Isabella Girl on the Go

Isabella Girl on the Go

Written by Jennifer Fosberry

Illustrated by Mike Litwin

Sourcebooks

(February 1, 2012) 32 pages

In this beautiful picture book, we spend an amazing day with Isabella. Although Isabella’s journey is just a trip into the backyard with her dad, her imagination takes her around the world. In her imaginings a fence becomes the Great Wall and she becomes a brave warrior.

Following the story of Isabella, the book contains a number of informational pieces. There are descriptions of 8 places that changed the world, and lists of websites about travel destinations. I would pair this book with some non-fiction resources, and help young students to explore places like the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China.

Jennifer Fosberry has created a wonderful read aloud about the delightful and spirited little Isabella. The charming art by Mike Litwin adds to the appeal of this book where a sphinx grows out of the sandbox and an Eiffel Tower sprouts in the garden. I have difficulty placing an age range on this book, but I will say whether you are an archeologosist or astronomer, artist or warrior, this book is for you.

Hades: Lord of the Dead

Hades: Lord of the Dead
George O'Connor
First Second
(January 31, 2012) 80 pages

This story might be called Hades: Lord of the Dead, but surprisingly, it is really a story about the heroine Persephone. Hades steals Persephone away to the underworld to be his bride. In this re-telling, O’Connor creates a much more rounded character for Persephone than you might have met in other myths. We discover a strong Persephone, who maybe really likes being Queen of the Dead; an independent Persephone, who stands up to her mother and goes to great lengths to get away from her; and an empathetic Persephone, who tries to ease the suffering in the Underworld.

In true Greek style, it is also a tale of woe. In her despair, Demeter abandons her duties and searches endlessly for her daughter Persephone. It is through Demeter’s desolation that we have the creation of the seasons.

I think this is a great read. Greek Mythology fans will enjoy this story, and its graphic novel format will make it accessible for so many more readers. Hades: Lord of the Dead is the fourth in a series of Olympian graphic novels by George O’Connor, and now I can’t wait to go back and read the first three books.

Giants Beware!

Giants Beware!

Written by Jorge Aguirre, Illustrated by Rafael Rosado. First Second. 
(April 10th 2012) 208 pages

Giants beware, Claudette the Giant Slayer is about to begin her journey.  

           

Claudette starts stirring up controversy from the first pages of the book. She lives in a safe and orderly little town, but unlike her fellow citizens, Claudette is thirsty for adventure. She sets out on her journey with 2 reluctant sidekicks in tow. Her brother, an aspiring chef, would really much rather be cooking, and her friend, Marie, would rather be a princess and living in a castle. Along the way, all 3 characters make discoveries about themselves.

Claudette is a spunky little character. The text, the tone, and the captivating illustrations will speak to the middle grade reader. I’m looking for more books in this series, and I’m happy to see that the authors have plans to add to Claudette’s adventures. Here is an interview with the authors.

I love graphic novels and the middle grade readers in my class love them, too. What graphic novels are the young readers in your life reading? Add this one to your bookshelf this spring. I give this novel 5 giant footsteps.

Bad Kitty for President

Bad Kitty for President Nick Bruel. Roaring Brook Press. (January 17th, 2012) 128 p.

Bad Kitty has decided to run for president of the local cat club. As Bad Kitty tries to woo all the other cats, we learn about the stages in the election process. Bad Kitty teaches us some very important lessons, including "every vote counts".



I am a Canadian, so I can't attest to the absolute accuracy of the text, but this seemed like a very good explanation of the American political system. I know this would be a fun way to help students learn about the electoral process.

Bad Kitty is one of the homeliest and charming cats you will ever meet, and Nick Bruel has taken a not so exciting topic and made it very entertaining. I found this book to be laugh out loud funny. Once again, Bad Kitty gets my vote.