Kaye Umansky

Two frogs clash to prove how ridiculous some arguments are, especially when friendship might not be far away.

Two frogs are enjoying a day on a rock in the pond, each one unaware of the other's presence thanks to a thick tuft of grass...that is, until they notice each other. Unready to share the moment of peace, they both lay claim to the rock in a ridiculous argument which builds and builds. That draws attention from other pond visitors, and not in a good way. Now, the two frogs have to deal show more with a bigger problem than sharing a rock.

This book left a huge smile on our faces. The frogs are utterly over-the-top as they throw huge fits about who has the right to sit on the rock. The argument and very heated attitudes leave a sense of uncomfortableness, which paves the path for the message at the end and has it ringing that much more true. So, extra kudos to that weave! But even when the frogs are in their heated back-and-forth, there is more than a little humor to keep it balanced and fun.

The illustrations are handled very well. Not only are the scenes grabbing with the colors, details, and style, but they play with the situation in ways which guarantee more than a few giggles. The story flows nicely in the lightly, rhymed text and the lively dialogue between the frogs, but the illustrations add richness and delight. They lay hints and layers to the plot presented in the text to round off the story in all the right ways.

It's silly, lively, holds a tad bit of tension, and brings across a valuable message about friendship and being less selfish. I received a complimentary copy and found the weave between text and illustrations very nicely thought out. show less

One thing I think British authors do really well is younger middle grade. Fun, light-hearted, magical stories for kids about 7 to 9 who aren't ready for the hefty, intense middle grade doorstoppers but have moved beyond beginning chapters. One of my favorite authors for this level is Kaye Umansky and I especially love this series I've just discovered.

Elsie Pickles lives a happy, if crowded, life in her town of Smallbridge. Her family runs the local shop, Pickles' Emporium, and it's, well, show more not much good. Elsie is minding the shop one day, wishing a customer would show up who wanted to buy lots of cheap, boring things so her family will have enough to eat, and maybe even enough for just one pair of special shoes, when Magenta Sharp, the Red Witch, blows in. Literally.

Several of my favorite books by Umansky feature young girls, in boring jobs, who are practical souls and handle unexpected events well. Elsie is the epitome of this, as, after some hesitation, she decides to house-sit for Magenta Sharp for a week. After all, she says she doesn't HAVE to do magic and she'll pay her twenty-one gold pieces! Armed with her common sense, the Pickles' rules for customer service, and eagerly anticipating a week of reading, Elsie sets out into the woods and arrives at the Red Witch's tower.

Of course, things don't work out that way! Between self-absorbed woodcutters, a very odd lady pretending to be a wood nymph, the light-fingered Howler sisters, and a stray dog, Elsie has a very exciting week indeed! By the time the story ends, she's not only discovered a lot more self-confidence and a knack for magic, she's well on her way to a possible new profession.

Verdict: This is just perfect for young readers who want a fun, magical story that's not too involved or intense. I enjoyed it immensely and purchased the rest of the series to read and donate to the library.

ISBN: 9781471160905; Published in the UK October 2017 by Simon and Schuster; Purchased myself and donated to the library show less

Clover Twig is the organizer, the tidy one, the one who takes charge in a large and messy family. When she starts working for the local witch, Mrs. Eckles, she will need all of these qualities - and more - to make it through her first week!

Clover Twig is a brisk and cheerful heroine, always ready with ideas, cleaning supplies, and common sense. Her tidiness is frequently endangered by the unbelievably clumsy and accident-prone Wilf, but she likes him anyways. Mostly.

The plot is as tidy and show more well-constructed as Clover Twig's newly cleaned witch's cottage and the characters are fun and memorable. Mrs. Eckles is as endearing a personality as Clover Twig, although she's not without her little secrets. The villains are satisfyingly villainous without being cartoonish and the plot twists and turns are funny and exciting.

Oh, and my only complaint is the cover. If we could have fewer covers featuring girls, it would be easier to get boys reading fun books like this! The British cover is better, although it gives away the plot rather badly. Just my opinion.

Verdict: An excellent step-up from beginning chapter books. Fans of Suzanne Selfors, Angie Sage, and Katie Speck will enjoy this story.

ISBN: 978-1596435070; Published August 2009 by Roaring Brook; ARC provided by publisher at ALA 2009; Purchased for the library; Added to my personal wishlist show less

A group of children reunite for more adventures in a Dickensian England as they try to save Prudence's father from being transported for poaching . They are smarter and morally better than the adults in around them.

SPOILER: Buried in the story are hints of a tragic love story: When the infant prodigy is given a toy rabbit, Miss Bunnikins, she transfers all her affection for Mr. Skippy, a rabbit, to the doll. When the doll is destroyed at the end of the story, the prodigy has already lost show more interest in her, and tells Mr. Skippy that she still loves him. But, Mr. Skippy? Was he following the prodigy or her doll throughout the book? Is his utter lack of expression at the end indifference or catatonic shock.? The author tells us we will never know. show less