He Came With the Couch by David Slonim

"He came with the couch" is all Sophie's Dad said. When Sophie's family needed to find a new couch they went from rummage sale to garage sale to yard sale, but they could not find the perfect couch. Her Dad finally found a twenty four hour rummage sale AND the perfect couch. They loaded it on the truck and drove home. Sophie noticed that someone was sitting on the couch and when she asked her Dad all he said was, "He came with the couch". Sophie tried to find out who he was, but he didn't move or speak. Her parents tried to get rid of him, but they could not move him. They called a doctor who said that he had upholsterosis and needed to get out more. So the family took him, and the couch, to the Grand Canyon, the Beach, and even the Lincoln Memorial but nothing could move him off the couch...UNTIL! Read He Came With the Couch to find out what finally gets him off the couch and what happens when the family has to buy a new chair!

Savvy by Ingrid Law

Meet the Beaumont family - Momma, Poppa, Rocket, Fish, Mibs, Samson, and Gypsy. They live with their Grandpa Bomba. They are not your ordinary family, except for Poppa. Grandpa Bomba can move mountains (and other parts of land) just by thinking about it; Momma does everything perfect (even when she doesn't try); Rocket has a special spark, he sends electricity through things and usually makes a mess; Fish has a storm brewing inside him, the wind and rain that appear are very unpredictable; Mibs (short for Mississippi), Samson and Gypsy are not thirteen yet, which is an important birthday for the Beaumonts. On their thirteenth birthday their SAVVY - a magical power - presents itself. Mibs is just days away from her thirteenth birthday and she cannot wait to find out what her SAVVY will be. Just days before her big day, Poppa is hurt in a bad car accident far away from home. Rocket and Momma leave the family to be at Poppa's bedside.

Things get worse for the remaining Beaumonts when Miss Rosemary, the preacher's wife, comes to take care of the family figuring that Grandpa Bomba needs her help. The problem now, is Miss Rosemary wants to have a birthday party for Mibs at the church. The Beaumonts know that this is not a good idea since they have no idea what Mibs' SAVVY will be and when it will present itself.

On her thirteenth birthday Mibs is excited and scared when she thinks about what will happen when her SAVVY appears. When Fish turned thirteen his SAVVY appeared as a storm which rapidly turned into a hurricane. Fish could not control his SAVVY so the family moved far away from any water. They settled between Kansas and Nebraska - which the family calls Kansaska-Nebransas. Now it is Mibs' turn, will she be able to control her SAVVY?

When Mibs' SAVVY presents itself she is very confused, but she is convinced that her SAVVY can save her Poppa. Join Mibs, Fish, Samson and the preacher's kids - Bobbi and Will Junior - on their wild ride to get to the hospital and save Poppa. What happens along the way surprises everyone.

This is the first novel for Ingrid Law - and she won a Newbery Honor Medal for the book! It is a magical tale of friendship and adventure. This is a book that you will find hard to put down once you start reading it.

Are You Ready to Play Outside? by Mo Willems

....and the winner is! The Hilton and Spencer first graders all voted for their favorite book of 2008 and the winner is Are You Ready to Play Outside? This book also won the Dr. Seuss award for 2008! Way to go first graders! Are You Ready to Play Outside? is a new Elephant & Piggie Book, which all our readers love! Gerald, the elephant and Piggie try to play outside until it rains. The rain ruins their fun, UNTIL they see two worms playing in the rain. Do Elephant and Piggie find happiness in the rain?

The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson; illustrated by Beth Krommes

The library awards are out! The American Library Association announced their medal winners Monday, January 26, 2009. The Caldecott winner is The House in the Night. Journey inside the house with the simple text, “In the house / burns a light/ In that light / rests a bed. / On that bed / waits a book". The illustrations are black and white, with yellow accents. Half way through the book the story begins to climb backward, watch the excitement of the students when they realize that the story is "rewinding". Enjoy the illustrations, it is this year's Caldecott medal winner!

What To Do About Alice? by Barbara Kerley

Alice Roosevelt was a very curious young lady. Her father was Teddy Roosevelt. Alice enjoyed "eating up the world." She wanted to go places, meet people, and do things. When Alice was young she watched as the academy girls walked properly down the walk to school. Alice went to school at home, where she had plenty of adventures. When Alice was seventeen her father became the President of the United States. Alice became a Goodwill Ambassador as she visited other countries as a representative of her father's presidency. This charming book follows the story of one of America's sweethearts - Alice, the President's daughter. See why the President once said, "I can be President of the United States, or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly DO BOTH!" Another possible Caldecott winner - tune in at the end of January to see if the illustrator, Edwin Fotheringham wins the Caldecott for his first picture book.

Edward's Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan

From the moment that Jake looked into Edward's beautiful blue eyes, he knew that Edward was something special. Those eyes, Jake knew, looked at the world in a way no one else could. Edward was destined for greatness.

Edward's Eyes is the story of a loving family. However, it is Jake and Edward that have a special bond. Jake loves Edward more than anyone! There is no one like Edward. He can throw a perfect knuckleball. Edward knows how to make people laugh and he always knows the right thing to say at the right moment.

For Jake and Edward, the summer is proving to be a time of great changes. However, Jake learns that not all changes are easy to accept. Friendships, family, love and loss are all beautifully examined in this short, simple book.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems

Wilbur is not like any other naked mole rat in his colony. He wears clothes...and he likes it! Even when the others in his colony tease him, Wilbur continues to pursue his love for clothes. Being different isn't easy. When the other naked mole rats see Wilbur dressed in clothes they say things like, "Ewwwwwwwww" and "Yuuuck". They even bring Wilbur in front of Grandpah, the oldest, wisest and most naked mole rat in the colony. What will happen to Wilbur and to his clothes?

Mo Willems is back! This engaging story promotes individuality and self-pride.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

What is the buzz about these books? I cannot keep them on the shelf in my libraries!! Jeff Kinney has a winner in his series of the Wimpy Kid. His third book came out this week and I had several requests for the book, before it came out! The Wimpy Kid books follow the life of Greg Heffley. Greg is in middle school and like many other middle school students there is a lot to deal with. Greg's mom buys him a diary to help him record his thoughts - he specifically asked her NOT to buy anything that had the word "diary" on it - in Greg's words, "Don't expect me to be all 'Dear Diary' this and 'Dear Diary' that". And so it begins ...

Did you know that the books started out on Funbrain.com in 2004, as daily entries in Greg's journal? What makes these books so popular? "They are just a lot of fun to read.", is a comment from one of my students. Pick one up today and have fun! Kinney also published a Do-It-Yourself Book (the orange one above) that allows you to create your own diary - “First of all, let me get something straight: This is a journal, not a diary.” - from Greg.
Watch for book 4 and 5 to be published soon!

Old Bear by Kevin Henkes

Old Bear falls asleep for the winter. He dreams about all the seasons. In his dream he is a cub in the spring sleeping in the flowers. He dreams about the butterflies and rain in the summer. In the fall everything he dreams about is yellow, orange, or brown, even the fish and the water! Then he dreams it is a beautiful winter day. When old bear wakes up he feels like no time has past, but when he steps outside it is spring ... and he is not dreaming! The illustrations in this book are wonderful. Mr. Henkes may be the Caldecott medal winner again this year for his illustrations (the award will be given out on Monday, January 26, 2009) . Visit Mr. Henkes' website for more information about his books and illustrations.

The Christmas Boot by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Michael Glenn Monroe

Michael Glenn Monroe is our very own hometown artist. When The Christmas Boot came out in the fall of 2007 we were all excited about his newest addition! This is a heart warming story about a lonely old woman who finds a boot on her property. When she puts the boot on her foot it magically molds to her size. The boot is very warm, so when she goes to bed that night she wishes that she had the mate to the boot so both her feet could be warm. When she wakes up the next morning, there is a pair of boots ... not just one boot! The old woman is amazed by the magic of the boot and she wishes for a pair of warm mittens. When she wakes up she finds a nice warm pair of red mittens inside of the boots. Will the woman continue to wish for things AND will she get everything she wishes for? Who does the boot belong to? Read this magical Christmas story and enjoy the incredible illustrations of our own Mike Monroe!

Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook by Georgeanne Brennan

We cannot keep the cookbooks in our library on the shelf! As soon as one comes in, it goes right back out. Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook is no exception. With Dr. Seuss' original words and illustrations this is a pleasure to read, plus you can make some great dishes : Green Eggs and Ham; Cat in the Hat Pudding; Sneech Salad; and Moose Juice and Schlopp. You will enjoy making this wacky recipes with your family.

17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore by Jenny Offill

Have you ever done something that your parents were not happy with? Did you get in trouble? Well, the main character in 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore gets into all kinds of trouble and she is not allowed to do those things anymore. The story starts out when she staples her brother's hair to his pillow and she was not allowed to use a stapler anymore. Next she glues her brother's slippers to the floor...while he is wearing them! She is not allowed to use glue anymore and on she goes, getting in trouble for the many things she does. After reading this story to my First Graders today they all voted at the end of the story that she was a very naughty girl and they would never do any of the things that she did in the story!

The Seems: The Glitch in Sleep by John Hulme

Imagine there is a world within our world that actually controls everything we know. The Seems are part of that world. They assign Fixers to take care of any issues that come up that will disturb our world. Becker is called for his first assignment...he must figure out how to get rid of the Glitch that is messing up everyone's sleep. Is he up for the task? If you enjoy this book, pick up the sequel - The Seems: The Split Second: Book 2.

Goldie Socks and the Three Libearians by Jackie Mims Hopkins

We all know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears right? Now take the characters, spin them a little and we have the new tale of Goldie Socks and Three Libearians. Goldie Socks was on her way to school one day, she was late so she took a shortcut through the woods. She came to a cottage made out of books! Goldie Socks loved books so she decided to try and go inside the cottage - the door was unlocked and she couldn't resist. Once inside the cottage Goldie Socks was amazed at the number of books she saw. The Three Libearians were at work. Papa was a public libearian, Mama was a school libearian, and Baby was a "libearian in training" at his pre-school. The Three Libearians came home for lunch to find someone had gone through their books and sat in the reading chairs. Did Goldie Socks find a "just right" book? Where will the Libearians find Goldie Socks in their cottage, in Papa's chair, on Mama's couch or in Baby's reading tent? We really enjoyed this fractured Fairy Tale, we hope you do too!

Thump, Quack, Moo: A Whacky Adventure by Doreen Cronin

The cows, the chickens, Farmer Brown, and Duck are back in their newest book. It is time for Farmer Brown to create his annual corn maze. Everyone helps out. The chickens build a fence, the cows paint the barn and Duck reluctantly builds the ticket booth. While Farmer Brown creates his corn maze, Duck puts his own special touches on the maze. See what happens when Duck and Farmer Brown take their hot air balloon ride to admire their masterpieces.

Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech

Jack is back! He is now in fifth grade and his teacher is Miss Stretchberry! Jack is thrilled that his fourth grade teacher moved up with his class, he tells her "you really get my brain". Last year Miss Stretchberry taught the class about poetry and had them write their own poetry. This year they will be expanding their knowledge of poetry and their exposure to different poets. In the same narrative format Jack takes us through his poetry journey with a lot of insight. We also meet Jack's parents and hear more of his life story. The cat that Jack hates, is a big black cat that torments him at his bus stop. In Love That Dog (see the review below) we learn that Jack's beloved dog, Sky, is killed by a car. In Hate That Cat, Jack cannot let go of the hurt of losing Sky until he receives a special Christmas gift that helps him get over the pain. Will Jack continue enjoying writing his poetry? What about those big words, onomatopoeia and alliteration? What do these words have to do with poetry? Join Jack on his poetry journey and you may learn a thing or two about writing poetry ... Miss Stretchberry (and your teacher) hope you do! Ms. Creech includes a great bibliography at the end of the book with the poetry books mentioned during the story.

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

Jack is a student is Miss Stretchberry's fourth grade class. The class is beginning to discuss and write poetry. Jack is not thrilled about this new development, after all, "Boys don't write poetry. Girls do." Soon Jack discovers anyone can write poetry ... you just have to write short lines. This is a great way to introduce writing poetry to students. They will enjoy Jack's comments throughout the story about how he does not like to write poetry, but when his teacher wants to type up Jack's works he starts to understand maybe he can write poetry. Jack begins to think poetry really isn't so bad, plus all the poems that Miss Stretchberry shares with the class are actually inspiring . Ms. Creech introduces us to poets such as William Carlos Williams and Walter Dean Myers. After hearing a poem by Walter Dean Myers called Love That Boy, Jack writes a poem about his beloved dog, Sky and he writes Love That Dog. The story is a truly enjoyable narrative by Jack. We learn so much about his life, and how we can all be a poet! Jack enjoys Walter Dean Myers' poems so much he invites him to school for a celebrity visit. Will Mr. Myers come? Read Love That Dog, I guarantee it is a winner! The story ends with the beginning of the next book, Hate That Cat (see the review above). Visit Ms. Creech's web site to see what other stories she has written.

All in Just One Cookie by Susan E. Goodman

Have you ever made chocolate chip cookies with your family? Did you ever think about where all the ingredients came from? In this non-fiction book Grandma takes us step by step though how to make chocolate chip cookies while we learn where the ingredients originated. Did you know that it takes twenty-one pounds of milk to make one pound of butter? Learn the fascinating facts about butter, salt, vanilla, flour and the main ingredient that makes the cookie so good - the chocolate chips! Yum - I think I am going to make some chocolate chip cookies right now!!

The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers

Henry loves books. Loves them so much that he begins to eat them at an alarming rate. The more books Henry eats the smarter he becomes. Everything is well and good until Henry starts to feel sick and all the things he has learned from eating books becomes jumbled in his mind. What will he do? Will he stop eating books?

Henry finally decides that it might be much better if he simply reads the books instead of eating them. Read the story to find out if this solves his problem.

The images in the book are just as delicious as the story itself. Jeffers used old library books and other papers to create the collages on each page. And watch out - there's a bite right out of the back of the book!

Apple Island: The truth about teachers by Douglas Evans

Why is Mrs. Gross such a crab? Bradley Zimmerman can't stand to go to school, he complains every day that Mrs. Gross is a bizarre teacher, and every day she confirms this when she tells the class things like, there is no need to include the silent letters in their spelling, do not put the b on "climb and dumb". In her New New New Math, upside down math includes 6x9=54 but 9x6=45 AND 1x1=11. Bradley decides, enough is enough and he vows to get to the bottom of this. Bradley sneaks into the "teacher's lounge" and finds a map of Apple Island-where all teachers come from. Then Mrs. Gross enters with another teacher and starts discussing "Operation Misteach". Bradley begins to understand that Mrs. Gross is there to destroy what all the good teachers are teaching the students. The next day Mrs. Gross takes her class on a field trip - to Apple Island! Will the class return home? Can Bradley save the day? The illustrations by Larry Di Fiori are fabulous.