Fox by Margaret Wild and Ron Brooks

Fox written by Margaret Wild. (Published 2008). 27 unnumbered pgs. L500. RL 3.6 Int Lvl k-3. This story of friendship tells about a magpie who becomes friends with a dog until their relationship is pulled apart by a duplicitous fox.

KIRKUS REVIEW
Ambiguities and rawly expressionistic art turn this tale of friendship and temptation from the creators of Rosie and the Tortoise (1999) into a strongly atmospheric psycho-fable. Though permanently grounded by a burnt wing, Magpie discovers that riding atop her friend, one-eyed Dog, as he runs through the bush feels—almost—the same: “ ‘FLY, DOG, FLY! I will be your missing eye, and you will be my wings.’ ” When a fox comes into the picture, offering Magpie more speed, desire overcomes loyalty—but after an exhilarating ride the fox leaves her far out in the desert, saying, “ ‘Now you and Dog will know what it is like to be truly alone.’ ” Brooks hand-lettered the text in large, irregular lines that sometimes change direction, and creates semi-abstract, strongly colored scenes of scored, combed, thickly applied paint. It’s visually striking, but closing with Magpie just beginning to “jiggety-hop” her way back to Dog after hearing an ominous, distant scream, it’s really more of an open-ended discussion starter than a conventionally constructed story. (Australian Children’s Book Council’s Picture Book of the Year) (Picture book. 9-12)

I came across this book quite by accident for a writing project in my classroom. What a hidden treasure! We read and reread it several times as my students created their literary essays emulating from the three distinctly different characters. What was amazing though, was my students conversations about their own friendships in life and how they all need to be careful when temptation presents itself. This book relates to so many areas in kids' lives today: friendship, temptation, motivation, struggles, and perseverance. This treasure is worth its weight in gold.

Posted by Liz Stafford

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. (Published 2013). 204 pgs. L730. RL 4.8.  A Monster Calls is the perfect middle school read aloud.  Although it fits into the horror genre, the story draws middle school readers in as it delves into what is right and what is wrong, what is fair and what is unfair.

Kirkus Reviews starred (July 15, 2011)

From a premise left by author Siobhan Dowd before her untimely death, Ness has crafted a nuanced tale that draws on elements of classic horror stories to delve into the terrifying terrain of loss. When a monster in the form of an ancient yew tree crashes through his bedroom walls after midnight, calling his name, Conor is remarkably unperturbed-"Shout all you want," he says. "I've seen worse." Indeed he has, in a recurring nightmare of someone slipping from his grasp, a nightmare whose horror he keeps to himself. Daily life is intolerable, as everyone from teachers to bullies treats him as though he were invisible since his mother began chemotherapy. The monster tells Conor three stories before insisting that Conor tell one himself. Asserting that "stories are the wildest things of all," the monster opens the door for Conor to face the guilty truth behind his subconscious fears. Ness brilliantly captures Conor's horrifying emotional ride as his mother's inevitable death approaches. In an ideal pairing of text and illustration, the novel is liberally laced with Kay's evocatively textured pen-and-ink artwork, which surrounds the text, softly caressing it in quiet moments and in others rushing toward the viewer with a nightmarish intensity. A poignant tribute to the life and talent of Siobhan Dowd and an astonishing exploration of fear.(Fiction. 11-14)

I discovered A Monster Calls from a fellow fifth grade teacher who had just finished reading it aloud to his class.  He loved the discussion that took place after each read aloud as well as the idea that the story's ending reflected real life.  Although I didn't find it scary, it is important that teachers read it first as there are a few places that might require the teacher to skip certain sections.

Posted by Kellie Hale

Mother Goose Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Mother Goose Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins.  Published (2015).     unnumbered pages.  570 L AD. R.L.  2.5   K-3.  Here is a new story about grumpy Bruce who just wants eggs to eat.

Booklist (December 1, 2015 (Online))

Preschool-Kindergarten. Bruce the bear is a grump. He doesn’t like company. Or sunshine. Or rain. What he does like is eggs and finding new fancy ways of preparing them—yes, Bruce has the Internet and a stove. He is a very modern bear. Readers will no doubt start giggling as they see Bruce push his shopping cart through the forest to collect the necessary ingredients—honey straight from the hive (“He liked to support local business”), salmon, and, of course, goose eggs. Having obtained everything he needs, he heads home and gets ready to cook. But, then, wouldn’t you know it? The eggs hatch! This results in the grumpiest Bruce yet, and hilarity ensues as he attempts to get the baby geese, who are convinced he is their mother, to leave him alone. Comic illustrations range from full-page paintings to spot illustrations and panels that combine to show Bruce’s schemes to rid himself of the geese, culminating in a silly but sweet conclusion. This case of mistaken identity will lend itself to a fun-filled storytime.

How frustrating life can be.  Who would think that your desire for a delectable egg breakfast could lead to your entire life changing?  When I read this book to first graders they all thought it was very sweet that the goslings thought Bruce was their mama. They really like the "Happily Ever After" ending.  However, I read the book to fifth graders and their take was quite different. They immediately sided with Bruce and how his entire future plans had been altered.  They wanted to try and find a way out for Bruce.  The discussions we had about different reactions to this book were very interesting.  There were so many different solutions to Bruce's dilemma that I turned it into a writing opportunity....."How can Bruce get his old way of life back, or should he even try?"  Wow, what a diverse set of solutions were presented.

Posted by Margo Irving