Spellbound

My Name Is Chicken Joe (with CD)
Songs written and performed by Trout Fishing in America
Illustrations by Stéphane Jorisch
Suggested for ages 3 to 8

A 48-page storybook brings to life the lyrics of the song “Chicken Joe.” The accompanying CD features  11 previously released Trout Fishing in America songs which tell the whimsical title story of a cat named Chicken Joe and other fun, nonsensical animals. The four-time Grammy nominated duo, formed by Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet, has earned widespread critical praise.

Click below to see a video trailer of the book:

Song Title Listing:
Chicken Joe  
My Best Day
I Can Dance  
Something Sweet  
It’s a Puzzle  
Fill It Up
Why I Pack My Lunch
La La Land
Boiled Okra and Spinach
Hard Ball  
Count On Me  

Highway Robbery
by Kate Thompson
Illustrated by Jonny Duddle
Suggested for Ages 10 and Up
Reviewed by Leslie H.

Kate Thompson is the author of one of my favorite YA novels of the last few years, The New Policeman. Now she’s brought her substantial gift for atmospheric and almost lyrical storytelling to a middle grade novel featuring a rascally but loveable street urchin, a legendary highwayman, and the outlaw’s equally legendary horse Black Bess. As the young narrator’s story unfolds we are irresistibly caught up in his tale of how he came to be in possession of this fine mare and his ensuing adventure… but is he telling the truth? By the end of the story, most readers won’t care–they’ll just want to go back and read it again!

The publisher recommendation for this book is for ages 10 and up, but many kids 8 and up will be able to read it on their own, and it would make a great read-aloud for those not quite ready to tackle it alone. The ample illustrations help to plunge the reader into the world of our young unnamed narrator and are well worth poring over by themselves. Duddle’s style is jaunty and whimsical but still rich with detail, showing a wonderful depth of expression on the faces of Thompson’s characters. Coming in at well under 200 pages, this gem is a reminder that good things still come in small packages.