Amy Axelrod

Synopsis: This book tells the story of the Pig family as they try to cook a favorite dish for Mama, who is sick in bed. Papa and the piglets don’t know their way around the kitchen, and their attempt to make Mama’s favorite recipe results in the fire brigade coming to the house. The book features a full recipe and instructions as well as a list of cooking terms that Papa would have been wise to have learned beforehand. Grades K-5.

Response: To a mother reading this book, it seems to be a show more horrifying and tragic tale of a Mother’s woes; she cannot rest, even when she is ill, because no one in the house knows how to do anything competently without her. To a child hearing the story it will be a silly misadventure with Papa nearly burning down the house. This book can be a light-hearted way to introduce students to measurement and cooking terms. show less

Synopsis: This book tells the story of the Pig family as they participate in a community Square Dance. Papa Pig must fill in as a replacement Square Dance Caller and he really brings down the house. The story includes the rules of Square Dance calling, as well as some Square Dance terms and a diagram to help readers learn the basics of the dance. Grades K-5.

Response: This book could serve as a fun introduction to Square Dancing or any figure-based dance, and includes simple skip counting by show more twos. The jolly illustrations will appeal to young readers. show less

It’s 1959 and eleven-year-old Abby Shapiro wants three things: a Barbie doll, a training bra, and to be Jackie Kennedy’s fashion designer. But as this coming-of-age story progresses, her true problems arise-- trying to find a place as a very American girl in her extended Jewish family, conflicts with the neighbors, a troubled relationship with her mother, and her deadbeat dad. Abby finds comfort and strives to handle these issues by talking with her Aunt Rina and writing sweet and often show more long-winded letters to the soon-to-be first lady, including fashion sketches for outfit ideas. The sketches are printed throughout the book and are actual drawings created by the author in her childhood, a nice touch for readers who aren’t familiar with the 60’s fashion scene. Overall, though, the letters repeat much of the story narrative and slow the pacing. Readers will appreciate Abby’s growth throughout the novel; she begins as a comedic little girl but progresses believably into a teenager while gaining a new understanding of her place in the community and her family. A glossary of Hebrew and Yiddish terms is included. Would make a great read for a mother-daughter book club. Recommended for ages 10 and up. show less

A family of pigs are very hungry! They have no food in their house and have ran out of money. The pigs have to scrounge around to find enough money so they can eat out. This book gives children a fun way to learn how to count money, as well as practice subtracting, adding, multiplying, and dividing. The silly and colorful illustrations are great for capturing the reader’s attention. I also liked how there was a menu illustrating the cost of the food so children can see what the pigs can show more afford after totaling how much they have. This book would be great to engage children to be interactive with math and money. show less