MUST READ: THE GREAT BEAR by Libby Gleeson and Armin Greder

I just read the most amazing PB! (It's vastly past my bedtime right now but I just to tell you right away.) THE GREAT BEAR by Libby Gleeson, illustrated by Armin Greder (Candlewick, 2011) is unlike any other PB I can remember. Halfway through the achingly sad story of a mistreated captive circus bear, the text simply stops--leaving Greder's magnificent illustrations to tell the rest of the tale. The resulting ending feels... MORE that way. (A cautionary note: some of the illustrations of the--brilliantly rendered--angry crowd may be disturbing for very young readers.) Beautiful story + fantastically unique artwork = MUST READ!

FEAT OF SKILL AND DARING!

I. Rode. THIS! As part of our "So Long, Summer!" whirlwind Fun Fest, we went to Coney Island! Despite being TERRIFIED of heights, I rode the 150-foot-tall Wonder Wheel--in a SWINGING car! (I'd like to say I was all a-swagger, but I can't. I was a Big Fat Chicken Baby, gripping the seat with both hands the entire time!) But even though it was scary, I'm glad I did it. (Once.) YAY, me!

MUST READ: LET'S BE ENEMIES

I thought I'd just have a peek around the bookstore. Then I saw this: LET'S BE ENEMIES by Janice May Udry, illustrated by Maurice Sendak (Harper Trophy, 1961, renewed 1989). (I know I said I'd save money. But surely, books don't count!) When John tires of James' bossiness, he decides they are no longer friends and tells him so. What happens next is funny and rings oh-so Kid True! Perfect Kid Voice writing + Maurice Sendak's brilliant illustrations = MUST READ!