CTV's Starr Dobson's first book

My Goat Gertrude
Written by Starr Dobson
Illustrated by Dayle Dodwell
Recommended for ages 3-8.
Nimbus Publishing $18.95

This past week we were fortunate to host CTV’s Starr Dobson at Benjamin’s Books for the celebration of her book, My Goat Gertrude. We soon discovered that Starr is as nice a person off-camera as she is on Live at 5. And wow – does she have loyal fans!

Gertrude Allawishes is a goat that loves to eat anything she can get in her mouth – but really are there any goats out there that don’t eat everything in sight?? (When I was a child, our pet goat, Cindy, was known for munching on cigarettes – back when it was okay to smoke!!) Starr’s Dad brought Gertrude home to help around the house primarily to eat the grass but the family quickly found out that Gertrude ate more than just grass. She gobbled socks off the line, hair elastics and even tasty chocolate treats!

One day, Starr’s cousin Leanne comes to visit and instead of bringing 2 chocolate bars, she only brings one. On this day, Leanne is more in the mood to tease than to share. This infuriates Starr who chases Leanne around the rambling yard trying to get a piece of the bar. Gertrude wants in on the action and eventually snatches the WigWag bar and devours it in its entirety. Yikes!

For their behaviour, the girls are reprimanded by their parents but secretly Starr is pleased that Gertrude ate the bar. She now knows that Gertrude would go to great lengths to protect her – even as far as eating candy wrappers.

My Goat Gertrude is Starr Dobson’s first book. Part of the proceeds of the sale of this book will go to Special Olympics Nova Scotia.

Dayle Dodwell’s illustrations are whimsical and life like. This is the Nova Scotia native’s first children’s book, as well.

Big Nate On A Roll

Big Nate On A Roll

Written and Illustrated by Lincoln Pierce

Harper Collins $13.99

Recommended for ages 8-12

What started out as a comic strip in more than 200 U.S. newspapers has turned into a young readers’ phenomenon. Lincoln Peirce has created a memorable character to which many boys can relate. Big Nate is a 6^th grader who is “world-class goof-off and definitely not the teacher’s pet”. He does however belong to the Timber Scouts and in this latest adventure he is doing everything in his power to win the coveted first prize awarded to the top seller of Warm Fuzzies. Nate wonders aloud if there could be a worse product to sell door-to-door! Really, who wants a fuzzy wall hanging with a tacky saying on it?

Although the entire school population (teachers and students alike) adore the new student, Artur, Nate views him as his biggest rival. Much to Nate’s surprise Artur has joined the Timber Scouts this year! Now both boys are chasing the big prize! Will Nate’s antics keep him from winning the customizable skateboard or will he figure out a way to surpass Artur and roll away on his new set of wheels?

Comic books have been around for ages and are the reason many people (especially boys) start to read. The visuals and text boxes interspersed with the story line in the Big Nate books make for an interesting read especially for children with a great sense of humour.

Peirce is also the creator of Big Nate: In a Class By Himself and Big Nate Strikes Again.

Heading back to school with Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes

Written by Eric Litwin

Art by James Dean

Harper Collins Canada $18.99

Recommended for ages 3-7.

As we all prepare to head back to school and face new challenges, in this fun story we follow Pete as he heads in that direction as well. This laid-back cat has nothing to worry about as he rocks it out in his school shoes (which just happen to be flashy red hightop sneakers). He visits a place “down that hall to a room with books on every wall.” Although he has never been to a library or a lunchroom or on the school playground, Pete doesn’t worry. He just sings his song, “I’m singing in my school shoes, I’m painting in my school shoes, I’m writing in my school shoes…”

The whimsical artwork by James Dean is as silly as the story itself with images of a bus full of cats from Cat City heading off to school or Pete standing at the blackboard doing math facts with his big red shoes on.

What’s neat about this new book is that Pete’s song can be downloaded from the publisher’s website (and trust me once you hear the song you will never the read the book without singing it that way…). There are also games and activities on this site that relate to Pete.

Litwin and Dean also collaborated on the original Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes which is a huge hit with teachers.

Summerhouse Time - a beautiful summer read!

Our summer days are literally filled with swimming, soccer, kayaking and shooting hoops. So when I was lucky enough to escape to our bookstore (for the whole day), I sat and read Summerhouse Time in its entirety. Peg had recommended this gem to me awhile ago and am I glad she did! I have read and enjoyed other books by Eileen Spinelli and her husband Jerry Spinelli (of Stargirl fame) so I should not be surprised at how much I loved this story. At times, I felt like she was writing about my own family. A beautiful summer read that will appeal to girls aged 9-12.

Summerhouse Time

Written by Eileen Spinelli

Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Recommended for ages 9-12.

Random House $6.99

Lately I have become a huge fan of free verse. Is it because I love the quick nature of the story being told? Is it because my reading time seems to be reduced lately? Or is it, as my husband would suggest, my disdain for great detail? Whatever the reason, free verse (a form of poetry that does not rhyme or have a regular meter) appeals to me.

Through free verse, Summerhouse Time tells the beautiful story of Sophie and her extended family as they live together in peace (for the most part) for the month of August at their rented pink cottage on the ocean. In her opinion, the month spent together is even better than Christmas!

This year, things are a little different. Sophie’s cousin Colleen, now fourteen, is mad at the world and is not enjoying her days at the cottage. Sophie is heartbroken as she looks up to Colleen and is taking this change personally. Instead of bunking in with her older cousin, Sophie is now sharing a room with Tammy, her 5-year-old cousin. The shoe is on the other foot for this 11 year-old!

Despite Aunt Liz losing her job and Sophie’s Dad suffering a panic attack, the rituals remain somewhat in tact. With the help of Baby James, Colleen eventually comes out of her funk and joins the family in their fun, albeit in a teenage sort of way.

Throughout the month, Sophie encourages 12 year-old Cooper to dip his feet in the ocean overcoming his thalassophobia. Between Grandmom’s mint tea and Grandpop’s opera singing, it seems that no problem is insurmountable. That is until, Sophie’s cat, Orange, slips out the cottage door and goes missing for days. Will she ever see her precious pet again?

As Sophie’s mom reminds her “life is never perfect “. There are great lessons to be learned in this simple yet engaging story that combines family and summer. What could be better?

Rush is a real rush!

I have had a copy of Rush by Jonathan Friesen on my bedside for months now. I have now completed it and reviewed it for our local weekly paper. It was a fast, action-packed read that had me inside Jake King's mind and made me grateful for my slower-paced life in Southern New Brunswick. here it is...

Rush

Written by Jonathan Friesen

Recommended for young adults.

Penguin Books $12.50

Jake King is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie! Nothing clears his confused mind like riding his bike down the side of a mountain or climbing a rock wall without any harnesses. Nothing that is except being in the company of his best friend /secret crush Salome Lee. Salome and Jake have grown up as next-door neighbors and been friends since they were young children. Although neither one admits it, there is more to their relationship than just friends!

Jake’s home life has a lot to be desired. His Mom left years ago. His Dad is the not-so-popular owner of the mill where the majority of the townspeople work. He is also a veteran firefighter. Scottie, Jake’s older brother, has just left town mysteriously. His career as a firefighter was short-lived. Does he know something about the secret world of The Immortals?

When Jake finally gets expelled from high school, his father pulls some strings to get him a much sought-after spot on the hotshot crew of firefighters who rappel into wildfires. This is the perfect job for a lost soul like Jake. Or is it? Will he have to risk his life (and even Salome’s) to prove his worth to the man they call Mox?

This is the fastest-paced book I have ever read. As with Jerk, California, you feel as though you are inside the racing mind of the main character. We are never told that Jake has a specific diagnosis however from his actions it is apparent that there are ADHD tendencies. This makes for a choppy read yet an interesting story about a world of fighting wildfires in California with a little romance thrown in for good measure.

Jonathan Friesen is also the author of Jerk, California and The Last Martin.

Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers

Stink and the World’s Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers

Written by Megan McDonald

Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Recommended for ages 6-9

Candlewick Press $6

Our latest Mother-Son Book Club choice is a fun tale about a younger brother who discovers that his uncanny ability to sniff things out comes in handy in more ways than one. What starts out as a class field trip to the science museum for James ‘Stink’ Moody, younger brother of Judy, turns into a self-discovery exercise. The Gross-Me-Out exhibit was meant to be just that – a disgusting exhibit that makes second grade children squirm! In fact, what really happens is that Stink finds out he has an extremely keen sense of smell. He is drawn to the giant nose display, which in turn leads him to the “Everybody Stinks” exhibit where he has to match a body odor with the body part from which it came. No one else in the class is brave enough to attempt this! After successfully making all of the matches, it is time for the class to eat lunch. It is while they are eating that Stink’s teacher hands out flyers letting the children know about an upcoming stinky sneaker contest. Stink is sure that with his putrid pair of sneakers at home, he will win the contest hands-down!

A few weeks later, upon arrival at the contest, Stink and his friends are told that the contest may not happen as one of the judges has come down with a cold and is unable to participate. It is then that Stink is asked to throw his hyper-sensitive nose forward and become a judge. Despite his apprehension, Stink foregoes his chance to take home the Golden Clothespin Award and uses his unnatural ability to sniff out the worst and most rank pair of shoes in the contest. What a team-player!

Stink is Judy Moody’s younger brother and has his own series of adventures including Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, Stink: The Guinea Pig Express and Stink: Solar System Superhero. The recently released movie, Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer is based on the Judy Moody series, also written by Megan McDonald.

It's graduation time...

Only One You

Written and Illustrated by Linda Kranz

Recommended for those moving on…

Rising Moon Books $16.95

It’s that time of year again…children of all ages moving on to different stages in their life. Although none of our children are graduating as such, our oldest son is moving on to middle school. Here he will thrive, make new friends and no doubt learn all kinds of interesting things. Our hope is that he (and of course, our other 3 children as well) will make the world a better place no matter what they decide to do.

In this adorable picture book, Mama and Papa decide that it is time to impart wisdom on their little Adri as he sets out in the sea of life. They remind him that “There’s only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place.” As he sets out on his journey, they tell him many simple truths including “Know when to speak; know when to listen.” and “If something gets in your way, move around it.” and one we all aspire to “set aside some quiet time to relax and reflect every day.” The lessons are simple but invaluable!

Each page shows the rockfish and his parents set against real photographs of the sea implying that there are experiences to be had no matter where your life takes you. The background of vibrant blues are a stunning contrast to the many brightly coloured fish of the sea. Kranz has written another book called Let’s Rock: Rock Painting for Kids which explains the use of rockfish as characters. Very unique indeed!

For those who have someone in their life graduating or moving on to a new stage, this sweet book will fit the bill when it comes to offering advice on life. It all comes down to the basics: Smile often. Slow down and notice details around you. Be kind.

Thanks for introducing us to this book, Heidi!

The Year Mrs. Montague Cried book launch Saturday, May 28

Last week I was honored to be asked to act as a bookseller for Sue White's recent book launch on the Kingston Peninsula in rural NB. Sue's book, The Year Mrs. Montague Cried, is a touching tale that tells the story of an elementary teacher who is grieving the loss of her 20 year old son who was killed tragically in a car accident. The story is from the perspective of 9 year old Taylor who makes journal entries during writing class each day. As Taylor watches her teacher attempt to re-enter the world of elementary school, she is dealing with her younger brother, Corey's horrific cancer diagnosis.

The journal entries are often silly as they would be coming from a 9 year old girl. Taylor loves Top 10 lists (who doesn't?). But just as many are silly, many more are serious and really make the reader (or in our case the listeners) stop and think about how Mrs. Montague or Taylor may be feeling.

Sue and her husband experienced loss 12 years ago when their 20 year old son Zach was taken in a car accident. This book is dedicated to Zach. Although it is not autobiographical, there are many parts of the book that reflect the White's experience. As a teacher on the Peninsula for over 24 years, Sue and her family welcomed many friends and former students to the launch. It was truly a community event of which I was proud to be a part!

Although the topics in this book may be considered heavy, they are undoubtedly real! Daniel (10), Mac (9) and I look forward to reading this beautiful story each night. It is one I will definitely share with our girls as they get a little older. I highly recommend this as a read-aloud for family reading together.

We will be celebrating the launch of Sue's book at Benjamin's Books on Saturday, May 28 at 1pm. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Jeremiah Learns to Read - The Great Elementary Read

Jeremiah Learns to Read

Written by Jo Ellen Bogart

Illustrated by Rick and Laura Fernandez

Scholastic Canada $7.99

Recommended for ages 5-10

On the heels of The Big Rothesay Read, another celebration of literacy has launched: The Great Elementary Read. This year’s title is a family favourite of ours that tells the tale of old Jeremiah who has never been taught to read and the children that fill his days with wonder and encouragement.

Jeremiah is a white-haired gentleman who “knew how to grow beautiful tomatoes, long green cucumbers and juicy cobs of corn, but he didn’t know how to read.” He looks for advice on how to learn to read from his brother, Jackson, his wife, Juliana and even his old sheepdog. None of them can offer him the help he needs so he takes matters into his own hands and heads off to the one-room schoolhouse with the village children.

Mrs. Trumble welcomes him with open arms and begins to teach him sounds, letters and eventually how to write. As the days pass, Jeremiah spends his time teaching his classmates to “chirp like a chickadee and honk like a goose”. He even “taught Mrs. Trumble to make applesauce and to whistle through her teeth.”

Eventually Jeremiah is able to fulfill Juliana’s wish to have him read to her. One special night he chooses a book and reads a lovely selection of poetry to her. This in turn inspires her to learn to read. “Jeremiah smiled at Juliana. “First thing after breakfast, my love.” And Jeremiah turned off the light.”

This simple yet meaningful story reminds us that everyone has their own strengths. All of us have something to offer to the world!

In celebration of The Great Elementary Read, Jo Ellen Bogart will be visiting Benjamin’s Books on April 26 from 3-5. Everyone is welcome to join us.

We can't get enough of Junie B. Jones....

Here is my latest review for KV Style... Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim’s Birthday Written by Barbara Park Illustrated by Denise Brukus Random House $5.99 Recommended for ages 6 – 9 You know it’s a good sign when our four children are sitting around the dinner table listening raptly as I bring our old friend Junie B. to life with her unique vocabulary and foolish antics. Even Jamie was laughing out loud and claimed listening to the story was his “apple of the day”. Junie B. Jones is feeling left out when “that Jim” invites all of Room Nine to his birthday party except her. In true Junie B. fashion, she tries all different angles to get herself invited. She decides she will move away from her neighbourhood in an effort to avoid the planning for the festivities. When her mother insists that she go to school she preys on the weak and snatches Shy William’s invitation and claims it as her own. That decision lands her in the Principal’s office, a place she knows well. Grampa Frank Miller comes to the rescue with a request for Junie B.’s help in fixing his toilet. Coincidentally, he will be fixing it at the very time that the party is taking place. Fixing the toilet is one of Junie’s favourite things to do with Grampa so she is thrilled to oblige until she realizes she will be missing the party!Things turn around for Junie when Principal intercepts and insists that Jim give her the invitation that was meant for her. Hmmmm – this is good news. Or is it? As Junie finds out, going to a party means a bath and washing her hair and giving up time with Grampa Miller. Oh, the pressure! Junie B. learns a valuable lesson here: Be careful what you wish for! This is only one of many Junie B. stories and as long as your listeners know that Junie B. may be a little saucy and her actions may not always be the right, there are a lot of laughs to be had in reading them.

The Big Rothesay Read 2011 - Jerk California

Well, the highly anticipated title of The Big Rothesay Read 2011 has been announced and the response so far has been remarkable.

Jerk California is the story of Sam Carrier, a young man who has dealt with many challenges in his short eighteen-year life. Raised by his mother and stepfather, Old Bill, Sam endures abuse and endless lies about his biological father. Saddled with Tourette’s syndrome, Sam runs long distance to help deal with his tics. It is on one of his runs that he encounters Naomi. Although the two are not in the same social circle, there is an odd chemistry between them.

Upon graduating from high school, Sam feels it is time to move out his childhood home. It is then through a series of events that he meets George, the town “coot”. George teaches Sam more about life than he could ever imagine. He also encourages Sam to travel across the country to gain insight into his deceased father. Throughout the journey, he meets many of his father’s friends who provide him with truths about the man he never knew. Naomi, a fellow high school student, on whom he has a huge crush, joins Sam on the cross-country trek. Their friendship blossoms over the two-week trip and he discovers that Naomi is hiding a life-changing secret. Based on his own life experiences, Sam attempts to help her make the right decision.

Although this book is certainly not an autobiography, Sam’s struggle with Tourette’s is based on the author’s personal life. Readers will finish this book and undoubtedly have empathy and compassion for those with afflictions over which they have no control. This is a perfect story for young adults and adults alike especially if they are looking for quality conversations around the dinner table.

I can't tell you what I'm reading but.....

These days I am rereading a great book but I can't tell you what the title is. Why, you ask? Well, if you wait until Wednesday, March 16, the title of The Big Rothesay Read 2011 will be announced and this great community-literacy event will once again be the talk of the town.

So because I can't tell you what I am reading, I will instead tell you what two of my children are reading, in their own words.

Eliza is excited to be reading a "chapter book" called Summer with Elisa by Johanna Hurwitz.

"Elisa is in grade one and has just finished school. Her brother is 11 and is going to camp. Her mother says she is going to write him letters while he is at camp. Elisa wants her mother to write her letters but she is at home so her mom says when she is older she can go to camp and receive letters BUT she doesn't want to go away from home." Stay tuned for further updates on this book.

Mac is reading Big Nate Strikes Again by Lincoln Pierce. He read the first Big Nate and loved it.

"Nate is in grade six. His guidance counsellor puts baby pictures of her students up on the bulletin board. Nate thinks that one of the baby pictures of a girl is the girl that he really likes. In fact, he says she is the "best looking baby by far". He makes a mistake and it turns out that it is his arch-nemesis, Gina. She thinks she is the greatest girl in the world. She gets straight As every year. Nate thinks Gina is annoying and irritating. A lot of the book is comics and I like that."

We are off to read The Dump Man's Treasure by Lynn Plourde.

Happy Reading.

An Oldie but a Goodie...

When it comes right down to it, there is no better feeling in the world than cuddling up and reading to your children, no matter their age. Earlier this evening, I settled onto Eliza's bed and happily read one of our favourites by Julia Donaldson, Monkey Puzzle. "Hush little monkey, don't you cry. I'll help you find her said Butterfly."

Our baby, Nora (who by the way is not a "real baby - just my baby" as she sternly reminds me everyday) is really beginning to enjoy "reading" her picture books these days. She has an uncanny ability to memorize words which in turn makes her feel very grown up. Monkey Puzzle is a new favourite of hers but an old favourite for the rest of us. Mac, who was in his room next door reading Double Fudge, couldn't resist joining us to read this sweet story of the monkey who lost his Mum.

Then a couple of hours later, it was my turn to read with the boys. We are currently reading The People of Sparks, which is the sequel to The City of Ember. Despite the boys being 8 and 10, they still love to be read to each night. It is like the great equalizer at the end of the day - no matter who argued with who, we are all in our happy place as we read together to end the day. It is my hope that they will let me read to them for many more years!

Here is my recent review for this great post-apocalyptic tale...

The People of Sparks: The Second Book of Ember

Written by Jeanne DuPrau

Recommended for ages 9-12.

$7.99

It had been years since I read the first book in this series, The City of Ember, and I was intrigued with the whole idea of a civilization living below the Earth’s surface. The story has always stayed with me so I was thrilled when Mac came home from school and said that his teacher was reading this really neat book to the class. “It’s all about this world where the people are running our of light and the mayor is greedy and keeps all kinds of food and lightbulbs to himself and there are two kids who are trying to escape because they know there is world beyond theirs…” I knew it had to be Ember that he was referring to. He was shocked to hear that I too, had read the book and loved it. We then made a promise that together we would read the second book in the series.

So now each night, the boys and I live side by side with Lina and Doon as they discover that the residents of Sparks are not what they first believed them to be. Initially, they were welcomed with open arms and provided food and shelter but as the food becomes scarce, the visitors are resented and mysterious things start to happen throughout the village. Just as the two teenagers led their entire community out of Ember, Lina and Doon are now faced with the gargantuan task of keeping peace between the Emberites and the people of Sparks.

Although this book is more than seven years old, it is one that should not be forgotten for those who love science fiction and imagining what would happen to the world if ever there was a natural disaster that ended civilization.

Scaredy Squirrel has a birthday party

Here is my latest review for KVStyle:

Scaredy Squirrel has a birthday party
Written and Illustrated by Melanie Watt
Recommended for ages 4-8.
$16.95

It’s birthday time for the famous, fearful rodent. As he has for all of his birthdays, Scaredy busily plans his party for one. He really prefers to celebrate by himself since there are so many unknowns that could arise if other creatures are invited. A few that are especially frightening for Scaredy are Big Foot, ants, clownfish, ponies and porcupines.

As he ventures off to mail his invitation to himself, he discovers a birthday card from his friend, Buddy. For a brief moment in time, Scaredy thinks it would be a good idea to invite Buddy to his party. So he quickly addresses the invitation to Buddy and hopes for the best. “But inviting a guest is one risky move!” Now the man of honour must start to organize his party for two. He selects the conversation topics for small talk, determines the dos and don’ts of partying (with the only ‘do’ being to sit quietly) and finally prepares the timeline for the one-hour party.

As is often the case, when planning a party – the best-laid plans do not always work out! At precisely 1pm, Scaredy is literally scared out of his tree. Buddy has brought all kinds of friends to join in the celebration. Will Scaredy Squirrel survive the commotion? Perhaps he may enjoy it (even if he won’t admit it)!

This is Melanie Watt’s fifth book in the Scaredy Squirrel series

Winter Wonderland

The snow drifts are high and the sun is shining - a perfect day for skiing. Although our family won't be hitting the slopes for a month or so, Jim and his friends will heading to Sugarloaf this weekend. Let's hope the skiing conditions remain perfect for them...

In the meantime, I look forward to starting my new book club book tonight Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian. Last night I finished Jumpstart the World by CatherinA very strange young adult that addresses a number of issues, the most prominent of which is transgenders.

Elle is a fifteen year old girl who is living on her own in an apartment because her Mom's new boyfriend doesn't care for her. Elle meets Frank (formerly Frannie) and immediately develops a crush on him. The story spans a few months in which a lot happens. Whenever I read a book, I am always thinking of which of our customers would enjoy it. This book has stumped me. I cannot pinpoint exactly who would like this - perhaps a very mature high school student who likes off beat stories.

We are off to Eliza's first-ever basketball game and then to Daniel's hockey game. I guess supper will be pb & j on pita in the van on the way to the rink. As my friend's mother once told her, every meal does not have to be an occasion!!

Happy Reading!

Mary Ann