Juvenile Review - The Star Shepherd by Dan Haring and MarcyKate Connolly

What a unique, original, and interesting story about the stars!  Eleven year old Kyro helps his Star Shepherd father retrieve stars that have fallen so they can return them to the sky.  The stars were originally put there by the Elders of their civilization, to keep the dark creatures away.  When more and more stars begin falling, and glimpses of the dark creatures begin to occur, Kyro's father goes to investigate and disappears. Kyro is now left with the responsibilities of shepherding the stars back to the sky, finding out what happened to his father, and saving his world before the dark creatures take over.

Kyro is a likeable and sympathetic hero that readers will root for.  His friend Andra is a loyal and true friend who does not allow the prejudices of her elders stop her from doing the right thing.  The author does a good job showing the effect grief and loss can have on both the young and old, and how important it is to share and communicate.  I feel like there could be a sequel to this story in the future, and I look forward to reading it.  4 stars.

Juvenile Review - This is not a picture book! by Sergio Ruzzier

A cute picture book that says it is not a picture book.  This beautifully illustrated book shows the power of words and different feelings you can get from reading a book.  At one point, however, the duck kicks the book away and calls it "stupid." My kids were not allowed to say this "s" word growing up, and I would substitute it for a different word if I read this to a classroom. 4 stars.

Juvenile Review - DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOK! by Michaela Muntean

This book really reminded me of Sesame Street's The Monster at the End of This Book (starring Grover of course). It's funny, really draws the reader into turning the pages (even though they are told repeatedly not to) while teaching them the importance of words and putting words together to mean something. The illustrations add to the learning and humour, and two little spiders have their own interactions as the story goes along. I can't wait to read this to a classroom - the children will love it! 4 stars.