Chapter book - Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief

Most any kid between the ages of 8-15 knows this series.  It's generally recommended for 9 and up but I started my son on this series for 2 reasons: One, he had read the complete Du'Laire's Greek Myths book and was really into Greek Mythology. I like to encourage this level of absorption in a subject because it offers many opportunities to discuss difficult topics and explore subjects deeper. Plus, many of the Greek Myths are really magical and imaginative. The second reason I let him read this is because I've read the entire series. My son had been asking if he could check these out at the library and I told him only on the condition I read all of them first, and if they were not appropriate, the answer would be "no". Turns out, I think the first two are appropriate for his age.  Like the Harry Potter series, the books get a little darker beginning in Book Three. So I will review the first two, and hold judgment on the third until my son is ready to read it.

Percy Jackson is a "half-blood" (much like Harry Potter... many similarities, which indicates that perhaps common themes repeat themselves throughout all junior books). He is half God and half human.  The books never address the reality of what that means. The older kids will of course figure it out, but you may have to address this with younger ones if they ask. The story is relatively simple: The Greek Gods are real. They exist in an Olympus that follows western civilization, which happens to be the U.S.A. (convenient) The Gods are on the verge of war because Zeus believes Poseidon (the father of Percy) had his son (Percy) steal his master lightening bolt. If the master lightening bolt is not retrieved by the Summer Solstice, then there will be an epic war between the "Big 3" Gods (Zeus, Poseidon and Hades). Percy at this point doesn't know he is a half-blood, nor who his father is. When you are introduced to him he is a SIXTH GRADER (not that ridiculous 17 year old in the live-action movie version) and lives with his mom and his rather repulsive step-father (Gabe).  He is chased by Greek monsters and rescued and taken to Half-Blood Camp - a camp for the children of Gods and humans. There he learns about the whole dust up between Zeus and Poseidon, miraculously learns to fight overnight, gets a quest to find the master lightening bolt, and in the meantime has to somehow rescue his mother who has been taken to the underworld while handling the emotional turmoil of learning his new identity.
The story is fast paced and has a lot of action in it. Honestly, I think kids would enjoy it more if they understood the Greek Myths first. My son was thrilled when he could recognize the Greek characters by their mere descriptions (even though all the Greek characters and monsters are "modernized" for present day). There's a lot of fighting in it. Virtually no guns (except at the end, when Ares, the God of War carries one) but lots and lots of swords and blades.
Things to be aware of : (1)The whole God-Human procreating little half-blood babies issue (2) There is some insinuation of domestic violence between Percy's mother and his stepfather. There is a reference to Gabe raising his hand to hit Percy's mother, and Percy recognizing that Gabe probably hits her regularly when he is not at home.  My son was very upset by this, as our family is extremely pacifist and does not permit hitting for any reason, even joking but it started a discussion about why it is wrong to hit people and differences in families that cause this type of violence to happen (3) Percy's mother is taken to the underworld. This is disturbing in the sense that she is in essence frozen at the moment she "dies" (although she is technically not dead) and so the descriptions of her are of her in pain. (4) Lots of monsters. If your kid scares easily over descriptions of hideous monsters, this is not the series for you. They are all straight out of the Greek myths (minotaur, Medusa, the Furies, etc.) but that doesn't make them any less ugly or awful. (5)Percy fights, a lot. The idea of a 12-year old wielding a sword and killing things (monsters mostly) might be disturbing for some.And he is in danger a lot. (6) Percy fights girls. For those parents who do not want to read about girls getting into battles, don't read. However, these girls kick ass. Just saying. (7) Questionable name calling like stupid, idiot, moron. But I can hardly find a book for kids over 4 that doesn't have those words in them.
Those are the main issues. The good parts? (1) It's a solid story that will keep kids prone to adventure and suspense completely engaged. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger, which drives my son nuts when we stop reading.  (2) There's no cussing, other than "dang" or "darn". (2) There's no sex. There's a budding relationship between Percy and a fellow half-blood Annabeth (who accompanies him on his quest) but it is friendship. Annabeth has a crush on a boy (who is, of course, a bad boy) but it's not over the top and the most you get is her blushing  (3) The main theme is really about finding your inner hero. Kids like this idea - that they have it in them (through divine procreation or otherwise) to be the one to save the world. I like this idea, too. Stories that encourage you to build your own story are good things. Boys especially are drawn to hero stories, and this is a little different than Superheroes (but not much). So, if you're tired of Marvel and DC Comics (yes, please) then you might want to try this out. (5) Girls kick ass (I already said that, right? Since I have a girl as well, it's nice to see stories that have strong and wickedly smart girls in them). I recognize that kicking ass might be counter-pacifist, but I'm also a feminist, so kicking ass is more a metaphor for owning your own power and confidance. Right? (6) and finally, this book has more humor than Harry Potter, and for that reason, my son loved it. He would laugh out loud. Some of the humor is that sarcastic style that tweeners tend to get, but most of it is just based on juxtaposed Greek and modern elements (like a Satry eating diet coke cans for a snack).

Cabin Creek Mysteries

My son is into mysteries. I discovered this series when I did a search for new Encyclopedia Brown stories. We checked the first one out at the library, and he's wolfed down three since. There are several in the series, and while not as prolific yet as the Hardy Boys or Encyclopedia, there are enough in the series to get involved with it.

This is a modern day version of the Hardy Boys. There are two boys, brothers, and a tag-a-long little girl cousin.  The mysteries occur around "Cabin Creek" where the brothers' family has a cabin.  The first mystery is set in a cave on an island (that, warning, they were ordered not to go to). The boys are older, around tween, early teen, and are often left alone by their mother to get into scrapes and adventures.  This is typical it seems of literature now days as most of the stories and television shows just seem to disregard parental supervision.  However, so were the Hardy Boys. 

The kids get into scary situations (stuck in a cave, or accused of stealing, etc.) but always manage to think their way out.  The girl cousin is generally the voice of reason. She's a bit of a smart-ass to tell the truth, and I like that.  Not great literature, but a relatively easy read with the mystery aspect to keep younger readers hooked.

Chapter Book - Melvin Beederman

We love Melvin Beederman.  This is one of my son's favorite chapter book series ( and one of my favorites, too!) There are seven books in the series so far. The reason I love this series is because the superhero is just a regular boy. He's not super talented, not super good looking, and not super agile either. But seems super nice and super smart. His superhero powers come from his cape, as well as his superhero education. He adheres closely to the "code" of superhero conduct.

Melvin graduates from Superhero Academy, top of his class, despite his difficulties getting off the ground.  He is sent to Los Angeles, of all places, for his first assignment.  It's a rather lonely life being a boy superhero in a city the size of Los Angeles.  Through a series of mishaps a young girl accidentally gets his cape, and becomes a superhero. There's some tension about him getting the cape back (my son was very concerned that the girl would keep the cape and Melvin would no longer be a superhero) but superheros don't give up. In fact, the girl, Candace, and Melvin become friends - and eventually partners.

What's wonderful about this series is that it is funny in a old-fashioned tongue-in-cheek\ way.  The feel is an old 50's superhero melodrama ("Will our intrepid hero be able to save the day?") on black and white t.v.  Every superhero has a weakness, but the weakness is so funny and unexpected that it becomes hilarious and nonthreatening for someone reading the story (hint, bologna). The villains are hilarious both in name and character. None of them are too mean or vicious for this story, but annoying enough you root for Melvin.

He and his new friend, Candace, become partners by cutting the cape in half and each wearing one.  Melvin helps Candace with her math homework, and Candace helps him on his mission.  It's a wonderful contrast that she's the athletic one, with no problems getting into the air to fly, and he's the academic one with tremendous difficulty getting into the air. I like that there is a girl superhero in here, and the idea that anyone can be a superhero, so long as they have a cape and follow the code. Seems very inclusive.

The only issue with the book is that Melvin is a boy, living alone (all alone), with no parents. There's no back story on his parents.  My son was a bit concerned about this. But with a little discussion about suspension of disbelief, and understanding the magic of making up your own story, he moved past it.  Highly recommended.

Picture Book - Princess Pigsty

Princess Pigsty is a book that I have saved for my daughter for the upcoming holidays. I do that - hoard  books throughout the year.  This one I got for only $2.00! And it turns out it's pretty cute. R will love it because it has pigs in it. She loves her some farm animals and princesses - perfect.

The Princess in this book is your typical princess - pampered, completely spoiled, nice dresses, nice crown and soooo over it. The Princess decides she's had enough and throws her very uncomfortable crown in the pond.  While the Princess has a fit or two, it's more in the style of self-righteous rebellion. She is tired of people doing things for her. She’s tired of being clean all the time. She’s soooo tired of being told she has to act like a princess. The King seems pretty horrible at first, banishing her first to the kitchen and then the pigsty in an effort to teach her that she needs to come back and be a proper princess.  This strategy backfires on him (hasn't this happened to all of us at one time or another?)  The Princess enjoys her "banishment" immensely. She learns to cook, learns to pet and care for animals, and loves not having to wear silly dresses, to bath and get her hair curled. 

In the end the King misses his daughter. And he realizes that he loves her, no matter what – whether she’s the sparkling clean princess on display, or the dirty pig keeper happily mucking pig poop. She is who she is, and he accepts her for it.  This is a great book for the girls (and boys) who love princesses, but have parents who like their princesses sprinkled with a health dose of reality and independence.   I like the rebellion against what one should be, and the acceptance that you can be who you really are and you will still be loved and cherish no matter what.  I also like the idea that it doesn’t matter if we have dirt under our fingernails, or play around with the stable boy. One’s status should not interfere with our interaction with the world. (And it’s okay to get dirty now and again, right?)

And oh, in case it sounds familiar, the author, Cornelia Funke is the same author who wrote Inkheart (for those who have read it). She actually has many picture books out there (Princess Knight and Pirate Girl) that are somewhat empowering and equalize the gender separation that some princess books seem to do.

Chapter Book - Encylopedia Brown: The Case of Pablo's Nose

Admit it. You might be old enough to have read the old Encyclopedia Browns when the covers had drawn illustrations on them.  Well I sure am. And am proud of it. My son was introduced to Leroy Brown through a copy that my husband's mom kept. She kept everything, so we have all the now-socially-inappropriate books (like Little Black Sambo - don't get me started) we could want. But Encyclopedia is one I'll keep.  My son read it first with his dad, because it was daddy's book and I think my son like that.  But then he started checking out others in the series on his own.  I start with "The Case of Pablo's Nose" only because this is the most recent one my son checked out from the library.  I don't think I'll be reviewing every volume, as they are, actually, all very nearly the same. But that doesn't reduce the enjoyment of the series - at least for us.

From Booklist:  "'Encyclopedia' Brown only needs to ask one question to solve a problem. His dad, who is chief of police, can always depend on him. The 10 crimes here range from bullies taking totem poles to safe cracking to kidnapping and more. Encyclopedia's solutions are listed in the back of the book. This newest addition to the lengthy series is a good choice for critical thinkers or for getting children to start problem-solving."

If you don't know about Encyclopedia Brown, here's the basic gist of the series: Encyclopedia Brown (real name, Leroy) is a 10 year old boy who solves mysteries around his town. He has his own detective agency that he runs out of his garage.  Sometimes people come to him to ask for his help, but often as not he merely stumbles upon a mystery that he then helps to solve.  He has two best buddies that help him (a boy and a girl - cool) and a police chief daddy.  Encyclopedia is called that because he's so smart, and everyone knows it. He is great at figuring things out - mainly by paying attention to details and using background knowledge. Each chapter is it's own mystery.  At the end of each chapter there is a question (eg, how does Encyclopedia know this person is lying?) and a reference to a page on which is the "answer" to the question / mystery. 

One of the best things about the Encyclopedia Brown series is that the main character is a smart boy. He doesn't rely on a cape, or magic powers, or super speed. He's just smart. And is known, and admired for his smartness. I like that.  I also like that the mysteries are short chapters (versus some series that take the entire book to solve). I like this because we (or lately, just he) can read a complete story in the car, or before bed. It's a great book for the car ride to school.  My son is still at the stage where he will "peek" at the solution at the back of the book before he can really figure out the mystery, but it's really neat talking the problem out with him (when he gives me the chance. Lately he doesn't want good ole mom reading with him anymore... too independent).

There are a few stories with tension (that bully is in almost every book) but again, Encyclopedia holds his own, with his smarts and his friends. The recommended age for this series is 9-10, but if you have an accelerated reader like I do, it's nice to have a book that challenges them reading-wise, and is still non-threatening content-wise.

Picture Book - The Silk Princess

The Silk Princess is one of my daughter's favorite books.  It is written and illustrated by Charles Santore, a wonderful watercolorist.  The illustrations in this book are the main reasons I bought it. They are absolutely exquisite. They are rendered in a style similar to traditional Chinese water colors, but with a hint of modernity in its realistic rendering of the little girl. The story is very long and may be too involved for some children.

Hsi Ling Chi is the only daughter of the Emperor of China. The beginning of the book mentions that she has 2 brothers, whom the Emperor dotes on, but is herself ignored by her father.  For younger children, this may not register. But for older children (like my almost 7 yo boy) they may want to know why. It is, of course, a complicated answer and I will not presume to know how this question should be answered for your family. 

The story is about how Hsi Ling Chi finally came to her father's attention - by discovering silk.  The way she discovers the silk is an adventure.  She sees a silk worm cocoon fall into a cup of tea, and unwinds it. Flying like a kite, she takes the string to see how long it is, and ends up outside the royal palace - a feat not even done by her own mother, the Empress.  Then her adventure really begins. She runs into giant spiders, dragons guarding bridges, and an old man who mysteriously knows who she is.  The old man teaches her the secret of the new fabric "silk" because the silk worms have chosen her. 

She returns to the palace and takes a nap. When she awakes, the old man has disappeared - but not the knowledge he left with her.  She tells her mother this "dream" and the mother sees something in this dream and has the royal weavers follow every word. Thus silk is discovered, and she is finally seen by her father.

The story of silk is secondary in this story for me. I like that this cloistered young girl wanders into the big wide world and is brave enough to keep going. She sees things few see and comes back a hero. The negative side to the story is that she has to accomplish something to gain the attention of her father. Unfortunately there's no real explaining away this one to the children. History and culture are what they are. However, I also love that her mother, the Empress, sees the story as more than a child's dream, that she saw the worth in the words of her daughter - trusted it.  So perhaps it's less about the father and daughter, and more about the mother and daughter.

My daughter loves this story. The pictures really captivate her. And everytime we pull out this book, my son sidles over to peek over my shoulder to look at the book with us. That says something!

Picture Book - The Happy Lion

The Happy Lion a very old story; it's been in print for over 50 years.

The story is about a lion who lives in a zoo in France. For a lion, he's quite zen-like for such a carnivorous sort.  But the story gives the sense that even wild animals can be sensible and polite, so why can't we? The lion is happy. He has many regular "friends" who pass by him every day and say "Bonjour, Happy Lion!" (Be forewarned, my kids were saying "Bonjour, Happy Mommy; Bonjour Happy dog, and on and on for days after this story - but this phrase is actually very fun to say!) One day the zookeeper leaves open the door to the Happy Lion's cage, which the lion doesn't like because who knows who might try to come in? (isn't that cute?) But then decides he is going to go say hello to all his friends who visit him. None of them react in what the Happy Lion considers a sensible way. Really, why are they yelling so? The situation escalates (with the Happy Lion being completely unaware that he is the cause) to the point of the fire department getting involved.  The Happy Lion is bemused and watching the goings on when the zookeeper's son (Francois) comes along and says (you guessed it) "Bonjour, Happy Lion" in a completely reasonable and polite manner. The boy escorts him home and they become best friends. 

What I like about this book is that the Happy Lion is so very secure in himself.  He can see absolutely no reason why people would be screaming and yelling at him. After all, he's only gone out to pay his respects to the people who normally come to see him. The one person that sees the Happy Lion for who he is, is of course, a child.  There are no threatening situations here. Even the fire fighter involvement is rendered in a distant, bemused sort of manner and you don't get any sense that the lion is to be harmed at all. It is a rather sophisticated story, so I recommend it for at least 4 years and up (with explanations to the 4 years who might not know "bonjour" or what a zoo is!)

The author, Louise Fatio, is Swiss (although she later moved to the US). I think many children's books written by European authors have a completely different feel than books written by authors in the United States (especially the older ones, such as Babar and Madeline). The writing style is much more dry in its humor and written in a more understated manner.  Not to condescend, but it seems European writers write as if children were little miniature adults - not that the subject matter is inappropriate, just that  much more about human behavior is assumed in the telling.  Some children may not connect to this.  So you might want to check it out from the library first before purchasing to get a sense if they will like it.

And as an aside, the illustrator, Roger Duvoisin, was married to Louise. I love husband and wife children's book teams.  I think it results in greater expression of the story. The illustrations themselves are not intricately rendered, but are drawn in a dated style that is loose and fits the story. I love the cover picture of the lion. He looks happy, and just a smidge smug, doesn't he?