Imagine having dozens of ice cream flavors lined up in front of you and only being able to spoon out a single scoop. Learning magazine’s children’s book reviewer, Kim Minafo, says her job is like that: “I review many wonderful children’s books for each issue of the magazine, but I have to narrow the field to just a half-dozen selections. For some issues, I pick my books right off the bat. For others, I change my mind countless times; I’m adding and subtracting titles right up until the final deadline. I always wish there were a way to fit in just a few more books!”
We have good news for Kim and all the other literature lovers out there: through our Tools of the Trade blog, we can share reviews of terrific titles that didn’t make it into the magazine. It’s not quite an ice cream smorgasbord, but it will give you the scoop on a few more new releases! Plus if you post a comment on our blog by Tuesday, November 3, you could win a copy of Come to the Fairies’ Ball by Jane Yolen. One lucky reader will win! (Update: Congratulations to Eliza, who is our winner! Keep watching our blog for most contests and chances to WIN!)
Spells
By Emily Gravett
 Can a lonely green frog, supplied only with torn pages from a book of spells, cast himself into a magical future? In a kiss-and-spell book that’s sure to be “ribbiting” for students, the would-be prince’s plight is determined by an unexpected twist—and a few lines of fine print.
Grades 1–5, $16.99. Simon & Schuster. |
Come to the Fairies’ Ball
By Jane Yolen
 With Cinderella-like familiarity and a dose of fairy magic, this story enchants across grade levels. Young students will happily listen to the rhyming text that depicts the troubles of a fairy who lacks formal wear on the night of the ball. Meanwhile, older children will enjoy the book’s challenging vocabulary and lyrical lilt. (Eliza, post a comment to let us know what your students think of the book!)
Grades 1–4, $17.95. Wordsong. |
Mystery Vine
By Cathryn Falwell
 Perfect for reading during harvesttime (and rereading as the seasons progress), this story helps students appreciate the life of a garden as they wonder about the identity of a mystery vine. The book is complete with recipes, a garden craft, and plans for a classroom book display.
Grades K–2, $16.99. Greenwillow. |
The Blue Shoe: A Tale of Thievery, Villainy, Sorcery, and Shoes
By Roderick Townley
 In a town where begging is a crime and the mayor’s wife shops without ever paying, everyone covets a single, blue bejeweled shoe. But no one, not even the mayor’s wife, can do more than admire it in the shoemaker’s window, waiting for the shoe’s buyer to claim it. When the shoemaker’s apprentice takes a single jewel from the shoe, the dazzling gems go gray. Can the shoe—and the village—be saved?
Grades 4+, $16.99. Knopf. |
************************************************
Stay tuned for another serving of book reviews—and another chance to WIN—in the days to come!
|
|
| Karen |
PS: Have you heard about the Elmer’s Glue Crew Recycling Program? Recycle your empty glue containers and win prizes! To learn more about this free program, click here now.
3 Comments |
|
Email This
The movie version of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox opens nationwide this month! Three lucky Learning readers will win a prize pack, which includes a movie poster, a copy of the book, a version of the book for younger readers, a sticker book, and the movie soundtrack. Hurry, the contest ends on Friday, November 20! To enter, click here now to go to the Learning homepage; then click on the Fantastic Mr. Fox info on the right.
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of a holiday classic, The Polar Express. At www.polarexpress.com, you’ll find ideas for using the book across the curriculum, games, and discussion guides for all of Chris Van Allsburg’s books. Plus, each day in December a special 25 Days of Polar Express Christmas Countdown Calendar will feature a new activity, recipe, game, or contest. What a fun addition for the holiday season!
