The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A Novel of Snow and Courage

The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: 
A Novel of Snow and Courage
Chris Kurtz, author
Jennifer Black Reinhardt, illustrator
HMH Books for Young Readers
2013
288 pages

This book came out on my birthday this year (January 8) along with titles such as Hokey Pokey, Navigating Early, and The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brockett. Despite the "potential Newbery buzz" for books like Hokey Pokey and Navigating Early (both were on the early "to read" list at Heavy Medal, for instance), my favorite of this group is The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A Novel of Snow and Courage.

So, why do I like this little chapter book so much? A longheld love affair with Charlotte's Web making me predisposed to like any pig chapter book? A general fondness for talking animal stories? A son who loves all things "pig"? Those are all reasons that helped me pick up this title off the "new" shelf at the library earlier this year. But those are not the reasons that make me like this book better than others I've read this year.

The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A Novel of Snow and Courage is well written. Pure and simple. Characterization is top notch. We first meet Flora as a piglet who dreams of life beyond the pigpen, befriending the barnyard cat (Luna) in hopes of finding out "stuff." One day: escape! And Flora meets Oscar, a lead sled dog. Henceforward, after being returned to the pigpen, Flora dreams not just of exploration but of joining the sled dog team. After all, she has courage, pluck, strength, a stout heart. What more could you ask for in a sled dog team member?

One day, Flora is taken, along with Oscar and a number of other dogs, on board a ship bound for an Antarctic expedition. The reader will pick up on clues that go over Flora's head: her destiny is clearly for the crew's plates. She and her newest cat friend, Sophia, team up in the ship's hold to conquer the myriad rats, and Flora works hard to build up her strength in preparation for her anticipated sled dog/pig role.

Catastrophe strikes the ship, Flora's stout heart and strong legs help save the day, and she becomes essential to the team's survival. Flora forms an unlikely team with old Oscar, prickly Sophia, and the boy Aleric to help save the day in a heartwarming ending that is not at all saccharine.

The best chapter books for the third-fifth grade crowd feature great friendships, often between unlikely characters. You will find that in spades in this delightful book. Flora seeks adventure and finds it beyond her wildest dreams. Her courage is tremendous. Sophia's begrudging acceptance of the role of team player is well done. The scary and tense situations are just the right level for the target age group. As bizarre as the plot line is, it somehow works: we're rooting for a pig and a cat in the Antarctic and we know they will make it.

This book works on so many levels: plot, characterization, "issues" (survival, friendship, teamwork, etc.), setting (from the farm to the boat to the Antarctic). Illustrations are quirky and effective. But it also works on a sentence level: the text is excellent. A well constructed text can be read aloud easily and to great effect; Kurtz gives us that here. In fact, while this book will delight strong third and fourth grade readers (and younger), I think it's real gift will be as a read aloud so that a group can cheer on Flora together. She would like that; she's a friendly type and a real team player.

Recommended as a read aloud to first grade and up; independent read as third-fifth grade.

Book from my local library; cover image from HMH Books.
 

Spunky Tells All

Spunky Tells All
Ann Cameron, author
Lauren Castillo, illustrator
Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2011

I'm a dog lover, to be sure. We had two mixed breed dogs (aka "mutts") for the first decade (roughly) of our marriage. Then, after an eight month gap, we recently rescued another mixed breed. So, a book like Spunky Tells All, in which a beloved family dog of indeterminate breed is narrating the story... well, it's a given I'll willingly give it a whirl.

It's easy to be cutesy when adopting an animal's "voice" in a book, but Cameron nails it. That is largely what makes this short chapter book stand out. Spunky is concerned that after the years he's lived with his Human family (2 years in "human," and 10 in "dog"), they still don't understand Dog. After all, he's learned a lot of Human. So, when he tries to argue against their decision to get a cat, the family only hears "Yerf." (sigh) What's a dog to do?

When the family comes home with the new cat (Fiona--who smells Foolish to Spunky), Spunky is determined not to like her. After all, she's a cat and foolish to boot. The second half of the book follows Fiona's and Spunky's begrudging acceptance of--and even friendship with--each other without ever being cheesy or trite. Illustrations are done in heavy black line and are a good complement to the text. It's another great animal friendship story in a long history of solid animal fiction. Animal lovers and especially pet owners will enjoy this one.

This is a terrific early chapter book for those in the transitional reading stage between easy readers like Henry and Mudge but who aren't quite ready for a regular chapter book (along the lines of Charlotte's Web). Recommended for ages 7-11; a good read aloud for younger.

Book from my local library; cover image thanks to goodreads.

Lulu and the Cat in the Bag

Lulu and the Cat in the Bag
Hilary McKay, author
Priscilla Lamont, illustrator
Albert Whitman and Co., 2013


First, let me indulge in some self-promotion: I, yes, I--or rather "LiterariTea"--am quoted along with the other professional reviews for Lulu and the Duck in the Park on the front pages of this latest Lulu book! (Our name also appears in the second book, Lulu and the Dog from the Sea.) Not only is it great fun to see our humble name in REAL print, but it's especially nice when it's for a series that has captured my heart.

So, let's discuss this latest Lulu book. It hits store shelves this September, so get ready. (In the meantime, your library probably has Lulu and the Dog from the Sea as well as Lulu and the Duck in the Park so you can get caught up. These make GREAT reading choices for newly independent readers.)

As you can tell, Lulu is a favorite of mine! She's a wonderful, childlike character who spends a lot of time with her cousin Mellie and--in this book--with her grandmother. As is typical of these charming books, there is a fun plot, great resolution, and great family dynamics (not to mention a quirky, flower-loving cat!). McKay is creative in her treatment of the animal characters in each book, and this one is no exception. 

Lulu and Mellie's grandmother (Nan) is staying with them while their parents are away, and the book opens with the three of them pondering what's in the large bag left on their doorstep. It is, of course, a big orange cat who happens to love flowers. As you may have guessed from the titles in this series, Lulu is a big animal lover and has lots of pets. Nan is NOT an animal lover. Lulu, of course, is delighted with a new animal; Nan is not.

Adventures ensue, secrets are kept and revealed, and all's well that ends well. I won't give away the ending, but all young cat lovers will enjoy it as well as anyone in the market for a terrific chapter book!

Recommended for kindergarten and up (reading level is 2nd-3rd grade)

Book in ARC form from publisher via netgalley; cover image from goodreads

 

Iva Honeysuckle and Lulu at the Beach!

Two young girls head with their families and best friends to the beach! Sounds like solid transitional chapter book reading for what's left of this summer. I liked Lulu (of course) better than Iva Honeysuckle. I'm a huge, huge fan of McKay's Lulu series--and my review of the first is even quoted IN PRINT along with the other professional reviews in the front of the book I review below (I have an ARC of the third which I'll review soon, and it has my one line of fame in it, too). But Iva Honeysuckle is a worthy companion to Lulu, and these two books below offer great summer reads.

But onto the books!

Iva Honeysuckle Met Her Match
Candice Ransom, author
Heather Ross, illustrator
Disney-Hyperion, 2013

Iva Honeysuckle and her best friend and cousin, Heaven, head to the beach with their families for what Iva is sure will be a grand adventure. Rumors of a sea monster like the Loch Ness Monster ("Chessie" instead of "Nessie"), a mysterious stranger in the upstairs apartment, and a location called Stingray Point: all practically guarantees of adventure for young Iva. Iva's dreams are upset by the BFF status Heaven soon develops with a girl from the beach, Heaven finds a lucky penny instead of Iva, and Iva and Heaven can't seem to get along. Finally, at the end of the trip, Iva learns that blood is thicker than water--that family really IS important, even if you don't always get along.

A solid transitional chapter book (think: short chapter book sprinkled with illustrations) for 2nd-4th graders, this will be a fun read for those who, like Iva, struggle sometimes with their friendships and with life not always going as planned. I liked the extended family connection in this book partly because I have such vivid memories of beach trips with my own extended family when I was Iva's age. Check for this book in bookstores this summer.

Book in ARC form via netgalley; cover image from goodreads

Lulu and the Dog From the Sea
Hilary McKay, author
Priscilla Lamont, illustrator
Scholastic, 2011 

Lulu and her cousin Mellie are back in another adventure involving new animals. This time, Lulu's parents are taking the girls to the beach. Upon arrival to their somewhat less-fancy-than-expected beach house, Lulu and her family are warned by the cottage owner that there is a stray dog in the area who's been a menace. They even have to take the stinky outdoor trash can in at night (Lulu's parents test this suggestion only to have to pick up trash the next morning). Lulu's animal-loving soul, however, sees beyond the dog's presumed bad nature to the lonely, hungry dog underneath. She befriends the dog, and he, in his turn, does Lulu and Mellie a big favor at the end of the book. Will Lulu and Mellie rescue the dog like he rescues them?

The Lulu books are just what early/transitional chapter books should be: tightly written with just the right amount of words/pictures for newly independent readers. Great characterization, good plot resolution, and solid relationships make these books winners! Recommended for 1st through 4th grade. Look for these books at bookstores or in your local library.

Book from my local library; cover image from goodreads

Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind

Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind
Caroline Adderson, author
Ben Clanton, illustrator
Kids Can Press, 2013


When I reviewed the first Jasper John Dooley book, I compared him to Junie B. Jones (Jasper John Dooley is my kind of character; Junie B.? not so much). And since I like little Jasper John so much, I was delighted to get to read an ARC of the second.

Now, I must confess....that second book has now been out long enough now to be IN MY LIBRARY. Shame on me for "sitting" on this review for so long. But there it is. Life sometimes intervenes. Best laid plans and all...

So, without further ado, let's revisit Jasper John. In this charming second book--which I might like even better than the first!--Jasper is bidding his grandmother farewell as she leaves for a cruise. He usually spends one afternoon a week with his grandmother. Jasper's character is spot on for a first grade boy. I love the things he does while she's gone--things that make perfect sense to a six-year-old. For instance, he catches rain water and air in different little cups so he can share them with his Nan when she returns. He feels deflated when she's gone, and the descriptions of his emotions are pitch perfect for 1st and 2nd graders. They will relate.

This book makes a great read aloud to K-2nd graders and also a PERFECT early chapter book if kids in that age group can read. We have too few solid books about boys in this category. If you need a good summer reading choice for those hot days coming in July, check out little Jasper John Dooley!

Book in ARC form from publisher and via netgalley; cover image from goodreads

The No-Dogs-Allowed Rule

The No-Dogs-Allowed Rule
Kashmira Sheth
Carl Pearce, illustrator
Albert Whitman and Co.
2012


There are two main things about this title that piqued my interest (and, hence, my request for the advance reader copy from netgalley). 1) It's an early chapter book with a boy as the protagonist (and doesn't involve underwear or any other crudity). 2) It's an early chapter book with an Indian American (not Native American) family at the center.

Now that I've read this short little book (just over 100 pages), I'm glad it's going to grace the early chapter book scene! It's "diverse" without being "diverse-as-the-main-point." The main character is engaging and definitely relate-able to young boys (without being quite as over the top as someone like Joey Pigza). He's sort of a cross between a Ramona Quimby and a Clementine from the girls' lineup. His family is believable, and the information about Indian American families is a nice touch.

I wish he didn't call his mom the "alpha dog" in their family. No doubt, it is true in many families, but it saddens me a touch. It's so rare to find books for this age group that feature strong dads; don't get me wrong, though--this dad is certainly not uninvolved. He's just presented as a bit weaker than the mom in "law enforcement" on the home front.

I found the plot quite predictable, but there were some fun, unexpected diversions. This target audience, though, often enjoys a bit of predictability in their reading, especially if the journey there is pleasant and/or funny (or both, in this case).

The book is illustrated, but I was not able to view the final artwork. It's not my "style," but I think young kids will enjoy it. The impression I got was a comic-book style roughly similar to Japanese comic books.

All in all, an early chapter book to look for, especially if you have a boy and/or want to broaden your cultural horizons! In stores this month; hopefully it will soon be in local libraries, too.

ARC from netgalley; cover image from Albert Whitman

Around the World in 8 Chapter Books

Early chapter books can provide a great window into other cultures for newly independent readers. The books below are all different from each other in terms of cultural background of the protagonists and/or the cultural background of the author. I would love suggestions from readers on others they've read and enjoyed along similar lines. All of these are worth reading; some are better "literature" than others, but all are fun reads.

**A couple of these books are just now coming out; they will take a while to trickle down to your local library, but I know one little girl who will be getting a copy of Lulu come her 7th birthday this October. ☺**

Anna Hibiscus
The No. 1 Car Spotter
Atinuke

I've written about both the Anna Hibiscus books before and The No. 1 Car Spotter. Both are stellar books: great read alouds for the kindergarten age group and great first independent reads. Illustrated, full of real depth, and a fascinating look into contemporary urban Africa (Anna) as well as rural Africa (Car Spotter). This would be a wonderful way to help build an awareness of the fascinating continent of Africa.

Freddie Ramos
Jacqueline Jules

Freddie Ramos is Hispanic, although his Hispanic culture doesn't enter the story much. Still, he uses words like zapatos, lives in an apartment, and in general would fit right in with many Hispanic families who now reside in America. I reviewed the 4th in this series: Freddie Ramos Makes a Splash.

Lulu and the Duck in the Park
Hilary McKay

I wish we had more books like this!! Lulu is a black girl; this series is British. Therefore, there is no real mention of her skin color in the books. The Brits don't seem to have the same issues we do in America with this particular racial tension (black/white). The book is well written (there are more in the series--please, American publishers, bring the rest!), and school age girls will fall in love with Lulu regardless of their own ethnic background.

The No-Dogs-Allowed-Rule
Kashmira Seth


An Indian-American young boy lands on the early chapter book scene. Funny and quirky like so many early chapter book protagonists, this young guy does refer to his family's Indian heritage--particularly in the food scene. A fun introduction to the bi-cultural issues many families in our country face. **Review coming**

The Year of the Dog
Grace Lin

This is a slightly more advanced chapter book than the others on this list; you might save it for the end if you choose to read through these. The protagonist of this book is a young Taiwanese-American girl, and much of the book centers around her developing awareness of both cultures. Like others on this list, this is just the first of a series.

Snake and Lizard
Joy Crowley

Not a book about people, Snake and Lizard is highly entertaining and this duo hails from Australia. A fun introduction to this continent's wildlife, the circle of life is in full force here. Good news for Snake and Lizard fans: there are two in this series...so far.

The White Elephant
Sid Fleischman

Run-Run is a poor young boy in Siam who owns an elephant. He is given the dubious gift of a white elephant from the prince...and you're not allowed to work a white elephant like his other (gray/brown) elephant. Run-run must figure out how to feed this new white elephant in this historical fiction narrative set in Southeast Asia.




What multicultural early chapter books are we missing? 

Lulu: Lulu and the Duck in the Park

Lulu: Lulu and the Duck in the Park
Hilary McKay
Albert Whitman & Company
2012 (published 2011 in the UK)


This is what an early chapter book should be!! Cute story, funny scenes, terrific characters, endearing illustrations sprinkled throughout, and just the right early-elementary-but-not-too-specific-age to relate to lots of young elementary students. It's deceptively difficult to write good early chapter books; you need just the right amount of subtle repetition, just the right level of plot complexity, just the right ... so many things. And yet, it should sound (or read) like an older book in that it should flow, have good characterization, not be trite, etc. etc.

Thankfully, here is a new series from McKay that does all the right things right. Lulu, the title character, loves animals. The book reminds me a touch of Daisy Dawson, but I like this one even better. Lulu's best friend is also her cousin: Mellie. Mellie is terribly absent-minded. The two of them are students together in Class Three, run by the capable-but-not-animal-loving Mrs. Holiday (who is from Scotland--even better!). I'll just say that Lulu's animal love combined with Mellie's absent-mindedness and Mrs. Holiday's capability makes for one fun story. Lots of animals, lots of student antics, and one very cute duckling will make you eager to read the rest of the series (which, hopefully, Albert Whitman & Co. will bring to us soon!).

Truth/Story
Clearly, this book has "story" well in hand--McKay is a talented writer and hits perfect pitch for her young audience. The "truth" in this book is in the friendships portrayed and the gentle but accurate look at the foibles of humankind. A winning combination that crops up in so many books for the newly independent reader!

I'm writing this review well in advance of its publication since the ARC I received came in April, and the book won't be out in the US until September (sigh--I'll have to sit on my hands until then!). The good news: the book will be out just in time for me to scoop one up for my daughter's October birthday. It's also a fun back-to-school read.

**Updated 7/25/12 to note that this book also received a star from Horn Book Magazine!



Cover image from Albert Whitman; ARC from netgalley.

Recommended for kindergarten and up (reading level about mid-elementary)

Hank the Cowdog: Good for Boys?

Hank the Cowdog
John R. Erickson
Puffin Books
1983


Funny ol' Hank the Cowdog. Snarky, deadpan, misunderstood--it's easy to see why folks think this dog's adventures on a Texas Ranch (and told in his voice) are so fun to read.


But the widespread love for Hank, especially among the Christians I know, puzzles me. I'm definitely in the minority here, and I would appreciate readers' comments as to whether you agree with me or not.

Junie B. Jones V. Jasper John Dooley (or, the Childish meets the Childlike)

My friends, there is an enormous difference between the childish and the childlike. George MacDonald famously commented that he didn't write for children, but for the childlike (no matter their "age"). I think this is the key ingredient in the children's classics we still read 100 years after their initial publication date, the reason we don't hesitate to hand The Wind in the Willows, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, and others to precocious young readers, as well as the reason why the content such as the "violence" in contemporary books such as Peter Nimble isn't disturbing in the same way violence in A Dragon's Tooth is. The former is "childlike." (The latter isn't "childish", but it's not "childlike" either).

In short, a work that is childlike celebrates the best of childhood with all its presumed innocence, the delight of make believe, the sense of a rollicking good adventure, the enjoyable suspension of disbelief, and the complete lack of grown-up or young adult concerns. There is no worry over who likes whom, do my parents still love me, what is my body doing, is the world falling apart, and the like.

Daisy Dawson on the Farm

Daisy Dawson on the Farm
Steve Voake, author
Jessica Meseve, illustrator
Candlewick
2012



I've reviewed Daisy Dawson before and enjoyed her little character. So I jumped at the chance to review the 5th in the series via netgalley's ARC program. What I like about this quirky little girl is that she is just that: a little girl. There are no princess aspirations here, no backtalking to grown-ups (ahem, Junie B. Jones), no snarky attitude--just a little girl who happens to be able to understand talking animals....

Weekly Round-up: Tea in Children's Books

Although the lovely habit of teatime is primarily British, many books for children allude to it. Many of my favorite stories, especially picture books, include references to teatime or show a pot of tea with a plate of cookies in the illustrations. Even children (yes girls, but also my toddler and preschool-age sons) delight in hosting tea parties whether or not they witness their parents having tea on a regular basis. There is a whole series of posts just waiting on this topic! In the meantime, I've been slowly collecting titles that celebrate or mention tea.  Titles are scattered around in note form, but the following immediately come to mind.

How many can you add? (We'll add titles that come to our minds as well as those we hear from you!)

Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll)
A Bargain for Frances (Russell Hoban)
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig (Eugene Trivizas)
A Visitor for Bear (Bonny Becker)
May I Bring a Friend (Beatrice Shenk de Regniers)
Frog and Toad All Year (Arnold Lobel; "The Corner")
Mouse Tales (Arnold Lobel; parents drinking tea at end of book)
Miss Spider's Tea Party (David Kirk)
Annie and Snowball and the Teacup Club (Cynthia Rylant)


Cover image above from goodreads

The No. 1 Car Spotter

The No. 1 Car Spotter
Atinuke, author
Warwick Johnson Cadwell, illustrator
Walker Books (U.K.); Kane Miller (U. S.)
2011

I have Betsy Bird over at Fuse #8 to thank for first mentioning Anna Hibiscus (and for that I'm eternally grateful--we are BIG Anna fans around here). So, when I hear Atinuke had a boy book coming out, I bought it. I don't buy too many books, but it will take some time for this to trickle down to our public library.

And I'm so glad I did! I think I *might* like No. 1 Car Spotter better than Anna! It's a toss up, really, but I think Atinuke's style in this book is even more approachable for American readers. Her storytelling cadence is still there, making this a terrific read aloud, but it also flows a bit more like a traditional chapter book as far as each chapter opening goes--so newly independent readers will sail right through it.

Clementine

Clementine
Sara Pennypacker, author
Marla Frazee, illustrator
2006
Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book

Clementine will remind you of the Ramona books! This is the first in a series about a third grader named Clementine who has such brilliant ideas and pays attention so well and just wants to help people out... but somehow is constantly getting into trouble or messing things up.

Told in Clementine's droll voice, this short early chapter book covers one mere week in Clementine's eventful life. Both grownups and children will appreciate Clementine's struggles to do the right thing and find her commentary on life amusing. Here is a short snippet from the opening of chapter 3:

"'I'd better not go to school today,' I told my mom on Wednesday as soon as I woke her up. 'I have cracked toes.' I put my foot right up on the pillow next to her face so she could see without getting up. This is called Being Thoughtful."

Sprinkled with charming illustrations throughout, this is a terrific book to hand to the young elementary students in your life who need a genuinely funny book about being yourself. (Besides, don't you think "Pennypacker" is just the perfect name for a children's book author? Marvelous)

Recommended for early-mid elementary

Retro Reads: The Gammage Cup

The Gammage Cup: a Novel of the Minnipins
Carol Kendall
1959
Newbery Honor Book

Another terrific children's fantasy novel from the 1950s! This one is alternately funny, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. The Minnipins are a rather silly group of small people who are blindly following their supposed upper class (a group known as the Periods--why? well, you have to read to find out!). When a few brave Minnipins stand up to the Periods and stand true to their own beliefs, they are outcast from the village. Those few brave souls end up saving their village and restoring goodwill thanks to some historic swords and battle armor. Along the way, they have a crazy adventure, meet strange creatures from the other side of the mountain, and a few fall in love.

Things to Note/Discuss

• When is it right to conform to the group? to the ruling class? When is it right to stand up for your beliefs, even at the expense of community? Consider both Romans 12 and 13.
• Do you think the Gammage Cup would have been bestowed to a different group of people if the Minnipins had succeeded in welcoming the judges as they'd originally planned?
• Who is the real hero of this book?

Retro Reads: The Children of Green Knowe

The Children of Green Knowe
L. M. Boston
1955
ALA Notable Children's Book

This is a Retro Reads post for sure; I haven't reread this book in ages, but I remember thoroughly enjoying it. Originally published in England, this is fantasy in that grand old English style and quite rewarding to read. Somehow the Brits have the corner on children's fantasy--especially that involving mysterious old houses, time travel, and a group of siblings from long ago....

The Children of Green Knowe is just the first in a series; children who enjoy other British fantasy will no doubt enjoy these books as well. They are similar to the Narnia Chronicles or Dianna Wynne Jones' works in reading level. (And, it's worth pointing out that this book exists with LOTS of different covers)

Anna Hibiscus

Anna Hibiscus
Atinuke, author
Lauren Tobia, illustrator
2010
Boston Globe-Hornbook Honor

This is another of those books that I could have sworn I'd already reviewed for this blog.... But, no, sadly I've been remiss! I must credit Betsy Bird over at Fuse #8 Production for first drawing my attention to this little gem. We are big Anna Hibiscus fans over here. This is an early chapter book that is wonderfully illustrated. It doesn't hurt that Anna is probably only a year or so older than my kindergartener nor that she also has twin brothers.

And there the similarities abruptly halt. Anna lives in Africa, Amazing Africa. Atinuke is originally from West Africa and now lives in Wales, I believe. She is a storyteller by trade, and this book simply begs to be read aloud. The rhythm is unmistakably that of a true storyteller. Anna's family is a middle-upper class family in some unnamed African country. Her mother is Canadian and her father African. They live in a large family compound near a big city. Much of Anna's extended family lives with them.

Retro Reads: Pollyanna

Pollyanna
Eleanor F. Porter
1913

Just the mention of the name "Pollyanna" is liable to create one of two reactions in many readers (some may have both!): an image of a cute, young Hayley Mills and/or the word "glad."

Both are appropriate! I remember the Hayley Mills movie from when I was a kid, but I'd never actually read Pollyanna until just recently. I'm so glad I did! This book has become such a part of our cultural heritage that people even use the term "pollyanna-ish" or "pollyanna spirit."

The Magic Summer

The Magic Summer
Noel Streatfeild, auth
Edward Ardizzone, ill
1966

When I see an obviously old children's novel by two such recognizable names (Streatfeild is the author of the shoes books--Ballet Shoes, Dancing Shoes, etc.; Adrizzone wrote and illustrated books like Tim and the Brave Sea Captain), I just cannot resist! Sadly this book is out of print; look for it in your local library.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book chronicling the adventures of 4 English children sent to live with their crazy great aunt in Ireland. Throughout the book, the children (two boys and two girls, ages 9-14 or so) learn to do for themselves and learn about all kinds of people. The crazy great aunt is exceedingly fond of spouting off random poems and lines from many familiar children's stories and poetry; the more well read you are (or your child is), the more you will enjoy it. You'll be ready to pick up a book of poetry and go fishing or rustle up some scrambled eggs for dinner after reading about these children's adventures! This is sort of a predecessor in a way to books like The Penderwicks.

Recommended for elementary/middle

Piet Potter: Boy Detective

Piet Potter's First Case
Robert Quackenbush
1980

Piet (rhymes with "neat") Potter is an amazing boy detective. In this easy reader series, kids will enjoy following Piet as he solves mysteries--his first mystery is tracking down $1 million that a young couple has inherited. The book looks a bit dated, but the story works nonetheless.

Recommended for early elementary and/or older struggling readers--particularly boys.