Poodle and Hound

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

Poodle and Hound

by Kathryn Lasky
Illustrated by Mitch Vane

Charlesbridge
ISBN: 9781580893220

What is it?
An early chapter book featuring two unlikely canine companions whose frustrations with each other never eclipse their friendship.

What do we love about it?
Poodle's fabulous joie de vivre and Hound's earthy sensibility.

What does it remind us of?
The Odd Couple, only furrier and cuter.

What is it perfect for?
Early readers who are eager to try a chapter book but still enjoy fun illustrations on every page.

What do we say about it?
To quote Hound: "Nothing is ever wasted on a friend." Share Poodle and Hound with your favorite pooch-loving friends!

In the Coop with Emily Ecton

Three Reasons We Love Emily Ecton:

1. Just look at her. Is she not adorable? Is her dog Binky not adorable? Can you blame us?

2. She writes books about stylish chihuahuas, undead hamsters, and vengeful lawn ornaments.

3. She is a writer and producer for NPR's hilarious quiz show Wait...Wait, Don't Tell Me!

The Interview:

First act as Dictator for Life?
Silly books for everyone!

What kids lit character would you like to vote off the island?
Ramona's nemesis, Susan with the boing boing curls. That girl has got to go.

What kids lit character would you share your last twinkie with?
I don't understand. Share? A Twinkie? What are you saying? Oh, okay fine, if I have to share my twinkie, I'll probably share it with that mouse from the "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" book, just to see what the little sucker demands next.

What TV family would you like to be adopted by?
I was torn between the Keatons from Family Ties and the Bristows from Alias because the Bristows seemed so much more exciting, but then I realized I'd be much less likely to find a dead body in the Keatons' bathtub. (Well, unless it's Skippy.)

Worst job in the universe?
Cockroach wrangler.

Dream job for a day?
Lighthouse Keeper and part time Puppy Hugger.

Marx Brothers or Three Stooges?
The Marx Brothers. I understand they have a rubber chicken.

Clown V. Mime Deathmatch. Pick your winner.
Mime. There's only so much damage you can do with a squirty flower and floppy shoes, but those invisible glass boxes are killers.

Funniest dead person you’d like to meet?
Douglas Adams, if only for the cow in the Restaurant at the End of the Universe.

Best use for a book shaped object? (You know, one of those things sold as books but which should never ever have been published.)
Impromptu dog dinner table complete with removable placemat.

More info about Emily:
EmilyEcton.com

It's Moldy Cheese Day!

Oh my. And just how will you celebrate, hmmm?? We're not sure we even want to think about that.

The Dunderheads

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

The Dunderheads

by Paul Fleischman

Illustrated by David Roberts

Candlewick Press

Ages 6-8

ISBN 978-0-7636-2498-9

What is it?

A short illustrated novel in which a rag-tag but multi-talented squad of kids set out to retrieve their treasures from their horrible teacher, Miss Breakbone. And yes, her name says it all! Oh yeah. And did we mention she has an alligator purse? With legs and a snout???? She is BAAAAAAD.

What do we love about it?

The comedy, of course! This is the perfect pairing of Paul Fleischman's humor and David Roberts' funky, smart retro style. This book has it all: gizmos, maps, and a truly wicked villainess! Oh how we love to hate her. Move over Miss Trunchbull! There's a new mighty muscular meanie in town.

What does it remind us of?

This reminds us of all our favorite heist flicks rolled into one with a good dose of Roald Dahlishness tossed in for good measure.

What is it perfect for?

This one is perfect for any kid who ever got into trouble at school and didn't deserve it. (And dreamed of getting even!)

What do we think?

The Dunderheads is smart, sassy, classy and wicked good fun!

Happy Birthday, Andrea!

Happy Birthday, Andrea Chickie!

Yep, it's Andrea's birthday and you know what that means.

You don't? Then we'll tell you.

On her birthday, Andrea gets up early in the morning and sings the Beatles', "Happy Birthday!" at the top of her lungs. If any of you have ever seen Andrea early in the morning. You know that's not a good thing. If any of you have ever heard her sing, you know it's a really, REALLY not a good thing.

For the rest of the day, Andrea demands that everyone she knows bring her cake. Preferably German Chocolate Cake with lots of pecans (her favorite). Still, it's her birthday so who's going to complain?

We would, but frankly, we're afraid of her. (We've heard her sing!!!!)

Still, we love our fellow chick and want to let you know a little more about her. So, we interviewed her.

Here's what our Birthday Chick had to say:

First act as Dictator for Life:
Ship everyone who talks in movie theaters to an island where they don't have any movie theaters. That'll show 'em.

What kids' lit character would you like to vote off the island?
Can I vote them onto the island with annoying people who talk in movie theaters?

Either way, I'd vote Pippi Longstockings off the island. Seriously. I know I can be banned from the Secret Society of Kids' Authors who Plan to Dominate the World. (And yes, there is such a society, but I obviously can't tell you about it.) But I don't care. If Pippi Longstockings was my neighbor, I'd get a doberman.

I really like her fashion statement and I love her anti-gravity braids, but honestly. She makes EVERY. DANG. THING. SEEM. SO. EXCITING. IT. MAKES. MY. BRAIN. EXPLODE!!!!!!

My runner up would be Amelia Bedelia. Because, while her character is lovely and she is kind and many good things, hearing the phrase Amelia Bedelia more than 200 times in a 30 page book is too much for me! Still, if Amelia Bedelia wanted to come clean my house, I'd be cool with that. I'd just pop in my earphones and crank some tunes on the old I-pod and ignore her. Ah. Bliss.

What kids' lit character would you share your last Twinkie with?
Winnie the Pooh because he'd probably share his honey with me. He's kind and gentle and oh so funny we'd have such a lovely time visiting friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.

What TV family would you like to be adopted by?
The Simpsons. I've never met a funnier family (except maybe my own) and anything is possible in Springfield. Plus, I look great in 2-D.

Worst job in the universe?
Picture taker at Sears Photo Gallery in the mall. Or hostess at Chuck E Cheese. Tough call.

Dream job for a day?
Broadway star. But I've been told very recently that maybe singing isn't my strong suit. Hey Chicks! You think I don't read this blog? Eh??? Just remember, my fine feathered friends. I know where you live!!!!!!

Marx Brothers or Three Stooges.
Marx Brothers. First and forever!!!! They are the smartest and funniest bunch.Masters of wordplay and slapstick. Smart and silly at the same time. I love them. Sadly, my daughter and I went out on Halloween a couple of years ago as Groucho and Harpo. And so few people had a clue who we were supposed to be! How sad is that? And no, we did NOT get confused and go as the lesser loved Marx Brother, Karl.

Clown V. Mime Deathmatch. Pick your winner.
Mime. Invisible box of death trumps big shoes every time.

Funniest dead person you'd like to meet.
The guy who invented Baba Ganoush. Anyone with mad naming skills like that had to be hoot!

Best use for a book-shaped object? A book-shaped object (or BSO) is one of those things sold as books but which should never ever EVER have been published. We've all seen them!

I think a BSO would make a great deadly weapon in a Bond film. Thrown frisbee-style from a helicopter, it could be lethal. And if that didn't work, it could simply be read to the victim!!!

Links to interviews for people who want to know other things about Andrea. Also good reading for insomniacs and people with lots of work to avoid.

Happy Birthday, Chickie. Here's a song to show just how much we care!

The Delicious Bug

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

The Delicious Bug

by Janet Perlman

Kids Can Press
ISBN: 9781553379966

What is it?
A picture book about two chameleons who get their tongues tied over the same delicious bumblebug.

What do we love about it?
The comic way the chameleons' anger rapidly escalates while the other animals look on in growing disbelief. If you've ever been in a bloodbath with your siblings over the last pop-tart (um, not that we have or anything), this scenario will ring frighteningly true.

What does it remind us of?
A modern day Aesop's Fable.

What is it perfect for?
Talking to kids about the consequences of greed without their eyes glazing over.

What do we say about it?
A fresh, fun take on a morality tale that uses humor to instill its message rather than a sledgehammer (ouch!).

Thanks, USBBY!

The chicks had a fabulous time at the Illinois Authors' Roundtable this week-end at the Where Worlds Meet conference sponsored by the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY). Many thanks to Natalie Ziarnik and crew for organizing a great reception! We saw many friends there, made several new ones, and generally had a blast, even though Andrea looks like she's about to give someone a knuckle sandwich. (She's just silly that way!)

It's Self-Promotion Month!

Let's all celebrate by doing the braggy pants dance! Is there something you'd like to promote today? A new book, blog, website or hairstyle?

If so, say it LOUD and say it PROUD, Peeps! We'd love to hear about it!

Hush, Baby Ghostling

Hush, Baby Ghostling
by Andrea Beaty
Illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre
Margaret K. McElderry
Agest 4-8
ISBN: 978-1416925453

Andrea is so excited to have a new book out in time for Halloween. It's a rhyming, bedtime book about Mama Ghost who is trying to get her ghostling to sleep after a lovely day of play.

It's nearly dawn and time for all baby ghostlings to go to sleep. But as any parent (ghost or human) knows, getting a young one to sleep is easier said than done. There are so many worries to soothe and rituals to complete before sleep arrives. Of course, Mama Ghost knows just what to do in this non-scary but humorous bedtime tale.

"Hush, Baby Ghostling
the haunting hour is past.
The bats have ceased their swooping
and the dawn is coming fast."














"So nestle safe beside me
in our happy haunted home
and dream a dream of darkness
where the wild monsters roam."














"Dear Baby Ghostling.
You're tucked in nice and tight.
I'll leave some darkness in the hall
if you're scared of the light."













Of course, Baby Ghostling loses his favorite toy skeleton and worries about the sounds of laughter in his room. But even the fear of human children can't keep sleep at bay forever. They are only make believe, after all.

Illustrations are by Pascal Lemaitre (Doctor Ted and Firefighter Ted) who is such a wonder. Hush, Baby Ghostling is rhyming read for halloween or any bed time!!! Hope you enjoy it!

It's Ed Sullivan's Birthday!

Good ole Ed was born on this day in 1901. To honor this iconic entertainer, wear a pair of really big shoes today.

Speaking of shoes--

"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes." ~Author Unknown

The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

The Secret Science Alliance
and the Copycat Crook

by Eleanor Davis

Bloomsbury USA

ISBN: 9781599901428

What is it?

A graphic novel about three science nerds who come together to get their geek on in the world's coolest clubhouse while pursuing villains in their spare time!

What we love about it?

The detailed diagrams, maps and invention specs made us swoon!

What does it remind us of?

The love child of Albert Einstein and Velma from Scooby Doo.

What is it perfect for?

Sharing with tween-age brainiacs, comic book fans, and anyone who appreciates a fun, fast-paced adventure.

What do we say about it?

When does the next installment come out? Give us more SSA!

Binky the Space Cat

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

Binky the Space Cat

by Ashley Spires

Kids Can Press

ISBN: 978-1-55453-309-1

What is it?

A hard-cover graphic novel starring the comically triangle-headed Binky the Space Cat who is charged with two vital missions: to blast off into space and to save his humans from the evil alien fly creatures that buzz around the human's abode (especially near the litter box).

What we love about it?

We love Binky's can-do attitude and delusional dedication to his mission. The jokes are funny and the illustrations are filled with sass and attitude.

What does it remind us of?

Our favorite funny fat cats with attitude like Chester and Fat Cat.

What is it perfect for?

Astronauts. Cat lovers. And 7-9 year olds who want something silly to read just for fun.

What do we say about it?

Binky the Space cat is smart, sassy and best of all, VERY funny.

Something Silly!

Wouldn't it be wonderful if all kids' shows were this funny?

It's Elephant Appreciation Day!

Share these elephant jokes with your favorite silly person:

What's the difference between eating an elephant and eating peanut butter?
Elephants don't stick to the roof of your mouth.

What is large and gray and goes around and around in circles?
An elephant stuck in a revolving door.

Who's the most famous female singing elephant?
Elephants Gerald.

Why did the elephant cross the road?
To squash the chicken on the other side!
(Hey wait! Don't share that one!)

Sir Lofty & Sir Tubb

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick!

Sir Lofty & Sir Tubb

by Binette Schroeder

North South Books

ISBN: 978-0-7358-2251-1

What is it?

A classically elegant and beautifully illustrated tale of jealousy, greed, and friendship between two very different knights.

What do we love about it?

The quirky but gentle story is laced with tenderness. Kids will get a secret tickle at discovering the backstory which begins and ends on the inside covers. Best of all, we love the fanciful knights with their kitchen-colander armour and salt-shaker shapes.

What does it remind us of?
The old-fashioned and beautifully crafted picture books we savoured as kids.

What is it perfect for?

Rainy day reading in a cozy chair by the fire. (Teas and cookies NOT optional.)

What do we think?

Sir Lofty & Sir Tubb is a beautifully illustrated charmer with quiet, gentle humor.

Crazed Pirate Chicks... ARGH!

(Andrea, Fiona, Julia, Carolyn)

A huge THANK YOU to Angela and the wonderful peeps at 57th Street Books as well as all the sponsors of the 57th Street Children's Book Fair in Chicago for a great afternoon last Sunday. Not only did they let us take the stage and be silly pirate chicks with our special guest chiclet, Fiona, but they gave away our books for FREE to kids at the Fair. Oh, happy day!

Thanks also to Rick Kogan, who interviewed us on WGN Radio to help promote the Fair. You can listen to our interview here:



So now tell us who your favorite independent bookseller is. Curious chicks wanna know!

100% Pure Fake

Hey Chickadees and Chicadont's!

We're trying something new here at the Coop. A category of reviews we call Three Silly Chicks' Picks. It's all the same nutritious goodness of our usual reviews but organized by the most important questions we can think of. (Next to What's for breakfast? What's for lunch? and What's for dinner?) Our goal is to make our reviews even more useful to you fast-paced teachers, librarians, parents, and grandparents. Enjoy!!!


A Three Silly Chicks' Pick:

100% Pure Fake
By Lyn Thomas

Photos by Cheryl Powers
Illustrations by Boris Zaytsev
Kids Can Press
ISBN: 978-1-55453-290-2

What is it?
An easy-to follow guide to creating fake brains, snot, moles, puke & other wonderfully disgusting stuff.

What do we love about it?

The way the pictures of fake puke trigger our gag response. Yep, Folks, these are seriously sweet special effects.

What does it remind us of?
Halloween, B-movies, and our favorite uncles who know ALL the right sound effects and exactly when to use them.

What is it perfect for?
Any self-respecting fourth grader who is worth his (or her) weight in whoopie cushions.

What do we think?
100% Pure Fake is grody, gooey goodness!

We Love Librarians!

We love librarians. All kinds of librarians. Tall ones. Short ones. Ones that climb on rocks. Big ones. Small ones and even ones with chickenpox.

Oh, wait. That's hot dogs. Well, we do love hot dogs with relish, but we relish librarians much more. So, so much more!

We were very excited that the American Library Association is asking everyone to vote for their favorite librarians! (It can lead to possible awards and cash rewards for the winners.) So please think about your favorite public librarian or school library media specialist or college/university librarian. And VOTE!!!!

Firefighter Ted

Firefighter Ted
by Andrea Beaty
Illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre
Margaret K. McElderry
Ages 4-8

ISBN: 978-141692829

At last, it's here! The sequel to Doctor Ted is out! Oh Ted is back an you know what that means. Fun! And trouble. But mostly FUN!!! Here's what happens . . .

One morning, Ted wakes up, sniffs the air and smells burnt toast. He needs a firefighter. Ted looks everywhere, but since firefighters are scarce in Ted's room, he becomes one.


Equipped with a can of whip-cream & and fish tank hose, Ted creates a fire extinguisher and saves his mother from a toast disaster in the making! "Remember," says Firefighter Ted, "Only you can prevent breakfast fires."

Those are words to live by!

Firefighter Ted braves a hot sidewalk to rescue a kitten, two puppies and three tricycles. His bravery leaves the crowd speechless.



At school, Firefighter Ted is a true hero. He rescues Principal Bigham and saves the school from a host of dangers lurking at the science fair.

We won't say what happens, but it does involve a magnifying glass, a pair of scissors and underwear with hearts on them. 'Nuff said.

Please Join Us

It was on this day in 1966 that The Road Runner premiered. So, at exactly 3:39 pm, we are asking everyone to say "meep meep" in honor of this highly momentous moment in showbiz history.

Think of it. All over the world, people pausing during their busy day to pay homage to the show that put Acme Corporation on the map.

So meep with us people! But please, refrain from shoving anvils off of cliffs. It's just not safe.