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Reviewer's Choice
The Easter Island Statues
Deborah Underwood
Thomson Gale
Box 9081, Farmington Hills, MI 48333
073773065X $23.70 gale.com/kidhaven
Adding to the 'Wonders of the World' series is a special focus on the mysterious Easter Island
statues, a topic generally not given complete coverage for this grade group of 3-5. 48 pages
discuss
Easter Island history, the investigations into the statues, and theories about how the islanders
moved
them into place. An appealing title packed with visual backup.
Look At My Book
Loreen Leedy
Holiday House
425 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017
0823415902 $16.95 holidayhouse.com
Look At My Book: How Kids Can Write & Illustrate Terrific Books by experienced children's
author Loreen Leedy teaches young people how to write their own books: brainstorm ideas, get
ready to do research, the design and illustrate a fantastic new book. The colorful artwork is crisp
and clean, clearly illustrating various steps of the process. Offering tips for coming up with
characters, settings, the perfect title, making revisions, choosing art supplies, binding the pages of
one's new book and more, Look At My Book is a picturebook that truly stimulates creativity and
imagination. Highly recommended.
Charlesbridge
85 Main St., Watertown, MA 02472
www.charlesbridge.com
April Pulley Sayre's The Bumblebee Queen (1570913625, $14.95) takes a look at the lifestyle of
the
lowly bumble bee, combining facts with a format which reads with the drama and action of a
novel.
Patricia J. Wynne provides exceptionally realistic, colorful drawings to compliment Sayre's
inviting
story line. Anna Harwell Celenza's Bach's Goldberg Variations (1570915105, $19.95) is set in
1937
and tells of a young orphan taken under the wing of musician Bach when his master discovers his
talent. Employed as a servant, Goldberg practices playing at night secretly, until Count
Keyserlingk
discovers his talents. An audio cd included in the package makes this especially recommended for
parents teaching music to their kids.
Search For The Golden Moon Bear
Sy Montgomery
Houghton Mifflin
222 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116
www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
0618356509 $17.00 1-800-225-3362
It's unusual to see a specialize blend of science and adventure which has the potential to reach all
the
way into adult audiences, but Sy Montgomery's Search For The Golden Moon Bear is such a title,
detailing a hunt for a rare golden bear. Montgomery doesn't just use third party references; she
travels herself in search of the bear, entering jungles of Asia and conducting her own quest. A
lively
travelogue and natural history adventure results for readers in grades 5-7 and beyond, backed by
Montgomery's prior background as a reporter and naturalist for kids and adults alike.
Pitch And Throw, Grasp And Know
Brian P. Cleary & Brian Gable
Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Pub. Group
241 First Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55401
www.carolrhodabooks.com
1575057964 $14.95 1-800-328-4929
Energetically illustrated in a colorful cartoon style by Brian Gable, Pitch And Throw, Grasp And
Know: What Is A Synonym? provides young readers with informative and entertaining
explanations
and illustrations of just what synonyms are. Also highly recommended for school and community
library collections (and ideal for use by home schoolers) are the other outstanding and thoroughly
"kid friendly' titles of the Carolrhoda Books series on the English language: Dearly, Nearly,
Insincerely: What Is An Adverb?; Hairy, Scary, Ordinary: What Is An Adjective?; I And You And
Don't Forget Who: What Is A Pronoun?; A Mink, A Fink, A Skating Rink: What Is A Noun?; To
Root, To Toot, To Parachute: What Is A Verb?; Under, Over, By The Clover: What Is A
Preposition.
Color, Color, Where Are You?
Mary Koski
Trellis Publishing
PO Box 16141, Duluth, MN 55816
1930650353 $14.95 Trellis2@aol.com
How does nature provide us with examples of all the colors of the rainbow in plants and animal
life?
Janeen Mason's gorgeous, brilliant art drawings pairs with Koski's rollicking rhymes to create the
perfect rhythm and color exploration, packing each color page with examples of reds, yellows,
blues,
blacks and more, all from nature. A wonderful, appealing visual treat makes Color, Color, Where
Are You recommended far and above any competing beginner's surveys of color in nature.
The Science Shelf
Everglades Forever
Trish Marx & Cindy Karp
Lee & Low Books
95 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
1584301643 $17.95 leeandlow.com
Everglades Forever: Restoring America's Great Wetland by Trish Marx is impressively presented
for
young readers augmented by photojournalist Cindy Karp's vivid photography. In Everglades
Forever, children will learn of a class study by the students of an elementary school class on the
majestic wetlands in Homestead, Florida. They will learn of the negative effects of pollution and
disrupted water flow, and how people, environmental agencies, and governments seek to control
such damage. And they will learn of the Everglades Restoration Plan, an ecological intervention
designed to restore and preserve the natural water flow, plants, and animals of the Everglades. A
highly edcuational and conscientious-minded introduction to one of Earth's environmental
wonders,
is especially recommended for school and community library Environmental Studies collections
for
children.
Roaring, Boring Alice
P. K. Merski & Mark Weber
Skeezel Press
2624 Lakeside Drive, Erie, PA 16511
www.roaringboringalice.com
0974721700 $16.95
Roaring, Boring Alice written by P. K. Merski and illustrated by Mark Weber is the picturebook
story of the Aurora Borealis told in a rhyming verse by a little house mouse. The charming tall tale
introduces readers to the ungrateful Alice, whose loud voice changes into the Northern Lights -
until
an odd little person offers her the choice to be nice, so that her normal voice will return. An
afterword explains the scientific phenomenon of the aurora borealis, noting that the colorful lights
do indeed have a voice - swishing, crackling, spark-like sounds that have been recorded by
scientists.
A vivid and just plain fun storybook.
The Picturebook Shelf
The Purim Costume
Peninnah schram
URJ Press
633 - 3rd Ave., NY, NY 10017-6778
0807408743 $13.95 urjpress.com
Many girls have longed to play the part of Queen Esther at the Purim celebration - but she's not
the
only heroine, and kids ages 5-8 with good reading skills or parental assistance will learn about the
other heroines of Purim in The Purim Costume. A modern child chooses a different heroine and
must defend her choice to the local costume contest judges in Peninnah Schram's unusual story,
with
inviting drawings by Tammy L. Keiser.
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor
New York, NY 10020
1-800-223-2336 simonsayskids.com
Three titles are recommended leisure reads for picturebook enthusiasts seeking something
different.
Anne Bustard's Buddy: The Story Of Buddy Holly (0689866674, $16.95) reads like a story, but
includes plenty of facts about the musician's life and inspirations. Kurt Cyrus' realistic drawings
illustrates a tale for ages 5-9 about a Texas boy who found his love of guitar an early impetus for
achievement. Tony Johnston's Chicken In The Kitchen (0689856415, $15.95) presents Eleanor
Taylor's whimsical drawings as it tells of a funny restless chicken who flaps her way through the
kitchen looking for interesting things to peck. A rollicking rhyme provides the fun. Gibbs Davis'
Wackiest White House Pets (0439443733, $16.95) outlines some of the stranger pets of
presidents,
from a pet alligator in the East Room of the White House to two pet grizzly bears kept by
Thomas
Jefferson. Good reading skills required to absorb these true tales which read like stories with
action
and drama.
What Marion Taught Willis
Brook Berg & Nathan Alberg
Upstart Books
Box 800, Ft. Atkinson, WI 53538-0800
1932146334 $16.95 1-800-448-4887
Delightfully illustrated by veteran children's artist Nathan Alberg with anthropomorphic
characters,
What Marion Taught Willis by Brook Berg is the picturebook story of a "Career Day" in Mr.
Owne's class of young students. Each student has to choose a profession, learn as much as he or
she
can about it, and share his or her findings with the class. Marion the hedgehog decides to research
being a librarian, and teaches her friend the basic categorizations of the Dewey Decimal System,
and
how to use it to look up books by subject! An educational picturebook excellent for helping very
young people become familiar with libraries and how to use them.
Happy Bees
Arthur Yorlinks & Carey Armstrong-Ellis
Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
100 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY 10011
www.abramsbooks.com
081095866X $15.95 1-800-759-0190
Energetically illustrated by Carey Armstrong-Ellis, Happy Bees! by Arthur Yorinks is a
picturebook
that comes with a bonus CD of ten festive bee songs. Young readers are treated to the dilemma
that
a swarm of bees presents, causing havoc among humans at a picnic, chasing a bear after their
honey,
or just playing tag. The exuberant color pictures have a hidden ladybug in each spread, and the
very
simple text encourages beginning readers to sound out their first words. A rollicking fun
read-aloud
story.
Knopf/Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
1-800-726-0600 randomhouse.com/kids
Three fun titles from Knopf provide whimsical tales kids will relish. Chris Wormell's The Big Ugly
Monster And The Little Stone Rabbit (0375828915, $15.95) tells of the most horrible, ugly
monster
in the world who defies all living things - until his loneliness leads him to build stone friends. Can
anyone love him? Maya Gottfried's Good Dog (0375830499, $15.95) presents memos from a
range
of dog breeds who want to be good dogs to their owners. Each memo receives a facing page of a
breed and each contains fun reflections on the characteristic of that breed. While some will delight
adults even more, who will readily recognize breed peculiarities, kids will get a kick out of this.
Natasha Anastasia Tarpley's Joe-Joe's First Flight (0375810536, $15.95) receives E.B. Lewis'
warm
drawings as it tells of a young black boy raised in a time of segregation who longs to be a pilot.
His
dreams assume an uncommon reality when he decides to take his goal into his own hands in an
engaging first-person narrative.
Wanda And The Wild Hair
Barbara Azore & Georgia Graham
Tundra Books
PO Box 1030, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
www.tundrabooks.com
0887767176 $15.95 1-800-788-1074
Marvelously and energetically illustrated in full color by Georgia Graham, Wanda And The Wild
Hair is the debut picturebook story of Barbara Azore for the enjoyment of preschool children ages
3
to 6. Wanda And The Wild Hair is about a young girl who loves the wild look of her hair dearly,
even though her mother nags her to wash it and her teacher threatens to have the principal cut it
off.
A series of accidents and messes leave Wanda's hair in worse shape than usual, with twigs and
branches in it - it's almost a bush! She has to get it cut and styled, but whispers to herself, "don't
worry, it will grow again". Humorous chalk pastle illustrations bring hair out of control to
exuberant
life, practically popping off the page in cartoony splendor.
Will You Carry Me?
Heleen van Rossum
Peter van Harmelen
Kane/Miller Book Publishers
PO Box 8515, La Jolla, CA 92038-8515
www.kanemiller.com
1929132743 $15.95 1-800-968-1930
Enhanced throughout every page by Peter van H armelen's intricate pastel artwork, Heleen van
Rossum's Will You Carry Me? is the picturebook story of a toddler who is too tired to walk but
too
big to be carried. When he asks his mother, "Will you carry me?" she comes up with inventive
solutions - if he's too tired to walk, then the two of them can jump, swim, fly, or run home
together!
The warm and cheerful illustrations set alight the charm of this playful read-aloud story.
It's Quacking Time!
Martin Waddell
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
0763627380 $15.99 candlewick.com
Jill Barton's zany and comical story, It's Quacking Time!, tells of a young duck who sees his
mother
lay an egg and discovers the magic of egg origins. Everyone who views the egg receives a lesson
in
life in Waddell's funny tale of a young duck's discoveries.
My Teacher For President
Kay Winters
Dutton/Penguin Books
345 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
0525471863 $14.99 www.penguin.com
Denise Brunkus illustrates a story of why a teacher should be president, in the eyes of Oliver:
the teacher is used to being followed, attends lots of meetings, and gets people to pay attention
Oliver's imagination comes to life in a fine story celebrating teacher talents.
A Team Of One
Ila Wallen
Golden Books/Random House
1745 Broadway, NY, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
0375827056 $16.95 1-800-726-0600
Robert Sauber's drawings nicely enhance Ila Wallen's gentle story A Team Of One, which tells of
sharing and the conflicts which can evolve from friendships. The story begins around a campfire
as a
father tells a bedtime story about a great scavenger hunt which involves treasure and
loneliness.
Jitterbug Jam
Barbara Jean Hicks & Alexis Deacon
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003
0374336857 $16.00 1-888-330-8477
Alexis Deacon's distinctive artwork offers an impressive visual context for Jitterbug Jam, Barbara
Jean Hicks' original story about Bobo, a young monster who is afraid of what is under his bed at
night. Bobo is sure there is a boy lurking underneath his bed, with "pink skin and orange fur on his
head where his horns should be". Bobo's brother chastises him for being a scaredy-cat; Bobo's
grandpa, Boo-Dad, knows exactly how to scare the fearful creature away. Yet after being
frightened for such a long time, Bobo considers taking matters into his own paws and discovering
if
the creature under the bed really is that terrible! A charming and wonderful story about how new
friends could be just around the corner.
Hurray For The Yoder Barn!
Catherine Celli Kurchinski
Moon Pie Press
53 Faye Drive, Smithfield, VA 23430
0976174405 $9.95 moonpiepress.net
Nicely written and engagingly illustrated by Catherine Celli Kurchinski, Hurray For The Yoder
Barn!
is the charmingly presented picturebook story of the Yoder family, their dairy business, and the
barn
they own. Simple color illustrations that resemble those drawn by a child add a warm touch to this
flat-spined storybook, which tells of the barn's destruction in a fire, its rebuilding, and its new role
to
feed the hearts and souls of the people long after big dairy business eclipses its functionality. A
delightful story about changing times and ways.
The Princess And The White Bear King
Tanya Robyn Batt & Nicoletta Ceccoli
Barefoot Books
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
1841483397 $16.99 barefootbooks.com
The Princess And The White Bear King is an impressive retelling by Tanya Robun Batt of an old
fairytale. Enhanced with the superlative artistry of Nicoletta Ceccoli, young readers are provided
with the picturebook story of a princess who has a strange encounter with a great white bear, who
takes her to live in his castle. Yet when she fails to pay attention to a warning, disaster strikes, and
she must set out on a journey east of the sun and west of the moon in hopes of restoring her
chance
at happiness and love. A truly imaginative and uplifting fantasy.
A Simple Brown Leaf
L. J. Davis & Lisa Victoria
Abovo Publishing
PO Box 1321, Bonita, CA 91908
0976200783 $17.95 www.ljdavis.com
What could well become a classic children's picturebook for young readers ages 4 to 8, A Simple
Brown Leaf is the collaborative effort of author L. J. Davis and illustrator Lisa Victoria. This is
the
story of an old autumn leaf caught by a squirrel preparing for winter's onslaught. The leaf's
journey
reveals that its life has more than one purpose. When it was young and green, it was part of the
tree;
when it turned brown and fell, the squirrel needed it to survive the bitter cold of winter. A moving
story about discovery and finding meaning. "You are meant to do something wonderful! Someone
loves you! Someone needs you... just like the squirrel needed the simple brown leaf."
The Big, Blue Lump
Yetti Frenkel
Snow Tree Books
294 Lynn St., Peabody, MA 01960-6533
0974900605 $16.95 snowtreebooks.com
Wonderfully written and superbly illustrated by author/artist Yetti Frenkel, The Big, Blue Lump is
the picturebook story of a tiny blue bug with a peaceful heart. Though he might appear tasty to
animals such as a hungry yellow chick, he has a unique defense... it isn't a good idea to swallow
the
blue bug or one just might get swallowed up in turn. The simple artwork adds a touch of
charming
whimsy, reinforced when expected behaviors such as a chick swallowing a bug give way to
unusual
situations such as a pig swallowing a dog! An easy-to-read story especially suitable for young
people
making the transition from the simplest picture books to slightly more wordy ones.
Cassie's Sweet Berry Pie
Karen B. Winnick
Boyds Mills Press
Carol Fass (publicity)
815 Church St, Honesdale, PA 18431
1563979845 $16.95 1-877-512-8366
Author/illustrator Karen B. Winnick's original picturebook, Cassie's Sweet Berry Pie: A Civil War
Story is the tale of a young girl during the American civil war. Her father is away fighting in the
army, and her mother works in the hospital tending to wounded soldiers. When Union troops raid
her house for supplies, she must come up with a clever ploy to protect her family's food store,
proving that huckleberries can be used for more than sweet pies! The gentle color artwork
perfectly
complements this tale about resourcefulness - not to mention help from the most unlikely
places.
So Happy!
Kevin Henkes & Anita Lobel
Greenwillow/HarperCollins
1350 Ave of the Americas, NY, NY 10019
0060564830 $15.99 1-800-242-7737
Written in a throughly engaging prose poem style by Newbery Honor Book author Kevin Henkes,
and strikingly illustrated by Anita Lobel, So Happy! is the picturebook story of a boy, a rabbit, a
magic seed, and a book (which the reader is holding in his hands). The seed grows into a beautiful
flower, the boy wanders looking for something to do, and the curious rabbit explores until he is
lost... but happiness awaits at the end of a long day, when the rabbit comes home to sleep cozily,
and
the boy finds the flower that the seed became - it's the perfect gift for his mother! A warm-hearted
picturebook intended for ages 2 and up.
The Only One Club
Jane Nailboff & Jeff Hopkins
Flashlight Press
c/o Independent Publishers Group
814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
www.ipgbook.com
0972922539 $15.95 1-800-888-4741
Engagingly written by Jane Nailboff and nicely illustrated by Jeff Hopkins, The Only One Club is
the
story of a young girl named Jennifer, who is the only Jewish student in her first-grade class. When
the other first graders are making Christmas decorations, the teacher tells jennifer that she can
make
Hanukah decorations instead, and be the first to hang them on the classroom windows. Happy to
be
singled out, Jennifer creates "The Only One Club". When her classmates want to join her
exclusive
club, she resists at first - then realizes each of her friends is also "the only one" at something, and
makes badges for everyone, celebrating each person's unique qualities. The friendly illustrations
emphasize an upbeat and positive message about the value of differences and the importance of
tolerance and acceptance.
Popsi, The Daughter Of Mother Nature
Geraldine B. Lewis & Randy Jennings
GBL & CL jr. Publishing
PO Box 3034, San Clemente, CA 92674
0975388428 $16.99 www.gopopsi.com
Although a children's picturebook for ages 5 to 10, Popsi, The Daughter Of Mother Nature
written
by Geraldine B. Lewis and illustrated by Randy Jennings has a charmingly told environmental
message that would be of interest to readers of all ages. When Mother Nature wants to create a
daughter, Popsi, from a rag doll, but she can't do it alone. A wizard brings Popsi to life, warning
her
that she must prove herself useful to Mother Nature in three days or whe will revert to being a rag
doll forever. Aided by a trusty caterpillar, Popsi sets out to find her purpose, though at first she
becomes distracted with playing. Eventually she learns the value of recycling and keeping land
clean,
and teaches other children how to turn garbage into beautiful things. A charming, brilliantly
illustrated story with a meaningful and upbeat message.
The Mysterious Collection Of Dr. David Harleyson
Jean Cassels
Walker & Company
104 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10011
0802789161 $17.95 1-800-289-2553
Specifically written and illustrated by Jean Cassels for young readers ages 4 to 8, The Mysterious
Collection Of Dr. David Harleyson is an amusing mystery picturebook. The world-renowned
painter
Dr. David Harleyson has disappeared, and his nephew must find him by tracing clues on the backs
of
Dr. David's most recent paintings. The artwork amazingly renders animal favorites from classic
rhymes and tales such as the Itsy Bitsy Spider, one Bill Goat Gruff, the Cat (and the Fiddle), and
much more. Various notes and clues piece together a story in this inventive and original picture
book sure to stimulate young minds. Highly recommended.
Cyril The Mandrill
Francesca Greco
Star Bright Books
42-26 28th Street, Suite 2C, Long Island City, NY 11101
www.starbrightbooks.com
193206592X $16.95 1-800-788-4439
With a thoroughly "young reader friendly" text and watercolor illustrations by writer/artist
Francesca
Greco, Cyril The Mandrill is an upbeat allegorical tale. Cyril isn't like other monkeys at the zoo;
he is
a mandrill with unique facial coloring and markings. Everyone wants to see Cyril at the zoo, but
other animals make fun of him and his strange face. Yet when winter comes and the animals are
moved indoors, the monkeys quickly realize that Cyril's colors are a vibrant reminder of the
outside
world, and learn to appreciate his differences. A simplistic, childlike quality to the artwork
contributes to the endearing quality of this cheerful tale.
Little Tom Turkey
Frances Bloxam & Jim Sollers
Down East Books
PO Box 679, Camden, ME 04843
www.downeastbooks.com
0892726717 $15.95 1-800-685-7962
Award-winning artist Jim Sollers' superbly executed illustrations for Frances Bloxam's Little Tom
Turkey will enable young readers ages 3 and up to thoroughly enjoy this original story of the
youngest of ten wild turkey chicks. While his mother tries to teach her brood important survival
lessons about finding food and avoiding danger, Little Tom can't stop thinking about what he
really
wants to do - walk tall and proud like the Big Gobbler. But Little Tom is small and doesn't yet
have
a long tail, striking red, white and blue colorations on his head, or a handsome "beard". When he
tries to strut like the great birds do, he just topples over! Little Tom doesn't realize yet that that all
these things come with time and nature, and he should just concentrate on learning what young
turkeys need to know. A delightful read-aloud tale, with an underlying theme of learning courage
and patience.
The Cookbook Shelf
Cooking For Beginners
Usborne Cooking School
EDC Publishing
PO Box 470663, Tulsa, OK 74146-6515
www.edcpub.com
0794507344 $7.95 1-800-475-4522
The newest addition to the "Usborne Cooking School" school series, Cooking For Beginners take
young children step-by-step through the preparation of easy-to-prepare, palate pleasing, appetite
satisfying recipes with thorough and easy-to-follow explanations of what to do and how to do it.
Along with sections on "Before you begin" and "Cooking hints", the individual dishes range from
Cheesy Beef Burgers; to Crusty Bread Pizzas, to Shrimp and Pepper Curry, and so many more!
Other titles in this outstanding, inexpensive, fully illustrated, and thoroughly "kid friendly"
cookbook
series are Pasta And Pizza; Cakes And Cookies; and Vegetarian Cooking For Beginners.
The Folktale/Folklore Shelf
Elephant Prince
Amy Novesky & Belgin K. Wedman
Mandala Publishing
17 Paul Dr., San Rafael, CA 94903
www.mandala.org
1886069166 $16.95 1-800-688-2218
Elephant Prince: The Story Of Ganesh will serve to entertainingly introduce the elephant headed
Hindu god to young readers ages 4 to 8. Belgin K. Wedman's superb illustrations are a perfect
story-telling showcase to talented children's author Amy Novesky's story set in the Himalayas
during
a time of gods and goddesses. Elephant Prince does not recount the commonest version of
Ganesh's
origin, in which Parvati creates a child from earth and her husband Shiva is so surprised by the
stranger he cuts the boy's head off; instead, Elephant Prince draws upon a classic Indian text
entitled
"Brahma Vaivarta Purana" to present a version in which Parvati wishes for a child and to her
delight
has her wish granted, yet tragedy strikes when the god Shani (Saturn) accidentally destroys the
child's head, for whatever powerful Shani gazes upon is instantly obliterated. The merciful god
Vishnu brings the boy back to life with the aid of a wise old elephant, who chooses to sacrifice
himself so that the child may be restored. And so Ganesh lives again with the head of an elephant,
and becomes skilled at writing down stories. The elephant will live forever, and Ganesh lives and
is
loved by all - especially his mother. The stunning watercolor artwork with gold leaf highlights was
deliberately created in style of the Kangra school of painting, developed in India during the 16th
century. Highly recommended.
Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip
Denia Lewis Hester & Jackie Urbanovic
Albert Whitman & Company
6340 Oakton Street, Morton Grove, IL 60053-2723
www.albertwhitman.com
0807530271 $15.95 1-800-255-7675
Grandma Lena's Big Ol' Turnip is a soul-food picturebook adaptation of an old Russian folktale
which is wonderfully illustrated by the fetching artwork of Jackie Urbanovic. A grand tall tail
about
woman who takes good care of her garden; the biggest turnip in it is so humongous that Grandma
Lena, Uncle Isadore, Aunt Netty, and the dog can't make it budge! Who will make the difference?
Exuberant color pictures add a whimsical touch to this cheerful tale with a positive message:
"Anything worth doing is worth doing right".
The Bilingual Shelf
My Name Is Celia
Monica Brown & Rafael Lopez
Rising Moon/Northland Publishing
PO Box 1389, Flagstaff, AZ 86002
087358872X $15.95 1-800-346-3257
The debut title in Rising Moon's "Luna Rising" series of bilingual Latino storybook-biography
series
for young readers, My Name Is Celia: The Life Of Celia Cruz/Me llamo Celia: La vida de Celia
Cruz
is written by Monica Brown and colorfully illustrated by Rafael Lopez honoring Cuban-born salsa
queen Celia Cruz. Tracing her life from her early childhood in Havana to her musical achievement
and worldwide fame, My Name Is Celia tells her story in rhythmic verse, and the artwork
practically
leaps off the page from sheer enthusiasm. A bright and energetic picturebook that is just plain fun
to
read aloud.
The American History Shelf
Earthquake!
Shelley Tanaka & David Craig
Hyperion Books
77 West 66th St., NY, NY 10023-6298
www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com
0786818824 $16.99 1-800-759-0190
The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 usually is written up for older audiences, so it's nice to see
a
picturebook coverage of one of the most famous disasters in American history, for kids in grades
2-4. In Earthquake! , all of the color drawings and black and white photos provide eye-catching
detail of the events.
O Say Can You See?
Sheila Keenan
Scholastic
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
www.scholasticlibrary.com
043942450X $16.95 1-800-242-7737
The many symbols of American liberty are part of our culture but rarely receive clear explanation
for
youngsters under one title, so choose Sheila Keenan's O Say Can You See? A fine survey of
American historic symbols is provided, from an explanation and history of why the Liberty Bell is
cracked to early designs for the US flag and why the current design was chosen. Color drawings
throughout enhance /sgeuka Keenan's informative survey.
The World History Shelf
Knights & Castles
Alex Martin
Two-Can Publishing
c/o Creative Publishing International
Media Masters (publicity)
18705 Lake Drive East, Chanhassen, MN 55317-9384
www.creativepub.com
1587284413 $19.95 1-800-328-0590
Part of the impressive "Picture That!" series for young readers, Knights & Castles utilizies
paintings
from famous European artists such as Jean Fuquet, Pieter Bruegel the Young, and Paolo Uccello
to
illustrate Alex Martin's informed and informative text about life in the mid-fourteenth century.
Describing the life of a knight in 1350, Knights & Castles goes into fascinating historical detail
about
jousting, courting a lady, hunting deer, and more. Sidebars offer tidbits of information about the
artists who created the classical works used to illustrate daily life nearly seven hundred years ago.
Fascinating reading for the young and old alike, and highly recommended.
Ancient Egyptians
Fiona MacDonald
Collins/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
0007153767 $17.99 1-800-423-4525
While Fiona MacDonald's Ancient Egyptians was originally designed to accompany a British TV
series, it needn't only be considered for British viewers alone: kids around the world will
appreciate
this visual treat, packed with color illustrations throughout and providing a survey based on major
themes in the history of Ancient Egypt. From temple murders to buried treasure and desert tombs,
history comes to life in an unusual manner blending contemporary approaches and images with
historical fact.
The Photography Shelf
Eyewitness: Photography
DK Publishing
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
0756605423 $19.99 www.dk.com
DK's best-selling Eyewitness series for kids republishes classics with new covers and eight pages
of
brand new material to extend the content, but Eyewitness Photography isn't one of these reprints:
it's
an entirely new addition to a popular series, offering a history of photography from its roots to
modern digital camera phones. Experiments, insights, and pages packed with color make
Eyewitness
Photography another winning addition to the series.
The Music Shelf
Silly Critter Talk
Dawnie
Schoolhouse Records
201 South Second Avenue, Suite 22, Highland Park, NJ 08904
SHR 0025-2 $10.98 www.pbjmusic.net
With original compositions by the multi-talented artist Dawnie who provides an energetic and
thoroughly "kid friendly" performance for each of her songs, Silly Critter Talk is an enthusiastic,
entertaining, educational, and interactive CD recording supported by a blending of rich vocals,
catchy guitar riffs, lively rhythms, and melodic keys. The selections comprising this highly
recommended, professionally album for young children and engaged parents include Little
Caterpillar; Adventures of Chipee Chipmunk; Teeny Tiny Tadpole; Catch Me If You Can; Ouch!
Don't Pet The Bumble Bees; Dorothy Dolphin; Dawnie Says; and Silly Critter Talk.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Smart Apple
1980 Lookout Dr, N. Mankato, MN 56003
Two fine new "Looking After Your Pets" guides by Claire Hibbert combine very bright,
contemporary color photos with practical advice on how to care for pets. Cat (1583404317,
$27.10)
tells the basics of how to own a cat and care for it; Dog (1583404309, $27.10) discusses
vacations,
breeding, and more. All use photos of pets and their families for added emphasis.
Zoo Album
Richard Morecroft & Alison Mackay
Karen Lloyd-Diviny, illustrator
Enchanted Lion Books
115 West 18th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
1592700322 $17.95 1-888-330-8477
Karen Lloyd-Diviny's artwork illustrating Richard Morecroft and Alison Mackay's informative
text
about the kinds of animals a visitor to the zoo would be apt to encounter is of museum quality
work.
Zoo Album takes the reader on a tour of various amazing real animals living in zoos. The animals'
keepers offer insightful comments about a Komodo dragon so fearless that the keeper could
simply
take it for a walk to its new cage rather than ship it in a box, and the tasmanian devil who loves to
scavenge, a talent her keepers encourage by dragging the food around her living area and putting
it
in a different hiding place every time. A fact-filled picturebook introducing young readers to
amazing facts about truly fantastic animals.
The Preschool Shelf
ABC: Letters In The Library
Bonnie Farmer & Chum McLeod
Lobster Press
1620 Sherbrooke Street, West, Montreal, Quebec, H3H 1C9, Canada
www.lobsterpress.com
1894222873 $15.95 1-800-565-9523
In Bonnie Farmer's ABC: Letters In The Library, childeren ages 2 to 7 will enjoy the cheerfully
colorful illustrations of Chum McLeod as they explore the alphabet, narrated in sentences with
library themes: "A: Aisles of authors are arranged alphabetically / B: Beautiful books dazzle
browsing bookworms / C: Humming computers collect countless call numbers". The vibrant
images
by award-winning Ontario native Chum McLeod add a visually compelling touch to this
free-spirited
introduction to the alphabet.
The 1, 2, 3 Bees
Nicole Wheldon & Diana Zourelias-Noro
Acmon Blue Publishing
PO Box 475, Tujunga, CA 91043
0974479217 $17.95 acmonblue.com
Conceived and written by Nicole Wheldon, with illustrations by Diana Zourelias-Noro for
preschoolers, The 1, 2, 3 Bees: A Counting Book is a whimsical poem that teachings young ones
about counting from one to ten. The sprightly color pictures of little bees waking up and buzzing
about their daily routine add an appealing touch to the simple rhyme. A cheery introduction to
numbers and counting.
My Grandma Could Do Anything
Ric Dilz
Rein Designs, Inc.
2450 Central Avenue, Suite C, Boulder, CO 80301
0975870408 $6.95 1-800-432-7346
Written and illustrated by Rick Dilz (and preschool tested for entertainment value!), My Grandma
Could Do Anything is a 6 inch by 6 inch, 30 page, brightly colored, whimsically funny storybook
that provides a child's perspective on the wide ranging abilities of Grandma. Ideal for reading to a
toddler child at bedtime or anytime.
The Alphabet Dance
Pauline Guy
Golden Eagle Publishing House
9201 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 205, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
www.canyceleb-staffing.com
0975353373 $15.99
Brightly illustrated and written for toddlers and preschoolers in a rhyming prose by Pauline Guy,
The
Alphabet Dance makes the letters come alive. Images show dancing letters along with creatures
embodying a sample word starting with the letter: "A is for Apple / B is for Bear / C is for cuddly
Cat sitting on the chair". The Alphabet Dance is just plain fun to read aloud, and a toe-tapping
rhythmic treat to help little people learn their ABCs.
A Touch of Passover
Ari Sollish
Merkos Publications
291 Kingston Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11213
$8.00 Each www.kehotonline.com
Ari Sollish's A Touch Of Passover holds the unusual distinction of being a board book presented
in
both English (0826600-212) and, separately, in Spanish (0826600-220): the 'touch and feel'
format
of each board book provides tactile reinforcement to the visual survey of Passover rituals. Boruch
Becker provides the realistic drawings, from shiny wine cups with sticky red wine drops to the
realistic feel of leather in a father's Haggadah book. An outstanding hands-on set of early
impressions teaches the important foundations of Passover.
Books in Series
Enslow Publishers
PO Box 398, 40 Industrial Road, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922-0398
$18.95 Each www.enslow.com
Three new series biographies blend history with facts to provide full-faceted biographical sketches
of
major figures. New to the 'Explorers!' series for grades 3-4 is Sandra Kachurek's Francisco
Pizarro:
Explorerer Of South America (0766021785) and Arlene Bourgeois Molzahn's La Salle: Explorer
Of
The Mississippi (0766-021416): each providing 48 pages including an index, bibliography and
glossary. New to the 'Famous Inventors' series is Patricia J. Murphy's Grace Hopper: Computer
Whiz (0766022730) tells of a woman concerned about making computers easier for people to
use.
The 'Great Minds of Science' series ($26.60 each) will appeal to older readers in grades 4-10 with
128 pages of biographical and scientific facts: here, choose Mary Gow's Robert Boyle: Pioneer Of
Experimental Chemistry (0766025012) or John Blankston's Stephen Hawking: Breaking The
Boundaries Of Time And Space (0766022811): each covering the scientists' lives and major
discoveries. All promise lasting reference value.
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
1-800-831-9881 marshallcavendish.com
It's multi-volume reference sets for grades 4-6 where Cavendish really shines, providing
references
promising lasting value to libraries careful with budgets and lasting research applications. Take
their
Explorers And Exploration set (11 volumes, 07-61475354, $329.95): because each book holds 80
pages of facts, it's most accessible to this age group without being overwhelming in appearance.
Kids are always assigned reports: each volume has a segment of the A-Z alphabet covering
selected
explorers. Volume 1, for example, covers explorers from Alexander the Great to Gertrude Bell.
And
each explorer receives 3-4 pages which include either black and white or color photos, maps,
illustrations, charts, and overviews with enough detail to begin a report. Or take Peoples Of
Eastern
Asia (0761475478, $329.95): this 11-book set offers 48-page references for grades 3-5, with each
volume covering 1-3 countries in Asia and each country listing including several maps, history,
cultural coverages, and color photos. It's rare to see such color combined with practical overviews
for this age group. There's also something for the middle school and high school readers which
can
extend into public library holdings in the 11-volume Gods, Goddesses And Mythology set
(0761475591, $459.95): almost 150 pages to each coverage is perfect for this audience. Each
listing
in the A-Z set comes packed with color photos and sidebars of information, and each includes a
number of in-depth, detailed pages of history and overviews of beliefs. Also for this audience/age
group is the extensive 17-volume Encyclopedia Of Family Health (076147-4862, $499.95): this
appearing in its third updated edition to reflect the latest facts and research. Each volume offers
definitions of major diseases, illnesses and conditions, causes, diagnosis and treatment. The entire
family will want to use this; making it a solid home reference - but most probably an essential
library
reference, as few families will afford its price tag. Also for high school and into college-lvel
audiences is the 3-volume set History Of World War II (076147482X, $249.95): over 300 pages
per
volume accompany in-depth articles discussing military and social issues during the war. The
volumes divide into topics: Origins And Outbreak, Global War, and Victory And Aftermath. The
three topics allows for excellent discussions accompanied by maps and b/w vintage photos
throughout.
Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
1-800-831-9881 marshallcavendish.com
Benchmark provides high-quality sets promising lasting library references to kids in grades 4-6,
and
these new arrivals represent some top pick 'musts' for discriminating school libraries. The 'Drugs:
Facts About' series ($26.95 each) titles each hold a little over a hundred pages of facts which
blend
history, cultural and social insights, and medical facts about drugs. A few black and white photos
pepper each title but it's the text, filled with terminology explanations and facts, which are the
meat
of these coverages. New additions include Ted Gottfried's Marijuana (0761418067) and Alcohol
(07614180509), Suzanne LeVert's Steroids (0761418083) and Ecstasy (0761418075), and
Francha
Roffe Menhard's Inhalants (0761418091). The 'Supreme Court Milestones' series ($25.95 each)
offers an unusual approach to placing legal and social issues in the hands of a young audience than
is
usually seen for the topic. Susan Dudley Gold has three winner: Roe V. Wade: A Woman's
Choice?
(0761418393), Brown V. Board Of Education: Separate But Equal? (0761418423) and Pentagon
Papers: Natl Security Or The Right To Know (0761418431), and Corinne J. Naden and Rose
Blue
have two: Marbury V. Madison: Court's Foundation (0761418407) and Dred Scott: Person Or
Property? (0761418415). Each provides a healthy overview, from background U.S. history and
culture to legal precedents and the lasting ramifications of each decision.
Ozark Publishing
PO Box 228, Prairie Grove, AR 72753
1-800-321-5671
Ozark's character development books represent something new for very early readers: each book
uses animals and stories to emphasize a character-building point, juxtaposing a color
drawing-enhanced story with a basic lesson for grades 2-3. The 'Colorado Cowboy' series by
Dave
and Pat Sargent enjoys drawings by Jane Lenoir and provides cowboy adventures with the
character
lesson sentence printed on the cover of each book. Thus character-building stories are offered in
Buying Heifers (1593810962, $16.80) with the lesson 'don't give up, Broken Cinch
(159-3810946,
$16.80) about staying neat; Breaking Horses (159381092X, $16.80) with the lesson on sticking
to
the job; Branding Time (1593810180, $16.80) about teamwork; The Fire (1593811047, $16.80)
on
giving second chances; The Drought (1593811020, $16.80) on having faith; Colorado Blizzard
(1593810261, $16.80) on perseverance; The Chuck Wagon (1593810989, $16.80) about
stubbronness; Cattle Rustlers (1593811004, $16.80) about stealing; and Calving Time
(1593810202,
$16.80), covering lessons. Any youngster interested in cowboys will readily absorb the lessons
while
learning more about cowboy jobs. This isn't the only character-building series by Ozark, however.
Dave and Pat Sargent's 'Young Animal Pride Series ($9.95 each) are realistically and engaging
illustrated by Elaine Woodward and are intended for grades K-1 with very simple one-line
sentences
illustrating animal habits and easy character-building messages, again featured on each cover.
Thus,
choose from Young Peggy (1567638872) about a young porcupine who wanders off; Young
Tunnel
King (156763883X) telling of a gopher's perseverance, Young Amy (156-7638910) about an
anteater who needs to pay attention; Young Bandit (1567638-899) about a weasel who helps
others;
Young Bobby (1567638813) offering a lesson on following others; Young Chrissy (1567638759)
teaching the importance of obeying parents; Young White Thunder (1567638732) about
leadership;
Young Dawn (1567638775) on a deer's friendships; Young Sammy (1256763891) about a skunk
who smells; and Young Big Jake (1567638856) about a curious baby mouse overly confident.
Nor
do the publisher's offerings stop here: Daina Sargent and illustrator Jane Lenoir work together on
the 'Double Trouble' stories of twins Matt and Liz who travel through time to early states and
learn
lessons on teamwork in Missouri (1593811268) and on conquering fear in Kansas (1593811241);
Pat L. Sargent and Janet Lenoir provide The Cheetah (1567639739, $18.50) for older grades 2-4
which has only black and white drawings but covers a cheetah's confrontation; and the publisher's
'Story Keepers Stories' ($9.95 each/$226.00 for 10/vol set) teaches learning skills in 42-page
books
for grades 2-4 using Native American stories with Dave and Pat Sargent and Sue Rogers
(illustrated
by Jane Lenoir)'s Fierce Warriors (1567639151) to teach character development; showing respect
Truth, Power And Freedom (1567639-399); being responsible Bundle Keeper (1567639372),
being
giving Tattoos Of Honor (1567639356), compassion Summer Milky Way (156763933X),
learning
lessons Rays Of The Sun (1567639313), using talent On The Banks Of The Wallowa
(1567639275),
being curious Ladder At The Door (1567639216) and being helpful Valley Oak Acorns
(1567639410). Excellent lessons go beyond the usual moral story alone to embed the message in
stories which teach skills or cultural lessons as well.
Gareth Stevens
330 W. Olive #100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
$17.50 Each www.garethestevens.com
Various writers re-tell the works of major authors in the new Gareth Stevens 'Great American
Short
Stories series, placing each of them in an unusually easy format to make them accessible to
elementary-level readers in grades 4-6. It's refreshing to see a collection for this grade level, which
will set the foundation for a later introduction to the complete, unedited work. Each title opens
with
a brief biography of the author, three re-done selected major short stories, and a fine 'for further
thinking' section of questions which invite kids to reflect on the stories. Washington Irving
(0836842537) presents Rip Van Winkle and two other classics, Mark Twain (0836842553)
presents
'The Jumping Frog' and four others, Edith Wharton (0836842561) holds The Pomegranate Seed
and
one other, Edgar Allan Poe (0836842545) provides 'Tell-Tale Heart' and three others, Willa
Cather
(0836842-510) holds 'Paul's Case' and two others, and Nathaniel Hawthorne (0836842529)
presents
'The Birthmark' and two others. The length of the stories depends on how many are included in
each
collection.
Greenhaven Press/Gale San Diego
10911 Technology Place, San Diego, CA 92127
1-800-231-5163 www.gale.com
The Greenhaven "Contemporary Issues Companion" series of nonfiction discussions holds plenty
of
detailed arguments and discussions perfect independent study and highschool classroom
curriculum
enrichment. Muslims In America (0737723-157, $34.95), for example, surveys the history and
social
experiences of Muslim men and women in this country. The diverse articles are written from
different perspectives thereby offering very different viewpoints. Joan Brodsky Schur's The Arabs
(0737721480, $34.95) covers a century of Arab immigration to this country and tackling such
contemporary and important issues as regional neighborhood experiences, anti-Arab
discrimination
before and after 9/11, and more. Bradley Steffens' The Free Speech Movement (0737711566,
$34.95) surveys the promise, limits and potentials of free speech, with articles discussing both
civil
rights and social liberties issues and the rights of states and regions to determine free speech
issues.
Readers concerned about drugs and mental disorders have three to choose from: Club Drugs
(073771607X, $28.70) which surveys the dangers of recreational drug use; William Dudley's
Antidepressants (0737719516, $34.95) which joins others in the 'History of Drugs' series covering
who antidepressants were initially slow to catch on but now are everywhere; and Melissa
Abramovitz's Bipolar Disorder (1590185897, $28.70), adding to the 'Diseases and Disorders'
series
in surveying an increasingly common disorder.
Crabtree Books
350 5th Avenue, #3308, NY, NY 10118
$16.95 Each www.crabtreebooks.com
Four new series batches of titles are recommended for discriminating elementary-level library
holdings seeking curriculum-based materials for grades 3-5. Three new Native American titles
provide regional focus and histories: Nations Of The Eastern Great Lakes (0778703819) contrasts
Great Lakes tribes, from the Wendat to the Eries, providing a focus on an area not typically
contrasted. From village life and trading to contact with the Europeans and conflict, the structure
and interactions of these nations receive solid focus. Life Of The Powhatan (0778703800)
outlines
the lives of the tribe of the Delaware area, revealing their lives, habits, and leaders. A rare glimpse
at
West Coast tribal life - something sorely needed in Native coverages which tend to focus on the
East
and Midwest, is Life Of The California Coast Nations (0778703827), telling of village groups,
clans,
and lives. Each volume holds plenty of realistic color drawings throughout to maintain attention.
The
'Life in Ancient' series expands with some wonderful focuses on various ancient old-world
countries
and their histories. Paul Challen's Life In Ancient Egypt (0778720381) and Life In Ancient China
(0778720373) employ plenty of colorful sidebars and numerous eye-catching drawings per page
to
discuss science, language and daily life in Egypt and China, Lynn Peppas' Life In Ancient
Mesoamerica (077872039X) and Life In Ancient Greece (0778720357) surveys daily life, early
belief systems, and the evolution of culture in both ancient regions; Shilpa Mehta-Jones' Life In
Ancient Mesopotamia (0778720366) and Life In Ancient Rome (0778720349) each cover the
early
arts, culture and lifestyles of the peoples of each region. The books excel in eye-catching color
drawings and illustrations along with facts suitable for reports. If it's Medieval and Middle Ages
times kids are studying, make sure they don't miss the Medieval series Life In A Medieval
Monastery
(0778713520), Medieval Towns, Trade And Travel (0778713504) and Life On A Medieval
Manor
(0778713539) these add to a growing series of narrowed focus titles, each holding 32 pages
including an index and glossary. Pages covering life reveal the lifestyles of both peasants and
lords,
court life and farming life, and religious life in a monastery. Four new Middle Ages focuses are
Science And Technology (0778713547), Food And Feasts In The Middle Ages (0778713-482),
Children And Games In The Middle Ages (0778713490), and Arts And Literature (0778713555):
each offering chapters of focus on major trends, discoveries, issues, and peoples of the times.
Adding to the 'Land, People and Culture' sets focussing on different countries is the most timely
Iraq: The Culture (0778793206), The Land (0778793184) and The People (0778793192). Each
offers the standard 32 pages of facts, color photos, and geography material suitable for reports.
Again: exceptional color and eye-catching graphics makes all of these most appealing.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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