Five very unusual short stories perfect for making you think and be just a little bit on edge - all by the award-winning Avi. Some are scary, some are funny, but all are tales of transformation. My favorite was about a boy who changes places with a cat. He's bored with school and wants the cats' easy life of napping all day. But what happens when he wants to become himself again and cat doesn't want to be a cat anymore? A wonderful example of 'be careful what you wish for'.

Reviewed by: ewl

Date read: 10/26/2009

ISBN-10: 0152057900

ISBN-13: 9780152057909

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John's sister says, 'There's just no room for me in Dadland.' John knows exactly what she means. With his parade of expensive cars and new girlfriends, their dad never seems to have time for him. John visits his father only once a year, and he's determined that things will be different this time. When his dad leaves their first meal for a meeting, John is discouraged. Will he ever find his place in Dadland?

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 5/14/2010

ISBN-10: 0803725639

ISBN-13: 9780803725638

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I found this book to be well-written and captivating although my curiosity about certain happenings had to wait to be satisfied. Twelve years after the miller claims his daughter can spin straw into gold, this is a continuation of the fairytale Rumpelstiltskin. Mr. Schmidt has added intrigue and fantasy in the story. Tousle and blind Innes must find the answer to this question posed by the king in an effort to save the rebels, 'What fills a hand fuller than a skein of gold?' They have seven days to find the answer. Their trip to find the queen has many obstacles that must be overcome. Da, the miller, the farmer, and his wife are interesting characters which are well-developed. Reading this book is an incredibly enjoyable process.

Similar books: Trouble by Gary Schmidt

Reviewed by: cj

Date read: 2/22/2010

ISBN-10: 0618056017

ISBN-13: 9780618056019

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One afternoon, Stuart Little goes to the library to find some interesting books to read. While visiting the library, Stuart meets Bookworm, an owl that is permitted to live in the library because of his love of reading. When Stuart finds out Bookworm's secret, the owl is all to happy to make Stuart his next meal. Can Stuart help him and avoid being eaten?

Similar authors: Arnold Lobel

Similar books: Stuart At the Fun House; Stuart Hides Out; Stuart Sets Sail

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 6/26/2009

ISBN-10: 0060295384

ISBN-13: 9780060295387

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In this rhyming tale, a hen gets stuck in the mud trying to rescue her chick. One by one, animals come to the rescue, only to be trapped in the mud themselves. With big, colorful pictures and a catchy rhythm, this story makes a great read-aloud for preschoolers.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 8/26/2010

ISBN-10: 080279758X

ISBN-13: 9780802797582

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