The Imaginary by A. F. Harrold

I definitely judged this book by it's cover.  The cover of this book is beautiful.  There are a few pictures throughout The Imaginary and they are all very well done.  I loved it.

The Imaginary would make a good read aloud for a younger grade.  The Imaginary is the story of a young girl with an imaginary friend.  Of course, she's the only one who can see him.  Until....others can see him too.  And she can see other imaginaries too.  Danger is lurking for the imaginaries.  A fun story for those with a great imagination.

Awesome is Everywhere by Neil Pasricha

I have long been a subscriber to Neil Pasricha's blog and have been eagerly awaiting a children's version of his chart topping books.  Awesome is Everywhere does not disappoint.  This book is on sale September 29th but one of the students at my school saw him speak at a book festival last weekend and Neil gave her an autographed copy.  She was so excited that she brought it in to show me and said that I could read it to my library classes all week.  It has been awesome seeing their reactions.  I have read the story to the kindergartens, the grade 8's and all grades in between.

Awesome is Everywhere reads a bit like a meditation book.  I encouraged students to close their eyes and pretend they were on a beach while I read.  The short story also has some relaxation breathing.  For me the ending is the best.  Where is the best place on earth?  Right here in the classroom surrounded by all the awesome kids of course.  There is a mirror at the back and I take the time to make sure each person gets a chance to see themselves.  It was very interesting to watch their reactions.  Some students made funny faces but most smiled.  Some appeared shy.  Only one boy refused to look at all.  Made me think he needs to be told he's awesome a little bit more often.

The story may seem quite primary for the grade 8's but when you flash the last page around they are all smiles.

Neil will be at the Word on the Street in Kitchener on September 26th.

Bug in a Vacuum by Melanie Watt

Melanie Watt has become a must-have author in Canadian children library collections.  Her Scaredy Squirrel series and Chester series are hilarious and so fun to read.  The illustrations are excellent.

Her new picture book Bug in a Vacuum is just like the title says - about a fly that gets sucked up in a vacuum.  The fly goes through a wave of emotions when dealing with his situation; denial, bargaining, anger, despair and eventually acceptance.

Bug in a Vacuum is not quite as funny as the other two series although I'm certain children will find some humour in the story.  I think teachers will gravitate to the story to teach a lesson on emotions and coping with situations.  This book will definitely be added to my school library this fall.  I suspect this will be on the Forest of Reading nominee list this year or next.