Butterfly Books Staff Picks

Amy's Picks:

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: By Cynthia Rylant 9781423118619. $16.99

I love a re-told fairy tale. The story is classic and the illustrations are beautiful!

 

Invisible I: By Stella Lennon and Melissa Kantor 9780061742125 $16.99

If you like mysteries...you will love trying to figure out who Amanda Valentine is and why she disappeared without telling her friends where she was going or how to get ahold of her.

 

Barbara's Picks:

 

Cathy's Picks:

 

Deb's Picks:

Phillipa Fisher's Fairy Godsister By: Liz Kessler Candlewick Press 97800763645960

Phillipa Fisher, age eleven-and-a-half, lives in a pretty typical town, goes to a typical school, but lives with a family that is a little "different". Her parents are entertainers, and Phillipa's home life is world's apart from her classmates'. Her entertainer parents kiss and hug her good-bye from their loud yellow van; they show affection freely, in public, and often dress in strange clothing combinations.

Daisy is Phillipa's fairy godsister. Daisy does not like humans because of a past injustice to her friend so she goes into her assignment unwillingly. She and Phillipa don't get along. Daisy has to grant Phillipa her wishes, and what Phillipa wants most of all is to be popular in school, and she believes the way to reach that goal is to have a "normal" family. Phillipa quickly realizes that "normal" isn't all it's cracked up to be.

This is a sweet story about growing up. What I liked about the book is that it truly relays the message that positive self-esteem is so important, and the way to get that self-esteem is not by what others think, but about what makes you happy.

I would suggest this book for middle elementary/ school-age to early middle school.

 

A Map of the Known World By: Lisa Ann Sandell Scholastic Press 9780545069700

Ever Since her older brother, Nate, died in a car crash, Cora Bradley, finds peace in drawing maps and envisioning herself in exotic places.

When a child dies, the whole family dynamic changes. Cora finds support from an encouraging art teacher, a new friend, and her developing attraction to Damien, Nate's best friend who was in the car when he died. These relationships all help Cora revive her emotional ties with her family and her self-confidence.

I like the art aspect of this book. The idea of drawing maps to see where you fit in the world is such a great way of describing Cora's art and making it feel real. And it shows that rather striving to "live happily ever after", it is more important to "live".

 

Jan's Picks:

 

Jordyn's Picks:

The Time Traveler's Wife By: Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler's Wife is about an unusual love story. Henry travels through time while Clare patiently awaits each arrival. This story takes you through the couple's struggles and obstacles. Audrey Niffenegger does a terrific job writing this novel. She has a similar writing style to Jodi Piccoult, as Niffenegger switches between Clare and Henry's narrations. This was a great book that I could not put down I recommend reading it before the movie, since the book is always better!

Linda's Picks:

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane By: Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo has crafted a riveting plot with a heartwarming message of loss and love. This book has the potential of becoming a classic with the likes of The Velveteen Rabbit and The Little Prince.

Once and arrogant China rabbit softens through life's trials and tribulations.

Lovely Illustrations introduce each chapter. This could be a great family read-aloud or an independant read for ages 8 through adult.

The Misadventures of Benjamin Bartholomew Piff By: Jason Lehcoe

This is an adventuresome fantasy for readers between the ages of 8 and 11. Benjamin, a sad orphan, has a wonderful event in his life which turns into something not so wonderful.

Readers will root for Ben and be glad that good prevails over evil. More "misadventures" follow in other volumes.

 

 

 

 

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