jarmstrong@northshire.com's blog

Girl in the Well Is Me

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The Girl in the Well Is Me By Karen Rivers Cover Image
$16.95
ISBN: 9781616205690
Availability: IN WAREHOUSE - Usually Ships in 3-7 Business Days
Published: Algonquin Young Readers - March 15th, 2016

Kammie is so eager to fit in with the popular girls at her new school that she literally falls into a trap, tricked into a fake initiation ritual while standing on the rotten cover of an old well; through memories we learn her complicated past, and what brought her and her family to town. Hours go by with mounting suspense - did the mean girls even tell anybody where she is? This debut novel is a quick and exciting read for upper elementary kids, with plenty to ponder about social exclusion and self-acceptance. ~ Reviewed by Jennifer Armstrong


There Will Be Bears

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There Will Be Bears By Ryan Gebhart Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780763687656
Availability: Special Order
Published: Candlewick - February 23rd, 2016

Fills an important void in contemporary children’s literature, since it’s about hunting. But really, it’s about what it really means to be a man. 13-year-old Tyson has been looking forward to his first elk hunt with his gramps, in spite of the very real danger of grizzlies in the Grand Tetons and his grandfather’s declining health. He’s been practicing with his game console to console himself for the widening gap between himself and his best friend, and is struggling to understand how sometimes breaking a “bear swear” promise is the right thing to do. Funny, touching. Boys will want this. ~ Reviewed by Jennifer Armstrong


Miss Moon

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Miss Moon: Wise Words from a Dog Governess By Janet Hill Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9781101917930
Availability: Special Order
Published: Tundra Books - January 12th, 2016

This charming picture book, newly translated into English from French, imparts the lessons Miss Moon shares with her canine charges. Each double page spread introduces one lesson ("Make-believe is food for the soul," "Always remember your manners," etc.) with a busily detailed painting. Miss Moon, ever impeccably attired, is the picture of strait-laced calm at the center of a teeming hodge-podge of dogs. Parents and children will find much to discuss as they study the paintings, and mull over the lessons for the dogs - or are they lessons for us? ~ Reviewed by Jennifer Armstrong


Raymie Nightingale

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Raymie Nightingale By Kate DiCamillo Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9780763681173
Availability: Special Order
Published: Candlewick - April 12th, 2016

Kate DiCamillo returns to her Winn-Dixie roots in this perfect gem of a novel. Three little girls, each with her own personal heartbreak casting a shadow on her life, meet at baton-twirling class. Each has her sights set on the Little Miss Central Florida Tire 1975 competition, each for her own reasons. How to explain what this book is about? The great truth it tells is that children can and do ponder the deepest mysteries about the meaning of life, and they find their answers in unexpected places. DiCamillo's deftness as a storyteller has never been so breathtaking; I repeatedly laughed out loud, only to find my laughter catch on tears. This book is poignant, funny, and profound. Destined to become a classic. ~ Reviewed by Jennifer Armstrong


All the World

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All the World (Classic Board Books) By Liz Garton Scanlon, Marla Frazee (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Liz Garton Scanlon, Marla Frazee (Illustrator)
$7.99
ISBN: 9781481431217
Availability: Click Title for IN STORE Location
Published: Little Simon - August 18th, 2015

This Caldecott honor-winner is new to board book format, and makes the ideal shower gift. Babies and toddlers all respond to rhythm and rhyme, so give this to anyone at all in the board book set from newborns to toddlers. The poem is beautiful and moving and the illustrations are glorious. Baby won't know why there's a catch in your throat when you read it out loud - but that's okay. ~ Reviewed by Jennifer Armstrong


Ladybug Girl and the Best Ever Playdate

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Ladybug Girl and the Best Ever Playdate By David Soman (Illustrator), Jacky Davis Cover Image
By David Soman (Illustrator), Jacky Davis
$17.99
ISBN: 9780803740303
Availability: IN WAREHOUSE - Usually Ships in 3-7 Business Days
Published: Dial Books - August 25th, 2015

Ladybug Girl can’t wait to play with her best friend’s new Rolly-Roo toy, but is that what really matters most about a playdate? Tensions mount between the girls until the broken toy inspires them to work together and discover the true value of friendship. Ages 4-7. ~ Reviewed by Jennifer Armstrong


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