bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Becoming Holmes by Sh. Peacock
Authors: Campbell Sandy 
Published: April 2016

Peacock, Shane. Becoming Holmes. Toronto, ON: Tundra Books, 2012. Print. This is the final book in The Boy Sherlock Holmes series. In the first five books, Shane Peacock developed the landscape of Holmes’ early life, preparing the reader for his transition into the adult genius-detective that we all know and love. Holmes’ creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did not supply much information about Holmes’ childhood, so authors have great scope to imagine how such an extraordinary person as Sherlock Holmes grew up to become what he is. Shane Peacock is not the first to create a prequel series, nor is he likely to be the last. Prequels to much-loved stories are always a risk. However, Peacock has done a remarkably good job of imagining Holmes’ early years while staying true enough to Conan Doyle’s character that readers will not be jarred when they progress from this series to the original series. In this rendition of Holmes’ childhood, much is explained by the fact that he is a half-Jew and that his parents have died leaving the boy in the care of the apothecary, Sigerson Bell. Bell has taught Holmes much of his vast knowledge base as well as some disguise and martial arts techniques. In this series we also meet Holmes’ brother, Mycroft, already ensconced in government, as well as youthful versions of Inspector Lestrade and the arch-enemy, here called Malefactor. By the end of this book, Holmes has matured and thinks, “I am a man… It is just the beginning”, giving readers a segué into the original series. While other series about Holmes’ youth, for example Andrew Lane’s Sherlock Holmes, the Legend Begins Series address older teen readers, Peacock has written these volumes for 10 to 14 year olds. His use of language is age-appropriate and the final volume, like the earlier ones, is action-packed with lots of intrigue and just enough of the macabre to keep pre-teens and early teens engaged. Becoming Holmes is a good read that is highly recommended for public libraries and both elementary and junior-high school libraries everywhere. Highly Recommended: 4 stars out of 4 Reviewer: Sandy Campbell Sandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines. Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.
Bug in a Vacuum by M. Watt
Authors: Pearce Hanne 
Published: April 2016

Watt, Mélanie. Bug in a Vacuum. Toronto, Ontario: Tundra Books, 2015. Print.“It was on top of the world when it happened. Its entire life changed with the switch of a button.” – So begins Bug in a Vacuum, a fun yet serious exploration of the range of emotions one can feel when coping with an unexpected event. A bug’s life is suddenly interrupted when it is sucked up into a vacuum while flying about a house. Tossed and turned, it awakes inside the vacuum and becomes aware of its confinement. As the bug comes to terms with his predicament, it undergoes an emotional journey of denial, bargaining, anger, despair and acceptance. Interlaced between the bug’s journey, a small dog undergoes the same emotions as it copes with the loss of a toy that was also sucked up by the vacuum.Watt, who is well known for her work on the Scaredy Squirrel series, has truly achieved a golden mean with Bug in a Vacuum. The story is simple and yet deals with very complex emotions. It would be an excellent way to broach the subject of coping and emotions with children, especially those confronting a loss or change. Children can laugh at the bug’s struggles but then also relate to them. The text flows at a good pace, while the illustrations draw you in to explore extra details.The artwork of Bug in Vacuum is particularly unique in that it uses mixed media. The colors are muted and earthy in quality. The textures of furniture, carpets and the interior of the vacuum contrast against the glossy super-large eyes of both the bug and his canine companion. The mixture of artistic and digital textures creates a visually stimulating story of its own, that the reader will want to revisit.With such an excellent narrative and engaging illustrations Bug in Vacuum is bound to become a favorite of children and adults alike.Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Hanne PearceHanne Pearce has worked at the University of Alberta Libraries in various support staff positions since 2004 and is currently a Public Service Librarian at the HT Coutts Education and Physical Education Library. Aside from being an avid reader she has continuing interests in writing, photography, graphic design and knitting.
The Magnificent Tree by N. Bland
Authors: Deakin Andrea 
Published: April 2016

Bland, Nick. The Magnificent Tree. Illus. Stephen Michael King. Toronto: Scholastic Canada, 2013. Print.“Bonny and Pop were always bursting with ideas. Bonny’s ideas are clever yet simple, Pop’s are “big, brave and brilliant.” Nick Bland’s direct, down-to-earth text is constantly “set up” by Stephen King’s wildly inventive illustrations. Thus, when Bonny and Pop decide they wish to encourage the birds to stay nearby, they set about making a tree, each in their own way. Pop’s method is, as you may guess, big and brave, indeed his idea is so complex “it could not fit in his head all at once”. Bonny’s is simple- it basically fits into the palm of her hand. The results are fantastic, and simple, and “Just perfect.”This seems a simple story, but it has so much wit, gentleness and creativity in it, and so much to discover- both obvious and implied, that there are hours of pleasure in it.Each way of looking at life, Bonny’s or Pop’s, and each unique creation gives a text that is simple and clever and illustrations that are both bold and brave.This is the first time that the Australian author and illustrator have worked together. May the partnership continue.Highly Recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Andrea DeakinAndrea has been involved with books since she was class librarian in Primary School, Student Librarian in Grammar School, student librarian for the Education Faculty when she was a student, and school librarian in schools both in England and in Canada, except for the first two years in Canada where she arrived in 1959. When she retired from teaching ( English and History) she was invited to review in February 1971, and continued to review for press, radio, and finally on the Internet (Deakin Newsletter from Okanagan College) until she retired in 2011. Forty years seemed sufficient- although she still cannot keep her nose out of good children's and YA fare.
Games of Survival: Traditional Inuit Games for Elementary Students by J. Issaluk
Authors: Campbell Sandy 
Published: April 2016

Issaluk, Johnny. Games of Survival: Traditional Inuit Games for Elementary Students. Iqaluit, NV: Inhabit Media, 2012. Print.Johnny Issaluk is an Inuit athlete who has competed in traditional Inuit games since age 16 and has won at national competitions. He grew up in Igluligaarjuk on the coast of Hudson’s Bay and now coaches younger athletes in Iqaluit. In this book he provides a visual guide to how the games should be played. The book is also designed to help preserve the traditions of the games for future generations. Issaluk tells us that being part of the book is one of the “biggest accomplishments” of his life.The Inuit games “were used not only for fun, not only for celebration, but for survival”. Each game is designed to improve a hunter’s agility, strength or endurance. The book is made up of photographs of people performing the movements for each game, accompanied by text that explains both how to play the game and why it was played. For example, the Alaskan High Kick, an agility game, is first described in a paragraph followed two pages show two different people performing the kick and step-by-step instructions. In describing the Hand Pull, a strength game, Issaluk explains how to perform it, but also tells us that “the hand pull was traditionally used to strengthen the wrists and the grip, so that a hunter could hold a walrus in one place until the animal got tired.”While the instructions are clear, the images will be most helpful to anyone trying to understand the games or teach them to elementary school children. The children in the photographs are dressed in bright colours and presented against a stark white background, so that there is nothing to distract or confuse the viewer. Sometimes sequences of movements are illustrated. In other cases, the same movement or position is shown with several different participants or from different angles, so that it will be easy for readers to replicate it.There are few books that teach how to play Inuit Games. This one is high quality and authentic. It would be an excellent tool for use in an elementary level physical education program. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.Recommendation: 4 stars out of 4Reviewer: Sandy CampbellSandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines. Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.
The Rithmatist by B. Sanderson
Authors: McGillivray Kelsi 
Published: April 2016

Sanderson, Brandon. The Rithmatist. Illus. Ben Sweeney. New York: Tom Doherty Associates, 2013. Print.What if the survival of humanity depended on the geometry skills of a few elite youths? But it does.Winner of the YALSA 2014 Teen’s Top Ten Award, this book asks readers to envisage an alternate history for Earth. The Asian nation of JunSeo has overtaken much of the globe, and technology relies on elaborate systems of springs and gears. Society relies on the skills of Rithmatists, who use geometric shapes and angles to wage war against a rogue force of chalklings – two-dimensional chalk drawings with a penchant for blood.All Joel has ever wanted to be is a Rithmatist, but he has not been chosen by the Master. In spite of this, he spends all his time exploring Rithmatic principles. Joel’s dreams are realized when the disgraced Professor Fitch begins to tutor him along with remedial Rithmatics student Molly. When the far-off war against chalklings in Nebrask becomes more real and Rithmatic students begin to be targeted close at home, Joel’s suspicions are fixated on the new Rithmatics professor, Nalizar.In the misdt of this fantasy novel, American author Brandon Sanderson has embedded a number of intriguing questions. What would the world be like if a power other than Great Britain had achieved world dominance? What does the idea of predestination mean for those who are not chosen? What if different technologies had taken hold?Although there are literary and symbolic elements that posit this story as a thriller, the author has included enough humor that it still maintains a playful and adventurous tone. A sense of anticipation is maintained throughout, as the principles of Rithmatics and the plot are gradually revealed. Though Sanderson’s writing style at times impedes the immersive quality of the story, the reader is kept deliciously in suspense until the end. Ben Sweeney’s illustrations at the end of every chapter masterfully enhance the reader’s understanding of Rithmatic principles.The first in a series, this book would appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy, such as the Harry Potter series or The Golden Compass. It is recommended for children in grades 7-12 and is a good example of “hi-lo” fiction. The accessible language will engage reluctant readers. A reading and activity guide is included at the end of the book, suitable for discussion and exploration in a classroom setting.Highly Recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Kelsi McGillivrayKelsi McGillivray teaches grade 3 at an international school in Kathmandu, Nepal. She is currently working on her Masters of Education in teacher-librarianship and aspires to become the school librarian in the future. She enjoys reading, hiking, and adventures.
Noni is Nervous by H. Hartt-Sussman (1st review)
Authors: Gregson Brittany 
Published: April 2016

Hartt-Sussman, Heather. Noni is Nervous. Illus. Geneviève Côté. Toronto: Tundra Books-Random House of Canada, 2013. Print.Noni is anxious about many things but most of all she is nervous about her first day of school. Among her school jitters are: what to wear, whether or not her teacher will be nice, and where to sit. To calm her nerves, Noni is constantly talking, biting her nails, and twirling her hair. After her first day her mother advises her to make a friend. Despite her nervousness, Noni introduces herself to an outgoing girl named Briar on the bus who then introduces Noni to many other children. Noni comes home feeling more confident and calm.Noni is Nervous is a cute book about adapting despite being nervous. Between Hartt-Sussman’s repetitive prose and Côté’s fitting illustrations the reader is always clear on how the characters are feeling. The story transitions well from depicting Noni’s nervousness to her confidence. I particularly liked how though Noni had befriended Briar she was still nervous about a few things en route to school as opposed to friendship being an instant cure. She does develop some confidence and is able to spunkily tell her family that there is nothing to be nervous about. Children will be able to see that though they may be nervous there isn’t always a need and things will be okay.I would have liked to see more of the story devoted to Noni overcoming her anxiety than is shown in the book. There was also a spelling mistake in the book, though I doubt children will catch it.Recommended: 3 out of 4 starsReviewer: Brittany GregsonBrittany Gregson is a graduate of MacEwan University’s Library and Information Technology program.She works at the Family and Community Resource Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital as the Child Health Information Specialist. Other than reading she enjoys both baking and crafting.
Mingan: my village
Authors: Campbell Sandy 
Published: April 2016

Mingan: my village. Illus. Rogé. Trans. Solange Messier. Markham, ON: Fifth House Publishers, 2014. Print.This is one of the most unusual Canadian Indigenous children’s books to have been published recently. It is an art book composed of fifteen of illustrator Rogé's portraits of Innu children from the village of Mingan (“Ekuantshit” in the Innu-aimun language) on the North Shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The images are accompanied by fifteen poems written by the children. Each of the portraits covers an 8.5 X 14’ page and is an almost life-sized likeness painted from a photograph. The images are mainly sepia tones with some orange, blue and red highlights. These portraits will allow children elsewhere in the world to see what an Innu child looks like. The poems are the result of a poetry writing workshop led by Laurel Morali and Rita Mestokosho at Mingan. They are also published in the back of the book in Innu-aimun. The works are simple, unsophisticated and present a child’s view of the world. Nature and grandparents figure prominently in the works. For example: In the wind's light, the pain of the heart The blue river When I listen I have a memory of my grandfather He tells me he is well This comforts me I know he protects me That he watches me I cry when he is not beside me Sabrina Overall this is a striking work that could fit both in to art collections and children’s libraries as well as those collecting Canadian Indigenous materials. Highly recommended: 4 stars out of 4Reviewer: Sandy CampbellSandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines. Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.
Pussycat, Pussycat, Where Have You Been? by D. Bar-el & R. Maté
Authors: Frail Kim 
Published: April 2016

Bar-el, Dan, and Rae Maté. Pussycat, Pussycat, Where Have You Been? Vancouver: Simply Read Books, 2011. Print. In this superbly illustrated book, the pussycat of the classic nursery rhyme continues from his royal visit in London on to more distant and exotic adventures. He sails down the Seine in France, visits with “one of a kind” animals in Australia, kayaks with a pod of whales in the North, and discovers the mysteries of the Egyptian pyramids. North American geography is subtly evoked as he meets a fisherman in a coastal community and takes shelter from a Prairie thunderstorm in a “soft golden” wheat field. Many elements of the book convey nostalgia and the simple joys of childhood. It features a storybook-like font and extra-large capital letters at the beginning of each stanza. The hand-painted illustrations are magnificent and have a vintage fairy-tale like appeal. However, the complexity of the ideas conveyed in the simple rhyme scheme hints at more mature life lessons and ideas. For example, when the Pussycat encounters a parade of pageant performers, his owner asks, “Did you join in?” he responds with: “If life is a circus/ Why wait to begin?” The sense of adventure is tempered with reality; he is, on occasion, fearful, sad, or in need of assistance in his travels. He always reveals to the reader what helped him through those times: “What stopped your sorrow?” “I sang to the stars as I rode to tomorrow”. He also explains that he was able to take the “road less travelled” due to the generosity of fellow travelers: ‘…Did you get lost?’‘I strayed from the pathAt whatever the cost.’‘Pussycat, PussycatBut were you alright?’‘The kindness of strangersGave warmth to my night.’ Pussycat also talks about missing loved ones back home, in this case his owner. The adventure concludes with him inviting her to join him on his next series of imaginary adventures: “Come travel with me/ My partner, my friend.” According to the publisher’s website, this book is recommended for ages to 4-8. It would be an excellent addition to any home, library, or school book collection. Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Kim Frail Kim is a Public Services Librarian at the H.T. Coutts Education Library at the University of Alberta. Children’s literature is a big part of her world at work and at home. She also enjoys gardening, renovating and keeping up with her two-year old.
Where Wild Horses Run by G. Graham
Authors: Campbell Sandy 
Published: April 2016

Graham, Georgia. Where Wild Horses Run. Markham, ON., Red Deer Press, 2011. Print. Georgia Graham has written four books and illustrated fourteen. In this picture book she captures the beauty of the wild horses of the Nemaiah Valley in British Columbia through the story of a new foal. While she both wrote and illustrated this work, her strength is clearly in illustration. Using chalk pastels and chalk pencils on sanded pastel paper, Graham creates realistic images of both the horses and the landscapes. Her crouched cougar image is very well executed. The unusual layout of the images is eye-catching and allows Graham to vary the emphasis between the text and images. The book is in landscape format, allowing images to flow over two pages. Sometimes one image will fill two pages, with text bars at the top. Sometimes, an image will take up the top of a two page spread, with another image below and a third integrated into the text on the remaining white space. While the book is attractive and enjoyable, there are some shortcomings. The drawings of the horses are inconsistent in their detail and sometimes in their proportions. In two images of the foal, its legs seem disproportionately large. Some of the horses’ manes seem to be permanently flying in the wind. In an image of two stallions fighting, parts of their manes seem to move independently, like Medusa’s snakes. While the artist is probably attempting to show agitation in the horses, the manes are quite unnatural. The Golden Stallion is also depicted with his ribs showing prominently, which would normally indicate that the animal is underfed, however, the rest of his body and those of the other horses appear to be in good condition. The text is quite simple, generally well-written and is appropriate for the intended upper elementary audience. However, the story line takes an unnatural twist at the end. The new foal has played with a grey colt, whom the Golden Stallion drives out of the band. This is normal behavior. When a cougar threatens the foal, the grey colt appears from nowhere, in an implied act of friendship, to protect the foal. It is not realistic that a colt that has been banished from a band would interfere with a foal while the stallion is nearby. It is much more likely that a mare, and particularly the lead mare, would chase away a cougar. This unnecessary bit of anthropomorphizing detracts from the otherwise realistic portrayal of the animals in the text and images. In spite of the flaws, this is still a good book from a rising Alberta author and illustrator, which should be included in library collections. Recommended: 3 stars out of 4 Reviewer: Sandy Campbell Sandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines. Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.
My Dad is the Best Playground by L. Navarro-Powell
Authors: Pow Virginia 
Published: April 2016

Navarro-Powell, Luciana. My Dad is the Best Playground. Mississauga: Random House of Canada Limited, 2011. Print. Originially from Brazil, Luciana Navarro Powell moved to the U.S. in 2002. Navarro-Powell has worked as a professional illustrator for approximately 14 years. Her current media of choice is the digital brush, which she used to illustrate My Dad is the Best Playground. My Dad is the Best Playground is a board book that is delightful and easy to read to toddlers. From the moment Dad arrives home, the story describes all of the ways in which he can be used like a playground and how the children in the story interact with their father, from climbing on him to being twirled about by him. Each of the actions cleverly relates to actions that the children would also be able to do at a real playground. The truly wonderful part of the story is the illustrations. For pictures that are simple, they convey so much motion and interaction. The colour palette used is pleasing to the eye. The true test of any book is the reaction of the target audience. The toddlers daycare class to whom I read the story could easily identify the boy and girl and other household items in the pictures. They also thought it was funny to see the children interact with their father in different ways. This was a lovely story to read to toddlers and illustrated the positive interactions Dads have with their children. Recommended: 3 out of 4 Reviewer: Virginia PowVirginia is the Maps Librarian for the William Wonders Map Library and a Public Services Librarian for the Cameron Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, running, cross country skiing or anything in the outdoors with her favorite partners in crime; daughter, husband and very large mutt.