This Bookfinder search is based on the keyword(s): Melissa Brandt

The following books meet your search criteria:

A Cup for Everyone

Written by Yuskuke Yonezu, illustrated by

Recommended Ages: K-3

Pucca is a penguin...Pucca's father made cups for a living. However one day, his father had to leave home intending to sell cups in another village. Pucca sat home and tried to figure out how he could help his father...Pucca liked animals. His first cup was in the shape of a parrot (which closely resembled his sitter, Miss Parrot). Miss Parrot was so impressed with his work that she told all her friends. And soon, everyone wanted an animal-shaped cup...

Review by: Melissa Brandt

A Fine, Fine School

Written by Sharon Creech, illustrated by Harry Bliss

Recommended Ages: 6 7 8

Mr. Keene, the Principal, loved his school. He loved it so much that he decided students must attend EVERY day! This meant Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, too. The students and teachers did not like this idea, but they were unsure what to do about it. Then Tillie, a student, went to Mr. Keene's office and said (while acknowledging that students were learning amazing things),"Not everyone is learning." Mr. Keene became worried...Tillie informed him that her brother had not learned how to skip, her dog had not learned how to sit, and she was missing out on the opportunity to sit in her tree for an hour...Guess what Mr. Keene does next? This story underscores the importance of making time to learn things apart from school.

Review by: Melissa Brandt

Animal House

Written by Candace Ryan, illustrated by Nathan Hale

Recommended Ages: K-3

Jeremy really lives in an Animal House:look for the Refrigergator and the Floormingos, just to name a few. Miss Nuddles, Jerermy's teacher, doesn't belive that his Vulchair ate his homework, so she scheduled a home visit--and is amazed/startled by what she finds. (The reader will be equally amazed!)

Review by: Melissa Brandt

Begin at the Beginning: A Little Artist Learns About Life

Written by Amy Schwartz, illustrated by

Recommended Ages: 6 7 8

On behalf of her class, Sara was chosen to paint something for the school's Art Show. She is flustered by her assignment. She wants to draw a tree but believes that is too insignificant. Try as she might, Sara just can't get beyond the "blank page"...Eventually, she sees a tree on the page!

Review by: Melissa Brandt

Bugs Galore

Written by Peter Stein, illustrated by Bob Staake

Recommended Ages: K-2

Boys will really like this book...sometimes gross but funny descriptions of bugs.

"Blah! A stink bug!
Plug-your-nose bug!
Funky, smelly,
wash-your-clothes bug!"

Review by: Melissa Brandt

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type

Written by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Recommended Ages: 5 6 7 8

Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows type! Coincidentally, the cows have a problem with Farmer Brown. The barn is too cold! They type a complaint with a request for electric blankets and post it on the barn door. Farmer Brown angrily dismisses their request. The cows decide to go on strike, "No milk." Soon, the hens join forces with the cows, "No eggs." Well, Farmer Brown can't have this, so he enlists Duck's help. (Duck delivers the FINAL notes back and forth between both parties.) After receiving Farmer Brown's note, the cows have a meeting and decide to give back the typewriter in exchange for the electric blankets. Farmer Brown agrees. Unfortunately, sometimes disputes are not resolved as planned. Guess who has the typewriter now? Apart from illustrations that jump off the page, this book presents the concept of collective bargaining in an understandable and humorous way.

Review by: Melissa Brandt

Comets, Stars, The Moon, and Mars

Written by Douglas Florian, illustrated by

Recommended Ages: Grades 1-5

the earth

"Two-thirds water.
One-third land.
Valley deep.
Mountains grand.
Sky of blue.
Clouds of gray.
Life here, too--
Think I'll stay."

Review by: Melissa Brandt

Dancing in the Wings

Written by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Recommended Ages: 5 6 7

Sassy is long-legged, has big feet, and a big mouth. Despite her lanky frame, she REALLY wants to dance. However, in the midst of constant teasing from her Brother, Hughie, and her Ballet classmates, she begins to wonder when, or if, this would happen. Still she considered herself "dancing in the wings" waiting for her opportunity to shine! Then, Mr. Debato (from the Russian school), comes to her Ballet class to audition dancers for a Dance Festival (held in Washington, D.C.). After a long day of auditioning when her name wasn't called, Sassy was sure that she would not be chosen. However, to her surprise, SHE was going to Washington, D.C.

This story illustrates the benefits of perseverance and determination. Its message: Listen to your "inner voice," even when outer voices may be telling you otherwise.

Review by: Melissa L. Brandt

Dear Santa: The Letters of James B. Dobbins

Written by Bill Harley, illustrated by R. W. Alley

Recommended Ages: K-2

James sends Santa his Christmas List. Soon however, he wants something else...a Hockey Rink (for his backyard). For the next sevaral days/weeks James writes letters to Santa indicating his desire for the hockey rink, and providing explanations for his previous transgressions. A few letters contain reminders that he is still being nice to his sister, Jessica--despite how difficult this task is for him. Moreover on Dec. 24th (Five Hours Before Christmas), Jimmy writes: "...I was thinking that new skates and one hockey stick are all I really want..."

Review by: Melissa Brandt

Don't Let Go!

Written by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross

Recommended Ages: 6 7 8

Do you remember when you first learned how to ride a bike? Remember being afraid that your parent would "let go..." Well, in this story, Megan is experiencing the same fear: Megan's dad is teaching her how to ride a bike. Megan has a bike helmet for added safety, but she is still really scared! However, eventually, Megan does face her fear...and begins to ride her bike splendidly. This story shows the delicate balance between a child's need for newfound independence and a parent's fear that their child may become too independent.

Review by: Melissa Brandt