Spinster Goose Trailer

Wheeler, Lisa. 2011. Spinster Goose: Twisted Rhymes for Naughty Children. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416925415

Nation by Terry Pratchett

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pratchett, Terry. 2008. Nation. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN 9780061433023

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Mau, a young native islander, is the sole survivor after an enormous wave hits his island. At the same time, Daphne, a dignified young lady from England, finds that she is the only one alive after her boat crashes into the forest of Mau’s island. Together Mau and Daphne, two people from such different lifestyles and native tongues, try to form a new life. As survivors from different islands gradually land ashore in desperate need, Mau and Daphne struggle to feed, house, and heal the people, and at the same time, they try to unite and create a new nation. It also proves to be a time for personal turmoil as Mau struggles to understand the faith and spirituality that he has grown up with. Amidst such serious issues and additional problems, Terry Pratchett manages to intertwine bits of humor throughout the story. Readers will find themselves laughing at the description of Mau trying to milk a pig and the birds that continuously regurgitate. Nation is a unique book that is engaging and hard to put down.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In Nation, author Terry Pratchett creates two very strong main characters, Mau and Daphne. This aspect alone will appeal to both males and females since they can identify with one or the other. He continues to vividly describe other pertinent characters as they are introduced. The theme of survival and personal struggles are effectively portrayed through each scenario. Pratchett carefully creates a story of such a serious nature but manages to incorporate humor as well, and the result is an irresistible read. His text is easy to read, the setting is believable, and the dialogues are enjoyable. He uses everyday language and brings out a myriad of emotions. These two young people create a new nation, and the descriptions of all that they must undertake is done beautifully.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: Starred Review – “Quirky wit and broad vision make this a fascinating survival story on many levels.”
KIRKUS: Starred Review – “A searching exploration of good and evil, fate and free will, both as broad and as deep as anything this brilliant and, happily, prolific author has produced so far.”
THE HORN BOOK: “The unique pleasure of this story is that all the serious subjects and juicy ethical questions, such as the dilemma of the compassionate lie, are fully woven into action and character.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The main characters are engaging and interesting, and are the perfect medium for the author's sly humor.”
Michael L. Printz Award, 2009 Honor Book United States
Odyssey Award, 2009 Honor
Locus Award, 2009 Finalist
School Library Journal Battle of the (Kids') Books, 2009 Nominee

5. CONNECTIONS
• Other good survival stories are:
O’Dell, Scott. ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS. ISBN 9780547424835
Paulsen, Gary. HATCHET. ISBN 0689840926
Pfeffer, Susan. LIFE AS WE KNEW IT. ISBN 0152058265
• More teen books written by Terry Pratchett:
Pratchett, Terry. THE AMAZING MAURICE AND HIS EDUCATED RODENTS. ISBN
006001234X
Pratchett, Terry. THE WEE FREE MEN. ISBN 0060012366

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gantos, Jack. 2000. Joey Pigza Loses Control. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0374399891

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Joey Pigza is going to spend a few weeks with his father for the first time in many years. He’s excited about the idea but a little apprehensive too. Joey’s mother said that his father, Carter, is a bigger version of himself. Joey has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and apparently, his father does too. Joey has learned that life is very good as long as he wears his medicine patches, but Carter has a different opinion. Joey Pigza experiences some very good times with his father especially when it comes to baseball, but he experiences some bad bouts as well. Life with his Dad is like a roller coaster of extreme emotions and things become too scary.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Using every day language, Jack Gantos writes a story that is not only believable but also one that many individuals can understand through their own experiences. A large number of people today know somebody who has ADHD, and this story may offer some insight in regards to potential complications. Gantos creates vivid character personalities, realistic settings, and employs a host of emotions. Parts of the story will make the reader smile, frown, laugh, cringe, worry, and hope. Joey tries so hard to keep in control of his own outbursts but has to dig deep within himself to overcome his father’s bad choices.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: Starred Review – “Ganto's skillful pacing, sly humor, and in-depth characterization make it a truly memorable read.”
KIRKUS: Starred Review – “A tragic tale in many ways, but a triumph too.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Readers will be drawn in immediately to the boy's gripping first-person narrative and be pulled pell-mell through episodes that are at once hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heartening as Joey grows to understand himself and the people around him.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Like its predecessor, this high-voltage, honest novel mixes humor, pain, fear and courage with deceptive ease.”
John Newbery Medal, 2001 Honor Book
Parents' Choice Award, 2000 Gold Fiction
Parents' Choice Award, 2003 Gold Best 25 Books in 25 Years

5. CONNECTIONS
• Other “Joey Pigza” books include:
Gantos, Jack. JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY. ISBN 9780374336646
Gantos, Jack. WHAT WOULD JOEY DO? ISBN 9780374399863
Gantos, Jack. I AM NOT JOEY PIGZA. ISBN 978-0-374-39941-2
• Other young adult fiction with ADHD characters include:
Rue, Nancy. MOTORCYCLES, SUSHI & ONE STRANGE BOOK. ISBN 9780310714842
Guest, Jacqueline. RACING FEAR. ISBN 1550288393
Harrar, George. PARENTS WANTED. ISBN 1571316337

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krosoczka, Jarrett. 2009. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 9780375846830

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Lunch Lady seems to be an ordinary school cafeteria worker, but students Hector, Dee, and Terrence find out that she is so much more than she appears to be when they follow her one day after school. The Lunch Lady grows suspicious of a substitute teacher that is filling in for Mr. O’Connell who has never missed one day in his twenty years of teaching. As she studies the substitute teacher, the Lunch Lady acts on her hunches and emerges as a crime fighter. She is fully equipped with James Bondish gadgets made by her sidekick Betty. Readers will delight in the lunch tray laptop, milk carton camera, “Spatu-copter,” and other clever culinary devices. Readers will enjoy this mystery and may be a little surprised at the conclusion of the story.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Using simple dialogues and simple illustrations, Jarret Krosoczka creates a very entertaining story. The illustrations throughout the book are black, white, and yellow in color, and they appear in different sizes. The cartoonish pictures of key characters are easy to recognize once they are introduced, and details that appear throughout the books add meaning to the story. Labeled gadgets and fun sound effects add a healthy dose of humor. With a handful of characters and a familiar setting, a mystery unfolds. Readers will follow the Lunch Lady heroine as she unravels the mystery of the odd substitute and the missing teacher. Readers will not be disappointed in this humorous crime fighter story.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “This tongue-in-cheek super heroine graphic novel will hit the spot for chapter-book readers.”
KIRKUS: “Filled with goofy puns and grayscale art with cheery yellow accents, this is a delightfully fun escapist read.”
Children's Choice Book Awards, 2010 Winner

5. CONNECTIONS
• Other Lunch Lady graphic novels include:
Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY AND THE SUMMER CAMP SHAKEDOWN. ISBN 9780375860959
Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY AND THE AUTHOR VISIT VENDETTA. ISBN 9780375860942
Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY AND THE LEAGUE OF LIBRARIANS. ISBN
9780375846847
• Other school theme junior graphic novels:
Meister, Cari. BUS RIDE BULLY. ISBN: 9781434220592
Zidrou. THE CLASS STRUGGLE. ISBN 9781849180313

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. Chains. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416905851

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The year is 1776, and Isabel and her little sister find themselves in a difficult situation. In the beginning of the story, Isabel, who is thirteen years old, and Ruth, her younger sister with special needs, are attending the funeral of Miss Finch who used to own both girls. Miss Finch had told the girls that upon her death, they would be set free as she had stated in her will. Unfortunately, a distant and unknown nephew decides to ignore his Aunt’s will and sells the girls as slaves to a family living out of state. Author Laurie Halse Anderson tells a heart wrenching story about Isabel’s struggle to take care of her little sister and her hope for their once promised freedom. As the Revolutionary War begins, Isabel strives to survive in a world full of pain, abuse, betrayal, and torture.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Ever mindful of the time period, Laurie Halse Anderson wrote a well crafted historical fiction novel. Written with Roman numerals, every chapter of Chains is dated so that the readers are aware of the amount of time passing. In addition, every chapter is preceded with an historical quote from a variety of historical documents or people. There are quotes taken from personal letters, newspapers, pamphlets, petitions, summons, journals, and other written documents. Some of those quotes were penned by George Washington, Phillis Wheatley, John Adams, Abigail Adams, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, and other historical figures. The story is told with a setting and dialog that is true to the time period. A great deal of research had been performed in the writing of this story as depicted in the questions and answers featured in the eleven page appendix.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: Starred Review – “Anderson explores elemental themes of power (“She can do anything. I can do nothing,” Isabel realizes about her sadistic owner), freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story.”
KIRKUS: Starred Review - “Anderson brilliantly recreates New York City in the summer of 1776, viewed through the eyes of a remarkable heroine.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Well researched and affecting in its presentation, the story offers readers a fresh look at the conflict and struggle of a developing nation.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “this gripping novel offers readers a startlingly provocative view of the Revolutionary War”
Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, 2009
Parents' Choice Award, 2008
Cybil Award, 2009
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2009

5. CONNECTIONS
• After reading Chains, read the companion novel:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. FORGE. ISBN 9781416961444
• Other historical fiction books written by Laurie Halse Anderson:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. FEVER 1793. ISBN 9780689848919
Anderson, Laurie Halse. ASHES. (To Be Released October 2011)
• Other historical fiction novels of the Revolutionary war:
Collier, James Lincoln. MY BROTHER SAM IS DEAD. ISBN: 0027229807
Myers, Anna. SPY! ISBN: 9780802797421

The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1995. The Midwife’s Apprentice. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395692296

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This story takes place in a small village in England during the fourteenth century. The main character is a female about twelve or thirteen years of age. She doesn’t have a name but will respond to “Brat.” She has been homeless since her earliest memories, and for that reason, she is accustomed to being dirty, hungry, and unloved. One morning Brat is awakened from her temporary sleeping spot upon a dung heap by a stern woman who resides in a cottage nearby. The woman, a Midwife named Jane, decides to hire Brat as a helper and thus, begins a new chapter in Brat’s life. Although the Midwife is far from friendly and the local boys tease Brat to no end, she slowly begins to enjoy a sense of continuity in her life. She works, has a home, gets to know the villagers, and slowly becomes one of them. Just as things become somewhat comfortable, Brat experiences a setback which causes her to run. Author Karen Cushman tells the poignant story of a young lady’s determination for acceptance and a sense of self.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The Midwife’s Apprentice is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. The descriptions of the characters, clothing, and scenery all consistently reflect the intended fourteenth century England. Readers will find clearly written sentences that are easy to understand but may also find themselves looking up terms like wimple, whiffler, and Walpurgis Night that are words typical of that time period. Also noteworthy are the interesting medicinal practices of the midwife. Jane would use leek and mallow juice to aid in the birthing process as well as crane’s blood and the roots and flowers of birthwort. Karen Cushman successfully writes an historical fiction novel that is entertaining and informative and at the same time interlaced with humor.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “Kids will like this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she's not ugly or stupid or alone.”
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “Cushman writes compellingly, deftly weaving the language of that period with its beliefs.”
KIRKUS: “a gripping story about a time, place, and society that 20th-century readers can hardly fathom.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children's literature.”
John Newbery Medal, 1996 Winner
Parents' Choice Award, 1995

5. CONNECTIONS
• Other historical fiction novels written by Karen Cushman:
Cushman, Karen. RODZINA. ISBN 0739385739
Cushman, Karen. ALCHEMY AND MEGGY SWANN. ISBN 9780547231846
Cushman, Karen. MATILDA BONE. ISBN 0395881560
Cushman, Karen. THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE. ISBN 0395728061
Cushman, Karen. CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY. ISBN 0395681863
• The Midwife’s Apprentice could be used to introduce a history unit focusing on the fourteenth century or as a follow up to it.

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Vanderpool, Clare. 2010. Moon Over Manifest. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 9780385738835

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Abilene Tucker, the main character in Moon Over Manifest, is well acquainted with a roaming lifestyle. Motherless since she was a toddler, twelve-year-old Abilene has been living with her father wandering from town to town as drifters tend to do, but now things are different. The story begins with Abilene jumping off a train headed for Manifest, Kansas by herself. Her father decided to send Abilene to live with an old friend of his, Shady Howard, in his old hometown for the summer or perhaps longer. Abilene tells her own story as she explores the tired town and tries to figure out why her father sent her to Manifest. She meets the residents, makes some friends, studies old newspaper clippings, and tries to unravel the mystery of how her father fits into this town. Her discovery of a hidden box containing various items adds to her curiosity and ignites her determination to learn more about her father and the history of this small town. This is an overall enjoyable novel to read.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
With her words, author Clare Vanderpool successfully paints an historical picture of any small Midwestern American town set in the 1930s. The story shifts periodically from 1936 to 1917-1918 and back to better tell the history of this fictional town. Abilene tells her part of the story, the 1936 portion, in a first-person point of view that is enjoyable and easy to understand. Intertwined throughout the story are historical references such as prohibition, influenza, prejudice, coal mining issues, and the Great Depression. Preceding the first chapter is a very helpful list of characters of 1918 and a list of characters of 1936. Readers have the opportunity to glance at these lists if needed throughout the book. Each chapter is dated to aid the readers. Clare Vanderpool wrote an author’s note in the back of the book that explains her research and choice of words. She also included a page entitled “Sources and Suggestions for Further Reading” in the back of the book that readers can explore if they choose to do so.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
John Newbery Medal, 2011
BOOKLIST: Starred Review – “With believable dialogue, vocabulary and imagery appropriate to time and place, and well-developed characters, this rich and rewarding first novel is “like sucking on a butterscotch. Smooth and sweet.”
KIRKUS: Starred Review – “The absolute necessity of story as a way to redemption and healing past wounds is at the heart of this beautiful debut, and readers will cherish every word up to the heartbreaking yet hopeful and deeply gratifying ending.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This thoroughly enjoyable, unique page-turner is a definite winner.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: Starred Review - “Replete with historical details and surprises, Vanderpool's debut delights, while giving insight into family and community.”
Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2011
Booklist Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2011
Kirkus Best Children's Books, 2010
Notable Children's Books, 2011
John Newbery Medal, 2011

5. CONNECTIONS
• This book could be used in conjunction with a study of the Great Depression.
• To learn more about this new author, see her website at http://www.clarevanderpool.com/home.html

Bodies from the Ice by James M. Deem

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Deem, James. 2008. Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 9780618800452

2. PLOT SUMMARY
What did people look like hundreds or thousands of years ago? What did they eat, and what did they do? Scientists have given us some answers to some of those questions. James Deem, author of Bodies from the Ice, describes how some of the best answers have recently been revealed from deep within the ice. Rapidly melting glaciers are uncovering frozen bodies that have been trapped within thick glaciers for centuries and even millenniums. Readers will meet Otzi, the oldest mummified body, and frozen children that were sacrificed by their own community. Additional bodies, tools, clothing, coins, figurines, and other artifacts that have finally surfaced from this frozen world are also featured, and the history behind them are covered within the book. James Deem explains why and how some items have been so well preserved and others have not. He describes the types of glaciers and the conditions of them as well as the effect they have had upon items within them. Other fascinating frozen discoveries are revealed throughout the pages of this very fascinating book.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Beginning with the most captivating story, James Deem hooks his audience in the first chapter of this book with the incredible account of how a husband and wife stumbled across a frozen human body while walking in the Alps in 1991. Later, they learned that the mummified body was more than 5,300 years old. Written for older children or teens in a clear direct voice, the second chapter covers a more extensive study of glaciers and the role they play in the discovery of other items found in glaciers all around the globe. The subsequent four chapters reveal more frozen bodies and the history relating to those people. Each page features one or more images that consist of real photographs, paintings, lithographs, and maps. All images are accompanied by informative captions and are well documented in the back of the book. Most illustrations are in color, but some are black and white. James Deem, a retired college professor, takes care to present only facts as shown in his expansive bibliography which includes museums, professors of glaciology, anthropologists, authors of similar books or periodicals, and more educational sources. James Deem encourages his readers to continue studying glaciers and the history trapped within them by providing a list of nineteen glaciers to visit in twelve different countries, and he includes a list of fourteen suggested websites to visit. Look closely. There are even water droplets in the front and back pages of the book.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Deem superbly weaves diverse geographical settings, time periods, and climate issues into a readable work that reveals the increasing interdisciplinary dimensions of the sciences.”
BOOKLIST: “Heavily illustrated with historical memorabilia as well as photos of bodies, scenery, artifacts, and rather simplistic maps, this offers a lot to look at and learn about.”
Starred review in KIRKUS: "An intriguing read, complementing the author's highly commended Bodies from the Bog (1998) and Bodies from the Ash (2005), with a bonus environmental message."
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2009 Honor Book

5. CONNECTIONS
• Challenge your students to explore one or more of the websites listed on page 54 and write a short paper on what they have learned.
• After previewing some of the articles or books in the bibliography on pages 55 and 56,
pick one to read to your class.
• In addition to this book, share other books by this author:
Deem, James. BODIES FROM THE BOG. ISBN 9780395857847
Deem, James. BODIES FROM THE ASH. ISBN 9780618473083

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fleming, Candace. 2011. Amelia Lost: the Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 9780375841989

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This factual account of Amelia Earhart’s life is an eye-opener like no other biography written about her. Author Candace Fleming carefully and painstakingly sifted through vast quantities of documents and other sources of information to uncover only the truth about Amelia Earhart’s life and those final days of her existence. Fleming begins the book with an account of events that took place early on July 2, 1937, the day Amelia Earhart was due to land and complete her objective of flying all the way around the world along the equator. Then Fleming goes back in time to relate the story of Amelia Earhart’s birth and childhood. Afterwards, the story shifts back to July 2, 1937 and the developments of that particular day. Candace Fleming continues to tell Amelia’s life story in this manner or pattern of shifting between the final days of her life and the ones leading to it. Her last days of life beginning on July 2, 1937 and the search for her on the following days are written on gray pages. Amelia’s life before that date is written on white pages. The result is a story that is so compelling readers will be reluctant to put the book down.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This biography consists of 18 parts in addition to the bibliography, index, notes, picture credits, and the navigating history. A table of contents clearly documents these sections. The 18 sections are half on gray paper and half on white to distinguish between the events before and after July 2, 1937. The text is well written and easy to understand. Most of the illustrations are black and white actual photographs that have captions written with them. It’s a pleasure to really see Amelia as a baby, child, and adult. The book also contains pictures of newspaper articles, cartoons, magazine articles, flyers, report card, Amelia’s pilot’s license, marriage license, pages from her logbook, telegrams, postage stamp, personal letter, and maps. Candace Fleming also incorporates educational boxes or sidebars to further educate readers. For example, on page one she includes a website that readers can log onto and see on video how difficult it was for Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan to find Howland Island from the air. She included explanations for flight call letters, bloomers, Morse code, and other useful details and trivia that readers will find beneficial. Fleming’s bibliography is well documented, and in her own words, she describes how time intensive it was to weed out myths and share only facts from a vast amount of archival and research material. Amelia Lost was well worth the time spent because it is an excellent piece of work.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
KIRKUS Book Review Stars, 2011- “A stunning look at an equally stunning lady.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Book Review Stars, 2011- “Fleming has made a phenomenal woman accessible to a new generation of readers; she unapologetically shows Earhart as a real person and dispels the mythology surrounding her.”
BOOKLIST: “this is a book most libraries will want both for its fascinating story and as an illustration of how research can alter historical perspective.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “This honest depiction of Earhart's professional and personal life forms a complete portrait of a complex woman, making her final doomed flight (and a reproduction of a teenager's notebook transcription of what may have been Earhart's last radio transmission) all the more affecting.”

5. CONNECTIONS
• Other junior biographies on Amelia Earhart to explore:
Leavitt, Amie Jane. AMELIA EARHART. ISBN 9781584155768
Feinstein, Stephen. READ ABOUT AMELIA EARHART. ISBN 0766025829
Shore, Nancy. AMELIA EARHART. ISBN 1555466516
• Using the Morse code chart on page 17 of AMELIA LOST, invite the children to write a secret message.

Strange Mysteries from Around the World by Seymour Simon

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 1997. Strange Mysteries from Around the World. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688146368

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This interesting book contains nine mysteries that all occurred many years ago, and although they have been scrutinized by professionals, their causes still cannot be determined. In chapter one, the first mystery involves a meteorological phenomenon that has been repeated in various places. There have been documented reports of raining frogs, small fish, and snakes at different geographical locations. The second chapter states that a huge explosion took place in Siberia in 1908 that was way before “the first atomic bomb”. Other mysteries in the remaining chapters include the ability to walk on fire, the hidden treasure on Oak Island, a ghost ship, and a crystal skull that has special powers. There is a story about repeated powerful “booms” that residents of South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, and Connecticut all heard and felt. Reports of those booms were also heard and felt in Europe, Iceland, Canada, and Asia. The two remaining mysteries include photographing a “life force” and strange lights in the night sky. Readers will be fascinated by these mysteries and the theories that have not yet produced real explanations.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Seymour Simon, author of more than 250 science books for children, writes a well organized and easy to comprehend book about nine scientific mysteries. There are nine chapters listed in the table of contents. Each chapter covers a different mystery. The illustrations are black and white photographs or prints that complement the story on that page. Most of the pictures have captions, and those that do not have captions are easy to identify. There is not a bibliography listed in the book, but credit is given to sources such as magazines within the text itself. Photograph and art credit is given at the beginning of the book. Seymour Simon writes a clear and concise book of “strange mysteries” that will appeal to children and adults.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “It's just right for kids who like true-life mysteries.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The mysteries it describes are as intriguing now as they were when they first became mysteries."

5. CONNECTIONS
• Other books of nonfiction mysteries for children include:
Walker, Kathryn. MYSTERIES OF THE ANCIENTS. ISBN 9780778741473
Wexler, Jerome. EVERDAY MYSTERIES OF THE MIND. ISBN 9780525453635
Walker, Kathryn. MYSTERIES OF THE MIND. ISBN 9780778741497

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sones, Sonya. 2004. One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689858205

2. PLOT SUMMARY
As stated in the title, this novel is “one of those hideous books where the mother dies,” and that leaves fifteen year old Ruby all alone. Ruby Milliken, the main character in this story, describes her thoughts and feelings as her world is turned upside down when her single mother passes away. Having no siblings, Ruby moves across the country by herself to live with a father that she has never known. Her father turns out to be an incredibly famous movie star living in a very affluent neighborhood. The unraveling of Ruby’s transition to this new life is revealed through the many poems.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Written in a free verse poetic style, this story is told from a first-person point of view. Each page is filled with short, easy to read lines containing common modern terminology that would appeal to a teenage audience. Ruby mentions Eminem, Queen Latifah, Ashton Kutcher, and Leonardo DiCaprio. She also makes reference to recent literary works such as Charlotte’s Web, The Lord of the Rings, and “He-who-shall-not-be-mentioned”. Most teens will recognize these famous names and titles, and they’ll recognize the intended sarcasm throughout the book. Metaphors and personification are present from the first verse. An airplane is a “gigantic silver bullet with wings” and a “monstrous steel pterodactyl”. Sonya Sones makes clever use of different fonts that help the reader distinguish between Ruby’s thoughts, Ruby’s emails, her friend’s emails, and snail mail. Author Sonya Sones successfully incorporates a gamut of emotions into the verses. The main character experiences sorrow, anger, guilt, loneliness, betrayal, humor, and eventually happiness. This verse novel may appeal to those readers who are reluctant to read a long chapter book.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
KIRKUS: “a story worthy of Hollywood,”
BOOKLIST: “A satisfying, moving novel that will be a winner for both eager and reluctant readers.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Readers will accept some melodrama because, even with a few contrivances, Ruby's voice conveys genuine emotions.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Despite several predictable particulars of plot, Ruby's story is gripping, enjoyable, and memorable.”

5. CONNECTIONS
• This book could be used in conjunction with other works by Sonya Sones:
Sones, Sonya. WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW. ISBN 9780689876028
Sones, Sonya. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW. ISBN 9780689841149
• Other poetry books that address death:
Herrick, Steven. BY THE RIVER. ISBN 9780932425727
Yeomans, Ellen. RUBBER HOUSES. ISBN 031610647X

Messing Around on the Monkey Bars by Betsy Franco

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Franco, Betsy. 2009. Messing Around on the Monkey Bars. Ill. by Jessie Hartland. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763631741

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Betsy Franco’s poems in this book are all poems that pertain to school. Whether taking place within the school walls or outside on the school playground, young readers will easily recognize the individual topics. Betsy Franco writes about pencils, new kids, monkey bars, lunch money, the teacher, homework, and other popular school topics. Children’s poetry is meant to be read aloud, and in this case, it is even better if two people or two groups read it aloud. In addition, Betsy Franco suggests more “adventurous ways” of sharing some of the poems, and those ideas can be found in the back of the book.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The individual poems are crafted in such a way that they invite and encourage the readers and the audience to be actively involved in the telling of the stories. Author Betsy Franco incorporates different fonts to indicate lines which are spoken by certain voices or certain groups. Rhyming is prevalent throughout the pages, and rhythm is most definitely apparent. Betsy Franco also employs sound effects like “snort, squeal, tap, snicker, eek, whirr, thud, bounce,” and so many other noises. Personification is used in the poem entitled “Back in the Room for the Afternoon” as Glue, Door, Pack, Clay, and Calculator speak to the students.

The illustrator, Jessie Hartland, paints bold colors throughout the book. Her pictures resemble childlike drawings which compliment the “school” theme. She accurately emphasizes the physical characteristics as they appear. In the poem “Jenny’s Pencil”, for example, the illustrated pencils are much larger in comparison to the size of the students. The combination of Franco’s words and Hartland’s illustrations results in an overall fun book that needs to be shared.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – “An enjoyable romp through playgrounds and cafeterias, this book will please class poets, performers, and clowns alike.”
KIRKUS – “Hartland's energetic gouache illustrations adopt a nave style that matches the playful spirit of the text while serving as a splendid complement to its evocation of children's voices. This book gets high marks.”
THE HORN BOOK – “The clear and interactive presentation elevates the solid content, and Hartland's whimsical paintings (featuring a multi-ethnic cast of kids) add to the playful tone.”

5. CONNECTIONS
• This book or portions of it could be used in a “school” themed library story-time for elementary students.
• Other poetry books by Betsy Franco could be paired with MESSING AROUND ON THE MONKEY BARS:
Franco, Betsy. A DAZZLING DISPLAY OF DOGS. ISBN 9781582463438
Franco, Betsy. A CURIOUS COLLECTION OF CATS: CONCRETE POEMS. ISBN 9781582462486
• Use this book with other poetry books about school.
Crawley, Dave. READING, WRITING, AND ‘RITHMETIC: POEMS. ISBN 9781590785652
Horton, Joan. I BROUGHT MY RAT FOR SHOW-AND-TELL: AND OTHER FUNNY SCHOOL POEMS. ISBN 0448434903
Dakos, Kalli. PUT YOUR EYES UP HERE, AND OTHER SCHOOL POEMS. ISBN 0689811179

Technically, It's Not My Fault by John Grandits

Image Credit: borders.com.au

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Grandits, John. 2004. Technically, It’s Not My Fault. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 061842833X

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This compilation of concrete poems written by John Grandits is a visual pleasure to thumb through and an entertaining work to read. Robert, the eleven year old narrator, describes different events in his daily life through the various hilarious poems. “My Stupid Day,” “Sleepover Conversation,” and “It’s Not Fair” are just a few of the fun poem titles. Robert writes about his sister, his bus rides, skateboarding, mowing the lawn, pizza, pets, baseball, and more subjects that most children will recognize.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Through the use of assorted fonts, different colors of ink, and simple illustrations, John Grandits creates a free verse poetry book that is pure fun to peruse. Each page is unique. The text takes on a life of its own since the printed words form pictures and patterns that reflect or define each poem. Children in upper elementary school and middle school will delight in turning the book around as they unravel the words in many of these humorous poems. In his poem called “The Lay-Up”, for example, the words are printed in a zigzag fashion that resembles a bouncing basketball. Then a shot is made so the words go up to form a hoop and then spiral around and around the rim until the ball unfortunately bounces out so the words fall down, and no points are scored. Another poem entitled “The Thank-You Letter” includes interesting footnotes that only the readers can see.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – “Grandits combines technical brilliance and goofy good humor to provide an accessible, fun-filled collection of poems”
KIRKUS – “An exuberant celebration of wordplay that's certain to broaden kids' understanding and appreciation of the possibilities of poetry.”
BOOKLIST – “Grandits stretches the definition of concrete poetry in this collection, which uses inventive shapes and typefaces to hilarious effect.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY – “A technically (and imaginatively) inspired typeface experiment.”

5. CONNECTIONS
• This book could be used as an example of one type of poetry in a general study of poetry.
• It could also be used along with other concrete poetry books:
Grandits, John. BLUE LIPSTICK: CONCRETE POEMS. ISBN 9780618568604
Janeczko, Paul B. A POKE IN THE I. ISBN 0763606618
Franco, Betsy. A CURIOUS COLLECTION OF CATS: CONCRETE POEMS. ISBN 9781582462486

The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell

Image Credit: jimharrisillustrator.com

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lowell, Susan. 1992. THE THREE LITTLE JAVELINAS. Ill. by Jim Harris. Flagstaff, AZ: Northland Pub. ISBN 0873585429

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Written by Susan Lowell, this book is a southwestern version of the famous folktale The Three Little Pigs. In this adaptation, three javelinas set out to live on their own each taking a different path. There is no mention of mom pushing them out the door. Javelinas, also known as peccaries, are hairy wild pigs. The three javelinas, two male and one female, trek across the desert in search of materials to build a home. A house of tumbleweeds made by the first little javelina and a house of saguaro sticks made by the second little javelina prove to be insufficient structures against the wiles of a local coyote, but the third javelina, a female, builds a house of adobe bricks. Her home proves to be too strong for the malicious coyote to destroy, and it becomes a safe haven for all three little javelinas.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story is well written and stays true to its southwestern flavor of The Three Little Pigs. Descriptions of the desert setting with cacti, tumbleweeds, dust storms, palo verde trees, and the mention of heat are certainly typical of the Southwest. Native animals like the coyote, javelinas, mice, and rabbits are accurately portrayed. From the beginning, Susan Lowell takes the time to incorporate the pronunciation transcription of words that may be new to the readers. “Javelinas (Ha-ve-LEE-nas)” and “saguaros (sa-WA-ros)” are annotated as such to aid the readers. Familiar phrases like “Not by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin” and “Then I’ll huff, and I’ll puff, and I’ll blow your house in!” clearly remind us of the traditional tale of The Three Little Pigs that this story was based on.
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The illustrations compliment the text perfectly. The pictures are full of color with an emphasis on the earth tones that are so prevalent in the southwest. Vivid details are employed. Individual strands of fur, drops of sweat, and needles on the cacti are present. The javelinas are dressed in stereotypical southwestern gear such as cowboy hats, boots, chaps, bandanas, and belts. Pictures of dry landscapes with purple mountains, cacti, rocks, mice, rabbits, snakes, and skulls fill the pages. There is humor spread throughout the story as well. Notice that the short lived tumbleweed house has an antenna. The house of saguaro sticks has a “(do) NOT disturb” sign on it, and the Mona Lisa is hanging inside the third house built out of adobe bricks. Look closely and see that a small mouse is hidden in many of the illustrations.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publishers Weekly¬: “This clever and flavorful change of scene puts a diverting spin on an old favorite.”
Booklist: “Harris' illustrations are appealing and humorous…
School Library Journal: “Whether read aloud or in amused solitude, this is a picture book that will be enjoyed again and again.”
Grand Canyon Reader Award
Reading Rainbow Book

5. CONNECTIONS
• This book could be explored with other versions of THE THREE LITTLE PIGS.
Grace, Will. THREE LITTLE FISH AND THE BIG BAD SHARK. ISBN 0439719623
Ketteman, Helen. THE THREE LITTLE GATORS. ISBN 9780807578247
Artell, Mark. THREE LITTLE CAJUN PIGS. ISBN 0803728158
• Look at other books illustrated by Jim Harris.
TORTOISE AND THE JACKRABBIT. ISBN 0873585860
JACK AND THE GIANT. ISBN 0873586808
PETITIE ROUGE. ISBN 0142500704

The Three Princes by Eric A. Kimmel

Image Credit: Amazon.com

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kimmel, Eric. 1994. The Three Princes. Ill. by Leonard Everett Fisher. New York, NY: Holiday House. ISBN 082341115X

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this Middle Eastern folktale, a wise and beautiful princess must find a prince to marry. Three eligible princes that she likes happen to be cousins to each other. Two of the princes, Fahad and Muhammed, are wealthy but not necessarily young or good looking. The third prince, Prince Mohsen, is younger than the other two princes and handsome, but he is poor. He is the man the princess would like to marry, but her chief minister is displeased with her choice. To prove that Mohsen is a worthwhile candidate, the princess sends the three princes on a yearlong mission to find and bring back the rarest item they can find. As the year comes to an end, the three princes meet and discuss their treasures. Prince Muhammed possesses a crystal ball. Prince Fajad has a magic carpet, and Prince Mohsen has an orange that can cure any sickness including a deadly one. Using the crystal ball, the princes discover that the princess is on her death bed. Since time is crucial, the three princes use the magic carpet to reach the princess quickly and give her the healing orange to save her life. All three gifts played a role in curing the princess. Using her wisdom, the princess chooses her fiancé.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story is well written with clear descriptions and easy to understand dialogs. The illustrations are large and colorful and have a soft, blurred look about them. Leonard Everett Fisher, the illustrator, uses reflective lighting and dark shading that creates depth and timeliness to his work. The pictures clearly reflect the Middle Eastern culture. One of the pages that precedes the title page features a magic flying carpet that has its storytelling roots in the Middle East, and the crescent and star that are also present in the picture are shapes used in several of the Middle Eastern flags. The princes don long traditional white thawbs covered by a bisht, and they wear a white keffiyeh upon their heads. The keffiyeh is held in place with a thick cord called the agal. The clothing is indicative of the Middle Eastern culture. This is a wonderful story with a wise ending that would appeal to children and adults.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal: “A welcome addition that deserves to become a read-aloud standard.”
Publishers Weekly: “A sprightly retelling with ambient artwork that shimmers with wisdom and magic"
Kirkus: “A smooth, accessible adaptation, much enhanced by the spare, powerful art.”
Booklist: Kimmel uses the familiar fairy-tale construct, but his telling has precision and a bouyancy that gives the story wonderful life.


5. CONNECTIONS
• This book could be used to introduce a social studies unit on the Middle East.
• Use with other tales from the Middle East.
Kimmel, Eric. THE TALE OF ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP: A STORY FROM THE ARABIAN NIGHTS. ISBN 0823409384
Johnson-Davies, Denys. GOHA THE WISE FOOL. ISBN 0399242228
Van Woerkom, Dorothy. ABU ALI: THREE TALES OF THE MIDDLE EAST. ISBN 0027913104

The Ugly Duckling by Jerry Pinkney

Image Credit: Amazon.com

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pinkney, Jerry. 1999. The Ugly Duckling. Ill. by Jerry Pinkney. New York, NY: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 068815932X

2. PLOT SUMMARY
One summer a mother duckling sat upon her six eggs. She studied them curiously because one of the eggs was much larger in size and different in shape. Nevertheless, she faithfully keeps all the eggs warm, and even after the five small eggs hatch, she continues to sit upon the large egg until it hatched. This new duck was “monstrous” in size and ugly in comparison to its five siblings. Life proves to be difficult for the large “duck”. He is ridiculed and tormented by his siblings, other ducks, and hens. He eventually runs away and temporarily finds a home with an old woman. Later, he finds a home with a man and his family, but he feels a need to leave those places to return to the water. Time passes. Seasons go by, and soon it is spring again. The ugly “duck” decides to join a flock of beautiful white birds at a stream. At one point, the ugly “duck” looks in the water and sees a reflection of himself and discovers that he is no longer a hideous duck. He is a beautiful white swan.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Beautifully written and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, this story is true to the traditional tale told by Hans Christian Andersen. The written work is full of nice descriptive sentences. “Before the sun rose, the five little eggs were empty, and five pairs of eyes were gazing out upon the green world.” The text is easy to read and flows beautifully. Pinkney’s illustrations are large, detailed, and colorful. Each painted illustration covers a two page spread, leaving just enough room for the text. Details are abundant. Ripples in the water, reflection of trees and birds on the water’s surface, and patterns on the various animals are clearly defined. Even the fine bits of snow can be seen on the man’s beard and eyebrows. Color abounds in various hues of each illustration. It is no wonder that Jerry Pinkney has received the Caldecott Award and Caldecott Honor Award multiple times.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Kirkus: A spirited, artistic adaptation, and a welcome addition to the shelves.
Publishers Weekly: “Pinkney's keenly observed watercolors honor nature in all its splendor. A flawlessly nuanced performance by a consummate craftsman.”
School Library Journey: “The appeal of this tale is as strong today as it was 150 years ago, and Pinkney has done an admirable job of repackaging it for a new generation.”
Amazon.com Review: “Three-time Caldecott Honor artist and four-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award, Jerry Pinkney doesn't disappoint with this lovely, old-fashioned, richly textured watercolor adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling.”
Caldecott Honor Book


5. CONNECTIONS
• This book could be used in a study of Randolph Caldecott Award winners in an art class.
• It could be read along with THE UGLY DUCKLING written by Hans Christian to study the differences. ISBN 0735821461
• This could be one story combined with others in a study of fairy tales.

Eloise by Kay Thompson

Image Credit: BarnesandNoble.com

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Thompson, Kay. 1955. Eloise. Ill. by Hilary Knight. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN 067122350X

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this sixty year old picture book, Kay Thompson brings to life a rather loquacious character by the name of Eloise. Eloise, who is all of six years old, lives in a posh hotel called The Plaza Hotel located in New York. Although she lives with her nanny on the top floor, Eloise is free to roam the entire building. She tells the audience about her many adventures within the walls of The Plaza. Eloise describes the games she plays using the elevator and the joy of room service that she loves so much. Eloise speaks of her pets, toys, nanny, tutor, and daily routines sporadically jumping from one topic to another. She knows the employees personally and shares her encounters with them. Extroverted Eloise, a self proclaimed nuisance, simply delights in describing her life and shenanigans in The Plaza Hotel to her audience.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
By today’s standards, this book is rather lengthy for a picture book. It consists of sixty-five pages that may be a bit too long for a preschooler. It is better suited for readers in elementary school or older. Kay Thompson writes from a six year old’s point of view and uses a six old’s vocabulary. Her sentences are easy to understand, and they reveal so much of Eloise’s personality. With the exception of some quotation marks and a few commas, Kay Thompson does not use punctuation in her book. Young readers may have trouble deciphering where the sentences end.
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Hillary Knight uses only shades of pink, black, and gray in all of her illustrations. He draws cartoon like pictures with some fine details such as individual strands of hair and the pattern on a turtle’s back. When Eloise imagines things, Hillary Knight draws those items using pink outlines, making it easy to distinguish the imaginative creatures from the real things. The facial expressions are also easy to interpret.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal - ““Eloise is an icon of New York, a classic character who has represented the verve and excitement of Manhattan for generations of readers,” Paul LeClerc

5. CONNECTIONS
• This book could be used in a class lesson on punctuation. Students could tell what kind of punctuation is needed throughout the book or portions at a time.
• Eloise could be paired up with other books that have young humorous female characters.
Cabot, Meg. ALLIE FINKLE’S RULES FOR GIRLS; BK 2. ISBN 9780545040495
Park, Barbara. JUNIE B. JONES AND THE STUPID SMELLY BUS. ISBN 0679826424

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave

Image credit: goldmedalbooks.wordpress.com

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hill, Laban Carrick. 2010. Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave. Ill. by Bryan Collier. New York, NY: Little, Brown. ISBN 0786818700

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Laban Carrick Hill tells a beautiful story about a man named Dave who lived in the nineteenth century. Dave, who did not have a last name because he was a slave, was a talented artist and poet. Laban Hill describes the process of making clay pottery as Dave would have done in the early to mid nineteenth century. Later in the book, Laban Carrick Hill includes a real photograph of some of Dave’s actual pieces of pottery, and he expands upon Dave’s poetry with examples and includes some facts and thoughts about each one.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
With a poetic flair, Laban Carrick Hill writes an informative story in two parts. Through the use of similes and a touch of alliteration, he reveals the potter’s job in easy to comprehend verses that are filled with descriptive words. He then describes Dave’s poetry in an informative style.

The illustrator Bryan Collier creates colorful, vivid pictures that are pleasing to the eye. He uses various textures that are so detailed the reader can almost reach out and touch them, and his incorporation of reflective lighting and shading is beautiful. Each pair of pages in the book about pottery making has a large illustration next to a solid colored page. It looks as if the pictures were carefully torn out and placed in a scrapbook. Most of the text is printed on the solid colored paper.

The combination of Laban Carrick Hill’s written words and Bryan Collier’s illustrations is a beautiful piece of work. Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave will appeal to children and adults.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: “A beautiful introduction to a great lost artist.” Daniel Kraus
School Library Journal: “An inspiring story, perfectly presented”–Paula Willey
2011 Caldecott Honor Book

5. CONNECTIONS
• This book could be used in an art class and would be particularly effective as an introduction to a pottery class.
• Dave the Potter could be read as part of an historical lesson on slavery.
• This work could also play a part in a unit about biographies.

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2004. Knuffle Bunny. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York: Hyperion Books. ISBN 0786818700

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this very believable tale, Mo Willems describes the woes between a father and his young child as they set out on an ordinary errand. Trixie, along with her beloved toy bunny, and her daddy set out for a walk to the local laundry mat. Upon arrival, the two of them successfully load the washing machines and decide to return home while the clothes are washing. On the way home, Trixie realizes that she has lost something. Nonverbal Trixie tries her best to tell her daddy what’s wrong but to no avail. With some help from mom, Trixie’s needs are revealed.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Mo Willems writes, in a very direct and simple manner, a story that children and most parents can relate to easily. His three main characters are an ordinary father, toddler, and mother. He uses common words and simple sentences to effectively describe how a distressed toddler and confused father feel. Words like “boneless,” “aggle flaggle klabble,” and “wumby flappy” show humor and wit that will delight readers. Young readers will easily relate to Trixie’s dilemma, and adults will relate to mom or dad.

The illustrations Mo Willems creates in Knuffle Bunny are a combination of two art mediums. He overlays brightly colored cartoon like characters on top of black and white photographs of the settings. This technique is very effective because the characters seem to pop out of the picture. Certain items that belong to the characters are also brightly colored like the people in the story. The contrast is striking. Not to be missed, the facial expressions on the characters are distinct and very easy to interpret. Mo Willems also frames each page with green that seems to tie the story together like a photo album. Most of the text is printed in black on top of the green areas.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Kirkus Review – “Willems is a master of body language”.
Association for Library Service to Children – 2005 Caldecott Honor Book
School Library Journal – In 2009, Knuffle Bunny was number 10 in the top 100.
Booklist Online – “This comic gem proves that Caldecott Medal-winner Willems, the Dr. Spock and Robin Williams of the lap-sit crowd, has just as clear a bead on pre-verbal children as on silver-tongued preschoolers.”

5. CONNECTIONS
• To hear more about Trixie and Knuffle Bunny, read Knuffle Bunny Too. ISBN: 1423102991 and Knuffle Bunny Free. ISBN 0061929581
• Use with other rabbit book to create a bunny story-time:
Wells, Rosemary. Bunny Cakes. ISBN: 0670886866
Arnosky, Jim. Rabbits and Raindrops. ISBN: 0399226354