Book Review: 'Hector the Collector' by Emily Beeny

✰✰✰✰✰  One day on the way to school, Hector found an acorn. Later that day at recess, he found two more. On the way home, he found even more. Every acorn was different. All the acorns were beautiful. He kept them in his desk at school.

Hector's collection grew until one day, his teacher found them. Everyone laughed, but the teacher explained that Hector is a collector. As the class learned about the different types of collections, it turns out that some of his classmates had collections too. Hector and his classmates learned that every collection is different, every collection is beautiful, and every collection tells a story. And it all began with just one acorn.

The Bottom Line: This gentle tale of collecting will get kids interested in starting a collection of their very own whether it be acorns, pennies, or sea glass. Charming illustrations in soft colors will keep kids focused. Highly recommended for classroom or library storytimes for kids ages 3 – 7. Includes an Author's Note about the different types of collections.

Details: Hector the Collector written by Emily Beeny & illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. Hardcover picture book published by Roaring Brook Press in 2017. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1-62672-296-5 

Book Review: 'How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?' by Margaret McNamara

✰✰✰✰✰ Charlie is the smallest kid in class. One day his teacher brings in three pumpkins in three different sizes and asks, "How many seeds in a pumpkin?" Everyone guesses that the largest has the most. Maybe, but not so fast. The class sets out to count the seeds in groups of twos, fives, and tens. When everyone is finished, the class is surprised by the results. It just goes to prove that sometimes good things come in small packages.

The Bottom Line: This book is enthusiastically recommended for story time reading for kids in grades K – 2. The children work together in teams and learn about counting and perception. The engaging illustrations rendered in gouache, acrylic, and pencil help drive the concepts home. Finally, the book includes some cool facts about pumpkins too.

Details: How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? (Mr. Tiffin's Classroom series) written by Margaret McNamara & illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Hardcover picture book published by Schwartz & Wade Books in 2007. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-375-84014-2 

Book Review: 'Over-Scheduled Andrew' written & illustrated by Ashley Spires

✰✰✰✰ Andrew is a very busy little chickadee. He joined the drama club because he loves putting on plays. In order to do better at play rehearsals, Andrew also signs up for debate club, ballet lessons, and karate class. There are so many interesting things to do; Andrew signs up for everything.

Soon Andrew has little time to eat, sleep, or play with his best friend, Edie. When an exhausted Andrew misses out on one of his favorite activities, he must make a choice. How will Andrew turn his life around from over-scheduled to just right? Read the book and find out what Andrew decides to do.

The Bottom Line: School kids today lead very hectic lives. There are so many activities and clubs to join. It's difficult to pick just a few. Kids in grades K – 3 will identify with Andrew's dilemma. This story focuses on the importance of friendship and taking time to unwind. The digitally rendered artwork is crisp and colorful. Great for classroom story hour.

Details: Over-Scheduled Andrew written & illustrated by Ashley Spires. Hardcover picture book published by Tundra Books in 2016. 32 p. ISBN: 9781-77049-484-8 NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy' by Nikki Loftin

✰✰✰✰½ Everything in Lorelei Robinson’s life has changed recently, and not for the better. So when Lorelei and her annoying brother, Bryan, get accepted into the new charter school after their old school conveniently burned down, it’s like a dream come true. Things are great at first. Students can run in the hallways, text their friends, and eat special snacks during recess. A full service dining room featuring each student’s favorite dishes serves both breakfast and lunch. Additionally, there is candy galore.

But Lorelei is different from the other students. She resists the temptations of Splendid Academy along with her new friend, Andrew. As the largest boy in the school, Andrew knows all about food addiction and trigger foods. Together they resist being fattened up. However, Principal Trapp has other plans, and it seems that Lorelei is the principal’s special project. Being plagued by feelings of guilt and grief over her mother’s death, Lorelei wants to trust the principal. However, it’s not too soon before Lorelei and Andrew discover a chilling secret. It seems that things are not so sweet at Splendid Academy. Together Lorelei and Andrew must work as a team to save both themselves and their classmates from certain death.

The Bottom Line: Nikki Loftin’s debut novel is a winner. Both young readers and the young at heart will enjoy this modern twist on an old favorite, Hansel and Gretel. Like many fairy tales, there is an evil stepmother, a witch or two, and a lonely, good-hearted heroine. Lorelei is easy to identify with; her character is compassionate and sweet with real flaws.

This wickedly sweet confection is recommended for fans of magic, fantasy, and mystery. It’s a very quick read that is creepy and fun at the same time. Parents and teachers will appreciate the underlying themes of healthy eating, teamwork, and friendship. Highly recommended for kids in grades 4 – 7.

Details: The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy by Nikki Loftin. Hardcover published by Razorbill in 2012. 304 p. ISBN: 978-1-59514-508-6

Book Review: Minifred Goes to School by Mordicai Gerstein

✰✰✰✰ Mr. and Mrs. Portly have been wanting a baby. Instead they get a precious little kitten. They name her Minifred and raise her just like a little girl. She wears clothes, reads, and sings. Only Minifred doesn't like to follow the rules. When her best friend, Olivia, goes off to school, Minifred decides to go too. Unfortunately, school has lots of rules, and Minifred breaks all of them. According to the principal's copy of The Big Rule Book, 'ALL students must obey all the rules.' Will Minifred have to leave school? Are kittens even allowed in school? Check out this cute picture book to find out.

The Bottom Line: Minifred Goes to School is a charming, fantastical tale about a talking kitten who was raised like a little girl, but behaves like the cat she really is. It's a fun picture book for kids going to school for the first time or getting ready to go back to school. Children will enjoy Gerstein's colorful illustrations too. Recommended for kids in grades Pre-K - 2. It's also a humorous pick for story hour.

Details: Minifred Goes to School written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein. Hardcover published by HarperCollins Children's Books in 2009. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-075889-9