Pick of the Day: Bowling Alley Bandit

SLJ — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 09:00:03 +0000

KELLER, Laurie. Bowling Alley Bandit. illus. by author. 128p. (The Adventures of Arnie the Doughnut). Holt/Christy Ottaviano. 2013. Tr $13.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9076-5.
Gr 2–4–Arnie the doughnut returns in a “who-donut” chapter book that will appeal to fans of Dav Pilkey’s “Captain Underpants” (Scholastic) and Lincoln Peirce’s “Big Nate” (HarperCollins) series. Iced with chocolate and covered with sprinkles, the “doughnut dog” catches readers up-to-date since he debuted in his own picture book, Arnie the Doughnut (Holt, 2003). The first chapter recaps how he became a doughnut dog and beloved friend to Mr. Bing, who instead of eating Arnie decides to adopt him as his pet. Readers then follow adventures that occur during Arnie’s favorite Tuesday-night outings to the bowling alley with Mr. Bing and his buddies. Comic-style drawings fill the pages, providing abundant humor and tons of spoofy comedy for reluctant readers. Children will stay engaged as Arnie and friends try to discover why Mr. Bing keeps throwing gutter balls during the tournament when he usually is a high-scoring bowler. Does the opposing team, the Yada-Yadas, have something to do with it? With zany, quirky characters (talking pizza, break-dancing bowling pins, animated shoes) and a fast-paced, silly story line, the book will have readers looking for Arnie and Mr. Bing’s next adventure.–Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

Pick of the Day: Sing

SLJ — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:00:02 +0000

RAPOSO, Joe. Sing. illus. by Tom Lichtenheld. 40p. w/CD. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9071-0.
K-Gr 1–A visual interpretation of the uplifting, popular song. Two small birds leave their nest one by one with a colorful warbled note, but as the last bird tries to follow, no sound is forthcoming despite a discouraged second try. “Sing, sing a song….” A boy’s melody reaches the nest and startles a weak first tweet. Shaking him out of the nest, the tune soars, and the fledgling finds its voice, following musical notes to reach the other two and join their notes together…“Sing a Song!” The text alongside its Spanish translation accompanies a historical note by Raposo’s son that explains his father’s immigrant story and the roots of the song. Original handwritten notes, lyrics, and chords of “Canta-Sing” are included. Art in watercolor, ink, pastels, and colored pencils balances text in a simple setting and accentuates the power of the music. For young and old, the text recalls a theme of courage and self-acceptance with easy-to-follow imagery. Everyone will want to sing along.–Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

School Library Journal» Holt/Christy Ottaviano

Pick of the Day: Bowling Alley Bandit

Pick of the Day: Sing