This Librarian's Quick Picks: Frogkisser!

Frogkisser!
by Garth Nix
Scholastic (2017)
Fantasy Chapter Book

Summary:

Poor Princess Anya. Forced to live with her evil stepmother's new husband, her evil stepstepfather. Plagued with an unfortunate ability to break curses with a magic-assisted kiss. And forced to go on the run when her stepstepfather decides to make the kingdom entirely his own.

Aided by a loyal talking dog, a boy thief trapped in the body of a newt, and some extraordinarily mischievous wizards, Anya sets off on a Quest that, if she plays it right, will ultimately free her land-and teach her a thing or two about the use of power, the effectiveness of a well-placed pucker, and the finding of friends in places both high and low.

Why You'll Love It:

• This line: “I don’t expect to need rescuing. I’m not that kind of princess.”
• Refreshingly, there’s no romance plot here, and just as refreshingly, the two dark-skinned women are both beautiful and benevolent. 
• Playing on fairy tale tropes and conventions, Nix delivers a delightful adventure stuffed with absurdity, magic, and a spirited young heroine.

Who Should Read It:

Great for 6th-10th graders.



What Else You Should Read:

• Newt's Emerald (also by Garth Nix)
• The Apothecary by Maile Meloy
• Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Word of Mouse

Word of Mouse

by James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein

illustrated by Joe Sutphin

Jimmy Patterson Books/Little, Brown (2016)

Fantasy Chapter Book

Summary:

What makes Isaiah so unique? First, his fur is as blue as the sky--which until recently was something he'd never seen, but had read all about. That's right--Isaiah can read, and write. He can also talk to humans...if any of them are willing to listen! After a dramatic escape from a mysterious laboratory, Isaiah is separated from his "mischief" (which is the word for a mouse family), and has to use his special skills to survive in the dangerous outdoors, and hopefully find his missing family. But in a world of cruel cats, hungry owls, and terrified people, it's hard for a young, lone mouse to make it alone. When he meets an equally unusual and lonely human girl named Hailey, the two soon learn that true friendship can transcend all barriers.

Why You'll Love It:

• A book by best-selling Patterson or Grabenstein is pretty much a done deal.
• Sutphin provides black-and-white spot illustrations that recall the great mouse protagonists of the mid-20th century.
• The authors manage to seamlessly integrate clever wordplay (including Isaiah’s snarky perspective), advanced vocabulary, and basic science information into the story without becoming didactic.

Who Should Read It:

Great for 3rd-6th graders.

What Else You Should Read:

• Stuart Little by E.B. White
• Nuts to You by Lynne Rae Perkins
• Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Firefly Hollow

Firefly Hollow
by Alison McGhee
illustrations by Christopher Denise
Atheneum Books (Aug. 18, 2015)
Fantasy Chapter Book

Summary:

Firefly and Cricket each have been taught that “giants” are dangerous, but when they each leave the Hollow to pursue their dreams, they end up befriending one (albeit a small one).

Why You'll Love It:

•  McGhee sensitively portrays the pains of growing up as well as themes of prejudice, death, overcoming fears, and the power of friendship.
• Illustrations reminiscent of The Wind in the Willows further enhance a wise and lovely reading adventure. One can definitely imagine a film version of the book, and it is much deserved!
• Author Alison McGhee has created a tiny world of wonder with a gentle, never heavy-handed, message. 

Who Should Read It:

For independent readers (grades 3-5) although this would be a great read aloud for younger children as well. Also check out this reader's guide for discussion questions and enrichment activities.

What Else You Should Read:

•  The works of Kate DiCamillo (especially Despereaux and Edward Tulane)
• The works of E.B. White (especially Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little)

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Nuts to You!

Nuts to You!
by Lynne Rae Perkins
Greenwillow Books (Aug. 26, 2014)
Chapter book (Adventure)

Summary:
A squirrel trades a story for a taste of peanut butter and weaves a yarn about Jed, a squirrel who’s carried off by a hawk, and the friends who rescue him.

Why You'll Love It:

• Some deeper themes may prompt readers to question their interactions with the natural world.
• Readers, especially animal lovers and the environmentally minded, will relish the squirrels' adventures, as well as Perkins's laugh-aloud illustrations and equally witty footnotes.
• The squirrel POV includes clever wordplay: power lines are “buzzpaths,” for example.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 3-6...and here are some 'squirrelebrations' on Perkins' website

What Else You Should Read:

• Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo (I love the new paperback cover art!)
• The Underneath by Kathi Appelt