When he finds a mistreated beagle pup, 11-year-old Marty knows that the animal should be returned to its rightful owner. But he also realizes that the dog will only be further abused. So he doesn't tell his parents about his discovery, sneaking food for the dog. He's been brought up not to lie, but he doesn't want the dog to be abused. How does he get himself out of this situation? This is book one in the Shiloh trilogy, the winner of the 1992 Newbery Medal, and the winner of the 1994 Rebecca Caudill Award.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal, Rebecca Caudill Award

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0689316143

ISBN-13: 9780689316142

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On her first day visiting relatives in Italy, Canadian-born Angela discovers a beautiful, dappled horse, Tempesta, or Storm. She learns that the horse is due for destruction because he seriously injured his owner's daughter, Catarina. Angela and Caterina are determined that Storm will be saved and make plans to do that. Will they succeed? Meanwhile, the handsome jockey, Tony, is obviously very interested in Angela, but her aunt and Catarina warn her that Tony is up to no good. Is everyone wrong about him? This is a fast-paced story that is sure to appeal to horse and adventure lovers.

Reviewed by: vverscaj

Date read: 1/28/2010

ISBN-10: 1896580173

ISBN-13: 9781896580173

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Every morning, Skippyjon Jones wakes with the birds in their nest. This would not be strange if Skippyjon were a bird, but he is a Siamese cat. On this particular morning, Skippyjon's mother brings him home to his room to think about what it means to be a Siamese cat. Once by himself, Skippyjon begins to sing, 'Oh, I'm Skippyjon Jones, and I bounce on my bed, and once or SIX times, I land on my head.' As he looks at his reflection in his mirror, he concludes that he is not a Siamese cat, but a Chihuahua! He walks into his closet and his thoughts take him to Mexico. In Mexico, he meets a menagerie of animals that fall in love with Skippyjon. Will Skippyjon stay in Mexico forever? Read Skippyjon Jones and find out. Then, look for other picture books featuring Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 6/8/2009

ISBN-10: 0142404039

ISBN-13: 9780439836968

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The Sloth family loves to rest, relax, and most importantly, take things slow. One day, the Sloth Family decides to get a pet. At the pet store, they think that the turtle is too slow, the fish is too boring, but the little puppy that is just sleeping in his cage seems,'just right!' For a little while, everything seems to be going along just fine. That is until their little puppy starts doing puppy things like: chewing, running, and making a mess! What is the Sloth family going to do? Will they be able to take care of 'puppy' or will they need to give him up? A humorous story for the Level 3 reader.

Similar authors: Arnold Lobel

Similar books: Dogerella by Maribeth Boelts; Days with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/24/2009

ISBN-10: 0375912290

ISBN-13: 9780375912290

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Mr. and Mrs. Farmer think that Pig is the BEST pig in the world. Pig likes to eat, run, and sleep-but most of all he LOVES to sit and sink down low in the mud. One day farmer's wife goes on a cleaning spree. She cleans the house, the barn, the stables, the chicken coop, and unfortuantely all of pig's mud. This makes pig mad, so he runs away in search of some mud. Follow pig on his quest for mud as he experiences one misadventure after another to its hysterical conclusion. This is another book for the beginning reader to love by Arnold Lobel.

Similar authors: Else Holmelund Minarik

Similar books: Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel; Mouse Tales by Arnold Lobel; A Kiss For Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 8/5/2009

ISBN-10: 0060239328

ISBN-13: 9780060239329

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