Opposites: A Bugs Pop-up Concept Book

Carter, David A.

Opposites is a very simple book that only features 7 pop-up illustrations of opposites using bugs. While the simplicity of the book may be appropriate for the point it is trying to make, it may be discouraging for older children. Younger children, however, may be so excited with the pop-up butterfly that they don’t seem to mind. Recommended. Brenna Chrsitiansen, Centennial Library Intern, Cedarville University

Roots and Blues: A Celebration

Adoff, Arnold
Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

This colorful and descriptive book of poems features word pictures and snapshots of the African-American life. There are poems that illustrate the life in slavery, in the South, and the time of early Blues music. This book would be very helpful and enjoyable for older children and adults who want to have a better appreciation for the history and culture of African-Americans. However, this book may not be suitable for younger children because of the raw portrayal of slavery and captivity featured in the poems and the illustrations within the book. Recommended .  Brenna Chrsitiansen, Centennial Library Intern, Cedarville University

The Boss Baby

Frazee, Marla

The Boss Baby is an entertaining and clever interpretation of what happens when a new baby is born into the family. Because the baby is often the center of attention and makes many demands, the author compares the baby to a boss of a business. Since the baby is the boss, he is able to control his parents and call many meetings. While the issue of adjusting to a new baby is a serious topic, the author does a great job of bringing humor to the situation. This book could be appropriate for children of all ages, especially children who have new brothers and sisters. Highly Recommended.  Brenna Chrsitiansen, Centennial Library Intern, Cedarville University

The Twelve Bots of Christmas

Hale, Nathan

The Twelve Bots of Christmas is a fun mechanical telling of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The robots, gears, and borgs come to life with vibrant colorful illustrations that keep the story animated and exciting. This would be a great book for both younger and older children who are growing tired of the well-loved classic. Even adults will enjoy the subtle references to the Christmas classic. Highly Recommended. Brenna Chrsitiansen, Centennial Library Intern, Cedarville University

Larue Across America: Postcards from the Vacation

Teague, Mark

Larue Across America is about Mrs. Larue and her dog. They were planning to go on a cruise for vacation, but when their neighbor, Mrs. Hibbins, is hospitalized during a heat wave, Mrs. Larue offers to take care of the cats. However, this means that they will be going on a road trip instead of a cruise. Hilarity and mishaps ensue when Larue’s dog, Ike, and the two cats interact. The trip is told from the perspective of Ike as he tries to convince Mrs. Hibbins to take her cats back. The illustrations are colorful and bright. There is also a good lesson to learn from this story. Even though they struggle to understand each other at first, Ike and Mrs. Hibbins’ cats become friends in the end. Highly Recommended.  Brenna Chrsitiansen, Centennial Library Intern, Cedarville University

Manners Mash-up: A Goofy Guide to Good Behavior

Arnold, Tedd

This adorable and hilarious book about manners is useful for teaching proper behavior while entertaining. Children can laugh at children juggling pickles, pigs starting food fights, and birds picking their toenails, while adults reinforce the lessons behind them. However, this book does feature some gross humor, such as urinating in the pool, picking a wedgie, and a plumber bending with his pants falling down. Overall, this book gets the message across while being goofy. Recommended

A Walk in London

Rubbino, Salvatore

A Walk in London is a informative fiction book that features a child and her mothertouring London. Along the way, they see Buckingham Palace, visit pelicans in St. James Park, and take a ferry ride on the River Thames. There many beautiful and colorful illustrations and interesting facts that highlight each page. There is also a helpful index in the back of the book in case you wanted to look for a certain famous landmark. Also, if you look carefully, you may be able to spot the royal family and their car throughout the book. Highly Recommended.  Brenna Chrsitiansen, Centennial Library Intern, Cedarville University