Make a Smilebox slideshow

Looking for Great Read Aloud?

Masterpiece by Elise Broach, illustrated by Kelly Murphy
Published by Henry Holt
People often ask me to recommend chapter books to share with young children. Often they have made the transition from picture books to chapter books and find themselves overwhelmed by the selection of books on the shelf. This month I want to wholeheartedly recommend Masterpiece. It tells the story of a very unusual friendship that develops between James Pompaday and a beetle named Martin who lives under the kitchen sink in his apartment. When James’ father gives him a pen and ink set for his birthday, it is Martin who creates an astonishingly good miniature picture. James is credited with artistic talent and before long James and Martin are working together as they attempt to thwart an art thief. Highly recommended as a read aloud and/or for children (grade four +) to read independently.

Masterpiece at Amazon.ca

A Quirky, Pleasant Read Aloud for 9-12 year olds

This summer I have really focussed on delving into chapter books for children who are able to read independently but may need some help in locating good books. I selected a number of books that target 9 -12 year olds. I read a couple of them aloud to my ten year old. Possibly the quirkiest book we read was, "The Funeral Director's Son" by Coleen Murtagh Paratore. I really had no idea what to expect and hoped that the cover, which is somewhat flowery, would not deter a hockey-playing ten year old male. Anyhow, I read and he happily listened . We both enjoyed the Charles Dickens quotes that preceeded each chapter (at times quizzing Daddy to name the source of the quote). The relatively short chapters will appeal to some reluctant readers who may be overwhelmed by longer books. On more than one occasion we read three or four chapters in one evening. Ms. Paratore poses an interesting question: what happens when the heir apparent to a family business is not at all interested in taking up the reins and can't wait to escape life in a small town? The Funeral Director's Son offered a breezy, enjoyable glimpse of a rather unusual family life.

The Funeral Director's Son at Amazon.ca

Yesterday's blog introduced Measle and the Wrathmonk. Today's book will appeal to a similar demographic - middle grade boys and girls. Darkside is the first in a suspenseful and exciting fantasy series about a secret part of London known as Darkside. Inhabited by dangerous characters, this underbelly of London is nothing like the city we see on postcards or television. The atmosphere in Darkside is gothic and intense. We accompany fourteen year old Jonathan on his frightening journey to save himself and his father. His first trip into Darkside is both disturbing and intriguing. At the conclusion we are certain that one trip to Darkside will not be enough.

If you dare, visit Tom Becker's Darkside Homepage.

Darkside at Amazon.ca

Best Bet Chapter Books

It has been a great summer. Lots of time for reading kids' books and some terrific discoveries to share with you. This week I will get back to writing and let you know about one or two books each day.

Measle and the Wrathmonk by Ian Ogilvy is one of my new favourite chapter book series for middle grade readers. Ten year old Measle lives a deplorable life. He is hungry most of the time, he is fifthy and lives in a wretched house with a menacing guardian. He has been told that his parents were killed by a snake but Measle is unconvinced and hopes he will be reunited one day.

Although the set up of Measle and the Wrathmonk seems all too familiar (orphaned child, deplorable conditions), Ogilvy creates unexpected and exciting twists and turns that are sure to engage young readers. Measle is a winner and well worth trying with reluctant readers. Additional books in the series include Measle and the Dragodon, Measle and the Mallockee.

Measle and the Wrathmonk at Amazon.ca

Could You Please Suggest Something for a Relectant Reader?

Almost every time I make a presentation, someone asks for recommendations for the preteen crowd. Sometimes the request is very specific, "My daughter loves skating. Could you suggest a chapter book she might like?" Very often the request is for something, anything that a reluctant reader will enjoy. Lately, I've been kept busy by Ready Set, Learn presentations. I've not had much time for reading. When the calendar is full to the brim, I often turn to short chapter books, looking for a new gem that will appeal to young readers. Here are some of the book's I've been reading...




Let's begin with Clue At The Bottom Of The Lake (Cabin Creek Mysteries). This is the second book in the new Cabin Creek Mysteries series. Appropriate for seven to ten year olds, it has a grade 3 Reading Level. I enjoyed the book and am confident that this is a series both boys and girls will enjoy. Set in a small, lakeside town, we follow three cousins as they investigate the dumping of a large and mysterious bundle into the lake near Lost Island. Young detectives will enjoy the twists and turns as Claire, David and Jeff work to discover the contents of the bundle and who is responsible for dumping it in 'their' lake.

Cabin Creek Mysteries #2: The Clue at the Bottom of the Lake at Amazon.ca

Sir Gadabout is the 'Worst Knight in the World.' A creation of Martyn Beardsley, the series is illustrated by Tony Ross so we know that we are in for some fun. In Sir Gadabout Out of Time (Sir Gadabout), disaster strikes when King Arthur allows Sir Gadabout to cut his hair. Before long, Merlin is enlisted to turn back time. Unfortunately (but not unexpectedly) the spell goes wrong and Sir Gadabout finds himself in a futuristic world with cell phones and cars. Good fun for nine to twelve year olds.

Sir Gadabout Out of Time at Amazon.ca

Poor Boris, he is in a real 'pickle.' He's been asked to be a 'chum' and translate for a new classmate. They both speak Russian and Boris is asked to help the new boy adjust to life at St. Edmund's, the civilized school. Before long, Boris realizes that Ivan is really quite nasty and the job of translating is going to be trickier than he had expected. A fine choice for nine to twelve year olds, Ivan the Terriblewon the silver medal in the 2007 Nestlé Children's Book awards.

Ivan the Terrible at Amazon.ca

Graphic Novels for your Reluctant Reader?

Graphic novels are similar to comic books in that they rely heavily on illustrations to tell much of the story. Graphic novels often appeal to reluctant readers but they are equally enjoyed by those who are fluent. Bone and Babymouse are both currently very popular graphic novel series for children. Babymouse is clearly intended primarily for girls.

Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi is a new series. My ten year old son and I each recently read Book One, The Stonekeeper. I read the book first and then he picked it up and devoured it shortly thereafter. The story begins with a dramatic and tragic car accident that apparently kills Emily and Navin's father. Two years later, depleted finances force the family to move into a home that has been empty ever since Great Grandpa mysteriously disappeared. It is not long before the children find themselves on a desperate quest to save their mother from a tentacled creature she encounters in the basement.

My son and I both enjoyed the book - he more than I. The author/illustrator does a terrific job of setting up further adventures. He leaves many questions unanswered and will undoubtably draw readers to subsequent books in the series.

I feel I would be remiss if I did not comment on the death scene midway through the book. Neither of my sons (aged 10 and 12) found the illustrations of a dying and then dead man remarkable. I'm not sure what that says about their de-sensitization thanks to movies and video games. Anyhow, I was surprised to see the man, eyes wide open, followed by another frame wherein a character closed his eyes and a third frame where his dead body was covered with a sheet (pages 110 - 112 in my copy). My boys were very matter of fact about the illustrations. Take a look for yourself and post your thoughts.

Amulet Book 1: The Stonekeeper at Amazon.ca

Bone: One Volume Edition at Amazon.ca