First Lady | Governor's Commission on Literacy | Book of the Month
Book of the Month 2008 - Book Reviews
May Book - Mom Says I Can
Mrs. Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy are pleased to announce the May Book of the Month, Mom Says I Can by Judy Cooley. Little Max is searching for the "World's Greatest Treasure." As Super Cool Max, he is off in his red wagon dressed as a pirate with a treasure map. Next, he pretends to be a cowboy with his horse Lightning, riding off to find the treasure.
The pages are colorfully illustrated with Super Cool Max as a spaceman, king of the jungle, and a knight in shining armor. During his adventurous day, he hears encouraging words from his Mom. "Max you are so amazing," "Max you are very brave," "Max you are my hero," and his confidence grows. After an exciting and exhausting day of imaginary travels, Mom gives Max a big hug. That's when he discovers that the "World's Greatest Treasure" has been next to him all the time.
This beautiful book reminds us to build our child's self-esteem with simple words, recognizing imagination, fun-filled days, and accomplishments throughout each day of our child's life. Mrs. Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy appreciate this generous book donation from Deseret Book, which will be sent to all of the elementary schools across the state.
April Book - Fablehaven, Grip of the Shadow Plague
Mrs. Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy are pleased to introduce Fablehaven, Grip of the Shadow Plague, by Brandon Mull as the April Book of the Month. This captivating book continues the adventures of Kendra and Seth, ordinary children finding themselves in extraordinary circumstances. While staying with their Grandma and Grandpa Sorenson, they discover someone or something has released a powerful plague that turns beings of light into creatures of darkness all across Fablehaven. Because of her unique powers, Kendra is recruited as a Knight of the Dawn, and must infiltrate the Sphinx and those loyal to him. The Sphinx has always given sound advice, but is he the traitor? Will Kendra find the next artifact before the Sphinx can get to it? Will Seth, with his extraordinary family members and friends, be able to protect their homes, or discover the cause of the plague, and stop it before all of Fablehaven is lost?
Each installment of the Fablehaven series is more action packed and exciting than the last one. The Grip of the Shadow Plague has a fast-paced plot where adventure and intrigue run rampant. New and interesting characters appear. Dark secrets are revealed and mysteries are uncovered. Every turn of the page discloses a new twist in the plot. Fifth and sixth graders will enjoy reading this book.
Mrs. Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy appreciate this generous donation from Deseret Book. This book will be sent to every elementary school library.
March Book - The 13th Reality, The Journal of Curious Letters
Mrs. Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy are pleased to announce The 13th Reality, The Journal of Curious Letters, by James Dashner, as the Book of the Month. This book is best suited to fourth-ninth grade readers and parents will also enjoy reading this exciting book with their children.
The story introduces Atticus Higginbottom, a.k.a. Tick, a fairly average thirteen-year-old boy, who is bullied by classmates for being a bit different. He is very smart and knows that somehow, someway, he will make a difference in the world. When he receives a mysterious letter in the mail postmarked from Alaska with the initials "M.G.", he can't quite figure it out. His dad does have an old aunt living there somewhere, but Tick is sure she would never write to him.
He is shocked to find himself invited to join a cause to thwart plans of evil-doers that could be dangerous. If Tick keeps the letter and doesn't destroy it within a week, he will begin receiving significant riddles. If he is able to solve them by a certain day, at a certain time, and in a certain place, something extraordinary will happen. He can choose to destroy the letter and not take part in any of the things that may happen; but, instead, he seizes the opportunity and is surprised when several other "chosen" teenagers from foreign parts of the world contact him and join in this remarkable adventure.
Will they be able to solve the riddles in time? Each time there is a choice, there is also a consequence, and a new alternate reality is created. Tick and his new-found friends use science to explain and solve the twelve important riddles. This book is filled with imagination and excitement and it will be difficult for you to put down.
Mrs. Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy appreciate this generous donation from Deseret Book, which will be sent to elementary school libraries across the state.
February Book - Pancakes for Supper
The February Book of the Month is Pancakes for Supper, written by Anne Isaacs and illustrated by Mark Teague. Toby is a young pioneer girl riding in the back of her parents' wagon in the chilly New England Mountains. Suddenly, they hit a bump that sends Toby flying high into the air. She lands safely in a mound of snow, but in trying to get back to the snow-covered road, she encounters several forest animals that would like to create trouble for her. To escape each animal, she offers them an article of her colorful winter clothing; her hat, mittens, coat, and scarf.
Does her trick work? Will she escape the forest alive? Read this book to find out!
Readers will find each animal's reaction hilarious and ridiculous in this fun, fantasy book. This is a retelling of an old folktale which was previously written by Helen Bannerman. In Bannerman's tale, her tigers melt into liquid butter. But in Isaac's version, the animals' melted forms are absorbed by a maple tree. And thanks to an exuberant woodpecker, the maple tree then produces the sweetest tasting maple syrup ever. Toby and her family have quite a feast and continue their journey westward with big smiles and full stomachs.
Mrs. Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy appreciate this generous donation from Scholastic Books, which will be sent to the elementary schools.
January Book - Susan Laughs
January's Book of the Month is Susan Laughs, written by Jeanne Willis and illustrated by Tony Ross. Susan is a happy little girl who loves to laugh and sing, to ride and swing. Sometimes she is sad and even angry. Usually she is very good, but sometimes she is naughty just as all children can be.
But as you read through this colorful book, you will discover that Susan, even though she has fun just like other children, also has something else that makes her just a bit different from some children. You will read about and see a happy little girl whose physical challenges are never seen as a handicap.
The Governor's Commission on Literacy appreciates this generous donation from the Disability Center and Overstock.com, which will be sent to elementary schools.
Book of the Month 2007 - Book Reviews
December Book - You Can Do It, Sam
Mrs. Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy are pleased to announce You Can Do It, Sam by Amy Hest, as December's Book of the Month. This delightful story is about a young bear named Sam who works with his mother to mix, bake, wrap and then deliver special treats to his friends on Plum Street. His mother's loving phrase, "You can do it Sam," encourages him every step of the way.
The text is poetic and repetitive, so young readers will enjoy listening to it. The story emphasizes the positive qualities of thinking of and serving others. This is a wonderful holiday story that your children will ask you to read over and over.
Mrs. Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy appreciate this generous donation from McDonald's. The book will be sent to elementary schools across the state.
November Book - The Candy Shop War
The November Book of the Month is The Candy Shop War, by Brandon Mull. In his latest delightful book, Brandon Mull has created a mysterious new world within the small town of Colson, where Nate has just moved. He meets the other kids in the neighborhood but isn't happy about starting a new school. Several bullies pick on him right from the start and his new friends Trevor, Summer, and Pigeon help get him out of some tough spots.
The adventures in this book are every child's fantasy. If you read this as a family, you will be drawn into the four friends' exciting after-school adventures. As you read ask questions, such as, "What might happen next?" "What would you do if this happened to you?" The author has written an exciting story everyone will enjoy.
The likeable characters are creative, and the plot's twists and turns are extraordinary. Together the friends solve the mystery of a legendary, hidden treasure-one that could be used for evil if it fell into the wrong hands. Readers of all ages will enjoy this magical book.
First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy appreciate this generous donation from Deseret Book. The Candy Shop War will be sent to every elementary school library in Utah.
October book - Leven Thumps and the Eyes of the Want
Mrs. Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy are pleased to announce the October Book of the Month, Leven Thumps and the Eyes of the Want, by Obert Skye.
This third book from the Leven Thumps series continues the adventures of Leven, once an ordinary fourteen-year-old boy from Oklahoma, who was retrieved from Reality and sent to Foo-the place between the possible and the impossible, a realm inside the minds of each of us that allows mankind the power to hope and imagine and to dream.
Leven is humanity's only hope to race across Foo to stop the whispered secret before the deadly truth is revealed. He must travel to the mysterious island of Lith to find the Want, the dream-master who can give Leven the gifts he needs against a fierce army of rants and other Foo beings.
If you have the courage and are willing, you are invited to join the adventures in Leven Thumps and the Eyes of the Want. Travel with Leven to Sycophant Run, survive the waters of the Lime Sea, and discover a new gateway to Foo.
Mrs. Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy appreciate this generous donation for the Book of the Month, by Deseret Book, which will be sent to elementary schools across the state.
September book - The Night Eater
Our September Book of the Month is The Night Eater, Arthur A. Levine Books, illustrated by Ana Juan. This eye-catching book is about a plump little character who wears a long stocking cap, footie pajamas that match his bubble-gum-pink skin, and a tied-on pointed red paper nose. The delightful pictures illustrate his travels around the world as he devours the nighttime so the sun will rise each day. He eats the soft cloudy nights that taste like cotton candy and the dark black nights that taste like bitter chocolate.
One day the moon jokes with the Night Eater that he has eaten so much nighttime he is bursting the buttons on his pink long johns. Embarrassed, the Night Eater wonders what may happen if he stops eating away at the nighttime hours. Read The Night Eater to find out what happens next. This is a delightful bedtime story for parents to read to their children as they tuck their little ones in at night.
First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy appreciate this generous donation from Scholastic Books.
April book - How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?
Familiar bedtime antics provide the story-line for this delightful good-night picture book. Perfect for sharing and reading aloud, this is one nighttime adventure your young children will want to read again and again. This book is a humorous springboard for colorful bedtime conversations, highlighting the unique roles of parents and children. Who do you think models the role of the dinosaur?
Perhaps How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? will lead to a discussion about Utah's rich dinosaur history and maybe even a summer visit to places dinosaurs once lived. Many of our state's museums and libraries have wonderful displays and fascinating information about these pre-historic creatures. This book is especially recommended for dinosaur enthusiasts. Inside the cover are creative illustrations of well-known dinosaurs. Your little one can practice lessons in phonemic awareness as he or she names the pictured creatures.
First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy appreciate Scholastic Book Company's generosity in providing a copy of this charming book for each elementary school library in our state.
March book - Sneezles and Wheezles
"Ignoring a sneezing fit isn't always easy, especially after you've sneezed your folks out of sight!" What begins as a simple sniffle soon turns into sneezes of monstrous breezes.
Written by Marion Passey and illustrated by Jerry Harston, Sneezles and Wheezles will appeal to children of all ages - and allergies - with its delightful rhyming and wonderful illustrations. Come along for the ride and prepare to laugh yourself silly.
Tips for parents:
Sing, recite poems and use fun, creative rhyming words as you speak with your child. You are helping to "wire" your child's brain so his or her vocabulary and listening skills increase. As your child's first teacher, you are helping him or her to learn every day by "Reading Each Day for Twenty Minutes."
February book - The King's Highway
The best children's books are the ones that combine a well-told story and a meaningful message with wonderfully memorable illustrations. The King's Highway, a classic folktale retold and illustrated by Howard Fullmer, really fills the bill. Mrs. Huntsman recommends this title as an engaging classroom read or a great book for children to explore on their own.
The King's Highway is the timeless fable of a ruler in need of a successor. The king announces that whoever best travels his highway to the castle will be crowned the new king. But a pile of rubble on the king's highway is blocking passage. Watching the splendid parade of wealthy travelers, a shepherd boy named Michael decides to help and clear a path big enough for all the travelers to pass. In so doing, he unexpectedly uncovers a precious object.
"I am sorry it is so late, Your Highness," whispered Michael, his voice trembling. "I found this while traveling. No one was left to return it so I have come." Then carefully unwrapping his bundle, he revealed the king's ring for all to see.
Taking the ring in his hand, the wise king looked first at it, then at Michael. "That ring is not mine," he said.
"But it must be yours, Your Majesty," said the boy. "It bears your crest."
"Yes, it does bear the crest of royalty," said the king. "But the ring now belongs to you. I proclaimed that he who best traveled the highway would become the new king. By clearing the road so that all could travel, you showed that it is not fine clothing, fancy horses, or even great wealth that make a king. It is by serving others that one becomes great."
Readers of all ages will enjoy this satisfying tale of hard work and selfless service rewarded.
January book - Fablehaven
What could be more fun on a cold January day than to curl up with a blanket and a wonderful book? This month, Mrs. Huntsman recommends Fablehaven, a book that is equally delightful to read alone or aloud with the whole family.
Fablehaven is a story of fanciful characters with an enduring and important message. For centuries, mystical creatures of all description have been gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a remarkable world. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, the story is very intriguing.
Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws provide relative order among not-so-nice trolls, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules are broken, unpredictability occurs, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save her family, Fablehaven, and perhaps the world, Kendra must find the courage to do what she fears most.
Young readers will be completely enthralled by the magical world of Fablehaven, while teachers and parents will enjoy the carefully crafted writing and enriching vocabulary employed by the author. Classroom and reading groups will especially appreciate a reading guide found at the end of the book.
Book of the Month 2006 - Book Reviews
November book - Christmas Jars
Christmas Jars is a story filled with the spirit of giving that makes Christmastime such a wonderful season of the year. It makes a great read-aloud and would be a perfect kickoff for a family Christmas project!
The story of Christmas Jars is both simple and touching. Every Christmas season, glass jars filled to the brim with money are being given anonymously to people in need. The most recent benefactor is newspaper reporter Hope Jenson. Her apartment has been robbed, but during the police investigation, Hope discovers a "Christmas Jar" sitting just inside her open apartment door. Hope's search for the nameless, good Samaritan leads her to an unusual family with a closely-held Christmas secret.
Christmas Jars is a heartwarming story that will help children feel the sweet joy that comes when we serve others. Parents shouldn't be surprised if their children come to them wanting to start a "Christmas Jar" of their own!
October book - Leven Thumps and the Whispered Secret by Obert Skye
Mrs. Huntsman is pleased to announce the October Book of the Month, Leven Thumps and the Whispered Secret. The Leven Thumps series continues to teach children to have courage, think big, and be great. Teachers and librarians across the country are discovering that the magic of Foo is helping kids learn to love to read.
Readers of Leven Thumps and the Whispered Secret will go with Leven Thumps, Clover Ernest, and Winter Frore as they travel across Foo to free Geth from his existence as a toothpick and restore him, as the rightful heir, to the throne. It won't be easy. Foo is in chaos, and Leven must overcome several adversaries and survive the Swollen Forest to save his friends and keep hope alive. As fate would have it, bad goes to worse when Leven digs up a buried secret - one that stalks him, determined to whisper a truth that could be deadly in the wrong hands. Will Leven master control of his power, or will Foo crumble under a dark, new enemy?
Mrs. Huntsman and the Governor's Commission on Literacy gratefully acknowledge Deseret Book for donating this wonderful book which will be sent to elementary school libraries for the enjoyment of children across the state.
Obert Skye will be visiting Utah schools this October. Visit LevenThumps.com for his author tour schedule including dates for his visit to Utah.
September book - The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
Mrs. Huntsman introduced her first book of the school year by reading one of the most famous and popular books of all time, The Little Engine That Could, to children at Hogle Zoo on Thursday, August 24, by the train station.
First Lady Laura Bush, Honorary Chair of "Read for the Record", encouraged parents, teachers, and other community members to read The Little Engine That Could to a child on this day as part of this national initiative.