Caterina's cleverness impresses the king enough that he asks for her hand in marriage. When her wisdom threatens his power, he commands her to go back to her father, but she may take from the palace that which is most dear to her. What will she take? This Tuscan folk tale has twists and turns and a happy ending.

Reviewed by: rn

Date read: 9/21/2011

ISBN-10: 0803711816

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'The Cats in Krasinski Square' by Karen Hesse recounts a little-known event, conducted by the brave men and women of the Jewish Resistance in Poland during World War II. Having invaded Poland, the Gestapo displaced its Jewish residents behind giant walls establishing the Jewish Ghetto in Warsaw. These walls prevented safe living conditions, adequate food, quality medical care, and personal freedom. The Gestapo continually patrolled this area to prevent food and supplies from being smuggled into the ghetto to the starving people imprisoned there. In a brave attempt to help these people, Mira and her little sister devised an ingenious plan. They used the homeless cats of Warsaw to outwit the Gestapo and foil their plan to intercept these much needed supplies. This story gives testament to the courage and determination of many young men and women who risked their lives to fight the Nazis. Due to the subject matter of this book, younger readers should read this story with an adult.

Similar authors: Amy Littlesugar; Sharon Jennings

Similar books: One Yellow Daffodil: A Hanukkah story by David A. Adler; Star of Fear, Star of Hope by Jo Hoestlandt; The Doll with the Yellow Star by Yona Zeldis McDonough; Willy and Max: A Holocaust Story by Amy Littlesugar; A Chanukah Noel by Sharon Jennings

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/15/2011

ISBN-10: 0439435404

ISBN-13: 9780439435406

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This story is told in the style of 'This is the House That Jack Built.' Spanish words are used throughout the story with a glossary of their meanings in the back. It all started with a pot that the farm maiden (campesina) stirred. Various animals and the farmer help provide ingredients to put in the cazuela (pot.) The finished product is rice pudding (the recipe follows the story.) The bright illustrations complement this rhythmic story.

Awards nominated: 2013 Monarch Nominee

Reviewed by: jb

Date read: 6/18/2012

ISBN-10: 1580892426

ISBN-13: 9781580892421

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Do you remember 'The Farmer in the Dell'? The Cheese really stands alone at the end of the song. In this hilarious book, you will discover what really happened to that hunk of cheese. The illustrations by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher help make this favorite nursery rhyme stand alone. Words to the nursery rhyme are included at the back of the book.

Reviewed by: cj

Date read: 5/19/2009

ISBN-10: 0060526319

ISBN-13: 9780060526313

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The unnamed heroine just loves to chase chickens, even though Big Mama tells her it's not good. It will drive those chickens crazy, so they won't lay eggs. The chicken-chasing queen especially likes to chase Miss Hen, a beautiful, plump chicken, who is just too fast. It doesn't matter what she tries, Miss Hen is too smart to be caught. Then, one day, the heroine discovers Miss Hen's secret.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 6/15/2009

ISBN-10: 0374312516

ISBN-13: 9780374312510

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