This Librarian's Quick Picks: Crenshaw

Crenshaw
by Katherine Applegate
Feiwel & Friends (Sep. 22, 2015)
Fantasy Chapter Book

Summary:

Jackson can’t believe his eyes when his imaginary friend—a huge, talking, skateboarding cat—returns. Meanwhile, his family’s financial troubles are all too real to ignore.

Why You'll Love It:

•  Though the story is weighty, it is a quick read that encourages people of all ages to be honest with one another and value family and friends (real and imaginary!).
• The tone is warm and, occasionally, quirkily funny, but it doesn’t sugarcoat the effects of hunger and vulnerability.
• While sardonic Crenshaw may not be the warm and cuddly imaginary friend readers are expecting, he's the companion that Jackson truly needs as he begins to realize that he doesn't need to carry the weight of the world upon his shoulders. 

Who Should Read It:

 Great for grades 4-6...and here's the book trailer.

What Else You Should Read:

• Winterfrost by Michelle Houts
• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
• Pie by Sarah Weeks

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Night World

Night World
by Mordicai Gerstein
Little, Brown (June 2015)
Picture Book

Summary:

Sylvie the cat persuades her boy to go into the darkness very late at night, where they are greeted by the shadows of roses and other flowers, and by nocturnal animals who whisper, "it's almost here." 

Why You'll Love It:

•  This book will stand the test of repeated readings. The illustrations are full of seek-and-find elements that will have readers looking through the book again and again.
• Bedtime stories are perennial favorites, but this celebration of sunrise adds a new twist: could work as both a morning and nighttime read.
• Educators will see numerous science curriculum tie-ins here: animal behavior; concepts of day, night, and dawn.

Who Should Read It:

Great for PreK-2nd graders.

What Else You Should Read:

• The Dark by Lemony Snicket
• Dusk by Uri Shulevitz
• Flashlight by Lizi Boyd

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Glamourpuss

Glamourpuss
by Sarah Weeks; illustrations by David Small
Scholastic (Feb. 24, 2015)
Picture Book

Summary:

A cat named Glamourpuss who likes being the center of attention fears she might fall out of fashion when Bluebelle the dog arrives.


Why You'll Love It:

•  What a personality! Glamourpuss doesn't lie down, she reclines! She doesn't stretch, she extends!
• I see myself using this book as a mentor text for vivid verbs and word choice. 
• The book jacket is pink and sparkly. Duh.
• This book is a great read-aloud and best introduced by an expressive reader. Even more fun would be introducing students to some of the influences behind the characters in the book -- Scarlett O'Hara & Carmen Miranda.

Who Should Read It:

A great read-aloud for K-3rd grade; even older for a minilesson on word choice/vivid verbs.

What Else You Should Read:

• Mr. Putter and Tabby Turn the Page by Cynthia Rylant
• Fancy Nancy series by Jane O'Connor
• Bow-Wow's Nightmare Neighbors by Mark Newgarden