Book Recommendations (Fiction)

Hog-eye
by Meddaugh, Susan

Publisher Review: The hilarious story of how a piglet tells her family how she was caught by a wolf and nearly became soup. Piglet’s ability to read saved her from this soup bowl. A fun book about the benefits of being literate!

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin
by Caldecott, L. Moss

Kirkus Review: A trombone pulls a long note, to which is added the bite of a trumpet, then the downdraft of a French horn -- a solo becomes a duo becomes a trio -- and so on until a complete chamber group of ten (one more than a nonet) is assembled. This introduction to the members of the orchestra doubles as a counting book and triples as a cultivated piece of good fun. In his first book, Moss brings a love to classical music that spills from each page: readers' feet will tap to the beat of his verse, and they will hear the throb of horns. And though touched everywhere by whimsy, the book conveys the sense of magic that surrounds an orchestral performance. Priceman's bright gouache concoctions suggest Toulouse-Lautrec in cartoon mode. With nimble wit, she humanizes the musicians, taking away the distance that formal attire, serious purpose, and intense concentration can create. Her characters crackle across the spreads; flamboyant, quick renderings make the instruments come alive, fitting hand in glove with the zippy verse. Put this spirited production in front of readers before their next young people's concert, and show them just what happens after The Philharmonic Gets Dressed.

Beast Quest series
von Blade, Adam

Publisher Review: One boy’s journey to help his village becomes a quest to save the kingdom. Features a fearsome new beast in every book! Strange things are happening in Tom’s village. First, the horses were attacked. Then, the river dried up. Now, the last of the crops has mysteriously burnt to the ground. Everyone is terrified. But Tom isn’t afraid. He’s always dreamed of a quest-a real quest!-and vows to go to the king and bring help for them all. But Tom soon learns that his village is not the only one in trouble. People are in trouble all over the kingdom. Hope is nearly lost. That is, until Tom is sent on the greatest quest of all--the Beast Quest.