Et cetera : Book Review: A trio of reviews

A Trio of Children's Books
Reviewed by Connie Bennett

Sophie's Masterpiece
By Eileen Spinelli
Children's Fiction
AR 3.2
Recommended
By Kellie Roberts,
Children's Librarian
"ACK! A spider!" If this is your reaction upon seeing a harmless house spider, you really need to read this book and get acquainted with Sophie! This young spider made her family very proud, and made her friends think she was wonderful! You see, Sophie is an artist, and creates the most beautiful webs anyone has ever seen! They are all certain that Sophie will one day create a masterpiece. Check out this charming book and read the story of Sophie's life!
Published 2001
Aladdin Paperbacks
NY

Hello Lighthouse
By Sophie Blackall
Children's Fiction
AR 3.4
Recommended
By Kellie Roberts,
Children's Librarian
Have you ever visited an actual lighthouse, especially a very old one from days gone by? This book is the closest thing to a visit that most people will ever see. After the fictionalized story of a lighthouse keeper and his family, there is a short history of these structures, and the daily lives of the people who called them home. Included are beautiful, informative pictures and details that speak of loneliness, but also of adventure! Historically accurate and entertaining!
Published 2018
By Hatchette Group
NY

Mr. Crum's Potato Predicament
By Anne Renaud
Children's Fiction
AR 5.1
Recommended
By Kellie Roberts,
Children's Librarian
Just inside the front cover of this book is the statement: "The story you are about to savor is a fictional tale with a helping of truth." I must disagree, since the title character, Mr. Crum, actually existed, and was a cook in a well-known restaurant in New York State. This story has been repeated as truth, and is backed up by photos, ads, and a story in the New York Tribune on December 27, 1891. If you are a potato chip aficionado, or even if you aren't, the story of how the classic snack came to be is "one for the books! " Bon Appetite!"
Published 2017
By Kids Can Press
Toronto, ON