The Invisible Boy, Ludwig & Barton / Modern Fantasy

Title: The Invisible Boy

Author:Trudy Ludwig
Illustrator: Patrice Barton
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: N/A
Ages: 1st and up

Summary:
A story about Bryan, the invisible boy. It would seem like nobody could see Bryan. He never got picked for kickball, called on in class, asked to join the lunch table, or invited to parties. He was clearly invisible to everyone. Until one day Justin, a new kid, in school comes to school. Bryan is the only one who is kind to Justin at lunch and that starts their friendship. Soon, Justin helps Bryan get involved and suddenly he's not invisible anymore. 

Illustrations:
This books illustrations of watercolors are inspired. They communicate well the theme and mood of loneliness Bryan is feeling. As Bryan is going through the story he is drawn grey and see through because he feels invisible. It is when Justin starts to talk with him and bring him into the world that he begins to catch color. At the end of the story when they're friends, he is completely colored and bold. 

In the classroom:
This book is a must have for any classroom. The students will be able to relate to Bryan. Everyone has felt lonely and invisible sometime. So this book could be used to help students really emphasize with the bullied. It is beautifully written, illustrated, and the message is clear that kindness and friendliness breed happiness. 

This is Sadie, O'Leary & Morstad / Modern Fantasy

Title: This Is Sadie

Author: Sara O'Leary
Illustrator: Julie Morstad
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Picture Books (2015) & Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize Nominee (2016)
Ages: 2nd and up

Summary:
This book introduces us to Sadie, a young girl with a large imagination. The reader gets to see lots of different things that sadie likes to imagine. She is on a boat sailing across the sees, she's a mermaid deep in the ocean, or a snail on a leaf. Sadie loves stories and shares her imaginative stories with the reader. 

Illustrations:
This picture story book makes wonderful use of space. When the reader sees Sadie she is sitting in a box, or in a bathtub, or somewhere else plain and real. The pages have lots of empty white space only showing a small image. However, when we see inside Sadie's imagination the reader sees the giant ship sailing in the sea or a deep ocean filled with fish and mermaids. The pages are full of color and no space is left white. 

In the classroom: 
Students will enjoy this story because it reassures them that stories and creativity are valuable. Students can create stories from nothing at all, just like Sadie. This book encourages creativity and curiosity. Students would definitely enjoy reading about Sadie's adventures and creating some of their own. 

Wolfie the Bunny, Dyckman & OHora

Title: Wolfie the Bunny

Author: Amy Dyckman
Illustrator: Zachariah OHora
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Picture Books (2015)
Ages: Kindergarten and up

Summary:
This is the story of Wolfie, a baby wolf, who is dropped off on the doorsteps of a family of bunnies. Mama and Papa bunny adore him he is adopted, but Dot, his sister, is not too happy. As they both grow, Dot does not seem to like Wolfie. However, when faced with a big bear who tries to gobble up her little brother, Dot races to his rescue. She saves Wolfie and together, feeling closer than ever, they return home for dinner. 

Illustrations:
Ohora does a super cute job with these sketch like drawings that really create vivid characters for the readers. Every characters personality shows through with choice of clothes and expression and color choices. The book is bright, fun, and illustrated from cover to cover. 

In the classroom: 
Wolfie and Dot are very warm and fun characters that students will love. This book would make a great addition to any class library. Students will love the simple text matched with detailed drawings. The book is repetitive and easy to read for young students to enjoy. 

Leo: A Ghost Story, Barnett & Robinson / Modern Fantasy

Title: Leo: A Ghost Story

Author: Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: The Magnolia Award Nominee for K-2 (2017)
Ages: 1st and up

Summary:
Leo is a ghost who haunts the house he lived in, but when a new family moves in he decides to leave and find a new place to live. He roams the streets looking for friends but no one can see him. He meets Jane, a nice girl, who mistakes Leo for one of her imaginary friends. They play all day and become friends. While Jane is sleeping one night, Leo stops a thief from robbing Jane and her family. Leo tells Jane the truth about him being a ghost and they stay friends. 

Illustrations:
Christian Robinson does a wonderful job of creating a world where readers can both not see and see Leo on every page. His storytelling through this book is blatant and yet so subtle. The choice of blue sets a mood throughout the book reflects Leo's loneliness and ghost like appearance. Then, once he makes a friend in Jane the blue lightens up to be a much more bright and friendly blue that reflects Leo's new happiness. 

In the classroom: 
I think this book would be an excellent addition to a classroom. This book reflects a true honest friendship. It's a fun and interesting book that is unique in its story. The elements of storytelling for this books are very different than other picture story books. Students will definitely be engaged and fall in love with Leo and Jane. 

My Teacher Is a Monster, Brown / Modern Fantasy

Title: My Teacher Is a Monster!

Author/Illustrator: Peter Brown
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award Nominee for Grades K-3 (2016)
Ages: PreK and up

Summary:
This book is about Robert, a young man, who believes his teacher is a monster because she stomps, roars, and is awfully mean. However, when Robert and his teacher happen to cross paths at his favorite park one day he is surprised. His teacher is lots of fun and enjoys doing fun things with Bobby. They share a fun afternoon and soon his teacher doesn't seem like a monster after all. 

Illustrations:
This is a fantastic picture story book that uses many fun elements to help tell the story in a unique way. Throughout the book whenever the teacher is acting mean she is green and monster like, but as Bobby begins to like his teacher she grows more human like. It is a fun and interesting story that has lots of collage style artwork to look at. The use of space in the book is well explored. 

In the classroom:
I think this could be a very fun book to read to a class or have in the classroom. Students will definitely get a kick out of the funny jokes and pokes at teachers. Young readers can enjoy this simple text and the fun colorful illustrations. It also teaches a valuable lesson about getting to know people and not judging a book by its cover. 

Hoot Owl: Master of Disguise, Taylor & Jullien / Modern Fantasy

Title: Hoot Owl: Master of Disguise

Author: Sean Taylor
Illustrator: Jean Jullien
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: N/A
Ages: Kindergarten and up

Summary:
A comical little book about a hungry hoot owl who can't seem to catch dinner. This book follows a hoot owl who claims to be a master of disguise. He tries to disguise himself as a carrot to catch a rabbit, a sheep to catch a sheep, and a bird bath to catch pigeon, all to no avail. However, when he begins to hunt pizza, his luck turns around!

Illustrations:
This book has hilarious illustrations that capture the silly tone of the book. The jokes are communicated well between the colorful characters and the expressions drawn in. Jullien does a wonderful job illustrating a clear and fun environment for this book. 

In the classroom: 
This book is simple, repetitive, and even rhyming in some areas. It is a bundle of humor and fun that any reader would enjoy. Students could greatly benefit from reading this book. It is entertaining and playful as well as being a wonderful example of rhythm and repetition for young readers. 

Mother Bruce, Higgins / Modern Fantasy

Title: Mother Bruce

Author/Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: N/A
Ages: Kindergarten and up

Summary:
This picture book is about a grumpy bear named Bruce who does not like many things. He does like to eat eggs however. So he steals some eggs from a mother goose who then flies south for the winter. Bruce is about to cook the eggs when his stove goes out and he has to fix it up. However, the eggs hatch and Bruce becomes stuck with four little goslings. They refuse to leave his side and eventually even Bruce grows to like them. 

Illustrations:
This is filled tons of funny illustrations that help tell the story along with the text. Readers can see the personalities and fun expressions of each character thanks to detailed illustrations. The colors are vibrant and inviting. 

In the classroom: 
This is a fun story for students to read. I believe it would be a really different type of story to expose young readers too. The language is simple so they can read it on their own without much trouble. This is a funny story with quite a twist that will leave students wanting more. 

Rude Cakes, Watkins / Modern Fantasy

Title: Rude Cakes

Author/Illustrator: Rowboat Watkins
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: N/A
Ages: Pre-K and up

Summary:
This picture book shows a little pink cake that is always rude. The cake doesn't share, wait it's turn, or say please or thank you. Until a giant cyclops picks it up and thinks it is a hat. The reader sees that giant cyclops' are always polite and never rude. The cake eventually learns to be polite as well, saying please to get off the giant's head. This book shows it's never to late to learn to be polite!

Illustrations:
Watkins ink sketches and watercolor paintings fill this book with imaginative and fun illustrations. The colors are bright and interesting to look at. Each character has it's own details and personality through his drawings. He adds so much to the story by illustrating characters and events in unique ways on every page. 

In the classroom: 
This silly and fun book is perfect for young readers. Students will love reading this book about cakes and cyclopses and in the process learn a lot about manners. They will learn to not be rude and how to act to be polite. The book is easy to read and repetitive which is also good for young readers. They can work on early reading fluency and other issues. 

Interstellar Cinderella, Underwood & Hunt / Modern Fantasy

Title: Interstellar Cinderella

Author: Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Meg Hunt
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Picture Books (2015) & The Magnolia Award Nominee for K-2 (2017)
Ages: Kindergarten and up

Summary:
An imaginative retelling of Cinderella, this book shows us Interstellar Cinderella, a young girl who loves to fix things. She dreams of being a mechanic, fixing ships and gadgets. Her evil stepsisters and stepmother don't allow her to go to the Prince's space ship parade unless she can fix her own space ship. Thankfully, her fairy god-robot comes and helps her fix the ship so she can go to the parade. She even helps fix the prince's ship when it breaks during the parade and the prince is so impressed he invites her to the ball. They talk and have a good time but she must leave early. The prince then searches the galaxy to find the girl who fixed his ship and he is reunited with Interstellar Cinderella at last. Cinderella gets to become the chief mechanic and she made a wonderful new friend. 

Illustrations:
Hunt creates beautiful and elaborate illustrations throughout this book allowing the reader to really experience space. She is clever in her use of color and machinery to create a cool sci-fi type environment for this story. The painting like sketches display the characters and events in bold and engaging ways. 

In the classroom: 
This is a fun book for students to read that puts an interesting spin on the classic tale of Cinderella. It shows a young girl with an amazing practical skill set helping her friends and people in need. Students will enjoy the story along with the rhyming text. A book like this is especially great for young readers who need to see fluency and rhythm in reading. 

Red: A Crayon's Story, Hall / Modern Fantasy

Title: Red: A Crayon's Story

Author/Illustrator: Michael Hall
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Awards: Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Picture Books (2015)
Ages: 1st+

Summary:
This picture story book is about a blue crayon who is mislabeled at the factory to say red. He goes a long time believing that he is red and is sad when he cannot draw red things. Everyone is disapointed in him and tries to help teach him how to be red. Until he meets a friend who helps him discover that you don't have to do what people think you have to do. You can just embrace your own talents and be yourself. Then he is able to just be blue and draw blue things. This makes him and everyone else happy!

Illustrations:
This book is illustrated in a way that really blends text and illustration into one storytelling experience. It is narrated by the pencil and you can see the pencil writing the text on the page. The crayons all are drawn like realistic crayons and they draw images throughout the book as if a child was drawing them. These illustrations are approachable and fun for young readers.

In the classroom: 
The message of this book that focuses on being yourself and not striving to be something you are not is important for students. They can read this book and be reassured that everyone is different and sometimes you don't fit in. However, there is always a unique and perfect place where you belong and that everyone has worth. 

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind, Kamkwamba & Mealer & Zunon / Nonfiction

Title: The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
Author: William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon

Genre: Nonfiction
Awards: N/A
Ages: 2nd+

Summary:
This picture book follows the life William Kamkwamba who lived in a Malawi village that was suffering from severe drought. Without rain their crops died and food and money became scarce. William had to help his father with work and had to drop out of school, until he remembered the library where he could read and study science books. He learned about windmills and how they can be used to make electricity and pump water. William collected junk and parts from the trash to try and create a windmill even though people thought he was crazy. With the help of his cousin and friend he was able to finish his windmill and use wires to connect the mill to light bulbs which worked! People rejoiced and they began building windmills all over the country to help light the darkness and pump water to the crops. 

Illustrations:
Zunon creates beautiful and detailed collage style art illustrations. The images do a lot of storytelling and help readers connect with William and his struggles. Throughout the story William and his peers use some words in their first language, and the images help readers identify what it is they are referring too. 

In the classroom: 
This is a great book to have in a class library because of its inspiring message. William worked hard and didn't listen to his peers when they said he was crazy. He loved to learn and studied hard to create something to help his family and his village. He was able to save his village and ultimately peoples lives by trusting in himself and pursuing his dream of working with machinery. This is an important message for students to experience. 

King George: What Was His Problem?, Steve Sheinkin & Tim Robinson

Title: King George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American Revolution
Author: Steve Sheinkin
Illustrator: Tim Robinson

Genre: Nonfiction
Awards: N/A
Ages: 3rd+

Summary:
This book highlights interesting facts and tidbits of information that may not be in a typical textbook regarding the American Revolution. It contains comedic satire style writing that goes in depth into motivations and events of the war. Readers are introduced to important characters from Britain, the Colonies, and get to hear various points of views about the battles.

Illustrations:
This book contains ink style sketches that illustrate certain parts of the texts. Robinson displays British royalty in funny hats and overly elaborately drawn clothes of the period. The information and images are historically accurate, but exaggerated for comedic effect. He also showcases important aspects of battles, ships, locations, etc. throughout the book to help the readers visualize the content. 

In the classroom:
This is an exceptionally fun book that can be used as a an educational tool. History really comes alive in this comedic retelling of facts or stories that students mayor may not have heard before. Young students will be able to enjoy the pictures and learn from the funny but informative text.

The Way Things Work, Ardley & Macaulay / Nonfiction

Title: The Way Things Work
Author: Neil Ardley
Illustrator: David Macaulay
Genre: Nonfiction

Awards: Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Non-Fiction (1989)
Ages: 3rd+

Summary:
A book for the curious reader about the way things work within. This book allows the reader to explore and investigate how every day household items, lasers, levers, computers, and more all work inside and out. This book is educational in nature and is written in a way for young readers to be able to follow along. 

Illustrations:
David Macaulay creates detailed drawings of each part and machine for the readers to better understand what they are reading. Without his intricate drawings this book would nearly be unreadable. This is a team of detailed explanation that relies on Macaulay's detailed drawings to help showcase the mechanical parts of each machine. 

In the classroom: 
Many students would benefit from having this book in the classroom. Often students at a young age become interested in learning how things work, especially complex machines. This book would feed their need for knowledge in a fun and age appropriate way. Students will be able to read and comprehend complex machine mechanisms through this educational and well written book. 

Ancient Egypt, Hart / Nonfiction

Title: Ancient Egypt
Author: George Hart
Photos: George Hart

Genre: Nonfiction
Awards: N/A
Ages: 3rd+

Summary:
This book is a collection of information about ancient Egyptian civilizations. Hart writes about artifacts and expeditions that give us knowledge about cities, people, and life in historical Egypt. It is a mass collection of photographs and information compiled to educate young people about ancient history. 

Illustrations:
These full color photographs throughout the book are helpful in showcasing ancient history. Readers are able to see images of real tools, buildings, mummies, etc. These images make learning about ancient Egyptian history much more interesting and real. 

In the classroom: 
Books like these would be a very important asset for a classroom. They're is a large collection of 'Eyewitness Books' that cover a wide variety of topics. Students will enjoy learning by reading and seeing many interesting facts through this use of photographs. Books like this help make history come alive for young students. 

Thank you, Sarah , Anderson&Faulkner / Nonfiction

Title: Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Illustrator: Matt Faulkner

Genre: Nonfiction
Awards: Once Upon A World Children’s Book Award (2003)
Ages: 3rd+

Summary:
This picture story book follows the real historical person Sarah Hale, a woman editor, in her attempts to write congress and save Thanksgiving. It describes her contributions throughout history for four decades. This historically accurate tale honors, Sarah Hale, a woman who used her pen and paper to help shape history.

Illustrations:
Matt Faulker illustrates these historical figures and events with his unique style of artwork. Filling this book from cover to cover with detailed images of Sarah Hale's encounters with historical figures, events, and conflicts. He illustrates the country and characters all in historically accurate dress and design. 

In the classroom: 
I think students would enjoy reading this book about Sarah Hale. She is a highly unknown but essential part of our american history which students would be thrilled to learn about. This book gives alternative points of view about situations and events in our history. This would make a fantastic tool for social studies classrooms or used for context in any kind of lesson. Books like this allow students to have fun and enjoy learning about American history. 

The Watcher, Winter / Biography

Title: The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps

Author/Illustrator: Jeanette Winter

Genre: Biography
Awards: The Watcher was named a Best Book of the Year by the Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and the Bank Street College of Education
Ages: 2nd+

Summary:
This story follows the life of Jane Goodall from her early love of animals to her time spent studying the chimpanzees and wildlife in Africa. The book illustrates her passion for animals and highlights her amazing conservation efforts to protect the animals and habitats close to extinction. This book brings to life her mission and legacy in a bright and enjoyable way. 

Illustrations:
This book is filled with vibrant and colorful images that help the text tell a story of inspiration. The expressionist like painting style of the art lends itself to something much more elegant than a normal children's book might seem to have. The images are bright and convey a mood throughout the book depending on situation. 

In the classroom: 
I think this book would be a great addition to a biography section of a classroom. It illustrates Jane Goodall's life's work in such a colorful and interactive way. Students will be able to experience her passion for animal and wildlife through this method of storytelling. They will also learn a lot about the animals and conservation efforts in place to save them from extinction. 

Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors?, Lee Stone / Biography

Title: Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell

Author: Tanya Lee Stone
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman 

Genre: Biography
Awards: Vermont's Picture Book Awards: Red Clover Nominee (2015)
Ages: 3rd+

Summary:
This story follows the life of Elizabeth Blackwell who was a young girl who didn't care for the few occupations that woman could obtain during her growing years. She decided that she wanted to become a doctor. So despite the mean or rude things people said or did to try and stop her, Blackwell went to medical school. She graduated and went on to have a brilliant career as the first ever female doctor. 

Illustrations:
This book is filled with vibrant and colorful images that help the text tell a story of inspiration. The expressionist like painting style of the art lends itself to something much more elegant than a normal children's book might seem to have. The images are bright and convey a mood throughout the book depending on situation. 

In the classroom: 
This book is a must have for a classroom. Students will love this tale of how despite what anyone says you can accomplish your dreams if you work hard and stay true to yourself. Female students especially may enjoy this story of empowerment and dedication in the face of opposition. It is important for students to know about Blackwell and other important mold breaking leaders in history to help inspire them and educate them. 

Odd Boy Out, Brown / Biography

Title: Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein

Author/Illustrator: Don Brown

Genre: Biography
Awards: N/A
Ages: 4th+

Summary:
A biography that follows the life of Albert Einstein as he was born and grew up in Munich, Germany and Milan, Italy. It shows how he was a quiet and thoughtful boy who struggled in school. This story also follows his love of math and how he was able to learn so much about it in school and in university. This all effects how he was able to discover so much about the universe and math and how those discoveries effect us today.  

Illustrations:
Don Brown fills this book with soft sketches and watercolors that create a definite mood throughout the book. The images of young Albert Einstein paint a tale that shines lights on many fascinating attributes of his life before his famous time as a scientist. 

In the classroom: 
Students will love to read this book and see that Einstein was just like them. He struggled in school, did chores for his parents, and was bullied. It shows how hard work can lead to great things no matter who you are. This biography of Einstein is in depth and shows his personality and character unlike some stories that focus only on his discoveries and the time after he was famous. I would like to have this book in the classroom to show many perspectives for the students. 

Balloons Over Broadway, Sweet / Biography

Title: Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade

Author/Illustrator: Melissa Sweet

Genre: Biography
Awards: NCTE Orbis Pictus Award (2012), 
Ages: 2nd+

Summary:
This is the story of Tony Sarg the puppeteer who invented the Macy's Thanksgiving parade balloons. It showcases his early life on a farm doing chores in unusual ways for his father. He then moves to New York when he grows up and begins making puppets and animatronic puppets for Macy's store windows. It shows how he came up with the concepts and worked with different people and companies to eventually invent the giant balloons that still parade through New York City. 

Illustrations:
Melissa Sweet uses colorful and complex collage art to line the pages with interesting images and text. She interweaves the normal text with newspaper clippings, pictures, photos, and even signs on the page. This biographical picture storybook fuses the facts with beautiful imagery to create an interesting story for readers. 

In the classroom: 
Students will no doubt love learning about the balloons from the parade and how they were invented along with how a young immigrant boy who loved toys influenced and brought the concept to life. This book would be wonderful to have in the classroom. It would especially be great to have around Thanksgiving when students will be hearing about the parade from friends and families. They will be able to learn facts to take home to tell.