|
Book
Reviews,
Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers |
Home / Children's
Bookwatch |
Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library
Barb Rosenstock, author
John O'Brien, illustrator
Calkins Creek
c/o Boyds Mills Press
815 Church Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
9781590789322 $16.95 www.boydsmillspress.com
Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library is a children's picturebook about one of Thomas Jefferson's
many enormous contributions to American History. When Jefferson was a child, he loved to read
and collect books; he built his first library as a young man, and never stopped trying to make
bigger and better libraries. His beloved book collection would help create the largest library in
the world - the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., which hosts over 35 million books
today! Wonderful color illustrations, fascinating facts, and an author's note embellish this
wonderful true story about Thomas Jefferson the bibliophile. Highly recommended, especially
for public and school library children's collections.
The Blue Goblin
Donna Pisella, author
Dustin Pike, illustrator
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Rd., Parker, CO 80134
9781478712695, $22.95, www.outskirtspress.com
"The Blue Goblin" is a fun fantasy story that has a hidden agenda: tempting young children to eat
their healthy vegetables and greens. Enhanced by funny, spunky colored illustrations of the
blue/green goblin and friends, "The Blue Goblin" is a tickling, teasing tale of a grumpy, scary
goblin who ate an unvaried diet of green worms, which made him feel grumpy because he was
hungry, and inadequately nourished. One day he forgot to eat green worms and tried fresh
blueberries instead, with spine-tingling results! He turned blue, which, it turns out, made him not
very scary anymore to children. But the key reaction here was in the goblin himself,: He felt
better! Things develop in his limited palate and lifestyle, and ultimately the blue goblin learns to
love many wonderful (green) foods including peas, Brussels sprouts, and more. The reformed
blue goblin decides to give up scaring children, plant and tend a garden of his favorite vegetables,
and give a party for all his goblin friends, with a feast of veggie stew and green wriggly worm
pie. Bottom line: Reading "The Blue Goblin" to toddlers will help them learn to be adventurous
and try new, healthy foods!
Harriet's Homecoming
Susan Sachs Levine, author
Erin Burchwell, artist
Orange Frazer Press
P.O. Box 214, Wilmington, OH 45177
9781933197975, $19.95, www.orangefrazer.com
"Harriet's Homecoming: A High Flying Tour of Cincinnati" is the exciting, illustrated story of
how a young peregrine falcon gets lost in downtown Cincinnati after she accidentally collides
with a skyscraper and is rescued by a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Harriet finally flies off to
explore downtown Cincinnati in hopes of finding her family nest which is near Fountain Square.
Along her way, Harriet meets a number of helpful animal guides who tell her more about the
different landmarks and features of Cincinnati. "Harriet's Homecoming" features colored
background sidebars about different famous landmarks, such as the Carew Tower, the John A.
Roebling Suspension Bridge, Eden Park, and more. Eventually Harriet finds her sister Maria,
who takes her home to her parents after an exciting time discovering the big city of Cincinnati.
Color illustrations of Harriet and her surroundings merge with actual photographs of peregrine
falcons and chicks in the Cincinnati area. Additional information about peregrine falcons and the
history of Cincinnati is provided at the end of "Harriet's Homecoming," along with phone
numbers and web sites for 23 famous Cincinnati historic landmarks. "Harriet's Homecoming" is
an exciting nature adventure story based on real life for children age 7 and up.
Oh No, School!
Hae-Kyung Chang, author
Josee Bisaillon, illustrator
Magination Press
PO Box 92984
Washington, DC 20090-2984
9781433813337 $14.95 www.maginationpress.com
Oh No, School! is a children's picturebook about a young girl who dreads going to school! Her
kind mother listens to her daughter's problems, comforts her, and helps her understand positive
ways to face her problems, with the help of a bunny rabbit puppet. "'Do you have to practice your
ABCs or sing or jump rope even if you're not sure how?' asked Bunny. 'Yes! Ms. Leonard tells
me to sing even when I don't know the words,'... 'Doing something for the first time is hard,' said
Bunny. 'You might feel embarrassed because you don't think you did it well. But if you keep
trying and practicing then you will get better.'" Filled with appealing, iconic color illustrations,
Oh No, School! tackles common childhood fears and problems head-on, and is worthy of the
highest recommendation especially for parents preparing their children to face a new school day,
as well as for public library children's picturebook collections.
The Computer Shelf
A Beginner's Guide to On-line Security
Wendi Finn, author
Kari Shakley, illustrator
IS Security Solutions LLC
www.issecuritysolutions.com
9781491032268, $15.99, www.amazon.com
Written by a concerned parent who is also an on line security expert, "A Beginner's Guide to
On-line Security: A Workbook for All Ages" consists of a series of technology usage education
chapters with paired assignments meant to be done by a leader (parent or teacher) with a child, all
designed for an audience of computer-neophyte adults, teens, and children age 7 and up. Chapter
subjects include technology today, definition of the internet, instructions for internet access,
defining risks of internet access, security online, e-mail, video chat, social networking, classroom
technology, and additional information in the appendix labeled Tips for Parents. Chapters are
brief, with illustrated subcategory headings, and usually consist of an informative section called
Learn About It, and a refection/exercise page called What Do You Know? Helpful information is
also given in the Appendix under http//www.on-linesecurity.org/Tips_for_Parents.html. This
valuable on-line security resource for children and parents is a must for households and
classrooms everywhere.
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
The Dragons of Pan Gu
Kevin White, author
Rex White, illustrator
Chimeric Press
5299 Rau Road, West Branch, MI 48661
9780984712267, $15.95, www.chimericpress.com
"The Dragons of Pan Gu," subtitled "From the Scrolls of the Sanshee Wanderer," is an East
Asian creation myth retold, about opposites symbolized by a black and a white dragon, struggling
for control, but always seeking balance. The magnificent colored illustrations present an
omniscient, dreaming Creator presence called Pan Gu in chalk drawings, who works his way
through the intricate puzzle of creation of a balanced Earth. Finally a young boy and his
Grandfather complete the story by sharing a lesson about wisdom, control, and fishing. "The
Dragons of Pan Gu" is a vibrant creation story with deeply stirring implications, creatively
presented for children ages 5-10 and up.
Aesop's Fables
Michael Rosen, author
Talleen Hacikyan, illustrator
Tradewind Books
202-1807 Maritime Mews, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3W7
www.tradewindbooks.com
Orca Book Publishers (dist.)
PO Box 468, Custer, WA 98240-0468
9781896580814 $16.95 www.orcabooks.ca
Aesop's Fables is a children's picturebook of brief, classic parables by Aesop, usually presented
in the form of a short story that plays out between animals. Each fable has a classic moral, and all
of them are presented in plain terms readily accessible to young readers. The fables range from
the well-known "Fox and Grapes" (moral: "Don't fool yourself into saying that something is bad,
when really you know it's good. You're probably only saying it because you can't have it".) to
lesser-known tales such as Cockerel, Dog and Fox (moral: "If someone stronger than yourself is
attacking you, or if you think someone is trying to get the better of you with clever words, then
go and get help from someone who can defend you.") The stylized, striking color illustrations
add the perfect touch to this captivating sampler of Aesop's timeless tales and morals (of course,
Aesop told many more fables than can fit between the covers of a picturebook such as this one).
Highly recommended!
The King With Dirty Feet
Rob Cleveland, author
Tom Wrenn, illustrator
August House Story Cove
c/o August House
3500 Piedmont Road, NE, Suite 310, Atlanta, GA 30305
National Book Network (distributor)
4270 Boston Way, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.augusthouse.com
9781939160744, $4.95, www.amazon.com
"The King With Dirty Feet" is a charming presentation of an old Indian folk tale about a king
who did not like to bathe. Finally, after a year of not bathing, he was so dirty and smelly he
finally agreed to take a bath in the river. Crowds cheered as the king bathed for 3 hours.
However, when he stepped out of the river, his wet feet became dirty again because dust stuck to
his wet feet. The king decides someone needs to discover a way for him to keep his feet clean
after bathing, or he will never take another bath. His advisor, Gamar, tries sweeping or washing
the dirt away, with a pronounced lack of success. Finally he has all the people stitch together a
leather ground covering for the king to step on. Although this works, it works too well. The trees
and flowers cannot grow where the leather covered the ground. An old man presents an inspired
solution: Snipping and the leather ground covering, he creates the first pair of foot coverings
which will be called shoes. This works perfectly and the king desires to reward the old man, but
he replies, wisely and with a twinkle in his eye, "You can all go about your business and stop
making so much fuss. Go on home now. Shoo. I said shoo." And they did. The king was very
happy, and proclaimed shoes to be a wonderful new invention that everyone should have. "The
King With Dirty Feet" is a wise fable, imaginatively presented, and embellished with
chocolate-dripping (faux) comic illustrations that will draw laughter from all readers.
The Native American Shelf
Standing Bear of the Ponca
Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, author
Thomas Floyd, illustrator
University of Nebraska Press
1111 Lincoln Mall, Ste. 400, Lincoln, NE 68588
9780803228269, $14.95, www.nebraskapress.unl.edu
"A Standing Bear of the Ponca" is a moving illustrated biography of a famous leader of the Bear
Clan of the Ponca (1829-1903) who made a legitimate legal case in Standing Bear v. Crook
(1879) that he was a human being and entitled to certain basic rights under the law. Simply
written in factual language, "Standing Bear of the Ponca" tells a sad but heroic story of one man's
efforts to shield and protect his clan in the face of unbelievable persecution and heartless
disregard. The Poncas were forced to leave their homeland in Nebraska near Niobrara and march
on their own desperate Trail of Tears, like that of the Cherokee, earlier. Finally, after much
hardship, sickness, starvation, and death, the Ponca were allowed to return to the Niobrara area,
although much of their former territory was not restored to them fully. "Standing Bear of the
Ponca" tells a true tale that is filled with sadness, difficulties, hardships, and death, but the
ending honors a great man and a great tribe and clan of peaceful First Americans who were
finally awarded a legal status of being considered fully human under the law of the land. A
Timeline and Glossary at the end of the book add to the coherence of the biography. "Standing
Bear of the Ponca" is first rate Native American biography material, written by a woman of
Ponca and Sioux descent for young readers ages 8 and up.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Second Hand Cat
Vell Sweeny, author
Elizabeth Mifflin Sweeny, illustrator
Pink Pig Press
980 Broadway, Suite 248, Thornwood, NY 10594
9780981636023, $14.95, www.pinkpigpress.com
"Second Hand Cat" is a remarkable true story about a real shelter cat who became a beloved
family member after being adopted by his forever family. Phantom was dirty, white, and deaf,
with unmatched eyes, and he lived a long time at the shelter before finally being adopted. He did
not know he was deaf, but discovered a style of cat-to-cat communication with another cat,
Kit-Kat. The miracle of Phantom was that he remained determined in the face of all
discouragement. When he finally was taken home by his family (along with his friend Kit Kat),
he discovered showers, large spaces, positive human attention (otherwise known as love), and a
fear of second hands on clocks. Because Phantom had been called a second hand cat, he was
afraid the second hands on the clocks would somehow lead the family to return him to the
shelter! Showing unusual fortitude and imagination, Phantom put a plan in action to stop the
Second Hand Sequence once and for all. The astonishing conclusion of "Second Hand Cat" will
restore faith in human/animal friendships and inspire cat lovers everywhere. The charming mixed
crayon illustrations convey the warmth and kind regard that Phantom inspired in his adoptive
family. "Second Hand Cat" is a wonderful book to share to teach children responsibility and
caring for feline and other animals.
Where Snow Leopard Prowls
Naomi C. Rose
Dancing Dakini Press
77 Morning Sun Dr.
Sedona, AZ 86336
9780983633303 $17.95 www.dancingdakinipress.com
Strikingly realistic paintings illustrate Where Snow Leopard Prowls: Wild Animals of Tibet, a
children's picturebook filled with amazing facts about Tibet's native species. One or two pages
and a brief amount of text is devoted to each of several extraordinary creatures of the Tibetan
plateau: the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, wild yak, Himalayan tahr (a wild goat), golden
snub-nosed monkey, black-necked crane, and more. The last few pages offer some simple
activities kids can undertake (such as "write a poem about your favorite animal"), a brief glossary
of words to know, and more. Highly recommended for public and school library collections, as
well as gift-giving for young animal lovers!
In Deep With the Octopus
Norma Dixon
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
195 Allstate Parkway
Markham, Ontario Canada L3R 4T8
9781554552702 $19.95 www.fitzhenry.ca
In Deep With the Octopus is an educational picturebook for young readers ages seven and up,
filled with amazing facts and beautiful, full-color photography. Chapters cover everything from
the octopus' life cycle, to its natural predators, to the threats that pollution and the pet trade pose
to the species. In Deep With the Octopus does not condemn eating octopuses, but it does speak
out against the cruel practice of eating octopuses while they are still alive. "Because octopuses
have sophisticated and complex nervous systems, they feel pain just as strongly as we do." In
Deep With the Octopus also discourages the practice of keeping octopuses as pets - they are hard
to keep alive in aquariums, which deprive them of their freedom. "People who want octopuses
for novelty pets might not realize they are being cruel and they don't always know it's against the
law to buy and sell them." A simple index rounds out this excellent and eye-opening book, highly
recommended especially for public and school library children's nonfiction collections.
Animal Helpers Zoos
Jennifer Keats Curtis, author
Sylvan Dell Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
9781607188506, $9.95, www.SylvanDellPublishing.com
"Zoos" is a bright new title from the Animal Helpers series for children, containing a narrated
photographic journal of the many caretaker tasks performed with different exotic animals in
zoos. Perfectly adapted for students in grades K-2, "Zoos" presents additional animal related
learning activities and wildlife conservation status systems, a true/false animal zoo quiz, and
information about zookeepers, zoologists, and veterinarians. "Zoo" is chock full of portraits of
zoo animals and their caretakers up close and will thrill young students of nature and living
creatures. "Animal Helpers Zoos" is also available as an e-book in English and Spanish
(9781607188513, $9.95, and 9781607188520, $9.95).
The Perfect Pet
Samantha Bell, author/illustrator
Sylvan Dell Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
www.sylvandellpublishing.com
9781607186212, $17.95, www.amazon.com
"The Perfect Pet" is a great story about a child deciding upon a pet selection by asking "Which
animal will be the best pet?" The answer comes through a journey to Kingdom Animalia, from
vertebrates to invertebrates, learning animal classification and habitat needs of different animals.
A humorous, versed narrative and realistic paintings of many animals decorate the pages of "The
Perfect Pet." The light approach appeals to children of all ages, and "The Perfect Pet" covers
Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, and social studies education for grades K-3.
Fortunately a realistic Mom tells the future pet owner that specific responsibility, daily care and
supervision tasks are expected of all good pet owners. This leads the child to consider
investigating adopting a member from the Kingdom Plantae. Further educational activities about
animal classifications are suggested in the final pages of "The Perfect Pet," along with a
Kingdom Animalia classification outline, and color coded sidebars of the five major classes of
vertebrates. Comparing and contrasting the animals teaches scientific observation and literacy
skills. "The Perfect Pet" (also available in Spanish, in paperback, and in eBook format) is an
excellent educational and recreational experience for young readers and pet owners. Additional
excellent educational titles of recommended resources also from Sylvan Dells include the
following: "The Fort on Fourth Street: A Story About the Six Simple Machines," by Lois
Spangler, illustrated by Christina Wald (9781607186328, $9.95), "A Day in the Deep," by Kevin
Kurtz, illustrated by Erin E. Hunter (9781607186298, $9.95), "A Butterfly Called Hope," by
Mary Alice Monroe with Linda Love, photography by Barbara J. Bergwerf (9781607188568,
$9.95), and "Dino Tracks" by Rhonda Lucas Donald, illustrated by Cathy Morrison (9781607186311,
$9.95).
Taco/Fatso: The Story of a Fat Dog, Too Fat to Fly
Joe Famularo, author
Ivy Marie Apa, illustrator
Trafford Publishing
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.trafford.com
9781466949263, $17.25, www.amazon.com
"Taco/Fatso, the Story of a Fat Dog, Too Fat to Fly" is an inspiring children's story about how
Taco, with the help of his human owner, Chiara, solved his weight problem with special diet
food and exercise. Even more important, Taco was able to get his weight down from 27 pounds
to 20 pounds, the flight maximum weight for a dog to be allowed to fly. Since Chiara and her
family lived part of the time at Key West, Florida, Taco needed to be able to fly. Taco encounters
both discouraging and encouraging, supportive reactions from his canine and feline friends and
acquaintances on his weight loss journey. Chiara proves herself to be Taco's best trainer and life
coach, helping him to accept the new special diet dog food and to have fun running and
exercising every day. The story of Taco is true, the real Taco was a half terrier/half Chihuahua
who was much loved by Chiara and his adoptive family until he died October 22, 2012, struck by
a hit and run driver. Showcased with pleasing color illustrations of Taco's daily actions,
"Taco/Fatso, the Story of a Fat Dog, Too Fat to Fly" is an inspirational true story for kids of all
ages.
About Penguins, A Guide for Children
Cathryn Sill, author
John Sill, illustrator
Peachtree Publishers
1700 Chattahoochee avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318
9781561457434, $7.95, www.peachtree-online.com
' "About Penguins" is a recent title from the 'About ....' series of factual books about animals and
birds for young children. Beautifully illustrated with 18 full page color plates of different
penguins in their natural habitats on land and sea, "About Penguins" is the perfect junior natural
observer's companion. Brief, explanatory sentences describe penguins' characteristics, habits,
feeding and hatching behaviors and more. An Afterword provides additional explanations and
data about penguin life observed in each page illustration, or plate. A glossary, bibliography, and
list of websites complete this informative and appealing nature guide to penguins for children
ages 4-8.
Who Pooped in the Cascades?
Gary D. Robson, author
Robert Rath, illustrator
Farcountry Press
P.O. Box 5630, Helena, MT 59604
9781560373629, $11.95, www.farcountrypress.com
"Who Pooped in the Cascades: Scats and Tracks for Kids" is a juvenile nature study text from the
series titled Who Pooped in the Park? Kids are taught that by examining scat (poop) and tracks,
they can learn to identify different animals who live in the Cascade area, in Washington, Oregon,
California, and British Columbia. Michael and Emily enjoy camping in the Mt. Hood National
Forest with their family and friends. They wonder what animals they might encounter on their
mountain hikes. A mountain lion? A bear? They are taught by a parent about reading clues in scat
animals leave behind, such as the black tailed deer, ermine, or the great horned owl. They also
find a nest and scat of a mountain cotton-tailed rabbit. On this trip, the children learn to identify
different animal's tracks as well as their scat, and other signs, like owl pellets and claw marks and
marking territory with claws and urine (by the mountain lion). In the end, the children learn to
identify signs of 10 different species of animals and birds (including Townsend's big-eared bat,
the flying squirrel, ermine and coyote) in the Cascades. "Who Pooped in the Cascades" also
includes excellent narrative and illustration about geological features of the area, such as Mount
St. Helen's.
Creamy Goes to Heaven
Deb Jackson, author (Creamy's human)
Deb Jackson and Jocelyn Turney, illustrators
WestBow Press
c/o Thomas Nelson Publishers
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781449787622, $17.45, www.westbowpress.com
"Creamy Goes to Heaven" is a story of how the death of a loved cat named Creamy affected
everyone who loved her, told from the viewpoint of her best friend, Sheila, a Queensland heeler
dog. Sheila is forthright and open in sharing her sadness that Creamy has died. Sheila knows
Creamy has gone to heaven just like other dog and cat friends who have died. To help the
sadness, Sheila likes to think about the fun things she did with Creamy, like cooperative herding
games, and playing until they were tired and needed to rest or do something else. Sheila
encourages her readers to tell stories and memories of pets or loved humans they miss who have
died. Sheila also explains that Creamy had a long cat life of 17 years and at the end had a
sickness that could not be cured by the Vet. Sheila says everybody that is born dies. This can be a
comforting thought, through the sadness. Sheila also tells about the process of death and dying,
for both humans and pets. Hospice staff can help support a family when someone is dying. So
Creamy's mom, a Hospice worker, decided to do home Hospice care for Creamy when he was
going to die. Sheila tells about Creamy having visits as he gets weaker and stops eating, and is
kept comfortable at home. One morning, Creamy has died in his sleep and gone to heaven. Sheila
also tells bout going to heaven and being with God. Sheila is also a Hospice dog, and she
promises to tell more about her life in another story called "The Life and Times of Sheila the
Cow Dog." A stellar book from the RedshoesDeb series, "Creamy Goes to Heaven" is a
reassuring, honest book especially for children, about dealing with death, dying, and
grieving.
The Health Shelf
I Can See Just Fine
Eric Barclay, author/illustrator
Abrams Appleseed
c/o Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
115 West 18th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
9781419708015, $14.95, www.abramsappleseed.com
"I Can See Just Fine" is a story about Paige, a young girl who thinks her vision is A-OK, but this
is not the case observed by her teachers, her parents and her friends. Although Paige has trouble
seeing the blackboard, reading her music, telling the difference between a skunk and a kitty, and
reading a book right side up, she says "I can see just fine!" Finally her parents take her to the eye
Doctor for a checkup. There she reads a chart of letters of decreasing size, looks through a mask
with nobs and buttons, and discovers that she needs glasses. This does not please Paige, who
insists she can see just fine. Then she tries on many different eyeglasses to find the pair that looks
just right on her. After Paige gets her new glasses she can see everything, the blackboard at
school, the notes of music on the page, the skunk in the yard, and more. However, now she needs
to learn to keep her glasses clean so she can see (everything) through them. A charming,
humorous, nonthreatening story with witty, detailed, chunky, pastel illustrations, "I Can See Just
Fine" is a shoo-in for helping children fearful of glasses and eye doctors to accept healthy
enhancement and treatment for their vision.
Sticky Icky Booger Bugs
Sherry Frith, author
Card Newell Walter, illustrator
Archway Publishing
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781480800830, $16.99, www.archwaypublishing.com
"Sticky Icky Booger Bugs: A Day in the Life of Young Boy Living With Cystic Fibrosis" is a
story of a boy named Kory who has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Because of his
diagnosis, Kory coughs and sneezes a lot every day, sticky icky booger bugs. He takes medicine
and an inhaler and uses a shaker machine to keep the sticky icky booger bugs away. He spends
lots of time doing the shaker treatment, so he entertains himself with books, DVDs and watching
his brothers. The treatments are to help Cory cough and sneeze out the sticky icky booger bugs so
they won't make him sick. Kory also takes pep pills and gas attack pills with his meals and
snacks. Kory goes to school and learns and plays with other children, receiving medicine from
the school nurse when he needs it. When Kory gets home from school, he has shaker, inhaler,
and smoker treatments to shake out the sticky icky booger bugs. Kory can play outside with a
friend after this is done. Then it is shower and salt wash spray time to clean out his sticky icky
booger bugs. Although there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, Kory can lead a full life with the help
of special treatments, routines, and medicine, and lots of love and support from his mom and
family. "Sticky Icky Booger Bugs" is filled with loving, humorous illustrations that help
encourage a child to continue in a battle for a normal life with a chronic disease.
The Board Book Shelf
Little Dance
Renee Benoit, illustrator
Sleeping Bear Press
315 East Eisenhower St., Suite 200
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
9781585368846, $8.99, www.sleepingbearpress.com
"Little Dance" is a charming illustrated board book for children (age birth and up) featuring a
series of 10 riddles with visual clues, all written in verse and pertaining to dance (pre-ballet)
lessons for young children. The sturdy board book format is perfect for young children who are
both active and curious, wanting to answer each riddle on the flip of the page. The reader
uncovers simple definitions for ballerina, stretch, tap shoes, tutu, hop, music, tights, dance
teacher, leotard, and recital. "Little Dance" appeals to many of the senses with pleasurable
stimulation, visual, auditory, tactile, and more. Its impact is encouraging early education and
literacy with dollops of fun.
The Easy Reader Shelf
A Funny Little Bird
Jennifer Yerkes, author/illustrator
Jabberwocky
c/o Sourcebooks Inc.
1935 Brookdale Road, #139, Naperville, IL 60563
9781402280139, $15.99, www.sourcebooks.com
Awarded the Opera Prima finalist in the Bologna Book Fair Ragazzi, "A Funny Little Bird" is a
distinctive illustrated fable that uses white space to define desirable character traits in a nearly
invisible, funny little bird. A morality tale told in almost minimalist pictures and spare,
sophisticated prose, "A Funny Little Bird" gets its message about the value of the unsung hero or
heroine across. Feeling criticized and rejected by other, fancier birds, a charming little white bird
defined only by a visible eye, beak, and claws, becomes attracted to pretty objects he collects.
Unfortunately, wearing these items (a feather, a flower, a leaf, etc.) makes the funny little bird
visible to his predators, the fox. Suddenly the little bird understands the value of camouflage, and
he loses his fancy feathers and even uses his hiding abilities to protect some of his friends. An
essay in sophisticated design, this charming art fable will appeal both to the very young and their
parents and grandparents.
Stick!
Andy Pritchett, artist/author
Candlewick Press
99 Dover St., Somerville, MA 02144
9780763666163, $15.99, www.candlewickpress.com
"Stick!" is a wonderful, sparsely worded story told in vibrant action pictures of an excited black
and white dog chasing a stick. The exuberant dog tries introducing his wonderful plaything
STICK to other animals, who definitely have other interests! The cow, for example, prefers grass,
while the chicken, likes worm and the pig likes mud! Just when the dog is giving up, another
brown dog throws guess what at him? You guessed it, STICK! Even better, both dogs and even
the other animals, join in a dance of celebration of FRIENDSHIP! The fantastic illustrations steal
the story narrative, making "Stick!" a wonderful story for very young children. The hilarity and
bright orange background colors convey the energy of this charming story about a dog and his
best friend.
Come Back, Ben
Ann Hassett and John Hassett
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
9780823425990 $14.95 www.holidayhouse.com
Part of the "I Like to Read" series ideal for beginning readers, Come Back, Ben is a children's
picturebook about a smiling little boy, whose balloon takes him flying ever higher. "Ben's
balloon went up. 'Come back, Ben,' said the rain. 'Come back, Ben,' said the rainbow." At last the
friendly moon allows Ben to weigh himself down with moon rocks and return - but then Ben's
sister wants to fly ever higher on the balloon too! The large, easy-to-read letters, simple turns of
phrase, and inviting color artwork make Come Back, Ben perfect to share with the littlest and
newest readers.
The Picturebook Shelf
Noni is Nervous
Heather Hartt-Sussman, author
Genevieve Cote, illustrator
Tundra Books
75 Sherbourne Street, 5th floor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 2P9
9781770493230 $19.99 www.tundrabooks.com
The sequel to "Noni Says No", Noni is Nervous is the picturebook story about a young girl who's
on edge about the first day of school. She's so nervous she chews her fingernails, twirls her hair,
and chatters incessantly. But is school really all that scary? Having fun at school can be as easy as
introducing oneself to new friend on the bus! The charming, minimalist illustrations add the
perfect touch to this excellent school season read-aloud storybook. Also highly recommended for
young people who are wary about being on their own in school is Rachel Eugster's "The Pocket
Mommy" (9781770493001, $17.99), a wonderfully expressive picturebook in which a young boy
wish brings him an imaginary "pocket mommy" to help him and keep him company during the
school day - but keeping her out of trouble is far more difficult than might first appear!
A Very, Very Noisy Tractor
Mar Pavon, author
Nivola Uya, illustrator
Cuento de Luz
c/o Independent Publishers Group
814 North Franklin Street
Chicago, IL 60610
www.ipgbook.com
9788415619659 $15.95 www.cuentodeluz.com
Award-winning children's poet Mar Pavon and award-winning illustrator Nivola Uya present A
Very, Very Noisy Tractor, a picturebook about the importance of not listening to pointless
negativity. The simple prose story is about a hardworking woman farmer, sporting a beehive
hairdo, rubber boots, and thick glasses. When she drives her tractor around, people criticize her
and say that women like her shouldn't be operating farm equipment! But the tractor is so noisy
that she can't hear them, and she wouldn't pay attention to their vitriol if she could. When she
shares a dinner at home with her husband and children, she learns that he daughter dreams of
becoming a farmer just like mom. "Darling, my work is very hard, but if that's what you want,
then go for it! I'll only give you one piece of advice: make sure that your tractor is very, very
noisy - so noisy that you can't hear the silly things people shout at you." Highly
recommended.
The King of Little Things
Bil Lepp, author
David T. Wenzel, illustrator
Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
9781561457083 $16.95 www.peachtree-online.com
The King of Little Things is a fantastic picturebook parable with the moral that even the smallest
of things are crucial to everyday life. The voluminous King Normous is a worldwide conqueror,
while the King of Little Things is content with his dominion over tiny animals and objects. Then
King Normous turns his hungry gaze toward the King of Little Things' dominion! But
subjugating the King of Little Things is a much more difficult task, since the King's little but
loyal subjects will have none of it - insects infest the army's food, nails refuse to stay nailed,
buttons won't button, and fungus grows between toes. Eventually King Normous has to relent,
because his own people can't get anything done amid the full rebellion of all things small. "And
King Normous? Ah, well, he spent the rest of his days looking for his keys, his spectacles, his
pocket watch, his socks, his wallet, his hair net... And he never thought about little things in the
same way again." Young readers are encourage to study he elaborate, colorful illustrations to find
pictures of little things represented on the inside front and back covers, making The King of
Little Things a charming look-and-find book! Highly recommended.
Bimbambu
Ileana Katzenelson
Soul Prints Press
c/o KSB Promotions
55 Honey Creek Ave NE
Ada, MI 49301-9768
www.ksblinks.com
9780985933401 $18.73 www.soulprintspress.com
Illustrated in a strikingly stylized, stained-glass style, Bimbambu is an original, delightful
children's picturebook about the value of giving. Bimbambu is a brightly colored bird who lives
in a forest with many other animals. Winter is coming, so Bimbambu gives one animal after
another some of his beautiful feathers to turn into warm garments. But what about poor, cold
Bimbambu? Each of the animals Bimbambu has gifted presents him with a handmade article of
clothing out of his own feathers! "Bimbambu felt lucky to have so many friends, and deep down
inside he knew he had such good friends because he knew how to be a good friend too." Gentle
and compassionate, Bimbambu is an excellent read-aloud picturebook for storytime or
bedtime.
Wilhelmina's Butterflies
Clarice Thornton Davis, author
Dwight Nacaytuna, illustrator
Xlibris Corporation
1663 South Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
www.xlibris.com
9781483671031, $21.99, www.amazon.com
"Wilhelmina's Butterflies" is the delightfully illustrated story of Wilhelmina, a young African
American girl who loves classical music, and her first attendance of a Symphony Orchestra
concert. Eight -year-old Wilhelmina loves to listen to her favorite classical music from morning
till night, but no one understands why. Her brother teases her, and adults and children are
mystified by her attachment to beautiful classical music. Wilhelmina is very excited to attend a
concert at Symphony Hall with her entire class, but she also feels strange, like having butterflies
in her stomach. At school only Wilhelmina's friend Penny, an Asian girl, seems to understand her
love of classical music. Worried about her butterflies, Wilhelmina is determined to enjoy
attending the symphony concert and hearing all the different sounds of the concert instruments.
The wonderful concert continues through music by Sousa, Haydn, Pachelbel, Johann Strauss II,
and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. At the end, all the audience applauded and shouted "Bravo!"
and Wilhelmina felt very happy, while her butterflies faded away. At the end of "Wilhelmina's
Butterflies" is a vocabulary list of musical terms used in the narrative, plus a wonderful two page
illustration of a complete symphony orchestra in performance with an American flag nearby.
"Wilhelmina's Butterflies" is a wonderful musical and educational experience for children age
7-8 and up, with excellent pro-diversity messages in the text and illustrations.
Saturday is Dadurday
Robin Pulver, author
R. W. Alley, illustrator
Walker Books for Young Readers
c/o Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780802786913, $16.99, www.bloomsbury.com
"Saturday is Dadurday" is a charming story about special times spent together by Mimi and her
Dad on Saturdays, after her twin siblings came to the family. Mimi and her Dad would make
special lists of their favorite things to do, and then they would try to "match" items to find the
best bets for shared activities for Dadurday. A crisis loomed when Mimi's Dad needed to work on
Saturday, but they tried to start Dadurday when he got home from work. Mimi was unsatisfied
with this shortchanging of her special time, and called it BADurday. While Mimi's mom coped
heroically with the twin babies, Mimi got impatient and angry, and called it MADurday. Mimi
made lists and waited for her Dad all day long. Mimi called it SADurday, then complained to her
mom that it wasn't MOMurday, and got told it also wasn't MIMIday. After quite a pouting
reaction, wanting it to be me, me, me, nothing but ME, Mimi changed her tune. She helped her
mother with the twins and decorated a welcome banner for her Dad to celebrate Dadurday when
he got home, because she loved her Dad and he loved her too. "Saturday is Dadurday" is a
wonderful story about learning to mature, adjust to change and focus on the good things in life.
Children 5 and up will love this story and "get" all the funny illustrations' implied jokes.
Anton's Fine Horse
Margaret Matus Belan, author
Frank Monahan, editor
Aileen Riggalls, illustrator
Rocket Science Productions
www.ralaunchpad.com http://margaretbelan.com
9781937121501, $14.99, www.amazon.com
"Anton's Fine Horse" is a moving children's tale based on an old Slovak proverb. "As long as you
have the horse, why worry about a saddle?" Anton was a peasant boy who owns a fine horse
named Kamil. Anton fed and cared for Kamil with the best he could give him, and rode him
proudly without a saddle. One day he was tempted to buy an expensive saddle for Kamil, which
ended up being a burden for Kamil. Even worse, he makes the same mistake again buying an
even heavier fancy saddle that greatly burdens Kamil. Anton became so preoccupied with work
for the saddle maker that he neglected Kamil and no longer fed, brushed and cared for him
diligently. Finally Anton realized that he was losing the fine health of Kamil for nothing more
than a distracting, expensive saddle. He sells the saddle and vows to brush, feed, and care for
Kamil the best he can. Once again, Kamil becomes Anton's fine horse, admired by all. Crayon
and pencil illustrations present a sincere image of Anton and his Kamil, proudly parading
through the countryside. "Anton's Fine Horse" teaches young readers a fine lesson in
remembering what is most important despite tempting distractions.
King of the Zoo
Erica S. Perl, author
Jackie Urbanovic, illustrator
Orchard Books
c/o Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
9780545461825, $16.99, www.scholastic.com
"The King of the Zoo" is a cleverly illustrated zoo story with an unusual star. Who is king of the
zoo? Is it the kangaroo, hippo, pygmy shrew, giraffe, tiger, elephant, monkey, or chameleon?
Carlos the chameleon thinks he's so clever he is king of the zoo. The really funny trick occurs
when Carlos gets mad at all the other animals who also think they are king of the zoo. When
Carlos gets close to them, he takes on their colors, stripes, sports, or plain, and all sorts of colors
too! Finally he Carlos gets the recognition he desperately desires from just one little girl who
admires his color/pattern camouflaging ability. This is all Carlos really needs, just a little
recognition how cool he is! "King of the Zoo" is a great story for young children about honoring
our innate natures and gifts, and humility.
Skinny Little Tree
Jayme Martin, author
Richard Clark Andrews, Jr., illustrator
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Rd. - 515, Parker, CO 80134
9781478708704, $13.95, www.OutskirtsPress.com
9781478708131, $18.95, www.amazon.com
"Skinny Little Tree" is a charming, sing-song, versed story about a sensitive tree, a boy, some
Wiggly Worms, a Blue Bird, and life. Brought to enhanced life by delicate, expressive
illustrations, "Skinny Little Tree" is an experience that reminds adults and teaches children that
although good things in life may go away, but they will return. The reader is encouraged to
identify with the feelings expressed by Skinny Little Tree and to express their own feelings in
creating pictures of a blue bird, leaves, a smile, and even a skinny little tree. "Skinny Little Tree"
is an experience in innocence and exploration, perfect for children beginning to explore the world
and their place in it.
How the Octopus Got Eight Arms
Yvonne Arroyo, author
Carl Wanzong, illustrator
Outskirts Press, Inc.
10940 S. Parker Road - 515, Parker, CO 80134
9781432793692, $23.95, www.outskirtspress.com
"How the Octopus Got Eight Arms: Two Arms Are Never Enough" is a delightful, illuminated
undersea fantasy romance in sprightly verse about the love between Oscar Octopus and Sharkey
McGhee. After wedded bliss begins, this couple produce 8 fantastic progeny. Oscar finds that his
two arms are not enough to hold all his beloved children, both shark and octopi. However, Oscar
is challenged to his limits to care for his 8 youngsters when his Sharkey has to leave to care for
an ailing mum. Finding him passed out in exhaustion, Sharkey rushed Oscar to the Dr., who
administered a cure which magically produced 8 amazing arms for Oscar to hold his 8 amazing
children! This humorous undersea fantasy has particularly poignant pictures in crayon colors, that
complement the lilting sea-song narrative perfectly. "How the Octopus Got Eight Arms" is ideal
undersea fantasy for children age 6 and up.
A Mountain of Friends
Kerstin Schoene
Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited
195 Allstate Parkway
Markham, Ontario Canada L3R 4T8
9781554553136 $18.95 www.fitzhenry.ca
A Mountain of Friends is a heartwarming children's picturebook about how the love and
cooperation of friends can make the impossible possible. A little brown penguin is despondent
that he can't fly like other birds, so his friends work together to form a big tower, lifting the little
penguin above the clouds! The little penguin is overjoyed to have his dream come true, and tells
all his friends "Thank you!" Precocious young readers are encouraged to help the little penguin
by turning the book vertical at a certain point, in this delightful read-aloud story.
Catty Jane Who Loved to Dance
Valeri Gorbachev
Boyds Mills Press
815 Church Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
9781590789827 $16.95 www.boydsmillspress.com
Catty Jane Who Loved to Dance is a children's picturebook about finding balance in life. Young
Catty Jane is a fabulous orange feline who aspires to become a ballerina. But ballerinas have to
practice so very much! Catty becomes so absorbed in her dancing that she neglects her closest
friends, and doesn't even realize she's being hurtful to them. Can Catty learn how to devote
herself to her passion while maintaining the respectful bonds of true friendship? The playful,
exuberant art add just the right touch to this delightful storybook.
The Hungriest Chickadee
Eileen Ziesler, author
Andrea Korpinen, illustrator
Toad House Publishing
W7425 Old 14 Road
Ladysmith, WI 54848
9780981883168 $16.95 toadhousepublishing.com
The Hungriest Chickadee is a children's picturebook about sympathy for the littlest of birds
surviving a cold and hungry winter. The titular chickadee dines on seeds, but as winter sets in his
favorite thing to eat becomes harder and harder to find. He asks one animal after another if they
know how to find seeds, but the squirrel, raccoon, bear, and other creatures are all eating other
things. "Who has some seeds for Chickadee to eat? / Seeds are scarce in the woods dark and
deep. / It is YOU! Little child with grandpa in tow... / filling the feeders that wait in a row." A
one-page sing-along song and instructions for making simple bird treats from dried bread, peanut
butter, and seeds round out this delightful storybook, sure to encourage children's interest in
feeding wild birds!
Baba Didi and the Godwits Fly
Nicola Muir, author
Annie Hayward, illustrator
New Internationalist Publications Ltd.
c/o JKS Communications
9781780261300 $8.95 www.JKSCommunications.com
Baba Didi and the Godwits Fly is a charming children's picturebook about the miracle of
migratory flight. A young girl learns from her grandmother about the tenacious and resilient
godwit birds, whose regular migration flights take them to many different nations in search of
food. "'Do you think you have to be brave to fly so far?' 'You find the courage along the way.
Sometimes, little one, being brave is having no other choice left.'" A delightful parable, in which
the wise old grandmother teaches her precocious grandchild important life lessons about
awareness, compassion, and courage, Baba Didi and the Godwits Fly is highly
recommended.
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
www.holidayhouse.com
Betsy Lewin's THUMPY FEET (9780823429011, $16.95) tells of cat Thumpy Feet, whose life
consists of playing, napping, and hunting. Simple sound effects teach young picturebook readers
the basics of words associated with sounds in a presentation featuring large-size illustrations and
easy reading. Parents will want to use this as a read-aloud with their kids. Emily Arnold
McCully's PETE WON'T EAT (9780823428531, $14.95) tells the unusual story of a little pig
who won't eat - not even his Mother's special treat. The other little piglets love their green slop -
but Pete won't even try it, certain of his dislike. How can his mother get Pete to eat without being
cruel? A fine story evolves.
Simon and Schuster
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor
New York, NY 10020
www.kids.simonandschuster.com
Patricia Polacco's THE BLESSING CUP (9781442450479, $17.99) provides a fine companion to
her book The Keeping Quilt and follows her great-grandmother's life before leaving Russia,
delving further into the legacy of the family's china tea set. Anna can't understand why the czar's
soldiers are so mean, but as a young girl in early 1900s Russia, her family always seems to be in
trouble. Ordered to leave Russia along with other Jews, Anna and her family journey to America
- and bring with them a treasured tea set her parents received as a wedding present which is
deemed to hold magic. A fine immigrant's tale evolves. Judi Barrett's CLOUDY WITH A
CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 3: PLANET OF THE PIES (9781442490277, $17.99) receives fine
drawings by Isidre Mones and joins others in the series for ages 4-8. Kate and Henry hear
amazing news - that astronauts have landed on Mars and discovered that the sky is raining pie
filling. But Grandpa actually knows more about Martians than the experts, and soon Kate and
Henry find themselves undertaking an amazing journey. Good reading skills will lend to a
thorough enjoyment of this saga. Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman's SUPERHERO JOE AND THE
CREATURE NEXT DOOR (9781442412682, $16.99) receives fine drawings by Ron Barrett and
will reach ages 4-8 with its fun account of a new neighbor - a creature. Joe suspects the
neighborhood will never be the same, and that it's up to his superhero powers to overcome the
creature's influence in this whimsical, fun exploration.
Penguin
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor
New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com
Wendell Minor's HOW BIG COULD YOUR PUMPKIN GROW? (9780399246845, $16.99)
provides fun art to accompany the story of giant pumpkins and what could be done with an
enormous pumpkin. From carving a pumpkin into a boat to a pumpkin monster gobbling tall
roller coasters, this assumes whimsical, fun proportions in a reader all ages will find surprising
and fun. Ben Gibson's THE GHASTLY DANDIES DO THE CLASSICS (9781595145277,
$17.95) tells of a breed of beast who are well dressed and interested in classical literature. Their
interest lies in retelling classic stories such as Frankenstein - from the monster's perspective. A
fine, whimsical account emerges.
The Fiction Shelf
The Bulldoggers Club: The Tale of the Ill-Gotten Catfish
Barbara Hay
The Roadrunner Press
PO Box 2564
Oklahoma City, OK 73101
9781937054151 $16.95 www.TheRoadRunnerPress.com
Winner of the 2013 IPPY Gold Medal for Young Adult Fiction, The Bulldoggers Club: The Tale
of the Ill-Gotten Catfish follows four boys who join a club to celebrate their passion for riding,
roping, and fishing. The titular ill-gotten catfish refers to a record-setting prize fish that the boys
catch when fishing in a place they weren't supposed to be! Everyone wants to know about their
secret fishing spot, and worst of all, one of the boys has a puffed-up ego and is taking all the
credit for himself! The Tale of the Ill-Gotten Catfish is a free-spirited and fun adventure, written
especially to encourage young boys (and girls who love the great outdoors!) to read more. Highly
recommended! The Bulldoggers Club series continues with Book 2, "The Tale of the Tainted
Buffalo Wallow" and Book 3, "The Tale of the Disappearing Herd", which are forthcoming in
Fall 2013 and Spring 2014, respectively.
Trouble at the Scriptorium
Anne E. Johnson
Royal Fireworks Press
First Avenue, PO Box 399
Unionville, NY 10988
9780880923927 $9.99 www.rfwp.com
Trouble at the Scriptorium is a historical novel for young adults, set in medieval England. Harley
is the son of the court jester; he was raised with the graceful and beautiful Lady Margaret, but
their difference in class and rank has created a vast gulf between them. This begins to change
when they find an illustrated chantbook with a secret code, warning about the malevolent deeds
of the new head of the scriptorium. A suspenseful novel of life-or-death intrigue, Trouble at the
Scriptorium keeps the reader hooked until the very end! Also highly recommended for YA
fiction collections are Joyce Esely's "Oil Field Brats" (9780880925297, $9.99) and Leslie J.
Wyatt's "River Rats" (9780898243789, $9.99) .
The Amazing Sparkey
Kenneth Ian Segel, author
Amory Abbott, illustrator
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, Indiana 47403
9781481750073, $17.99, www.authorhouse.com
Sparkey the wonder dog was the versatile and talented pet of Char and Tommy Kelly and their
family from the time they were in second grade and kindergarten, respectively. Sparkey had
many unique talents and abilities not usually seen in dogs. For example, he could do arithmetic,
sing, talk (with barking and other sounds), and he could read. He enjoyed going grocery shopping
and pawing at items he particularly liked to eat. As a trick, he would swim across the family's
pool to give the neighbor cat, Noodles, to have a water ride. Sparkey's final talent was sleuthing.
The Kelly family noticed a number of odd things happening at home, such as food, homework,
and clothing disappearing. Finally the family decided to ask Sparkey to help them solve these
mysteries. Detectives United, the family sleuthing name, came up with an amazing solution to
the missing items with the help of the one and only Sparkey. "The Amazing Sparkey" is further
enlivened by colorful illustrations of an unusually smart brown dog happily playing and working
with his family. "The Amazing Sparkey" is a great book for young pet owners, admirers, and
caretakers. A second title about responsible pet care by the same author that is also highly
recommended is "A Big Decision," by Kenneth Ian Segel, illustrated by Sonny Heston
(9781481750059, $19.99).
The Belly Button That Escaped
Charles Zigman, author
Janice Phelps Williams, illustrator
Allenwood Press
9780979972225 $24.95 www.thebellybuttonthatescaped.com
Although The Belly Button That Escaped is shaped like a picturebook and packed with simple
color illustrations, the story is sufficiently text-heavy to be suitable for young people who are
almost ready for chapter books. The high-spirited adventure is about the belly button of
fourth-grader Artie MacGivillray. Disgusted by how much junk food Artie eats, the belly button
escapes Artie's body, and embarks on its own wild adventures! But Artie realizes his misses his
belly button, and wishes it would come home. A wildly crazy and silly story unafraid to invoke
body humor, The Belly Button That Escaped is a great way to encourage children to develop their
reading comprehension skills!
After Iris
Natasha Farrant
Dial/Penguin
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor
New York, NY 10014
9780803739826, $16.99, www.penguin.com
AFTER IRIS tells of Blue, whose twin sister Iris died three years ago. Her family hasn't been the
same since: surviving siblings have gone in different directions, her parents spend weeks away
and apart from each other, and life becomes even more complicated when au pair Zoran and Joss,
a troublemaker neighbor boy, enter their lives. Film transcripts and diary entries are used to
impart the feel of changed lives and challenges in this artistic, moving story.
Smokescreen
Nancy Hartry
Tundra Books
75 Sherbourne Street, 5th floor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 2P9
9781770494053, $17.95, www.tundrabooks.com
SMOKESCREEN tells of Kerry's first summer job, doing fieldwork in the wild which is as far
from her background in competitive dance as one can get. Her new partner is questionable, her
boss is out to get them, and when forest fires break out, Kerry and Yvette are called up for fire
duty and sent deeper into the bush. What Kerry doesn't expect is an investigation that will reveal
an international crime that could threaten her life and the world she knows. A powerful story of
survival and growth emerges with a complex mystery entwined with a powerful saga perfect for
teen readers.
Simon & Schuster
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor
New York, NY 10020
www.kids.simonandschuster.com
Alan Snow's WORSE THINGS HAPPEN AT SEA! (9780689870491, $17.99) provides a
satisfying sequel to the author's HERE BE MONSTERS and returns readers to Ratbridge, where
residents have run out of their favorite product Black Jollop. The Nautical Laundry, a rat pirate
ship, and her crew must embark on a journey to obtain more of the medicine's secret ingredient in
this humorous saga, packed with numerous black and white illustrations to accompany a
hilarious story line. Catherine Lew's ONCE, TWICE, THRICE TOLD TALES: THREE MICE
FULL OF WRITING ADVICE (9781416957843, $16.99) provides ages 12 and up with a highly
illustrated, whimsical story about three mice, using their encounters to explain a variety of
literary terms and techniques in the process. Nursery rhymes are retold, concepts defined, and
readers come to understand the three mice as distinct individuals with a plot showing how they
became blind. A hilarious blend of nonfiction and fiction evolves, recommended for all levels of
readers.
Random House
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1
New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
Amy Christine Parker's GATED (9780449815977, $17.99) provides older teens with a
fast-paced, modern thriller set in a world following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when leader Pioneer
invites her family to join the Community and escape world evil. Now seventeen, Lyla knows
Pioneer is her leader, Will is her love, and the world is doomed to end. What she doesn't know is
how she will love if none of this belief comes true. A fine thriller about an end-of-the-world
community keeps reads on their toes. Stacey Jay's OF BEAST AND BEAUTY (9780385743204,
$17.99) is set in a domed city where a blind princess is slated to be a human sacrifice whose
death will ensure her city's survival. Outside the city, a mutant beast rights to save his people.
With each slated to save their people, a curious association develops where long-kept secrets
come to light, Isa's sight returns, and she comes to believe she is slated for greater things as the
unifier of two very different races. A fine futuristic novel evolves. Corina Vacco's MY
CHEMICAL MOUNTAIN (9780385742429, $16.99) tells of Jason, who finds his world
changed by his father's death and his mother's distance. As he turns his anger and despair to the
abandoned factories that plague his poor town, he is joined by two other rebellious boys who all
rage against a town affected by industrial waste. When they vandalize one of the mill, Jason finds
the chain of events that follows threatens the world he's always known. A riveting saga of
destruction, change, and rebirth evolves. Chris Gravenstein's ESCAPE FROM MR.
LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY (9780375870897, $16.99) tells of Kyle Keeley, who has two older
brothers; one an athlete and one an intellectual. Kyle's answer to these tough family winners is to
develop an interest in board games, and when he learns the world's most famous game maker has
designed the new library and is hosting an exclusive event, he decides to crash the party. What he
doesn't know is that he'll soon be playing the game of his life in this engrossing thriller. Esther
Friesner's SPIRIT'S CHOSEN (9780375859082, $17.99) tells of a Japanese princess whose
world is changing as an attack by the Ookami clan has left much of her tribe dead or enslaved.
Himiko develops a plan to save the survivors: one which demands she become not only a shaman
but a warrior, and one which seems to be succeeding - until the Ookami capture her and enslave
her. What she discovers in the course of her new life will change her beliefs in this engrossing
historical saga. All are fine leisure reads young adults will relish.
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway
New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com
Sam Fisher's SCARE SCAPE (9780545521604, $16.99) tells of toxic vapor worms, king crab
spiders, and more beasts featured in a creepy comic book: creatures that don't scare Morton Clay,
who beliefs them to be safely contained in the pages of the comic world. But when he and his
siblings find an old stone statue buried in their yard, monsters suddenly become all too real in
this engrossing saga, especially recommended for middle school readers. Meg Cabot's
AWAKEN (9780545284127, $17.99) provides a satisfying new 'Abandon' novel centered around
teen Pierce, who is doomed to live forever in the underworld by accepting the love of John
Hayden. But now her love for him is further threatened because the Furies have discovered John
has revived a human soul - and unless retribution is made somehow, the Underworld and Pierce's
home on earth will all be destroyed. There's only one way order can be restored: by death. Older
teens will find this a mesmerizing read. Natalie Standiford's THE BOY ON THE BRIDGE
(9780545334815, $17.99) tells of an unusual connection between an American girl and a Russian
boy, made when Laura decides to spend a semester in Russia to learn the language and culture.
The last thing on her mind is falling in love: but when she meets the boy on the bridge, romance
blossoms - and threatens a world where truth is dangerous. An engrossing saga of an
international romance will intrigue any teen interested in romantic fiction. Lois Ruby's REBEL
SPIRITS (9780545426237, $17.99) blends a ghost story with a historical novel as it tells of Lori
Chase, now living in a town obsessed with its Civil War history. The old inn her parents run is
supposedly haunted by dead soldiers - but when Lori meets such a soldier, she becomes involved
in a dangerous mission that will solve his murder and put his soul to rest at last. A satisfying
ghostly romance story evolves. Garth Nix and Sean Williams' TROUBLETWISTERS: THE
MYSTERY (9780545258999, $16.99) tells of an old man in an old house who dies mysteriously,
involving twins Jack and Jaide Shield in a dangerous treasure hunt in some deep places. The two
are gifted with magic and cursed by an evil force that wants to destroy their world - and an old
house holds the key to the evil's interests. But Jack and Jaide aren't the only ones searching for
the treasure - and as the mystery becomes more complicated, even friends are becoming suspect
in this thriller, recommended for any fan of mystery and the supernatural. Eric Gansworth's IF I
EVER GET OUT OF HERE (9780546417303, $17.99) tells of a poor American Indian and his
struggles to gain respect and friendships in a hostile environment. His friendship with George, a
new kid in town, involves a series of increasingly complex lies designed to overcome poverty
and the stigma of being a Native American in this engrossing saga. All are fine picks for any
leisure reader!
Simon & Schuster
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor
New York, NY 10020
http://www.kids.simonandschuster.com
Rick Yancey's THE FINAL DESCENT (9781442451537, $18.99) tells of teen Will Henry,
apprentice to Dr. Warthrop who fears that Will's loyalties may be changing. At the heart of Dr.
Winthrop's operation lie monsters - and Will finds that in the course of a single day he will be
called upon to face the ultimate horror. Mature young adult readers will find this a fine addition
to the 'Monstrumologist' series and will find the plot unpredictable and involving. Jonathan
Maberry's FIRE & ASH (9781442439924, $18.99) continues the saga of Benny and his friends,
who have found the Sanctuary in a zombie world - but who find their troubles aren't over.
Sanctuary is a hospice, Chong is nearly dead - and nearly inhuman - and Benny makes a startling
discovery about the zombie world that could change everything. Ages 12 and older will find this
a satisfying conclusion to the series, which should interest any with an affection for zombies.
Jennifer Bradbury's A MOMENT COMES (9781416978763, $16.99) tells of eighteen-year-old
Tariq, who focuses on how goal to study at Oxford while the rest of India waits the country's
uncertain division. Tariq's desire to fulfill his family dreams seems hopeless for a Muslim born
and raised in India, until he's offered a job connected to establishing the new borders in his
country. His unexpected romances with Margaret and another staff member adds complexity and
high drama to this story of the partition of India. Jenny Hahn and Siobhan Vivian's FIRE WITH
FIRE (9781442440784, $17.99) is a pick for ages 14 and older and tells of a trio of girls who
work together in secret to take down those who wronged them at (of course) the Homecoming
Dance. When their plot goes awry, consequences develop and revolve around revenge and
unlikely powers. Burning passions and angers fuel an emotionally charged plot recommended for
any who like stories of passion and change. Fowler DeWitt's CONTAGIOUS COLORS OF
MUMPLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL (9781442478299, $16.99) provides a Mumpley Middle School
read for ages 7-10 and, illustrated in black and white by Rodolfo Montvalo and tells of one
Wilmer Dooley, who observes, analyzes and draws conclusions from life. When some of his
classmates develop a mysterious illness that includes unnaturally colorful skin, Wilmer must rely
on his scientific investigations to find a cure and battles with his arch-nemesis Claudius to both
cure his classmates and win the Sixth Grade Science Medal. A fine saga of talent and abilities
evolves in a whimsical recommendation for advanced elementary through middle school
readers.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam
Tracey Corderoy, author
Steven Lenton, illustrator
Nosy Crow
c/o Candlewick Press
99 Dover St., Somerville, Massachusetts 02144
www.candlewick.com
9780763668389, $14.99, www.nosycrow.com
Children from age 4-8 will enjoy the unique, dastardly appeal of "Shifty McGifty and Slippery
Sam," a rhyming tale about a pair of untalented robbers who mean well but bungle all attempts.
That is, all attempts (at burglary) until they decide to throw a tea party as a cover for robbing
their guests. Shifty and Sam work hard to whip up wonderful treats for the party and they
discover their culinary talents are a huge hit! Unfortunately their robbing effort plan fails when
all their guests tiptoe after them to catch them in the act. True to form, Shifty and Sam are too
soft hearted to complete their robbery when they realize the acts make others unhappy. Instead,
someone makes a wonderful suggestion: Why don't they open a cafe, serving their very own
yummy cupcakes and jam tarts? Shifty and Sam do so in a trice and discover their true vocations
as caring bakers! The nifty 60's style painted illustrations are just slightly retro and wholly
refreshing in a "What's New Pussycat?" style of venue, complete with shiny silver moon disk and
flashlight beam on the cover.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Diego's Dragon Book Two: Dragon's of the Dark Rift
Kevin Gerard
Crying Cougar Press
17453 Plaza Cerado #105
San Diego CA, 92128
www.cryingcougarpress.com
9780985980207 $13.95 pbk. / $2.99 Kindle www.diegosdragon.com
Sequel to the award-winning young adult fantasy novel "Diego's Dragon Book One: Spirits of the
Sun" (9780615536347, $11.95 pbk. / $2.99 Kindle), "Diego's Dragon Book Two: Dragons of the
Dark Rift" continues the saga of a preteen Hispanic boy named Diego and his cosmic dragon
friend, Magnifico. In Book Two, Diego's girlfriend Racquel has also befriended a dragon, by the
name of Estrella, and together they must work to bring about a Mayan prophecy of peace and
worldwide rejuvenation. But Magnifico's sworn enemy Vipero wants a different prophecy to
come to pass - one of global extinction! Elements of Latino history blend with fantasy adventure
in this excellent and engaging series. Although the Diego's Dragon series is intended especially
for young adults, dragon lovers of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy it from cover to
cover.
My Neighbor Totoro: The Novel
Hayao Miyazaki, original story and art
Tsugiko Kubo, novelist
Jim Hubbert, translator
Viz Media LLC
295 Bay Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
9781421561202 $17.99 www.viz.com
My Neighbor Totoro: The Novel adapts the classic, all-ages Studio Ghibli anime (Japanese
animation) film directed by Hayao Miyazaki into a novel for young adults. Featuring original
black-and-white illustrations by Miyazaki, My Neighbor Totoro: The Novel is a new way for
young people to experience the magic and wonder of a timeless story. My Neighbor Totoro
follows eleven-year-old Satsuki and her little sister Mei have moved to the country to be with
their sickly mother; as they adjust to a strange new place and their unsettling new house, they
befriend a majestic forest spirit, Totoro. Totoro is not a pet; they can't necessarily call or see him
whenever they want, but when Mei becomes lost, Satsuki turns to Totoro and his magical friends
for aid! Gentle and heartwarming, My Neighbor Totoro: The Novel is highly recommended
especially for public library and middle grade children's collections.
Master Davey and the Magic Tea House
Susan Chodakiewitz and David De Candia, authors
Kent Yoshimura, illustrator
Booksicals / The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (co-publishers)
9780988697003, $16.95, www.booksicals.com, www.coffeebean.com
"Master Davey and the Magic Tea House: Legend of the Blue Tiger" is a wonderful tea discovery
adventure for children. Hopper Smith is a boy who believed Master Davey's teas were magical.
He discovers a very special magical tea named Blue Tiger Tea, which is endangered, and about to
be lost to the world forever. Hopper is determined to save the Blue Tiger Tea and ventures on to
discover where its ingredients may be grown and found. One thing leads to another and finally,
Hopper must face the huge, terrifying Blue Tiger and offer him a ceremonial scarf and ask
permission to gather seeds from the special tree he guards. What happens next is amazing and
transforming: In an encounter with ancient Chinese emperor Shen Nong, Camellia, Hopper's
friend, and Hopper have earned the privilege to be a keeper of the Blue Tiger Tea. Carefully the
children plant twelve seeds of the special tea tree and then they must wait 7 years to harvest the
tea. When the day finally comes, Hopper tastes the tea and is given a tiny seedling tree with buds
to return to Master Davey in the Magic Tea House. The fantastic rainbow illustrations of "Master
Davey and the Magic Tea House" make reading this book a special adventure and treat for
children age 7 and up. Also, the hidden three words in the book's pictures intrigue readers to
discover the three powers needed to unlock the magic of the tea.
In the After
Demitria Lunetta
Harper Teen
c/o HarperCollins Children's Books
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollinschildrens.com
9780062105455, $17.99, www.epicreads.com
IN THE AFTER is a powerful novel that assumes 'War of the Worlds' proportions from the
perspective of a teen survivor whose life is changed in an instant when the world is attacked by
Them. Facing the death of her family and most of the population and surviving by sheer luck,
Amy manages to rescue a toddler, learn about Them, and spends years in hiding until she and
Baby are rescued and taken to a colony of survivors. What she learns from the colony will go
beyond rebuilding a new world and fighting Them; for it holds a close-kept secret that threatens
everything she's survived for. A powerful saga, IN THE AFTER holds the medal for keeping the
real story line a winning surprise right up to the end.
The Activity Shelf
Coloring for Joy
Barbara and Charlotte Evans, authors/artists
Crystal Wings Healing Art
12324 Cranes Avenue, Richland, MI 49083
9780983636922, $20.00, www.CrystalWingsHealingArt.com
"Coloring for Joy" is an inspirational healing mandala coloring book with special templates to
color inscribed with positive Key Words such as Love, Peacefulness, Hope, Joy, Strength,
Support, and more. Gentle statements to start a written meditation such as "I feel peaceful
when..." provide a guided journal experience for the young artist. Although "Coloring for Joy" is
aimed at a juvenile audience (children age 8 and up), it also has appeal and application for an
adult audience. The healing art exercises and meditations are calming, centering, and can be
profoundly supportive to the individual. "The purpose (of coloring these templates) is to have fun
and feel loved, empowered and supported within the world."
The Goddess in Every Girl
M.J. Abadie
Beyond Words Publishing
20827 NW Cornell Road, Suite 500
Hillsboro, OR 97124
9781582704272, $21.99, www.beyondword.com
The Goddess in Every Girl is an inspirational account written to empower and inspire girls who
want to reveal their goals in life. Games, exercises and activities mark pages that show girls how
to become physically, emotionally and spiritually powerful beings, and explores the topic of
exploring an 'inner goddess'. While new age collections will be the likely readers here, any
collection strong in empowering young adults and preteens will find this an inspirational,
different acquisition designed to entertain and enlighten girls of all ages.
The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Draw Out the Story
Brian McLachlan
Owlkids Books Inc.
10 Lower Spadina Avenue, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5V 2Z2
9781771470032 $9.95 www.owlkids.com
Writer, artist, and cartoonist Brian McLachlan presents Draw Out the Story: Ten Secrets to
Creating Your Own Comics is a basic how-to cartooning and comic creation guide; although
aimed at young adults, its solid advice will benefit aspiring cartoonists and comic makers of all
ages and backgrounds. The chapters are packed with tips, tricks, and techniques for effectively
telling stories through the marriage of words and pictures, with colorfully illustrated examples.
"Photographs give us a complete picture - all the details. Icons give us the bare bones - the
simplest way of showing something. Those are two extremes. In between them is an area called
'cartoony'. Instead of having all the details or none of them, you have some of them. Which ones?
Choosing wisely is essential because it's often the details that tell your reader what's important in
a story." An accessible, user-friendly resource and font of inspiration, Draw Out the Story is a
worthy companion volume to classic how-to guides such as Scott McCloud's "Making Comics",
highly recommended especially for budding young artists and children's or teen library
collections.
Adventures in Cartooning: Characters in Action
James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost
First Second
175 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10010
9781596437326 $9.99 www.firstsecondbooks.com
Part of the playful and inspirational Adventures in Cartooning series, Adventures in Cartooning:
Characters in Action is part color comic story, part user-friendly guide to cartoons and simple
comic storytelling. The majority of Adventures in Cartooning: Characters in Action demonstrates
its principles - a courageous cartoon knight is the main character, and even though his face can't
be seen, his emotions are clearly expressed through his actions. He befriends a movie director
who tries to teach him about the ways of the silver screen, while running an impromptu audition.
"'Knights should be judged for their courage and skills, not for the way they look!' 'You
REALLY don't know how movies work...'" The last few pages explicitly spell out the cartooning
ideas demonstrated by the playful story, such as how body language and costumes distinguished
the main characters, how adjusting head/body proportions can telegraph the age of a cartoon
character, iconic cartoon expressions that anyone can practice drawing, and much more. Highly
recommended, especially as encouragement for imaginative young artists!
Viz Media LLC
295 Bay Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
www.viz.com
Three full-color graphic novels for young readers from Viz media are packed with excitement
and daring. Hello Kitty: Here We Go! (9781421558783, $7.99) by Jacob Chabot and Jorge
Monlongo features the universally beloved children's icon, the bow-bedorned Hello Kitty, in a
series of globe-spanning adventures, accompanied her many animal friends. The brief stories are
completely wordless, and none the less inviting; Here We Go! is a treat for Hello Kitty fans of all
ages. Mameshiba: Enchanted (9781421555249, $6.99) by James Turner and Jorge Monlongo
features the Mameshiba cast of characters, each of which looks like a cross between a dog and a
colored jellybean. From ghosts to magic turtles who teach humility to a magical book that traps
the Mameshiba within, Mameshiba: Enchanted is one fantastic voyage after another! Uglydoll:
Shhhhhhhh! (9781421557236, $7.99) edited by Traci N. Todd is an anthology of outrageous
antics of the colorful Uglydoll critters. Each vignette is short and wildly silly; the bright
illustrations and simple text make Uglydoll: Shhhhhhhh! especially ideal for encouraging literacy
in beginning readers. All are excellent picks for public and school library children's comic
collections.
The Multimedia Shelf
A Gift for Sophie
Gilles Vigneault, author
Stephane Jorisch, illustrator
The Secret Mountain
3816 Royal Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4A 2M2
Beth Blenz-Clucas Publicity
9782923163987, $16.95, www.thesecretmountain.com
"A Gift for Sophie" is a delightful illustrated storybook with an accompanying CD filled with 9
lively songs and a reading of the story, a total of 33 minutes of play. "A Gift for Sophie" deals
sensitively with the complex issue of dying, and somehow simultaneously is a creative lift to the
senses. Delicately detailed, unusual illustrations bring to life Sophie, a spunky 7 year old redhead
with pigtails who loves to draw, and her best friend, Emilio, a caramel-skinned 8 year old boy
who loved bringing Sophie found sea treasures. There are other eccentric story characters, a cat
named Sir, a crow, and an old uncle named Old Man Tom. The songs and lyrics add to the
wealth of detail in this curiously compelling story. Sophie and Emilio learn to accept a gift left
for them by Old Man Tom before he passed - perhaps it could be called 'play.' It is beautifully
expressed in the song titled 'The Suitcase Waltz.' A Gift for Sophie is meant to be treasured and
unwrapped slowly, in many layers, on many levels. One such gift will always be the parent or
caretaker who takes the time to share this lovely book with a beloved child.
Stones & Bones
Char Matejovsky, author
Robaire Ream, illustrator
Polebridge Press
Willamette University
200 State Street, Salem, OR 97301
9781598150049, $19.00, www.stonesandbones.com
"Stones & Bones" is a marvelous book of versed knowledge of the history of human evolution,
set in intricately detailed, imaginative illustrations of libraries, dinosaurs, humans, pets and
puzzles. It is accompanied by a CD which contains the Stones & Bones Song and the Song of the
Meadowlark preformed by the Santa Rosa Children's Chorus, directed by Carol Menke and
accompanied by Mark Osten, music and lyrics by Char Matejovsky. This is the most witty,
accurate, scientific, succinct, intriguing treatment of a summary of human and life evolution over
60 + million years that has presented complete to date. It is designed to appeal to a juvenile
audience, but adults will find it enjoyable also. The amazing illustrations incorporate scientific
terms into games and word puzzles while catching dinosaurs and woolly mammoths, quadrupeds,
and Neanderthals interacting with a boy and girl and pet cat, at the feet of their aged wise teacher.
The library of "Stones & Bones" is vivid and inviting, covering so many ages of prehistory so
easily in the verse narrative, which becomes a charming song on the accompanying CD. A
pronunciation key at the end lists phonetic pronunciations of some of the difficult terms
contained in "Stones & Bones." This book and CD are delightful ways to introduce topics related
to prehistory and evolution to students age 8 and up. Even younger children will enjoy the
entertainment of the book and presentation. Its impeccable science and background is also a
strong selling point for solid education.
Green Golly & her Golden Flute
Keith Torgan & Barbara Siesel, writers & performers
Suzanne Langelier-Lebeda, illustratror
Eifrig Publishing
PO Box 66, Lemont, PA 16851
c/o Waldmania! (publicity)
130 Maywood Drive
San Francisco, CA 94127
9781936172527 $19.99 www.eifrigpublishing.com
Green Golly & her Golden Flute is a children's picturebook with an accompanying, 57-minute
music CD "Green Golly audio", a Parents' Choice Gold Award winner. Families can also
experience the wonderful music and story on their mobile device or computer! The story is an
original fable (based on the classic Rapunzel story, but with a few twists) about a motherly witch
who raises a young girl named Green Golly, then locks her in a tower when boys take a little too
much interest in her. Green Golly learns to play the flute in the tower, including the classical
works of Mozart, but eventually she becomes so lonely that she knows she just has to escape! A
heartwarming story about burning independence and a lifelong love of music, Green Golly & her
Golden Flute is a timeless treasure.
The Strawberry Fairies
Rini
Bright Sky Press
2365 Rice Blvd., Suite 202
Houston, TX 77005
9781939055149 $24.95 www.brightskypress.com
The Strawberry Fairies: How Strawberries Become Red is a fantastic children's picturebook
featuring sweepingly beautiful, high-quality artwork of delicate fairies, and an accompanying
music CD of original sing-along songs. The story follows a young girl who befriends the tiny
fairies that make strawberries grow so red and juicy! A simple tale of magic and wonder, The
Strawberry Fairies is a treasure to read aloud and share with little ones.
The Audiobook Shelf
Treasure Hunters
James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein, authors
www.jamespatterson.com
Juliana Neufeld, illustrator (images in .pdf format)
Bryan Kennedy, narrator
Hachette Audio
237 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
www.treasurehuntersbooks.com
9781478924654 $23.00 www.HachetteAudio.com
The unabridged audiobook adaptation of the popular novel by award-winning author James
Patterson and Chris Grabenstein, Treasure Hunters is an adventure about three children of the
veteran treasure hunters of the Kidd family, Beck, Tommy and Storm. When their world-famous,
treasure-hunting parents suddenly vanish, it's up to the Kidds to uncover the secret of their
parents' most recent mission - a dangerous undertaking on a life-or-death deadline! The original
pictures by award-winning artist Julia Neufeld are included on a .pdf file, in this funny,
heartwarming, and suspenseful adventure. 5 CDs, 6 hours.
The Music CD Shelf
Bear Hunt!
Josh & the Jamtones
Privately Published
c/o Waldmania! (publicity)
130 Maywood Drive
San Francisco, CA 94127
$9.99 www.joshandthejamtones.com
Boston-based kids' band Josh & the Jamtones presents Bear Hunt!, their second family-fun
album packed to the brim with dance-worthy music. Songs touch upon a broad variety of styles
from New Orleans street to reggae, folk, country/bluegrass, and more. The playful lyrics are at
times zany, at times a rousing good vs. evil adventure (especially when it comes to hunting scary
bears), and encourages listeners of all ages to sing along. Highly recommended! The tracks are
"Swing Low" (feat. Father Goose), "Bear Hunt", "Everybody Dance!", "Pirate's Life", "I Love U"
(feat. Father Goose), "Death Valley Cornfield of Doom", "Sunflower", "The Snow is Falling
Down", "Snow Day", "Lightning Lake of 1,000 Sea Monsters", "Green & Spakkled Frogs",
"Water is Wide", "The Evil Scary Bear from Bear Mountain", and "Fill It Up".
S.S. Brooklyn
Lloyd H. Miller
www.lloydhmiller.com
Privately Published
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas Publicity
5505 SW Illinois Street
Portland, OR 97221
$TBA CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com
S.S. Brooklyn is a lively children's music album by solo performer Lloyd Miller, produced by
Grammy winner Dean Jones. Born from the joy of community singing, S.S. Brooklyn brims with
energy, silly sing-along lyrics, and sheer enthusiasm for the bonds of friendship and family.
Many songs are created with the clarity of just two instruments; all encourage listeners to join in
and express themselves freely! The tracks are "I'm Gonna Light Up the World", "I'm a Duck!",
"Working on a Bridge", "Gowanus Canal", "Sing-a-long Song", "Brooklyn by Bike", "This Little
Light of Mine", "Henry (Hi Ya Ya)", "Carroll Street Bridge", "Them Bones", "Do the
Tub-Tub-Tubman", "I'm a Rat", "Seventeen Years (a cicada love song)", "Honk Honk (Major
Deegan)", "Big Trip", and "S.S. Brooklyn".
The Blu-ray Shelf
King of the Railway: The Movie
Hit Entertainment
c/o Lionsgate (distribution)
c/o Andrea Blain Public Relations
9750 Crawford Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076
www.thomasandfriends.com
$24.99 www.hitnewsonline.com
King of the Railway: The Movie is a Blu-ray and DVD combo pack of a feature-length,
computer-animated movie about Thomas the Tank Engine and his steam-powered friends on the
Island of Sodor. One of Thomas' new friends, Stephen, is based on "Stephenson's Rocket", one of
the most advanced steam locomotives of its time! Thomas, Percy, and James are delighted to
discover suits armor, coats of arms, and legends of knightly heroes, but when Stephen suddenly
goes missing, the quest to find him quickly escalates into a bravery challenge worthy of a knight!
Featuring strong positive themes of friendship and cooperation, King of the Railway: The Movie
is a wholesome pick for young viewers, highly recommended for gift- giving, children's parties,
or rainy-day TV. 62 min., English/Spanish/French languages, widescreen.
The Christian Shelf
The Holy Ghost is Like a Blanket
Annalisa Hall, author
Corey Egbert, illustrator
Cedar Fort, Inc.
2373 West 700 South
Springville, Utah 84663
9781462112296 $14.99 www.cedarfort.com
The Holy Ghost is Like a Blanket is a picturebook written especially to help young Christian
children understand the Holy Ghost. A father and mother teach their young daughter about the
Holy Ghost by comparing it to familiar, everyday objects. "The Holy Ghost is like a blanket. He
is a special gift from Heavenly Father to comfort you. The Holy Ghost wraps you in a warm and
comforting feeling when you are sad or need a friend." Every comparison is drawn from a brief
passage in Biblical scripture, all of which are listed in the final two pages. The warm, gentle
color illustrations add the perfect touch to this wonderful storybook, highly recommended
especially for Sunday School libraries.
The Queen & the Cross: The Story of Saint Helen
Cornelia Mary Bilinsky, author
Rebecca Stuhff, illustrator
Pauline Books & Media
50 St. Paul's Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
9780819874612, $10.95, www.pauline.org
From the Tales & Legends series for children ages 5-8 years, "The Queen & The Cross: The
Story of Saint Helen" tells the exciting life story of Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine of
Rome, and her search for the true cross on which Jesus was crucified. Queen Helen lived more
than 300 years after Jesus was crucified on the cross, but in the later years of her life, she became
determined to seek and find the true cross in Palestine. She went on a perilous journey by ship
and land to Jerusalem, where she visited Bishop Macarius. She decided to climb Mt. Calvary,
where the cross had stood, with two others. Climbing Mt. Calvary was very hard for the aging
Helen, but she imagined how much harder it would have been for Jesus, burdened with his cross.
Because the place was in ruins and there was no record of what had been done with the cross,
everyone felt Queen Helen would not be able to find the cross. Amazingly, she discovered a
green growing plant of holy basil, the sweet herb of kings, on the hill. She decided to tell her
laborers to dig there. They dug and found not one, but three crosses buried in the earth and
rubble. Because none of the crosses were marked, it was not possible to tell which one belonged
to Jesus. Bishop Macarius suggested the crosses be tested by bringing them to a young girl who
lay sick and dying, to see if the true cross had healing powers. By tradition, the girl was wakened
and began to heal when touched by the last of the three crosses, so Bishop Macarius declared it to
be the true cross on which Jesus had been crucified so long ago. Queen Helen took only a small
piece of the true cross with her back to Rome to protect and display for all the faithful Christians
there. Today wood from the holy cross is sheltered and honored at special churches and basilicas
in Rome, Spain, Europe and Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Queen Helen was allowed to use
money from the Roman Empire to build churches and help the poor and needy. She made her trip
to the Holy Land when she was 80 years old, in 327 AD. The exciting story of Queen Helen and
her quest for the True Cross is ideally presented with commanding cartoon illustrations and an
exciting narrative. In addition to retelling the complete legend, "The Queen & the Cross" also
contains an opening hymn and prayer, a brief biography of the rest of Queen Helen's life, a listing
of locations of pieces of the True Cross today, and a quotation from Emperor Constantine in a
letter to Bishop Macarius.
The Islamic Shelf
The Camel in the Sun
Griffin Ondaatje, author
Linda Wolfsgruber, illustrator
Groundwood Books
c/o Douglas & McIntyre Ltd.
110 Spadina Avenue, Suite 801
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5V 2K4
9781554983810 $17.95 www.groundwoodbooks.com
Inspired by the retelling of a traditional Muslim hadith (an accounting of the words or actions of
the Prophet Mohammed), The Camel in the Sun is a children's picturebook with a strong moral
lesson about empathy for animals. A desert merchant relies heavily upon his camel to transport
goods, yet he overworks his faithful animal terribly, and neglects it under the hot son. It takes a
visit from the Prophet to help the merchant understand how much he has made his loyal beast of
burden suffer, and change his ways to treat it with the respect and compassion it deserves. The
simple, shaded illustrations bring this heartwarming parable to life. As necessitated by respect for
Islam, the Prophet is never visually depicted - all illustrations are of the merchant, the camel, and
the desert. Highly recommended.
The Halloween Shelf
Monster Needs a Costume
Paul Czajak, author
Wendy Grieb, illustrator
Scarletta Kids
10 South Fifth Street, Suite 1105
Minneapolis, MN 55402
9781938063091 $16.95 www.paulczajak.com
Monster Needs a Costume is a colorful picturebook about a shaggy blue, nine-foot-tall monster
(and good friend of an upbeat little boy) faced with a dilemma - what costume will he wear for
his favorite day, Halloween? Astronaut? Fireman? Cowboy? Ballet dancer? Ninja? His final idea
is a surprising hit! Playful and exuberant, Monster Needs a Costume perfectly captures the joy of
Halloween trick-or-treating.
The Crafts Shelf
Teen Craft Projects 2
Tina Coleman & Peggie Llanes
ALA Editions
50 East Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60611
9780838911525 $45.00 www.alastore.ala.org
Teen Craft Projects 2 is an anthology of hands-on crafts and activities designed especially to
engage preteens and teens in grades 6-12, and tested in public library settings to rousing success.
Each of the dozen projects lists all tools and equipment needed, and gives step-by-step
instructions with black-and-white photographs. Additional information about the difficulty of
each project, a suggested timeframe for the activities, "quick-fire" modifications if time is strictly
limited, and more round out this excellent supplementary reference and resource for teachers,
librarians, homeschoolers, parents, sitters, and anyone else looking to share a hands-on creative
and educational experience with young people. Also highly recommended is the author's
previous book, "Hipster Librarian's Guide to Teen Craft Projects" (9780838909713,
$45.00).
Books in Series
Olivia and Oscar Build an Opinion Piece
Andrea Pelleschi, author
Caroline Hu, illustrator
Norwood House Press
P.O. Box 316598, Chicago, IL 60631
9781599535821, $25.27, www.norwoodhousepress.com
"Olivia and Oscar Build an Opinion Piece" is a library bound edition from the Writing Builders
series for young writers age 8-9 and up. A carefully written, sequenced writing approach to
building an opinion piece is presented for students age 8 and up. Olivia and Oscar are concerned
about the proposed school board budget cuts that will result in losing some of the school's safety
crossing guards. Following a 10 step procedure, they carefully compose a well written opinion
piece letter to the editor that presents their point of view and the argument in favor of keeping all
the crossing guards. Some concepts and tools that are helpful to them include the cluster diagram,
a hook, a clear topic choice, transition phrases, and considering and addressing arguments against
their opinion by presenting convincing counterarguments. Finally, revision for clarity and brevity
and collecting feedback from prereaders are two suggested techniques. In addition to brightly
colored illustrations, a brief Glossary and Bibliography is included at the end. "Olivia and Oscar
Build an Opinion Piece" is an excellent reference tool from the Writing Builders series for
juvenile authors. Other titles from this series that are also highly recommended include: "Jesse
and Jasmine Build a Journal," by Rachel Lynette and illustrated by Carlos Aon
(9781599535852), "Will and Wendy Build a Website with Digital Tools," by Darice Bailer,
illustrated by Sean O'Neill (9781599535845), "Neil and Nan Build a Narrative Nonfiction," by
Andrea Pelleschi, illustrated by Yu-Mei Han (9781599535869), Rick and Rachel Build a
Research Report," by Sue Lowell Gallion, illustrated by Chi Chung (9781599535838), and
"Frank and Fiona Build a Fictional Story," by Rachel Lynette, illustrated by Jan Lieffering. All
volumes in this series are also available as e-books.
Kookaburra Tales #2: Shy Not, My Friend
Moh Ana, author
Kenn Yapsangco, illustrator
Trafford Publishing
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.trafford.com
9781466931930, $17.03, www.amazon.com
"Shy Not, My Friend" is the second of a series titled Kookaburra Tales. Swallow is beautiful and
acrobatic, but so shy she can never say anything. Kookaburra watches her with admiration and
wonders why she flies alone, without friends or family. One bright day Swallow is exhausted
from her flying and she is trapped in the grapevine tendrils. She is approached and rescued by a
friendly Red Butterfly, who works long and valiantly to free her. Even then, she cannot thank
him before she flies away, for she is too shy. Another day, Swallow sees the Red Butterfly
entrapped in the silk of a hungry Spider. Again, she is unable to say anything, but the brave
Swallow manages to rescue the little Red Butterfly from the hungry Spider, with daring and
clever flying antics. Red Wing the Butterfly, thanked Swallow, and all his Butterfly friends told
her he had rescued her earlier. Kookaburra makes the ending wise comment: "I have never seen
or heard of anyone so grateful that she would do something so dangerous... I hope she will no
longer be quiet and shy but be brave and friendly." "Shy Not, My Friend" is a lovely teaching
fable with exotic, detailed expressive illustrations that depict shyness, bravery, and joy in the
actions of Swallow and Butterfly.
How to Make Paper Airplanes
B. B. Adams, author
Kelsey Oseid, illustrator
The Child's World
1980 Lookout Drive
Mankato, MN 56003
www.childsworld.com
9781623235628, $27.07 List / $18.95 Library
"How to Make Paper Airplanes" is an exciting book from a juvenile crafts and activities series that teaches students in clearly illustrated, sequenced steps how to build 6 different paper airplane projects or related activities. Included are plans for the arrow, the dart, the flying fish, the Nagamura, the great glider, and the remnant. In addition, there is a Glossary and a Bibliography section with both books and web sites. "How to Make Paper Airplanes" can be a useful reference book or tool for kids age 8 and up who want to learn about aerodynamics and build their own flying paper airplane. Other titles from the Make Your Own Fun series that are also highly recommended include "Sports Safety (9781623235413) by Elizabeth Lang, "How to Make Stuff with Duct Tape (9781623235635)" by Samantha Bell, "Magic Tricks with Cards (9781623235574)," by Jenna Lee Gleisner, "Magic Tricks with Coins (9781623235567)," by Jenna Lee Gleisner, "Magic Tricks with Science (9781623235598), by Samantha Bell, "Magic Tricks with String (9781623235611), by B. B. Adams, "How to Face Paint (9781623235604), by Megan Atwood; and "How to Make Balloon Animals (9781623235581), by Megan Atwood, all titles illustrated by Kelsey Oseid.
The Child's World, Inc.
1980 Lookout Drive
Mankato, MN 56003
www.childsworld.com
Especially for young boys in grades 2 through 5, the use of sports to teach basic math skills is an
especially useful classroom strategy. That's why The Child's World "Math in Sports" series
would make a particularly valued addition to classroom and home school basic mathematics
instruction curriculums. This outstanding series of six titles includes "Auto Racing: Math at the
Racetrack"; "Baseball: Math at the Ballpark"; "Basketball: Math on the Court"; "Football: Math
on the Gridiron"; Hockey: Math at the Rink"; and "Soccer: Math on the Field". Each 32 page title
is enhanced with full-color photography and features a reinforced library binding for an extended
shelf life, a table of contents, informative sidebars, a glossary of key words and phrases, sources
for further research (including thematically appropriate web sites), a comprehensive index, tables
and graphs, and sample math problems. Although the six titles comprising this superbly crafted
and produced "Math in Sports" series can be obtained individually ($27.07 List /, $18.95
Library), grade school libraries especially would do well to acquire the entire series intact
($162.42 List /, $113.70 Library).
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3308
New York, NY 10118
www.crabtreebooks.com
Two new book sets for grades 2-6 provide fine introductions and specifics perfect for reports,
with covers eye-catching enough to appeal into leisure reader circles. The 'All Over the Map'
series ($19.95 each) each holds 32-pages of detail and teaches the basics of cartography and map
reading, using colorful art, exercises, and discussions of different kinds of maps and their
applications. ATLAS AND GLOBE SKILLS (9780778744900) provides both a history of
cartography and specifics on how to utilize different gloves and atlases. Accompanied by
hands-on exercises, students receive all the basics key to understanding maps. CLIMATE MAPS
(9780778744917) teaches how to understand climate maps for different climate zones and how
to use these maps to track climate changes and conditions. From latitude and climate
relationships to ocean currents and climate zones, this covers all the basics. POLITICAL MAPS
(9780778744931) teaches boundaries of countries, cities and states plus discusses areas such as
lakes and oceans. From coloring a political map to considering borders and elections, this
explains how political maps are formed and how they can be interpreted. PHYSICAL MAPS
(9780778744924) demonstrates how landscape is represented through colors and symbols, and
offers color maps to explain different features and landscapes from forests to mountains. From
sidebars of facts to plenty of insights, these are top recommendations for any geography
collection. The 'My Path to Math' series ($16.95 each) for grades K-3 presents a series of 24
pages in length and breaks down math exercises into a series of narrowed focuses kids can more
readily understand. WORD PROBLEMS: MASS AND VOLUME (9780778710813) pairs
real-world problems with strategies to solving one-step world problems about mass and volume,
TIME WORD PROBLEMS (9780778710776) teaches how to measure time intervals in minutes
and how to represent time problems on a number line, LENGTH WORD PROBLEMS
(9780778710790) teaches the basics of using drawings, symbols and number lines in real-world
applications, and CALENDAR MATH (9780778710752) draws important links between
calendars, counting, and math applications. All are top references for any elementary-level
collection looking for bright covers, easy explanations, and exercises geared to a child's real
world experiences.
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
Copyright ©2001
Site design by Williams Writing, Editing &
Design