Jake and Lily by Jerry Spinelli Book Review

Are you a fan of Jerry Spinelli?  If so, you'll be happy to hear he has a new book out! Told in alternating chapters from twin siblings Lily and Jake's points of view, Jake and Lily is the story of the summer the twins turn 11.

Jake and Lily have always had a special connection. When Jake hurts himself, Lily feels his pain. When Lily is about to run into the street to chase a ball, Jake yells at her to "Stop!" even though he's indoors and can't see her.  They can't play hide and seek because they always know where the other is hiding. 

This connection weakens the summer the twins turn 11. All of a sudden, Jake has a bunch of new friends he's hanging out with and Lily feels left out and  alone. What has happened to this special connection between the twins and will things return to normal?

I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books by Jerry Spinelli.  If you're going into 6th or 7th grade and you're still looking for your summer reading book assignment, this book would be perfect.  Recommended for children in grades 3-7. 

Seen the movie? Now read the book! War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

I am again guilty of not wanting to read a book until after watching the movie.  This time the movie was War Horse.  I knew the movie was based on a children's book (someone had requested we purchase it before the movie was released) but the book didn't interest me.  I didn't see the movie until it was released on DVD but I did enjoy it.  There was one scene after Joey (the horse) is scared by the tank and runs into no man's land that I found extremely graphic and had to turn off for a few minutes before concluding the movie.  After watching the movie, I was curious: how did the two compare? I had to read the book to know.

The book is told from the point of view of Joey and you're first introduced to him after he is purchased by Albert's father. The book chronicles Joey's life on the farm and into the Great War.  He has a close bond with Albert and when Albert's father sells him to the army, Albert vows that he will one day find Joey.  For the most part the movie stays true to the book, but there are a few major differences between the two.  I don't want to give anything away so I won't go into these differences. 

The book War Horse is definitely a children's book, but the movie is not for children.  The movie is rated PG-13 and for good reason. The violent scene in the movie that caused me to pause the movie wasn't nearly as graphic in the book.  I would recommend this book to young readers (2nd-5th grade) who enjoy reading historical fiction and anyone who likes horse books.  I enjoyed War Horse so much that I checked out the sequel Farm Boy and I can't wait to read it.  

That's Like Me! by Jill Lauren, M.A. book review

Children with learning disabilities may think they're alone in their struggles.  That's Like Me! by Jill Lauren is a book for these children. Jill Lauren is a learning specialist who has worked with many children who have learning disabilities. She did extensive research looking for young adults and adults who had difficulty in school but worked hard and never gave up.  Each person's story is told in their own words.  Each person whether a teenager or an adult has something that they are passionate about. Whether it is race car driving, wrestling, dancing or art, these extracurricular activities are important to them.  The author also includes her webpage where readers can submit their own stories about their hardships. 

The book includes a forward by Caldecott Award winner Jerry Pinkney who had a hard time in school because of his dyslexia.

If you're looking for a book for children who are struggling in school and want to give up, this is the book for them.  The personal accounts of people just like them will encourage them to keep going and work hard. 

Citizen Scientists by Loree Griffin Burns Book Review

Have you ever wondered where monarch butterflies fly to when they migrate in the fall?  Are you able to identify different frogs by their calls? What types of birds are found where you live? How many different kinds of ladybugs are there?  

You don't have to be an adult or a scientist to take part in real scientific experiments.  Whether it's tagging monarch butterflies or participating in a yearly bird census, there are lots of ways for young people to get involved. Loree Griffin Burns highlights just a few ways in this new non-fiction book Citizen Scientists.   Each chapter provides a list of items you'll need when going out on your adventure and the end of the book provides a list of resources for readers who want to get more involved.  While there is a lot of great information found in this book, the best part is probably the beautiful photographs that are found throughout the book.  The photographs alone should encourage readers to want to become citizen scientists.

I recommend Citizen Scientists to any young reader who loves nature and wants to get involved in helping our environment.

New books in the Children's Department

Here are some new books that can be found in the Children's Department. See the Children's Librarian for the exact location of the books.

Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham-A is for apple, B is for ball, C is for cat and D is for moose. Wait, that’s not right! In this fun alphabet book, Moose is so anxious for his letter to show up, that he arrives a little early. When they decide to pick Mouse over Moose, Moose is not happy. The rest of the alphabet is in peril and it’s up to Zebra to save the day. This is a good book for preschoolers, especially in a small group or in a one-on-one setting. (J ABC Bin)

Wolf Won’t Bite! by Emily Gravett-Three circus pigs chase down and capture a big bad wolf. They can make him stand on a stool, ride him like a horse or make him jump through hoops, but he won’t bite. Or will he? (JE Gra)

Lola & Tiva: An Unlikely Friendship by Juliana, Isabella and Craig Hatkoff-Tiva has always wanted a puppy but because her family lives on a nature conservancy in Kenya, dogs aren't allowed. However, Tiva gets a different type of pet-a young black rhino named Lola who wandered off from her blind mother. This beginning reader is a wonderful story of friendship. (J Rea 3 Hat)

Up Cat by Hazel Hutchins-In this simple concept book, children are introduced to the word "up." Repeated use of the word is used on each page as the reader follows a cat throughout it's day (wake up, leap up, etc). The simple illustrations and text make this a perfect book to read to babies and toddlers. (JE Hut-this book is located in the ABC cubes)

Lonesome George Finds His Friends by Tori Kosara-Lonesome George is a Galápagos tortoise who lives on the Galápagos Islands. Sometimes it gets lonely, but there are lots of animals on the islands who keep George company. Along the shore, there is a young Galápagos sea lion and a Sally Lightfoot crab. In the water live stingrays, sharks, squids, sperm whales and dolphins. There are also lots of birds-the blue-footed booby, the Galápagos frigate bird, the Galápagos finch and even Galápagos penguins. With so many other animals on the island, it's hard for George to remain lonely. This beginning reader has beautiful photographs which will get readers excited about learning about a new place (J Rea 4 Kos)

Chicken, Pig, Cow's First Fight by Ruth Ohi-Chicken, Pig and Cow are back in Ruth Ohi's picture book series. These best friends have never had a fight. One morning Girl builds an impressive city, but Chicken thinks something is missing and creates a chicken statue. Pig is just a little too excited and goes zooming through the city, knocking down Chicken's statue. Chicken is mad at Pig for not being careful and Pig is mad at Chicken for being in the way. Will these two friends settle their differences? This is a good book to introduce conflict resolution to preschoolers. (JE Ohi)

Me Want Pet! By Tammi Sauer-Every child wants a pet and that doesn’t exclude Cave Boy. He searches high and low for the perfect pet, but the Woolly Mammoth is too big and Papa is allergic to the saber tooth tiger. Will Cave Boy find a pet that the entire family can agree on? (JE Sau)

Historical Fiction booklist

I've been reading a lot of historical fiction lately. Here is a list of some of the books I've recently read.

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis-Orphan Bud Caldwell is tired of being passed from one foster family to another. After a particularly bad experience, he decides to look for his father using subtle clues that his deceased mother left him. With just his battered old suitcase and the clothes on his back, he travels from Flint, Michigan to Detroit looking for his father the famous jazz musician Herman E. Calloway. This book takes place during the Great Depression. (J FIC CURTIS)


The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis-Deza Malone who is briefly mentioned in Bud, Not Buddy returns in a book all her own! Readers will love smart, optimistic Deza Malone. Originally from Gary, Indiana, Deza, her older brother Jimmie and her mother go to Flint to stay with her grandmother while waiting for her father to come home. Unable to find her grandmother, the family winds up in a Hooverville outside of Flint trying to make ends meet. Will her family be reunited? (J FIC CURTIS)


Roll of Thunder, Here My Cry by Mildred Taylor-The first book in the Logan family series takes place in Mississippi in 1933. The Logan family have it a little easier than the other families because their family own the land they live on. Many of the other African-American families are sharecroppers and are dependent upon the white families who own their land. Nine-year-old Cassie Logan's parents have taught her and her brothers the importance of family, land and respect for others and self. Her parents have protected her from the prejudices against black people, but when her family begins being harassed by the night riders, she begins to see the world as it really is. (J FIC TAYLOR)


The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine-Marlee, an extremely quiet and shy girl, is good at math and hopes to one day become a rocket scientist. When new girl Liz befriends Marlee, she helps her come out of her shell and open up. Just when things are looking up for Marlee, Liz disappears. Marlee soon learns that Liz is an African American who is able to pass as a white student. To avoid trouble Liz leaves school. Despite being told by her parents to stay away from Liz, Marlee and Liz begin to meet clandestinely continuing their friendship. This puts Liz and Marlee in danger from those who don't think they should be friends. This book takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1958, the year after the Little Rock Nine were allowed to attend Little Rock Central High School. (J FIC LEVINE)

See the Children's Department staff for the exact location of these books.

New Books!

We recently received an order of new picture books. Here are some of my favorite titles.

The Umbrella by Ingrid & Dieter Schubert-This completely wordless book is just wonderful. A puppy dog discovers a red umbrella on a particularly windy day and a fantastic journey begins. Through the marvelous pictures, the reader will see the dog as he travels to the African savannah, continues his adventures under the sea, lands on a deserted island and rainforest and finally is rescued and returns home. Make sure to pay attention to the end papers at the beginning and end of the book. The beautiful illustrations help tell this story and will be best enjoyed one on one.

Chopsticks by Amy Krouse Rosenthal-If you like Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s other picture books, you will absolutely love her new book Chopsticks. Chopsticks are best friends. They do everything together until one day an accident causes them to be separated. But they learn that they can be strong both together and apart. Look for the puns that are found throughout the book.

Lola Reads to Leo by Anna McQuinn-Lola from Lola at the Library and Lola Loves Stories returns in this new book by Anna McQuinn. Lola is going to be a big sister and she begins choosing stories the baby will like. Once her baby brother arrives, Lola finds lots of opportunities to read to her new brother. This is a great introduction for older siblings who will be welcoming a new baby into their family.

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett & Gary Rubinstein-Beatrice Bottomwell has never once made a mistake. She is so famous for not making mistakes that most people in her town don’t even know her name is Beatrice. They just call her “the Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes.” During cooking class, Beatrice experiences an “almost mistake” and begins to question her ability. She soon learns the lesson that being perfect isn’t everything, as long as you can laugh at your mistakes and move on.

Another Brother by Matthew Cordell-Davy’s first four years were glorious because he had his mom and dad all to himself. But one day things changed. Davy got a baby brother, Petey! And then eleven more little brothers. Soon, his little brothers are doing everything that Davy does and Davy just wants to be left alone. This book begs to be reread over and over again. The illustrations in this book are hilarious and you’ll only find new details with each repeated reading.

Ask the Children's Librarian for the exact location of these books.

More New Children's Books

We've got lots of new books! Here are some more of my favorites.

Martha Doesn't Share! by Samantha Berger-Martha has a new favorite word: mine! She says it about all her things and she doesn't want to share any of them. But she soon learns that it's lonely playing with all her things by herself. A good introduction to children about sharing. (JE B)

Handa's Surprise by Eileen Browne-Handa puts seven delicious fruits in a basket for her friend Akeyo. As she walks to Akeyo's village, she wonders which fruit Akeyo will like best. Both Handa and Akeyo will be surprised by the end of the story. This story will work well in story time and one-on-one. Children will have fun reading along while Handa journey's to Akeyo's village. (JE B)

Little Pig Joins the Band by David Hyde Costello-Little Pig didn't always like being little, or being called Little Pig. When his older brothers and sisters start a marchining band, he's too little to play any of the instruments. (JE C)

The Sniffles for Bear by Bonny Becker-Poor Bear is sick. He doesn't think anyone has ever been as sick as he is now. Luckily, he has Mouse to take care of him. But nothing Mouse does helps Bear feel better. (JE B)

Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall-This is a beautifully illustrated book. When the wind picks up her annoying little brother Crispin and blows him away, Flora gives up her super-special heavy-duty red boots to go after him. While a dragonfly, a sparrow, the man in the moon and even the wind itself offer to take Crispin away, she decides it may be better to keep him. (JE B)

Ten Little Caterpillars by Bill Martin Jr-From the author of Chick Chicka Boom Boom, comes a new book about caterpillars. Ten caterpillars are on the go and children will have fun looking for them on each page. Each caterpillar is different and readers will see which each one turns into at the end of the story. (JABC Martin)

See the Children's Librarian for the exact location of these books and check out the new books display for other new great titles.

New Children's Books

We've got some new picture books. Here are some of the ones I really like!

Follow the Line series by Laura Ljungkvist-Follow the line through school, the world and home in this fun series. In Follow the Line Through the House, the reader is invited to turn the page and explore different parts of the house. While in the kitchen, you'll explore the refrigerator. Readers are asked simple questions, such as "which foods are green?" and "what would you choose for a snack?" Readers will visit other common places in the house. In Follow the Line Around the World, readers will explore different countries and places such as Kenya, Greenland and the Sahara Desert. This interactive series will be a fun one-on-one read for preschool and elementary aged children. (JE L)

Be Quiet, Mike! by Leslie Patricelli-Mike is a monkey who has a lot of rhythm. He can't help but drum all day long on whatever surface he can find. But poor Mike only hears one thing from all the people around him: "Be quiet, Mike!" As hard as he tries, he just can't stop the rhythm. One day, as he's walking pass a music shop, he sees an ape drumming on a drum set and knows that's just what he wants. Toddlers and preschoolers will love this read-aloud and will be drumming along with Mike: "Boom Chick, Boom Chick, Zat Zoom Crash!" (JE P)

Good Night, World by Willa Perman-It's time for bed and a young child says good night to all the things that make up the universe and world. The last page introduces the reader to 16 different ways to say good night. (JE P)

Check the new bookshelf for other new books!

The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone (Audiobook Edition) Book Review

Nothing exciting ever happens to Ruthie until the day her class visits the Art Institute of Chicago and sees the Thorne Rooms for the first time. The Thorne Rooms are a collection of sixty-eight exquiste and realistic miniature rooms, each designed in the style of a different time and place. Ruthie can't believe how wonderful these rooms are and wants to spend the entire class trip looking at the rooms. The rooms are so realistic that Ruthie thinks it would be wonderful to explore each room firsthand. The unthinkable happens when Ruthie's best friend Jack find a mysterious key which turns out to be magical.

The audiobook edition includes an interview with author, Marianne Malone.

I would recommend this book to readers in 3rd through 5th grade. Readers who have read and enjoyed The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Blue Balliet's mysteries will find The Sixty-Eight Rooms an exciting read.

Dork Diaries series by Rachel Renee Russell book review

Fans of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, particularly girls, will enjoy the Dork Diaries series by Rachel Renee Russell. This series follows the every day life of Nikki Maxwell as she attends Westchester Day School. Nikki just wants to fit in but popular girl, Mackenzie, whose locker is right next to Nikki's makes life difficult for her. In the third book of the series, Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star Nikki must decide whether to tell her two BFFs, Chloe and Zoey, her deep dark secret. The only person who knows her secret is archnemesis Mackenzie. The only reason she can attend Westchester Day School is because her father is the school's exterminator and he worked out a deal for her to get a scholarship to the school. Her secret may get out when the school becomes infested with bugs. Nikki has a dilemma when the school principal calls and leaves a message for her father. Does she give her father the message and risk everyone finding out her secret or does she hope the school finds another exterminator?

This is a very popular series which will widely appeal to young girls, ages 8-12. Boys who have read Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones series may also enjoy reading this series.

Big Nate in a Class By Himself by Lincoln Peirce Book Review

Fans of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series will get a kick out of this new series by Lincoln Peirce. Nate knows he is destined for great things. It might just take him a while to get there. But one day, he gets the following fortune in his fortune cookie: Today You Will Surpass All Others. Nate just knows that means something good is going to happen today, something that is going to be better than everyone else. Maybe his art will be in the spotlight or maybe he'll break a world record. As Nate's day gets worse and worse, he doesn't see how his fortune could come true. Recommended for grades 3-6.

The Other Half of My Heart by Sundee Frazier Book Review

Minni and Keira King are twin sisters and best friends who live in Port Townsend, Washington. The day they were born, they made news around the world: Keira is black like their Mama and Minni is white like their Daddy. They may look like a checkboard to the rest of the world, but they are a close-knit family.

When they turn 11, their Grandmother Johnson wants them to come to North Carolina to participate in the Miss Black Pearl Preteen of America program. Keira is excited to participate but Minni wants nothing to do with it. The girls, who have done everything together, decide they can get through this experience together. Grandmother Johnson can be quite formidable, but the girls often find ways to get back at her for her meanness. But as the week progresses, Minni learns how Keira feels living in almost all-white Port Townsend and their relationship grows tense. Will they make it through the week together or will the bond they've always shared be shattered?

Recommended for children ages 9 and up.

Time For New Books!

We just got some new books today! Here are some of my favorites.

Are You Awake? by Sophie Blackwell
Edward just can't sleep which causes a long night for his mother. Asking his mom if she's awake, she answers no. "Why not?" he asks. "Because it's still nighttime," she answers. This story contiues in this vein until finally they've stayed awake almost long enough to see the sun. Parents with non-sleepy children will sympathize with Edward's mom. (JE Bla)

How to Hug by Maryann Macdonald
Do you know how to hug? This book introduces lots of different types of hugs. The colorful pastel illustrations with children and animals show how much fun hugging can be. (JE Mac)

Back of the Bus by Aaron Reynolds
This is the story of Rosa Parks, told from the point of view of a young boy. He and his mother are riding at the back of the bus one day when it comes to a stop. While he doesn't understand what's going on, he realizes something bad is happening. This is a simple introduction to Rosa Parks. (JE Rey)

Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer
Fans of fairy tales will enjoy this clever book of poetry. As the title suggests, each page contains two poems which are mirror images of each other. It's amazing how wording affects the meaning of a story and shows that there really are two sides to every story! (J 811.54 Sin)

Remember to ask the Children's Librarian for the exact location of these books!

Bad Kitty Meets the Baby by Nick Bruel Book Review

Bad Kitty is back! When we last left her, Uncle Murray was cat & dogsitting Kitty and the "beast" while her owners went away and promised to bring Kitty back a surprise. Her owners have returned with Kitty's surprise, but she isn't all that impressed. It's big, it's stinky and it drools! Kitty thinks it's another "beast" but the neighorhood cats are convinced it's another cat and decide to enter it into the Kitty Olympics. We all know this new "kitty" is actually a baby, but will Bad Kitty be able to accept this new member of the family? This hilariously funny book is perfect for children in grades 2 through 5.

Not familiar with Bad Kitty? Make sure to check out Bad Kitty vs. Uncle Murray.

More Favorite New Children's Books

Here are some more of the favorite new children's picture books that recently arrived at the library. Ask the Children's Librarian for the exact location of these new books.

I Spy With My Little Eye by Edward Gibbs
Children can look through the cut-out hole in the book and try to guess what animal is on the next page. Each animal gives children a hint to what is on the next page. This is a fun introduction to color. (JE Gib)

Froggy Goes to Hawaii by Jonathan London
Froggy is back for another adventure! This time he's going on vacation to Hawaii! While on vacation Froggy dances the hula, goes surfing with his dad and goes looking for sea turtles. But when Froggy is around, unexpected things sometimes happen. (JE Long)

Chamelia by Ethan Long
Most chameleons like to blend in, but Chamelia likes to stand out. Figuring out how to stand out can be difficult but Chamelia makes sure she is always ready. But sometimes things don't go as planned. Can Chamelia stand out but learn to share the spotlight too? (JE Lon)

Hopper and Wilson by Maria van Lieshout
Hopper and his little friend Wilson wonder what it's like at the end of the world. Wanting to find out, they set sail to see for themselves. A cute book about the importance of friendship. The illustrations add to the book's charm. (JE Van)

Spinster Goose: Twisted Rhymes for Naughty Children by Lisa Wheeler & Sophie Blackall
Most children are familiar with Mother Goose and her nursery rhymes, but some children are even too bad for Mother Goose. Those children are sent to Mother Goose's sister's school for naughty children. After reading these fun rhymes, your misbehaving little ones may decide being bad isn't worth being sent to Spinster Goose's school! (JE Whe)

New Childrens Books at the Vineland Public Library

We've got lots of new children's books. Here are some of my favorite new picture books that arrived yesterday.

Spot It! by Delphine Chedru
Fans of the I Spy series will enjoy Spot It! Look for different animals on each double page spread. It might be a baby chick, a fox, a peacock or an owl. Can you find them all?
(JE Che)

Tía Isa Wants a Car by Meg Medina
Tía Isa wants a car to taker herself and her niece to the beach. A shiny green car that's the same color as the ocean. But money is tight-they're also saving money to send to family members who live far away. But Tía Isa's niece wants her aunt to have her car, so helps earn money in little ways. And finally, they have enough money to buy the perfect car to take them to the beach. (JE Med)

How to Teach a Slug to Read by Susan Pearson
A young boy explains to Mama Slug the best way to teach her little slug how to read. Just follow his simple rules! This can also apply to human parents and their little ones. (JE Pea)

Pig Kahuna by Jennifer Sattler
Fergus and his little brother love the beach! They find great treasures that have been brought in by the waves. But they never go in the water because Fergus knows that there's more than treasure in the water: there is also lurking, murky ickiness. So what do they do when the waves bring in a surfboard that nobody wants? (JE Sat)

Splish, Splash, Splat! by Rob Scotton
My favorite cat Splat returns in a new picture book. Splat is not looking forward to his playdate with Spike because he knows that Spike will eat all his candy fish and play with his toys until they break. Things can't get any worse, until Splat learns that he has his first swimming lesson today. If there is anything worse than a playdate with Spike, it is water. Water is horrible, scary and wet! But Splat soon learns that he and Spike have more in common than he thought. And maybe water isn't as bad as he thought.
(JE Sco)

See the Children's Librarian for the exact locations of these books.

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz Book Review

You've probably heard the tale of Hansel and Gretel. But have you ever wonder what happened to Hansel and Gretel after they escaped the witch's gingerbread house? A Tale Dark and Grimm is that story. But beware, this book isn't for the faint of heart! There's blood, dragons, warlocks, and many other scary things.

If you've enjoyed Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, you'll love this book. Recommended for grades 4th through 7th but older teens will also like it.

New Children's Books at the Vineland Public Library

The Vineland Public Library is always getting new books to add to our collection. Here are a few of my favorite new books that just arrived yesterday.




A Friend for Einstein: The Smallest Stallion by Charlie Cantrell & Dr. Rachel Wagner - This is the true story of Einstein, the smallest horse ever born. He is a mini-miniature stallion born to two miniature horses. He may be small but he loves to do what all horses do: gallop, hop, graze and trot. But the other horses are all too big for him to play with. He goes out to look for the perfect friend, but all the animals he meets just aren't right for him. Will he be destined to play alone? The photographs help complement this story and readers can't help but fall in love with Einstein, the mini-miniature horse. (JE Can)




Blackout by John Rocco - Have you ever been too busy to spend quality time with your family? That's the premise of this beautifully illustrated book about a young child who wants to play with her other family members but everyone is too busy. Until the lights go out. When the house gets too stifling hot, the family climbs the steps to the roof, where there are lots of lights on in the sky. And lots of people enjoying the darkness on the rooftops and on the streets below. Sometimes you need a blackout to help you remember to slow down and enjoy what you have. (JE Roc)

Press Here by Hervé Tullet - In this fun interactive book, the author asks the reader to press the yellow dot in the middle of the page. Turn the page and the reader gets a surprise with some more instructions. As the book progresses, fun things happen to the yellow dot. Whether it's pressing the yellow dot, tapping it five times or shaking the book, young readers will have lots of fun with this book. (JE Tul - this book is located in our ABC cube)

Check out more new books on our new book display. Ask the Children's Librarian for the exact location of these books.

The Lightning Thief: the Graphic Novel by Robert Venditti (book review)

Fans of the Percy Jackson series will enjoy the graphic novel based on the first book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. Diehard fans of the series may be a little disappointed by some missing scenes from the original book, but overall this is a good portrayal of the book especially if you just can't get enough of Percy Jackson. Graphic novel fans will also enjoy this book and may even want to continue the series by reading the books. Recommended for ages 9 and up.