THE GREEDY KING: A TALE FROM ANCIENT GREECE by Mitchell Biesemeyer

Based on a classic story from Greece, the story is told of a rich and greedy king who wanted to prove he was the happiest man in the world because of his great wealth. A wise Greek man puts things in perspective and the king, eventually, learns some things about true happiness.

Cute illustrations. Historic notes in the back give some context for the story. Good message about the path to true happiness (sharing/helping others, contentment). This is definitely more of a "message" story than a "get lost in the story" sort of book.

3.5 out of 5 stars
No AR reading level at the time of this writing

* I received an electronic copy of this book from the author 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.

123 VS ABC by Mike Boldt

The numbers and letters all show up for this book, but they can't decide if it's a counting book (1 alligator) or an alphabet book (1 alligator).

This was a lot of fun to read! I chose this as my first read of the year and my older students got a kick out of it. (I did notice that it went over the heads of my kindergarteners.) This could be a good one for later in the year when we talk about alphabetizing in the library.

4 out of 5 stars
No AR reading level

THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT by Drew Daywalt

Duncan can't wait to color but all of his crayons have written him letters of complaint - over use, under use, peeled paper, crayons fighting over which color is right for a picture.... The crayons are fed up! What can Duncan do so he can get back to coloring?

Such a cute book! This would be a great one for art class, a read-aloud, for a writing prompt or mentor text for letter writing. So many fantastic uses for this in a school setting! Check this one out!

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 3.8

CRANKEE DOODLE and SEA MONSTER'S FIRST DAY

  

Two great picture books for the new school year!! Crankee Doodle is the story of Yankee Doodle and his horse talking about making a trip to town. Yankee Doodle is irritable and uncooperative while the horse is sweet and longsuffering, suggesting they go to town and maybe buy a feather for Yankee Doodle's hat. The whole thing is a hoot! I can't wait to share this with students. We'll be singing the Yankee Doodle song for days afterwards! This book is written by Tom Angleberger, the author of the Origami Yoda books and it is illustrated by his wife, Cece Bell.

Sea Monster's First Day is a sweet first day of school story starring Ernest the sea monster. Ernest, like most new students, is eager to fit in and find his way in a new place, and he triumphs with a good dose of imagination and a good attitude. This book is written by Kate Messner, the author of Capture the Flag.

These will both be books I am sharing with students early in the school year - I can't wait! Both of these picture books are written by authors my students already love.

4 out of 5 stars for both
AR reading level for both is 2.4

GLAMSTERS by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Harriett the hamster wants to get noticed so she can be adopted. And she finds a magazine ad that tells her how to be a "glamster." Using things in her cage, Harriett glamorizes herself - and scares her sister Patricia with her new look. In the end, Harriett discovers she's better off being herself.

A cute story about being yourself.

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 3.2

PICTURE BOOK: Something Fishy by Barry Louis Polisar

[The review copy of this book was provided by the publicist]

A book of poems about sea creatures - like crabs, amoebas, crocodiles, alligators, and barnacles. Includes facts about each creature covered. Great illustrations.

This could be a fun addition to a classroom library - especially in a classroom that focuses on the ocean or sea creatures. The poems are fun to read  and will appeal to kids.

3 out of 5 stars
There is no AR information at this time

PICTURE BOOK: Where's My T-R-U-C-K? by Karen Beaumont

A boy has lost his favorite red truck and is trying to get his family to help him find it. This was one of our book fair books this fall, and at first, I had NO interest in it. The illustration style isn't what I usually gravitate towards, although we have a lot of David Catrow's work in our library and the kids enjoy it. But in an effort to have more information on the books I was selling, I gave this one a read and I was delighted. The rhyme scheme grabbed my attention by the second or third page (You have to spell t-r-u-c-k to make it work). It was a riot to read out loud. I can't wait to share it with more of my classes.

4 out of 5 stars
No AR rating at this time