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rachelmuegge

Rachel's Book Blog

A blog about YA & Childrens books!

Magritte's Marvelous Hat

Magritte's Marvelous Hat - D.B. Johnson Clever and unique picture book filled with mixed media illustrations, animal characters, and a surrealistic style. There are multiple surprises on each page. Children will love the transparent, double-sided overlays and the use of everyday objects in non-traditional ways. The Author's Note at the end provides information about how this book was inspired by the paintings of Rene Magritte, a Belgian artist.

Barnum's Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World

Barnum's Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World - Tracey Fern, Boris Kulikov picture book biography

Rosa

Rosa - Nikki Giovanni, Bryan Collier Wonderful picture book biography. It has a strong, encouraging message, accurate details, and vocabulary that children can easily understand.

Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards))

Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade (Bank Street College of Education Flora Stieglitz Straus Award (Awards)) - Melissa Sweet Wonderful picture book biography! The mixed media, collage style illustrations are interesting and unique. I really enjoyed learning about Tony Sarg and how the Macy's Parade took off with his amazing work and dedication.

A Snicker of Magic

A Snicker of Magic - Natalie Lloyd I fell absolutely in love with this book. The characters are unique and entertaining, the setting is well developed and draws you right in, and the ending is heartwarming and satisfying! Enjoyed this book, especially the fun vocabulary and well developed characters! Great fantasy novel for grades 4-6.

Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake

Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake - Cynthia Rylant Wonderful easy reader series. Great for children who are ready for something a little more challenging than a picture book, but aren't quite ready to tackle a novel without picture support.

Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears

Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears - Emily Gravett Interesting and unique book! I loved how interactive it is! This clever mix of fiction and information will keep a younger reader fully engaged through all the mixed media illustrations. The collages, flaps, and cut outs are a wonderful addition to the story.

Rapunzel's Revenge

Rapunzel's Revenge - Dean Hale;Shannon Hale Graphic novel-interesting twist on the tradtional tale. The setting, action, and humor really surprised me.

Cinderella

Cinderella - Marcia Brown Beautifully written and illustrated. I like how this verison is different from the Disney one.

Soldier Bear

Soldier Bear - Bibi Dumon Tak Good for children grades 5 and up. This story is mostly lighthearted and takes place during WWII. Based on true events.

One Cool Friend

One Cool Friend - Toni  Buzzeo, David Small Clever story. I love the penguin theme of this book and the interesting main character! Kids would love it! The illustrations are filled with clues that bring to light the wonderful surprise at the end!

I Want My Hat Back

I Want My Hat Back - Jon Klassen Interesting picture book. I have mixed emotions about it. I liked that the book surprised me, but I didn't like that the bear lied and was revengeful at the end.

I, Too, Am America

I, Too, Am America - Langston Hughes Beautifully illustrated. The pictures are full of meaning. This book has few words but sends a strong message of equality and strength.

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse - Marilyn Singer Such a fun book full of brighly colored illustrations. I love how the book displays two points of view for each fairy tale through clever poems and illustrations. It would be fun for students to read and then try writing their own reversos!

The Night Tourist

The Night Tourist - Katherine Marsh This is an interesting fantasy book that would be good for middle school readers who enjoy mystery and ghost stories. I like the book because it has a surprising, supernatural twist. Almost each chapter leaves you with some sort of suspense, making you want to turn the page. I like the author’s use of stylish language and humor. This helped to lighten up some of the more serious topics in the book such as death and the broken father-son relationship. What I didn’t like about the book is the main character’s ghostly friend dies from committing suicide. Depending on the mentality and age of the reader, this topic may not be an appropriate for some young readers.

This Moose Belongs to Me

This Moose Belongs to Me - Oliver Jeffers Humorous and engaging story! Children will love it! Great message!