Fiction: The White Giraffe

Losing parents in a tragic fire and restarting life with an unwelcoming grandmother would be overwhelming for most 11-year-olds, and Martine is no exception. What's worse, Martine has never met her grandmother, who presides over a large game preserve in faraway South Africa.

Even so, from the moment Martine steps off the plane, she senses that her new home holds a special destiny, one that begins to unfold when she learns about a legendary white giraffe. The beautiful creature appears one day, and Martine, who is just becoming aware of her own mystical gifts, begins a heroic journey that leads her to expose and prevent the destructive work of poachers.

Magic realism, adventure, and a well-realized setting combine in this appealing tale, which will resonate particularly with conservation-minded children.

Fiction

Grades 4-7

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Fiction: Faraway Tree Collection

When I was a child, the Faraway Tree books, by Enid Blyton, were my favourites. Three stories are included in this thick volume, and each has lovely original black and white illustrations.

Kids who enjoy imaginative stories and fairy tales will be enchanted by the tales about three siblings who move to the English country in the 1930's. The children quickly discover that there is a magical tree in their forest, filled with wonderful and fantastic inhabitants. They befriend some of the folk of the faraway tree, and some amazing things begin to happen! The top of the tree ends in a ladder that goes up to a series of fantasy worlds, such as Candyland, The Land of Treats, and so on.

Children in grades two through four will love this book for its classic language, friendly characters, and wonderful creativity.

Fiction

Grades 2-4

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Fiction: Nathan of Yesteryear, Michael of Today

This short book might seem like a picturebook at first, but it's actually a fascinating comparison between two young boys living a hundred years apart. Nathan is a typical kid in 1880, and he lives in the same town as his great-grandson Michael. Each spread shows one of the boys as they go about their daily activities, and the simple text talks about the differences in their lives, and the changes that have occurred in their towns. This book would definitely provoke discussion about how kids entertained themselves with no TV, videos or computers, and topics as diverse as commerce and religion are discussed. A fascinating and accessible read for kids in grades 1-4.

Fiction

Grades 1-4

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Graphic Novel: Manga Claus: The Blade of Kringle

Think Santa Claus is just a funny old guy in a red suit? You'll reconsider when you read this hilarious comic book! When a disgruntled elf uses black magic to bring a toy ninja to life, Santa has to put down the sack and take up...the Blade of Kringle! Read on as Santa slices and dices his way through this manga-style spoof, dispatching the last ninja teddy ear just in time to save Christmas...of course.

Graphic Novel

Grades 2-7

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Nonfiction: Battle Stations! Fortifications Through the Ages

Any kid who is interested in military history or architecture will want to take a look at this informative book. Densely packed with information, this 32 page volume covers defenses through the ages. Find out how the Romans defended their hilltop cities, and how the Great Wall of China was built. More modern defenses include continental defense systems (like Star Wars) and oceanfaring fortresses (battleships). This book is a great pick for grade 4-8's who have a keen interest in war and weapons.

Nonfiction

Grades 4-8

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Nonfiction: Let's Eat!

This large-format nonfiction book is full of colourful pictures and firsthand information about food around the world. The story follows five children from various continents as they eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in their homes and schools. Each child is pictured attending a special event, such as a wedding or a holiday celebration, and the recipes for some favourite foods are included at the end of the book. The biography format makes the information about food relevant and accessible, and curious kids of all ages will enjoy finding out about what other cultures eat.

Nonfiction

Grades 3-6

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Graphic Novel: Adventures in Oz

The Oz books are classic fantasy novels from the early twentieth century, and it's great to see them republished in a different format. This book tells the story of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and others in comic book form. The crisp art is reminiscent of North American comics (like Batman, X-Men, etc) rather than Manga, and several different stories are contained within this volume.

Kids in grades 4-6 who like fantasy tales of adventure will love the whimsical plots; many more will enjoy the lovely art. Parents might enjoy the trip back in time to their own childhood!

Graphic Novel

Grades 4-6

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