MADreads

There are no words
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 | 0 comments

Imagination gone wild
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 | 0 comments

A wordless wonder!
A review of Where's Walrus by Stephen Savage

 When walrus waddles off, wackiness ensues in this wordless wonder-book. Perfect for pointing preschoolers, pick this prize from your proximal (Madison) Public Library--pronto! ...read more

Reviewed by Abby on November 16, 2012 | 1 comment

"Nangels" and demons
A review of Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh

 Everyone tells horror stories about the Whistling Hollow--with its unearthly sounds, ancient twisted trees and the ominous pool that never completely freezes in the dead of winter, even the birds avoid it. One bone-chilling winter's day, fourteen year old Will, the servant to the monks of nearby Crowfield Abbey, must go to the Hollow on an unexpected errand of mercy, and his life will never be the same! Now, Will must find his way through a once-familiar world now rife with deep secrets, ...read more

Reviewed by Abby on October 12, 2012 | 0 comments

If you're happy and you know it...
A review of Get Happy by Malachy Doyle

 Happy is a great feeling, and now it's an easy feeling to share thanks to a new book called Get Happy. Author Malachy Doyle and illustrator Caroline Uff (Happy Birthday, Lulu!) combine simple text and hug-able pictures to model the best choices to turn a sad situation into a happy one. While the reassuring illustrations and inviting tone work well for bedtime, share Get Happy anytime you and your ...read more

Reviewed by Abby on August 24, 2012 | 0 comments

A story within a story
A review of Between Two Ends by David Ward

 Sure, it's fun to get lost in a good book for a few hours, but what if you had to stay there forever? Could you survive the blistering sands, talking tigers and the armed palace guards of The Arabian Nights? Yeats knows that something unsettling happened in his Gran's old house years ago, even if no one else will talk about it. But when his very presence puts events in motion, Yeats must rely on his wits and his heart to lead him through an adventure that will redeem or destroy his ...read more

Reviewed by Abby on August 3, 2012 | 0 comments

It's baseball time!
A review of She Loved Baseball by Audrey Vernick

 Summer is here and I can’t wait to see the Madison Mallards in action! Luckily, I can enjoy a great baseball story even outside the Duck Pond thanks to a new book, She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story. When Effa was a young woman, there were certain jobs women just didn’t have, and African Americans faced a lot of discrimination, even in their own neighborhoods. But Effa was not about to let other people tell her what she could and couldn’t do—she stood up for her beliefs and organized her ...read more

Reviewed by Abby on July 13, 2012 | 0 comments

What would your story look like?
A review of Drawing from Memory by Allen Say

 "Artists are lazy and scruffy people--they are not respectable," says young Allen's father. Well, father didn't necessarily know best; Allen Say grew up to win the prestigious Caldecott medal for his book, Grandfather's Journey, and is now the beloved author and illustrator of many books including Tea with ...read more

Reviewed by Abby on June 15, 2012 | 0 comments

The life and laughter of King Arthur
A review of The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True by Gerald Morris

 Few legends capture our imagination like that of King Arthur and his knights. Thanks to author Gerald Morris (who brought Arthurian legend to life for teens and tweens in his Squire's Tale series) and illustrator Aaron Renier, the Knights of the Round Table ride out again, and they've never been funnier or easier to understand! Sir Gawain is not having a great time -- not only does he need to work ...read more

Reviewed by Abby on May 25, 2012 | 0 comments

A special day, indeed
A review of One Special Day by Lola Schaefer

 It's One Special Book! "Ok, I've seen her, you can take her back!" Granted, I was two when I said that and didn't realize that #1, that little baby would grow up to be one of my very best friends in the whole world and #2, being a big sibling didn't take away everything else I already was. But even as young as I was, I might have gotten a jump on both of these important ideas with the beautiful new book, One Special Day. Spencer is a 'big' kid: strong, fast, loud, funny and imaginative ...read more

Reviewed by Abby on May 4, 2012 | 0 comments

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