node_id int64 0 76.9k | label int64 0 39 | text stringlengths 13 124k | neighbors listlengths 0 3.32k | mask stringclasses 4
values |
|---|---|---|---|---|
12,200 | 13 | Michelle Cuevas graduated from Williams College and holds a master of fine arts in creative writing from the University of Virginia, where she received the Henry Hoyns Fellowship. She lives in Berkshire County, Massachusetts.Ed Young is the Caldecott Award-winning illustrator and writer of many children's books. He lives in Westchester County, New York, with his two daughters.; Title: The Masterwork of a Painting Elephant | [
6888,
16590,
20828,
36508,
36621
] | Train |
12,201 | 2 | "Breezy and boldly visual, it will have children looking at the letters on their own refrigerators with new respectand it should provide teachers with inspiration for classroom activities, too." Publishers Weekly"Keen and clever with a knack for clear instruction." Kirkus"...a funny and charming book...Wonderfully entertaining, Rashs illustrations enhance the text. The letters expressions will have kids giggling with delight. VERDICT This unique, hilarious selection will have readers of all ages laughing out loud. Be prepared for it to be in high demand after one read-aloud." School Library Journal Caron Levis is the author of the picture books May I Have A Word?, Stuck with the Blooz, and Ida, Always which the New York Times called "an example of children's books at their best." Caron has an MFA, LMSW and is the coordinator of The New School's Writing for Children/YA MFA program. She loves using drama and writing to explore social, emotional, and literacy skills with kids of all ages through her author workshops.Andy Rash is a freelance illustrator, animator, and childrens book author with over fifteen years of experience in publishing. He is the author and illustrator of Archie the Daredevil Penguin, Ten Little Zombies, a Love Story, Are You a Horse?, Agent A to Agent Z, and many more. He lives in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin.; Title: May I Have a Word? | [
12013,
14131,
15819,
16558,
19606,
21109,
23295,
25599,
29097,
33656,
43127,
45844,
54699,
55886,
57608,
62709,
64211,
65178,
70512,
75199,
75439
] | Train |
12,202 | 1 | Although not as unpredictable as his hard-boiled Sheep in Wolves' Clothing, this latest by Kitamura spotlights an offbeat sense of humor and a flair for comic-book layout. At first, it appears as though a dark-haired boy, Nicholas, narrates the story, while his yellow cat sits quietly in the foreground. But at breakfast, Nicholas buries his head in a cat-food dish until his mother "carr[ies] me off to catch the school bus. I had gone... but I was still here." Only then does Nicholas realize that he and his cat have exchanged physical identities. The "real" Nicholas, in the cat's body, spends the day accidentally toppling furniture and battling the tomcats next door. "Life was as complicated and tough as it was for humans," he discovers. Kitamura devotes several amusing spreads to imagining how a cat would inhabit a human body and vice versa. He contains these chaotic scenes in a tense, tightly controlled black-ink line and tints them with lush midnight-violet, fern-green and golden-ochre watercolors. "An old lady in a pointed hat" solves the dilemma in a conventional way, but the tale provides entertainmentAparticularly on the repetitive panels in which the boy wears a cat's impenetrable, miffed expression. Ages 4-8. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3-Prior to the title page, an old lady with a broom and a pointy black hat is pictured crawling through a boy's window at night. The caption explains that she "brandished her broom at me and fired out some words. Then she left without saying goodbye-." The next day, Nicholas discovers that he has switched bodies with his cat Leonardo. What results is a humorous set of learning experiences about the life of a cat and, for poor Leonardo, the life of a boy. By the time the old woman returns the next night-"Sorry, love. I got the wrong address"-both victims, as well as the protagonist's frazzled mother, are anxious to return to normal. The twist on the last page is wickedly delightful, as are the expressive pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations. Facial expressions speak volumes, and the sense of kinetic movement and moments caught in a series of "snapshots" (on two consecutive spreads) will pull in the most diffident listeners. The high humor is infectious and the entire clever premise is well executed. Use this title with David Small's Imogene's Antlers (Crown, 1988) or William Joyce's George Shrinks (HarperCollins, 1985) for wonderful stories about strange transformations.Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Me and My Cat? | [
3293,
10099,
12510,
36844,
38197,
38306,
38352,
43180,
52599,
52732,
73364,
74409,
74413,
74879
] | Test |
12,203 | 1 | You can't keep a good pup down--at least not down off the counter, or away from the storage closet, or out of trouble in general. Alexandra Day takes off on another scamper with her cute rottweiler pup in Puppy Trouble, a pop-up tear through an about-to-be-very-disheveled home.Just as in past outings (like Good Dog, Carl and Carl Goes Shopping), this rascally dog means well--he's just, well, a puppy. Kids will especially enjoy this Carl adventure for its copious push-and-pull-tab action, on six different spreads, from the living room to the bathroom to the kitchen. Many of the scenes are conventional pop-up tableaus: Carl popping out of his pet carrier, tugging on a tablecloth, and jumping off a counter. But a few show some genuine ingenuity, like a spiraling roll of toilet paper (as if he needs help from the cat), a rear-end-activated TV remote, and a convincing imitation of a Felix clock.Day's sweet renderings and muted, traditional setting maintain Carl's mysterious but undeniable appeal, and the short lines of text ("Let go of kitty's pillow!"; "Better not pull that!") provide wee ones with an excellent chance for building vocabulary. (Baby to preschool) --Paul HughesPull tabs and pup ups animate all-new offerings. Fans of Alexandra Day's rottweiler, Carl, will embrace the interactive canine companion that escapes his crate in Puppy Trouble. Youngsters can pull a tab or lift a flap to watch the pup upset a flower pot, startle the cat and unleash an avalanche in the coat closet. In the end, he leaps into his owner's arms. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Puppy Trouble | [
10145,
12035,
12044,
12045,
12047,
12049,
12052,
12069,
12211,
26096,
45568
] | Train |
12,204 | 0 | Pen-and-wash illustrations so lively they seem to dance on the page animate a story of the 1886 dedication of the Statue of Liberty. The narrator is the nameless boy given the job of signaling (with a wave of a handkerchief) to Bartholdi to drop his statue's veil and reveal her face to the world for the first time. Drummond (Casey Jones) conveys the mounting excitement of the event itself while presenting a cavalcade of characters and incidents: suffragettes protesting ("How long must we wait for liberty?" they shout), immigrants arriving in the harbor, the construction of the statue in France and its assemblage in New York. After the dedication (breezily imagined as being catalyzed by a sneeze from a French engineer's daughter), Drummond's text and visuals turn to a brief reverie on the meanings and gifts of freedom. "I am free and you are free," he writes, as his hero savors various manifestations of American liberty, "to say what we want and to believe what we want Freedom is like a flame we must all hold high and give to others and keep burning bright all around the world." Buoyed by an effortless visual fluidity and an earnest love of country, this is a civics lesson with staying power. Ages 4-8.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3-On October 28, 1886, the sculptor Frdric Auguste Bartholdi unveiled his magnificent statue "Liberty Enlightening the World." Legend has it that a boy was supposed to signal Bartholdi, but for some unknown reason, the signal was lost and the rope was pulled prematurely. Drummond uses this snippet of history as the framework for his recounting of this exciting day. Through the eyes of this boy, readers see it all: the pouring rain; the boats full of suffragettes protesting a female Statue of Liberty when they themselves were not allowed to vote; the sea of red, white, and blue flags, both French and American. Drummond is meticulous regarding historical details, right down to the correct name (Magnolia) for the paddle-wheeling ferryboat that took the most esteemed visitors to the island. The bright and busy watercolor illustrations dance with energy and effectively capture both period and mood. At the end of the tale, the author becomes a bit preachy ("We are free-and we must help others to be free-") but this is a minor distraction in an otherwise nicely done book. Paired with Betsy and Giulio Maestro's The Story of the Statue of Liberty (Lothrop, 1986), Liberty! serves as an excellent introduction to one of our national treasures and the spirit it embodies.Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Liberty! | [
26720
] | Test |
12,205 | 18 | Starred Review. Born out of a question posed to Sís (Play, Mozart, Play!) by his children (Are you a settler, Dad?), the author pairs his remarkable artistry with journal entries, historical context and period photography to create a powerful account of his childhood in Cold War–era Prague. Dense, finely crosshatched black-and-white drawings of parades and red-flagged houses bear stark captions: Public displays of loyalty—compulsory. Children are encouraged to report on their families and fellow students. Parents learn to keep their opinions to themselves. Text along the bottom margin reveals young Sís's own experience: He didn't question what he was being told. Then he found out there were things he wasn't told. The secret police, with tidy suits and pig faces, intrude into every drawing, watching and listening. As Sís grows to manhood, Eastern Europe discovers the Beatles, and the Prague Spring of 1968 promises liberation and freedom. Instead, Soviet tanks roll in, returning the city to its previous restrictive climate. Sís rebels when possible, and in the book's final spreads, depicts himself in a bicycle, born aloft by wings made from his artwork, flying toward America and freedom, as the Berlin Wall crumbles below. Although some of Sís's other books have their source in his family's history, this one gives the adage write what you know biting significance. Younger readers have not yet had a graphic memoir with the power of Maus or Persepolis to call their own, but they do now. Ages 8-up. (Aug.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.*Starred Review* In an autobiographical picture book that will remind many readers of Marjane Satrapi's memoir Persepolis (2003), Ss' latest, a powerful combination of graphic novel and picture book, is an account of his growing up in Czechoslovakia under Soviet rule. Written in several stands, the somewhat fragmented narrative never dilutes the impact of the boldly composed panels depicting scenes from Ss' infancy through young adulthood. Throughout, terrific design dramatizes the conflict between conformity and creative freedom, often through sparing use of color; in many cases, the dominant palette of black, white, and Communist red threatens to swallow up young Peter's freely doodled, riotously colored artwork. The panels heighten the emotional impact, as when Ss fleeing the secret police, emerges from one spread's claustrophobic, gridlike sequence into a borderless, double-page escape fantasy. Even as they side with Peter against fearsome forces beyond his control, younger readers may lose interest as the story moves past his childhood, and most will lack crucial historical context. But this will certainly grab teenswho will grasp both the history and the passionate, youthful rebellions against authorityas well as adults, many of whom will respond to the Cold War setting. Though the term picture book for older readers has been bandied about quite a bit, this memorable title is a true example. Mattson, Jennifer; Title: The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain (Caldecott Honor Book) | [
4071,
5479,
6051,
6306,
6434,
6813,
8645,
9581,
9615,
10189,
10269,
10377,
10858,
10882,
12171,
12372,
12476,
13510,
16908,
17050,
17432,
17740,
17831,
21391,
21778,
22691,
25129,
33117,
33312,
33363,
34991,
36059,
45505,
45637,
54564,
58071,
5... | Train |
12,206 | 12 | K-Gr 2In the fourth story about Max and his two brothers, numbers and shapes take center stage instead of words. Max builds a car and tells his siblings he's off to look for problems, and soon all three are on their way to adventure. The boys prove to be quite helpful as they assist in rebuilding Shapetown after a storm and in locating the lost numbers required for a Count Town rocket launch. Kulikov's illustrations add much to the story and invite counting and simple problem solving while also demonstrating that shapes can be combined or divided to make other shapes. Max's car is pristine white, creating negative space, thus continuing the math theme, and the mayors of both towns resemble Albert Einstein and reflect the towns' names. Shapes and numbers are hidden throughout the brightly colored illustrations, offering seek-and-find games: on a cow, in the configuration of a road, a clockface. In order to get to sleep after his exciting day, Max counts sheep while lying under his patchwork quilt made up of various shapes. Young children will enjoy the familiar characters and the fact that the youngest of the three brothers is again their leader.Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WIMax is back in the fourth in his eponymous series of concept books . . . Kulikov's rich, textured paintings are filled with details that extend the story and invite young mathematicians to stop and examine Max's fantastic world . . . Bold. MAXimum fun! Kirkus ReviewsIn the fourth story about Max and his two brothers, numbers and shapes take center stage instead of words. School Library JournalKulikov's visual flights of fancy will set readers' imaginations soaring as Banks slyly introduces a bevy of math concepts. Publishers Weekly, STARRED; Title: Max's Math (Max's Words) | [
1362,
4238,
6086,
8539,
10511,
10841,
12170,
12415,
12418,
12426,
13180,
13272,
13414,
13421,
14079,
15811,
15815,
15838,
16347,
17406,
17417,
19175,
21463,
21600,
21688,
22391,
22530,
22707,
22885,
22987,
23961,
27352,
29290,
31407,
31569,
31592... | Train |
12,207 | 2 | Grade 35Minn and Jake are back in this new free-verse installment. This time the 10-year-old pals are spending the summer apart. Jake is visiting his old neighborhood in Los Angeles and is excited to have no plans. No science camp. No swimming lessons. But he soon discovers that it isn't much fun to wake up every day at 6 a.m. to his little brother, Soup, jumping all over him or have his Korean grandmother stuffing him with food to "make him grow." Jake misses Minn, but he hasn't done a great job of keeping in touch this summer. But when she and her parents make a surprise visit, things start to heat up. On a trip to Disneyland, the friends have a fight and end up not speaking. All is resolved when they both acknowledge their mistakes. Whimsical ink sketches enhance the storytelling in this creative early chapter book that features smart, endearing characters and humorous antics.Bethany A. Lafferty, Las Vegas-Clark County Library, NV Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.In Wong and Cts Minn and Jake (2003),Jake moved to a new town and a new school, and found an unlikely friend in Minn. This summer, hes returning toL.A. for the break. But when Minn and her family come for a visit, things get messy. Wong captures the periodic bumps of a real relationship in precise, contemporary free verse. Cts black-and-white sketches share with the verse a simple surface that exposes a deeper truth; Jake and his old friends have been torn in two, leaving Jake on one side and the friends on the other. This resonant story explores the ways we struggle to learn about one another and discover ourselves in the process. Grades 3-6. --Thom Barthelmess; Title: Minn and Jake's Almost Terrible Summer | [
12446
] | Validation |
12,208 | 1 | PreS-Gr 2Browne subtly overlays the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears with a social message. The Goldilocks character, nameless throughout, is introduced in a dark palette against a bleak urban setting. Conversely, the Bear family is presented as a colorful and happy unit. Baby Bear is the narrator. While on a walk, the girl chases a balloon and gets lost. She is drawn to the bears' house with its warm, yellow facade. There, she is another person: her head no longer hangs low, and she is infused with color, especially her fiery, golden hair. She eats the porridge, checks out the chairs, and winds up in Baby Bear's bed. She is experiencing life in a world vastly different from her own. When the bears return and find the intruder, their perfect world is shaken up momentarily and, for the first time, they are depicted without color and clearly angry. The girl flees the house and runs back to her side of town. Baby Bear is left concerned and wondering about her. The girl finally runs into the arms of her mother, and the story concludes with their wordless, warm embrace. This book looks at what constitutes family and at our culture of the haves versus the have-nots. Browne's signature artwork and intentional use of color make the juxtaposition of Goldilocks's plight with the bears' way of life unmistakable. Younger children can enjoy this picture book, but, in the hands of the right adult, older children will get a lot out of it. Browne has added depth to a story that we thought we already knew.Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.Brownes wry fractured fairy tale sets the Goldilocks story in a contemporary urban neighborhood and tells it from the dual viewpoints of a lost little girl and a baby bear. The girls story, shown on left-hand pages, is wordless; sepia-toned pictures show a bespectacled, blond kid who gets lost in the city streets, enters a house with an open door, eats porridge, breaks a chair, and snuggles up to nap. On each facing page, Baby Bear tells his parallel story, illustrated in full color, of walking in the park with Daddy and Mommy and then coming home to find his breakfast gone, his chair broken, and someone asleep in his bed. Browne adds notes of realism and melancholy to the traditional story. Goldilocks is alone in a city filled with abandoned buildings, while Mommy and Daddy Bear complain and ignore Little Bear. The colloquial narrative adds further immediacy, and it also lightens the mood, while the climax, in which Goldilocks returns home to her mothers embrace, reveals shining gold under all the sepia brown. Preschool-Grade 3. --Hazel Rochman; Title: Me and You: An Enchanted New Take on the Goldilocks Story | [
26175,
33234,
33539
] | Train |
12,209 | 2 | Grade 1-4In 20 clever poems, Miss Information, a colorfully clothed character wearing blue-framed half-moon glasses, provides children with some new and unusual rules for modern manners. As she explains, the etiquette of olden days/Takes endless, boring study./Children need an etiquette/Far less fuddy-duddy. Framed with quotes from the likes of Emily Post and Miss Manners (appropriately credited in the back of the book), the selections merrily turn traditional advice upside down. Dressing properly? Tuck your tie into your belt/And wear it as a tail./Put your undies on your head/And wear them as a veil. Table manners? When drinking from a gravy boat/Hold it by the lip/And delicately sip from it,/Careful not to drip. There are offerings about babysitters, bathroom behavior, going to sleep (or not), disagreeing with adults, and, of course, belching. Westcott's pastel-hued watercolors are filled with verve, charm, and humor as mischievous youngsters interact with other kids, parents, and teachers. This book will tickle children's funny bones on its own, or it could be used as part of a discussion about appropriate social behavior.Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.In this lively spoof of etiquette books, Miss Information, a young girl who claims to be fully grown and in possession of countless Ph.D.s, offers expertise on modern etiquette in a "far less fuddy-duddy" manner than the etiquette books of olden days. Advice on topics ranging from sipping soup ("At fancy dinner parties, sip soup from your hat") to "how you kiss good night" is dished out in 20 poems. Most are preceded by quotes from standard etiquette books, which seem idiotic when followed by Miss Information's outrageous recommendations. Greenberg makes creative use of language, especially in finding words to rhyme with etiquette (pathetiquette, getiquette), and Westcott's bright cartoon-style artwork, with gleeful animals and manic children rollicking everywhere (especially in the "Etiquette for the Tub" scene), perfectly illustrate the fine points Miss Information wishes to convey. Some adults may consider this too subversive, but others will see it as an entertaining way to spark discussions about the difference between proper and unacceptable behavior. Randall EnosCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Don't Forget Your Etiquette!: The Essential Guide to Misbehavior | [
21093
] | Train |
12,210 | 16 | Based on the characters and artwork created by Tove Jansson (19142001). Jansson was born in Helsinki and spent much of her life in Finland. She is the author of the Moomin books, including Comet in Moominland and Finn Family Moomintroll. Born into an artistic familyher father was a sculptor and her mother was a graphic designer and illustratorJansson studied at the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, and L'cole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In addition to her Moomin books, she also wrote several novels, drew comic strips and worked as a painter and illustrator. In 1966, she was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for her body of work. Jansson had a studio in Helsinki but spent most of her time at her home on a small island called Klovharu.; Title: Moomin's Little Book of Numbers | [
5778,
5782,
7698,
7771,
10138,
10147,
10153,
12213,
12214,
12221,
14695,
15843,
25625,
25962,
32828,
40757,
48505,
48519,
52894,
55452
] | Train |
12,211 | 1 | Carl the big black dog is babysitting once again, this time on Christmas Eve while his owners go to church...The canine and his charge have a wonderful time...The visual depth of the illustrations gives this sweet book an appeal beyond its primary audience. BooklistA delight, bound to please the good dog's old friends-- and win him plenty of new ones. Publishers WeeklyCarl is the babysitter every family needs. Parents MagazineAlexandra Day is the author and illustrator of Good Dog, Carl and the rest of the beloved Carl books, including Carl Goes Shopping, Carl's Christmas, Carl's Birthday and Carl's Snowy Afternoon. The Darlings' own dog, a Rottweiler named Toby, was the original model for the main character of Good Dog, Carl. Since then, two other Darling Rottweilers have posed as Carl in the sequels: the late Arambarri, who was named for one of the Darlings' favorite jai alai players; and Zabala, who currently moonlights as an Our Best Friend therapy dog, visiting hospitals to cheer patients.; Title: Carl's Christmas | [
661,
1145,
1746,
2405,
4570,
5371,
5494,
5591,
8919,
9443,
9591,
9655,
10145,
10174,
11988,
12035,
12044,
12045,
12047,
12049,
12052,
12053,
12059,
12069,
12070,
12078,
12193,
14412,
15590,
15843,
16046,
16294,
16299,
16418,
16741,
16966,
18732... | Train |
12,212 | 2 | Gr 1-4-Third-grade sports whiz Izzy Barr excels at both softball and running and wonders why her father doesn't seem to appreciate her athletic talent as much as her brother's. When she competes in the citywide 10K, she wishes he were there to cheer her on along with her loyal friends.(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.Claudia Mills is the acclaimed author of many books for children, including Kelsey Green, Reading Queen and Annika Riz, Math Whiz, the first two books in the Franklin School Friends series. She also teaches philosophy at the University of Denver. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.Rob Shepperson has illustrated many books for children, including the previous books in the Franklin School Friends series and The Memory Bank, a collaboration with Carolyn Coman. He lives in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.; Title: Izzy Barr, Running Star (Franklin School Friends) | [
2729,
3852,
4046,
6388,
6414,
6459,
6515,
6534,
6704,
6743,
8354,
8358,
8359,
10572,
11966,
11968,
12377,
16991,
19432,
19662,
21527,
21841,
22276,
22967,
24787,
28627,
34977,
37962,
37974,
43201,
44303,
45486,
45833,
52512,
55053,
55533,
67270... | Validation |
12,213 | 16 | Based on the characters and artwork created by Tove Jansson (19142001). Jansson was born in Helsinki and spent much of her life in Finland. She is the author of the Moomin books, including Comet in Moominland and Finn Family Moomintroll. Born into an artistic familyher father was a sculptor and her mother was a graphic designer and illustratorJansson studied at the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, and L'cole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In addition to her Moomin books, she also wrote several novels, drew comic strips and worked as a painter and illustrator. In 1966, she was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for her body of work. Jansson had a studio in Helsinki but spent most of her time at her home on a small island called Klovharu.; Title: Moomin's Lift-The-Flap Hide and Seek: with Big Flaps for Little Hands | [
5778,
5782,
9882,
9969,
10138,
10147,
10153,
12210,
12214,
12221,
15811,
16046,
26243,
27779,
32828,
52565,
75060
] | Test |
12,214 | 8 | Bright, digitized colors replace some of the darker shades of Jansson's earlier books, giving readers of a new generation a friendly footpath into Moominvalley. Publishers WeeklyJansson was a genius of a very subtle kind. These simple stories resonate with profound and complex emotions that are like nothing else in literature for children or adults: intensely Nordic, and completely universal. Philip PullmanTove Jansson is undoubtedly one of the greatest children's writers there has ever been. She has the extraordinary gift of writing books that are very clearly for children, but can also be enjoyed when the child, like me, is over sixty and can still find new pleasures with the insights that come from adulthood. Sir Terry PratchettClever, gentle, witty, and completely engrossing. Jeff Smith, author of BoneThe adventures of the easygoing Moomintrolls have all the crispness and tart surprise of a lingonberry, thanks to Jansson's ineffably light touch, her uncanny sensitivity to universal childhood emotions, and her gift for terse, naturalistic dialogue. Entertainment Weekly[Tove Jansson] is a master. The Times Literary Supplement (London)The most original works for children to be published since the Pooh books, and possibly, since Alice. Saturday ReviewYou will declare yourself a citizen of Moominvalley & call the stories your own--Moomin world is that compelling. Riverbank ReviewTove Jansson (19142001) was born in Helsinki and spent much of her life in Finland. She is the author of the Moomin books, including Comet in Moominland and Finn Family Moomintroll. Born into an artistic familyher father was a sculptor and her mother was a graphic designer and illustratorJansson studied at the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, and L'cole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In addition to her Moomin books, she also wrote several novels, drew comic strips and worked as a painter and illustrator. In 1966, she was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for her body of work. Jansson had a studio in Helsinki but spent most of her time at her home on a small island called Klovharu.; Title: Moomin and the Birthday Button (Moomins) | [
5778,
5782,
9866,
10138,
10147,
10153,
11904,
12210,
12213,
12221,
14695,
15811,
24132,
28496,
52599,
69400,
69421,
69463,
70357,
76222
] | Train |
12,215 | 2 | Containing more than a dozen accounts of children who have worked for everything from racial equality to world peace, this book demonstrates how youth have fought for what's right, then offers ideas about how to get involved. In a starred review, PW called it "absorbing and energizing." Ages 10-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.Deserves shelf space in every classroom and library. Starred, Publishers WeeklyTwo books in one: first, fourteen fascinating accounts of children working for human rights, the needy, the environment, or world peace . . . Second, a handbook for young activists, with practical suggestions for planning, organizing, publicizing, and raising funds for social action projects. Kirkus ReviewsAn invaluable book . . . Reads with intensity and should convince young readers that they can make a difference in the attitudes and policies of their world. Boxed, BooklistA clear-headed, good-hearted guide to help young people empower themselves. Gloria Steinem; Title: It's Our World, Too!: Young People Who Are Making a Difference: How They Do It - How You Can, Too! | [
2729,
6014,
6905,
7140,
9641,
10204,
12384,
16627,
17050,
17432,
21391,
22839,
29315,
41009,
45719,
46377,
48581,
48591,
49060,
52404,
52930,
54500,
54771,
55053,
55244,
59750,
59824,
61689,
62709,
62733,
73082
] | Train |
12,216 | 2 | "Down the road came Larky Mavis, mooning about, mooning about." She trips on three peanuts... and ends up eating two out of three. In the third she finds a tiny pink creature, small enough to fit in her hand. "'Well!' she said, laughing. 'I won't eat you!'" And whom exactly does the third peanut contain? We're not quite sure. The villagers call Mavis's blanket-wrapped bundle everything from a worm to a bat to (when it gets bigger) a turkey or a pig, but he remains her precious little baby that she calls Heart's Delight. As fear and curiosity build in the village, Mavis is forced to protect what is dearest to her. Or is it the other way around? Brock Cole, creator of the award-winning Buttons, will thoroughly charm young readers with this deliciously whimsical, pleasantly odd, happily ending story of the transcendent, transformative nature of love. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin SnelsonBrock (Buttons) delivers a lyrical and ever-relevant picture book. Larky Mavis, depicted in loose-flowing but highly expressive watercolors as a simpleton in rags, "moons about" the byways and squares of a village where time has stopped. Stumbling upon three peanuts, she finds in one a creature she identifies as a little baby. She names him Heart's Delight and cherishes him, even after the schoolmaster calls him a worm, the parson proclaims him a mouse and the doctor labels him as a deformed bird or bat. Readers do not see Heart's Delight, so they will not know which, if any, definition fits. The text outlines the villagers' contempt for Mavis ("You're not to hang around the church," the parson reminds her. "People don't like it"), while the illustrations show her feeding a homeless family (not mentioned in the text) and villagers recoiling from her even as she faithfully tends her charge. Finally, villagers (and readers) get a glimpse of her child first, what appear to be wings peek out of the bundle Mavis carries and, soon after, an angel emerges. Suddenly the schoolmaster, the parson and the doctor find uses for Heart's Delight, but he has his own purpose: he carries Mavis into the sky to an unnamed destination. The tale's enigmatic quality elevates it above a simple moral tale, and the scenes conveying Mavis's kindness will win sympathy for her. Brock draws material from fables, fairy tales and mythic archetypes to create a story that will resonate deeply with readers. Ages 4-8.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Larky Mavis | [
12067,
12121,
12235
] | Train |
12,217 | 17 | Calcines grandmother told him that the world forgot the Cuban people after Fidel Castro took power, and for many Americans today that is still true. This is a rare look at Cuban life from1959 to 1969, when Calcines family managed to emigrate.The authorwas born into an exuberant extended family whose enjoyable lives changed abruptly after the revolution. Food became scarce, jobs disappeared, and harsh restrictions were imposed. Eventually, Calcines parents made the difficult choice to apply for a visa to America. From then on, lifebecame a daily nightmare. Eduardos father was sent to a prison work camp, and the family was bullied and humiliated and feared for their lives as they waited.Calcines vibrant writing gives readers an intimate,front-porch view of his family. The wisely chosen vignettesare bothhumorous andstark, as ina story of five teens sharing a single stick of gum. Another episode about a teachers brutalityis immediate and vivid. Calcines book will captivate readers and open a doorto a subject seldom written about for teens. Grades 7-10. --Lynn RutanCalcines's spirited memoir captures the political tension, economic hardship, family stress, and personal anxiety of growing up during the early years of the Castro regime in Cuba. Starred, School Library JournalEngaging. VOYACalcines' vibrant writing gives readers an intimate, front-porch view of his family . . . . will captivate readers and open a door to a subject seldom written about for teens. BooklistCalcines is particularly good at emphasizing the importance of family and at describing how young Eduardo navigates the complications of having close friends who remain loyal to the Communist party. Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksCalcines . . . nonetheless recalls being surrounded by loving adults who weathered adversity with a combination of strong character and unshakeable faith. Kirkus ReviewsLeaving Glorytown will leave readers with unforgettable lessons about the struggles that people experienced under Fidel Castro's leadership and the opportunities that come with freedom. Rutgers University Project on Economics and ChildrenOne of the biggest reasons why I like this book is because it is not only the story of the Cuban Revolution, but it's also the story of an average kid dealing with frustration of growing up. Kota, 13; Title: Leaving Glorytown: One Boy's Struggle Under Castro | [
4345,
6120,
13570,
16390,
52043,
55244
] | Train |
12,218 | 0 | K-Gr 3-In 2010, Merchant released a successful album of 30 classic children's poems that she set to music. Nineteen of these poems are now brought together in this anthology consisting of a delightful range of American and British poets from Ogden Nash and Edward Lear to Rachel Field and Jack Prelutsky. The jaunty selections feature horses, elephants, dancing bears, and wonderfully empowered children. McClintock's detailed paintings bring inviting color and fun to the verses in both spot art and full spreads. A full-length CD of the recordings is included, making this a feast of enchanting sounds, words, and visuals-a magnificent package for any poetry collection. Back matter includes photographs of the poets included, credits and more information about the poems and the music.-Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.Singer Merchant and award-winning illustrator McClintock team up to bring 19 classic childrens poems to musicaland visuallife. Initially, Merchant adapted the poems to music and released them as an album, also called Leave Your Sleep, in 2010. This picture-book version includes the CD (not available for review) and presents each of the featured poems, from Robert Louis Stevensons The Land of Nod to Jack Prelutskys Bleezers Ice Cream and Ogden Nashs Adventures of Isabel. According to Merchants introduction, the project, which took five years to come to fruition, was based on a desire to teach her daughter that speech could be the most delightful toy in her possession and that her mother tongue is rich with musical rhythms and rhymes. McClintocks wonderfully precise illustrations brim with charm, presenting the rich imagery of the poems in full-page images or through a series of small, whimsical spots. A nice collaboration between two stars in their own fields that should lure children even deeper into the magical world of poetry. A photo gallery of the poets and music credits conclude. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Merchants Leave Your Sleep (2010) album debuted on the Billboard Top 200 at number 17, Billboard Folk Albums at number 1, Amazon.com at number 1, and iTunes at number 3. The book is sure to spark even more interest, and vice versa. Preschool-Grade 3. --Ann Kelley; Title: Leave Your Sleep | [
2994,
3463,
8040,
9102,
11061,
12117,
12219,
12392,
12420,
12453,
13371,
17354,
17835,
22163,
29536,
31154,
31293,
45979,
61987,
62847,
68123
] | Test |
12,219 | 2 | McClintock (Heartaches of a French Cat) does wonders with a modest Charles Dickens story, casting it with Rackham-esque animal characters and placing it in a wintry 19th-century city. Whereas Dickens's 1868 tale "The Magic Fish-Bone" concerns a princess, this captivating revision introduces Molly, a graceful gray-and-white cat who cares for four younger siblings in a sparsely appointed house. When Molly goes to market, she threads her way among a motley assortment of birds, foxes and mice, all humanly attired in cloaks, bonnets or tailored suits. On her way home with a big fish in her wicker basket, she meets an elder cat, a fairy godmother who instructs her to make a wish on her leftovers: "Sure enough, that night, right after all the fish was eaten, one thin white bone was left on Molly's plate./ It must be true!" Molly's brothers and sisters prod her to choose fine clothes or candy, but Molly knows what she must wish for when the youngest kitten, Phylis, wanders away and gets lost in the teeming city. McClintock's meticulous illustrations of candlelit domestic scenes, inviting shop fronts and horse-drawn carriages resemble hand-colored wood engravings and reward close scrutiny; the author devotes careful attention to the expressive animal characters, demonstrating through various vignettes Molly's patience (and aggravation) with her clamoring feline family. Earth-toned watercolors and cream-white stock enhance the old-fashioned appearance, and both the splendid imagery and harmonious layouts recall Caldecott's picture books. Ages 3-6.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.reS-Gr 1-When Molly is given a magic wishbone by her Fairy Godmother, her younger brothers and sisters urge her to wish for toys, a new dress, or a horse. However, even when they beg her to call upon the magic to help their sick pet rabbit or to repair Mama's best bowl when it breaks, the little cat prefers common-sense solutions (tender loving care, some glue). Then, when little Phylis goes out to look for a wishbone of her own and gets lost, Molly puts her magic to use. Frogs, cats, mice, and other animals in Victorian dress inhabit McClintock's warm illustrations, and the expressions of the characters are endearing. A combination of full-page and spot illustrations extends the text, making effective use of white space (as when little Phylis ventures out alone, the white around her emphasizing how very small and vulnerable she is). Though the message-that family is more important than material possessions-is an admirable one, the story, loosely based on Charles Dickens's "The Magic Fish-bone," is hardly original. It is the illustrations, with their simple, evocative style and endearing characters, that make this book a charmer.Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, Eldersburg, MDCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Molly and the Magic Wishbone | [
12117,
12218,
12392,
12420,
12453,
13371,
15539,
17492,
17835,
17884,
68123
] | Validation |
12,220 | 2 | Liliana has two grandmothers from different countries, with different interests, and who speak different languages. This story presents the common differences in North American and Latin American cultures through a figure that is very important to both. The simplicity of the story allows children to see cultural contrasts in a positive way. (PreSchool-Grade 2) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 4^-7. Liliana has one grandmother who lives down the street from her in America, and one who lives in another country and speaks only Spanish. Mama Gabina keeps pet birds, and Mima has a cat named Suzy; Mama Gabina loves gardening, and Mima likes to sew; Mama Gabina has a big meal at lunchtime, and Mima has a small lunch. What counts most, of course, is that her grandmothers love her: no matter how much they differ otherwise, in that respect they are the same. Torres' peaceful watercolors, in pale greens and blues and yellows, are just right for this soothing picture of intergenerational relationships, which will leave children thinking about their ties with their own grandparents. Stephanie Zvirin; Title: Liliana's Grandmothers | [
36509
] | Train |
12,221 | 16 | Based on the characters and artwork created by Tove Jansson (19142001). Jansson was born in Helsinki and spent much of her life in Finland. She is the author of the Moomin books, including Comet in Moominland and Finn Family Moomintroll. Born into an artistic familyher father was a sculptor and her mother was a graphic designer and illustratorJansson studied at the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, and L'cole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In addition to her Moomin books, she also wrote several novels, drew comic strips and worked as a painter and illustrator. In 1966, she was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for her body of work. Jansson had a studio in Helsinki but spent most of her time at her home on a small island called Klovharu.; Title: Moomin's Little Book of Words | [
5778,
5782,
10138,
10147,
10153,
12210,
12213,
12214,
14695,
33363,
34437,
38446,
52599,
55452,
71782
] | Validation |
12,222 | 2 | Grade 1-6 When her grandmother goes to live in heaven, Sadie, a young Dominican American, and her mother and sister move into Mama Didi's Harlem brownstone. Sadie has stories to tell and poems to write, and Norman has given her a voice in 13 accessible, narrative selections. Blending familial love and the optimism of youth, they convey Sadie's irrepressible personality. She explains that she can't sit still because her feet are laughing; relates how she and her younger sister Julie store their chuckles in a Giggle Jar, ready to dispense on a bad day; and describes herself: I'm a hip-hop song that makes you wiggle./I'm a late-night sneaky giggle./I'm a cornrow braid./I'm a cool glass of sweet lemonade. Although Sadie's parents have separated, they remain good friends and continue to care for one another in healthy, nurturing ways, defying the stereotype of the broken home. Sadie's story would pair nicely with Vera B. Williams's Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart (HarperCollins, 2001), for both books offer narrative clarity and sisters to believe in. Sadie's upbeat spirit is equally matched by Morrison's contemporary, graffiti-influenced illustrations that explore the child's urban neighborhood as well as the richness of her life. Done in a palette of bright greens, warm tangerines, and deep purples, the paintings feature sharp angles, elongated forms, and figures that are stretched and bowed. A sweet, hip, and joyous book. Teresa Pfeifer, Alfred Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Springfield, MA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.K-Gr. 3. Love, joy, and the courage to be oneself spring from the 16 free-verse poems in Norman's first book (classified as fiction), which is told in the voice of a young Dominican American girl in a lively Harlem neighborhood. Sadie ignores adults who tell her that a good girl is seen and not heard. Then, with a wry twist, Sadie tells her young sister, Julie, to be quiet, and Julie answers back, "Asking questions makes me smart." Readers find out that Grandma is in heaven (there better be lots of stores there with fancy clothes for her); Mami and Pop are not together anymore, but they are good friends; and Pop comes over on weekends. Fun for reading aloud, the short, fast-moving lines include some rhyme and lots of dancing rhythm, and Morrison's double-page spreads full of swirling curves and angles, express quiet daydreaming moments as well as rollicking action. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: My Feet Are Laughing | [
21115,
21372,
29295
] | Train |
12,223 | 2 | PreS-Gr 2Popular Love Monster is back for more as he discovers his "brave-inside" by overcoming his fear of the dark. Many children will empathize with Love Monster's plight as he tries to fall asleep and the sounds around him translate into something monstrous. Bright's unique illustrations, created with a technique called solar etching, emphasize the shadows when appropriate, spilling font across the page in a rippling movement that begs to be read aloud. Onomatopoeic words highlight Love Monster's fears, and the clever use of punctuation identifies long, drawn-out pauses. Alliterative phrases like terrible, twisterly toenails trip off the tongue and add to the nimble wordplay. As Love Monster conjures increasingly horrific images from the sounds he hears, Bright presents these imaginings in vivid, bold colors until the hilarious climax. What follows are a series of smaller panels that show how fears can magnify one's reality unless one is willing to face them. VERDICT An endearing first purchase for most collections and a welcome addition to storytimes.Rachel Zuffa, Racine Public Library, WI"Bright's text and her illustrations perfectly capture the terrifying, compounding fear of being alone at night, hearing an unfamiliar noise, and jumping to wild conclusions. The mostly full-page spreads play up Love Monster's fears and feelings, and Bright uses light and darkness to good effect.Yet another outing that will have readers empathizing with and maybe emulating Love Monster." Kirkus"Many children will empathize with Love Monster's plight as he tries to fall asleep and the sounds around him translate into something monstrous. Bright's unique illustrations, created with a technique called solar etching, emphasize the shadows when appropriate, spilling font across the page in a rippling movement that begs to be read aloud... An endearing first purchase for most collections and a welcome addition to storytimes."SLJ; Title: Love Monster and the Scary Something | [
593,
3600,
4250,
5771,
6071,
6735,
8191,
8270,
8285,
10793,
11929,
12182,
12380,
14636,
15078,
15188,
20810,
22753,
22830,
24710,
31921,
32304,
33639,
33799,
34928,
44463,
45698,
45896,
45942,
46243,
51706,
52602,
54126,
54911,
55338,
55452,
56... | Train |
12,224 | 13 | The seemingly incongruous premise of this harmonious debut?a class of deaf children attends an orchestral concert?leads to a revelation for readers who may well have assumed that the ability to hear is a prerequisite for enjoying music. Holding balloons that their teacher passes out to help them "feel the music," Moses and his classmates are thrilled to pick up the vibrations. Afterward, they visit with the orchestra's deaf percussionist, who, intriguingly, performs in stocking feet so she, too, can feel the beat. She lets the students play her instruments and, using American Sign Language (precisely illustrated in easy-to-read diagrams), explains how she worked hard to achieve her career goal. Back home, Moses tells his parents about his day, signing a message of universal value: "When you set your mind to it, you can become anything you want." An introductory note explains how to interpret the sign-language diagrams, which are integrated throughout the clear and colorful illustrations. Fiction and instruction make beautiful music together on these cheerful pages. Ages 5-up. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2?A group of deaf children is taken to a concert where the youngsters meet the percussionist, a friend of their teacher, and learn to their surprise that she is also deaf. She explains to Moses and his class how she became a percussionist even though she had lost her hearing and helps them understand that anything is possible with hard work and determination. She lets the children play on her instruments and feel the vibrations on balloons that their teacher has given them. Cheerful watercolor illustrations show the multiethnic children enjoying themselves at the concert, while smaller cartoon strips feature Moses's additional comments in sign language. A page displaying the manual alphabet and a conversation in sign language in which Moses tells his parents about his day enhance the upbeat story.?Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NYCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Moses Goes to a Concert | [
2233,
4587,
11610,
12226,
12236,
12255,
12414,
16443,
21030,
21109,
21955,
33960,
34042,
36885,
37471,
37967,
41778,
43891,
43988,
48601,
52766,
55580,
56013,
56510,
56758,
59837,
60346,
61676,
64123,
65776,
68091,
68921,
68926,
73540,
74405,
751... | Validation |
12,225 | 1 | PreS-Gr 2In this debut picture book, a little girl imagines a zoo with no cages and an assortment of uniquely talented animals. After securing a moose that makes cow noises, she would gather sharks that read underwater and an ox that cooks. Bears would drive cars, and the sheep would take bubble baths. Children will giggle at the wild creatures' antics. As day turns to night, a pillow fight and a misdirected throw of dough cause the denizens to get out of control. Looking around I would quickly assess,/this zoo that I grew was a zoo-rific mess! She is able to calm down the chaos, but as the last page demonstrates, not her imagination. Truesdell's cartoon illustrations center around the animals' unexpected behaviors. Perfect for storytimes that explore make-believe worlds.Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.A girl sits beneath a clothesline, reading animal books and dreaming of a zoo to call her own (If I were allowed to invent my own zoo, / the first thing Id have is a moose that said moo). In no time, a rhyming cavalcade of ridiculous animals besets her backyard. Zebras dance in platform shoes, sheep bubble bathe in birdbaths, fish draw with crayons, and an ox serves eggs as a short-order cook. By books end, the girl is exhausted by her own imaginings and sets out to regularize her folly (So, POOF! Id take back the juice from the goose, / the dough from the goat, / and the moo from the moose). Hamburgs couplets frolic like the animals themselves, full of vim and folly. And Truesdells jolly cartoons, with their animate energy, sketchy charm, and backyard detail, make for a lighthearted accompaniment. This one is as much fun as it sounds, and it will find a regular spot in the storytime rotation. Preschool-Grade 2. --Thom Barthelmess; Title: A Moose That Says Moo | [
12085,
22600,
38106,
54486
] | Test |
12,226 | 13 | PreSchool-Grade 2-Moses, who is deaf, attends the Big Apple Circus's Circus of the Senses for vision- and hearing-impaired children with his family. Although the story is slight, the experience is rich: readers uninitiated to the deaf community are offered plenty of new concepts to process, including public entertainment adapted for the deaf, along with illustrated instructions for communicating in American Sign Language. Moses Goes to a Concert (1998) and Moses Goes to School (2000, both Farrar) involve deaf-school field trips. The family setting in Circus gives the affable child, already a joy to identify with, another facet in common with the book's hearing audience and allows for the introduction of Moses's baby sister, who is not deaf but who is signing before she can speak. Cheerful watercolor illustrations, almost exclusively on spreads, reflect the largeness of a circus and accommodate, without burdening the layout, the many boxes in which Moses models ASL. Millman successfully projects deafness as an aspect of a healthy, positive individual.Liza Graybill, Worcester Public Library, MACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-Gr. 2. Having previously tailed young Moses to a concert (1998) and to school (2000), Millman now accompanies the deaf youngster and his hearing family to the circus. Moses uses American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with his parents and little sister, and children looking at this book can easily follow along. The richly detailed double-page spreads and the simple, descriptive text make room for boxed sequences showing Moses demonstrating signs for children to learn. By the story's end, youngsters not only will have enjoyed the circus acrobats, trapeze artists, clowns, and animal acts but also learned how to express much of the experience through ASL. A colorful depiction of a loving family and its entertaining day at the circus that has much to offer in elementary-school applications. Ellen MandelCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Moses Goes to the Circus | [
4530,
12224,
12236,
12255,
20137,
21815,
21866,
37471,
37967,
43891,
48601,
60346
] | Train |
12,227 | 2 | "I am a mouse, a white mouse. My name is Emmaline. Before I met Emily, the great poet of Amherst, I was nothing more than a crumb gatherer, a cheese nibbler, a mouse-of-little-purpose. There was an emptiness in my life that nothing seemed to fill." That is, until Emmaline the mouse takes up residence in the wall of 19th-century poet Emily Dickinson's room in Amherst, Massachusetts. Emmaline spends her days happily observing the reclusive poet: "She seemed to be everywhere and nowhere at once, fluttering through the house like a ghost, stirring up a batch of gingerbread in the kitchen, or walking in the garden, lost in a reverie." The mouse's life changes when a gust of wind blows one of Emily's poems her way. She blushes as she reads Emily's evocative words that so aptly capture her own feelings, and from then on is determined to be a poet herself. The exchange of poems between the two species of poet is truly marvelous, as eight of Emily Dickinson's poems are answered by seven of author Elizabeth Spires's (an award-winning poet herself). "I'm Nobody! Who are you? / Are you--Nobody--too? / Then there's a pair of us! / Don't tell! they'd banish us--you know!" is followed by Emmaline's "It matters what we think, / What words we put in ink, / It matters what we feel / What feelings we conceal." A near miss with the family cat, an unpleasant interlude with a thick-headed editor, and even a threatening stoat keep the story moving, but the real excitement lies in the deepening friendship between Emily and Emmaline... and in Spires's inventive portrayal of the process of self-expression and the power of words. Along the way, illustrator Claire A. Nivola's sweetly skritchy sketches reflect the shy demeanor of both Emily and Emmaline. A brief portrait of Emily Dickinson concludes the book, but readers will come away with a glimpse of the poet and her work that no biography could ever communicate. (Ages 9 and older) --Karin SnelsonThe title of this fanciful sliver of a novel is a delectable double entendre, expressing the characters of both Emily Dickinson and Emmaline, a poetry-penning mouse who lodges in the wainscoting of the poet's bedroom. Emmaline, who narrates the book, considers herself "nothing more than a crumb gatherer, a cheese nibbler, a mouse-of-little-purpose." But as the inquisitive mouse watches Emily scribbling and scratching away on small scraps of paper for much of the day and night, a gust of wind sends one of the scraps close to her mousehole and Emmaline dashes out to retrieve it. Much to her surprise, she discovers it is a poem so moving ("I felt giddy and inspired, as if a whirligig were spinning in my brain") that it prompts Emmaline to write a verse of her own. She returns both to Emily's desk, and soon the two are exchanging poems inspired by their experiences within the household (eight of Dickinson's, and eight written by Spires in the guise of Emmaline, are included). While Spires (With One White Wing) employs a formal 19th-century tone and vocabulary for her rodent protagonist, it is never stiff or off-putting, but filled with ardency and wit; the poems that Emmaline "writes" echo the style and substance of Dickinson's to a striking degree. Emmaline's newfound enthusiasm and interpretations of Dickinson's poetry will likely coincide with readers' own responses. A brief afterword with biographical information explains just how this clever novel unmasks the "mouse" who rarely ventured past her garden and invites readers into the work and life of one of America's most important poets. Final artwork not seen by PW. Ages 8-up. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Mouse of Amherst | [
1028,
5966,
12113,
13180,
14322,
21372,
21627,
26910,
33095,
52487,
64983
] | Train |
12,228 | 2 | While Don Brown's Rare Treasure (reviewed above) took a larger view of Mary Anning's life and work, Atkins zooms in on the girl's first major discovery (at age 12), igniting the scientist's lifelong vocation. Though the narrative begins after the death of Mary's father, his words are still very much alive in her: "Don't ever stop looking, Mary." She knows there is something hidden in the cliffs of Lyme Regis, something more than just the shells and stone sea lilies that the tourists buy from her family's "Gifts and Curiosities" shop. And Mary isn't about to let the townspeople's gossip and criticism of her hammer, chisel and sturdy top hat (worn for protection from falling rocks) stop her. When she unearths a tooth embedded in a stone, Mary spends months tapping and brushing, chiseling and digging, unearthing a face almost four feet long. Atkins (A Name on the Quilt) presents a sensitive if romanticized portrait of the real-life discoverer of the first complete ichthyosaur fossil. Dooling's (George Washington) illustrations help establish the early-19th-century setting, particularly his atmospheric oil paintings of fog-enshrouded seascapes, but the portraits of Mary don't convey much emotional range. Still, the patience and dogged determination of the unconventional Mary shines through, making her story one not only for dinosaur-lovers, but for those who appreciate stories of strong girls as well. Ages 5-up. (Sept.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 2-4-Two more picture-book biographies celebrate Mary Anning's bicentennial, recounting her childhood discovery of a complete ichthyosaur and noting her adult career as a self-taught paleontologist. Atkins follows the earlier lead of Catherine Brighton in The Fossil Girl (Millbrook, 1999) and Laurence Anholt in Stone Girl, Bone Girl (Orchard, 1999) as she focuses on the single year in which 11-year-old Anning slowly scraped the sand and stone of the Lyme Regis shore to uncover the huge reptile fossil. Her patience and persistence, are emphasized in a smoothly crafted narrative employing more fictionalized conversation and detail than any of the other books. Dooling's watercolors on textured paper employ a predominantly blue, gray, and brown palette conveying the loneliness of Anning's pursuit in this murky, seaside place. Like Brighton and Anholt, Atkins adds a final author's note commenting on Mary Anning's adult discoveries. Don Brown, in a smaller horizontal volume, omits such a note. His text quickly recounts Anning's childhood discovery of the ichthyosaur, and goes on to sketch a chronological account of the woman's entire life. The tan-and-blue watercolor scenes are less compelling than the bolder work in the other books, though several dramatic episodes punctuate the dangerous terrain in which Anning worked. The emphasis here is on the richness of spirit compensating for economic poverty. Both Stone Girl and Fossil Girl are more strongly realized and appealing works, but Sea Dragon reads well, and Rare Treasure is a competent simple biography. None of the writers reveal their actual sources of information on Anning's life. The tale of a child making such a distinctive discovery is inherently interesting, and the scientist's career is a worthwhile story, too. The array of books should attract a wide variety of readers and serve well in science classrooms.Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon | [
4016,
4324,
4383,
10377,
12364,
13925,
15679,
16678,
16768,
19418,
20823,
25043,
30426,
37106,
37512,
37912,
39582,
45351,
48055,
49796,
52752,
54624,
55290,
59858,
62878,
63384,
65772,
72388,
74877,
74928,
75206,
75207
] | Train |
12,229 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2While Browne has paid homage to the art of motherhood in the past, his latest exploration offers unadulterated affection and adoration. Choosing not to contrast the main character with her mate in this setting allows the author to put aside the sophomoric and rough-hewn behavior of his typical father figures in favor of a gentle sweetness and good-natured humor. Mom is first pictured in a floral bathrobe, coffee cup in hand; readers glean that, "She's nice, my mom." Each ensuing page portrays her many talents and Browne's clever conceits. As a "fantastic cook," she oversees an array of cakes la artist Wayne Thiebaud, one sporting a gorilla face. As the musical angel, her pose re-creates a Piero della Francesca painting. When viewers see what she could be, they are treated to a movie-star mom, dress billowing upward like Marilyn Monroe's. In each scene, the flowers-and-hearts fabric is part of her costume, as are the pink, fuzzy slippers, where possible. This loving tribute is sure to be a hit with parents and children at storytimes and for one-on-one sharing. Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. With simplicity, strength, and complete understanding of children's perceptions, Browne uses the voice of an unseen child to praise one mother--and by extension, all moms. The introductory page shows a mother who looks like many others, with an unadorned face and wavy hair that hasn't seen a haircut in a while. Clutching a cup of coffee and wearing a delicately flowered robe over a striped tee, she stares out at the audience, while the text notes, "She's nice, my mom." By the book's conclusion, she's "really, really nice." She's also a good deal more: a fantastic cook, a brilliant juggler, a gardener. Browne uses touches of satire effectively in the art: Mom is the strongest woman in the world as she schlepps grocery bags into the house. There are touches of whimsy, too, as when Mom's flowered robe turns into an armchair. As always, Browne's paintings hold attention, whether depicting images true to life or flights of fancy, and the honesty of the narrator's emotions and Mom's devotion shine through. Ilene CooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: My Mom | [
11904,
12305,
14695,
15149,
16046,
26175,
32725,
33539,
33543,
33573,
33654,
33917,
38301,
38603,
48383,
52524,
56519,
57272,
73957
] | Test |
12,230 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 1Shulevitz's latest picture book relays an early childhood memory of visiting a neighbor's apartment, clad in sailor attire, to play with a treasured model ship. As the room's edge transforms into an ocean and island paradise, readers feel transported. The author's understanding of what play looks like on the inside and the phenomena that disrupt such concentration is evident when the boy, mid-fantasy, feels he's being watched and the imaginary world grows hazy. He can't reenter until he confronts the problem in the real room: the dark portrait of a stern man that seems to be staring at him. Shulevitz combines child-size sentences with words that stretch and please: the boy's provisions are packed in a "valise," the climb up the apartment steps/cliff is "arduous," he sails "valiantly." The artist's mastery of the medium produces both warm, dappled interiors and Old Master severity, with convincing fades into the fantastic. The child-centered solution to the boy's problem proves, yet again, that this is the work of a wise and wonderful storyteller.Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.A revealing autobiographical glimpse and an excellent insight into the power of children's fantasies. (Horn Book)The child-centered solution to the boy's problem proves, yet again, that this is the work of a wise and wonderful storyteller. (School Library Journal)Shulevitz's lush transformations of reality into imaginary worlds are seamless and often breathtaking. (Booklist)In Shulevitz's sketchy, intimate watercolors, close walls dissolve from patterned wallpaper to exotic locales and back behind the now-intrepid, now-anxious young explorer as indulgent adults occasionally look in. (Kirkus Reviews); Title: When I Wore My Sailor Suit | [
12110,
12171,
12474
] | Train |
12,231 | 2 | Starred Review. PreSchool-KThe moon has a face like the clock in the hall;/She shines on thieves on the garden wall,/On streets and fields/and harbour quays,. Stevensons poetic images might seem a bit puzzling to young listeners today, but they make perfect sense juxtaposed with this satisfying visual story of a nighttime boat ride. The full moon outside a familys house parallels the round face of the tall clock as a small boy and his father prepare for the outing. Outside, raccoons are busy on the garden wall. Lots of homey detail in the line drawings washed in watercolor sketch in the busy home life as Mom in her bathrobe and slippers and a sleepy baby stay at home while the family dog and cat curl up in the back of the pickup truck to join the outing. The poetic lines unfold with the trip through the countryside, out on the lake, and eventually back home and into bed. The loving family, their energetic pets, the homey clutter, and the lush countryside at night convey a lovely bedtime story that concludes with the morning sun rising on a new day. Stevensons lines fall pleasantly on the ear, and Pearson offers much to see on this moonlit night. The three stanzas of the poem appear together in reprise as the final page in a beautifully crafted interpretation thats sure to be widely enjoyed as family reading.Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.*Starred Review* PreS-Gr. 1. Stevenson's famous 12-line poem, which begins "The moon has a face / like the clock in the hall," becomes the text of a picture-book depiction of the nighttime outing of a contemporary father and his child. Leaving Mother and Baby behind, they climb into a truck with the dog, the cat, and some provisions; travel to the dock; and take their boat across a cove and back again while they watch the places and creatures illuminated by the moon. The pictured journey creates a vivid, visual counterpoint to the poetry, which flows as magically as an incantation. Though inspired by the poem, the luminous ink-and-watercolor illustrations reflect Pearson's creative imagination and her sure sense of what is visually interesting to young children. Along with the many detailed pictures of the characters' expedition, one double-page spread is a lovely panorama of the water and the surrounding landscape, with the moon floating above it all. Picture-book versions of "Block City," "My Shadow," and other poems drawn from Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verseshave entranced children over the years. This mesmerizing interpretation shows once again the timeless quality of the poet's verse. Jane Yolen's Owl Moon (1987), Amy Tan's The Moon Lady(1995), and Cynthia Rylant's Long Night Moon (2004) make excellent follow-ups or companions to this lovely book. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Moon | [
12443,
22113,
69297
] | Train |
12,232 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 2-Myrtle is a carefree little mouse who enjoys life-until Frances moves in next door. The newcomer sings mean songs to Myrtle and her baby brother, and is positively terrible in every way. Soon, Myrtle refuses to go outside. When her favorite aunt returns early from her safari, Myrtle tells her about mean Frances, and Aunt Tizzy tells her about the mean lions in Africa. "`Weren't you scared?' asked Myrtle. `Sure, but I wasn't going to let a few nasty lions keep me away-,'" Aunt Tizzy responds. The child gathers up her courage, along with her baby brother, and heads back outside, where Frances waits in anticipation. Readers will quickly guess from the exuberance on the faces of the siblings that the lioness Frances has been slayed. The colored-pencil and watercolor washes make an endearing backdrop for the text. Myrtle's face is full of expression, and children will easily connect with her feelings of happiness and despair. Frances's torturous water balloons and rubber snakes bounce and wiggle across the pages, effectively tying the story's action in with the art. However, the book's small size causes some pictures to appear cramped. Pair this title with Kevin Henkes's more detailed Chrysanthemum (Greenwillow, 1991) for a mini self-esteem workshop.Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NYCopyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS. Pearson, who has written many riotous children's books, turns slightly more serious in this story that confronts a familiar problem. Myrtle is a happy mouse child until Frances moves next door. Mean Frances won't give the ball back when it rolls into her yard and pretends to be a monster, scaring both Myrtle and Myrtle's baby brother. When Frances becomes quiet, Myrtle is so afraid she hides in the house. Then it's Myrtle's aunt Tizzy to the rescue! She has returned from a trip with some African masks. Together she and Myrtle try them on, and aunt Tizzy tells how she defeated the mean lions in Africa: she roared at them (or sometimes just sang and danced until they were gone). A stronger Myrtle and her brother roar and laugh and dance their way back to bravery. Pearson uses a fruit-colored palette with lots of design work to showcase her delightful mouse characters, brimming with personality. The many preschoolers coming up against a hostile child for the first time will take heart from this. Ilene CooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Myrtle | [
12312,
16147,
72163
] | Train |
12,233 | 2 | Grade 4-7Piper's narration traverses the years 1973-'77 in a small Southern town. The 10-year-old's grandparents and her aunt (who is Piper's age and her best friend) are the constants in her life as other things change. Her parents divorce, her father remarries and is subsumed by his new family, her mother completes the college education she'd jettisoned for marriage, but leaves the girl to her own devices while she works, attends classes, or goes off with a new boyfriend. All this contributes to Piper's sense of abandonment, especially when combined with the naturally occurring dislocation of early adolescence. Piper finds some solace in writing. She's long been addicted to collecting unusual words. Now she turns increasingly to poetry as an emotional outlet, eventually producing a poem that she reads aloud at the public library to high acclaim. The approbation of the adults in town awakens Piper's parents to her talents and her pain, and the book ends with the promise of better communication among them. White attempts to cover so much territory that the plot sometimes jumps abruptly from one situation to the next, and some of the characters are underdeveloped. A subplot involving the long-suppressed truth about the parentage of a boy who is friends with the two girls is interesting, but less convincing than Piper's chronicle. Still, the protagonist is real enough to hold the interest of girls on the verge of becoming teens.Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 4-6. White's story, set in Buttermilk Hill, North Carolina, begins in 1973, when Piper Berry is 10. Life is good for her, but it's not as happy for her mother, who aspires to more than small-town life and living in a trailer. There's a divorce, her mother goes back to college, and her father remarries and has a new family, leaving Piper to learn both acceptance and how to shape her own future--which she does through her poetry. The first-person narrative rings true, and the book is at its best when Piper deals with situations divorced children face, such as stepfamilies, and diminished time spent with a loved parent. A subplot about a friend who turns out to be a stolen child adds an interesting if unrealistic note to the story, as does the fairy-tale ending, in which Piper gets a poetry scholarship to an exclusive school. Still, this is a good balance of happiness and hard knocks, and many readers will recognize what Piper is up against when it comes to family life. Ilene CooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Buttermilk Hill | [
10193
] | Train |
12,234 | 13 | *Starred Review* Elise Dembowski will not be unfamiliar to readers. The girl most likely to be picked on. A halfhearted suicide attempt. Broken family, no friends, no future. But then something happens. While wandering the streets one night, Elise comes across a warehouse party. The joint is jumping, and to Elises amazement, some of the people there are interested in her. Vicky, a singer, takes Elise under her wing, and Char, the amazing DJ, takes her to bed. But Char does something for Elise thats more important than making her feel attractive: he tutors her in the art of DJing, and, it turns out, Elise is a natural. So much so that she soon outshines her mentor. What sets this apart from so many problem novels is how honestly and deeply Sales probes the life of a miserable 16-year-old, from her cringe-worthy attempt at learning how to be popular to the observational, rather than emotional, look at what it feels like to be with a guy. Readers will be fascinated and touched by the first-person voice because of what is roiling beneath it. Whether Elise is cynical, despairing, or even exhilarated, her hurt and confusion are the feelings that underlie everything, and teens will connect with her viscerally. That Elise finds something that awakens and restores her will also give readers hope. Grades 7-10. --Ilene CooperThe emotional resonance of Elise's journey . . . feels very much of the moment. The New York Times*Pulsates with hope for all the misfits. Kirkus Reviews, starred review*What sets this apart from so many problem novels is how honestly and deeply Sales probes the life of a miserable 16-year-old, from her cringe-worthy attempt at "learning" how to be popular to the observational, rather than emotional, look at what it feels like to be with a guy. Booklist, starred review*Pulsates with hope for all the misfits. Kirkus Reviews, starred review; Title: This Song Will Save Your Life: A Novel | [
6510,
12342,
13510,
14897
] | Test |
12,235 | 0 | When Pa brings home a young turkey to fatten up for Christmas dinner, chaos follows in Cole's picture book tale about a penny-pinching family squeezed into a 19th century New York City tenement. Sacramento Bee...all ends well in this humorous, wholesome story about tightened straits, with its not-too-vinegary perspective on how the other half celebrates. NYTimes.comThis could easily be incorporated into a class history lesson or simply enjoyed as a unique and humorous holiday story. BCCBNothing is sumptuous for the 19th-century tenement-dwelling family at the heart of Brock Cole's endearing picture book 'The Money We'll Save' (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 40 pages, $16.99)...With Mr. Cole's watercolor-filled wobbly line drawings, we see the family--and soon their neighbors--struggling to accommodate the growing bird. Not a penny is saved, of course, but in the end the bird offers enrichment of a charmingly different sort. Wall Street JournalCole's buoyant watercolors capture the busy chaos and warm homeyness of family life plus turkey in this folksy journey into a different time. BooklistCole's blithe illustrations, comfortably crowded with his amusing, expressive characters, set this entertaining holiday story in nineteenth-century New York City. Horn Book Magazine, starred reviewa holiday story as humorous as it is touching. Publishers WeeklyCole's humorous illustrations bring to life the crowded conditions in a 19th-century New York tenement building; the characters are raggedy and poor, but full of spirit and good will. School Library JournalWhen Pa brings home a turkey poult to raise for Christmas dinner, hilarious complications ensue in this heartwarming family story set in 19th-century New York City. Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewBrock Cole is the author/illustrator of many picture books and young adult novels. He lives in Buffalo, New York.; Title: The Money We'll Save | [
1145,
1746,
2632,
3897,
4570,
4600,
5371,
5494,
5575,
5591,
6327,
6981,
8919,
9443,
9655,
11581,
12121,
12211,
12216,
13217,
14412,
15590,
15610,
15873,
16187,
16299,
16493,
16501,
16966,
21739,
27026,
27040,
33680,
33977,
36099,
36340,
38363,
... | Train |
12,236 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 3-Moses, who debuted in Moses Goes to a Concert (Farrar, 1998), is back. Here, he and his classmates, all of whom are deaf or hard of hearing, head back to their special school after summer break. The text explains that in addition to standard curriculum, these children first learn American Sign Language and then learn to read and write spoken English. Computer technology plays an important role in this class, as does music. Just as in the first book, this story reminds readers that even though these children may not be able to hear in the traditional sense, their appreciation of music and song is very enthusiastic. Child-friendly cartoon illustrations do a marvelous job of emphasizing the normalcy and charm of these youngsters. The variety of ethnicities and nationalities represented again emphasizes that special-needs children come from all cultures. The double-page layouts nicely accommodate the primary pictorial action along with written text and ASL inserts featuring Moses signing a particular sequence from the story. An author's note and directions on how to interpret the child's signing are also included. This is another great contribution to children's education about disabilities that also succeeds as effective storytelling in its own right.Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.As in Moses Goes to a Concert (1998), this joyful picture book tells a story in written English and also in American Sign Language (ASL). This time the focus is directly on how deaf children learn at their special public school--in the classroom, on the playground, and on the school bus. The warm line-and-watercolor illustrations show the diversity of Moses' city classroom, the fun the children have together, and the special way they learn. There are small diagrams of Moses signing simple sentences on almost every page. Millman explains in an introductory note that ASL has its own handshapes, movements, and facial expressions, as well as its own grammar and syntax. Moses types a letter on the computer and learns to translate it into spoken English. The teacher plays "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" on his boom box; the children can feel the vibrations and they sign the words to the song. A must for deaf children, this will also interest hearing kids and adults who want to learn about ASL. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Moses Goes to School | [
2500,
4530,
4663,
12152,
12224,
12226,
12255,
15064,
15600,
16443,
20137,
21866,
21955,
23334,
26776,
33454,
34042,
36885,
37471,
37651,
37967,
42018,
42665,
43891,
46780,
47403,
47864,
48408,
48591,
48601,
48887,
53497,
58792,
59444,
60346,
6131... | Test |
12,237 | 2 | With intense bonding and angry, sometimes violent face-offs, this fast, spare novel will appeal to Gary Paulsen fans, especially boys. On their farm in southern Alabama, Foster, 12, is scared of Dax, his widowed mothers boyfriend, who bullies Foster and even hurts his beloved dog, Joe. Then a stranger, Gary, comes by, and he helps Foster fix up the farm to prepare it for sale. But what is Garys secret? What is he running from and why? At the core of the drama is the hard daily work as Gary helps Foster paint the fence and fix up the house. With Dax always an ugly threat, Gary teaches Foster to drive and to shoot a pistol (Gary had a lot of practice as a soldier in Iraq). The plain, present-tense prose in Fosters first-person narrativemuch of it in dialogueabout the rural landscape and daily work on the farm will hold readers as much as the climactic deadly action. Grades 5-6. --Hazel RochmanSuspenseful and introspective Publishers Weekly, starred[STARRED REVIEW!] Key has crafted another powerful, riveting coming-of-age tale . . . Foster's first-person voice is richly authentic as he gradually acquires the wisdom that will eventually lead him to a believable though heart-wrenching resolution to some of the crushing conflicts in his life. Confrontations between Dax and Gary are vivid and violent enough to disturb some readers, the violence expertly serving to define yet distinguish their characters. Deeply moving and fast-paced, this life-affirming effort is a worthy addition to the bookshelves of sturdy readers. Kirkus ReviewsSimultaneously poignant and suspenseful, the story will keep readers on the edge of their seats. School Library Journal, starred reviewAn original and satisfying coming-of-age tale. Horn BookWritten in the tradition of classics such as Old Yeller and Shiloh but with a decidedly contemporary setting and tone, this will appeal to a broad range of readers. BCCB; Title: Fourmile | [
11981,
12003,
12341,
21391,
45843,
55053
] | Test |
12,238 | 2 | Grade 1-3-A quilt of memories and names binds Grandma and young Sadie to past loved ones and present adventures during summer vacations. "Grandma had a million stories in that quilt." Francis, Avonelle, Ida, Clayton, Joseph, Orrin-the child comes to know each of these ancestors through her grandmother's stories. Then a terrible wind steals the precious heirloom from the line where it hangs airing. The stories are still a part of their memories, though, and the next day Sadie and her grandmother begin a new quilt that includes patches of fabrics from their own lives. Root stitches together generations, memories, and traditions in this tale of a much-loved family treasure. Apple's soft pastels on full-bleed spreads bring a country feel to Grandma's house and history and provide a backdrop for the yellow boxes of text. Pair this book with Patricia Polacco's Keeping Quilt (S & S, 1988) for a comparison of tales with connection among generations and strength within families.Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TXCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-Gr. 1. Each night when Sadie goes to bed at Grandma's, she fingers the patchwork quilt on her bed, chooses a name embroidered there, and listens to her grandmother tell a story about that relative. One day a fierce wind tears shingles off the roof and blows the quilt off the clothesline. That night Sadie is tearful over losing the quilt, but she remembers name after name, and Grandma tells her story after story. The beloved quilt may be gone, but the family is still there. In the end, Grandma and Sadie make a new quilt, one with Sadie's name in the middle. In the artwork, as in the text of this warm comforting book, quilts become more than just bedcovers; they are personal keepsakes, reminders of family history, and colorful backgrounds for the characters' lives. Though warm, sunlit colors predominate in the illustrations, one particularly effective double-page spread uses darker shades to re-create the feeling of an approaching storm with swirling winds, driving rain, and the suggestion of a tornado in the distance. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Name Quilt | [
4591,
16344,
23748,
27025,
29016,
31765,
59277,
62848
] | Train |
12,239 | 11 | Precocious little Madlenka is off again, around the world and back through time, without ever straying a block from her Manhattan home. This time, Madlenka wants a dog so badly that she gets her wish--or does she? None of her neighbors can seem to agree on just what sort of dog she's walking. (Never mind that Madlenka's red leash doesn't seem to be holding any sort of dog at all.)We're once again on a trip through Madlenka's imagination, inspired by the fond canine remembrances of her neighbors and gently illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Peter Ss. "'Look, everyone. I'm walking my dog.' 'Oh, he's white and short,' says Mr. McGregor. 'No, he's big and woolly,' says Mr. Eduardo. Each sidewalk acquaintance shares their memories of dogs past with clever little flaps. A flip-up drum (McGregor plays for the FDNY Pipes and Drums) shows wee McGregor with his West Highland white terrier; Eduardo's bicycle produce cart pops open to a reveal a scene from the Andes, with Eduardito dwarfed by a towering Newfoundland.Despite the very simple text, Madlenka's wild imaginings should hold up to enthusiastic rereading, especially as she travels into the fantastic past with her friend Cleopatra (who, as it happens, has an imaginary horse). But that's not surprising, given the involving nature of Madlenka's previous journey, the last time that Ss skillfully showed us the happy and peculiar place of a little girl "in the universe, on a planet, on a continent, in a country, in a city, in a house on a block where"--at least this time around--"everyone is walking a dog." (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul HughesFavorite characters return for more fun and games. Her persistent requests for a dog denied, Madlenka takes matters into her own hands (and gets more than she bargained for) in Madlenka's Dog by Peter Sis. As Madlenka strolls her city block with her imaginary dog on a leash, lift-up flaps and die-cut windows reveal her neighbors' own dream dogs. (Apr.) Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Madlenka's Dog | [
10189,
12268,
12372,
22672,
26811
] | Validation |
12,240 | 15 | Gr 35Lasky introduces young readers to Isaac Newton and a few of his well-known breakthroughs. The book follows Newton from childhood through his college years, including some of his most significant discoveries, such as the theory of gravity and the secret of the rainbow. There is a lot of information to be covered, and the text moves quickly. None of Newton's ideas are explored in depth, but the simplified explanations are appropriate for the audience. Lasky makes Newton accessible to contemporary readers. He was a small kid: he was often bullied and didn't do that well in school. Eventually, he stood up to his bully, proved his abilities, and went on to excel at university. The author points out that it took Newton a long time, with many mistakes made along the way, to develop his theories. A number of interesting anecdotes are peppered throughout; for instance, Newton once got off a horse to walk up a large hill but then forgot about the horse and kept walking long past the top of the hill. There is also a description of the bubonic plague and the London Fire of 1666. Both of these events had a great impact on Newton's life. These stories offer context and add tension, making the narrative more exciting. Hawkes's illustrations provide detail and help set the tone for each episode. VERDICT Budding scientists may gain some insight into this creator's life, and those needing to do a report will find some useful material. A good choice for schools and larger collections.Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Fort Thomas, KYLaskys appealing narrative zeroes in on Newtons curiosity and hunger to learn about the world, characteristics likely to resonate with children today. Young readers will come away with plenty of facts about the scientist, but they also might chuckle at his antics and absentmindedness. BooklistLasky makes Newton accessible to contemporary readers . . . Budding scientists may gain some insight into this creators life, and those needing to do a report will find some useful material. School Library JournalLasky places Newtons story in historical context, weaving in such events as the bubonic plague and Great Fire of 1666 . . . Hawkess soft paintings tenderly capture Newtons discipline and the lifelong drive toward discovery. Publishers WeeklyA lively . . . volume that may inspire readers to share Newton's interest in the world around them. Kirkus; Title: Newton's Rainbow: The Revolutionary Discoveries of a Young Scientist | [
1333,
4235,
4238,
4345,
4383,
4833,
6196,
10055,
10882,
11356,
11579,
12351,
13490,
13977,
14099,
16150,
16678,
19125,
19141,
19159,
19464,
19805,
20512,
20799,
20829,
21109,
25633,
29299,
29878,
33963,
33980,
36862,
38558,
39582,
45701,
45786,
... | Train |
12,241 | 11 | A spunky young boy makes plans for "this next new year" in Janet S. Wong's festive, truly engaging story of the Chinese Lunar New Year, celebrated annually in late January or early February. "And all day tomorrow, Lunar New Year's Day, I will not say one awful thing, none of that can't do/don't have/why me because this is it, a fresh start, my second chance, and I have so many dreams I'm ready now to make come true." So he flosses his teeth and helps his mom scrub the house "rough and raw so it can soak up good luck like an empty sponge," and plans to be brave when his family sets off firecrackers at midnight. The Chinese Korean boy tells us, in a funny, fresh, first-person voice, how his best friends, a German French boy and a Hopi Mexican girl, like to celebrate the Chinese New Year, too. Yangsook Choi's artfully composed, action-packed paintings add uplifting color to the happy spirit of the holiday, and an author's note provides more details about the Chinese New Year and Wong's childhood memories of the celebration. This delightful picture book makes a fine addition to the small collection of Chinese New Year books, distinguishing itself with the narrator's endearingly persistent quest for luck: "They say you are coming into money / when your palms itch, / and my palms have been itching for days. / My brother thinks it's warts, / but I know luck is coming." (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie CoulterPreSchool-Grade 2-A Chinese-Korean boy relates how he and his friends celebrate the "lunar new year, the day of the first new moon." One child celebrates the holiday with "Thai food to go," while a non-Asian child likes to get "-red envelopes stuffed with money from her neighbor who came from Singapore." The narrator's mother cooks a special Korean soup, and his family observes the traditions of house cleaning, lighting firecrackers, and being extra good to ensure a lucky new year. Wong carefully and clearly presents the reasons behind the rituals in a manner understandable to young children. She explains in an appended note about her own confusion as a child about the timing and meaning of the holiday. Choi's vibrant, somewhat primitive paintings realistically capture the details of and preparations for this hopeful time of year. Youngsters will enjoy the bright colors and the sense of motion and activity conveyed as the boy helps his mother clean, flosses his teeth, and cringes from the noise of the firecrackers. A good choice for anyone getting ready to celebrate Chinese New Year.Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: This Next New Year | [
5916,
9561,
33399,
38332,
45848,
66152,
73842
] | Train |
12,242 | 15 | Kindergarten-Grade 3-An evocative portrait of the tension preceding the start of monsoon season in northern India and the sense of relief accompanying its arrival. A child awaits the rains while enduring heat that makes her feel "like a crocodile crouching snap-jawed." She observes signs of the imminent downpour in the weather conditions, her family's behavior, and activity in the community. Krishnaswami's poetic text rides faithfully on the child's sensibilities: as it begins to pour, "Umbrellas turn into walking forests. The raindrops make me laugh out loud, thudding on earth and rooftops and on my skin." Akib's impressionistic, pastel illustrations make stunning use of extreme perspectives, as his characters shift from hope for the monsoon to fear of its power to excitement as the sky opens. Full spreads capture the stillness before the cloudburst and the energy it brings. Text and illustrations depict the flavor of the city: coins tossed at the feet of a statue of Ganesh; streets crowded with taxis, motor scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians; Mummy buying food at the sidewalk marketplace. This powerful book depicts a universal occurrence, while relating the expectations, customs, and needs of a particular locale. Pair it with Catherine Stock's Gugu's House (Clarion, 2001), which is set in Zimbabwe, and Karen Hesse's Come On, Rain! (Scholastic, 1999).Liza Graybill, Worcester Public Library, MACopyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. A welcome glimpse into another culture and climate, this is the latest of Krishnaswami's children's books about India. In a parched Indian city, a girl and her family wait for the end-of-summer rains that will sweep away "the scent of dust--gravelly, grainy, gritty dust--blowing on the winds and sprinkling through our clothes and hair." The girl's mother worries about floods, but the little narrator confesses another fear: "What if they never come, those monsoon rains?" The girl's spare narration gives the impression of serious oppression, while Akib's sun-baked art, hazy like a hot summer day, conveys the richness of a dry, dusty setting as well as the pleasant, active household; the busy streets featuring cattle-and-car traffic; the tea stalls; the Bollywood posters; and Hindi sculptures. The girl's heightened language nicely captures the intensity of both her longing for the rains and her relief when they finally arrive. An afterword provides details about the nature, geography, and dangers of monsoon rains, and a glossary defines the four Hindi words used in the story. Abby NolanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Monsoon | [
557,
6185,
7174,
7506,
10113,
10254,
10589,
12430,
15842,
17740,
19538,
21109,
21395,
23262,
25140,
25782,
26031,
28223,
31415,
31869,
35921,
36663,
41957,
42820,
48417,
51426,
51431,
52592,
55115,
55367,
55939,
59810,
60403,
60472,
62690,
65805,... | Train |
12,243 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 1-To get ready for kindergarten Open School Night, Molly draws a picture of her family to hang on the wall-herself, Mommy, Mama Lu, and their puppy. After seeing the picture, her classmates tell her, "No one has two mommies." Despite her teacher's efforts to be supportive, the child is still concerned. That night, her parents explain, "we decided we had so much love that we wanted to share it with a baby." Thus, one of them is her birth mother; the other an adoptive parent. Still, Molly leaves her drawing home the next day. With further matter-of-fact reassurance by her teacher and the budding understanding that all families are different, Molly, and indeed the whole class, grows to accept her own family, and she proudly hangs her picture on the wall. While the children in the story are not shy about expressing their feelings, the author diffuses any tension by remaining focused on logic: Molly's family is as she claims. By tying this specific household to the general diversity within all families, Garden manages to celebrate them all. The soft colored-pencil drawings with their many realistic details depict a room full of active kindergartners. There is a squat sweetness to the characters as they work together to make everything look and feel right.Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MICopyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. When Molly draws a picture of her family for her kindergarten class, Tommy jeers at her that no one has two mommies. At first she is angry and hurt, but with the support of her teacher and her loving parents--Mommy (her birth mother) and Mama Lu (her adoptive mother)--she comes to accept her family. What helps her most is seeing many different kinds of families: Tanya has a mommy, a daddy, a grandma, and two brothers; Stephen has no father; Adam has no mother ("Daddy and me!"); some kids are adopted. Wooding's warm, soft-textured colored-pencil pictures show Molly in her lively classroom and in her happy, nurturing home. Less overtly messagey than Leslea Newman's Heather Has Two Mommies (1989), this will open up discussion in many families. Garden is also the author of Holly's Secret (2000), about an 11-year-old with lesbian mothers. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Molly's Family | [
108,
2400,
4036,
10278,
10443,
16061,
16347,
16468,
16572,
17432,
28628,
32071,
32724,
33863,
34778,
36509,
36639,
37140,
37506,
37757,
41815,
42910,
42911,
43689,
47251,
52436,
58162,
59332,
59804,
59837,
62636,
62655,
62676,
62714,
62760,
66119... | Test |
12,244 | 2 | Every night, Alex's night-working father kisses him good night, then puts on his hard hat and goes out to work. One night Papa surprises his son with his very own hard hat and invites him along. The mysterious world they enter is very different from Alex's daytime life. The streets are populated with delivery people, street sweepers, and dog walkers. But most exciting of all is Papa's construction site, where the rattle and clang of heavy machinery means that a big building is going up. Alex watches as the bulldozers, cement mixers, and cranes do their jobs, and he even gets a chance to be a night worker himself for a brief, shining moment!Seen through a small boy's eyes, the construction site with its "midnight mountain" of soil and excavators that "groan like a giant rolling over in bed," is a truly wondrous, memorable event. Georg Hallensleben's heavy outlines and thick, muted nighttime colors melt together like liquid crayons. Alex's pride and curiosity in his father's life--and his father's reciprocal desire to share his adult world with his son--is touching and sincere. This is a lovely book for families to read together as a touch-off point for discussions about just what mom and dad do when they head off to work every day. Kate Banks and Hallensleben have teamed up on several other notable and award-winning picture books, including And If the Moon Could Talk. (Ages 4 to 7) --Emilie CoulterBanks and Hallensleben, whose And If the Moon Could Talk prepared children for a calm night's sleep, stay up long past bedtime in this absorbing after-hours expos . Unlike Eileen Spinelli and Melissa Iwai's Night Shift Daddy (Children's Forecasts, May 8), in which a father works while his daughter rests, this account features a boy who accompanies his engineer father to an urban construction site: "And while Mama sleeps, Alex and Papa head quietly into the night." For one special evening, Alex wears a small red hard hat to match his father's big yellow one. He stands next to his father as a cement mixer and crane prepare the foundation for a city building. He even rides in a tractor to load dirt into a dump truck, before his father takes him home again. Hallensleben conveys the father and son's mutual pride and affection. Alex observes the workplace with alert brown eyes and a self-possessed half-smile; some compositions allow readers a look over Alex's head and down into the thrilling depths of a subterranean pit. The richly tactile, softly glowing paintings complement the solemn prose. Banks evokes the machinery's awesome strength and noisy engines as well as the quiet at break time: "All motion is stopped like a held breath." A mesmerizing description of a busy nighttime realm, illuminated by blazing headlights and framed by silent skyscrapers. Ages 2-6. (Aug.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Night Worker | [
1183,
1364,
1620,
5413,
5515,
5883,
5998,
6086,
7341,
11949,
12075,
12430,
15915,
16126,
25899,
26896,
27060,
27539,
30512,
32437,
35293,
39566,
39578,
46723,
49001,
50509,
51770,
62297,
64820
] | Test |
12,245 | 13 | PreSchool-Grade 2–An ordinary boy awakens to an ordinary school day. The story opens with drab scenes depicted in shades of gray that turn to Technicolor several pages in, with the arrival of a new teacher in a yellow suit. Little does the ordinary boy know that his indistinguishable routine is short lived, thanks to Mr. Gee. The creative-writing lesson begins with his instructions to listen to the music and let it make pictures in your head. Imaginations run wild; the text and illustrations become more expansive. Scenes fill with color and the words are more descriptive. The point of the story is obvious: the ordinary boy exudes, "that was the best lesson ever." Deftly rendered cartoon drawings convey the expressive gestures and transformation of the characters and scenes. Readers will giggle at the beginning and end as the young protagonist performs his daily bathroom routine before school and bed. An excellent selection to start the creative juices flowing or to enliven an ordinary day.–Marian Creamer, Children's Literature Alive, Portland, ORPays tribute to inspirational teachers everywhere with a tale of an 'ordinary' child whose dormant imagination blooms in the classroom. Young readers (or teachers, for that matter) wondering what school is really for may get a clue here. Kirkus ReviewsAs a parable of the awakening imagination, the book takes flight, just like the birds soaring into the blue on the endpapers. The Horn BookAn excellent selection to start the creative juices flowing or to enliven an ordinary day. School Library JournalThis story is a good read-aloud. Reading Teacher; Title: Once Upon an Ordinary School Day | [
4000,
4017,
4030,
4883,
5462,
6171,
6748,
10270,
15543,
16147,
16195,
16222,
17700,
23725,
24454,
24541,
24710,
25045,
26257,
31862,
31892,
38306,
38523,
38810,
46231,
49558,
49566,
49646,
49667,
49701,
59750,
60396,
61915,
62709,
67698,
73353
] | Train |
12,246 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 3-The long walk to school under the hot South African sky doesn't bother Sarie at all. It's the destination that troubles her, or more precisely, the classmates who giggle when she tries to read aloud and who later taunt her. On Sundays, she escapes to Auntie Anna's rusty, old car, and while Sarie pretends to drive, the two swap stories. When the child unearths a book from a crevice in the back seat, she reads it with the help of her aunt. Sarie thoroughly enjoys the Cinderella story, which Daly peoples with characters from the girl's life, a technique that portrays her connection to this reading experience with economy and style. Although Sarie continues to struggle in school, she has gained the self-assurance to carry on. The cycle of skill and confidence is set in motion, ultimately impacting her class performance. The author is as adept at conveying the anxiety that accompanies failure as he is at depicting the pride felt with success. Sarie tries envisioning the words in the school text as they appear when she's with her aunt: "-lots of friendly letters holding hands to form words that danced and sang together." The realistic watercolors contrast the shimmering vitality of the sun, Sarie, and Auntie Anna with the dusty earth and lackluster classmates. Endpapers of swirling letters suggest the story's theme. Those who pause long enough may see a message; readers at any stage will appreciate the struggle.Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public LibraryCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-K. Sarie dreads being called on to read aloud in class because the kids laugh at her stammering and stumbling. They even tease her after school. On Sunday while her family rests, Sarie runs across the veld to Auntie Anna's. Sitting in Auntie's rusty, wheel-less old car, she and Auntie pretend to go for a Sunday drive while Auntie tells stories of "once upon a time" when she was young and her car was shiny and new. Then Sarie reveals how much she hates reading aloud and being laughed at. When Sarie finds an old book stuck in the back seat, the Cinderella story becomes her own; with the help of a prince of a friend and her auntie's wisdom, she overcomes her problem. The beautiful watercolor illustrations, in Daly's typical style, ably capture the expanse of the South African setting and the depth of Sarie's emotion. The gentle, encouraging tone prevents the message from being heavy-handed or maudlin, making the story a charming testimonial to reading, friendship, and family bonds. Julie CumminsCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Once Upon a Time | [
524,
2360,
4663,
5413,
5510,
5533,
6722,
12188,
12250,
28204,
39088,
68210,
71731,
73840
] | Train |
12,247 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 3Although four other people are in the house, a boy thinks, "It's just as if there's nobody here but me." His mom is talking on the phone, and his dad is answering his email. His sister wants him to go away while she plays a game with her friend. Despite painting a blue heart on the wall, cutting a hole in his jeans, and turning the kitchen into a catastrophe, no one scolds him. When he hides in the cold, dark basement, no one looks for him. Eventually, he puts on his pajamas and tucks himself in. Going to bed for no reason before supper does the trick. His parents and sister gather around his bed, watch as he pretends to sleep, and then tickle him awake. Davenier's watercolor-and-ink illustrations place the boy in his pleasant house with his busy family. The muted colors reflect his mood as he tries repeatedly to attract his family's attention during that difficult hour before supper. Like Rosemary Wells's Noisy Nora (Dial, 1973), this book addresses a universal childhood experience. Librarians will see possibilities for reader's theater-just a few children needed and every free-verse line perfect to read aloud.Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Although there are four other people in the house, theyre all busy: Moms on the phone, Dads writing e-mail, and Sister and her friend are playing games for two. The young narrator of this story complains, Its just as if theres nobody here but me. He tries several ploys to get attentionpainting on the wall, making a mess in the kitchen, and hidingannouncing each deed with little result from the other family members. After a long hour of this, he climbs into bed and pretends to be asleep by making ZZZZ sounds until his family finds him and tickles him awake. The loose, slapdash illustrations are a perfect fit for this casual family. Shadowy touches are balanced by brighter colors to keep the overall effect lighthearted rather than gloomy. Children will enjoy the antics involved in this look at family dynamics, and realize that although a situation may be frustrating, it probably wont last forever. The outcome might even be fun. Preschool-Grade 2. --Randall Enos; Title: Nobody Here but Me | [
7112,
11939,
17537,
25368,
26738,
26821,
32814,
36342,
60434
] | Test |
12,248 | 2 | PreS-Gr 2Melly encounters some unexpected visitors when she walks to her cousin Malberta's Halloween party. As she wanders down the street, she first meets a black cat ("not the least bit scary"), then a duo of dancing skeletons, and her ever-so-slight creeps and chills grow. The list of spooky creatures builds and builds as Melly continues her evening stroll. Her dynamic expressions correspond with the goblins and ghouls around her. Melly responds, "Not especially scary!" when "seven frenzied fruit bats" appear on the scene, and her comments increase in urgency; she cries, "Not extraordinarily scary!" when she stumbles across "eight spindly spiders." Melly is a sight to behold with her sharp horns, green face, and striped stockings; she looks like she fits right in with the cast of only oh-so-eerie characters she meets along the way. When she arrives at the festivities, she realizes that her accompanying menagerie includes friendly partygoers instead of the spooky haunts she believed them to be. This fast-paced read aloud will suit the many young listeners interested in just a dash of spookiness with their Halloween adventures.Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NCA clever hybrid of story and counting book, ending with the adorably drawn creepy-friendly crowd gathering for a Halloween bash. The New York Times Book ReviewPizzoli crams the pages with comically ghoulish chaos, and his smiley creatures (Melly included) are more cute than bloodcurdling. Starred review/Publishers WeekleyThis cumulative Halloween tale is bursting at the seams with things that go bump in the night. The Horn BookThis fast-paced read aloud will suit the many young listeners interested in just a dash of spookiness with their Halloween adventures. School Library JournalA terrific Halloween title to share with those readers who prefer giggles to shivers. Kirkus ReviewsA fine, not-too-scary choice for reading aloud in the weeks before Halloween. Booklist; Title: Not Very Scary | [
3336,
3416,
3507,
6262,
6735,
16792,
17105,
18401,
21706,
22745,
23937,
33150,
35869,
37807,
45422,
45665,
47455,
51263,
55272,
55889,
56460,
75309
] | Validation |
12,249 | 2 | Rodowsky (The Turnabout Shop) is right on target expressing how it feels to receive a gift that is not quite right. For three years, eight-year-old Ellie has been dreaming of getting a dog that will "give puppy kisses" and "skid across the floor, his toenails making clicking sounds against the wood." But her dream misfires when Great-Aunt Margaret has to move into an apartment that won't take her dog, Preston, and Ellie's parents offer to adopt him. Preston looks like Ellie's worst nightmare, "a sort of square, boring brown dog with sticking-up ears and a skinny tail." It does not take Ellie long, however, to realize that the pooch has some redeeming qualities: when Ellie gets sick, he stays by her side, and when she gets lost in her friend's neighborhood, he leads her home. Turning her attention to a younger audience, the author writes a genuine, gently humorous and uncomplicated story about compromise and love. Readers will alternately empathize with Ellie, who has to settle for a hand-me-down pet, and Preston, who suffers a bout of homesickness before winning his new owner's affection. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 7-11. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 2-4-Ellie Martin has always wanted a puppy and her parents have promised that she can have one when she turns nine. Before her birthday, a letter arrives from her great-aunt, who explains that she must move into an apartment where pets are not allowed. Trying to make the best of a difficult situation, Ellie's parents tell their daughter that she can have her great-aunt's dog, Preston. To Ellie, he is a boring, brown dog and definitely not what she had in mind. Preston, however, proves to be a good friend; he helps her find her way home when she gets lost and keeps her company when she gets sick. Slowly, Ellie's affection for the animal grows. This beginning chapter book will have readers rooting for Preston and empathizing with the girl as she struggles with disappointment. The dilemma of an elderly person who is unable to keep her beloved pet is sensitively treated and adds to the realism of the story. Occasional black-and-white drawings illustrate the text.Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Not My Dog | [
3239,
6211,
10083,
18104
] | Test |
12,250 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 1-Emma's grandpa has always wanted a fuzzy-wuzzy teddy bear but when he receives a new one for his birthday, it's obvious to Emma that, "Old Bob didn't LOVE his brown bear." After a bit of a fuss, she is allowed to take Teddy to her house where he gets the full treatment: trips to the beach, cuddles, bubble baths, and snuggles. Teddy's vacation becomes an extended stay, and the new stuffed animal becomes threadbare. Emma grows and eventually abandons him for other toys. A few years later, when Old Bob notices and covets the by-now much-loved bear at the bottom of her toy box, Emma recognizes that the hugged-to-pieces Teddy has become exactly what Old Bob needs. This loving family and their cozy surroundings shine through the lighthearted watercolor vignettes of Teddy's adventures. The alternating full- and double-page illustrations gently but firmly set the story's pace. Both Emma and Old Bob are multidimensional characters; she is a combination of feisty toddler and a bear's best friend and he is a pragmatic adult with a child's sensibility. From the endpapers of the bear cavorting to the sweet satisfaction of the final three-way hug, this touching tale is perfect for one-on-one sharing or as a thoughtful addition to the standard storytime themes of either teddy bears or grandparents.Carol Ann Wilson, Westfield Memorial Library, NJCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-Gr. 1. A little girl watches her grandfather, Old Bob, receive a teddy bear for his birthday. Gran tells Emma that the gift was given because Old Bob never had a teddy bear as a child. What Emma thinks, however, is that Grandpa doesn't love the bear the way it should be loved, so she "borrows" the bear and gives it the kind of life she thinks it deserves--picnics, trips to the beach, bubble baths. A big part of the fun here are the pictures, which fill in what is hinted at in the text--Emma's conflicting feelings. Daly's paintings also show how the teddy bear eventually moves from center stage to a less august place, half-hidden under Emma's bed. When Emma returns Old Bob to its rightful owner, Grandpa can smell all the scents from the bear's various mishaps: "He could smell lots and lots of love." A great read for grandparents and grandchildren. Connie FletcherCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Old Bob's Brown Bear | [
12246,
71731
] | Train |
12,251 | 0 | PreS-Gr 2In this cumulative picture book, a girl and her dog hitch a pony to a sleigh. As they ride through snow-covered woods, forest animals exclaim, I want to play until they are all riding in a one-pony, one-mouse, one-bear, one-deer, one-lynx, one-owl, one-squirrel, one-dog sleigh and get stuck in a snowdrift. A small mouse steps up to navigate as the others push the sleigh to the top of a hill, where they speed down, hit a bump, and crash. Cartoon illustrations in pen and ink convey the weight of the sleigh and depth of the snow. This tale has plenty of repetition, action verbs, and onomatopoeia and is well suited for reading aloud. Emerging readers will also appreciate occasional rhymes, clear text in short sentences, and appealing illustrations full of picture clues.Julie R. Ranelli, Queen Anne's County Free Library, Stevensville, MD(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.Its supposed to be a one-dog sleigh. Emphasis on one. But when a girl and her small pooch set off in a plush red sleigh, drawn by a single pony, its not long before other creatures want in on the ride. First theres a squirrel who hops aboard with a LEAP and a SPIN, making it a one-squirrel, one-dog sleigh. But then an owl joins, followed by a massive lynx, and then a humongous deer, who lands with a CLATTER of hoofed feet. By this point, its tight quarters. When a blizzard halts movement, the animals need to debark and push. Once all is right again, the sleigh is off and runninguntil the crew hits a bump, and SWOOSH-A-BANG THUMP, everyone goes flying. Full of great sound effects, the companion to One-Dog Canoe (2003) offers up a rollicking adventure of the winter variety this time. Hoyts whimsical illustrations capture the hilarity of the situation, particularly in facial expressions, as girl and dog and owl andyou get the picturehang on for dear life. Share at winter-themed story hours. Preschool-Grade 1. --Ann Kelley; Title: One-Dog Sleigh: A Picture Book | [
6071,
6098,
9563,
10084,
12091,
22961,
23909,
26030,
29293,
38301,
38694,
47427,
48087,
68456,
68467
] | Train |
12,252 | 2 | Grade 5-7Princess Meg, 15, has a problem. Her father, the king of Greeve, has issued a proclamation offering her hand in marriage to any prince who can defeat a dragon, a witch, and a hoard of local bandits. The princess isnt thrilled with this plan. After all, the witch is harmless, the dragon defunct, and the bandits steal from the rich and give to the poor. Unfortunately, because she objects so strongly, she is immediately sequestered to the tower until the contest is over. Fortunately, Meg knows how to get out of a difficult situation, and its up to her to warn the witch, help the bandits, and take care of a relatively innocent young dragon before some of the less-than-honorable princes wreak havoc on the kingdom. Coombss good-natured tale is as comfortable poking fun at established fairy-tale tropes as it is honoring them. Readers will have no difficulty rooting for Meg, and the story as a whole is a pleasurable read with amusing details and witty twists. Pair this rousing adventure with Gail Carson Levines Ella Enchanted (HarperCollins, 1997).Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.In an attempt to replenish the treasury of Greve, King Stromgard offers his 15-year-old daughter Meg's hand in marriage to the prince who can rid the kingdom of a dragon, a witch, and some pesky bandits. The plan calls for Meg to be sequestered in a tower for the duration, a troublesome detail that she quickly circumvents with the help of several other palace teens. Together they rescue the dragon (a baby); warn the witch (receiving her help in return); meet a helpful young wizard; and discover that the bandits are really not as evil as everyone thinks. Coombs, who also wrote The Secret Keeper (2006), has created another strong heroine who eschews the trappings of her birth in the pursuit of truth, justice, and adventure. Reminiscent of Jean Ferris' Once upon a Marigold (2002) and M. M. Kaye's The Ordinary Princess (1984), this witty, humorous tale will be popular with fantasy buffs who enjoy takeoffs on fairy tales. Kay WeismanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Runaway Princess | [
12337
] | Test |
12,253 | 1 | In this book of 34 poems, Johnston (The Magic Maguey) records her observations during a trip to the Gal pagos, which in a note she characterizes as a place "wild and vast and stark, looking out over the endless and shining skin of the sea." However striking some individual poems may be, the collection as a whole does not re-create the poet's awe. Sometimes Johnston's images are rich and evocative, as in the closing "Gal pagos": "Hold this place/ gently/ like an old shell./ Hold it/ to your ear./ Hear the song that sings/ insideA/ splash of fish/ flutter of finch/ rustle of salt/ wind/ lava hissing/ in wet sand/ and the echo of loneliness/ wild and wide." She sees with the eyes of an environmentalist who treasures each creature: a beetle is "one perfect polished pebble/ feeling its way along the rim/ of morning." Clouds "drift/ on their dark still wings./ Silver beaks/ of rain/ come softly pecking/ at the cliff." But the same phrases and subjects repeatAthings old, dark, cold, silver and soaring make regular appearancesAand there is little rhythm in the sequencing of the poems and little variety. Pohrt's (Coyote Goes Walking) spare, straightforward sepia illustrations seem like studies taken from a sailor's sketchbook, quick impressions of island life. His loose drawings offer an understated contrast to the lofty language about "the core of the mystery and poetry of Nature." Ages 7-up. (Oct.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 4-6-In nearly three dozen poems, Johnston reflects on the animals, plants, and particular islands of this archipelago whose existence is threatened by encroaching humans. In rhyming couplets, blank verse, and haiku, she celebrates the birth of Fernandina Island, recounts the possible voyage of the rice rat to these far-off islands, and ponders moments germane to many animals. Some of the honored species-the lava cactus, Sally Lightfoot crab-are unique, or nearly so, to this habitation. Other creatures, such as plankton and sea lions, are known in many places. Pohrt's pen-and-wash drawings, sometimes full-page sketches facing a poem and other times small portraits, complement the quiet, thoughtful tone of the poetry. Appealing in its modesty, the book might find many uses in introducing children to this special habitat or in encouraging them to think about and write about animals.Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: An Old Shell: Poems of the Galapagos | [
65131
] | Train |
12,254 | 13 | Dockray's watercolor-and-ink illustrations show the underwear-clad children gleefully jumping on the bed as they perform the refrain: "Bow to Brother./Bow to Sis./Swing your partner just like this. School Library JournalRebecca Janni is the author of Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse. She lives in central Iowa. Tracy Dockray is the illustrator of The Tushy Book, as well as Beezus and Ramona and other books by Beverly Cleary. She lives in New York City.; Title: Jammy Dance | [
19044,
19421,
20772,
20776,
36525
] | Train |
12,255 | 13 | Kindergarten-Grade 3-In this engaging installment in the series about a hearing-impaired boy, Moses's class is joined by a group of hearing children from another school and the students are treated to a production of Cinderella by the Little Theatre of the Deaf. As the two classes intermingle prior to entering the gym, Moses meets Manuel, a new immigrant who does not yet speak English. The two boys develop a rapport, especially since "Moses knows how lonely it can be when no one understands you," and they communicate through gestures. The performance of the immediately recognizable fairy tale makes the signs and body language of the actors more accessible to both the children within the story and to readers. Insets in most of the spreads show Moses and later the performers demonstrating relevant American Sign Language. The colorful artwork is filled with enthusiastic kids with expressive features set against realistic school backdrops. This book not only familiarizes and sensitizes children to the culture of the deaf or hard-of-hearing community, but also tells an appealing story. Millman draws a parallel between the challenges faced by ESL students and those who do not hear and in so doing raises youngsters' general levels of awareness and empathy.-Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.K-Gr. 2. Moses, a young deaf child who in previous books has gone to school, attended a concert, and been to the circus, now sees a play. The Little Theater of the Deaf is performing Cinderella at Moses' school, and a group of hearing children from another school are going to attend. A straightforward text and appealing ink-and-watercolor artwork, well detailed with classroom minutiae, tell the story in the traditional way, but each spread also features boxed sequences showing Moses describing the action in American Sign Language (ASL). At the book's conclusion, the pictures show him recapping the whole event for his mother in ASL. In a subplot, Moses meets Manuel, a boy from the other school, who speaks only Spanish, but they become friends; their relationship is an interesting bridge to the various ways that people communicate. A book that's as pleasurable to read as it is informative. Ilene CooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Moses Sees a Play | [
4530,
6213,
12224,
12226,
12236,
12414,
19538,
20137,
21815,
21866,
21955,
23334,
31627,
36885,
37471,
37651,
37967,
41778,
42665,
43891,
48601,
53214,
53497,
58792,
60346,
64123,
64976,
66887,
70772,
72629,
72811
] | Train |
12,256 | 2 | Grade 35In the Silk family, a child's first birthday is a significant one: it's the day the youngster is given a name. Griffin and his five older sisters all had their special moment, but their younger sister died before her first birthday and their mother is recovering from her grief in a hospital. Griffin is attending public school for the first time in his life, has been put a grade ahead, and is having difficulty fitting in with the other kids. Then he meets Layla, who immediately connects with Griffin and his unusual family. He even shows her the elaborate Naming Day books that were created for each Silk child. But Griffin cannot bring himself to tell Layla much about his baby sister (whom he has named Tishkin), or that he is afraid that he didn't love her enoughthat his jealousy caused her death and his mother's withdrawal. Slowly and patiently, Layla teases out Griffin's feelings and eventually suggests that a Naming Day party for his sister would be a wonderful event for the entire family. Tishkin's party provides the healing that the family needs and a new beginning for all. This book is a little gem. Griffin is described as an uncommon boy (he was born on February 29), but his feelings and fears are those of all children. Barton's soft pen-and-ink drawings perfectly fit this quiet story.Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.It hasnt been easy for Griffin Silk since his mother and baby sister went away. Formerly homeschooled, he has a rough entry into public school, where he is teased for being younger than his classmates and for his large family. He hopes that his mother will return and fears that she wonta heavy secret burdenand he wonders if somehow it was his fault that she left. But with the help of classmate Laylas caring friendship, and his family, Griffin gains insights and inner strength, and he discovers the importance of receiving and offering love and support. Illustrated with softly rendered black-and-white drawings, the gentle, descriptive narrative, touched with droll humor, intimately conveys the process of facing sorrows and discovering small joys in everyday life, and it features a likable, sympathetically drawn protagonist and other appealing, diverse characters, including Griffins lively older sisters and loving, reassuring grandmother. Originally published in Australia, this engaging, compassionate portrait of loss, grief, and healing has a quietly powerful impact. Grades 4-6. --Shelle Rosenfeld; Title: The Naming of Tishkin Silk | [
6947
] | Test |
12,257 | 11 | Kindergarten-Grade 3DeFelice employs her considerable storytelling skills to give an old Chinese folktale an Irish twist. Mr. and Mrs. O'Grady are so poor that they have only one of everything, and the little they have is raggedy at that. With only one potato to share for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it's no wonder they are so skinny they [can] sit side by side on one chair. But when Mr. O'Grady finds an old pot in his field and drops their last potato into it, the couple's fortunes change. One potato becomes two, and the pot continues to double whatever is placed in it. When Mrs. O'Grady accidentally falls into it and two Mrs. O'Gradys emerge, she comes up with an ingenious idea that brings lasting joy to her and her husband. U'Ren's large pen-and-gouache illustrations infuse the couple's grim situation with humor. The two are so tall and thin that they seem to be elastic. And the scene in which skinny legs are sticking out of the pot and then pulled out is hilarious. Their walls are full of cracks, their blankets are full of holes, but their hearts are full of love and generosity. An entertaining tale that pairs well with Lily Toy Hong's Two of Everything (Albert Whitman, 1993).Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.A whimsical and odd approach to the magic pot story. Mr and Mrs. O'Grady, their children grown and gone, live frugally: they share their one chair, and one blanket, and take turns wearing their one winter coat. Each day they dig up the one potato they share for meals. They only long, each of them, for one friend besides each other to talk with. One day Mr. O'Grady finds the last potato--and a big black pot. They put their last potato in it, and suddenly there are two! Even their single candle and gold coin are doubled. When Mrs. O'Grady accidentally falls into the pot, Mr. O'Grady pulls out two. They convince him to jump in himself, so there are two of him. Then they bury the magic pot so others will find the joy of it and live content with enough for all. The pictures are all angles and curves: U'Ren uses strong color and line to delineate the spindly couple and their threadbare surroundings. Children (or more likely adults) may wonder about the story's cloning aspect, but enchantment will win the day. GraceAnne DeCandidoCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: One Potato, Two Potato | [
2639,
2819,
3791,
4005,
5348,
5384,
6030,
7127,
8634,
8676,
9650,
10270,
12197,
12280,
12429,
12439,
15084,
15302,
15733,
15838,
16233,
17532,
17586,
17749,
17761,
26956,
27674,
28367,
33088,
33946,
38371,
39131,
46646,
48463,
48923,
49058,
517... | Test |
12,258 | 0 | Selden's well-loved, diminutive hero Chester Cricket is back. The meadow that is home to him and a host of other animals is declared a historical landmark, and old Abner Budd, a hermit who has been kind to the animals over the years, is facing eviction. The animals' efforts to help Mr. Budd only seem to make matters worse, until an imaginative plan led by a mockingbird of rare voice persuades the townspeople that the meadow is Mr. Budd's fitting, natural home. Once again, Selden has spun a tale of engaging whimsy and charm, marred only by a slow start laced with long descriptions of Mr. Budd's past. The language is by turns folksy and lyricalone can almost hear the piercing sweetness of the bird's song; and he succeeds in evoking the meadow and its memorable, idiosyncratic inhabitants. Underneath the story's action and humor lies an eloquent message about the importance of unspoiled nature and of the harmony that can result from shared, unselfish endeavors. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 9-13. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 3-6 Chester Cricket returns in another tale about his meadow home in Connecticut. Alhough this follows Chester Cricket's New Home (1983), it has more in common with the earlier Tucker's Countryside (1969, both Farrar). In that story the meadow creatures managed, with the help of the city-wise cat and mouse team, to save their land from developers. Now they must, on their own, save an old curmudgeon, the only human inhabitant of the Old Meadow. Abner Budd and his dilapidated home are considered an eyesore, and since the meadow is the historical center of Hedley, the Town Council wants him gone. All of the meadow creatures from the previous books have returned, with the addition of Ashley Mockingbird and Dubber, Abner's dog, the epitome of slavish devotion even when ignored or supplanted in his owner's affections. There is a lot crammed into this story, and some of the subplots get in the way. But there are also some wonderful, highly-charged scenes, including the climax, in which Abner's importance to the Meadow is fully demonstrated. As always, Williams' illustrations become inseparable from the story. A sure-fire hit with fans of the series. Susan M. Harding, Mesquite Public Library, Tex.Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Old Meadow (Chester Cricket and His Friends) | [
9639,
10107,
10159,
12461,
12488,
18039
] | Test |
12,259 | 0 | This collection of 27 poems by the late Worth (1933-94) once again heralds the joy of words, the way they feel in the mouth, the way they look on the page. "Ice Cream" makes the perfect example: "Melting, it Softly fills The mouth With something Like the velvet Word vanilla." Re-imagining everyday encounters, she urges readers to consider each and take pleasure in the entire sensory experience. "October" captures the month's role as a threshold to the wintry days ahead: "Frost a Presence in The woods: A sound Of footfalls, One here, One there, As the leaves Step down." The titular poem becomes a wry caution against vanity, "He fans Out that Famous halo, Turns it About for All to see, Folds it Down and Saunters away, Trailing his Heavy burden Of beauty. (Meanwhile, His freckled Brown wife Rambles around Him, plain And free.)" Babbitt (paired with Worth for Poems and More Small Poems) characterizes the feathered duo with sketches that play up the male's upright posture, head cocked, one foot aloft, while the female examines the ground for food, toes firmly planted. Worth knows just how to pace a collection, tethering loftier subjects to earthbound images near and dear to her readers' passions, such as in "Crayons": "Their paper Torn, their Snapped sticks Worn down To grubby Stubs, they Still shed The colors of The rainbow." This poet will be missed. All ages. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Grade 2-6-Readers who have been charmed by Worth's "small poems" (All the Small Poems and Fourteen More [Farrar, 1996], etc.) will be pleased to find that she conceived of another collection before her death. Her characteristic free verse, with short lines and spare, rhythmic language, describes animals and objects from icicles to umbrellas, onions to ice cream. Whether it's the "Snapped sticks Worn down To grubby Stubs-" in "crayons" or a "fish" "-looking Up from its tray Of snow with A dolorous eye," the images and moods conveyed through word and sound will captivate readers and encourage them to focus their own imaginative eyes. Babbitt's black-and-white spot drawings face each poem with quiet detail that draws readers into the words. There is a lot of short, descriptive free verse available for this audience these days, but Worth's is a cut above-it's accessible, but fresh and surprising, and clearly attuned to language. Her work gives children something to admire and aim for. Three poems here have appeared previously in anthologies, but the others are mostly new treasures. Browsing through this slim book, readers may feel that they've indeed fanned open a peacock's tail.Nina Lindsay, Oakland Public Library, CACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Peacock and Other Poems | [
3463,
7554,
12437,
12490,
25227,
31154,
33475,
74561
] | Train |
12,260 | 3 | The residents of Maple Street celebrate the usual holidays as well as more unusual ones, such as Pioneer Day and Patriots Day. But after Mrs. Muddle moves to Maple Street, every day becomes a holiday. In the spring, she celebrates First Robin Day and First Shower of April. Then its First Day of Summer, Watermelon Day, and the Garlic Jubilee. Through the fall and winter, Mrs. Muddle continues to find reasons to make each day special, and her neighbors, particularly the children, join the fun. The final surprise comes when Mrs. Muddle finds Maple Streets residents preparing for a holiday thats not on her own calendar: Mrs. Muddle Day. An authors note about holidays closes this cheery, lighthearted story about community and intergenerational friendships. The text is perfectly paced for reading aloud, but the book will work best in small groups,whichwill allowclose-up views of Yezerskis ink-and-watercolor drawings of energetic, gray-haired party-animal Mrs. Muddle and the warmth and whimsical details that make her celebrations so joyful. Preschool-Grade 2. --Gillian EngbergA holiday winner . . .Yezerski's pen-and-ink watercolors are bright, warm and festive. This is perfect for every collection. Starred, Kirkus ReviewsChildren of many ethnic and cultural backgrounds are depicted in this wonderful story of friendship and fellowship. It will make a great read-aloud any time of the year and will encourage children to create their own special occasions. School Library JournalThe text is perfectly paced for reading aloud, but the book will work best in small groups, which will allow close-up views of Yezerski's ink-and-watercolor drawings of energetic, gray-haired party-animal Mrs. Muddle and the warmth and whimsical details that make her celebrations so joyful. Booklist; Title: Mrs. Muddle's Holidays | [
726,
12426,
22984,
33333,
33977,
41551,
52389,
52592,
71076,
73259,
73263,
74738
] | Train |
12,261 | 13 | PreS-KA lively group of multicultural children and their adults stream into a brick building for a music class. Their guitar-strumming instructor sits on the floor, welcomes each by name, and sings out different activities including egg shakers, kicking feet, and various rhythm instruments. One boy is initially leery, by soon joins in the fun. Although this is based on Weinstone's franchise "Music for Aardvarks," this could be a scene from a public library program. Children will ask for repeated readings to catch all of the action in Vogel's boldly colored, expressive illustrations. This serves as an engaging model for a group activity along the lines of Anna McQuinn's Leo Loves Baby Time (Charlesbridge, 2014) and Julia Durango's rollicking Cha-Cha Chimps (S. & S., 2006). VERDICT A welcome addition to picture book collections.Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI[A] friendly, stylishly illustrated rhyme-fest. The New York Times Book ReviewWeinstone...certainly knows what makes a class tick (or rock). The children in the class are wonderfully diverse...[and] the mannerisms of the kids are spot-on. Listen to Weinstone sing the song (available for download from the publisher). It will become addictive. Reassurance for wallflowers everywhere. Kirkus ReviewsChildren will ask for repeated readings to catch all of the action in Vogel's boldly colored, expressive illustrations . . . A welcome addition to picture book collections. School Library Journal; Title: Music Class Today! | [
1428,
2423,
3689,
4073,
6030,
6075,
7455,
8487,
8543,
8718,
12026,
12917,
13848,
21030,
21372,
23981,
25154,
26116,
27009,
31293,
32740,
33658,
36307,
38130,
39038,
44120,
45827,
51730,
52478,
54465,
54771,
54926,
55381,
58229,
61987,
62492,
63... | Train |
12,262 | 15 | Grade 4-6-In 1707, after nearly 2000 sailors and four ships were lost in one stormy night off England's coast, Parliament passed the Longitude Act guaranteeing 20,000 pounds sterling ($12 million today) for a method to navigate the seas with certitude. It was known that latitude could be measured, but to determine longitude-distance east or west of a point-a method had yet to be devised. In an engaging manner, Lasky relates the mad ideas that were considered, including barking dogs, tiptoeing, and a fire on deck before examining the inventive life and mind of a genius who solved the problem. John Harrison, a village carpenter and a self-taught polymath, elegantly reasoned that the answer lay in a timepiece itself. It would take more than 35 years and five prototypes before Harrison was satisfied, although his very first model barely lost a second on its first voyage. It would take a petition to the king before the inventor's solution won any prize money, and even then, he was refused the prize. Perhaps it is the combination of the elegance of his solution and the injustice of its resolution that has made Harrison's story so popular. With Hawkes's luminous full-color paintings on every page, its clear science, and its compelling social commentary, this title is not to be missed.Dona Ratterree, New York City Public SchoolsCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.*Starred Review* Gr. 3-5. Executed in an oversize format, which allows plenty of space for Hawkes' dramatic pictures, this tells the story of John Harrison, an eighteenth-century clock maker who solved the problem of tracking longitude in shipboard navigation. The book begins with a shipwreck, dramatizing the fact that the longitude puzzle was not just a matter of academic or economic importance but a life-and-death question for those who sailed the seas. After introducing some of the more absurd solutions proposed for tracking longitude, the discussion turns to young John Harrison, who was 21 when the Longitude Prize was offered by the British Parliament. Lasky shows how, over the next half-century, Harrison worked to design and perfect a timepiece that would earn the prize. Not every child will understand the technical challenge discussed; however, the text makes absorbing reading both for its sidelights on history and for the personal drama portrayed. Harrison emerges as an admirable, if idiosyncratic, individual whose story is well worth telling. Atmospherically lit and richly colored, Hawkes' large-scale paintings are often striking in their overall effects and intriguing in their details. Unexpected elements of humor in both the historical narrative and the illustrations lighten what could have been a dry, weighty treatment in other hands. Teachers looking for books for units on inventors will find this a memorable choice for reading aloud. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Man Who Made Time Travel (Orbis Pictus Honor for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children (Awards)) | [
12189,
12240,
27842
] | Train |
12,263 | 2 | PreS-K-This book is a delightfully helpful twist on kids' apprehensions as they make their first foray into the classroom. It shows that their parents are nervous, too, via endearing artwork that conveys emotions through color and size. In the beginning, the young boy is drawn larger and much more robust than his mom, glowing with healthy color and moving with excitement and energy. His mother appears tiny and blue and timid, barely peeking out over the covers on her bed and curling up behind her son's backpack. When she is greeted by another parent, a rosy tint begins to show on her face, indicating she feels better about this new adventure. Then it's the son's turn to be small again, and the blue shadow of apprehension creeps across his face. His new teacher is kind, though, and he marches independently into the room, ruddy in complexion and strong-limbed. Poor Mom is blue as she waves good-bye and as she anxiously waits for her son at the end of the day. When they reunite, both are blooming with warm colors-until, that is, the little boy asks if he can ride the bus the next day. Humorously, the mom shrinks a tad and turns blue (and maybe a bit green). This sweet, endearing book provides an extraordinary opportunity for parents and children to share their mutual fears and reassure one another as the big day approaches. Fantastic.-Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.In the enchanting world of Hyewon Yum ('There Are No Scary Wolves,' 'The Twins' Blanket'), parents are the frantic ones while children remain calm and confident. Mostly. Here, Mom worries that the school is big and that her 5-year-old could get lost. 'Mom, it's not that big,' he tells her. 'I think it's just right for a big boy like me.' But by the time they arrive at the classroom, his bright pink cheeks have faded to blue, and he has literally shrunk in size. Their roles flip back and forth until, at the end of the day, the boy assures his nervous mother that school is 'awesome.' So is yet another book by Yum. The New York Times Book ReviewThis sweet, endearing book provides an extraordinary opportunity for parents and children to share their mutual fears and reassure one another as the big day approaches. Fantastic. School Library Journal...a charming, sensitive and fresh-feeling antidote for this fraught time. The Wall Street JournalYum's (Last Night, rev. 1/09; The Twins' Blanket, rev. 9/11) breezy illustrations are spot on, the mom's baby-boy-blue tint aptly reflecting the story's small-child anxiety. Horn Book, starredYum has perfectly captured the emotional ups and downs of both parent and child in a visually expressive work that will shore up adults as they send their children off on that momentous day. Kirkus, starred[an] inventively styled, deeply empathic book. Publishers Weekly, starred; Title: Mom, It's My First Day of Kindergarten! | [
1412,
1829,
2471,
2500,
2698,
2772,
3600,
3863,
4121,
4840,
5416,
5510,
5521,
5607,
6130,
6315,
6720,
6724,
7400,
8539,
12105,
12361,
15150,
15815,
16347,
16406,
16793,
17672,
18438,
20688,
21026,
21109,
21764,
21980,
23700,
24005,
25111,
256... | Train |
12,264 | 5 | PreSchool-Grade 3-Told in spare, elegant prose and handsomely illustrated, this original story with folktale qualities relates what happens to an arrogant king of long-ago Thailand. A stranger carrying a fishing pole comes to a village; whenever and wherever he drops his line in the water, he pulls out a fish. He gives each one away, saying as he does so, "One person, one fish." The king hears about him and demands a whole basketful of fish. No matter what stratagem he tries to get more, he is repeatedly told, "One person, one fish." Finally, he receives his due in an ending reminiscent of that in the Grimms' tale, "The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs." The somewhat impressionistic paintings richly portray the time and setting. Blues, yellows, browns, oranges, and shades of fuchsia predominate in artwork that sometimes covers entire spreads, sometimes appearing opposite a page of text, and occasionally in a small cameo on a white background. An attractive selection for sharing in a group or savoring alone.Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.A stranger carrying only a fishing pole comes to a village in this morality tale. Every time the pole touches water, the man brings out a fish. "One person, one fish," he says solemnly as he evenly distributes his catch. When the king hears of this, he wants more than his one fish. Driven by pride, he tries tricks and torture to get the man to give him more than his share, but in the end, the king is punished for his greed. The simplicity of the story is complimented by the robust illustrations. The outside scenes have the feeling of a Monet haystack, while scenes inside the proud king's court are full of vibrant colors. Unfortunately, the text is frequently placed over dark or swirling colors making it difficult to read. An original story, this tale of ancient Thailand has the beauty and power of a traditional fable. Marta Segal; Title: The Man Who Caught Fish | [
1761,
38593,
51101,
64339
] | Test |
12,265 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 3-In the days before alarm clocks, people like Smith had an important job in England-they were "knocker-ups," hired to wake the townsfolk for a few pence each week. The opening archival photograph establishes the woman as a historical figure, hand on hip, aiming a peashooter. What follows is a colorful tale of one day in her life, told with energetic prose and delightfully bold color illustrations. The peas hit windows: "TOCK! TOCK! TOCK!" "PLIK PLOK!" "CLICK CLACK SNAP!" rousing the laundry maids, the fishmonger, and the sleepy mayor, who sums up the contribution of the woman's humble work to the functioning of the community: "Without you- everyone would still be asleep in bed, no one would be working, and I wouldn't have a town to run-because everything would be shut down!" The ending has a humorous twist. Outlined in black, U'Ren's art has a clean, graphic appearance that perfectly complements the simplicity of the story. Particularly amusing are the expressions on the characters' faces. A historical note gives supplemental information about the real Mrs. Mary Smith and the role of the knocker-ups. A rollicking read.Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WICopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-Gr. 2. Bulky Mary Smith strides through the streets with her peashooter, blowing pellets at people's windows. Mary is a "knocker-up," and her job is to wake people. The baker, the laundry maids, even the mayor are targets, and they wave to show Mary they're arising. But when Mary arrives home, her own daughter is still in bed. Has the girl, of all people, been allowed to oversleep? No, she's been sent home from school for awakening a sleeping child with her own peashooter. Kids who don't (or can't) read the flap copy may wonder what's going on at first, but they will soon figure out the "what" and, more slowly, the "why." The excellent afterword focuses on the real-life Mary and a few surprising facts about the first "wake-up calls." Set against a background of early-morning blues and grays and traditional English buildings, U'Ren's well-drawn characters are full of humor, especially the robust Mary, who takes her job seriously, indeed. Ilene CooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Mary Smith (Bccb Blue Ribbon Picture Book Awards (Awards)) | [
1364,
1730,
2257,
2302,
6001,
6086,
11661,
16147,
16344,
24247,
43904,
51584,
52599,
60351,
62709
] | Train |
12,266 | 11 | Against an exuberantly painted Caribbean backdrop, a wily man causes so much trouble that his neighbors would rather set him free than keep him in jail. Malese tricks the village cobblers into making him a free pair of shoes and swindles the rumsellers out of enough rum to make himself a cake. The angry neighbors soon realize they've been duped, but when they lock him up, he convinces them that captivity is a privilege. Maintaining his sentence (supplying him with food, etc.) pains them more than their prisoner, and they decide to let him go. But, like a Haitian Tom Sawyer, Malese objects with a list of the chores that await him until they agree to undertake the tasks ("If I go home, I'll just have to mend my gate," he says; "We'll mend your gate for you..." they promise. "Please, Malese!"). Sure enough, the last spread shows him asleep on his hammock in his lemon-yellow house while his neighbors tend to the repairs. Lisker's (Sol a Sol) angular folk-art figures with expressive eyes and mahogany skin sport clothes woven in lively, repetitive patterns that contrast with broad planes of turquoise, orange and pink. Tricksters may be traditionally smooth talkers, but Malese scoffs at his neighbors' high prices and shoddy work. Their acceptance of his way of life is one of the story's pleasures. MacDonald (Rachel Fister's Blister) spins a narrative with authenticity and verve. Ages 4-8.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Grade 2-5-MacDonald has taken an old tale of a trickster peasant and turned it into a new folktalelike story, cleverly building trick upon trick. After he finagles a new pair of shoes, Malese gets himself a free bottle of rum and a comfortable ride home on Bouki's overburdened donkey. When the villagers finally throw him in jail, his Tom Sawyer-like pleasure in the punishment persuades them that the prisoner is better off than the jailers, and they not only set him free but fix his house as well. The illustrations feature bright, flat backgrounds and rounded peasants dressed in vibrant, stylized prints. Their cheerful, primitive style suits the story, and children will enjoy following the zebra-striped cat that is Malese's constant companion. The author's note makes clear her sources and the liberties she's taken, leaving it up to librarians to decide if this book belongs in the folklore or fiction section.Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Please, Malese! A Trickster Tale from Haiti | [
7075,
67058
] | Validation |
12,267 | 3 | Antisentimentalist Steig (Made for Each Other; Which Would You Rather Be?) crafts a screwball Cinderella story about a couple of klutzes. Potch was born laughing, with "an angel with a clown's face hovering over the bed." He grows from a chubby, happy boy into a chubby, happy, bald man not quite princely material. One day, costumed as Harlequin at a masquerade ball, he spies "the preternatural Polly Pumpernickel," a lanky socialite with a little head, big feet and plenty of charisma. "He was so smitten, he did a double backflip." (The illustrations leave this nimble move to the imagination.) Polly takes to Potch, too, but when his over-exuberant dancing lands her in the fountain, she gets steamed. The book tallies Potch's slapstick efforts to win her back, each resulting in an accident of vaudevillian proportions. In aptly loony images, Agee (Milo's Hat Trick) alludes to Krazy Kat's affection for the brick-toting Ignatz Mouse. He recalls classic comics with strong directional lines, sweeping curves, voice balloons and sound effects ("wok!... clonk!" after Polly flings a dictionary). As in other wacky courtships Popeye and Olive come to mind the romance is hard to fathom, but the puckish storytelling and artful compositions have considerable spark. Ages 4-8. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 4-This irresistible picture book has it all: a tongue-in-cheek text brimming with deliciously alliterative phrases, wry cartoons that mix visual gags with a comic-book punch, and a plot featuring two lovers who are taunted by twists of fate and turns of slapstick humor. Born with a clown-faced angel cavorting nearby, Potch enjoys a happy childhood and grows into a contented adult. Then one day, he receives an invitation to a masquerade party and goes dressed as Harlequin. He is having a "ball at the ball" when he lays eyes on Polly Pumpernickel and is instantly smitten. Passions build as the couple takes charge of the dance floor. Just when it seems that they will "prance and pirouette" their way to a happy ending, Potch tosses his partner into the air and she accidentally ends up in the fountain, drenched and incensed. Determined to win his lady's hand, he concocts several elaborate and ridiculous schemes to impress her. Unfortunately, something always goes wrong, and it's up to Potch's angel to find a way to untangle the heartstrings of these star-crossed lovers. Steig's delivery is flawless and funny, as outrageous plot turns are balanced by straightforward, almost staccato language that moves along at an exhilarating pace. Highlighted by crayon lines and subtly colored in pastel hues, the hilarious artwork expands and enhances the text. The balding, paunchy Potch and orange-haired, pencil-thin Polly make quite an eye-catching couple, and Agee makes the most of their antics. Dialogue balloons, sound effects, and varied layouts keep the energy level high. A sublimely silly and thoroughly satisfying love story.Joy Fleishhacker, formerly at School Library JournalCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Potch & Polly | [] | Test |
12,268 | 2 | K-Gr 3By now most children know that in the universe, on a planet, on a continent, in a country, in a city, on a block, in a house, lives a little girl named Madlenka. They're familiar with the multiethnic, multicultural neighborhood that has provided her with many global experiences. In this latest episode, Madlenka wants to be a soccer star. In her search for a partner, she tries playing with the mailbox, a dog, a parking meter, a garbage can, and team of soccer-playing cats before her friend Cleopatra and all of the neighborhood kids join her game. Ss once again brings Madlenka's neighborhood to life in his familiar maplike depiction. He captures one little girl's excitement and spreads it throughout the neighborhood. Global enthusiasm becomes visual in the final pages where a brief soccer history and fun facts are written on the face of a large soccer ball. The circular shape is mirrored on the opposite page with a globe surrounded by conversation balloons speaking soccer in more than 40 languages. The obvious appeal of this book is for kids who play and love the sport; however, it will also prompt discussion about the commonalities of people: The whole world wants to play soccer!Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.In her third title, following Madlenka (2000) and Madlenkas Dog (2002), urban adventurer Madlenka dreams of being a soccer star. Once again, Ss creates a captivating visual blend of reality and fantasy in images that illustrate Madlenkas invented world, and here the pictures show the aspiring young athlete transforming everyday neighborhood objects into imagined teammates, from a mailbox to a produce scale. In her buildings courtyard, her best pal, Cleopatra, and a crowd of other kids join in a joyful game. An appended note, inventively formatted onto a soccer balls hexagons, offers facts about the game, while the closing message, The whole world wants to play soccer! extends this years international World Cup fever. Children who have already met Madlenka will recognize Ss use of creative, aerial perspectives, which are particularly effective here in emphasizing the sense that each child is at once part of a particular neighborhood and a member of the global family. Young female fans will also appreciate following a girl who kicks a ball through the pages. Preschool-Grade 2. --Gillian Engberg; Title: Madlenka Soccer Star | [
1737,
10189,
12239,
26811
] | Test |
12,269 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 2-With subtle grace, this moving story depicts a Korean girl's difficult adjustment to her new life in America. Yoon, or "Shining Wisdom," decides that her name looks much happier written in Korean than in English ("I did not like YOON. Lines. Circles. Each standing alone"). Still, she struggles to please her parents by learning an unfamiliar language while surrounded by strangers. Although her teacher encourages her to practice writing "Yoon," the child substitutes other words for her name, words that better express her inner fears and hopes. Calling herself "CAT," she dreams of hiding in a corner and cuddling with her mother. As "BIRD," she imagines herself flying back to Korea. Finally, she pretends she is "CUPCAKE," an identity that would allow her to gain the acceptance of her classmates. In the end, she comes to accept both her English name and her new American self, recognizing that however it is written, she is still Yoon. Swiatkowska's stunningly spare, almost surrealistic paintings enhance the story's message. The minimally furnished rooms of Yoon's home are contrasted with views of richly hued landscapes seen through open windows, creating a dreamlike quality that complements the girl's playful imaginings of cats on the chalkboard, trees growing on walls, and a gleeful flying cupcake. At first glance, Yoon seems rather static, but her cherubic face reveals the range of her feelings, from sadness and confusion to playfulness, and finally pride. A powerful and inspiring picture book.Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los AngelesCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.K-Gr. 2. "I wanted to go back home to Korea. I did not like America. Everything was different here." Yoon doesn't want to learn the new ways. Her simple, first-person narrative stays true to the small immigrant child's bewildered viewpoint, and Swiatkowska's beautiful paintings, precise and slightly surreal, capture her sense of dislocation. Reminiscent of the work of Allen Say, the images set close-ups of the child at home and at school against traditional American landscapes distanced through window frames. In a classroom scene many children will relate to, everything is stark, detailed, and disconnected--the blackboard, the teacher's gestures, one kid's jeering face--a perfect depiction of the child's alienation. By the end, when Yoon is beginning to feel at home, the teacher and children are humanized, the surreal becomes playful and funny instead of scary, and Yoon is happy with friends in the wide, open school yard. Now she is part of the landscape. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: My Name Is Yoon (Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award, 2004) | [
5515,
5611,
5862,
10271,
10841,
11254,
12401,
12455,
13705,
15600,
16061,
16147,
16202,
16344,
16347,
16627,
19538,
20709,
20791,
21026,
21109,
21372,
21546,
22961,
25073,
25152,
25782,
29295,
32304,
33099,
33425,
33656,
33863,
33980,
33981,
3609... | Test |
12,270 | 16 | "As Collicutt did in "This Train, handsome paintings of airplanes are paired with brief text describing one aspect of each plane . . . A good introduction for readers who love transportation." --"The Horn Book "The high-interest topic is sure to make this book a hit with many pre-schoolers, who will undoubtedly want to hear it read repeatedly while they study the details in the illustrations." --"CCBC Choices 2001"As Collicutt did in "This Train," handsome paintings of airplanes are paired with brief text describing one aspect of each plane . . . A good introduction for readers who love transportation." --"The Horn Book" "The high-interest topic is sure to make this book a hit with many pre-schoolers, who will undoubtedly want to hear it read repeatedly while they study the details in the illustrations." --"CCBC Choices 2001""As Collicutt did in "This Train", handsome paintings of airplanes are paired with brief text describing one aspect of each plane . . . A good introduction for readers who love transportation." --"The Horn Book""The high-interest topic is sure to make this book a hit with many pre-schoolers, who will undoubtedly want to hear it read repeatedly while they study the details in the illustrations." --"CCBC Choices 2001"Paul Collicutt lives in Sussex, England.; Title: This Plane | [
5426,
9996,
9998,
12334,
12349,
12358,
12442,
12704,
12706,
13334,
14720,
16714,
16915,
19983,
20071,
21706,
23840,
24163,
28814,
28895,
28959,
29608,
30545,
31919,
33509,
36613,
41044,
46667,
48146,
49565,
50524,
51643,
52381,
52469,
52489,
5250... | Test |
12,271 | 0 | Barasch (Old Friends) identifies the hero of this story as her father, who in 1923 at the age of 10 became the youngest licensed amateur wireless radio operator in the United States. The book gets off to a bit of a slow start as Barasch describes the important role that wireless radio played at a time when telephone connections were difficult to make, but it builds to a climactic finish, in which the boy and his radio help to rescue a stranded family in hurricane-pummeled Florida. Writing in the boy's voice, the author conveys the young New Yorker's dedication to his hobby, how he obtains his "ham" license on his second try, purchases the necessary equipment and sets up his own home station with the help of an older neighbor boy and fellow operator. The author concisely describes this method of communication, which kids in today's high-tech world are likely to know little about. A heartening story for aspiring historians and technophiles. Ages 5-up. (Oct.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 3-5-The year is 1923, and Robert can't wait to get his ham radio license. He practices Morse code wherever he goes, and listens in on radio traffic at every opportunity. When he finally gets his license and his own "shack," Robert spends his evenings communicating with radio operators all over the world. The tale has the slightly meandering quality of a family story-and well it should, as it is based on the memories of Barasch's father, the youngest amateur radio operator to be licensed in the U.S. at the time. Robert's adventures include having a group of sailors show up on his doorstep (not realizing that their radio pal was a 12-year-old boy) and, more dramatically, rescuing a family stranded in a Florida hurricane by passing along radio messages to the Coast Guard. This story will capture the imagination of youngsters, especially modern technophiles, who may be surprised to learn about the global communication spawned by wireless radio long before the Internet. The faded watercolor-and-ink illustrations capture the optimistic spirit of a bygone era and incorporate a good deal of information.Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, Eldersburg, MD Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Radio Rescue | [
13645,
14548,
19464,
25776,
49060,
73362
] | Train |
12,272 | 11 | In language as understated as her paintings, Choi (Nim and the War Effort) describes the daily routine of New Cat, who lives in a Bronx tofu factory owned by her best friend, Mr. Kim. Among the pet's responsibilities are cleaning the computer monitor with her tail, tasting tofu (only when Mr. Kim puts it in her bowl) and keeping the factory clear of mice. One night New Cat chases a mouse that enters the forbidden production room and, though she fails to catch her prey, manages to halt the spread of a fire that breaks out. Taking liberty with traditional scale and proportion, Choi offers several images that will tickle youngsters. One illustration reveals the smug mouse in the foreground, taking refuge under a piece of furniture while a glowering New Cat peers into her hiding spot; another shows the soggy pet at close range, peeking out from the bucket of tofu that has protected her from the flames. But a predominantly dark palette of browns and grays weighs down the light, playful story line. Ages 5-8. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3-In this well-crafted tale, New Cat, a watch cat in a Bronx tofu factory, takes her work seriously, facing a moral dilemma and saving the day. Readers will begin to chuckle on the first page as they meet the feline with her heavy-lidded eyes and downturned mouth, seated at the president's desk. Her dilemma is the pesky mouse in the production room, which she is not allowed to enter. On one fateful night, she overcomes caution to enter the inner factory and face down the wily rodent, who is chewing an electrical wire. A fire begins and starts to spread until New Cat overturns a bucket of tofu, halting the progress of the flames until the firemen arrive. The owner's happy discovery of his missing cat inside another bucket of tofu brings events to a satisfying and funny finish. Simple, strong paintings add a comic tone as they amplify the straightforward text. Tawny tones illuminate the somber gray-and-brown factory setting, and the flat, broad animal figures tend to dwarf the humans, who are secondary actors in the cat-and-mouse scenario. Younger children will relish the firefighters and their tangle of hose, and the details and perspectives will amuse readers of all ages. The clarity and economy of text and pictures are beautifully suited to reading aloud.Margaret Bush, Simmons College, BostonCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: New Cat | [
12027,
12276,
22961
] | Train |
12,273 | 2 | K-Gr 2-Alice is making a farm in her room. She asks her mother for a pig and then for chickens, and Mama provides them only when the child says, "Please." But when she asks for a horse, her mother replies that she doesn't have one. The accompanying pictures show a menagerie that includes an elephant, cats, a panda, birds. When Papa comes home and Alice asks him for a horse, he puts her on his shoulders and they romp around. Papa gets tired, quits the game, and Alice sulks. "Then the horse turned and looked at her." On two spreads, Papa is now depicted as a literal white horse. When Alice finally gives in and lets him rest, he's back to his human self. On the last spread, Alice feeds a cake to the animals in her bedroom. The setting, people, and costumes in the lush paintings have a Victorian look, and the human faces resemble porcelain dolls. This title is clearly a lesson in manners, but the illustrations are too confusing to gain a large audience.-Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.Alice enlists her mothers help in making a farm in her bedroom. Saying Mama, give me a pig doesnt work, but she only has to add the word please and her mother hands over a heavy piglet. The word works when she asks for chickens, too. Though Mama claims not to have a horse, Papa agrees to play horse, taking Alice on his shoulders and romping around the room. Finally tired out, he asks for a rest. Alice refuses but relents when he adds, Please. Theres a dreamlike quality to the story, but its sprinkled with bits of humor, too. In stylized and somewhat surreal paintings evidently set in the early 1900s, the human characters are doll-like figures. The artwork has a sophisticated, mannered style that may not always work for young children, but its unique look will appeal to others. A recently published companion volume, Thank You, Mama (2012), is available as well. Preschool-Grade 2. --Carolyn Phelan; Title: Please, Papa | [
12326
] | Train |
12,274 | 2 | While this would serve as a model for personal narrative writing, it mostly deserves to be read for the rhapsodic, evocative story that it tells of a place that to kids will seem long ago and far away. BCCBThis shimmering memoir opens a window on the past and invites young readers to climb through itAs families head off this summer to visit relatives or explore other parts of the world, the lyrical text and sun-drenched illustrations of this lovely book make a perfect bon voyage, a graceful reminder to a new generation to remember this time and cherish this place. Washington PostOrani and its people are lovingly evoked in Nivola's watercolor and gouache paintings, from expansive views to more intimate scenes, from children thronging narrow streets and family gatherings to pensive vignettes. Horn Book Magazine, StarredNivola is a consummate artist. The work here is heartbreakingly beautiful, with its depictions of the village's red-tiled roofs and cobbled streets. Its people are alive, and you absolutely know who young Claire is in nearly every spread by her hair, her sandals and her dress. I think children will relish searching for her on each page. The New York Times Book ReviewClaire Nivola has written and illustrated many books for children, most recently, Planting the Trees of Kenya, an award-winning picture book about Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai. She lives with her husband in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts.; Title: Orani: My Father's Village | [
5366,
8061,
11254,
12095,
12122,
12320,
12406,
13521,
23131,
26604,
37017,
40079,
41795,
41947,
43575,
45694,
45729,
63214,
63272,
63302,
64983,
65067,
71454,
73362,
74092
] | Train |
12,275 | 2 | The wetlands have retained their power to regenerate, a process that the book's beautiful watercolors bring to vivid life. Los Angeles TimesYezerski not only can write a book on how to teach children about their environmental impact he has. New York Times.comThomas Yezerski's pleasingly presented history of this "flat, wet place in New Jersey" helps all of us see the workings of an estuary, spongy ground where a freshwater river meets the ocean tides. Chicago TribuneThanks to picture books like Yezerski's, young readers can appreciate the complexity of an ecosystem in their own neighborhood. The Sacramento BeeJudicious ink and watercolor illustrations pair with tender prose Yezerski paints a vivid history of the place where the Hackensack River meets Newark Bay, and where the Lenni Lenape lived for thousands of yearsThe healthy commingling of urban and natural worlds in the final spreads makes this portrait especially poignant. Starred, Publishers WeeklyAlthough readers who know the Meadowlands personally will have a special interest in the topic, the idea of fostering and protecting plant and animal habitats in urban environments can resonate with a broad audience. Starred, School Library JournalYezerski adroitly captures the tensions and hope in the sometimes adversarial, sometimes beneficial relationship between humans and the environment in this marvelous ecological history of the Meadowlands of New Jersey, an estuary trapped in a dense industrial, commercial, and residential area. Starred, Horn BookAlong with the portraits of active conservationists, including young people, who are working to protect the environment, the close-up views of the interconnectedness of each small creature will grab readers. BooklistA spectacular offering. Kirkus ReviewsThe text handily covers the particulars, but keen, patient observers can "read" the ecological story through the illustrations alone. Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksThis is a book they sit a long time with, examining the tiny drawings with care and interest. I used this book with great success as a classroom read aloud and the teacher reported that the book got constant traffic for independent reading after that. Bookends, Booklist blogThomas F. Yezerski lived on the edge of the Meadowlands for twelve years. He walked, ran, drove, bussed, trained, and canoed its strange landscapes to make sense of it, and then wrote this story out of love for it. He is the author and/or illustrator of several children's books, including Mrs. Muddle's Holidays by Laura F. Nielsen, which Kirkus Reviews praised in a starred review, saying "Yezerski's pen-and-ink watercolors are bright, warm and festive." He lives in Hoboken, New Jersey.; Title: Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Story | [
2550,
46243,
55939,
61341,
65131
] | Train |
12,276 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 2-Based on an incident from the author's childhood, this story is set in Puchon, South Korea, in the summer of 1976. Although the mountain behind Yangsook's house is covered with peach orchards, the girl never gets to eat the fruit as it is so expensive. Then, during a heavy rainstorm, peaches begin to fall from the sky (apparently carried down the slope by the water) and the youngster and her family feast on the delicious, ripe fruit. That evening, she begins to think about the farmers who must be worried about the loss of their crop. The next day, she and her friends gather up all of the fallen peaches, load them into a cart, and carry them back up the mountain. The colorful illustrations clearly evoke the tale's setting and the emotions of the characters. Told from Yangsook's point of view, the narrative is sweet and direct. Choi prefaces the event by expressing the girl's longing for the peaches and, later, shows how the apparent answer to her prayers becomes an awakening of conscience and a concern for the plight of the farmers. Unfortunately, the storytelling is less extraordinary than the subject matter. Still, this is a good snapshot of a different time and place.-Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.K-Gr. 2. Based on a 1976 incident from Choi's childhood, this story is set in the Punchon region of Korea, known for its magnificent peaches. Here, young Yangsook dreams of frolicking in a beautiful peach orchard, because even though the trees surround her, the fruit is too expensive for her family. Then one furiously stormy day, Yangsook and her grandmother are startled by thuds on the roof: the rain is carrying peaches down from the mountain orchards. Catching them in her umbrella, Yangsook eats to her heart's content. Then she starts worrying about the farmers who are losing their crops. The story is apparently true up to this point, but the author's note doesn't state whether Yangsook and her friends really gathered peaches and returned them to the farmers, even using yarn to hang some back on the trees. The colored-pencil artwork, single- and double-page spreads, has an appealing simplicity, though the figures are somewhat stiff. Unusual perspectives and close-ups add interest to the pictures, which use lots of greens and browns. For larger libraries, or those serving Korean communities. Ilene CooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Peach Heaven | [
12027,
15575,
22961,
25676,
35464,
60174,
62654,
63995
] | Train |
12,277 | 2 | Great-Aunt Matilda, Simon's guardian from No More Nice, is back in No More Nasty by Amy MacDonald, illus. by Cat Bowman Smith only this time she is the new substitute in Simon's fifth-grade class. The hero and his classmates are in for a surprise as their classroom is turned upside down and her cockeyed view makes learning fun. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Gr 4-6-In this sequel to No More Nice (Orchard, 1996), Simon is used to the kids in the classroom making fun of their mean teacher. However, when she quits and is replaced by his Great-Aunt Matilda, he is left with a dilemma. To the fifth grader, she is both his beloved aunt and an extremely embarrassing figure. He is not ready to acknowledge their relationship even though this leads his classmates to believe that he is a teacher's pet. To them, Mrs. Maxwell deserves the same tricks that they have pulled on all the subs, even though she seems to see through their antics. To the staff, she is an irritant who doesn't show respect for their authority and rules. By the time that she is through with the class, the students will never be the same. Mrs. Maxwell is a colorful figure reminiscent of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle with a better vocabulary and less respect for standard school practices. Simon's reticence to claim his outlandish relative is understandable and makes his efforts to apologize to her for his slight more sincere. The delightful black-and-white illustrations highlight moments of the humorous plot, which readers will enjoy as a read-aloud or read-alone.Betsy Fraser, Calgary Public Library, CanadaCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: No More Nasty (Aunt Mattie) | [
5863
] | Train |
12,278 | 2 | Brown's first novel, following her picture book debut, Soar, Elinor! (2010), combines pathos and humor for an emotionally resonant story. Publishers WeeklyCharacter development is the strongest element in this short novel. Clever, annoying Peep, who is so smart she was 'shoved' to Margie's grade, works well as a foil to her stalwart, determined sister. The dialogue rings true and carries the story along. School Library JournalSlim gem of a novel...Brown's straightforward prose, short chapters, and engaging narrator are perfect for reluctant readers ages 9 to 12. IngramTami Lewis Brown is the author of the picture book Soar, Elinor!, illustrated by Franois Roca. She holds an M.F.A. in writing for children from Vermont College and lives in Washington, D.C. The Map of Me is her first novel.; Title: The Map of Me | [
888
] | Train |
12,279 | 2 | Grade 1-3Rotten Ralph has his eye on the prize: the coveted Best in Show cup at the cat show, but his cousin has entered the competition, too. Ralph knows his chances are next to nil against Perfect Percy, the overachieving orange tabby who even has his own cheering squad. When Sarah tries to whip the rascally red feline into shape, it's a little bit Rocky, a little bit My Fair Lady, and none of it really seems to do Ralph a bit of good. He comes to realize that he can never become the sort of cat who recites A Tale of Two Kitties by rote: One was the best of kitties./The other was the worst of kitties. What Ralph does best is to be his own rotten self. This fourth Rotten Ralph Rotten Reader is every bit as lively and entertaining as the previous books. Rubel's wonderfully wonky and bright color illustrations add character expression and humor. Gantos gives kids everything they want in an early reader: a plotline with plenty of laughs, interesting characters, and a manageable reading experience. Divided into four short chapters, this story is perfect for beginning readers who are itching for, but not quite ready to make, the transition to lengthier chapter books.Carol L. MacKay, Camrose Public Library, Alberta, Canada Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 1-3. In the fourth installment of the popular Rotten Ralph Rotten Reader series, bad Ralph wants to beat his smarmy cousin Percy in the cat show, so he lets Sarah help him get in shape. She drags him off the couch ("It is so sad when a cat has gone to the dogs") and makes him do push-ups and sit-ups. One very funny picture shows him entangled on the floor after trying to jump rope. On the day of the contest, even though his whiskers are waxed and his posture is proper, he can't compete with Percy's fancy pedigree and skills. OK, Percy wins the prize, but Ralph gets a huge trophy for being the Worst at Being Best, and like the contest judges, new readers will be won over by the hilarious antics of the individual who stays true to his irrepressible self. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Best in Show for Rotten Ralph: A Rotten Ralph Rotten Reader (Rotten Ralph Rotten Readers) | [
10209,
12288,
12328,
12486,
25315
] | Test |
12,280 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 3-A bold thief has been sneaking into Old Granny's house to steal from her pot of beans. After three straight nights of pilfering, she decides to enlist the sheriff's aid. On her way into town, she crosses the path of a talking alligator, snake, cactus, pecan, and cow patty, all of which offer to help her stop the thief. Since the sheriff has gone fishing, Old Granny accepts their offer. She totes the absurd assortment of helpers back home, arranges them around the house as they ask, and bids them all good night. When the sneaky bean thief returns after dark, the fortuitously placed characters scare, smack, slip, prick, and bite him in turn, driving him away forever. DeFelice puts a Southwestern twist on an old folk motif in this tale that's reminiscent of "Jack and the Animals" or "The Nung-Gwama." The down-home narrative is folksy and fun to read aloud, particularly Granny's refrain, "In a pig's eye! My, oh, my!" Smith uses a Southwestern palette in her cartoon-style paintings, setting Granny and friends against dusty pink mesas and a slate blue sky. Each of the helpers-down to the tiny pecan-is endowed with bright eyes and a broad smile. The story is sure to be an easy sell with primary graders (what child can resist a grinning, talking cow patty?) and a welcome addition to storytimes.Eve Ortega, Cypress Library, CACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.K-Gr. 2. Old Granny lives alone, way outside of town, but she's got her beans always cooking, and she's pretty content. So, when a thief starts stealing her beans, she's mighty angry. She hightails it to the sheriff, and on the way meets an odd assortment of talkers: a snake, a pecan, a prickly pear cactus, an alligator, even a cow patty. They exhort her to take them home, but she strongly demurs, "In a pig's eye!" When she gets to town, however, and finds the sheriff gone, she picks up the group on the way home. Strategically placing themselves around the house--the alligator in the pond, the snake in the soaking beans, the cow patty on the front step, etc.--they capture the bean thief, a very surprised raccoon. Using a cheerful Southwestern palette, Bowman Smith cleverly captures the sassy tone of DeFelice's folksy telling. Children will be amused by Granny and her remarkable posse. GraceAnne DeCandidoCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Old Granny and the Bean Thief | [
12257
] | Train |
12,281 | 2 | * A New York Times Notable Children's Book of 2011 ; Title: Samantha on a Roll | [
17658,
20596,
29620,
32304,
32810,
46502,
46721,
70561,
74216
] | Train |
12,282 | 2 | Grade 1-4-Young Ana is surrounded by people with dreams-her friend Sophia wants to be an actress, her neighbor wants to buy the apartment building she lives in, a local restaurant owner wants to bring his family to America. Ana doesn't realize her own heart's desire until a volcanic stone from her ancestral home inspires a dream in which she and her mother travel to Costa Rica to be reunited with Ana's grandparents. Despite the lyrical language, the plot falters in places, only becoming cohesive in the second half of the story. The illustrations, however, never fail to delight. The lush, richly patterned pictures beautifully complement the tale, the soft earth tones imbuing each page with a warm golden hue. The images of Ana and her mother are particularly soulful. The text is sprinkled with phrases in Spanish, and a brief glossary is included.-Sue Morgan, Tom Kitayama Elementary School, Union City, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. Living in a city apartment, a child dreams of returning with her mother to the family in Costa Rica where Mama was born. The words are lyrical--the blackbirds in the yard "lift like a carpet being shaken, then fall again in one piece"--and the beautiful, richly patterned illustrations show the diverse city neighborhood as well as the far-off places that mother and daughter dream about. Other people dream, too, including Mr. Nguyen, who works long hours for money to bring his family to the U.S., though the grouchy, angry baker for whom Mama works has given up on dreaming. This is more mood piece than story, but many kids in immigrant families will recognize the intimacy, longing, and loss, as well as the pictures and the stories of places and people far away that are part of who we are. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Remembering Stone (Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature. Commended (Awards)) | [
27148,
40983,
41413,
59910
] | Train |
12,283 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 1The trio from Pumpkin Soup (Farrar, 1999) is back again in another gentle tale of friendship and lessons learned. Once again, the animals are concocting their favorite brew of pumpkin soup when they realize that they've run out of salt. Cat announces that he's going shopping when directionally challenged, but headstrong little Duck insists on accompanying him. Cat relents only after Duck promises to hold on tight to avoid getting lost. A concerned Squirrel decides to bring up the rear on the trip to the city. With his friends on either side, Duck spies a pepper shop and decides that the flavoring would be a delicious addition to their soup. Squirrel begs to differ and he and Cat steam off in the direction of the salt shop, unknowingly leaving their distracted friend behind. Reminiscent of the panic of any youngster left alone in unfamiliar territory, Duck, in a terrible tizzy, becomes even more lost. A true-to-life, predictable resolution ensues although heightened by an overblown response by the police and fire departments. Readers will be reassured by this beguiling rendition of a common childhood experience. The rich coloration and expressive representations of the characters raise this story above the ordinary. Purchase this companion book where its predecessor is popular.Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. Like its predecessor, this companion to Cooper's Pumpkin Soup (1997) offers folksy paintings in spice-cabinet colors and a text that sparkles brightest when read aloud. Duck, Cat, and Squirrel visit town to purchase salt for their trademark pumpkin soup. Duck, the smallest of the trio, "had a habit of wandering off," and it's not long before an enticing window display of peppers catches his attention and he loses his friends in the crowd. A concerned mother hen leads panicky Duck back to the point of separation, while the others retrace their steps to enfold their missing friend in a warm embrace. Some adults may be troubled by Duck's ready acceptance of help from a stranger who is not a police officer, but little listeners will pay less attention to plot specifics than to Cooper's dramatic narrative and warm, dreamlike watercolors. An attractive choice for autumnal story hours and for discussions of personal safety. Jennifer MattsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: A Pipkin of Pepper | [
3244,
5514,
5578,
6071,
6735,
12081,
12323,
20792,
37807,
39131,
48173,
56698
] | Test |
12,284 | 2 | Younger kids will love the repetition of the verses in this tale of a pout-pout fish. TIME magazine, from its Top 10 Childrens' Books of 2008 ListWinning artwork...Hanna's cartoonish undersea world swims with hilarious bug-eyed creatures that ooze personality Kirkus ReviewsAppealing...the cartoon illustrations of undersea life are bright and clean and the protagonist's exaggerated expressions are entertaining. School Library JournalDiesen's clever rhymes are playful and fun and are sure to keep children's imaginations swimming from page to page. Times Record NewsDeborah Diesen is the bestselling author of The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark. She grew up in Midland, Michigan, and started writing poems at a young age. She has worked as a bookseller and a librarian, and now works for a small nonprofit organization, but her greatest joy comes from writing for children. She lives with her family in Grand Ledge, Michigan.Dan Hanna has over ten years' experience in the animation industry, and his work has appeared on the Cartoon Network. He lives in Oxnard, California.; Title: The Pout-Pout Fish (A Pout-Pout Fish Adventure) | [
6071,
6098,
6735,
7585,
8598,
11904,
11929,
11952,
11979,
11988,
12292,
12329,
12380,
13981,
14550,
14695,
14995,
15830,
16046,
17236,
17669,
20180,
23956,
24132,
25962,
25966,
27779,
28496,
28790,
31175,
33047,
33211,
33832,
38301,
38587,
38603,... | Test |
12,285 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 2 As a toddler, Sally Jean rides on the back of her mother's bicycle. She graduates to a tricycle at age two. By age four, she has her own yard-sale bike with training wheels. Those baby wheels come off the next year and she becomes Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen, who rides like a pro on her bike named Flash. By the time Sally Jean is eight, she has outgrown her beloved Flash. Her parents can't afford a new bike, but her neighbor, a junk collector, comes to her rescue. In exchange for cleaning his yard, he gives Sally Jean used parts. Soon she is repairing other kids' bikes, but still doesn't have one of her own until the child comes up with an idea. Davenier's ink-and-watercolor illustrations are light and airy and convey a variety of emotions and delightful details. Sally Jean is a real charmer, and children will appreciate her resourcefulness and tenacity. Pair this terrific book with Bruce McMillan's The Remarkable Riderless Runaway Tricycle (Apple Island Bks, 1985) or Jim Aylesworth's My Sister's Rusty Bike (S & S, 1996) for a storyhour with a great deal of flash. Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.K-Gr. 2. Thanks to its adjustable seat and handlebars, Sally Jean's bright red two-wheeler, which she calls "Flash," grows right along with its rider. But pretty soon "there was no more room for raising," and no money to buy a bigger bike. At first despairing, resourceful Sally Jean eventually solves the problem using her imagination, advice from a kindly junk shop owner, and her mechanical skills. Sally Jean's DIY inclinations are too subtly implied to support the large role they play in the resolution, and the periodic singsong refrains, though disarmingly zealous, do not always read smoothly ("I'm a plane, I'm a train, / I'm a girl up on a horse. / I'm Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen, / And my bike is Flash, of course!"). But the conclusion is perfectly pitched, and Davenier's spontaneous, ebullient watercolors, reminiscent of the work of Marc Simont, flesh out Sally Jean's world with fond details of neighborhood, family, and friends, and capture the irresistible qualities of a little girl who knows how to make things happen. Jennifer MattsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen | [
107,
516,
554,
1364,
1737,
2257,
2819,
2864,
4592,
5366,
5997,
6098,
6284,
7336,
7570,
7782,
10099,
11611,
11997,
14016,
15004,
15054,
16147,
16278,
16307,
16344,
16424,
16578,
16915,
19538,
22984,
23860,
24299,
24710,
25045,
27752,
28798,
28... | Test |
12,286 | 2 | This enchanting story explores the ups and downs of close-knit camaraderie. Beginning with a peek through a window where Cat, Squirrel and Duck are making music together, Cooper (The Boy Who Wouldn't Go to Bed) invites youngsters into their cozy pumpkin-shaped home. There's a rhythm to their lives: each has his own instrument to play and his own duties when it comes to cooking their famous pumpkin soup ("the best you ever tasted"). But one day, Duck decides to be the stirrer instead of the salt pourer, and an all-out battle ensues. Here the warm golden glow that has permeated their dwelling turns an angry orange-red with paws, wings and "@#$!"s flying. After Duck waddles off in a huff, the remaining pair heads out to hunt for himAto no avail. In a charming time-lapse sequence, vignettes of Cat and Squirrel moping on the steps of their house form an arc along the side of a spread ("So they waited.../ All that long afternoon..."). Mimicking grade-schoolers everywhere, Cat and Squirrel next decide to carry on with the cooking, adopting a we'll-show-him attitude. Of course the soup is too salty and the repentant pals begin to imagine scary scenarios of where Duck might be. But Duck does return, to a warm welcomeAuntil he suggests a turn on Cat's bagpipes. Thanks to Cooper's uncanny ability to capture the dynamics of friendship, children will be able to laugh at this trio (and themselves) and recognize that true friendship can weather most any storm. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2 Cooper serves up a well-rounded tale told with storyteller's cadences. Pudgy housemates Squirrel, Cat, and Duck team up for activities including quilt making and music concerts, until Duck wants to be Head Cook and stir the soup. The trio spats and Duck waddles off in a huff. As the remaining pair search pumpkin patch and dark forest for their pal, they rethink their position. Coziness returns when they find Duck back home and learn to share at least cooking roles. Readers will linger over each page, savoring the delicious illustrations. Rich autumn colors and enchanting details on large spreads and spot illustrations embellish characterizations and setting. Energetic language with fresh images keeps the story bouncing along. Some may be troubled by the lack of closure on Duck's whereabouts during his absence, but the final comic page makes for a satisfying ending. The grand finale, of course, is a recipe for pumpkin soup. Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Pumpkin Soup | [
1369,
3244,
3336,
4000,
4665,
5560,
6292,
6329,
6649,
6852,
6931,
7302,
7455,
7654,
8681,
8745,
10767,
11926,
12283,
13272,
15543,
15740,
16395,
16536,
17105,
18575,
20788,
20792,
21026,
21411,
21682,
22726,
22984,
23691,
26263,
28147,
28375,
... | Test |
12,287 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 3Based on a factual anecdote, this book recounts the story of two sisters from South Africa who are stranded in New York in the aftermath of September 11. The women, who are flying with 2400 roses for a flower show, land right after the Twin Towers are hit. A stranger offers them a place to stay. Wanting to repay this kindness, they take their flowers to Union Square and arrange them in the shape of the fallen towers amid the many other memorials. The pen-and-ink illustrations begin in color but dramatically turn to black and white when the events of 9/11 take over. Color gently returns through the appearance of the rose and candle memorials. The spare and poetic text, small-sized format, and simple drawings give these painful days a direct and personal resonance. Because of the script font and the format, this book works best one-on-one rather than for beginning readers or group sharing. While this story will not explain what happened on 9/11 to children too young to remember it, Winter's offering captures the intensity of emotion that was felt that day and the healing human connections that soon followed.Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.*Starred Review* K-Gr. 3. This very small book that even a child can hold in one hand is full of ineffable sorrow and sweetness. Two sisters fly to New York from South Africa with thousands of roses mearnt for a flower show. The day they fly is September 11, 2001, and after the attack they are stranded at the airport with their flowers. They are offered shelter and offer their roses in return: at Union Square, they design two fallen towers made of roses. Winter (My Baby and My Name Is Georgia) makes beautiful patterns with her figures and her roses using her signature thick black outlines. At the center of the book, when the towers are hit and the women stranded, she switches to grisaille so the exquisitely drawn images are gray. When the roses are made into the fallen towers, the colors return. In notes at the beginning and end, Winter describes where she was when the Towers were hit. The Man Who Walked between the Towers (2003) and Fireboat (2002) are more powerful, but this is understated and full of tenderness. GraceAnne DeCandidoCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: September Roses | [
6048,
6829,
7111,
9581,
16191,
16347,
18483,
19362,
22754,
24710,
33117,
33981,
42371,
42497,
43126,
43598,
43892,
44448,
45641,
52592,
55589,
58171,
60411,
60570
] | Validation |
12,288 | 2 | K-Gr 2Ralph's fans will welcome this new addition, though the adventure rolls out in the usual way and predictably ends with the naughty feline showing a momentary display of sweetness. In this episode, Sarah has to decline a party invitation because she can't find a single cat sitter in town willing to spend time with Ralph. His reputation has impacted his best friend's life, and she sends him to his room, demanding that he change his ways. Ralph waxes nostalgic about the good old days when he lived with his own cat family. But a visit to the family farm reveals relatives just as rotten as he is and reinforces the fact that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Some readers may be perplexed by the difference between Ralph's vividly depicted childhood memories and reality. The transformation makes sense only if one assumes that the pictures in Ralph's mind are candy-coated, and this recognition may prompt some meaningful discussions about human behavior and also serve as a lesson in inference. Rubel's signature cartoon illustrations contain all the humor one could want in this latest chapter book about the incorrigible yet charismatic cat.Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CTSarah, disgusted after every cat sitter in town refuses to stay with Rotten Ralph, asks him why hes so rotten. Ralph wonders too. He misses his doting mother and decides to return to his family, but after he arrives, all his other relatives play mean tricks on him. Mystery solved! Theres plenty to enjoy in this droll, satisfying story, from Ralphs zany kitten/baby pictures to the unnerving scenes of a reformed Ralph cleaning up his act and his room (he even cleaned the fish tank without eating the fish). Expressive, wildly colorful illustrations amplify the humor. Another winner in the Rotten Ralph Rotten Readers series. Grades 1-3. --Carolyn Phelan; Title: Rotten Ralph's Rotten Family: A Rotten Ralph Rotten Reader (Rotten Ralph Rotten Readers) | [
10209,
12279,
12328,
12486,
15506,
25315
] | Test |
12,289 | 0 | Barasch's watercolors bring this historical dog to endearing life. Miami HeraldReaders will be captivated by Owney's journey from hungry and homeless to beloved guardian of the mail trains... sure to develop a loyal following among lovers of dog stories. Starred, School Library JournalEver alert and increasingly covered in tags attached at his many stopovers, this small dog makes an engaging centerpiece. Kirkus ReviewsKudos to Kerby who...did plenty of research for this kid-friendly history. . . . The Ink-and-watercolor paintings, ranging from two-page spreads to vignettes, are varied and interesting. BooklistWatercolor-and-ink sketches warmly illustrate the mixed-breed terrier and showcase the varied architectural styles that housed post offices around the country. Horn BookThis is a versatile little doggy number: it could also serve as a readaloud . . . or it could serve as an offbeat springboard to explorations of travel or even the postal system. Bulletin for the Center of Children's BooksMona Kerby writes award-winning fiction, nonfiction, and picture books for children.Her 38 Weeks Till Summer Vacation won the Minnesota Maud Hart Lovelace Award. Owney, the Mail-Pouch Pooch won the California Young Readers Award and the Vermont Red Clover Award and received the Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award. See monakerby.com for more information.; Title: Owney, the Mail-Pouch Pooch | [
4204,
4898,
6086,
7393,
8596,
12043,
26885,
39272,
42743,
42745,
46629,
54481
] | Train |
12,290 | 1 | A gargoyle-faced puppy grins from the appealing dust jacket of U'Ren's debut, inviting dog lovers to hear its story. This is the fawn-brown, muscular Pugdog, who drools incessantly and loves romping in the dirt. Pugdog looks tough and always wants to play. One day at the vet's, "Pugdog didn't whimper once as the vet removed a long splinter.... `He's such a good boy!' said [Pugdog's owner] Mike proudly. `He?' asked the vet. `She! Pugdog's a she! See?' " Mike's attitude toward his pet quickly changes. Pugdog finds her black spiked collar replaced by ribbons and a leash (" `Like a real lady,' as Mike would say"), when what she really wants is to be a "big, slobbering mess" at the park. U'Ren shows how Mike's sensibilities are shaken when his girl dog gets muddy, and again when an immaculately coifed white poodle turns out to be male. "I can see I'm the one who has a lot to learn!" Mike moans at the conclusion, slapping his forehead. The author-illustrator's winsome portraits make the wiggly, wrinkly Pugdog resemble both a pug and a bulldog; aficionados of snub-nosed, bulging-eyed breeds will find these images hilarious. And U'Ren's marvelous pictures underscore the message that traditional gender roles need not apply. Ages 3-6.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Ages 4-8. Gender stereotypes are the not-so-subtle theme driving this slim story about acceptance and pet ownership. Pugdog loves life with owner Mike. The days are spent chasing, rolling, and digging in the park; nights bring fresh bones and belly scratches. But on a trip to the vet, Mike discovers that his "good boy" Pugdog is actually a girl. Mike gives Pug a makeover, bringing her to the doggy salon where she's groomed and outfitted in bows and a dress. Miserable, Pug escapes, tears around the park, and meets a frilly "ladylike" poodle, who's male. Mike learns his lesson, and Pugdog returns to her former life of mud rolling and squirrel chasing. The easy-reader style text is heavy with message, but the clean-lined, humorous illustrations create an endearing character in Pugdog, slobber and all. Pugdog's desire to be seen and accepted will resonate with children, and young pet owners will recognize the sincere bond between Mike and his dog. Gillian EngbergCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Pugdog | [
11546,
33863,
37757,
55244,
59804,
67635
] | Train |
12,291 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 4 Pius Pelosi, a young pack rat, has a spot set aside to house his collection of miscellaneous items. Full of curiosities, including twigs, feathers, sea glass, shells, and buttons, the room draws visitors from far and wide eager to learn about the objects and how the rodent discovered them. One item a very plain-looking small gray pebble is given particular prominence. Although it is special to him because it is the first thing he ever collected, his guests consider it too ordinary to display. Ultimately, he bows to their pressure, removing it and tossing it into the river. Saddened by its absence, Pius gives away the remaining articles and vows to stop searching for new ones. On his first venture out, however, he spies a small gray pebble and his interest in collecting is once again sparked. Ruzzier's gently told story is perfectly pitched for the picture-book crowd. The lesson is subtle but will lead to much discussion. The softly shaded illustrations, done in soothing pastel colors, show a medieval-looking village and the surrounding countryside. Pius, with his sweetly comical expressions, reflects the quiet tone of the text. In the tradition of Leo Lionni's Frederick and William Steig's Sylvester, Pius is a character worth meeting. Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 1-3. Ruzzier, the illustrator of Lore Segal's Mole books, contributes both words and pictures to this unusual story about a pack rat who finds beauty in the discarded and overlooked. Visitors marvel at his finds, but they always criticize his first discovery: a plain, ordinary pebble. Pius loves it, but he falls to peer pressure and throws it away. Later, he thinks about the pebble instead of new discoveries, and nothing is fun. Despondent, he gives away all his objects, and then, feeling free and light, he finds another pebble that inspires treasure hunting once again. Illustrated in pale, ice-cream-colored spreads that seem as carefully composed as the smooth text, the story will work with several different age groups. An audience far older than the usual picture-book crowd may read the story as a philosophical meditation about the creative process and private inspiration. Younger children, however, will see their own special objects in Pius' stone and will feel his loss when he fails to listen to his heart. A thought-provoking parable for old and young alike. Pair with Mem Fox's Hunwick's Egg (2005). Gillian EngbergCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Room of Wonders | [
21445,
52643,
64976
] | Validation |
12,292 | 2 | In this companion to The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark (2010), Mr. Fish recalls his first day of school. Since he doesnt know where to go, he peers into several classrooms where students are writing, doing math, and drawing shapes. Pout-Pout becomes frustrated because he cant do the work and vows to forget it. Finally, he meets his teacher (Miss Hewitt of the lovely green eyes and long, flowing blond tentacles), who kindly escorts him to her classroom for brand-new fish, where all kinder-guppies succeed. Fans of this series will appreciate Diesens rhythmicand ultimately reassuringtext, and Hannas sunny illustrations contain many clever details (an octopus operates a clam cam, and the art wing sports a poster of Leonardo da Pinchy, an artistic crab). This should comfort school-phobic preschoolers and slightly older children who can remember their own anxieties. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Diesen and Hanna are reeling in a big one here. With 1.8 million Pout-Pout books already in print, this might just push it over the big 2. Preschool-Grade 1. --Kay WeismanDiesen tackles a worry not often found in back-to-school books; young Mr. Fish will ease children's fears about what will be expected of them. Kirkus ReviewsFans of this series will appreciate Diesen's rhythmic - and ultimately reassuring - text, and Hanna's sunny illustrations contain many clever details. Booklist; Title: The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School (A Pout-Pout Fish Adventure) | [
625,
1079,
1270,
1357,
1412,
1695,
2443,
2477,
2500,
2772,
2901,
3293,
3600,
3681,
3863,
5498,
6671,
6720,
10106,
11918,
11920,
11929,
11945,
11952,
11974,
11979,
11988,
11993,
12001,
12284,
12329,
12380,
15150,
18438,
18583,
18886,
24005,
24... | Train |
12,293 | 15 | Gr 4-7With equal parts adventure and science, Bristow chronicles the invention and development of the hot-air balloon, from initial attempts in France in 1783 that were viewed with suspicion and fear, through the very early 20th century when people were using balloons to execute daring feats to entertain crowds. The writing is crisp and lively, and readers will be easily drawn into the stories of these early risk-takers. Vivid detail, imaginative storytelling, and artwork from the period all make for a compelling account of a bygone time. Thorough source notes, an extensive bibliography, and further-reading lists are included.Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.In the beginning of human flight, those daring young menand womenof song and story were not to be found in flying machines but, instead, in baskets hanging beneath hot-air and helium-filled balloons. The results were sometimes heroic, sometimes comic, but always fraught with danger. Bristow gives readers the spirited stories of nine of these pioneers of flight. Together they trace the evolution of ballooning from pleasure craft to occasion for adventure to scientific observation to use in wartime. The period covered is 1783 to 1912, the end of the balloon era. This historical setting is enlivened through the use of period photographs, drawings, advertisements, and visual records presented here in full color. The result is a quick but never uninteresting journey through a little-covered subject that is sure to inspire readers to search for more stories like these. Thorough source notes and a bibliography will aid their search. Grades 5-7. --Michael Cart; Title: Sky Sailors: True Stories of the Balloon Era | [
6814,
27619,
50154,
54054
] | Train |
12,294 | 2 | DeFelice (The Ghost and Mrs. Hobbs) hits the mark with this tale of wishful identity, amiably chronicled in Alley's (Little Flower) warm portrait of a hardworking family. Dulcie lives on a farm but is convinced that she's really a princess named Dulcinea. As she mucks out the chicken coop, she fantasizes about her real mother [who] does not believe in broccoli and her real father [who] does not have manure stuck to his boots. Her parents wisely let her go off in search of her royal fate. Alley portrays the spunky heroine clutching a book when she s not in the farmyard a collection of princess stories. In the castle (her own barn) she discovers that, compared to the stories in her book (one princess is made to wear rags and sleep in the ashes, another is locked in a tower by a witch), her life might not be so bad after all. In a break with the book's otherwise realistic treatment and its only weak spot ogres and trolls threaten Dulcie, then disappear when she tells them she's not a princess. But the ending returns to the book's strength, a full-blooded family that welcomes her home. Author and artist present an appealing family, warts and all, and the brother's caustic remarks act as the perfect foil for the parent's expert handling of their daughter. Alley plays up the contrast between Dulcie's humble circumstances and the glittering life she wishes she led, yet makes clear that she lacks for nothing. A smartly told story with a gentle moral. Ages 4-8.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-3-As the story opens, Dulcie is carrying a garden hose, a rake, and an unhappy expression. Mucking out the chicken coop is not the work of the princess she deems herself to be. Soon the child's dissatisfaction reaches the boiling point. She announces her true identity to her placidly indulgent parents and runs away (to the barn) with a book of fairy tales under her arm. An afternoon spent lying in the hay reading teaches her the difference between her dreams of adulation and the real, true life of princesses, e.g., sleeping in ashes, locked in towers, pestered by enchantments. By the time she decides to go home, darkness has fallen and the creepy old barn has filled with shadowy trolls, ogres, and witches. But if Dulcie is not a fairy-tale princess, then these fairy-tale goblins can't be real. Poof! They are gone and our heroine decides to be content with her lot in life. Alley's pastel watercolors are light and cheerful, never too scary, even in the creepy parts. This is a nice follow-up to a few traditional m„rchen.Ruth Semrau, Upshur County Public Library, Gilmer, TXCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Real, True Dulcie Campbell | [
12439
] | Train |
12,295 | 13 | PreS-Gr 2Rupert loves to watch Mandy dance all day long. But what the child doesn't know is that when she goes to bed, her quiet ginger cat slips on her dancing shoes and dances the night away. Rupert wants to keep his secret, but one night Mandy wakes up, and Rupert is caught in the act. When she decides to teach him some steps, he hides under the bed ("Cats are not meant for lessons. Cats are free spirits"). Then Mandy understands and cleverly hatches a plan that ends with the two friends joyfully dancing together for years. This story focuses on the relationship between the two characters and celebrates the joy of dancing, alone or with friends. Feiffer has created a compelling, yet concise, sequential narrative that shows the importance of imagination and being flexible. Sets of three consecutive scenes are used several times to focus on a character's emotion or motivation. The mixed-media illustrations feature loose and broad line work that will be familiar to Feiffer's fans. The balance of full-page art and characters dancing against the white space propels the story forward while providing visual variety, and the large size of this book makes it great for group sharing. The main text is large and bold and done in a stylistic font, while Mandy's dialogue is in an easier-to-read font. A first purchase for cat fans and free spirits everywhere.Amy Seto Musser, Denver Public LibraryMandy dances all day long, showing off her peerless steps to her stoic cat, Rupert. But after she goes to sleep, Rupert dons her dancing shoes and matches her prowess, though strictly in secret. When Mandy catches him one night, Rupert retreats beneath the bed and refuses to come out. Mandy hatches a plan, pretending to need Ruperts instruction, and the two dance together. Problem solved. A final spread shows a grown Mandy dancing on stagewith Rupert dancing beside her. Feiffers familiar, sketchy Magic Marker artwork is especially rough here, compounding the storys already childlike sense of whimsy. The straightforward telling, built upon a strong sense of feline behaviors and attitudes, will appeal especially to cat aficionados. Large trim size, oversize illustrations, and careful pacing make this an obvious choice for group sharing. Preschool-Grade 3. --Thom Barthelmess; Title: Rupert Can Dance | [
2257,
3061,
10838,
27108,
28103,
33530,
52397,
52599,
52753
] | Train |
12,296 | 2 | Indies Introduce title for winter/spring 2016Kids' Indie Next Top 10 pick for winter 2015-2016Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year pick, 2017A 2018High School Sequoyah Masterlist selection from the Oklahoma Library AssociationALAN Pick for April/May 2016ABC Best Books for Young Readers title, 2016Paste Magazine: Ten of the Best New Young Adult Novels in JanuaryBookish: Winter 2015 Unputdownable Young Adult PickB&N Teen Blog: Most Anticipated January Release"Debut author Reichardt doesnt oversimplify: Morgan isnt saved by love; rather, new neighbor Evan reminds her of life and what its like to have a friend. As Evan, who has his own connection to the shooting, tells her, what he likes about Morgan is that shes real, and thats exactly what readers will appreciate about this book." Publishers Weekly, starred review"Debut author Reichardt smartly reveals the source of Morgan's agoraphobia--a school shooting--very gradually, which, along with the sweet romance with Evan, urges the plot forward. Morgan's... story of growth and redemption will be rewarding for readers who love character-driven novels." Booklist"Readers will enjoy the emotional balance Reichardt gives to the high stakes conflicts in a teens life." School Library Journal"A moving, reflective exploration of grief, trauma, and how individuals find their paths toward resilience." Kirkus Reviews "While this is a tender and appealing romance, it would also make a thoughtful complement to the many books about school shootings to illuminate the effects that last beyond the horrible day." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"Reichardt's remarkable debut novel, told in Morgan's voice, is a sensitive and inspirational exploration of the aftermath of tragedy and of a young woman's grief and guilt. Young adults will enjoy sharing Morgan's passage from hurt to healing." VOYAMarisa Reichardt lives in Southern California with her family.; Title: Underwater: A Novel | [
6485,
6930,
45637,
64757
] | Train |
12,297 | 11 | Grade 2-5These retellings of classic European folktales with a modern Latino twist are only half-realized, and fall sadly flat. >From "Blanca Nieves and the Seven Vaqueritos" to "Juan and the Pinto Bean Stalk" to "Belleza y La Bestia," readers will find leaden prose, obvious and didactically stated morals, and narratives that have no tension, but move like a report of a plot that all readers know. The "cultural twist" affects the names, the food, and the setting. The characters say "seor" and "adios," but there is nothing "Latino" about the retellingsand none of the import or flavor of the originals. Two exceptions are "The Three Chicharrones," which poses the wolf as land-grabbing developer Dinero Martnez, and "The Sleeping Beauty," in which the princess is a snob and the witch is a misunderstood young lady who wins handsome Pepe's heart. Yet though these exhibit an inventiveness with the story, their language is similarly drab. Alarco's comical and fanciful illustrations are wasted here. If one must have a Latino version of one of these folktales (and what exactly is the point? It's not as if the various Latino cultures have no rich oral traditions of their own), try Bobbi Salinas's The Three Pigs: Nacho, Tito, and Miguel (Piata, 1998), which has a storyteller's sensibility.Nina Lindsay, Oakland Public Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.*Starred Review* Gr. 3-5. The fractured fairy tale gets cool Latino flavor in this lively collection of 11 fresh retellings, with witty reversals of class and gender roles and powerful, full-page pictures that set the drama in venues ranging from the desert and the barrio to a skyscraper. The old scary demons, such as the witch in the forest, are in evidence, but there's also a Sleeping Beauty story told about a hurt, angry orphan witch who gets revenge for not being invited to a spoiled, rich girl's quinceacera. In "Emperador's New Clothes," Emperador runs the high-school scene. His perfectly gelled, spiky hair makes him look as if he just popped out of a teen magazine. Then Veronica tricks him into appearing at the assembly in his underpants. Unfortunately, some messages are much too heavily spelled out: Beauty teaches Beast not only about the revolution but also about the meaning of fear and true ugliness; Jack finds his dream not in the sky but in hard work. But the lively, fast-paced retellings, the Spanish idiom (there's a glossary at the back), and the dynamic, full-page pictures, several per story, make this great for storytelling collections. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Red Ridin' in the Hood: and Other Cuentos | [
2764,
6905,
10343,
13577,
16347,
21391,
21637,
41799,
55120
] | Train |
12,298 | 18 | The incredible adventures of Sir Francis Drake are splendidly recreated as a ballad. Well suited to the subject is Gerrard's distinctive draftsmanshipthe figures that look like middle-aged babies, the crowded scenes and fastidious patterns. His words and pictures create an intriguing miniature world, but the irony of his plundering Spanish "chaps" and other calculated word choices will not be lost on adults reading the story aloud. Children will find the spectacle of this unfolding life mesmerizing; this diverting and sophisticated fare is hard to resist. Ages 3-up. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Sir Francis Drake: His Daring Deeds | [
12068,
12396,
12482
] | Train |
12,299 | 2 | With its tranquil pace and soft pencil drawings, this teddy bear tale makes a potent bedtime antidote for wound-up children. Originally written in German, Buchholz's story progresses a bit unevenly, but his delicate pointillism more than compensates. A wakeful teddy bear revisits his activities of the day just past, and ponders what he might do tomorrow. His mental wanderings take him to a river, a meadow, a neighbor's house and a circus, where "in the evening quiet, the clown is playing a sleep song on his violin for the baby elephant." Inside the back cover is an envelope that contains a letter, labeled "To the Finder of the Red Balloon," and a picture for the reader to color and put under his or her pillow to bring "a beautiful dream" (the salutation refers to a mysterious letter-carrying balloon in the text). In both its language and its art, this nighttime dreamscape offers images sweet and soothing. Ages 3-up. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-A German import with beautiful pictures and a somewhat rambling plot. At bedtime, this classic-looking Teddy bear looks out his bedroom window onto a bucolic scene, "...where the moon floats in the heavens like a great round lantern, shining softly on the meadows, on the house, on the trees, on the river, and on the whole world." The story continues as an inventory of the bear's day and speculation on what the next will bring. Finally, he kisses the moon goodnight and cuddles up in bed with his boy. There's no dramatic tension, but the smoothly written text makes a wonderful read-aloud, with a soothing rhythm perfect for a bedtime book. And Buchholz's paintings are simply lovely. He has a magical way with light and landscapes, showing moments that look frozen in time like some of Van Allsburg's best work. The overall mood of peacefulness is brilliantly created and sustained. While this story is quite long for the intended-age group, youngsters cuddled up in bed probably won't mind. In fact, some of the descriptive passages may put them to sleep. Not flawless, but certainly an attractive book that will appeal to nostalgic adults in particular. Note: the envelope tucked inside the back cover is more suited to personal use than to library use, but it is not essential to the plot.Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, ILCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Sleep Well, Little Bear | [
12057
] | Train |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.