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Reviewer's Choice
The End Of Forever
Denise Page Caraher
Alexie Books
PO Box 3843, Carmel, IN 46082
1578601282 $14.00 alexiebooks.com
The End Of Forever: The Story Of Mekinges And William Conner by Denise Page Caraher is a
novel for young adults, based upon a libretto written by the author, which in turn draws upon
history, thought with some fictionalized characters and accounts. Set in the early nineteenth century,
The End Of Forever is the story of a marriage between Indian scout William Conner and Mekings,
the daughter of a Lenape Delaware chief. The pledged to love each other forever; but Conner broke
his promise when encroaching press of settlers drove the Indians from their homeland. A profound
story of love, greed, and the expansion of the American frontier. An epilogue adds the conclusion of
history to this involving yet tragic tale.
EDC Publishing
PO Box 470663, Tulsa, OK 74146-6515
www.edcpub.com www.ubah.com
Sticker books are perennial favorites with young readers and a certain sure way to engage attention
in a pastime activity that is as informative as it is fun. EDC Publishing is renowned for its superb
Usborne series of sticker books which now includes three enthusiastically recommended new
additions. The collaborative effort of author Susanna Davidson, designer Michelle Lawrence, stick
illustrator Glen Bird, cartographer Craig Asquith, editor Stephanie Turnbull, and dinosaur consultant
Darren Naish, Dinosaur Stick Atlas (0794506-682, $8.95) features 145 stickers which are to be
positioned on maps of the world in places where dinosaur fossils have been uncovered. Along with
pure sticker fun, there is a wealth of fascinating dinosaur facts. Enhanced with fascinating facts
about flags and their history, Flags Sticker Atlas (0794506690, $8.95) features a sticker of every
country's flag to be placed on maps of the world. Featuring 200 colorful stickers, Animal Sticker
Atlas (07945-06704, $8.95) will teach kids where different animals live, as well as such amazing
facts and records as to which animals are the biggest, smallest, fastest, and slowest in the world. It
should be noted that sticker books are really not suitable for children under age 3 because of the size
of the stickers. But all three of these outstanding Usborne sticker books are enthusiastically
recommended for kids ages 4 through 8.
Spicy Hot Colors
Sherry Shahan
August House Little Folk
201 E. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72201
0874837413 $16.95 augusthouse.com
From ballet to books: Sherry Shahan is a dancer/author who in Spicy Hot Colors is passionate about
rhythm and here she incorporates the rhythmic elements of Latin American culture into a superbly
presented bilingual coverage of colors. Illustrator Paula Barragan creates the colors, while jazzy
poetry uses English and Spanish to reveal colors to the very young. A dancing, a haunting
presentation for young readers.
Orchard Books
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
1-800-242-7737 www.scholastic.com
Just in time for Halloween recommendation are some excellent exciting fiction titles! Tony Mitton's
Spooky Hour (04396-03730, $16.95) receives the dancing, lively drawings by Guy Parker-Reese,
skeleton-creator extraordinaire, as it tells of a rollicking set of ghostly partiers who want to celebrate
the holiday in style. Simple rhyming text and funny colorful art blend perfectly by an author and
illustrator who are both veterans. Virginia Hamilton's Winnie Witch's Skinny (0590288806, $16.95)
enjoys Barry Moser's engravings and provides an original Afro-American scare story. Good reading
skills required or teacher/parent help in telling of a wild night's ride and a clairvoyant old
woman's gift. Alice Hoffman and Wolfe Martin's Moondog (0439098610, $16.95) tells of a puppy
filled with mystery: Michael and Hazel thinks he's a great gift, but mysterious things happen every
time there's a full moon out. Again, good reading skills recommended, but the fun Halloween story's
worth it. Mark Sperring's Wanda's First Day (0439627737, $15.95) pairs with unusual drawings by
twin art school grads Kate and Liz Pope to create a fun story. Wanda is a young witch off to her
first day at school but she doesn't seem to fit in, from Day 1. Soon Wanda realizes she's at the
wrong school a school for fairies! How can a witch make a proper fairy? Steve Webb's Tanka
Tanka Skunk! (904-39578442, $15.95) is a very simple picturebook for the beginning reader. Meet
Tanka the elephant and his friend Skunk: their names together sound like drums, reinforced by the
artistic beat of Steve Webb's funny drawings packed with playful animals. Laurie Berkner and
illustrator Henry Cole join forces in Victor Vito And Freddie Vasco (0439429145, $16.95), which
comes with a cd and provides the lyrics of favorite songs in the form of traveling polar bears who
journey through the countryside singing in a VW Beetle. The multimedia approach is unusual and
whimsical and works. Eliza Thomas pairs her simple story with drawings by Joe Cepeda in The
Red Blaket (04393-22537, $15.95), telling of a needful little girl and a forgotten blanket. Family ties
and love are emphasized in this engaging multicultural exploration. Ian Whybrow's The Noisy Way
To Bed (0439556899, $15.95) provides a different bent on bedtime: a little boy wants to go to sleep
but a host of farm animals won't let him alone! The very young receive animal sounds to go along
with their fun story line. Lisa Desimini and Matt Mahurin's My Beautiful Child (0439458935,
$16.95) is a painting in intimacy, using the author/illustrator's work in the School of Visual Arts as a
backdrop for the first collaborative effort. Simple words and paintings will appeal to any parent/child
and will make for a perfect read-aloud. Margery Cuyler's Please Say Please! (0590292-242, $15.95)
provides a penguin's guides to manners with very simple yet appealing drawings by Will Hillenbrand
adding to this story of mixed-up manners. Hippo puts her napkin on her head, Elephant sprays milk
everywhere: it's a dilemma. Packed with fun all the way. Lambert Davis' Swimming With Dolphins
(0439472-571, $15.95) is the perfect picturebook for beginning readers who like large print and lots
of color. A description of a dolphin pod and a child's experiences with them adds zest to sunny,
realistic color drawings. Tedd Arnold's Catalena Magdalena Hoopenstein Wallendiner Hogan Logan
Bogan Was Her Name! (0590109944, $10.95) tells of a girl's zany long name, presenting a long
rollicking rhyme to go along with the music and words to a classic story. The camp song may sound
familiar but its appearance in book form with new lyrics and story line provides an all-new twist as
well. Betsy James' My Chair (0439444217, $16.95) enjoys simple drawings by Mary Newell
DePalma as it tells what makes each child's chair unique. From chairs that used to be trees to a
reflection on the many animals who don't use seats, this is a unusual and fun theme.
The Preschool Shelf
I Can, Can You?
Marjorie W. Pitzer
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817
1890627577 $10.95 www.amazon.com
I Can, Can You? is a board book featuring bright color photographs of babies and toddlers with
Down syndrome, exploring the world and sharing new experiences. Playing tee-ball, learning sign
language, drawing, finding one's feet, each activity is happily related in a phrase "I can... can you?"
A simple and jubilant read-aloud experience to share with the very young.
The Science Shelf
Way Cool Science: Space Trekkers
Thinkeroo
88 Valley Street, Bristol, CT 06010
1929944926 $14.95 www.amazon.com
Intended for young people age 5 and up, Way Cool Science: Space Trekkers is an engaging
introduction on DVD to the facts and mysteries about stars, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and
more. Science enthusiast Max Orbit teaches the basics about celestial bodies, and common germs
such as orbit, gravity, revolution, and rotation are discussed with the use of animated diagrams,
satellite footage, and photographs. An eye-opening educational program, which includes hands-on
activities anyone can do and a wealth of ideas for classroom science fair projects. Highly
recommended. 30 minutes, color.
The Picturebook Shelf
D Is For Democracy
Elissa Grodin & Victor Juhasz
Sleeping Bear Press
10911 Technology Place, San Diego, CA 92127
www.sleepingbearpress.com
1585362344 $16.95 1-800-231-5163
Clearly written by Elissa Grodin and distinctively illustrated by Victor Juhasz, D Is For Democracy
is not an ordinary alphabet book. Each letter is associated with a word or concept associated with
democratic government, such as J is for Judicial branch, and a simple poem (J is for Judicial branch -
/ For justice, judge, and jury. / Those who do not break the law / never have to worry) - but in
addition, a much more extensive sidebar appropriate for young folks of grade school reading level
and up explains in-depth the value of the idea to a pluralistic, representative society, such as how the
Brown v. Board of Education judicial case brought a landmark change in America when the
Supreme Court ruled segregation to be unconstitutional. Kindly color illustrations of our nations'
institutions at work bring the points to life in D Is For Democracy, a picturebook worthy of the
highest recommendation.
Delacorte/Knopf Press
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
Peter Bailey provides the warm black and white embellishments to Allan Ahlberg's The Improbable
Cat (0385731868 $9.95), a departure from his strictly picture-book format and venture into the
world of older readers. Kids ages 8-11 will find this a fun story of David's new stray kitten, which
turns out to be a unique cat. A first-person story keeps readers turning pages and guessing. Barbara
Park's Junie B. First Grader: Boo And I Mean It! (0375828060, $11.95) receives Denise Brunkus'
fun drawings and another Junie B. series to appeal to kids ages 6-9. Here Junie looks forward to
dressing up as something scary for Halloween she chooses a clown, but her mother's sewing
produces something a little less than fright. A holiday dilemma evolves. Wendelin Van Draanen's
Shredderman 2; Attack Of The Tagger (0375823522, $12.95) returns the secret cyber-superhero to
a new study, with Brian Biggs adding the black and white cartoon embellishments to a story of a kid
who wants to fight crime and unfairness. Attack Of The Tagger is the second in a projected quartet,
this showing how nerdy Nolan triumphs again in his latest mission to catch a tagger in the act and
post his crime on the web.
Welcome To Lizard Lounge
Laura Hambleton
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
1840593903 $7.95 tuttlepublishing.com
Welcome To Lizard Lounge is an ideal children's picturebook where Laura Hambleton has blended
an engaging text with brightly colored and multi-textured illustrations. A lizard thinks to himself that
all lizards are the same, until he comes to Lizard Lounge and meets a wide variety of lizard friends
with different names and qualities - Gecko, Iguana, Gila Monster, Salamander, and Komodo
Dragon. His new friends help him learn what kind of lizard he is and what makes him different, in
this fun and vibrant read-aloud tale. A consumable page in back encourages young people to cut out
and put together a simple paper chameleon of their own.
Farrar Straus Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003
www.fsgkids.com
Dayle Ann Dodds' Henry's Amazing Machine (0374329532, $16.50) features zany and fun drawings
by Krysten Brooker and a story perfect for the amateur young inventor. Henry loves putting things
together and makes his parents proud of his achievements until he puts together a super-machine
which makes his parents worry. It's just too big and it doesn't seem to do anything! James
Stevenson's No Laughing, No Smiling, No Giggling (0374318298, $16.00) provides a whimsical
and different approach: the 'author' of this title is one 'Mr. Frimdimpny' who admonishes his readers
to be on best behavior and he never laughs. James Stevenson's cartoons have appeared regularly in
the New Yorker, and they show a whimsical approach kids should relish. Candace Fleming cooks up
a storm with Gato Gumbo (0374380503, $16.00), with Sally Anne Lambert's funny drawings
enhancing the entire effort. An old gator is getting too old to catch his prey and the prey knows it,
teasing him mercilessly for slowing down while he stares at a plat of aging veggies and longs for
some real meat. Then he gets the idea for a gumbo which will attract the most reluctant of
ingredients Quite a different menu is planned for Stink Soup by Jill Esbaum (0374372-527,
$16.00) : Annabelle and her little brother are spending the week at Grannie's, and Annabelle is
responsible for her little brother or helping Granny prepare tomatoes for canning: both jobs are
hated. Willie brings predictable trouble in this zany story of farm antics: perfect for an author raised
on an Iowa farm. David Costello's Here They Come! (0374330514, $15.00) is an excellent arrival
just in time for Halloween: meet creatures big and small who fit the name for monsters but are
anything but scary, such as a cookie ogre or a lookout scarecrow with corn. A very whimsical, fun
atmosphere for Halloween is created! Deborah Kogan Ray's The Flower Hunter (0374345899,
$17.00) is not strictly fiction per say: it's a picturebook biography of William Bartram, America's
first naturalist, and reads lie fiction in choosing a diary format to tell of William's childhood love of
plants and the growth of his career by way of an early first discovery. A bibliography, biographical
notes and engraving by Bartram support the educational side, while the sidebar diary format lends to
information.
Random House/Knopf
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
Four new arrivals are recommended picks for discriminating libraries seeking something different. A
sampler of Raffi songs are included with his book This Little Light Of Mine (0375828710, $15.95),
which receives Stacey Schuett's warm colorful drawings as it tells of a school play where kids of all
ages pull together to put on a production. Add a very simple text and you have a celebration of
beginning drama. Noah Woods writes and illustrates his Tom Cat (0375824979, $14.95), which
holds very simple yet appealing drawings and tells of a cat who likes to make all kinds of noises. A
charming story of a cat who doesn't quite fit in with the crowd, but who learns his own style can be
appealing. Ian Whybrow and Adrian Reynolds' Harry And The Dinosaurs Make A Christmas Wish
(037583111-8, $15.95) affords plenty of time for holiday ordering and is not to be missed: when
Harry and the dinos visit Mr. Oakley's farm, they fall in love with baby ducklings and want to take
one home but it's not to be. Summer passes and they find no duckling under the tree but
something almost as good! Kids will discover a new affinity for poetry with Charles Edward Carryl's
The Camel's Lament (0375814264, $16.95), an exceptional presentation paired with simply
gorgeous drawings by Charles Santore. Carryl was a master of nonsense verse around the turn of the
century: Santore's award-winning drawings bring this simple poem to life and invite even non-rhyme
kids to appreciate.Wild About Books by Judy Sierra (037582538X, $16.95) pairs pictures by Marc
Brown with the zany story of a librarian who drives her bookmobile into a zoo introducing the
birds and beasts to reading. Librarian Molly has something for even the wildest animal in this
appealing celebration of literacy. Jarrett J. Krosoczka's Max For President (0375824286, $15.95)
tells of a young boy and a young girl who vie for the position of President. There can only be
one President: so who gets the vote? A fun story of kids who have to decide on class elections.
Our Community Garden
Barbara Pollack
Beyond Words
20827 N.W. Cornell Rd. #500, Hillsboro, OR 97214
No ISBN $TBA www.beyondword.com
How is a community garden different from a personal backyard garden? Our Community Garden is a
first-person lyrical story which brings together the goals and experiences of one Audrey Aubergine
and her friends, who tend their community garden and play together there. Add folk art colorful
illustrations and warm drawings and you have a lovely piece which teaches kids about community
garden fellowship as they read the story of working together.
Harcourt
525 B Street, #1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495
www.HarcourtBooks.com
Judy Sierra's What Time Is It, Mr. Crocodile? (0152164456, $16.00) is a recommended pick for
ages 3-7, telling of monkeys who continually thwart Mr. Crocodile's plans. They are being bad
neighbors and it's time for Mr. Croc's revenge in this zany story which enjoys the pairing of
veteran writer Sierra with also-veteran-illustrator Doug Cushman. The creator of the award-winning
Stellaluna Janell Cannon returns with Pinduli (1152046682, $16.00), reaching ages 5-8 with a fine
detailed story of a hyena who is teased by her friends for her big ears, fuzzy mane, and stripes.
Pinduli wants to disappear, but is stuck with her ill looks in this engaging story of a hyena's
surprising actions. Alison McGhee's Mrs. Watson Wants Your Teeth (0152049312, $16.00) will
reach ages 4-7 with a report card on a girl who dreads first grade: her new teacher looks harmless
but is actually an alien who steals the teeth of earthling kids but nobody will believe her. A rumor
passed down from grade to grade fuels classroom terror in this whimsical tale. Vivian Walsh's
award-winning character Olive from Christmas picturebook fame returns in Olive My Love
(0152047204, $15.00), receiving J. Otto Seibold's fine drawings along with a rollicking rhyme telling
of a singing dog's involvement with a love package. Betsy R. Rosenthal's poems in My House Is
Singing (0152162933, $16.00) pair with Margaret Chodos-Irvine's simple drawings to create a
poetry collection with kids in mind, celebrating the people and places which make a home. From a
'kitchen's perfume' ("Cookies baking,/hot dogs roasting/onions frying/buns are toasting") to 'Mom's
Piano Rule' about banging on the ivories, very simple rhymes provide a wide range of celebrations.
In time for Halloween mention is Carolyn Crimi's Boris And Bella (0152-025286, $15.00): telling of
the messiest monster in Booville, Bella Legrossi, in a face-off with the tidiest vampire Boris
Kleanitoff. Kids ages 4-7 will find this a zany story of monstrous neighborly relations spiced with
Gris Grimley's hilarios drawings. Leslea Newman and Valeri Gorbachev's Where Is Bear?
(0152049363, $16.00) will reach the very young 2-5 year old reader, telling of forest animals who
enjoy playing hide-and-seek. Bear's friends can't figure out where such a large animal has hidden in
this book packed with unexpected surprise. Last but not least is Coleen Salley's Why Epossumondas
Has No Hair On His Tail (0152-049355, $16.00), a highly recommended whimsical story with
veteran Janet Stevens providing her usual very zany drawings. The reason why epossumondas has
no hair on her tail creates a zany legend passed down in a possum family in this whimsical and fun
hair-raising tale.
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140
1-800-526-0275 www.candlewick.com
John Kelly and Cathy Tincknell join forces in an excellent and highly recommended picturebook
mystery for kids with good reading skills in The Mystery Of Eatum Hall (0763625949, $15.99).
Glenda and Horace Pork-Fowler receive an invite for a weekend of free gourmet food at Eatum
Hall, but there's a motive behind the too-good invitation and kids are invited to guess the outcome in
an excellent picturebook story filled with twists and turns. Fine dining again is the topic in Dayle
Ann Dodds's Minnie's Diner (0763617-369, $16.99), a multiplying menu of foods receiving vivid
picture embellishment by John Manders. The Brothers McFay are working hard at the farm, but it's
difficult with kitchen odors from Minnie's cooking distracting them from the job and each brother
arrives at Minnie's twice as hungry as the brother before. A fine introduction to multiplication
concepts. Laura Numeroff's Beatrice Doesn't Want To (0763611603, $15.99) tells of a dog who
hates books and reading and hates having to accompany her brother Henry to the library.
Obviously it holds nothing of interest or does it? Lynn Munsinger's engaging drawings are the
perfect compliment for this tale of a naughty little girl who thinks she knows everything.
Penguin Group
345 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
www.penguin.com
The Penguin Group has accumulated a host of imprints and fine picturebook writers and the result is
an impressive seasonal list of fine authors and artists. Some of the best from recent acquisitions
include Rex Barron's Showdown At The Food Pyramid (0399237151, $15.99), where strange new
junk foods King Candy Bar and others are kicking out the fruit and veggie mainstays but the
cherries plan revenge in this gentle fictional drama and tutorial on good groups and nutrition; Daniel
Kirk's Lunchroom Lizard (0399241898, $15.99), where a normal school cafeteria scene turns into a
scene of chaos over a missing lunch and an escaped lizard. Patricia Polacco's John Philip Duck
(039924-2627, $16.99) tells of a tiny wild duck who lives in a hotel: it's up to Edward the owner to
convince the blustery hotel manager the duck has value o his establishment. Dennis Haseley's
Photographer Mole (0803729243, $16.99) pairs lovely drawings by Juli Kangas with the fun story
of a beloved mole who is always on scene with his camera at important occasions but who remains
lonely despite his fame. His search for friendship leads in a surprising direction. Lisa Carrier and
Lenore Hart's T. Rex At Swan Lake (0525471-776, $15.99) enjoys Chris Demarest's zany drawings
as it tells of a historical T. Rex tired of being on exhibit at the Natural History Museum. Her
discovery of ballet leads to a museum escape and a new funny career. Patricia Lakin's Beach Day!
(0803728948, $15.99) may have arrived past summertime, but it's a lovely all-weather book which
tells of four hot friends who decide to go to the beach. Scott Nash's fun drawings highlight a series
of adventures which include getting lost and a fine picnic. Karen Rostoker-Gruber's Rooster Can't
Cock-A-Doodle-doo (0803728778, $15.99) holds simple drawings by Paul Ratz de Tagyos and tells
what happens when a rooster gets a sore throat and can't crow. The entire barnyard falls apart and
Rooster must get help and a substitute fast in this zany tale of problem-solving. Stu Smith's
Goldilocs And The Three Martians (0525469729, $15.99) receives Michael Garland's very colorful
oversized drawings and takes Goldilocks to outer space in a new adventure. Goldilocks is sick of
chores and homework so she builds a spaceship and tours the solar system, only to find something
wrong with every planet she visits. Will she ever be satisfied? The tale holds exceptional artwork and
will especially please prior Goldilocks readers. Stephen Krensky's There Once Was A Very Odd
School (0525469745, $10.99) provides a series of brand new 'lunchbox limericks', adds Tamara
Petrosino's cartoon illustrations, and re-introduces the concept of the old-style limerick based on
new and recognizable school experiences to young readers. A fun set of rhymes for modern
times.
Little, Brown & Company
1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
1-800-759-0190 www.lb-kids.com
Four new titles from Little, Brown provide kids with four exceptional stories and fun plots. David T.
Greenberg's Snakes! (031-6320765, $15.95) enjoys Lynn Munsinger's zany and colorful animal
drawings as it tells of a house being overrun by snakes. Zany rhymes accompany zany antics ("A
skink inserts her snoutlet/in an open kitchen outlet/her body starts to phosphoresce with light.
There's a momentary riot/as all the others try it/soon all the snakes, like neon tubes, ignite.") Just
when you thought the snakes were over, enter Roberta Baker's Lizard Walinsky (0316073318,
$15.95), about a girl who calls herself Lizard and who hates girly play. Lizard's parents fret as she
tries to locate a playmate who will accept her: then she meets Spider, a very different boy, and thinks
she has friendship issues solved until he goes to a different school. A fine story of friendship and
differences. Two sets of 'Sing-Along Stories' by Mary Ann Hoberman and Nadine Bernard Wescott
($15.95 each) are recommended picks for libraries seeking to stock up on their music and rhyme
section. The Lady With The Alligator Purse (0316734160, $15.95) and Skip To My Lou
(0316734063, $15.95) each include music to sing, a story to read, and games to play along with fun
illustrations and favorite songs embellished. Between the enhanced lyrics to old favorites and the
zany story lines which move beyond traditional intention, it's hard to stop smiling.
Hazel Nutt Alien Hunter
David Elliott
Holiday House
425 Madison, New York NY 10017
082341843X $16.95 holidayhouse.com
Captain Hazel Nutt is a space explorer on a mission to explore uncharted realms which includes
here the strange world of the alien Wuttites with the giant meatballs which soar through the sky.
Kids who love unpredictable adventure will find author/illustrator David Elliott's Hazel Nutt Alien
Hunter fits the bill.
Celestine And The Magical Geranium
Barbara Sala
Trafford Publishing
2333 Government Street, Suite 6E, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8T 4P4
1412019052 $19.95 www.trafford.com
Imaginatively written and colorfully illustrated for young readers 5 through 7 by Barbara Sala,
Celestine And The Magical Geranium is the picturebook of a young girl and the geranium seed that
will touch her life forever. The flower she raises is a friend and more, growing to touch the skies. All
things come to an end, whether natural or hastened, and the girl and the magical geranium must say
goodbye... yet their friendship lives on, and can be spread through the gift of seeds. A moving story
about bonds to treasure and the cycle of life.
Houghton Mifflin
222 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116
www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
Arthur Geisert is true master of the wordless picturebook (especially when it involves pigs), and
Pigaroons (0618410589, $16.00) doesn't disappoint, though it does add a few words: descended
from Spanish pirates, the pirating Pigarooms steal stuff from a block of ice intended for a
neighbor's ice carving to more. It's the ice which tips the River Patrollers over the edge and into a
plan for revenge in this engaging story of piracy on the ice. Helen Lester's Hurty Feelings
(0618410821, $16.00) provides an exceptional story of emotions, especially when paired with
veteran top illustrator Lynn Munsinger. Hippo Fragility is solid yet fragile in her feelings
everything hurts her and she sees insults everywhere: it's up to a rude bully to break toughen her up
in this zany story. Tim Egan's The Trial Of Cardigan Jones (0618402373, $16.00) tells of a moose
new to town who is accused of pie-stealing. He insists on his innocence but nobody believes him,
especially since the pie is missing. An excellent introduction to the justice system for the very
young.
The Video/DVD Shelf
ZOOper Phonics
Babyscapes
Andrea Blain (publicity)
PO Box 370238, Las Vegas, NV 89137-0238
www.babyscapes.com
0974430137 $14.95 1-888-441-5437
Part of the Babyscapes "ZOOper Phonics" series of instructional series of 30 minute, classical music
augmented, animated DVDs for children ages 2 to 5, ZOOper Phonics: Letter Sounds is designed to
be used by parents and care givers to help children acquire an appreciation for classical music, learn
letter sounds, and have a lot of fun along the way. A soothing voice-over guides the child through a
zoo while teaching the correct phonetic pronunciation of each letter sound for each of 26 animals
animal they encounter. Also available in a video cassette format (0970460368, $14.95), the other
titles in this outstanding and enthusiastically recommended series include Baby's Smart Start;
Celebration of Color; Miracle of Mozart: Numbers and Shapes; Miracle of Mozart: ABCs; Miracle
of Mozart: Numbers and Shapes in Spanish; and Miracle of Mozart: ABCs in Spanish.
Families Of Vietnam
Master Communications, Inc.
c/o Andrea Blain Public Relations, Inc.
9750 Crawford Ave., Skokie, IL 60076
www.familiesoftheworld.com
1888194456 $29.95 1-800-765-5885
The newest edition to the outstanding "Families Of The World" series from Master
Communications, Families Of Vietnam is a 30 minute, full-color, live action, closed captioned, video
cassette specifically produced for young viewers ages 5 to 11. Children will observe the unique lives
of two kids (Le Thi Thanh Hong, 9 years old, from Ho Chi Minh City & Tran Ngoc Anh Thu, age 4,
who lives in the country on a riverbank) and respective their families. We see their diverse daily
activities from the time they wake up in the morning until they go to sleep at bedtime. Highly
recommended for both school and community library collections, this superbly produced series also
features family life in Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico,
Sweden, Thailand, Russia, United Kingdom, Franc, Egypt, and the United States.
The A To Z Symphony
Classical Fun Music
Andrea Blain (publicity)
3067 Kapok Kove Drive, Clearwater, FL 33759
DVD $19.95 atozsymphony.com
The A To Z Symphony is a music education oriented DVD comprised of twenty-six independent,
one-minute videos set to the melodies of some of the greatest composers known in the history of
classical music. From Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata; to Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusic; to
Voices of Spring by Johanne Strauss; to Peter and the Wolf by Profofiev, The A To Z Symphony is
specifically designed to engage children from newborn to age 5. Each vignette is preceded by a letter
of the alphabet; a sample of vocabulary words; and the title/composer of the accompanying music. A
popular and recommended addition to family, preschool, and community library DVD collections,
The A To Z Symphony is an impressively developed, organized and presented viewing experience
which combines an inculcation for a love of classical music with a thoroughly entertaining and fun
approach to learning the alphabet.
Books in Series
The Lerner Publishing Group
241 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1607
1-800-328-4929 www.lernerbooks.com
Cookbooks for kids are always popular, especially when they make learning opportunities in the
kitchen as fun as they are informative. The new "Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks" from Lerner were
specifically designed at a sixth grade reading level and appeal to children in grades 5 through 12.
The four titles comprising this outstanding and thoroughly "kid friendly" series include Cooking The
Brazilian Way (0822-541114, $18.95) by Alison Behnke and Karin L. Duro; Cooking The Cuban
Way (0822541297, $18.95) by Alison Behnke and Victor Manuel Valens; Cooking The Indonesian
Way (0822541270, $18.95) by Merry Anwar and Kari Cornell; and Cooking The Turkish Way
(08225-41238, $18.95) by Kari Cornell and Nurcay Turkoglu. Along with ethnic recipes and menu
planning, each 72-page cookbook is enhanced with full color photography, maps, flag, cooking tips,
a metric conversion chart, and safety tips. Ideal for school, community library, and homeschooling
children's cookbook collections, these "Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks" bring together each
countries cuisine.
Children's Press/Welcome Books
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
$16.95 each 1-800-242-7737
Welcome Books are excellent introductory picture books for young nonfiction readers: each
includes 24 pages of large-print information paired with eye-catching photos and covers, and all will
provide a basic attractive primer for kids. Animal fans will relish two titles by Edana Eckart:
California Condor (0516242962) and Ocelot (05-16242970). Each are packed with 1-2 lines of
basic natural history per page and a facing page of high-impact color photos. William Amato's 'Math'
primers relates math concepts to everyday experiences: Math On The Playground (0516239384)
uses addition and subtraction in counting play materials, Math In The Neighborhood (0516239422)
uses a visit to a friend's house to count; Math In The Kitchen (0516239392) teaches basic counting
in the process of making brownies, and Math In The Car (0516239406) teaches counting along the
way to a park. Each uses a young child and her parents as examples a glossary of new words and
web site links and bibliography provide a surprisingly diverse range of educational links for such slim
guides.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Owl Puke
Jane Hammerslough
Workman Publishing Company
708 Broadway, NY, NY 10003-9555
0761131868 $13.95 www.workman.com
Jane Hammerslough's multimedia kit Owl Puke isn't suitable for library lending, but that doesn't
mean it won't become a parental favorite: it blends an owl pellet, a book, a bone sorting tray and
more to encourage young scientists to learn about owls the best way possible through a sample
owl puke kit guaranteed to contain at least one skeleton.
The Creative Company
123 So. Broad St, Mankato, MN 56002
$18.95 each 1-800-445-6209
The Creative Company's "Looking At Small Mammals" series by Sally Morgan is a collection of six
books, each of which focuses upon diverse species of small fur bearing mammals from around the
world. Specifically written for young readers from grades 1 through 3, the easy-to-read text is
enhanced with some of the best wildlife photography in children's book publishing today. Children
will learn about each mammal's particular habitats, the dangers to it, and how it can be best observed
and protected. Special activity spreads about each animal and its particular habits make these books
of special value as curriculum supplement materials. The six titles comprising this outstanding and
enthusiastically recommended series (which are especially recommended acquisitions by school and
community libraries as a six volume set for $113.70) includes Insect Eaters (1593891741);
Marsupials (159389175X); Rodents (1593891775); Small Cats (1593891768); The Weasel Family
(159389173); and Small Primates (1593891784).
Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
$17.95 each www.marshallcavendish.com
The bright, inviting covers of Benchmark Book's latest 'Animals' series additions are intended as
much for browsing as for reference: kids in grades 3-5 will find the covers stimulating and intriguing
enough to turn to for leisure choices. Kathleen Derzipilski's Beetles (0761417516) displays all kinds
of basic facts about beetle species, while her Cheetahs (0761417494) provides a lively coverage of
the fastest animal in Africa. Maria Mudd Ruth's Owls (0761417524) covers types of owls and their
life cycles, while Margaret Dornfeld's Bats (0761417540) reveals species and activities. Judith
Jango-Cohen's Rhinoceroses (0761417532) is particularly striking in its coverage of rhino
physiology and activities, while her Camels (076-1417508) provides excellent photos of camels at
leisure, work and play, addressing their importance in human lives. All are excellent choices pairing
the facts perfect for research projects with the eye-catching color of a leisure choice.
The Fiction Shelf
Idiot!
Colin Neenan
Brown Barn Books
119 Kettle Creek Road, Weston CT 06883
www.brownbarnbooks.com
0974648116 $12.95 1-888-227-3308
Colin Neenan's engagingly written novel Idiot! is the story of a sixteen-year-old high school student,
who falls head over heels in love with a gossip columnist... even though he only knows her through
anonymous e-mail. A wacky young adult novel for the modern age, with unpredictible twists and
turns, told in a first-person confessional point of view that brings immediate sympathy for the roller
coaster ride of growing up. Refreshing, enjoyable, and highly recommended.
Here Today
Ann M. Martin
Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
0439579449 $16.95 1-800-242-7737
Ellie is one of the Witch Tree Lane kids, living on the 'wrong side of town' with a mother who longs
for a famous life and will do anything to achieve it even if it means involving, then abandoning, her
family. Her efforts to reconcile her mother's selfish obsession with stardom with her family's needs
bring her to the very doorstep of New York in an effort to reclaim family ties in Ann Martin's
moving story of survival and uncertainty, Here Today.
Just Mrs. Goose
Miriam Clark Potter
Green Mansion Press
501 E. 79th St., #16-A, NY, NY 10021
www.greenmansionpress.com
0974645702 $12.95 www.amazon.com
Written and illustrated by Miriam Clark Potter, Just Mrs.goose is an anthology of zany short stories
for young readers on the cusp of making the transition from nursery rhymes and picture books to
simple narratives. Following the (mis)adventures of the warm-hearted but always bumbling Mrs.
Goose, from babysitting chicks to baking a cake to visiting the new Animaltown library, Just Mrs.
Goose is a delightful treasure for young ones to read on the own or out loud with an adult. A
handful of simple, whimsical black-and-white illustrations add a warm touch to this engaging
laugh-out-loud family fun read.
Una's Jungle Journey
Fred Otis Gibson
Seven Locks Press
3100 West Warner Avenue, Suite 8, Santa Ana, CA 92704
www.sevenlockspublishing.com
1883697476 $14.95 1-800-354-5348
Una's Jungle Journey by Fred Otis Gibson is the story of a little girl called Una who on one sunny
morning notices a brilliant flash of light in the water. Unable to repress her curiosity, Una searches
for the source of the light flash and unexpectedly falls into a strange land filled with unusual
characters and considerable danger! to find her way back home, Una must embark upon a journey
filled with unforseen experiences and self-discovery. Highly recommended for young readers of all
ages, Una's Jungle Journey is a smoothly crafted and entertainingly original story that would be a
welcome addition to any school or community library collection.
Runt The Brave
Daniel Schwabauer
Clear Water Press
PO Box 62, Olathe, KS 66051
www.clearwaterpress.com
0974297216 $16.99 1-888-481-4550
Runt The Brave by Daniel Schwabauer (Editor of Crosswind Comics) is a fantastic young adult
novel that in effect retells the legend of David and Goliath. Set in the land of Tira-Nor, inhabited by
sentient woodland creatures, one little mouse nicknamed "Runt" is the world's only hope against an
invading army of terrible rats. A thrilling adventure of putting one's courage to the test in dire
situations, Runt The Brave is an engaging saga told with excitement and flair.
A Drop Of Rain
Heather Kirk
Napoleon Publishing
1005-3266 Young Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4N 3P6
www.napoleonpublishing.com
1894917103 $8.95 1-877-730-9052
A deftly written novel which is especially appropriate for a young adult readership, A Drop Of Rain
by Heather Kirk is the story of a sixteen-year-old girl, starting at a new high school. Struggling with
schoolwork, a lousy part-time job, the estrangement of the artistic guy she likes, and the sad toll of
watching her aunt die and her mother inch closer to a nervous breakdown, she must find the strength
to sustain herself and help her familiy. Written as a series of diary entries by various people, A Drop
Of Rain is a timeless, powerful, and moving story of hope and perseverance.
Daisy The Cripple Creek Donkey
Lyn Bezek
Western Reflections Publishing Co.
219 Main Street, Montrose, CO 81401
www.westernreflectionspub.com
1932738096 $7.95 1-800-993-4490
Daisy The Cripple Creek Donkey is author Lyn Bezek's debut children's book and introduces young
readers to a young boy who learns that a local donkey suffers from a similar handicap to his own -
both have weak legs that prevent them from moving quickly, under most circumstances. But the boy
is determined to show people just what his new friend can do, entering her in "Donky Derby Days",
a special kind of race that no one else thinks they have a shot at winning. A whimsical and touching
story, brief in length yet complex enough to challenge the reading skills of young children who are
ready to move on from picture books to more involved tales.
Professor Angelicus Visits The Big Blue Ball
L. B. B. Ward
MumbleFish Books
PO Box 139, Pt. Pleasant, PA 18950
0975964909 $19.95 1-866-MUMBLES
Professor Angelicus Visits The Big Blue Ball is a delightful adventure novel for all ages. When
Professor Aquius Botanicus Angelicus comes to Earth from the planet Quantia in search of pure
water to fuel his giant bubble of a spaceship, two best friends agree to help him. But finding pure
water is not as easy as may seem, and an evil, shape-shifting creature is on their tail. A colorful
story, brimming with imaginative characters, inventive ideas, and just plain fun.
Aesock's Travels
Gretchen McMasters
Stargazer Publishing Company
c/o Penny C. Sansevieri, Author Services
5485 Repecho Drive, Ste L204, San Diego, CA 92124
0971375690 $5.99 www.amazon.com
Aesock's Travels is a bilingual novel for young adults age 7-10, presenting the same story in both
English and Spanish, under one cover. All one has to do is flip the book over to read the other
language. Young Benjamin and Olivia embark on an amazing, magical adventure with Aesock, a
mysterious creature with an affinity for finding lost socks. The crisp, clean prose is exciting, and
provides a simple yet wondrous adventure in this story that is as engaging for adults striving to learn
either English or Spanish as a second language as it is for young people.
The Week Of The Horse
Jocelyn Reekie
Raincoast Books
9050 Shaughnessy Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6P 6E5
1551926555 $8.95 raincoast.com
The Week Of The Horse by author Jocelyn Reekie is a young adult novel, telling the story of a
twelve-year-old girld who loves horses yet cannot afford one. So she volunteers at a local stable,
where she can ride her favorite horse... until the stable closes down and her beloved Duke is sent
away, to be sold at auction to a butcher. She has less than a week to save Duke, with help from her
grandmother. A tender and compassionate novel, captivating and sure to strike a chord in young
animal lovers, The Week Of The Horse is especially recommended for both school and community
library fiction collections for young readers.
Fishing With Balloons
Dion
Oxton House Publishers
PO Box 209, Farmington, ME 04938
1881929345 $5.95 www.oxtonhouse.com
In Fishing With Ballons, young readers are introduced to Sam, who is ten years old and has physical
mobility problems. He pursues his dream, and discovers the powers of friendship, courage, and
imagination. Fishing With Balloons is a novel, yet written in such a manner that nearly all its
vocabulary is only one or two syllables long, so as to be accessible to young readers as low as grade
three. Simple black-and-white illustrations add a caring touch to the warm-hearted story.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
The Dark Dreamweaver
Nick Ruth
Imaginator Press
6400 Baltimore National Park, #194, Baltimore, MD 21228-3915
www.ImaginatorPress.com
0974560316 $16.95 1-888-203-4068
The first book of Nick Ruth's "The Remin Chronicles" series, The Dark Dreamweaver is a deftly
woven story of fantasy and magic enhanced with occasional black-and-white illustrations by Sue
Concannon. A young boy who raises Monarch caterpillars has his world turned upside down when
one of them talks to him and claims to be a wizard in dire need. And an adventure begins that
requires imagination, courage, intelligence, and the power of friendship to make dreams come true
and rescue two worlds from dire peril. An enchanting story for all ages.
Trek Through Tangleroot
David Anthony & Charles David
Sigil Publishing
PO Box 824, Leland, MI 49654
www.sigilpublishing.com
097284614X $5.99 knightscares.com
The fifth book of the "Knightscares" action fantasy series, Trek Through Tangleroot is a rousing
fantasy adventure novel written for readers age eight to adult. In search of the third piece of the
legendary Dragonsbane Horn, four friends must brave the depths of an ancient forest called
Tangleroot. The questor, the Knight, the Princess, and Wyvern must brave bloodthirsty beasts and
terrible ghosts, but the most dire threat to their mission comes when one of them betrays the other
four! A riveting, fantastic saga, brought to life with vivid sound effects, crystal clear descriptions and
heartfelt characterization.
The Judeo/Christian Shelf
I Am A Torah
Beily Paluch & Patti Argoff
Hachai Publishing
156 Chester Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218
1929628188 $5.95 www.hachai.com
Brightly colored with the illustrations of Patti Argoff, I Am Torah by Beily Paluch is a twelve page
board book for children ages newborn to 3 years that offers a playful action rhyme text perfect for
parent and child interaction. The subject is how a precious Torah scroll is written with happy
children stretching out their arms to be as wide as the parchment, stand up straight and tall like a
feathery quill, and rotate their arms as the scroll is rolled up. At the end of the rhyme, the Torah is
ready for a kiss. Also very highly recommended for preschoolers is Beily Paluch and Patti Argoff's
other "Playful Action Rhyme" board book, Braid The Challah (192962-817X, $5.95).
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Christopher L. Webber
Morehouse Publishing
15 East 26th Street, #17, New York, NY 10010-1505
www.morehousepublishing.com
081921986X $9.95 1-800-561-7704
Engagingly illustrated by Preston McDaniels as a perfect showcase for Christopher L. Webber's
retelling of Psalm 23 taught in every Christian Sunday School. In language deftly adjusted for young
children, The Lord Is My Shepherd emphasizes the love, guidance, and goodness of God.
Heartwarming color pictures of young children enjoying daily life fill this gentle and highly
recommended picturebook for Christian families.
Baby Bible ABC
Robin Currie
Cook Communications
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
www.cookministries.com
0781439078 $10.99 1-800-323-7543
Cheerfully illustrated by Cindy Brownsberger Adams, Baby Bible ABC by Robin Currie is a perfect
boardbook addition to the Cook Communications Ministries "Baby Bible Series" for preschool and
kindergarten aged children. Each two-page spread features a letter of the alphabet, a very simple
summary of an event from the Bible, recommended gestures to act out the words when talking to a
very young child, a brief poem referring to the letter, and a gentle, cartoony color illustration. For
example, L is for Lion: Taken from Daniel 6 / The King threw Daniel into the pit. (Make your arms
into a circle) / Daniel was surrounded by lions! (Roar!) / Daniel prayed and God kept him safe. (Fold
hands to pray.) // L is for lions / with Dan in the pit. / But God kept him safe. / He was not hurt a
bit. An additional poem covering the whole alphabet is in the back. An excellent educational and
quality time tool for Christian parents to share with little ones ages 0-3, that effective emphasizes
learning through rhyme and picture.
The Music Shelf
Under A Big Bright Yellow Umbrella
Yosi
Yosi Music, LLC
PO Box 354, Island Hts., NJ 08732
$14.99 www.YosiMusic.com
Under A Big Bright Yellow Umbrella is a cheery music CD featuring the guitar play of Yosi, who
happens to be a licensed family therapist as well as a skilled musician. His music revolves around the
theme of having fun; the accompanyment includes trumpet, trombone, drums, bass, piano,
harmonica, and more or various different songs. Cheerful, international vocals with themes of
friendship, sharing, and new ways of looking at the world around one distinguish this family-friendly
listening experience, that will appeal to listeners of all ages. Tracks include Hole in the Ground,
Selling Salt in the Sahara, Under a Big Bright Yellow Umbrella, Stinky Blues, Where Do All Things
Come From?, Six Little Monkeys, My Flag, Train Medley, Friends Around the World, My Friend
Juan, Sleepy Little Town, and Me & My Balloon. A treasure meant to be shared and enjoyed.
Christmas Favorites
Madacy Kids
Andrea Blain (publicity)
6 Lansing Square, Suite 121, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M2J 1T5
MK2-50550 $7.98 1-416-756-2800
Christmas Favorites is a lovely collection of twenty gentle instrumental versions of classic Christmas
songs ideal for listening along to with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. The traditional pieces
comprising this enthusiastically recommended CD album include Little Drummer Boy (1:48); Jingle
Bells (2:24); Joy to the World (1:18); Deck the Halls (1:36); Silent Night (2:32); The First Noel
(2:32); Angels We Have Heard on High (1:50); O Holy Night (3:47); O Little Town of Bethlehem
(2:01); Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (2:39); Frosty the Snowman (2:05); The Twelves
Days of Christmas (4:07); O, Christmas Tree (1:41); It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (2:21) Away in
a Manger (2:10); We Wish You A Merry Christmas (2:29); What Child is This? (2:29); Toyland
(1:18); Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (2:13); and White Christmas (2:11)
The Language Studies Shelf
American Sign Language
Deborah Kent
Franklin Watts
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
053112018X $17.95 1-800-242-7737
American Sign Language blends facial, hand and body movements for communication with the deaf,
yet many guides to the language are designed with adults in mind. All ages may readily learn about
ASL's development given Deborah Kent's American Sign Language: it covers the changing history
and controversies surrounding ASL, revealing the complex and changing issues surrounding
ASL.
Bonjour les Amis, Volume 1
Monterey Media Inc.
566 St. Charles Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-3901
1569946426 $19.95 1-800-424-2593
Bonjour Les Amis is volume one of a 3-DVD set, written and produced under the direction of
language experts, especially to help introduce young people ages 4 to 9 to the joy of learning Fench.
An accompnying word & phrase guide, printable word puzzle, as well as games and song lyrics help
make basic French fun, as the loveable animated feline Moustache takes viewers on a tour to meet
friends, visit a magic show, and much more. An upbeat and delightful work of educational
programming. 50 minutes, color.
Hola Amigos, Volume 1
Monterey Media, Inc.
566 St. Charles Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-3901
1569946396 $19.95 1-800-424-2593
Hola Amigos is volume 1 of a 3-DVD set, written and produced by language experts specifically to
introduce children to the vibrancy of Spanish. Two simple lessons, a sing along with songs, word
and phrase guide, and printable word puzzle games, as well as a simple adventure following Paco the
animated Chihauhua, his sister Lupe, the Perez family, and Pepe the Clown that covers basic
introductions and numbers. An engaging and truly fun way for young folks to get acquainted with a
brand new language and culture. 50 minutes, color.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
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