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700 | 2 |
Quieter but no less penetrating than Brooks's futuristic No Kidding , this present-day saga traces the formative years of Asa, who has spent most of his life moving from one town to another with his emotionally fragile mother and bullying stepfather. Like the protagonist of No Kidding , Asa takes on the role of protector as he chooses to make sacrifices in order to save his mother's marriage or prevent her from falling into a depressive state. Effectively revealing the psychological burdens of an intelligent, sensitive child, this book remains honest and intense from beginning to end. Asa's isolation and mental batterment by his stepfather create somber undertones, yet the book does offer some uplifting moments (Asa's first experience with romance, for example), which illustrate how spiritual renewal can occur under even the grimmest conditions. Ages 10-up. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 5 Up-- Soon after first-grader Asa is told of his parents' impending divorce, he is abruptly introduced to Dave, his stepfather-to-be. Dave does not like the boy, who's smart and precocious, sometimes obnoxiously so. His mother, who becomes increasingly depressed, objects only mildly to her new husband's negative attitude toward her son. When Asa is about 12, his mother has an emotional breakdown and divorces again. Ironically, Asa and Dave have gradually reached an understanding of sorts. By the end, Asa has learned to accept life's hard knocks and he risks telling a girl he loves her. Although she proves fickle, he survives with a sense of inner strength and hope for a better tomorrow. The boy's adultlike understanding of others is sometimes hard to believe, and this might make it difficult for readers to empathize with him. In contrast, Dave is effectively depicted as a hard, angry man with a heart underneath. A boy's coming-of-age story set within a troubled stepfamily is a worthy endeavor, and Brooks is extremely skilled in describing psychological subtleties of thoughts, feelings, and relationships. However, his highly contemplative style may lack the immediacy necessary to grab all but the brightest, most ``Asa-like'' readers.- Jacqueline Rose, Southeast Regional Library, NCCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: What Hearts
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[
4050,
47925
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Validation
|
701 | 17 |
"History, linguistics, and language study are presented in a clear, humorous style that reflects the author's obvious fascination with language." -- The Reading Teacher"Klausner's informal style makes a grand and possibly daunting subject highly accessible to interested readers." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; Title: Sequoyah's Gift: A Portrait of the Cherokee Leader
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[
1621,
18048,
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Test
|
702 | 1 |
With his pared-down text and one-dimensional, vibrantly colored images, Barton ( Bones, Bones, Dinosaur Bones ; I Want to Be an Astronaut ) offers a neatly distilled version of this classic tale. Preschoolers can memorize the simple verse in no time and will delight in chiming in as Papa, Mama and Baby Bear complain in turn about the apparent presence of an unwanted guest. Barton adds a few minor variations: the first two chairs in which Goldilocks sits rock "too fast" and "too slow"; finally, Baby Bear's chair "rocked just right." Among the winsome artistic touches are a telltale trail of flowers that the primitively rendered girl leaves throughout the bears' house and true-to-life crease marks in pillows and blankets. This unassuming rendition is best suited to those at the younger end of the intended age span. Ages 3-6. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-- The Three Bears go basic, and they've seldom looked better. Recognizing that the tale's youngest fans focus on its core and skip over the embellishments, Barton distills it to a bare outline and the rhythmic refrains that preschoolers love to hear. This is a celebration of their literary needs and a huge success in meeting them. The illustrations are comfortably reminiscent of children's drawing styles, both in simplicity and vision, including a woods of lollipop trees. The paintings are bold and brightly colored; most include just the fundamental items (three chairs, three beds, etc.) with no extra clutter. Observant listeners will notice a few nice details: the single flowers left behind by Goldilocks at the sites of her explorations; the use of one color to identify each bear's belongings (Papa Bear's pants, bed, bowl, and chair are blue). This volume hits the target so squarely that its success is virtually guaranteed as a story-time crowd-pleaser. It's an uncomplicated, relaxing bedtime story and a confidence-builder for very young children who want books to flip through solo. In libraries that already enjoy the handsomeness of Jan Brett's version (Putnam, 1987), the atmosphere of the Eisen/Ferris variation (Knopf, 1987), and the humor of James Marshall's rendition (Dial, 1988), Barton's retelling will be a wonderful complement. --Liza Bliss, formerly at Leominster Pub . Lib . , MACopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Three Bears
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Test
|
703 | 0 |
This picture book debut of both collaborators features stylish, primitivist artwork. The narrator (an unnamed girl) asks the wind in all its various appearances in differing climes and regions, "Are you the same wind?" Killion depicts a diversity of scenes ranging from "southern swamps" to "the forests of the North" to "rocky slopes and ledges." While her evocative, sometimes flowery language seems unsuited to a young voice, the text nevertheless presents forceful images. Falk's richly colored, borderless paintings--set dramatically opposite stark white pages with minimal text--evoke the wind's energy and power with vigorous, sweeeping strokes. A lusterless jacket, unfortunately, belies the impressive artwork within. Ages 5-8. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Same Wind
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[
74640
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Train
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704 | 15 |
On the shortest day of the year, a grandmother writes to her granddaughter that winter has arrived, "brought by little hands of darkness." With the delivery of a startling fact, "On June 21, while you were cooling off under the hose, winter began," Newbery Medalist George's ( Julie of the Wolves ) poetic text slips into an account of the natural and human events that mark winter's deliberate approach ("I turn on my lights. You put on your mittens. . . The squirrels insulate their homes"). The letter ends with the heartening realization that the tide of light turns and, on this darkest of days, summer actually begins. Rendered in soft opaque watercolors and pencils, Krupinski's subjects--a bathrobed grandmother writing at the kitchen table where her kitten laps milk from a saucer, a bear snuggling into his winter lair, sunflowers bowing with the weight of ripened seeds--induce a warm, somniferous affection for winter. An introductory note explains solstices and equinoxes in language appropriate to readers at the upper end of the targeted range. A lovely presentation of a concept worthy of early learning--the rhythm and influence of light on earth. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2-"Winter is here. It was brought by little hands of darkness. Each little hand is a few minutes long." Thus a woman begins to explain the solstice to her young granddaughter. In spare prose, George details all the wonders that the season brings. The simplicity of her writing belies the wealth of information that the narrative contains. However, her metaphor of "little hands" that bring on winter may need some adult interpretation. Krupinski's stunning, opaque gouache, watercolor, and colored-pencil art covers three-quarters of each double-page spread. Wispy, soft textures and deep colors aptly capture the stillness of the snow and the cold air. Whether marching with Canada geese, sitting on a barren tree branch next to a squirrel's nest, howling with wolves on the hillside, diving down a snowbank with an otter, or making snow angels, the art places readers inside each scene. An author's note about the solstice precedes the text. Other choices might be Nancy White Carlstrom's Goodbye Geese (Philomel, 1991) or Ann Schweninger's Wintertime (Viking, 1990), but this effort from a versatile author and a talented illustrator is a whole-language beauty.Dot Minzer, North Barrington School, Barrington, ILCopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Dear Rebecca, Winter Is Here
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Train
|
705 | 0 |
Goodnight Moon creator Margaret Wise Brown's The Important Book is a deceptively simple exercise--taking familiar things like an apple, spoon, or shoe, and finding the most basic association with those things. The most important thing about an apple? It is round. A spoon? You eat with it. A shoe? You put your foot in it. But why, according to Brown, is the most important thing about grass "that it is green," while the most important thing about an apple is "that it is round"? Why is "that it is white" the most important thing about snow and a daisy? Whether or not you'd distill these things in the same way that the author does, Brown makes us think about the essence of everyday entities in new ways. The illustrations, by Caldecott Medal winner Leonard Weisgard (The Little Island), perform the same function--capturing the spoonness of spoons, the roundness of an apple, the motion of wind.Happily, Brown went on to create the companion Another Important Book, about the importance of being one, two, three, four, five, and six years old--published for the first time in 1999 with fabulous artwork by Caldecott Honor artist Chris Raschka (Yo! Yes?). Both of Brown's "important books" will endure the test of time as fresh, thought-provoking ways to examine the world around us. (Click to see a sample spread. Text copyright renewed 1977 by Roberta Brown Rauch. Illustrations copyright renewed 1977 by Leonard Weisgard. Permission from HarperCollins Publishers.) (Preschool and older) --Karin SnelsonThe important thing about The Important Book -- is that you let your child tell you what is important about the sun and the moon and the wind and the rain and a bug and a bee and a chair and a table and a pencil and a bear and a rainbow and a cat (if he wants to). For the important thing about The Important Book is that the book goes on long after it is closed.What is most important about many familiar things -- like rain and wind, apples and daisies -- is suggested in rhythmic words and vivid pictures. 'A perfect book . . . the text establishes a word game which tiny children will accept with glee.' -- K.; Title: The Important Book
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706 | 2 |
Natalie Savage Carlson is fondly remembered as the author of the much-loved Orpheline series and Surprise in the Mountains. Born in Virginia, Ms. Carlson later lived in Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and the Pacific Northwest. She eventually settled in Florida prior to her death.; Title: Family Under the Bridge, The
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|
707 | 1 |
“An inimitable feat and feast for all ages.” (Publishers Weekly)“This is the catchiest rhyming book you’ll ever read, and the illustrations of a little boy and a bear frolicking through meadows, streams, and forests of berries are so bright and happy, you’ll want to go berry picking yourself.” (Brightly)HatberryShoeberryIn my canoeberryUnder the bridgeAnd over the damLooking for berries Berries for jamThey're off...a boy and an endearing, rhyme-spouting bear, who squires him through a fantastic world of berries. And their adventure comes to a razzamatazz finale under a starberry sky.Children will want to feast again and again on Bruce Degen's exuberant, colorful pictures and his rollicking, berryful rhymes.HatberryShoeberryIn my canoeberyUnder the bridgeAnd over the damLooking for berriesBerries for jamThey're off...a boy and an endearing, rhyme-spouting bear, who squires him through a fatastic world of berries. And their adventure comes to a razzamatazz finale under a starberry sky.Children will want to feast again and again on Bruce Degen's exuberant, colorful pictures and his rollicking berryful rhymes.; Title: Jamberry
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708 | 3 |
"I am in my room and I am never coming out," announces the impassioned heroine of this high-spirited escapade--a sparkling children's book debut for all three creators. Martin and Marx, both former writers for Saturday Night Live , display their comedic talents as their young exile recounts what she will and will not do during her lifetime in her bedroom. First she explains her self-imposed sentence: she has been banished by her parents from her brother's birthday party (they say she hit him on the head and called him a dumbbell; her version differs--"I did not hit Theodore. I touched him hard. I did not call him a dumbbell, I called him a dumb head"). Then she declares that she will stay up late ("It will be so late when I go to bed that it will be the next day"); will never speak English again ("I will speak in a code that only I will understand"); and will never clean up ("and in a few days poisonous mushrooms will grow on my bed"). Her resolve weakens when she is offered cake and ice cream . . . but in typical frisky fashion, she delivers conditions for accepting the treats. Chast, using the same approach here as she does in her celebrated cartoons for the New Yorker , produces zany, hilariously detailed pictures--an ideal match for the jaunty text. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 2-Sent to her room for hitting her younger brother at his birthday party, Patty Jane decides to stay there "for the rest of my life." After all, "I did not hit Theodore. I touched him hard." But after an hour or so of fantasies about what she'll do in her room, her family persuades her to emerge for some cake and ice cream. Patty Jane is as self-centered as many children can be when a sibling is in the spotlight, and whether her reactions amuse readers or just irritate them, they will certainly relate to them. But it's Chast's cartoons that make this book stand out. The opening double-page spread shows the well-stocked and incredibly messy room of a middle-class child, strewn with games, books, TV, clothes, and toys; on the bed is the pouty Patty Jane, lying next to a heart-shaped pillow inscribed "To a sweet girl." Succeeding pages lovingly delineate the likes, dislikes, and dreams of revenge of a put-upon older sister, and Chast gets the tone just right: childlike but heartfelt. Dress and hairstyles evoke the nerdiest years of the 1950s, while the never-ending array of consumer goods evokes the 1980s. Hardly an essential purchase, but sure to be appreciated by Chast fans, baby-boomer parents, and older sisters everywhere.Caroline Parr, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Fredericksburg, VACopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Now Everybody Really Hates Me
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938
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|
709 | 0 |
Kindergarten-Grade 3 Four easy-to-read chapters follow Aunt Eater (an anteater) as she suspects mysterious happenings around her. First her bag is stolen on the train. A mysterious person at a party turns out to be the shadow of one of her friends carrying a tray and glass. The third chapter concerns a mysterious note. The final mystery involves the disappearance of her cat, Sam. While the plot in each chapter is thin, the material does not speak down to readers. A variety of sentence structures and interesting vocabulary is used. The four-color illustrations will help young readers visualize the text without giving away the mystery. Yet readers will have some unanswered questions. The explanation that one character is dressed in scarf and overcoat because he has a sore throat is unconvincing, as another character is shown in shorts and short sleeved shirt. An average but comfortable addition to easy-to-read mystery collections. Sharron McElmeel, Cedar Rapids Community Schools, IowaCopyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Aunt Eater Loves a Mystery (An I Can Read Book)
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|
710 | 16 |
When it's supper time at the Panda Palace, the hospitable Mr. Panda welcomes an array of amiable--and ravenous--animals to his restaurant. "An elephant came first / With a trunk that was gray. / He'd been out on the road/ selling peanuts all day." Subsequent arrivals include a pair of royal lions, three little pigs (chased by a not so big nor so bad wolf) and four proud peacocks, until the last table (for 10) is taken by a hen and her baby chicks. But then there comes another knock at the door. Enter a tiny mouse, for whom Mr. Panda finds a makeshift table and an enormous wedge of cheese. Calmenson's ( Wanted: Warm, Furry Friend ) bouncy, rhyming verse and innovative cast of characters give this counting book zip. Readers will enjoy poring over Westcott's ( Skip to My Lou ; There's a Hole in the Bucket ) frolicsome pictures as they take stock of the animals' antics, facial expressions and choice of entrees. Only after many rereadings will little ones get their fill. Ages 3-8. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2-- As Mr. Panda graciously greets guests arriving at his restaurant, he also invites readers to enjoy a rollicking counting rhyme. A peanut-selling elephant shows up first, then two carsick lions, three pigs (carrying their building materials and pursued by a slavering wolf), and on through assorted critters until ten chickens bring seating to capacity. When a tiny mouse asks to come in, Mr. Panda hastily makes room because, "No matter how many,/ No matter how few,/ There will always be room/ At the Palace for you!" Unforced, funny quatrains are reinforced with hilarious illustrations full of perfect details. The party of penguins is served fish, five monkeys have bananas, the giraffes (who had been painting rooftops) nibble leaves and twigs, peacocks dine on snails. And, as the guests depart carrying doggie bags, and the alligator waiters sponge tables, readers will almost be able to hear Mr. Panda say, "Whew!" as he hangs the closed sign. Perfect company for Hogrogian's Always Room for One More (Holt, 1965) and De Regniers's May I Bring a Friend (Atheneum, 1964). --Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NBCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Dinner at the Panda Palace
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Validation
|
711 | 1 |
Grade 1-3-- Scientists observe a puffin colony as the colorful birds return to spring nesting sites on an isolated island in Maine. The direct and simple writing style points out the uniqueness of these seabirds: their bright beaks during breeding season; the burrows that serve as nests for single eggs; the annual return to their birthplaces to hatch new chicks. Also included is basic information about the common puffin and the part National Audubon Society scientists have played since 1969 in its survival. Bright, full-page watercolors of the colony reflect island topography and surrounding seascapes. Smaller illustrations capture the birds' expressive profiles as though recorded in close-up snapshots. An appealing book that presents the role of naturalists, and one that works as a companion to Gibbons's Beacons of Light: Lighthouse (Morrow, 1990) for a study of New England coastal environments. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gail Gibbons, author of more than one hundred books, is the winner of the Washington Post/Children’s Book Guild Award for her overall contribution to children’s nonfiction literature. Called a “master of picture book nonfiction” by ALA Booklist, Ms. Gibbons has a special talent for making complex subjects understandable and entertaining for young readers.; Title: The Puffins Are Back!
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Validation
|
712 | 0 |
Grades 2-5--This text originally published in 1974 is accompanied by new, colorful paintings. In clear but at times dry prose, the author reveals the many influences that led Hughes to become who he was. He was raised by a loving grandmother and by a mother who had difficulty finding jobs. He dealt with loneliness, racism, and a distant father who, he realized, hated his own people-black Americans-as well as Native Americans. The artwork is rendered in lovely, inviting hues and softens the misery the narrative describes. For example, a depiction of young Langston meeting his estranged, bitter father shows the elder Hughes in a much warmer light than the wording might indicate. The new edition is larger in format than the older one and has a more modern picture-book feel, as well as an author's note. Two of Hughes's poems are included: "When Susanna Jones Wears Red" and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." Walker's version balances Floyd Cooper's Coming Home (Philomel, 1994) by delving more into Hughes's adult life. An acceptable choice for poetry units and Black History Month.Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WICopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Gr. 3-6. Walker's picture-book-size biography Langston Hughes: American Poet, first published in 1974, returns to print with lively new artwork. It is an excellent introduction to Hughes, focusing mainly on his adolescence and early adulthood. The text is romanticized in places, but the engaging, anecdotal style is perfect for read-alouds, and the brief sentences and simple vocabulary make the book a good choice for beginning and struggling readers. Deeter's realistic paintings capture the text's pivotal moments. Gillian EngbergCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Langston Hughes: American Poet
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Test
|
713 | 2 |
Like beatnik scenes from '50s Hollywood movies, the poems in this self-consciously hip collection strain to be stylish and modern. Adoff (All the Colors of the Race; Sports Pages) loads his writing with details city-dwellers will easily recognize but the particulars he chooses ("Boys on skateboards, girls on in-line skates./ Joggers in shorts, joggers in sweats. An old/ woman walks with a cane") and the e.e. cummings-style line breaks and letter spacing frequently seem arbitrary. Often the poems lend themselves to coffee house parody, e.g., the narrator describes street musicians and then says, "We snap fingers./ We snap fingers./ We snap/ fingers." Barbour's (Little Nino's Pizzeria) cleverly composed retro illustrations appear against densely saturated backgrounds-deep red to match a poem about fire trucks, Easter-egg blue to match a poem about Sunday breakfast. More consistent than the text, they vibrate a jazzy fluidity and rhythm. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 3 Up?Fifteen poems in free verse celebrate the rhythm and diversity of city life, capturing its sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and seasons in arresting imagery. Tall buildings pushing through the clouds, a homeless woman with a "stretching" hand, the ever-present utility and maintenance crews digging and chopping beneath the streets, and "...crowds of languages and clouds of steam from carts of cooking foods" all reflect the many facets of an urban environment?its action, pulsing rhythms, and multiethnicity. Two-page spreads in hot colors provide a vibrant background for Barbour's numerous, lively sketches that accompany each selection. Varied perspectives, from that of small dog amidst a tangle of legs, a person lying down on the sidewalk or looking at shifting scenes from a bus window, to an overview of a crowded intersection offer multilayered vignettes. An exciting, accessible collection.?Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NYCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Street Music: City Poems
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|
714 | 2 |
Actress Curtis and illustrator Cornell ( Earl's Too Cool for Me ) evoke a healthy child's proud sense of self in this exuberant picture book. The narrator, a girl who prefaces almost every statement with "When I was little," delightedly lists all the things she can do now that she's nursery-school age. "When I was little, I spilled a lot," she explains. "Mom said I was a handful. Now I'm helpful." Pictures of a cheerful baby contrast with the protagonist in her maturity, and both a sunny palette of watercolors and playful lines effectively capture the narrative's buoyant spirit. Unfortunately, the book strikes one sour note: Curtis and Cornell each slip in implicit endorsements of specific cereals and junk foods (Cap'n Crunch, Chee-tos, Animal Crackers)--gratuitous inclusions that mar an otherwise winsome, upbeat work. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 3-6. In her first book, Curtis capitalizes on the notion that kids love hearing about themselves as babies and takes it one delicious step further by having a four-year-old tell on herself. In a playful first-person narrative, the sprightly young miss describes the many ways she has left babyhood behind: no more "silly hair" or wearing "floaties" in the pool, no more eating "goo and yucky stuff." In keeping with the lively text, the watercolor illustrations are a congenial, colorful scramble, with many freewheeling, double-page spreads showing the little girl as both baby and preschooler. Despite the confusion this occasionally causes, the artwork's good humor perfectly matches the jaunty air of the words and beautifully captures the narrator, naughty and nice, happy and proud. Stephanie Zvirin; Title: When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old's Memoir of Her Youth
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715 | 7 |
“Readers will be irresistibly reminded of Oz. It’s a book many children are going to love.” (Publishers Weekly)The Whangdoodle was once the wisest, the kindest, and the most extraordinary creature in the world. Then he disappeared and created a wonderful land for himself and all the other remarkable animals -- the ten-legged Sidewinders, the little furry Flukes, the friendly Whiffle Bird, and the treacherous, "oily" Prock. It was an almost perfect place where the last of the really great Whangdoodles could rule his kingdom with "peace, love and a sense of fun"-- apart from and forgotten by people.But not completely forgotten. Professor Savant believed in the Whangdoodle. And when he told the three Potter children of his search for the spectacular creature, Lindy, Tom, and Ben were eager to reach Whangdoodleland.With the Professor's help, they discovered the secret way. But waiting for them was the scheming Prock, who would use almost any means to keep them away from his beloved king. Only by skill and determination were the four travelers able to discover the last of the really great Whangdoodles and grant him his heart's desire.Julie Andrews Edwards, star of stage and screen, has written a unique and beloved story that has become a modern classic. The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles is sure to continue to delight readers everywhere. This edition includes a new foreword by the author.; Title: The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
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A poltergeist that specializes in unscrewing bottle-caps...a couple who bring home a strange-looking little dog from Mexico, only to be told that it's a sewer rat...suddenly vanishing friends, relatives, and animals...a Texas girl raised by wolves- -yes, it's a new collection of horribilia: chillers, ghost stories, and urban legends, retold in an appropriately matter-of- fact way and illustrated by a master of the macabre. Schwartz gives most of the tales a modern setting, provides hints for storytellers, discusses variants, and--as in two previous collections--appends careful source notes and a good-sized bibliography. Gammell supplies a characteristic array of leering faces, slimy bones, and scrofulous, unidentifiable creatures. Perfect for reading alone or aloud in a dimly lit room. You first. (Folklore. 10-14) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.Alvin Schwartz is known for his more than two dozen books of folklore for young readers that explore everything from wordplay and humor to tales and legends of all kinds. Don't miss his other Scary Stories collections, including More Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark and Scary Stories 3.; Title: Scary Stories 3
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18119,
18158,
21068,
25651,
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69525,
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] |
Train
|
717 | 0 |
Grade 1-3 Faith is allowed to take her pet hen, Josefina, along in her family's covered wagon to California on one condition: ". . .if she makes any trouble, OUT SHE GOES!" Josefina survives some close calls with trouble, but when robbers raid the camp and Josefina squawks a warning, she earns Pa's praise and gratitude. Unfortunately, it's Josefina's last gasp. Faith mourns her but sews another patch for her memory quilt in honor of her hen. When the family reaches California, the quilt they sew tells the story of their journey. Children will appreciate Faith's bond with her pet and the details of an 1850 adventure. The story makes the history go down easily, and an author's note at the end fills in facts about the western trip and the place of quilts as pioneer diaries. The charcoal and blue/yellow wash illustrations are clear and natural, but little attention is paid to matching up quilt squares with the story's action. On the whole, a good introduction to historical fiction that children can read for themselves.Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.Eleanor Coerr is the author of many books for young readers, including The Big Baloon Race, a Reading Rainbow book, Chang's Paper Pony, and The Josefina Story Quilt, a Notable Childrens Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies.; Title: The Josefina Story Quilt (I Can Read Book)
|
[
4663,
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4700,
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Train
|
718 | 10 |
An intended fantasy-adventure story is instead a tedious labyrinth of events connecting parental remarriage, time travel and reading appreciation. Owen resents the fact that his divorced mother, a prolific children's book author, is marrying her deceased sister's husband. Leaving Boston, starting junior high in rural Vermont, and soon having weird cousin Parsley, age nine, as a sister requires considerable acclimation. The equally displeased girl secretly schemes to stop the impending nuptials. Using a magic bookmark, she brings home cats featured in classic novels, thus tormenting her allergic aunt. When Parsley tells Owen, a reluctant reader, about her "travels," he's incredulous, until he too is transported to stories such as Alice in Wonderland , Little Women and The Yearling . Lindbergh's voice occasionally intrudes upon Owen's narrative; "I'd blush to invade someone's privacy" and "glutinous yellow" are not a 12-year-old's phrases. Extolling the pleasures of reading is a worthy enterprise, but only ardent bibliophiles will stick with these unappealing characters and convoluted plot. Ages 10-14. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 4-7-- This story takes off into flights of fantasy when Owen, 12, and his cousin Parsley, 9, visit children's books. The two are thrown together when, over his protests, Owen's mother moves them to Vermont where she plans to marry her brother-in-law, Parsley's father. Also angry about the coming event, the girl is planning to sabotage the wedding by bringing 15 cats into the house, knowing that her aunt is allergic to them. She tells Owen about her magic bookmark, and that she can bring home such well-known cats as Tom Kitten, the Three Little Kittens, and the Cheshire Cat. Owen does not believe her until he finds himself at the Mad Hatter's tea party. He is upset when Parsley tells him that she takes things from other books, too, and accuses her of stealing. She protests, saying that the books remain unchanged. Despite his misgivings, they visit several books and the boy finds himself eager to read the books he has visited. He becomes interested in helping the young deer in The Yearling , while Parsley collects diamonds in The Twenty-one Balloons and tries to ride the Goose Prince in The Fledgling . It is not difficult to believe that a child can become a reader after such zany and exciting adventures. It is, however, difficult to see how things can be removed from books without changing them. While the flaw in the fantasy may interfere with readers' understanding and enjoyment of the story, the book might encourage children to read the other books the cousins visited. That would be a bit of magic. --Virginia Golodetz, St. Michael's College, Winooski, VTCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Travel Far, Pay No Fare
|
[
11577
] |
Train
|
719 | 2 |
Gather round for an Extraordinary Adventure, circa Christmas 1908, Abilene, Texas. The players are a boy named Art (devoted to "the making of inventions, the quest for adventure, and the fighting and smashing of crime"); his best friend, a Comanche boy named Spaulding; and Art's scorned little sister, Esther. One dusty December day, they find a huge wooden crate accompanied by a note that says, "Open the box. Assemble the contents. Come NORTH. Yours, S.C." The next thing you know, the intrepid trio sets off for the North Pole in the freshly assembled Yuletide Flyer, at Santa's cryptic request. Let the swashbuckling adventure begin! Santa's home is the glittering metropolis of Toyland, described as "the best of the old, the best of the new, and the best that is yet to be." But what's this? Dark Elves and their evil Queen? No one bargained for danger in the North Pole. After a dashing display of heroic and ingenious maneuvering, however, the three children are delivered back home in time for Christmas. But why did Santa call in the first place? He tells them, "Some secrets are best left unsolved." The real secret of this rollicking Christmas tale lies in two facsimile letters attached at the end of the book--Esther's touching note to Santa and his reply. Beloved illustrator William Joyce, creator of George Shrinks and Dinosaur Bob, has managed an unusual feat: an original Christmas story, breathtaking artwork, and adventure tale all rolled into one. (Ages 5 to 9)Joyce's version of a ride on the Polar Express is more style than substance. Just before Christmas, 1908, dashing boy-inventor Art Atchinson Ainsworth; his best friend, Comanche brave Spaulding Littlefeets; and his scorned little sister Esther receive an invitation (complete with futuristic flying machine) to visit Santa. Their visit is climaxed by Esther's dramatic rescue from the Dark Elves and their evil Queen. ``But why did you call for us?'' Art wants to know. Santa answers, ``Some secrets are best left unsolved.'' Art never finds out, but readers do, in two appended letters from Esther (``Dear Santa...what I really wish for is for my brother Art to be my friend'') and Santa (``I'm glad our little adventure did the trick''). Readers may be disappointed to find so unsurprising a gift in such glorious wrapping, but the huge illustrations, rendered with Joyce's usual cinematic, art-deco sensibility, burst with exuberant crowds and visual fanfares, melodramatic poses and clever jokes. Figures have the gloss and solidity of polished wooden models: Art looks like Will Rogers, and Santa like a benevolent tycoon, while the skies over Ozlike Toyland are filled with searchlights and fanciful balloons. Read quickly; linger over the art. (Picture book. 7+) -- Copyright 1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.; Title: Santa Calls
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Train
|
720 | 15 |
A-fish-ionados of big-city aquariums will recognize familiar watery environments within these splendidly illustrated pages. Based on several specific aquariums, Aliki's mega-museum features a three-story kelp jungle, a muggy tropical rain forest and a coral reef. More standard attractions include tide pools, freshwater tanks and, of course, the dark, glassed-in hall where sharks meet humans in eerie silence. The author/artist's characteristically skillful watercolors and varied compositions smoothly manage a flood of information. But, in contrast to the bountiful, unrestrained illustrations, the hardworking narration dulls colorful details. A few tidbits, however, successfully bait the hook: anchovies prefer to swim by the hundreds in a small round tank, "packed in tight, moving in never-ending circles"; a diver feeds fish "so they will not be tempted to eat each other." Some adult intervention may be necessary to extract the full value of the teeming text, but this book will enrich both the preparation for and memories of trips to an aquarium. An endnote stresses the need to preserve the environment. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2-Children and adults of various ages, races, and physical abilities tour a public aquarium and are treated to a look at many of the world's marine creatures. The language is almost lyrical, and its lilting quality imparts a feeling of journeying underwater to discover fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and more. Readers and viewers will be equally entertained, as Aliki uses watercolors, ink, and pencil crayons on waterboard for this excursion. The sense of motion is amplified in the colorful pictures as children run, point, and photograph their favorite species, shrink from the shark tank (seen from the shark's point of view), and reach into the touchable tide pool exhibit. Different sized illustrations add to the visual variety, and the creatures are labeled in script, enticing readers to linger over the pages. Whimsical touches-the docent is wearing bright fish earrings, and the last page features this book being sold at the aquarium gift store-add to a story alive with color and action.Frances E. Millhouser, Reston Regional Library, VACopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: My Visit to the Aquarium
|
[
3089,
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Train
|
721 | 1 |
As he did in The Three Bears , Barton here skillfully pares down a well-known tale for the youngest readers and listeners. Vibrant hues abound in his full-page, collage-like illustrations, which show the industrious little red hen and her three cooperative chicks planting seeds; harvesting, threshing and grinding wheat; and baking bread--while a carefree pig, duck and cat cavort merrily, repeatedly refusing to lend a hand. Of course, their one and only offer to help is turned down, and as the three hapless animals peer through the hen's kitchen window, she serves the warm loaf to her open-mouthed offspring. Creatively balancing simple sentences and vivid images, Barton wraps up this wise mother's timeless message into a neat package. Ages 3-6. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-- Barton just gets better and better. Bright, primitive illustrations tell the favorite old story with striking simplicity; the red and yellow of the hen and her three chicks stand out against the intense colors of the backgrounds. Double-page spreads in bright green show the lazy friends boating, playing on swings, flying a kite, and sleeping, while the hen performs her chores on a series of rainbow-colored pages. The text has been effectively pared down to its bare essentials, and would be excellent to use in toddler story times. Of course, the tale is available in many versions, perhaps the best being those by Paul Galdone (Clarion, 1979) and Margot Zemach (Farrar, 1983), but there is definitely room for this one on the shelf.- Judy Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library , LACopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Little Red Hen
|
[
702,
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69434,
69435
] |
Test
|
722 | 5 |
Grade 1-4?An appealing collection of six traditional Iroquois tales retold in classic storytelling language. Although these stories can be found in other anthologies, including Bruchac's Iroquois Stories (Crossing, 1985), they are gathered here for younger children and presented as lessons the tribal elders might pass on during winter story times. The reteller's introduction is instructive and sets the mood for these humorous, moral?but never didactic?tales. Each one is carefully crafted with precise language and striking images. The title story tells adults to love their children; "How Birds Got Their Feathers" warns readers to be satisfied with what they have; "Chipmunk and Bear" cautions against making fun of others. Jacob's stunning, brilliantly colored paintings, one for each selection, capture the moods clearly and gracefully. A beautiful book in words and pictures that deserves a spot in every folktale collection.?Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NYCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 4^-6. An orphan abused by his guardian uncle finds refuge as a member of a bear family in the title story of this collection of six Iroquois teaching tales, which spring from Bruchac's close association with Iroquois elders and are sourced in tales he heard while growing up. An introduction that doesn't overwhelm puts the tales into historical and cultural context. Bruchac's style is clean and spare. His direct, immediate language makes the book accessible to a wide range of children, including reluctant and new readers, and the humor and inherent drama make the tales ideal for reading and telling aloud. The seven full-page color paintings by Murv Jacob are brightly framed with floral and other patterns that enhance the vibrant compositions, and, whether animal or human, the characters are nicely individualized and energetically executed. A gray flowered border surrounds each page of text, the type is large, the design is spacious, and the detailing is attractive. This is a fine example of good book-making, which combines quality of content with quality of craft. Janice Del Negro; Title: Boy Who Lived With Bears and Other Iroquois Stories
|
[
5330,
5642,
6719,
26196,
27234,
35399,
36370,
42112,
72272
] |
Test
|
723 | 0 |
Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Those familiar with Schwartz's ability to produce the best of scary tales for young readers will find this newest addition to be a hit. The sentences are short with a manageable vocabulary, even for those kindergarteners who can tackle the challenge of an early reader. The text is complemented with primitive watercolor illustrations executed in attractive pastels; while the facial expressions are given a semblance of ghoulishness, the total effect is one of enticement (and even humor) rather than of horror. While these stories are not as heart-thumping as those in Schwartz's In A Dark, Dark Room (HarperCollins, 1985), this will nevertheless provide a fun introduction to the "ghostly" genre, and give children a chance to check out a "scary" book. Appended is a page on the origins of the tales and legends. --Mary Lou Budd, Milford South Elementary School, OHCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Unknown Binding edition.From its foreword to its notes on ``Where the Stories Come From,'' this ``I Can Read'' collection of seven appealing, mildly scary stories is a model of authenticity: the simplified but effective retellings honor both their sources and their intended audience. Chess's tongue-in-cheek illustrations add a perfect gruesome touch. (Folklore/Easy reader. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Unknown Binding edition.; Title: Ghosts! Ghostly Tales from Folklore
|
[
1411,
1728,
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Train
|
724 | 1 |
"one of the most original of present-day writers for chldren..." -- -- New York /timesMeindert DeJong is the award-winning author of many classic books for children, including the Newbery Medal-winning The Wheel On The Schooland the Newbery Honor-winning Along Came A Dog, Shadrach,and The House Of Sixty Fathers, all available in Harper Trophy editions and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Among Mr. Sendak's other popular books is his Caldecott Medal-winning Where The Wild Things Are. ; Title: Hurry Home, Candy
|
[
744,
4397,
4410,
5241,
27220,
41916
] |
Test
|
725 | 0 |
Ages 4-8. First published in 1979, Croll's funny, popular too-many-cooks story in the I Can Read series is newly illustrated here, with the babas (grandmothers) in a Russian winter setting. The simple, bright pictures in folk-art style show the bustling peasant women in the kitchen, each one tasting and adding and making a bigger mess of the soup. Hazel Rochman; Title: Too Many Babas (An I Can Read Book)
|
[
26031
] |
Test
|
726 | 2 |
MacLachlan's characteristically resonant language and Wimmer's majestic paintings affectingly celebrate the natural world and the family. Told in the voice of a child who lives on a farm with his parents and grandparents, the author's poetic narrative opens on the day of the boy's birth, when his grandmother holds him up to the open window, "So that what I heard first was the wind. / What I saw first were all the places to love: / The valley, / The river falling down over rocks, / The hilltop where the blueberries grew." The child introduces readers to the spots that each person in his family loves best: for his mother it is the hilltop where the sky is "an arm's length away"; for his grandfather, the dark, cool barn ("Where else, he says, can the soft sound of cows chewing / Make all the difference in the world?"). Only after the birth of his sister does the boy reveal his favorite place of all: the marsh "Where ducklings follow their mother / Like tiny tumbles of leaves." Whether focusing on a single, aging turtle or depicting a sweeping panorama, Wimmer's ( Train Song ; Flight ) paintings beautifully convey the splendor of nature, as well as the deep affection binding three generations. This inspired pairing of words and art is a timeless, uplifting portrait of rural family life. All ages. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3-"Where else can the soft sound of cows chewing make all the difference in the world?" asks Eli's grandfather about the barn he loves. There are other places on the farm that each family member finds special: the valley, the meadows, the hilltop where the blueberries grow, and the river falling over rocks. As young Eli recounts them simply and warmly, these places become living keepsakes that form a homage to their way of life. The ties of family members to one another and of family to farm are captured in the sweet, pastoral illustrations realistically painted in Norman Rockwellian style. The language has MacLachlan's signature spareness filled with emotion and sensitivity. As in her Three Names (HarperCollins, 1991), the personal reflections are heartwarming and touching. While Eli waits in the barn with his grandfather, the arrival of a new baby reaffirms the continuity of generations as Sylvie's name is added to those carved on a barn rafter. The use of questions such as: "Where else does an old turtle crossing the path make all the difference in the world?" help make the story relevant for young readers. Who else but MacLachlan could carry this off so lovingly.Julie Cummins, New York Public LibraryCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: All the Places to Love
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Validation
|
727 | 16 |
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: A Child's Good Night Book
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[
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Train
|
728 | 15 |
Winner of the 1989 Newbery Award, Joyful Noise is a children's book of poetry about insects that was designed for two readers to enjoy together. On each page are two columns of verse for children to alternate reading aloud about the lives of six-legged creatures ranging from fireflies writing in the sky to a love affair between two lice, crickets eating pie crumbs and the single day in the life of a mayfly. Charming large scale soft-pencil illustrations enhance the comical, easy-to-read text.Fleischman and Beddows (I Am Phoenix) are paired again for another remarkable collection of poems written to be read, by two people, out loud. Mayflies, moths, crickets and other insects join voices in clever musical duets. Fireflies are "insect calligraphers" who use their light as ink on the parchment of the night, cicadas "chant from the treetops" their "booming joyful noise," and two honeybeesa queen and a droneexplain contrapuntally why they have the best and worst of lives. In one of the wittiest poems in the volume, two book lice discuss how they met on some dusty shelves, "honeymooned in an old guide book on Greece" and adore each other in spite of opposite tasteshe prefers Shakespeare and she Spillane. Beddows's black-and-white drawings blend biology-text accuracy with charming cartoon fancies and keep pace with the imaginative verse. All ages. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices (Charlotte Zolotow Book)
|
[
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Train
|
729 | 1 |
When Billy left his spider, Helen, at the Zoo, the animals suddenly became happy and contented. The lions snoozed all day long, the elephants enjoyed their baths, and the zebras ate their hay in piece- all because Helen was spinning her web catching flies. But one day Helen's webs were swept away. The Keeper had the cages cleaned for the Mayer's inspection tour. Soon the flies were back again and the animals were miserable once more. But not for long... Children will be fascinated and amused by the way Helen solved the problem and won a permanent place of honor for herself in the Zoo.Gene Zion and two-time Caldecott Honor winner Margaret Bloy Graham have collaborated on several favorite stories about Harry: Harry by the Sea, Harry the Dirty Dog, and No Roses for Harry.; Title: Be Nice to Spiders
|
[
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] |
Validation
|
730 | 14 |
Ages 5-8. Presented in picture-book format, these short poems are first-person expressions of visitors to the Nativity, representing the points of view of animals who followed the Christmas star, Mary, three queens who came late, and a mother who didn't follow the star but tended her own baby instead. Traditionalists will be surprised to find a sloth making its way to Bethlehem, but the sloth's poem is one of the more effective, beginning, "As everyone knows, / I begin to begin to travel / when the wind blows.20/ From bough to bough to bough, / Single-handedly I move. / Easy if you know how." Mathers' illustrations, painted in a naive style and reproduced in full color, vary from mundane to effective to striking. Recommended for larger collections. Carolyn PhelanForget the legions of contrived tales about this animal or that making its way to the Manger; the late Farber (d. 1984), in an imaginative cycle of poems--whimsical, lyrical, and wise- -introduces a dozen creatures, follows their intersecting journeys, celebrates (in the title poem) the moment when they all help keep the melting snow from the Baby (``Cricket clung fast to a ceiling-hole,/Dove plugged a gap with his beak...Giraffe held his head against a crack...and the Three Grand Kings/raised a parasol...'') and, for balance, embellishes the story with three Queens who ``came late, but not too late,'' bringing ``a homespun gown of blue,/and chicken soup'' before hurrying home to their own children and chores. Farber's lucid, elegantly designed paintings glow with color and light, with just a touch of humor and another of awe. Lovely. (Poetry/Picture book. 4+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.; Title: When It Snowed That Night
|
[
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Train
|
731 | 5 |
Ross and Jacob, both of whom are of Cherokee descent, produce an unusually rich debut picture book in retelling 15 tales about Rabbit, a central figure in Cherokee storytelling. The wily creature is a consummate mischief-maker, always ready to prove himself better than his fellow animals--almost always through unfair means. The reader finds him disguised as an otter, cheating in races and constantly filling the air with his boasting. With gleeful relish he transforms Possum's tail into a "red, skinny, hairless" shadow of its former self; and in a stroke of revenge he blunts poor Deer's teeth. A bundle of bravado, he is always moving, talking, plotting, very much at the center of this patchwork of stories. Cunning trickster though he is, he often gets a good comeuppance. With their vivid language, these tales simply sashay right along. Unusual artwork presents textured still lifes, like tapestry wall-hangings; these convey both the history and morality of the stories and, at the same time, portray splendid detail. A handsome, informative collection. All ages. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 6-Fifteen short, action-oriented tales about Rabbit, the Cherokee trickster hero. In the title story, Rabbit cheats Otter out of his beautiful fur coat, but then loses the wonderful tail that was his rightful gift from the Creator. Each subsequent story relates to those that precede it, much as they would in an informal story-telling session, yet each also stands alone as a small, humorous teaching tale. Traditional manners and morals, culture, and spirituality are lightly woven into the selections. Rabbit's exploits come to life in language that is as natural as conversation and as easy to listen to. The author, herself Cherokee, is steeped in her culture, yet has the freshness of voice and connection with her audience that make the material come alive for contemporary young readers. The detailed, primitive-style acrylic paintings by a Kentucky-Cherokee artist portray the animals, traditional clothing, and environment with accuracy as well as spontaneity. Some of the pictures appear to be out of place with the text, but otherwise the book design is quite pleasing with its bordered pages and hand-lettered titles. Several of the stories will be familiar to young readers in other forms. "Tar Wolf" is known to many through "Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby." "Rabbit Races with Turtle" begins like Aesop's "The Tortoise and the Hare" but takes an unexpected twist at the end. Although the stories are a bit repetitive, all in all this is a sweet offering that will be an enjoyable addition to any collection.Carolyn Polese, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CACopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: How Rabbit Tricked Otter: And Other Cherokee Trickster Stories (Parabola Storytime Series)
|
[
7183,
39972,
39973,
39975,
41098,
59897
] |
Validation
|
732 | 2 |
Kindergarten-Grade 3-- A deceptively simple story about seven small wooden dolls (a grandma, a boy and his parents, a dog, a doctor, and a policeman). They coexist with people, first as objects for bathtime and then, after the boy gets stuck in the drain, as windowsill decorations. But there's a spookiness, a surreality about the manner of their interactions that invites readers to use them allegorically. The temptation to perceive the actions of these dolls as a family set in a political state that severely limits their lives is strong. Egielski's crisply delineated, deceptively simple scenes create a visual world that adds considerably to the surrealism. There is no question about the inanimateness of these slickly painted, clothespinlike figures. But--with dots and a few lines as facial clues, can we be "reading" their thoughts? Close-ups are used to make a reasonably scaled world for these figures. Thus patterns of shadows, soap foam, quilt, and tools are blown up to take on new identities. Pictures and words interact in ways that magnetize readers, causing them to linger over a page and to turn back to test a theory of meaning. --Kenneth Marantz, Art Education Department, Ohio State University, ColumbusCopyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc."A marvelous tale . . . a brilliant tour de force." -- -- H.; Title: The Tub People
|
[
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48111,
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] |
Test
|
733 | 0 |
Lillian Hoban was the author and illustrator of many favorite I Can Read books, including Joe and Betsy the Dinosaur, Silly Tilly's Thanksgiving, and a series about Arthur the Chimpanzee. She also illustrated many picture books, including the classic stories about Frances.; Title: Arthur's Christmas Cookies (An I Can Read Book) (I Can Read Level 2)
|
[
1392,
1396,
1636,
2765,
3618,
3722,
4316,
4600,
4640,
4644,
4667,
4669,
4688,
4702,
4709,
4751,
9006,
10064,
10548,
14412,
15062,
15259,
18426,
21536,
26307,
33680,
52560,
55468,
55909,
56433,
75708
] |
Train
|
734 | 14 |
Silly Tilly's memory is playing tricks on her. It's Thanksgiving day and she "forgot to remember" that she planned to have dinner for all her friends. After a series of mishaps, she unwittingly distributes her recipe cards instead of the invitations. Tilly naps by the fire and awakens at dinner time realizing that no feast has been prepared, just as her friends arrive--each with a delicious dish in hand. Hoban's sprightly, colorful watercolors and endearing cast of animal characters make this simple story an easy - reading holiday treat. --Luann Toth, School Library JournalCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Silly Tilly's Thanksgiving Dinner (An I Can Read Book)
|
[
1368,
1397,
2282,
2510,
3347,
3678,
4316,
4688,
4694,
5560,
6253,
8711,
10567,
10767,
12462,
15543,
22984,
25230,
26263,
28433,
28891,
29152,
33977,
35944,
40261,
47372,
52410,
55267,
57337,
58458,
65861,
73601
] |
Train
|
735 | 15 |
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Most kids do not bathe with natural sponges, but that is the jumping off point for this bubbly introduction. The pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoon illustrations are bright and jaunty. The narrative superficially describes the physical characteristics of the natural sponge. Past and present tenses are mixed throughout as are the you, we, us and it voices as Esbensen describes different types of sponges and how they are harvested and prepared for use. The natural environment of the sponge is described and illustrated with no mention of the realities of habitat destruction, over gathering, and other environmental issues. A colorful but marginal purchase.Frances E. Millhouser, Reston Regional Library, VACopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 1-4. A new addition to the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out series, this book explains how some bath sponges are actually the skeletons of animals that have been harvested by divers from the ocean floor. Typical of the highly regarded series, the presentation is both lively and informative. "Sploosh! Splash! Dribble! Time to squeeze a skeleton." The text is simple and thought provoking, and the illustrations are bright and animated. Esbensen does strike a somewhat jarring, if realistic, note by stressing that sponges are beautiful living animals ("No two living sponges are ever exactly the same shape.") while at the same time promoting their harvest for use as bath sponges ("A sponge is especially good for washing because it holds more water than a washcloth. . . . The sponges die and their skins rot. The smell is terrible--whew!"). Otherwise, this book is a very child-friendly examination of an interesting creature and its use by humans. Annie Ayres; Title: Sponges Are Skeletons: Stage 2 (Let'S-Read-And-Find-Out Science Book)
|
[
3995,
4002,
4017
] |
Validation
|
736 | 0 |
"It is a great pleasure to see what miracles can be wrought with simple words, imagination, and understanding of children." -- Language ArtsDanny loves dinosaurs. When he sees one at the museun and says, "It would be nice to play with a dinosaur," a voice answers, "And I think it would be nice to play with you." So begins Dannys and the dinosaur's wonderful adventure together!But a dinosaur is no ordinary playmate. Even the most everyday activities become extraordinary, like finding a big-enough place to hide a dinosaur in a game of hide-and-seek, and keeping him from knocking over houses with his long tail. But Danny can teach a old dinosaur new tricks. It's the most fun this dinosaur has had in a hundred million years!Originally published as An I Can Read Book over 40 years ago, this classic story is perfect for reading together.Danny's out on the town with a real live dinosaur. And whether they're eating ice cream or playing hide-and-seek, these two are having one hundred million years of fun--all in one day. Outstanding Children's Books of 1958 (NYT); Title: Danny and the Dinosaur (An I Can Read Book)
|
[
1430,
2282,
2760,
3124,
3230,
3388,
3410,
3561,
3574,
3604,
3642,
3718,
3849,
3891,
4042,
4091,
4092,
4316,
4351,
4673,
4749,
4829,
8345,
12896,
13094,
16694,
16819,
17669,
24230,
58133
] |
Train
|
737 | 2 |
"Beguiling sketches and precisely the right words--with wonderfully amusing conversations."--" The Horn Book""In text and illustrations Frances is always a treat, the kind of book one wants to read and have read all over again."--" The Los Angeles Times""No small child--or her parents-- should be permitted to miss Frances's latest demonstration of childlike behavior."--" The Chicago Tribune"Russell Hoban was the author of A Bargain for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances, Best Friends for Frances, A Birthday for Frances, and Bread and Jam for Frances, all illustrated by Lillian Hoban. He also wrote Bedtime for Frances, illustrated by Garth Williams.; Title: A Birthday for Frances
|
[
738,
739,
796,
900,
962,
1612,
2316,
3624,
4271,
4737,
5348,
5349,
7443,
8711,
9238,
9561,
10088,
10139,
13044,
15841,
22301,
25054,
32350,
33363,
41169,
41170,
58082
] |
Train
|
738 | 0 |
Russell Hoban was the author of A Bargain for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances, Best Friends for Frances, A Birthday for Frances, and Bread and Jam for Frances, all illustrated by Lillian Hoban. He also wrote Bedtime for Frances, illustrated by Garth Williams.; Title: A Bargain for Frances (I Can Read Book)
|
[
739,
796,
962,
1612,
3624,
4721,
4731,
5387,
8222,
8274,
10139,
13695,
15182,
15455,
29219,
33677,
52666,
58082,
61726
] |
Train
|
739 | 1 |
The Hobans have done it again: a sly text attacking a real juvenile problem and attractive illustrations. Highly recommended. (Kirkus Reviews)Makes its point for fussy eaters gently, amusingly, and most effectively. (ALA Booklist)Frances discovers, in her own winsome way, that variety really is the spice of mealtimes. (Publishers Weekly)Russell Hoban was the author of A Bargain for Frances, A Baby Sister for Frances, Best Friends for Frances, A Birthday for Frances, and Bread and Jam for Frances, all illustrated by Lillian Hoban. He also wrote Bedtime for Frances, illustrated by Garth Williams.; Title: Bread and Jam for Frances
|
[
705,
738,
767,
769,
785,
796,
902,
942,
962,
1612,
2316,
3624,
3930,
4721,
4737,
5348,
5373,
5385,
6212,
6973,
7616,
9322,
9561,
10139,
15302,
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15915,
15987,
25956,
26031,
26612,
32350,
33047,
35134,
41169,
41170,
47617,
58082
] |
Train
|
740 | 1 |
Who says there's no improving on success? Not funnyman author-illustrator William Joyce, who has just added 16 pages of mirth to Dinosaur Bob: And His Adventures with the Family Lazardo (HarperCollins/Geringer, $16, 48p, ages 4-8 ISBN 0-06-021074-5). This expanded version of the popular tale (originally published in 1988) even includes a song: "The Ballad of Dinosaur Bob," sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne." Can the music video be far behind? Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kids ages 4-8 will welcome a blend of art, adventure and song which describes an interesting family's return from Africa with a rare dinosaur in tow. Fun illustrations mark a detailed adventure story which will grab the imaginations of kids. -- Midwest Book Review; Title: Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo (Reading Rainbow Book)
|
[
947,
3205,
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5348,
5366,
5408,
5449,
6052,
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12070,
15811,
15987,
17283,
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26031,
27246,
32304,
33047,
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33326,
51440,
51441,
51461,
51469,
51515,
51761,
51769,
51770,
51777,
51786,
51876,
55297,
55338,
55568,
57337,
63497,
70403
] |
Validation
|
741 | 0 |
Syd Hoff has given much pleasure to children everywhere as the author and illustrator of numerous children’s books, including the favorite I Can Read books Sammy the Seal, The Horse in Harry’s Room, and the Danny and the Dinosaur books. Born and raised in New York City, he studied at the National Academy of Design. His cartoons were a regular feature in the New Yorker after he sold his first cartoon to that magazine at the age of eighteen. His work also appeared in many other magazines, including Esquire and the Saturday Evening Post, and in a nationally syndicated daily feature.; Title: Grizzwold (An I Can Read Book)
|
[
743,
1393,
1407,
1470,
2276,
2282,
2665,
3574,
3604,
3618,
3678,
3718,
3722,
3891,
4091,
4092,
4316,
4351,
4658,
4673,
4674,
4677,
4690,
4781,
4829,
8271,
17669
] |
Test
|
742 | 2 |
The author of The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree and Littlejim again demonstrates her skill as a graceful, affecting storyteller. In spare yet stirring prose, she recounts the life of her great-aunt Arizona, who "was born in a log cabin her papa built . . . in the Blue Ridge Mountains." Arizona and her younger brother attended a one-room school, helped tap the maple trees in spring and "caught tadpoles in the creek." Later, she went away to school, and returned to teach in the same schoolhouse where she herself learned. For 57 years, Arizona hugged her students, and "taught them words and numbers, and about the faraway places they would visit someday." Lamb's bustling paintings--with glowing characters straight out of Laura Ingalls Wilder--convey the timeless beauty of the region, as well as Arizona's warmth and charisma. Though her great-aunt died at the age of 93, Houston concludes that she "travels with me and with those of us whose lives she touched. . . . She goes with us in our minds." Readers will be among the many touched by this very special relative. Ages 6-9. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-3-- Arizona, a child of the Blue Ridge, is named by her older brother, a cavalryman out West. As she grows up, she longs to visit the faraway places she learns about, but life doesn't offer her those opportunities. Her mother dies and she takes on family responsibilities. Still she becomes a teacher in spite of the obstacles in her path. For 57 years, she teaches generation after generation of students in her one-room schoolhouse, describing for them the wonders of the larger world that she herself has never seen and inspiring in them the satisfaction of learning. Even after her death she still walks with those whose lives she has touched. The text is superimposed over Lamb's full-page paintings. The pictures reflect an idyllic world of light-filled joy and simplicity. Roads, fences, and houses all fit into the landscape of woods and hills as though placed there by nature rather than by human hands. Arizona ages from a baby to a woman in her 90s gracefully and unaffectedly, keeping her high-button shoes and her aprons. The continuity of her life seems to flow from Lamb's brushes, filled with light and color, and her connection to the future is beautifully expressed in the painting of the road curving out of sight into the misty forest. Thanks to Houston and Lamb, readers can still enjoy Arizona's optimism and determination. --Ruth Semrau, Lovejoy School, Allen, TXCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: My Great-Aunt Arizona
|
[
384,
1174,
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4625,
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5413,
5479,
5494,
6150,
6247,
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7302,
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15915,
15974,
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33204,
34810,
37196,
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38306,
38858,
38877,
50493,
52404,
60351
] |
Train
|
743 | 0 |
Syd Hoff has given much pleasure to children everywhere as the author and illustrator of numerous childrens books, including the favorite I Can Read books Sammy the Seal, The Horse in Harrys Room, and the Danny and the Dinosaur books. Born and raised in New York City, he studied at the National Academy of Design. His cartoons were a regular feature in the New Yorker after he sold his first cartoon to that magazine at the age of eighteen. His work also appeared in many other magazines, including Esquire and the Saturday Evening Post, and in a nationally syndicated daily feature.; Title: Julius (An I Can Read Book)
|
[
3575,
4091,
4316,
4658,
4677,
4690,
4781,
5468,
7065,
21180
] |
Validation
|
744 | 2 |
Ray, a shy, lonely boy who has just come to live in the country, befriends an old, abandoned horse in a nearby pasture. Ray, his big brother, Martin, and his bigger sister, Shirley, with their mother and father, move from the city to the country and a sea of green-growing corn. Ray isn't old enough for school yet, but he finds the corn field that surrounds his home to be a world of mystery and adventure. Responding to the sights, sounds, and smells around him, he one day happens upon a lonely hill and a horse, which he names ""Thee-Rim"". Ray returns every day to feed Thee-Rim corn, lollipops and apples and eventually, quite by accident, rides him around the pasture. Thinking the horse dependent upon him for food and companionship, winter and a rain storm push Ray to desperate measures to protect and comfort his friend. Gifted Meindert DeJong has written a beautiful story about a boy and a horse and the private world of the singing hill they share together. Illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Very highly recommended for reading aloud to the pre-school and 5-8 group.; Title: The Singing Hill
|
[
4397,
4410
] |
Train
|
745 | 0 |
Syd Hoff has given much pleasure to children everywhere as the author and illustrator of numerous childrens books, including the favorite I Can Read books Sammy the Seal, The Horse in Harrys Room, and the Danny and the Dinosaur books. Born and raised in New York City, he studied at the National Academy of Design. His cartoons were a regular feature in the New Yorker after he sold his first cartoon to that magazine at the age of eighteen. His work also appeared in many other magazines, including Esquire and the Saturday Evening Post, and in a nationally syndicated daily feature.; Title: Stanley (I Can Read Level 1)
|
[
541,
743,
1407,
1607,
1612,
3574,
3718,
3891,
4042,
4091,
4316,
4351,
4658,
4673,
4677,
4690,
4721,
4729,
4741,
4752,
4757,
4781,
4829,
5253,
5326,
5647,
16819
] |
Test
|
746 | 15 |
Clyde Robert Bulla is the author of over fifty books for children including The Secret Valley and The Story of Valentines Day. He has been writing since 1946 when he published his first book, The Donkey Cart. Mr. Bulla was the first recipient of the Southern California Council on Childrens Literature award for distinguished contribution to the field. He lives in Los Angeles, California.; Title: What Makes a Shadow? (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1)
|
[
800,
1686,
2227,
3736,
3809,
3995,
3996,
4005,
4006,
4011,
4013,
4016,
4017,
4020,
4025,
4030,
4587,
4759,
4770,
4775,
4782,
4786,
4788,
4789,
4792,
4802,
4809,
4812,
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4817,
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31802,
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39113,
39143,
39261,
39406,
43670,
46607,
46630,
46632,
46649,
46721,
49751,
52478,
53788,
63985,
69297,
74261
] |
Test
|
747 | 2 |
One quiet evening, Frances the badger is sitting under the kitchen sink, singing a little song, "Here are the buckets and brushes and me, / Plinketty, plinketty, plinketty, plee." When she stops singing to listen for parental coos of approval, she hears nothing. Frances is sure it's all her new baby sister's fault. It's why she has no raisins for her cereal, and it's why her new dress isn't ready for her to wear to school. She thinks she may run away after dinner. And she does! She takes her carefully packed knapsack and settles in under the dining-room table.As she sits sulking and eating cookies, her mother and father, fully aware of her presence, begin talking about how much they miss her, and how much they love her little songs, and how a family is everybody all together, not just a baby. Frances can't stand it anymore. She calls them from her imaginary telephone and tells them she'll be home soon. Russell Hoban and illustrator Lillian Hoban succeed again with a tender, comical, heartwarming story that will make any big brother or sister feel better about a new sibling in the house. For more adventures of this endearing, enduring badger family, don't miss Bedtime for Frances (with illustrations by Garth Williams); Bread and Jam for Frances; Best Friends for Frances; A Birthday for Frances; and A Bargain for Frances. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson"A gentle and humorous picture book for everyone, but especially families with a new baby sister or brother."--" School Library Journal"; Title: A Baby Sister for Frances
|
[
738,
739,
796,
962,
1612,
3624,
3661,
5348,
5611,
8270,
10139,
10774,
13215,
15114,
15302,
15915,
20840,
21035,
37982,
41170,
45238,
58082,
59808
] |
Train
|
748 | 2 |
Maurice Sendak’s children’s books have sold over 30 million copies and have been translated into more than 40 languages. He received the 1964 Caldecott Medal for Where the Wild Things Are and is the creator of such classics as In the Night Kitchen, Outside Over There, Higglety Pigglety Pop!, and Nutshell Library. In 1970 he received the international Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Illustration, in 1983 he received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award from the American Library Association, and in 1996 he received a National Medal of Arts in recognition of his contribution to the arts in America. In 2003, Sendak received the first Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, an annual international prize for children’s literature established by the Swedish government. ; Title: What Do You Say, Dear?
|
[
864,
884,
4537,
4543,
4572,
5348,
5349,
5385,
5479,
8540,
9563,
10099,
10106,
11356,
15112,
15230,
25677,
27246,
33047,
33590,
61634
] |
Train
|
749 | 0 |
Rabbi Gellman holds an earned doctorate in philosophy from Northwestern University. Rabbi Gellman is married to Betty Schulson and has two children, Mara and Max. He is the senior rabbi of Temple Beth Torah in Melville, New York. He will be the next president of the New York Board of Rabbis.; Title: Does God Have a Big Toe?: Stories About Stories in the Bible
|
[
671,
10263,
25534,
25535,
26858,
26928,
27030,
37344,
57347,
62195,
62196,
65881
] |
Train
|
750 | 1 |
"High-energy, high-decibel fun." -- --The Kirkus ReviewsThacher Hurd is the award-winning author and illustrator of several children's books. He lives with his wife, Olivia, in Berkeley, California.Thacher Hurd es un autor e ilustrador que ha recibido varios premios por sus libros para nios. Vive con su esposa, Olivia, en Berkeley, California.; Title: Mama Don't Allow
|
[
2840,
5348,
5366,
5373,
5385,
5413,
6071,
6212,
9561,
10099,
15321,
15364,
15915,
17137,
25956,
33047,
33326
] |
Train
|
751 | 11 |
Myers ( Scorpions ; Now Is Your Time! ) gathers a stirring collection of turn-of-the-century photographs of black children and sets them to poetry, his verse alternating between the music of 19th-century hymns and that of plain talk. The arresting portrait of a truly angelic-looking child on the book's cover, for example, is accompanied by "Prayer": "Shout my name to the angels / Sing my song to the skies / Anoint my ears with wisdom / Let beauty fill my eyes." A series of pictures of smiling children illustrates a poem that mocks adults who are "so tizzy-busy / They don't remember / How good a grin feels / Ain't that something / How people forget that?" Myers's tone is sometimes sentimental--especially in the depiction of "sweet" or "precious" children, like the "pretty little tan girl / She knows all the tricks"--and sometimes didactic; he's best in his lightest moments. The design of the book, with its warm sepia-toned photographs and Victorian decorations, handsomely showcases the haunting and hopeful faces of the children, whose names have been lost along with those of the men and women who photographed them. All ages. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 2 Up-A unique celebration of the continuum of human life and of childhood in all its robustness, fragility, and evanescent beauty. Motivated by a desire to share his pleasure in the old photographs of African-American children that he collects, Myers has created an exquisite album. The 42 superbly reproduced, black-and-white and sepia prints radiate intensely with the personalities of their subjects. The author's 11 original poems are in various forms and range from humorous to elegiac. The language is simple and reads aloud well. Although the pictures will not show up well enough at a distance for story programs, Brown Angels will have innumerable uses in the classroom, from family history projects to poetry writing. This is a book that children may not pick up on their own because of its old-fashioned appearance, but once they have discovered it, they will pore over the images and want to hear the verses again and again. The fact that the children are black adds poignancy, but the feelings that animate their faces are universal.Sue Norris, Rye Free Reading Room, NYCopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Brown Angels: An Album of Pictures and Verse
|
[
713,
2438,
12490,
16347,
24473,
39178,
66467
] |
Test
|
752 | 15 |
"A lovely book, with enchanting pictures."--"The Kirkus Reviews"Ruth Krauss was one of the most widely celebrated children’s book authors of all time. Her long list of award-winning books includes The Carrot Seed, The Happy Day, A Hole Is to Dig, Open House for Butterflies, A Very Special House, and many others. Her books continue to be read and cherished by children throughout the world.; Title: The Happy Day
|
[
833,
996,
1086,
1098,
2563,
3930,
5385,
5387,
6212,
9563,
12960,
15915,
26030,
26724,
36719,
36722,
65174
] |
Train
|
753 | 1 |
Grade 4-5?In a narrative that flows from the general to the specific, Simon describes the appearance, physical characteristics, and behavior of sharks. Large, full-color photographs amplify the text and hint at its contents. For example, a closeup of a sand tiger shark's open mouth and row upon row of teeth invites readers into the facing text, which describes how sharks bite and what happens when a tooth is broken or lost. A photo of the gaping mouth of a whale shark introduces the filter-feeders, a small group without teeth. The information is not indexed or divided into chapters. This is not as detailed a treatment as Mary M. Cerullo's Sharks (Cobblehill, 1993) or Sharks (Facts on File, 1987). Instead, it's an introduction to the topic that combines seamless description with excellent photos to describe creatures that never fail to fascinate.?Frances E. Millhouser, Chantilly Regional Library, VACopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 7^-9. With a good balance of text and illustrations, Simon introduces the world of sharks. Always informative, he offers basic information about their variety, habits, physical characteristics, and life cycles. Although not captioned, the excellent full-color photographs relate so closely to the text on the opposite page that the pictures work in harmony with the words. An effective introduction to sharks. Carolyn Phelan; Title: Sharks
|
[
1136,
1997,
2010,
2017,
2023,
2043,
2227,
2228,
2230,
2263,
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26823,
31081,
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39101,
49579,
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53265,
53301,
56419,
63501,
65044
] |
Train
|
754 | 6 |
Illustrations in full, wild colors suit the frantic doings in Joyce's debut, a fast and funny tale. When George wakes up one morning, he realizes that his dream has come true. George has dwindled. He's smaller than his toy soldiers, half the size of his baby brother. But he's still the responsible boy his parents trust to obey orders they have left in a note beside his bed. And so a whirligig of merriment jets off with the minute lad minding the baby (George harnesses him to a wagon to haul out the garbage) and taking care of other chores. To feed the goldfish, George dons a diving helmet. To wash the dishes, he converts a sponge into "skis" and hurtles down plates in the sink with spoons as poles. The strange day ends with a final surprise for the little big brother and his delighted readers. Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2 In his parents' absence, George dreams that he's small, and he awakens to find himself about three inches high. The understated text (largely the words of a note left to remind George to make his bed, brush his teeth, take out the garbage, etc.) is counterpointed by paintings with realistic detail in cartoon colors andoutstandinglyby their perspective: a mouse-eye view of the high adventure such boring chores become under the unusual circumstances. George's high-handed treatment of a malevolent cat, and the cat's near-revenge (thwarted when the shock-headed hero, under the bedcovers, pops back to normal size just in time for Mom and Dad's return) provides a little narrative line for the fun and excitement. Some witty touches and '50s nostalgia should please parents, who will root along with their kids for this updated and unflappable Tom Thumb. Treehorn, move over! Patricia Dooley, formerly at Drexel University, Phila .Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: George Shrinks
|
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55568,
61018
] |
Test
|
755 | 0 |
“The book is packed with humor and affection and is an odyssey of unexpected twists and surprising conclusions.” (1995 Newbery Award Selection Committee.)“A richly layered novel about real and metaphorical journeys.” (School Library Journal)“This story sings.” (Booklist)“In this funny and sad adventure story, readers fall in love with 13-year-old Salamanca, who is proud of her Indian blood and her country roots. Two stories weave together and teach the important life lesson that every story has two sides.” (Brightly)As Sal entertains her grandparents with Phoebe's outrageous story, her own story begins to unfold -- the story of a thirteen-year-old girl whose only wish is to be reunited with her missing mother.In her own award-winning style, Sharon Creech intricately weaves together two tales, one funny, one bittersweet, to create a heartwarming, compelling, and utterly moving story of love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion.; Title: Walk Two Moons
|
[
1427,
2439,
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4121,
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4524,
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13510,
14203,
17050,
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45642,
68199
] |
Validation
|
756 | 0 |
Kindergarten-Grade 3-In this his third adventure, Zoom, a cat, follows a magical passage through a bookshelf filled with classics of ancient literature and winds up in ancient Egypt. He rescues his friend Maria, a woman who has been wrapped up as a mummy by spooky Egyptian cats, and together they set off to find Zoom's Uncle Roy, a sea captain. Readers never learn how or why Maria has been captured, but this fits in with the almost surrealistic nature of the tale. As with Zoom Away and Zoom at Sea (both HarperCollins, 1993), an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue pervades the story. Beddow's black-and-white pencil drawings create an appropriately eerie mood, particularly in the way they make use of shadow and light. Subtle details within the illustrations add humor, and other scenes provide background information. Uncle Roy announces at the conclusion that they will all be heading off to search for the source of the Nile, which suggests that another book may follow. That might disappoint a few youngsters, since this adventure seems to have been little more than an introduction to a larger quest. Most, however, will enjoy Zoom Upstream and eagerly await the continuation of the young cat's journey.Steven Engelfried, West Lynn Library, Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 5-7. This third (and final) adventure of Zoom the cat takes him to Egypt, where Zoom and his human friend, Maria, search for his uncle Roy. Beddows' wonderful pencil illustrations detail the ensuing adventure. Detail is the operative word; the intricate pictures are both wildly imaginative and full of minute particulars--titles on the spines of books, hieroglyphics, a mouse peeking out of a hole. The story itself, in which Zoom follows the clues until he finds Uncle Roy, who has made his escape from a mummy-filled catacomb, is rather flat, but the art elevates the book beyond many in the genre. Readers are invited to decipher the endpapers, where the story of the first cat of the pharaoh is told in hieroglyphics. Ilene Cooper; Title: Zoom Upstream
|
[
41797
] |
Train
|
757 | 0 |
Howard Schwartz and Barbara Rush bring together eight traditional Jewish stories from the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe in The Wonder Child & Other Jewish Fairy Tales. Some of these stories are unique to Jewish lore; others resemble familiar fairy tales. Steven Fieser's illustrations are capable but conventional, rather like the text itself.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 3-6?Eight tales from Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions reveal both similarities to familiar European motifs and differences that highlight the stories' Jewish origins. In the title selection, an Egyptian variant of "Snow White" and "Sleeping Beauty," a rabbi and his wife pray for a child on Shavuoth. "The Long Hair of the Princess" is a Libyan tale with the familiar motif of a princess having to choose her husband from among seven deserving suitors. The importance of good deeds is stressed in "The Black Cat," a story from Morocco. Another tale with a Biblical flavor is "The Forest Witch" from Eastern Europe, which reinforces the sanctity of marriage vows. The giant Og makes an appearance in "The Tailors and the Giant," also from Eastern Europe, which explains the origin of tailors' pale faces. The three concluding stories feature more otherworldly characters: "The Rabbi Who Became a Werewolf" and "The Peddler and the Sprite" from Eastern Europe, and "The Purim Dybbuk" from Morocco. Lovely, full-page, full-color illustrations and spot art enhance the mood of the text. Detailed notes provide sources and groupings, and a brief glossary explains the Hebrew and Yiddish words used. A solid collection with magic, mystery, and humor.?Susan Pine, New York Public LibraryCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Wonder Child: & Other Jewish Fairy Tales
|
[] |
Train
|
758 | 2 |
PreS. Animals and multiethnic children illustrate various body movements on large, double-page spreads. A giraffe bends its neck, a monkey waves its arms, etc. The repetitive text has the animal stating the movement and asking, "Can you do it?" Each child responds, "I can do it!" Carle's vivid cut-paper collages are striking and invite sharing individually or with a group. There is no story?rather the book is an invitation to get everyone moving. A nice addition to a toddler storytime, but it may get lost as it's cataloged in 613.7.?Lisa Smith, Lindenhurst Memorial Library, NYCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 2^-4. Carle's signature strong collages are put to good use in this book about movement. In each two-page spread, a child is paired with an animal, and kids are invited to make the same movement as the duo. Usually, the movement is one that comes naturally to the animals--for instance, an elephant stomps its feet, and so does a girl with braids; a gorilla thumps its chest, and so does a young boy. (Sometimes the connection is more tenuous, such as the alligator wiggling its hips.) The oversize art set against expanses of white will intrigue young children, who will enjoy both seeing the art and doing their own movements. The book will work well in story hours: a bit of wiggling and thumping will make a pleasurable break in the listening. Most libraries will want to shelve this with picture books. Ilene Cooper; Title: From Head to Toe
|
[
969,
1300,
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26917,
27779,
28375,
38301,
38587,
38603,
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48383,
68438,
68445,
69463,
74436
] |
Train
|
759 | 2 |
The rolling hills of Tennessee farmland, framed in lovely patchwork quilt patterns, set the stage for Dolly Parton's (of Grand Ol' Opry fame) warm childhood memories. The text comes directly from Parton's autobiographical hit country and western song of the same name. Perhaps the grammar is imperfect, but what C&W song ain't rife with grammatical errors--it's part of the vernacular. The story centers on a poor, but happy and loving, family (yes, they do exist) who find clever ways to deal with their poverty. As winter approaches, Mama sews a coat for her daughter from a box of scraps that someone has given her. Of course her classmates make fun of her for having a coat made of rags. But sticks and stones... "And although we had no money / I was rich as I could be / in my coat of many colors / that Mama made for me." That doesn't mean the child's feelings aren't hurt, or that she didn't feel angry. But the message comes through loud and clear (like Parton's voice): the child's mother has provided her with the strength to deal with other children's jeers, and family love can sometimes be enough to pull a person through.The country legend turns the lyrics of her first hit song into an appetizingly sweet first foray into picture books. Based on an incident from Parton's childhood--she grew up penniless in the Tennessee hills--the story tells of a girl whose mother makes her a patchwork coat out of rags. Even when her schoolmates make fun of it, the girl treasures the coat because of "the love that mama sewed in every stitch." The heartfelt verses are imbued with the same genuine, infectiously likable spirit Parton herself projects, and the book easily transcends its literary shortcomings (chiefly, an occasional rough cadence that may be easy to smooth over musically but is likely to cause stumbling when read aloud). The flaws are minor, however, and, like a homemade quilt with a few awkward stitches, only serve to enhance the book's charm. Sutton brings a soft touch; although her patchwork-bordered watercolors tend to sentimentalize the grinding poverty of Appalachia, they nevertheless evoke the generosity and spirit of the close-knit family Parton celebrates. "One is only poor, if they choose to be," writes Parton--an ungrammatical country cliche perhaps, but wisdom worth sharing. All ages. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Coat of Many Colors
|
[
4930,
16374,
16498,
18452,
19118,
19646,
27246,
27752,
28790,
50493
] |
Train
|
760 | 0 |
Gr. 4-6. This successful sequel to Sarah Plain and Tall (1985), which was recently televised, has enough dramatic tension and character development to satisfy devoted fans of the first book. Mail-order bride Sarah goes back east with children Anna and Caleb, leaving husband Jacob, whose name is "written in the land," to deal with their drought-ridden farm. Sarah's home in Maine makes a favorable impression on the children, but they miss their father and fear they will never return to the prairie. Finally, Jacob comes to fetch them home: "Papa looked at Sarah. `It rained,' he said. `I never thought you'd come,' whispered Sarah. `It rained,' said Papa again, his voice so soft it could have been the wind I heard." MacLachlan packs a lot into this spare tale and never diverges from the child's point of view, even when showing adult behavior. The happy result is emotional impact without cloying sentimentality. Janice Del NegroThe eagerly awaited sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall, which has already appeared on TV with a script by MacLachlan. Papa and Sarah are now married, but a drought intrudes on the family's new happiness. They struggle to haul water, watch their discouraged neighbors depart, then lose their barn to a prairie fire. Determined to hang on, Papa stays behind to rebuild while Sarah (pregnant, downhearted, and longing for her birthplace) takes the children back to Maine to visit. The coast's different beauty fascinates the children, but they're homesick--and so is Sarah; but in time the rains return out west, and Papa comes to bring them home. As sequel and companion to the film, this does well enough; MacLachlan's prose is dependably graceful and evocative. Still, it's a disappointment: she has little that's new to say about these beloved characters, and for once she's written a book that isn't particularly innovative or insightful; like other film-first fiction, it consists of dialogue, visual descriptions, and scenes echoing their earlier incarnation, while logic is elided for the drama of the moment (How could Papa rebuild the barn alone? What did he do about water for the stock, once the creek was dry?). Not outstanding, but amiable; fans will rejoice, and there'll be no trouble selling the first printing of 50,000. (Fiction. 8-12) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.; Title: Skylark
|
[
726,
799,
956,
983,
4437,
5229,
5327,
6121,
9639,
25290,
26600,
48351,
51697
] |
Validation
|
761 | 13 |
"The 105 members of the orchestra are shown showering, dressing, traveling and setting themselves up on stage for an evening's concert. . . . One almost hears the music when, at the end, they begin to play."--"SLJ.""One of those rare collaborations to which the word classic instantly adheres."--"Time."In these pages Karla Kuskin and Marc Simont combine their talents to give us a delightful and unusual inside view of one way an orchestra prepares.; Title: The Philharmonic Gets Dressed
|
[
5366,
5385,
6075,
9561,
10059,
10377,
10841,
12917,
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21372,
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54926,
55056,
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63196,
68113,
68429,
71082,
75951
] |
Validation
|
762 | 14 |
PreSchool-Grade 2?Various imaginary creatures dance through this rhythmic Halloween revel. In a grassy graveyard dotted with skeletal trees, they cavort to a rhymed rap beat. First the tombstones knock, "Booma Boom! Booma Boom!" Then, with each flip of the page, another being joins in: skeletons rattle, "Clacka-clack!"; ghosts moan, "Ooooa-Ooo!"; and so on. When the rhythm of the celebration reaches town, rattling dishes and syncopating clocks, curious townspeople of all races rush to join the fun?"Even the mayor boogied to the beat." Sketchy cartoon drawings animate the pages, adding childlike images and movement. As each new group joins in, the others continue. Finally the hillside is filled with kicking, twirling, leaping people and creatures. The rollicking beat and lively illustrations make this a welcome addition to Halloween collections.?Nancy Seiner, The Carnegie Library of PittsburghCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 3^-6. There's not much story here, just a rhythmic rhyme that describes a Halloween gathering in the cemetery. The musical moans and rattling bones add up to a rock beat so catchy that even the neighbors head over to the cemetery to join the fun. The cartoon-style art is more funny than frightening, and while it isn't a first purchase, kids should find the book an amusing enough diversion. Ilene Cooper; Title: Rattlebone Rock
|
[
6735,
17105,
56460
] |
Validation
|
763 | 0 |
Laura Ingalls Wilder was born in 1867 in the log cabin described in Little House in the Big Woods. As her classic Little House books tell us, she and her family traveled by covered wagon across the Midwest. She and her husband, Almanzo Wilder, made their own covered-wagon trip with their daughter, Rose, to Mansfield, Missouri. There Laura wrote her story in the Little House books, and lived until she was ninety years old. For millions of readers, however, she lives forever as the little pioneer girl in the beloved Little House books.; Title: Winter Days in the Big Woods: Adapted from the Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder (My First Little House Picture Books)
|
[
861,
862,
867,
882,
892,
896,
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3968,
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4271,
4307,
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4571,
4600,
4602,
4681,
4839,
5387,
5479,
5494,
6329,
16299,
18051,
23300,
28864,
28866,
32523,
49655,
73752
] |
Train
|
764 | 15 |
PreSchool-Grade 2?A longstanding library staple has been rewritten and newly illustated with full-color art. While there are many ways to observe nature, Selsam focuses on animal tracks. Her text is simple, using questions to motivate beginning readers. Comparisons of domestic animals lead to observations in a forest, pondside, and at the shore. Brief descriptions include hints to identify tracks created in snow, soil, or sand, and how to tell whether or not the creature was being pursued by an enemy. Attractive double-page illustrations done in soft natural tones establish the animal habitats and make specific tracks easy to locate and identify. A good introduction to the topic, but to broaden the scope of the many clues in nature, look to Jim Arnosky's Crinkleroot's Guide to Walking in Wild Places (Macmillan, 1990).?Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.Preschool^-Gr. 2. The new edition of a Let's-Read-and-Find-Out title first published in 1966, this version features a somewhat revised and abbreviated text and new, full-color artwork. With good interplay of words and illustrations, the book shows children how to look for tracks and clues leading to deductions about the presence and activities of various animals. An appealing re-creation of an old favorite. Carolyn Phelan; Title: How to Be a Nature Detective (LET'S-READ-AND-FIND-OUT SCIENCE BOOKS)
|
[
390,
4795,
30309
] |
Train
|
765 | 1 |
Kindergarten-Grade 3. George uses a journal approach to illuminate the first 10+ months of life for three wolf pups born to an alpine tundra pack. Each entry in the "diary" is prefaced with a message (in colored inks) to readers/listeners living south of the area telling them how to keep "tundra-time" in the framework of their own seasons. "When you see dandelions turning silver...." "When the yellow warblers return...." "When you are eating fresh blueberries...." Then, George writes, "Look to the north" and in the following paragraph(s), she describes the pups, their gradual development, and their environment. The lyrical text is accompanied by large, realistic acrylic paintings of the adult wolves, the pups, and their habitat along with small cameos of the southern reminders?a clump of dandelions, a yellow warbler (the illustrator should consult a Peterson guide), ripe blueberries, etc. The author's research is impeccable, and her affection for her subject evident, affirmed in a personal note. Children will take pleasure in the simply worded narrative and the warm pictures, and will store some accurate wolf data in their memories, as well as take stronger note of their own habitats as they keep an eye out for dandelions, for fresh blueberries on the table, and for Halloween jack-o-lanterns on front porches.?Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NYCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 5^-8. George, who has shown her affinity for wolves in her two Julie books as well as in her autobiography, now introduces younger children to the species. In a series of double-page spreads, George describes a year in the life of three wolf pups, following their development through the seasons. Each section of text begins with an observation of nature in the lower 48 states, such as, "When you see the dandelions turning silver, look to the north. Wolf pups are being born," then tells what's happening among the little pups and their pack. Each spread includes a large painting of the wolves and a smaller one related to the opening sentences, such as a picture of dandelions going to seed. The delicately textured acrylic paintings offer lively yet loving views of the wolves, perfectly complementing George's appealing text. A fine addition to science collections. Carolyn Phelan; Title: Look to the North: A Wolf Pup Diary
|
[
538,
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14223,
20758,
20770,
21069,
28963,
36482,
49828,
62334,
69003
] |
Test
|
766 | 2 |
Three children sneak out of bed to observe their cozy house awash in the quiet magic of Christmas Eve. Brown's (Goodnight Moon) text balances heart-pounding, childlike excitement with graceful imagery ("The Christmas tree was all there, trimmed with shiny glints of red and blue and green that flickered in the dying firelight"). In Calder's (The Christmas House) soft, grainy paintings, quaint and beautifully appointed houses nestle in the hush of a nighttime snowfall evoking suburban New England. The gray interior light of the children's house is warmed and brightened by the glow of a fire in the hearth, lanterns and bulbs twined around an old-fashioned Christmas tree. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 4^-8. Three children can't get to sleep on Christmas Eve, so they creep downstairs to "touch the tree and make a wish." Downstairs they discover their stockings stuffed with oranges, candy canes, and little white packages, and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and presents. The magical moment is enhanced when adult carolers come singing. Calder depicts the idyllic Christmas experience with a Victorian house in full array, snow falling outside, and a soft glow suffusing the children's thrilled faces. Tasha Tudor's fans will love this. Susan Dove Lempke; Title: On Christmas Eve
|
[
968,
1145,
4570,
4600,
5494,
6796,
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17685,
20903,
21290,
27026,
29000,
31175,
40587,
47757,
60390,
74261
] |
Train
|
767 | 0 |
Ruth Krauss, author of A Hole Is to Dig, has crafted a story almost Zen-like in its simplicity. A little boy plants a carrot seed and waits patiently, tending to it carefully, while everyone around him insists that "it won't come up." His conviction is steadfast, however, and sure enough, a carrot worthy of first prize at any state fair springs forth from the earth. Krauss's husband, Crockett Johnson (creator of Harold and the Purple Crayon), illustrated The Carrot Seed, and while the little boy is rendered with uncomplicated lines, all of his hope, confidence, and serenity shine through. The image that resonates most strongly in this minimalist tale is the unfaltering faith of the mild-mannered little boy. Young readers learn that standing your ground in the face of opposition and doubt can often result in twice the reward expected (even thrice the reward, if judging by the girth of this carrot). (Ages 4 to 8)"In this cunningly paced fable about patience and standing one's ground, a little boy plants a carrot seed, weeds and waters the spot, and waits for something to happen. A parade of nay-sayers drop by to tell the boy, 'I'm afraid it won't come up.' The big moment is a stupendous surprise...the little hero's homegrown triumph." -- "Parenting"; Title: The Carrot Seed
|
[
707,
726,
739,
769,
969,
1086,
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32304,
34970,
35923,
38430,
41358,
52430,
61298,
61917,
64317,
65108,
68074
] |
Validation
|
768 | 2 |
Ages 5-8. Beginning with the events and effects of the Exxon Valdez disaster, Berger introduces children to the causes of oil spills, the ecological damage they cause, and the ideas and technologies developed to deal with them. Although the text is simple and clear, it's sometimes choppy: "Chemicals make the oil less harmful. But they add poisons to the water." Does cutting the sentence in two and treating the subordinate clause like a sentence really make it easier to read? Subtle in texture and deep in tone, the colorful artwork effectively illustrates marine animals and oil tankers; there are also diagrams of cleanup operations, maps, and fanciful ideas (the "1,000 big swimming pools" that could be filled with oil spilled from the Exxon Valdez). The book ends with suggestions for preventing oil spills, from conserving energy at home to writing letters to members of Congress requesting better oil transport legislation. From the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, a good introduction to the subject. See Lauber, below, for another series title. Carolyn Phelan; Title: Oil Spill! (Let's Read-And-Find-Out Science, Stage 2)
|
[
3990,
3998,
4002,
4007,
4018,
4656,
4753,
4786,
4790,
4817,
4881,
5541,
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15613,
21251,
24247,
25642,
26411,
27112,
27265,
31648,
31649,
35921,
36048,
46800,
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48419,
53655,
57519,
62265,
63501
] |
Train
|
769 | 13 |
"One night, after thinking it over for some time, Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight." So begins this gentle story that shows just how far your imagination can take you. Armed only with an oversized purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of beauty and excitement. But this is no hare-brained, impulsive flight of fantasy. Cherubic, round-headed Harold conducts his adventure with the utmost prudence, letting his imagination run free, but keeping his wits about him all the while. He takes the necessary purple-crayon precautions: drawing landmarks to ensure he won't get lost; sketching a boat when he finds himself in deep water; and creating a purple pie picnic when he feels the first pangs of hunger.Crockett Johnson's understated tribute to the imagination was first published in 1955, and has been inspiring readers of all ages ever since. Harold's quiet but magical journey reminds us of the marvels the mind can create, and also gives us the wondrous sense that anything is possible. (Ages 4 to 8)"This popular translation of one of the world's most beloved children's books, "Harold and the Purple Crayon, " is now available in a bold new trim size with a bright and engaging treatment of the original cover art. For generations, children have cherished this ingenious and original little picture story." --"Horn Book"; Title: Harold and the Purple Crayon
|
[
767,
796,
865,
3624,
3751,
4521,
4534,
4548,
4562,
4622,
4645,
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5385,
5620,
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16046,
17236,
21634,
23860,
26031,
31142,
32304,
32376,
33047,
38603,
45782,
48586
] |
Test
|
770 | 0 |
This is wonderful vintage children's book set, 1st edition, published in 1965 by Harper & Row. The 4 books come in a box that measures 4" x 3" x 1.5". they include: The First Robin, Springfellow's Parade, Juniper, The Silver Dandelion.; Title: The Bunny's Nutshell Library
|
[
884
] |
Validation
|
771 | 0 |
Elegantly told in the manner of a classic fairy tale, Lattimore's fable is set in China in the 13th century, a time when the dragon was believed to be "king of the heavens and ruler of fortune on earth." Young Kwan Yin is an orphan girl who travels with her loom, receiving food and shelter in exchange for weaving. Learning that there is a reward for weaving a dragon robe for the Emperor, she sets off for the palace. On her way, she befriends a sick old man who turns out to be the Emperor himself. The man says he is the keeper of the dragon shrine, and bravely Kwan Yin helps him protect it from a greedy overseer and general in the kingdom. In the end, Kwan Yin's goodness serves as a foil against the forces of evil, both within the kingdom and outside it. In burnished tones of brown and gold, Lattimore's intricate, sumptuous paintings transform each spread into a rich tapestry. Ages 6-10. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 2-5-- An original story using traditional folk motifs, greatly enriched by stunning artwork. Kwan Yin saves China by weaving a dragon robe for the emperor to placate the rain dragon who has been angered by the emperor's false ministers. Faithful Kwan Yin not only observes their treachery, but she also steadfastly weaves the dragon robe in the face of all danger until it is finished and taken by the rain dragon who, in return, destroys the enemy. Lattimore uses traditional Chinese designs and colors in picturing an imaginative phoenix, a ferocious tiger, and a magnificent dragon. The text appears as scrolls on each page with textured, inset, seemingly woven scenes at the tops of many of them, adding to the visual narration. The story is less impressive and clear than the paintings; its convoluted and sometimes confusing plot leaves readers with unanswered questions concerning the characters' motivation and rewards. Still, readers may find the theme of treachery punished and faithfulness recognized exciting and satisfying and will be captivated by the illustrations. --Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Dragon's Robe
|
[
14025,
36729,
37921
] |
Train
|
772 | 1 |
"Quiet, captivating text...precise, beautiful watercolor illustrations...a lovely story with lots of child appeal." -- -- School Library JournalMargaret 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: A Pussycat's Christmas
|
[
677,
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58199,
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63066,
68467,
69401
] |
Train
|
773 | 11 |
Thomas (Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea) celebrates the beauty of African-American hair in this collection of 14 poems. Based on Thomas's daughter and granddaughters, Joysmith's (This Is My Song) full-bleed pastel portraits, opposite, provide loving accompaniment and demonstrate a spectrum of hairstyles. The illustration paired with Great Grandma's Way shows a woman instructing her granddaughter by example: To make the hair strong You can't go wrong Using black twine, nothing's better To wrap and keep loose ends together. In Adorned (Bands and bows Shells and nets Flowers and hairpins Rainbow barrettes), four elementary-school girls sit on a bed as one works on another's hair. Mama's Glory explains the connection between hair and history: I wear my hair natural In memory of a faraway place. Here, Joysmith depicts the mother, a baby in her arms and her son by her side, with a halo of hair. Good Hair celebrates everyone's titular crowning glory 'What is good hair?' I ask my daddy And Mama answers, 'Why, it's understood, Sister, if it's on your head it's good!' Readers will want this handsomely designed volume not only for its hair-apparent emphasis but also for the ways in which Thomas effortlessly uses her theme to integrate its ties to family, friendships and tradition. Ages 4-8. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 4-Thomas lovingly extols the virtues and beauty of braids; cornrows; dreadlocks; and even ribbons, combs, beads, and colorful scarves that grace the heads of a family of children and adults. The 14 free-verse poems are magical. In "Mama's Glory," the mother states: "I wear my hair natural In memory of a faraway place"; in "At Glory's Beauty Shop," a girl enjoys a relaxing shampoo and conditioning; and in "Crowning Glory," hair is "a gift wrapped ribboned curled tied." Joysmith's full-page pastels present an intimate look into the life of this African-American family and are a perfect complement to the poetry. These selections have the makings for read-aloud magic and are an antidote to Carolivia Herron's much disparaged Nappy Hair (Knopf, 1997) of several years ago.Barbara Buckley, Rockville Centre Public Library, NYCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Crowning Glory
|
[
11610,
27009,
41049,
61449,
74967
] |
Train
|
774 | 15 |
Grade 3-6-A clear, concise picture of these endangered creatures and their lifestyle. Simon includes information on the three gorilla species and their physical differences, their habitats, diet, daily habits, various behaviors, and decreasing populations. The extremely handsome, oversized color photos enhance the readable text and complement it perfectly. Sadly missing is a map so that children can see how restricted the gorilla's range has become. However, this attractive, informative book certainly deserves a place in all collections, even those already holding Paul Burgel's well-written Gorillas (Carolrhoda, 1993).Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.Reviewed with James P. Delgado's Native American Shipwrecks.Gr. 5-7. Despite the dramatic titles, these two books in the Watts Library--Shipwrecks series are not about Titanic -like disasters but about underwater archaeology: how scientists find and excavate wrecks and what the lost ships and boats tell us about the people who traveled in them long ago. The history is exciting and so is the archaeology. The cover painting on the Native American book is like a generic picture postcard, but Delgado writes with authentic detail about particular ancient cultures. He focuses on the voyages they made and the boats they used, some of which are still being made today. Smith's book is as much about exploration and settlement through history as it is about today's exploration of evidence from ships that were lost at sea. She talks about particular voyages, including those of Columbus and of Amundsen, and recent archaeological projects. The books are profusely illustrated with color photos and prints on every spread, and the design is spacious, with short chapters and lots of colored screens. A glossary, a bibliography, and personal source notes show the writers' extensive experience. Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Gorillas
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Train
|
775 | 5 |
The poetic, immediate style of this deeply satisfying adaptation honors the Grimm tradition. To the original tale about a girl who sets out to rescue her seven older brothers, turned into ravens by their father's unwitting curse, Geringer (A Three Hat Day) adds elements that make the connections between the characters more tangible: a rattle is carried off by the brothers as a memento of their beloved sister; and, planning to travel "as far as the sky is blue," the girl wears her brothers' shirts, each of which her mother has embroidered with a sun, moon and stars. In her encounters with these celestial beings, the eldest brother's shirt is seared and ripped. When her brother appears, the holes in the shirt correspond to wounds in his dramatically outsized bird body. The girl heals him and mends his shirt, enabling him, like his brothers, to regain human form. Gazsi's (Kimbo's Marble) meticulously textured and luminous paintings gorgeously illuminate the fantastical journey. The jewel-toned colors of the seven shirts are echoed throughout, yet the enchanted backdrop never overwhelms the story's focus-the little girl. Her expressive, photo-realistic face is a poignant reminder that her quest, however fanciful, is motivated by an essentially human and powerful desire to make her family whole again. Ages 5-9. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3-Fairy-tale purists may prefer the direct translation of the Grimms' text by Elizabeth Crawford, illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger (Picture Book Studio, 1991), but nothing is lost in this adaptation. In fact, much is gained. The original story of the father's curse that transforms his seven sons into ravens and the subsequent journey by their sister to rescue them begins with an emphasis on the father. Geringer concentrates on the girl and her thoughts, thus strengthening the bond between young readers and the protagonist. Her journey to the sun, the moon, and the stars is foreshadowed by another addition-her discovery of the seven little shirts embroidered with the heavenly bodies. They serve as both the catalyst for the revelation of the horrible family secret and as the source of transformation for the unfortunate boys. The sun, moon and stars are personified as a boy, goat, and dwarf, respectively. Their conversations with the child are lengthier than in the original version. The detail of the girl chopping off her finger to gain entry to the raven's home has been eliminated; emphasis has been placed instead on "the psychological sacrifice of growing up in a household that harbored so dark and shadowy a secret." The total effect is a tale that resounds with the range and depth of familial emotions. The story is rich in visual and verbal imagery and symbol, making this a good choice for discussion. Gazsi paints the human characters in a very realistic manner, outlining them in black so they are distinguished further from the settings, which are almost cartoonlike. He employs a range of moods and uses light and darkness effectively. Subtle details await discovery, e.g., the rough, folksy look of the family's wooden table and chairs invites comparison with the icy blue forms of the ravens' Glass Mountain counterparts. A skillful retelling, with notes on sources and changes.Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PACopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Seven Ravens
|
[
60116
] |
Train
|
776 | 0 |
Weasel is ready for his dinner. And poor mouse is it. Just in time, he thinks up a clever and entertaining way to distract weasel from serving up mouse soup for supper.Arnold Lobel (1933-1987) was the award-winning author and illustrator of many beloved children's books, including the classic I Can Read books about Frog and Toad, and the Caldecott Medal winning Fables.; Title: Mouse Soup (An I Can Read Book)
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13890,
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] |
Test
|
777 | 2 |
Welcome to Owl's cozy home.Owl lives by himself in a warm little house. One evening he invites Winter to sit by the fire. Another time he finds strange bumps in his bedroom. And when Owl goes for a walk one night, he makes a friend that follows him all the way home.Arnold Lobel (1933-1987) was the award-winning author and illustrator of many beloved children's books, including the classic I Can Read books about Frog and Toad, and the Caldecott Medal winning Fables.; Title: Owl at Home (I Can Read Level 2)
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] |
Test
|
778 | 12 |
"A unique book . . . with drawings bouncing with action and good humor." -- --NYTRuth Krauss (1901-1993) is the author of over thirty books for children, including the classics The Carrot Seed, illustrated by her husband, Crockett Johnson, and A Hole Is to Dig, illustrated by Maurice Sendak. "Ruth Krauss's intuitive ability as a writer to capture the free-spirited thought processes and laughter of young children ensures her books' widespread acceptance and timeless appeal." So concludes her entry in children's Books and Their Creators (1995).; Title: A Hole Is to Dig
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[
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Train
|
779 | 2 |
The many readers who have laughed out loud at Robinson's uproarious 1972 novel, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever , will enthusiastically welcome the return of the six cigar-smoking Herdman kids. These six waste no time bending rules: they break them outright. While the original story centered on the church Christmas pageant, the sequel has a broader focus, paving the way for more varied misadventures, virtually all of which the Herdmans craftily orchestrate. Among the dastardly deeds are the siblings' kidnapping of a bald baby, whose head they "tattoo" and show to other kids for a fee; their attempt to wash their cat (which is "missing one eye and part of an ear and most of its tail and all of whatever good nature it ever had") in a laundromat machine; and their ingenious sabotage of the school's Fire Safety Day observance. In one of the funniest scenes, cunning Imogene Herdman comes to the rescue of a boy whose head (thanks to Imogene's brother) is stuck in a bike rack: she flattens his prominent ears with Scotch tape and slathers his head with margarine so it slides through the bars. If this novel doesn't have quite the consistently razor-sharp repartee of its predecessor, it comes very, very close. Ages 8-up. 50,000 first printing. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 3-6-The long-awaited sequel to the popular The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (HarperCollins, 1972). A dangerous, shifty, fearless, cigar-smoking family of thieves and fight-instigators, the horrible Herdmans are distributed one per grade at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, and it is unclear whether junior high or jail will be their next step. Sixth-grader Beth Bradley, the narrator, has the misfortune of drawing Imogene Herdman's name for a class project in which students must think of "Compliments for Classmates" at the end of the year. How will she find something good to say about Imogene? Just as the Herdmans discover something about the meaning of Christmas in the first book, Beth and her classmates realize that there is good in everyone-even in Imogene Herdman. While Beth's vignettes of the school year are hilarious, this story lacks the tension of the earlier novel, created by the build-up to the climactic event of the pageant. Nevertheless, this book is certain to be a hit with fans old and new.Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, MECopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Best School Year Ever
|
[
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Train
|
780 | 12 |
Grade 4-9-- This well-known poet, anthologist, and teacher demonstrates what makes a poem a poem in a concise, simple, readable manner. She explains the various voices of poetry; types of rhyme; and other elements of sound, rhythm, and metrics. She also discusses figures of speech such as simile, metaphor, and personification; and the forms of haiku, cinquain, limerick, free verse, and concrete poetry. The book is organized well, each chapter building successfully on the previous one. The examples throughout draw from the works of many familiar poets, and effectively illustrate Livingston's points. However, there are no explanations for the notations used to diagram meter; for some they may be obvious in context, but perhaps not for all. The author treats mechanics and style with much more detail than X. J. Kennedy's Knock at a Star (Little, 1985), which, while it supplies excellent and profuse examples and is extremely readable, only touches on the surface, especially where it concerns meter. While this book is an excellent introduction to the serious craftsmanship of poetry for beginners, it ends rather abruptly and, because its approach is more academic than in other books, it is likely that few children will pick it up on their own. It will certainly be useful for teachers, easily refreshing their memories of the basics and giving them a guideline to follow in teaching poetry. --Annette Curtis Klause, Montgomery County Department of Public Libraries, MDCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.As Livingston says in her introduction, she invites young people ``to make the image, the thought, even the sound [of an experience] come alive...by arranging words, making a sort of music...to experience the joy of making a poem.'' This detailed, carefully organized volume makes the invitation irresistible. Admirably, the author doesn't condescend to her audience by skimping on the complexities; she gives the real concepts and terminology--apostrophe, tercet, consonance, dactyl, cinquain- -building from voice to the patterns and uses of sound to imagery, explaining with consummate clarity and generously providing excellent examples with a wide range of sophistication: Mother Goose to Fitzgerald's Homer. She's never pedantic; her eye and ear are consistently on the poem that the devices serve, while her occasional questions to the reader are not merely rhetorical but well framed to provoke imaginative thought. The last chapter is on concrete poetry, with some delightful examples of typography mimicking and extending meaning. Like a provocative poem, the book leaves readers without a neatly wrapped conclusion--the better, perhaps, to continue their own thoughts. An inspiring introduction to a notably thorny but potentially rewarding topic. Index. (Nonfiction. 10-14) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.; Title: Poem-Making: Ways to Begin Writing Poetry
|
[
2585,
7300,
14264,
22999,
52389,
65190
] |
Test
|
781 | 2 |
Mavor's (Mary Had a Little Lamb) distinctive, multidimensional art, a satisfying pastiche of curios, fabrics and creative needlework, is surely the heart of this visually enticing volume. Doll-like characters pop from the pages as Turner (Drummer Boy) follows a girl through a day. Brief poems describe the narrator's world, e.g., "The heart of the house/ is my kitchen:/ orange cat by my seat,/ a muffin warms my hand,/ talk like clouds of steam." With similar phrasing and cadence, she observes, "The heart of the street is my sidewalk," "The heart of the town is my school," "The heart of the afternoon is my friend" and so on. Observant youngsters may wonder at an inconsistency: the text concludes with the words that the moon "comes back to me /deep in the pillow,/ deep in the bed,/ deep in the heart of/ the house" this last no longer referring to the kitchen. But most will probably be too caught up in the pictures to notice. The girl's bedroom, for example, is a 3-D fantasy incorporating wood (bedposts, chairs, window frame), tiny stuffed animals, a beautifully embroidered rug edged with rickrack, and more. Arts and crafts enthusiasts will find inspiration in Mavor's work; nearly everyone will find something to admire. Ages 4-8. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-K-This poem follows a little girl from morning to night. "The heart of the day/is the sun:/a warm blanket on my eyes/and nose and feet,/a gold hat for my head." She describes the heart of her home (her kitchen), her yard (her tree), her town (her school), and more. With simple, fresh images that are grounded in the physical and the immediate, the appealing verse is beautifully illustrated with fabric collages. Children will love the color, the detail, and the three-dimensional look Mavor achieves. More a loving mood piece than a story, this title may not be an essential purchase, but is certainly artistically successful in its near-perfect blending of text and visuals. A cozy look at a happy and peaceful child.Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: In the Heart
|
[
25190,
25282,
60836,
66511
] |
Train
|
782 | 0 |
Grade 6-9 Nuclear missiles are flying toward their targets. One family is separated: the father finds his way to an underground shelter while his wife and three children seal themselves in their living room. But only Catherine, the eight year old, stays completely inside, away from radiation, hiding under a blanket-covered table. And only she will survive. Her older sister, before she dies, takes Catherine to Johnson, an eccentric survivalist. Meanwhile, in a government bunker, Bill Harnden, the father, mates and has another daughter, Ophelia. As the years pass, a few survivors try to establish an agricultural foundation for a new society above ground, while in the shelter machines preserve a society unable to function in a new world. When the leaders of the shelter decide to commandeer the livestock of the outsiders, Bill and Ophelia go to warn them. In Johnson's camp, now a small village, Bill finds that his daughter Catherine is the mother of the first of a new breed of genetic mutants who are covered with fine white fur and have strange white eyes and psychic abilities. By the next generation, it is clear that the society underground cannot last, and Ophelia's son Simon must establish a bond with " homo superior , the children of the dust" so that technological knowledge is not lost forever. Lawrence is a powerful writer who skillfuly conveys the horrors of war and the small things that can break the spirit. However, it is difficult to portray effectively a long-term reaction to atomic destruction. The massive evolutionary changes which she projects occuring in just one generation stretch readers' credulity. Jean E. Karl's Strange Tomorrow (Dutton, 1985) is more believable; Robert Swindells' Brother in the Land (Holiday, 1985) has more depth of feeling. This is interesting, but not the best in a mushrooming field of apocalyptic science fiction. Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public LibraryCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Children of the dust
|
[
45642
] |
Validation
|
783 | 14 |
In a series of tender, free-verse poems, a house and its inhabitants are each given voice to express their thoughts about the holiday. The house itself talks about the curious children on Christmas morning: "My stairs know their quiet steps/ before dawn." The cat laments the loud bustle of visitors, while parents, grandparents and other family members all focus on what Christmas means (e.g., "This is the always house of the forever childhood and I am happy to be here"). Calder's sure-handed paintings fittingly depict an impressive range of perspectives, in keeping with the varied narrators. Soft light from candles, the moon, the Christmas tree and fireplace bring additional depth to a delicate palette and well-appointed details. Ages 5-8. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 6-9. Here are Christmas reminiscences told by parallel voices, some human, some not. The house, which has seen so many holiday memories, begins: "I know about children. / They never sleep that night. / My stairs know their quiet steps." And while there are many joyous remembrances included, from the grandparents and some of the grandchildren and the dog, this is not just holiday puffery. Father wonders if Christmas is all about saving all year for toys and baubles. Young Nick worries about the phony smile he'll have to plaster on his face when he gets presents he doesn't like. Turner's very free verse is thoughtful without ever becoming overly sentimental, while Calder's full-page paintings nicely capture the mood of each speaker. A holiday book with lots of readings in it--this gets inside the Christmas spirit. Ilene Cooper; Title: The Christmas House
|
[
27402
] |
Train
|
784 | 5 |
Grade 4-7. Climo has selected eight highly readable folktales from countries as far apart as Iceland and New Zealand and from cultures as diverse as Scotland and Japan. She includes both the familiar, such as "Odysseus and the Sirens," and the unusual, such as "Hansi and the Nix," with moods ranging from the humorous "Mrs. Fitzgerald the Merrow" to the heartrending "Pania of the Reef." Each tale begins with a one-page description of the story's motif and its place in the world of mermaid lore. The selections are approximately six pages each in length and are told in flowing language that is both easy to read and pleasant to hear. The plot lines are logical and the characters are clearly delineated within their cultural parameters. Words such as "ukpik" (Alaskan for "owl") and "kopu" (Maori for "morning star") are italicized and explained in context, while an appendix gives pertinent source notes. The Tsengs' full-page watercolors capture the subtle colors of the creatures' watery environs while including details of both the settings and the tales' cultural backgrounds. Smaller and simpler pen-and-ink drawings focus on critical moments within each story. As with the author's A Treasury of Princesses (HarperCollins, 1996), this collection does a fine job of gathering a variety of tales into one place, and it is sure to satisfy young mermaid fans and add greatly to their knowledge of the lore (and lure) of these mythical creatures.?Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RICopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Mermaids haunt the waters of the world from the Lake of Zug in Switzerland to the reefs of Hawke Bay on the North Island of New Zealand. In a companion to A Treasury of Princesses (1996, not reviewed), Climo gathers eight representative tales of these beguiling aquatic creatures who know charms, cast spells, shift shapes, and wreak havoc, both undersea and above ground. Climo's compendium features an oceanic Snow Whitelike Scottish selkie story, a disagreeable Icelandic merman trickster tale, and a Japanese shape-shifting snapper who comprehends the language of the birds. The spectrum of mermaids appears here: powerful magicians filling the nets of fishermen, seductive voices luring sailors to their watery graves, or simply fish out of water, attempting misguided lives among humans. An eerily enchanting watercolor panel launches each mer-tale, followed by a pen-and-ink detail inserted in the story. Many of the stories adapted and collected here can be readily found in other sources, such as Mary Pope Osborne's Mermaid Tales from Around the World (1993). While the introduction to each tale demonstrates prodigious research, it becomes confusing in the inclusion of countries and of the various names of mermaids, until readers may feel awash in information. A section of story notes completes the collection. (Folklore. 6-10) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.; Title: A Treasury of Mermaids: Mermaid Tales from Around the World
|
[
4653,
16951,
32829
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Train
|
785 | 2 |
The five simple chapters in Arnold Lobel's Days with Frog and Toad say more about the rewards of friendship than any adult tome ever could. Frog and Toad, the amiable amphibian duo, fly kites, clean house, and tell ghost stories together. And, in a surprisingly sophisticated, yet perfectly easy-to-grasp, segment, they even learn about the value of being alone. Frog is ever-so-slightly more sagacious than Toad; his gentle and supportive way with his chum shows that personal variances don't have to get in the way of friendship. On the contrary: vive la différence! Arnold Lobel's illustrations in warm frog and toad tones create the perfect atmosphere for this wise and touching early reader, an ALA Notable Children's Book.Lobel has created four "Frog and Toad" stories for the "I Can Read" books, an immensely popular series with large type, abundant illustrations, and ample spacing that first launched with Else Holmelund Minarik's Little Bear. Fans of the foot-flapping friends won't want to miss Frog and Toad Are Friends (a Caldecott Honor book); Frog and Toad Together (a Newbery Honor book); and Frog and Toad All Year (an ALA Notable Children's Book). Children will be overjoyed to spend an evening--or days on end--with these affectionate friends. (Ages 4 to 8). --Emilie CoulterFriends every dayGood friends like Frog and Toad enjoy spending their days together. They fly kites, celebrate Toad's birthday, and share the shivers when one of them tells a scary story. Here are five funny stories that celebrate friendship all day, every day.; Title: Days with Frog and Toad (An I Can Read Book)
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Test
|
786 | 0 |
Arnold Lobel (1933-1987) was the award-winning author and illustrator of many beloved children's books, including the classic I Can Read books about Frog and Toad, and the Caldecott Medal winning Fables.; Title: Small Pig (An I Can Read Book)
|
[
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Test
|
787 | 0 |
Seven mouse boys lie awake one night . . .. . . And they ask their Papa to tell them a story. Papa does better than that -- he tells them seven stories, one for each boy.Arnold Lobel (1933-1987) was the award-winning author and illustrator of many beloved children's books, including the classic I Can Read books about Frog and Toad, and the Caldecott Medal winning Fables.; Title: Mouse Tales (I Can Read Level 2)
|
[
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Train
|
788 | 2 |
Else Holmelund Minarik first introduced readers to her timeless character in the classic Little Bear. Publication of this book, with illustrations by Maurice Sendak, launched the I Can Read series. This much-loved author continues to write stories for children at her home in North Carolina.; Title: Father Bear Comes Home (I Can Read Level 1)
|
[
776,
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Train
|
789 | 2 |
“This poignant but often outrageously humorous story shows a child’s problems of adjusting to a new country and coming out on top. [The book] is in a league by itself—and Shirley Temple Wong is a winner all the way.” (School Library Journal)“Lord writes with a warm authenticity and sparkling humor. [Simont’s illustrations] superbly capture the story’s funny moments and its mildly nostalgic mood.” (ALA Booklist)Shirley Temple Wong sails from China to America with a heart full of dreams.Her new home is Brooklyn, New York. America is indeed a land full of wonders, but Shirley doesn't know any English, so it's hard to make friends. Then a miracle-baseball-happens. It is 1947, and Jackie Robinson, star of the Brooklyn Dodgers, is everyone's hero. Jackie Robinson is proving that a black man, the grandson of a slave, can make a difference in America and for Shirley as well, on the ball field and off, America becomes the land of opportunity.; Title: In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson
|
[
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Train
|
790 | 0 |
The too-sweet language of this bedtime rhyme is belied by Joyce's dark and atmospheric illustrations. Every night Nicholas Cricket plays his banjo with the Bug-a-Wug Cricket Band. "Moonlight glows and summer wind blows," as "peep-peep-peepers come dancing through the vines" and "rabbits come dancing on tip-tippy toes" because "the music is just so grand." The poem's meter is annoyingly irregular--"In the blue blue night / when the moon is bright / underneath the leaves of summer, / if we're quiet and quick"--and often predictable. But Joyce ( Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo ; George Shrinks ) cleverly evokes the dimly lit speakeasies of Hollywood. Monocled, zoot-suited insects frequent Nick's Cafe where a lady bug wears a red fez, a turtle sports a top hat, and at dawn "the Bug-a-Wugs grow sleepy and still." Ages 4-8. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 4-- Perhaps it's the jacket art's portrait of our hero with two perfectly functional sets of arms spotlighted on a stage that generates the aura of fantasy. Or it might even be the hint of the quasi-classical Butterfly's Ball in the sequence of scenes showing the arrival of the insects to Nick's place to dance the night away to the tunes of the Bug-a-Wug Cricket Band. The poem's refrain tells readers that "The music is just so grand," and there's a foot-tapping beat to the variously rhymed lines that demands reading aloud to validate the claim. Phrases such as: "Slap-a-spoon drummers and the crick-crick-crickety kazoo hummers" typify the descriptive candences. Comes the dawn, all "go back with the moonlight under the hill." The paintings are not always as joyous. There is in their frequent use of shadow and silhouette a touch of the mysterious, even the sinister. In the creation of his cast of anthropomorphic critters and in setting them into melodramatic and crowded scenes, Joyce creates a benign Walpurgisnacht. One double-page spread depicts a club full of frenzied dancers that rivals one from one of the Star Wars films. With Joyce's illustrations, it's not just the music that's "so grand." --Kenneth Marantz, Art Education Department, Ohio State University, ColumbusCopyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: NICHOLAS CRICKET
|
[] |
Test
|
791 | 2 |
Arnold Lobel (1933-1987) was the award-winning author and illustrator of many beloved children's books, including the classic I Can Read books about Frog and Toad, and the Caldecott Medal winning Fables.; Title: Uncle Elephant
|
[
884,
1612,
1978,
2720,
2804,
2920,
3163,
3624,
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3891,
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4698,
4721,
4737,
7078,
13890,
14023,
20165,
20300,
26514,
26724,
26832,
51595,
51657
] |
Train
|
792 | 0 |
Beginning readers are introduced to the history of skiing in America through this lucid, concisely written story. Danny misses Pa and writes a letter ("Are you still digging for gold in Nevada?") asking him to come home for Christmas. Hearing that there will be no mail because the deep snow has made it impossible to cross the mountains, Danny feels hopeless. John Thompson, a Scandinavian immigrant, steps forward and tells the boy, "There is a way." The next day John shows Danny how to make skis and shortly thereafter embarks on a 90-mile journey through the Sierra Nevadas. "You can count on me," he says. Sure enough, five days later, John returns with a letter for Danny from Pa. Cool, earthy tones spattered with white breathe life into Levinson's enlightening tale. A map and an informative author's note flesh out the book. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3-- This fictionalized account of John Thompson's first winter trek across the Sierra Nevada in the mid-19th century will captivate many beginning readers. When mail delivery is halted because of heavy snows, Norwegian-born Thompson (one of American's skiing pioneers) volunteers to deliver a young California boy's letter to his father in Carson City, Nevada. The boy, Danny, helps him make a pair of skis--splitting and sanding the wood planks, boiling the wood, and shaping the tips. Sandin's watercolor illustrations add to the understanding and emotion of the easy-to-read text. The rugged appearance of the pioneers, the work involved in making the skis, and the developing friendship between Thompson and Danny are revealed through the artwork. The snowstorm, with its white and grays, dominates and blends the colors. Although most of the townfolk think Thompson is foolhardy to attempt a crossing, the boy's faith is unfailing. This tale is especially appealing set against the background of Danny's loneliness for his father. Don't miss this warm bit of historical fiction set in a cold forbidding climate. (Unfortunately, the CIP classifies it as nonfiction.) --Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, IDCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Snowshoe Thompson (An I Can Read Book)
|
[
799,
1001,
1612,
4437,
4659,
4663,
4666,
4685,
4687,
4691,
4697,
4698,
4700,
4719,
4722,
4725,
4731,
4740,
4773,
4813,
5299,
5903,
6007,
10275,
12561,
13263,
13890,
15283,
15291,
15292,
18022,
23871,
26162,
26242,
26936,
27220,
27349,
27374,
28003,
51595,
61556
] |
Test
|
793 | 0 |
With graceful language and an uncommon depth of understanding MacLachlan ( Sarah, Plain and Tall ) offers readers a nostalgic view of rural Midwestern life at the turn of the century--a time "when Great-grandfather was young, and summer was fine, full of long, warm days, and nights when the moon rose yellow." Unlike Cynthia Rylant's Appalachia , MacLachlan's reminiscence portrays particular characters. The plotless story artfully weaves into a seamless whole both the old man's tales of his childhood and memories the narrator has of his telling them. Newcomer Pertzoff's clean design and dreamy watercolors evoke the spaciousness and beauty of the prairie and its people as MacLachlan focuses on the year her great-grandfather begins school with his loyal dog--Three Names--and ends up "dreaming away the summer. The two of them waiting for school." Another splendid addition to this Newbery Medalist's canon. Ages 5-9. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 4-- Beneath an ever-changing expanse of prairie sky, MacLachlan's poetic, aptly chosen words bring the sights, sounds, and smells of her story alive in this intimate reminiscence by a child's great-grandfather about one school year and his dog. The narrative is told in the child's voice, sometimes as third person, sometimes as a dialogue between him and the elderly man. Three Names, a dog with a decided personality, looked forward to going to school, dancing and prancing around the wagon, barking at clouds that covered the sun, and frowning at a boy he considered "sly." MacLachlan transforms each event into a special one with precise imagery. Moods and action are beautifully painted by Pertzoff in soft watercolor illustrations, an ever-present canopy for the slightly impressionistic but still clearly etched people and things underneath it. Although this text is longer than most picture books and the words are strong enough to tell the tale on their own, the illustrations nonetheless are important, enhancing the telling with the beautiful colors that paint the prairie, hills, and sky. Several lives and several levels are at work in this quiet evocation that is a gift for all generations to enjoy alone or share with one another.- Jane Marino, White Plains Library, NYCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Three Names
|
[
726,
1028,
1364,
4618,
4773,
5366,
5374,
5387,
5389,
5472,
5479,
5494,
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7780,
10774,
11627,
11758,
15289,
15915,
18018,
25812,
36278,
60213,
73476
] |
Test
|
794 | 2 |
"Patricia MacLachlan has created a finely tuned melody of love in her exquisite picture book." -- -- The Family Journal"The story stands as a warm picture of old-young bonding and simple family sharing." -- --ALA BooklistPatricia MacLachlan is the celebrated author of many timeless books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal. Her novels for young readers include Arthur, For the Very First Time; The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt; Skylark; Caleb’s Story; More Perfect than the Moon; Grandfather’s Dance; Word After Word After Word; Kindred Souls; and The Truth of Me; she is also the author of countless beloved picture books, a number of which she cowrote with her daughter, Emily.; Title: Through Grandpa's Eyes
|
[
726,
1028,
2008,
3990,
4587,
4618,
4881,
5366,
5413,
5479,
10918,
12065,
14223,
15393,
15915,
24247,
38306,
43127,
62709,
74216
] |
Train
|
795 | 2 |
Little Bear and his parents are familiar to almost all beginning readers. And now they will meet Grandmother and Grandfather Bear, whom they are sure to love as much as Little Bear does.Else Holmelund Minarik first introduced readers to her timeless character in the classic Little Bear. Publication of this book, with illustrations by Maurice Sendak, launched the I Can Read series. This much-loved author continues to write stories for children at her home in North Carolina.; Title: Little Bear's Visit (An I Can Read Book)
|
[
788,
796,
864,
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1978,
2316,
3624,
4425,
4437,
4721,
4737,
5348,
10139,
27220
] |
Validation
|
796 | 0 |
This is the first I Can Read Book ever, and the first of five classic Little Bear books, expressly designed for beginning readers. Elsa Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak teamed up to create these simple stories that are deeply comforting and lovingly playful. In one story, "Birthday Soup," Little Bear cannot find his mother and presumes she has forgotten his birthday. With the prospect of guests arriving and no cake in sight, he sets out to make birthday soup (all his friends like soup). Just as the gathering is sitting down for soup, Mother Bear shows up with a big, beautiful birthday cake. "I never did forget your birthday, and I never will," she says to her son as he hugs her leg. In "Little Bear Goes to the Moon," Little Bear declares that he will fly to the moon in his new space helmet. Mother Bear tells him to be back by lunch, and he is. The gentle, teasing repartee between Little Bear and his mother will delight young readers, and the spacious layout and large type will encourage them to keep on reading! (Ages 4 to 8)Enter the world of Little Bear. Children will be entranced by Little Bear's trip to the moon, his birthday party, and his wishes and adventures.This is the first of the five classic books about Little Bear, introducing the funny and strikingly childlike bear cub and his friends. The combination of Else Holmelund Minarik's simple, yet eloquent, stories and Maurice Sendak's warm, tender illustrations has made this beloved character an enduring favorite among beginning readers.; Title: Little Bear (An I Can Read Book)
|
[
684,
738,
739,
769,
776,
785,
787,
788,
865,
884,
902,
962,
1612,
1978,
2265,
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4829,
5348,
5373,
5385,
6212,
7078,
8200,
15321,
15915,
20840,
26612,
28927
] |
Train
|
797 | 13 |
Arthur Dog, guard at Dogopolis Museum of Art and ardent fan of Leonardo Dog Vinci, leads a quiet life--except when the moon is full. On those nights something happens to Arthur. His eyes grow bright and his fur seems to glisten... and soon he is hatted and masked and out on the streets painting secret masterpieces. No one knows who the mysterious Art Dog is, until the night when Brrringggg! the museum alarm goes off, and Arthur finds himself in the middle of a Mona Woofa heist. Can Arthur extricate himself from this terrible predicament and point the paw at the true criminals? Thacher Hurd's wacky story and fabulously splashy illustrations, with witty nods to many famous artists, would dazzle any young reader. Budding art aficionados, especially, will be thrilled to recognize the works of Pablo Poodle, Henri Muttisse, and Vincent Van Dog, among others. A delightful book! (Ages 4 and older) --Emilie CoulterTalk about a dog marking its territory-by day Arthur Dog is a mild-mannered hound who guards the Dogopolis art museum, but when the moon is full, he becomes Art Dog. Donning beret and mask, he takes paints and brushes and fills the back alleys of the city with his murals. Art Dog remains undiscovered until he's framed for the theft of Leonardo Dog Vinci's Mona Woofa. He's thrown in the clink, but escapes with the help of his superpowered medium ("where there were bars, he painted a window"), nabs the real crooks and gets his own gallery exhibit as a reward. Hurd's (Mama Don't Allow; Mystery on the Docks) straight-from-the-tube palette and blurry brush strokes suggest a painter in speedy action; his art-humor-canine portraits based on canvases by Vermeer, Seurat, Picasso and others line the museum walls-is good-natured. His plot, meanwhile, gleefully invokes comic-book conventions: Art Dog drives a streamlined Brushmobile, stops off at the Wile E. Coyote-esque Acme Paint Co. and battles the baddies in a dynamic spread highly suggestive of TV's goofy Batman (enhanced with cutout shapes a la Matisse). A waggish good time. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Art Dog
|
[
3253,
3913,
4535,
5365,
6989,
7296,
8645,
10570,
14044,
15381,
16397,
16529,
18449,
18460,
18475,
18524,
18532,
20789,
21546,
25300,
29058,
29451,
32304,
32368,
32390,
34131,
34133,
34220,
37097,
38260,
41057,
44463,
51705,
52478,
52524,
62003,
74407,
75996,
76013
] |
Test
|
798 | 18 |
Carolyn Strom Collins and Christina Wyss Eriksson grew up reading the Little House books. Hoping to answer some of their questions about Laura and Little House, they visited every Little House site and museum and did in-depth research on Laura and her family. The result is The World of Little House. Both authors live with their families in the St. Paul-Minneapolis area of Minnesota, about a four-hour drive from where Laura lived in On the Banks of Plum Creek. In addition to writing The World of Little House, they are also the authors of My Little House Crafts Book, The Anne of Green Gables Treasury, and The Little Women Treasury.; Title: The World of Little House (Little House Nonfiction)
|
[
1002,
2370,
3964,
4249,
4255,
4271,
4435,
4439,
4453,
4461,
4465,
4499,
4571,
4600,
4602,
4681,
4839,
5508,
12378,
13959,
15130,
18399,
19070,
27026,
28866,
28871,
28899,
31657,
33590,
39043,
59215,
71081,
71982,
75155
] |
Train
|
799 | 0 |
MacLachlan, author of Unclaimed Treasures, has written an affecting tale for children. In the late 19th century a widowed midwestern farmer with two children--Anna and Caleb--advertises for a wife. When Sarah arrives she is homesick for Maine, especially for the ocean which she misses greatly. The children fear that she will not stay, and when she goes off to town alone, young Caleb--whose mother died during childbirth--is stricken with the fear that she has gone for good. But she returns with colored pencils to illustrate for them the beauty of Maine, and to explain that, though she misses her home, "the truth of it is I would miss you more." The tale gently explores themes of abandonment, loss and love."In a near-perfect miniature novel, two children experience the apprehensions and joys of the possibility of a new mother, when their father invites a mail-order bride to their prairie home." -- "BL.""An exquisite, sometimes painfully touching tale."-- "The New York Times"A book that is filed with wisdom, gentle humor and the practical concerns necessary for a satisfying life. Terse writing and poetic rhythm flow to create a tender story about the fragile beginnings of a family relationship on its way to permanence."-- "School Library Jornal; Title: Sarah, Plain and Tall
|
[
726,
760,
956,
983,
1337,
1791,
4121,
4436,
4437,
4718,
5191,
7443,
9638,
9639,
10269,
10395,
10401,
14203,
15343,
15384,
20899,
24866,
25730,
26598,
27220,
29012,
32231,
42645,
45727
] |
Test
|
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