Gruffen

Written by Chris D'Lacey

Illustrated by Adam Stower

Lucy's mom is an artist that works with clay. Her art studio is called the Dragon's Den because her specialty is creating magical dragons. In fact, their house is protected by many of her creations. Gruffen's job is to protect Lucy from the monster that is flying around her window each night. Much to Gruffen's surprise, the monster turns out to be a really good friend.

This chapter book is the first in a new series by Chris D'Lacey called The Dragons of Wayward Crescent. If Lucy's mom could make you a dragon with a special talent, what kind of dragon would you want? Why?

Nathaniel Fludd Beastologist: Flight of the Phoenix

Written by R. L. LaFevers

Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

Nathaniel's parents were explorers. They left him with a caretaker until his sense of adventure developed, but promised to send for him when he was older. By the time he turned ten and still hadn't received a letter from his parents, Nathaniel gave up on that dream. One day, a lawyer contacted his caregiver stating that he had word from the boy's parents. Unfortunately, the news he had wasn't good; Nathaniel's parents had been declared lost at sea. What's more is that Nathaniel was now to leave his caretaker and live with a distant relative, Phil Fludd. Faced with this life-changing news, Nathaniel was put on a train and sent to the unknown relative's home. Upon his arrival, he learned that this relative was a beastologist, whatever that is. Scared and lonely, Nathaniel was determined to learn all he could about his parents and the rest of his ancestors, as well as to figure out if he deserved to be a member of this family of great explorers.

During his first quest with Aunt Phil, Nathaniel receives a most important gift from a phoenix that he protects. The book ends and we never learn what becomes of this gift. What do you think Nathaniel and Aunt Phil will do with it? Do you think we will read about it in the next book from this series?

Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman

Written by Marc Tyler Nobleman

Illustrated by Ross MacDonald

Although he never felt like he fit in at school, Jerry Siegel knew exactly where he did belong. He belonged at home reading comic books or writing more adventures of superheroes and science fiction stories. His imagination was always wandering off to faraway galaxies or dangerous situations that only a superhero could survive. One day, Jerry met Joe Shuster and realized he had finally found someone just like him! Joe read lots of comic books and made up lots of action stories of his own too. Unlike Jerry, Joe told his stories through pictures. He drew all the time. One day the two boys created a superhero unlike any they had read about before. A publishing company bought their idea and that's how the world was introduced to Superman.

Readers learned that two shy boys worked together to create a superhero that could conquer anything. If you could be a superhero, what would your super power be? Why? How would you use that super power to help the world?

One Giant Leap

Written by Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by Mike Wimmer

Over 41 years ago humans landed on the moon for the first time. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the astronauts on board the Eagle. They had waited their entire careers for the opportunity to be a part of such a special mission! History was made that July day in 1969. The whole world watched for the images of a landscape that had never before been seen and listened for the very first words to be spoken on the moon's surface. The astronauts had only two hours to collect rocks and other samples and to explore their immediate surroundings in that foreign place. After lots of effort, they finally got an American flag to stand tall and proud on the moon's surface. Then, it was time for liftoff and reconnecting with Columbia to finish the final part of their journey - a safe trip back to Earth.

Can you imagine what Neil and Buzz felt like as they made the journey back to Earth after landing successfully on the moon? What do you think they did first when they arrived at home? Would you travel to the moon if you had the opportunity?

Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember

Written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins

Wild animals are fascinating! Larger animals like tigers, sharks, and crocodiles are obviously dangerous, but did you know that some smaller creatures are equally as deadly? For instance, did you know that you should never collect a cone shell? Did you know that the cane toad is extremely venomous? I bet you also thought smiling at rhesus monkeys was completely harmless; but you should never do that either!

What was the most interesting fact about a deadly creature that you learned from this book? You can research using the library's online resources to find out more about your favorite animal. (Ask Mrs. Jankowski for the login information!)