Lynn and Katie are two Japanese American sisters growing up in rural Georgia. Katie worships her older sister, Lynn, who teaches her everything. Unfortunately, Katie must deal with the loss of Lynn. Will she remember Lynn's special way of looking at life, and find a way to show her family that there is always hope, and something glittering-- kira-kira-- in their future? This book won the Newbery Medal in 2005.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/12/2009

ISBN-10: 0689856407

ISBN-13: 9780689856402

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Commenter: St. Charles Reader, grade 0

Little Bear has drawn a very special picture for his Grandmother and has sent Hen to deliver it. When Grandmother receives the picture, she sends Hen right back to deliver a kiss for Little Bear. However, on the way back, Hen gets distracted from his duty and passes the kiss on to Frog, who passes it along to Cat, and so on and so on. Will Little Bear ever get his Grandmother's kiss? This funny and humorous story is beautifully illustrated and perfect for the beginning reader

Similar authors: Arnold Lobel

Similar books: Am I Beautiful by Else Holmelund Minarik: Father's Flying Flapjacks by Else Holmelund Minarik; Percy and the 5 Houses by Else Holmelund Minarik; Mouse Tales by Arnold Lobel; Uncle Elephant by Arnold Lobel

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 8/5/2009

ISBN-10: 006024299X

ISBN-13: 9780060242992

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In 13th century China, twelve-year-old Haoyou, witnesses the death of his father, who was chosen to be a ship's 'wind tester,' by riding a kite in the sky. Eventually, he steps into his father's shoes, becoming a famous kite rider at a traveling circus.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0066238749

ISBN-13: 9780066238746

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Kitten and puppy lovers will love this nearly wordless picture book about a puppy pretending to be a kitten. The puppy can't do things quite like the kittens: his meow comes out more like a 'ruff,' and imitating the kittens' acrobatics on chairs leads to a fall, but they all have fun anyway. When his mom shows up to say it's time to go home, he waves goodbye to his new friends saying, 'Next time let's all be puppies!'

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 7/16/2010

ISBN-10: 0670892270

ISBN-13: 9780670892273

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In A Kitten Tale, we meet four charming kittens. Three of them love to play outdoors, but they have never seen snow, and they are afraid of it. All year, they dread it. A fourth kitten, who is more adventurous, says, 'I can't wait.' With cheerful kitten illustrations that capture the essence of a kitten personality, this is a great read for families who want to talk about new experiences and how we can choose to be scared of them or to embrace them as an adventure.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 2/26/2010

ISBN-10: 0517709155

ISBN-13: 9780517709153

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