Hard-bitten former Search-and-Rescue dog J.J. Tully narrates this mystery. Two chicks are missing, and their mother asks J.J. Tully to solve the case. Is Vince the Funnel behind their disappearance? And will J.J. Tully earn his reward of a cheeseburger?

Awards nominated: Monarch Award

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 9/16/2011

ISBN-10: 0061215333

ISBN-13: 9780061215339

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Sophie's mom has an idea that would thrill most girls. She decides that the family needs a horse. The first problem is that Sophie doesn't want anything to do with horses and the second problem is that the pony Mom buys is as mean as they get. She bites, rolls over on her rider and runs away with the pony cart. This pony is followed by two other horses each with their own set of challenges. Will Sophie survive being part of a horse family? Read The Truth About Horses, Friends, & My Life as a Coward to find out.

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 12/9/2009

ISBN-10: 0761454594

ISBN-13: 9780761454595

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This quiet, gentle story about a turtle gathering dreams for her first winter is a nice choice for a longer bedtime read-aloud (for someone with a longer attention span) or for a confident beginning reader who is ready for longer spans of text with fewer pictures. This is a peaceful read, but still an entertaining one, about different animals' experiences of the winter season and about a young turtle preparing herself for something new. Illustrations in rich autumn tones mirror the spirit of the text. (Reading Level: 1.6)

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 1/14/2011

ISBN-10: 0823413225

ISBN-13: 9780823413225

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A true and heartwarming story comes from the aftermath caused by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. No one knows for sure how the tailless cat and pup became friends. Did they live in the same house when the storm hit or meet afterwards? What is known is that these two animals share a remarkable friendship and probably would not have survived without each other. Four months after the hurricane, a construction worker found the two of them scrounging food scraps at the site where he worked and took them to a temporary animal shelter. It was there a vet named them Bobbi and Bob Cat. When they were separated, each to a 'dog' or 'cat' room, Bobbi spent the night whining and barking while Bob Cat paced relentlessly. Finally, the workers, hoping to ease the animals' anxiety, relent, and place them in the same cage where they are happily reunited. What they learn next will amaze you!

Awards nominated: Monarch Award Nominee 2011

Reviewed by: ewl

Date read: 3/18/2010

ISBN-10: 0802797547

ISBN-13: 9780802797544

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Given that 99% of all the species that ever existed are now extinct, it is truly amazing to learn about the 1% who not only survive, but are thriving. This book explores these creatures and their ways of adapting in poems. Did you know that the immune systems of sharks are under scientific study? How about that there are more ants than any other animal in the world? 'Ubiquitous: Something that is (or seems to be) everywhere at the same time.' This is a nice combination of poetry and information.

Reviewed by: mec

Date read: 7/1/2011

ISBN-13: 9780618717194

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