Always My Grandpa by Linda Scacco

 

Always My Grandpa
by Linda Scacco

Every summer Daniel and his mom visit Daniel's Grandpa, who is great fisherman and storyteller that lives by the sea.

On the way to their visit, Mom reminds Daniel that Grandpa will probably be different this summer.  When Grandpa had begun to forget daily things, it was discovered by the doctor that he has the onset of Alzheimer's.  But when they first arrive to Grandpa's, he seems like his old self, telling tall fishing stories and playing with Daniel.

After some time, Daniel begins to see how Grandpa is different.  He left the stove on, which could have created a fire.  He forgot who Daniel and his mom were once.  He couldn't remember Daniel's friends name, even after being told numerous times.  All of this together was very upsetting to Daniel, but his mom handles it very well.

By the end of the story, Mom has decided that Grandpa is moving back home with them.  Though this may not happen so neatly in real life, it was a clean ending to the book.  The reader feels the love of the family.


Written for a younger school audience, 1st-4th grade, this would be a great story for any family dealing with grandparents or older loved ones diagnosed with dementia or alzheimer's, whether as a read-aloud or read-alone.  The soothing, watercolor sketch pictures offer an extra comfort to the story.

  

Big Bad Sheep

Big Bad Sheep

When a few sheep in the meadow overhear the Three Little Pigs yelling, "The Wolf is Dead! The Wolf is Dead!" two sheep friends, Karl and Locke, begin to wonder what The Big Bad Wolf was really like.

     "What do you think he was like? Bad!"
     "Really bad?"
     "Of course." Karl knew what he was talking about. "That's the way wolves     are."

As the conversation continues Karl realizes that The Big Bad Wolf was paid and his job is now officially open.  Karl, the sheep, wants to be The Big Bad Wolf.  He will apply for the job.

Karl and Locke walk to the Job Center, interviewed by the office manager, an official dwarf.  After much convincing the dwarf hands over the wolf's clothing where Karl will be on probation for 2 days. 

And the story only gets more silly, tongue-in-cheek, and laugh out loud funny from there.  Keeping in line with traditional fairytales, there are a few moments of gruesome detail when Lockes's friend,Rene, has to deal with Locke's bullying and briefly gets eaten by the Big Bad Wolf. 


If you enjoy fractured fairy tales, this story will not disappoint.  The story reminded me of a different version of "A Tale Dark and Grimm" by Adam Gidwitz.  I have booktalked that book for 4-6th graders.  Like in that story, Big Bad Sheep is not afraid to make the reader squirm a little, drawing them into the story even further.  This book is much shorter at 64 pages and has black and white sketches throughout. Geared to 3-5th grades, I believe boys would especially appreciate this story. 

My Happy Life by Rose Lagercrantz

My Happy Life by Rose Lagercrantz

From the first page, I knew I was going to love this story.

"It was late, but Dani couldn't sleep.  Some people counted sheep, but not her!  Dani counted all the times she'd been happy."

And then you find the many ways Dani finds happiness, including beginning school.  It takes Dani a few days to make a friend, but when she meets Ella - they become fast friends, making Dani happy at school and home.

Sadly though Ella's family moves and suddenly Dani isn't nearly as happy as she had been.
Things upset her that didn't bother her in the past.  Dani must learn how to find her happy again.


This chapter book would appeal to grades 1-3.  Dani is a strong girl character that does the "right" thing most of the time and has a great outlook on life, but with a healthy dose of realism that life isn't always as happy as we want it to be.

Almost every page has playful black and white sketches that keep the reader engaged in the story.

Summer Reading Laughs

It's the middle of Summer Reading Club and if you are looking for children's books that will make you LOL, then look no further than Arnie the Doughnut and ATD Bowling Alley Bandit by Laurie Keller.

In the first Arnie the Doughnut book the reader discovers that Arnie doesn't quite understand what a doughnut's job is until Mr. Bing takes him home to eat.
In shock, Arnie asks Mr. Bing what he was doing.  As anyone who eats doughnuts knows...he was trying to eat him.  But Mr. Bing is just as shocked to find himself talking to Arnie.  This is a picture book with colorful pictures and thought-bubbles will keep the reader engaged and laughing. 

In the second ATD book, the reader has graduated to reading a chapter book.  You are re-introduced to how Arnie came to be in Mr. Bing's life, just in case you haven't been fortunate enough to peruse the first book.

By Chapter 2 you are placed in the heart of the story...a bowling alley.  Mr. Bing is on a bowling league called the Bingbats and Arnie loves bowling night.  With an adventure around every corner, the pages are filled with funny graphics both boys and girls will enjoy.  In Arnie's world, not only do doughnuts talk, but also bowling balls and pizza slices. 

There is a mystery element to the story...who is the Bowling Alley bandit?  You will have to read to find out.

Felt Flower Young Adult Program

Saturday, April 27 at 2pm

Young Adults in Grades 6-12

are welcome to sign up for this awesome program. 

 

Mother's Day is just weeks away - this is the perfect gift for the mom in your life.  Turn felt into lovely flowers, making a pin for your mom to wear proudly.

 

For the lotus loving momma

Tea cup flowers

Retro Read: Mr. Pudgins

Mr. Pudgins by Ruth Christoffer Carlsen

If you ever wished for your sink faucet to give you soda instead of water, that your reflection in the mirror would come to life or that you could fly away on balloons, then Mr. Pudgins is a fantastical story that will keep you reading.  This Retro-Read from 1951 has a similiarity to Mary Poppins, as Mr. Pudgins is the babysitter to three kids, John, Jand and Pete.  But there is a warmth to Mr. Pudgins and the family that isn't found in Mary Poppins. 

At the beginning of the story Mother isn't very keen on Mr. P because after his first babysitting adventure, there is a scratch left on the stove and popcorn on the ceiling.  What Mother didn't know is that they needed to get a bear off the stove and make it disappear.

Each chapter is a wonderful adventure into childhood imagination.  Enjoyment for all age levels, younger grades would especially love.

The Chosen One

The Chosen One
by Carol Lynch Williams

Kyra is 13 years old and has grown up in an isolated community where The Prophet creates the laws, the God Squad acts as the police, books are burned and her father has 3 wives with more than 20 brothers and sisters.  Kyra in many ways is a typical teenager, questioning authority and crushing on a neighborhood boy, but in her community this behavior is not tolerated. 
Children are to be punished if they can't behave and though her immediate family does not follow the Prophets orders for discipline, others in the community do. 

You discover through the story that Kyra gets her personality honestly, with strong mothers who understand, but do not want to see her hurt.  And a father who loves her unconditionally, but adhere's to The Prophets orders.

Honestly, this book was difficult for me to read.  It was even more difficult to finish.  The writing was excellent and the story was emotional.  The characters and subject just were so true to life that it broke my heart to read.  But what a compliment for the author.  I would recommend this book to middle to high grades.  Sensitive topics.