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900 | 1 |
Harry, a friendly little dog on a visit to the seashore, is mistaken for a sea serpent when a big wave covers him with seaweed. ‘Very few children can resist [the stories about] Harry. The ridiculous but somehow plausible situations capture even the most reluctant reader.' 'SLJ. Chidlren's Books of 1965 (Library of Congress)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: Harry by the Sea (Harry the Dog)
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Test
|
901 | 0 |
Kindergarten-Grade 3. After the sheriff and his posse leave Cactus Junction to search for some bank robbers, lasso-toting Sarah (a little girl) and Billy (a ghost) discover they have work to do. The thieves are still in town and disguised as women. Young readers will enjoy Sarah and Billy's humorous misadventures with the crooks. Eventually, Sarah's planning and Billy's practical jokes (and invisibility) work for them; they deliver "Mabel" and "Doris" to the sheriff tied-up in a most unusual manner. The facial expressions, funny caricatures, and Old West setting enhance this fun-filled story. A great book combination includes reading aloud Diane Stanley's Saving Sweetness (Putnam, 1996) to aspiring young cowpokes and having them read Billy the Ghost and Me.?Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, IDCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 2^-4. In the comic tall-tale tradition, this I Can Read Chapter Book features spunky Sarah, who foils a bank robbery and a stagecoach getaway with the help of her friend Billy the Ghost. The bandits are in drag, but Sarah sees through their disguise, ties their shoelaces together, and captures them for the sheriff with her handy lasso. The pictures exaggerate the Wild West scenarios, and beginning readers will enjoy the brief episodes of the slapstick adventure. Hazel Rochman; Title: Billy the Ghost and Me (An I Can Read Chapter Book)
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Train
|
902 | 7 |
When asked, Maurice Sendak insisted that he was not a comics artist, but an illustrator. However, it's hard to not notice comics aspects in works like In the Night Kitchen. The child of the story is depicted floating from panel to panel as he drifts through the fantastic dream world of the bakers' kitchen. Sendak's use of multiple panels and integrated hand-lettered text is an interesting contrast to his more traditional children's books containing single-page illustrations such as his wildly popular Where the Wild Things Are.Maurice Sendaks childrens 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 childrens literature established by the Swedish government.; Title: In the Night Kitchen (Caldecott Collection)
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Test
|
903 | 2 |
Charlotte Zolotow—author, editor, publisher, and educator—has one of the most distinguished reputations in the field of children's literature. She has written more than seventy books, many of which are picture-book classics, such as Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present and William's Doll. She lives in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.; Title: Over and Over
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Validation
|
904 | 0 |
Grade 3-5-The fourth in the series about Rose Wilder's childhood years on Rocky Ridge Farm in the Ozarks. Taking place during the course of a year, her experiences range from the dramatic (a cyclone, a fire, the death of a family friend) to the ordinary (a cider pressing, the annual hog butchering, and the family's first look at the brand new Sears Roebuck catalog). Throughout, Rose is a changing, growing character. Her relationships with others evolve in a natural way that children are bound to relate to, and the awakening of her intellectual curiosity and her transition from childhood to adolescence is authentically depicted. MacBride is obviously fascinated with historical detail, which generally serves this book well, although its length will intimidate many children, and some of the descriptions are perhaps a bit too leisurely. The plotting is where the book lacks structure and cohesiveness; it is episodic to the point of being rambling, with some plot elements just fizzling out (for example, all of the little bits about omens and superstitions never lead up to anything). All in all, though, this is a respectable book worthy of consideration, especially where the series is already popular.Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, ILCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc."MacBride is obviously fascinated with historical detail, which...serves this book well." -- '- School Library Journal ; Title: On the Other Side of the Hill (The Rocky Ridge Years/Little House)
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Train
|
905 | 2 |
Van Draanen's first book has a crackling pace, funny lines, and an iron-willed heroine with a knack for putting herself in the center of all the action. Sixth-grader Carolyn doesn't act like a girl, and doesn't look much like one either, clad in boys clothing and wearing her hair very short. She likes to spy on the neighbors with her two brothers, play stickball, and dig foxholes in the backyard. Of girls who play with dolls and wear too much lace, she has low opinions, and hardly counts herself in the girl camp at all until some unfamiliar feelings surface for her stickball buddy, Charlie. When her baby sister, Nancy, is born, Carolyn decides that being a girl is really okay, now that she has an ally in the family. The era in which the story takes place is never specified, and while Carolyn's voice is contemporary, some of the problems she faces are dated, e.g., having to wear a dress to school and being unable to have her own paper route because she is a girl. Regardless, her irreverent narration is engaging and she's refreshingly astute about family and neighborhood dynamics. Blithely entertaining. (Fiction. 8-11) -- Copyright 1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.A sunny, funny look at a girl with a smart mouth and scabby knees. (Publishers Weekly)Blithely entertaining. (Kirkus Reviews); Title: How I Survived Being a Girl
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[
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Train
|
906 | 1 |
E. B. White, the author of such beloved classics as Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan, was born in Mount Vernon, New York. He graduated from Cornell University in 1921 and, five or six years later, joined the staff of The New Yorker magazine, then in its infancy. He died on October 1, 1985, and was survived by his son and three grandchildren.Mr. White's essays have appeared in Harper's magazine, and some of his other books are: One Man's Meat, The Second Tree from the Corner, Letters of E. B. White, Essays of E. B. White, and Poems and Sketches of E. B. White. He won countless awards, including the 1971 National Medal for Literature and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, which commended him for making a "substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children."During his lifetime, many young readers asked Mr. White if his stories were true. In a letter written to be sent to his fans, he answered, "No, they are imaginary tales . . . But real life is only one kind of lifethere is also the life of the imagination."; Title: E.B. White: Charlotte's Web/ Stuart Little/ Trumpet of the Swan
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Validation
|
907 | 0 |
Celia Wilkins has studied letters, diaries, and documents pertaining to the Quiner and Wilder families, and she extensively researched early settler life of the nineteenth century in Wisconsin. She lives in her own little 1850's house in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and son.; Title: A Little House of Their Own (Little House Prequel)
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Validation
|
908 | 0 |
Melissa Wiley, the author of the Charlotte Years and the Martha Years series, has done extensive research on early-nineteenth-century New England life. She lives in Virginia with her husband, Scott, and her daughters, Kate, Erin, and Eileen.; Title: Across the Puddingstone Dam (Little House)
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Train
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909 | 0 |
Maria D. Wilkes first read the Little House books as a young girl and has been fascinated by pioneer history ever since. She did extensive research on the Quiner, Ingalls, and Wilder families, studied original sources and family letters and diaries, and worked in close consultation with several historians and the Laura Ingalls Wilder estate as she wrote the Caroline Years books. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Peter, and her daughters, Grace and Natalie.; Title: On Top of Concord Hill (Little House Prequel)
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Validation
|
910 | 0 |
Grade 4-7?A novel set on Mackinac Island, Michigan, during the War of 1812. Mary, 12, recounts her family's plight as her father leaves his motherless children tending the farm while he joins the American forces in Detroit fighting the British. Jacques, 15, struggles to keep his promise to take care of the farm and his two sisters when the temptation to join the army or the fur trading business prevails. Sixteen-year-old Angelique's flirtations with the British soldiers during the occupation of their island home infuriates both her brother and sister. Despite these distractions, the young people still manage to maintain a productive farm for the three-year period of the war. Whelan weaves the Indian and American culture together through a complex secondary character, Gavin, an Indian boy raised by Mary's neighbors, who is forced to come to terms with his heritage as he makes the crucial decision to leave his Anglo parents and way of life and rejoin his tribe. Well-rounded fiction that incorporates a little romance, adventure, drama, and history of an American period that is not as commonly used for background.?Rita Soltan, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MICopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 4^-7. Twelve-year-old Mary and her older brother and sister must tend the family farm on Mackinac Island when their father leaves to fight the British. Through Mary's narration, the everyday details of life in 1812 intertwine with larger events, as the fort is taken by the British, her sister flirts with an English lieutenant, and their friend Gavin returns to his Ottawa tribe to ransom his adoptive parents. Mary's resourcefulness and humor add liveliness to the solid historical facts, and her encounters with a wolf, some potential cow thieves, and the British at Fort Michilimackniac are all memorable. Mary's point of view occasionally becomes omniscient, and the ending of the story is a bit tidy, but Whelan's smooth writing, vivid characters, and strong sense of place make this a good choice for libraries and a treasure for ones in the Great Lakes area. Susan Dove Lempke; Title: Once on This Island
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Train
|
911 | 0 |
Kindergarten-Grade 4–In this well-researched, time-travel adventure, Grandma, twins Liz and Lenny, and Moose the dog journey back to 1621 and a three-day feast with the settlers at Plymouth Plantation. In conjunction with her fast-paced and informative text, Stanley uses dialogue bubbles to give readers all sorts of interesting, comical, and possibly shocking tidbits–for example, Colonial kids drank beer, which was actually healthier than the water. This story debunks popular myths about the Pilgrims and the Thanksgiving holiday while whetting young readers' appetites for more information about life at this time. Complementing the book's conversational flavor, Berry's cartoon illustrations are bright and appealing. Clever endpapers contrast the dishes served "Then" and "Now," from "boiled eels" to "jellied cranberry sauce." An author's note provides more information about the holiday.–Julie Roach, Malden Public Library, MA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.K-Gr. 3. In the latest Time-Traveling Twins book, Liz and Lenny accompany their grandmother to Plymouth Plantation in 1621. They live in a small, crowded house; do chores; work in the fields; attend worship services, of course; and sit down to a feast with the colonists and Wampanoag. When Liz refers to it as "the first Thanksgiving," she is quickly corrected by a Plymouth boy, who explains that it's just a harvest festival like the ones back in England. This exchange, along with Grandmother's explanation of what the settlement's first "true Day of Thanksgiving" entailed, show Stanley's fine approach. The traditional version, often seen at school pageants, seems stale and dull compared with this fresh, engaging presentation of what life in Plymouth was and was not. An author's note explains how the feast became popularly known as "the first Thanksgiving" and why that label is inaccurate. Bustling with activity, warmed with color, and full of period details, Berry's attractive illustrations light up the pages of this appealing and engaging volume. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation (The Time-Traveling Twins)
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Test
|
912 | 0 |
Melissa Wiley, the author of the Charlotte Years and the Martha Years series, has done extensive research on early-nineteenth-century New England life. She lives in Virginia with her husband, Scott, and her daughters, Kate, Erin, and Eileen.; Title: Little House by Boston Bay (Little House Prequel)
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Train
|
913 | 0 |
"An excellent book about a boy named William who wants the forbidden -- a doll. The long-awaited realistic handling of this theme makes it a landmark book."-- "School Library Journal" Notable Children's Books of 1971–1975 (ALA)Best Books of 1972 (SLJ)Outstanding Children's Books of 1972 (NYT); Title: William's Doll
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Validation
|
914 | 0 |
Grade 3-6-As Little Town at the Crossroads ended, Caroline Quiner (Laura Ingalls Wilder's mother) and her family were facing a move to a new home in Concord, WI. Here, they set off for the small cabin in the woods that is barely habitable. With help from an uncle and neighbors, they fix up their new home and begin to clear the land. The undertaking is difficult, but Caroline's mother is strong and resourceful. Unfortunately, weeks of summer drought are followed by a severe rainstorm that ruins their crops. The widowed Mrs. Quiner is employed by the neighborhood rich man to provide meals for his laborers. The work is tedious and often unacknowledged, but all of the children help out. One of the workers is very kind, though, and as the story ends, he has proposed marriage to Mrs. Quiner. Fans of the two previous titles will enjoy reading about this year in her life. The tone is gentle and the scenes of pioneering hardship are balanced by scenes of good times. Through it all, the family maintains its closeness and resilience.Susan Pine, New York Public LibraryCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.paper 0-06-026998-7 The family of Laura Ingalls Wilder is marketed practically to death with the appearance of another entry in the Little House/The Caroline Years series: Caroline, Laura's mother, is a child moving with her family to the Wisconsin woods. Wilkes is less concerned with characterization than in getting the family from one place to another, and settled in their new home. A description of their disastrous first crop is quickly followed by a solution to their threat of hunger. Hints of the characters' qualities peek through, as when Caroline wonders if ``some new person'' is ``stuck inside'' her increasingly fastidious sister. A flash of an argument between them brings the book temporarily to life, but it quickly settles back into a carefully planned script, charting a path from the move until the courtship of Caroline's mother, a widow. It's a genial volume, but can't hold a candle to Wilder's vividly evoked pioneer days, nor even to Roger Lea MacBride's Little House episodes about Rose Wilder (Little Farm in the Ozarks, 1994, etc.). (Fiction. 8-12) -- Copyright 1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.; Title: Little Clearing in the Woods (Little House: the Brookfield Years)
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Validation
|
915 | 0 |
Peggy Parish was born and grew up in Manning, South Carolina. Before moving to New York City, she taught school in the Panhandle country and in coal-mining areas. Her first job in New York City was with the Girl Scouts, and she now teaches the third grade at the Dalton School in Manhattan. Miss Parish is the author of several other books for children, including the popular Let's Be Indians.; Title: Play Ball, Amelia Bedelia (I Can Read Level 2)
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Train
|
916 | 0 |
Any book that features robots dancing around in their underpants is a book worth owning. William Joyce--creator of Dinosaur Bob and George Shrinks--brings his expansive, wildly colored illustrations to the story of a cute, buglike robot and his family. Rolie Polie Olie lives on a faraway planet with his mom and pop, his sister Zowie, and his doggie Spot. They spend a pretty ordinary day playing, working, eating, and getting ready for bed in this delightfully modest tale of robotic family happiness. Joyce's bouncy prose is engaging enough to be read aloud time and again: "You're Rolie hot and Polie tired. Your motor's zapped. Your piston's fired. Yes, okey dokey is the day when all you Rolie did was play." The illustrations are vintage Joyce, with a 1930s deco look that's polished without being soulless. The pictorial lushness is a nice counterpoint to the simplicity of the tale, which devotes a grand full-page spread to the little-known fact that "The Rolie Polie Rumba Dance was always done in underpants!" --Claire DedererJoyce diverges from the hyperbolic, pleasurably bizarre imagery he created for The Leaf Men and Dinosaur Bob in this digitally enhanced but uneventful picture book. Rolie Polie Olie is a robotic child living in a "land of curves and curls," where most objects are rounded and smooth (although the rooms of Olie's teapot-shaped house have corners). Olie himself is comprised of a round yellow head with the circular black eyes of a smiley face. On his spherical torso, he wears red shorts whose dual buttons recall Mickey Mouse's signature pants, and he stands on pliable metallic limbs that resemble pay-phone cords. In this day-in-the-life story, "Rolie Polie Olie/ rolled out of bed./ Brushed his teeth./ Recharged his head." After a breakfast of "Rolie O's," Olie and his parents, sister and dog perform a morning ritual: "The Rolie Polie Rumba Dance/ was always done in underpants!" Olie then helps the family with chores, plays ball (of course), gets in a tiff with his sister, apologizes and goes to bed forgiven. Joyce makes use of round "O"s in his rhymes and liberally applies "Rolie" as an adjective ("Yes, okey dokey is the day/ when all you Rolie did was play"). Thanks to computer manipulation, his plasticine paintings offer crisp edges, flawless high-tech color and a seeming three-dimensionality. Olie's shiny surface doesn't make up for his lack of a personality, but the character practically steps out of the frames, advertising his potential as a toy or animated image. Ages 2-8. (Oct.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Rolie Polie Olie
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Validation
|
917 | 11 |
Grade 1-4. This book has the appealing layout and tone of the successful "Magic School Bus" series (Scholastic), while still being firmly grounded in reality. Three children, a dog, and a cat accompany their archaeologist friend Sophie on a dig. The woman explains the scientific process, exuding enthusiasm for her chosen career. The inquisitive children, always referred to collectively, ask realistic questions in often humorous dialogue. Discussions regarding ancient and modern garbage are particularly amusing. Another nice touch is the discovery of animal bones, which are later reconstructed in a laboratory. The way of life practiced in the Archaic Era of 6,000 years ago is described via archaeological finds such as an awl and a stone knife. Students will find this lively book more fun than photographic treatments such as Dennis Fradin's Archaeology (Children's Press, 1983). Upbeat, conversational text, fact-filled sidebars, speech bubbles, and instructive illustrations provide a delightful cornucopia of information that students will return to again and again.?Jackie Hechtkopf, Talent House School, Fairfax, VACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 1^-4. In this lively, informative title in the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, a boy and his friends go on a dig in a local cornfield with their archaeologist friend Sophie. The children are disappointed when they don't find treasure or a mummy; all they dig up are rocks and pebbles and dust. But Sophie explains that archaeologists love garbage and that the fun is in the detective work, on the site and in the lab, finding out how ordinary people lived long ago. In addition to the main narrative, sidebars provide facts and activities ("What Would Your Garbage Tell about You?"), and the cartoon-style color drawings add informality, excitement, and comic relief. As is the norm now in concept books, it's taken for granted that the cast is ethnically diverse; one scientist in the lab is in a wheelchair. The affected blond kid who worries about dirtying her sneakers ends up getting totally involved ("Cool!"). So will many readers. Hazel Rochman; Title: Archaeologists Dig for Clues (Let's Read-And-Find Out Science. Stage 2)
|
[
4950
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Validation
|
918 | 0 |
Grade 4-6-Many bits and pieces, some ambiguous or fragmentary, and others humorous or reflective, make up this substantial assemblage. Some of the poems have appeared in other publications and others are new. Kuskin provides an appealing introductory poem reminiscing on her writing of poetry since childhood. Arranged in thematic groups, the selections range over various categories of animals, seasons, wizards and other magical creatures, and night experiences. None of the poems are titled, which tends to blur the distinction among them. Small cartoon sketches here and there echo the often humorous tone of the poetry. Though some entries are but snippets of rhyme, patient readers will discover many enjoyable nuggets. Many pieces also encourage readers to be responsive observers of the natural world. Parents and teachers will find good read-aloud fare here.Margaret Bush, Simmons College, BostonCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Long overdue, this collection brings together more than 40 years of Kuskin's poetry, as well as several newly published selections. Divided thematically rather than chronologically, the poems focus on Kuskin's favorite topics: animals and other creatures, the seasons, food, day and night, and our secret selves--"the outside me" and the "me inside of me." As always, Kuskin's sounds and playful nonsense are irresistible: "Butter / butter / butter / butter / that's a word / I love to utter." There is often surprising, blunt humor: "Pigeons love a dusty crumb. / The fact is that / they're pretty dumb." Some poems capture a melancholy loneliness with startling, beautiful imagery: "One child put her thin arms around the wind / and they went off together / Later the wind came back alone." The book's handsome design resembles a Shel Silverstein collection with small ink drawings--subtle, funny, and wild--on spacious cream-colored pages. Sly, joyful, wise, and filled with delicious sounds, these are poems that, collected together, will invite new generations of children to delight in the simplest words and explore their own secret selves. Gillian EngbergCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Moon, Have You Met My Mother?
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[
65044
] |
Validation
|
919 | 0 |
Gr. 4-8. Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books have been extended in time and place as the publisher links "The Charlotte Years" to "The Laura Years" as series titles. Charlotte lives in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where her father runs a forge and most of the young men are off fighting in the War of 1812. Charlotte's parents are Scottish, and her strong and winsome mother sings Scots airs at her loom. Wiley tries for the warmth and wealth of detail that make the Little House books so perennially appealing, and mostly she succeeds. There's a tender sentimentality about family ties, siblings, friends, and neighbors, and there's lots about custom and work: we see candles made, corn husked, samplers started, and school as secondary to work that must be done at home. German neighbors of Charlotte's family introduce the idea of a Christmas tree at a time when Christmas was not much of a holiday in New England, an infected splinter almost costs Charlotte's brother his life, and a hurricane wrecks the roof. Illustrations not seen. GraceAnne DeCandidoCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: On Tide Mill Lane (Little House: the Charlotte Years)
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Validation
|
920 | 0 |
Stanley (Peter the Great) launches a new historical picture book series about the Time Traveling TwinsAred-haired brother and sister Lenny and Liz. Left with Grandma while their parents vacation in Paris, the twins soon strike out on an adventure of their own when Grandma whips out her magic hat and whisks them back to 1843. There they meet up with ancestors traveling the Oregon Trail. Stanley serves up a lively blend of fact and fiction as she recounts their journey, shoehorning in information on everything from the rigors of the terrain and weather to trail food ("slam-johns and sowbelly," or pancakes and bacon) and prairie fuel (buffalo chips), as well as citing relevant milestones such as the Panic of 1837 and the Louisiana Purchase. Berry (Market Day) adheres to authentic details in her sprightly cartoon-like illustrations, and she accommodates a balanced mix of straightforward text and speech bubbles that allow Grandma to provide some context (e.g., how Native Americans were affected by the Westward movement). The twins' modern perspective offers generous dollops of humor (a pioneer girl boasts that her doll, Jenny, "even has a second dress!" to which Liz replies, "I have a doll named Barbie, and she has lots of clothes!"). Berry makes use of every inch of space, alternating broad vistas with smaller panels (one series shows how the cooking was done), and the endpapers contrast the Oregon Trail in 1843 to its present-day appearance. Given this altogether appealing, highly useful introduction to an important slice of American history, readers will likely be eager to follow the twins on their next excursion. Ages 5-10. (May) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 2-5-Not as comic or as busy as Joanna Cole's "Magic School Bus" tutorials (Scholastic), this initial series entry is gently informative. Twins Liz and Lenny's vacation to their grandmother's house becomes an adventure when Grandma dons her magic hat and they (along with her amusing pup, Moose) travel back to 1843 when their ancestors left Missouri and headed to Oregon on a wagon train. The siblings' narrative describing their journey is enlivened by numerous dialogue balloons and tells of their virtual months of eating bacon and beans, encountering buffalo and friendly Indians, and making sacrifices like leaving heavy heirlooms along the trail. Historical tidbits like the Panic of 1837 are mentioned and keep the story focused and useful as a curriculum supplement. Two-page spreads feature single, double, triptych, or even larger split-page groups of folksy, colored-pencil illustrations depicting prairie landscapes and stiff, simply drawn, cartoonlike pioneers and Indians. Overall, an engaging trip and a painless history lesson.John Sigwald, Unger Memorial Library, Plainview, TX Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Roughing It on the Oregon Trail (Time-traveling Twins)
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Validation
|
921 | 0 |
PreSchool-Grade 3. More than just the title has been changed in this updated edition of Gans's Rock Collecting (Crowell, 1984). The topics are the same?basic rock formation; the characteristics of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks; the uses of rocks in the past (Roman roads, Egyptian pyramids) and the present (cement); and, finally, a bit about rock collecting. The excellent diagrams, full-color photographs of specimens, and minor textual changes clarify the concepts (for example, Mohs' scale of hardness) and extend the presentation. Gans barely introduces collecting rocks in the field and organizing and storing them, but the pair of youngsters featured in Keller's brightly colored illustrations certainly convey the joys of being a rock hound.?Carolyn Angus, The Claremont Graduate School, CACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.The late Roma Gans was a co-founder of the Lets-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. How Do Birds Find Their Way?, illustrated by Paul Mirocha, is one of her many titles.Holly Keller is also the illustrator of From Tadpole to Frog by Wendy Pfeffer and Who Eats What? by Patricia Lauber. She lives in West Redding, CT.; Title: Let's Go Rock Collecting (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)
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Test
|
922 | 0 |
With eloquent if predictable precision, the author recreates the tensions of early 19th-century Michigan. When Lucy's parents are killed, her gruff aunt and uncle agree to take her in and have her brought from Detroit to their home in Coldriver. Unsentimentally, they expect her to earn her keep at the mission school they run, where they teach Indian children good Christian doctrine and proper white ways. One girl, however, refuses to adapt and runs away, leaving Lucy to keep a big secret from her domineering aunt. While the climax of this book is frustrating in its patness (a crisis illness draws everyone closer), Whelan (Night of the Full Moon) manages to transport the reader into a believable and complex past, when manifest destiny drove adult actions?and when girls still had time to admire the sunlit autumn forest and notice that "the maples looked as if they had been hung with hundreds of scarlet lanterns." Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 7-10. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 3-6-Following the death of her parents in 1839, 11-year-old Lucy is sent to live with her harsh Aunt Emma and kindly but ineffectual Uncle Edward, who run a mission school for Indian children in Coldriver, MI. Lucy adjusts to her new life with difficulty, but new arrivals Raven and her little brother Star Face, whom Emma insists on calling Matthew, intrigue her, and she begins to find comfort in her interactions with them. Raven never adjusts to the denigration of her Indian ways and Lucy learns much from her even as everyone grows to love and cherish the young boy, including Aunt Emma. When Raven runs away, Lucy fears she will surely perish in the winter wilderness, but can't bear to tell the adults of her whereabouts. A crisis occurs when Star Face falls ill and Aunt Emma does some abrupt capitulating. There are some decidedly "Pollyanna" overtones to Whelan's book. In stories about settlers and Native Americans, it is often difficult to have real characters instead of noble facades, to depict accurately the point of view of the time without too much prescience, and to portray with justice both viewpoints. The author circumvents some of the obvious pitfalls, but not all. Star Face is somewhat stock, and the willingness of the children's father to leave them at the Indian School is not convincing. However, Whelan is clearly trying to touch readers' heartstrings and frequently succeeds with some especially finely turned phrases and reflections.Carol A. Edwards, Minneapolis Public LibraryCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Indian School
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Validation
|
923 | 11 |
Zimmerman and Clemesha, authors of The Cow Buzzed, give a cleaned-up account of sanitation work. Mr. Gilly is a trash collector and has the enviable task of driving a big blue truck. Accompanied by two tidy, pale-gray rats, Mr. Gilly gathers garbage from the school, the park and the pizza parlor. Each stop is followed by the refrain: Dump it in, smash it down, drive around the Trashy Town! (the type is set into a neat black side bar at the right of each spread). Theres nary an overfull can or torn garbage bag in sight, and by the end, Mr. Gilly has cleaned up the whole town! He takes his load to the dump, then goes home for a bath. Despite the smelly and slimy aspects of garbage collecting, Zimmerman and Clemesha make Mr. Gillys job seem satisfying. If they oversimplify, they also dignify the works human component. Like the authors, Yaccarino (Circle Dogs) also makes the work look manageable. His rectangular silhouettes of urban buildings and stylized alleys appear in unadulterated shades of sapphire blue and deep red. He pictures items of litterbanana peels, pizza slices, empty bottles and cansas sleek icons, giving no indication of dirt or decay; Mr. Gillys ochre jumpsuit and blue plaid shirt remain unsullied. This overwhelmingly positive day-in-the-life gives an overdue salute to an unsung hero, and transforms Trashy Town into a tidy town. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-K-This jaunty look at garbage collection makes a backbreaking job look like fun. Yaccarino's illustrations are appealingly childlike and have a slightly retro look. They show a brightly colored, if somewhat messy, town-definitely in need of the trash collector's cheerful care. Simple shapes and minimal detail suggest various locations (the school, the park, the pizza parlor) but keep the focus squarely on Mr. Gilly as he goes about his appointed rounds. At the same time, two small rodents appear in each double-page spread, providing continuity as they introduce a playful element to the story. The repetitive, rhythmic text makes it easy for children to chime in. Preschoolers will especially appreciate the refrain, "Dump it in, smash it down, drive around the Trashy Town! Is the trash truck full yet? NO." Like the pictures, the type has a solid, almost blocky appearance; it is easy to read and contributes to the book's design. Entertaining enough to be read just for fun, this simple selection will also appeal to teachers looking for stories about community helpers.Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Trashy Town
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Test
|
924 | 1 |
A brief observant poem by the late Farjeon (1882-1965) provides the text for this slim book. Dainty illustrations depict blissfully smiling, sacked-out cats, "Fitted in a cardboard box,/ In the cupboard/ With your frocks." Mortimer's (A Pussycat's Christmas) expertise as a painter of miniatures is evident in both the meticulous detail of her work and her attention to texture?the cats' fur looks plush and silky. Her native British taste shows up in a fondness for floral patterns, especially in soft pinks and blues, which decorate hatboxes, upholstery and clothing. Those who really dote on cats will probably say, "Aw, how cute!" at every cat sprawled out on a swing or curled up in a shoe; others may find this excursion a bit purr-ecious. Ages 3-7. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3-A fetching cast of felines sleeps in the assorted locations named in Farjeon's simple poem. "Fitted in a cardboard box/In the cupboard/With your frocks-/Anywhere!/They don't care!" Each page features a cat or kitten curled or sprawled in the named location: in the drawer or shoe or atop the piano or window ledge. Mortimer's realistic watercolors capture homey details and humorous nuances, as they did in her illustrations for Margaret Wise Brown's Pussycat's Christmas (HarperCollins, 1994). The artist's attractive paging employs an echoing scheme that offers a small visual guessing game. Each left-hand view is a more formal framed scene facing a smaller more open piece on the white page. The smaller segment borrows an object or echoes a pattern from the first. Viewers see a bit of a sneaker next to the framed chest where the cat is draped in an open drawer; the sneaker against a white backdrop holds the companion cat. The easy rhythm of the spare text and the attractive paintings will appeal to cat lovers of all ages, and the pleasant small book might also invite further reading of Eleanor Farjeon.Margaret Bush, Simmons College, BostonCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Cats Sleep Anywhere
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[
2420,
34747
] |
Validation
|
925 | 0 |
With a taut, involving narrative and dramatic, shadow-filled full-spread art, the creators of Some Smug Slug and Livingstone Mouse transport youngsters onto the overgrown path that an escaping slave stealthily follows one evening. The sound of the young man's racing heart is almost audible as Edwards describes his desperate predicament: "He was fearful of what lay before him. He was terrified of what lay behind." But the man has allies in the underbrush, creatures that perceive him as "the Barefoot" (in contrast to "the Heavy Boots" who come in angry pursuit). A frog signals the presence of water, which quenches the Barefoot's thirst; a scurrying squirrel turns his eye to a blanket of leaves under which he naps; a deer diverts a crew of Heavy Boots away from this hiding place; and fireflies light the way to the safe house ahead. The vigilant eyes of these deftly rendered creatures peer out from Cole's haunting paintings, cleverly skewed to invoke the animals' ground-hugging perspective on the Barefoot's flight. An author's note at the end briefly explains the workings of the Underground Railroad in helping real-life "Barefeet" find freedom. Ages 5-9. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3. Another outstanding collaboration by the duo responsible for Some Smug Slug (Harper, 1996). Here the tone is serious. The Barefoot is an escaping slave whose flight is aided by the wild animals of forest and swamp. The frog's croak guides him to water, while a nesting squirrel leads him to cover himself with leaves. When the Heavy Boots?slave catchers?draw near, mosquitoes swarm heavily around them and a deer leads them away into the forest. Fireflies light the Barefoot's way to a house on the Underground Railroad and safety while the animals are still alert for another Barefoot. Edwards's spare text builds suspense while Cole's paintings gradually reveal more of the slave and his pursuers. At first, only feet are seen. Though more and more of his body is depicted, it is only in the penultimate double-page spread that readers see the young man's face. Cole's nocturnal illustrations are suitably dark yet they are not difficult to see, and they use light effectively to focus viewers' eyes on specific parts of the picture. Readers will feel as if they are in the swamp with the runaway, their eyes gradually becoming aware of nuances of the scene as they adjust to the darkness. The generous-sized, handsome white typeface is easy to read against the dark background. Teachers will want to use this title with such books as F. N. Monjo's The Drinking Gourd (Harper, 1970) when teaching about slavery and the Underground Railroad, while in public libraries Barefoot will be perfect for programs on African-American history.?Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad
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Train
|
926 | 13 |
I live across the street, In the mountains, On the beach. I come from everywhere. And my name is you.No matter where they live, what they look like, who is in their families, or what they do, all children, at heart, are the same. This Sesame Street song by J. Philip Miller and Sheppard M. Greene comes to life with Paul Meisel's happy illustrations. Children from Texas, Peru, and southern France; with black hair, red hair, or yellow hair; named Jack or Amanda Sue or Kareem Abdu; rejoice in the fact that they all "sing with the same voice." Meisel paints a picture of diversity that is buoyant and beautiful. Children in their native garb, from serapes to woven vests to blue jeans, open their mouths wide in song, encouraging young readers to sing along with the accompanying CD. Meisel has illustrated many popular picture books, including Jean Craighead George's How to Talk to Your Cat and Go Away, Dog, by Joan L. Nodset. (Baby to preschool) --Emilie CoulterA classic Sesame Street song becomes a cheerful picture book about children's universal thoughts and feelings. Throughout these pages, youngsters differentiated by race, nationality, gender or geography join hands and sing: "We all sing with the same voice,/ The same song,/ The same voice./ We all sing with the same voice,/ And we sing in harmony." In a succinct and easy-to-understand style, the lyrics go straight to the heart, addressing such themes as family ("I have sisters one two three./ In my family there's just me./ I've got one daddy./ I've got two"), pets or the expression of emotions ("Sometimes I get mad and mean./ Sometimes I feel happy./ And when I want to cry I do"). Miller and Greene's idealistic vision of inclusion and acceptance is one that readers can easily embrace. Meisel (How to Talk to Your Cat) infuses the proceedings with joy--smiling, vibrantly clad children and caring adults populate his sunny scenes. A CD recording of the song from 1982 is packaged with this book. Ages 3-7. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: We All Sing with the Same Voice
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Train
|
927 | 0 |
Grade 1-3-A fact-filled, accessible study of solids, liquids, and gases. The book gives examples of each state of matter and some simple activities that demonstrate the attributes of each. The last page presents three related science experiments. The author's use of sentence fragments, such as "Water flowing in the creek," is bothersome, but the humorous illustrations add to the text and provide a good mix of children of both genders and various races enjoying science. The page layout makes this title suitable for use with groups; the easy-to-read text makes it a good choice for independent reading and research. Teachers will delight in the clear definitions and examples used to introduce concepts that are often offered on a much higher level.Marty Abbott Goodman, L. J. Bell Elementary School, Rockingham, NCCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld is the award-winning author of more than seventy books for children. She has written several books in the Lets Read And Find Out Science series, including: WHAT LIVES IN A SHELL?, an NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book and winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences Best Childrens Book award; WHAT IS THE WORLD MADE OF?, a Childrens Book of the Month Club Main Selection; WHATS ALIVE?, also named an AAAS Best Childrens Book; HOW MOUNTAINS ARE MADE, an NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book, DINOSAUR TRACKS, "a great choice for even the most discriminating dinophiles" (School Library Journal); and DINOSAURS BIG AND SMALL, winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book AwardKathleen was a childrens book editor for over ten years before becoming a full-time writer. When she is not reading, researching, writing, or editing she loves to spend her free time exploring, doing fieldwork, and preparing and curating fossils for her local natural history museums. She lives in Berkeley, CA.; Title: What Is the World Made Of?: All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)
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[
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Train
|
928 | 0 |
Celia Wilkins has studied letters, diaries, and documents pertaining to the Quiner and Wilder families, and she extensively researched early settler life of the nineteenth century in Wisconsin. She lives in her own little 1850's house in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and son.; Title: Little City by the Lake (Little House Prequel)
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Validation
|
929 | 0 |
The creators of Hanukkah Lights, Hanukkah Nights, hit a high note with this picture book about the traditions surrounding the Jewish High Holy Days, or Days of Awe. The house is abuzz with excitement as the relatives gather to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and then 10 days later, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. In this time of prayers, good food and good times, Uncle Jake plays a special role: he will blow the shofar, or ram's horn, during the service at the synagogue. Kimmelman includes a wealth of information about the tastes (challah and apples with honey), sights (the stained glass synagogue windows) and sounds (the shofar, the cantor and the rabbi) of the holiday season in her energetic text, making it highly accessible to very young children. Himmelman's cozy, lighthearted paintings feature an extended family?including a spunky litter of orange tabby cats?enjoying themselves and reaffirming their Jewish faith. Ages 3-6. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2-Readers join in as a family celebrates Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and, 10 days later, Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). Uncle Jake punctuates the holidays as he blows the shofar (ram's horn). In addition to the traditional observances, the family also partakes in the fairly recent custom of taking canned food for those less fortunate to the synagogue when they go for Yom Kippur prayers. The lighthearted illustrations show the joy of this season as the extended family gathers together; even the cats are included in the festivities. There is a woman cantor at the synagogue and most of the men do not wear prayer shawls, indicating that the family members are Reform Jews. A note at the end explains details about these holidays not covered in the text. A useful addition for libraries that serve Jewish populations.Yapha Nussbaum Mason, Brentwood Lower School, Los AngelesCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Sound the Shofar!: A Story for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
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Train
|
930 | 18 |
Grade 2-4?An overview of Wilder's life accompanied by idealized illustrations that may blur the line between the facts and the fantasy presented by the TV series. Anderson touches on significant events: the places Laura settled with her family as a child and glimpses of everyday life; her marriage and adult life with Almanzo Wilder; and her work as an author. Andreasen's paintings, romantically rendered in warm tones, do provide period details, but often idealize the stark realities mentioned in the text. Readers old enough to be interested in Wilder will find this to be an adequate introduction but may find greater satisfaction in one of the numerous biographies that include some of the many photos of Laura and relics from her life, as well as a time line of her journeys. Her many fans will also appreciate Kathryn Lasky and Meribah Knight's Searching for Laura Ingalls (S & S, 1993), in which young Meribah Knight travels with her family to places featured in Wilder's books.?Susan M. Moore, Louisville Free Public Library, KYCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.Anderson distills his 1992 biography, Laura Ingalls Wilder, into picture-book length, choosing details that readers will encounter, either directly or indirectly, when they get to Wilder's own stories: her family's restless relocations from Wisconsin to Kansas, back to Wisconsin, on to Minnesota, then Iowa, the Dakota Territory, and finally Missouri; the plague of grasshoppers and other misfortunes; the daily round of chores; and the events surrounding her marriage and later life. Andreasen provides lovely, serene paintings; by placing dignified human figures into carefully detailed landscapes infused with a soft golden light, he pays tribute to Garth Williams's classic illustrations before finishing with creamy portraits of the silver-haired Wilder at her writing desk and mailbox. Unlike Alexandra Wallner's Laura Ingalls Wilder (p. 1396), this volume is an engrossing pioneer story on its own, and a wonderful prelude to the Little House books. (Picture book/biography. 7-9) -- Copyright 1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.; Title: Pioneer Girl: The Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House)
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Train
|
931 | 0 |
Diane Stanley's Time-Traveling Twins head for a second adventure in Joining the Boston Tea Party, illus. by Holly Berry. The date is 1773, and Liz, Lenny and Grandma hear Sam Adams speak and join the "Mohawks" in dumping tea into the Boston Harbor. Inviting illustrations as well as word balloons filled with humor ("I always thought tea came in little bags!") and information ("Women won't get to vote until 1920") should pull in aspiring historians. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Gr 1-4-Stanley's irrepressible Time-Traveling Twins embark on a new adventure, along with their grandmother and her dog, Moose. With the help of their spirited grandma and her magic hat, they are all transported back to colonial Boston to visit some ancestors and, dressed as Mohawks, the youngsters join in the excitement of the Boston Tea Party. Along with creating the drama of the rebellion, the author takes on the challenge of explaining its political and economic underpinnings using dialogue balloons to provide a sense of immediacy. The device is truly tested when the twins' colonial relatives chat about taxation without representation and other British abuses. However, although complex concepts are compressed, they are clearly presented in generally accessible vocabulary. Using a lighthearted cartoon style and an upbeat palette, Berry energizes the visual narrative with kinetic compositions and eye-catching perspectives. Her characters inhabit cozy, period interiors and roam Boston's quaint streets and harbor district. A large, simply presented map of the colonies and a comparison of aspects of daily life "then" and "now" decorate the endpapers. In addition, an author's note tells how the Sons of Liberty set in motion a series of events that ended with the founding of our nation. Young readers will enjoy the time travel, the colorful details of colonial life, and, of course, the derring-do of the Tea Party, while older readers will appreciate access to a humorous and painlessly informative introduction to an important chapter in American history.Carey Ayres, formerly at Port Washington Public Library, NYCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Joining the Boston Tea Party (The Time-Traveling Twins)
|
[
911,
39487
] |
Validation
|
932 | 20 |
Grade 2-5. A newly illustrated, attractive edition of a 1966 title. Simon presents the history and traditions of Hanukkah in an easy-to-read manner. There is a detailed recounting of the Jews' oppression by and rebellion against the Syrians, beginning with the story of Mattathias and continuing with Judah and the Maccabees, through the rededication of the temple. The story, or legend as Simon calls it, of the oil that lasted eight days when there was only enough for a single day is presented separately. The author also describes the menorah, the dreidel, the celebrations, gifts, and food associated with Hanukkah. The book concludes with an explanation of the dreidel game and the Jewish calendar and a recipe for potato latkes. The full-page, colorful, ink-and-acrylic illustrations that face each page of text have a soft, impressionist look. In recent years, few books that take this factual approach to the holiday have been published. Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith's Celebrating Hanukkah (Holiday, 1996) uses text and photographs of a specific Jewish-American family to introduce the celebration. Most of the other noteworthy Hanukkah books are fiction, making this one a worthy addition.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Norma Simon has written more than forty books for children, including The Story of Passover illustrated by Erika Weihs. Ms. Simon lives in South Wellfleet, MA.Leonid Gore illustrated The Pomegranate Seeds by Laura Geringer and Jacob and the Stranger by Sally Derby. He is a recent immigrant from the former Soviet Union who now lives in Brooklyn, NY.; Title: The Story of Hanukkah (Trophy Picture Books)
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Train
|
933 | 0 |
Hunter (the Knight of the Golden Plain series) visits the 14th-century Scottish uprising against the English dramatized in Braveheart. Though not as gory as that film, the novel features enough ferocious bloodletting to make the squeamish squirm. The plot is driven by convenience: the teenage narrator, Martin Crawford, a messenger and spy for Robert the Bruce, sees every important leader of the day up close, including the dying King Edward I. He also observes (and sometimes plays a decisive behind-the-scenes role in) many major battles, despite their far-flung sites. Hunter further stretches credibility by portraying the Scots, especially Bruce, as near-saints who are fearsome killers only on the battlefield, while the unremittingly evil English commit atrocities wherever they go. In sum, a not-altogether convincing yarn, but, for those who like war stories, the battle scenes are stirring, the pace is brisk and the Scots' bravery in the face of overwhelming odds is inspiring. Ages 12-up. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 7 Up-Opening with a suspenseful chase scene reminiscent of Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped, Hunter plunges into the difficult task of bringing to life a hero of even earlier Scots history, Robert the Bruce. She tells his story from the point of view of the bookish and pacifistic Martin Crawford. Moved first by sympathy to distract the armed men pursuing a fleeing stranger and then by duty to join his king's war to free Scotland from English rule, Martin comes to admire the Bruce's ingenuity as a strategist as well as his religious piety. Over seven years, the young man and his brother follow the Bruce's forces all over Scotland as he consolidates his support before the final confrontation with England's King Edward. In the course of his service, Martin continues to refuse to lift a weapon but rises from king's page to swift rider, spy, and leader of a sham troop of banner carriers whose appearance at the turning point of a battle caused the final English retreat at Bannockburn and his brother, finally, to see him as a "soldier" in his own way. Late 20th-century readers might have difficulty understanding Martin's religious ambitions, and some may be turned off by the somewhat uneven pace. However, Hunter is a fine descriptive writer, giving a good sense of the battles and the period. She has, once again, provided a powerful sense of a very different place and time.Kathleen Isaacs, Edmund Burke School, Washington, DCCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The King's Swift Rider
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[
4437,
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] |
Train
|
934 | 7 |
Penelope Jane, an eyelash-high French fairy, promises to act "perfectement" if only she can accompany her best friend, Carrie, to school. But Penelope's behavior is far from perfect: she logrolls the chalk, falls in the glue, and gets stuck in a sandwich, covered with mustard. Finally, the teacher sends the boisterous sprite to a corner, while all the other children file out for lunch. Chagrined, Penelope Jane sits quietly, until... Oh no! Fire in the trash can! Poor P.J. is too light to pull the alarm bell. Is the classroom doomed to burn? Not if this feisty fairy has anything to say about it!Penelope Jane's quick wits and very human (even for a fairy) flaws make her a terrific--albeit tiny--role model. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, she remembers a song her mother sings, called "How to Be Strong," and, buoyed by this esteem booster, she manages to save the day. In her first children's book, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash has produced a lively, likable heroine and a thoroughly satisfying fairy's tale, complete with lyrics and music. G. Brian Karas's fluttery fairy wing illustrations and mounds of crusty fairy-baked croissants ("Seven croissants / was their favorite treat") are a perfect foil for Cash's droll rhyming text. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie CoulterKaras's (Home on the Bayou) animated illustrations save the day for Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Cash's first children's book, told in unaccomplished rhyming text. Penelope Jane is a tiny French fairy ("Tall as an eyelash/ quick as a plane") who lives with her fairy mom in five-year-old Carrie's top dresser drawer. Tired of studying fairy rules at her own tiny school, Penelope Jane decides to stow away on Carrie's shoulder and explore human-size academia. A string of classroom mishaps earns Penelope Jane time in the corner, feeling horribly out of place. But before things get too sad, Penelope Jane turns into a hero. Inspired by Cash's song "How to Be Strong" (attributed in the story to Penelope Jane's mother), the little fairy's confidence and quick thinking help prevent a fire emergency. The text sometimes stumbles to accommodate the rhyming couplet format, and the language lacks luster ("Our wild little fairy felt sorry and sad./ She slunk to the corner; she knew she'd been bad"). Fortunately, Karas's childlike gouache-and-pencil scenes add some oomph. His views of tiny flitting fairies sitting at their acorn desks, Carrie's frazzled teacher and the bemused classroom pet Mr. Turtle emphasize motion and just a little mischief. A CD recording of "How to Be Strong" is included. Ages 4-8. (May) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Penelope Jane: A Fairy's Tale
|
[
17177,
28800,
33441,
44133,
67731
] |
Train
|
935 | 2 |
PreSchool-Grade 1. A picture book that seems disturbing and flawed for the intended audience. Ben looks out into the night from his darkened bedroom window, thinking existential thoughts: "He felt he was all there was. He felt he was not really here. He was really the blackness itself, smooth and velvety and dark and safe." When his mother turns on the light, Ben asks her where he was before he was born. But he feels the answer, "he had been part of that strange trembling huge blackness with no light and no sound, no beginning and no end." Ben asks where he will be when he dies. But again he knows the answer. Jacobi provides an appropriate contrast between cozy well-lit family scenes and the pictures in which a grave, questioning child surveys the black night. Though Ben's ruminations seem weighty in one so young, the illustrator depicts him as triumphantly secure. His questions are presented without any context and do not elicit any kind of reciprocal dialogue from his loving but silent mother. Families devoted to organized religion may find this book unsettling. It attempts to answer ontological questions by describing vague feelings of connectedness with the big enfolding dark, an idea that they may find nihilististic and lacking in spirituality. Children may not be reassured by the notion that we came from and return to an inchoate darkness. Few picture books on this subject exist, but readers should be warned that Ben's questions have many possible answers.?Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Greenwich, CTCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 5-8. Zolotow has an extraordinary ability to articulate for young children their deepest yearnings in the simplest words. Ben feels quiet and safe at home, and as he looks out from his room at the black, black night ("No moon. No stars"), he knows what he cannot see: the front steps, the tree in the yard, the house across the street ("It was as though there were nothing in the world"). He feels part of the huge, trembling universe ("It was a strange secret feeling"). When his mother comes in and switches on the light, the familiar room seems new, and he surprises them both with his elemental question, "Where was I before I was born?" He knows the answer ("he had been part of that strange trembling huge blackness"), just as he knows that he will be part of it when he dies. The warm paintings capture the coziness and the mystery, but the art is in no way up to the poetry of the story. The words are elemental, impossible to summarize. Rooted in the physical particulars of home, they express a profound spiritual experience. Because it is dark and still, Ben can imagine intense activity. Because he is safe, he can take risks and reach out. Because he is alone, he can connect with the universe. Hazel Rochman; Title: Who Is Ben?
|
[] |
Test
|
936 | 1 |
There's never been another dog as delightful–or dirty–as Harry.This lovable white dog with black spots (or black dog with white spots) has charmed children for fifty years, and we are celebrating with an anniversary edition. This childhood favourite is perfect for reading aloud before going to bed or avoiding a bath.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: Harry the Dirty Dog (Harry the Dog)
|
[
4592,
4695,
5348,
5373,
5385,
6212,
8200,
9561,
10139,
26031,
61853
] |
Train
|
937 | 0 |
Amelia Bedelia is always getting herself into trouble! When Mrs. Rogers asks for cereal with her coffee, Amelia Bedelia does exactly what she is told; she puts cereal in the coffee. Mrs. Rogers is so angry she fires her! Poor Amelia Bedelia must look for another job. At each place she tries-the beauty shop, the dress shop, and the doctor's office-Amelia Bedelia keeps getting mixed up. Is there anything Amelia Bedelia can do well?Peggy Parish was born and grew up in Manning, South Carolina. Before moving to New York City, she taught school in the Panhandle country and in coal-mining areas. Her first job in New York City was with the Girl Scouts, and she now teaches the third grade at the Dalton School in Manhattan. Miss Parish is the author of several other books for children, including the popular Let's Be Indians.; Title: Come Back, Amelia Bedelia (I Can Read Level 2)
|
[
573,
684,
915,
1293,
1295,
1298,
1301,
1315,
1318,
1324,
1334,
1339,
1393,
1937,
1943,
1944,
1946,
2500,
3172,
3186,
3678,
3789,
4156,
4311,
4730,
4734,
5373,
25650,
48586
] |
Test
|
938 | 3 |
This is one of those books that you buy as a gift for a child, then keep for yourself. Written by Patricia Marx, who has sharpened her wit on TV shows such as Saturday Night Live and Rugrats, and illustrated by the inimitable Roz Chast, Meet My Staff is perfect for anyone with a healthy funny bone, no matter what their age. Walter is a boy who has it easy, thanks to his huge staff of helpers. There's the Homework Helper, who knows just about everything, the Lima Bean Man, who handles all unpleasant vegetables, and even a crowd of laughers who think Walter is just hilarious. There's a lot of stuff that needs to be done when you're a kid, and Walter has everything covered. The staff members are introduced in full-page, full-color cartoons that are packed with enough sight gags to reward repeated readings, and the story is sure to inspire the imagination of any 8-year-old who hates to tidy his or her own room. Grownups will realize that they need a staff too! How about Chris the Carpool Driver, or Samantha the Recycling Sorter? --Simon LeakeMarx and Chast (who teamed up, with Jane Martin, for Now Everybody Really Hates Me) introduce Walter, one lazy but clever fellow with a staff in tow to mitigate unpleasant chores. Miss Peck has the task of kissing Walter's unequivocally unkissable Aunt Winnie, whose annual gift of long underwear is acknowledged by Monsieur Monsieur, the boy's Personal Letter Writer. Mozart the cat practices piano for Walter, as his mother in the next room announces, "I'm beginning to hear a DEFINITE IMPROVEMENT!"; at suppertime the green-hued Lima Bean Man consumes his unpalatable namesake from Walter's plate as Delores De-cruster does her thing to his bread. Perhaps most useful of all is Larry Last Place, the willing loser to Walter in any game or contest. From their tasks to their titles, the characters will tickle youngsters?and most adults, who secretly covet such a brigade. Chast incorporates witty details into her rollicking cartoon art, among them the titles in Homework Helper's library (Faking French, Memorize U.S. Capitals in Your Sleep, Social Studies Can't Be Fun!), and the terror-stricken face of Mrs. Wrong, who, Walter smugly explains, "is happy to sit in the time-out chair for me." These collaborators pull off a fresh and playful idea with panache. Kids will eagerly return to these pages to meet Walter's eccentric team again and again with only one complaint: that this isn't a mail-order catalogue. All ages. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Meet My Staff
|
[
708
] |
Test
|
939 | 0 |
PreSchool-Grade 4Lear's poem is beautifully illustrated with a mixture of elaborate, stylized borders and sumptuous portrayals of natural elements like verdant plant and tree leaves and colorful tropical flowers. Realistic portrayals of sea creatures abound, and honeybees with exactingly delineated wings swoop above a fanciful beehive. Waves swell and swirl around the pea-green boat, the owl holds his guitar with large outstretched feathers and looks appropriately lovelorn, and, in one arresting scene, the cat sits with her neck resting on his shoulder. In one playful spread, a solicitous owl feeds a slice of quince on the runcible spoon to his sprawling feline sweetheart. Each verse is presented on a separate page. Circle borders frame some vignettes, and narrow bands of white space around most of the pages add pleasing variety to the layout. A charming presentation.Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Anne Mortimers illustrations are a magical companion to Lears immortal whimsy. (Roger Ebert)This delightfully charming creation does, indeed, dance by the light of the moon. (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))Lears poem is beautifully illustratedA charming presentation. (School Library Journal); Title: The Owl and the Pussycat
|
[
2420,
2802,
5348,
5373,
6071,
9561,
14695,
15915,
27831,
32481,
38301,
38587
] |
Train
|
940 | 0 |
Gr. 5-8. Dual voices in alternating chapters narrate the conflict between Chinese and Western coal miners in the Wyoming Territory in 1885. Joseph Young, American by birth but Chinese in heritage, lives with his ostracized father in a mining camp; Michael Purdy, who lives in the nearby town with his unmarried mother, is an outsider because he is a bastard. The boys accidentally meet in a cave filled with fossils and become friends. When the railroad sets out to replace the Western miners with Chinese workers, hatred and resentment explodes in a massacre of the Chinese. The overlong novel has an obvious message, but the short chapters read quickly, and readers will become involved through the first-person voices that capture each boy's feelings of being an outsider and a traitor. An afterword documents the history and a concluding chapter outlines the Golden Mountain Chronicles, noting that the ninth and final is yet to come. This story of prejudice can stand alone, but it will certainly lead readers back to other titles in the series, which reflect Chinese experiences in China and America from 1849-1995. Julie CumminsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedThe well-drawn history is fascinating and the plight of the boys as outsiders will appeal to young adolescent readers. (The Horn Book); Title: The Traitor: Golden Mountain Chronicles: 1885
|
[
961,
987
] |
Test
|
941 | 2 |
Looking through this reassuring beginning reader is like taking a nostalgic stroll through a miniature Norman Rockwell painting. The quiet poems and etched pen-and-ink drawings from this team, previously paired for I Like to Be Little, seem vaguely familiar children huddle in yellow raincoats under an umbrella, ride bareback on a brown farm horse or watch stars on the porch of a Victorian house. The images hark back to an uncomplicated childhood in which mothers hang out the wash on a windy day and desks have no computers. Zolotow filters each poem through the lens of a child's sense of wonder, as she describes a cat as "a furry purry lovely/ mystery" or the "special kind of quiet" that accompanies the first snow of the season. The tranquil simplicity of the verses is particularly suitable for struggling new readers. The poet captures the ineffable promise of things to come in "The Crickets" that "fill the night/ with their voices / It is like/ a message/ in another language/ spoken to a part/ of me/ who hasn't/ happened yet." Loosely organized around the seasons, the book is liberally plumped up with everyday poems about birthdays, anger, grownups, parents and more. Blegvad's landscapes gleam with the colors of the seasons and provide an ideal accompaniment for Zolotow's gentle, comforting verses. Ages 4-8. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-3-Two old favorites strut their signature stuff in this collection for somewhat-beyond beginning readers. Divided into the four seasons, Zolotow's 40 poems, often in a child's first-person voice, are brief (4-17 lines), evocative reflections on and responses to the natural world, but they also tap feelings that children experience regardless of the season. "I'm mad at my mother and she at me"; "It's no fun days I've done something mean." The large type and short lines, the leading, the choice of words, and the lyrical repetition all make the text inviting to independent readers. Using concrete language and images for the most part, the poems occasionally venture into the abstract: "a message in another language spoken to a part of me who hasn't happened yet," which may extend their appeal to somewhat older children. Featuring youngsters in charming country settings, Blegvad's precise ink drawings are washed with a delicate full-color palette and reinforce the quiet, thoughtful mood of the selections. The winsome (if a bit generic) children are by turns pensive, inquisitive, joyous, or secretly smiling. There are several other collections of seasonal poetry available, of course, but none so attractively designed with early readers and their emotional world in mind.Nancy Palmer, The Little School, Bellevue, WACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Seasons: A Book of Poems
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[
47357
] |
Train
|
942 | 1 |
The popular hero of Harry the Dirty Dog does his best to be rid of Grandmothers birthday presenta silly green sweater with yellow roses. Will bring laughter and sympathy. Recommended for all picture book collections. SLJ.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: No Roses for Harry! (Harry the Dog)
|
[
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15306,
23229,
26031,
33380,
36722,
54856,
55036,
65067,
69561
] |
Test
|
943 | 1 |
Grade 5-8. Drawing upon her knowledge of wolf behavior, Eskimo culture, and Alaska, George continues the story of Kapu, the splendid male pup Julie nursed back to life in Julie of the Wolves (HarperCollins, 1972). This third adventure chronicles six years in the life of Kapu and his pack family. The animals are convincingly depicted with such respect and affection that readers will feel as though they too are in the wild rooting for the pack in times of famine, admiring Sweet Fur Amy whose unusual leadership abilities enable her to become an Alpha female, and feeling anger when Kapu is captured for research. The book is divided into three parts that suit the episodic plotting style; the strongest segment occurs in the middle when a lone female infected with rabies joins the pack, threatening the lives of its members. The writing is laden with natural descriptions and keen observations, some of which interrupt the story's flow, but this rich detail is also the book's strength. The perspective of the wolves is effectively maintained, but their encounters with hunters, veterinarians, and government researchers provide a framework for the different factions that must learn to coexist if this resilient yet fragile species is to survive. Those who have enjoyed Julie's story thus far will want to read this latest encounter in which she grows up, attends college, and comes full circle back to the tundra, this time to study her beloved wolves with her new husband, Peter Sugluk.?Caroline Ward, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NYCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Completing the switch in narrative view begun in Julie (1994), the sequel to Julie of the Wolves (1972), George continues her tale of the Avalik River pack entirely from the standpoint of its members: Kapu, the young new alpha; his daughter and successor, Sweet Fur Amy; Ice Blink, a lone wolf who carries rabies--and Willow Pup Julie, who lives in town but puts in appearances to inspect new pups or perform rescues. George invests all of her characters equally with expressive language, customary patterns of behavior, distinct personalities, and rich emotional lives. The wolfpack culture is complex and thoroughly articulated; readers who follow Kapu through seasons fat and lean, births, deaths, and challenges (serious, but always bloodless) to his leadership will be as devastated as the pack is when he is trapped and removed for a scientific experiment. Working mostly offstage, Julie engineers his return, but he does not rejoin the pack. The rhythms of life on the tundra are slow ones, and the only deaths George describes explicitly are those of wolves who succumb to the contagion that Ice Blink brings; the result is a story that flows at an even, deliberate pace, without--save for the brief outbreak of rabies--much suspense or sense of danger. The wolf's-eye view will draw new readers to the books, but fans of the first books, already well-versed in wolf society, may find many of the situations repetitive. (b&w illustrations, not seen) (Fiction. 11-13) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.; Title: Julie's Wolf Pack
|
[
4912,
5708,
20983,
21069,
36637
] |
Validation
|
944 | 1 |
Laura Numeroff is the New York Times bestselling author of many books for young readers in addition to the If You Give…series, including The Chicken Sisters and Laura Numeroff’s 10-Step Guide to Living with Your Monster. She lives in Los Angeles, California, and is involved with several children’s charities, including First Book. You can visit her online at www.lauranumeroff.com.; Title: If You Give a Mouse a Brownie
|
[
885,
899,
1066,
1079,
2215,
2405,
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3675,
11979,
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28935,
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45415,
55861
] |
Train
|
945 | 1 |
In this fast-forward frolic through a kitten's first year, the artwork's meticulous and decorative style offers a pleasing counterpoint to its young subject's liveliness. Day's (The Lion's Whiskers) supple text is essentially one sentence: "A kitten/ peeks at January,/ toys with February, / dreams December,/ and wakes up a cat." British illustrator Mortimer supplies the calendar kitten with a new pose each month. Her paintings contrast the fur's soft fluffiness with the crisp, often flattened precision of the flowers and foliage. In the May scene, two rolling kittens look up from a bed of daisies that at first seem to be on one level, almost like a swath of gift wrap. The outdoor and action scenes make this book more varied--if less precious--than Mortimer's previous Cats Sleep Anywhere, and the minimalist text centers on catlike verbs (tumbles, paws, chases, etc.). While the china-pretty artwork may appeal more to adults, children will appreciate the kitten's lifelike poses and its gradual progress toward cathood. Ages 4-9. (Jan.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-This artistically rendered picture book follows the growth of a kitten through one calendar year. Double-page spreads feature paintings on one side with minimal text on the other. As each month is introduced, the kitten grows bigger, until it "-dreams December," "and wakes-a cat." The illustrations are so realistic that the hands of young listeners may reach out to pat the fuzzy, appealing animal. The backgrounds are beautifully rendered, whether depicting the print of the couch pillow or the ladybug on the poppy. The clear, realistic pictures, bright colors, short text, and the concept presented make this a great book for read-alouds.Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, ME Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: A Kitten's Year
|
[
677,
54441
] |
Train
|
946 | 0 |
Melissa Wiley, the author of the Charlotte Years and the Martha Years series, has done extensive research on early-nineteenth-century New England life. She lives in Virginia with her husband, Scott, and her daughters, Kate, Erin, and Eileen.; Title: The Road from Roxbury (Little House: the Charlotte Years)
|
[
545,
908,
909,
2351,
2361,
4435,
4439,
4465,
4477,
4499
] |
Test
|
947 | 1 |
Grade 3-4?The suits and ties he wears, the dinners he eats at a formal table, and his shopping expedition to Bergdorf's would not be at all unusual for a human, but Buddy is a gorilla. Raised from infancy by wealthy and eccentric Gertrude Lintz, he is treated as any human companion might be. He grows from an adorable toddler to a rascally adolescent; but as he matures, Gertie begins to worry and, during a trip to the 1933 World's Fair, her fears are confirmed. Sumptuous as his accommodations are, Buddy is unused to close quarters. He becomes unhappy and makes a desperate dash for freedom and the African Safari ride. Back in New York, Buddy's emerging wildness forces Gertie to make a difficult decision?but her kind heart and clever thinking find the perfect environment for Buddy and a happy ending for them all at the Philadelphia Zoo. Based on a true story, this brief chapter book first introduces the exuberant era, then dramatically sets the stage for Buddy's arrival in America, and propels readers into the fascinating Lintz household. Youngsters will empathize with Gertie, who must wistfully temper her childlike enthusiasm when faced with reality. Joyce's sepia-toned drawings are liberally sprinkled throughout the text in a family-album style and serve as visual vignettes of the period. An afterword provides additional information about the real Mrs. Lintz and Buddy; flap copy notes the recently released feature film of the same name. A captivating adventure story.?Carol Ann Wilson, Westfield Memorial Library, NJCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 4^-6, younger for reading aloud. Gertrude Lintz is getting a lot of attention these days. Those who have seen the recent movie, also entitled Buddy (for which this book is a tie-in), know that Lintz was a wealthy woman who brought a gorilla named Buddy into her already animal-filled home. Joyce is a wonderful bookmaker. The whole book has the deco feel of the 1930s in which the events took place: from the arresting cover picture featuring Buddy in a cashmere coat with Gertrude on his arm to the sepia-colored inside art to the striking typeface and design. Certainly kids will be taken by the story of a woman who treated her animals like people (right down to dressing them) and will be fascinated by what becomes of Buddy when the life of a family member is no longer right for him. The problem, however, is that there is no way to tell what events in the story actually happened. The book is "based on the true story of Gertrude Lintz," but other than an afterword, there are no sources. Even that is confusing. One of the main incidents is Buddy's escape from his pavilion at the 1933 World's Fair. Joyce says in his note, "[Lintz's apes] did in fact go to the World's Fair." But what does that mean as far as Buddy's escape goes? Fact or writer's embellishment? In a story this odd, it should be clear to the audience what's true and what isn't Ilene Cooper; Title: Buddy
|
[
51441,
51469,
51769,
51770,
51876
] |
Train
|
948 | 1 |
PreS. The large, immediate illustrations and bold text will attract young audiences to this printed version of a popular song. However, while the bears resemble stuffed toys, they are life-size and lifeless. The illustrations are flat and two dimensional. Their static nature diminishes the charm of the song and is at odds with the magical premise of the tale. The attached cassette is good reason to buy this package. Its jaunty folk rhythms and banjo picking are easy to listen to over and over again. Playing the tape while looking at the book helps liven up the reading experience. The bears do fun things on this picnic, but they don't appear to be having a good time.?Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MICopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Jerry Garcia and David Grisman met at a bluegrass show in 1964 and collaborated on a variety of projects, including their 1973 band Old and In the Way. Jerry spent over thirty years writing and playing guitar with the Grateful Dead, while David revolutionized the mandolin with his own brand of acoustic music called "dawg" (a nickname Jerry gave him), which he continues to perform with his quintet. In 1990 they formed the Garcia/Grisman band and subsequently made new recordings, including the 1993 release Not for Kids Only, on which the song "Jenny Jenkins" appears.; Title: The Teddy Bears' Picnic
|
[
1111,
8126,
36819,
45886,
47945,
54465,
54680,
65186,
69064
] |
Test
|
949 | 2 |
Sharon Creech has written twenty books for young people and is published in over twenty languages. Her books have received awards in both the U.S. and abroad, including the Newbery Medal for Walk Two Moons, the Newbery Honor for The Wanderer, and Great Britain’s Carnegie Medal for Ruby Holler.Before beginning her writing career, Sharon Creech taught English for fifteen years in England and Switzerland. She and her husband now live in Maine, “lured there by our grandchildren,” Creech says. “Moo was inspired by our mutual love of Maine and by our granddaughter’s involvement in a local 4-H program. We have all been enchanted with the charms of cows.”www.sharoncreech.com; Title: Pleasing the Ghost
|
[
1427,
2439,
2792,
4129,
42672
] |
Test
|
950 | 1 |
Joyce's (Dinosaur Bob; Santa Calls) characteristically offbeat and occasionally eerie illustrations carry the day in his latest picture book fantasy. The plot travels well-worn ground?a quest, magical intervention, triumph?as a troop of tiny doodle bugs take on the evil Spider Queen to help save an elderly woman's garden from ruin. The doodle bugs call upon the diminutive Leaf Men, "gardeners of a grand and elfin sort" who help restore the garden to its former splendor and transport a missing childhood talisman to the ailing owner. The storytelling is uneven, particularly in its pacing, and the pictures of blue-green Leaf Men, the spiky-featured Spider Queen and lavender-blue skies will not be to every reader's taste. For many, however, the paintings will almost magically invoke a host of suggestive themes: a universe of creatures whose dramas unfold, almost out of sight, on the edge of daily life; a long-lost toy that revives an aging woman's sense of her youth; and the infinite possibility that "anything could happen on a beautiful moonlit night." Ages 4-8. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 3?In a stunningly designed but flawed picture book, Joyce tells a story of the magic that can heal a garden and an elderly woman on a beautiful moonlit night. The woman loves her garden, but only vaguely remembers how miraculous it was when she was a child. Soon she, and the garden, become sickly and near death. The insects worry, but don't know how to help. The "Long-Lost Toy" advises that they seek the help of the Leaf Men. In spite of the scorn of the evil Spider Queen, a brave troop of doodle bugs volunteers to scale the tall tree and summon the Leaf Men. It is a perilous journey but the bugs succeed, the Leaf Men kill the Spider Queen, and immediately the garden starts to thrive. But only the Long-Lost Toy can help the save the woman. The Leaf Men carry the tiny metal man to her bedside; when she sees him, her memories of childhood magic and protection are rekindled and begin to heal her. This lovely book is marred by a strangely flat and remote story. The grand, eloquent tone gives urgency to the adventure but is odd in the sentimental story of the old woman. The powerful paintings are full of mystery, but are not strong enough to carry an uneven plot that has questionable child appeal.?Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public LibraryCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs
|
[
7455,
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51770,
51777,
51786,
51876,
52463,
55297,
74928,
74967
] |
Validation
|
951 | 0 |
"Bright, stylish.... Manning tricks out her characters in dazzling modern cowboy dress." -- --Kirkus ReviewsOnce there was a rancher who married for his second wife the orneriest woman west of the Mississippi. She was meaner than a rattlesnake, and she had two daughters who were the spitting image of her. The rancher also had a daughter, who was just as sweet and gentle as could be. Her name was Cindy Ellen.Cindy Ellen is one of the best cowgirls for miles around, but her mean old stepmother and stepsisters make sure she does nothing but dirty work around the ranch all day long. When the biggest Cattle King for miles around sends out an invitation for a two-day rodeo celebration, it's time for a fast-talkin' Fairy Godmother to teach Cindy Ellen a little something about gumption. After Cindy Ellen lassoes first place at the rodeo and ties up the heartstrings of Joe Prince, all she has to do is gallop home before midnight. The classic tale resumes when what's left behind is one diamond spur, and one prince's determination to find the cowgirl it fits.; Title: Cindy Ellen: A Wild Western Cinderella
|
[
1829,
4577,
4646,
5413,
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46876,
46919,
52454,
55383,
61153
] |
Test
|
952 | 1 |
Kindergarten-Grade 3. A clever, creative, and funny picture book from Australia. A laconic text tells of frizzy-haired Amanda's ordinary day while hilarious illustrations belie every word. Her alarm at 6:30 a.m. is a stout Oriental potentate striking a huge gong; she is driven to school by "the oldest person on the block," an elderly dinosaur in a dress; her science teacher is a huge, bug-eyed insect; "lunch from the cafeteria" consists of a banquet table with a butler dispensing immense hamburgers; her mother's off-road vehicle is an elephant. There's more inventive fun on every bold, double-page spread. Amanda, her family, and her schoolmates are unfazed by all these marvels, maintaining deadpan facial expressions at all times. The brightly colored artwork cleverly combines expressive, slightly caricatured humans with crisply realistic backgrounds and creatures.?Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Just Another Ordinary Day (32 pp.; $14.95; PLB $14.89; May 11, 1997; 0-06-027666-5; PLB 0-06-027667-3): Tongue so firmly in cheek that it may take a surgical procedure to get it out, an Australian cartoonist puts wild spins on the events of young Amanda's ``typical'' day, as she rises to her alarm (a shirtless genie whaling on a gong), catches a ride to school with an elderly (in fact, a dinosaur) neighbor, listens to the tentacled, three-eyed new girl tell stories of her home ``in a land far far away,'' and, later that evening, cuddles up with a book and her huge ``cat,'' a lion named Fluffy. The text's casual, poker-faced tone contrasts deliciously with the array of monsters in cleverly skewed surroundings, all rendered with loving attention to detail. Inspired silliness. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.; Title: Just Another Ordinary Day
|
[
4625,
41946
] |
Test
|
953 | 2 |
Having suffered through a string of appalling foster homes (the spitting Cranbepps; scary, toothless Mr. Dreep who locked them in his cellar; and the mean Burgerton boys), 13-year-old orphan Dallas and his twin sister, Florida, have pretty much given up on ever finding a happy home. So when an eccentric older couple enters their lives, providing such adventures as a river expedition, a treasure hunt (of sorts), and a whole lot of remarkable meals: "beat-the-blues broccoli," "anti-cranky crumpets," and "getting-used-to-kids- again stew," the twins take a while to warm up. Florida's language teems with outrageous, telling negativity--everything is "putrid"--and even dreamy Dallas is inclined to bouts of doubt. But warm up they do, to the continual delight of readers of all ages.Sharon Creech, author of Newbery Medal winner Walk Two Moons and Newbery Honor book The Wanderer, is in fine form with her hilarious yet poignant novel about downtrodden siblings who refuse to be squished altogether. The perfectly happy ending is somewhat predictable, but readers who have fallen in love with each quirky character won't mind a bit. (Ages 8 to 13) --Emilie CoulterGrades 4-6--Orphaned twins Dallas and Florida have resigned themselves to living within the confines of the Boxton Creek Home for Children. It's a loveless existence. The Trepids, owners and "rule enforcers" of the home, target the brother and sister at every opportunity and all of the prospective adoptive parents have returned them to the orphanage. Eventually the children are sent to act as temporary companions to an eccentric older couple who live in Ruby Holler, and there they find love and acceptance. While the plot is predictable, the story weaves in an interesting mix of mystery, adventure, and humor, along with age-old and modern problems. Creech does a fine job of developing the unique personalities and the sibling relationship, and the children's defense mechanisms (Dallas's dreamy escapism and Florida's aggression) figure prominently in the interplay among the characters. The text is lively and descriptive with an authentic, if somewhat mystical, rural ambience. This entertaining read from a first-rate author will not disappoint Creech's many fans.Robyn Ryan Vandenbroek, Elgin Court Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, CanadaCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Ruby Holler
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Test
|
954 | 8 |
PreSchool-Grade 2. A plump, rosy-cheeked Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, her bun held in place with a knitting needle and pencil, half glasses sitting on her nose, inhabits this picture-book adaptation of one of Betty MacDonald's popular stories about the legendary child-loving, bad-habit-curing matron who lives in an upside-down house. When Patsy Brown suddenly refuses to take her bath, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle advises her parents to leave her alone until enough dirt accumulates to allow them to plant radish seeds on her forehead, arms, and hands. The resulting plants that sprout a few days later convince Patsy that baths are necessary after all. The text is quite faithful to the original, although the father's voice has been completely eliminated. Whatley's large cartoons, rendered in watercolor, are filled with whimsical touches such as upside-down tulips and lamp in Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's strange house, and Patsy's doll who changes outfits as her mistress does and gets progressively dirty as well. Patsy, a vision in dirt and budding leaves, is sufficiently gross to delight youngsters. The endpapers feature Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and her pets, and the sly grin on the cat's face prepares readers for her silly pranks on the dog. Joan Elizabeth Goodman's Bernard's Bath (Boyds Mills, 1996), about another reluctant bather, would make a fine story-hour companion.?Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community-Technical College, CTCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's Won'T-Take-A-Bath Cure (Mrs. Piggle-wiggle Adventures)
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[
45725
] |
Train
|
955 | 11 |
Climo's (The Egyptian Cinderella; The Irish Cinderlad) adaptation of this Arabian Nights myth offers a capricious twist on the Cinderella story. In preparation for a No Ruz (New Year) celebration at the Royal Palace, Settareh and her stepsisters go to the bazaar to choose cloth for gowns. Settarah, however, gives alms to a beggar and buys a curious blue jug instead. But inside the jug is a pari, or fairy, who grants her wish for a gown. She captures the attentions of the prince, and a lost diamond bangle fallen from her ankle provides the clue to her whereabouts. On the day of Settareh's anticipated wedding to the Prince, the jealous stepsisters seek vengeance and usurp the magical powers of the pari. They fasten Settareh's hair with enchanted hairpins to transform her into a turtledove. But Prince Mehrdad's affections remain steadfast, and it is he who breaks the spell. Historical details in both the verse and illustrations readily transport readers to 15th-century Persia. "Carpets woven in jewel like colors brightened the walls, and the scent of ginger and cinnamon from the Indies and perfumed oils from Egypt hung in the air." Pomegranate trees, jasmine flowers and other Persian botanicals adorn Florczak's (The Rainbow Bridge; Birdsong) effervescent landscapes framed with intricate borders. The characters, however, often appear to be pasted on, lending them a hyperrealistic quality. Still, the exotic setting and cultural details make this one of interest to any collector of Cinderella tales. Ages 5-9. (May) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 4-After giving most of her money to a beggar, young Settareh spends her last coins on a cracked jug instead of purchasing fabric for a new dress to wear to the prince's celebrations. Resigned to remaining home, she discovers that the pot is inhabited by a pari that is able to grant her every wish. She attends the festival, catches the eye of the prince, leaves behind a diamond ankle bracelet, and is found by the queen. Settareh unwisely reveals the secret of the jug to her stepsisters, who steal it and instruct it to get rid of the young woman. The jug self-destructs, leaving behind six jeweled hairpins that, once placed in Settareh's hair, turn her into a turtledove. When the grieving prince befriends the bird, he finds the pins and pulls them out, thus restoring his beloved. The story is well told, although the drama, and hence the pace, is somewhat subdued. The narrative reads smoothly and majestically and Climo explains her choices in a source note. Florczak's sumptuous illustrations have jewel-like tones that glow against the brownline-paper background, and traditional designs decorate the text. The illustrations are realistic and appealing, although in one scene, Settareh is wearing a blue veil with her face exposed when the text specifies that she and the other women draped themselves in black to conceal their faces. Despite this minor flaw, this is a suitable complement to Climo's other "Cinderella" stories.Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Persian Cinderella
|
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Validation
|
956 | 2 |
Grade 3-6This conclusion of the Sarah, Plain and Tall stories gathers the whole cast of characters for a prairie wedding. Changes in the family are reflected in the changing times; Papa goes to town to buy a car to transport his guests. Fourth-grade Cassie narrates the tale of welcoming the relatives and preparing the celebration for her sister, Anna. But her focus isn't on the bride and groom. Partly, she ponders why people would want to get married; her dream companion would be one of her dogs. She closely observes Grandfather and Jack, the oldest and youngest members of the family. Their special bond shows up in the way Jack talks, walks, and behaves like Grandfather. Cassie observes how Grandfather is preparing for death. Even the sad ending highlights the story's overall theme of family ties as they weave through generations. MacLachlan maneuvers the reminders of previous plots fairly gracefully, allowing the book to stand on its own. As before, her beautifully straightforward language reflects the manner of the hardworking people of the Great Plains. Although at a reading level for early chapter-book readers, this story's themes make it appropriate as well for upper elementary readers.Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 4-6. A prairie wedding and then a funeral bring together extended family and friends in the fifth and final volume in the historical fiction series that started with the exquisite Newbery Medal Book Sarah Plain and Tall (1985). Once again, heartwarming is the word for the story, which is always true to a child's viewpoint. The narrator here is Sarah's daughter, Cassie, a fourth-grader in the prairie school of six pupils, and the core drama is the close, teasing bond between Cassie's little brother, Jack, and their stubborn, cranky grandfather, whose health is failing. For newcomers to the series, the large cast that gathers for the wedding may be hard to keep straight, but the plainspoken dialogue, especially between Grandfather and Jack, is elemental, and the warm, quiet story of love and grief will send readers back to the other books in the touching saga. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Grandfather's Dance (Sarah, Plain and Tall)
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Train
|
957 | 2 |
Grade 3–6—Based on conversations with his father and hundreds of pages of family interviews from the archives at Angel Island, Yep's story tells of his father's trip to America. In 1922, 10-year-old Gim Lew Yep is horrified to learn that he is to accompany his father when he returns and must prepare for the interview at Angel Island, an intensive examination about the minute details of his village and family in China. A nervous child, Gim always forgets to use his right hand instead of his left, and, worst of all, he stutters when he's anxious. Furthermore, he is heartsick over leaving his home and family. Told in Gim's very convincing voice, the tale captures the profound loss he feels at leaving his home as well as his determination to make his father proud of him. Though the book is easy to read, it is more complex than Li Keng Wong's Good Fortune: My Journey to Gold Mountain (Peachtree, 2006), another story for the same age group. Yep raises many issues about both Chinese immigration and the immigrant experience in general: Who am I? Where do I belong? How can I balance the duality of my life? Why do people treat others this way? The photograph of Gim Lew in his Western clothes shows a very real sadness and anxiety that are common to anyone leaving family and country behind as they journey to a new life, and Yep captures this beautifully in this brief fictionalized account.—Barbara Scotto, Children's Literature New England, Brookline, MA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Yeps many fine books about the Chinese American experience include his Newbery Honor Dragonwings (1975). Now in a dramatic blend of fact and fiction, Laurence Yep and his niece draw on family stories, immigration records, and memories of Laurences own conversations to tell his dads story of coming to America at age 10 with his Chinese American dad. Each chapter begins with a simple question to his dad: Were you sad when you left your village? Were you nervous about America? The answers personalize the young immigrants heart-wrenching leaving, the journey over, the racism, and climax of the rigorous interview at Angel Island, where Yeps father faces the threat of being refused entry to America. Tension builds and secrets are revealed as his father practices for the Test, tries not to act nervous, and hides his left-handedness and his stammer. With family photos, a historical note, and a long bibliography, this stirring narrative will spark readers own search for roots. Grades 3-6. --Hazel Rochman; Title: The Dragon's Child: A Story of Angel Island
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[
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] |
Train
|
958 | 2 |
Always the quiet (and often forgotten) middle child in a bustling family, Zinnia's life begins to change when she stumbles upon a hidden, overgrown pathway that stretches from the edge of her family's farm into the great unknown. Determined to find where the path leads, Zinnia begins the daunting task of uncovering brambles and weeds along every inch of its length. In powerful, honest, down-home prose, Newbery-winner Sharon Creech delivers a dazzling portrait of a girl who's not afraid to journey into her family's mysterious past in order to find her own way into adulthood. Watching Zinnia bloom will warm your heart.Grade 5-8. Creech returns to Appalachia in this story of 13-year-old Zinny, a middle child struggling to find and accept herself plus look for a way to come to terms with the death of her beloved Aunt Jessie and her feelings of responsibility for that death. The novel revolves around an old overgrown trail that Zinny discovers and proceeds to resurrect. Meanwhile, her admirer, Jake Boone, is persistent about bringing her presents yet fails to convince her he is not really after her sister, May, as so many other boys have been. Uncle Nate seems to be losing touch with reality after his wife's death, and guilt rooted in the past resurfaces to confuse Zinny, who comes to feel that the trail she is uncovering will somehow bring sanity, safety, and a sense of identity to her life. It does, but in ways she could never have predicted. The journey for Zinny and readers is intriguing, delightful, and touching. Reminiscent of many novels about the rural South with wonderfully quirky characters and a focus on the setting of the natural world, this story seems much fresher and tangibly more in the present than most. Not as complex as Creech's Walk Two Moons (HarperCollins, 1994), there is still plenty to discuss such as the symbolism of the redbird in the title and the ethical issues surrounding Jake's gifts and Zinny's mistrust of his affection for her.?Carol A. Edwards, Minneapolis Public LibraryCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Chasing Redbird
|
[
524,
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Train
|
959 | 2 |
PreSchool-Grade 2-In three previous books, Mrs. Madoff's class celebrated Halloween and Thanksgiving and participated in show-and-tell. Now, the children are introducing their family's careers to their classmates. One mother is a judge, a grandmother is the school crossing guard, and the teacher's husband is a paleontologist. A father is a construction worker, a mom is a nurse, and another mother is a veterinarian. Each profession is depicted on a double-page spread; a page showing the curious child with the family member is opposite a full-page picture of the contented adult at work. The text is written in a large font, which makes it easy to read, and the colorful pictures are equally appealing. Useful for units on careers and community helpers.Wendy S. Carroll, Montclair Cooperative School, NJ Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc."Children will find much to talk about and relate to their own holiday fun." -- ALA Booklist"Mrs. Madoff's classroom is a charmed place...." -- Kirkus Reviews"Useful for units on careers and community helpers." -- --School Library Journal, July 14, 2000; Title: Career Day
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] |
Validation
|
960 | 0 |
Gr. 3^-5. When a tornado is sighted, a boy's family rushes to the storm cellar. Anxious about the father, who's still in the cornfield, they listen to the storm overhead and to the stories related by their farmhand, Pete, about Tornado, the dog he knew and loved as a boy. Framed by the progress of the current twister, the five interior chapters are Tornado tales. The first concerns a storm that blew the dog and his doghouse into Pete's life; another tells of Tornado's dealings with a cat; yet another relates the dog's ability to do a card trick. One full-page, shaded pencil drawing appears in each chapter. The episodes are fairly short and the print large. The handsome illustrations by Doron Ben-Ami give the volume a more distinguished, less juvenile look than the typical chapter book and convey the story's drama, warmth, and occasional humor. Parents and teachers will find this an excellent book to read aloud, and dog lovers of any age will find it irresistible. Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.; Title: Tornado
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Validation
|
961 | 0 |
Grade 5 Up—As a person of Chinese ancestry who dares to venture beyond the confines of his own ethnic enclave, Calvin "Flash" Chin, a recent high-school graduate, finds the America of 1939 to be a dangerous place. Persuaded by a couple of fast-talking recruiters to join a barnstorming basketball team composed entirely of Chinese Americans, he leaves the safety of San Francisco's Chinatown to travel with his teammates to small towns throughout the West, playing against the local talent. The stories that Calvin has heard of violence against previous generations of Chinese workers are never far from his mind, and he learns firsthand that unthinking, knee-jerk hostility toward all outsiders is still very much a part of the American landscape. Prejudice both crude and subtle is pervasive, as is the threat of violence. Neither the natural beauty of the land nor the joy of athletic competition ever completely dispels the atmosphere of menace. Calvin, straddling two cultures, draws comfort and solace from his heritage even as he explicitly rejects the spirit of interconnectedness that animates his elders' worldview. Readers with a taste for sports history will enjoy the fact-based account of the hardscrabble existence of Depression-era barnstorming teams. A worthy addition to this important series.—Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.The acclaimed author of several interconnected novels about Chinese American life that take place in various historical eras, adds to his Golden Mountain Chronicles cycle with this story of an itinerant basketball team in the late 1930s. Calvin (Flash) Chin and his friend Barney Young leave San Francisco and go on the road with four other Chinese American players. The Great Depression, Japans invasion of China, the Phoney War in Europe, a bounty of ethnic prejudices, and the young mens own personalities are woven together to form an authentic backdrop against which Yep draws scenes of hard-played ball. The games, played against a range of opponents, from poor western farm boys to the Harlem Globetrotters, are fast-paced and often less than clean. Several of the incidents referred to by minor characters here, such as a mining event in Wyoming, have formed the basis for other novels in this cycle. As always, Yeps history is impeccable; now hes written an episode with appeal to basketball fans as well. Grades 6-9. --Francisca Goldsmith; Title: Dragon Road: Golden Mountain Chronicles: 1939
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[
528,
940,
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] |
Train
|
962 | 2 |
"An enchanting picture book with winsome illustrations and a text in which there is humor and a real sympathy for the maneuvering of the reluctantly retiring young."--" Bulletin of the Center forChildren's Books""Anyone who has ever put a little one to bed will find this delightfully familiar, and the children themselves will enjoy the gentle humor and coziness of the story."--" School Library Journal""Here is the coziest, most beguiling bedtime story in many a day."--" The Kirkus Reviews"(Pointer reviews)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: Bedtime for Frances
|
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] |
Test
|
963 | 0 |
Grade 4-6-Mary O'Shea, first introduced in Once on This Island (HarperCollins, 1995), leaves Michilmackinac in 1816 to visit her sister and brother-in-law in London. En route, she meets the dashing and handsome James Lindsay, a midshipman and painter on the ship who is really a duke. They fall in love, and Mary is torn between marrying him and beginning a new life in England, or returning to America to her father and the island farm she has loved all her life. Strong feelings for one's family heritage are clearly evoked through the heroine's first-person narrative. Mary is an independent and courageous character, especially on her voyage to England, where she proves herself to be an excellent sailor. Vivid descriptions of Michilmackinac and its simple beauty juxtaposed with crowded, cosmopolitan England create a strong sense of both locales. Mary's hard-working existence on her farm is also juxtaposed with the rigors of tradition and proper behavior in English society. Adventure, romance, and history blend nicely to create a well-rounded story that cries for yet another sequel.Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NYCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gloria Whelan makes history vibrant in this novel which begins on Mackinac Island in 1816. The main character, Mary, travels across the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean to visit her sister who is married to an Englishman. To say that Mary has spunk is an understatement. She practically runs the ship on the voyage to England. In the end, Mary must choose between two countries. In this sequel to Once on This Island, Whelan reveals her characteristic appreciation for history, the environment, and diverse cultures. -- From Parents' Choice; Title: Farewell to the Island
|
[
910,
1074
] |
Test
|
964 | 1 |
Garth Williams is the renowned illustrator of almost one hundred books for children, including the beloved Stuart Littleby E. B. White,Bedtime for Francesby Russell Hoban, and the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.He was born in 1912 in New York City but raised in England. He founded an art school near London and served with the British Red Cross Civilian Defense during World War II. Williams worked as a portrait sculptor, art director, and magazine artist before doing his first bookStuart Little, thus beginning a long and lustrous career illustrating some of the best known children's books.In addition to illustrating works by White and Wilder, he also illustrated George Seldens The Cricket in Times Square and its sequels (Farrar Straus Giroux). He created the character and pictures for the first book in the Frances series by Russell Hoban (HarperCollins) and the first books in the Miss Bianca series by Margery Sharp (Little, Brown). He collaborated with Margaret Wise Brown on her Little Golden Books titles Home for a Bunny and Little Fur Family, among others, and with Jack Prelutsky on two poetry collections published by Greenwillow: Ride a Purple Pelican and Beneath a Blue Umbrella. He also wrote and illustrated seven books on his own, including Baby Farm Animals (Little Golden Books) and The Rabbits Wedding (HarperCollins).; Title: The Rabbits' Wedding
|
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Train
|
965 | 2 |
"I am not always such a dreamy girl, listening to the sea calling me. My father calls me Three-sided Sophie: one side is dreamy and romantic; one is logical and down-to-earth; and the third side is hardheaded and impulsive." Thirteen-year-old Sophie, skipping between "dreamland or earthland or muleland," hears the sea calling her. Much to the concern of her adopted parents, she decides to join her uncles and male cousins on a sailing voyage from Connecticut across the Atlantic to England (and her grandfather Bompie) on a 45-foot sailboat. Not only does she want to make the trip, she feels she has to.This perilous cross-Atlantic journey will make young readers feel the wind in their hair and the salt spray on their face. Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech (Walk Two Moons) describes the sailing experience with astonishing precision--from the smell of the sea to the intricate workings of The Wanderer itself.Along the way, Sophie proves her bravery and competence to the rather grumpy all-male crew; intrigues and captivates her cousin Cody with her beautiful, odd stories of Bompie that always somehow end in underwater disaster and apple pie; and spills her heart into a daily journal. Readers get another angle on her, too, as Cody keeps a log that alternates with hers. He grows to know, and like, and wonder about, his new cousin Sophie along with the reader, and as her mysterious past reveals itself bit by bit, we are all right there on the edge of our seats, ready for the boom to crash over to the other side.Sophie's adventures take her not only straight into perilous waves higher than buildings, but deep into her hidden past. This profound, suspenseful novel will pull you into its swift current and barely let you surface for breath. (Ages 9 to 13) --Karin SnelsonLike Creech's Walk Two Moons and Chasing Redbird, this intimate novel poetically connects journey with self-discovery. When 13-year-old Sophie learns that her three uncles and two male cousins plan to sail across the Atlantic to visit the uncles' father, Bompie, in England, she begs to go along. Despite her mother's protests and the men's misgivings, Sophie joins the "motley" crew of the 45-foot The Wanderer and soon proves herself a worthy sailor. The novel unfolds through travel logs, predominantly penned by Sophie (with intermittent musings from her clownish cousin, Cody) that trace each leg of the eventful voyage; each opens with a handsome woodblock-like print by Diaz (Smoky Night). The teens' insightful observations reveal the frailties of both the boat and its six passengers, whose fears and regrets anchor them down. Sophie, who was adopted just three years ago, proves the most complicated and mysterious of all the characters; her ambivalent feelings about the sea ("The sea, the sea, the sea. It rolled and rolled and called to me... but some said I was too young and the sea was a dangerous temptress...") correlate to a repressed memory of a tragic accident. Stories Sophie tells about Bompie, as well as clever throwaway bits (such as the brothers' given names: Ulysses, Jonah and Moses), temper the novel's more serious undercurrents. Creech once again captures the ebb and flow of a vulnerable teen's emotional life, in this enticing blend of adventure and reflection. Ages 8-12. (Mar.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Wanderer
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Train
|
966 | 11 |
From Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, in early fall, to Shavuot, celebrating the first harvest of the spring and the accepting of the Torah, Dance, Sing, and Remember offers an engaging, colorful introduction to the moods and meanings of a variety of Jewish holidays. Leslie Kimmelman invites readers to honor 11 of these special days by learning what each one is about and how it is observed. Kimmelman's warm, accessible writing provides enough background information for anyone--Jewish or not--who wants to understand why a sukkah (hut) is built in the backyard during Sukkot, or when the shofar (long, twisty horn) is blown, or how to play the dreidel (spinning top) game. Ora Eitan's unusual and appealing illustrations appear framed in white, and superimposed on full spreads of background color and patterns. Perhaps most intriguing of all is the two-page spread for Yom Hashoah, the sad and serious day in which Jewish people remember the Holocaust, the Shoah. Grainy gray turns to a solid black backdrop, with a small silhouette of a bird flying off a corner of the page. Most of the other illustrations are full of light and color, so this contrast is especially striking. Incorporating recipes, activities, music, and stories, this lovely picture book provides a window to the idea that "every holiday is a way of remembering, a way of connecting children to their parents and grandparents and to their parents and grandparents--all the way back to the very first Jews." (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie CoulterPreSchool-Grade 1-Visually delightful, thorough, and charming, this book is wonderfully written, simple yet informative, inviting children to learn about their heritage without overwhelming them. Kimmelman includes not only traditional religious holidays, but also those more recently developed such as Yom Ha-atzma'ut (Israeli Independence Day) and Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), which she handles with quiet sensitivity. Accompanying the explanation of each holiday is a supplemental activity or story that enhances the enjoyment and understanding of the day. However, what makes this book such a treasure are the richly toned, stylized illustrations, boxed in white and set against appropriately themed pastel wallpaper backgrounds. From the rabbi blowing the shofar on Yom Kippur to the little boy proudly reciting the Four Questions for Passover, each holiday is represented with clarity, playfulness, and warmth. A splendid choice for all collections.Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los Angeles Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Dance, Sing, Remember: A Celebration of Jewish Holidays
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Train
|
967 | 7 |
Kindergarten-Grade 4. The main question one must ask is why these picture-book renditions of C. S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe are needed. The stories are adapted, simplified, and boxed on each page, with full-color, double-page spreads done in a painterly, realistic technique. These illustrations are given more importance than the texts, which provide just the bare bones of the plot. However, the pictures, as well executed as they are, nevertheless constrain the imagination. And the narratives pale as introductions to Lewis's exquisite prose and his much greater ability to tell a story with subtlety, symbolism, and nuance. Audio versions of Lewis's originals are far better choices, especially for those unable to take on Lewis's prose so early in their reading careers.?Ruth K. MacDonald, Bay Path College, Longmeadow, MACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954, when he was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and have been transformed into three major motion pictures.Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) fue uno de los intelectuales ms importantes del siglo veinte y podra decirse que fue el escritor cristiano ms influyente de su tiempo. Fue profesor particular de literatura inglesa y miembro de la junta de gobierno en la Universidad Oxford hasta 1954, cuando fue nombrado profesor de literatura medieval y renacentista en la Universidad Cambridge, cargo que desempe hasta que se jubil. Sus contribuciones a la crtica literaria, literatura infantil, literatura fantstica y teologa popular le trajeron fama y aclamacin a nivel internacional. C. S. Lewis escribi ms de treinta libros, lo cual le permiti alcanzar una enorme audiencia, y sus obras an atraen a miles de nuevos lectores cada ao. Sus ms distinguidas y populares obras incluyen Las Crnicas de Narnia, Los Cuatro Amores, Cartas del Diablo a Su Sobrino y Mero Cristianismo.; Title: Edmund and the White Witch (The World of Narnia)
|
[
977,
989
] |
Test
|
968 | 0 |
Hooks (The Ballad of Belle Dorcas) invites readers into the home of a humble family of shepherds in this unusual holiday/horticultural legend. When Dorothy clandestinely follows her much-older brothers to Bethlehem to greet the Christ Child, she worries that she has no gift worthy of the babe. An angel calms Dorothy's anxiety, pointing her to beautiful white flowers growing miraculously nearby. Jesus' hand touches Dorothy's offering of blossoms, tinting them with a blush of pink; the flowers are forever known as Christmas roses. Lyrical descriptions, reverent but always personable, and unusually warm, dynamic oil portraits make this a wonderful choice for family sharing. Ages 5-9. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.The plant Helleborus niger, long used for its medicinal properties, became known as the Christmas Rose in a legend involving Christ's birth. In Hooks' lovely and fresh version, Dorothy, the little sister of three grown shepherds, desperately wants to see the newborn. Despite being forbidden to go, she follows her brothers, who, having heard from heavenly angels the news about the baby, take their prize lamb as a gift. Suddenly Dorothy realizes she has no present for the baby. When she begins to cry, an angel appears waving a small white flower, and soon the ground is blanketed with the little flowers. These Dorothy carries to Jesus, who is pleased and touches them, turning them pale pink. Williams' glorious paintings, stunning in their realism and rich with light and shadow, will very likely make this delightful book a Christmas favorite. An author's note is appended. Shelley Townsend-Hudson; Title: The Legend of the Christmas Rose
|
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Train
|
969 | 2 |
Progressing through a series of brilliantly colored die-cut pages, a bad-tempered braggart becomes a nicer, happier, better-behaved bug. This "visual delight ... can readily be used to discuss manners and social behavior."--The Reading Teacher. The arrangement of the book also introduces concepts of comparative size and telling time. (Picture book.) -- HarperCollinsIt's the Grouchy Ladybug's 20th birthday. To celebrate, we are introducing a new, larger format edition with brighter, more colorful pages created from Eric Carle's original artwork using the latest reproduction technology. The Grouchy Ladybug is bigger and brigher, as irascible but irresistable as ever and will surely delight new generations of readers, as well as her devoted fans of all ages. Happy Birthday, Grouchy Ladybug!; Title: The Grouchy Ladybug (World of Eric Carle)
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Test
|
970 | 0 |
Turner (Dust for Dinner) takes readers to a Civil War battlefield in this disturbing picture book narrated by an idealistic 13-year-old. The premise is much the same as that of Gary Paulsen's novel Soldier's Heart (reviewed July 20); unfortunately, the lessons may be too complex for a picture book audience, at least in this treatment. The narrator, a farm boy, has liked Lincoln ever since he gave a speech in the boy's town, and sometime after war breaks out (no specific time or place is given) the memory of that encounter inspires him to join up. He also wants to free the slaves. Lying about his age, he is enlisted as a drummer boy, asked to march with the troops and "raise a tune for our men in battle." In the heat of bloody confrontation, the boy witnesses the atrocities of war. He holds the hand of a mortally wounded soldier "until his eyes stopped seeing." Poetic turns of phrase further describe how grim reality quickly dims a boy's bright-eyed patriotism. But there are problems here. The passage about slavery seems tacked on, the boy never feels fully real and the most interesting information about drummer boys is relegated to an afterword. The ending misfires: the boy bitterly blames Lincoln for making him "see things no boy should ever see." Hess's (Hercules: The Man, the Myth, the Hero) atmospheric, dramatic scenes capture period touches as well as the serenity of rural life and the action of combat. But he, too, stumbles: while all of the other scenes are carefully lit and detailed, a view of slave quarters is so muddy and imprecise that a slave woman looks shockingly misshapen and simian. Well intended but off the mark. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 2-4-After hearing Lincoln speak, a 13 year old is mesmerized by the president's powerful presence and runs away to join the Union Army as a drummer boy. After a quick acceptance by the army, he eagerly dons his uniform and learns how to handle his instrument. The battle scenes are frightening but not terribly gory. The unnamed youngster is understandably disturbed as he witnesses his first deaths. He does not become hardened to the sadness, but he does learn to cope and do his job, relaying orders with his drumbeats and masking some of the agonized battle sounds. Two portraits frame the story. In the first, he is an innocent-looking farm boy wearing a straw hat, a small, anticipatory smile on his lips. By the end of the book, his eyes are shadowed and his mouth is set in a firm line. He has seen "things no boy should ever see." The narrative does not have the emotional pull of George Ella Lyon's Cecil's Story (Orchard, 1991) or the gut-wrenching power of Patricia Polacco's Pink and Say (Philomel, 1994). However, Turner's prose vividly relates the boy's situation in a few well-chosen words set off in small boxes. Paired with Hess's historically illuminating paintings, the result is an informative introduction to the Civil War. It would be a great resource to share with students reading fiction such as G. Clifton Wisler's Mr. Lincoln's Drummer (1995) or Red Cap (1991, both Lodestar).Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Drummer Boy: Marching to the Civil War
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[
27043,
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] |
Train
|
971 | 1 |
Kindergarten-Grade 4-Seymour Sleuth returns in another amusing adventure. Threats to a famous scientist seeking a rare plant lure the detective and his photographer sidekick to the wilds of Borneo. As in his previous outing, Seymour keeps a written account of his investigation in scrapbook style. Snapshotlike illustrations, ticket stubs, and mysterious notes share space with the sleuth's narrative, notes to himself, and occasional food spills and smudges. The text appears to be hand lettered, adding to the story's appeal and authenticity. It is nonethless easy to read with plenty of space between the lines. Cushman arranges his pages artfully, assuring that all the leads are clearly presented while the story flows smoothly around them. As before, Seymour's "Notes on the Clues" and "Notes on the Suspects" offer young readers the chance to sort out the puzzle for themselves. Humorous details abound, from Seymour's vaccination report to the characters' expressive names to the "hoof" prints taken after the culprit is unmasked. Once again, Cushman has created an entertaining story.Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.This clever mystery will really engage kids. It marks the return of famous detective Seymour Sleuth, who made his debut in The Mystery of King Karfu (1996). This time, Seymour and his sidekick, Abbott Muggs, find themselves in the rain forests of Borneo, where the great explorer Dr. Irene A. Tann is searching for the legendary Black Flower of Sumatra, which is believed to be a cure for the hiccups. Dr. Tann is receiving threatening notes, and it's up to Seymour to find the culprit. The book's pages are lined to look like notebook pages, complete with dated entries that describe the action, drawings, and physical clues. The mystery is easy to follow yet challenging, and kids will love the cast of colorful animal characters. Cushman's illustrations add to the fun, with animated jungle scenes depicting all the action. A great way to introduce or reinforce deductive reasoning. Lauren Peterson; Title: The Mystery of the Monkey's Maze (From the Casebook of Seymour Sleuth)
|
[
827,
25112
] |
Train
|
972 | 0 |
It's 1945, and 13-year-old Stephen has just reached the gates of the top secret military base in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He has come to join his father, a famous physicist who is working on a covert project for the Allies. Though his father is forbidden to discuss the project in any detail, Stephen can tell by his haunted eyes and shaking hands how worried he and the other scientists are. After a few weeks, Stephen finds that he cannot control his insatiable curiosity. Enlisting the help of his new friend Tilanov, Stephen devises a plan to discover the true nature of "the gadget." But when he finally learns what it is, he also realizes another startling truth--that he has trusted the wrong person with the information and not only his life, but the lives of all Americans, could be in terrible danger.The greatest strength of The Gadget is how Paul Zindel communicates, in clear and simple prose, how terribly uncertain many of those "in the know" were about dropping the atom bomb, and the idea that no one--not even top scientists--could really predict what the outcome would be. By combining this disconcerting notion with a rapid-fire plot and an Everyman teen protagonist, young adult veteran author Zindel has created a historical fiction that reads like a thrilling action-adventure pulp novel, except, (and this is the best part)--it's all true. Curious readers will also find a World War II chronology, bibliography, and short bios of prominent figures involved in the making of the atom bomb. (Ages 11 to 14) --Jennifer HubertGr 6-9-A suspenseful and fast-paced read. In 1944, 13-year-old Stephen is living in London amid the constant threat of German air raids that have already taken the life of his favorite cousin and soul mate. Fearing for his safety, Stephen's mother sends him by boat, then train, to join his father, an American physicist, in Los Alamos, NM. The boy's new home is on "Bathtub Row" of "Site Y," a tightly secured military base surrounded by high fences and attentive guards. Anxious to be united with his father, he is disappointed to find the man distracted and tired from working on a project he is unwilling to discuss. The mystery enveloping the base piques Stephen's curiosity and he accidentally ends up in the hospital room of a dying man who warns him about "the gadget." He is befriended by an older boy and, in a dramatic climax, they secretly follow the scientists off base and witness a horrific explosion, the first atomic bomb test on July 16, 1945, in the Jornada del Muerto Desert. In an epiphany, Stephen realizes the magnitude of this event and through his eyes, so do readers. Zindel's attention to historical accuracy is evident throughout. Unfortunately, Stephen's story is not as carefully crafted. Special circumstances and conveniences allow him to always be in the right place at the right time and a few incidents strain credibility. Overall, though, this book is an exciting introduction to the time period.-Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NYCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Gadget
|
[
6111,
6120,
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22279
] |
Test
|
973 | 0 |
PreSchool-For toddlers with an insatiable appetite for trucks, this is a perfect choice. Vehicles that crawl, roll, dig, dump, mix concrete, gobble trash, and do a multitude of other things are depicted in simple rhyming language and big, bold illustrations outlined in black. On the front and end pages are facts about different kinds of trucks that will fascinate slightly older children. A book that's similar in style to Byron Barton's Trucks (Crowell, 1986) and sure to be popular.Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NYCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Philemon Sturges was an architect and the author of several books for children, including I Love Trains!, I Love Trucks!, I Love Planes!, I Love School!, and I Love Bugs!; Title: I Love Trucks!
|
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] |
Test
|
974 | 2 |
Rockwell (illustrator of My Spring Robin; On Show and Tell Day) serves up a simple but often bland introduction to nutrition. Watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations offer close-up views of a variety of foods and introduce a cast of smiling, wide-eyed kids whose comments (presented in balloons) supplement the facts in the text. The compositions are cheerful and sometimes playful, as when a boy dressed in a skeleton costume delivers a message about the value of calcium in building and "repairing" bones. The palette, unfortunately, is muted or shadowy, so that the pictured foods never look very appetizing. The author discusses such basics as the importance of eating a balanced diet, the process of digestion, sources of various vitamins and minerals, etc. She concludes with a handful of nutritious, carefully written, kid-friendly recipes. The only other hands-on aspect of the volume is a vaguely outlined experiment "to find out where fat is hiding," which entails rubbing foods (no specific varieties are suggested) on a piece of paper and examining it for grease stains the following day. Given the book's targeted audience, Rockwell has perhaps gone too far in streamlining her information; those above the beginning-reader level may well find the tone of both the art and the text (with the exception of the recipes) somewhat babyish. Ages 5-9. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3-This picture book about healthy eating begins at the beginning: food is necessary for one's well-being and it tastes good, too. Six categories of nutrients are introduced: carbohydrates, protein, fat, water, vitamins, and minerals. Digestion is described, as is the Food Guide Pyramid. Five recipes are given at the end. The large, square format invites readers in, beginning with a bright watercolor scene of a hungry family: the dog is howling, the baby is crying in her high chair, the cranky boy is bringing in the bread, and the mother and father are doing what they can to get everyone fed. This double-page spread says much more than the four lines of descriptive text. Every bit of information is illustrated with a large or small picture, sometimes accompanied by labels or dialogue balloons. Pictures of healthy food are everywhere, prepared by and eaten with great enjoyment by a variety of people. There's an amazing amount of information packed into this inviting, clear, and valuable book.Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, MECopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Good Enough to Eat
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Train
|
975 | 2 |
A light first-person narrative and some insightful dream flashes (taken from the protagonist's journal) convey an uprooted 13-year-old's coming of age. Domenica Santolina Doone ("It's a mouthful, so most people call me Dinnie"), whose father is always in search of "the right opportunity," has already lived in 12 different cities. With her father on the road, her older brother Crick in jail and her 16-year-old sister, Stella, giving birth, it's little surprise that Dinnie is "kidnapped" by her aunt and uncle and taken from her "little New Mexico hill town" to the American School in Lugano, Switzerland, where the pair work. Tired of always being on the move, Dinnie is determined not to get attached to her newest environment ("I won't adjust! I won't adapt! I won't! I'll rebel!"), but surrounded by other "foreigners"?students from all corners of the world?she finds it easier than she had imagined to make friends. Guthrie, a classmate, helps her see a sense of possibility, or "bloomability," and to grow from her experiences. Creech (Walk Two Moons) skims the surface of Dinnie's gradual emergence from her protective "bubble" rather than delving into Dinnie's feelings about the deeper ramifications of her family's unraveling. The author tells rather than shows the poignant moments (e.g., Dinnie has no reaction when her parents forget her on Christmas; her friend Lila's vacillating moods go unexplained), which results in a reportlike view of the school year, rather than insight into the purported change in Dinnie. Some readers wishing to glimpse an adventure abroad may think this is just the ticket; however, fans of the author's previous works will likely miss her more fully realized characters. Ages 8-12. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 5-8-This honest, hopeful slice of adolescent life successfully explores how Domenica Santolina Doone, known as Dinnie, comes to terms with her past and establishes a secure identity for the future. Creech's skill at character development and subtle, effective use of metaphor shine in this first-person narrative with crisp, appropriately titled chapters. Deliberately, Creech introduces Dinnie as somewhat of a nonentity. Readers don't learn much about the specifics of her family life, only that her older sister and brother tend to get into various kinds of trouble, and that her parents are always looking for a new "opportunity" in some other town. By the second chapter, Dinnie explains that she's been "kidnapped" by her Aunt Sandy and Uncle Max, who take her with them to Switzerland to attend the school where Max is headmaster. In Dinnie's "second life" in Europe, her family continues to neglect her, forgetting even to let her know where they've relocated. Dinnie gradually adjusts to her new environment as she makes friends with other students from around the world: exuberant Guthrie; bitter Lila; and language-mangling Keisuke, who says "bloomable" when he means "possible." Together, these middle schoolers share classes and adventures, and explore ideas and emotions. As she reflects on her friends, her kind aunt and uncle, and her own vivid dreams, the youngster no longer sees herself as "Dinnie the dot in my bubble." Everyone can relate to the hard struggles of life, but, as the heroine comes to realize, the world is still full of "bloomability."-Peg Solonika, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Bloomability
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Train
|
976 | 0 |
PreKindergarten-Grade 1The subject here is ducks, and while this newly illustrated revised edition (Crowell, 1965) does examine their behavior, the primary focus is on preeningthe process by which ducks spread oil through their feathers to keep them waterproofand their search for food. The text is essentially the same as in the earlier edition except for a few minor word changes and the placement of a hands-on experiment. This edition also includes a warning against using wild bird feathers (illegal in some areas) for the experiment. The earlier edition featured illustrations by Leonard Kessler in a simple, cartoon style. This title includes watercolors that have more visual appeal and are more realistic. This is especially evident in the depiction of different duck species, which are now much more easily identifiable. A welcome addition that meets the growing demand for nonfiction titles for young readers.Arwen Marshall, New York Public Library Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.This well-designed book from the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series introduces wild ducks: their diet, swimming prowess, migration habits, and preening, which allows them to swim and dive in water and to fly through rainstorms without getting wet. The text is well focused throughout and discusses the habits of several types of wild ducks, always returning to the book's main point, "ducks don't get wet." Notable for its clarity, subtlety, and beauty, the artwork illustrates the text with precision and imagination. In a scene showing a duck pursuing fish underwater, minor gradations in the hue and brushstroke of the predominantly grayish-green watercolors indicate the speed of the diving duck as well as the depth of the water. The illustrations, pencil drawings tinted with watercolor washed and highlighted with pastels, not only show the variety of types of ducks and their activities but also the changing landscape in different seasons and at different times of day. Best of all, they inspire a sense of awe in observing nature. The last pages offer activities related to the theme as well as lists of Web sites and picture-book stories about ducks. A unusually handsome addition to a reliable series. Carolyn Phelan; Title: Ducks Don't Get Wet (Lrfo)
|
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Train
|
977 | 7 |
Clive Staples Lewis, born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1898, was Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Magdalen College, Oxford and later was Professor of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University. He wrote many books in his lifetime, but The Chronicles of Narnia are his only works for children.Deborah Maze is the illustrator of the first five World of Narnia picture books, all adapted from the original novels by C. S. Lewis. She lives with her family in Capistrano Beach, CA.; Title: The Wood Between the Worlds: Adapted from the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
|
[
967,
989
] |
Test
|
978 | 2 |
Ah, the ancient mysteries of life. Why are the popular people popular? What's different about them--what makes them special? In The Wish, award-winning author Gail Carson Levine (Ella Enchanted, Dave at Night) explores the age-old question with a simple premise: a girl who is granted one wish by an old lady on the subway wishes to be "the most popular kid at Claverford." As is the fate of many who are granted only one wish, Wilma doesn't think through her wish carefully enough. While she is now adored by boys and girls alike, she is a mere three weeks away from graduating from Claverford. At Elliott, her next school, she'll be back to her lowly, oft-ridiculed self. Tension builds for Wilma until her graduation-night dance, the night before her popularity--and maybe even her relationship with her wonderful new boyfriend--will invariably come to a screeching halt. This fun, witty, insightful novel thoroughly examines the nature of "popularity," and what it means to be true to yourself. It's not just because of the old woman's spell that Wilma ponders, "'To thine own self be true.' But who was mine own self? That's what I wanted to know." Wilma is a funny, smart, no-more-awkward-than-most character with whom young readers of all social echelons will identify completely. When her popularity runs out (and the spell does end), her true friendships remain, and she's left standing on her feet. (Ages 9 to 12) --Karin SnelsonLevine (Ella Enchanted; the Princess Tales) turns from fairy godmothers in the Brothers Grimm era to modern-day magic in this provocative meditation on what it means to be popular. Eighth-grader Wilma Sturtz is a nice New York City girl, but she's not popular--until she gives up her seat on the subway to a feeble elderly woman who grants her one wish. "I want to be the most popular kid at Claverford," Wilma tells the woman. Like many other books in this genre, the author explores the ramifications of "be careful what you wish for," adhering to the exact wording of the wish and demonstrating the fallout after graduation day. But, as always, Levine adds a refreshing twist to the fairy tale model: because Wilma has integrity, she uses her popularity to benefit others besides herself. The heroine, acutely aware of her unconditional popularity, adheres to the quote she most appreciates from Hamlet, "To thine own self be true." Because Wilma remains Wilma despite her popularity, she ultimately discovers who her true friends are when the wish's magic concludes. A flesh-and-blood supporting cast of imminently recognizable clique fixtures, as well as the unpopular outsiders whom Wilma also befriends, will offer readers much to ponder in their own lives. Ages 8-12. (May) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Wish
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Train
|
979 | 2 |
Grade 9 Up-In a modern fairy-tale world of teen-model Princesses, movie-star Prince Charmings, and adult Giants, a tiny fairyperson named Mab appears to a sad little girl who is being consumed by her mother's ambitions. Will Barbie (named for the doll) escape the voracious commercial world of beauty pageants and modeling? Can she survive the glitzy wilderness of the Los Angeles drugs-sex-money-and-fame scene to find true love and, more importantly, herself? Or will her mother's fixation on transforming Barbie into a supermodel destroy her daughter's soul? With the help of the tart-tongued, drop-dead honest, outrageously camp Mab, who is no bigger than Barbie's pinkie finger, the girl plunges into adolescence, toward the Holy Grail of autonomy. For Barbie, and other child models, one of the biggest Ogres in the path is the pedophilic photographer Hamilton Waverly. Although what he does to them is only alluded to, the spiritual, emotional, and sexual damage he causes is clearly portrayed. Fortunately, Barbie, who is 16 in part two, has Mab to push her beyond the hurt and confusion toward life and love on her own terms. In less-skilled hands, these themes could have become diatribes, but Block's vision is so honest, her understanding of human frailty so compassionate, her prose so inventive and electric that-like Mab on her impossible wings-the book takes glorious flight. Daring metaphors, a rich mix of classical and pop-culture allusions, and playful use of contemporary idioms make this book as aesthetically satisfying as it is insightful.Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.Francesca Lia Block is the acclaimed author of the Los Angeles Times best-sellers The Rose And The Beast, Violet & Claire, and Dangerous Angels: The Weetzie Bat Books, as well as I Was A Teenage Fairy, Girl Goddess #9, and The Hanged Man. Her work has been translated into seven different languages and is published around the world. She made her dazzling entrance onto the literary scene with her debut novel, Weetzie Bat, in 1989.; Title: I Was a Teenage Fairy
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[
2199
] |
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980 | 0 |
From his humble beginnings in a small log cabin, young Abe Lincoln knew "that being tall is not enough to make your way in this world." He worked hard on a flatboat, in a general store, and then studying to become a lawyer, eventually making his way into politics. Along the way he married and had three boisterous sons: "They were like balls bounding down a road, and people said they had no manners or discipline. I thought happiness more important than manners, though I didn't like it when Tad drove his cart and goats down the White House hall." Deeply relieved when the Civil War is over, Abe Lincoln is finally ready to be happy on the fateful night that he sets out to Ford's Theater to see a play with his wife.The focus of this simple picture book is not on Lincoln's death--the book concludes before Abe and Mary even leave the White House--but rather on the admirable life he led. Although many are well acquainted with the legendary story of young Abe's rough upbringing in Kentucky and his unquenchable thirst for learning, Ann Turner's fictionalized biography, told in a fresh and immediate first-person point of view, adds a sweet note of poignancy and humanity to one of America's greatest heroes. With his historically accurate paintings, award-winning illustrator Wendell Minor captures the expressions and experiences of a man who, at the conclusion of the war, sees "how sorrow has dug lines in my cheeks." (Ages 6 to 9) --Emilie CoulterMinor's (Red Fox Running) stately, lifelike paintings and Turner's (Learning to Swim) anecdotal narrativeAwritten in the conversational voice of LincolnAshape an insightful portrait of this leader. The author chronologically organizes the text into accessible vignettes, each accompanied by a finely detailed illustration marked by sharp, nearly photographic definition. Turner emphasizes Lincoln's fascination with words and learning with well-chosen similes (as a lawyer, "I practiced my cases out loud as I walked,/ learning how to use words/ like a leading rein on a colt/ to take people where I wanted"), and stresses his early commitment to end slavery, his unwavering ethics and his profound anguish at the destruction and death caused by the Civil War. Cheerful moments inject some levity into the volume, as when Lincoln describes Mary Todd, the woman who would become his wife ("She was bright and brave/ like a flag cracking in the wind,/ all color, rustle, and shine"), and his son Tad's habit of driving his cart and goats through the White House hall. This well-rounded volume ends on an affecting, ironic note: As Lincoln and his wife "wait to go see a play," he thinks back on his childhood log cabin, reflecting on "how much has come to pass since then. How much there is still to be done." Ages 6-9. (Jan.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Abe Lincoln Remembers
|
[
5519,
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Train
|
981 | 13 |
Kindergarten-Grade 2-More than 40 years after Elvis Presley sang this hit as a love song, its words have been reinterpreted as a tribute of a father's love for his daughter. Beautiful parent-and-child moments are captured in Browning's oil paintings-events as ordinary as bath and reading time as well as special occasions like picnics, a birthday, and skiing. The illustrations are the real treasure of this book. An Elvis CD is included, but you don't really need it. Just read the words and let the pictures speak for themselves.Jane Marino, Scarsdale Public Library, NYCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Elvis Presley (1935–1977) was a talented musician, singer, and actor. He was widely acclaimed as “The King of Rock 'n' Roll” and had an unprecedented total of 114 Top-40 hits. His runaway success continues to make his music popular to this day. He is a true legend in music history.Bruce Whatley is the author and illustrator of many popular and award-winning books, including Whatley's Quest and Detective Donut and the Wild Goose Chase, which he co-wrote with Rosie Smith. He is also the illustrator of The Teddy Bears' Picnic, There Ain't No Bugs on Me, and The Night Before Christmas. Mr. Whatley lives with his wife, Rosie, and their children, Ellyn and Ben, in Meredith, NH.; Title: Elvis Presley's Love Me Tender
|
[
18703,
29317,
37196,
45886,
62641
] |
Test
|
982 | 1 |
Any collaborative effort by the esteemed Charlotte Zolotow and the illustrious Maurice Sendak is bound to be a success. These beloved creators of countless children's favorites outdo themselves with this 1963 Caldecott Honor-winning classic about a little girl in need of assistance. Finding a birthday present for her mother is no easy task for our heroine. Luckily, she happens upon the avuncular Mr. Rabbit, whose heart is in the right place, even if he doesn't always have the best ideas. Ultimately, his suggestions do come in handy, and between the two of them they determine the ideal birthday tribute: the gift of color. Children will join the protagonists in contemplating how to make the abstract tangible, and all readers will be delighted to see yellow translate to bananas, as green is given in pears, and blue takes the shape of grapes.The soft, muted colors of Sendak's illustrations are reminiscent of a Monet landscape--utterly appealing and dreamy. And the reflective, sing-song dialogue between Mr. Rabbit and the girl is as deliciously lulling as a shady swing in a hammock. This quiet, peaceful book is a treasure for any shelf. (Ages 4 to 8)"An outstanding book [that] can be read by first-graders."--"SLJ.; Title: Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present
|
[
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Train
|
983 | 2 |
Grade 3-5Another heartwarming installment in the saga of the Witting family, first made famous in Sarah, Plain and Tall (HarperCollins, 1985). In this fourth book, Anna is working with Dr. Sam in town and is engaged to Justin, and Caleb is busy on the farm, so it is the youngest member of the family's turn to keep a journal. Cassie, almost in third grade, is a watcher, a listener, and a writer. While Caleb scoffs at her stories as not being true, Cassie defends her imaginative entries as "my truth." When Sarah announces that she is going to have a baby, Cassie is angry, and worried that her mother won't have enough love left over for her. She is determined not to like the "terrible baby." As her loving family helps her come to terms with the inevitable birth, the journal entries provide a way for Cassie to blend "her truth" with the facts. In true MacLachlan fashion, the spare, graceful writing sparkles with fresh images, and the first-person point of view rests firmly with the child. While the pace is restrained, the exciting climax provides enough dramatic tension to keep readers' attention. A worthy companion to the earlier books.Caroline Ward, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 3-5. This fourth title in the Sarah Plain and Tall (1985) series highlights Cassie, Sarah and Jacob's eight-year-old daughter. Caleb has transferred journal-writing duties to her, and she tries to record what she observes, despite a tendency to write what she wishes might happen. Sarah and Jacob are expecting another baby, and Cassie is perturbed at the prospect. She is quite certain her new sibling won't be the "gift" her mother has promised. Wisely, Sarah allows her daughter to work through these feelings (at one point Cassie announces that the baby will be born a sheep--named Beatrice), and, by the time her new brother arrives, Cassie is able to concede that this "terrible baby" might be even more perfect than the moon. As always, MacLachlan's lyrical prose conveys volumes in a few well-chosen words. Solid, believable characters face classic dilemmas, yet the ending feels neither pat nor predictable. A fine, literate choice for beginning chapter-book readers, especially those already familiar with this series. Kay WeismanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: More Perfect than the Moon (Sarah, Plain and Tall)
|
[
726,
760,
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956,
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Train
|
984 | 11 |
Grade 1-4-This eloquent picture book presents a brief overview of King's life and accomplishments. The text focuses on events beginning with the 1955 arrest of Rosa Parks and King's leadership during the yearlong boycott that eventually resulted in the integration of buses in Montgomery, AL. The book ends with his support of the striking sanitation workers in Memphis in 1968 and his assassination a few days later. In a clear and cogent manner, Myers frames King's political efforts and his belief in nonviolent demonstration for change with information about the personal consequences to the man and his family. The author also paraphrases some of his subject's most powerful speeches without quoting them directly. Jenkins's stunning collage artwork dramatically reflects the events described in the narrative. Information about how protestors were frequently assaulted is paired with an abstract street scene, the frighteningly toothy profile of a chalk-white guard dog front and center. In a spread depicting King's famous speech about seeing the promised land, he is shown with his arms gracefully yet compellingly uplifted; the power and beauty of his words are reflected in the brightly colored background, while fiery red tones foreshadow his murder. This book makes an excellent starting point to introduce young readers to King and should be coupled with Doreen Rappaport's Martin's Big Words(Hyperion, 2001), which so effectively provides access to the words that made him famous.-Susan M. Moore, Louisville Free Public Library, KY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 3. Dr. Martin Luther King is perhaps the mostfrequently requested biography subject, so there's always room foranother book about the heroic leader, especially when it's apicture-book biography as good as this one. The focus here is on hispublic image, and words and art combine the essentials of his lifestory with an overview of the civil rights movement. Jenkins'dramatic, double-page collage illustrations set close-up portraits ofthe leader against crowd scenes of political marches and violentconflict. Then, after the glory of the March on Washington, there's adouble-page spread showing the horror of the Birmingham deaths. Thebook ends with King's assassination, but words and pictures show hisstrength and his enduring message against racism and for peace. Thisis for a younger audience than Myers and Jenkins' Malcolm X: AFire Burning Brightly (2000). There's also much less here about thesubject's personal struggle, but when read together, the two titleswill stimulate debate about issues of protest andnonviolence. Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: I've Seen the Promised Land: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
|
[
1522,
17432
] |
Validation
|
985 | 0 |
Gr 1-5-Handsome spreads showcase 13 poems, each told from the perspective of a different cat and all abounding with feline attitude. There is "Tough Tom," with scratched-up nose and torn ear, who slips into a house and embraces a new life: "At first I was scared./I was used to rooftops/And rain/And snow/And dark./And fighting with other cats./But you opened the window/And I walked in." The aptly named "Princess Sheba Darling," posed gracefully to best display her snow-white fur, deigns to express what is instantly obvious to anyone who sees her: "As hard as I try, I could never be more beautiful/Than I am/Now." With a coat the "color of night," sleek Minnie steals through the moonlit countryside, proud that only her "Bright/Yellow/Eyes" give her location away. Effectively utilizing mood-setting rhythms, cadences, and word choices, each first-person free-verse selection perfectly suits the personality of its particular subject. Moser's lovely watercolor paintings depict each feline, individualized through distinctive coat, body language, and illuminating facial expressions. Playful action scenes alternate with more stately portraits, further enhancing each offering's tone and adding visual interest. This is a delight for youngsters who are owned by cats, a natural for pet-day celebrations, and a strong choice for classroom sharing and discussions of poetic points of view.-Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.Catswith their differences in personality and physicalityget their moment in the sun in this attractive book. Speaking directly to the reader, these cats, like some you may know personally, have their own opinions. Sylvie, the boss cat, looking as much like a lion as a house pet, likes just three things: My food / My windowsill / My people. Black-and-white Romeo is a lover. He even loves Sylvie. Simon likes to pounce so much that he is put in the pantry, and Eddie closes his eyes to pretend youre not there at all. Each cat gets its own two-page spread with a piece of poetry and an evocative watercolor featuring a feline so present readers may want to reach out and touch it (or in some cases, not). There are a few minor missteps: Lilys rodent friend looks more like a lab rat than a barn mouse, and sometimes a poem goes for the obvious. But several are quite touching, including the one about Tough Tom, with his torn ear and scratched nose, who is afraid to walk through a new window but does so anyway. Preschool-Grade 2. --Ilene Cooper; Title: Cat Talk
|
[
1305,
1724,
2409,
3625,
49799
] |
Validation
|
986 | 5 |
Grade 2-5-Lattimore's retelling of the story of the beautiful mortal who engaged Poseidon's passions but enraged Athena's jealousy is faithful to Olivia Coolidge's version in Greek Myths (Houghton, 1949). Large print and simple sentence structures and word choices make the text accessible to young readers. The sexual aspects of the story are omitted and the gruesome parts softened, rendering it suitable for children. Unfortunately, Perseus is a weaker hero, Medusa is a less scary monster, and all of the figures are milder shadows of themselves. Nonetheless, the plot moves quickly. The formal language and the ornate illustrations suit the myth, giving it stateliness. The deep-hued colors and rich textures on the cover will attract readership, but not every page is illustrated with the same detail. The gods and goddesses lack the spark and fire of the old tales. They look dead and ghostlike, dully characterized in dismal hues of gray. Noted for her brilliant work in Frida Maria (1994), Lattimore utilizes a style here that is similar to her work in Zekmet, the Stone Carver (1988, both Harcourt).Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.The Grecian maiden looks like Barbie and the storytelling is dull in this version of the Medusa myth. The narrative starts off with an account of Medusa as a proud blond beauty, transformed by jealous Athena into a snake-headed monster, so ugly that those who look at her turn to stone. Then the story switches to Perseus, who must behead Medusa and save his mother. What will hold kids are the stand-offs between people and gods ("you bragging daughter of a mud toad") as well as the lush paintings of the gorgon with her swirling head of snakes. The paintings make you see that the blond beauty's springy curls could become swirling snakes, just as the monster-woman's head is like a gorgeously colored mosaic, wild and terrifying. Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Medusa
|
[
21016,
21117,
26867
] |
Test
|
987 | 2 |
Laurence Yep is the acclaimed author of more than sixty books for young people and a winner of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award. His illustrious list of novels includes the Newbery Honor Books Dragonwings and Dragon's Gate; The Earth Dragon Awakes: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, a Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee; and The Dragon's Child: A Story of Angel Island, which he cowrote with his niece, Dr. Kathleen S. Yep, and was named a New York Public Library's "One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing" and a Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book.Mr. Yep grew up in San Francisco, where he was born. He attended Marquette University, graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz, and received his PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He lives in Pacific Grove, California, with his wife, the writer Joanne Ryder.; Title: Dragons of Silk (Golden Mountain Chronicles)
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[
961
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Train
|
988 | 1 |
Michael Bond began chronicling the adventures of A Bear Called Paddington in 1958. Fortunately, bears don't need much encouragement and Paddington has since filled the pages of fourteen novels, a variety of picture books, and many other projects written for the young at heart of all ages. Paddington's mentor lives in London with his wife, Sue, and a guinea pig named Olga da Polga.; Title: Paddington Bear and the Christmas Surprise
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[
4147
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Validation
|
989 | 7 |
Kindergarten-Grade 4. The main question one must ask is why these picture-book renditions of C. S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe are needed. The stories are adapted, simplified, and boxed on each page, with full-color, double-page spreads done in a painterly, realistic technique. These illustrations are given more importance than the texts, which provide just the bare bones of the plot. However, the pictures, as well executed as they are, nevertheless constrain the imagination. And the narratives pale as introductions to Lewis's exquisite prose and his much greater ability to tell a story with subtlety, symbolism, and nuance. Audio versions of Lewis's originals are far better choices, especially for those unable to take on Lewis's prose so early in their reading careers.?Ruth K. MacDonald, Bay Path College, Longmeadow, MACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Clive Staples Lewis, born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1898, was Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Magdalen College, Oxford, and later was Professor of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University. He wrote many books in his lifetime, but the Chronicles of Narnia are his only works for children. These classic books have been read and cherished by millions of readers since they were first published half a century ago.Deborah Maze is the illustrator of The World of Little House and My Little House Birthday Book. She lives with her family in Capistrano Beach, CA.; Title: Lucy Steps Through the Wardrobe
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[
967,
977
] |
Train
|
990 | 18 |
Gr 3-4-Employing the same type of illustrations and clear text as in Bugs! (Turtleback, 1988) and Money, Money, Money (HarperCollins, 1995), this book offers readers a general explanation of the early days of exploration through accounts of the voyages of 12 adventurers. A spread is devoted to each individual. One side presents some facts about the man and a brief discussion of his travels, and sometimes bits of trivia. (Columbus had red hair and Ponce de Le-n had a ferocious dog named Bercerillo.) Maps of the voyage routes with dates appear opposite these pages of information. The colorful spreads are full of small, labeled drawings and informative captions. The many simple but appealing illustrations include a cross section and side view of a typical ship, and some of the provisions and instruments needed on board. Readers will love finding out about shipworms and the Mayan Empire, and seeing how far and diverse exploration was during that time. For reports on specific explorers, this title is limited, but for young readers interested in fun and informative nonfiction, it's a winner.Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York CityCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Gr. 3-5. This colorfully illustrated history book briefly introduces 12 European explorers who reached the New World--among them, Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Amerigo Vespucci, Hernando de Soto, Francisco de Coronado, and Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Each double-page spread includes two or three paragraphs of information as well as lively maps and colored pencil drawings of the explorers, their ships, and other aspects of their adventures, including a simple yet fascinating page of navigational instruments. Especially interesting are what was kept in the Magellan fleet's ships' stores: 989 cheeses, 525 pounds of flour, and 15 tons of biscuits, among the foods to feed 230 men on five ships for two years. Students looking for detailed information on the explorers will need more extensive resources, but this volume provides a visually inviting overview of European exploration of the Americas during the golden age of exploration, from 1492-1543. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Land Ho! Fifty Glorious Years in the Age of Exploration
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[
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991 | 2 |
Gr. 3-5. The fourth book in the Martha Years series, which relates the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Scottish great-grandmother, begins when 10-year-old Martha leaves home for the first time. Her older sister, Grisie MacDougal, now married and living in her father-in-law's household in Perth, welcomes Martha, and they grow closer than they had been at home. Old Mr. MacDougal dies during Martha's visit, an aspect of the story that is surprising and well handled, and the family has a ceilidh, a traditional celebration with food, fiddles, bagpipes, dancing, and storytelling for the whole community. Softly shaded pencil drawings enhance the chapter headings, and a few larger drawings illustrate the text of this appealing, episodic story. Obviously, children will recognize that the eighteenth-century Scottish setting is noticeably different in its social strictures and customs, but they will readily understand and identify with Martha's emotional reactions to what she finds around her, from her uncomfortable feelings at Mr. MacDougal's sudden illness and death to the loneliness of being the youngest child and the last one at home. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedChildren…will readily understant and identify with Martha’s emotional reactions to what she finds around her. (Booklist); Title: Beyond the Heather Hills (Little House Prequel)
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[
545,
909,
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4435,
4439,
4465,
4477,
4499,
6494,
72396,
72404
] |
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992 | 18 |
Gr. 3^-6. Noted Wilder historian Anderson has compiled a scrapbook of photos, early writings, letters, and drawings saved by Wilder and now preserved in various private and public collections throughout the U.S. The mementos are arranged by decade and explained in captions and a succinct account of the author's long and eventful life. Many of the photos were previously published in pamphlets available at the homesites, but the use of high-quality paper and modern printing techniques enhances their clarity, especially for the oldest images. The later chapters also contain material from the HarperCollins archives, including advertising posters, publicity photos, and reproductions of some of the original Helen Sewell illustrations. Appended with a detailed chronology and illustration credits, this is a worthy companion to the Little House series that should be welcomed wherever the stories are popular. Adult fans will be interested, too. Kay Weisman"Noted Wilder historian Anderson has compiled a scrapbook of photos, early writings, letters, and drawings saved by Wilder and now preserved in various private and public collections throughout the U.S. The mementos are arranged by decade and explained in captions and a succinct account of the author's long and eventful life. Many of the photos were previously published in pamphlets available at the homesites, but the use of high-quality paper and modern printing techniques enhances their clarity, especially for the oldest images. The later chapters also contain material from the HarperCollins archives, including advertising posters, publicity photos, and reproductions of some of the original Helen Sewell illustrations. Appended with a detailed chronology and illustration credits, this is a worthy companion to the Little House series that should be welcomed wherever the stories are popular. Adult fans will be interested, too."--" Booklist, "January 1, 1999; Title: Laura's Album: A Remembrance Scrapbook of Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House Nonfiction)
|
[
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] |
Train
|
993 | 0 |
Grade 3-6. Fans of "The Little House on the Prairie" books (HarperCollins) will probably enjoy this new series based on the notebooks of Caroline Quiner, who later became the mother of Laura Ingalls. The stories are centered in Brookfield, WI, and spill over with details of life there in the 1800s. Wilkes's descriptive prose style sets an appropriate tone for this episodic tale in which chapters are strung together like a series of vignettes. The hard work of farming, family life, and the ongoing struggle to support the family from the land are vividly conveyed. Throughout, the underlying strength and importance of a loving family is emphasized. Characters are somewhat two-dimensional. Caroline is sensitive and wise for her years. Her mother, a widow, is a strong, understanding woman who struggles to raise her four children and run the household alone. The Quiner children get into mischief at times, but it's all very tame. Caroline's mother demonstrates her determination and courage at the end of the book when she announces that she will find land of her own after learning that she must leave her present home. This seems to set the stage for a sequel. The book offers extensive historical information and presents the possibility for interdisciplinary teaching.?Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 3^-6. This sequel to Little House in Brookfield (1996) continues the fictionalized story of six-year-old Caroline Quiner, the mother of author Laura Ingalls Wilder. Set in the small town of Brookfield, Wisconsin, in 1846^-7, Wilkes' episodic saga highlights a Fourth of July celebration, the departure of Caroline's beloved grandmother, a school bully, a maple syrup festival, and the uncertainties surrounding an impending family move. Based on letters written by Caroline Ingalls' sister Martha to Wilder, these reminiscences portray a lifestyle similar to that of the Ingalls family in Wilder's Little House in the Big Woods (1953). While some may question the need for yet another Little House spin-off, the vignettes flow smoothly and the characters (especially Caroline) have a spark that will endear them to fans of the original Little House. Kay Weisman; Title: Little Town at the Crossroads (Little House Prequel)
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[
545,
909,
914,
2351,
2361,
4435,
4439,
4446,
4465,
4477,
4499,
4564
] |
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994 | 11 |
A South-of-the-border setting only mildly spices up Yacowitz's (The Jade Stone) familiar plot; it's Cepeda's (Gracias, the Thanksgiving Turkey) saucy oil paintings that have real bite. Old Juana always wins the crown for the best pumpkins at the annual fiesta, but her envious neighbor, Foolish Fernando, is determined to wrest it from her. He surreptitiously watches her and copies her every move with the pumpkin crop, even dressing himself to look like her when he goes into his own field. Predictably, he misses the obvious?Juana's constancy; equally predictably, he ends up stealing Juana's best pumpkins. Cepeda wisely tones down the text's caricature of Fernando, making him more credible, less doltish and a little sympathetic to boot. The artist's festive palette and his use of vignettes as well as full- and double-page spreads syncopate the story; his energetic, slightly skewed characters will move readers from page to page. For those with whetted appetites, a recipe for pumpkin soup is included. Ages 3-6. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-3-A story with a moral and lots of humor-just right for a Thanksgiving or fall storytime. Old Juana grows pumpkins that always win the prize at the annual pumpkin fiesta in her Mexican village. Foolish Fernando thinks he can grow bigger ones if he just spies on her and copies what she does. Unfortunately, he does not emulate Juana in the most important things: the hard work, time, and love she puts into her farming. After several humorous mishaps, Fernando learns his lesson and Juana makes a new friend. The story is perfectly illustrated with lively oil paintings in hot, bright colors that capture the flavor of the country and enhance the animated story. At the end, the two friends are shown enjoying a bowl of pumpkin soup, right next to the recipe. A very nice offering for the fall.Judith Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Pumpkin Fiesta
|
[
4000,
4250,
37807,
39131,
39325
] |
Test
|
995 | 2 |
Kindergarten-Grade 2–In this spin-off of the "Twelve Days of Christmas," a teacher receives a wide variety of animals from her enthusiastic students, starting with the first day of school and a rather large, green python, and culminating on the 12th day when 12 zookeepers arrive to reign in the wild menagerie. The illustrations are comical, and the looks of amusement, horror, and bewilderment that appear on the teacher's face are especially entertaining. The animals are easy to identify (mice, skunks, gorillas, toads, and pigs, to name a few), and overall the illustrations are stronger than the text, which is awkward at times ("six screaming chickens"?) and sounds forced whether sung or read aloud.–Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 1. In this clever picture book, Brenner recasts "The 12 Days of Christmas" as a back-to-school anthem. The premise is a cross between Steven Kellogg's classic Can I Keep Him? (1971) and Judy Finchler and Kevin O'Malley's books about long-suffering Miss Malarkey: Grateful students celebrate the first dozen days of school by bringing their teacher "gifts" of animals in quantities from 1 to 12. Whatley manages to rescue a somewhat flat-footed text ("On the first day of grade school, my students gave to me / a python that didn't squeeze me") with crisp, at times almost photorealistic watercolors against white backgrounds--a clever design choice that emphasizes the gradual change from pristine emptiness to jam-packed hullabaloo. Particularly noteworthy are the elastic expressions on the teacher's face as she wrangles her unexpected classroom pets. Wild and woolly (and scaly, feathery, and slimy) sing-along fun. Jennifer MattsonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: On the First Day of Grade School
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[
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|
996 | 1 |
PreS-K. Before Sendak's early collaborations with Ruth Krauss, she wrote a simple picture book called Bears (1948), using only 26 words that were illustrated in black and brown by Phyllis Rowand. Now, Sendak uses the same 26 words (changing their order slightly and adding a few more in speech balloons) and illustrates them in more complex and colorful pictures to entertain another generation. The old artwork focused on the bears and their activities mentioned in the text, but the new illustrations add a dramatic subplot and a human element: a distinctively Sendakian human who looks a lot like Max in his wolf suit. This being Sendak, there is also a dog, here stealing a teddy bear and leading the boy on a merry chase through the rest of the book. And there are two visual elements that probably only Sendak could get away with: a teddy bear hung by the neck on the dedication page (rescued by his theatrically tearful owner) and a character smoking. The drawings are expressive and the tone is generally- playful-, though with a dark undertone. The relative complexity of the illustrations takes the book beyond the very young audience of the original edition. In fact, the whole drama may be best appreciated by an older audience, one that knows Sendak's other books and will enjoy a reprise of beloved, familiar elements. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedRuth Krauss was one of the most widely celebrated childrens 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: Bears
|
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833,
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25962,
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62318,
63884
] |
Train
|
997 | 18 |
Gr 25This picture book biography draws on Frederick Douglass's autobiographies to examine his motivations and his lasting impact on U.S. history. Using erasers and oil on board, Cooper conveys Douglass's determination, portraying him as strong and serious even as a child. The artwork depicts Douglass's growing awareness that a life outside of slavery might be possible. The events covered are well chosen to give young readers insight into the essence of his life and accomplishments. In a child-appropriate manner, the text describes beatings, but the illustrations do not show scars. When Douglass was 16, his owner realized that the teen's independent spirit might be problematic. The owner sent Douglass to another man, Edward Covey, whose mistreatment of slaves often caused them to back down. In a dramatic spread, Douglass is shown standing over Covey as the older man crouches on the ground, Douglass clearly the victor in their confrontation: an image that emphasizes the spirit that drove him to stand up for himself and other African Americans through the abolitionist movement. A time line provides context and further details about Douglass's life. VERDICT Although this title is similar in scope to Doreen Rappaport's Frederick's Journey, the two books complement each other. Recommended for collections looking to further explore Douglass's legacy.Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA“Focused, informative writing and strong, effective illustrations combine to make this the go-to Frederick Douglass biography for younger students.” (Booklist (starred review))“Young readers will certainly come away with an understanding of how one person, in spite of overwhelming odds, can make a difference. Cooper’s signature style brilliantly sings in clear and resounding volumes across every page....A posthumous title of distinction from [Myers].” (Kirkus Reviews)“This picture book biography draws on Frederick Douglass’s autobiographies to examine his motivations and his lasting impact on U.S. history....The events covered are well chosen to give young readers insight into the essence of his life and accomplishments. Recommended for collections looking to further explore Douglass’s legacy.” (School Library Journal (starred review))“[A] stirring testament to the power of words and daring action to create change.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))“Douglass’s life story has a magisterial glow in this posthumous work from the esteemed Myers....Cooper’s realistic, slightly smudged art feels equally consequential, balancing dignity and emotion.” (New York Times Book Review); Title: Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History
|
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71066,
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74873
] |
Train
|
998 | 0 |
Grade 2-4-Discussing the wide variety of sizes in the dinosaur lexicon, Zoehfeld's simple text presents kids, school buses, and elephants as yardsticks for the measurement of a number of weighty sauropods and lesser lights, from the massive Argentinosaurus to the cat-sized Compsognathus. Washburn's eye-catching illustrations, in glowing rusts and purples, blues and greens, march step-by-step with the text. Included is a double-page lineup of all the mentioned saurians, with a brief note on each one that gives its scientific name, pronunciation, length, and weight. Brightly colored, informative, and on a cherished topic, the book is certain to gather no shelf-sitter dust.Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS.-Gr. 1. This attractive book from the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series discusses the sizes of various dinosaurs. Since estimates of height and weight are not sufficient to help children understand the actual sizes of various species, both the text and the illustrations compare the prehistoric animals to more recognizable measures: a standard-size kid (4 feet tall, 75 pounds), the length of a school bus (30 feet), the weight of an elephant (5 tons). Many books discuss the largest meat-eating dinosaur, Giganotosaurus, but this one one explains that it weighed "less than 2 elephant units" and "had a mouth full of sharp teeth the size of bananas." Just as vivid as that verbal image is Washburn's artwork, apparently done in pastels, which creates scenes that are sometimes naturalistic, sometimes fantastic. The colorful, softly shaded illustrations might show sauropods strolling past a line of parked school buses or a single Brachiosaurus stretching his neck to the height of a pyramid of neatly balanced elephants. Well focused and very appealing. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Dinosaurs Big and Small (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2)
|
[
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55676,
65078
] |
Test
|
999 | 15 |
Just in time to herald spring's flowers, Rockwell (Once Upon a Time This Morning) has created a graceful primer on the inhabitants of the backyard garden. Each spread poses an evocative flower riddle to a different insect: "Bumblebee, bumblebee, do you know me? Yellow and green, I wave to the breeze to say that spring is here." The answer, "I am a daffodil," is found on the opposite page in lighter typeface, set in a line following the curve of the flower's leaf. Nine other flowers follow; for the grand finale, the riddle is addressed to a "little boy," and the subject, a sunflower, stands tall across the spread when the book is held sideways. Using silk screens painted with watercolor and gouache, Rockwell creates elegant stylized shapes that efficiently and memorably communicate each flower's architecture to young eyes; at the same time, she's able to convey the softness of a petal and the radiant layers of color that exist in a single blossom. She underscores the simple beauty of her paintings with a stunning book design that plays down its own sophistication: ornamental capitals subtly accentuate the flower and insect compositions; the white ground is in perfect balance with the fields of gorgeously chosen color. The look is as fresh as a daisy. Ages 3-7. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 1?A disappointing effort. On each double-page spread, a riddle about a flower is addressed to an insect: "Butterfly, butterfly,/do you know me?/Here I stand, tall and straight,/while my silky cup catches rain." The left-hand page shows the insect set against a background color that coordinates with the flower, which appears on the right with its name tucked into the drawing. The illustrations, done with watercolors and gouache on silk screen, are uneven. A few of the images are eye-catching?the iris has some stunning purple tones and the rose some lively shades of pink and red. The majority of the flowers, however, look washed-out and dull. While words are simple, most of the clues are not. Children may not be familiar with the names and appearances of some of these blooms, such as zinnias and morning glories. Lois Ehlert's Planting a Rainbow (Harcourt, 1988) is a more appealing and colorful introduction to flowers.?Dina Sherman, Brooklyn Children's Museum, NYCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Bumblebee, Bumblebee, Do You Know Me?: A Garden Guessing Game
|
[
7357
] |
Test
|
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