RESCUES IN TIME

Ranger always knew he was destined to be a search-and-rescue dog. He’s had all the proper training, and with his powerful nose he’s never failed to find his mark. Sure the spirited golden retriever has a tendency to be distracted by squirrels, but really, what dog could possibly resist the allure of a bushy tail racing past? 

It’s during one of these exuberant squirrel chases that Ranger uncovers a mysterious metal box in his backyard and suddenly finds himself traveling back in time to Independence, Missouri, circa 1850. Though Ranger longs to be reunited with his own family in his own time, it’s soon clear to him that he’s been sent to watch over the Abbott family as they embark on the historic Oregon Trail and that he won’t return home until this mission is complete. 

Fans of Mary Pope Osborne’s The Magic Treehouse Series will enjoy this well-researched historical (with a hint of magic) tale. Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail by Kate Messner is the first of a series, followed by Danger in Ancient Rome (June 2015) and Long Road to Freedom (December 2015). The book includes an author’s note with historical background and references. 

For grades 2-4.

THE TROUBLE WITH CHICKENS...

 Once upon a time there was this dog named J.J. Tully and after many years of hard work in the search and rescue business, this very tired and worn out dog decides to retire and live a quite life.  During one of his quite days, two chickens, Dirt and Sugar, along with their mother ask for his help in finding their missing siblings.  
     Who could have kidnapped the chickens?  Could this dog find the chickens?  Will he be able to narrow down the suspects or will this search and rescue mission go unsolved?  

The Trouble With Chickens  A J.J. Tully Mystery by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Kevin Cornell.

Grades 2nd-4th. 

CLARA LEE AND THE APPLE PIE DREAMER

I don't know about you guys, but I am beginning to believe in luck and that no matter how hard we try something, a little bit of luck will not hurt us in life. Clara Lee, who is the main character in this book gets her dream cut short when her grandfather interrupts her. Her dream was so scary, that she takes her grandfather's action as a sign of luck since the grandfather explains that at times when people see bad things in their dreams, their actually a sign of good things to happen in life. Additionally, her winning the Apple Pie dream contest becomes questionable as well since some kids think that because she is Korean American, she might not be "American" enough to win the contest. CLARA LEE AND THE APPLE PIE DREAM by JENNY HAN is a fun, coming of age story.

Gadoo The Cat: An Armenian Folktale

The cat which is a cat, no matter how smart, sophisticated or human like is, will always run after a mouse once she/he sees it. Gadoo: The Cat is an Armenian folktale that is fun, smart and clever in the way it evolves. The folktale starts off with the King bragging about his cat and how wonderful the cat is in her human like attitude and behaviour. However, when the time comes for him to show off this great cat, things take on a whole new direction. You must read it to find out what happens to this cat who everyone thought was a miracle.

The story is by Susan Kadian Gopigian and the illustrations are by Susan Collier Bolt.

For grades 2-4.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING

Out of a lot of Martin Luther King books, this is unique because its written by none other than King's own sister, CHRISTINE KING FARRIS who gives the reader a much more intimate look at this amazing person who believed in human equality and pursued it with great passion. The illustrations done by LONDON LADD are beautiful with paintings alive with color and texture. Throughout the book, Martin Luther King's quotes are highlighted in red, giving the reader an instant access to his now famous quotes. The overall tone of the book is very inspiring and with his birthday approaching, this is the perfect time to read another story about his lasting legacy.

For grades 2nd-4th.

TALES OF ENCHANTMENT

Wouldn't you want to have a bell that whenever you ring it, the world gets filled with sweetness and light? Most likely we would all like to have a bell like that. The stories in this small book are just that! They are out of this world, strange but yet appealing to our minds, even though we know the possibilities of them being true are very slim.

TALES OF ENCHANTMENT by PLEASANT DESPAIN does just that and more! These stories are in volume seven of "The Books of Nine Lives" series and they will make you to think, smile, giggle and with no surprise, enchant! The tales are from countries like Russia, Germany, Ireland and Holland. They are short, simple and fun.

For grades 2nd-4th.

A CAT'S LIFE IN EAST L.A.

Chato is a hungry “low-riding” cat from East Los Angeles, whose new neighbors are a family of tasty mice. At first, the mice are afraid of Chato, but he pretends to be friendly and invites the family to dinner. Chato and his equally hungry friend Novio Boy are delighted that so many mice are coming to be their dinner and they prepare a huge fancy feast to accompany the main course. Both cats are very surprised at the mice family's special guest! CHATO'S KITCHEN by Gary Soto does a wonderful job of integrating the multilingual heritage of Chato and the other characters throughout the book. Especially helpful is the glossary at the front of the book, explaining certain Spanish words that appear at various times in the book, and also describes some of the food Chato and Novio Boy prepare for the feast. A great story for 2nd - 4th grades .

ANNIE AND SIMON

Annie is the little sister and Simon is the big brother. Annie is a talkative one who never is content with anything that she does. Therefore, she asks her brother to always do different things with her. They embark on many adventures to fulfill Annie's curiosities. Simon, being the good old brother listens to his sister patiently and answers her questions as much as he can.

The colors used in the illustrations are soft, fresh and simple which depict the exact mood of the story.

ANNIE AND SIMON by CATHARINE O'NEIL

For grades 2nd through 4th.

BE A HOT FUDGE HERO!

In this beginning chapter book, the main character is very determined. HOT FUDGE HERO by Pat Brisson, Bertie learns many life lessons from experiences he has in every day life. The book is divided into three stories. The first story, “Bertie and Mr. Muckleberg,” transforms a mean old neighbor and his mean old pets into new friends. In “Sax Magic,” Bertie’s fairy godfather Stan gives him a magic hat that helps Bertie play the saxophone like a pro as long as he keeps practicing. It turns out to be a lucky day for Bertie in “Turkey Day.” Even though Bertie doesn’t get to bowl with his favorite bowling ball, he still gets a strike. For 2nd-4th grades.

ANIMALS THAT TALK

THE DARING ADVENTURES OF PENHALIGON BRUSH by Sally Jones Rogan.

Penhaligon Brush, a distinguished fox,was orphaned at birth and never knew what happened to his parents. He was raised by a local apothecary who trained Penhaligon to be a strong natural healer. But Penhaligon is bored with his sleepy little town. Until one day his adopted brother sends him a strange note inviting him to his home a few towns away. When Penhaligon arrives, nothing is as it should be, and his brother is MISSING! An exciting adventure begins, with Penhaligon learning a few life lessons along the way. Definitely for kids just starting to read chapter books. 2nd grade and up.

IF YOU ARE PUTTING OFF READING THEN READ THIS BOOK...

Moxy Maxwell does not love Stuart Little because she has to read it by the end of the summer. She loves to swim and is part of a synchronized swim team. In fact, she loves to do everything else but read this book. She comes up with outlandish plans to avoid reading Stuart Little until the very last possible moment, when her final scheme lands her in the mud. Procrastinators all over will see themselves in Moxy and will totally relate.

Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Gifford is short fun a book illustrated with photographs taken by her younger brother. It's perfect for readers in 2nd-4th grade who don't want to read...unless they have to.

TOYS ARE PEOPLE TOO!

Sting-ray, Lumphy and Plastic are three toys that live in a nice house with a sweet little girl to take care of them. There are many things they have to learn about living with humans. They get very nervous when the little girl puts them in the bottom of a dark sack and it starts bumping around, not to mention the thought of the scary machine in the basement that's supposed to make them clean. Even though they aren't used to the human world, they feel very loved. If you are just starting to read chapter books, TOYS GO OUT by Emily Jenkins is a great one! For 2nd graders and up.

BOYS WILL BE BOYS

Here are five humorous short stories about Edward and his brother Jason as they experience the school year and its many adventures. One is concerned with Halloween costumes, while the other is trying to learn the secret language of girls. They each get a pet rat and non-birthday presents from their aunt. Sometimes they get on each others nerves, but mostly they get along and have many funny things happen throughout the book. If you are just starting to read chapter books, RATS by Jane Cutler is a fun and exciting collection of stories, and is the sequel of Jane Cutler's book NO DOGS ALLOWED! Ages 7-10.

PENGUINS SAVE THE DAY!

In the book Gus & Gertie and the Lucky Charms by Joan Lowery Nixon, Gus and Gertie are off to the winter Olympics to show off their synchronized swimming talent. While they are there, they learn that swimming only happens in summer, and someone is stealing the athletes lucky charms! Gus and Gertie try many things to find out who is stealing the lucky charms, and you'll be surprised who the culprit is in the end. This is a great book for someone who is just starting to read chapter books, but still enjoys fun and colorful pictures to go along with the story. Grades 2-4.