Secrets of Scotland Yard

Baddies beware

Secrets of Scotland Yard presented by Nova

Plot: The documentary details the transformation of Scotland Yard from mere crowd control to one of the world's oldest and most revered detective agencies. Starting when London experienced a surge in population, the original Scotland Yard began as a means of keeping order, but was not permitted to actually investigate crimes. A shocking murder changed the Yard's status to a detective agency. Throughout the years, changing equipment and growing crimes continue to allow the institution to grow and adapt into one of the planet's greatest law enforcement agencies.  

Genre: Documentary, History

Reading Level: Like most PBS documentaries, the title is pretty accessible. Keep in mind, references to murder and some black and white photographic evidence are present, so warn sensitive viewers.

Similar Titles: Rise of the Drones, Mystery of a Masterpiece,  Mystery of Easter Island

Personal Thoughts: A great documentary showing how a famous institution became what it is today, the title follows the story of Scotland Yard without skimming over the negative aspects of its history.

One of the cases discussed has currently gathered controversy. The Crippen case has some highly controversial discussions following the usage of new DNA identification methods. While this does not detract from the title itself, viewers may with to do additional research.

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

Mosasaur down!

Pastis, Stephan. Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made. Somerville, Mass. : Candlewick Press, 2013.

Plot: Timmy Failure is a grade school detective with a single mother and a polar bear partner named Total. However, Timmy actually is not a good detective, his mother struggles to pay the bills, and Total raids the trash can. Still, Timmy knows he will make a world-renowned business based on his intellect and superior skills. Unfortunately, he seems unaware of the importance of school, honesty, or legal parking. He is truly aware, though, of the unspeakable evil that is Corrina Corrina.

Genre: Humor

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Pearls before Swine

Personal Thoughts: Timmy Failure is Diary of a Wimpy Kid greatly exaggerated. Much like Kinney's protagonist, Timmy is arrogant, blind to his faults, dismissive of his friends, irresponsible toward his mistakes, and cynically humorous. Some of the topics are considerably darker than Wimpy Kid, such as Timmy's mother not having enough money to pay the bills. Yet, fans of Pearls before Swine will appreciate Pastis' brand of humor and illustrations in this quirky first title of the Timmy Failure series.

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters

I wonder if he's also allergic to dragons...

Look, Lenore. Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters. New York : Schwartz & Wade Books, 2009.

Plot: Alvin suffers from multiple phobias, fears, stresses, and siblings. So when his father decides to take him camping, the second-grader is mortified. While his brother helps him purchase supplies, Alvin still lacks courage. His uncle offers a series of secret tips and an ultra-powerful Batman ring. The trip still seems doomed, though, even with Alvin's little sister joining in. Still, he may manage well, particularly since he is not the only one afraid of his first camping trip.

Genre: Everyday, Growing Up

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Romona and her Father, Rocket Ride

Personal Thoughts: Romona meets Year of the Rat. The title bears all the appeal of the second-grade, slice-of-life manner of Beverly Cleary with the cultural references of Grace Lin. Also, much like Lin's work, Chinese culture is an aspect of the story, not its definition. A lot of titles with minority protagonists tend to focus on the culture or, more often, prejudice against the culture. While such topics certainly need consideration, they tend to lead to a depressing story.

Alvin is Chinese. He uses Chinese terms to address his family. He eats Chinese food. He celebrates Chinese New Year. He also likes superheroes, Harry Houdini, and playing. He is a talented writer and with a good sense of humor, even though he does not quite realize it yet. He fears the dark, spiders, and acts of God. Alvin is a complete character, not just a slate for lessons on culture. Characters are fun to read about, and Alvin's perspective adds to the trials and tribulations of camping.

Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting with the Great Whites of California's Farallon Islands

Save some for me!

Roy, Katherine. Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting with the Great Whites of California's Farallon Islands. New York : David Macaulay Studio, Roaring Brook Press, 2014.

Plot: Off the coast of California, the local elephant seals attract great white sharks, as well as great white shark scientists. The text reviews the behavior and characteristics of the sharks with detailed illustrations. Drawings of the animals dissect each aspect of the shark while explaining how it helps the animal. It also explains why scientists attempt to study sharks and what they have discovered.

Genre: Animals, Picture Books

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Tooth and Claw, Surprising Sharks

Personal Thoughts: The world needs more shark books. Definitely more. Never less. Always more.

All joking aside, sharks books often appeal to early readers, but many just offer basic information with stock photographs. This title teaches readers about sharks in a direct, professional, and accessible manner. The images also focus on the text, making the book more coherent and visually pleasing.

Honey Badgers: Masters of Mayham

Don't care!

Honey Badgers: Masters of Mayham by Nature on PBS.

Plot: Honey badgers, also known as ratels, are one of Africa's more clever, adaptable, and aggressive animals. The creatures have to be both smart and tough, since they must contend with lions, leopards, and hyenas. However, their ingenuity often leads to conflicts with farmers and stock keepers. Scientists also wish to discover methods for co-habitating with the powerful mammals.

Genre: Documentary, Animals

Reading Level: I think it's rated TV-G

Similar Titles: Is that Skunk?, Raccoon Nation

Personal Thoughts: A good resource for those seeking more information than a viral video.

 

Saving Otter 501

Ees a baabee odda

Saving Otter 501 produced by Nature on PBS.

Plot: Sea otters, once common throughout the Pacific coast, now struggle to survive. Some fail to, leaving their pups orphaned. This is the story of one such otter. Otter 501 was found at a very young age. Too small to hunt, groom, or swim, she would never survive in the ocean on her own. So sea otter rescuers set out to raise her for release. They receive help from Toola, another rescued otter with skills in parenting orphaned otters. Even with all the help, though, 501 has a rough life ahead of her.

Genre: Documentaries, Animals

Reading Level: Rated TV-G, if recall serves. However, sensitive viewers may need caution, since some otters get hurt or die throughout the documentary.

Similar Titles: Leave it to Beavers, Yellowstone Otters

Personal Thoughts: The title offers plenty of footage of adorable baby otters. It also manages to explain the difficulties in releasing otters and potential problems for new releases. The importance of otters in their native habitat finds effective mention, as well.

Apparently, it's mustelid week at Charlin at the Library.

The Island of the Skog

And we're back to talking mouse stories

Kellogg, Steven. The Island of the Skog. New York : Dial Press 1973.

Plot: After watching their numbers steadily dwindle, the mice decide to leave the dangerous city and seek a safe haven across the sea. After a series of misadventures, they discover a nearly-deserted island. Their only neighbor is a skog, which no one can identify. The skog makes itself known by cutting the mice's ship loose, forcing them to deal with the dark-robed, big-footed creature.

Genre: Picture Books, Animals

Reading Level: Grades 1-3

Similar Titles: Lon Po Po, Amos & Boris, The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash

Personal Thoughts: I grew up with the stories and illustrations of Kellogg, but I never knew about this particular title. I includes all the detailed pictures with little in-jokes I enjoyed as a child, as well as a slightly suspenseful story that I like as an adult. It is not a particularly scary book and most readers will have guesses about the skog's identity before the end, but the title still offers a good read.

Bigfoot Boy: Into the Woods

...to Grandma's house we go!

Torres, J. Bigfoot Boy: Into the Woods. Toronto : Kids Can Press, 2012.

Plot: Rufus gets to spend some time away from the city and near the woods at his grandmother's house. He quickly discovers one of his neighbors does not tolerate intruders in her forest very well, though. Still, he offers to help pick up litter in the woods. After discovering a lot of trash, he also discovers a totem that has the power to turn him into a bigfoot. Others want this power, though, and will gladly threaten what Rufus cares about in order to get it.

Genre: Comics, Fantasy, Adventure

Reading Level: Grades 1-5

Similar Titles: ChicagoLand Detective Agency, Hilda and the Midnight Giant

Personal Thoughts: The title acts as simple, well-paced comic with a means of introducing concepts such as totems to young audiences. A sequel has already been published, with another scheduled for later this year.

Percy Jackson's Greek Gods

Re-imagining of Greek myths

Re-imagining of Japanese myths

Which do you prefer?

Riordan, Rick and Rocco, John. Percy Jackson's Greek Gods. Los Angeles : Disney-Hyperion Books, 2014.

Plot: Percy Jackson reviews the life histories of some of his most famous relatives. The epic origins of the Greek gods and their roles are discussed and illustrated with classic, empowering images. Percy then promptly deconstructs the gods' "heroics" and bad behavior with call-outs, insults, and modern allusions. As a result, the text provides a guide to ancient mythology through the lens of current viewpoints.

Genre: Mythology, Folklore

Reading Level: Grades 3-8

Similar Titles: Have a Hot Time, Hades!, It's All Greek to Me

Personal Thoughts: It is honestly difficult to read Greek myths with modern sensitivities. Mistreatment, cannibalism, treachery, and incest pepper most stories, making for awkward, mixed emotions toward the "heroes." Instead of glossing over the unpleasant aspects of the tales, Percy Jackson coats the negative with humor and snide comments to the reader. However, he still relates the myths accurately. Greek mythology influences modern storytelling, so the text may be a gentler introduction to the stories than some conventional resources. 

Finn Family Moomintroll

Take me on adventure!

Jansson, Trove. Finn Family Moomintroll. New York: H. Z. Walck, 1958.

Plot: Moomintroll and his family wake up to a beautiful spring after a long winter's sleep. They also discover a large, black top hat. The hat leads them on a series of misadventures by changing everything placed within it, including eggshells, cherries, and pink flowers. Eventually, the potential of the hat is recognized and guarded. However, other treasures work their way into Moomintroll's world, some of which tempt uninvited guests.

Genre: Everyday, Fantasy

Reading Level: Grades 4-6. However, some of the terms are slightly dated, so newer readers may need some assistance.

Similar Titles: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Yotsuba&!

Personal Thoughts: The story is a nice adventure into the yearly life of a happy family in a supernatural setting. Strangely, it works! The characters accept the unusual in a casual, matter-of-fact manner, while enjoying trips to the beach, camping, and parties as enthusiastically as any family.

The series was the inspiration for musicals, comics, cartoons, movies, and theme parks. It is a little like Peanuts, in a way. The stories are simple, but pleasing and memorable.

Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America's Own Backyard

Reptiles unite!

Carson, Mary Kay and Uhlman, Tom. Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America's Own Backyard. Boston : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014.

Plot: America boasts of several large, unique national parks. Many house unusual animals such as grizzly bears, gila monsters, salamanders, and fireflies. Others sport unusual landmarks, like geysers, or strange plant life, like cacti. Yet, to maintain and protect such features, people need to study them. Scientists unite together and with citizens to discover the best ways to keep and protect our national parks for future generations.

Genre: Science

Similar Titles: Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa's Fastest Cat, Extreme Scientists: Exploring Nature's Mysteries from Perilous Places

Personal Thoughts: The book offers a solid introduction to park scientists. While everyone assumes national parks have scientists working in them, few know what they actually do. The title addresses the actual processes and goals of the scientists. Additionally, the book provides information on some of the nation's largest and most popular national parks. This book is potentially a great follow-up to summer vacations.

Deadly!: The Truth about the Most Dangerous Creatures on Earth

Not sure if chasing or camouflaging...

Davies, Nicola and Layton, Neal. Deadly!: The Truth about the Most Dangerous Creatures on Earth. Somerville, Mass. : Candlewick Press, 2013.

Plot: Dangerous animals fascinate and terrify people worldwide. Some animals act as deadly predators, while others utilize savage methods of defense. Many people die in interactions with these creatures. Yet, the animals also provide a means of survival, medication, and environmental stability for humans as well.

Genre: Animals

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Deadly Venomous Animals, Never Smile at a Monkey: and 17 Other Important Things to Remember

Personal Thoughts: The title provides a good example of balance. The illustrations are simple and crayon-like, but they maintain the main characteristics and details of the creatures described. The information is interesting and occasionally humorous, yet accurate. Also, while the title mentions animals are not always as fierce as believed, they can (and sometimes do) kill people. Many titles regarding dangerous creatures paint them as victims while minimizing their potential for danger. This book expertly focuses on the need to protect both people and creatures.

Special Post: ESRB Ratings

Believe it or not, I actually have friends outside of libraries and library-like situations. One of them was recently pleased to discover I play video games. Her tween enjoys them as well, but she is intimidated by them. Like a lot of parents, she has trouble determining which games are appropriate for her son. Fortunately, there are tools available for tweens' parents, including the ESRB Rating Guide. While the guide includes all forms of video games, three ratings (E, T, and M) especially apply to tweens.

Before we go over the three ratings, please keep a few things to keep in mind:

- The ratings are a tool and a guide, not an ability to ignore what the tween is playing.
- Each tween is different. A tween that plays Call of Duty without a problem can get nightmares from Raving Rabbids. Understand your tween's sensitivities.
- Games from the same series can have different ratings. Double-check everything.
- The ratings do not grade the difficulty of the games, merely the content. Plenty of E rated games are harder to play than T or M rated ones.
- Games may have the same rating for different reasons. One may have a certain rating for language, while another may have the same rating for violence. The reasoning behind the rating can often be found online or on the back of the game's case.

Like this

 

This particular review will focus on three popular ratings: E, T, and M. Additionally ratings can be viewed at the  ESRB Ratings Guide, which can also be used to access the reasonings for the ratings of specific games. The images of the rating are taken from the website. 

Let's begin.

E - Everyone

Definition: Generally suited for all ages, but often includes some language or cartoonish violence.

Popular examples: Pokemon, Kingdom Hearts, Mario Kart, Angry Birds, Skylanders

T-rex approved

 

 

 

T - Teen

Definition: These games tend to focus on a less sensitive audience. As such, they include more language, suggestive themes, violence, and blood.

Popular Examples: Destiny, World of Warcraft, Uncharted

Still usable, but may need a discussion on acceptable vs. unacceptable behavior, 

language, and violence

 

M - Mature

Description: Marked by extreme violence, gore, language, and sexual references.

Popular Examples: Halo, Diablo, Call of Duty

 

Tweens need to approach with caution

 

To end the post, I'm going to ask for some feedback. Did you enjoy this type of post? Do you have any suggestions? Would any additional links be useful? Should games be more explored? 

Please leave a comment. Thank you for reading!

 

American President: A Reference Resource

I have a two-page report due on Monday!!!

American President: A Reference Resource at http://millercenter.org/president

Plot: The Miller Center provides this online resource about all American Presidents. Each president has his own page listing basic information as well as a brief review of the presidency's highlights. Additionally, the pages include links to the presidents' life before and after their term. The pages also offer links about the specific president's family, cabinet, running mates, and speeches.

Genre: History, Websites

Reading Level: Some of the text is elaborate, but it remains fairly accessible.

Similar Titles: The Presidents: The Whitehouse, POTUS --Presidents of the United States

Personal Thoughts: The title seems fairly simplistic at first, but offers an almost overwhelming amount of information. It is an ideal resource for someone seeking a better understanding of the presidency. Or a tween stuck with a little-known president for a school paper (I always got the really obscure or unpopular ones. Always.).

King George: What Was His Problem? Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American Revolution

Just sittin' on my book

Sheinkin, Steve. King George: What Was His Problem? Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American Revolution. New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2008.

Plot: Everyone has heard the story of the American Revolution. Few, though, take the time to discover the complete story. The war quickly expanded beyond the English vs. Americans. Germans and French troops also contributed greatly to the battles and direction of the new nation. Additionally, actors, noblewoman, politicians, minorities, women, and children also left their mark. The American Revolution, like so many important historical events, involved much more than many assume.

Genre: History

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Two Miserable Presidents: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the Civil War, The Real Benedict Arnold

Personal Thoughts: Sheinkin gathered many of the stories in the title through his years as a textbook writer. He explains that he always found them interesting, but never had the opportunity to include them in his books. The title provides him with the opportunity to describe often-ignored individuals, opinions, and groups in the war, making the event seem less historical and more relatable. Also, the book make a point to include some of the more humorous and tragic aspects of the War for Independence. 

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Think of the children!

Baum, Frank L. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Chicago : Reilly & Lee, 1956.

Plot: The classic story describing the journey of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion to the mythical city of Oz. Dorothy desperately wishes to return to Kansas, while her friends want to support her through any way possible. All of their hopes depend on the elusive and temperamental wizard of Oz, who has wishes and needs of his own.

Genre: Fantasy

Reading Level: Grades 4-12

Similar Titles: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Ozma of Oz

Personal Thoughts: After reading another one of Baum's titles, I expected the book to offer another timeless story.

I was wrong.

To be fair, the titles still utilizes sympathetic, comprehensible characters combined with classic fairy tale elements, which was fairly revolutionary at its time. Unfortunately, some of those elements do not age well. Such situations include the enslavement of Dorothy, the kiss of the Witch of the North, and the liquid courage given to the lion. Additionally, the Scarecrow and Tin Man kill forty crows, a wildcat, and forty wolves via beheading. Such events do not settle well with modern sensibilities. Also, the book contains several elements that are simply weird without actually adding to the story, such as the land of china figures and the mountain head-shots. While the story is certainly not among the worst, it is not really child-friendly anymore.

Leaving China: An Artist Paints His World War II Childhood

All the feels

McMullan, James. Leaving China: An Artist Paints His World War II Childhood. Chapel Hill, North Carolina : Algonquin, 2014.

Plot: The descendent of well-to-do businessmen in China, Jimmy seems destined to be a happy, if timid, boy. Then rumors of war from Japan approached his home in Cheefoo. Jimmy and his mother get sent to the United States, while his father remains in China. While Jimmy moves across the world, his mother can no longer access the assets in China, causing her to rely more and more on family, good looks, and attractive personalities to provide for her and her son. Jimmy's father dies in China, just after the war ends. The boy must make his peace with loss, moving, and fear while learning about himself as he is, instead of who his parents want him to be.

Genre: History, Picture Books, Biography

Similar Titles: Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights, Angel Island: Gateway to Gold Mountain

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Personal Thoughts: The title has something strangely addicting to it. While I have mentioned grief can be difficult to convey effectively to tweens, the title is not purely sad. True, it has a lot of sad elements, including war, loss, and disappointment, but it does not rely on the emotional push of these elements. It is not a story of sorrow, but a story of a little boy trying to make sense of the world. McMullan writes appropriately for a young reader and does not gloss over genuinely difficult concepts, but he remains okay and he makes sure his audience knows it. In a weird but undeniable way, it is a story of hope.

Have a Hot Time, Hades!

Shocking!

McMullan, Kate. Have a Hot Time, Hades! New York ; Volo/Hyperion, 2002.

Plot: Hades, Lord of the Underworld, is actually an avid reader. However, he becomes irate when he reads his brother's published description of the Olympians' rise to power. Determined to reveal the truth, he writes this text. Zeus, he reveals, was rescued and guided by his mother. His siblings, including Hades, actually provided order and organization to the formation of the Age of Olympians. Zeus just uses his children to vote himself as overall leader. Additionally, the titans fell to a ten-year ballgame, the organization of the universe depended on a round of poker, and the heroic actions of Zeus were anything but.

Genre: Humor, Myth

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Phone Home, Persephone!, It's All Greek to Me

Personal Thoughts: Written three years before Percy Jackson, the series focuses on Greek myths through both a humorous and modern tone. According to modern sensibilities, much of the Greek gods' behavior was...questionable. Throwing in modern references and ample humor, the title offers a funny and oddly relatable story.

He Has Shot the President

Brown, Don. He Has Shot the President. New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2014.

Plot: The book follows the events leading and following the assassination of President Lincoln. Booth managed to gain a group of like-minded people determined to undermine the North by eliminating the nation's leadership. The shock of the nation allows the group to escape, it also lead to a previous unseen amount of united fury. Ending Lincoln did not end the North. It finished Booth and every one of his co-conspirators.

Genre: History

Reading Level: Grades 1-4

Similar Title: America is Under Attack: September 11, 2001, Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever

Personal Thoughts: The title brings attention to a situation usually dismissed. True, most history classes discuss the fact that Lincoln was killed, but the motivations, actions, and people involved are often ignored. History is made of people, and reflecting on their past actions allow readers to think critically about their current effects. The text allows this to happen.

Mega Man: Volume Three: Return of Dr. Wily

Comics, comics, commmiiiiicccccsssssss

Flynn, Ian. Mega Man: Volume Three: Return of Dr. Wily. Mamaroneck, N.Y. : Archie Comic Publications, 2012.

Plot: Following the triumphant capture of Dr. Wily, Mega Man and company feel ready to return to a life of peace. Unfortunately, the evil doctor is not easy to stop. He gives the heroic robot five hours to prevent his latest plan, or he will destroy the city and everyone in it. Mega Man takes the challenge, but he may be playing into a much larger plan.

Genre: Comic Books, Video Games

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Worlds Collide, The Shadow Saga, Astro Boy

Personal Thoughts: Like its predecessor, the comic explores and expands on the original game. However, at this point in the series, the artists and writers seem to have a better grip on the comic and make it more into their own story. Old allies intervene unifying the series, new technology advances the plot, and modern humor adds much needed relevance to the game's bare original story. As such, the comics suit the interests and needs of modern readers.

Lego: Legends of Chima

I am a little sad tonight, so I will watch my cartoons with my toy.

Lego: Legends of Chima presented by the Cartoon Network.

Plot: For centuries, the land of Chima enjoyed set order revolving around the power of Chi. To support and maintain the peace, various tribes of animals work together. When a series of mistakes, rebellions, and lies escalates to a war between the tribes, two former friends, Larval the lion and Cragger the crocodile, find themselves on opposite sides. The war may reveal larger problems within the land, some of which may lead to a reunification of the shattered peace.

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy

Reading Level: I think most of the episodes are rated TV-Y.

Similar Titles: Ninjago, Lego: Star Wars

Personal Thoughts: Lego has begun to make a name for itself in the animation world. While most of the animation is fairly simplistic (all of the characters have the same body structure with different "skins"), the plot contains really complicated concepts. True, the series dose occasionally indulge in groan-worthy, juvenile humor. However, it also focuses on difficult topics such as forgiveness, blame, responsibility, rivalry, and fairness. The result is a deceptively and pleasantly complicated cartoon.

Ultimate Spider-Man

I want to climb, too!

Ultimate Spider-Man produced by Disney.

Plot: After some disastrous attempts to act as a solo hero, Peter Parker accepts Nick Fury's offer to join S.H.I.E.L.D. and become the Ultimate Spider-Man. To reach this point, Spider-Man will work with a team fellow superheroes. He also must conquer super-powerful villains, unexpected conflicts, questionable allies, and family issues. Still, some things can only be gained through working together. Some of the harder aspects of teamwork will forever test the budding hero, though.

Genre: Cartoon, Animation, Adventure

Reading Level: I believe most episodes are rated TV-Y7.

Similar Titles: Avengers Assemble, Batman Brave and the Bold

Personal Thoughts. I...honestly hate the first season. A lot of the team and Fury's actions toward Spider-Man just seem so hostile and mean-spirited. The second season amends this greatly. While his allies still tease Parker mercilessly, they also regularly defend and support him. They act less like a plot device and more like a united cast.

The series itself balances the drama and comedic aspects of the original comics. Spider-Man constantly riffs and quips his foes, and a few members of his team gladly join him. Additionally, Spider-Man often slips into "imagine spots" highlighted by anime-influenced animation, adding further comedy and variation to the episodes' pacing. However, injuries, arrests, and losses still have realistic effects, particularly when they are caused by the heroes' short-sighted or rebellious actions. As a result, the cartoon enjoys seriousness and silliness in a comprehensive and entertaining manner.

 

The Miniature World of Marvin and James

 ...& Jerome

Broach, Elise. The Minature World of Marvin and James. New York : Henry Holt and Company, 2014.

Plot: Marvin the beetle loves playing with James the human. James is going away on vacation, though. While Marvin manages to enjoy his time with his energetic and dramatic cousin, he misses James. He also worries when he discovers James has made new friend while visiting the beach. The beetle wonders if James will forget all about Marvin.

Genre: Friendship, Animals

Reading Level: Kindergarten - 3 Grade

Similar Titles: Mermaids in the Backyard, Masterpiece

Personal Thoughts: A light-hearted text discussing common childhood fears surrounding friendship. When a friend makes more friends, children (and some adults) often wonder if they still matter to their older relationships. The texts addresses such concerns naturally and cleverly.

This is the first text in the Masterpiece series. 

Smile

I am smiling

Telgemeier, Raina. Smile. New York : Graphix, 2010.

Plot: Raina's life takes a turn for the worst after she falls and damages her two front teeth. Instead of merely getting braces, she now has to have her entire mouth re-arranged over a series of several years. While undergoing braces, extractions, headgear, and root canals, she also grows up. Her interests, companions, and expectations change. As a result, some of the things she used to count on prove unreliable, as do some of the people she knows.

Genre: Graphic Novel, Growing Up, Family, Friends, Autobiography

Reading Level: Grades 9-12

Similar Titles: Drama, Big Nate

Personal Thoughts: Telgemeier's autobiographic struck a lot of nostalgia and realization. She and I grew up around the same time and witnessed many of the same events, such as the Northridge Earthquake and Disney's The Little Mermaid. Both of us also experienced tooth trouble due to a fall. However, one event in the text struck a nerve.

Toward the end of the book, Raina confronts her friends about their poor treatment of her. Much like her, I needed to learn the difference between someone who would hang out with me and someone who was a friend. Unfortunately, not all companions are beneficial. Some are actually cruel, but students (and even adults) often fail to recognize this. Many put up with mean or abusive behavior rather than risk being alone. Raina's confrontation is one I wished I participated in. Instead, I dealt with poor relations until I joined college. Texts willing to discuss the pressure of fitting in while acknowledging the need to break off bad relationships seem rare, so one that discusses it in an accessible, believable manner offers an amazing example and good story.

Bad Kitty Meets the Baby

Eeesss aw beebee!

Bruel, Nick. Bad Kitty Meets the Baby. New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2011.

Plot: For a long time, Kitty enjoyed the house to herself. After a while, Puppy joined the family. While he was messy, smelly, and noisy, Kitty eventually made peace with the interloper. Not long afterwards, her family goes on a trip with a promise of a very special surprise. Last time, the surprise was Puppy, so Kitty does not feel especially confident. Her dread seems justified when a messy, smelly, and noisy baby comes to the house. Not only does the baby complicate her life, the kid shamelessly claims all the attention she normally enjoys. Kitty must learn to adjust yet again.

Genre: Animals, Family, Comics

Genre: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Dragonbreath, I, Freddie

Personal Thoughts: Bad Kitty continues a growing trend of mixing comics with text in tween books. The result feeds into the desire to focus on chapter books, while still acknowledging tweens' enjoyment of illustrations. The plot of the story remains relevant, too. Everyone with a sibling eventually reaches a point of frustration and jealousy with the interloper. Yet, the majority of us also manage to find some common facets with the newbie and even learn to love them, in our own imperfect way.

Dragonbreath: Lair of the Bat Monster

Haaalp!

Vernon, Ursula. Dragonbreath: Lair of the Bat Monster. New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2011.

Plot: After escaping ninjas, exploring the ocean, and conquering were-weiners, Danny and Wendell are ready to relax at the community pool for the summer. Their plans get interrupted by a tiny, injured bat. Danny's mother arranges for them to visit a bat-studying cousin in Mexico. The two boys and the researcher get to study a cave full of bats, when an absolutely enormous bat kidnaps Danny! While the bat shows Danny plenty of affection and care, he has no desire to stay in the rain forest. There are insects, raw fish, and real dangers far from home.

Genre: Fantasy, Comics, Science

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Bad Kitty, Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Personal Thoughts: It's not a problem. I can quit reading Dragonbreath books anytime I want. 

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Folktale

Yes, yesss...

Pay attention to the mirror and not the mosasaur stealing your medal

Steptoe, John. Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Folktale. New York : Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1987.

Plot: One of Mufaro's daughters is industrious, kind, and generous, while the other is demanding, slanderous, and manipulative. Both are beautiful and the pride of their father. When the local king sends a proclamation requesting a wife, both women seem ideal. The trip to the king's palace will reveal the one with a true queenly nature, however.

Genre: Picture Books, Folktales, Fairy Tales

Reading Level: Grades Pre-K through 4.

Similar Titles: The Blind Hunter, What is My Song

Personal Thoughts: The title earned a Caldecott Honor Book award and enjoyed a feature on Reading Rainbow. While the book is fairly old, it still manages to appeal to modern audiences with its timeless diction and attractive illustrations. Also, like most folktales, it offers a fable about human nature. Two women seek their fortunes, but the kind nature of one ultimately serves her better than the rudeness of the other. Notably, both the good and the bad daughter are beautiful, reminding the audience that beauty is not the only value of a person. The way a person treats others reveals their worth. 

Vader's Little Princess

Tee hee...

Brown, Jeffrey. Vader's Little Princess. San Francisco : Chronicle Books, 2013.

Plot: Darth Vader is second only to the Emperor in the evil Empire of Star Wars. He is also the hapless father of the energetic Princess Leia. The title follows the two as the learn and love as the princess changes from a sweet little girl to a rebellious teenager.

Genre: Comics, Family

Reading Level: The title is pretty accessible. Fans of Star Wars will probably appreciate it more, though.

Similar Titles: Darth Vader and Son, Star Wars Tales

Like Darth Vader and Son, the title offers a look at parenthood through movie allusions, modern concerns, general silliness, and colorful illustrations. Highly recommended for fans of the movies. 

Big Nate Makes the Grade

I'm eating his hair!

Pierce, Lincoln. Big Nate Makes the Grade. Kansas City, Mo. : Andrews McMeel, 2012.

Plot: Nate is an eleven-year-old striving for survival in the crazy world of middle school. He manages to prank every teacher, fail every test, and visit the principle's office daily. Still, he enjoys popularity among his peers, even the insufferable Artur. However, some victories come with more effort than anticipated, and some never come at all. Prank Day makes it worthwhile, though.

Genre: Comics, Graphic Novels, Middle School

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Bad Kitty, Judy Moody

Personal Thoughts: The title offers a comedic look at middle school troublemakers. Nate manages to capture the confused, independent, needy, and intelligent aspects of the age group. Unfortunately, some of the comics become repetitive, particularly ones facing Nate against common antagonists such as Mrs. Godfrey or Gina. Still, a funny book is appreciated, especially during the craze that is Jr. High.

Thistle and Thyme: Tales and Legends from Scotland

...sounds like the beginning of a strange and yummy recipe

Leodhas, Sorche Nic. Thistle and Thyme: Tales and Legends from Scotland. Holt, Rinehart and Winston : New York, 1962.

Plot: A collection of folk and fairy tales from Scotland, the title offers a slightly different view of the British Isles. Faire folk and sorcerers threaten the local population, but unexpected and reliable heroes arise to counter them. Sometimes, though, the best solution stems from an unlikely source.

Genre: Folktales

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Mythical Birds and Beasts from Many Lands, A Child's Book of Fairies

Personal Thoughts: The title earned a Newbery Honor.

I really enjoyed this book's old-time stories with slightly dated phrasing. Also, I noticed a shift in fairy tales over the past few decades. In the text, pirates, fairies, and wilderness were viewed as dangerous, while elders, civilization, and clergy were considered good. While the shift between the past and current ideals has several valid and not-so-valid reasons, it still was a striking to read the difference.

Dragonbreath: Curse of the Were-Wiener

 A blurry photograph of the rare literary mosasaur

Vernon, Ursula. Dragonbreath: Curse of the Were-Wiener. S.l. : Dial Books, 2010.

Plot: Shortly after his adventures under the sea and in fantasy Japan, Danny Dragonbreath discovers adventures at home. Wendell, his best friend, gets bitten by Danny's lunch, which in itself is not surprising (the potato salad bit the school bully a few months before). However, Wendell starts experiencing hair growth, which is odd for an iguana. Other reptiles at the school begin to grow hair as well. The lunch was tainted by a were-wiener, which will soon transform all affected students into its evil minions. Danny and Wendell must find and stop the alpha-wiener before the entire school is transformed.

Genre: Fantasy

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Ricky Ricotta's Giant Robot, The Celery Stalks at Midnight

Personal Thoughts: Unlike the previous Dragonbreath book I read, this title focuses more on myth and urban legends rather than biology. Still, the title offers a quick, quirky story told by a combination of images and text.

Nurk: The Strange, Surprising Adventues of a (Somewhat) Brave Shrew

 Sail on the Snailboat!

Vernon, Ursula. Nurk: The Strange, Surprising Adventures of a (Somewhat) Brave Shrew. Orlando : Harcourt, 2008.

Plot: Nurk, a young, recently orphaned shrew, accidentally opens a letter intended for his grandmother, a powerful fighter. After reading about her adventures, though, he decides to answer the request for help. Armed with his trusty Snailboat, sandwiches, and clean socks, Nurk seeks the sender of the letter. He eventually finds her clinging to a dead log. She needs help retrieving her brother, the Prince of the Dragonflies. Nurk must overcome doubts, fears, and giant caterpillars to rescue the prince and finish his adventures.

Genre: Animals, Fantasy, Adventure

Reading Level: Grades 3-6

Similar Titles: Whales on Stilts!, The End of the Beginning: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant)

Personal Thoughts: In some ways, Nurk reminds me of Coraline. Both are surprisingly funny, down-to-earth, and stuck in supernatural circumstances which they acknowledge ludicrously. However, while Coraline's adventures are disturbing and ominous, Nurk approaches his dangers with a dry sense of humor and honest assessment of his predicaments. As a result, the text contains a sympathetic, funny, but not terrifying adventure.

Dragonbreath

A dragon plush reading a dragon book

Vernon, Ursula. Dragonbreath. New York : Dial Books, 2009.

Plot: Danny Dragonbreath, the only dragon in a school for reptiles and amphibians, often dreams of adventures. Then he fulfills them. In the first of the series, Danny needs to finish a research project about the ocean. Rather than go to the library, takes his friend, Wendell the iguana, to the Sargasso Sea to visit his cousin, Edward the sea serpent. Edward cheerfully shows them a coral reef and a shipwreck. Unfortunately, they are not as prepared for the deep ocean as they think they are, particularly when the giant squid shows up.

Genre: Science, Fantasy, Adventure, Animals

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Nate the Great, The Invention of Hugo Cabret: A Novel in Words and Pictures

Personal Thoughts: Much like Nate the Great and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the book combines comics and text to tell a story. Dragonbreath manages to stand out through its fantastic setting, real-world logic, and quirky humor. 

Pure Grit: How American World War II Nurses Survived Batte and Prison Camp in the Pacific

Thank you...

Farrell, Mary Conk. Pure Grit: How American World War II Nurses Survived Battle and Prison Camp in the Pacific. New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2014.

Plot: During World War II, thousands of soldiers were injured, killed, and captured. So were their nurses. The caretakers never experienced training for combat situations, but they quickly rose to the demands of the position. Unfortunately, the position in the Pacific was especially horrific. The Philippines saw the capture of over one hundred nurses. The text documents the nurses' fight to support their troops while fighting racism, disease, and starvation in the Japanese prison camps.

Genre: History

Reading Level: Grades 7-9. Please be aware several intense subjects, including rape, death, wartime captivity, and disease are discussed, so warn sensitive readers.

Similar Titles:  Bomb: the Race to Build - and Steal - the World's Most Dangerous Weapon, Left for Dead: A Young Man's Search for Justice for the USS Indianapolis

Personal Thoughts: Many books on war parrot the "war is bad" slogan, but this text brings a new aspect of battle to light. Soldiers are not the only victims. Nurses, doctors, laborers, and undertakers were treated as badly, if not worse than, their fighting counterparts. Even after the war, many suffered due to diseases and trauma for the rest of their lives. War is not good, but texts like these remind readers why.

Hero Dogs: Courageous Canines in Action

 Hero dogs, lazy mosasaur

Jackson, Donna M. Hero Dogs: Courageous Canines in Action. New York : Little, Brown, 2003.

Plot: For centuries, dogs have worked with people in daily life. However, the animals help during emergencies. The title follows several canines and their trainers assisting with the aftermath of the Twin Tower disaster. Dogs assisted with rescue efforts, but they also helped people cope with the frustrations and loss within the rescue efforts. Special mention is given to the care and training the hounds receive, showing the effort involved with raising and maintaining such beasts.

The title ends with chapters of assistant dogs, which help people on a daily basis.

Genre: Animals, History

Reading Levels: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Animal Heroes, Horse Heroes

Personal Thoughts: The title goes into detail on how much work goes into training a hero dog, which is important. Not every dog has what it takes to work in rescue, assistance, or police situations. Most would, in fact, make horrible pets. A lot of effort goes into them, making what they do more exotic and special than many people may realize.

The title also describes the attacks on September 11th, which is especially important to this blog. As of this year, none of the intended audience of the titles reviewed in the blog were alive during. Yet, the aftermath of the Twin Towers affect the readers' daily lives. It is important for older readers to remember tweens do not know life before the events, and it is important for elders to explain why the attacks have the significance they do. 

The One and Only Ivan

I read a monkey book...

Applegate, Katherine. The One and Only Ivan. New York : Harper, 2012.

Plot: Ivan the gorilla lives in a shopping mall with a group of other broken, forgotten animals. He seems content with his life, though, until Ruby arrives. Her presence forces him to slowly realize the domain he calls home is a cage, and a small one at that. Determined to spare her the life of an enclosed performer, Ivan sets off a quest to get Ruby into the zoo, where she can live happily. His efforts bring changes not only to her, but to him as well. It is not easy to make such a change, though. Nor is it easy to face the truth of his own life.

Genre: Animals, Historical Fiction

Reading Level: Grades 4-9; be aware, it is a Newbery Award winner, so nice things die. Warn sensitive readers appropriately.

Similar Titles: The Underneath, Chained

Personal Thoughts: The story offers an ideal introduction for stream-of-consciousness narration and animal welfare issues. However, it uses real characters and situations in a manner which diminishes actual events.

Caution: Incoming soapbox 

Ivan was a former pet kept in a small cage in a mall. However, his owners were not the cruel, alcoholic, negligent people the title implies. In Ivan's early life, it was perfectly acceptable to keep a wild-caught animal in such conditions. This does  not make it right, but it was legal and does explain why he lived in such a situation. Additionally,  his owners did not likely work their animals to exhaustion like Ruby was. It makes no sense to do so, since the animals were their main source of income. Why knowingly put such a valuable commodity in danger? An interview with Ivan's owner also implies more concern than stubbornness, since Ivan's health could easily have suffered through a tough move. Many exotic animals have died in transit to new habitats, so the worry, though ultimately unproven, was valid. Additionally, he and his family requested Ivan's ashes after the gorilla died in the zoo they donated him to. They cared enough to ultimately let a zoo have a multi-thousand dollar animal for free and still wished to remember him after his death, unlike Mac from the text. Readers should be encouraged to improve the living situation of animals in their community, but not by demonizing owners for not impulsively changing without concern for the animals involved.

Soapbox ending. Resume writing blog.

Overall, the story is interesting, but not entirely accurate to real events.

Odd and the Frost Giants

A big guy, a little guy, and a bird

Gaiman, Neil. Odd and the Frost Giants. New York : Harper, 2009.

Plot: Odd, a strong-willed but crippled boy, always finds joy in the spring. As the winter lingers to obscene lengths, he runs away to his father's old hut, only to discover a strangely determined fox. The vulpine interloper introduces him to a bear and eagle. The three are the Norse gods Loki, Thor, and Odin. Odd must break their curse to summon spring, but he may find more than a change in weather during his quest.

Genre: Fantasy, Coming of Age

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Loki's Wolves, Book of Three, The Raiders

Personal Thoughts: A light story by Neil Gaiman. The story focuses mostly on Odd, rather than his larger-than-life companions, but it also shows him his mother's fairly tragic past. Much like mythology in general, his story is an attempt to explain the unexplainable situations guiding his past, present, and future.

However, the title does not have quite the impact of some of Gaiman's other works, such as Coraline, which seems strange. Both heroes find themselves in strange situations. Both must accomplish seemingly impossible goals to save themselves and others. Both learn to appreciate their parents, especially their mothers, through their adventures. Coraline, ultimately, seems bettered developed, perhaps due to the presence of unsympathetic faults, such as stubbornness and selfishness.  The many unknowns surrounding her antagonist makes the heroine more intriguing as well. Unfamiliarity, after all, requires the readers to invest themselves in an attempt to understand the text. Ultimately, Odd is an interesting character, but not as interesting as some others popular heroes.

Side Note: I wonder how new readers will view the story in a post-Avengers movie society.

Regin of the Sea Dragons

All hail Jerome, King of the Sea Dragons!

Collard, Sneed B. and Plant, Andrew. Reign of the Sea Dragons. Watertown, MA : Charlesbridge, 2008.

Plot: While dinosaurs claimed nearly every ecological niche on land, a variety of sea monsters ruled over the water. The text reviews the extinct marine reptiles claiming the apex predator role in pre-history. Such creatures include the dolphin-like ichtyosaurs, elegant elasmosaurs, and monstrous mosasaurs. Hand-drawn illustrations allow readers to envision the giant reptiles, while the text describes the creatures as well as the history of their discovery.

Genre: Animals, History, Science

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Sea Monsters, Ichtyosaurs, Ocean Monsters

Personal Thoughts: I have read a number of titles about prehistoric animals (surprising, I know), but this one stood out for several reasons. It avoided most of the more sensational images found in most titles (only one predator is shown with a gaping mouth facing the reader, for example). Also, it noted the controversy surrounding ancient reptiles, such as the flexibility of elasmosaur necks and body temperature of icthyosaurs. Additionally, it used hand-drawn images instead of computer-generated ones. Neither is necessarily superior to the other, but the contrast was pleasant. As such, I recommend the title to fans of prehistory.

Titanic: Voices from the Disaster

 I couldn't get a picture for this entry, so please use your imagination to merge these two images

Hopkinson, Deborah. Titanic: Voices from the Disaster. New York : Scholastic Press, 2012.

Plot: Everyone knows about the disastrous voyage of the RMS Titanic, but the actual people involved with the event are often romanticized, idealized, mocked, or ignored. The text attempts to amend past misinformation by focusing on the people involved with the ship's design, creation, utility, and demise. Images from the ship's first voyage and surviving relics add context to the story. To further the human aspect of the story, the text also offers a short list of the "main characters" and their post-Titanic lives. The title includes a bibliography of additional resources and links to interviews from some of the survivors.

Genre: History

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Titanic, National Geographic Kids: Titanic

Personal Thoughts: I already knew the ending.

All questionable attempts a humor aside, the book provided an enjoyable and enlightening read. Like many students, I learned about the Titanic in middle school. However, most of the texts I read focused on the folly of the ship's design and foolishness of her passengers. This book focused on the people as people, instead of object lessons. Also, it reminds readers that life continued, often with difficulty, after the ship sank. Many lost all they had in the disaster, while a few gained a degree of fame and fortune through their survival. Many managed to live for years after the disaster, while some died of health complications caused by the wreck shortly after their rescue. The texts presents the Titanic as a real, human story, instead of a warning against arrogance.

Too Cute

So adorable...

Too Cute presented by Animal Planet.

Plot: The series follows the first weeks of young animals. Dogs and cats form the bulk of the episodes, but other animals, such as ducks and goats, eventually find their way into the show. The animals are filmed from birth to approximately eight weeks of age, showing their developments while referring to the history of their breeds. Additionally, the show touches on training animals for various tasks, such as agility courses and shows. The result is a show that is overwhelmingly cute, but still educational.

Genre: Documentary, Animals

Reading Level: Rated TV-G (some of the animals are slimy when they are first born, so sensitive viewers may appreciate a warning)

Similar Titles: Animal Odd Couples, America's Cutest

Personal Thoughts: While some parts of the documentary are clearly set-up (a puppy running away from home and a litter of kittens escaping their room, for example), the series does show the various stages of growth young animals experience. It also alerts viewers to necessities present in specific breeds, such as the need for warmth with sphinx cats, frequent grooming with Havanese, and socialization with bullmastiffs. As such, the show appeals to audiences seeking cute films while warning future pet owners of their animals' requirements.

Battle Bunny

 Mosasaur forts: the only known protection against battle bunnies

Scieszka, Jon. Battle Bunny. New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2013.

Plot: Originally a sappy story about a rabbit recepiant of a surprise party, the title morphs into an epic tale through the intervention of Alex. Alex utilizes his imagination and pencil to transform an overly-cute birthday present into the record of a helmeted, patch-eyed, meglomaniac bunny and his quest to take over the world. The planet seems doomed until the intervention of an unlikely but undeniable hero.

Genre: Humor, Animals

Reading Level: Aimed at preschool through fourth graders, but it made me and my family laugh.

Similar Titles: The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, The Math Curse, Help Me Mr. Mutt: Expert Answers for Dogs with People Problems

Personal Thoughts: Anyone ever obligated to read, accept, or acknowledge a title clearly written for a lower reading (or interest) level will appreciate Alex's creative solution to the problem. The "original" illustrations and text are appropriately sickly-sweet, while Alex's improvements tap into the typical drawing and interest style of elementary students. The result is a title that, while hard to describe, is undeniably fun to read. 

Mega Man (Volume 1): Let the Games Begin

A metal man in a wooden sea...

Flynn, Ian and Spaziante, Patrick. Mega Man (Volume 1): Let the Games Begin. Mamaroneck, N.Y. : Archie Comic Publications ; London : Turnaround, 2011.

Plot: A re-telling of the first Mega Man game in comic form, the title consists of the first four books in the series. The story begins with the opening of Light Industries, a new robot development facility. While Dr. Light eagerly reveals his newest creations, the Robot Masters, his assistant and fellow roboticist, Dr. Wily, remains frustrated outside the limelight. Determined to make the world recognize his genius, he reprograms the Robot Masters and threatens to take over the planet. Rock, a small housekeeping robot offers to fight the evil doctor and restore the Robot Masters. With the help of a creative upgrade and supportive family, Rock becomes Mega Man, the fighting robot.

Genre: Comics, Video Games

Reading Level: Intended for younger readers, but the nostalgia will tempt older ones as well.

Similar Titles: Sonic comics, Super Mario Adventures comics

Personal Thoughts: Archie Comics, longtime producers of the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series, branches out to an older video game. Working with games from the eight-bit era often presents problems, since most of the plots of such games displayed limited plots and loose, if any, characterization. As such, comics from such games often add a variety of details that do not always correspond to player experiences. This series, though, manages to effectively build on the basic story of Mega Man while branching out in a believable manner. The idea of Dr. Light and Dr. Wily's original relationship, for example, is explored, and explains why the doctor suddenly became a megalomaniac. Some additions to the original story are also given, such as characterizations for the Robot Masters and Rock's struggle with his new powers. Bright illustrations consistent with the original game designs also enhance the story. Some of the pacing seems unnecessarily quick, but for the first four books in a series, the collection manages to establish characters, plots, and settings for future titles.

This will be the last Mega Man title I will review.  

Robin Hood

Beware of falling mosasaur

Robin Hood presented by Disney.

Plot: The tales of Robin Hood remain some of the most popular in the English-speaking world. However, Disney offers a new view of classic folklore by telling the story with animals. The dashing fox, Robin Hood, with the support of the ursine Little John, robs from the rich to feed the poor. Eventually, the duo become bitter enemies with the false king, Prince John. Escaping the traitor prince's traps multiple times buys the two time, but they eventually must confront the evil lion in his own palace. Still, the adventurers manage to find assistance through the local clergy, innocent paupers, and pretty vixen.

Genre: Animals, Movies, Animation, Folklore

Reading Level: Rated G

Similar Titles: The Rescuers, The Aristocats

Personal Thoughts: This version of Robin Hood is one I, as well as many tweens, grew up with. It is considerably more light-hearted than many of the original tales, but still manages to capture the adventurous aspects of the first stories. However, I was surprised to learn the story was, originally, about another fox, Reynard. While Reynard was, understandably, not a suitable hero for a Disney film, his antics manage to sneak their way into this movie. The result is a colorful, nicely-made movie.