Anita Barnes Lowen (Children's Literature)
Logan knows he shouldn’t play tag in the library, but he has no choice. It’s totally impossible to sit still once you’re tagged. And when his friend, Benedict starts a game of tag, Logan chases him until he runs into big trouble in the shape of an old guy--an old guy who says Logan needs to be punished. Now whenever Logan opens his mouth, an unintended pun comes out. After one or two groaners, almost no one finds this funny, but Logan can’t stop. His best friend, Benedict, is angry. His parents think he’s silly. His teacher has sent him to the principal’s office. The only person who thinks he’s funny is his little sister. Is there anyway to remove this punishment? Yes, says the old guy. All Logan needs to do is find seven oxymorons, seven anagrams, and seven palindromes. But can he do it before time runs out? This funny and fast read would be a wonderful addition to any language arts curriculum. 2006, Darby Creek Publishing, $15.95. Ages 8 to 10.

Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature)
What a fantastic way to teach language arts! Early readers will find that the story is strong and that they can learn “school stuff” in a fun way. The tale is simple and understandable. In it, Logan encounters Professor Robert Wordsworth and learns about “word” magic when he and his busy friend Benedict are racing around the inside of the library. The professor blows magic dust from the cover of a book into Logan’s face. From there on out, Logan is being “punished.” Ridiculously entertaining puns spill out of his mouth whenever he tries to comment and ask questions. Grown-ups and kids moan and groan in answer to his puns. Wordsworth agrees to cure Logan only if he finds some oxymorons and anagrams in his everyday life. Logan sets out to find the words and in so doing, he presents the reader with perfect examples of the word forms. The author has the ability to make the characters real, thereby allowing children this age to identify with Logan and even Benedict. This unique tale is sure to encourage even the most reluctant reader and to make teaching language arts much easier for teachers. It is best for a reader to read the book instead of having it read to them. It helps to see the words in sentences packed with a pun. Add several copies to a classroom or library so many students can read them for language arts. 2006, Darby Creek Publishing, $15.95. Ages 9 to 12.