Boogie Knights by Lisa Wheeler

Illustrated by Mark Siegel. This is an engaging picture book about monsters pouring into a castle after midnight for the Madcap Monster Ball. The whimsical pictures accompany clever text such as "werewolves hustle, serpents samba, and wicked witches do the waltz." Meanwhile, the sleeping knights (brothers) who were snoozing start waking up one by one and go down to join the festivities. In the end, the knights close their "peepers" and dream of next year's monster's ball. Children will want to hear this title over and over again. It would be a terrific read aloud at Halloween. Grades K-2.

Buster Goes to Cowboy Camp by Denise Fleming

Fleming has written another clever tale that will be a home-run during storytimes. Buster, the dog has to go to doggie cowboy camp when his owner, Brown Shoes goes on vacation. Children will relate to his apprehension about spending the night away / going to camp. The delightful plot is brought to life with Fleming's signature collage / pulp illustrations. The picture book has brief chapters with headings such as Homesick, Roundup, and Buckaroo Ball. There is even a glossary of cowpoke words such as bandanna and chuck wagon. This title will work well with K-2 students in school and public libraries.

Madame President by Lane Smith

A romping imagination-filled examination of the duties of the President of the United States viewed through the eyes of a child. This book would be an excellent beginning point to a study of the presidency. It brings up a number of points on the list of presidental duties from photo-ops, to baby kissing, to the president's cabinet including secretary of agriculture (Mr. Potato Head) as well as some like Secretary of Soccer. Hail to the Chief has been included--but check out the modifications. Our president even has to contend with a disaster area (her own room). A great tongue-in-cheek introduction to a serious topic.

Helpful from a teacher perspective to view it this way--certainly explains some of the answers we get on test questions!

What to do About Alice by Barbara Kerley

Alice Roosevelt was a plucky girl and a fun character for a book! Why haven't we seen her before?
This tells the story of the less-than-proper oldest daughter of Teddy Roosevelt and her antics growing up in and around prestidential politics. When her father was elected to the presidency, she was 17 and soon took on an ambassador level assignment and traveled the world spreading good will and collecting gifts from all her admirers. Despite her dad's constant requests to tone down her antics, she remained one of his confidants and a stalwart in Washington until her death in her 80's.
Thorough author's note and sources at the end.

Crazy Like a Fox; A Simile Story by Loreen Leedy

A not-so-complex but clever story, told entirely in similies, of a fox and a lamb. Other animal friends are shown in the story spouting thier own similies that describe the action.
Fun, bright, child friendly illustrations add to the building action that culminates into a big birthday party for the lamb.

Clever grammar exercises and activties are included in the back.