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Irene Haas, illustrator of Beatrice Schenk de Regniers's folk song adaptation Was It a Good Trade?, has traded in her preseparated art from the original 1956 publication for all-new art in a May reissue. At 10" x 6", the volume retains the horizontal shape of its predecessor, and many of Haas's compositions closely resemble her originals, with multiple vignettes on a single spread suggesting the protagonist's bartering actions. The tidy lines and solid color fields of the 1956 edition, however, have yielded to a profusion of patterns in lush colors, with every detail welcoming in readers. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-This rhyming, whimsical story, based on a folk song, was first published in 1956 (Harcourt; o.p.) and has been completely reillustrated. In it, a man trades a knife for a wife, a cake for a rake, a shoe without a mate for a slate, and more. Periodically, he asks if the results are good or bad, but readers know that his swapping doesn't amount to much, which is why he keeps at it. Near the end, he has the knife back, and announces that he is through with trading, but the next spread belies his words. Full-color drawings of the man and the things he trades bounce across each spread on white backgrounds. Roly-poly, rosy-cheeked characters enliven the frolicking text, which flows and curves along the pages. The music and words for the song are included at the end. You may not want to trade your original for this version but you will want to add it.Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, IL Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Was It a Good Trade?
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1,201 | 2 |
The initial, predictable rhymes of this uneven picture book promise a raindrops-on-roses panoply of favorite baby things: "Baby books and baby toys/ for baby girls and baby boys." While Charlip's (Sleepytime Rhyme) quiet text refers only to babies, the increasingly complex watercolor paintings reassuringly combine babies with their caregivers. Each baby flower, with a baby-faced center, is enveloped in the comforting green leaves of a flower adult. Even inanimate objects come with caregivers two rainbows, two houses, two ring-toss toys. But the playful quality in the illustrations of "baby bunnies, puppies, kittens,/ all in funny hats and mittens," with the animals silhouetted against a clean white background, gives way to more visually scattered and enigmatic paintings as the book progresses. For instance, Charlip surrounds the outlines of empty baby and adult beds with the cluttered images of things seen on previous pages; two spreads later, as the text exhorts the reader to "Go to sleep, my little one./ Sleep and dream now, day is done," the beds surrealistically transform into a sleeping adult and a baby whose egg-shaped body contains these images once again. Unfortunately, Charlip's complicated visual representation of dreaming may be more confusing than comforting to young children; the volume starts off stronger than it finishes. All ages. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.reS-K-Inspired by children's comments at readings of Sleepytime Rhyme (Greenwillow, 1999), Charlip created this book featuring some of the same figures that appeared in his previous work. Written in rhyme, it celebrates the fact that there are "babies-everywhere"-"baby hearts-and baby flowers. baby clouds and baby showers." Puppies, kittens, and even "baby toys for baby girls and baby boys" make an appearance. The text has a pleasant repetition and cadence that young listeners will enjoy hearing and repeating. For the illustrations, Charlip has chosen the same watercolor washes of soft, muted hues as in Sleepytime Rhyme. Hearts makes a nice companion to that title and ending with, "Go to sleep, my little one. Sleep and dream now, day is done," it's a fine bedtime choice.Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Baby Hearts and Baby Flowers
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“Robinson stays true to the intent of the original text and illustrations but elegantly improves upon it with cinematic storytelling.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))“Brown takes a direct approach to a difficult subject, suggesting how community rituals provide solace. Robinson concludes with a wide-angle view of growing trees and the children flying a kite, implying a return to carefree fun and putting a poignant distance between the tiny figures and readers.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))“Robinson’s sensitive new mixed-media art, with its personality-rich quartet of young people…and its city-park setting, elicits the children’s deeply felt emotions and their actions to honor the bird’s memory.” (Horn Book Magazine)“The original text is timeless, and the modern, cheerful illustrations will help resurrect this classic for a new generation of readers.” (ALA Booklist)“Robinson thoughtfully pays homage to his predecessor while bringing something new to the telling...a lovely book befitting its lineage.” (School Library Journal)Margaret Wise Brown, cherished for her unique ability to convey a child’s experience and perspective of the world, transformed the landscape of children’s literature with such beloved classics as Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny. Other perennial favorites by Ms. Brown include My World; Christmas in the Barn; The Dead Bird; North, South, East, West; and Good Day, Good Night.; Title: The Dead Bird
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Gr. 4-6. In another Baseball Card Adventure book Joe Stoshack travels back in time again to meet a famous baseball player. Joe's father, who has been seriously injured in a car accident, tells Joe where to find a 1951 Mickey Mantle card, which Joe is to use to travel back to the 1951 World Series and warn Mantle of an impending accident. But Joe's friend Samantha switches cards, and the boy finds himself traveling back to 1944, instead, where he meets Mickey Maguire, a star player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Joe hangs out with Maguire's team and meets more famous players before encountering 13-year-old Mickey Mantle on a train, where Joe warns the confused Mantle about an accident awaiting him years later. Joe returns to the present to learn his father will be okay. Like the other books in the series, this one delivers a fast-moving plot, lots of action, and colorful depictions of famous sports heroes of the past. A good choice for reluctant readers who are sports fans. Ed SullivanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved“A thoroughly entertaining mix of fantasy, baseball, and history.” (Kirkus Reviews)“Like the other books in the series, this one delivers!” (ALA Booklist)“Delivers a fast-moving plot, lots of action, and colorful depictions of famous sports heroes of the past. A good choice for reluctant readers who are sports fans.” (Booklist); Title: Mickey & Me: A Baseball Card Adventure (Baseball Card Adventures)
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Growing up in Germany in the 1950s, Peter is tired of his eighth-grade teacher droning on about the evils of anti-Semitism and all the bad things the Nazis did. He knows that the Holocaust happened, but why must he hear about it and feel guilty? He just wants to play soccer with his friends and think about the present. Then he discovers that he is adopted and that his birth mother was Jewish and died in a concentration camp. There are many plot contrivances as Peter finds secret files his loving Catholic adoptive parents have kept, including a picture of his birth mother. But the intensity of the issues, the blend of personal conflict and historical facts, and the young teens present-tense narrative will hold readers as Peter embraces his Judaism, attends synagogue, and confronts the prejudice that continues among classmates and adults. Grades 6-9. --Hazel RochmanGloria Whelan is the bestselling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square; Burying the Sun; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; and Return to the Island. She lives in the woods of northern Michigan.; Title: After the Train
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1,205 | 0 |
The heroine of Boston Jane, whom PW called an "outspoken, self-reliant young woman readers will long remember," returns for Boston Jane: Wilderness Days by Jennifer L. Holm. As the novel opens, Jane receives news that her father has passed away in Boston. Her ex-fiance describes his plans to move all of the Washington Territory's Shoalwater Bay Indians to a reservation. Ages 10-up.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 6-10-Boston Jane is as feisty as ever, but with a distinctively sharper edge. And with good reason. She has endured several months with smelly, uncouth old men, in less-than-pristine living conditions, in the wilderness of Washington Territory. Now, to increase her emotional burdens, the "proper" young woman from Philadelphia receives word that her father has died. The challenges of the wilderness begin to bring out the worst in her; she is prickly and feels unappreciated by those around her. Trusting a "gentleman" stranger, she inadvertently puts a friend's life in danger and she and two companions, one of whom is a love interest, trek through the wilds to reach the Stevens Negotiations between the Indians and the territorial government representatives, including Jane's pompous former fiance. She comes to recognize her true friends as she braves adverse conditions and returns to Shoalwater Bay with her emotional wounds less raw, and her retorts less sharp. Readers unfamiliar with Boston Jane: An Adventure (HarperCollins, 2001) are quickly brought up to speed on the previous events and memorable characters. Details are interestingly revealed and are, for the most part, historically accurate. The Stevens Negotiations actually took place, although the timing has been changed. (Holm acknowledges this in an author's note.) The depiction of life in the wilderness reflects experiences found in first-person accounts of pioneer women in the 1850s. Holm once again delivers an action-packed story with a strong female protagonist.-Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OHCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Boston Jane Series: Wilderness Days
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1,206 | 1 |
PreSchool-Grade 3-In this updated and newly illustrated version of a 1957 favorite (Lothrop), which was first revised in 1983 (Morrow, 1987), the Easter bunny sleeps through a rainy Easter Day and doesn't wake up until Mother's Day. He tries to deliver his brightly colored eggs then, but no one wants them. Undaunted, he paints them red, white, and blue; dons an Uncle Sam hat; and joins the Fourth of July parade. No one wants them then either. Sadly, he returns home and naps until October when little ghosts knock on his door for trick or treat. They don't want Easter eggs either. Suddenly a fierce wind snatches up the bunny and blows him all the way north to Santa's house, where he can at least help make children happy. A grateful Santa presents him with a gold alarm clock, and the bunny never again sleeps through Easter. The clever story is written in simple, sprightly language and illustrated in an unusual combination of collage and gouache in brilliant colors and a variety of sizes. The flat, decorative style and lively, cartoon figures have a folk-art charm. A welcome addition for a new generation of readers.Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.*Starred Review* Ages 4-7. First published in 1957 and illustrated by Adrienne Adams, then reillustrated by her in 1983, this perennial favorite gets an update by Saaf. The story is still delightful; after the Easter Bunny oversleeps, he tries to deliver his eggs on Mother's Day, Fourth of July, and Halloween, much to the amusement and annoyance of the deliverees. Fortunately, Santa Claus finds Bunny a job making toys and hopping in and out of chimneys, and Bunny gets a gold watch as a thank you--a watch that wakes him up right on time next Easter day. The rather delicate illustrations in the previous book, featuring a neatly dressed bunny in a trim jacket and white pants, are replaced here by more exuberant art, starting on the dust jacket with the rabbit, decked out in a striped suit, rushing along as eggs spill out of his basket. Inside, there's lots of patterning, which adds depth to the pictures, and Saaf uses every opportunity for humor, starting with the bemused bunny who just can't get it right. A bold new edition that kids will take to their hearts. Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Easter Bunny That Overslept
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1,207 | 12 |
Sam may be a man of few words, but he is certainly eloquent on the subject of his car. With a bright, bold palette of mostly primary colors, author-illustrator Byron Barton (Trucks, Planes, Machines at Work, etc.) deftly depicts the fondness Sam has for his chunky little car and the care with which he treats it. "I love my car. / I keep my car clean. / My car needs oil / and a full tank of gasoline." Sam also describes the parts of his car, how to drive carefully, and where he likes to go in his car. The story concludes with a twist, sure to delight already rapt readers.Sam and his acquaintances are unusual-looking, blocky figures, with big black blobs for eyes, and more blobs for nose and mouth. Characters and objects are reminiscent of the cars, signs, and figures in a child's play station. Small details are appealing: the mechanic is a woman, and the car's headlights bathe a portion of the text in yellow. This should be required reading for every driver's ed student; we can only hope that the repeated readings this book is bound to receive will sink in to preschoolers' minds for future recall: "I obey the laws. / I stop for pedestrians. / I read the signs." This is a lovely picture book. (Ages 2 to 5) --Emilie CoulterWith just a few words per page, Barton (Machines at Work) manages to convey simple car facts and an ending with a twist. "I am Sam/ This is my car," begin the first two spreads. Sam adores his red Beetle-esque car (it comically mirrors his own chunky physique), and he takes all the responsibilities of ownership seriously from maintenance ("My car needs oil/ and a full tank of gasoline") to obeying the traffic laws ("I stop for pedestrians"). Like any car buff, he loves to explain how his automobile works. "My car has lights to see at night," accompanies a painting of Sam driving under a starry sky as the headlights illuminate the typography. On the next page, Sam adds, the car also has "windshield wipers to see in the rain" a lovely scene that Barton renders from the perspective of the car hood, so that readers gaze at the reassuringly unfazed Sam through a curtain of silvery blue drops. Youngsters will be heartened to know that even when Sam goes to work, he gets to stay behind a wheel: he's a bus driver. Barton's world looks as if it were assembled from a toddler's collection of brightly colored building blocks, while his minimalist text has a plainspoken eloquence and subtle rhythm that will survive countless readings. Ages 2-up.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: My Car
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1,208 | 2 |
Lemony Snicket claims he was nowhere near the scene of the crime. He is the author of several other unpleasant stories, including those in the bestselling A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Lump of Coal.; Title: The Grim Grotto (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 11)
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With her intricate color-blocked designs, French (Snow White in New York) re-creates scenes from the Nativity story in the style of medieval stained-glass windows. She renders the Holy Family, shepherds, wise men and donkeys in radiant jewel tones of varying intensity, suggesting the mysterious qualities of real glass. Majestic and memorable, the art invites the eye to linger over its details. Ages 4-8.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.K Up-The Nativity story is told here in the timeless words from the King James version of the Bible, selected from both St. Matthew and St. Luke to form a coherent, simple narrative that is a joy to read aloud. The illustrations, inspired by stained-glass windows of England's cathedrals, frame the text in each glowing double-page spread. This is a satisfying choice for families who want a traditional telling of the first Christmas.-V. W.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Bethlehem: With Words from the Authorized Version of the King James Bible
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1,210 | 2 |
Sparked by a school assignment, a boy and his mother keep track of the people and places in the neighborhood in On the Town: A Community Adventure by Judith Caseley. The child's notebook entries appear throughout in lively watercolor, colored pencil and ink illustrations.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 2-This simply told tale explores a subject that is routinely studied in the primary grades. Armed with a new black notebook and a homework assignment to explore his community and the people who live in it, Charlie and his mother walk around town and think about what the boy should write down. They run a variety of familiar errands that help him understand the many different establishments that make up his community-such as the bank, the post office, the fire station, and the barbershop-and he draws pictures of the people he meets in each locale. Caseley's illustrations, rendered in watercolors and colored pencil outlined in black ink, provide details through the creative use of borders and spot art that showcases Charlie's notebook entries. This useful title is sure to be a popular choice in libraries everywhere.Lisa Gangemi Krapp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NYCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: On the Town: A Community Adventure
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1,211 | 14 |
En route to "your house," a mischievous witch stops at creepy locales to pick up ghosts and mummies: "Hop aboard, there's always room/ for a howling, growling Werewolf,/ and a lurking, smirking Vampire/ to ride this broom." Melmed (The Rainbabies) provides serviceable cumulative rhymes, while Cole (Moosetache) designs standard-issue ghouls and prankish labels for specimen jars and headstones ("Claire Voyant, Sandy Beech [`she was all washed up']"). Last year's genial Room on the Broom, by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler, offers a bouncier ride. Ages 3-8.--"). Last year's genial Room on the Broom, by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler, offers a bouncier ride. Ages 3-8.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.reSchool-Grade 1-It's time for a witch's Fright Night Flight. "With hat and cat, away I zoom/upon my super jet-fueled broom." The first stop is a spooky castle with a creaky floor inhabited by a "lurking, smirking Vampire" who joins the party. They fly off to a number of places-the cemetery, the "House of Dread," and elsewhere-picking up other spooky characters along the way. When the frightful creatures reach their destination, they warn readers that they'll soon end up at "-your house (we know the street) and- ring- your- doorbell- TRICK OR TREAT!" The rhyming text is full of fun. The full-spread illustrations are rich with color and amusing detail, and the characters are drawn in a nonthreatening cartoon style that will not scare young children. A fine choice for Halloween storytimes.Melinda Piehler, North Tonawanda Public Library, NYCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Fright Night Flight
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K-Gr. 1. Like Lola Schaefer's Loose Tooth on p.1944, this book in the An I Can Read Book series plays as much with the sounds of words as with common physical experience. Sam the lamb has a cold, but he can't sneeze. He's on the verge; he's got the ahhh. But he can't do the choo. The rhyming nonsense words and colorful, comical barnyard pictures show various animals trying to help Sam end his sneeze, which he finally does in a rip-roaring sneezy climax "that raised the roof and shook the trees." Now that's power. Then there's the joke on the last page, when Sam thanks his friends: "Bless you!" Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedSarah Weeks is a singer, songwriter, and children#146;s book author. She has been writing and performing in New York for more than twenty years and has garnered numerous theater and recording credits, as well as writing more than thirty picture books and middle grade novels. These include the popular middle grade Guy series, Regular Guy, Guy Time, Guy Wire and My Guy, which will soon be a feature film by Disney. Ms. Weeks enjoys visiting schools and libraries throughout the country, where she reads from her books, sings her songs, and talks to children about writing. She currently lives in New York City with her two sons.; Title: Baa-Choo! (I Can Read Book 1)
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1,213 | 1 |
Ages 4-7. Gardening sounds like a pastoral pastime, but when Paddington Bear is the gardener, children can count on complications and, of course, a happy ending. After climbing a ladder at a nearby building site to get a better look at his new garden plot, Paddington returns to the ground to find a pile of concrete on the spot where he had left his precious jar of marmalade. The workers are helpful, but the result is a pile of chunky, golden concrete lumps. Inspired by the materials at hand, Paddington plants a rock garden and wins a gold star. Young children who have enjoyed the previous picture books from Bond and Alley will find this mild adventure as enjoyable as the rest. Alley's endearing ink-and-watercolor illustrations offer expressive drawings in pleasing colors and plenty of diverting details. Not an essential purchase, but an amiable diversion for young Paddington fans. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedMichael Bond began chronicling Paddington’s adventures in his first book, A Bear Called Paddington, published in 1958. Fortunately, bears don’t need much encouragement, and Paddington has since filled the pages of twelve further novels, a variety of picture books, and many other projects written for the young at heart.; Title: Paddington Bear in the Garden
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1,214 | 11 |
Starred Review. Brooks's deceptively simple poems for children combined with Ringgold's vibrant illustrations help to rejuvenate this collection first published in 1956. Inspired by Brooks's Chicago neighborhood, the events, feelings and thoughts of the children in the verse take on a timeless quality. The language and tone appear to be casual, but each poem is tightly constructed, rhythmic and distinctive. Whether the poem takes a child as its subject or unfolds in a child's voice, the images are universal. A new puppy has a "little wiggly warmness" and will not "mock the tears you have to hide." The snow is "white as milk or shirts./ So beautiful it hurts." Brooks's language remains economical yet astonishingly inventive. She describes how "Maurice importantly/ peacocks up and down./ Till bigly it occurs to him/ (It hits him like a slam)" that he won't be able to pack up his friends and take them along when he moves to another town. A few of the poems seem dated (kids call their mothers "Mother-dear," and when Paulette wants to run, her mother says "You're eight, and ready/ To be a lady") but on the whole, the collection will be as appealing to today's readers as it was to a child of the 1950s. Ringgold's bold illustrations, outlined with her signature thick black lines, are among some of her best and most narrative works since Tar Beach. She moves easily from cityscapes to cozy interior scenes around the family dinner table or singing at church. Ages 7-10. (Jan.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Kindergarten-Grade 4—The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet first published this collection of 34 brief poems in 1956. Each one presents a different child involved in a pastime that still figures in the lives of contemporary children. Mexie and Bridie are enjoying a tea party, small Narcissa is sitting still while her imagination transforms her into an ancient queen, and Michael hopes no one will notice that he holds his mother's hand during a thunderstorm. Some of the selections, such as "Robert," are reflective: "Do you ever look in the looking-glass/And see a stranger there?/A child you know and do not know,/Wearing what you wear?" Others, such as "Otto," offer a bit of social commentary:" It's Christmas Day. I did not get/The presents that I hoped for. Yet,/It is not nice to frown or fret./To frown or fret would not be fair./My Dad must never know I care/It's hard enough for him to bear." The original illustrations were black-and-white line drawings, done by Ronni Solbert, and despite the fact that the Bronzeville area of Chicago was also known as the Black Metropolis, featured white children. Ringgold's trademark, vibrantly colored, stylized art features children of color. This book is an excellent opportunity to introduce the work of an important author to a new generation. It should be considered a first purchase for most libraries.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: Bronzeville Boys and Girls
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1,215 | 1 |
PreSchool-Grade 2–This story was originally published in 1954 in Humpty Dumpty's Magazinefor Little Children and in 1965 in book form. Brownie is an agreeable dog who is entertained by various members of the community, but he has no real home. In this sweet story of his escapades, readers learn how trusting he is and how appreciative of what little he has. Then, his days of carefree fun seem over, due to an encounter with the dogcatcher. But Brownie is rescued from a questionable fate by his three primary caregivers, who miss him and decide to share responsibility for him. The color illustrations depict old-fashioned neighborhoods and a lovable, lively pup. An appropriate choice for storytimes as well as for beginning readers.–Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. When a friendly little brown dog shows up on Maple Street one day, everyone is kind but firm: "Go home." After the hungry dog spends a cold and lonely night under a porch, Mrs. Brown feeds him, Mrs. Butterworth lets him sleep in her house, and Mrs. Atkins gives him breakfast the next morning. None of the neighbors wants a dog, though, so they call the dogcatcher, who takes Brownie to the pound. After a restless night, the three ladies agree to share the responsibility for Brownie's care, and they rescue him from the pound. A reissue of the 1965 book, this newly illustrated version's softly colored pictures perfectly match the heartwarming tone of a reassuring, hopeful story about a community's response to one in need. Karen HuttCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Part-Time Dog
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[
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1,216 | 0 |
Grade 6 Up-Fans of this series, set in Shoalwater Bay in Washington Territory in the 1850s, will find Jane, now 17, to be just as strong and admirable a character as ever. In this third installment, the frontier settlement has grown into a town and Jane works as a concierge in the hotel. Her old rival, Sally Biddle, disembarks ship and immediately takes every opportunity to embarrass and alienate Jane just as she had done back in Philadelphia. William Baldt, the man who asked Jane to marry him in the first book, is back and threatens to take her land. She surprises some community members when she speaks up for a wrongly accused Chinook who is charged with stealing whiskey, and she bravely rescues a child of Chinook and white heritage who is unfairly placed with an abusive foster parent. A touch of romance between Jane and Jehu, the sailor she met on her journey west, helps move the story to a satisfying conclusion. This glimpse into Northwestern pioneer life is based on primary and secondary sources, including Holm's own family history. Recommend this title to readers who enjoyed L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables and Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House on the Prairie" series (HarperCollins).Jean Gaffney, Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library, Miamisburg, OHCopyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 5-8. Holm continues Jane's adventure-romance, which began in Boston Jane: An Adventure (2001) and continued in Boston Jane: Wilderness Days (2002). In this story Jane's nemesis from her Philadelphia days, Sally Biddle, has arrived in Shoalwater Bay. Sally is up to her usual schemes, trying to isolate Jane from her new female friends and causing trouble between Jane and Jehu, the man Jane loves. Complicating matters, Jane's former fiance William has also returned--to help the governor relocate the Chinook population and to have Jane's homestead claim declared invalid. As always, Holm's characters are skillfully drawn. Readers will identify with the painful results of Sally's dirty tricks and cheer Jane on as she finds the backbone to put Sally in her place. A subplot involving a young girl taken away from her Chinook mother after the death of her white father is also well handled. The author's attention to historical accuracy (some of it involving her own family) is strong, as always, but memorable characters and all-too-believable situations are the real hallmarks of this very satisfying read. Kay WeismanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Boston Jane: The Claim
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1114,
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1,217 | 0 |
Watercolors enliven a well-told adventure with a sense of the period and terrific characterizations of the people and animals. (Kirkus Reviews)McCullys nostalgic watercolors reflect the warmth of family life.and the stoic farmers response to tragedy. (The Horn Book)Natalie Kinsey-Warnock is the author of sixteen distinguished books for children. These range from her first novel, The Canada Geese Quilt, an ALA Notable Book, to her popular picture book The Bear That Heard Crying. All of the stories have one thing in common: They are based either on the author's own life or on true stories passed down through the seven generations of her family that have lived in northern Vermont.When she isn't writing, Natalie Kinsey-Warnock keeps herself busy as an athlete, naturalist, artist, book lover, bagpiper, and rescuer of three horses, seven cats, and eight dogs. She and her husband live in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.; Title: Nora's Ark
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Ray Halfmoon, a Seminole-Cherokee boy living with his grandfather in Chicago, is at the center of Smith's (Rain Is Not My Indian Name) slim collection of six tales. In the title story, Ray tries to take the edge off Grampa's homesickness for his native Oklahoma by buying him a pair of Seminole moccasins, which the two spy in an antique shop. But when he arrives at the store, a librarian offers the shopkeeper more money for the shoes than Ray has to spend. The boy then trades the woman his own hightops for the moccasins (which, says a grateful Grampa, "put me in the mind of bein' back home") and the woman displays the sneakers in her library, labeling them "Cherokee-Seminole Hightops." In other selections, the duo cares for neighbors' pets on Christmas Day, Grampa finds a solution to the dreadful haircut he gives Ray on the day of a big baseball game and the two share a special moment while fishing at night. Though the author affectingly portrays the strong bond between grandson and grandfather, the narrative bogs down with flowery or overwritten passages (e.g., "Ray's and Grampa's breath puffed cloudy as they trudged next door to the Wang home. In the driveway, Mrs. Wang's VW Bug waited to be freed from the snow like a triceratops skeleton embedded in rock"). Kids may have trouble sticking with this collection. Ages 7-10. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Grade 3-5-Smith adds her voice to the precious few authors portraying realistic contemporary life for Indian children. Although she tells little of his background, the author uses six vignette chapters to introduce Ray, an affable mixed-blood Cherokee-Seminole boy living in Chicago with his Grampa Halfmoon. With humor, compassion, and ingenuity, Ray trades his own high-tops for some old-time Seminole moccasins for his grandfather, overcomes wardrobe trouble to serve as ring bearer in a family friend's wedding, and harbors a houseful of neighbors' pets during a winter power outage. He wins third place in a local art contest, inspires team spirit for his baseball team with a unique and colorful haircut, and enjoys the quiet splendor of a predawn fishing trip with his grandfather during a visit with relatives in Oklahoma. There are no mystical nature spirits or cathartic history lessons, only the everyday challenges common to any contemporary kid, as experienced by an Indian boy who is firmly grounded in his own family's heritage. With its unadorned portrayal of urban Indian life, Shoes is a good book for any elementary-aged reluctant reader, and a necessity for indigenous children everywhere.Sean George, St. Charles Parish Library, Luling, LACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Indian Shoes
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In this latest Baseball Card Adventure, Shoeless Joe & Me by Dan Gutman, Joe "Stosh" Stoshack travels back to 1919 but will he be in time to prevent Shoeless Joe Jackson from being implicated in a conspiracy to throw the World Series? Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Grades 4-7--"Life isn't always fair," the team's sponsor tells 13-year-old Joe "Stosh" Stoshack after an umpire errs in calling him out during the Louisville Little League Championship. To reinforce his message, Flip tells the boy about the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, when gamblers allegedly paid Shoeless Joe Jackson and seven other members of the Chicago White Sox to throw the World Series. They were expelled from baseball for life, but Flip contends that the illiterate Jackson was innocent. What Flip doesn't know is that Stosh can time travel into the past via old baseball cards. He goes back to 1919 to try to save Shoeless Joe and meets him shortly before the fateful payoff is about to be made. The criminals are out to make sure that nothing interferes with their profits and are willing to kill the boy if necessary. Antique photographs, baseball cards, and news clippings add to the authentic representation of the time. Action is intense and exciting, both on and off the baseball field, and there are touches of humor when Stosh mixes up his own era with 1919. The story evokes strong sympathy for Jackson, and an endnote suggests that readers write to the Baseball Hall of Fame in support of his induction. The fourth in a series, this novel is an intriguing melding of sports history and science fiction that should be a hit with middle-school readers.Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, ILCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Shoeless Joe & Me: A Baseball Card Adventure
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Cameron, Carla, and Len were fascinated (for different reasons) with guns and target shooting at the Patriots' club range until the day Len brought his Kalashnikov rifle, his AR-18, and his Ruger pistol to school, and shot and killed football jock Brad Williams, and then himself. Here is yet another school shooting story that begins with bullying and ends with disaster--a type that is becoming almost a sub-genre of YA fiction. Yet Walter Dean Myers, winner of many awards for his young adult novels, brings freshness and new anguish to this familiar tale (and growing social problem) of unstable victim tormented by bullies to homicidal rage. Following the example of his own masterwork Monster, Myers uses different perspectives in the aftermath of the "incident" to reveal the characters and to tell the story: interviews with Cameron and Carla by The Harrison County School Safety Committee, newspaper reports, a police report, Len's handwritten "die-ary" of his deranged thoughts, and finally, a grim medical examiner's report. The contrasts and contradictions in these various perspectives challenge readers to produce their own versions of why Cameron and Carla became Len's followers and what could have prevented this tragedy and others like it in real life. (ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell*Starred Review* Gr. 7-12. Like Myers' Printz Award book, Monster (1999), this story is told from multiple viewpoints, and questions of guilt and innocence drive the plot and stay with the reader. This time there's a shooting in a high school. Len, a senior, commits suicide after he shoots a star football player and injures several others in the schoolyard. The actual facts of that carnage emerge slowly, as Len's best friend, Cameron, is interviewed at length by a therapist, a sheriff, and a threat-prevention specialist. Adding more perspective are newspaper and police reports, and Len's personal journal, which reveals his fury and hurt about his macho father and school bullies. The multiple narratives move the story far beyond case history, the chatty interview format is highly readable, and Cameron's voice is pitch perfect. One of the few black students in the school, he's an outsider like Len, but he's quiet about it, "an ordinary guy." He doesn't want to stand out; he does nothing about the racism implicit in an image of Martin Luther King on a shooting-range practice target, and he's ashamed. It's this bystander role readers will want to talk about, as well as who is to blame. Why does Cameron just go along with things? What about the parents, the principal, the counselors who knew about the bullying and tell Len to "grow up"? Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Shooter
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"I used to be the baby, but now I am big. I have a baby brother, and I help Mommy take care of him," begins Ballard's (My Day, Your Day) reassuring tale of brotherly love. The big brother narrator alternates between observations of various situations ("He always wants to take my toys") and proposed solutions ("I will give him some of his"). One spread, for example, presents a small framed vignette of the baby trying to chew the pages of a book ("He tries to eat my books"). Immediately to the right, a full-bleed pen-and-ink and watercolor illustration that takes up two-thirds of the spread shows big brother and baby sharing board books while their mother, in the background, shuffles by with the laundry ("He can have his own books, and I will read to him"). The format repeats throughout until the baby is tucked into his crib at night. In a comforting conclusion, the final illustration shows the narrator enjoying some alone time with his mom: "I am the big brother. But sometimes I like to be the baby too." Ages 3-up. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.reSchool-This book presents a day of family activity, with the focus on the relationship between a boy and his baby brother. For each event, there is the downside as well as the gracious solution. "He doesn't like riding in the car. I will sing him a song. He is sad in the stroller. I will hold his hand. -He doesn't like baths. So I blow bubbles for him to watch." Some of the problems are due to baby's own fears; others are a result of his sibling's behavior. When the text reads, "Sand can hurt your eyes," the accompanying illustration shows the boy throwing sand over his shoulder, right onto baby's head. While an oblong boxed vignette shows the unhappy interaction between siblings and the mother's woeful patience, a full-page-and-a-quarter illustration shows the family working as a team. A thin black line outlines each detailed scene and the round, open-faced characters, while smooth expanses of watercolor richly fill the pages. There is a feeling of serenity to the art, even when the little one is distraught. There's none of the inevitable frustration or anger that an older sibling might feel, and the book could be criticized for the ease with which the brother becomes so helpful. Yet, in accentuating the positive, this title does present many feel-good ideas. Certainly there's no harm in basking in its intentional idealism.Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MICopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: I Used to Be the Baby
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1,222 | 2 |
Grade 5-8--Once again, Rinaldi has unearthed a historical nugget and polished it into a gem of a story. This intriguing novel is based on the premise of what could have happened if the notorious Bounty mutineer Fletcher Christian returned to England with his five-year-old daughter, who was born on Pitcairn Island, and left her on the Isle of Man to be raised by his mother, before he went into hiding. Now 14, Mary is forced to live a lie, as she must pretend that her uncle is her father in order to save the family's good name. Still, she wonders about the whereabouts of her real father, and hopes that she will someday see him again. When her grandmother sends her off to a fashionable girls' school in London, this secret becomes a great burden for her to bear, and she must stand up to a fellow student who is threatening to expose her. In the end, through a selfless act, she is finally reunited with the father for whom she has been longing. The author sets the scene with an introduction that provides a bit of background and sifts through what is fact and what is fiction in a note at the end. The characters are well drawn and believable and the 19th-century English setting is vividly presented. This clever, well-written historical novel may just inspire curious readers to investigate the personalities and events on which the story is based.--Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 5-7. Having mined American history for controversial figures (Benedict Arnold in Finishing Becca, 1994; John Brown in Mine Eyes Have Seen, 1998), Rinaldi shifts her gaze to a similarly notorious Englishman: Fletcher Christian, the lead mutineer of the HMS Bounty. The evocative premise is outlined in the foreword: What if Christian secretly returned to England with his 5-year-old, half-Tahitian daughter, Mary? The story opens nine years later, as Mary, forced by paranoid guardians to hide her origins, heads for a posh London boarding school. Tension arises from a manipulative classmate bent upon outing her secret, along with news that her father, whom she can't remember, may be nearby. The consequences of exposing her connection are never articulated clearly enough to justify Mary's spiraling anxieties, and the many secondary characters (including a cameo by Samuel Coleridge), along with the sundry historical references, can be distracting. Still, Mary's yearning for her father is affecting, and Rinaldi's writing, at its best, evokes London of the early nineteenth century with precision. Jennifer MattsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Mutiny's Daughter
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1,223 | 8 |
Frank R. Stockton (1834-1902) published his first book, Ting-a-Ling, a collection of fairy tales, in 1870. From 1873 to 1881, he was assistant editor of St. Nicholas magazine, working with Mary Mapes Dodge. His writing career flourished in the last two decades of the nineteenth century, when he produced story collections, novels, and works of history for young readers, as well as nonfiction and fiction for adults, notably his story The Lady or the Tiger?; Title: The Griffin and the Minor Canon
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Grade 5-8 -Omakayas's tale, begun in The Birchbark House (Hyperion, 1999), continues in this book. Older and more insightful, Omakayas begins to understand the elements of life more fully as she accepts her gift of telling dreams. Changes are coming to the Ojibwa people and she struggles to deal with all that she is experiencing and her dreams foretell. Her sister falls in love with a warrior, strange and lost members of her tribe come to rely on her, and her people are threatened with certain eviction from their homes and food supply. But traditions are strong, and after Omakayas is sent off into nature to face the spirits and her dreams, she learns to accept the fate of her people and comes to see it as an adventure, "the next life they would live together on this earth." Although the story is set on an island in Lake Superior in 1850, readers will identify with the everyday activities of the Ojibwa, from snowball fights to fishing excursions, providing a parallel to their own lives while encouraging an appreciation for one that is very different. The action is somewhat slow, but Erdrich's captivating tale of four seasons portrays a deep appreciation of our environment, our history, and our Native American sisters and brothers.-Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.*Starred Review* Gr. 5-8. Like its predecessor The Birchbark House (1999), this long-awaited sequel is framed by catastrophe, but the core of the story, which is set in 1850, is white settlers' threats to the traditional Ojibwe way of life. Omakayas is now nine and living at her beautiful island home in Lake Superior. But whites want Ojibwe off the island: Where will they go? In addition to an abundance of details about life through the seasons, Erdrich deals with the wider meaning of family and Omakayas' coming-of-age on a vision quest. Just on the edge of the child's daily life and coming ever closer are the whites--among them, a Catholic "soul-stealer" priest and a friendly teacher who helps the children learn to read and write both Ojibwe and English so that they can confront cheating white agents. Readers familiar with the first book will welcome the return of several richly drawn nonreverential characters, including Omakayas' pesky brother, her irritable mom, and her bold, tough mentor, Old Tallow. As Erdrich said in the Booklist Story Behind the Story, "Little House on the Lake" [BKL Ap 1 99], about The Birchbark House, her research into her ancestors revealed the horrifying history and also a culture rich, funny, and warm. In this heartrending novel the sense of what was lost is overwhelming. Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Game of Silence (Birchbark House)
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Would you rather be a stick or a stone? A cat or a dog? Thunder or lightning? William Steig (Sylvester and the Magic Pebble) teams up with illustrator Harry Bliss (A Fine, Fine School) in this simple picture book that cleverly illustrates the Would you rather... game popularized by the chirp y, leggy Jiminy Cricket. A magician's bunny, equipped with wand and black top hat, asks a boy and a girl which of two things they'd rather be. "A stick?" he asks as he conjures a stick out of the hat. "Or a stone?" he asks as he produces a hovering rock. Of course, the action picks up a little as living creatures start to emerge from the hat. (The kids have to run off, for instance, when they have to choose between a mouse and an elephant.) Grownup or kid? The grownup is a balding businessman reading a newspaper (while sticking out of the magician's hat), the kid is a skateboarding kid zooming out of the hat. The children, usually silent, quickly decide on that one.If Harry Bliss had to choose between being himself or a bird, he wouldn't decide at all. He would want wings and he "definitely would not eat worms--no way." There's plenty of fodder for a lively read-aloud session here, as kids get creative in their analysis of the pros and cons of being a cat or a dog, etc., etc. For more complicated (and downright odd) choices, try John Burningham's delightful Would You Rather.... (Ages 3 to 6) --Karin SnelsonIn this wonderfully economical exercise, a shrewd question-and-answer format harmonizes with fine-tuned images. On almost every page, a big gray rabbit faces two children across an upside-down top hat. The rabbit is matter-of-fact, not cute. Voice bubbles contain its deadpan questions ("Which would you rather be?/ A stick/ or a stone?/ A cat/ or a dog?"), as each possibility emerges from the hat and the children react with a word or a gesture. When the dog chases the cat, the girl shoots an irritated look at her laughing friend, who shouts, "A dog!" As a hockey player crawls from the hat ("A boy"), the displeased girl crosses her arms. Her scowl turns to a competitive smirk when the next question ("or a girl?") suggests the skater could be female. After "an elephant" fills the page, only the boy's departing foot can be seen as the children retreat; when "a crocodile" lunges out, a well-placed voice bubble and the croc's gaze indicate that all three players have exited stage right. Bliss (illus. of A Fine, Fine School) composes his wry illustrations on a blank white ground in the fluid style of Charles M. Schulz or Crockett Johnson, and he loads his characters' every movement with subtle meaning. As in his Pete's a Pizza, Steig provides many more options than hard-and-fast rules, leaving the continuation of this game to the bemused audience. Ages 3-7.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Which Would You Rather Be?
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Grade 4-6–Having defeated the new Wicked Witch of the West in The Emerald Wand of Oz (HarperCollins, 2005), Dorothy Gale's modern-day descendants are back for an entirely new adventure. This time, only Dori is free to return to Oz, while her sister Em must stay in our world to handle the girls' divorced parents. Once back, Ozma asks Dori to accompany Prince Inga to the world of the Nomes. It seems that Rik, the displaced Nome Prince, is hoping to usurp the Nomish throne. Together, Dori and Inga must aid Rik and try to avoid war both within the Nome community and with their underground neighbors as well. Along the way, they befriend invisible children and mermaids, defeat an Iron Giant, and face vicious monsters. As with the first book, Smith introduces favorite characters from the original series alongside new friends. The book's tone and content are faithful to L. Frank Baum's vision. Stout's pen-and-ink illustrations reference Art Deco artists and brilliantly evoke one of the original Oz illustrators, John R. Neill. As for the story itself, Oz purists will find great comfort in Smith's attention to detail and faithful incorporation of already existing lore. Newcomers will discover an engaging new series and may even be convinced to give Baum's stories a try.–Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Sherwood Smith began making books out of taped paper towels when she was five years old, and at eight began writing stories about another world full of magic and adventure -- and hasn't stopped yet. She has published more than two dozen books, ranging from space opera to children's fantasy. Her children's fantasies have shown up on many library Best Books lists. One, Wren's War, was a finalist for the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award and was an Anne Spencer Lindbergh Honor Book. She has run writing workshops for nearly twenty years and has been active in organizing and participating in online workshops for more than ten. Her other young-adult books include Crown Duel, Wren to the Rescue, and Wren's Quest. Married more than twenty years (two kids, two dogs, and a house full of books), Ms. Smith is currently a part-time teacher as well as a writer. She lives in Southern California.; Title: Trouble Under Oz
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[
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PreSchool-Grade 2–Piglet siblings describe the many things their mother loves to do, which always include spending time with one of them. For example, "Mama loves/dancing in slippers./Teapots of tea./Reading the paper/and mornings/with me." Mrs. Pig also enjoys bike riding with her children, sitting on the porch just listening to them, working in the garden, and reading with them. She is the perfect parent with plenty of time and all the patience in the world. Nevertheless, this sweet story in rhyme works without becoming sappy. In the opening illustration, it's morning, and Mama is seeing the youngsters off to school. In the closing picture, it is nighttime, and one child is playing the piano while another snuggles on her lap. Brown's soft, pastel watercolors enhance the text without overpowering it. The family lives in a country home surrounded by flowers, picket fences, and open fields. A quiet and cozy selection.–Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 1. Many books about the relationship between a parent and a child have more appeal for the former than the latter. But this charmer, about a mother pig and her daughter, will easily resonate with little ones, too. The text is mainly a catalogue of all the things Mama Pig loves: dancing in slippers, rain boots, violets by the windows, porch swings. But the focus switches from mother to child because each verse ends by noting that Mama likes to do all these things "with me." The watercolor artwork is a charming blend of the old and new. Soft and cozy in a Tasha Tudor sort of way, the pictures, with their flowered prints and snapshot-frames, feature a modern mother who wears jeans and Laura Ashley-style dresses, rides bikes, and dives into the water (albeit in an old-time bathing suit). The sweet interaction between mother and daughter might lead to some sweet discussions between reader and listener as well. Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Mama Loves
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[
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1,228 | 15 |
PreSchool-Grade 2–If Georgia O'Keeffe had made a book for young children, it might have looked like this one. Close-ups of natural phenomenon in a vibrant palette combine with strategic pacing to undo the viewer's preconceptions about color. This creative duo has selected 10 images with which to stage their drama. The minimalist text appears in black ink, except for the words that name the colors; they are enlarged and color-coordinated. Thus, the opening page depicts a black crow, but the text reads, "Pink is for crow…." The page turn reveals a spread showing a nest of newborn birds and the conclusion: "…when it has just hatched from its egg." In like manner, author and artist pair purple and snow, blue and firelight, yellow and pine trees. The disconnect between the written hue and the initial object, combined with the elliptical construction, allows older children to guess and predict the outcomes and younger ones to be surprised. The bold, uncluttered scenes, rendered in acrylics, have a sweetness and strength that is quite pleasing to the eye. Easy to read and fun to share, this paean to the wonder of cycles and the rewards of close observation is the perfect prelude to a thoughtful excursion. Fans of Shannon and Dronzek would also enjoy titles such as Tana Hoban's Look! Look! Look! (HarperCollins, 1988; o.p.) and N. N. Charles's What Am I? Looking Through Shapes at Apples and Grapes (Scholastic, 1994).–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-K. Shannon challenges color associations that become ingrained in early life by using unusual combinations of words and images: "Pink is for crow," reads the text, which is illustrated with a painting of a glossy black bird. An explanation comes on the following spread: "When it has just hatched from its egg," accompanied by a picture of featherless pink nestlings. Subsequent spreads follow a similar pattern of contradiction and explanation: red poppies, for example, are black "when we take the time to look inside." The text is sometimes awkward: purple represents snow "when the snow is the shadow of us." But the rich hues and solid, uncomplicated shapes in the thickly brushed acrylic paintings extend the sense of visual delight and the mystery in the words. The format invites children to look with the eyes of an artist or a scientist, question preconceptions, and closely examine the actual world, where blueberries are, indeed, sometimes white. Gillian EngbergCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: White Is for Blueberry (Ala Notable Children's Books. Younger Readers (Awards))
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Rhyming,cumulative text accompaies cheerful, soft-focus illustrations in this introduction to what happens inside a car wash. (Booklist)Children will happily go along for the ride. (Kirkus Reviews)Irene O'Garden has published books for adults Fat Girl as well as for children Maybe My Baby under the name of Irene O'Dook, with photos by Paula Hible, and her poetry has appeared in many literary jourrials. She loves going through the car wash!; Title: The Scrubbly-Bubbly Car Wash
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[
16086,
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1,230 | 1 |
Grade 2-4-Lauber continues the series she started with The True-or-False Book of Cats (National Geographic, 1998) and The True-or-False Book of Horses (Morrow, 2000) with this entry that traces the long history of dogs. She opens with a brief discussion of the relationship between wolves and early humans, and describes how all dogs descended from the first domesticated wolves. Thirteen true-or-false statements follow, along with the information that allows readers to determine the answers. The topics addressed here are high interest and kid friendly: Do dogs hear more than people do? Did ancient Egyptians breed dogs as well as cats? Do dogs see what we see? Schanzer's bright illustrations are serviceable and the breeds are always identified, a touch that is sure to be appreciated by dog lovers. A lively look at an ever-popular topic.Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, ColumbiaCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 1-3. Dogs can hear their owners' footsteps long before their owners arrive home. Dogs can hear the squeals of mice and rats. Dogs bury bones for the same reason wolves bury parts of a large kill. Children will learn these canine facts, and much more in 13 short chapters comprising true-or-false questions about dogs ("All dogs are descended from wolves: True or False?"). The format will appeal to young children eager to stump peers and elders. Starting with a full-page portrait of a wolf looking avidly at the reader, the book's color illustrations, sometimes realistic and sometimes cartoonlike, carry readers through the wealth of facts, while identifying a variety of dog breeds. Packed with action and information. Connie FletcherCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The True-or-False Book of Dogs
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"I stink!" How can you not love such swagger and candor? And Kate and Jim McMullan's big-eyed, loudmouthed garbage truck really must stink--by its own admission, and given all those smelly bags it's been cramming into its huge back hopper.Most kids already love garbage trucks on general principle, and one assumes that can only go double for a sass-mouthed, animated dumper like this one, out on its early-morning rounds: "See those bags? I SMELL BREAKFAST! Crew? Get me to the curb! Lights? Blink! Brakes? Squeal! Tail gate? SAY AH!" The many opportunities for loud, large-type sound effects should make for spirited readings, and a recipe for "alphabet soup" lets young readers practice their letters, working through the ABCs from apple cores to zipped-up ziti with zucchini.The text to I Stink!, while fun, is nowhere near as clever as the art. But fortunately Jim McMullan's fun, fat drawings and type treatments more than make up the difference, loading Dumpsters full of personality into this grimacing, grinning, growling--even burping!--big rig. Kids will have a good time doing diesel-powered imitations, but even more importantly, they'll learn where they'd be without their neighborhood trash truck: on top of "Mount Trash-o-rama, baby." (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul HughesA rowdy, ravenous New York City garbage truck is the unlikely and thoroughly engaging narrator of this comical collaboration by the creators of Hey Pipsqueak! and Nutcracker Noel. "Know what I do at night while you're asleep?" asks the brazen vehicle, "Eat your TRASH, that's what." The perspective then shifts so that readers look outside from within the truck's tail end, as garbage bags hurl through the air and land inside its "hopper." As the truck rolls around town, ingesting garbage, he saucily asks, "Did I wake you? Too bad!" Jim McMullan's whimsically exaggerated art humorously reflects the personality of this hero, whose windshield serves as bulging eyes and whose bumper becomes an enormous set of teeth. As the trash inside his belly gets compacted, a full spread records his loud "BURRRP!" (indicated in large red typeface that stretches across the gutter). The truck contentedly ("Ahhhhhh!") announces that he now has room for "alphabet soup," and presents a gratifyingly gross ABC of items that he devours: from "apple cores" to "dirty diapers,... fish heads,... kitty litter,... puppy poo,... ugly underpants..." and "zipped-up ziti with zucchini." He freely admits to his stench, then reminds readers, "Go on, hold your nose, but think about it Without me? You're on Mount Trash-o-rama, baby," as only skyscraper tops (including the Chrysler Building) clear the pictured mound of refuse. After the fellow unloads his contents on a river barge (with a "PLOP!"), he heads back to the garage ("See you tomorrow night, guys"), while kids will eagerly return to the beginning of this hilarious homage to an unsung hero. Ages 4-8. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: I Stink!
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1,232 | 1 |
PreSchool-Grade 2-To read this book, children must turn it sideways and then start at the bottom and follow the arrows to the top. Halfway through, they must turn it around and follow the arrows down. In doing so, readers will be rewarded with a fascinating combination of poetic text and artistic illustrations that clearly explain the organization of nature in our physical world. This is high art and a scientific classification that can be easily understood by young children. The book starts with the underbelly of a mole looking up surrounded by reddish-brown earth. Follow his gaze to roots growing in brown earth and then bright green grass. Layer upon layer, readers' eyes move upward to a toad, wildflowers, butterflies, a canopy of towering trees, birds, sky, and finally the moon. Turn the book around and come down through the clouds to the ocean waves, whales, seaweed, sea urchins, sponges, octopus, and fish, to the bottom of the sea. The melodic descriptive text and the brilliant artwork that spills to the edge of the page combine to introduce nature in its awesome glory. This fresh approach will delight inquiring minds and appeal to the curiosity and sense of discovery of young children. Each page will start their imagination working and will lead to thinking, learning, and amazement. This expertly crafted book can be used in storyhours, shared one-on-one, or looked at by children on their own. It will be enjoyed over and over again.Marlene Gawron, formerly at Orange County Library, Orlando, FLCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-Gr. 2. This interesting book gets off to an unusual start. Turn it lengthwise to begin. The directions tell children to follow the arrows as their eyes travel up and read from the bottom of the page to the top. The next awkwardly phrased instruction says, "halfway through, turn the book around and let your eyes travel down, reading from top to bottom." Well, it becomes obvious when you do it. On each page is the question "What's up if you're . . .?" from the viewpoint of various flora and fauna: a mole, a root, grass, a toad. Sometimes kids will puzzle over the answer. "What's up if you're a toad?" is "a sea of wildflowers," though children may expect water of some kind. The highest thing "up" is the moon, and then it's time to turn the book upside down and move down through sky and water to see "what's down." Children will have a chance to stretch their imaginations as they get a rudimentary idea of how the natural world works. The artwork, executed in chalks, has a muscular look that brings nature home. Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: What's Up, What's Down?
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The wind whispered through the vines, making them quiver and bend. The scarecrows creaked, shaking their arms as if waving us away. A large pumpkin came bouncing down a hill. Thud thud thud! A child loses his head inside a pumpkin. A skin-crawling spider spell is cast on a sorcerer's apprentice. A visit to the hospital for a tonsillectomy takes a ghoulish turn. These things don't happen--do they? In Nightmare Hour they do. The fiendishly prolific R.L. Stine, author of the Goosebumps series, offers 10 scary tales to keep you up late, quivering beneath the covers. Each heart-pounding, fast-paced story features lively writing and young characters who come into contact with the tricks and illusions on life's darker side. Curious readers will love the author's introduction to each story, where he explains how the idea for it came to him. From "Alien Candy" to "Make Me a Witch," the stories also feature a spooky illustration by artists from Edward Koren to Bleu Turrell. While not gory, some of the book's situations, such as the hospital visit gone wrong, are not for the faint-hearted reader. For the rest, these are tales you'll be too scared to put down. (Ages 10 and older) --Maria DolanAmong the scariest of elements in this collection is the full-spread black-and-white artwork, contributed by an array of different artists, that sets the stage for each of the 10 stories. For a taut, harrowing tale of mistaken identity set in the children's ward of a hospital on Halloween night, "I'm Not Martin," Clay Patrick McBride creates a photocollage of a ward with an oversize, eyeless doll's head, holding an IV bottle on a pole in one hand and a human foot in the other, as a boy peers through a curtained screen. The impressive roster of illustrators also includes Edward Koren, Gary Kelley and Mark Summers. The author offers additional eerie lead-ins to the tales with his brief introductions, in which he describes alleged incidents that prompted his plots. For instance, the setting for "Nightmare Inn"Astarring a girl who encounters a pair of werewolves in the run-down establishment her mother plans to purchaseAwas inspired by Stine's stay in a sprawling New England inn in which he was the only guest. The author's many fans will surely look over their shoulders once or twice while engrossed in these pages. And they will be pleased to discover the low price of this handsomely designed hardcover. Ages 8-up. (Oct.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Nightmare Hour: Time for Terror
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1,234 | 7 |
"A cracking good story." -- --ALA Booklist (starred review)"A cracking good story."(--ALA Booklist (starred review)) -- Booklist"Wonderfully entertaining. A born storyteller weaves her own brand of magic." -- --The Horn Book (starred review)"Wonderfully entertaining. A born storyteller weaves her own brand of magic." -- --The Horn Book (starred review)"Wonderfully entertaining. A born storyteller weaves her own brand of magic." -- --The Horn Book (starred review)In a career spanning four decades, award-winning author Diana Wynne Jones (19342011) wrote more than forty books of fantasy for young readers. Characterized by magic, multiple universes, witches and wizardsand a charismatic nine-lived enchanterher books are filled with unlimited imagination, dazzling plots, and an effervescent sense of humor that earned her legendary status in the world of fantasy.; Title: The Lives of Christopher Chant (Chrestomanci Books)
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1,235 | 2 |
Parents can be forgiven for wondering what it is that appeals about William Joyce's Ping-Pong-headed space hero, Rolie Polie Olie. But read about him and his family to any child under five, and there's no doubting that the attraction of the Rolie Polie Planet is powerful. In this rhyming bedtime adventure, Olie waits for a goodnight story from Pappy (grandpa), but Pappy turns up late and befuddled after a nasty bonk on the head. Olie saves the day by creating a sort of funny ray. (The adult but not the child will be irritated at the inconsistencies here: in one illustration Olie is filling a bucket with tricks and treats, and in the next this has inexplicably become a bubble-gun; equally inexplicably, it's described as a ray-gun.) "Then Olie burst into the room / and with his ray dispelled the gloom. 'I made a Pappy pick-me-up / to help old Pappy ungrow up.'" Shakespeare it isn't, but small kids are better than we are at empathizing with characters whose very souls seem to be made from Ping-Pong balls too. They love it! (Ages 3 to 5) --Richard FarrIn Sleepy Time Olie by William Joyce, the robot boy waits for Pappy to tuck him into bed. But when Pappy hits his head the man "comes in/ all unwound" and bound for bed himself. Quickly, Olie conjures up a cure that has the once-unhappy Pappy floating in a bubble of fun.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Sleepy Time Olie
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Back for a third installment in Emily Rodda's Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal, the hero faces his greatest challenge yet when the poisoning of his mother thrusts him into the role of selecting a new "keeper of the crystal" as he also attempts to find a life-saving antidote for his mother. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Grade 4-6-In this third book in the series, Rowan and his mother journey to the Maris folk on the coast so that she can choose the new Keeper of the Crystal, who will lead the Maris when the old Keeper dies. His mother knows that death is a distinct possibility but must fulfill her duty or else the Crystal will die and the Maris will no longer be protected against attack from the Zebak. When she is poisoned, Rowan breaks a 1000-year-old tradition by refusing to choose a candidate using the customary tests. He insists that the three candidates accompany him to an island to get the rare ingredients for an antidote to the poison. With their reluctant aid, he gathers what he needs, though it means plunging into one peril after another. Having survived both savage beasts and deadly political intrigues, he has one more test in store, for at the last possible instant, he realizes that the newly chosen Keeper has been bespelled by the Zebak. In this suspenseful, clever story, Rodda gives her young hero a generous supply of courage and wit, which proves helpful when he is faced with a series of catastrophes. Rowan's inner, if not outer, stature grows in each individual episode of this well-written, entertaining series.Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NYCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal
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Grade 4-6-Imagine a cold, steep trip up a mountain path; it is icy and a light rain falls. A woman is riding an old horse and has a bag full of books to deliver. The families she stops to see are waiting for her, a one-room schoolhouse full of children greet her at the door. One woman walks nine miles to meet her and exchange her books and magazines. This is a day in the life of a pack-horse librarian. From 1935 to 1943, local Kentucky women were paid a meager salary as part of the WPA to do just this. Appelt and Schmitzer present an in-depth look at this unusual book-delivery system. With clear, thorough information, they take readers back to Depression-era Appalachia. Details of the project, such as why local women were the best choice to deliver the books, how materials were obtained, and how the delivery circuit worked, are offered in a readable format. The authors capably describe the isolated and poverty-ridden lives of the Kentucky mountain folk. Generously illustrated with black-and-white photographs, this book paints a complete picture of one WPA project. Extensive source notes are included. Pair this fascinating title with Rosemary Wells's Mary on Horseback (Viking, 1999) for an intimate look at the Appalachian region during the Great Depression.Angela J. Reynolds, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Aloha, OR Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc."...adds unique insights not just to the history of library service, but of Appalachian culture, and... women's work in general." -- Kirkus Reviews"With clear thorough information...The authors capably describe the isolated and poverty-ridden lives of the Kentucky mountain folk." -- School Library Journal, starred review; Title: Down Cut Shin Creek: The Pack Horse Librarians of Kentucky
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Popular TV courtroom personality Judge Judy Sheindlin has a dare for kids. When faced with tough tests of character in (and out of) school, children are challenged to make the right choices. By using examples of problems kids face every day and providing four possible responses to each situation, Judge Judy helps readers build up their moral strength. For example, if your best friend's goofy-looking cousin is visiting and wants you to go skating after school, what should you do? (a) Tell your friend you wouldn't be caught dead with her. (b) Fake being sick to get out of it. (c) Go along with her; maybe she is really nice. (d) Buy her a mask. Parents and children are encouraged to discuss each answer, or even to make up their own, before deciding on a solution. But remember, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." As Judge Judy says, "Adults seem to have a little saying for everything... Don't bite off more than you can chew. You can't judge a book by its cover." In this fun and enlightening book, she helps kids apply these wise aphorisms in their everyday lives to make good decisions and get along with others.Judge Judy Sheindlin is the outspoken author of several bestselling books, including Judge Judy Sheindlin's Win or Lose by How You Choose, which was also illustrated with Bob Tore's cartoonish line drawings. (Ages 7 to 12) --Emilie CoulterOne of TV's most famous Your Honors returns for Judge Judy Sheindlin's You Can't Judge a Book By Its Cover: Cool Rules for School, illus. by Bob Tore. Fans of the multiple-choice format of her previous Judge Judy Sheindlin's Win or Lose by How You Choose! will find more of the same here, with schoolyard scenarios galore. Once again, the Judge hands down no rulings: it's up to the adults to guide kids through the correct answers. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Judge Judy Sheindlin's You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover: Cool Rules for School
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Grade 4-6-The people of Rin are strong and brave, except for young Rowan. He spends his time caring for the bukshah, the gentle beasts that the villagers depend on for their survival. When their stream suddenly stops flowing and the bukshah are in danger of dying, six of the strongest, bravest villagers decide to climb the Mountain, hoping to avoid the Dragon that lives there, to find out what has happened. However, Sheba the Wise Woman is the only one who knows the way, and she has decided that Rowan must accompany the party, so she gives them a magic map that can only be read if he is holding it. Rowan starts off as fragile and a little whiny, but improves steadily, especially as he begins to realize that he plays an important role in the expedition. He is able to succeed through his own efforts, not through magic. The adults are one-dimensional at first, but as Rowan learns more about them, so do readers, and two of them prove to have unexpected depth. Traditional fantasy elements and setting are presented in a fast-moving and enjoyable tale that should be an easy sell to fantasy lovers.Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 3-6. Rodda's new fantasy-adventure series (three other titles are to follow within a year) introduces the people of Rin, who live in the shadow of the Mountain ruled by a fierce but unseen dragon. When the community's water source suddenly dries up, and the dragon ceases his daily roars, some of the bravest villagers prepare to travel up the Mountain to investigate the problem. Young Rowan, a herder who fears he will never be as brave as his late father, must accompany the group because only he can make the magical map reveal its necessary clues. One by one, each strong adventurer confronts his own greatest fears and turns back, leaving only Rowan to deal with the fire-breathing dragon on the summit. Readers would have been satisfied had they simply been given an exciting adventure story. But this talented Australian writer has also given them a fully conceived fantasy world complete with its own flora and fauna, a well-developed back story, and fascinating characters. This tightly plotted mystery sprinkled with clever rhyming clues is somewhat reminiscent of Tom McGowen's the Magician's Apprentice series (1987), and it should be popular with young readers everywhere. Kay WeismanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Rowan of Rin
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Cabot (The Princess Diaries) presents another teen-pleasing novel and another likable heroine in this story set in Washington, D.C. Feisty, red-haired Samantha, a self-described "urban rebel" who has dyed all of her clothes black, is a 15-year-old middle child, uncomfortably wedged between her popular, cheerleader older sister, Lucy, and her brainy 11-year-old sister, Rebecca. And she has a major crush on Jack, Lucy's nonconformistartist boyfriend, whom she feels is far better suited to her than to her rather vacuous sister. The entertainingly opinionated narrator's wry top-10 lists add considerably to the tale's charm and speedy pacing, among them, the "top ten reasons why I can't stand my sister Lucy" and the "top ten signs that Jack loves me and not my sister Lucy and just hasn't realized it yet." Sam's life suddenly changes dramatically when, while standing on the sidewalk one afternoon, she foils an attempt to assassinate the President. She becomes a national hero overnight, is named teen ambassador to the United Nations and eventually lands the president's son as her beau. Despite these rather unlikely plot twists (in a comic coincidence, the president's son also happens to be a fellow student in her art class whom she finds attractive), Sam's spunky and intermittently affecting narrative, as well as the true-to-life voices of the supporting cast of characters, make this a convincing and diverting tale. As Sam learns important truths about herself, Cabot interjects a worthy message into her comedic caper. Ages 12-up. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Grade 5-10-While waiting for her ride home from an after-school art class, Samantha Madison, a sophomore at John Adams Preparatory School in Washington, DC, inadvertently saves the President's life by jumping on the back of a would-be assassin. Suddenly, she is a celebrity, invited to the White House for dinner, named the teen ambassador to the U.N., and revered by her fellow classmates. Yet, even her new star status doesn't allow her to get what she really wants-a date with her sister's boyfriend, Jack. Hoping to make him jealous, she asks out the President's son. The plan backfires, but Samantha discovers who she really is in the process. Cabot uses vision as a metaphor for how a budding artist grows to "see" herself and others more clearly. The first-person narrative contains Samantha's top-10 lists between chapters, adding to the hilarious plot. The setting is used to interject a few historical facts about the White House and its former residents without intruding on the entertaining story. Readers will enjoy Samantha's interactions with the other delightful characters, especially her sisters. Cabot fully understands teens, their language, and their world. There are at least 10 reasons why libraries will want to own this book, but the most important one is that it simply will not stay on the shelves.Linda L. Plevak, Saint Mary's Hall, San Antonio, TXCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: All-American Girl
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Grades 4-6--It is somewhat startling that Rylant should choose to cover a period of time about which Wilder herself chose not to write. Here the Ingalls leave their farm on the banks of Plum Creek to spend several years in Burr Oak, IA. Pa's determination is tested, but his pioneering spirit and hard work coupled with Ma's essential support and unending labor see them through. The death of a new baby who arrives at the opening of the novel is clearly painful to all; a birth near its closure is a reminder that life goes on. After several different homes in Iowa, the family returns to Plum Creek, where Wilder continued the story in By the Shores of Silver Lake (HarperCollins, 1953). LaMarche's illustrations wisely focus more on things than on people, which helps to reduce their incongruity with Garth Williams's drawings. The characters are somewhat different here. Laura seems less of a tomboy and enjoys tea parties and talking about the dolls and rich furnishings of their small-town neighbors. Some of the events match quite closely with known biographical details, while others are definitely fictionalized. Rylant enjoys detailed descriptions of the flora and fauna much more than the original narrator. These small differences will not matter a whit to those insatiable for further Laura stories. For purists who want the classics left alone and are sure Wilder is rolling in her grave, the whole idea is strictly sacrilege. For most everyone else, this is neither a necessary nor valuable addition.Carol A. Edwards, Sonoma County Library, Santa Rosa, CACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.A well-written book that will answer many of the questions frequently asked by fans. (ALA Booklist)Gently toldcreated in the same spirit as the earlier titles. (Seattle Times)Captures the essence of Lauras personality and the structure and style of the original works. (The Horn Book Magazine); Title: Old Town in the Green Groves: Laura Ingalls Wilder's Lost Little House Years
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reSchool-Grade 3-Richly colored pastel drawings and precise, surprising word choices make this story a natural for sharing with a group. A young vervet monkey, carefully supervised by his mother, waits impatiently for a safe time to drink at a busy water hole as the day passes and other animals of the African savanna come to quench their thirst. The delightful language adds enjoyment: "The silence pokes Monkey's ear"; "Sun lands on the horizon and tucks away its lower half." The beat of the text is palpable, moving from fast to slow and back, sometimes rhyming, sometimes joltingly not. However, as in Lynne Cherry's The Great Kapok Tree (Harcourt, 1990), the plot is secondary to an appreciation of the environment. The realistic illustrations are often from a monkey's-eye view, showing the belly of a running zebra and the gaping mouth of a crocodile. This is a must for studies of African animals or the savanna biome, and a gem for writing teachers.Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Ages 4-8. The Kurtzes, brother and sister, describe a dawn-to-dusk day at a water hole on an African savannah, citing the activities of the many animals that inhabit the ecosystem. At dawn, as a troop of vervet monkeys forages for food, a youngster attempting to take a drink is stopped by Mama, who notices a herd of hippopotami arriving for a swim. At midday the young monkey tries again, only to be deterred by zebras and a lumbering crocodile. Later, a lion and a giraffe come for drinks, and a family of elephants rumbles down for a splash. Only after dark, when the larger animals have gone, does Mama deem it safe for her baby to quench his thirst. Vivid artwork complements the elegant text, often extending it with additional details: the close-up views of thundering zebra hooves and snapping crocodile jaws are particularly impressive. The story will work well on several levels: young listeners will understand the frustration in having to wait for a cool drink; older children will appreciate the diversity of savannah wildlife. See also Anne Laurel Carter's Under a Prairie Sky (p.1599), which describes Canadian grasslands. Kay WeismanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Water Hole Waiting
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Starred Review. Grade 5–8—This sequel to The Birchbark House (Hyperion, 1999) and The Game of Silence (HarperCollins, 2005) continues the story of Omakayas, an Ojibwe girl who in 1852 is now 12 winters old. She and her family have been displaced by the United States government and are looking for a new place to live. When Omakayas and her younger brother become separated from their family during a night hunting expedition, Pinch has a run-in with a porcupine that he decides to keep as his medicine animal. The little gaag does indeed seem to bring them good fortune for a time, and Pinch is thereafter known as Quill. As Omakayas's extended family travels north toward Lac du Bois, where Mama's sister has settled, Erdrich's resonant descriptions of their day-to-day experiences give the narrative a graceful flow. The peaceful rhythms are all too quickly broken, however, when a party of Bwaanag captures two of their men. Soon after, Auntie Muskrat's no-good husband, Albert LaPautre, leads a raid on the small group, making off with all of their provisions, leaving them destitute as the winter months approach. The family finally reaches the big lake, and as they learn to find their places in the larger group, Omakayas must come to terms with her transition to womanhood. The events in this installment will both delight and appall readers. While the novel can stand alone, it will call new readers to catch up on the first two installments. Erdrich's charming pencil drawings interspersed throughout and her glossary of Ojibwe terms round out a beautiful offering.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.*Starred Review* The struggle to survive provides the exciting action in this sequel to The Birchbark House (1999) and The Game of Silence (2005), which takes place in 1852.But the gripping story is also about pain, joy, sacrifice, and surprise.Omakayas, now 12,feels the anguish of displacement as her family, driven from its beloved Madeline Island by white settlers, endures violent raids in the freezing winter and comes close to starvation inits search for a home. Erdrich shows Omakayas love forher mischievous little brother,as well as her barely controlledjealousy of her sister. Always there isher bond withtough elderly Old Tallow, who rescued Omakayas as a baby and has loved her ever since. The question now is whether Old Tallow will survive, and for thefirst time, Omakayas hears her mentors childhood storyincluding the shocking brutality she endured, which helped make her so strong andnurturing. As in the previous books, Erdrich weaves in Ojibwaculture and language, defining the terms inan appendedglossary, and she includes her ownblack-and-white sketches, whichexpress her affection for small daily things. Based on Erdrichs own family history, this celebrationof lifewill move readers with its mischief, its anger, and its sadness.What is left unspoken is as powerful as the story told. Grades 4-7. --Hazel Rochman; Title: The Porcupine Year (Birchbark House)
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Kindergarten-Grade 2-"Mama! Mama! Come and see!/Creepy things are scaring me!" Combining a simple rhyme with bedroom scenes in which the colors are only slightly darkened and every shape is reassuringly distinct, this book takes on the perennial topic of nighttime jitters in a direct but relatively mild way. Once the lights go out, a child hears a sound beneath his bed, fancies a looming, wormlike monster on the wall, sees a purple shadow pouring in through the window, etc. When his cry of alarm wakes his mother, she patiently shows him that it's only his puppy under the bed, a teddy bear on the shelf, and a tree outside the window. The child is relieved: "Now the room is not so creepy./Now I'm feeling kind of sleepy." Timorous children left more frightened than they were before by the likes of Hubert Flattinger's Stormy Night (North-South, 2002) or Michelle Edwards and Phyllis Root's What's That Noise? (Candlewick, 2002) will drift off comfortably to snoozeville in the wake of this low-key alternative.John Peters, New York Public LibraryCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Like most children, Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey were often afraid of the dark. Yet these brothers stuck together and protected each other from creepy things prowling around the house. They claim not to be afraid of monsters anymore, but they still stick together when writing about them. This is their first picture book. Jerome Pumphrey lives in Clearwater, Florida, while Jarrett Pumphrey lives near Houston, Texas.; Title: Creepy Things Are Scaring Me!
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Kindergarten-Grade 3--Youngsters are encouraged to play with words in this picture book. A full-color photo and a brief phrase on the right side of the page introduce children to animals with specific characteristics. When the page is turned, the two-word rhyming punch line is revealed. For instance, "A swamp croaker is a-/BOG FROG" and "A wet hound is a-/SOGGY DOGGY." The large-print, white text set against colorful backgrounds is easy to read and attractive. Children of different races and ethnicities are represented in the photographs; the animals are shown in barnyards, backyards, homes, and parks. While young listeners may not be able to guess all of the paired words, they will get the clearly delivered concept and will be prompted to create rhymes of their own. Ideal for sharing aloud, this book will appeal to those who appreciate Tana Hoban's and Margaret Miller's work.Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WICopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Ages 5-8. With its short text and colorful photos featuring a multicultural crew of children having good times with animals, this looks like a book preschoolers will enjoy. However, it might take an older child to do the two-step reasoning that makes the book into a satisfying guessing game. A typical right-hand page shows a little girl holding up a large cat while the text reads "A chubby kitty is a . . ." What's another name for the noun and an adjective that rhymes with it? "FAT CAT." A natural for reading aloud, this bright, well-designed picture book will provide some shout-it-out fun for children who enjoy wordplay. Advanced players may want to make up their own rhymes. Remember this book the next time a teacher asks for a source of hink-pinks or hinky-pinkies, alternate names for one-syllable and two-syllable versions of this word game, which the authors refer to in the dedication as Stinky Pinky. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: A Huge Hog Is a Big Pig: A Rhyming Word Game
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[
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1,246 | 2 |
Grade 5-9-There's a lot packed into this contemporary coming-of-age novel, including elements of magic and mystery, and strong themes of what friendship and family really mean. As she approaches her birthday, Millicent must decide how and if she wants to use the magical powers that run in her family. At 14, she will be able to have a single wish granted, as long as she avoids telling a lie until then. While these decisions approach, Millicent also starts going to school for the first time and makes her first real friend outside her close-knit family. This family, introduced in a prefatory "Cast of Characters" chapter, includes her much older brother, Mac, who is responsible for raising his younger siblings since their parents' separation, and is the local chief of police. Mac's no-nonsense approach to life earns both respect and frustration from Millicent. When both get involved in stopping a series of neighborhood thefts, their contentious relationship comes to a head. Though magic is a big part of Millicent's world, the novel really centers more around her relationship with Mac. With such a large cast of characters and sometimes scattered plot threads, though, it takes a while for the story to get moving. The mixture of magic and family dynamics is intriguing, and the eventual conclusion is fairly satisfying, but some readers may lose interest before then.Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, ORCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Gr. 5-8. "Sometimes I wish I was normal, like everybody else. Believe me, this Gift is a drag," confides Millicent on the second page of her narrative. She could reject it, but, of course, she doesn't. Born into a family where spells and shape shifting are a matter of self-discipline and training. Millicent is coming to the age when she can make one wish that will be granted. When her new friends in high school learn of her gift, she is besieged with requests for help and must convince them that they've been listening to rumors. This features a strong first-person voice and layered characterizations. Although the magic angle will initially attract readers, the most riveting aspect of the novel is neither the increasingly problematic intersection of magic and reality in Millicent's life, nor the subplot of friendship and betrayal, but the convincing portrayal of relationships within a complex family. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Millicent's Gift
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Grade 4-6-The fifth book featuring Rowan of Rin is a gripping adventure with danger at every turn. Although Rowan's challenges and dangers have been great in the past, readers will sense the gravity of this quest from the start. The cover art is dominated by three fierce, giant, spiny flat worms covered with ice whose large mouths are filled with rows of sharp, curved teeth. Discovering why these Ice Creepers have begun to descend from the mountain and what has led to the harshest winter the villagers can remember is at the center of this fast-paced adventure. As in previous stories, Rowan and his party must decipher Sheba the witch's riddles; here, the riddles, rhymes, and visions appear to him in waking dreams that are both exhausting and terrifying. Once again, through his courage and perseverance, the protagonist completes his tasks and Rin is safe. This spellbinding adventure will be welcomed by readers of the previous books, who will enjoy Rowan's continued growth as the "hero of Rin." Some background information is provided, but the story does not stand as firmly on its own as it does within the series.Genevieve Gallagher, Orange County Public Library, VACopyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 3-7. Rodda continues her popular Rowan of Rin series in a tale that finds the residents of Rin suffering the effects of a long and brutal winter. After receiving a mysterious riddle from Sheba, the village seer, Rowan goes up the Mountain, accompanied by Shaaran; Norris, Shaaran's warrior brother; and Zeel, a Zebak with ties to both the Traveler and Maris peoples. Sheba has lent Rowan her gold medallion, which provides the group with advice along their journey even as it causes Rowan to see visions of horrible events to come. As in the earlier book, Rin is an appealing alternate reality, filled with characters exhibiting a wide range of human frailties as well as monsters guaranteed to chill the hardiest soul. The action never lags, and readers will appreciate that the solution to Rin's problem lies in the villagers' accepting the wisdom of nature rather than circumventing it for human convenience. Although the story will be particularly appealing to Rowan's established fans, casual fantasy and adventure readers will enjoy it, too. Kay WeismanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Rowan and the Ice Creepers (Rowan of Rin)
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[
1236,
1239,
22325,
22331,
22333
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1,248 | 1 |
PreSchool-Grade 2-Told in rhythmic prose that almost purrs when read aloud, this black cat's story enchants with a perfect blend of art and text. On the opening spread, Moonlight waits patiently for readers to catch up with her in a pumpkin patch of vibrant orange. Then, she walks across rolling meadows, along fences, and past hay fields. "Moonlight walks the night. She sees lights going off in the houses. Now only pumpkins will shine." The feline snuggles affectionately on the lap of a man made of straw and watches many splendors of the night, including trick-or-treating children and reflections of stars on a pond. Sweet's acrylic and colored-pencil illustrations bring the feline and the pumpkins to life. Luminously serene blues and greens predominate and harmonize with the cozy, comforting moods and emotions the text evokes. Especially enchanting is the close-up illustration of Moonlight's back as she sits placidly on a tree branch, facing a huge, yellow moon. The varying perspectives throughout the book are bound to keep even the youngest children intrigued.James K. Irwin, Poplar Creek Main Library, Steamwood, ILCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-K. Rylant and Sweet offer a black cat's eye view of Halloween night in a gentle dreamscape where pumpkins smile, owls fly, and stars shine. In simple, poetic prose, Rylant tracks the meandering cat's night journey through streets of wildly colorful houses and trick-or-treaters, past ponds, hay stacks, and pumpkin fields: "Moonlight walks the night. / She sees lights going off in the houses. / Now only pumpkins will shine." Sweet's endearingly childlike, color-rich paintings convey an appreciation for the ever-deepening night, effectively contrasting the glow of animal eyes, jack-o'-lanterns, house windows, and moonlight with a dark purple evening sky. A soothing, ghoul-free, utterly noncreepy Halloween picture book for the preschool set. Karin SnelsonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Moonlight: The Halloween Cat
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1,249 | 2 |
Grades 6-10--Margaret Clairmont, 12, can barely remember her father or the last time her mother woke up long enough to take them somewhere beyond the grocery store and Laundromat. Their sudden unexpected visit to place a "For Sale by Owner" sign on a dilapidated mansion on an island in the Pacific Northwest is the basis of this interesting mystery. The resolution of a long-standing family tragedy is slowly pieced together in this novel that bears a strong resemblance to Margaret's little sister Sophie's favorite distraction, "THE HARDEST JIGSAW EVER MADE." Parts of the story are Margaret's, describing in a relatively straightforward fashion her secret return to the island to find an explanation for the comic she found in an unopened package addressed to her mother. Parts belong to Boyd, the boy who lives next door to the mansion physically but dwells emotionally within the comics that appear in the island's odd library. Underneath their story is that of an earlier unhappy teenager, who found himself growing physically repulsive as he matured. He became more and more reclusive, even ratlike, and grew to be a man who could never rid himself of his guilt over the death of his idolized older brother. Most of the story is told in prose, in first or third person, but some parts are revealed in the graphic form of the comic books. Even the narrator twists and turns, as the first-person storyteller's identity changes. The satisfying ending will reward readers who have made their way through this tangled tale, but all but the best will probably find themselves considerably confused along the way.Kathleen Isaacs, Edmund Burke School, Washington, DCCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Engrossing, thematically rich, and atmospheric. -- Kirkus Reviews Readers will easily suspend disbelief as they sink into the Twilight Zone-like plot. -- ALA Booklist The story's graphic-novel sensibilitywill intrigue fans of that genre, and readerswill relish this compelling and offbeat adventure. -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books ; Title: How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found
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[
865,
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26537
] |
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While not exactly revolutionary, Grammy-winning musician Sting's retelling of the biblical story of Noah's ark is peppy and upbeat. A hip young couple read about an intriguing opportunity:Adapting the lyrics of his song and adding geometric and bright-toned illustrations by illustrator Hugh Whyte, Sting has revamped an old, old favorite for a new generation, reminding readers that the planet's well-being is still in our hands. Proceeds from the sale of Rock Steady will be donated to the Rainforest Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the Brazilian rainforests and the cultures that live there. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie CoulterPop music superstar Sting gives a classic Bible story a brand new beat in this abbreviated version of "Rock Steady," Sting's funky, modern-day musical take on Noah's Ark (the song appears on his 1987 recording Nothing Like the Sun). A couple quickly signs on for duty after they see an ad in the newspaper: "Volunteers wanted/ For/ a very special trip,/ To commune with Mother Nature/ On a big wooden ship." They set sail under the leadership of "an old guy with a beard" who "heard God's message on the radio." During the 40 days of continuous rainfall, the crew members take some solace in the knowledge that their vessel is "Rock steady" and that they are "sailing with the Lord." Whyte's joyful accompaniment layers Crayola-bright geometric shapes in inviting scenes with varied perspectives. He riffs on an Old Testament-era setting, which immediately puts the story in a familiar context for kids even though it distances them from the impact of Sting's contemporary twist. Young readers will find much to like a rendering of a dove, resplendent in sunlight, is a stunner. Ages 5-8. (May) Foundation.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Rock Steady: A Story of Noah's Ark
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Frank R. Stockton (1834-1902) published his first book, Ting-a-Ling, a collection of fairy tales, in 1870. From 1873 to 1881, he was assistant editor of St. Nicholas magazine, working with Mary Mapes Dodge. His writing career flourished in the last two decades of the nineteenth century, when he produced story collections, novels, and works of history for young readers, as well as nonfiction and fiction for adults, notably his story The Lady or the Tiger?; Title: The Bee-Man of Orn
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For many, the words "Caps for sale!" will elicit an old, happy memory of the favorite childhood story about a peddler who stacks caps on top of his head--until a band of monkeys gets in on the action. So they will be thrilled to spend a day at the circus with the same affable salesman in Esphyr Slobodkina's refreshed edition of the sequel to Caps for Sale. When the dapper peddler finds himself at a circus one day, he seizes the opportunity to hawk his wares. Unfortunately, a mischievous passing elephant seems to be his most interested customer. Soon caps are flying, to the delight of clowns, jugglers, tumblers, and especially the watching crowd. The story of how the peddler manages to reclaim--and then sell--all his caps, will charm the hat off any reader. We're glad a whole new generation of children can now experience Slobodkina's familiar, old-fashioned illustrations as well as the humorous, preposterous plot. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie CoulterThe companion to the classic Caps for Sale, Circus Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina (originally published in 1967 as Pezzo the Peddler and the Circus Elephant) places the peddler and his wares in the middle of a circus procession at the county fair then center stage.; Title: Circus Caps for Sale
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Dronzek (Oh!) makes the most of Shannon's (Tomorrow's Alphabet) tale of a diminutive hero's feats of derring-do, with folk art simplicity and a palette as lush as the first greens of spring. A hen and her three chicks go every morning "to the garden for their favorite treat-sweet itty-bitty beans and potato bugs." But one day, a nasty dog (think Petey, from Our Gang, with his black-encircled eye) barks menacingly at Hen, who sighs, "We'll never get past a dog like that." After Big Chick and Middle Chick's imploring and bullying attempts to pass by the canine fail, the two siblings laugh when Little Chick peeps, "I want to try." Though small, the smart, quick chick runs "tippy-toe" round and round the tree where the dog is tied, causing him to wrap his leash around the trunk as he chases her. Little ones will cheer this "underchick" who takes on a bully several times her size and wins. Shannon's prose runs clean and spare, spiked with just enough "tippy-toe, tippy-toes" and "Ruff-Ruffs" to make reading aloud fun. The simply drawn chicks and the vibrant acrylic backdrop of bright green grass and hot pink, blue and purple flowers make this a perky springtime offering. Ages 3-up. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2-In this inviting tale, the youngest member of a family saves the day. Hen and her offspring make a daily trip to the garden to feast on yummy beans and potato bugs. Little Chick always trails behind, daydreaming, and then quickly runs across the yard to catch up with the others. One day, a loud dog that has been tied to a nearby tree blocks their path. Frightened, Hen is ready to turn around, but her hungry children insist on a confrontation. Big Chick and Middle Chick each take a turn with the barking beast and end up cowering under their mother's wing. Although her siblings laugh at her, Little Chick demands a chance at defeating the dog, and comes up with a courageous and cunning plan that makes use of her natural speed. Before long, the pooch is neatly tied up and the road to the goodies is clear. Lyrical language, catchy sound effects ("tippy-toe, tippy-toe"), and just the right amount of suspense keep the action moving at a brisk pace. With an interesting mix of dramatic full-page spreads and smaller vignettes, the colorful acrylic paintings pick up on both the humor and the tension of the text. Accentuated by fluid black lines and set against lush green backgrounds, the characters seem to jump right off of the pages. A winning choice for storytime or one-on-one sharing.Joy Fleishhacker, formerly at School Library JournalCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Tippy-Toe Chick, Go!
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[
2703,
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Kindergarten-Grade 4-Powerful, evocative endpapers showing surging horses, winging their way across raging seas and starry skies, draw readers into the spirit world of the Pawnee. With this opening, Goble brings to life the legend of the magical steed that gifted the tribe with "a herd of spirited horses." As the story opens, a poor boy and his grandmother struggle to keep up on foot as the rest of the tribe moves from place to place on horseback. One day, the boy finds a starving, limping horse and nurses him back to health, ignoring the jeers of others who insist he is wasting his time. In return, the animal gives him speed and cunning to spur his people on in battle. The boy, however, ignores the steed's final instructions and is devastated when the beloved animal dies as a result of his heedlessness. Later, he is forgiven and the stallion returns from the spirit world to reward his former benefactor with a herd of wild horses. Employing the same technique as in The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses (Bradbury, 1982), Goble uses the white outlines that are part of his signature style and marries traditional and stylized flat patterning with occasional shading to suggest rounded forms. By combining gouache and watercolor, he alternates areas of opaque and transparent color, evoking a sense of both airiness and solidity perfectly suited to the mystical and earthbound worlds depicted in this tale of generosity, bravery, and forgiveness. Extensive historical notes attest to the author's comprehensive research.Laurie Edwards, West Shore School District, Camp Hill, PACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 2-3, younger for reading aloud. Adapted from a Pawnee story recorded in 1889, this magical tale tells of a poor boy and his grandmother who rescue a sickly horse. When an unnamed tribe attacks, the horse tells the boy to cover him in mud and ride directly into the enemy: "But do not do it more than four times!" When the boy attacks a fifth time, an arrow kills the animal. While in mourning, the boy sees the dead horse rise and head to the place of the spirit animals. Later, the animal returns with enough horses for the boy, his grandmother, and others in need. The ink, watercolor, and gouache paintings make full use of color, texture, and form, both in the minutely detailed naturalistic flora and fauna and in the exquisite abstract patterning. A lovely rhythm makes the story good for reading aloud, and the pictures will definitely stand up to repeated examination. Goble, who has studied Plains cultures deeply, provides clear notes and references to his work. GraceAnne DeCandidoCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Mystic Horse
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1,255 | 15 |
PreSchool-Grade 2Mr. Snail has a secret. His mouse friend promises not to tell, and Mr. Snail whispers it into his ear. The mouse heads straight for the beetle and "squeaks" the secret to it. The beetle "pinches" it to the turtle who "grumbles" it to the fish who "swishes" it to the frog. And so, the secret is passed among several animals and insects until the chipmunk finally "chatters" it to the spider who "clicks" it to Miss Snail. She turns around and whispers to Mr. Snail, "I love you, too!" This story is simple but sweet. George's collages combine natural materials such as flowers and twigs with watercolor cutouts for the creatures. The artwork has an eye-catching, three-dimensional effect. While some of the hues are rather dark, this delightful tale will work well in storytimes and for one-on-one sharing. Children will enjoy identifying the animals and trying to guess Mr. Snail's big secret.Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Lindsay Barrett George is widely recognized for her striking illustrations of animals, birds, and fish in their habitats. She is the author-illustrator of Maggies Ball; Alfred Digs; The Secret; Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse; In the Garden: Whos Been Here?; and four other Whos Been Here? titles.Lindsay Barrett George lives in northeastern Pennsylvania with her dog, two cats, and a very handsome duck.; Title: The Secret
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reSchool-Grade 1-It's a gray and dreary day, one that matches the mood of the child in this story as she wakes up one morning. Even her mother's cheerfulness and Dad's "snazzy, jazzy tune" can't shake her from her gloom. Mom describes her as "Mad as a wet hen." But, truth be known, the girl feels even angrier; she and the sky are "-howling prowling scowling wolverines." But when she runs outside into the rain, stamping and stomping, that foul mood begins to melt away. Her parents join her "Raaaaaain romp!" and the storm, both outside and inside, subsides. Back home it's time for games and singing around a warm fire. Wolcott's watercolor-and-gouache illustrations are rendered in rainbow hues. The colors have been allowed to run so that they blend into each other, suggestive of the rain itself. A simple, pleasant story that would pair well with Don Freeman's Rainbow of My Own (Puffin, 1978).Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Jane Kurtz knows a lot about moving. She was born in Portland, Oregon, but when she was two years old her parents moved their family to Ethiopia to work for the Presbyterian Church there. Jane Kurtz is the author of novels, picture books, and chapter books. After living in North Dakota (where she survived a natural disaster), Colorado, Illinois, and Kansas, she moved back to Portland, Oregon, where she now lives with her husband, the Reverend Leonard L. Goering, H.R.; Title: Rain Romp: Stomping Away a Grouchy Day
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[
1242,
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17586
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1,257 | 2 |
Lemony Snicket claims he was nowhere near the scene of the crime. He is the author of several other unpleasant stories, including those in the bestselling A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Lump of Coal.; Title: The Slippery Slope (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 10)
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Validation
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1,258 | 0 |
Grade 4-6-A horrible beast has killed Atalanta's father, and now Atalanta, 12, is completely alone in her woodland home. One day, the bear cub that she was raised with appears, fully grown. They travel together until village hunters catch the animal in a trap. Atalanta's bravery and quick wits as a hunter save both of them, and she joins the village hunters on a search for the beast. When they reach the king's palace, and an official hunt begins, the truth of the creature's origins-and Atalanta's-is made clear. Yolen and Harris have provided another exciting installment in the series with this little-known Greek myth. Atalanta is a strong female hero, and her adventures will thrill readers. The Greek names may be hard for reluctant readers, but the fast-paced story will engage their imaginations. Recommend this book to fans of the series; guide avid readers who want even more of the Atalanta tale to Stephanie Spinner's Quiver (Knopf, 2002), which takes the story to its end.Angela J. Reynolds, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Hillsboro, ORCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 4-6. The third volume in the Young Heroes series sends 12-year-old Atalanta in pursuit of a giant winged lion after it kills the hunter who raised her. Having spent nearly her entire life in the woods, Atalanta is a strong hunter and a nearly feral child; she is far more comfortable with her huge bear companion than with the glory-seeking humans who join her on the trail. The tale sweeps along at a good clip toward a rousing climax, and the authors have buttressed the action with many details and characters from classical mythology--mighty Orion, a vain, but capable, hunter whose rivalry with Atalanta gradually turns into mutual respect; a petulant Artemis; and mischievous, powerful Pan. Although Atalanta turns out to be a child of royal parents, she elects to return to her old, independent life in the end--at least for the present. Children intrigued by the often sketchy tales surrounding Atalanta will enjoy both this fleshed out version of her youthful adventures and the somewhat different take Stephanie Spinner offers in Quiver [BKL Ja 1 & 15 03]; for other books of interest, see the Read-alike, "Grrrls of the Ancient World," also in the January 03 issue. John PetersCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Atalanta and the Arcadian Beast (Young Heroes)
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Fans of Lemony Snicket and newcomers to his gleefully ghastly Series of Unfortunate Events will be elated to discover this boxed gift set of the first three books in hardcover: The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room, and The Wide Window. While it's true that the events that unfold in Snicket's novels are bleak, and things never turn out as you'd hope, these delightful, funny, linguistically playful books are reminiscent of Roald Dahl, Charles Dickens, and Edward Gorey. After they get their paws on this boxed set, there is no question that young readers will want to read the continuing unlucky adventures of the three Baudelaire orphans. (Ages 9 and older) --Karin SnelsonThe first Series of Unfortunate Events gift/box-set of this New York Times best-selling series.The set includes The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room, and The Wide Window.; Title: The Trouble Begins: A Box of Unfortunate Events, Books 1-3 (The Bad Beginning; The Reptile Room; The Wide Window)
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Fed up with Nick Thorpe's teasing, his victim punches Nick into the next galaxy, where a prophetic unicorn reveals aliens' sinister plot to take over the planet in From the Horse's Mouth by Kathy Mackel, the sequel to Can of Worms and Eggs in One Basket. Ages 8-12.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Grade 5-7 Three seemingly normal kids, along with a bizarre cast of aliens, lead readers on a fast-paced, humorous, science-fiction romp. Wisecracking, seventh-grader Nicholas Thorpe is being punched in the nose by a bully when suddenly he is transported through a time warp by an unknown force. When his friend Mike Pillsbury turns against him, Nick has only his wits and Mike's sister, Jill, a homecoming queen and honor student, to sort out the aliens. Earth is deemed unready for alien contact and adults must not find out they exist or the planet will be neutralized. Nick has to outsmart the fire-breathing Conflagrons and the Draconians to solve a time-warp mystery and save the Zephyrs, alien animals known for their intelligence and speed, and the planet Earth. Along the way, Nick and readers begin to understand more about friendship, the struggles of homeless people, shelters, and divorce. Familiarity with Can of Worms (1999) and Eggs in One Basket (2000, both Morrow) will help readers understand the myriad assemblage of aliens in this wacky science-fiction mystery, but the story does stand on its own. The cover illustration is juvenile in appearance and will not appeal to the intended audience, though those readers would otherwise enjoy the book. -Michael McCullough, Byron-Bergen Middle School, Bergen, NY Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: From the Horse's Mouth
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[
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1,261 | 0 |
PreS-Gr. 2. Here's a rhyme book that will appeal to kids' fascination with containers. The concept, abetted by Glasser's madcap illustrations, is that the world abounds in nontraditional pockets. The rhymes follow four families, at home and on day trips to the farm and the zoo, with part of the fun seeing how the families cross paths. Pockets are everywhere: caves are pockets for bears; a lake is a pocket for a duck; giggles are pockets for a laugh; arms are pockets for hugs; ears are pockets for a whisper. The story's comings-and-goings are nicely anchored by the children's getting dressed in the morning and being tucked in at night. Glasser's pastels enliven the action throughout: kids run, dance, and jump; soup spills; the wind tosses hats; and bubbles leak out of a bathtub. Fast-moving and fun. Connie FletcherCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedElizabeth Garton Scanlon is a poet, writer, and teacher. A Sock Is a Pocket for Your Toes: A Pocket Book is her first picture book. Ms. Scanlon lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two daughters.; Title: A Sock Is a Pocket for Your Toes: A Pocket Book
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Train
|
1,262 | 0 |
Grade 3-6-Ten-year-old "Pirate Ursula" is the fearless leader of her playmates, but after she contracts smallpox and is left with significant facial scarring, she sees herself as "Monster Ursula." She becomes a recluse, never leaving her family's stagecoach station in early 20th-century Whistle, MT. Ursula is a very human child surrounded by mostly sympathetic adults. Through the efforts of the new Chinese cook, Ah Sam, she eventually finds the courage to rediscover Pirate Ursula. He and his family of acrobats help to heal not just the girl, but also the racial divides in Whistle, and Ursula finally understands that it is what is inside a person that matters most. Touches of humor and whimsy counter the darkness she feels about herself. That these events are based on fact enables readers to accept the fairly quick turnaround in the villagers' racist attitudes. Wang's evocative illustrations add to the flavor of this quick, absorbing read.B. Allison Gray, South Country Library, Bellport, NY Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.“Wang’s evocative illustrations add to the flavor of this quick, absorbing read.” (—School Library Journal)“Bolstered by themes of compassion, community and tolerance, this story is among Yep’s most assured.” (—Publishers Weekly (starred review))“A bittersweet story, written with characteristic grace.” (The Washington Post)“Yep has based his novel on a true story, and his writing is, by turns, direct, humorous, and poignant.” (ALA Booklist)“A moving parable of how people help each other overcome suffering.” (—Kirkus Reviews)“Wang, who illustrated Yep’s The Magic Paintbrush, contributes detailed b&w drawings that underscore the volume’s more serious themes.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))“Ursula’s energy will resonate with young readers, who will be pleased to see her triumph over adversity.” (BCCB)“Wang’s black-and-white illustrations, scattered throughout, are soft-textured and quietly expressive. ” (BCCB); Title: When the Circus Came to Town
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[
12498
] |
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1,263 | 2 |
Lily storms home to her mother one day, demanding a real family. It's Family Fun Night at school, and she's positive they'll be the weirdest family there. Her single-parent mom doesn't seem overly fazed, reminding her daughter that they are a "small kind" of family, but real nonetheless. Lily isn't convinced. She seeks refuge in the noise and pillow fights of her friend Melissa's crowded house until it's time for the school event, where, surprise! it turns out her little family isn't unusual at all. Remi lives with just her dad--her mom died and she has no siblings. Tamika is adopted and has a puppy. Josh and Tony live with their grandparents. By the end of the evening, Lily understands that "Love is what makes a family."Devoted followers of TV's Touched by an Angel star, Roma Downey, will be thrilled to see "Monica" has written her first children's book. Any child who has ever felt mortified at the quirks of his or her family will find solace in Lily's revelation. Of course, all the families in Lily's classroom seem highly functional, as well as heterosexual. In the litany of differences ("They saw families with step-dads and step-moms and half-sisters and half-brothers. There were single moms and single dads and families made up of different colors of skin."), readers who anticipate something along the lines of "and families with two mommies" will be disappointed. But that's what Heather Has Two Mommies is for. Justine Gasquet's colorful, almost cartoonish illustrations will be another bonus for Roma Downey fans--the mom looks just like Downey! (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie CoulterK-Gr 2-It is time for Family Fun Night at school and Lily, who lives with her single mother, wishes she could go with a "real" family. Her mother tells her, "-most of the time our little family feels just right to me. Love is what makes a family, and we've got plenty of that." The child's fears about feeling uncomfortable at the event turn out to be unfounded. Lily and her mom meet a girl whose mother has died, leaving her alone with her dad; an adopted child; two brothers who live with their grandparents; stepfamilies; and half brothers and half sisters. The paintings have childlike perspectives and are effective in showing the young protagonist standing alone in her ordered, quiet home in contrast to the busy activity of the large, noisy household next door. The book sensitively addresses the issue of being different and finding common values in diversity. Children in nontraditional families might feel reassured by having their situation affirmed, but the message overpowers the thin story line.Adele Greenlee, Bethel College, St. Paul, MNCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Love Is a Family
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|
1,264 | 1 |
In addition to Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak's books include Kenny's Window, Very Far Away, The Sign on Rosie's Door, Nutshell Library (consisting of Chicken Soup with Rice, Alligators All Around, One Was Johnny, and Pierre), Higglety Pigglety Pop! or There Must Be More to Life, In the Night Kitchen, Outside Over There, We Are All in the Dumps with Jack and Guy, and Bumble-Ardy.He received the 1964 Caldecott Medal for Where the Wild Things Are; the 1970 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration; the 1983 Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, given by the American Library Association in recognition of his entire body of work; and a 1996 National Medal of Arts in recognition of his contribution to the arts in America. In 2003, he received the first Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, an international prize for children's literature established by the Swedish government.; Title: Very Far Away
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Train
|
1,265 | 14 |
Things are getting hairy for heavyweight present-delivering champion of the world Santa Claus in Mick Foley's Christmas Chaos. The elves are making like South Park miscreants, mooning the boss, talking trash, and watching Raw Is War on TV instead of working. Seven reindeer are having a "schmozz" (free-for-all) against Rudolph, resentful of his song royalties and uppity attitude. Cupid just "nailed poor Rudolph's nose with a People's Hoof," Rudolph threatens to send Santa to jail, and Santa wants to go on strike.But Mrs. Claus saves the day by calling in those elfin fellows, the World Wrestling Federation Superstars. Santa cheers right up--even though, "for the first time in his life, / A Superstar had mistletoe and tried to kiss his wife." The holiday doggerel by WWF star and bestselling author Mick Foley is fairly amusing, and the colorful illustrations by wrestling announcer Jerry "The King" Lawler are surprisingly good. His Mad-like caricature of Mick captures the man's missing-teeth grin and raffish mien at least as well as Yellow Submarine evoked the Beatles.Parents, don't fret: the scariest picture is Rudolph with a nosebleed, and all bad language is rendered thus: "bleep bleep." The cruelest line in the book is this: "One child wanted Al Snow's Best Matches, though no such tape existed." Henceforth, we'll all just have to refer to the noted arm-twister turned author as "good saint Mick." --Tim AppeloMick Foley is the former Commissioner of the World Wrestling Federation and one of its biggest Superstars. He loves amusement parks, is an American history buff, and can withstand more pain in one hour than most of us could in a lifetime. He is the author of two New York Times bestsellers: Have a Nice Day! and Mick Foley's Christmas Chaos. He currently lives in New York State with his wife and three children.; Title: Mick Foley's Christmas Chaos
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[
491
] |
Validation
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1,266 | 2 |
Anne Rockwell is a pioneer in the field of nonfiction for very young children. She has more than a hundred books to her credit, including Why Are the Ice Caps Melting? and Clouds in the Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut.; Title: Presidents' Day
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1,267 | 2 |
PreSchool-Grade 2-A subdued palette of forest greens and a sky washed with shades of indigo evoke the stillness of the woods just before sunrise. In the clearing, sparks from a fire spiral into the night; Jake and his father are camping out. Cozy as their plaid flannel shirts, this picture book enfolds readers in the warmth and closeness of this father/son relationship. The fabric of the story is as carefully crafted as the quilts that serve as illustrations. As she did in Pieces: A Year in Poems and Quilts (Greenwillow, 2001), Hines has masterfully created an evocative backdrop for this touching story. The deep nighttime hues transition to lavenders and corals as the boy and his dad whistle up the dawn and the sun peeks over the horizon. With a deft touch, the artist stitches individual pieces of patterned cloth into place, choosing each for its subtle creation of mood. Similarly, Partridge embroiders the details of the text with a poetic flair that adds texture and engages all the senses. As a result of this lyrical pairing, the book's quiet simplicity is a compelling and seamlessly woven collage of art and text. The final pages detail the quilter's technique so readers can create a story quilt of their own.Laurie Edwards, West Shore School District, Camp Hill, PACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-Gr. 1. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a little boy and his father, who are camping out, awaken before dawn. As the sky gradually lightens, the boy wonders if he's ready. Ready for what? He is learning to whistle. After many tries and some encouragement, he finally succeeds, whistling again and again. The birds answer, his father joins in, and the sun comes up: "We whistled up the sun." The book ends with a photo-illustrated double-page spread explaining the embroidered-and-appliqued fabric technique Hines used for the lovely artwork, which creates a striking illusion of depth through the layering of material in subtle colors and patterns. Words and illustrations together communicate the tranquility of the setting, the anxiety of the child, and his satisfaction when the sun rises. Young children will enjoy the story; adults will find the unusual and distinctive illustrations fascinating. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Whistling
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Train
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1,268 | 13 |
Kindergarten-Grade 2-This lovely book provides a dreamy look at the world of ballet. A multiculturally diverse group of boys and girls prance and pose through the alphabet, demonstrating grace, drama, and dedication. Specific terms are used, such as "Deeveloppee" "En pointe," and "Pas de chat" but other word choices, such as "Kiss," "Sleep," and "Zipper," are much more generic. A glossary explains the significance of the chosen words and/or the ballet to which they refer (for example, the image for K shows Titania, Queen of the Fairies, kissing the donkey in A Midsummer Night's Dream). The charming, full-page illustrations done in colored pastels capture the luminescence of this art form. Young children studying ballet will appreciate the art and may know the Firebird or who Odette is, but others will need adult assistance to make the connections between the featured items and illustrations.Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-Gr. 1. A dancer with the Boston Ballet before she turned to writing and illustration, Isadora offers a captivating alphabet book full of big, beautiful pictures of young dancers in the studio and onstage. From arabesque to zipper, the alphabet rolls along with a variety of terms closely or loosely related to ballet. Each word or phrase is illustrated with a large pastel picture. Backstage shows four girls waiting in the wings, peering at the dancers onstage; jump features three boys bouncing into the air; makeup shows a costumed girl as she stares into a mirror at her heavily made-up face. The book ends with a helpful two-page glossary including pronunciations of unfamiliar words and commentary on the terms and their visual interpretations. Ballet fans may pick up some information here, but they will return to the book mainly to look again at the richly colored, dynamic illustrations of the dancers. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: On Your Toes: A Ballet ABC
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[
15805
] |
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1,269 | 2 |
“A tongue–in–cheek crowd pleaser” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))“Here’s a holiday tale sure to leave young audiences with toothy grins of their own.” (Kirkus Reviews)“A fun addition to Halloween collections.” (School Library Journal)“Grambling’s mouth–tickling adjectives are right on target for her audience.” (Booklist)Lois G. Grambling has written numerous award-winning picture books, including Can I Have a Stegosaurus, Mom? Can I? Please!?, illustrated by H. B. Lewis; The Witch Who Wanted to be a Princess, illustrated by Judy Love; and Daddy Will be There, illustrated by Walter G. Kessel. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, Arthur.; Title: T. Rex Trick-or-Treats
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|
1,270 | 2 |
Simple, happy artworkA good book to have on hand to comfort first-day preschoolers or kindergarteners. (ALA Booklist)The bright, expressive illustrations and the spare text work well to bring the reassuring message home. (School Library Journal)Owen is particularly lovabledepicted in bright colorful illustrations (Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers)Perfect for preschoolers still getting used to making it on their own. (Dallas Morning News)Owen's anxious question prompts this heartwarming, comforting tale of how a parent's love stays with a child whether they are together or apart -- all day long.; Title: I Love You All Day Long
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Train
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1,271 | 2 |
Joanna Cole is the author of the popular Magic School Bus series, I'm a Big Brother, I'm a Big Sister, and many other award-winning books. In Asking About Sex & Growing Up, she provides a reassuring blend of practical guidance and scientific fact for the audience that needs it most.; Title: Sharing Is Fun
|
[
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1,272 | 2 |
PreSchool-Wemberly is back in another winning story. It is a hot summer day and she is given an ice-cream star as a special treat. She worries that it will drip on her dress, and feels bad that her stuffed rabbit did not receive a treat as well. Her solution: to get two bowls and wait until the ice cream has melted. Soon the little mouse and her toy sit down to "-ice-cream star soup. And neither of them spilled a drop." This charming story is perfectly complemented by adorable illustrations rendered in pastel hues against a white background. The text, art, and design are particularly well suited to young children.Melinda Piehler, North Tonawanda Public Library, NYCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Reviewed with Kevin Henkes' Julius's Candy Corn .PreS. Food is at the forefront of these board books featuring two of Henkes' signature characters, the worried Wemberly and "baby of the world" Julius. Julius has been told not to eat the 10 cupcakes for the Halloween party. Instead, he starts counting the candy corn on the top of each treat--counting by popping each morsel of corn in his mouth. Wemberly, on the other hand, is so worried that her ice cream bar will drip on her dress (or that there won't be enough for Petal, her stuffie) that she and Petal finally wind up eating ice-cream soup. The text is very short; the drama is in the art, one image to each candy-colored page. The youngest of Henkes' fans might not understand all the nuances (yes, nuances) of these vignettes. But kids who love the characters will welcome a new glimpse of them, and Julius' story could be used with a small group of toddlers for a Halloween story hour. Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Wemberly's Ice-Cream Star
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1,273 | 2 |
Kindergarten-Grade 2—The children in Mrs. Madoff's classroom are once again participating in holiday-related activities: wearing something green, writing reports, acting in a play, dancing a jig. Evan is lucky enough to be all Irish, and he shows a picture of himself on a visit to his grandparents in Ireland. At home, he continues to celebrate. Lizzy Rockwell's clear, vivid spreads evoke an active learning environment (though really now, 10 students?). The title does not mention Catholicism or Patrick's role as a Saint, and avoids any religious elements in the traditions (the three leaves of a shamrock are usually said to represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but not here). However, St. Patrick's Day has become a secular holiday, and this welcome addition to the series clearly outlines the importance of this day in March on which everyone is Irish.—Lisa Egly Lehmuller, St. Patrick's Catholic School, Charlotte, NC Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.The latest in the Rockwells long-running holiday series, which takes place mostly in the elementary-school classroom of Mrs. Madoff, this picture book showcases a harmonious, multicultural group of students ready to learn more about other cultures. On the opening spread, the mother-and-daughter team dispense with the most obvious of St. Patricks Day trappings: the wearing of green. (No mention of pinching those who disobey.) Instead, happy groups of two and three work on holiday projects, including a play featuring St. Patrick and a bunch of fleeing snakes (made from socks). Anne Rockwells text is light and appealingly conversational, while Lizzy Rockwells illustrations are cheerful and unobtrusive. Preschool-Grade 1. --Abby Nolan; Title: St. Patrick's Day
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1,274 | 2 |
PreSchool-The plump piglet narrator of I Love You All Day Long (HarperCollins, 2002) spends a fun-filled day with his father as the two express their feelings for one another. Owen's attempts to illustrate his love for Daddy are lively, creative, and thoughtful ("I love you more than chocolate milk"). The older pig's replies are warm, comforting, and reassuring ("I love you more than TWO pancakes with bananas on top"). The simple language is entertaining and the similes will be easy for young children to comprehend. The brightly colored, full-spread cartoons are filled with action and affection. They show the appealing characters, both dressed in cozy plaid shirts, playing outdoors, sharing books, and catching fireflies. This charming offering is sure to be a hit with the preschool crowd.Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CACopyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS. The territory may be familiar, but the execution seems fresh and sweet in this story about father-son love. It begins when Owen, a little pig-child, tells Dad: "I love you more than chocolate milk." As children follow along, the duo (Mother's whereabouts aren't mentioned) spend the day in fun activities that inspire them to remind each other how much they care for one another. The text turns into a counting game as well. Dad loves Owen more than four trips down the slide; later Owen loves Dad more than nine bedtime stories. Much of the charm here comes from Burris' close-up art that features a realistic pig-dad--a little overweight, dressed in a flannel shirt, and thoroughly enjoying each moment. Likewise, Owen, dressed like Dad, is clearly thrilled to be with his parent. Burris does a terrific job with facial expressions. She captures the wild exuberance Owen feels as he runs away from six monster tickles, and the beaming pride Dad shows all the time. A particularly reassuring book for children whose dad's aren't part of their daily lives. Ilene CooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Daddy All Day Long
|
[
1270,
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Train
|
1,275 | 2 |
Praise for the Mrs. Madoff series: ST. PATRICKS DAY: Its exactly the same scene thats played out in elementary schools across the country every March, and as such it will be sweetly familiar to readersit will be deservedly welcomed by teachers in many settings. (Kirkus Reviews)Praise for the Mrs. Madoff series: ST. PATRICKS DAY: Lizzy Rockwells clear, vivid spreads evoke an active learning environment. This welcome addition to the series clearly outlines the importance of this day in March on which everyone is Irish. (School Library Journal)Praise for the Mrs. Madoff series: PRESIDENTS DAY: An excellent introduction to the holiday for younger grades and a first purchase for most collections. (School Library Journal)Praise for the Mrs. Madoff series: PRESIDENTS DAY: The impressive collaboration of the Rockwell team, once again delivers a book perfect for use in the primary grades. (Association of Children's Literature)Praise for the Mrs. Madoff series: FATHERS DAY: Dont limit this book to Fathers Day-it should be enjoyed year round. (School Library Journal)Praise for the Mrs. Madoff series: MOTHERS DAY: A mother-daughter team adds to a winning streak of classroom books centering on young childrens preparations for important days with this celebration of mothers... This winsome, instructive book may focus on Mothers Day, but it can be read anytime. (ALA Booklist)Praise for the Mrs. Madoff series: 100 SCHOOL DAYS: Preschool and kindergarten teachers looking to make the Hundred Day celebration more than a math exercise will find inspiration right here. (Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books)Praise for the Mrs. Madoff series: CAREER DAY: Clearly laid out and cheerfully presented, this picture book strikes just the right tone for its intended audience. (ALA Booklist)The kids from Mrs. Madoff's classroom"a charmed place" (Kirkus Reviews)are preparing for a brand-new school year!The first day of school is full of new things. New is exciting! But it can also be scary. What will school be like this year?Get ready to share in the excitement of the first day of school with friends old and new!; Title: First Day of School
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1,276 | 2 |
Kindergarten-Grade 2Amelia, an enthusiastic new student in her American school, is more than ready for her first show-and-tell. She dons her beautiful fiesta dress with the three fancy skirts that reminds her of her Cuban homeland. However, when she sees the show-and-tell basket on the teacher's desk full of small items that the other students have brought, she feels as though she's made a horrible mistake. How an understanding teacher and interested classmates help Amelia to tell about her dress makes for a satisfying if slightly predictable story. The Spanish translation errs a bit on the side of the literal, but is generally correct, if uninspired. The English text has a lilt and cadence enhanced by the use of Spanish phrases embedded in it. The bright acrylic illustrations are vibrant and appealing, displaying busy scenes full of things to pore over. Use this with Anne Rockwell's Show & Tell Day (HarperCollins, 1997) for a look at an American primary-grade tradition. Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Sweettempered and inviting, Chapras debut zereos in on a common emotion, while also introducing Amelias Cuban culture (Kirkus Reviews)The English text has a lilt and cadence enhanced by the use of Spanish phrases embedded in it. (School Library Journal)The bright acrylic illustrations are vibrant and appealing, displaying busy scenes full of things to pore over. (School Library Journal); Title: Amelia's Show-and-Tell Fiesta / Amelia y la fiesta de muestra y cuenta (Spanish and English Edition)
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Train
|
1,277 | 2 |
PreS-K-Light on drama but handsomely illustrated, this tale of a bear's interrupted winter nap will nonetheless fit nicely into winter and hibernation themes. Bear is tucked up in bed when his raccoon friends begin playing noisily outside his window and beg him to come out. He declines grumpily, repeating, "It's bedtime for bears." However, he soon finds himself swept up in the fun of winter play. By day's end, it is the raccoons who are exhausted while Bear begs for one more trip down the snowy hill. The adventures are related through graphic-novel-style panels, with text alternating between straight narration and speech bubbles. Some story elements are conveyed through image alone, and adults will have to fill in the gaps for preschoolers who aren't yet able to discern the visual progression from one panel to the next. Yet with the right reader-supplied commentary, young listeners will find the sojourn in Bear's woods satisfying. As with his other work, Helquist's compositions are lovely, with just the right quirky details to catch viewers' attention-a pair of eyes peeking through the corner of Bear's window, the raccoon duo's jaunty striped cap and scarf, and Bear's oversize polka-dot nightshirt. Though awash in cool blue snow, the paintings somehow emanate a welcoming warmth. Readers will wish that they could snuggle into Bear's cozy tree house with its charming leaded glass windows. Offer this one to those in need of a winter's read-aloud before naptime.-Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.This titles premise may be a bit shopworn, but Helquist, who illustrated Lemony Snicketts A Series of Unfortunate Events series, elevates it into a winning winter read. Just as Bear is settling in for a long nap (the calendar on the wall reads November), two raccoon friends invite him to come out and play. He begs offits bedtime for bearsbut his rascally friends eventually lure him outside, where they all have a great time building snow creatures, throwing snowballs, and sliding down snowbanks, until even the raccoons are ready to sleep until spring. The action-filled mixed-media art, printed in varied layouts that incorporate both full-page and panel images, conveys the anthropomorphized animals enjoyment, and speech balloons and printed sound effects extend the fun. Regardless of time of day or season of the year, this winter romp will make an enjoyable choice for sharing. Preschool-Grade 1. --Andrew Medlar; Title: Bedtime for Bear
|
[
45991,
47734
] |
Train
|
1,278 | 2 |
Never before has school been this mixed upor this much fun!Could Mrs Roopy, the new librarian, be A.J.'s craziest teacher yet? When the class shows up they find her dressed first as George Washington and then Little Miss Muffet. And Mrs Roopy won't even admit that it's her! Can A.J. and his class help their very troubled librarian before she does something really crazy?Dan Gutman is the New York Times bestselling author of the Genius Files series; the Baseball Card Adventure series, which has sold more than 1.5 million copies around the world; and the My Weird School series, which has sold more than 12 million copies. Thanks to his many fans who voted in their classrooms, Dan has received nineteen state book awards and ninety-two state book award nominations. He lives in New York City with his wife, Nina. You can visit him online at www.dangutman.com.; Title: My Weird School #3: Mrs. Roopy Is Loopy!
|
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Validation
|
1,279 | 1 |
PreSchool-Grade 2 - An elderly couple's petite white rabbit observes, assists, then eventually takes over the task of weaving baskets, coloring eggs, concocting candy, and delivering the gifts to village children. When the man and woman become too old to continue their labors, the bunny moves the operation to the woods, where he works inside a hollow tree, assisted by other rabbit friends. Tegen's text teems with sensory details: the eggs were "...the color of daffodils and of soft new leaves and of robins' eggs and of violets." Lambert's watercolors make merry with spring's pastels, providing detailed images of the cozy cottage kitchen as well as the rabbit den. However, some children may be concerned when the rabbit preserves the tasks' secrecy by leaving the humans when they are too frail to carry on. Nevertheless, this visually splendid story with folktale rhythms makes a good choice for holiday sharing. - Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 1. The story of the Easter Bunny is revealed in this eye-opening exploration of the legendary rabbit's propensity for annual springtime egg coloration and basket distribution. It wasn't always the Easter Bunny who dyed eggs and wove baskets for the children--it was a round old couple who lived in a snug little house. Their pet white rabbit, however, always watched their preparations closely. One Easter morning, the old couple sleeps in, so the rabbit takes over. In time, the children discover they have the Easter Bunny to thank for their gifts. His secret identity cracked, the bunny leaves the old couple to set up shop in the shadow-filled wood, with the help of plenty of furry friends. This charming tale is so matter-of-factly told, readers will be wanting the truth about the Tooth Fairy next. Lambert's cozy paintings of Easter-time in a small English village are as lovely and inviting as a sugar egg. Karin SnelsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Story of the Easter Bunny
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Validation
|
1,280 | 2 |
” … an easy chapter book that will satisfy newly confident as well as reluctant readers who ask for funny books.” (School Library Journal)Never before has school been this mixed up—or this much fun!Principal Klutz was hanging upside down from the school flagpole! He kissed a pig on the lips and painted his bald head orange! And now he wants to bungee jump off the roof of the school dressed as Santa Claus!; Title: My Weird School #2: Mr. Klutz Is Nuts!
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Train
|
1,281 | 11 |
Grade 2-4-With an endnote that debunks the Betsy Ross story, this tribute to the "Stars and Stripes" traces the history of our current national banner and shows the changes it underwent during various times in our political past. Beginning with the pre-Revolutionary "Sons of Liberty" flag and concluding with the flags flown after 9/11, Thomson's concise yet clear explanations provide interesting background information and clarify misconceptions about Old Glory. Chronologically arranged, the text is straightforward, easy to follow, and supplemented by a page of notes that adds important details about specific flags. The full-page acrylic spreads provide appropriate backgrounds for the featured banners. For instance, when discussing the stars, stripes, and Union Jack that combined to make the first Revolutionary War standard, the painting features George Washington astride his horse watching two Colonials raising the flag near his army's camp. A later page that tells of the Continental Congress's attempts at choosing a final form for the flag is illustrated with pieces of fabric, thread, and other sewing materials poised for their assembly into the "Stars and Stripes." Each painting is filled with movement, vivid colors, and realistic details. Much simpler and for a younger audience than either Leonard Everett Fisher's Stars and Stripes: Our National Flag (Holiday, 1993; o.p.) or Dennis Brindell Fradin's The Flag of the United States (Children's, 1988; o.p.), this is a solid choice for introducing the history of both our flag and our country. Pair it with Peter Spier's classic rendition in The Star-Spangled Banner (Yearling, 1992) for a 21-gun patriotic salute.Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RICopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 1-3. This colorful presentation traces the history of the American flag from its development during the Revolutionary War and early Federal period through the renewed enthusiasm for displaying it after September 11, 2001. One side of each double-page spread carries a few lines or paragraphs of text, facing a bordered, full-page illustration. Apart from the text, a page of notes details the stories behind some of the flags illustrated and an author' s note relates what is known about the flag and Elizabeth "Betsy" Ross and what is not known (who made the first American flag?). The dramatic compositions and bright, heraldic colors that characterize the illustrations give the book great visual appeal. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Stars and Stripes: The Story of the American Flag
|
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Train
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1,282 | 2 |
Gr. 1-3. Second-grader A. J. hates school, but he has to admit that Miss Daisy isn't like any teacher he has had before. She enjoys watching TV and eating chocolate just like A. J., and she is always asking her students for help solving problems in math and spelling. She also takes A. J.'s suggestion to turn the school into a video-game arcade seriously. Principal Klutz agrees to "rent out" the school for a night (and wear a gorilla suit) if the children read a million pages. Can they do it? The humorous, simply written story, first in the My Weird School series, gets its zest largely from A. J.'s lively, first-person commentary on school life and legend. Reluctant students will have no trouble relating to A. J., and breezy Miss Daisy illustrates how respecting kids and balancing learning with fun can produce positive results. The occasional cartoon line drawings are a good fit. Shelle RosenfeldCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedNever before has school been this mixed upor this much fun!Miss Daisy, who teaches second grade, doesn't know how to add or subtract. Not only that, she doesn't know how to read or write, either. She is the dumbest teacher in the history of the world!; Title: My Weird School #1: Miss Daisy Is Crazy!
|
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Validation
|
1,283 | 2 |
PreSchool-Grade 1–A little girl goes through a routine checkup, including getting a shot. The back page has useful tips for preparing a child for the upcoming appointment. With only a sentence or two or a dialogue balloon per page, the book is a good introduction to the standard procedures. The cartoon illustrations feature colorful scenes and happy people, a good reinforcement of the mood parents want to convey to their offspring. Just what the doctor ordered.–Laurel L. Iakovakis, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, CO Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-K. Cole and Chambliss hit just the right note in this picture-book version of a visit to the pediatrician's office. As in their previous collaborations, such as I'm a Big Brother (1997) and My Big Girl Potty (2000), the focus is on the child, the presentation is honest, and the tone is reassuring. When Hannah goes to the doctor's office for a checkup, she plays in the waiting room, the nurse measures her, the doctor examines her, and Hannah waves good-bye to them. Cole doesn't fudge: Hannah does get a shot "to help her stay healthy," as preschoolers often do. It hurts momentarily, but it's just one aspect of an medical encounter that's generally positive and sometimes even fun. Directed at parents, the final page offers useful tips for preparing a child in order to make the experience a good one. Clean line drawings tinted with colorful washes and speech balloons that occasionally carry bits of text help create the upbeat tone that makes this little book such a pleasure to read. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: My Friend the Doctor
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Train
|
1,284 | 2 |
Gloria Whelan is the bestselling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square; Burying the Sun; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; and Return to the Island. She lives in the woods of northern Michigan.; Title: Chu Ju's House
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Validation
|
1,285 | 2 |
Carefully constructed and helpful for both assignment driven and creative writing. (Kirkus Reviews)Ralph Fletcher has always been a special person for children's literature. He is the author of picture books, nonfiction, and novels for young readers. How to Write Your Life Story is the fifth book in Mr. Fletcher's series of instructional writing books, which includes A Writer's Notebook, Live Writing, How Writers Work, and Poetry Matters. Mr. Fletcher lives with his family in New Hampshire.; Title: How to Write Your Life Story
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Validation
|
1,286 | 0 |
Geraldine McCaughrean is the Printz Award-winning author of The White Darkness. She has been honored with England's most prestigious children's book award, the Carnegie Medal, and is the only three-time winner ever of the Whitbread Children's Book Award. She also wrote Peter Pan in Scarlet, the first official sequel to the treasured masterpiece Peter Pan, and the critically acclaimed The Death-Defying Pepper Roux. Geraldine lives in Berkshire, England, with her husband and actress daughter.; Title: Stop the Train!
|
[
17740,
49501,
49521
] |
Test
|
1,287 | 18 |
Clinton and Evans deliver gripping parallel portraits of Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth. (Publishers Weekly)The compelling parallel narratives of two women joined by a kinship of spirit still add up to a stirring history. (ALA Booklist)Catherine Clinton is the author of Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom and Fanny Kemble's Civil Wars. Educated at Harvard, Sussex, and Princeton, she is a member of the advisory committee to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, and holds a chair in U.S. history at Queen's University Belfast.; Title: When Harriet Met Sojourner
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Test
|
1,288 | 2 |
Beverley Naidoo grew up in South Africa under apartheid. She says: "As a white child I didn't question the terrible injustices until I was a student. I decided then that unless I joined the resistance, I was part of the problem." Beverley Naidoo was detained without trial when she was twenty-one and later went into exile in Britain, where she has since lived.Her first children's book, Journey to Jo'burg, was banned in South Africa until 1991, but it was an eye-opener for thousands of readers worldwide. Her characters in Chain of Fire, No Turning Back, and Out of Bounds face extraordinary challenges in a society she describes as "more dangerous than any fantasy." She has won many awards for her writing, including the Carnegie Medal, the Jane Addams Book Award, and the American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults for The Other Side of Truth, about two refugee children smuggled to London who are also featured in Web of Lies.; Title: Out of Bounds: Seven Stories of Conflict and Hope
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Train
|
1,289 | 11 |
Text: SpanishIsabel Allende is the author of twelve works of fiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Mayas Notebook, Island Beneath the Sea, Ins of My Soul, Daughter of Fortune, and a novel that has become a world-renowned classic, The House of the Spirits. Born in Peru and raised in Chile, she lives in California.; Title: La Ciudad de las Bestias
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[
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Train
|
1,290 | 8 |
Grade 2-4-Richard E. Grant performs this reading of Roald Dahl's tale (Puffin, pap. 1998) with an appropriately British accent. Fully-voiced, the production is expressive and pleasing, making a great story an even better read-aloud. As George seeks a cure for his grandmother's grumpiness, his creative elixir produces surprising results. Listeners will appreciate the humor, suspense, and resolution in this silly plot so typical of Dahl's writing. Appropriate for listening centers, reading classes, literature studies and general circulation, the length and reading level of this title will be appreciated by those who work with reluctant readers. Consider this purchase essential for libraries with audio collections.Kirsten Martindale, Buford Academy, GA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Roald Dahl is one of the most successful and well-known of all children's writers. His books, which are read by children the world over, include James and the Giant Peach; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; The Witches and Matilda.; Title: George's Marvelous Medicine
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Train
|
1,291 | 2 |
PreSchool-Grade 1Gigi and Lulu, a mouse and a piglet, are best friends. They wear matching clothes, take the same lunches to school, and are "like two peas in a pod." One day, when Gigi knocks over Lulu's house of blocks, they have a fight and refuse to make up. On Tuesday, their teacher announces "Twin Day"when friends can dress alike and bring identical lunchesand Gigi and Lulu refuse to participate because they are too angry with one another. They arrive at school on the designated day and are surprised to find how much their preferences differ. They don't have the same favorite outfit or food. They do, however, have the same favorite "green sneakers with spotted yellow laces." In the end, they decide that it's OK for friends to like different things as long as they have some things in common. Although this tale has an important theme, maintaining individuality within best friendship, the fight seems a bit trumped up so that the author can make her point rather than a logical part of the story. Cole's vivid and often humorous watercolor illustrations depict a likable cast of animals engaged in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. The characters' expressive faces clearly convey a wide range of emotions. Despite the inconsistency of the gigantic fight with the rest of the story, this is an appealing book about friendship.Kelley Rae Unger, Peabody Institute, MA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS. Lulu is a mouse, Gigi is a pig, and the girls are best friends, often wearing matching clothing (with blue bows on their respective tails). One day, they have a gigantic fight; and when their teacher announces "twin day," neither girl is in the mood to be the other's friend. In a twist on the expected reconciliation scene, the girls don't come dressed alike. Instead, they find that they each like different things, which allows them to be friends again. Parts of this feel contrived (what teacher would suggest an inherently exclusionary twin day?), and there are a few missed opportunities (the fight doesn't connect to the main issue, too much togetherness). But glitches are smoothed over by the delightful parade of animal characters, led by Gigi and Lulu. Cole uses ink and watercolor for his artwork, which features an oversize Gigi, who knows just how to put her snout in the air, and a diminutive Lulu, who has a lot of attitude for her size. Ilene CooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Gigi and Lulu's Gigantic Fight
|
[
10339
] |
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|
1,292 | 2 |
Ms. Hannah wears dresses made out of potholders and collects garbage instead of throwing it out. Plus she's making A.J. be partners with smelly Andrea. This is the worst art class ever!Dan Gutman is the New York Times bestselling author of the Genius Files series; the Baseball Card Adventure series, which has sold more than 1.5 million copies around the world; and the My Weird School series, which has sold more than 12 million copies. Thanks to his many fans who voted in their classrooms, Dan has received nineteen state book awards and ninety-two state book award nominations. He lives in New York City with his wife, Nina. You can visit him online at www.dangutman.com.; Title: My Weird School #4: Ms. Hannah Is Bananas!
|
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Test
|
1,293 | 0 |
Peggy Parish was born and grew up in Manning, South Carolina. Before moving to New York City, she taught school in the Panhandle country and in coal-mining areas. Her first job in New York City was with the Girl Scouts, and she now teaches the third grade at the Dalton School in Manhattan. Miss Parish is the author of several other books for children, including the popular Let's Be Indians.; Title: Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping (I Can Read Level 2)
|
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Validation
|
1,294 | 2 |
Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks—the question is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures. But what is most important is being able to share them with family!Julie Markes reminds kids and adults alike about the little details that make each day enjoyable, while Doris Barrette's beautiful and striking illustrations bring her thoughtful words to life.Julie Markes lives with her husband, Eric Schine, and their two sons, Charlie and Nicholas, in Brooklyn, New York. Her books include Thanks For Thanksgiving; I Can't Talk Yet, But When I Do ...; Good Thing You're Not An Octopus!; Sidewalk 123; and Sidewalk.; Title: Thanks for Thanksgiving
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1,295 | 0 |
Peggy Parish was born and grew up in Manning, South Carolina. Before moving to New York City, she taught school in the Panhandle country and in coal-mining areas. Her first job in New York City was with the Girl Scouts, and she now teaches the third grade at the Dalton School in Manhattan. Miss Parish is the author of several other books for children, including the popular Let's Be Indians.; Title: Amelia Bedelia's Family Album (An I Can Read Book, Level 2)
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Grade 2-5–In this sequel to Santa's Twin (Morrow, 1996), the big man's brother Bob tries to help out by building a robotic Santa and reindeer, and trains a gorilla to drive the rocket-powered sleigh. Sure enough, things go wrong; by the time the surrogate St. Nick reaches his first house, he's having major software trouble and is downright scary. Meanwhile, the gorilla takes over the kitchen and starts cooking up a storm. Luckily, Emily and Lottie (stars of the first book) restore order and sanity, with some help from their dog Woofer and the real Santa. The tale is told in many, many rhyming stanzas, which can be rather exhausting to read, but there are enough laughs, wordplay, and clever twists to hold the interest of most kids, especially if they hear it read aloud. The illustrations are slick, smooth, and rather stiff, which works well with the robotic characters but not so well with the real ones; Emily and Lottie look as though they are made of plastic. If Santa's Twin is popular at your library, this title will be a hit as well.–E. M. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Dean Koontz was born in Everett, Pennsylvania, and grew up in nearby Bedford. When he was a senior in college, he won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition and has been writing ever since. Today he is a world-famous author whose novels have sold 225 million copies in thirty-eight languages. He has numerous New York Times adult best-sellers, including his most recent From The Corner Of His Eye. Dean Koontz is also the author of the children's book Santa's Twin. He lives in southern California.; Title: Robot Santa: The Further Adventures of Santa's Twin
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Test
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1,297 | 2 |
PreSchool-Grade 1Mitchard infuses poetic freshness and a delicately compelling tone into the familiar format of a bedtime story, as a mother bat comforts her little one: "Dearer than night,/Brown eyes bright,/My jewel so soft,/My dancer aloft,/My baby bat." Done in acrylic and oil paints, the striking and endearing artwork reflects the creatures' environment, activities, personalities, andmost importantlythe tender affection they share. The illustrations encompass images as diverse as a red barn surrounded by newly ploughed fields, a close-up of the young bat stalking mosquitoes, and the cozy wood-beamed rafters of home. Baby bat's play among the white-pink mallows, set against the backdrop of a deep blue sky that's fading to daylight, is both dramatic and charming. However, it is in the depictions of the relationship between mother and child that Noonan displays her gift for echoing and amplifying the emotions of the descriptive verses. The idea of going to sleep at daybreak is unique in a bedtime story, and lovable bats aren't hanging in droves from children's bookshelves. With its spare, exquisite language and its evocative artwork, this lullaby is as soothing as it is entrancing.Susan Weitz, Spencer-Van Etten Schools, Spencer, NY Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 1. In the second picture book from Mitchard, the author of such popular novels for adults as The Deep End of the Ocean (1996), lilting couplets pour forth as an adoring mother bat extols her baby's virtues: "Go to sleep, / Small new prince of the dark, / Quick dancer in the sky park." There is more versifying here than either story or information; baby bat is not nocturnal but a "night creeper / all-morning sleeper." In dispelling myths about rabid, bloodsucking creatures of the night, though, this glides on the air currents of Cannon's Stellaluna (1997). Noonan's flying rodents are cute as buttons and just as benign, and her palette couldn't be better for a bedtime book. The same dusty pinks and lavenders casting a twilight glow upon Baby Bat's wide-awake antics will have a decidedly soporific effect on diurnal youngsters. Pair this latest tooth-achingly sweet meditation on mother love with Stellaluna and with nonfiction about bats, such as Sandra Markle's Outside and Inside Bats (1997). Jennifer MattsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Baby Bat's Lullaby
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Train
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1,298 | 0 |
Mr. and Mrs. Rogers leave for the day and give Amelia Bedelia a long list of chores to do. Not one to stand still, Amelia Bedelia gets right to work -- with totally unexpected results!; Title: Good Work, Amelia Bedelia (I Can Read Level 2)
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1,299 | 0 |
PreSchool-Grade 1--It's on the loose. It's really big and it might be a coyote. The rhyming verses build to a crescendo as different farm animals flee from a mysterious creature, which, except for its eyes, is concealed by a pile of leaves. The illustrations alternate between close-ups of each startled beast, scenes showing all of them running for safety in a frightened mass, and views of their mysterious pursuer. The contagion of fear from the unidentified threat grows with the building intensity of an impending rainstorm, tugging readers along to a dramatic climax--and a surprise ending. Aruego and Dewey use bold paints as varied as a child's imagination to color their comically rendered farmyard animals. A suspenseful romp that will strike a chord with children.--Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 1. When a dirt-and-stick-covered blob emerges from a mucky mud puddle and starts following nearby farm animals around, they jump to an upsetting conclusion: "Duck, duck, goose . . . / A coyote's on the loose! / Goose, goose, pig . . . / And he's really, really big!" From duck to goose, goose to pig, pig to pup, and so on, news of the prowler spreads in chanting verses that echo the familiar playtime game. Though fairly wispy, the plot of this read-aloud will hold up under repeat performances; the first time through, kids will enjoy the surprise of the coyote's true identity (a bunny in need of a bath); the second time, they'll chuckle over the animals' silly paranoia. Veteran illustrators Aruego and Dewey, whose stock-in-trade is chipper, cartoonlike artwork for preschoolers, capture the story's humor with their startled-looking, amorphously shaped barnyard animals. Jennifer MattsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Duck, Duck, Goose!: (A Coyote's on the Loose!)
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