Two Dogs in a Trenchcoat

This is a quick, funny read on the Great Stone Face list this year.  I believe it is the first in a series.  No surprise there.  Stewart's two dogs, Waldo and Sassy, worry about their family and where they escape to every day.  Even though their jobs are to nap and to defend their family from squirrels, they decide they need to protect Stewart at the bad place called "school" where he goes every day.  So they go to school in a trench coat.  Luckily, Waldo can speak English.  No one knows they are dogs, except Stewart.  It was silly and funny.  Kids will like this one.  (FIC FAL)

Ra, the Mighty Cat Detective

This mystery-fantasy story is on the Great Stone Face list this year.  It is a story of a privileged, vain cat and his friend, a dung beetle who need to solve a crime to save a little girl wrongly accused.  I found it very simple and lacked any real meat.  Mystery and cat-lovers may enjoy it.  (FIC GRE)

Inkling

I will be honest.  I was not excited to read this story by Kenneth Oppel about an inkblot that comes to life.  However, it surprised me with its message as well as its captivating plot.  Ethan has lost his mom, and his Dad, who is a graphic novel illustrator, is stuck.  He can't produce any more drawings.  When an inkblot escapes from his sketchbook, it starts to absorb any print material it can find to stay alive.  Ethan soon finds him and they become friends.  But several people discover Inkling and want to abuse his power for their own good.  Inkling has a job to do, though, related to the death of their Mom.  It was an engrossing story that touched on the balance of graphic novels versus those written in verse.  It is a Great Stone Face nominee this year. (FIC OPP)

The Legend of Rock, Paper, and Scissors

This hilarious book will be a HUGE hit with students.  Rock can find no one who challenges him.  He becomes bored until he finds two others who suffer the same fate.  By becoming friends and battling, they make each other better and stronger.  It is this legend that students reenact with their game today.  (PIC REX)

Meet Yasmin!

Yasmin is a second-grade Pakistani-American who loves solving problems.  In this book, there are several chapters, each concentrating on a different problem.  The rest of the series, however, has one topic that she deals with in each book. 
I like how a different culture is made very accessible to students through these books.  In the back, there are Urdu words and crafts, too!  (E FAR)

Daisy Dreamer and

This is the first in a sweet, early-chapter-book series by Holly Anna.  Daisy has a terrific imagination.  Yet, when she and her friends draw an imaginary friend named Posey in her special journal, he comes to life!  Only the people they choose to allow can see him!  This is a perfect series for 2nd-3rd graders.  (E ANN)

Lions and Liars

I found this book way too reminiscent of Holes, the Newbery-winning book by Louis Sachar.  A boy ends up in a camp for troubled kids and he finds himself transformed by the experience after he risks everything to go and get a friend who ran away during a hurricane.   If you haven't read Holes, I imagine you may like this.  It was funny and full of adventure.  I just could not get past the similarities.  It is a Great Stone Face nominee this year.  (FIC BEA) 

Julian is a Mermaid

This picture book is a beautiful story of acceptance and unconditional love.  Julian sees three beautiful women dressed like mermaids on the subway.  He tells his abuela that he, too, is a mermaid.  When they get home, while Abuela is in the shower, Julian crafts a costume that transforms him into his dream-self.  His grandmother's reaction is heartwarming.  (PIC LOV)

Zoey and Sassafras - Dragons and Marshmallows

Zoey is an observer and a scientist, like her mom.  She loves reading and experimenting with things.  The glowing photo on her mom's desk make no sense until her mom explains that she is in charge of helping magical creatures, and now, since Zoey has the gift to see them too, so will she.  A sick baby dragon arrives at the barn and soon Zoey needs to use all of her skills to heal it.  Fans of the Critter Club series will love this beginning chapter book series.  (E CIT)

Hilo, The Boy Who Crashed to Earth

This graphic novel series centers around a boy named D.J. who says he is not good at anything and leads a boring life.  That is until a boy crashes out of the sky and becomes his friend.  Hilo can't remember a lot of things, but they soon piece together that Hilo is a robot sent to save the Earth from an invasion.  D.J. realizes he is great at being a loyal and true friend.  (GN WIN)

Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol #1

Kids will eat this early chapter book series up.  When Andres moves into the neighborhood, he meets the kid next door, Desmond.  Andres is not impressed with the kid.  Desmond acts really weird.  He gives him his business card which reads "Ghost Patrol".  Things start happening in his new house, though, and soon Andres needs Desmond's help dealing with the ghost!  (E MIE)