Their magic tree house takes Jack and Annie deep into the sea, where they meet up with dolphins, sharks, and octopi. Join Jack and Annie as they search for the answer to an ancient riddle in this Magic Tree House adventure. This is number 9 in the series.

Similar books: Dolphins and Sharks: A Non-Fiction Companion to Dolphins at Daybreak by Mary Pope Osborne

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-10: 067988338X

ISBN-13: 9780679883388

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This preschool favorite tells the story of a pigeon who will say anything so we'll let him drive the bus. As the book begins, the bus driver leaves, asking if we'll watch the bus for him while he's gone. He ends with, 'and remember: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!' As he walks away, the pigeon arrives and attempts to wheedle his way into driving the bus, using every strategy he knows. Luckily, when the bus driver returns, no one has let the pigeon drive the bus. Everyone can enjoy the antics of this likable bird, and parents will appreciate the apt depiction of the persuasion tactics of young children.

Similar books: Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems; The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Willems; The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems, and other 'Pigeon' titles.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 6/17/2010

ISBN-10: 078681988X

ISBN-13: 9780786819881

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'When you come to a stone wall, if you look far enough, you will find a door in it.' Robin receives these words of advice, but is not quite sure what they mean. In 14th century England, Robin was expecting to prepare for knighthood at Sir Peter de Lindsay's castle. Unfortunately, Robin becomes ill, and, as a result, he can no longer walk. Brother Luke rescues him, and, eventually, helps him get to Sir Peter's castle, where Sir Peter is recovering from war wounds. Sir Peter's castle comes under attack by a Welsh army. Because of thick fog, Sir Peter cannot determine how strong the attacking army is, but his forces manage to keep them out of the castle. There is a standoff and, soon, the food and water supplies dwindled. Someone must go for help, but whom? Sir Peter can't spare any of him men. Suddenly, Robin understands what was meant about the door in the wall. This won the Newbery Medal in 1950.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/12/2009

ISBN-10: 0440227798

ISBN-13: 9780440227793

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Eleven-year-old twins Jason and Julia have just moved from London to an old mansion on the English coast. Their new home is filled with twisting tunnels and strange artifacts from around the world, and the twins can't wait to discover all its secrets. Before long, Jason, Julia, and their friend Rick stumble upon a mysterious-looking door hidden behind an old wardrobe. But none of the keys in the house will open it. What lies behind the door? And why has someone tried to conceal it? Jason, Julia, and Rick are determined to find out, no matter what it takes.... Followed by The Long Lost Map and The House of Mirrors

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 7/28/2009

ISBN-10: 0439774381

ISBN-13: 9780439774383

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Nikki's hoping the gift her mother gives her before she starts school at Westchester Country Day will be a brand new cell phone, so she can fit in with the CCP (Cute, Cool & Popular) group at her new school. Instead, it's a blank book. Nikki is crushed, because 'Absolutely no one writes their most intimate feelings and deep dark secrets in a diary anymore! WHY?! Because just one or two people knowing all your BIZ could completely ruin your reputation. You're supposed to post this kind of juicy stuff online in your BLOG so MILLIONS can read it!!!' Nikki writes (and draws) in the diary anyway. When the school year starts, Nikki's locker is next to MacKenzie the most popular (and meanest) girl in eighth grade. As Nikki says, 'To call MacKenzie a 'mean girl' would be an understatement. She's VICIOUS! She's a PIT BULL in glittery eye shadow and Jimmy Choo flip-flops!' Nikki may be the new girl at Westchester Country Day, but when she hears about the school's art show, Random Acts of Avant-Garde Art, she's determined to win the five hundred dollar prize. Then, it turns out MacKenzie plans to enter, too. Can Nikki make the transformation from 'social challenged ART DORK' to 'socially charmed ART DIVA?' Read her diary to find out.

Awards won: 2010 Children's Choice Book Award

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 6/4/2010

ISBN-10: 1416980067

ISBN-13: 9781416980063

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