. May this humble blog serve as a source of pleasure for my fellow book lovers and a resource for my fellow educators. Welcome one and all :)