Bad Kitty Gets a Bath
by Nick Bruel
Published 2008 by Roaring Brook Press

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781596433410

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10/01/2008 School Library Journal

Gr 2-4: Bad Kitty and Poor Puppy are back. This time they are featured in a funny, heavily illustrated "how-to" chapter book that is reminiscent of Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise's "Regarding the]" titles (Harcourt). The instructions for getting the feline into the water include begging, cajoling, and reverse psychology. The text includes clippings from the "Daily Nooz", "Uncle Murray's Fun Facts," a "Quick Quiz," a glossary of cat sounds ("fft!"), and two notes from the editor to the author about what is "unprintable." The resistant cat makes a valiant effort to avoid the procedure but finally"YEOWR!," "HISSS!"she is bathed. The pup gets his turn in an epilogue, but without any drama. Bruel's zany illustrations incorporate numerous perspectives that heighten the humor."Marilyn Ackerman, Brooklyn Public Library, NY" Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Balls! Round 2
by Michael Rosen
Published 2008 by Darby Creek Publishing

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781581960662

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07/01/2008 School Library Journal

Gr 4-6: Humorist Rosen offers a lighthearted look at a variety of balls, covering their production and history, and how they're used in sports. This is a stand-alone sequel to "Balls!" (Darby Creek, 2006), which featured basketballs and soccer balls among others. This time, the author highlights balls used in baseball, softball, bowling, bocce, croquet, shot put, billiards, and lacrosse. Each sport receives a brief introduction (apparently, bocce "is the third-most-played sport in the world"), complemented by color photographs, cartoons, and graphics. There's an emphasis on fun science, with simple puzzles and experiments (such as stir-fried marbles). Throughout, Rosen serves up a feast of whimsical trivia and wordplay, and he rounds out this collection with sections on marbles and extreme goofballs. Covering a miscellany of fun facts from the lifespan of a major league baseball to the definition of a "mibster," this well-crafted collection should appeal to browsers and sports fans."Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA" Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Evolving Planet: Four Billion Years of Life on Earth
by Erica Kelly
Published 2008 by Abrams Books for Young Readers

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780810994867

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02/01/2009 School Library Journal

Gr 5-8: This book is, in effect, a companion to a spectacular exhibit at The Field Museum in Chicagoa panoramic view of the evolutionary history of life on Earth. Opening with an invitation to a newly formed planet devoid of life, the authors ask readers to proceed through successive periodsthe Cambrian and the Ordovician, the Silurian and the Devonianright up to the Cenozoic era, during which modern man evolved. Interspersed are segments on various mass extinctions, the contribution of Charles Darwin, the development of legs and "good eggs," and various other aspects of history. Introductory text for each period is accompanied by a "you are there" time line, a small map of the then-current global geography, and several pages of excellent illustrations of contemporary life-forms. The lively bits of text are well supported by informative captions. Human evolution is part of this package, including a nifty page on "Useless Body Parts" (think of the muscles used to wiggle your earsif you still have them). Museum-loving readers will pounce on this volume, and dinophiles may be surprised at the long prehistory of their beloved "monsters." Supplemental books might include Linda Gamlin's "Evolution" (DK, 2000)."Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY" Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

The Infinity Code
by Emma Young
Published 2008 by Dial Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780803732650

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05/01/2008 School Library Journal

Gr 7-10: STORM: Science and Technology to Over-Rule Misery is an organization founded in London by 14-year-old genius Andrew, a software millionaire who wants to change the world for the better. He has recruited Will, Gaia, and Caspian, also prodigies, to help him with his endeavor. After one successful mission, though, things start to go awry. Caspian's father, Vassily Baraban, a famous astrophysicist, has been kidnapped, and his son is willing to do whatever it takes to save him, even if that means breaking away from STORM and joining a group that might destroy it. This is a great novel for aficionados of Anthony Horowitz's "Alex Rider" books (Philomel), but it's a lot more technical. (An author's note describes the gadgets and the actual research and inventions on which they are based.) Sure to be checked out by those who love SF/spy novels."Heather Scribner, Lawrenceburg Community Schools, IN" Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.