STINK AND THE SHARK SLEEPOVER by Megan McDonald

* I received this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Stink and his friends get to have a sleepover at the aquarium where they learn all about hermit crabs, jellyfish and sharks. There's a campfire, pranks and a spooky story to make the sleepover complete.

I received an advance e-copy of this book from the publisher, Candlewick Press. Final artwork was not available, but I don't think you can go wrong with anything drawn by Peter H. Reynolds. The story was cute and informative. I have so many shark-crazy kids at school who are going to LOVE this! This will be a hit with Stink fans as well as shark fans.

4 out of 5 stars

This book releases on February 11, 2014.

PICTURE BOOKS: Three Hens and a Peacock by Lester Laminack AND Nugget and Fang by Tammi Sauer

This is a lovely story - with lovely illustrations - about being yourself and doing what you were made to do. A peacock finds himself on a farm and his fancy feathers get him all sorts of attention. The hens become bitter about doing all the work, so the birds switch places. The peacock tries to sit in the henhouse and lay eggs while the hens try to drum up attention and business for the farm.

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 3.3

Recommended for: peacock fans (like me!), read-alouds, lessons on being yourself, Bible lessons about the importance of all the parts of the body of Christ.

The sub-title for Nugget and Fang is "Friends Forever - or Snack Time!" Fang the shark and Nugget the minnow are best buds - until Nugget goes to school and learns that sharks and minnows can't be friends. Fang tries everything he can think of to win Nugget's friendship back, but nothing works. But when the minnows are in danger, will Fang come to their rescue?

5 out of 5 stars
No AR quiz at the time of this writing

Recommended for: everyone! I love this story more and more, every time I read it! This would be great for general read-alouds, but also for discussions of life under the ocean, and lessons about friendship.

EARLY READER: Fly Guy Presents: Sharks by Tedd Arnold

This is a non-fiction book about sharks, including pictures of different kinds of sharks, teeth, gills, etc. The book is "narrated" by Fly Guy and his friend, Buzz, on a trip to the aquarium.

I bought this book from Scholastic as part of a book fair preview pack for our school's spring fair. The book releases in stores on May 1. This will be a popular book with my students. My two kindergarten classes can't get enough books about sharks. The fact that Fly Guy is part of this may help them transition to Fly Guy books as well. I think this is a great format for kids' non-fiction, and I hope Scholastic and Tedd Arnold do more of these kinds of books. I think the format will draw kids in.

4 out of 5 stars