Martina, the most beautiful cockroach in Old Havana, is ready to marry. Her family gives her many gifts. Her grandmother gives her a most important piece of advice: spill coffee on her suitor's shoes before she decides to marry him. One by one, her suitors fail this test. Will Marina ever find the one to marry?

Awards nominated: Monarch Award Nominee 2011

Reviewed by: vverscaj

Date read: 4/10/2010

ISBN-10: 1561453994

ISBN-13: 9781561453993

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This book is a retelling of the traditional Ukrainian tale in which a boy's lost mitten becomes a home from the cold for more and more animals. The repetition of what the animals say and the realistic looking illustrations make this book a great retelling.

Awards nominated: Monarch Award Nominee 2012

Reviewed by: JB

Date read: 4/11/2011

ISBN-10: 0439925444

ISBN-13: 9780439925440

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This unusual graphic novel tells the tales of women who dared to defy convention and do things that were forbidden for women to do--while disguised as men! The bold, black and white illustrations and distinctive style bring to life these fascinating stories. Read about a female pharoah, a woman who commanded a Viking raiding ship, a soldier, and more. These women showed bravery equal to or more than that of your typical hero. They risked all to be free, to love who they wanted, for power and for adventure, and their legendary tales make for an amazing read.

Similar books: Independent Dames by Laurie Halse Anderson; Women Daredevils by Julie Cummins; The Serpent Slayer: and Other Stories of Strong Women by Katrin Tchana

Reviewed by: lauraf

Date read: 2/1/2013

ISBN-10: 1554531772

ISBN-13: 9781554531776

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This book is for all girls who need heroes. The women portrayed here sometimes fought alongside the men we know from folklore and legends. More often, they fought for good on their own. The stories come from all over the world. Here you will find the story of Atalanta, the Greek huntress who was so fast and such a good huntress, she bested all the men she met. You'll cheer as Li Chi volunteers to be sacrificed to the giant serpent that terrorized the Chinese countryside, so that she can fight and conquer the serpent. From the United States comes the story of clever, pretty Penny, who fools a highwayman who would rob her, turns the tables and takes his horse and all the loot he has already gathered. Women are fast, strong, clever, and kind. They are all found in this book.

Reviewed by: vverscaj

Date read: 8/2/2010

ISBN-10: 0152020470

ISBN-13: 9780152020477

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In the story, 'Old Cricket' by Lisa Wheeler, Old Cricket isn't in the mood to 'ready their roof for winter.' Being the clever old bug that he is, Cricket devises a plan to avoid any kind of physical labor. He tells his wife that he has a creak in his knee; his cousin the Katydid, that he has a crick in his neck; and his Uncle Ant, that he has a crack in his back. Having no intention of seeing the doctor for these invented maladies, Cricket's plan to avoid all work is going exactly as planned. However, his devious plan goes awry when he meets Old Crow who intends to make a meal out of creaky, cracky and cricky Old Cricket. How does a clever old bug get out of this mess? With this book's vibrant illustrations, entertaining verse, and humorous content, 'Old Cricket' will have the young reader reading and laughing out loud.

Similar authors: Arnold Lobel; Eric A. Kimmel; Tim Myers; Stephen Krensky

Similar books: Anansi and the Magic Stick by Eric A. Kimmel; The Ant and the Grasshopper by Luli Gray; The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney; The Outfoxed Fox by Tim Myers; Anansi and the Talking Melon by Eric A. Kimmel

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/15/2011

ISBN-10: 0689845103

ISBN-13: 9780689845109

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