Saturday, November 14, 2009

Children's Choices

Monday with a Mad Genius
Osborne, M. P. (2007). Monday with a mad genius. (S. Murdocca, Illus.). New York: Random House.

Jack and Annie travel back in time to Florence Italy to assist Leonardo da Vinci for the day. When one of his art projects fails, and Leonardo runs off the kids take his art supplies back to him and learn about all the science experiments that Leonard is involved in. Leonardo decides to try his flying invention because Annie tells him that flying is possible. When Leonardo crashes the children use their magic wound to cheer Leonardo up and allow him to fly. Leonardo’s inspiration is renewed and he is able to finish the beloved portrait known as the Monet Lisa. The story creatively interweaves history with adventure.

Genre: Fantasy
Type of Book: Chapter Book
Interest level: 3-6 Reading level: 3.8
Awards: Children’s Choice, 2008

Not Afraid of Dogs
Pitzer, S. (2006) Not afraid of dogs. (L. Day, Illus.). New York: Walker & Company.

Daniel is not afraid of spiders, snakes, or thunderstorms but he is afraid of dogs. However, Daniel does not acknowledge that he is afraid of dogs, he says, “I just don’t like them.” Daniel becomes very afraid to do anything in his own house when Bandit, his aunt’s dog comes to stay with them. However, during a thunderstorm in the middle of the night Daniel has to go to the restroom and ends up in the same room with bandit who is afraid of thunderstorms. Daniel comforts the dog and realizes that he does like dogs. The large, two page watercolor illustrations help to portray the feelings of Daniel and Bandit.

Genre: Realistic fiction
Type of Book: Picture book
Interest level: K-3 Reading level: 2.2
Awards: Children’s Choice, 2007

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