Mix It Up!

by Herve Tullet

Ages: birth – 7 years (approximately grades preschool – 1st)

Our story begins with a smudgy gray spot of paint smack dab in the middle of the page, along with the instructions to “Tap that gray spot. Just a little, to see what happens.” Instantly joined by more dots (upon turning the page, of course), our story zips into what happens when different colors are mixed. First, readers experiment mixing paints with their fingers, rubbing red into blue and so forth. But then, the real fun begins as reader shake, tilt, press, and rub the pages to make more colors in more ways. The fun doesn’t end with the final turn of the page, as readers are encouraged to experiment on their own (parents and caregivers, beware!).

Mix It Up is the second of Herve Tullet’s innovative, interactive books. Preceded by Press Here, this newest addition to Herve’s collection packs the same literary punch in a world full of screen time technology. Putting an emphasis on physical interactions with the books, Mix It Up! presents the challenge of an i-device, the educational concepts of a beginning art class, and the literacy concepts of a book all in one, small, exciting package. Those who enjoyed Press Here, aspiring artists, or those who enjoy i-devices will enjoy Mix It Up! 

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A Snicker of Magic

by Lloyd, Natalie

Ages: 8 years and up (approximately grades 3+)

Felicity Pickle has never had a permanent home or a friend to call her own. Her mother has a wandering spirit and moves Felicity and her sister, Frannie Jo, from place to place. Their next stop is Midnight Gulch, the town where her mother grew up that has a history rooted in magic. Long ago in Midnight Gulch, secrets were baked into pies and people danced up real thunderstorms. Felicity has a little magic in herself, too. She can see words appear out of thin air, words that people are thinking or words that describe the objects or people around them. Felicity collects these words in a notebook because she’s too afraid to speak them herself. Slowly, Felicity eases out of her shell. She has a new best friend and becomes intrigued by the legend of a curse that banished the magic from Midnight Gulch. With her newfound confidence and her own little snicker of magic, Felicity might end the curse and finally find a place to call home.

While elements of whimsy and magic are a large part of this book, the overall theme is about the importance of love, family, and forgiveness. It shows the reader that families and love can come in many forms, and that forgiveness is more powerful than any curse. Debut author Lloyd showcases her folksy storytelling style by creating the most charming of towns in Midnight Gulch with quirky characters that are authentically human, flaws and all. This fun, heartfelt read is recommended for grades 3 and up for readers who enjoyed A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff and Savvy by Ingrid Law.

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Sparky!

written by Jenny Offill
illustrated by Chris Appelhans

Ages: birth – 8 years (approximately grades preschool – 2nd)

Our young protagonist wants a pet. After nixing the first few ideas (“A bird or a bunny or a trained seal.”), her mother tells her she can have any pet she wants as long as it doesn’t need to be walked or bathed or fed. And so, after a quick trip to the library, our protagonist gets a pet that fits the bill delivered via express mail: a sloth. After dubbing her new pet sloth Sparky, our protagonist (and her persnickety friend, Mary Potts) find that Sparky isn’t so great at normal pet things. He can’t really fetch or play hide and sneak (or dance on his hind legs like Mary Potts’ cat can), and lives up to his slow-moving, under-achieving nature at the Trained Sloth Extravaganza our protagonist throws to show off Sparky’s talents. Despite his shortcomings, our protagonist loves Sparky and comes to appreciate him just as he is.

With a quirky premise and engaging watercolor illustrations to match, Sparky! is a book that will capture the hearts of those both with and without pets. Filled with humor and lessons to let others’ opinions deter your own, as well as to take things for what they’re worth, Sparky! is an enjoyable tale that will resonate with those who enjoy Jon Klassen’s illustrations (Extra Yarn and I Want My Hat Back) or other pet stories such as What Pet To Get? or How to Train a Train.

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I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World

by Malala Yousafazai with Patricia McCormick

Ages: 10 – 17 (approximately grades 4 – 11)

Malala Yousafazai is a young Pakistani woman who is a world-renown advocate for women’s rights and children’s (especially girls’) education. This Young Readers Edition of her autobiography, I Am Malala, takes readers on the journey through Malala’s life: her early quest for education, her war-torn childhood, the Taliban infiltration of her home town, the limitation of her freedoms, and ultimately the Taliban’s attack that made her famous across the globe. Not only do readers learn the history of Pakistan’s troubles involving the government and terrorism, both through Malala’s personal narrative and a Time Line of Important Events provided in the appendix, but this famous young woman is humanized as a sister who plays with and teases her brothers, a daughter whose safety is the utmost importance to her parents, a schoolgirl who is competitive to a fault about her grades, a modest girl of great faith whose favorite color is pink and loves Ugly Betty and the Wizard of Oz.

Beyond telling the incredible story of this 2014 Nobel Peace Award recipient, I Am Malala shows young readers that standing up for what they believe in is a noble and valiant cause. That although they may themselves be young like Malala, their voices are ones that are strong and can be heard as hears was. Although Malala was shot by the Taliban, she keeps the perspective that “…out of the violence and tragedy came opportunity.” Never once does Malala feel sorry for herself, or stop believing in herself or her campaign. Even after a brush with death and being relocated from Pakistan all the way to England for her own safety, Malala sees her life with bright, hopeful eyes that never leave her ultimate goal of every female’s freedom, and every child’s right to education.

Find I Am Malala, the Young Readers Edition, in our catalog.

Extra Yarn

written by Mac Barnett
illustrated by Jon Klassen

Ages: birth – 8 years (approximately grades preschool – 2nd)

In a drab little town filled with while snow and black soot, Annabelle finds a box of yarn in every color. She takes to the task of knitting a sweater, first for herself and her dog, to find that the box was still filled with the extraordinarily colorful yarn. She then busies herself knitting for her naysayers, her classmates and teacher, her parents and neighbors, and eventually covers the entire town (yes, animals, trucks, and buildings, too) with knitted sweaters. And still her box remains full. This amazing feat draws the masses to shake Annabelle’s hand, including a mustachioed archduke who makes Annabelle an offer she can’t refuse for her magical yarn box. Except that she does refuse, and the Duke deigns to steal the box and sail with it to his faraway kingdom. Upon opening the box and finding it empty, the archduke angrily tosses the box out of his castle’s window and curses Annabelle. As if to spite the greedy archduke, the box almost magically returns to Annabelle, and who lives (and knits) happily ever after.

Jon Klassen’s Caldecott Honor illustrations are true to his simplistic, cut-out style. Both the drab hues of the town and the colorful splashes of yarn are perfectly attuned to the story’s quite simple narrative, and often times seem to tell a story in and of themselves. Paired with Mac Barnett’s words, a true deviation from his usual plotlines, makes this a truly winning title. Those who enjoyed the simplicity of Pom and Pim or the whimsy of Sparky! will enjoy this Caldecott Honor title.

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Zane and the Hurricane

by Rodman Philbrick

Ages: 9 years and up (approximately grades 3+)

Zane Dupree is going to New Orleans to meet his long lost great-grandmother, Miss Trissy, the only family connection he’s got to his deceased father. Begrudgingly, Zane and his dog, Bandy, leave the familiarity of their New Hampshire home for the Crescent City. Just as Zane is settling into his visit, disaster strikes. The impending arrival of Hurricane Katrina forces Zane and Miss Trissy to evacuate New Orleans. As they are leaving the city, Bandy runs away and Zane chases after him. All alone and trapped by rising water, they are rescued by Mr. Tru, an aging jazz musician, and his young charge, Malvina. They hope to get to Algiers, a parish to the south where Tru has a relative that can provide help. Together, the trio embarks on an arduous journey filled with dangers in both natural and human form.

This is a realistic yet accessible story about Hurricane Katrina. It does not shy away from the harsher aspects of the disaster such as the racial tension, violence and atmosphere of despair that existed. However, it also shows that through adversity, we can discover new things about ourselves and what we are capable of. This experience changes Zane as he and his companions encounter both the highs and lows of humanity. The quick pacing keeps the action rolling and readers engaged with Zane’s dilemma. This title is a worthy read for the unique perspective it offers on a significant American disaster. Pair it with Jewell Parker Rhodes’ Ninth Ward for another take on Hurricane Katrina

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Hi, Koo!: A Year of Seasons

by Jon J. Muth

Ages: 0-12 years (approximately grades preschool – 5)

Koo, a curious panda bear, takes a trip through the seasons and the alphabet in modified haiku. Starting in fall and easily transitioning through the remaining seasons, Jon J. Muth's illustrations and poems find Koo in interesting (but sometimes expected) circumstances as he eats warm cookies in fall, stomps through snow in winter, explores a rainy terrain with flashlights in spring, and draws wonderful chalk art in summer. Although each of the 26 haiku accompanies a picture, the book as a whole doesn't necessarily contain a plot. The seasons (and beautiful watercolor illustrations) are what drive the story forward in a gentle, playful way. Each modified haiku contains a capitalized letter of the alphabet, starting at A and ending in Z, giving an added depth to the motion of the story. Readers can easily separate each picture and poem from each other for an introduction to haiku or the alphabet, or can look at the book as a whole (including the clever play on words for a title!) for more advanced reading. This story is best suited for children who enjoy poetry, the changes in seasons, or enjoyed Firefly July or the collected works of Jon Muth.

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The One and Only Ivan

by Katherine Applegate

Ages: 9 – 12 years (approximately grades 3 – 7)

Ivan is based on a real great silverback gorilla. He lives at the Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. He spends his days trying to understand humans and their constant use of words, watching television shows with his dog friend, Bob, talking to his elephant friend, Stella, and drawing with his human friend, Julia. He has food to eat and his domain to sleep in. He is content.

Or is he? When a new animal, Ruby, a baby elephant, comes to the Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, everything Ivan thinks he knows is thrown upside down. Hearing about Ruby’s former life with her family before being captured to perform tricks at a cruel road circus reminds Ivan of his own life in the jungle with his family. Reminiscing about the simpler, freer times in the wild, Ivan finally understands how truly trapped he and his friends are. He promises Stella, upon her untimely passing, that he will take care of Ruby and decides that if they are doomed to live a life out of the wild, away from their families, Ivan is convinced it should not be under the Big Top, but in the best place for animals in human captivity: the zoo.

Will Ivan’s daring attempt to free himself and his captive friends from the failing Big Top Mall and Video Arcade succeed, or will he, Ruby, and the others be doomed to a fate of circus frivolity?

This winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal and a 2015 Rebecca Caudill Nominee, The One and Only Ivan is an entrancing tale of friendship, bravery, and overcoming contentedness that fans of Because of Winn Dixie or Zoobreak, or gorilla and zoo enthusiasts will enjoy

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Gaston

by Kelly DiPucchio

Ages: 0 – 6 years (approximately grades preschool – K)

Gaston lives with his three siblings, Fi-Fi, Foo-Foo, and Ooh-La-La with their mother, Mrs. Poodle. As Mrs. Poodle’s puppies grow, they learn all the nuances of being as polite and poodle-like as possible. Gaston, though he tries, never manages to quite fit the mold. As hard as he practiced his manners, he still slobbers when he should sip, he “RUFF”s when he should “Yip!” Despite Mrs. Poodle was very pleased with all of her puppies all the same. On their first public stroll in the park, Mrs. Poodle and her pups come upon Mrs. Bulldog and her children, Rocky, Ricky, Bruno, and Antoinette. Seeing that there has been a horrible mix up (Gaston is a bulldog and Antoinette is a poodle!), the mothers let Gaston and Antoinette decide to trade places so they will fit in better with their new families. As you may have guessed, it seems another terrible mistake was made because “that looked right, it just didn’t feel right.” Upon their final switch, Gaston and Mrs. Poodle, as well as Antoinette and Mrs. Bulldog agree to meet regularly and teach each other their own specialties.

With playful illustrations reminiscent of simple marker or finger paint, Gaston is a bold story about standing out, fitting in, and being yourself. In the end, as Gaston and Antoinette have a family of their very own, the takeaway message is to be yourself, and let your children do the same, because those who matter most will love you anyway. Such a sweet message is not overdone, and the mixed poodle-and-bulldog pups (complete with brown splotched coats and pompadour poofs) articulate it to the non-readers perfectly. Gaston will be a hit for those who love puppies (French Bulldogs and Poodles in particular), those with an independent streak, and those who enjoyed A Ball for Daisy or the illustrations of Jon Klassen.

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Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

By: Chris Grabenstein

Ages: 8+ (approximately grades 3 and up)

The twelve-year-olds in Alexandriaville, Ohio have lived without a public library their entire lives. This all changes when a mysterious and generous benefactor constructs a brand new, state-of-the-art library in town. To celebrate the library’s grand opening, a contest is held that will allow 12 lucky winners to spend one night in the library. It’s revealed that successful and eccentric game maker Luigi Lemoncello is the genius behind the library and the kids can’t wait to see what’s in store. After a fun night of exploring the library, Kyle Keeley and the 11 other contest winners are stunned to find out that their adventure has just begun. Just like one of Mr. Lemoncello’s famous games, each kid must race to find their way out of the library by finding clues and solving zany puzzles. It will take wit, patience and maybe even teamwork to escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s library and claim the life-changing prize.

With equal parts mystery, adventure and humor this fast-paced book is a very fun read. It’s a contemporary version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that highlights characters who are multicultural, relatable and realistic (even smarmy villain Charles Chiltington). Readers will enjoy discovering clues and solving the puzzles along with the characters. There are also plenty of references to literary works that avid readers will get a kick out of spotting. Fans of mysteries, puzzles, libraries and the books The Puzzling World of Winston Breen and The Mysterious Benedict Society should definitely check this one out! Recommended for grades 3 and up.

Find Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library in its many formats in our catalog.

Exclamation Mark

by: Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld

Ages: 0 - 9 years (approximately grades preschool – 3)

A special little punctuation isn’t sure where he fits in. In fact, he always finds himself standing out, even when he tries so desperately to fit in. Even when he scrunches and squishes himself down, he never quite feels like part of the group… period. One day, he meets a very interrogative fellow who won’t leave even a moment of silence with all of his questions. Fed up, our punctual hero cries “STOP!” unleashing the very thing he knows he was born to do: stand out! After showing his friends his newfound talent for exclaiming, he goes off to make his mark on the world…

This very fun story explores punctuation in a way that is accessible for all ages. Younger readers will have their first meeting with the different forms of punctuation in a very personable way, while older readers will revel in the oh-so-clever puns and double entendres while the various forms of punctuation interact with each other. Overall, this book is simply about a lost soul finally finding himself, a message that we can all relate to and revel in its importance. Exclamation Mark will enthrall readers who enjoyed Little Red Writing and 123 Versus ABC, as well as those who like a zippy plot with a happy ending.

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My New Friend Is So Fun!

by Mo Willems

Ages: 3 – 6 years (approximately grades preschool – 1st)

Gerald and Piggie are back again! Only this time, they are joined by Snake and his best friend, Brian Bat. More accurately, Gerald is joined by Snake and asks if he’s seen his best friend, Piggie, around. Snake replies that Piggie is with Brian Bat, who is Snake’s best friend. Gerald and Snake agree that Piggie and Brian are so nice, and they must be having a really fun time together! But… could they be having too much fun? The new duo race to find Piggie and Brian laughing together, playing BEST FRIEND games and drawing BEST FRIEND pictures. However, when Piggie and Brian show off their BEST FRIEND drawings, who does Brian draw but Snake, and Piggie draws none other than Gerald! Realizing they were worried for no reason at all, Snake and Gerald leave Brian and Piggie to their good time with new friends.

Carrying on the tradition of the Elephant and Piggie books, this title is fun and playful in its ultimate lesson of new friends not necessarily replacing old friends, especially best friends. Action is carried forward solely in conversational speech bubbles between the characters, giving young readers a workout in inferring subtext without cumbersome dialogue tags. And, in true Mo Willems form, illustrations are sparse and childlike, yet colorful and expressive. This is an excellent new addition to an already flourishing early reader series by Mo Willems. Readers who enjoyed Mo Willems’ picture books such as That is Not A Good Idea or the many adventures of Pigeon are sure to love Elephant and Piggie books.

Find My New Friend Is So Fun! in the catalog.

Pom and Pim

by Lena and Olof Landstrom

Ages: 0-6 years (approximately grades preschool – kindergarten)

Pom and Pim, a child and indiscernible stuffed animal, experience a day of ups and downs. While the warm sun shines (“What luck!”) on the beginning of their walk, Pom trips over a rock (“Ouch! Bad Luck”), only to fall directly upon a $20 note (“What luck!”) with which the duo buys a scrumptious ice cream treat. This rise and fall of luck continues throughout Pom and Pim’s adventure and, while perhaps predictable, the ending captures the lighthearted point-of-view that perhaps your luck isn’t what befalls you, but how you react to it.

Simplistic in its story, syntax, and illustrations, Pom and Pim is perfect for both beginning readers and read-alouds. In fact, the illustrations alone tell the story that the accompanying words simply clarify, making for a wonderful opportunity to predict “What happens next?” Children and adults alike are sure to be charmed by the simplistic illustrations and descriptions of both Pom and Pim, as neither are truly discernible in what they are (gender in Pom’s case, type of stuffed animal in Pim’s); they can truly be every-child and every-lovable-stuffed-thing. Easily imagining themselves in Pom and Pim’s situation, this quick read is sure to have readers looking on the bright side, and wanting to read it again! For those who find the stuffed-friend companionship in Corduroy appealing, or those who enjoy the simplicity but vibrant nature of Eric Carle’s illustrations, Pom and Pim is for you.

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Better Nate Than Ever

by Tim Federle

Ages: 11 – 14 years (approximately grades 5 – 9)

If you have dreams of one day making it big as a singing, acting, Broadway superstar… you need to meet Nate Foster. Nate, introduced to musicals and coached in singing and dancing by his best friend, Libby, is certain he’s got what it takes to see his name in lights. If he can ever make it there, that is. Stuck in a small town in Pennsylvania, Nate can’t get anywhere in his Broadway career from so far away. When the two friends catch wind of an open casting call for E.T.: The Musical, looking for a boy just Nate’s age to play the main character, Elliot, it is all they can do not to plan an elaborate scheme to get Nate to New York City. It’s a tough call on which feat is more difficult: plotting to get to and from New York in once piece without his absence being noticed, or out-singing-and-dancing the competition of other kids born and bred to be Broadway starlets. Will Nate make it through auditions and the big city unscathed? But, more importantly, will he need to make it back for rehearsals?

Tim Federle’s debut children’s novel is not one to skip. Nate himself is an endearing and hilariously funny leading man from the get-go. Using Broadway flops in sticky situations (“Moose Murders is all to tarnation!”), Nate navigates his way not only through New York City, but through sibling rivalry, bullying, religious parents, and questioning sexuality with a sharp wit and a lighthearted amusement that is suitable for a younger audience. For those who love musicals, the big city lights, or Raina Telgemeier’s Drama and Smile, Better Nate Than Ever deserves a standing ovation.

Find Better Nate Than Ever (and the sequel, Five, Six, Seven, Nate) in our catalog.

I Want My Hat Back

by Jon Klassen

Ages: 0 - 8 years (approximately grades preschool - 2)

Bear has lost his hat. He wants it back. To achieve this, Bear goes from animal to animal, asking if any of them have seen his hat. “Not around here,” replies the frog. “What is a hat?” asks the armadillo. “I saw a hat once. It was blue,” chimes the snake. “Why are you asking me? I would not steal a hat! Don’t ask me any more questions!” snaps the rabbit. It isn’t until his questioning is nearly complete that Bear, wide-eyed, realizes that he has seen his hat! The next scene depicts bear with a very familiar red hat who, when asked if he’s seen Rabbit, replies, “Why are you asking me? I would not eat a rabbit! Don’t ask me any more questions.”

The very sparse nature of the illustrations goes swimmingly with the sparse text. Without quotation marks or other dialogue attributions, each animal’s words stands next to a very simple depiction of the conversation or actions that coincide. The simplicity of both the illustrations and text lend themselves to the somewhat complex nature of the plot, as Bear moves along on the road to discovering the whereabouts of his hat. Some animals throw readers slightly off the trail, giving comprehension skills a workout. The fate of the hat-stealing bunny is also left to the imagination, discovered only by an understanding of Bear’s denial versus Bunny’s. Although the grim retribution in this story might not be for the faint of heart, I Want My Hat Back is alternatively a comical depiction of what might happen to a thief or liar. If you enjoy Mo Willem’s plucky Pigeon or the muted illustrative works of Peter Brown (Mr. Tiger Goes Wild, Children Make Terrible Pets), you will love Klassen’s I Want My Hat Back.

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A Home For Mr. Emerson

by Barbara Kerley

Ages: 5 and up (approximately grades K and up)

Many people know Ralph Waldo Emerson was a writer, essayist and poet. He was also a loyal friend, active community member, and avid naturalist. This engaging picture book biography illustrates how a city boy embraced nature and created a loving home in the friendly, tight-knit community of Concord, Massachusetts.

After moving from city to city while growing up, Emerson dreamed of a place he could make his own. This place would have open, grassy fields and deep, still woods. After college, Emerson and his new bride moved to Concord, Massachusetts. They bought a farmhouse and planted fruit trees, pumpkins, and flowers. They stocked the library with books and Emerson’s writing. Emerson’s vision was slowly coming to life. Once Emerson befriended his neighbors and fellow villagers, the buzz of happy chatting and laughing filled the house and it truly became his dream home. Years went by and all was well until disaster struck and fire ravaged the house. Devastated by the loss, Emerson embarked on an overseas trip with his eldest daughter as a way to rejuvenate his spirit. After two weeks, Emerson returned home to see that the entire village had come together to rebuild the house, a place that meant so much to everyone in Concord.

Emerson was a true literary pioneer, championing the ideas of speaking your own mind and encouraging other to embrace independence and self-reliance. While this particular version provides an overview rather than a detailed approach to Emerson’s life, the essence of his views are very apparent through direct quotes from his writings. The bright and cartoon-like illustrations convey Emerson’s spirit with intellect and whimsy. An author’s note with additional information about Emerson and a discussion guide about his writing is included in the back of the book. Overall, this picture book biography is a winning combination of Emerson’s heartfelt story and lively illustrations that are sure to engage readers. This title is recommended for grades K and up.

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Mo's Mustache

by Ben Clanton

Ages: 0 – 6 (approximately birth through 1st grade)

After a long wait, Mo finally receives his mustache in the mail (Huzzah!). After taking his new accessory for a spin around town, soaking in the admiration for his look, Mo starts to notice everyone else getting mustaches, too… And so, no longer feeling that his mustache is special, Mo switches from a “big, black, beautiful” mustache to a “long, lined, lovely scarf.” A few days later, much to Mo’s dismay, now everyone else dons both a mustache AND a scarf. Frustrated and unamused at these copycats, it takes Mo completely losing his temper to find out that nobody is copying him to hurt his feelings, but because they think he’s “tredirific,” “a visionary,” “a fashion guru.” Taken aback and flattered, Mo decides to apologize for his outburst in the only way a “gentleman of style” can: with an all-inclusive fashion show (complete with one-of-a-kind, multi-colored afro)!

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it’s sometimes hard to remember that when you see the people around you donning the very thing you think makes you special and unique. Mo’s Mustache addresses this topic in a fun and fashionable way that will remind readers that being a trailblazer might mean having to share their awesome discoveries. With many font changes, interjections, and asides, this tale might seem better suited for an older audience, but the lovable stick-figure characters will easily lure in the younger crowd, giving them a chance to admire Mo’s panache. This book is a dream for those who enjoyed Mo Willems’ cartoony art in Leonardo the Terrible Monster, the message of individuality in Mr. Tiger Goes Wild, or the silliness of Mustache Baby.

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A Tale Dark and Grimm

by Adam Gidwitz

Ages: 10 – 13 years (approximately grades 4-8)

Many of us know that the fairy tales of our childhood are only figments of the true stories collected by Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm. How far off are our beloved versions of these tales in comparison to their true origins? You really want to know? Are you absolutely, positively, one hundred percent certain you want to know? Then, as the narrator repeatedly suggests, please escort the young children from the room and look no further than A Tale Dark and Grimm.

In this, Gidwitz’s debut novel, 2014 Caudill nominee, and the first of a three-part series, a well-known fairytale of Hansel and Gretel (the little boy and girl who get lost in the woods and encounter a wicked witch’s house made of candy) takes a gruesome turn for the worst- as if being abandoned by your parents and almost getting eaten by a witch with a taste for children isn’t bad enough. While the siblings attempt to survive after their narrow escape from the witch, Hansel turns into a frightful, hairy creature; the true back-story of their parents and why they abandoned their only children comes to light; and Gretel turns into an extraordinary heroine who saves the kingdom from certain doom. Throughout the book, a narrator chimes in from time to time, letting readers know when things are about to get ghastly and, well, grim. Although this book is chock-full of adventure and delight, a fairytale twist done so right, it is not for the faint of heart. Readers who enjoyed the adventure of The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, the fairytale twist of Ella Enchanted, or the creepy suspense of Coraline and Doll Bones will clamor for A Tale Dark and Grimm, as well as its sequels, In a Glass Grimmly, and The Grimm Conclusion.

Find A Tale Dark and Grimm in its many formats in our catalog.

Bully

by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Ages: 0-8 years (approximately grades preschool – 2)

One day, a young bull is told to “go away!” by a bigger bull, presumably an older sibling or otherwise more authoritative figure. Visibly rumpled by this experience, the young bull goes to the farm where he encounters other animals who ask if he wants to play. After telling each of the animals exactly what he thinks of them (“Chicken!” to the chicken and “Slow poke!” to the turtle), a bystanding goat decides to call this “bully” out on his actions, giving him a little taste of his own "Bully!" medicine. Realizing that what he has done to his farm friends is exactly what the older bull had done to him, the young bull regrets his actions, apologizes for hurting his friends, and is very lucky indeed that his friends take him up on his renewed offer to play.

A wonderful precursor to The Hundred Dresses or Jane, the Fox, and Me, Bully is a simplistic depiction of how being mean affects all those involved. The young bull’s animal friends slowly flee from the scene as the bully becomes physically bigger and bigger as his actions escalate, until he eventually can only fit a hoof on a page. After discovering that he’s a bully, the young bull physically deflates and spirals down to his normal size and regular ego, giving him room to finally apologize to his friends. The sketch-like illustrations on a very simple background bring the focus to the characters’ actions, and also make the overall message stand out in a not-too heavy-handed, bullying way.

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The Hundred Dresses

written by Eleanor Estes
illustrated by Louis Slobodkin

Ages: 8-12 years (approximately grades 2-6)

The Hundred Dresses is a short tale of a young, foreign girl, Wanda Petronski, who misses school for a few days. Usually, nobody notices Wanda. She sits in the back corner and rarely makes a peep. That is until one day, she tells a group of girls who are admiring a classmate’s new dress that she has one hundred dresses at home. With this simple comment, Wanda opens a door to relentless taunting before and after class. Every day, Wanda’s classmates “have fun” with her by asking if she really has one hundred dresses at home. Hysterics ensue when she answers that yes, she does, “all lined up,” although she only ever wears the same faded blue dress that doesn’t fit her quite right. A girl like Wanda, with her funny name and ill-fitting dress, who lives on the wrong side of town, couldn’t possibly have a hundred dresses!

Each of Wanda’s classmates plays a role in the taunting, whether it’s asking Wanda about her dresses, listening to the interrogation, or completely ignoring the situation. It isn’t until the winners of a drawing contest are announced that Wanda’s absence is noticed and appreciated: the winner of the drawing contest is Wanda, who has drawn one hundred different, beautiful dresses! In an astonishing turn of events, Wanda’s absence is explained in a letter to the class in Mr. Petronski’s broken English- their family has moved to the big city where their Polish heritage will not be mocked, but perhaps accepted and even respected. Seeing Wanda’s hundred dresses and hearing her letter sets off a chain of uncertain repercussions for the main antagonists in Wanda’s taunting, leaving the reader to wonder whether Wanda has forgiven her classmates, or will forever hold them in disdain.

This short, classic, 1945 Newbery Honor tale resonates with all involved in the childhood interactions spectrum: the bullied, the bystanders, the adults privy to the bullying, and the bullies themselves. The deeper meaning and moral message of this story is delivered between the lines, which make it a wonderful choice for older readers to practice their critical reading skills. In fact, the gentle and simple way this lesson is portrayed makes this book a wonderful choice as a read-aloud to younger readers, or an interesting enticement for reluctant readers, as well. Those who enjoyed the newer title Jane, the Fox, and Me, will no doubt enjoy this tale as well. All around, The Hundred Dresses is a timeless tale that has endured the test of time with its resonating truth, and is bound to continue to do so for generations.

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