Read, Write, Repeat.

Author Caroline Stutson says three of her favorite things are cities, dancing and cats.

She combines all of them into her latest book, Cat’s Night Out (Paula Wiseman Books, 2010).

The rhyming book teaches numbers through 20 as it tells the tale (tail?) of cats enjoying the night life. And it’s getting good reviews. Here’s what Booklist had to say:

“It’s Saturday night on Easy Street, and this jazzy counting book reveals that the city’s hot spots are its rooftops, fire escapes, and alleyways, where pairs of cool kitties dance the night away. As music rises into the night air, two cats samba in white, while nearby four more felines boogie in saddle shoes and poodle skirts, and six more tango in capes on fire escapes. Their numbers increase, until finally, when 20 hep cats conga on clotheslines, the neighbors revolt. Stutson’s syncopated rhymes sport fun flourishes of dance and fashion vocabulary (“Twelve town tabbies do the twist, / swinging their hips in dotted Swiss”) and a catchy refrain, but it’s Klassen’s atmospheric, retro illustrations that take the lead. The stellar, digitally rendered illustrations in a muted gray and brown palette may resonate more with urban sophisticates than children learning their numbers, but the detailed cityscapes, hidden numbers and appealing big-city cats will give little ones plenty to explore.”

And now, here’s what today’s guest reviewer, Brooke, has to say:

Our reviewer: Brooke Punzel

Age: 5

Things I like to do: Ride rollercoasters, ride my bike and go to waterparks.

This book was about: Cats dancing on a city street.

The best part was when: They did all their different dance moves and wore new outfits.

I laughed when: The cats were dancing by the stoplight. It was really funny!

I was worried when: The cats were dancing on the clothesline in the city and a tall tree because I was afraid they would fall off.

I was surprised when: The neighbors started yelling at the cats when they were meowing and dancing too noisy.

This book taught me: Not to walk on the clothesline. It also taught me lots of dance names. I recognize some of the dances from the show “Dancing with the Stars.”

Three words that best describe this book are: “Fun.” “Counting.” “Cute.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “Four cats boogie, rock to blues in poodle skirts and saddle shoes.

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The mean neighbors and also for the rhyming words.

You should read this book because: It’s funny, and the cats are cute. If you like cats and like to count it’s a good book. If you like dogs, you might think it’s boring.

Thanks, Brooke!

If you’d like to learn more about Caroline Stutson, visit her website.

If you’d like to learn more about illustrator J. Klassen, visit his website.

Garbage might seem like an unusual subject for a picture book, but Here Comes the Garbage Barge (Schwartz & Wade, 2010) turns trash into a compelling story using a real-life situation for inspiration.

The book, written by Jonah Winter and illustrated by Red Nose Studios, shares the story of a garbage barge that leaves Long Island planning to dump its stinky cargo at a landfill.

But that landfill turns it away. So does another, and another, and another, leaving the barge getting smellier and smellier with no place to dock.

What will the barge’s captain do? Let’s ask today’s guest reviewer, Conner:

Our reviewer: Conner

Age: 6

Things I like to do: Read books, write, watch movies, swim, play baseball and soccer, go to waterparks and ride rollercoasters.

This book was about: A small city trying to find a place for their garbage to be stinky. They wanted it to stink somewhere else. So they put it on a boat called the garbage barge, and it sailed and sailed. But everywhere the boat stopped, everyone said, “No! Not here!”

The best part was when: They decided to burn the garbage to get rid of it. Also, I like the part when the Army guys in Mexico and Belize stopped the garbage barge from stopping on their land.

I laughed when: This is not really a funny book. It is action packed and serious. Though I did laugh when the sisters said, “What the hairy heck?!”

I was worried that: The ship’s captain would get put in jail by the police and the Army guys for trying to dump the garbage!

I was surprised when: The boat sailed for 162 days!

This book taught me: Don’t make too much garbage! And recycle!

Three words that best describe this book are: “Serious.” “Stinky.” “Interesting.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “What the hairy heck? That ain’t right! Call the law!”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The Army guys.

You should read this book because: It’s cool! It has Army guys and teaches you a good lesson — not to make too much garbage!

Thanks, Conner!

Want to learn more about the story behind this story? Read this article.

If you’d like to learn more about the book’s author, Jonah Winter, here’s his biography. And here’s an interview with him. 

If you’d like to learn more about Red Nose Studios, which illustrated this book, check out this interview. Or watch this YouTube video.

Contratulations to Betty McBroom, a book blogger from Tennessee, who won the three picture books I offered up as part of the recent Got Books event. Betty’s books will be on their way to her shortly.

You can visit Betty’s blog, Reflections with Coffee, here.

Thanks to everyone who visited my blog and entered the contest!

I’m one of 108 book bloggers participating in the Got Books? event Friday and Saturday. It’s a wonderful celebration of reading and of the blogs that review, and revere, books.

And the best news of all is that each book blogger is giving away books or book-related prizes. I’m offering these three picture books. Don’t they look great?

And they could be yours. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post before midnight on Saturday. On Sunday, I’ll choose a random winner and on Monday, I’ll mail the books off to that person.

Here’s a closer look at what you could win:

• Happy Belly, Happy Smile by Rachel Isadora (Harcourt Children’s Books, 2009).
• Kitchen Dance by Maurie J. Manning (Clarion Books, 2008).
• Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw (Charlesbridge, 2006).

Don’t delay, enter today! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post.

And then, check out the other 107 bloggers to see what they’re offering.

It’s happened again. I’m in love with a book.

I wasn’t looking for another relationship, really. I was casually browsing the shelves at my local independent bookstore when something caught my eye.

The colorful cover intrigued me at first. But I soon learned this book was more than just a pretty face. When I looked inside, there was substance, style and grace. That’s when I knew I was hooked.

Imogene’s Last Stand (Schwartz and Wade, 2009) by Candace Fleming and Nancy Carpenter tells the story of a little girl committed to saving her town’s historical society.

What elevates this book to greatness, is Imogene’s fondness for quoting famous people at key plot points, such as, “In the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln, ‘A great oak is only a little nut that held its ground.”

The quotes add humor and depth to the story. And the end papers feature brief drawings and biographies of everyone she quotes. It all makes for a great blend of a fictional story with nonfiction moments.

Here’s what today’s guest reviewer, Sonia, had to say.

Today’s reviewer: Sonia

Age: 8

I like: To go to horse camp and see my favorite horses Zoe, Bucky and BJ. I like playing with my friends, jumping rope, going to the park, playing on the computer and watching TV.

This book was about: History. Imogene wants to save her town’s history.

I laughed when: She was standing on top her her Dad’s back. He’s planting flowers and she’s dusting a sign. I also laughed at the mayor’s name, “I.M. Butz.”

I was surprised when: Nobody came to the historical society after she fixed it up and when she was trying to save it.

I was worried when: The bulldozers arrived.

My favorite phrases in this book are: “We are made by history.” AND “Old buildings do not belong to us, they belonged to our forefathers, and they will belong to our descendants.”

Three words that best describe this book: “Imogene.” “History.” “Map.”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The three-legged cat. All the references to history. The quotes Imogene says from famous people. And, the letter from George Washington.

You should read this book because: Imogene wears cool things like a hoop skirt and a Paul Revere costume.

Thanks, Sonia!

Author Candace Fleming has written a plethora of amazing books including two of my all-time favorites, the amazingly researched and fun-to-read-aloud When Agnes Caws and the ode to anyone who’s ever had something they’ve written edited, The Hatmaker’s Sign.

To learn about Candace’s other marvelous books, visit her website. Or listen to this video interview.

To learn more about illustator Nancy Carpenter, who also illustrated the impressive Seventeen Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore, read this interview.

About two years ago, Laura Schaefer’s first novel, The Teashop Girls (Paula Wiseman, 2008) came out. Even though I live near Madison, Wisconsin, where the book is set, I somehow missed its release.

So when I discovered it a few weeks ago, I made up for lost time. I read it and soaked in the Wisconsin references. Then, I shared it with my daughter, who is today’s guest reviewer.

As you’ll see below, Gwen likes Starbucks coffee. But she also likes chai and green tea and said that if Madison really had a teashop called The Steeping Leaf, she’d be a regular customer.

So take it away, Gwen!

Reviewer: Gwen

Age: 13

I like: Playing basketball and volleyball. Listening to all types of music. Playing piano, singing and fixing my hair. I like to go on YouTube and watch funny videos. I love to hang out with my friends and go shopping. Starbucks rules!

This book was about: The Teashop Girls is about a girl named Annie Green who tries to help save her grandmother’s teashop that has been in the family for a long time. Annie absolutely loves tea, so she and her two best friends, Genna and Zoe, became the Teashop Girls when they were young and have stuck to their handbook of club rules ever since. As the best friends work to keep the teashop going, the girls deal with boys, growing up, and finding their Zen.

The best part was when: The best parts in the book were the different recipes, side stories or old tea advertisements. Whether they are about Zoe’s Power-Up Tea Smoothie, Lipton’s Teas, or All About Japanese Tea Ceremonies, they are definitely entertaining and fun to read and maybe try. I also liked how in the beginning of each chapter, there was a quote about tea by many different writers or famous people.

I laughed when: I laughed when the girls were dissing a mean boy named Zach who goes to their school. He and his major rich parents were going to buy the teashop and maybe get rid of it (plus he was just rude and obnoxious) so they didn’t really like him.

I was worried when: The grandmother was feeling sick for the day because I thought something bad was going to happen to her.

I was surprised when:  Zach’s parents decided to buy the teashop and stabilize the rent.

This book taught me: If you put your mind to something, you can make big things happen.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Fun.” “Real.” “Yummy.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “I understood, at that moment, why Genna loved boys so much. I gulped.”

Other teens reading this book should watch for: Other teens should watch for the other characters and their personalities. For example, there is a man who comes to the teashop, and he likes to read big, old books. He gives Annie a book, but that’s pretty much the only main time you hear about him. It’s interesting, because I can just picture this old man, pocket-watch type of person with antique glasses, always hidden behind a giant book that’s falling apart at the binding.

You should read this book because: It’s lighthearted, and there is a good message behind the story.

Thanks, Gwen!

If you’d like to learn more about author Laura Schaefer, visit her website. Or check out her profile at Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.

One cool thing about this book are the dessert illustrations sprinkled throughout. They’re courtesy of Sujean Rim. You can learn more about her on this website.

Ginny didn’t plan on being a pirate.

She was just a kindergartener who saw two of everything. Ginny sometimes got frustrated when she ran into chairs, read words twice or had trouble cutting out shapes, but she thought everyone saw the same things she did.

Until the annual vision screening, and a follow-up appointment with an eye doctor. Soon, Ginny had her own eye patch and saw just one of everything.

The Pirate of Kindergarten (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010) by George Ella Lyon  and Lynne Avril helps readers see what Ginny sees — both before and after her patch.

Today’s reviewer, Jaiden, enjoyed reading about Ginny because she used to wear an eye patch, too. Although, her patches weren’t black like Ginny’s. They came in lots of colorful options.

Today’s reviewer: Jaiden

Age: Almost 6

Things I like to do: Play with my mom and friends.

This book was about: A girl in school who sees two of everything.

The best part was when: She could see one of everything.

I laughed when: The teacher said, “We read with our eyes, not our noses.”

My favorite line or phrase in the book: “Mind your own bunnies.”

Three words that describe this book: “Pirates.” “Two. ” “Everything.”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: Hearts around her when she hugs a book.

You should read this book because: It’s funny. And, I used to wear a patch, so this book helps you know how it feels.

Thanks, Jaiden!

If you’d like to learn more about author George Ella Lyon, visit her website. It has information about her books, poems and school visits.

If you’d like to learn more about illustrator Lynne Avril, visit her website. Or read this kid review of Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse, another book she illustrated.

A few months ago, I came home to find my normally sedate cat, Vince, had apparently written a book review of Where is Catkin, a new picture book by Janet Lord and Julie Paschkis.

He never formally admitted authorship, but all the signs pointed toward him.

So when I saw Frankie Works the Night Shift (Greenwillow, 2010) another picture book about a self-sufficient cat, I casually left it where Vince would be sure to find it when he woke from his nap.

Then, I waited. And waited.

Nothing happened.

I almost gave up hope. But, when I returned from a weekend with my inlaws and their huge dog, Ivan, a completed review was in my “Drafts” folder.

Vince feigned indifference. But I think he was worried I might ask Ivan to review a dog book and wanted to issue a pre-emptive strike. So, without further ado … Vince.

**************

You’d think a hardworking cat could be left in peace, but no-oo-oo.

I mean, seriously, after all I do around this house, an uninterrupted nap shouldn’t be too much to ask. But instead, someone drops a book next to me and acts like it’s an accident.

Subtle. Really subtle.

I was going to ignore it. I can’t be bought. But there was a picture of a very handsome cat on the cover and one of an even more interesting mouse on the inside, so I read it.

Turns out, it’s about this cat who lives in a hardware store. Every night, his people go to sleep and leave him to do all the work.

Typical.

Of course, he doesn’t complain and makes sure things go as smoothly as possible after hours. (Editor’s note: Vince’s idea of a smooth night may differ from that of most readers.)

And then, after he’s worked harder than any dog and should be entitled to a snack and a nap, he finds a mousy intruder. He stalks that rodent through the store with nothing but the best interests of the business at heart, yet all he gets is a “Be quiet, Frankie!” from the people sleeping upstairs.

That’s gratitude for you.

Until they see the mouse. Then, they’re all, “Go get it, Frankie!”

But note this. No one gets out of bed to help. So Frankie, the poor sap, keeps chasing the interloper until he eventually drives it outside. Then, the people go back to sleep and Frankie gets some rest too.

As well he should.

And, honestly, would it kill his family to toss in a little tuna?

One thing I’ve learned about books is they’re always trying to teach you something. A story about a cat’s inevitable triumph over a mouse is thrilling enough to stand alone, but for human children who can’t appreciate the pure genius of such a tale, this book also reinforces counting.

Frankie empties one wastebasket, cleans two counters and calls three meetings and keeps going all the way to number ten.

So now, because I know you’re expecting it, I’ll throw in something educational for you.

Want to learn more about author Lisa Westberg Peters? Here’s her website. I think she should have included a picture of her cat. After all, she says he inspired this story. Share the love!

Want to learn more about illustrator Jennifer Taylor? Here’s her website. There are lots of pictures of cats. Some even use digital photography. I think this is smart because few human artists can capture the innate, regal presence of cats without a little help.

Anyway, check this book out. Even though I was coerced into reviewing it, I did enjoy it because it reinforced what I’ve always known.

Cats rule. Mice drool.

No one ever said surviving middle school was easy.

But in The Strange Case of Origami Yoda (Amulet Books, 2010) by Tom Angleberger, a group of students find it a little easier once the class misfit creates a paper finger puppet that looks like Yoda and dispenses strangely helpful advice. The only question is, “Is Yoda really wise, or is his successful advice just a coincidence?”

This book also has one of the most compelling covers I’ve seen in a while, although today’s guest reviewer, Rebekah, seems to be holding it upside-down. (Although she maintains the book is right-side up, and SHE is upside-down.)

Anway, here’s what she has to say.

Today’s reviewer: Rebekah

Age:11

I like: Books, music, Pokemon, books, my puppy, books, and using my imagination. (Oh, and did I mention books?)

This book was about: A boy named Tommy trying to figure out whether this origami Yoda can really give good advice when the boy who made him (Dwight) can barely function.

The best part was when:  Dwight jumped from behind a trash can at Zach Martin, a seventh grader, with origami Yoda on his finger and shouted, “I know karate!!!”

I laughed when: Dwight was sent to get a dodge ball for P.E and  didn’t come back. The teacher sent Tommy to get him, and he was in the equipment locker, beating the door and shouting, “Squirrels!! Come save me!!!”

I was worried when: Cassie accidentally broke a little statue of Shakespeare.

I was surprised when: Yoda told everybody about a pop quiz in science that the teacher had only decided to do right when class started

This book taught me: Not to rush into things.

Some words that describe this book are: “Weird.” “Yoda.” “Believe.”

My favorite line or phrase: “Oh, yes! I believe in paperwad Yoda! Woo-hoo! I believe he is an actual, genuine piece of paper stuck on the end of Dwight’s actual, genuine, finger! And, I believe Dwight is the actual, genuine, biggest nut since Mr. Peanut.”

Other kids reading this book should watch out for: Harvey’s comment at the end of every case file.

You should read this book because: It is really funny.

Thanks, Rebekah!

To learn more about the book — and how to fold your own origami Yoda – visit this website. If you need more help, watch this video tutorial narrated by the author.

And if you’d like to learn more about how this book came to be, see these two author interviews:

• With blogger Cynthia Leitich Smith.
• With blogger Madelyn Rosenberg.