60. How Oliver Olson Changed the World - Claudia Mills

Illustrator: Heather Maione
For: grades 3-4
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, March, 2009
HC, $15.95
104 pgs.
Rating: 5

Not only did Oliver Olson have a great teacher, Claudia Mills is right on about what goes on in a classroom when it has such a great teacher. All kids are great - and this story really shows it. With humor and a little tongue-in-cheek, we inhale the story of Oliver and his problems - parents who want to DO his homework for him, a mom who won't let him eat anything but healthy food and never lets him go to a sleepover, and get to witness firsthand his third grade classroom - talkative Crystal, the sage of poor Pluto who was kicked out of the planet brotherhood, and discusstions that create out-of-the box thinkers. While learning about the planets and planning for a grand-finale - a diorama, a sleepover, telescope, Star Wars movie, AND a visit from a state senator, this third grade classroom is one I'd love to have been a part of!

Wonderful story!

Sky Magic - Lee Bennett Hopkins

POETRY
Illustrated by Mariusz Stawarski
Dutton Children's/Penguin
$17.99
March, 2009
Rating: 4
Endpapers: Bright orange to pale orange, fading (top to bottom)

14 poems about the sun, moon, and stars - including Schertle, Dotlich, Heard, McCord, and Sandburg.

The illustrations, by polish artist Stawarski, are bright, dark colors, with a decidedly geometric feel, color everywhere...the only white is the font!

Sun
Soleiel!

I’m your star
center stage
the poem on your page
beauty
power
the beat ablaze

I amaze

I am the candle on your cake
a sparkler burning bright

I am light
splendor
bliss

at dawn, your kiss

tenderly,
I come to you
a diamond
on the morning dew

I am the wonder of all sky

I am the twinkle in your eye.

Lyn Littlefield Hoopes

Song
Sing to the sun
It will listen
And warm your words
Your joy will rise
Like the sun
And glow
Within you

Sing to the moon
It will hear
And soothe your cares
Your fears will set
Like the moon
And fade
Within you.

Ashley Bryan