Mogo, The Third Warthog by Donna Jo Napoli

This book takes you into the mind of a warthog growing up on the African savanna. Mogo is the third warthog in his litter and he dutifully follows his brothers on their daily forages to eat and drink. The sounder (group of warthogs) is constantly on the lookout for predators including lions and especially a pack of wild dogs. Once Mogo's mother gives birth to her most recent litter, Mogo and his brothers are cast out on their own to survive, which hightens the danger. He encounters giraffees, baboons, and has several narrow escapes with the wild dogs that prowl the savanna. The book gives a good introduction into the variety of life on the savanna although it is a bit too anthropomorphic in its depiction of the animals. Still it would be an enjoyable book for children who enjoy animal stories. Mogo, The Third Warthog by Donna Jo Napoli. Illustrated by Lita Judge. Hyperion Books for Children, 2008.

Tadpole Rex by Kurt Cyrus

A young tadpole is born in the time of dinosaurs and grows up into a frog with huge dinosaurs surrounding it. Then the dinosaurs go, but frogs survive. There isn't much to the plot, but the illustrations are what makes this book shine. The end note states they were created in scratchboard and colored digitally, and those digital colors shine. The larger than life illustrations pop off the page. It is a visual treat and a likely contender for the Caldecott Award next year. Tadpole Rex by Kurt Cyrus. Harcourt, Inc., 2008.

The Magic Pillow by Demi

Once again, Demi mines the rich culture of China to present a tale of a young boy who learns that fame and riches aren't everything. Based on a short story by Shen Jiji from around 700 A.D., the story tells of a poor young boy who is caught in a blizzard while collecting firewood and seeks shelter at a local inn. While there he meets a magician who is staying there who dazzles him with tricks. The magician later loans him a "magic pillow" to sleep on that gives him dreams about a possible future allowing him to make a better decision of what he wants to do with his life. The textured, traditional illustrations leap off the page making this a visual treat as well. The Magic Pillow by Demi. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2008.

We're going on a book hunt by Pat Miller

This lovely picture book borrows from the classic "going on a bear hunt" rhyme substituting books for bears. A group of young bears with their teacher goes to the library for a just right book hunt. Along the way, they learn to go quietly, use shelf markers, pick a just right book (count to five!), and treat books kindly. With catchy rhymes and up to date illustrations (the library features computers and a scanner for check-out) it covers basic library routines and experiences for young kindergartners and first graders. The book includes a Teachers Guide with lessons related to the book (including movements to go along with the rhymes). It was written by a school librarian from Texas to help her teach library lessons, and we will all benefit. The watercolor illustrations of animals in the library are fun and detailed. Students will enjoy looking at them. We're going on a Book Hunt by Pat Miller. Pictures by Nadine Bernard Westcott. Upstart Books, 2008.

Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

The sequel to Stargirl finds her in a new state far from Arizona. The book is a long letter to her former boyfriend, Leo, about her new life, the people she meets and things she experiences in her day-to-day life. Stargirl befriends an energetic six year old named Dootsie, meets an agorophibic named Betty Lou, and is intrigued by a mysterious boy named Perry who has been seen around town stealing things. The book leads up to a Winter Solstice celebration Stargirl puts together. There are observations about small town life, humor, especially from Dootsie, and reflections on the people she meets and their experiences. The audio book is narrated well by Mandy Seigried. Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. Listening Library, 2007.