Compass South FOUR POINTS by: Hope Larson

 Another wonderful graphic novel!  I never thought I would enjoy this type of book as much as I do.  Hope Larson's first book in the Compass South series Four Points is one great adventure.  The illustrations by Rebecca Mock are great as well.

Twins, Alexander and Cleopatra Dodge, have an amazing adventure when their father goes missing.  They try to make it on the streets but are soon in trouble with the sheriff.  When they rat out a local gang leader in order to save themselves they need to leave quickly.  Cleopatra disguises herself as "Patrick" so that they can travel to San Francisco and claim to be the lost twins of a very wealthy man.   They encounter another set of twins also claiming to be the sons of the wealthy man, and they get mixed up.  Alex is now with one of the other twins and so is "Patrick".  As they both try to make it to San Francisco they  face dangers on the sea and on the land.

I couldn't put this book down because of the exciting experiences these two encounter.  I just had to know if they would ever find each other and if they can find their father.  This is a very exciting adventure that you won't forget.  I cannot wait to see book 2 in this series.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Grandpa's Great Escape by: David Walliams

Here is another laugh-out-loud story that you and your children will love.  In fact I'm sure that David Walliams' book Grandpa's Great Escape will be enjoyed by many family generations!

Jack loves being with his grandpa even though his grandpa doesn't know his name.  Jack is called "Squadron Leader" and grandpa is "Wing Commander".  You see Grandpa thinks believes he is still a fighter pilot fighting for England in WWII.  Jack goes along with it and the two have many flying adventures together.

Grandpa goes missing from his apartment and when he moves into Jack's home he is missing once again.  Jack knows to look up when looking for grandpa because he is always going up flying his Spitfire on missions for the war.  When he is found sleeping inside a museum inside a Spitfire which is hanging from the ceiling the decision is made to send Grandpa to Twilight Towers.  Twilight Towers is the newest "old people" home in the city.  Jack isn't happy that grandpa has to go to the Towers and he really isn't happy when he learns that visiting time is only allowed on Sundays for just 15 short minutes.  Jack decides to sneak into the Towers one night and soon he is helping his "Wing Commander" escape the enemy's prison where he is being held.  The problem with the escape is that grandpa won't leave anyone behind so all the old residents "prisoner's of war" are soon escaping.  It is a grand leaving from Twilight Towers and in the middle of the escape it is discovered that the owner of Twilight Towers is stealing wills from the residents and taking all their money upon their death.

Will "Wing Commander" and "Squadron Leader" really get everyone to safety?  Have they just stumbled upon a big crime ring?  You will have to read this outstanding book to find out.  I promise that you won't be able to put this book down and Jack and Grandpa's adventure just might lead to some adventures of your own.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Welcome to Wonderland Home Sweet Motel by: Chris Grabenstein

Author Chris Grabenstein has written another funny middle grade novel in his book Welcome To Wonderland Home Sweet Motel.  This is the first in a new series that I'm sure even the most reluctant reader will enjoy.  Chris Grabenstein is one of my favorite authors, after you read this book he will become one of your favorites as well.

P.T. Wilkie lives at a hotel with his mother and grandfather in Florida.  He loves living in a place with all you can eat ice cream machine near the pool, a frog slide and so much history  The Hotel is losing money so P.T. thinks of ways to help bring customers to the Hotel.  To bring the Hotel back to its former glory he enlists the help of Gloria, a new resident to the Hotel.  Gloria knows business and between he two of them they create some fun events to bring in the Spring Break crowd.  The activities that they plan will have you wanting to book a visit to the Hotel.

Two older men come to the Hotel and they are acting a bit strange.  Soon, P.T. and Gloria are on a search for missing jewels from a very old robbery.  Using clues and trying to go back to the time of the robbery the kids just may solve this crime and save the Hotel.

This is a great story.  So many laughs, adventure and some crazy characters.  You will love P.T. and his family.  The second book in this series comes out in May 2017 so read this book soon so that you will be ready for book 2.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

One Proud Penny by: Randy Siegel

As an elementary school librarian I'm always searching for non-fiction read aloud picture books.  I've discovered a great one written by Randy Siegel and illustrated by Serge Bloch in the book One Proud Penny.

This penny was born in 1983 beginning his life just like all the other pennies in Philadelphia.  He gives the reader facts on how he was made and fills us in on his United States travels and troubles.  He spent one winter on the floor in Wisconsin, I cannot even imagine how cold he must have been!  We learn that you can buy things with him as well as spin and flip him.  When he gets placed in a jar filled with other pennies he doesn't get depressed he thinks of his favorite President.  I will let you read the book to find out who his favorite President is and if he ever gets out of that jar!

I enjoyed sharing this with my students and it now has a long list of students wanting their own turn reading it.  I am sure you and your children will enjoy this wonderful picture book.

After reading this book search your pennies for one that was born in 1983.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Squirrel Meets World by: Shannon Hale & Dean Hale

The world needs Squirrel Girl as its newest super hero!  Authors Shannon Hale and Dean Hale have written a fun book that anyone who loves super heroes will enjoy The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Squirrel Meets World.

Doreen Green is the new girl at her school in New Jersey.  It is always hard being the new kid at school but when you have to hide your big bushy squirrel tale in your pants all day it can be very difficult.  She also has all the super skills of squirrels which she tries to hide from the world.  Doreen tries to make friends at school but her first friend is a squirrel named Tippy-Toe.  Ana Sofia becomes her first friend at school and together they have an amazing first adventure.

The city is experiencing a crime spree along with traps being set all over town to catch squirrels.  Strange microphones emit a sound that drives all the dogs crazy.  Just what is going on in this new town?

Doreen has always kept her "squirrel" side a secret but when she sees that someone needs saving she just cannot help herself.  Soon she is getting a super hero reputation as Squirrel Girl.  Her parents don't think she is ready to be a hero and they try to stop her but that doesn't work.  She is soon facing Micro-Manager a new villain.  Will she be able to stop him and his evil plan?  Nobody, not even super heroes, can always do hard things alone.  Squirrel Girl is lucky she has the Squirrels and Ana Sofia to help her.

I loved this book and I will now be looking for the Squirrel Girl Comic Books to read more about this amazing girl.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna