Book Bites -- June 2011
by Houston Family Magazine
This Month’s Selections from Your Harris County Librarians
Toddlers (Ages 1 – 3)
Baby Says Moo! • by JoAnn Early Macken
Ask Baby what people say, what dogs say, what horses say, or what birds say, and Baby has only one answer: “Moo!”
Little Mouse’s Big Secret • by Éric Battut
Little Mouse has found a delicious-looking apple and doesn’t want to share a bite. So he buries it, and no matter how many of his friends ask what he hid, he won’t tell. But when a tree sprouts from the seeds of the fruit, Little Mouse thinks again about sharing.
Hush, Little Horsie • by Jane Yolen
Rhyming text assures foals that their mothers are watching over them while they leap on a farm, frolic on a beach, gallop on a plain, and sleep in a stall.
Picture Books (Pre K – K)
Cloudette • by Tom Lichtenheld
This charming book tells the story of a little cloud who dreams of being as big and important as the other clouds and then makes it happen.
The Loud Book! • by Deborah Underwood
From the blare of an alarm clock in the morning to snores and crickets in the evening, simple text explores the many loud noises one might hear during the course of a day.
Me…Jane • by Patrick McDonnell
Holding her stuffed toy chimpanzee, young Jane Goodall observes nature, reads Tarzan books, and dreams of living in Africa and helping animals.
Early Readers (Grades 1 – 3)
The Loopy Coop Hens • by David Catrow
Chickens Pip, Midge, and Dot admire Rooster Sam and his ability to fly up to the barn roof, but when they spy on him to see how he does it, they get a big surprise.
Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade • by Stephanie Greene
Posey’s fear of starting first grade is alleviated when her teacher invites the students to wear their most comfortable clothes to school on the first day.
The Trouble with Chickens • by Doreen Cronin
J.J. Tully is a former search-and rescue dog who’s trying to enjoy his retirement after years of daring, life-saving missions—so he’s not terribly happy when two chicks named Dirt and Sugar and their chicken mom show up demanding his help in tracking down the chicks’ missing siblings.
Children’s Fiction & Nonfiction (Grades 4 – 6)
Come Fall • by A.C.E. Bauer
Drawn together by a mentoring program and an unusual crow, middle school misfits Salman, Lu, and Blos form a strong friendship despite teasing by fellow students and the maneuverings of fairies Oberon, Titania, and Puck.
The Zombie Chasers • by John Kloepfer
When zombies take over Phoenix, Arizona, Zack Clarke, his best friend Rice, and his older sister’s mean friend Madison Miller team up to try to defeat the undead, or at least survive one another.
Liar, Liar: The Theory, Practice and Destructive Properties of Deception • by Gary Paulsen
Kevin doesn’t mean to make trouble when he lies. He’s just really good at it, and it makes life so much easier. But as his lies pile up, he finds himself in big—and funny—trouble with his friends, family, and teachers. Now, he’s got to find a way to stop lying forever.
Teen Fiction and Nonfiction (Ages 12 & up)
Inside Out • by Maria V. Snyder
Trella is one of the teeming masses of “scrubs” who live in the lowest regions of the dank and crowded construct known simply as “Inside.” She spends her free time exploring the forbidden Upper Levels, but her solitary, peaceful life is about to be disturbed when a prophet comes and promises a better life for her people.
Beyonders: A World Without Heroes • by Brandon Mull
Fourteen-year-old Jason Walker is transported through a tunnel at the local zoo to a strange world called Lyrian, where he joins Rachel, who was also drawn there from our world, to piece together the Word that can destroy the malicious wizard emperor, Surroth.
How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy • by Crystal Allen
When thirteen-year-old, bowling-obsessed Lamar Washington finds out that his idol is coming to town, he finds himself involved in some unsavory activities as he tries to change his image to impress people.
