Going to Bed Book or Harold and Purple Crayon 50th Anniversary Edition

Going to Bed Book

Author: Sandra Boynton

It's BIG fun from Sandra Boynton in this big, big size of this favorite title. Great for laps and sharing, this oversized edition on thick, sturdy board material is perfect for oversized fun for children of all ages. This classic bedtime story is just right for winding down the day as a joyful, silly group of animals scrub scrub scrub in the tub, brush, brush brush their teeth and finally rock and rock and rock to sleep.

See also: Kitchens of Biro or The Vegetarian Chili Cookbook

Harold and Purple Crayon 50th Anniversary Edition

Author: Crockett Johnson

One evening Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight. But there wasn't any moon, and Harold needed a moon for a walk in the moonlight. Fortunately, he had brought his purple crayon. So he drew a moon. He also needed something to walk on. So he drew a path...

And thus begins one of the most imaginative and enchanting adventures in all of children's books. The creative concept behind this beloved story has intrigued children and kept them absorbed for generations, as page by page unfolds the dramatic and clever adventures of Harold and his purple crayon.

Horn Book

An ingenious and original picture story in which a small boy out for a walk--happily with crayon in hand--draws himself some wonderful adventures. A little book that will be loved.

Barbara L. Talcroft - Children's Literature

Harold's fiftieth birthday (he appeared in 1955) finds him much the same as ever except for an anniversary sticker and a brighter jumpsuit on the cover. At the time, his creator, Crockett Johnson, was already known for political cartoons in New Masses, his comic strip Barnaby, and pictures for children's books by his wife Ruth Krauss. In the last decade of his life, Johnson turned to painting large abstracts based on geometric theorems. The paintings are mostly forgotten, but Harold has delighted children for generations with his insouciant look and his big purple crayon, with which he creates an entire universe of imaginative adventures on perfectly blank pages. Harold's graphic journey takes him through a wood (containing one apple tree), into the sea and a sailboat, up a mountain, and onto a balloon. He can conjure up anything with a line, including a fearsome dragon, a picnic of nine pies, a whole city of windowed buildings, and finally, his own window with the moon outside. As he settles into his cozy bed, young children breathe a sigh of relief and wonder. Johnson's style is, as he explained, "simplified, almost diagrammatic for clear storytelling, avoiding all arbitrary decoration." Baby Harold and his crayon live on—admired by artists like Chris Van Allsburg and Maurice Sendak, praised by critics, loved by children—as a celebration of the power of art and imagination. 1955, HarperCollins, Ages 2 to 7.

Peter and the Secret of Rundoon or Fox in Socks

Peter and the Secret of Rundoon (Starcatchers Series #3)

Author: Dave Barry

In this action-packed finale to the Starcatchers series, Peter and Molly find themselves in the dangerous land of Rundoon, ruled by an evil king who enjoys watching his pet snake consume those who displease him. But that's just the beginning of problems facing our heroes, who once again find themselves pitted against the evil shadow-creature Lord Ombra in a struggle to save themselves, not to mention the planet. It's a wild desert adventure, with rockets, carpets, and camels all flying through the air, zooming toward an unforgettable climax...

Children's Literature

In this final volume of the "Starcatcher" trilogy, Molly and her father join with George Darling, Peter Pan, various lost boys, and even Captain Hook to foil evil King Zarboff the Third, evil scientist Viktor Glotz, and supremely evil shadow Ombra in their plot to use starstuff to destroy not only the entire world, but the entire universe. Barry and Pearson are experienced storytellers, deftly interweaving several suspenseful storylines chockablock with action-packed adventures, converging on a series of just-in-the-nick-of-time climaxes. It is not surprising that young readers flock to their book signings dressed up as pirates. But those who know and love the original Peter Pan will find much of this incarnation of J. M. Barrie's characters unforgivable. How can the elegant and class-obsessed Captain Hook, educated at a famous British public school, who in Barrie's book cries, "Proud and insolent youth, prepare to meet thy doom!" now utter sentences like "there ain't nothing up here to hit" and "Looks like them red-painted savages is heading to the local savage village"? How can cocky Peter Pan obey every order of Molly's father with a meek and dutiful "Yes, sir"? Most of all, how can Peter, "gay and innocent and heartless," who does not even know the difference between a kiss and a thimble, blush while he kisses Molly on the lips? If authors are going to appropriate well-loved classics for their own commercial purposes, they should at least read the original book first. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D.

VOYA

The fate of all existence rests in the hands of Peter Pan and his allies in this gripping final installment of the Starcatcher series. After their previous adventures battling pirates and the shadowy malevolent beings known as "the Others," Peter, the orphaned "lost" boys, and Tinkerbell are trying to content themselves with a quiet life on Mollusk Island. When attacked by the savage Scorpion warriors, Peter and his friends escape only to be captured by the evil King Zarboff and brought to the exotic land of Rundoon. While imprisoned, Peter learns the dreadful Lord Ombra, the Others' leader, is still alive and implementing a diabolically dangerous plan to obtain more of the mysterious and powerful "starstuff." Peter also discovers shocking information about his parents and his true identity, and is forced to use his special abilities to help the Others. Meanwhile back in London, Molly, an aspiring member of the noble Starcatchers and Peter's would-be love interest, learns of the Others' threat. Molly and her friend George Darling head to Rundoon to help Peter and rescue Molly's father. Captain Hook and his band of pirates even play an unexpectedly heroic role as they get caught up in the action. This thoroughly satisfying and fast-paced adventure blends humor and drama in a compelling and moving story about friendship and growing up. Although billed as the last book in the series, Barry and Pearson pose enough unresolved questions to create the possibility of further Peter Pan adventures. Reviewer: Amy Luedtke

Kirkus Reviews

In this double-stranded, nearly nonstop close to the Starcatchers trilogy (at least its direct line; the authors are also producing spin-offs), peaceful Mollusk Island is overrun by savage invaders, while Peter, acerbic Tinkerbell and the Starcatchers are away in the North African land of Rundoon battling the darkness-loving Others. For one long pause, the reconstituted shadow-eater Lord Ombra stops to explain in great detail the Others's scheme to rewind the entire universe back to its pre-Big Bang state, and to reveal that the fabulously valuable "starstuff" that falls to Earth occasionally is effluent from "a leak in the plumbing of the universe." Otherwise, it's all one grand and glorious string of captures, escapes and cliffhangers, with a large supporting cast featuring a flying camel, a giant snake, a mad Russian rocket scientist and lots of monkeys. In the end, all's been set right and the main characters are, more or less, in place for the opening of Peter Pan, to which this has all been a prelude. Kudos to Barry and Pearson for a funny, clever, melodramatic romp. (Fantasy. 11-13)

Interesting textbook: AyurVedic Zone Diet or Anorexia Nervosa and Recovery

Fox in Socks

Author: Dr Seuss

Back in 1957, Theodor Geisel responded to an article in Life magazine that lamented the use of boring reading primers in schools. Using the pseudonym of "Dr. Seuss" (Seuss was Geisel's middle name) and only two hundred twenty-three words, Geisel created a replacement for those dull primers: "The Cat in the Hat." The instant success of the book prompted Geisel and his wife to found Beginner Books, and Geisel wrote many popular books in this series, including "Hop on Pop," "Fox in Socks," and "Green Eggs and Ham." Other favorite titles in this series are "Go, Dog, Go!" and "Are You My Mother?" by P. D. Eastman, "A Fly Went By," by Mike McClintock, and "Put Me in the Zoo," by Robert Lopshire. These affordable hardcover books combine large print, easy vocabulary, and large, bright illustrations in stories kids will want to read again and again. Grades 1 - Grades 2.

A Light in the Attic or The Mysterious Benedict Society

A Light in the Attic: Special Edition

Author: Shel Silverstein

Last night, while I lay thinking here,
Some Whatifs crawled inside my ear
And pranced and partied all night long
And sang their same old Whatif song:
Whatif I flunk that test?
Whatif green hair grows on my chest?
Whatif nobody likes me?
Whatif a bolt of lightning strikes me? . . .

Here in the attic of Shel Silverstein you will find Backward Bill, Sour Face Ann, the Meehoo With an Exactlywatt, and the Polar Bear in the Frigidaire. You will talk with the Broiled Face, and find out what happens when someone steals your knees, you get caught by the Quick-Digesting Gink, a mountain snores, and they’ve put a brassiere on the camel.

With 12 never-before-published poems, here is a special edition of this beloved poetry collection, from the creator of Where the Sidewalk ends and Falling Up.

New interesting textbook: Childhood Emergencies or Herbs for a Healthy Pregnancy

The Mysterious Benedict Society (Mysterious Benedict Society Series #1)

Author: Trenton Lee Stewart

ARE YOU A GIFTED CHILD Looking for special opportunities?

When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. (And you, dear listener, can test your wits right alongside them.) But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful
children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.
As our heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations, they have no choice but to turn to each other for support. But with their newfound friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all?
Welcome to the mysterious benedict society.

Publishers Weekly

Kids who are itching for a boarding-school-set fantasy-adventure in between visits to Hogwarts might pleasantly pass the time listening to this quirky tale, which is narrated with panache and a tone of childlike curiosity by Roy. When an ad reading "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" appears in a local paper, it's hard for many children to resist. But only four out of dozens pass the rigorous mind-bending tests that prove they are special and talented enough to undertake a mysterious mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened (as assigned by narcoleptic benefactor Mr. Benedict). Reynie, Kate, Sticky and Constance band together using their unique gifts (be it for photographic memory, puzzle-solving or acrobatics) to uncover the dastardly plot of the Learning Institute's founder, Ledroptha Curtain. Roy's voice, masculine and scratchy, but able to reach a youthful high pitch, is an enjoyable companion for the four protagonist's exploits. Though some of Mr. Curtain's plans sound preposterously convoluted, they are humorously so. Listeners are rewarded when all wraps up nicely by program's end. Ages 10-up. (Mar.)

Gifted 11-year-old orphan Reynie Muldoon is sharing the newspaper with his tutor when she excitedly points out an ad: "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" She encourages him to take the series of tests cited in the ad, and the entire process resembles the otherworldly experience of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with puzzles within puzzles and tests within tests-some mental, some ethical, some physical. Ultimately three children pass the first test and go on to the next: Reynie, Sticky (born George) Washington and Kate Wetherall-all of them essentially orphans. A fourth, the "very, very small" Constance Contraire, joins them later, and Mr. Benedict describes why he has brought them together. Initially, readers-like the four children-may be unsure of what to think about this mysterious gent: Is he hero or villain? Mr. Benedict has recruited them to foil an evil plan, devised by a mysterious "Sender," to brainwash the population via secret messages-delivered by children-embedded in television and radio programs. The plot-driven novel follows many adventures among the four, whose unique talents all come into play; readers will likely warm to each of them. A couple of concluding twists involving Kate and Connie may throw readers a bit, but these do not detract from the book's entertainment value or from the author's sound overall structure. Though the book is lengthy, readers will likely enjoy getting lost in this fully imagined realm. Ages 8-12. (Mar.)

Children's Literature

Dozens of young people answer a newspaper ad that offers gifted children special opportunities. After only four of them pass a series of challenging tests, two boys and two girls are admitted to the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. Their secret mission is to discover who is using children to send hidden messages through radio and television transmissions. The children successfully use their special skills to thwart the headmaster's evil plan. Although Stewart's debut novel is lengthy, it is fast-paced and will hold the reader's interest. Children will find out that the Institute's headmaster is the evil twin brother of the kind gentleman behind the newspaper ad, Mr. Benedict. The young characters in this title will inspire the reader to follow through with their obligations, even when faced with temptation, self-doubt, and fear. This is a feel-good story with a happy ending for the four orphaned and runaway children who find friendship and family.

VOYA

Reynie, an exceptionally intelligent eleven-year-old orphan, responds to an ad seeking "gifted children for special opportunities." After testing, he is one of four youth who pass all the tests. He and the others-Sticky, Kate, and Constance-meet Mr. Benedict, who has brought them together to save the world from a plot to control it through an invention called the Whisperer, a device that works on a subliminal level to undermine the public's self-esteem and perception of safety. To complete their mission, the four children must enter the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened-conveniently situated on an island in the harbor of their town-as prospective students. The mission's success relies on the talents of each youth: Reynie's knack for leadership, Sticky's eidetic memory, Kate's energy and resourcefulness, and Constance's stubborn and contrary nature. The four call themselves the Mysterious Benedict Society, their first step in bonding as a family. Stewart's style is reminiscent of authors such as Cornelia Funke or Garth Nix. His writing is clear, intelligent, and respectful of his audience. He maintains the suspense brilliantly and introduces a subtle horror in the children's situation in the school that is chilling yet not overwhelming. He laces the narrative with subtle humor on all levels. The characters are well developed, mostly appealing, and evenhanded. Ellis's line drawings add a crowning flair. Do not miss this one. Buy two copies because they will be needed.

Beth L. Meister - School Library Journal

Gr 5–9
After Reynie Muldoon responds to an advertisement recruiting "gifted children looking for special opportunities," he finds himself in a world of mystery and adventure. The 11-year-old orphan is one of four children to complete a series of challenging and creative tasks, and he, Kate, Constance, and Sticky become the Mysterious Benedict Society. After being trained by Mr. Benedict and his assistants, the four travel to an isolated school where children are being trained by a criminal mastermind to participate in his schemes to take over the world. The young investigators need to use their special talents and abilities in order to discover Mr. Curtain's secrets, and their only chance to defeat him is through working together. Readers will challenge their own abilities as they work with the Society members to solve clues and put together the pieces of Mr. Curtain's plan. In spite of a variety of coincidences, Stewart's unusual characters, threatening villains, and dramatic plot twists will grab and hold readers' attention. Fans of Roald Dahl or Blue Balliett will find a familiar blend of kid power, clues, and adventure in Society , though its length may daunt reluctant or less-secure readers. Underlying themes about the power of media messages and the value of education add to this book's appeal, and a happy ending with hints of more adventures to come make this first-time author one to remember.

Kirkus Reviews

Running long but hung about with cantrips to catch clever readers, Stewart's children's debut pits four exceptional youngsters, plus a quartet of adult allies, against a deranged inventor poised to inflict an involuntary "Improvement" on the world. Recruited by narcoleptic genius Mr. Benedict through a set of subtle tests of character, Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance are dispatched to the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened to find out how its brilliant founder, Ledroptha Curtain, is sending out powerful mental messages that are sowing worldwide discord. Gifted with complementary abilities that range from Reynie's brilliance with detail to Constance's universally infuriating contrariness, the four pursue their investigation between seemingly nonsensical lessons and encounters with sneering upper-class "Executives," working up to a frantic climax well-stocked with twists and sudden reversals. Low in physical violence, while being rich in moral and ethical issues, as well as in appealingly complex characters and comedy sly and gross, this Lemony Snicket-style outing sprouts hooks for hearts and minds both-and, appropriately, sample pen-and-ink illustrations that look like Brett Helquist channeling Edward Gorey. (Fantasy. 11-13)

The Night Before Christmas or The Sea of Monsters

The Night Before Christmas

Author: Clement C Moor

Not a creature was stirring when jolly St. Nicholas came down the chimney...except the narrator of this well-loved rhyme. His eyewitness account of the arrival of the toy-filled sleigh and eight reindeer is beautifully illustrated by Deborah Jones's warm and glowing pictures, while soft-to-touch pages make this book as special as the season.

Publishers Weekly

Folk artist and preacher Finster infuses his interpretation of the traditional holiday poem with his characteristic evangelical verve. Patterned with what look to be brush doodlings, his surreal compositions create a psychedelic party mood that contrasts sharply with the rather staid verse. Each spread is framed by a running word-border of such Finster preachings as "I am trying to get people back to God before the end of the earths [sic] planet." An eccentric dose of holiday cheer. All ages. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

Spirin's (The Tale of the Firebird) luxurious watercolor-and-colored pencil compositions whisk readers to what looks like a snowy New England village in the 1800s for his graceful reimagining of Moore's poem. He renders every chimney, windowpane and bare tree branch with crisp style and care; Saint Nick is effortlessly jolly, donning blue boots with his traditional red fur garb. Each passage opens with a tiny spot illustration, accompanied by a vertical border piece on the side, shaped like a grandfather clock or a bookmark and depicting some village scenery. Youngsters will be pleased that the artist breaks with tradition, casting the narrator as a boy (instead of the father). An edition sure to be cherished, especially by Spirin fans and art lovers. All ages. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

Like Whatley (see above), Tudor also whisks readers to New England, this time to a quiet spot in early-19th-century Vermont. Her cozy, nostalgic watercolor scenes, often lit by candle or roaring fire, are viewed as if through a large oval peephole. Loose ink lines and slightly hazy figures succeed in creating an aura of holiday fantasy. A spunky, elfin Saint Nicholas, a menagerie of perky pets (including the corgis, of course) and a very busy family of mice partying beneath the floorboards add a sense of fun. All ages. (Oct.)

Sharon Salluzzo - Children's Literature

Santa always knows just the perfect present, and so it is in Whatley's unusual interpretation of this classic Christmas poem. Santa spies a photograph of a boy dressed as a cowboy. The man indicates to Santa that it is a picture of himself, and when he was a child, he dreamed of being a cowboy. Santa presents him with a cowboy figure that appears to be of more recent vintage and looks somewhat like a cross between Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. Unusual angles and interesting perspectives abound in the illustrations. The reindeer are memorable for their expressions, and St. Nick is a kindly-looking fellow. This is the board book version of a picture book published in 1999. 2004 (orig. 1999), HarperFestival/HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 5.

Children's Literature

The white end papers display antique toys, such as a top, a drum and a "jack o'box," and set the stage for the post-Victorian era snow-covered New England setting. It is night. In a cutaway view of the house we can see the children as well as the parents nestled in their beds. The house is decorated with three Christmas trees. Full-page spreads are interspersed with small close-ups that illustrate the words of this traditional Christmas poem. The illustrated two-page spreads have no text on them but allow the reader to peruse the details of the paintings such as the deer jumping through a field and the ice that has formed on the waterwheel. Santa, himself, seems fashioned on the late 19th and early 20th century drawings. On page 29 he can be seen relaxing in a wing back chair, coat open with a water glass in one hand and petting the dog with the other. Moses talks about his family's Christmas traditions in the introduction. He has created this book with the memories of his childhood Christmases in mind. This is a lovely option for those looking for a traditional rendering of Moore's poem.

Children's Literature

In this traditional Christmas poem, the pictures show Santa driving a space ship, although he still has reindeer. The dashboard of the sleigh has various dials that read: NITROUS GAMA E-INJECT, CONTINENT, HOT CHOCOLATE, and SPACE COMPRESS. In the illustration for "He was dressed all in fur," Santa wears white furry trousers. Various elves carry a plastic tape dispenser, dog milk bone, an origami stork, and use a vacuum cleaner. The artist has an interview with St. Nick in which the question of how Santa is able to distribute all the presents in one night is answered, "the sleigh is able to expand the moment between 'tick' and 'tock' on Christmas Eve." Children and their parents will enjoy the artist's humorous interpretation of this old favorite.

Children's Literature

The book isn't new, but the illustrations are. Clement C. Moore's classic book describing Santa's night visit delivering toys to good boys and girls is as delightful today as it was when first published in the 1800s. The rhymes, descriptive words, the reindeer with endearing names and Santa's helpers hurrying to finish the toys in time for delivery still delight young readers and adults alike. The description of Santa will linger in a child's mind as he waits for sleep. His eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard of his chin was as white as the snow. It is a story that never grows old, but seems quite new through an illustrator's creative rendition. Illustrator Watson has done a wonderful job interpreting Moore's The Night Before Christmas. The drawings are clear, crisp and life-like. The colors are vivid and sharp and pleasing to the eye. The pictures jump out at the reader; they are so full of action. And Santa's 21st century sleigh is an up-to-date marvel that not only delivers toys, but at the touch of a button will serve up a cup of hot chocolate, espresso and milk for a weary Santa Claus. The elves in the front and back of the book are charming, whimsical visions of wonder. Lastly, the book cover is a close-up rendering of a jolly, red-cheeked, bearded Santa wearing flying goggles and headgear. "The Night Before Christmas" is a lovely tale, but Watson's illustrations are a feast for the eyes. Back material includes a clever Q & A two-pager between St. Nick and Watson. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi

School Library Journal

K-Gr 5 No nostalgia here! Marshall's cartoon-like illustrations for Moore's well-known and much-loved poem are thoroughly modern, often very funny and typical of the artist. A cozy Cape Cod house sits in the snow with the unstirring mouse nestled in the bright green wreath on its door. Plump dogs, cats, a chicken (and even a mouse) abound in the comfortably cluttered house in which stockings are hung and people sleep. The animals join Papa as he watches the arrival of the plump old elf down the road and up to the roof. After his unceremonious entrance but before his gift distribution, St. Nick (in his cowboy boots with stars) poses for a photograph taken by the mouse and raids the refrigerator with his reindeer hungrily looking on. As St. Nick's final wish for a happy Christmas is exclaimed, the animals settle down again amid the bountiful and brightly decorated packages. Although the format is predictable (one page of text next to a one-page illustration), this is a fresh look at an old narrative. It may not appeal to everyone, but should cause all (except perhaps Scrooges) to chuckle. Maria B. Salvadore , District of Columbia Public Library

BookList

Rand illustrates Moore's famous poem in a large-format picture book that showcases his colorful paintings in a series of double-page spreads. Even children in the back row of a story-time group will get the full effect of the moonlit New England snowscapes and cozy, period interiors. Not a stretch for Rand, but he's comfortably in his stride here, and his fans will find plenty to like. In fact, almost anyone looking for a traditional, soft-focus interpretation of this Christmas favorite will find it an appealing picture book.

Kirkus Reviews

A most unusual title page sets the magical tone for this distinctive interpretation of Moore's classic Christmas poem. A full moon on the left-hand page encloses the author and illustrator information, with the volume's title spelled out across the bottom of the spread by the twisted branches of snow-topped trees. Santa and his reindeer soar overhead all the way to the edge of the right-hand page, leading the reader right into the story. The narrator of this version is a wide-eyed young boy who peers out the window in amazement and then creeps down the stairs to meet St. Nicholas as he fills the stockings. Spirin's sumptuous illustrations with touches of gold have a subtle glow provided by firelight or moonlight, with striking shadows courtesy of the full moon. A wordless spread in the center of the volume offers a dramatic pause with a full view of the sleigh and the reindeer in flight, golden sleigh bells glistening. The Victorian setting is complemented by an old-fashioned typeface and a tall, painted clock noting the midnight hour next to each verse of the poem. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-7)

The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series #2)

Author: Rick Riordan

After a summer spent trying to prevent a catastrophic war among the Greek gods, Percy Jackson finds his seventh-grade school year unnervingly quiet. His biggest problem is dealing with his new friend, Tyson-a six-foot-three, mentally challenged homeless kid who follows Percy everywhere, making it hard for Percy to have any "normal" friends.

But things don't stay quiet for long. Percy soon discovers there is trouble at Camp Half-Blood: the magical borders which protect Half-Blood Hill have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and the only safe haven for demigods is on the verge of being overrun by mythological monsters. To save the camp, Percy needs the help of his best friend, Grover, who has been taken prisoner by the Cyclops Polyphemus on an island somewhere in the Sea of Monsters, the dangerous waters Greek heroes have sailed for millennia-only today, the Sea of Monsters goes by a new name.the Bermuda Triangle.

Now Percy and his friends-Grover, Annabeth, and Tyson-must retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Island of the Cyclopes by the end of the summer or Camp Half-Blood will be destroyed. But first, Percy will learn a stunning new secret about his family-one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon's son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.

Child Magazine

In a comic blend of Greek mythology and modern life, our protagonist, Percy (a half-god, half-human with ADHD), finds himself in a seventh-grade dodgeball game overrun by giant cannibalistic monsters. Trouble continues to follow Percy and his classmates as they journey to the Sea of Monsters -- aka the Bermuda Triangle -- to save not only Camp Half-Blood (a summer haven for demigods), but Percy's satyr friend Grover, who's being held hostage by a Cyclops, and, oh yes, all of Western Civilization. Featuring the cliff-hangers and sassy attitude kids loved in The Lightning Thief -- plus a surprising new family secret -- this outstanding sequel should win over a fresh legion of fans. (Ages 8 to 12)
Child magazine's Best Children's Book Awards 2006

Publishers Weekly

Seventh grader Percy Jackson, who found out he was Poseidon's son in The Lightning Thief, returns in The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan, and with his fellow Olympian myth mates tries to save their beloved Camp Half-Blood from an evil and mysterious enemy. Narrator Jesse Berns is back on board, too, with the snappy delivery and all the right funny touches that make this action-packed fantasy such fun. (May)

Judy Crowder - Children's Literature

Percy Jackson deals with many issues of his age group: navigating seventh grade, dealing with school yard bullies, being the son of a single mom, and wishing it were summer so he could be at camp. But this seemingly typical adolescent life has a major wrinkle—his father happens to be Poseidon, the Sea God. Percy—short for Perseus—is a half-blood, with one human parent, the other a god. Half-bloods like Percy are more prevalent than you think. Camp Half-Blood, on the northern end of Long Island, is their refuge and training ground. But this year something's wrong. Chiron, their favorite activities director and centaur, is being forced out, and their camp has been poisoned by a mysterious enemy. Percy finds himself saddled with Tyson, a well-meaning but mentally handicapped Cyclops. Percy also finds himself having nightmares about his friend, Grover, a satyr. Suddenly it is up to Percy, his half-blood friend, Annabeth, and Tyson to travel to the Sea of Monsters in order to find the cure and try to rescue Grover. Here comes trouble in the form of Luke, once Percy's half-blood friend, who will try to thwart him at every turn. This book, sequel to The Lightning Thief, is an amazing mixture of mythology and young adult fiction. It is filled with characters from Greek mythology, Homer, and even legend (the pirate Blackbeard and his ship, The Queen Anne's Revenge). What extraordinary writing! Young readers may want to keep a guide to gods handy or bone up beforehand. What a great addition to a classroom unit on mythology this would be! Modernization of mythological characters is a joy—the Gray Sisters Taxi the teens catch is driven by Tempest, Anger, and Wasp,with one eye among them; Circe becomes C.C., who changes her victims into guinea pigs instead of hogs; and so on. Here's hoping this magical series continues for many, many books. This is the second book in the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series. 2006, Hyperion Books for Children, Ages 12 to 16.

David Goodale - VOYA

Percy Jackson, half-blood son of the Greek god Poseidon, makes it through seventh grade without incident-until the last day. Then a deadly game of dodge ball destroys the gym and sets Percy on a new quest. Percy's friend, the satyr Grover, is being held captive on an island in the Sea of Monsters. Furthermore the refuge for half bloods, Camp Half-Blood Hill, is now under threat because of the poisoning of its guardian tree. Percy and friends, including his newly discovered half-brother, Tyson (a cyclops), must navigate the Sea of Monsters and rescue Grover. They must also return with the Golden Fleece in order to heal the guardian tree and secure the camp. There is an interesting subplot between Percy and Tyson involving acceptance. An unexpected development at the end leaves unanswered questions and augurs a third book. In the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, Riordan introduces classic Greek myths and characters into the modern world with comical results. Circe turns men into guinea pigs instead of real pigs ("much more convenient"), and Hermes wears "nylon running shorts and a New York City Marathon T-shirt." Also there is logic behind Riordan's fantasy that allows him to create a believable universe (the Sea of Monsters is now known as the Bermuda Triangle). Riordan's books are developing into a great series for fantasy fans who enjoy action, quick pacing, and humor. Purchase multiple copies if fantasy is popular. It is best to read The Lightning Thief (Hyperion, 2005/VOYA August 2005) first. VOYA CODES: 3Q 5P M J (Readable without serious defects; Every YA (who reads) was dying to read it yesterday; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to9). 2006, Hyperion, 352p., Ages 11 to 15.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-In this second installment in the series, Percy, Poseidon's 13-year-old demigod son, is desperate to rescue his friend Grover, captive of the bloodthirsty Cyclops Polyphemus, and to retrieve the healing Golden Fleece. The sheepskin is needed to restore the protection around Camp Half-Blood, the only safe haven for the children of gods and humans, heroes-in-training in our modern world. However, the camp has already been compromised and the quest for the Golden Fleece has been awarded to the bully Clarisse. Encouraged by Hermes, Percy sets off for the Bermuda Triangle anyway with his friend Annabeth and classmate Tyson, who turns out to be a half-brother and a Cyclops as well. Adventure follows chaotic adventure at a rapid pace, and readers with even a passing acquaintance with the Odyssey will enjoy this fresh use of familiar stories. Percy is an appealing kid, and the subject of a chilling prophecy may resonate with readers. Those who start the series with this title will be drawn in by the clever humor and have the opportunity to go back to The Lightning Thief (Hyperion, 2005) before the inevitable sequel appears.-Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Kirkus Reviews

Percy (Perseus) Jackson, the half-blood son of Poseidon, returns for a second quest across a modern America secretly ruled by the Greek Gods. His school year has been strangely uneventful until Laestrygonians, man-eating giants from the Odyssey, attack him on the dodgeball court. Percy, along with Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and new friend Tyler, street kid and secret Cyclops, escape first to Camp Half-Blood, also beset by monsters, and then on a quest for the Golden Fleece. They need the Fleece to cure Thalia's tree that used to protect the camp from monsters. They run afoul of Circe, Scylla and Charybdis and Polyphemus among others. They also butt heads with Luke, deviant son of Hermes, who is determined to bring Kronos, Titan Lord, back from dismemberment to overthrow the gods. Potter parallels continue to pile up, but fans of The Lightning Thief (2005) won't care. Though it's doubtful Percy wouldn't guess Tyler's otherworldly connection immediately after the dodgeball game, and though some of the humor will zip over the heads of the target audience, Percy's sardonic narration and derring-do will keep the pages turning. (Fiction. 10-14)

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