If You Give a Mouse a Brownie

If You Give a Mouse a Brownie by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond is the newest book by the popular duo.  Written in the same style as the other books, Mouse wants more than what he has and continues to ask for one more thing.  I enjoyed this story more than If You Give a Cat a Cupcake or If You Give a Dog a Donut.  For those of you who liked the other books or have children who do, this is worth picking up at the library or the bookstore. 

Winter, Winter, Cold and Snow

Winter, Winter, Cold and Snow written by Sharon Gibson Palermo and illustrated by Christina Song is a good book to share with children this winter.  Each page depicts a forest animal and what they do in the winter.  It could be shared with preschool or grade school children regarding animal behaviors in a cold and snowy climate.  The repetitive line "Winter, Winter, Cold and Snow," reminded me of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?  by Bill Martin Jr, though the vocabulary in this book is more complex than Martin's work.  It appeals to me as an adult because it is not overly simple and it reminds me of the uniqueness of winter in the northern United States and Canada.

Long Way Gone

Long Way Gone is Charles Martin's newest book.  It is the story of Cooper O'Connor, a gifted musician and a prodigal.  Cooper is 18 when he leaves his father behind and goes to Nashville with hopes to make it big.  Nothing turns out as he planned.  The day he meets Daley Cross is the day his life changes, though that too, is temporary.  This is a compelling story told from Cooper's point of view more than twenty years after the day he left home.  The characters are well developed and seem like real people.  The story of how difficult it is for a prodigal to go home was portrayed realistically.  I did not enjoy this book as much as I did Water From My Heart, also by Martin, but it is worthwhile read and would be a good book club choice.