Beginning Reader Branches Book

The Notebook of Doom #1: Rise of the Balloon Goons by Troy CummingsWhen Alexander moves to a new town, he's certain something is wrong. He's right to be frightened. Tires deflate, balloons appear to launch menacing attacks...and he's found a notebook containing, well, creatures that bring certain DOOM! Troy Cummings' new series strikes a perfect balance of silly and scary. Recent readers will feel assured by the balance of text and illustration in Branches books and excited when they're able to read an entire series of chapter books alone.

Fact-paced, exciting, and humorous, The Notebook of Doom will have even reluctant readers excited for the next installment.

Another stellar picturebook

 

Jemmy Button by Jennifer Uman & Valerio Vidali
Jemmy Button is based on the actual life of a man of the same name who was taken from his home to be educated in Western culture and society. A collaboration between Uman and Vidali, the book provides the chance to observe the world through someone else's eyes. The book's stunning illustrations are colorful and graphic, and the collaborators turn what could be a history lesson into a compelling story for children and adults.

Matilda & Hans by Yokococo

 

Matilda is a perfectly good child. Hans is a total terror. These two couldn't be more different. When Hans releases all the animals from the zoo, Matilda does what any good citizen would and turns him in. How did Matilda know who did this deed? When Hans pulls off his mask, all will be revealed! Delightful fun from beginning to surprising end, kids will be clamoring for you to "read it again!"

More Bink & Gollie!

Bink & Gollie Best Friends Forever
Before you open this book you must find someone to read it aloud to, or find a young reader to read it to you. Why? As Bink & Gollie know, laughter is better with a friend. Bink and Gollie are back in their third book. Though they may not always see things eye to eye (I mean, Bink is a great deal shorter than Gollie) they always realize being friends is the most important thing in the world-- even more important than pancakes or princesses. Tony Fucile's lively illustrations expand upon the text, adding humor and energy. I hope DiCamillo, McGhee, and Fucile continue the series; every book has been pitch-perfect!

FArTHER by Grahame Baker-Smith

 

This moving picture book spans three generations of men, all visited by the the dream of flight. Each generation is joined by their common dream and the emotional release that flight brings. FArTHER is about fathers, but it's also about going farther geographically, emotionally, and intellectually. Sorrowful yet joyful, FArTHER will have readers soaring on changing currents of emotion until they land, uplifted and inspired. (You may wish to take a handkerchief along for the flight.)

More beautiful illustrations from Stephen Savage

Polar Bear Morning by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Stephen Savage
The companion to Polar Bear Night, Polar Bear Morning finds the little cub out exploring her world. The day holds much in store: other creatures, activities, and even a new friend. Savage's illustrations feature bold shapes and surprising palettes that set an immediate mood for each spread. Even infants will be drawn to the simple forms and playful colors. Simple text and illustrations combine to create a beautiful book that would make a great baby shower gift.

Great! Fun!

Exclamation Mark Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Exclamation Mark is not like the periods. But what will happen when a question mark comes along? It turns out, sometimes, you to need to exclaim things. Like "This is an amazing book!" Or "Teachers will love Exclamation Mark!" Silly, smart, and even educational, it's sure to have people exclaiming, "Wow! Read this!"

Good Fun

 

 

Adventures of Superhero Girl by Faith Erin Hicks

Remember when you had a terrible day at school and you'd spent the hours before dinner reading Calvin and Hobbes to feel a bit better? (What do I mean remember, this totally still happens.) Anyway, now that the time between work and dinner is much shorter, just a few pages of the Adventures of Superhero Girl are what you need. It's good, smart, fun and watching Faith's interpretation of a 20-something superhero with money and dating issues makes your own issues look a bit more manageable. Added bonus? Readers who've loved Zita the Spacegirl will have Superhero Girl waiting when they become teenagers!

A Wrinkle in Time: Graphic Novel

Translating a book to another medium is always difficult, but Hope Larson's graphic novelization of A Wrinkle in Time retains most of the scenes and dialog. While I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who hasn't read the book (everybody needs a chance to visualize the book on their own), Hope's adaptation will make the text more approachable to visual learners and L'Engle fans. Black and white illustrations are given added depth with the use of a pale blue. I was intrigued by the way Faith highlights Meg's emotional arc in her adaptation. But no matter who you are, you're sure to find a plot, character or mood detail interpreted in a way you'd never considered and it is this that makes the adaptation worth reading.

Astonishing.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

It's evident that Eleanor doesn't fit in from the moment she steps on the school bus and while Park know it's social suicide to share his seat with her, he does anyway. This small gesture grows to sharing music, comic books, and kisses. Park is Eleanor's escape from her home, from the struggle that is living in a poor, abused family. Park's life isn't perfect, but seen through Eleanor's eyes, it's more than anyone could hope for. These realistic details rocket Rainbow Rowell's book from a beautiful story of love to one that considers heartbreaking realities; the result is stunning. Rainbow Rowell's novel will have readers sobbing as they press the book into their best friend's hands. Remember when we told you you'd love The Fault in Our Stars? This is what you need to read next.