The Journey that Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey
by Louise Borden; illustrated by Allen Drummond

Grades 3 and up/ Non-fiction

Subject: World War II, Authors and Illustrators
Grades: 3 and up
Book Type: Informational Picture Book
Year: 2005

Curious George is adored here in America, but he got his start in Paris, France when his creators, Margret and H.A. Rey, wrote a story about a curious little money named Fifi.

Because they were Jewish, it was important that the Reys leave France when the Nazis invaded in 1940. They had room for few possessions when they escaped Paris on bicycles. Thankfully, the manuscript for The Adventures of Fifi was tucked away in their bicycle basket.

Traveling by train and boat, the Reys made their way to America. Within a year their first book would be published, and the little monkey Fifi, now named Curious George, and would become the beloved character he is today.

- Nancy 3/06

The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence
by Judith St. George, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

Subject: American History/ Patriotic Holidays
Grades: 3-6
Book Type: Informational Picture Book
Year: 2005

St. George traces the travels of the original document from its inception in 1776 to 1952 when it found a permanent home in the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. With witty illustrations and a breezy, historically accurate text, the book reveals how events in American History required moving the document from place to place to keep it safe and protected. A perfect read-aloud for teachers introducing the American Revolutionary period to their classes, or for teachers looking for a fun and interesting book to read on patriotic holidays.

- Guest Reviewer - Marcia from Carlthorp School 11/05

Birdbrain Amos
written and illustrated by Michael Delaney

Grades 2-4
Animal Stories

Poor Amos! He hires a tick bird to eat the bugs off his back and gets more than he bargained for when Kumba builds a nest on his head and lays three eggs. Soft hearted Amos is not happy but finds it hard to chase the family away, even when his friends call him a birdbrain. What’s a hippo to do? This delightful early chapter book begs to be read aloud to children as early as kindergarten. Charming illustrations enhance this delightful tale.

- Sylvia 09/05

Guys Write for Guys Read
edited by Jon Scieszka

Literary Collection
YA 810.8 GUYS

Scieszka creates a spin-off of his guysread.com website by compiling an admirable collection of more than 80 short stories and drawings by both popular and not-so-well-known male authors and illustrators.

The book was designed for the adolescent male. Stories no longer than three pages allow him to browse, pick and choose at will. Themes range from Lloyd Alexander’s ill-fated first date, Chris Crutcher’s revolting high school football team’s initiation, Jon Scieszka’s hilarious barf-o-rama in the family station wagon, and Walter Dean Myers’s revealing daydreams.

Written from each author’s personal perspective, the stories provide a well-rounded picture of what it means to be a boy without the usual stereotypes, and although very few will read the book from cover to cover, it will certainly inspire those who are able to find the one or two gems that resonate with their experience.

Middle and high school teachers could use the stories as read-alouds or supplements to the study of each author’s longer works. Some might find the book useful as an index for helping their male students find a new author to explore. (Try naming 10 ten male authors and their works, fast.) Many of the stories could be used as models of the first person narrative form of writing, and budding artists would be inspired to see accomplished artists’ drawings from their younger years.

- Guest Reviewer - Jasper from SMMUSD 9/05