Katie Clark-Johnson, Chelsea Combs, Doug Elfstrom, Sigrid Espe, Jennifer L. M. Gaska, Brooke Haley, Raechel Keltner, Allison Kirchoff, Sarah Kolman,  Amanda Lincoln, Camry Monson,  Stew Otting, Rachel Prijatel, Erik Rockwell, Caitlin M. Sanders, Andrea Schenk,  Emily Schroeder, Theresa Schultz, Catherine Seeck, Kelly E. Smith, Nikki Sperry, Kayla A. Storelee, Kristin R. Swenson, Rachel Swiggum

Ocean food webs. Fleisher, Paul. Lerner Publishing Group, 2008. info@lernerbooks.com, (800-328-4929). 48pp. $26.60. ISBN 978-0-8225-6732-5.

Part of the Lerner book series on food webs, this book goes into detail about the food webs existing in the ocean. The first page includes a diagram of an ocean food web as well as a “word detective” section that highlights important vocabulary found in the text. The chapters offer scientific information about the ocean, plant life, and plant and meat eating animals within an aquatic ecosystem, as well as humans’ role in ocean life. Pictures with maps, diagrams, and photographs of ocean life accompany each page with a caption to explain more in-depth how the image corresponds to the text. As is customary to the series, the back of the book includes information on how adults can share the book with children, books and websites to seek out more information, a glossary of terms, and an index of key concepts. Third to fifth grade students could use this book in the classroom to begin research on an animal. The diagrams can also help students to grasp difficult concepts like photosynthesis. (NS)

The off season. Murdock, Catherine Gilbert. Houghton Mifflin Co., 2007. childrens_books@hmco.com, (800-225-3362). 277pp. $16.00. ISBN 978-0-618-68695-7.

The Off Season centers around a young adult named D.J. Schwenk.  D.J. is a junior high school girl whose life seems to be going quite well.  She strengthens her friendship with her best friend, Amber, has a budding romance with Brian Nelson, a cute, popular boy, and plays football for Red Bend High School as the first female linebacker in Wisconsin.  However, as football season progresses, D.J.’s life spins out of control.  Her best friend Amber runs away with her girlfriend, Dale, after Amber’s mother discovers them together.  Her relationship with Brian takes a turn for the worst, D.J. suffers a shoulder injury forcing her to choose between football and basketball, and her older brother Win, a quarterback for the University of Washington, gets seriously injured in a football game on national television.  Nevertheless, through all of this adversity, D.J. shows that she is a strong girl who perseveres through difficult times.

The author’s use of plot, characterization, setting, and theme allow the readers to connect with the story on a deeper level.  Readers can identify with the conflicts that the characters face throughout this story.  Through the use of detail and the development of characters, readers can imagine the persons in this story as though they are real.  Readers can visualize the setting through the use of the author’s vivid details.  The themes of hope and perseverance are messages that readers can apply to their everyday lives.  This book is great to use among upper junior high school students and high school students, as it encourages students to persevere through difficult times. (CS)

Oh, brother!. Grimes, Nikki. Harper Collins Publishing (Greenwillow Books), 2008. spsales@harpercollins.com, (212-207-7000). 32pp. $17.89. ISBN 978-0-688-17295-4. Illustrated by Mike Benny.

Blended families are very common in today’s world, but many of these families have a hard time coming together. In Oh, Brother!, Nikki Grimes tells of the joining of two families into one, and the struggles the two new brothers have in learning to live with one another. This sweet, touching story is told in the form of short poems that chronicle each step the new brothers must go through to become true brothers. A great story for readers aged 5-9. (BH) 

Oh, Theodore! Guinea pig poems. Katz, Susan. Houghton Mifflin Co. (Clarion Books), 2007. childrensbooks@hmco.com, (617-351-5000). 44pp. $16.00. ISBN 0-618-70222-9. Illustrated by Stacey Schuett.

Susan Katz describes the life and activities of a newly adopted guinea pig in the form of free verse poems. At first, Theodore the guinea pig is shy and scared, but as his new owner takes good care of him, he learns to play and have fun. This book would make a good read for a new pet owner, as well as a good book to introduce a lesson on pets. Best for readers aged 4-7, this is a great story that explains the bond between children and their pets. (BH)

The ok book. Rosenthal, Amy Krouse. Harper Collins Publishing, 2007. spsales@harpercollins.com, (212-207-7000). 32pp. $14.89. ISBN 978-0-06-115256-6. Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld.

The ok book is a simple story that can be used with emerging readers as well as older readers. One of the most interesting aspects of the story is the illustration. The entire book is about being “ok” at various activities and in each illustration is an ok showing the various activities. These illustrations show great imagination that can easily be expanded on within the classroom or even at home as a fun writing activity. This story would be a great addition to any classroom library as well as any home library. (KRS)

The old woman and her pig. MacDonald, Margaret Read. Harper Collins Publishing, 2007. spsales@harpercollins.com, (212-207-7000). 32pp. $16.99. ISBN 0-06-028089-1.  Illustrated by John Kanzler.

In this lighthearted picture storybook, the reader is guided through the journey of an old woman on her way to town to buy a new pig.  After buying the pig, the old woman must return to her farm before dark so that her little boy is not left alone at night.  However, when the old woman and the pig get to the bridge, the pig is too afraid to cross.  The old woman must confide in a dog, a rat, and a cat in order to get the pig across.  This storybook is perfect for lower or middle elementary students because they are able to relate to overcoming fears in life.  While the text is appropriate for this age group, it also introduces new words that will help enhance students’ vocabulary.  (RS)

Oodles of animals. Ehlert, Lois. Harcourt, Inc., 2008. bFirsc@harcourt.com, (407-345-2000).  52pp.  $17.00.  ISBN 978-0-15-206274-3.

Inspired by an obsession with the diversity of animals, Ehlert constructs a buoyant, heartening book about the characteristics and features of various creatures.  She explains in the author’s note that she used colored paper, scissors, pinking shears, and nine shapes to create the featured animals; she warns, “If you ever see a lion with blue hair and a red triangle for a nose, be sure to let me know!”  From butterflies to chimpanzees, Ehlert’s descriptions and illustrations of the creatures are unique and highly informational.  Each description is a concise, easy-to-read poem.  Many of these poems include homonyms and homophones, and are thus quite humorous.  This innovative picture book motivates children to learn more about animals and rhymes, and encourages children to create their own informational poems in the same resourceful manner as Ehlert.  Pre-K-3.  (ES)

Ookpik: The travels of a snowy owl. Hiscock, Brice. Boyds Mills Press, 2008. contact@boydsmillspress.com, (800-490-5111). 32pp. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-461-7.

This is the story of the life and travels of a snowy owl named Ookpik.  The reader follows the life of the owl from an egg to a grown owl.  Ookpik begins to learn how to fly and realizes that in order to survive he needs to fly south.  The author takes the reader on a journey as Ookpik tries to find a place to live during the cold winter.  The author gives the reader true and specific information on the life and actions of snowy owls in the Arctic tundra.  The illustrations help reinforce the different environments that Ookpik faces during this journey south.  This book is great for children of all ages who want to learn more about animals and their required habitats. (RS)

Orange pear apple bear.  Gravett, Emily.  Simon & Schuster, 2007.  customer.customerservice@simonandschuster.com, (800-223-2336).  26pp.  $12.99.  ISBN 1-4169-3999-7.

With only five simple words, Gravett creates a simple yet meaningful concept book for children ages one to four.  The book helps children learn to identify objects by their shape and color.  At different parts of the book, the colors and shapes are mixed up to illustrate the literal meaning of the text that is somewhat silly.  For example, at one point the pear is orange, “orange pear”, and the bear is the shape and color of an apple, “apple bear.”  This is a fresh and fun way to introduce the concepts of orange, apple, bear and pear. (CMS)

Oscar and the mooncats. Raymond, Lynda Gene. Houghton Mifflin Co., 2007. childrens_books@hmco.com, (617-351-5000). 32pp. $16.00. ISBN 0-618-56316-4. Illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli.

Oscar the cat loves his boy, but he also loves a good adventure. When he discovers he can visit the moon, he takes full advantage. One night, Oscar leaps from his roof and lands in a cloud of moon dust! It doesn’t take long to learn that he is not alone on the moon. But as he plays with the silvery mooncats, he soon realizes he needs to find a way home before he is stuck with the mooncats forever. Oscar’s adventure to the moon is uniquely illustrated. The pictures have a fun 3D effect, which helps the colorful planets and starry galaxy soar off the page. (BH)

The other Mozart: The life of a famous Chevalier de Saint-George.  Brewster, Hugo.  Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2007.  webmaster@abramsbooks.com, (212-206-7715).  48pp.  $18.95.  ISBN 0-8109-5720-5.  Illustrated by Eric Velasquez.

From the plantations of the West Indies to the palace of Versailles, The Other Mozart captures the true story of a remarkable man who overcame every obstacle.  Illustrated with both original and archival paintings and period artifacts, the book also features informative sidebars and timelines.  Today, the music of the Chevalier de Saint-George is being played once again, and his inspiring and life-affirming story lives on.  This book would work well as part of a history unit and also in a music classroom.  (SE)

Otto’s orange day. Cammuso, Frank and Jay Lynch. Raw Junior, 2008. kate@TOON-BOOKS.com, (212-431-9106). 40pp. $12.95. ISBN 978-0-9799238-2-1. 

Otto’s favorite color is orange, and when he meets a magical genie, Otto makes everything orange!  At first, Otto’s orange world seems great, but then Otto begins to realize that his favorite color may not be the best for everything.  Otto tries to fix his wish by enlisting in the help of his family, and with a surprise ingredient, Otto saves the day.  The illustrations beautifully complement the text.  Shades of orange are used to illustrate Otto’s orange world, contrasting with the shades of blue used to later depict the world as Otto tries to fix his wish. Cartoon characters highlight the spunky, energetic Otto and the clever, magical genie.  The classic theme of “be careful what you wish” for is a message to which readers can relate.  Because this story contains more dialogue, this book may be too difficult for beginning readers, but great for early elementary students.  This book could also be used as a tool in the classroom to teach students about the different colors.  (CS)

Our 50 United States and other U.S. lands. Skelton, Renee & Jaime Joyce. Harper Collins Publishing (Collins), 2007. spsales@harpercollins.com, (212-207-7000). 70pp. $17.99. ISBN 0-06-081557-4.

By reading this book, children will learn tidbits of information about American history, such as Pennsylvania means “Penn’s woods” after William Penn, the original proprietor of the colony.  Starting with the birth of the first colony, the book chronologically follows the history of the United States as it becomes a nation in 1787 and admits its last territory 172 years later.  In this story of a dream becoming a nation and continuing to expand westward, the reader is introduced to the many people living in the new lands and the explorers who pushed for expansion. Finally, the reader is immersed in information about U.S. territories and the 50 states through at a glance facts including the number of the state, the flag, capital, abbreviation, nickname, population, land area, and symbol. (TS)

The outfoxed fox. Myers, Tim. Marshall Cavendish (Cavendish Children’s Books), 2007. bbuerkle@marshallcavendish.com, (914-332-8888).  32pp.  $16.99.  ISBN 978-0-7614-5356-7.  Illustrated by Ariel Ya-Wen Pang.

This book is based on the Japanese kyogen, which is a farcical, colloquial, and realistic drama.  It describes two foxes: one is the oldest and wisest, while the other is very young and naïve.  They both contrive methods to stop a hunter from killing foxes for their skins.  The older member of the fox family ridicules the young fox’s plan by claiming it “too simple,” and proceeds with his own plan.  However, the younger fox outfoxes him.  In the author’s note, Myers explains that sometimes our desires for egotistical and psychological satisfaction “lead us astray” from our true desires.  This book teaches readers to value simplicity.  It also reinforces the Buddhist tradition of nonviolence toward all sentient beings.  Ages 5-8.  (ES)

Over in the jungle: A rainforest rhyme.  Berkes, Marianne.  Dawn Publications, 2007.  nature@dawnpub.com, (800-545-7475).  32pp. $8.95.  ISBN 978-1-58469-092-4.  Illustrated by Jeanette Canyon. 

This playful and lighthearted book teaches children about different animals in the jungle and their habits.  The book counts the number of young animals, all the way from one marmoset to ten howler monkeys.  As children read the book, the concept of numbers will be reinforced.  The book also promotes language development among young children through the use of rhyme.  The bright and realistic illustrations create a lifelike feeling and enhance the text by depicting the different numbers of animals.  This book would be an excellent addition to the classroom because it promotes child development through the use of counting and rhyme to create an interesting story about jungle animals that children will enjoy.  Children will learn about different animals in the jungle as they read this story, and it will foster a greater sense of appreciation for nature.  (CC)

Owen & Mzee: The language of friendship. Hatkoff, Isabell and Craig Hatkoff and Paula Kahumbu. Scholastic Inc., 2007. www.scholastic.com, (212-242-7737). 40pp. $16.99. ISBN 0439899591.

Owen, a young hippopotamus, and Mzee, an old giant tortoise, are not two animals that one would except to become friends. Yet at the wildlife sanctuary in Kenya, a friendship was born. This real life story of this strange pairing is the subject of two books, The Language of Friendship being the second.  In this story the reader gets an in-depth explanation of how the friendship formed and how the animals communicate with each other.  The authors do a good job of explaining the challenges ahead, while still keeping a positive outlook on the events.  Children of all ages will enjoy reading about this unique friendship and how it has evolved.  (AS)

Ox, house, stick: The history of our alphabet. Robb, Don. Charlesbridge, 2007. books@charlesbridge.com, (800-225-3214). 48pp. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-610-6. Illustrated by Anne Smith.

Don Robb’s Ox, house, stick: The history of our alphabet has a variety of well-researched information in regards to the history of our alphabet. While there is a large amount of interesting information, it reads like a textbook. The history of our alphabet is presented in a concise way; however, children would likely become bored very quickly during a reading of the entire book.  This book could be used in the classroom in a World History unit if portions are used.  Though informative, this book will seem a little too dry for most students to read for enjoyment. (KRS)