By: Avi
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Ragweed is a young mouse from the country who is ready to explore the world. He leaves
his home and family, boards, a train, and stops in the first city. However, this town has Silversides, a cat who wants to get rid of mice. Ragweed's first experience in the city is being chased by Silversides! Luckily, his second experience is getting rescued by a city mouse, Clutch. Ragweed meets many new friends and learns many new things, but eventually he will face Silversides again.
Mrs. Senechal says:
I loved this adventurous book! The author does a great job of describing life from a mouse's point of view. In addition, all of the characters were very different and interesting. There were also great moments of suspense that made me want to keep reading to see what would happen. While this is a chapter book, I loved that there were also illustrations - they really helped the story come to life.
*Our school is attending the Plum Creek Literacy Festival at Concordia University, in Seward, NE. We will get to go to a session led by this book's illustrator, Brian Floca!
By: Carmen Agra Deedy & Randall Wright
Skilley is a street cat who wants to become a mouser at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese - a well-
known London inn that attracts cheese-lovers and authors. However, Skilley does not really want to catch the mice - he wants something else and is willing to make a deal with Pip, the leader of the mice. Along the way, there are other problems and mysteries to be solved.
Mrs. Senechal says:
This was a fun story with great animal characters! In addition, the reader gets a different perspective on the famous author, Charles Dickens. I like how the different events and characters tie together, and there is plenty of suspense to keep your attention.
By: Brandon Mull
In Erdas, children have the rare chance to call a spirit animal when they turn 11. This spirit
animal will become their lifelong ally and companion. Suddenly, four children are able to call legendary spirit animals known as the Great Beasts. Two opposing forces want the children to join their side as they prepare for war and other uncertain threats.
Mrs. Senechal says:
I enjoyed this book! There are great descriptions of the wilderness, the animals, and their special relationships. The book is first in a series that I think will be exciting and suspenseful. Also, the book is not too long which makes it a fun read. And, if you like computer games, the book gives you a code so that you can play an online game related to the book and characters!
By: Berkeley Breathed
Sam the Lion, a dachshund, has been through a lot. Crazed dog show ladies, a cruel poodle, a bear trap, a dog fight, and several harrowing escapes actually cause Sam to plan the downfall of the famous Westminster Dog Show. From the beginning, Heidy sees that Sam has the heart of a Lion which draws the two into a special friendship. Sam also makes friends with a band of misfit, flawed dogs - their flaws actually become the strengths that help them to make their plan a success!
Mrs. Senechal says:
As a dachshund owner, I couldn't wait to read this book. However, I have never liked sad books about dogs, and since I wasn't sure how this book would end, I put off reading it. I encourage you not to wait - it's a great book! The author does a wonderful job of describing the sweet, special bond between a girl and her dog. Even though Sam has to go through many difficult things, he comes through each one in a heroic way. There were some parts that tugged at my heart, but their were more parts that made me grin and even laugh out loud. If you like dogs, you will really like this book!
