Read, Write, Repeat.

Any child who’s ever been considered too little to do something will relate to Sofia, the heroine of Three Scoops and a Fig (Peachtree Publishers, 2010).

This is the picture book debut by Wisconsin author Sara Laux Akin. She skillfully shares Sofia’s plight. She’s part of a family of cooks, but she hasn’t learned to make anything herself.

Everyone adores Sofia, but they’re too busy to let her help in the kitchen. Especially because she makes huge messes whenever she tries.

But Sofia really wants to help. Her grandparents are coming for dinner, and she doesn’t want to be the only one without something wonderful to serve them.

Fortunately, some inspiration from a fig tree, a cat and her Italian heritage help Sofia see she’s not too little to contribute after all.

This book, which is beautifully illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung, has lots of extras. Italian phrases are sprinkled throughout, and a glossary explains what each one means. There’s a kid-friendly recipe and some interesting Italian facts.

Today’s guest reviewer, Gloria,  had fun saying the Italian phrases in the book and learning Sofia’s story.

Take it away, Gloria!

Our reviewer:  Gloria

Age: 5½

Things I like to do: Cooking, biking, playing in the rain, playing in the sandbox and playing in our kiddie pool.

This book was about: Fig trees.

The best part was when: Sofia made a fig-tree sundae.

I laughed when:  The fig fell out of the tree.

I was worried that: The fig might hit Sofia in the head.

I was surprised when: She made a special sundae for her family.

This book taught me: Some cooking. (There’s a recipe.)

Three words that best describe this book are:  “Funny.” “Weird” (some of the words like “gelato.”) “Pretty.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: Mama mia!

You should read this book because:  It is funny and a very nice book. Actually, it is the bestest book I’ve read in a long time. It is one of my favorites. 

You can learn more about Sara by visiting her website. You can learn more about Susan Kathleen Hartung by visiting her website.

And if you’re up for a little more fun, you can visit Peachtree Publishers blog and share your favorite dessert recipe. You could win a copy of this book, a set of cookie cutters and a fancy apron. But get there by Sept. 7, or you’ll be too late.

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.

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.

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 uninterupted 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.

A Yiddish-speaking chicken and some Spanish-speaking parrots might seem like an unlikely combination, but they form the heart of an engaging new picture book about friendships and starting over.

In Daniel and Jill Pinkwater’s Beautiful Yetta: The Yiddish Chicken (Feiwel and Friends, 2010), Yetta the chicken is happy on her organic farm. So when she’s crated and delivered to Phil’s Poultry World, something seems, well … fowl.

So Yetta escapes. But the streets of Brooklyn are nothing like her former home. And, she has no friends. The rats tell her to get lost. The pigeons insult her. She’s cold, hungry and lonely when she meets a strange green bird … and a cat.

Yetta shoos the cat, helps the bird and finds herself part of a parrot flock that speaks a different language, but thinks she’s beautiful and are happy to help her adjust to city life.

This book got great reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Booklist and Shelf Awareness. But what really matters is what Dharma, today’s guest reviewer, has to say. Take it away, Dharma!

Our reviewer: Dharma

Age: 5 (Our youngest reviewer so far!)

I like: Macaroni and cheese, playing hopscotch and riding my bike.

This book was about: Yetta, a chicken. She told all the parrots about what she used to do in the countryside. Yetta was lost in Brooklyn, but became friends with parrots.

The best part was when: Yetta said, “Get away, you stinky cat!”

I laughed when: Yetta said, “Get away, you stinky cat!”

I was worried when: It was just weird when she was lost and didn’t know where she was.

I was surprised that: Yetta learned to love parrots and became their mom.

This book taught me: It doesn’t matter if you are different than others. You can love different things. And, you shouldn’t say mean things.

Thanks, Dharma!

To learn more about Daniel and Jill Pinkwater and their many, many other books, visit their website. Or read this article.

Numbers and nature are all rolled up into one enjoyable picture book in This Tree Counts (Albert Whitman, 2010).

Author Alison Formento and illustrator Sarah Snow combine their talents to tell the tale of the lone oak tree behind an elementary school.

A class decides the tree needs friends, so it plants 10 new oak trees nearby. But first, the students listen to the story the old oak has to tell and learn something about the 10 animals that live in the tree and what they do.

This book is also cool because it is printed on recycled paper and a portion of the proceeds go to planting more trees through AmericanForests.org.

Here’s what today’s guest reviewer, Julia, has to say:

Our reviewer: Julia

Age: 6

This book was about: A tree that told a story about counting, bugs and animals.

The best part was: The first page and how you can use your finger like a car and drive down the streets.

I laughed when: I saw the tree house and it didn’t have anything holding it in the tree. Because it kinda looked like it was flying and tree houses aren’t supposed to fly.

I was worried: That the spiders would kill the tree. They can sometimes kill trees. My cousin Payton told me that once.  

I was surprised that: That the boy was building a house. Because I didn’t really think that houses were made of wood. I thought they were made of walls.

This book taught me: That sometimes trees can talk. No, no, no. Trees can do lots of good things like clean the air, give nice shade and have good climbing spots.

Other kids reading this book should: They should learn that this book is a good one and that trees are really helpful.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Great.” “Awesome.” “Exciting.”

My favorite line or phrase in the book is: I have three sentences that I like. The ones where it’s like … “Four robins tweet out hello,” “Three squirrels hop on my branches playing hide and seek,” and “One owl waits on a branch until it’s night.” (If you look at the top photo, Julia is holding the book open to her absolute favorite page.)

You should read this because: Because it’s fun. Because the counting part is kinda fun.

Thanks, Julia!

You can learn more about Alison Formento by visiting her website. It features a tree of the day. Alison also has a blog where she talks about books, trees and more.

You can learn more about Sarah Snow by visiting her website.

Little girls and horses are a lovely combination.

And debut author Rebecca Janni uses them both to good effect in Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse (Dutton, 2010). Add in some pink glitter on the cover, and its appeal to small, feminine horse lovers is undeniable.

And once you open the book, the story delivers. Nellie Sue has a birthday. She’s sure this will be the year she gets a horse. After all, she’s already got the hat, boots and chaps.

All day she gets ready — mucking out the stalls, feeding the chickadees, harvesting grass and eating chili and beans. So when her daddy says, “Hey, Nellie Sue! Got a horse here for you,” she’s not expecting to see … a bike.

But Nellie Sue is game for anything. So she gets on the bike, which she christens Beauty, and tries to ride. Will she succeed? Or will she hold out for a real horse?

Let’s ask Brooke, today’s guest reviewer.  

Today’s guest reviewer: Brooke

Age: 6 (and three-quarters)

This book was about: A girl who wanted a horse.

The best part was when: She got a horse. But it was really a bike.

I laughed when: She crashed.

I was worried when: She crashed.

I was surprised when: She got her wish in a funny way.

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “And I do have that.”

Three words that describe this book: I love it.

You should read this book because: “It’s funny.”

Personally, Brooke says she would like a horse. And if her dad suddenly brought one home, she’d put it in the garage.

If you want to learn more about how this book came to be or about author Rebecca Janni, visit her website. You can see pictures of the book release party here. They even feature pink cowgirl hats!

If you want to learn more about Lynne Averil, the artist behind Nellie Sue’s pink, glittery persona, visit her website.