Bradley McGogg makes his home in the bog where there are plenty of yummy bugs for a frog to feed on. Upon finding his pantry bare one day, Bradley decides to meet his neighbors, in the hopes that they will share some of their favorite meals with him. But this "bog frog" soon finds that not all animals eat alike Rhyming couplets make this a rollicking read-aloud while imparting some valuable lessons about community and individual differences.

Reviewed by Myra Junyk. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, November, 2008 Highly Recommended. "The story is told in a lyrical style which will definitely appeal to young children. The rhythm, rhyme, and vivid descriptions make the story come to life ... particularly useful for teachers as a read aloud. Students could also participate in a shared reading experience or could dramatize the story by taking on the roles of various characters in the story. The story could provide the basis for very lively discussion with parents, caregivers or teachers about topics such as: food, friendship, sharing, courtesy, homes, bogs, individual differences, community, animals, and eating habits!"

Reviewed by Sarah Ellis. Quill and Quire, January, 2009 "Picky eaters, for example, will have their refined tastes affirmed - nay, celebrated - in Bradley McGogg, the Very Fine Frog ... The rhyming verse is so fresh and the illustrations so full of personality and emotion that we quickly forget the slight premise and simply enjoy Brad's neighbourhood kitchen crawl."

What's not to like about chocolate? It smells good and tastes even better. Readers will experience the taste, smell, and color of the world's most beloved treat through the eyes of a child. This delightful journey addresses all the senses and the many different ways to enjoy this wonderful food group. The smaller size and shape of this picture book is perfect for primary-sized hands and the simple text makes for an enjoyable independent read.

Reviewed by Gregory Bryan. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, November, 2008 Highly Recommended. "Written by Davide Calì and illustrated by Evelyn Daviddi, I Love Chocolate is a delightful blend of clever, precise writing and colourful, imaginative artwork. Both the text and the illustrations contain liberal servings of humour, and this is a "feel good" book that, although geared primarily to young children, will appeal to people of all ages."

In the far North a young girl named Missuk dreams of carving snow geese out of soapstone. Her father has promised to teach her when he returns from his hunt. But a fierce storm strikes. Fortunately, Missuk's special snow geese are waiting to guide him home. This tender story, beautifully portrayed in poetic text and exquisite watercolor illustrations, resonates with young readers and is also a valuable resource for Social Studies units on First Nations and Polar Regions.

Penelope is having a birthday party and everyone is invited. But as her parents soon realize, Penelope really did invite everyone. As ballerinas leap through the air, ponies meander through the kitchen, soccer players kick penalty shots in the living room, and an elephant makes himself at home, Penelope's flabbergasted parents find increasingly dramatic words (outrageous ... ridiculous ... preposterous) to describe the growing chaos. This third book in the award-winning series is a comical birthday celebration with hilarious illustrations and uproarious text.

In this fourth book of the Scaredy Squirrel series, Scaredy tackles a fear that everyone - and especially the young - can relate to. He knows that going to sleep might mean bad dreams about dragons, ghosts, vampire bats and polka-dot monsters. In the true Scaredy style we have come to appreciate, he prepares for the worst! His Bad Dream Action Plan includes a fire extinguisher to snuff out dragons and a fan to blast away ghosts.! This neurotic little squirrel has become a favourite of elementary students across Canada. Children enjoy his wacky behaviour, the detailed, interactive illustrations and can relate to his struggles to overcome his worst fears.

Reviewed by Robert Groberman. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, February, 2009 Highly Recommended. "In Mélanie Watt's fourth picture book in the Scaredy Squirrel series, Scaredy Squirrel at Night, Scaredy confronts a fear familiar to many young readers, a fear of the dark ... Children will also enjoy having this book read to them while they enjoy the illustrations, and older children will enjoy the story and understand the more mature humour of a horoscope which states that "all your dreams will come true" when all of your dreams are nightmares. For readers who share Scaredy's concern, the book has a glow-in-the-dark cover!"

Stanley's people are so preoccupied with primping him for the dog show in the park that they forgot his breakfast. This makes Stanley very grumpy. We know that Stanley's rumbling tummy always leads him into adventure - or a big pile of trouble - and this time is no exception. Enjoy Stanley and his friends in their fourth adventure as they show us humans that dogs know best, and that what really counts is having fun! Stanley's high-spirited adventures teach children the importance of sharing, cooperation and friendship.

Reviewed by Sarah Ellis. Quill and Quire, January, 2009 "Linda Bailey and Bill Slavin explore another challenge of childhood. The obligation to get excessively clean and dressed up for an occasion is one that mystifies and frustrates many small people ... humans appear to dogs as grownups do to children. Bradley and Stanley give the child reader a comical view of what life would be like if kids were in charge. Stanley and his pals wonder - How it would be if dogs ruled the world and had contests for the people. Who'd win the prize for Best-Smelling? Who'd be Most Lick-able?"

Tulip is a watering fairy and her best friend and companion is Lupin, a dog bee honeymaker. Together they cultivate their fields and make delicious honey. But because, watering fairies outlive dog bees, Lupin eventually becomes old and dies, leaving Tulip sad and bereft. She goes on a long journey during which, with the help of a river, the sea and a friendly turtle, she finally imagines a way to pick up her life once again This portrait of grief and the healing process, which has a very happy ending, never minimizes the loss that comes with the death of a beloved, yet it does show that with time, a person can not only continue to live but can find a new way to be.

Starred review by Chelsea Donaldson. Quill and Quire, March, 2009 "In Tulip and Lupin Forever, grief is linked to the natural cycles of death and rebirth ... After a period of mourning, she (Tulip) decides she needs a change of scenery, and so sets off down the river to the sea. En route, she makes a new friend, and begins to recover her old joie de vivre. The rebirth she experiences when she arrives back home is deeply satisfying, both to Tulip and to readers."

Starred reviews for Quill and Quire indicate books of exceptional merit.

Twelve-year-old Lee Mets wants to be a writer, even though her mother tells her that good girls want to be either teachers or nurses. Growing up in the changing days of the 1960s, Lee secretly wishes that she were an orphan like her hero, Anne Shirley. When Cassandra, a real live orphan, moves in across the street, Lee is thrilled. As Lee and Cassandra's friendship grows, Lee comes to realize that being an orphan is not as romantic as she had imagined.

Starred review by Deirdre Baker. Quill and Quire, April, 2009 "This short, sharp story sets the bar high for its followers: it's subtle, wise, and energetic, an honest picture of childhood perceptions and the sort of nuanced fortitude it takes simply to mature ... Jennings' novel has numerous strengths: Lee's strong, intelligent narrative voice, simultaneously direct and multilayered in meaning; a period setting in the 1960s that's convincing without drawing attention to itself; and, most notably, a main character whose innocence, sturdy perceptions, and thirst for knowledge ring true to childhood experience."

Starred reviews for Quill and Quire indicate books of exceptional merit.

Mealworms are small creatures that live in dark secret places. Jeremy is a bit like that when he leaves his home in rural Nova Scotia and moves to Toronto with his mother. In his new school he finds it difficult to endure his science partner and troubled classmate, Aaron. Jeremy is also burdened by the secret he carries about the motorcycle accident that injured him and killed his father. Blending humour and realism, this novel shows the value of doing the right thing both for ourselves and others.

Reviewed by Karen Rankin. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, February, 2009 Highly Recommended. "Anna Kerz's first novel is a finely crafted blend of humour, drama, and suspense. The measured and compelling revelation of Jeremy's dark secret is well balanced by scenes from his science and gym classes as well as the development of his relationship with Milly. The plot has some nice, realistic surprises and a satisfying as well as uplifting conclusion."

Boney, Itchy and Squeak are the Odd Fellows and are the best of friends. They hang out in their tree house in Boney's backyard, where five lookout posts and three escape hatches allow them to keep an eye on (and get away from) their mortal enemy: bully Larry Harry. But after getting pelted with eggs, pummelled in gym class and sabotaged every year at their school's Invention Convention, the Odds have had enough. They're going to put an end to Larry's reign of terror. This hilarious story of friendship and comeuppance perfectly captures the childhood spirit of secret plans and adventures while showing that being different isn't such a bad thing.

Sailing the Island waters, the Lost Souls, led by the daring young captain Scarlet McCray, offer haven and adventure to children in need. Legend has it there's a treasure in the Islands. Everyone's after it, including Jem Fitzgerald and his explorer uncle, Finn. Only Uncle Finn holds the map to the treasure and he's been kidnapped by pirates. Difficult to do justice to in a few sentences, this is a classic adventure novel complete with heroes and heroines who must fight villains and overcome danger as they accomplish a crucial mission. It is fast-paced with plenty of action and appealing characters. Heaped with humour, this is a rollicking story that boys and girls will love for its themes of loyalty, friendship and confidence--and because it's just plain fun.

Reviewed by Todd Kyle. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, February, 2009 Highly Recommended. "First-time novelist Delaney reaches into some of the most classic themes and adventures to create a perfect and exciting parable for modern times ... a book that combines classic themes and appealing adventure in the most seamless way possible."

Nadia is playing for her local soccer team, and they have made it all the way to the national tournament - against some very determined opposition. Unfortunately, Nadia's challenges don't just come from her opponents but from her teammates as well. After their coach is injured in a suspicious accident and the threats against the team mount, it is up to Nadia and her younger brother Devin to pull the team together and take a run at the championship. This title will engage both reluctant readers and those who love a good graphic adventure.

Something sinister happened to Mackenzie's twin sister Breanne the last time the two girls were in Ireland. Now they're back and the winter solstice is approaching. Breanne scoffs at their elderly relatives' tales of fair folk and banshees and the thin barrier between two worlds, but Mackenzie remembers what happened to Breanne five years before - at the summer solstice. Mackenzie is convinced the Otherworld is real, but is it a place of enchantment or enslavement for humans? This well-crafted and fast-paced novel is fantasy fiction at its best.

Reviewed by Mary Thomas. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, February, 2009 Highly Recommended. "The Solstice Cup is a thoroughly satisfying tale where all the protagonists' actions are true to their character and everyone works through difficulties in a completely believable--if fantastical--way ... There is a nice mix of mythological elements here ... It's a great story!"

After breaking a window and not being truthful about it, a young boy, Geordie, is grounded for a year. He takes up a journal which his grandparents had given him a few days earlier and begins his year of reflection and humourous self-exploration. Through a series of poems, journal entries, word puzzles, drawings and other visual treats, he weaves a coming-of-age tale that is both entertaining and moving as well as appealing to boys.

Reviewed by Tara Williston. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, February, 2009 Highly Recommended. "While its brevity and visual appeal make The Year I Was Grounded a good choice for reluctant or struggling readers, the subject matter and language are by no means in the "light reading" category. This is capital L Literature, make no mistake! Throughout the book's many snippets and styles, it is William New's poetry, in particular, that consistently shines with the kind of sparkle that sends a happy tingle across readers' tongues while they mouth the perfectly weighted words."

Animals do some extraordinary things, but not always while people are watching. When patient and persistent scientists do make a discovery, it can change how we think about animals and ourselves. This book highlights a number of amazing discoveries such as Alex, a chatterbox parrot who learned not just to mimic speech, but to communicate by talking. Alex's education is already helping some speech-delayed children learn to speak. Each animal profile includes fun facts about the featured creature, thoughts from the scientists who made each discovery, and amazing photographs of the animals in action. It will forever change your ideas of animals and how we learn from them.

This new advice guide for older children and teenagers contains useful information and practical tips for dealing with test anxiety as well as overall organizational skills and strategies for test preparation.. Written in a friendly, accessible style, it provides readers with the tools they need to help themselves identify stress and steps to cope with it. Includes pre-exam preparation; looking after your health; overcoming pre/during test panic; how to handle coursework and presentations. A very useful tool for students.

Comic books and other forms of graphica have experienced a tremendous growth in popularity of late. This book traces the history of comics and goes on to introduce graphic novels and manga. Similar appeal to the title Skateboarding above.

Most experts think that there are over 10 quintillion individual insects digging, boring, flying, and crawling their way in and around the Earth (that's about a billion billion bugs for every single person!). Full of witty energy and wacky illustrations, this book brings bug facts to life with simple, insightful entomological experiments that feed into kids' natural curiosity. Along the way, readers will encounter real-life insect inspectors and learn about their experiments. Whether it's the everyday insects or the rare and fantastic ones that fascinate readers, this book is sure to delight and inform.

Starred review by Jean Mills. Quill and Quire, April, 2009 "Becker offers her readers page after page of hands-on science activities, each with its own catchy title ... includes an index of scientific concepts as well as a list of experiments, a general index, and the answers to quizzes and puzzles. Visually appealing and full of fascinating facts, this is a highly recommended addition to a home or school library."

Starred reviews for Quill and Quire indicate books of exceptional merit.

This is the third book in the series for children about the diverse lands and cultures of Canada's Northwest Territories. These wonderful books, written with a variety of provincial and territorial curricula in mind, include special features such as glossaries relating details on animal biology and cultural definitions, regional and language maps. In this issue the author, a Tlicho woman from Gamèti in the Northwest Territories, shares her love for her community and translates sacred stories and traditional wisdom. Students learn about making dry-fish, bows and arrows, and birch-bark baskets; the practices of old-time healers; as well as the sacred stories that tell the history of the Tlicho people.

Robert Munsch: writer, speaker, storyteller, father and Member of the Order of Canada and, most definitely, a true Canadian treasure. His hilarious, often poignant stories have made him one of Canada's most beloved authors. Young readers of this book may be inspired to learn that Canada's bestselling author (30 million books so far) started off in Pennsylvania and struggled in school. A solitary daydreamer, raised in a large, boisterous family, he found solace in books at an early age. Considered a slow learner by those who taught him, his creative gifts were eventually recognized by a sympathetic librarian who encouraged him to keep reading. Teacher-Librarians will enjoy reading this one as much as their students will.

This comprehensive look at the sport of skateboarding includes skate parks, equipment, tricks and heroes and is written for elementary students and reluctant readers. The graphics and format will appeal to those who prefer to read magazines.

Welcome to the world of beautiful-but-dangerous reptiles! This book invites readers to explore these slithery serpents - where they live, what they eat, and, most importantly, the potential threat they can pose to humans. As above the book is ideal for reluctant readers and is also indexed for early research purposes.

Reviewed by Bruce Dyck. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, March, 2009 Highly Recommended. "I would not hesitate to hand this book to any of the reluctant readers I have worked with, especially the boys. It is clearly a book that would make an excellent addition to any school library."

This book tackles those weird questions that everyone's curious about but nobody seems able to answer. What does your appendix do? What exactly are goose bumps and why do we get them? Why can some people wiggle their ears? Find the answers to these questions plus many more in this fascinating book by this award-winning science writer.

This book tackles those weird questions that everyone's curious about but nobody seems able to answer. What does your appendix do? What exactly are goose bumps and why do we get them? Why can some people wiggle their ears? Find the answers to these questions plus many more in this fascinating book by this award-winning science writer. A different look at the topic of the human body that will entertain and enlighten readers.