Number Three

Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt. (Kids Can Press; 40 pages; ISBN: 1553379594; Ages: 4-8.)

The world is a dangerous place for Scaredy Squirrel. There are killer bees, germs, sharks! In his nut tree everything is predictable and under control. But it is also boring. So, with his emergency kit at the ready, Scaredy Squirrel . . . leaves the tree. He realizes that "nothing horrible is happening in the unknown today." And so, from hence forward, Scaredy Squirrel devises a new-and-improved daily routine (which includes a jump into the unknown).

Absolutely delightful! Don't miss this one.

Stanley's Wild Ride by Linda Bailey; Illustrated by Bill Slavin. (Kids Can Press; ISBN: 1553379608; Ages: 4-8.)

Fans of Stanley's Party will enjoy the hound's latest adventure. This time Stanley escapes from his yard and encourages four dog friends to do the same. "Five dogs, out of their yards, and not a leash in sight!" They're out and about, "looking for the kind of fun you can't find in a yard." Things like tasty garbage, soaking tires on fancy cars, and chasing tom cats.

The artwork, done in acrylics, are as wild and witty and wonderful as the story they illustrate.

Harry Houdini: A Magical Life by Elizabeth MacLeod. (Kids Can Press; ISBN: 1553377699; 32 pages; Ages: 9 and up.)

MacLeod does an admirable job of blending factual information with the dramatic episodes that characterized Houdini’s life. The book is visually striking in its design. The text is divided into two-page chapters. The writing is found on each left-hand page, while the right-hand page includes photographs and illustrations. A time-line of Houdini’s life is included as is an index. Read the entire review »

Animals Migrating: How, When, Where and Why Animals Migrate by Etta Kaner; Illustrated by Pat Stephens. (Kids Can Press; ISBN: 1553375475; 40 pages; Ages: 9-12.)

In addition to dispelling out-dated notions of animal migration, Kaner does a marvelous job of explaining and exploring in a conversational tone the diversity of migration. The bold, colorful, realistic illustrations are done in watercolors and enrich and extend the text wonderfully.

This one definitely deserves a place in your classroom library. Read the
entire review »

Media Madness: An Insider's Guide to Media by Dominic Ali; Illustrated by Michael Cho. (Kids Can Press; ISBN: 1553371747; 64 pages; Ages: 9 and up.)

Television, music, magazines, comic books, newspapers, video games, and the internet are explored in this behind-the-scenes look at the media. Jam packed with information such as "how to jolt viewers," "journalism jargon," and "News-speak." The cartoon illustrations and dynamic design will appeal to students. A terrific introduction.