Day 42: 45 Days of Summer

Shark Life by Peter Benchley

Already missing Shark Week????

I know, it's tough to go from sharks, sharks, sharks 24-7, to...nothing.

Read this book. You'll thank me.

Perfect for: grades 5-8. But younger shark fiends and high school readers will enjoy this just as much. This is the young adult adaptation of the author's adult title: Shark Trouble.

And yes, this is the same author that wrote Jaws. But these are the true stories of his life with sharks. That actually dispel many of the myths that he created in Jaws.

Day 29: 45 Days of Summer

The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin

They're baaaaaack.

Those cute chicks from the author's JJ Tully Mystery series.

And now they're solving their own crimes.

Dirt, Sugar, Poppy, and Sweetie try to help a frightened squirrel in their first "solo" adventure. Which just might get a little off-track.

Hilarity ensues, and JJ Tully comes out of retirement to help save the day.

This is the perfect beginning chapter book for young readers. Perfect for grades 1st-3rd.

I can't wait for the next book!

Day 17: 45 Days of Summer

Eye to Eye by Steve Jenkins

Budding scientists, animal enthusiasts, and nature detectives will love spending the summer learning all about animal eyeballs in Eye to Eye. 

And then check out the author’s other books all summer long.

Best for: 2nd - 4th grades.

Day 13: 45 Days of Summer

Road Trip by Gary Paulsen & Jim Paulsen

Summer is the time for family road trips, and what better reason for a father/son trip than to rescue a dog from an animal shelter. 

A quick read that packs a humorous punch, Road Trip will appeal to all ages and readers.

Best for: 4th - 8th grades.

Holiday Gift Ideas: One and Only Ivan (Applegate)

Title: One and Only Ivan
Author: Applegate
Genre: Fiction, Animals, Friendship
Pages: 305
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Having spent the majority of my life in the Northwest, the story of Ivan the Gorilla is not a new one to me. Ivan lived in the B & I, a store in Tacoma, Washington for decades before finally moving to Zoo Atlanta (where he passed away this summer).

In this book, the author writes Ivan's story from the gorilla's perspective. When Ivan, who has lived for years in a down-and-out circus-themed mall, meets Ruby, a baby elephant that has been added to the mall, he decides that he must find her a better life. 

Having Ivan narrate this story is an unusual construct that completely works. It adds immediacy to this story of friendship that will resonate with tween (and teen) animal lovers. This book will capture the hearts of readers for quite some time. (And don't let the page count deter younger readers...there's lots of white space and perfect illustrations scattered throughout). I have recommended this one to several of my friends for their own children this holiday season, as well as touting it at school, where it has garnered a hold list.

Holiday Gift Ideas: National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry (Lewis)

Title: National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry
Author: Various, edited by J. Patrick Lewis
Genre: Poetry, Nature, Animals, Picture Books
Pages: 183
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This is a beautiful book, and perfect for any elementary-aged animal lover on your list...or poetry fan...or an elementary classroom teacher. With over 200 poems by famous (Frost, Tennyson, Dickinson, Kipling, Prelutsky) poets, including the editor (U.S. Children's Poet Laureate), this is truly a treat. Photographs accompany the poems, which are grouped together by kind/type/size of animal.

An engrossing celebration of wildlife, animals, and nature in general. 

Review: Rescue Ink

Title: Rescue Ink: How ten guys saved countless dogs and cats...
Author: Rescue Ink
Genre: Non-fiction, animals, biography
Pages: 256
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

The true story of ten tough and tattooed bikers who rescue animals in danger. I'll be honest...I read this one while at my son's baseball game. I swear, I was watching the game! Anyone interested in bikers, or animals, or both will love the story of this group of rescuers. Though published for adults, this will be popular with teen animal lovers. Expect to see it on my Summer Reading list. And in the EJH library in the fall!