Books Inc. Kids's blog

 How did Van Dusen know what my dream house looks like? Oh yeah, it's because he's awesome! I felt this story was even more fun than "If I built a car" though both carry a fun rhythm that is perfect for reading aloud! The kids at my storytime really got into this book. You could just see the little wheels turning in their heads imagining this great manor. A racetrack room?! Are you kidding me?! Yes Please! 

Reviewed by Courtney, Books Inc. Burlingame

 The High-Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate by Scott Nash

Talking birds with hats! Air pirates! Sword fights! This very handsome hardcover edition with engaging ink and watercolor illustrations by the author will make a fine gift for a backyard naturalist who loves stories of swashbuckling derring-do. Comparable to Brian Jacques' Redwall series with language accessible for a 9 year old, the coming-of-age/ bird-out-of-the-nest aspects of the story will appeal to older kids and the whole family will enjoy the high adventure. There is a clever balance between imaginative, unique world-building and accurate ornithological details. As a lifelong scholar of fantasy literature and an avid birdwatcher, this book seemed especially written for me, but I hope other readers will share my appreciation of this cunning blend of Roger Tory Petersen and Robert Louis Stevenson. (Ages 8-11)

 When Charlie McButton Lost Power by Suzanne Collins

Yes, that Collins, of Hunger Games and Gregor fame; turns out she can turn out a pretty good rhyme too. The story has a bunch of important lessons, but it doesn't get preachy or saccharine sweet and we appreciate family fun time that has nothing to do with screens or gadgets. When Charlie's house loses power he loses control and lands in time out, but our hero makes some discoveries about himself and annoying his baby sister so everyone lives happily ever after. (Ages 3+)

Reviews by Chris, Compass Books SFO 

When I open Gonzalez’s My Colors, My World, I feel myself getting lost within her worldbrought to life by her vivid artwork.  Maya, her main character, narrates life living in the desert, at first, monochromatic with sand blanketing her environment.  Yet with a little purple bird by her side, she teaches us to open our eyes to the accentuated intensity of natural colors such as pink sunsets, her red swing, and the green cactus growing outside her house.  By reading the parallel text, young readers will be inspired to celebrate the beautiful colors of wherever they live.  (Ages 5-8)

Reviewed by Jamie Dela Cruz, Books Inc. Market Street 

How excited (a word here meaning, "jumping up and down while trying to stay steady enough to read a book") am I about this!?

If you have forgotten what it's like to read a Lemony Snicket novel, Who Could That Be at This Hour? is here to remind you. A new novel set in the same universe of  The Series of Unfortunate Events not only means new mysteries and new characters, but also new insights into old questions (and naturally, new questions about old insights). This book concerns the adventures of a young Lemony Snicket who, geared with "an unusual education" and a natural curiosity, begins solving the mysteries of a town called Stain'd-by-the-Sea.  In typical Snicket fashion, the narrative is charming, playful, and bittersweet, weaving witty humor with tones of anticipated sorrow.  As in The Series of Unfortunate Events, the narrator is Snicket himself and his simple language but elegant (and at times somewhat profound) ideas, make this another remarkable novel. 

P.S. You may have guessed that the answer to the first question is "very." In that case, you would be correct and I suspect you too could have a very successful future with an "unusual education" in a town called Stain'd-by-the-Sea. (Ages 9+)

Reviewed by Kelly, Books Inc. Laurel Village

The incredible story of Melody, a delightful and very intelligent fifth grader trapped inside an uncontrollable body and unable to speak because of cerebral palsy, at first left me feeling sorry for her but I quickly realized that’s not the point of this heartfelt story. Melody is strong, loving and extremely smart! The last thing she needs is for someone to take pity on her, she just wants to be heard, and when she gets a computer that finally lets her speak she’s able to surprise everyone around her, especially her classmates, with just how bright she is. Having the ability to speak now comes with a new set of challenges as she is transitioned into a regular classroom. You will find yourself cheering Melody on as she grows and struggles with changing how people view her and the disappointments she faces along the way.  Ages 10+

Reviewd by Melanie from Books Inc. Berkeley