Author Archives: Brianna

Review: Flora’s Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall, illustrated by Matt Phelan

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Brianna

Flora’s Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall. Illustrated by Matt Phelan. Clarion Books, 2010. Currently available. Genre: Picture book Face Value: Captivating! Phelan’s gorgeous artwork is so graceful and animated. There is a terrific sense of movement in this cover … Continue reading →

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Review: Junonia by Kevin Henkes

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Brianna

Junonia by Kevin Henkes. Greenwillow Books, 2011. Currently available. Genre: Middle Grade Realistic Fiction Face Value: I love this cover. It’s recognizably a Kevin Henkes book (because who else would draw a seashell and a little girl like that?) but … Continue reading →

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Review: Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Brianna

Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell. Little, Brown and Company, 2011. Currently available. Genre: Picture book biography Face Value: Little Jane is just the cutest thing, and she and her stuffed chimpanzee are front and center. This cover is charming and beautiful. … Continue reading →

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Review: Amelia Lost by Candace Fleming

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Brianna

Amelia Lost by Candace Fleming. Viking, 2010. Currently available. Genre: Middle Grade Non-Fiction Face Value: I have a penchant for all things vintage, and this terrific cover evokes 1930s print advertisements in homage to Amelia’s media heyday. I like it … Continue reading →

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Review: The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Brianna

The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex. Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. Currently available. Genre: Middle Grade Science Fiction. No, not really. Speculative Fiction. Ummm, no, it’s not that either. Humorous Fiction? I give up. It’s unclassifiable. Just know … Continue reading →

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Review: Small Persons With Wings by Ellen Booream

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Brianna

Small Persons With Wings by Ellen Booream. Dial Books for Young Readers (2011). Currently available. Genre: Middle grade fantasy/fiction Face Value: My initial impression of this cover was very positive. I liked that we don’t see any actual fairy bodies … Continue reading →

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Review: The Good, The Bad, and the Barbie by Tanya Lee Stone

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Brianna

The Good, The Bad, and the Barbie: A Doll’s History and Her Impact on Us by Tanya Lee Stone. Viking, 2010. Currently available. Genre: Middle Grade Non-Fiction Face Value: This cover is…well…weird. I have always found the sideways glance of … Continue reading →

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Use Your Gray Matter: Girls with Bad Attitudes

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Brianna

I sat down the other day to read Judith Viorst’s latest children’s book, Lulu and the Brontosaurus. It was a cute story packed with snark. But you know what? Lulu is a total brat. She throws tantrums. She feels that … Continue reading →

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Review: Inside the Shadow City by Kirsten Miller

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Brianna

Inside the Shadow City (Kiki Strike #1) by Kirsten Miller. Bloomsbury, 2006. Currently available. Genre: YA Fiction Face Value: The dual image of the girls and the city is very intriguing, and I can see how it would appeal to … Continue reading →

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Review: The Little Little Girl With the Big Big Voice by Kristen Balouch

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Brianna

The Little Little Girl With the Big Big Voice by Kristen Balouch. Little Simon, 2011. Currently available. Genre: Picture book Face Value: The bright colors caught my eye. And, of course, the little girl bellowing with all of her might. … Continue reading →

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