JUNGLE HALLOWEEN by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Lexile     Not Rated          Pages     32          Ages 3 - 5
 AR Quiz No. 64296 EN Fiction
  IL: LG - BL: 2.3 - AR Pts: 0.5
  AR Quiz Types: RP

This book is just plain fun.  In bright, enjoyable, two-page spreads, Cocca-Leffler shows the jungle animals engaged in the fun of preparing for Halloween.

"Jungle painting, Jungle sewing, Jungle carving, Jungle blowing."

Kids will get a good laugh at the costumes - a rhino in a hula skirt, a fairy giraffe, a cowboy crocodile, an elephant in a jester's hat, and more.

If you're looking for a story time hit, Jungle Halloween will do the trick!

Happy Reading,

Miss Laurie

Jungle Halloween can be checked out at any Lake County Public Library, or click here  http://tinyurl.com/8apsm6z  and with your library card number and PIN you can place a hold for easy pickup at your favorite branch.

VAMPIRINA BALLERINA by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Lexile     Not Rated          Pages     40          Ages     3 - 7

 AR Quiz No. 153451 EN Fiction
  IL: LG - BL: 3.1 - AR Pts: 0.5
  AR Quiz Types: RP

Vampirina is a little girl vampire who wants to be a ballerina.  She has obstacles to overcome - first, being a vampire, she needs a class that meets at night!  Also, she is nervous about meeting new people, and there is the challenge of her classmates being afraid of her because she is different.  Ballet is hard work but in the end, through practice and perseverance, Vampirina performs beautifully at her recital and is proud that she accomplished her goal.

I like so many things about this book that it's difficult to know where to begin!  First, I guess, is that although she is a vampire, Vampirina is just adorable with her big eyes and glittery hair bow and cape. She knows what she wants and doesn't let anything stand in her way. Even when difficult Vampirina perseveres, knowing that "it doesn't matter if you take one giant leap or many tiny steps, as long as you are moving toward your goal."  There is other good advice, including "Once class begins, keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth closed," and "A mistake here or there is not a reflection on your talent."  I also liked that the story stressed respect for both the other students and the teacher, and it shows Vampirina's support group in Mommy and Daddy vampire, the Frankenstein chauffeur, and even the family pets!

Full of good, practical advice accompanied by charmingly fun illustrations, Vampirina Ballerina is a great addition to any book shelf.

Happy Reading!

Miss Laurie

Vampirina Ballerina can be checked out at any Lake County Public Library, or click here  http://tinyurl.com/98z88v3  and with your library card number and PIN you can place a hold for easy pickup at your favorite branch.

THIS LITTLE PIGGY'S BOOK OF MANNERS by Kathryn Madeline Allen, illustrated by Nancy Wolff

Lexile     Not Rated          Pages     32          Ages 3 - 7

 AR Quiz No. 74246 EN Fiction
  IL: LG - BL: 1.6 - AR Pts: 0.5
  AR Quiz Types: RP

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"This Little Piggy said 'Please,' and 'Thank you,'   

This Little Piggy did not.

This Little Piggy closed his mouth while he ate . . ."

"This Little Piggy forgot."

This book is a great introduction to manners, covering most of the good manners we try to instill in our children. I like that it shows both the good and bad manners, giving a chance to compare the consequences of each.

The illustrations are bright and imaginative, making This Little Piggy's Book of Manners a fun way to learn the mannerly way to behave.

Happy Reading,

Miss Laurie

This Little Piggy's Book of Manners can be checked out at any Lake County Public Library, or click here http://tinyurl.com/9kszmd7 and with your library card number and PIN you can place a hold for easy pickup at your favorite branch.

MISS MINGO and the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL by Jamie Harper

Lexile     AD660          Pages     32          Ages     4 - 8

 AR Quiz No. 108712 EN Fiction
  IL: LG - BL: 3.6 - AR Pts: 0.5
  AR Quiz Types: RP

You know that elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about?  Well, in Miss Mingo (the flamingo)'s class he's joined by a hippo, an alligator, a giraffe and many other fascinating creatures!

On the first day of school, to break the ice Miss Mingo has everyone in the class share something special about themselves.  She starts things off by telling how what she eats is what makes her pink and that she always eats . . . . . upside down! 

So begins the tale of 3,000 teeth (alligator,) an 18 inch tongue (giraffe,) and other fun animal facts.  At the end of the day everyone has made friends with one another and Miss Mingo is excited about the wonderful year she will have with her fabulous class.

In Miss Mingo and the First Day of School, Jamie Harper weaves the perfect mixture of fact and fiction into a fabulous and fun story filled with delightful, humorous illustrations that will show children how being unique is a good thing and that diversity makes life interesting.  Miss Mingo can be applied not only to the first day of school, but to any happening that is scary and new and help your child be less stressed about it.  

Happy Reading,

Miss Laurie

Miss Mingo and the First Day of School can be checked out at any Lake County Public Library, or click here http://tinyurl.com/9qeym9k  and with your library card number and PIN you can place a hold for easy pickup at your favorite branch.

SOMETHING SPECIAL by Nicola Moon, illustrated by Alex Ayliffe

Lexile     Not Rated          Pages     32          Ages     2 - 6

AR Quiz No. 21397 EN Fiction
  IL: LG - BL: 3.1 - AR Pts: 0.5
  AR Quiz Types: RP

In Miss Brown's class, Friday is Special Day. Each child brings in something that is special to them.  Charlie is trying to find something to take and is frustrated because his mother is too busy caring for his new baby sister, Sally, to help him.  He misses one Friday and as the next one approaches, he still hasn't decided what to take.

Always busy, his mother is trying to bake cookies while Sally is napping, so she's no help. To top it off, Sally starts fussing in her crib and Mom tells Charlie to go play with the baby so she can get the cookies out of the oven!  Already unhappy with Sally, Charlie grumbles all the way to the bedroom.  When he gets there he grabs one of Sally's little toys and half-heartedly gives it a shake.  Sally stops crying!! As Charlie reaches out to touch Sally's tiny hand, she grabs onto his finger. Charlie thinks, "That feels kind of nice!"  Just then, Sally gives Charlie a BIG smile and right then and there Charlie knows what he will take to school on Special Day.

Something Special is great to read to new brothers and sisters who are feeling like they have been replaced and are no longer important to Mom and Dad. It opens the door for discussion about the care a new baby needs, how that makes the older child feel, and that Mom and Dad have enough love for all of their children.

Happy Reading,

Miss Laurie

Something Special can be checked out at any Lake County Public Library, or click here http://tinyurl.com/99y5bjf and with your library card number and PIN you can place a hold for easy pickup at your favorite branch.

T-REX AND THE MOTHER'S DAY HUG by Lois G. Grambling, illustrated by Jack E. Davis

Lexile     AD480          Pages     28          Ages     5 - 7
 AR Quiz No. 121645 EN Fiction
  IL: LG - BL: 2.4 - AR Pts: 0.5
  AR Quiz Types: RP

Mother's Day is coming and all of T-Rex's friends have bought a gift for their mother but T-Rex wants to do something special for his momma, not buy something for her.  When Mother's Day arrives, T-Rex tells Momma, "Happy Mother's Day!  I want to DO something for you - what would you like me to do?"

Momma tells him that she would really like a BIG Mother's Day hug, and that's what would make her happy.  But T-Rex doesn't think a hug is big enough to show Momma how much he loves her and decides to fancy up her car for her . . . . BIG disaster!

Momma hides her dismay and when T-Rex gives her a big hug and tells her he loves her she tells him she loves him too and that his hug has made her very happy.

T-Rex and the Mother's Day Hug has big, colorful, and funny illustrations that will have your little one laughing in delight.  The story is amusing and also shows children that often it's the little things you do that mean the most.

Happy Reading,
Miss Laurie

T-Rex and the Mother's Day Hug can be checked out at any Lake County Public Library, or click here http://tinyurl.com/8spwq6c  and with your library card number and PIN you can place a hold for easy pickup at your favorite branch.

SOPHIE'S TROPHY by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Viviana Garofoli

Lexile     Not Rated          Pages     32          Ages     4 - 8

 AR Quiz No. 108096 EN Fiction
  IL: LG - BL: 2.8 - AR Pts: 0.5
  AR Quiz Types: RP



Sophie Toad's big brother Vince (the Prince) is the best looking toad in the bog. He models and has many trophies for his good looks while Sophie, who is not nearly as good looking, has none. She sits on her log, singing the blues, and then goes to bed and dreams she is a model. In her dream, Sophie is the most wanted model in the world and she works and works and works until she is just too tired to even smile. She wakens and realizes that she doesn't want to be a model after all.

In the meantime the singing group, The Toadettes, have heard Sophie's beautiful voice and ask her to join the group and she agrees. Finally, it's time for The Toadettes to perform in a contest at the fair, but all of them except Sophie have eaten bad flies and are ill and can't perform. So Sophie performs solo and wins the first prize trophy! Her brother is very proud of Sophie and makes a special space on his mantel for her trophy. Sophie has finally found her niche!

Sophie's Trophy is written in both English and Spanish, with the languages blended into a seamless, rhythmic story. Told in rhyme, it helps teach children that not everyone is good at everything, but everyone is good at something, and also that "the grass is always greener" - sometimes what they wish for is harder than it looks and isn't really the thing for them at all!  The Spanish words sprinkled through the story introduces a new language, with some of the words being everyday - hermano (brother) - and some not used so often - pestanas (eyelashes.) There is a glossary in the front of the book with  meanings and pronunciation to help with the Spanish words.

The big, bold, colorful illustrations are relatively simple yet fun. Sophie's Trophy would be a valuable addition to your child's reading list.

Happy Reading,

Miss Laurie

Sophie's Trophy can be checked out at any Lake County Public Library, or click here http://tinyurl.com/9mxntzk

and with your library card number and PIN you can place a hold for easy pickup at your favorite branch.