MADreads for Kids
A review of
The One and Only Ivan
by
Katherine
Applegate
Katherine Applegate was recently awarded the 2013 Newbery Medal for most distinguished contribution to American Literature for Children for her book The One and Only Ivan. I completely agree. This may be one of the best books I've ever read.
Ivan is a silverback gorilla living in a run-down roadside circus mall (I know, I know, but these places really do exist) with Stella, a retired circus
...read more
Reviewed by Molly - Central on
March 13, 2013
A review of
Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad
by
Henry
Cole
Very rarely does a title totally sum up a book, but for Henry Cole's Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad, that's the case--literally! When I picked up this picture book, I had no idea that those words would be the only ones I would read until the (fascinating) author's note at the very end. But, far from being disappointed, I was moved and haunted by my time with Unspoken. The gorgeous charcoal illustrations remind me strongly of the wonderful inventions of author and
...read more
Reviewed by Abby on
March 1, 2013
A review of
Masterwork of a Painting Elephant
by
Michelle
Cuevas
Birch, a former circus elephant, has been raising Pigeon Jones since he was abandoned by his parents. While the two live a happy life together, they both want more -- Pigeon to know about his parents and Birch to gain fame as an artist and find his lost love. Beautiful storytelling combines the wisdom of Pooh, experiences of The Little Prince, and the lessons of Aesop all into one. This one's not just for children.
...read more
Reviewed by Jody on
February 22, 2013
A review of
Don't Squish the Sasquatch
by
Kent
Redeker
Senor Sasquatch, in his ratty fedora and bow tie, steps onto the bus, hoping it won’t be too crowded that morning (since he doesn’t enjoy being squished). As the other passengers board the bus, the driver warns them of Senor Sasquatch’s preference for space, to no avail. He becomes squished! But what to do after the bus goes “Ka-Bloooey”? Clear, bright graphic illustrations in a retro style give this monster story a big dose of wild humor. A fun book for individual sharing or a group read-
...read more
Reviewed by Ruth on
February 15, 2013
A review of
Another Brother
by
Matthew
Cordell
Life as the center of his parents' world is pretty sweet for Davy the sheep. But, when his brother comes along, things start to change... and change... and change... until Davy has twelve younger brothers! To make matters worse, the little lambs keep copying everything he does! What's a sheep to do? Hilarious line art with just the right touches of color tell this funny and sweet story, perfect for preschoolers.
...read more
Reviewed by Krissy on
February 8, 2013
A review of
Penny and Her Song
by
Kevin
Henkes
In Penny and Her Song by Kevin Henkes, Penny wants to share her new song with Mama, but she can’t, because she might wake the babies. She wants to share it with Papa, but she can’t, because she might wake the babies. She tries to sing it to herself but needs a better audience. She tries to sing to her glass animal toys, but gets distracted. Will she ever get a chance to share her beautiful new song? Yes! Finally after supper, she sings the song all the way through to her whole family.
...read more
Reviewed by Tracy on
February 1, 2013
A review of
Pie
by
Sarah
Weeks
Alice’s beloved Aunt Polly made amazing pies. She loved to bake them so much that she opened up a pie shop and gave the pies away for free! Everyone in town had a favorite flavor of Polly’s pies, and as word of them spread, people traveled from all over to taste her renowned baking. Sadly, Aunt Polly dies unexpectedly and perplexes everyone by leaving her secret pie crust recipe to her cat, Lardo. Her will also bequeaths Lardo himself (a rather grumpy cat) to her favorite niece, Alice. How do
...read more
Reviewed by Carissa - Alicia Ashman on
January 25, 2013
A review of
The Hungry Ghost of Rue Orleans
by
Mary
Quattlebaum
Fred the ghost is happy in his leaky, creaky, dusty old house. He tends his cactus, gobbles air, and is perfectly content. But when Pierre and his daughter Marie arrive, declaring the house their new restaurant, Fred loses his quiet corner of the universe. Walls are painted, cobwebs swept away, and suddenly, Fred’s house is…CLEAN. Then came the noise. The horrible clanking of silverware and dishes disrupting Fred’s peace. After throwing a fit of ghostly proportions, sending food flying, Fred is
...read more
Reviewed by Jill O on
January 18, 2013
A review of
Princess Super Kitty
by
Antoinette
Portis
I love to play pretend so I loved spending a day with Maggie, the heroine of Princess Super Kitty. Maggie does some of the same everyday things I do (eating lunch, lifting heavy things, helping other people) but she has so much fun doing them, because she uses her imagination the whole time. If you are ready to take your day (or even just your princess play) to the next level, reach for Princess Super Kitty. And don't forget Antoinette Portis' other fantastic books about
...read more
Reviewed by Abby on
January 4, 2013
A review of
My Dog Thinks i'm a Genius
by
Harriet
Ziefert
While his master paints, Louie the dog watches enthusiastically. When it's time for school, Louie gets inspired himself to try his paw at painting. The fantastic illustrations in this book mix pencil, crayon and paint masterfully, while giving kids a good feel of what an artist's studio really looks like. With nicely done art historical references, this is a great story for any budding artist or art enthusiast.
...read more
Reviewed by Trent on
December 28, 2012
