GROOVY JOE

Such a fun picture book to share with young children and the illustrations by Tom Lichentenfeld will make readers want to get up and move too- adding to the simple message of including others so that the fun can be enjoyed by all.

Eric Litwin has done it again!  He’s written another awesome story. First, it was Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes and now it’s this rockin’ and rollin’ story called Groovy Joe: Dance Party Countdown. Groovy Joe, too, steps to the beat of his own ‘drum’ (actually to a guitar) and here he uses numbers and a catchy tune to entice the reader. Groovy Joe will show readers that when it comes to numbers and parties, there’s always room to add more.

For ages 3-8

THE FARMER'S AWAY!

When the farmer is away, the farm animals are set to have some fun!  From enjoying a casual ride down the river to having picnics and dances, the animals are elated to roam about and be free.  But when the farmer heads back to the barn at sunset, the animals must act quickly and get back to doing the things farm animals usually do. 

In her colored pencil and acrylic ink, Anne Vittur Kennedy masterfully paints rollicking scenes.  One can't miss the sheer joy the animals feel.  Although the text is sparse and colored with animals sounds, the story conveys joy, and the illustrations quickly fill this book with the kind of fun readers will want to enjoy over and over again and find new things to laugh about.

VIOLET RAINES AND THE LIGHTNING!

Violet is an innocent young girl whose idea of having fun is to jump into a pool for a swim and hop around from tree to tree. She has planed to spend her summer with her friends, eating fresh fruits, running around and enjoying the calmness and the beauty of her town.

However, all her plans change when a new girl comes into town... Melissa is the same age as Violet, but her idea of a good time are watching soap operas, getting her hair and makeup done and gossiping about the people in her newly adopted town.

Suddenly, summer does not appeal to her anymore and she is torn about betraying her beliefs or conforming to Melissa's ideas.

VIOLET RAINES ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING by DANETTE HAWORTH.

For grades 6th and up.