Kids have various feelings about returning to school. Some might be anxious or afraid, some might prefer not to go to school at all, others might be glad to go back to school, and a few might be elated to return. Regardless what camp the child in your life belongs to, the books reviewed today are good choices that address school and learning in one way or another.

BOOKS TO BORROW

“The Report Card” by Andrew Clements, Simon & Schuster, 173 pages

Read aloud: age 8, 9 and older

Read yourself: age 9, 10 and older

Do grades and standardized tests really measure a person’s intelligence? Not according to fifth-grader Nora Rowley, and Nora has a plan to prove she’s right.

The fact is, Nora is a genius, but she’s the only one who knows that. She discovered her genius when she was a little girl but didn’t want to stand out, so Nora intentionally always has been an average student. But with standardized tests making her friends and classmates nervous and worried, Nora decides it’s time to take action. 

LIBRARIAN’S CHOICE

Library: Bill Memorial Library, 240 Monument St., Groton

Library Director: Wendy Connal

Children’s Services: Mary-Jane Carle

Choices this week: “You Can Do It, Sam” by Amy Hest; “Francis the Scaredy Cat” by Ed Boxall; “The Great Fire” by Jim Murphy 

BOOKS TO BUY

“My Favorite Pets: by Gus W. for Ms. Smolinski’s Class” by Jeanne Birdsall, illustrated by Harry Bliss, Knopf, 2016, 34 pages

Read aloud: age 5 to 8

Read yourself: age 7 and 8

Ms. Smolinski’s students are to write a report on their favorite pet, and Gus knows exactly what he will write about: the 17 sheep that live in his yard.

Gus includes facts interspersed with lots of humor, such as, “A girl sheep is called a ewe. If you say, ‘Hey, Ewe,’ she won’t answer. Even if you shout it.” Gus also points out that sheep look silly with pajamas on their heads; sheep are not useful as an umbrella; and that sheep won’t ride a skateboard, climb trees or ride in a wheelbarrow.

Hilarious illustrations perfectly complement this very funny story about school reports and one boy’s favorite pets.

“Mimi & Piggy’s Adventure in Venice” by Chisato Tashiro, minedition, 2016, 46 pages

Read aloud: age 5 to 8

Read yourself: age 7 and 8

Mimi and Piggy are best friends and for a long time they have dreamed of visiting Venice, Italy. They saved their money, and at last the day has arrived!

The plane ride is long, followed by a train ride across the lagoon, and suddenly Venice appears — the city built on water. Winding canals of water replace roads, and boats replace cars. It takes some time to get used to the scenery, so the friends decide to start their adventure at the famous bridge Ponte di Rialto, where they are many places to buy delicious food and shop for souvenirs.

Piggy is quickly mesmerized by a shop that sells fancy desserts, and Mimi is equally enticed by a shop with endless choices of souvenirs. Moments later Mimi and Piggy become separated from each other. Will Mimi be able to find Piggy and save their vacation?

kendal@sunlink.net