Scholastic Decoder: May 2012 Edition

Spring is here – and so are the May flyers! Break out your pen, and let’s get going…

Elf
Usborne 1000 things To Make and Do – I like these Usborne books of art ideas. The pictures and
instructions are nice and clear, so kids can do much of this on their
own by this age, and my own little grade 2 loves looking through them
for ideas. These are also on frequent offer, so if this one isn’t what
you’re looking for, check back next month.
Character Education Traits Pack – this is a pack really aimed at teachers, and while I generally don’t like this kind of compilation of things, I have to admit that I know 7 of these 10 books to be great books, which says to me that this is a pack worth getting if you are looking for something in this vein.
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why – Does your kid have a million questions? Nat Geo has a whole book of answers! Bright, accessible for kids, and a great book for browsing or for looking at together, this is a good one for those who want to answer those questions and feed the curiosity even more.
Magic School Bus Science Readers Pack – I love the Magic School Bus books, and so do kids. They teach in a fun story format, have lots of little extra bits to discover, and have lots of goofy jokes that are pitched perfectly for kids. These readers are nicely pitched for kinders to about grade 2.
Rhyme Time Pack – rhyming is huge – it stresses phonics and word families, tunes kids into the patterns of poems and songs, and hey, it’s a lot of fun. The book in this pack is hilarious and goofy, and keeps the whole emphasis light, while the included puzzle cards help kids pair up rhymes, for those kids who aren’t naturals.
Stephanie’s Ponytail – This is one of my favourite Munsch classics, and one that I’ve read to a lot of classes. It’s a guaranteed laugh, but if you are really into his silly style, you should keep in mind that various Munsch packs show up all the time, so you could always wait for a bunch together, if you want.
Cat in the Hat: Now You See Me… – I really like these Cat in the hat science books, which manage to open
up topics and teach a few good solid facts in a really fresh and
engaging way.
David Shannon Library – Shannon is best known for his David books (the best 3 are here), but his
drawings and sense of humour have made for some other real gems. A Bad Case of Stripes is a favourite of mine, as is The Rain Came Down.
He’s got a comic genius for faces, and a great skill in setting up a
story and a mood. This is a great pick if you don’t have some of these
yet.
Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Pack – Scaredy is a squirrel – a neurotic, agoraphobic, OCD-plagued nut of a
squirrel, in fact. He is also hilarious, and a massive hit with kids,
making this a pack worth picking for sharing out loud.
Duckling Gets a Cookie!? – Mo Willems’ beloved Pigeon is back – with the duckling again – for a new one! This is honestly all i need to say – you can be sure this one will be much-requested in a whole lot of homes. Including mine.
Rosalyn Rutabaga and the Biggest Hole on Earth – I love this story about a little bunny who is determined to dig the
biggest hole on earth one afternoon and her dad, who supports her
ambition – within reason.

SeeSaw
Picture a Tree – Barbara Reid’s latest is a lovely tribute to trees filled with
delightful visual jokes and her incredibly detailed plasticene
illustrations. Marvelous!
You Read To Me, I’ll Read To You – I
love these books for shared reading. They were, in fact, the only way I could get my shy reader to
read aloud to me until she found her comfort zone, and they are fun
reading, too!
Little House Collection – Truly, I was not a huge fan of these books as a kid,
but I know LOTS of people who love them, and they are certainly
seriously classic fare for reading together or for a strong reader. If
you think your family will want to read through them, this is a really
good buy.
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Pack – Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is the kind of classic story that has been out of vogue for a while, but when you read it, you find that apart from a few things that take you aback, it is mostly really great stuff, with a silliness you weren’t necessarily expecting. I am considering these for my girl, who I think could quite enjoy them.
365 Things to Do With Paper and Cardboard – I like these little Usborne books of art ideas. The pictures and
instructions are nice and clear, so kids can do much of this on their
own by this age, and my own little grade 2 loves looking through them
for ideas. These are also on frequent offer, so if this one isn’t what
you’re looking for, check back next month.
Sheep Stories Pack – Up front, I should just say – sheep amuse me. But Woolbur is also a character you can’t help but love, and Russell is just goofy enough to make me giggle – not to mention that kiddos enjoy him, as well. If you’re a sheep fan as well, these are a fun pair.
Caldecott Ducklings Pack – Now this is a stunning pair of books. A Jerry Pinkney version of a classic Hans Christian Andersen tale – he is a premiere illustrator, and his paintings are simiply stunning. Make Way for Ducklings is a straight-up standard, and if it’s not on your shelf, you should at least borrow it, it’s so charming.
Jillian Jiggs Library – Phoebe Gilman is a Canadian treasure, and her Jillian Jiggs series are great fun. She’s a girl with a big imagination, which I always like in books for kids, and she’s got plan after plan that she carries out. She’s full of energy, but not obnoxious, a perfect combination.
Classic Mini Munsch – I love these little mini books! I give them out in stockings and loot bags, and have a lunchbox full of them for trips, bus rides, and waiting rooms. They’re handy, and the stories are so great (this is old-skool Munsch here) that you don’t really miss the usual full-size pictures, though these are big enough to see if you should want to.
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs – Dinosaurs are huge for lots of kids, and this is a good first book about them if you have a budding paleontologist on your hands, with information at a good level for youngsters.

Lucky
Guinness Book of World Records 2012 – These books have been
favourites for browsing for decades, and appeal to nearly every kid out
there. There is a new one every year, though you don’t need to replace
them annually, really. They are also offered fairly often, as they truly
are popular. They also make for great gift material!
Ramona & Her Parents Pack – I luuuurve Ramona stories. She was my very favourite character, and I
am far from alone in remembering this classic fondly. Ramona is spunky,
hilarious, and the earlier template for all those precocious little
girls that grade 2s and 3s love to read about. (Think Clementine more
than Junie B, though) Ramona does crop up every now and then, sometimes
in packs, so if you want more of her or just one title, it will likely
come around again.
Henry & Ribsy Pack – Henry is the neighbour of Ramona, above, and these books are just as great. They may have more appeal for some boys, but I read these as well, myself. Moar Beverly Cleary!
Magic Tree House Collection – I say it every month – this is one of the few series in this grade range
that I really like. It’s consistent, which young readers like, but it’s
also interesting, and a nice little introduction to different times and
places in history. It’s also a good bridge from non-fiction to fiction,
for kids who prefer some fact in their reading material. This set
includes the first 42 books, but this series is a monthly offer in various
different packs, so if this massive set isn’t the one for you, you can always wait
for a different one.
DK Dinosaurs: Visual Encyclopedia – DK does fantastic non-fiction for kids, with sharp photos and lots of little chunks of text and information, making them good for browsing, while still solid on content. This dino book is sure to be a really strong pick for an older dino fan.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Pack – This blockbuster hit need no introduction for many of you, and this
month, Lucky is offering a pack with the
whole series. Kids are eating these up, and the half-text, half-graphic
thing combined with serious funny is working really well for reluctant
readers. This is another monthly feature, so you can always hold off.
How to Cartoon – If you’ve got a kid who loves cartoons, they may already be doodling some of their own, but either way, this book will give them some good hints on starting or improving their own drawing skills.
Big Nate  – This flyer contains both a Big Nate Pack and Big Nate Goes for Broke on its own. Big Nate is a natural next read after Wimpy Kid, though some parents
have commented that he might be slightly ruder. If you have a reluctant
reader who is willing to read this half-graphic format, it’s a good way
to keep the momentum going.
Calvin & Hobbes Pack – these are funny – you might remember them from a good 20-25 years ago?
They still appeal. I know a friend’s kid who is a major fan, in fact.
Readers and reluctant readers alike enjoy cartoons, so if your kid won’t
gravitate to a full-on novel just yet, these might grab his/her
attention in the meantime, not to mention that you can share some good
belly laughs reading them together!
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute – This is a younger half-graphic, roughly for grade 3, give or take, and it features a lunch lady who is in fact an incognito superhero. Her tools are all the things you see her with in the lunchroom, but with sneaky modifications – a hairnet that expands to trap the dastardly, for example. These are fun and silly, but clever.
Esio Trot – Roald Dahl. Do I  need to go on? It may be one of his lesser-known titles, but that just means you might not have it yet. Go on, then…
***E.B. White Duo – These are EB White’s best known and most loved stories. These are seriously the stuff you should have on your shelf and be reading to your kid. If you don’t have these, this would be my top suggestion.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – Lots of kids like the thrill of scary stories, and this book is a
classic collection of ghostie stories. Wonderful flashlight reading for
the child of sturdy
constitution!
Klutz Fairies: Petal People You Make Yourself – Every month, I tell you how much I like the Klutz kits for their simple instructions and the fact that they contain everything you need. This one is a great pick for a kid who loves fairies – I’m thinking I’m going to pick up an extra or two for gifts, since birthday season is upon me.
***The Chronicles of Narnia Boxed Set – Another series that needs no introduction, because not only is it a serious classic, but the movies have been coming out over the last few years, bringing it a whole new audience. It’s seven books strong, a perfect introduction to fantasy, and should be read by or to everyone. I will say, though, that it is offered a good few times a year, so if you are not ready to grab it this month, it should show up again.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® Special Edition 2012 – Not unlike the Guinness book, but perhaps more sensational, this book is another standard for kids who love to just browse, and even the very reluctant reader can’t help but being drawn in and find themselves reading without even realizing it. Sneaky! 
Party in a Cup: Easy Party Treats Kids Can Cook in Silicone Cups – This book is full of simple recipes that can be cooked right in the
little silicone muffin cups that come with it. It’s a great starter kit
for getting kids to cook, or a fun party idea.
Character Traits Collection – Again, I wouldn’t recommend a collection put together on a theme like this, but for the fact that these are solid titles in their own right, each and every one.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing – yes, this is the same one we read as kids, and somehow, Judy Blume’s
good old favourites are still relevant, funny, and totally relateable.

Arrow
The Kane Chronicles, Book Three: The Serpent’s Shadow –  book 1 also offered in this flyer, if you are just starting the series. Rick Riordan’s other new series, with a fresh set of characters and a
focus on Egyptian mythology, rather than Greek. Riordan is a fantastic
writer, so these are every inch a hit with kids, just like his Percy
Jackson series.
Guinness Book of World Records 2012 – These books have been
favourites for browsing for decades, and appeal to nearly every kid out
there. There is a new one every year, though you don’t need to replace
them annually, really. They are also offered fairly often, as they truly
are popular. They also make for great gift material!
Big Nate  – This flyer contains both a Big Nate Pack and Big Nate Goes for Broke on its own. Big Nate is a natural next read after Wimpy Kid, though some parents
have commented that he might be slightly ruder. If you have a reluctant
reader who is willing to read this half-graphic format, it’s a good way
to keep the momentum going.
I Am Canada – Deadly Voyage and I Am Canada: At War Pack – these diary-format books highlight major events in Canadian history from
the perspective of someone involved or affected, bringing history to
life. The
quality of these books in
generally quite high.
Horrible Histories Pack. Titanic is a big topic this year, making Deadly Voyage a good pick.
Gary Paulsen Pack – Hatchet is a Newbery Honor book by the excellent,
multi-award-winning Gary Paulsen. It is a story of survival and
redemption, and a good choice any child who enjoys the wilderness. The followup stories of Brian’s further adventures are all included in this pack.
The 39 Clues® Paperback Boxed Set – This series is written by some of the top names in adventurous kidslit,
and keep kids guessing and following along. If you get started with
these, be prepared to have an obsessed kid, but these are another
often-featured set, so you can always put this on the back burner and
know you can order later, too.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians – These. Are. Awesome. Kids have loved them, they read like you’re
watching it happen, and they may just spark an interest in Greek
mythology. I highly recommend these if your kid hasn’t read them yet.
Bone: The Saga  Continues – This is a bindup of books 4-6. A similar compiling of the first three books is an occasional feature of these flyers, so if you are going forward from there, this is a cheaper option than buying each book separately. This really is a wonderful series, and one that introduced a lot of kids and parents to just how magical a graphic novel can be.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Pack – This blockbuster hit need no introduction for many of you, and this
month, Lucky is offering both the latest on its own, and a pack with the
whole series. Kids are eating these up, and the half-text, half-graphic
thing combined with serious funny is working really well for reluctant
readers.
Chomp – Hmm, I just reviewed this one! It’s great fun, and I really enjoyed it.
Jerry Spinelli Pack – these two Spinelli titles, Stargirl and Loser, are for the older, more serious reader, I would say, but are still on his frequent theme of misfits. Loser traces a kid as he grows up and tries to identify what separated him from the other kids, and at what point. It’s not a light read, and Stargirl isn’t really, either. It’s actually a teen title, Stargirl is, and it’s one that has it’s moments of light as well as excruciating parts. These are always really interesting character studies, though, and a sophisticated reader will be able to appreciate them.
The Indispensable Calvin and Hobbes – see what I said about the pack in the Lucky flyer above? Same applies here…
365 Things to Do With Paper and Cardboard – I like these little Usborne books of art ideas. The pictures and
instructions are nice and clear, so kids can do much of this on their
own by this age, and my own little grade 2 loves looking through them
for ideas. These are also on frequent offer, so if this one isn’t what
you’re looking for, check back next month.
The Hunger Games Pack – I’m just going to say it – I think these are too old for this flyer.
Sure, there are always those kids who are reading ahead, who can
understand the more sophisticated aspects and tolerate the more violent
parts, but on the whole, these books are categorized as teen lit with
good reason, and will be there waiting when your kids reach their teen
years. That said, they are hot as Hades right now, so you may well be
begged for them or even want them for yourself. Sophisticated grade 6s or even grade 5s will be able to read it – but I really recommend that you do too, so you can talk with them about it.
The Heroes of Olympus – Books 1 and 2 are offered here separately. This is the series that
happens in the same world as the smash hit Percy Jackson series, but
without that character and his friends. Riordan is a fantastic writer to
read, and I love that these are getting kids back into mythology.
Klutz  Brilliant Bead Rings – These are great craft kits, and come
with everything you need, as well as really clear instructions. They
make great gifts, too, so I like buying them here for a little less.
This Can’t Be Happening at Macdonald Hall! – One of Gordon Korman’s first, written when he was just a teen, this is a wild ride of school-based hijinks starring Bruno & Boots, who went on to anchor a few other titles, as well. It’s great stuff, fun, easy to read, and eminently boy-friendly.

And that! is! it! See you next month…