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16,300 | 0 | PreS-K-The award-winning illustrator brings his flair for vibrant, large-scale figures to this introduction to various farm animals. "Furry ones,/feathered ones, woolly ones too/Some things they do/Just might surprise you!" Even older children may not know that turkeys purr and dairy cows drink a bathtub's worth of water each day. Most of the facts are well-known, but the unfussy rhymes keep a cheerful flow. Minor's naturalistic watercolor and gouache paintings will win over readers of many generations with their retro ambience. Textures of feathers, wool, and barn siding beg to be touched. The minimalist backgrounds on the spreads focus on the animals. "My Farm Friends Fun Facts" is appended for additional tidbits about each of the featured barnyard denizens.-Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.Drawing on childhood memories of his familys Illinois farm, Minor celebrates farm animals furry, feathered, hairy, and woollywith warm watercolor-and-gouache artwork and cozy, playful rhymes that young children will love to hear many times over: Horses eat hay / And horses say neigh / They sleep standing up / Could you / sleep that way? Starting with the title page, depicting a kid stretching out to stroke a lamb, the arts textures invite kids to imagine the sensations of being on a farm as well as the mischief. On the spread accompanying the poem Billy goat / silly goat, / chews everything / Just because hes curious . . . It might make you furious, a goat stares back at viewers with a red paisley scarf in its mouth. Another spread informs kids that cows drink a bathtub full of water to produce milk every day, and the picture shows a cow drinking from an outdoor tub as a smiling boy takes his bath. More fun facts appear on the final spread, which includes Internet sources. Preschool-Kindergarten. --Hazel Rochman; Title: My Farm Friends | [
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16,301 | 7 | Grade 4 UpWhen Redwall Abbey is attacked by Cluny the rat's army, Matthias the mouse follows the example of Martin the Warrior and becomes a hero. Fans of the novel will want to see if villains like Cluny the Scourge and Asmodeus Poisonteeth live up to their imaginations, while new readers will enjoy visiting Redwall for the first time. The adaptation of the novel is excellent; even this condensed form captures the spirit and the language of the original. The graphic-novel format makes the action accessible to younger readers, who will be able to join the ranks of fans who love Matthias the mouse, Constance the badger, and the rest of the Redwall supporters. The story is a page-turner, and the detailed black-and-white drawings capture both the passion and the pathos. Characters on both sides are injured and killed; the violence is realistic but not graphic. By the end of the book, readers will be cheering for Matthias as he uses both his brawn and his brains to defeat his enemies and become the champion of Redwall.Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.The much-loved, fantasy series has morphed into a graphic novel with mixed results. Adapting a favorite is always tricky: creators want to acknowledge the fans but also draw in new readers. In this case, the story has holes that only Redwall devotees can fill, but readers unacquainted with the series will still find themselves caught up in the action. Blevins' art effectively conveys the emotional edge of the animal characters while it maintains a Saturday-morning-cartoon feel. Fun for some, although Redwall fanatics will think part of the magic is missing. King, Kevin; Title: Redwall: the Graphic Novel | [
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16,302 | 5 | Starred Review. Grade 1-6Goha, a folk character from the Middle East, is, by turns, a fool, a wise man, and a trickster in these 15 stories. Readers may find some tales familiar from other cultures, such as when Goha gets confused about whether he has 11 or 12 donkeys (depending on whether he is counting while astride or aside of one). Others are less well known, but equally entertaining, as in the tale of friends who try to convince Goha that they are expected for dinner. The protagonist turns the tables by selling their politely removed shoes to pay for the meal. An author's note describes the multiple countries laying claim to the character's origin and shows a photograph of the tentmakers in Cairo who designed and stitched the cloth illustrations, or khiyamiyas, for this book. Colorful caricatures are appliqud onto a sand-colored background resembling linen; there is one for each tale. The stories contain interesting cultural insights about a part of the world unknown to many in the Western Hemisphere, while yielding universal truths. Although there is a variety of curricular possibilities, children would undoubtedly enjoy comparing this folk hero to his cousins Jack, Anansi, Coyote, or Brer Rabbit. And as a guidebook to survival strategies for challenging situations, there is none better.Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.*Starred Review* Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. In this spirited collaboration, a Middle Eastern trickster-fool is strikingly presented to American children. Johnson-Davies, a translator of Arabic texts who lives in Cairo, provides succinct retellings of 15 "Goha stories," which have been illustrated by a team of Cairo tent makers in the form of traditional khiyamiya tapestries, with bits of bright, solid-colored fabric stitched to roughly woven, oatmeal-toned backgrounds. Many of the tales expose familiar human foibles, as when Goha repurchases his own mule after listening to a dealer's glowing, exaggerated sales pitch for the beast. Others amusingly illustrate wise principles ("In life, it is impossible to please everyone") that belie Goha's deceptively hapless ways. Adults concerned about the authenticity of the materials used to facilitate cross-cultural understanding will welcome this pairing of text and art, but the bold, elemental artwork will sell itself; each scene exudes a comical energy, concentrated around Goha's plump, wide-eyed form, that will instantly put kids in a giggling mood. Johnson-Davies doesn't identify sources, but an endnote explains the tent-making tradition in Cairo (including a wonderful photo of the artists at work) and gives a concise overview of the memorable character's role in numerous Middle Eastern cultures. Jennifer MattsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Goha The Wise Fool | [
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16,303 | 13 | PreS-Gr 2Paris's Seine is the backdrop for a street performer and his talented dogs. Victor is a terrier who does backflips within the bicycle basket. Hugo, a hound, balances on a stack of gaily decorated boxes. The Maestro presides at the accordion, but when the animals and musician sound out their names, the instrument echoes their syllables without being played. A merry crowd gathers, to the dismay of an organ grinder, "Grumpy Max," who throws salami to silence the dogs. This sets off a chain reaction in which the instrument and canines fly over the bridge onto a barge, the accordion wedges into a tire, the tire rolls away, and the animals search the sewers for the runaway instrument. Blake's painterly compositions delight the eye. Each page portrays the action in a different light, from the golden glow and strong shadows of early morning to the scene drenched in blue as Victor and Hugo howl their underground melancholy. The narrative is lively, expressive, and slyly humorous. Establishing the mood during the music's absence, the author writes: "Cars wouldn't start, doors wouldn't open, and people wouldn't eat croissants." In a joyous finale, the trio emerge into an ebullient crowd scene featuring cameos of Louis Armstrong, Salvador Dal, Marcel Marceau, andVictor Hugo. Dogs with personality, a ruddy musician exuding the magic of a wizard, and shimmering, dappled oils that build up layers of glorious colorthe elements combine, convincing readers that music is a cause for celebration. VERDICT A high-energy, exuberant romp through the City of Light. For lovers of art, music, and action-packed adventure.Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public LibraryPraise for Victor and Hugo:"A high-energy, exuberant romp through the City of Light. For lovers of art, music, and action-packed adventure."--School Library Journal; Title: Victor and Hugo | [
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16,304 | 0 | K-Gr. 2. Although some purists may balk at the reinterpretation, this Nativity story offers a fresh take on the traditional Christian account: a comet approaches Earth as the time of Jesus' birth draws near, becoming the signal in the sky seen by the three wise men. Evocative illustrations elevate the occasionally awkward rhyming text to an appropriately reverential level. A crackled-varnish finish lends an antique feel to the jewel-toned paintings, and the rich colors of the deep-blue night and the golden comet suit the spiritual topic. The comet's trajectory from nearly empty space, past planets and constellations, and finally over the Earth, populated with people and animals, is reminiscent of the story of Genesis and reinforces the anticipation of the heralded birth. The final spreads showing the Holy Family in the glowing manger, with shepherds and wise men kneeling outside and the comet overhead, offer quietly joyful images of the Nativity. Diane FooteCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved"My ideas come from everywhere: a childhood drawing I did of a porcupine, a silly song I once sang to a godchild, and my teacher-niece and pupil-grand nephew getting ready for kindergarten, all kicked off an idea for a book. Now I am writing novels, and it's the same what-if approach, although the first one came out of my West Virginia boyhood. It's called Crossing the Trestle, and the young narrator faces an obstacle I did as a child."Mr. Slate is Professor of Art Emeritus at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where he taught for 30 years. He now lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his wife, Patty. A Marine Air Corps veteran, he and his wife have set foot on all seven continents and traveled in 39 countries. They have lived in both Japan and Italy."Snacking is my big vice, especially chocolate and oatmeal raisin cookies. To keep my weight down, I take tai-chi courses with a world grand master and play water volley ball."Awards: National Bookseller's and New York Public Library's annual lists, Library of Congress citation, Ohio and Kansas State Reading Circle lists, Colorado and Wyoming School Children's 1998 Best Book finalist, 1998 Americas Commended list, Publisher's Weekly best seller list (twice), Delaware's l997 Blue Hen Award, Ohioana Library Association's Award for distinguised service in the field of children's literature.copyright ? 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.; Title: What Star Is This? | [
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16,305 | 15 | T. A. Barron lives in Colorado.William Low lives in New York.; Title: The Day the Stones Walked | [
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16,306 | 2 | Satomi Ichikawa, creator of the Nora books, lives in Paris, France.; Title: You Are My Miracle | [
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16,307 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2 Rosenthal enumerates ways in which a child's happiness can be squelched by a rotten day. The array of mishaps includes sibling and friendship problems, disappointing birthdays, itchy clothing, misplaced belongings, and self-doubt. Each unwelcome incident warrants a special designation. There's a Keep Spilling Stuff Day, a Nobody's Listening To You Day, a Gutter Ball Day, and a Not Big Enough Day. This succinct book is not a story but an imaginative list of calamities that culminates predictably with the promise that all bad days lead to a new dawn. The angst of the characters is rendered effectively through the partnership of Rosenthal's words and Doughty's cartoons, reminiscent of her illustrations in Harriet Ziefert's 39 Uses for a Friend (2001) and 31 Uses for a Mom (2003, both Putnam). The format of this humorous book will serve as an excellent springboard for students trying their own hands at writing about one of those days. Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.K-Gr. 3. Less intense than Judith Viorst's classic Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (1972), this oddly reassuring picture book identifies days that qualify as "one of those days." From "Feeling Left Out Day" and "Itchy Sweater Day" to "Answer to Everything Is No Day," Rosenthal pinpoints 22 downers that will resonate with children. After the last bad day, "Sad for No Reason Day," the author notes that every day turns to night, and every night, inevitably, "turns into a brand new day." Economical, expressive, and just slightly bizarre, the spare ink drawings, filled in with opaque vinyl paint, stand out clearly against the stark white backgrounds of most of the pages. Using a multicultural cast of characters that changes from page to page, Doughty illustrates the children's mishaps and feelings with occasional wry humor and continual empathy. Reading this picture book aloud is a sure way to get children talking about some of "those days." Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: One of Those Days | [
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16,308 | 0 | Grade 2-4In this engaging entry in the series, Tomie is now in second grade, and the book's pivotal event is the bombing of Pearl Harbor. His parents help him to cope with the uncertainty by answering questions and remaining strong as a unified family. This sensitive account provides a child's-eye view of America in World War II not only in the text, but also in the grayscale illustrations, which depict the reactions of various characters and create a firm sense of time and place. Church, family, and friends are cornerstones in getting through troubled times, and this easy chapter book will offer some comfort and insight for today's children who cope with their own fears and uncertainties.Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 2-4. DePaola picks up his autobiographical series right where his last title, Things Will Never Be the Same (2003),left off: December, 7, 1941. Now in second grade, little Tomie describes the reactions to the Pearl Harbor bombings, first at home, then at church, and finally at school, where the children attend special assemblies and try to understand new concepts, such as air raids. What isn't explained fully at school, Tomie can ask about at home, and with his family's caring support, he is able to work through his fears about the war. Once again, the warm, childlike narration captures both the specifics of the time and universal experiences that will connect with most children. The shaded, black-and-white sketches on each page extend the story's small, revealing moments--stinky, wet wool mittens drying on the classroom radiator; Tomie snuggled into his grandfather's hug. Children won't recognize the war details, such as blackout curtains, but they'll see their own worries about today's conflicts and feel reassured about their safety, right along with Tomie. Gillian EngbergCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: I'm Still Scared (A 26 Fairmount Avenue Book) | [
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16,309 | 7 | Ricky Gervais is the star of the popular UK sitcom The Office. Gervais started his career in music and radio, eventually moving into comedy on The 11 Oclock Show. When that show finished in October of 2002, Ricky began working with a friend on an office-based "mock"-umentary, which became the Golden Globe-winning sitcom The Office.; Title: Flanimals | [
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16,310 | 1 | Kindergarten-Grade 3In this humorous introduction to the concept of division, 2 bugs gather 13 beans and try to devise a way to share them evenly. Flora and Ralph think of several scenarios but in the end they still have "bean thirteen" left over. Even inviting their friends for dinner doesn't resolve the problem. Whether they plan on one guest or six, the beans cannot be arranged into equal portions. Then Ralph accidentally knocks the beans to the floor as their company arrives. He places all 13 into one bowl and each guest takes as many as he or she would like to eat. This resolves the problem, but leaves Flora and Ralph wondering who ended up consuming unlucky "bean thirteen." The story's pacing and the dialogue between the two bugs help children analyze the situation and follow the different possible grouping solutions. The large, limalike beans are a great visual aid and are easy to see when the book is read aloud. Done in pen and ink with digital effects, the cartoon illustrations feature bright hues and slightly off-kilter perspectives that will appeal to children. Youngsters will undoubtedly enjoy this funny tale; teachers will truly appreciate the connections it makes to their curriculum and the use of manipulatives in math.Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Matthew McElligott lives in Albany, New York.; Title: Bean Thirteen | [
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16,311 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 1Froggie stands in for the quintessential overexcited child in this companion to Too Many Frogs! (Philomel, 2005). He loves sleeping in his own special hut by the pond, but on his grandfather's birthday, he eagerly wakes up and heads for the celebration. He quickly makes a costume, a stage, and programs so that he can give his present to Grandpa-a performance of his favorite song. When the party ends, Froggie doesn't want to leave. His friend Rabbit plays the part of the patient parent, taking him home and reading him a story. Finally settling down, he reminisces about his wonderful day. The colorful multimedia illustrations range from full-bleed spreads to spot art, which adds movement and visual interest to the pages. While the spotted frogs are appealing, Rabbit, who is blue and rather odd looking with an elongated forehead and fluffy white mustache, is a bit off-putting. Nevertheless, youngsters will empathize with Froggie's feelings. The fact that Froggie, who seems so clearly to be a preschooler, apparently lives alone is a bit jarring. However, the rhythmic, repetitive refrain of his song will work well for audience participation, and both intergenerational and birthday stories are always in demand.Amy Lilien-Harper, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.The author-illustrator team who created Too Many Frogs! (2004) continues the fun in a picture book celebrating the excitement of a birthday party and confronting the letdown when it's over. As Froggie rushes through the forest to join Grandpa's birthday celebration, little listeners will imitate his actions and join in his deliciously nonsensical song: "Bah-Rummm-Tah-Rummmm, / Bah-Rummm-Tahtah-Tummmm." Froggie makes a costume, builds a stage, scribbles programs, and performs Grandpa's favorite song as a present, all to wild applause. Of course, when everything is over, Froggie doesn't want to say good-bye. The energetic, neon-colored acrylic, ink, and colored-pencil illustrations perfectly depict the wild celebration. Children will enjoy the uproar even as they recognize the anticlimax and the coziness of being alone with happy memories at bedtime. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: What a Party! | [
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16,312 | 2 | Gr 1-4-Blake presents a story of canine friendship on the Junior Iditarod Trail. Painter and Ugly are sled dogs living with their boy, Jake, on the Yukon River. They are an inseparable pair, playing together, eating out of the same bowl, and insisting on sleeping next to one another. They are also the fastest of the local racing dogs, and that leads to them being split up eventually and placed on different teams as the lead dogs. It's a lonely life for them, and they miss one another. However, during the 80-mile race, the dogs find a way to be together and to lead their teams to victory. Blake's glorious paintings, done in oil on canvas, are slightly impressionistic but do an effective job of reinforcing the action and changing moods of this satisfying story.-Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.Blakes attention to painterly detail matches his storytelling skills in this tale of canine friendship. From the boxy sled-dog houses where pals Painter and Ugly live when not running races to the explosions of snow spraying upward as the dogs sprint, readers will sense the authenticity of his effort as well as vicariously feel the chill of icy, blue-tinged Alaskan expanses. Painter and Ugly, two lively sled-dog-team members, are inseparable when they belong to a boy named Jake: If Ugly howled at the moon, Painter sang harmony. When the dogs are sold to different owners (in an unexplained move readers see through the dogs eyes), they inevitably suffer. A reunion during the Junior Iditarod is joyous, as the dogs recognize each others yips and use their intelligence to bring their sled teams together as racing companions. This will hold appeal for those fascinated by the forty-ninth states customs as well as dog lovers in general. Grades K-3. --Karen Cruze; Title: Painter and Ugly | [
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16,313 | 2 | Grade 24Ginger is an eccentric pianist with plenty of money, fame, and accomplished young students to whom she listens raptly each day. She also has a closet full of flashy clothes ("'You are what you wear,' she always says") and plenty of makeup that she applies liberally. As if that's not enough to make her a bit unusual, Ginger has a pig named Petunia. She adores her pet so much that the porker's rather elaborate house is under the staircase and her every whim is catered to, including a fabulous outdoor mud hole with a gazebo over it. ("'My Petunia does so love her mud soaks,' Ginger always says.") But when the pampered pet is accidentally left to fend for herself for a few days, the fun really begins. She fills in for Ginger, attending openings and parties, wearing Ginger's clothes and makeup; the fact that no one notices is hilarious. Polacco's illustrations are filled with movement and humor. The dance sequence with the governor ("Petunia grabbed his ankles and swung him round and round and up into the huge vat of chocolate mousse") is worth the price of the book.Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Socialite Virginia Vincent Folsum, aka Ginger, is an accomplished pianist and devoted owner to her pet pig, Petunia. Called away to perform in London, she arranges for a sitter--who cancels--so Petunia does her best to carry on, as Ginger would. At first Petunia's masquerade goes very well--listening to piano students, tooling around in Ginger's little red sports car, and dancing the tango with the mayor--but her hectic schedule doesn't allow time for her restorative mud baths, and gradually cracks begin to appear in Petunia's perfect facade. In desperation, she dives into a vat of chocolate mousse at the Black and White Ball, temporarily soothing her skin and disposition. Polacco's comic portrayal of pampered pet and attentive owner is spot-on--and her characteristic watercolor illustrations highlight both characters' sense of fashion and joie de vivre. Reminiscent of Jim Henson's Ms. Piggy, Petunia will endear herself to children and adults alike. A delight from start to finish, this makes a great choice for reading aloud or one-on-one sharing. Kay WeismanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Ginger and Petunia | [
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16,314 | 18 | Starred Review. Putting his powers of visual explanation to the test, Talbott (United Tweets of America) presents a staggering amount of information about the Hudson River without ever overwhelming or confusing readers. A series of watercolor spreads, unified by the image of the river flowing across each one, traces the Hudson's role in the colonization of New York, the Revolution, the era of steamboats, the building of the Erie Canal; its fate as railroads eclipsed shipping's importance; its environmental degradation; and its rebirth. The image of the river often doubles as a timeline, helping to organize the information and make room for extra details. Side tours explore the river's literary and artistic history. Striking trompe l'oeil devices enliven many of Talbott's paintings; on one page, a locomotive appears to hurtle full steam ahead through a bucolic river scene toward the viewer, a terrific visual pun on the railroad's social and economic effects. Talbott makes good use of irony (the Native Americans' stewardship of the Hudson River Valley was great while it lasted), but does not avoid emotion (immigrants at Ellis Island represent another river.... a river of dreamers). Ages 68. (Jan.) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Grade 46A boy gazes from his nighttime window, dreaming of New York, "the great city on the river that bore my nameHudson." This personalized opening has the look of a bedtime story and may deter some readers, but Talbott uses dreams as a theme around which he winds an engaging history. He adroitly utilizes the picture-book format to chronicle the Hudson's course through the experiences of various dreamers. He describes the long period of habitation by Native peoples, settlement by Holland and then by England, the "American" revolt against English rule, the post-Revolution boom in shipping traffic, the building of the Erie Canal, and more. Watercolor, colored pencil, and ink illustrations are filled with scenes that are sometimes realistic, at other times more fanciful. A few spreads have color blocks, vignettes, information bits, and a winding river that bears significant dates. The river hit hard times as the rush to commerce made it a dumping ground; it is now in recovery. Echoing the opening tone, he closes with a romanticized and personal note: "It's now my turn to help in keeping the river of dreams flowing, for all those dreamers yet to come." The further reading list and Web sites are of adult interest, but the well-crafted story is an informative and interesting account for personal reading or classroom units in history or environmental issues.Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: River of Dreams: The Story of the Hudson River | [
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16,315 | 2 | Henriettas older sisters love to tease, but they reach new heights when they inform Henrietta that shes a chicken: Mom got you from Barneys farm.Arguments about having no feathers dont hold sway. But soonHenrietta thinksshe may, indeed, be a chicken especially after she finds an egg in her bed. So she heads over to Barneys farm to commune with her sister chicks, flapping her arms, and rolling in dirt. When her sisters come to take her home,Henrietta informs them that she is a chicken. Now, its up to the siblings to work as hard to convince Henrietta of her humanity as they did of her fowlness. The knowing premise, so true to the shenanigans of realsiblings, runs its amusing course until theconclusion, when theeffort peters out.But kids will still get plenty of laughs from both the storyand thebright pictures on clean, white backgrounds. Henrietta, as homely as she is humorous, shows readers how to turn teasing upside down. Preschool-Grade 1. --Ilene CooperMary Amato lives outside of Washington, DC.Delphine Durand lives in Marseille, France.; Title: The Chicken of the Family | [
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16,316 | 0 | Using parallel narratives, Yolen recounts the tale of a Russian-Jewish family preparing to emigrate to America, and the story of French artist Frederic Auguste Bartholdis creation of the Statue of Liberty. Mama, Papa, and their four children dream of a life far away from the pogroms. They travel by train and boat to New York Harbor, where they view the recently completed Lady Liberty, which Bartholdi envisioned, promoted, and built over the course of 21 years as a monument to freedom. Burkes luminous paintings, designed on burnt sienna oil-washed boards, convey the landscapes and details of nineteenth-century Europe and New York. The generous use of aqua paint throughout serves as a contrast to the statues original copper color and forecasts its current familiar hue. Most spreads have separate artwork for each story line, but some illustrations are combined when story events intersect. An authors note separates the fiction from fact and offers some additional resources, making this an ideal choice for introducing the concepts of immigration and liberty to young listeners. Grades 1-3. --Kay WeismanYolen's graceful text and Burke's illustrations balance the events and emotions of the parallel stories. -- Kirkus; Title: Naming Liberty | [
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16,317 | 2 | Grade 24Polacco has created another picture book filled with warmth and love. A student teacher, Danielle, rescues a kitten, and when she gets a teaching job that takes her to Port Townsend, WA, and a house on a bay, they settle in. Then Autumn is wounded and lost in a thunderstorm, and despite Danielle's class's efforts to find her, she appears to be gone for good. Everyone is amazed when she returns weeks later, fit as a fiddle. Danielle eventually meets the man who has cared for her pet, and they fall in love. This is a lovely story, with a strong sense of place and illustrated with Polacco's trademark patterns and facial structures. While this story is too long for a traditional storytime, it could be used successfully as a one-on-one read.Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved."I was born in Lansing, Michigan in 1944. Soon after my birth I lived in Williamston, Michigan and then moved onto my grandparents farm in Union City, Michigan."I lived on the farm with my mom and Grandparents until 1949. That is when my Babushka (my grandmother) died and we prepared to move away from Michigan. I must say that living on that little farm with them was the most magical time of my life...and that my Babushka and other grandparents were some of the most inspirational people in my life."My parents were divorced when I was 3, and both my father and mother moved back into the homes of their parents. I spent the school year with my mother, and the summers with my dad. In both households I was the apple of my grandparents' eyes! I would say that these relationships with my grandparents have most definitely influenced my life and my work. You probably have noticed that in almost every book that I write there is a very young person who is interacting with an elderly person. Personally, I feel that this is the most valuable experience of my life....having the wonder of knowing both children and elderly people."The respect that I learned as a very young person certainly carried over into my life in later years. I have always like hearing stories from these folks. My genuine curiosity for the wonder of living a very long life prepared me to accept the declining years of my own parents."To get back to the farm in Union City...this place was so magical to me that I have never forgotten it! This was the place where I heard such wonderful stories told...this was the place that a real meteor fell into our font yard...that very meteorite is now our family headstone in the graveyard here in Union City."Did I tell you that I now live in Union City? This is after living in Oakland, California for almost 37 years. But, you see, every year I'd come back to Michigan to see my Dad and family."Anyway..."In 1949 we left the farm to move, first to Coral Gables, Florida. I lived there with my Mom and my brother, Richard, for almost 3 years. Then we moved to Oakland, California. I remained there for most of my young life on into my adulthood. We lived on Ocean View Drive in the Rockridge District. What I loved the most about this neighborhood is that all of my neighbors came in as many colors, ideas and religions as there are people on the planet. How lucky I was to know so many people that were so different and yet so much alike."It is on Ocean View that I met my best friend, Stewart Grinnell Washington. We are best friends to this day! He has a younger brother, Winston and three sisters; Jackie, Terry and Robin. When I was a student in elementary school I wasn't a very good student. I had a terrible time with reading and math. As a matter of fact, I did not learn how to read until I was almost 14 years old. Can you imagine what it was like to see all my friends do so well in school and I wasn't! I thought I was dumb. I didn't like school because there was this boy that always teased me and made me feel even dumber. When I was fourteen, it was learned that I have a learning disability. It is called dyslexia. I felt trapped in a body that wouldn't do what everybody else could do. That was when one of my hero's, my teacher, found what was wrong with me and got me the help I needed to succeed in school. Of course, now that I am an adult, I realize that being learning disabled does not mean DUMB AT ALL! As a matter of fact, I have learned that being learning disabled only means that I cannot learn the way most of you do. As a matter of fact, most learning disabled children are actually GENIUSES! Once I learned how to read and caught up with the rest of my fellow students, I did very well."I went on to University, majored in Fine Art, then went on to do a graduate degree and even ended up with a Ph.D. in Art History. For a time I restored ancient pieces of art for museums. I eventually became the mother of two children, Steven and Traci, and devoted much of my days to their education and upbringing."I did not start writing children's books until I was 41 years old. Mind you the "art" has always been there for me most of my life. Apparently one of the symptoms of my disability in academics is the ability of draw very, very well. So drawing, painting and sculpture has always been a part of my life even before I started illustrating my books. The books were quite a surprise, really. Mind you, I came from a family of incredible storytellers. My mother's people were from the Ukraine and Russia...my father's people were from Ireland. My extended family,(Stewart's family) were from the bayous of Louisiana...also great story tellers. When you are raised on HEARING stories.....NOT SEEING THEM, you become very good at telling stories yourself. So at the age of 41 I started putting stories that I told down on paper and did drawings to help illustrate them...I guess the rest is history."I have enjoyed a wonderful career of writing books for children . Who could have guessed that little girl that was having such a tough time in school would end up an illustrator and author. Children and adults alike ask me where I get my ideas...I get them from the same place that you do....MY IMAGINATION... I would guess the reason my imagination is so fertile is because I came from storytelling and, WE DID NOT OWN A T.V.!!!!!!!!! You see, when one is a writer, actor, dancer, musician; a creator of any kind, he or she does these things because they listen to that "voice" inside of them. All of us have that "voice". It is where all inspired thoughts come from....but when you have electronic screens in front, of you, speaking that voice for you... it DROWNS OUT THE VOICE! When I talk to children and aspiring writers, I always ask them to listen to the voice, turn off the T.V. and"LISTEN...LISTEN...LISTEN."Now that I have moved back to Union City I am intending to open my house and community and invite people to come there to take part in writing seminars, story telling festivals, literature conferences and various events that celebrate children's literature."Born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, to parents of Russian and Ukrainian descent on one side and Irish on the other, Patricia Polacco grew up in both California and Michigan. Her school year was spent in Oakland, California, and summers in her beloved Michigan. She describes her family members as marvelous storytellers. "My fondest memories are of sitting around a stove or open fire, eating apples and popping corn while listening to the old ones tell glorious stories about their homeland and the past. We are tenacious traditionalists and sentimentalists.... With each retelling our stories gain a little more Umph!"Studying in the United States and Australia, Patricia Polacco has earned an M.F.A. and a Ph. D. in art history, specializing in Russian and Greek painting, and iconographic history. She is a museum consultant on the restoration of icons. As a participant in many citizen exchange programs for writers and illustrators, Patricia Polacco has traveled extensively in Russia as well as other former Soviet republics. She continues to support programs that encourage Russo-American friendships and understanding. She is also deeply involved in inner-city projects here in the U.S. that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict and encourage art and literacy programs.The mother of a grown son and a daughter, Patricia Polacco currently resides in Michigan, where she has a glorious old farm that was built during the time of Lincoln.copyright 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.; Title: For the Love of Autumn | [
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16,318 | 20 | Grade 3 UpSpirin has applied his unique artistic vision to the venerated Old Testament psalm. He isolates harmonious images from his elegant portrait of an ornately robed and turbaned dignitary, which appears at the back of the book, to illuminate each line. The harp-playing man occupies a gold and ivory temple surrounded by a sapphire sea, a sumptuous feast spread out at his feet. Other figures, including farmers reaping a field of hay and a cavalry of armored soldiers, populate the perimeter of the canvas. The imaginative and dreamlike scene features a multitude of birds, flowers, animals, soaring spires, and angels all painted in rich jewel tones. The text is presented one line at a time in a large, clear font on an image of an ornate scroll, and each accompanying illustration is framed in gold. The opening lines, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," are paired with a tranquil scene of the white-robed shepherd watching over his flock while a young boy plays a wooden flute and a majestic lion lies peacefully among the sheep. The entire psalm appears on the last page, along with a fold-out reproduction of Spirin's distinctive oil painting. This sophisticated interpretation of the psalm has an ethereal, fairy-tale quality, contrasting with Barry Moser's Psalm 23 (Zonderkidz, 2008). Moser illustrates the sacred lines with shimmering watercolors of a cheerful Antiguan boy tending his flock in idyllic Caribbean landscapes. While Moser's paintings may appeal more to younger children, older readers will treasure Spirin's exquisite interpretation and enjoy locating the individual illustrations in the larger work of art.Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Spirins illustrated version of the Twenty-third Psalm uses biblical images for his very formal presentation. Oil paintings rendered on canvas turn out to be pieces of a larger picture that is revealed in a large foldout glued to the endpapersperhaps not the best accommodation for libraries. The paintings follow the text, but with some fantastical elements: a shepherds herd also includes a lion, and lines about restoration of the soul and paths of righteousness are illustrated with angelic figures that seem to come from the Book of Revelation. It is not until the final picture is unfolded that readers have the opportunity to see the rich, wonderous world that makes up this kingdom. There is an odd gauziness to the individual pieces of the painting that is less evident in the full picture, but readers wanting an elegant, if somewhat esoteric version of the Psalm will find it here. Grades 2-4. --Ilene Cooper; Title: The Lord is My Shepherd | [
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16,319 | 11 | Grade 2-8Detailed pen and ink and watercolors illustrate this wordless travelogue. Anno's aerial tour of Spanish landscapes and townscapes is timeless: along with sightings of 20th-century architectural and artistic icons (Sagrada Familia, Guernica, etc.) there are also scenes of 15th-century ships at sea, olive harvesting, country fairs and religious processions, and the running of the bulls at Pamplona. Throughout, there are nods to Spain's literary, artistic, and cultural heritage. Close observers will catch glimpses of Don Quixote and his corpulent companion, a melting clock la Dal, flamenco dancers, and Barcelona's human pyramid. Tableaus (of Las Meninas, scenes from Carmen) add whimsy, while the inclusion of the Alhambra and a Roman aqueduct pay tribute to the country's history. While suitable for picture collections, this title would also be a great addition to Spanish-language classrooms.Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Although this picture book is wordless, it still leaves you breathless. -- Philadelphia City Paper; Title: Anno's Spain | [
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16,320 | 0 | Amy Krouse Rosenthal's other books include New York Times bestsellers Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons and Duck! Rabbit! (Time Magazine's #1 Children's Book of 2009). She lives in Chicago, Illinois. Delphine Durand has illustrated Putnam's Chicken of the Family (which was a CCBC Choice and Bulletin Blue Ribbon). She lives in France.; Title: Al Pha's Bet | [
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16,321 | 2 | PreS-Gr 2Nick is afraid of many things: giant bugs, the dark, manhole covers, and what lies beneath them. He longs to be brave like his dad. "His dad was not afraid of anything." Fortunately, Nick has a plastic dinosaur talisman that makes him fearless. When the dinosaur is safely in his pocket or tucked inside his soccer socks, Nick scales rock walls and scores amazing goals. Once the dinosaur is lost, however, Nick is filled with uncertainty and dread: "The night was as black as octopus ink, giant bugs were everywhere." After Nick confesses to his father that the dinosaur is the brave one, not him, he and Dad head out to search one more time. The toy is recovered, and Nick is relieved, especially after being reassured by his dad that "it's okay to be afraid. All guys are now and then." The mixed-media artwork by Caldecott winner Santat is sumptuous and full bleed. The nighttime scenes are particularly evocative, with Nick's imagined fears lurking around the edges. Slyly humorous as well as spooky, they keep the mood from getting too scary. This is a modern story reminiscent of Dumbo and his "magic" feather that readers will enjoy as they explore the ideas of bravery, ability, and what lies inside each of us. VERDICT A winning book sure to attract and delight a wide audience.Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY"[Choldenko's]knowing, understated storytelling and Santats warm, expressive spreads give full credence to the fears that weigh on kids, as well as the presencesboth real and imaginedthat can help alleviate them."Kirkus,starred review "Intertwined with the themes of fear and bravery is a strong father-son relationship [. . . .] Teachers, librarians, and parents will find the book provides an opening for discussion about fears, security, and how their dads have loved and helped them."School Library Connection,starred review"Choldenko excels in creating believable characters whose empathy and emotional quotients match their other successes. . . This works as a story about bravery, as well as a paean to dads." Booklist"This is a modern story reminiscent of Dumbo and his magic feather that readers will enjoy as they explore the ideas of bravery, ability, and what lies inside each of us."School Library Journal"With the rediscovery of Nick's dino, his bravery returns as well, only this time, Nick isn't the only one who knows his secret, and he knows deep down that all guys are afraid sometimes [. . . .] Dads get it: being brave takes work . . . and a dinosaur."Publishers Weekly"[T]he boy-friendliness of Choldenkos text is matched by Santats robust paintings that give the tiny toy dinosaur lifeand heft!as he appears super-dino-style on the scene as needed. And while Dad is a reliable, strong presence, what we dont see is Dads face (except for his beard), allowing young readers to imagine whatever father figure they need in his features."Horn Book Reviews; Title: Dad and the Dinosaur | [
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16,322 | 2 | "I was born in Lansing, Michigan in 1944. Soon after my birth I lived in Williamston, Michigan and then moved onto my grandparents farm in Union City, Michigan."I lived on the farm with my mom and Grandparents until 1949. That is when my Babushka (my grandmother) died and we prepared to move away from Michigan. I must say that living on that little farm with them was the most magical time of my life...and that my Babushka and other grandparents were some of the most inspirational people in my life."My parents were divorced when I was 3, and both my father and mother moved back into the homes of their parents. I spent the school year with my mother, and the summers with my dad. In both households I was the apple of my grandparents' eyes! I would say that these relationships with my grandparents have most definitely influenced my life and my work. You probably have noticed that in almost every book that I write there is a very young person who is interacting with an elderly person. Personally, I feel that this is the most valuable experience of my life....having the wonder of knowing both children and elderly people."The respect that I learned as a very young person certainly carried over into my life in later years. I have always like hearing stories from these folks. My genuine curiosity for the wonder of living a very long life prepared me to accept the declining years of my own parents."To get back to the farm in Union City...this place was so magical to me that I have never forgotten it! This was the place where I heard such wonderful stories told...this was the place that a real meteor fell into our font yard...that very meteorite is now our family headstone in the graveyard here in Union City."Did I tell you that I now live in Union City? This is after living in Oakland, California for almost 37 years. But, you see, every year I'd come back to Michigan to see my Dad and family."Anyway..."In 1949 we left the farm to move, first to Coral Gables, Florida. I lived there with my Mom and my brother, Richard, for almost 3 years. Then we moved to Oakland, California. I remained there for most of my young life on into my adulthood. We lived on Ocean View Drive in the Rockridge District. What I loved the most about this neighborhood is that all of my neighbors came in as many colors, ideas and religions as there are people on the planet. How lucky I was to know so many people that were so different and yet so much alike."It is on Ocean View that I met my best friend, Stewart Grinnell Washington. We are best friends to this day! He has a younger brother, Winston and three sisters; Jackie, Terry and Robin. When I was a student in elementary school I wasn't a very good student. I had a terrible time with reading and math. As a matter of fact, I did not learn how to read until I was almost 14 years old. Can you imagine what it was like to see all my friends do so well in school and I wasn't! I thought I was dumb. I didn't like school because there was this boy that always teased me and made me feel even dumber. When I was fourteen, it was learned that I have a learning disability. It is called dyslexia. I felt trapped in a body that wouldn't do what everybody else could do. That was when one of my hero's, my teacher, found what was wrong with me and got me the help I needed to succeed in school. Of course, now that I am an adult, I realize that being learning disabled does not mean DUMB AT ALL! As a matter of fact, I have learned that being learning disabled only means that I cannot learn the way most of you do. As a matter of fact, most learning disabled children are actually GENIUSES! Once I learned how to read and caught up with the rest of my fellow students, I did very well."I went on to University, majored in Fine Art, then went on to do a graduate degree and even ended up with a Ph.D. in Art History. For a time I restored ancient pieces of art for museums. I eventually became the mother of two children, Steven and Traci, and devoted much of my days to their education and upbringing."I did not start writing children's books until I was 41 years old. Mind you the "art" has always been there for me most of my life. Apparently one of the symptoms of my disability in academics is the ability of draw very, very well. So drawing, painting and sculpture has always been a part of my life even before I started illustrating my books. The books were quite a surprise, really. Mind you, I came from a family of incredible storytellers. My mother's people were from the Ukraine and Russia...my father's people were from Ireland. My extended family,(Stewart's family) were from the bayous of Louisiana...also great story tellers. When you are raised on HEARING stories.....NOT SEEING THEM, you become very good at telling stories yourself. So at the age of 41 I started putting stories that I told down on paper and did drawings to help illustrate them...I guess the rest is history."I have enjoyed a wonderful career of writing books for children . Who could have guessed that little girl that was having such a tough time in school would end up an illustrator and author. Children and adults alike ask me where I get my ideas...I get them from the same place that you do....MY IMAGINATION... I would guess the reason my imagination is so fertile is because I came from storytelling and, WE DID NOT OWN A T.V.!!!!!!!!! You see, when one is a writer, actor, dancer, musician; a creator of any kind, he or she does these things because they listen to that "voice" inside of them. All of us have that "voice". It is where all inspired thoughts come from....but when you have electronic screens in front, of you, speaking that voice for you... it DROWNS OUT THE VOICE! When I talk to children and aspiring writers, I always ask them to listen to the voice, turn off the T.V. and"LISTEN...LISTEN...LISTEN."Now that I have moved back to Union City I am intending to open my house and community and invite people to come there to take part in writing seminars, story telling festivals, literature conferences and various events that celebrate children's literature."Born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, to parents of Russian and Ukrainian descent on one side and Irish on the other, Patricia Polacco grew up in both California and Michigan. Her school year was spent in Oakland, California, and summers in her beloved Michigan. She describes her family members as marvelous storytellers. "My fondest memories are of sitting around a stove or open fire, eating apples and popping corn while listening to the old ones tell glorious stories about their homeland and the past. We are tenacious traditionalists and sentimentalists.... With each retelling our stories gain a little more Umph!"Studying in the United States and Australia, Patricia Polacco has earned an M.F.A. and a Ph. D. in art history, specializing in Russian and Greek painting, and iconographic history. She is a museum consultant on the restoration of icons. As a participant in many citizen exchange programs for writers and illustrators, Patricia Polacco has traveled extensively in Russia as well as other former Soviet republics. She continues to support programs that encourage Russo-American friendships and understanding. She is also deeply involved in inner-city projects here in the U.S. that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict and encourage art and literacy programs.The mother of a grown son and a daughter, Patricia Polacco currently resides in Michigan, where she has a glorious old farm that was built during the time of Lincoln.copyright © 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.; Title: The Lemonade Club | [
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16,323 | 2 | PreSIn this sweet tribute, dePaola has created a visual story of the important role these celestial beings play in our everyday lives. Beginning with the wake up angel and concluding with the goodnight angel, a host of heavenly friends accompanies a variety of children to school, to the playground, and to a tea party. The children also enjoy visits at home from the kitchen angel, the pet angel, the popcorn angel, and the babysitting angel. The charming images, deftly drawn in rich pastel shades, convey a sense of happiness and well-being. The smiling, round-faced youngsters cheerfully go about their activities while the hovering angels lend a helping hand. Each picture is framed by a stylized border and includes the name of the appropriate angel at the bottom. A pleasant addition to most collections.Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Tomie dePaola lives in New Hampshire.With the help of the Art Angel, hes now the author/artist of more than 200 books for children!; Title: Angels, Angels Everywhere | [
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16,324 | 0 | With this endearing if uneven parody of "Five Little Ducklings," Horowitz (The Ugly Pumpkin) initiates youngsters into the joys of Yiddishjust in time for Passover. After explaining what gefilte fish is (though non-Jewish readers may not be helped much by a definition that compares them to "matzo balls made out of fish"), the author sends the five title characters out of their jar to explore New York City. Mama Gefilte's cries of "Oy vey!" meeting with decreasing success as, one by one, the gefiltes are lured away: "One little gefilte went out one day./ A big yellow taxi schlepped him away./ Mama Gefilte cried out 'Oy vey!'/ but not a single gefilte came back that day." Comic asides abound, enabling Horowitz to stuff even more Yiddishisms into his story, including the always evocative "tuches" and "plotz." Of course, all the gefiltes do eventually come back to their meshugana Mama " 'cause each was a mensch!" Horowitz's gefiltes actually do look an awful lot like matzo balls, but their hats give them character, and his compositions play up the puns (e.g., a movie ad for Goldie Lox and the 3 Schmears). Simms Taback's Kibitzers and Fools this is not. Think of this as pretty tasty schmear. All ages. (Feb.) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreSchool-Grade 2Remember the five little ducks that wandered away from their mama? In this parody, the troublesome offspring are balls of chopped fish traditionally served as an appetizer to a Jewish meal. The gefiltes wander across an early-20th-century New York City, visiting theaters and delicatessens, swimming in the bay, and riding in a yellow cab, with a smaller number returning home each time. Whenever she loses a child, Mama Gefilte cries out, "Oy Vey!," and the book is well spiced with Yiddish phrases and New York speech patterns. Of course, all ends happily when the five gefiltes return, because "each was a mensch" (a really good person). With the right adult guidance, this story may amuse youngsters while helping them to absorb some Yiddish. It might even encourage them to expand their tastes-although gefilte fish is not a dish popular with kids, who are more likely to agree with the character who utters "Feh! that's disgusting." It's silly, but all in good fun.Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: Five Little Gefiltes | [
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16,325 | 18 | Grade 3-6Hoping to make a difference and help to bring calm in a troubled world, Gilley wrote to the United Nations to discuss an idea for a day when the entire globe would observe peace. In order to make it work, he decided a specific date was needed. As well as making it a day for global cease-fire and nonviolence, it would also be A day for everyone in our homes, schools and communities around the world to stop fighting. Aided by his family, colleagues, and friends, he wrote to presidents and prime ministers, Nobel Prize winners and religious leaders for help. While meeting with dignitaries around the world, as well as visiting countries where conflicts were going on, he decided to film the poverty, destruction, and suffering from wars. Seeing the reality that children had to live with reaffirmed his desire to make a difference. After struggling for over two years, his realization came true. The United Nations voted to name September 21 a day of cease-fire and nonviolence. He named it Peace One Day. All of the pain, disappointment, and excitement in his dream are well documented. The combination of text and illustrations demonstrates the message that everyone can make a difference. The clear, concise text appears with a collage of captioned photos and realistic drawings. Teachers and librarians can use the Web site provided for suggestions for individuals, families, and schools to celebrate Peace day.Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 4-6. In this handsome picture book, a young British filmmaker tells how he persuaded world leaders to establish World Peace Day. Well, not really. Since 1981 the UN has celebrated the International Day of Peace on the third Tuesday in September. What Gilley did was to convince them to declare a fixed date, September 21. His personal account of filming the consequences of war in several countries, from Somalia to the Middle East, draws attention to the issue, as do his accounts of meeting with world leaders, such as the Dalai Lama and Kofi Annan. Most powerful are the double-page collage illustrations contributed by Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Karen Blessen, which blend some of Gilley's film images of kids caught up in war and portraits of world peace leaders with colored pencil drawings, posters, and even news headlines. The passionate prose and stirring images show and tell that each person can make a difference. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Peace One Day | [
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16,326 | 12 | Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into more than 25 languages and sold over twelve million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than sixty books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote.Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Kunste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years.One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin's eye had been caught by a striking picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. It is still a favorite with children everywhere. This was the beginning of Eric Carle's true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.Eric Carle's art is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and cheerful images. Many of his books have an added dimension - die-cut pages, twinkling lights as in The Very Lonely Firefly, even the lifelike sound of a cricket's song as in The Very Quiet Cricket - giving them a playful quality: a toy that can be read, a book that can be touched. Children also enjoy working in collage and many send him pictures they have made themselves, inspired by his illustrations. He receives hundreds of letters each week from his young admirers. The secret of Eric Carle's books' appeal lies in his intuitive understanding of and respect for children, who sense in him instinctively someone who shares their most cherished thoughts and emotions.The themes of his stories are usually drawn from his extensive knowledge and love of nature - an interest shared by most small children. Besides being beautiful and entertaining, his books always offer the child the opportunity to learn something about the world around them. It is his concern for children, for their feelings and their inquisitiveness, for their creativity and their intellectual growth that, in addition to his beautiful artwork, makes the reading of his books such a stimulating and lasting experience.Carle says: "With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates - will they be friendly? I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun."Eric Carle has two grown-up children, a son and a daughter. With his wife Barbara, he lives in Northampton, Massachusetts. The Carles spend their summers in the nearby Berkshire hills.copyright 2000 by Penguin Group (USA) Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into more than 25 languages and sold over twelve million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than sixty books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote.Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Kunste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years.One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin's eye had been caught by a striking picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. It is still a favorite with children everywhere. This was the beginning of Eric Carle's true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.Eric Carle's art is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and cheerful images. Many of his books have an added dimension - die-cut pages, twinkling lights as in The Very Lonely Firefly, even the lifelike sound of a cricket's song as in The Very Quiet Cricket - giving them a playful quality: a toy that can be read, a book that can be touched. Children also enjoy working in collage and many send him pictures they have made themselves, inspired by his illustrations. He receives hundreds of letters each week from his young admirers. The secret of Eric Carle's books' appeal lies in his intuitive understanding of and respect for children, who sense in him instinctively someone who shares their most cherished thoughts and emotions.The themes of his stories are usually drawn from his extensive knowledge and love of nature - an interest shared by most small children. Besides being beautiful and entertaining, his books always offer the child the opportunity to learn something about the world around them. It is his concern for children, for their feelings and their inquisitiveness, for their creativity and their intellectual growth that, in addition to his beautiful artwork, makes the reading of his books such a stimulating and lasting experience.Carle says: "With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates - will they be friendly? I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun."copyright 2000 by Penguin Group (USA) Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.; Title: My Very First Book of Colors | [
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16,327 | 2 | Grade 1–3—Imitation can indeed be sincere flattery, as Rex proves in his slightly eerie reworking of Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd's classic bedtime tale. The young bunny has been replaced by a little monster, but he still wears striped pajamas as he lies in his bed and says good night to his surroundings. "In the cold gray tomb/There was a gravestone/And a black lagoon/And a picture of—Martians taking over the moon." The parody is clever, matching original verse with rhymes that seem unforced and appropriate for the new setting: "Goodnight skull/And goodnight shoe/Goodnight creature/Goodnight goo/And goodnight to the old werewolf hollering 'Boo.'" Rex's color drawings create a monster child's bedroom filled with the same late-evening light of Hurd's illustrations. The book ends on the same peaceful note as the original. A clever offering just right for graduates of bedtimes with Goodnight Moon.—Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved."A clever offering just right for graduates of bedtimes with Goodnight Moon." —School Library Journal"[A] snort-inducing parody of one of children's literature's most sacred texts. . . . [W]hat fun it is." —Kirkus Reviews"[A] lot of fun, and it may inspire kids to come up with their own retellings of other familiar classics." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; Title: Goodnight Goon: a Petrifying Parody | [
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16,328 | 2 | Maryann Cusimano Love (www.maryannlove.com) is a world-renownedlecturer who has delivered addresses at the Vatican and the United Nations on the topic of peace and religion in modern culture.Satomi Ichikawa is the internationally known illustrator of the Tanya books, and You Are My . . . series, and has over twenty of her own books for young people.; Title: You Are My I Love You / T eres mi yo te quiero | [
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16,329 | 15 | After16-year-old Ellies aging hippie parents are arrested for growing pot in their Portland, Oregon, neighborhood, the FBI makes a deal: her parents will go free if she agrees to infiltrate the local activist group, Mother Earth Defenders (MEDs), who may be planning not only ecoterrorism to protest corporate greed and pollution but also harm to individual people. To prove herself to the MEDs and to the FBI, she helps set fire to the local Hummer dealership. But how far will the MEDs go? And the police? The contemporary mix of politics and thrilling action will grab teens, not just environmentalists, as Ellie must decide how to save her parents and save the earth. Romance adds to the conflict as she falls in love with gorgeous MED member Coyote, who is both an activist and an ardent pacifist. Both the MEDs and the FBI have good guys and bad guys, and this suspenseful story will spark discussion about what it means to fight for right by any means necessary. Grades 8-11. --Hazel Rochman...the thrills and action will keep readers interested. --Kirkus Reviews; Title: Torched | [
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16,330 | 13 | Grade 1-4 When Trisha's family moves from Union City to Battle Creek, her older brother makes her life miserable. He embarrasses her at school with rude, gross behavior at every turn, and they fight over which is better, ice hockey or ballet. At last she triple dares him in front of his friends to perform in her ballet recital. He has to accept, but does so only on the condition that she play on his ice-hockey team in the upcoming game. She learns the hard way how brutal the sport is, but manages to make the winning goal. Then it is her brother's turn to live up to his part of the bargain. At first he is a laughingstock, but when the male lead hurts his ankle and cannot dance, Richie comes through, and he and Trisha declare a truce. To this day, he calls her Slapshot and she calls him Dance King. This book is vintage Polacco, with pleasing pencil-and-marker illustrations that highlight each amusing moment. The endpapers display photos of the author and her brother, embellished with funny sketches of the characters. The sibling relationship is realistically depicted with honesty, childlike humor, and dead-on dialogue. This story can be enjoyed independently or shared aloud; either way, youngsters will easily relate to the rivalry, the dares, and the resolution. An outstanding book from a popular author. Eve Ottenberg Stone, Cooper Lane Elementary, Landover Hills, MD Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 1-3. The interests of young Trish and her elder brother align squarely along the sugar-and-spice, snips-and-snails divide: Trish adores ballet, while hockey is Richie's obsession. When Richie mocks his sister's upcoming solo, behavior consistent with his antics in companion book My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother 1999), the resulting tiff escalates to a commitment from each sibling to try out the other's activity in public (Trish at a hockey match, Richie in a recital). Mutual respect is forged as each character tackles the challenge, with Polacco's exaggerated, plastic figures expressing both the fierce conflict and the broad gestures on stage and ice. This isn't a particularly nuanced addition to Polacco's growing collection of stories culled from personal history, and its sources are frustratingly unclear; the book is categorized as fiction even as photos on the endpapers purport to document the hobby swap. Even so, sibling rivalry in the "triple-dog dare" mode will resonate with many children, and Polacco's fans won't want to miss the latest offering starring the beloved storyteller as a hot-tempered, wisp-haired girl. Jennifer MattsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Rotten Richie and the Ultimate Dare | [
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16,331 | 7 | PreSchool-Grade 3Hedgie the hedgehog is back. Aspiring to become an astronaut, he works as a member of the cleanup crew for the Star Lab run by the Professor (a dog), who is the smartest scientist on Earth and in charge of Outer Space. On the tiny planet of Mikkop, an erupting crater called the Big Sparkler, a popular tourist attraction, is inexplicably slowing down. The Professor orders his team to build a small spaceship that can carry a robotic astronaut into space to assess the problem. When the robot malfunctions, Hedgie is the only one who can fit into the vehicle, and off he zooms. Bretts color illustrations are filled with humorous details, including eager reporters (an owl, a flamingo, a toucan, and a cockatoo, whose postures convey their avid impatience) and whimsical spaceships filled with comical alien tourists. Small groups can easily view the richly hued art, although many scenes merit closer inspection. Children will cheer for this intrepid hedgehog as he solves the problem of the plugged crater.Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. Hedgie the hedgehog loves heading the cleanup crew at Star Lab, but he longs to be an astronaut. The lab's scientists are concerned about Big Sparkler, an outer-space, volcano-like formation that has stopped emitting sparks that cause beautiful gardens to grow on its planet. When the lab's robot is damaged, Hedgie, who fits neatly into the lab's pint-size rocket, undertakes a mission to investigate. Ingenious Hedgie successfully restores Big Sparkler, which was damaged by space tourists. The setup is a bit clumsy, but, as usual, Brett's exquisite artwork will easily draw children's interest, particularly in scenes of underdog, child-size Hedgie soaring triumphantly through the beautifully imagined depths of outer space. One nagging question about the animal character groupings: Why are all the dogs scientists; the journalists birds; and Hedgie, the only hedgehog, an astronaut? Teachers may want to use this as a starting point for discussions of how humans impact the environment. For aspiring astronauts, pair this with Faith McNulty's fact-filled If You Decide to Go to the Moon (2005). Gillian EngbergCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Hedgie Blasts Off! | [
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16,332 | 0 | Feldman (Animals Don't Wear Pajamas) uses just three or four rhyming words to tell each of the 13 (very) short stories starring the titular hero and heroine. In "Bike/Spike/Hike," Billy is stuck pushing his bicycle up a hill after hitting a tack-like object. "Flame/Blame/Shame/Tame" finds Milly teaching a naughty dragon that it's not nice to barbeque someone else's toy; the dragon makes up for the transgression by giving Milly a magical ride on its back. While some of the stories are more successful than others, the diverse and often fantastical premises are entertaining, and all the vignettes are elevated by Mourning's (Princess Peepers) stylish artwork. The mixed media collages evoke a hip playfulness with a hodgepodge of typography and retro wallpaper textures, though the Bratz doll-like leads have a somewhat limited expressive range. While the stories are short, the book itself isn't short on ingenuity. Ages 3-5. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Starred Review. PreSchool-Grade 2–This picture book presents 13 short rhyming stories about Billy and Milly. Most of them are four words long; some, only three. Every word in each selection rhymes. Gnat/Hat/Splat!/Flat. The bright cartoon illustrations done in mixed-media collage are the keys to understanding the stories and the humor. Page turns often play an important role in creating a dramatic ending. Both clever and slapstick, this book can be read for pleasure or used as a jumping-off point for thinking about rhyme, language, and story.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: Billy and Milly, Short and Silly! | [
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16,333 | 11 | Starred Review. Grade 25Gather all of your chuckle-bellied trivia snatchers for a rollicking romp through the states. Talbott has created wisecrack-filled cartoons featuring birds in competition for the "United Tweets of America Pageant." Each avian contestant has one page to flaunt its stuff and introduce its stateunless you count the cardinal from Indiana that pecks through the back of his page to ruffle feathers in Illinois. The cartoons range from a scenic and graceful tree full of purple finches in a snowy village in Vermont to a manic pelican with a mouthful of loot in Louisiana. There's plenty to make children laugh: Annoyed by Delaware's Blue Hen Chicken on the facing page, Connecticut's American Robin sings, "Yankee Doodle went to town,/followed by a chicken,/if that bird won't shut his beak,/he's gonna get a lickin'." There's also plenty to amuse adults that may fly over children's heads: "Nevada produces the most gold of any state, but California already won the title of the Golden State, so Nevada settled for the silver. (The bronze went to Romania.)" Not to be confused with a reference book, this title does not provide the same type of information for each state. Each page dependably names the state bird and capital, shows a small shape map of the state, and gives its nickname. After that, it's a free-for-all. Ending with a fractured version of "America the Beautiful," it must be said, this book is a hoot.Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.In this sly, comic, and irreverent book, loaded with hilarious puns and parodies aboutour 50 state birds,words and imagesdeliver bits of history, folklore, and geography about each state. Young grade-schoolers probably wont understand all thehumor (the illustration of Iowas American goldfinchshows two of the birds dressed up likethe folks in Grant Woods American Gothic;Washington states goldfinch is said to sound likedot-com-dot-com-dot-com). But many will enjoy the images of the Baltimore oriole in a baseball cap throwing a crab cake in Maryland, the American robin riding a Harley-Davidson in Wisconsin, and the mockingbird of Mississippi resembling Elvis with a mike.Talbottscolored pencil and mixed-media illustrationsably combine the cartoon uproar with a sense of the individuality of the feathered creaturesaswith the shy hermit thrush of Vermont singing musical notes that fill the sky. Clever, refreshing, and fun for individual reading andwonderfulfor classroom teachers. Grades 3-5. --Hazel Rochman; Title: United Tweets of America: 50 State Birds Their Stories, Their Glories | [
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16,334 | 2 | PreS-Gr 2Bella, an endearing girl with a big imagination and lots of personality, is nervous about moving to a new home. Fortunately, her trusted stuffed elephant, Stella, who looms large and lifelike in the child's mind, remains at her side through the upcoming uncertainties. Everything at the new house is different. The kitchen is painted yellow and the bathtub has feet. Her mother says that the house has character, but Bella is not impressed with the empty, dusty rooms. The doubtful Bella and Stella venture upstairs to find their bedroom, which is empty except for one box in the middle of the floor. Once all of her belongings are moved in, Bella begins to relax, but at night her fears return and she has to sleep with the lights on. In the morning, the neighbors pop in for a visit and Bella makes a new friend, a bespectacled boy with a stuffed giraffe. At last, the new house begins to feel like home. The sweet narrative, told from Bella's point of view, perfectly captures the little girl's psyche. The story is enhanced by luminous, almost photographic illustrations drawn in shades of pink, ivory, and gold. With her expressive features and mop of dark curls, Bella stands out on each page. This delightful story would pair well with Scott Beck's Little House, Little Town (Abrams, 2004).Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.Bella, a young girl, explores her new home with her stuffed toy elephant Stella. There is much to absorb with so many differences between the old house and the new: 3 front steps versus 10, a yellow kitchen in place of a blue one, a bathtub with feet, and so on. Both Bella and Stella provide and receive reassurance from one another, and after spending the night at their new home, unpacking some items, and visiting with new neighbors, the two best friends settle in. Softly colored pencil and computer-generated illustrations show the sweet and charming pair in pleasingly lush surroundings. Humorous touches abound, such as Bellas elephant-ear-like hairdo and Stellas habit of transforming from a stuffed toy to an oversize (although still not quite full-sized) companion at strategic moments. This has a place with the many good picture books dealing with moving; see Rosas Room, by Barbara Bottner (2004), and I Like Where I Am, by Jessica Harper (2004). Preschool-Grade 1. --Randall Enos; Title: Bella and Stella Come Home | [
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16,335 | 2 | New York Times bestselling author and Edgar Award winner, Peter Abrahams: "A funny, exciting, original, and heartwarming novel that even readers who aren't Red Sox fans will love."Kirkus Reviews: "There's always enchantment at Fenway Park, but there's more than magic afoot, or afloat, in Ritter's life-affirming and tear-jerking new baseball novel. Ritter is a master at capturing the nuances of the game and infusing its magic into his tales. A surefire winner, full of energy and wonder."John H. Ritter lives in Koloa, Hawaii.; Title: Fenway Fever | [
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16,336 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 3Grandpa Max says that kindergartener Ollie looks just like his brother Winthrop did in 1924 when he was the shortest kid in his class. Then, it is revealed that Ollie strongly resembles his brother Angelo because both have hair that sticks straight up. Charming illustrations highlight the similar traits within an extended family, including those shared by first cousins once removed, second or third cousins, or even half-siblings. The endpapers consist of a genealogical diagram of the whole family, and include pictures of everyone mentioned in the text. While the book has the feel and the vibrancy of a picture book, the implied concepthow genetic traits like hair color or left-handedness are shared by some family members and not othersseems far beyond its intended audience. Even so, youngsters may simply enjoy comparing their own traits to those of the characters in the story and to think about their own familiesand perhaps that is enough.Alexa Sandmann, Kent State University, OH Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 2-4. With lively colored-pencil portraits of one extended family, Isadora's latest book celebrates connections and diversity across several generations. She begins with Ollie, the shortest kid in his kindergarten class, who looks just like Grandpa Max's brother, who, back in 1924, was the shortest kid in his class. Grandpa says that Ollie also looks like his cousin Angelo, and that both boys look like "their first cousin once removed Roger, who has large ears that he can wiggle just like his granddaughter Sidney and his uncle Melvin." It all sounds great, but kids will surely wonder what the term cousin once removed means. Isadora tries to explain in a note, but most kids will still be confused, even though the family tree on the endpapers does help. What works best here are the wonderfully individualized portraits, some of them showing interracial connections. Whether the topic is dimples, eyebrows, or long second toes, this book will stimulate kids to explore their own family roots. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: What a Family | [
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16,337 | 1 | Gorbachev's terrifically detailed illustrations, in watercolor and pen-and-ink, greatly enhance the simple, straightforward story. -- KirkusValeri Gorbachev lives in Brooklyn, New York.Valeri Gorbachev lives in Brooklyn, New York.; Title: Christopher Counting | [
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16,338 | 2 | Poor Drool (formally known as Drew) has been orphaned—which is her dramatic way of saying that she's having her first sleepover at Grandma's. Of course, her situation is hardly Dickensian: Grandma, who has a wedding-cake beehive that would give Marge Simpson a run for her hairdressing money, is an ace chef and knitter, and she doesn't mind a bit when Drool throws marzipan cake at the ceiling or decorates the breakfast table with double-caramel-sauce polka dots (just like my dress). Drool also has the constant, adoring companionship of Kip, the vividly imagined, overalls-wearing house chicken. Her separation anxiety never entirely dissipates, but by the time Drool's parents arrive for pick-up, she's already planning the next visit. In her authorial debut, Leijten's storytelling could use some pruning—the book feels about four pages too long—but the watercolor and pencil pictures evince a firm hand on the glee throttle (despite the sappy title), and readers should find themselves caught up in the characters' loopy worldview and comic earnestness. Ages 3–5. (Jan.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Little Drew, who would rather be called Drool, misses her parents. Sleeping away from Mom and Dad for the first time at Grandmas house, sheworries aloud to Grandmas pet chicken, Kip: Maybe they dont want me anymore .. . Im an orphan! Still, for Drool, there iscomfort and fun with Grandma, starting with Grandmas special Hugging Hour, then dinner of waffles and marzipan cake, and a bedtime story.The next day bringsgames of dress-up and hide-and-seek with Kip, baking cupcakes with Grandma, and a happy surprise at the door: her parents.On the way home,Droolasks to visit Grandmas again.Spirited Drools commentary and feelings ring true, and bespectacled Grandma is portrayed as appealingly playful, indulgent, creative, and loving. The cheerful, patterend artwork blends whimsical, comical detailsan impossibly tall pancake stack; Grandmas swirled, multi-tiered bunwith familiar activities and household settings. Kids will enjoy Grandma and Drools shared fun and affection, while appreciating Drools worries. An entertaining and reassuring read. Preschool-Grade 2. --Shelle Rosenfeld; Title: Hugging Hour! | [
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16,339 | 16 | Starred Review. Stein's (Cowboy Ned and Andy) pen-and-ink illustrations conjure a place readers will wish they could visit, a tiny island that pokes up out of a bay. Drawn in mossy greens and golds, the island is home to a very young bearso young that when the leaves start falling in the autumn, he's a little shocked: He tried to catch them and put them back on... but it was not the same. The bear doesn't despair; he grows sleepy, goes off to hibernate and wakes in the spring. This set of events is depicted in a series of panels trained on the entrance to the bear's den; the single tree above it loses its leaves, is blanketed by snow, and receives visits first by a rabbit and then by a pair of cardinals.) Eventually the bear sticks his head back out to greet the spring sunshine and spies the tiny buds on the trees. 'Welcome!' he cried. And, he thought, the leaves welcomed him. Many things contribute to the success of Stein's tale: the joyously colored panels that hang on the pages like paintingsmore intimate, somehow, than double-page spreadsthe island's eight trees and their leaves, which seem lively and animate and entirely worthy of friendship; the innocence of the bear; and Stein's willingness to let the story assume its own haiku-like shape. His autumnal pictures seem to glow, while the bear himself has the irresistible appeal of a well-loved toy. All ages. (Aug.) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.*Starred Review* To Bear, in his first year, everything is new. He lives on a tiny island with a few trees, flowers, berries, and butterflies, and he dances with joy until he sees a leaf fall to the ground. He wonders, "Are you okay?" More leaves fall. "He tried to catch them and put them back on . . . but it was not the same." As he watches the leaves fall and blanket the ground, he grows sleepy, finds a cave-like hole, fills it with leaves, and burrows into it to sleep away the winter. In spring, he joyfully welcomes the tiny leaves unfolding on the trees. The narrative works seamlessly with the freewheeling, expressive artwork. Created with bamboo pen, the energetic, sensitive drawings are tinted with subtle shades of color. Just as Stein uses white space effectively in the art, he uses "white space" well in the spare, precise text, leaving some details for children to notice in the pictures alone, such as how the leaves have been stuck back on the trees by spearing them onto the living twigs. Teachers will find this picture book a natural for curriculum units on leaves or hibernation, and children will enjoy seeing fall anew through the eyes of a big-hearted character more innocent than themselves. Wonderfully simple and simply wonderful for sharing with children. Phelan, Carolyn; Title: Leaves | [
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16,340 | 11 | *Starred Review* Ive had enough, says Cosmos the wooden toy plane. Hes tired of the toy box and longs to be Somewhereperhaps the white-domed building visible from his window. SoCosmos and Woggy, a black-and-white stuffed dog, set off, flying above Parisian streets toward the (never fully identified) Panthon. The initial excitement is tempered by a run-in with birds, and then being lost in a storm, which sends the pair topsy-turvy. But when the sun breaks through, the dome is visible, and the friends are finally Somewhere. As theysit on one of thePanthons griffins, they can see all of Paris, with a rainbow framing the Eiffel Tower.Ichikawatakes the children on ajourney that is justright for them, from the adorable protagonists and their longing for freedom to the glorious ending. The adventure element is perfectly keyed to the age grouptrouble and turbulence are endured with braverythatleads to a happy resolution. Although children may not understandthat the settingis Paris, the charming watercolors with their everchanging scenes andskies will pull them in. This is a perfect choicefor story hours. Preschool-Grade 1. --Ilene CooperIchikawa's illustrations convey a sense of place and energy, motion and exuberance [and] the character's zest for adventure. -- Kirkus ReviewsThe beautifully drawn aerial views contribute to the excitement.... This soaring selection will spark the imaginations of young readers. -- School Library Journal; Title: Come Fly with Me | [
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16,341 | 18 | Grade 24This seventh installment in dePaola's autobiography covers New Year's Day through April 20, 1942. The war creates a backdrop that seems at first more interesting than ominous. Tomie overhears talk of rationing and hoarding, peeks out from behind blackout curtains, and notes that, due to the war, Fleer bubblegum will no longer be available. As ever, the author fills the story with authentically childlike details: he wishes that second-grade penmanship were easier, regrets that he can't make the Valentine mailbox in school, and visits a meatpacking warehouse. In the final chapter, news arrives that his cousin, Blackie, has died in the war. The book ends on a stark notean illustration of the second grader from behind, looking through a doorway, simply asking, "Why?" As in his previous autobiographical books, dePaola's spot-on sense of what children find interesting hits the bull's eye. He doesn't turn away from the profound sorrow of Blackie's death, setting it in the context of a loving extended family. The black-and-white full-page and spot pictures convey emotions effectively, and illustrate items that might be unfamiliar to 21st-century children. Facsimiles of diary pages enhance the story. Those who have enjoyed previous installments in the series, and those looking for a child's view of the Second World War, will want to read this.Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.The third volume in The War Years subset of the 26 Fairmount Avenue series begins on New Year's Day, 1942. Though aware of grown-ups' concerns about the war, the draft, and rationing, Tomie must cope with such day-to-day troubles as becoming the last child in his class who hasn't lost a tooth. The war finally hits home in a more personal way, raising questions that Tomie can't answer. Written as a first-person narrative with occasional diary entries and many illustrations (not seen), this engaging chapter book ends with an unblinking, unsentimental portrayal of a boy trying to comprehend a relative's death. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Why? (A 26 Fairmount Avenue Book) | [
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16,342 | 12 | Grade 1-3Truss's picture-book version of her adult bestseller tackles the topic of commas and what can go wrong when they are misused. The title is derived from an old joke in which a panda misunderstands correct panda behavior after reading a poorly punctuated wildlife guide. Versions of two identically worded sentences are presented side by side, demonstrating the difference in meaning achieved when a comma is added or subtracted. Timmons's humorous watercolor cartoons bring the point home. In one spread, the sentence on the left (Look at that huge hot dog!) is illustrated with a gigantic sausage, while that on the right (Look at that huge, hot dog!) shows a tall, sweltering canine. The author cleverly selects examples with the potential for comical (and grammatically correct) revisions. Endnotes elaborate on comma usage in more technical terms. While a title on grammar may need hand selling, both read-aloud audiences and independent readers will discover the potent possibilities of punctuation. More specific than Robin Pulver's Punctuation Takes a Vacation (Holiday House, 2003), Truss's work is sure to spark creative assignments in elementary composition curriculums.Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Among popular nonfiction titles for adults adapted for younger audiences, this picture book based on Truss' 2004 best-seller about punctuation may be a surprise, considering most kids' indifference to the topic. Yet it proves very effective, thanks to entertaining repackaging that narrows the original's broad purview to the comma, and focuses on cartoonist Timmons' interpretations of humorous comma-related goofs akin to the one referenced by the title (the punchline of an old joke about a panda, here set in a library rather than a bar). While dissolving into giggles over the change in meaning between "Eat here, and get gas," or "Eat here and get gas" (likely to be the most popular of the 14 sentence pairs given), children will find themselves gaining an instinctive understanding of the "traffic signals of language," even without the concluding spread explaining the whys and wherefores. This is a no-brainer for language arts class, but also recommend it to fans of Jon Agee's books of palindromes, William Steig's delightful alphabet rebuses, or introductory grammar books by Brian Cleary. Jennifer MattsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make a Difference! | [
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16,343 | 15 | Grade 2-6What would it be like to travel to Mars, explore the red planet, and return to Earth? O'Brien has created a realistic account of such a journey with informative text and polished digital art that sparks the imagination. Adults take a backseat in this adventure, as the narrator speaks directly to readers about what they could expect to see and do. Rich illustrations depict a young boy as the traveler, space vehicles, and rusty red landscapes with depth and detail. Following a four-month trip on a Nuclear Thermal Rocket, the boy joins scientists, engineers, and pilots living in a habitat on Mars complete with a greenhouse. As for finding life on Mars, it is explained that microscopic organisms are more likely than little green men. But who needs aliens when you have robots watering the plants and roving the surface? Additional facts are listed at the end of the book.Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.*Starred Review* Answering the questions on many kids minds when imagining life in space, this book will tell you what would happen, and what you would do, if you were the first kid on Mars. Using the second person, OBrien then takes readers through every step of the four-month trip from Earth to Mars: aboard space elevators, orbital stations, transport rockets, landing modules, and more. These descriptions help give a speculatively scientific feel to the proceedings, full of technology that isnt that far off. Indeed, by involving the reader directly in the story, OBrien helps ensure that they wont even realize theyre learning all sorts of wonderful things about gravity, distance, geology, and life along the way. As strong as the narrative can be, though, its really the visuals that will drop the most jaws. The nearly photorealistic scenes of space travel and planetary exploration are a rare example of warm and immediate digital rendering, although admittedly the faces can look a little creepy here and there. But its easy to look past that and get lost imagining oneself exploring the pristinely serene scenery of the Red Planet. Until such a thing is possible, this is as close as a child will getand even in this guise, its a pretty neat experience. Grades K-3. --Ian Chipman; Title: You Are the First Kid on Mars | [
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16,344 | 2 | EMPATHY; PERSPECTIVE-TAKING; RESPECT FOR OTHERS* "This quiet, intense picture book is about the small actions that can haunt. . . . Woodson's spare, eloquent free verse and Lewis' beautiful, spacious watercolor paintings tell a story for young kids that will touch all ages." — Booklist, starred review"Unfolds with harsh beauty and the ominousness of opportunities lost. . . . The matter-of-fact tone of Chloe's narration paired against the illustrations' visual isolation of Maya creates its own tension. . . . Lewis dazzles with frame-worthy illustrations, masterful use of light guiding readers' emotional responses." — Kirkus Reviews* “Always on-target navigating difficulties in human relationships, Woodson teams up with Lewis to deal a blow to the pervasive practice–among students of all economic backgrounds–of excluding those less fortunate. . . . Lyrical and stylistically tight writing act in perfect counterpoint to the gentle but detailed watercolor paintings. . . . Gives opportunity for countless inferences and deep discussion . . . invite[s] readers to pause, reflect, and empathize. . . . With growing income disparity, and bullying on the rise, this story of remorse and lost opportunity arrives none too soon.” — School Library Journal, starred review* “Combining realism with shimmering impressionistic washes of color, Lewis turns readers into witnesses as kindness hangs in the balance. . . . Woodson . . . again brings an unsparing lyricism to a difficult topic.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review“Woodson’s fluid writing and deft particularity makes the girls’ bullying rebuffs of Maya absolutely heartbreaking. . . . In his watercolors, Lewis embraces the effects of light like an Impressionist, while his creative, often cinematic uses of point of view add resonance to the story. . . . Offers an alternative view to rosier stories of forgiveness and bully-victim friendships.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books“Beautifully heartbreaking . . . sure to touch a tender spot. . . . The situation should resonate with young people who are sure to recognize themselves in either Chloe or Maya. Lovely watercolors perfectly complement this simple yet strong story.” — Library Media Connection“Woodson’s affecting story, with its open ending, focuses on the withholding of friendship rather than outright bullying, and Lewis reflects the pensive mood in sober watercolors . . . in subtly detailed portraits. . . . A good conversation starter.” — The Horn Book; Title: Each Kindness (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards)) | [
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16,345 | 2 | Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into more than 25 languages and sold over twelve million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than sixty books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote.Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Kunste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years.One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin's eye had been caught by a striking picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. It is still a favorite with children everywhere. This was the beginning of Eric Carle's true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.Eric Carle's art is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and cheerful images. Many of his books have an added dimension - die-cut pages, twinkling lights as in The Very Lonely Firefly, even the lifelike sound of a cricket's song as in The Very Quiet Cricket - giving them a playful quality: a toy that can be read, a book that can be touched. Children also enjoy working in collage and many send him pictures they have made themselves, inspired by his illustrations. He receives hundreds of letters each week from his young admirers. The secret of Eric Carle's books' appeal lies in his intuitive understanding of and respect for children, who sense in him instinctively someone who shares their most cherished thoughts and emotions.The themes of his stories are usually drawn from his extensive knowledge and love of nature - an interest shared by most small children. Besides being beautiful and entertaining, his books always offer the child the opportunity to learn something about the world around them. It is his concern for children, for their feelings and their inquisitiveness, for their creativity and their intellectual growth that, in addition to his beautiful artwork, makes the reading of his books such a stimulating and lasting experience.Carle says: "With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates - will they be friendly? I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun."copyright 2000 by Penguin Group (USA) Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.; Title: My Own Very Lonely Firefly Coloring Book | [
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16,346 | 2 | Nathan Hale is the creator of The Devil You Know and illustrator of the upcoming graphic novel Rapunzels Revenge by Newbery Honor winner Shannon Hale (no relation) and her husband, Dean. Nathan lives with his wife and children in Provo, Utah.; Title: Yellowbelly and Plum Go to School | [
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16,347 | 2 | *National Book Award winner and national treasure Jacqueline Woodson teams up with two-time Pura Belpr Award recipient Rafael Lpez to deliver an empowering message to any child who has ever felt too different. . . . Woodson and Lpez offer a needed message of comfort to preschool and early elementary students. Woodson's lulling free verse reassures the reader that the world will make some space, while Lpez's dreamy, near-translucent mixed-media illustrations thrum with playful joy. This gentle, powerful ode to diversity and acceptance belongs with all children.Shelf Awareness, starred review*A beautiful and inclusive story that encourages children to find the beauty in their own lives and share it with the world. . . . Each child feels very alone until they begin to share their stories and discover that it is nearly always possible to find someone a little like you. Lpezs vibrant illustrations bring the characters hidden and unspoken thoughts to light with fantastic, swirling color. Shifting hues and textures across the page convey their deep loneliness and then slowly transition into bright hopeful possibilities. Full-bleed illustrations on every page are thick with collaged patterns and textures that pair perfectly with melodic prose that begs to be read aloud. . . . Theres an essential acknowledgment that everyone will experience a time when no one is quite like them, when they cant find their voice, or when they feel very alone. Woodsons superlative text sees each character turn that moment of desolation into an opportunity to be brave and find hope in what they have in common. This masterful story deserves a place in every library.School Library Journal, starred review* A bright jewel-toned palette and clever details, including a literal reflection of a better future, reveal hope and pride. . . . This reassuring, lyrical book feels like a big hug from a wise aunt as she imparts the wisdom of the world in order to calm trepidatious young children: One of these things is not like the other, and that is actually what makes all the difference. A must-have book about the power of ones voice and the friendships that emerge when you are yourself.Kirkus Reviews, starred review* Woodsons poetic lines give power to each childs experience. . . . Lpez paints the books array of children as students in the same classroom; patterns and colors on the childrens clothing and the growing things around them fill the spreads with life. Woodsons gentle, lilting story and Lpezs artistry create a stirring portrait of the courage it takes to be oneself.Publishers Weekly, starred review*Woodsons lyrical text is gently reassuring as it moves between broad discussion and specific examples of difference and discomfort, which emphasize children moving across cultures but will speak to children from all backgrounds and experiences. Mixed-media illustrations . . . combine bold with soft colors and textures in a slightly shaded tropical palette; compositions employ creative and insightful perspectives to suit the characters feelings. . . . The artist frequently incorporates a ruler into the illustrations, which perhaps speaks to the childrens perceptions of how they measure up to others. This lovely and sensitive treatment of adjustment deserves a spot in any collection for youngsters.The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books, starred reviewWoodson catches the uncertainty, even fear, that comes with new situations. But her lyrical language also captures the moment when confidence sparks and friendships are born. . . . The bold, bright artwork features a diverse cast of kids. . . . The important message plays out in a striking design that mixes the everyday with flights of fancy. Woodson, a recent National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature, is one of kidlit's brightest stars, and this should find lots of eager hands.Booklist What will it take for a child who feels different to share her stories? . . . Like Woodsons memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, this story places great value on literacy, reading, and imagination. The matte-finished pages feature illustrations in vivid, brilliant colors, with repeated appearances of flying birds and lush, twining vines and flowers.Horn Book Jacqueline Woodson is the is the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and received the 2018 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and the 2018 Children's Literature Legacy Award. She is the 2014 National Book Award winner for her New York Times bestselling memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, which was also a recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award, a Newbery Honor, the NAACP Image Award and a Sibert Honor. She receive the Jane Addams Children's Book Award and is a four-time Newbery Honor winner, a three-time National Book Award finalist, and a two-time Coretta Scott King Award winner. Her books include The Other Side, Each Kindness, Coming On Home Soon, Feathers, Show Way, After Tupac and D Foster, and Miracle's Boys. She received the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement for her contributions to young adult literature.Rafael Lpez won Pura Belpr medals for Drum Dream Girl and Book Fiesta, and has also received three Pura Belpr honors, two Amricas Book Awards, and the 2017 Toms Rivera Children's Book Award and Society of Illustrators Original Art Silver Medal. His work has been featured in Communication Arts, American Illustration Annual, Graphic Design USA and Huffington Post. He's a founder of San Diego's Urban Art Trail movement, created seven US Postal Stamps, and created official posters for the '08 and '12 Obama-Biden campaigns.; Title: The Day You Begin | [
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16,348 | 11 | PreSchool-Grade 2The Mermaid Parade, a summer solstice ritual to open the beach season at Coney Island, started in 1983 as the revival of an older festival. Greenberg paints detailedand accuratelayouts of the neighborhood, complete with shops, arcades, the F train to Coney Island, Astroland, and diverse people decked out in their sea-creature finery. She lavishes each joyful spread with upbeat colors and patterns. Skies echo the changing blue tints of the ocean. The minimal story linea young girl narrates as she marches in the parade with her parentsfunctions like a tour guide, calling attention to the sights. The wealth of detail turns the pages into a Where's Waldo game: adults and children might challenge each other to locate the three main characters in an amusement-park panorama, or to count the number of pirates dancing on the Boardwalk. This is a fine way to keep the warm sun, sand, and celebration around all year.Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.A young girl is excited to march in the Coney Island annual Mermaid Parade, which marks the official summer opening of the beaches. As the parade moves toward the sea for the opening ceremony, crowds cheer the fancifully dressed participants, and the girl grows more excited, until the final surprise comes: she wins the award for Best Little Mermaid. The descriptive first-person narrative is somewhat overlong, but it captures the girls anticipation and enjoyment, and vividly conveys the scene, from the shiny costumes that sparkle and glitter to the dancing East River Mermaids and the feel of the warm sun. Exuberant, cartoon-style gouache illustrations fill pages with a festive riot of colorful, diverse participants and activities, while a map view follows the parades route. Though place- and event-specific, this title offers an affectionate, upbeat depiction of costume fun, parades, and community celebrations. A final page includes a how-to for making a simple mermaid tail, and a note on Mermaid Parade history. Grades K-2. --Shelle Rosenfeld; Title: Mermaids on Parade | [
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16,349 | 2 | Grade 7 UpAlicia's best friend, Bobby, has gone to New York to scout out colleges, and she realizes that sooner or later she is going to have to tell him that she wants more than just friendship. As she faces the possibility that he is leaving her behind, and is still dealing with her blindness, a new problem crops up. At one point Bobby became invisible, and now there is another invisible person named William stalking him. He follows Bobby home, FBI agents are dropping by, and Alicia wonders just what's going on. Does William just want to return to normal? Is the FBI trying to steal the technology to turn people invisible? Or is William the real threat? Alicia's internal monologues are long, repetitive, and stilted. The plot gathers steam near the end, but Alicia's constant angst over Bobby detracts from it. Their relationship does not seem to have grown any deeper at the end of the book other than the fact that they have kissed. The language and writing seem a little too simple for the YA crowd, but fans of Things Not Seen (2002) and Things Hoped For (2006, both Philomel) might enjoy this installment in the series.Jennifer-Lynn Draper, Children's Literature Consultant, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.In this sequel to Things Not Seen (2002) and Things Hoped For (2006), the action switches back to Chicago. Bobbys blind friend Alicia narrates the story, in which Bobby returns from New York, trailed by the menacing invisible man. Meanwhile, as Alicia wonders if Bobby is ready to take their relationship to the next level, their fathers conduct secret scientific experiments in which lab mice are made invisible, then visible again, and the FBI hovers in a manner more unsettling than reassuring. Once again, Clements tells a riveting tale, made all the more intriguing by the choice of narrator, who experiences and describes the world differently because she cannot see. Alicias relationship with her guide dog (Gerties wonderful, like a low-tech organ transplant) is just one element that her blindness adds to the story without dominating it. As in the previous books, suspense and romance intertwine here, and the door is left open for more. Grades 7-10. --Carolyn Phelan; Title: Things That Are (Things Not Seen) | [
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16,350 | 16 | Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into more than 25 languages and sold over twelve million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than sixty books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote.Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Kunste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years.One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin's eye had been caught by a striking picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. It is still a favorite with children everywhere. This was the beginning of Eric Carle's true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.Eric Carle's art is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and cheerful images. Many of his books have an added dimension - die-cut pages, twinkling lights as in The Very Lonely Firefly, even the lifelike sound of a cricket's song as in The Very Quiet Cricket - giving them a playful quality: a toy that can be read, a book that can be touched. Children also enjoy working in collage and many send him pictures they have made themselves, inspired by his illustrations. He receives hundreds of letters each week from his young admirers. The secret of Eric Carle's books' appeal lies in his intuitive understanding of and respect for children, who sense in him instinctively someone who shares their most cherished thoughts and emotions.The themes of his stories are usually drawn from his extensive knowledge and love of nature - an interest shared by most small children. Besides being beautiful and entertaining, his books always offer the child the opportunity to learn something about the world around them. It is his concern for children, for their feelings and their inquisitiveness, for their creativity and their intellectual growth that, in addition to his beautiful artwork, makes the reading of his books such a stimulating and lasting experience.Carle says: "With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates - will they be friendly? I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun."copyright 2000 by Penguin Group (USA) Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.; Title: My Very First Book of Animal Sounds | [
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16,351 | 11 | PreSchool-KA young girl laments that her wiggly tooth will not fall out soon enough to enable her to collect tooth fairy money to buy a birthday gift for Pap. The rhyming story includes a mix of Spanish words within the English-language context"I needed that tooth out/today, not maana./But yanking? Too painful./I tried a manzana." The cheerful illustrations rendered in oil using a palette with shades of orange and rust show a delightful extended family willing to help the child with her problem. Traditional foods such as avocados, tamales, and tortillas decorate the birthday table as the congenial family gathers to celebrate. Young children will be able to relate to the simple, yet realistic, conclusion to the tale. A basic glossary, with pronunciation guide, precedes the text. This will be a welcome addition for both bilingual children and those who are looking to expand and reinforce their basic Spanish vocabulary.Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Elya, a former Spanish teacher, takes a small moment in timethose several days in which a baby tooth is wiggly and almost ready to come outand gives it a Spanish-inflected telling. Like her other books in this format, a glossary and a pronunciation guide accompany the story, whose simple stanzas each contain a couple of Spanish words in bold type. In addition to the stubborn tooth, the narrator has another problem: her fathers birthday is tomorrow: I have no regalo. / And thats not a good thing. / Since no gift is malo. Matthesons illustrations,in oil paint on primed paper, are vivid and bright, and they capture a cheerful world where such obstacles are certain to be overcome. The child may despair that the tooth fairy will not arrive in time to finance a gift, but she is resourceful and creative, andshe even copes when the puppies she is bathing for money become unruly. The last pagefeaturing a smiling father embracing a daughter who now has a tooth missing from her grinis satisfyingly sweet. Preschool-Grade 1. --Abby Nolan; Title: Tooth on the Loose | [
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16,352 | 2 | "Before you were mine . . . " wonders a little boy, "[d]id you live in a warm house with warm smells and a rug that was only yours? [Or were] you kept on a chain, with a dusty bowl and lonely sounds all around?" Never varying from this direct address, the little boy speculates about the life his dog may have led before being adopted from the shelter. He imagines happiness, cruelty, misfortune, neglect: "[Maybe] you ran away and they never heard that if your dog runs away, you look for him . . . until you find him." Softly framed pastel panels and vignettes depict a round, mustard-colored little mutt playing with an imagined boy, making puppy-mischief, alone and scared, before being taken to the shelter for "a meal, and a bath, and a bed of your own" before coming home with the narrator. Boelts's restrained text and Walker's affecting illustrations combine to pack a small wallop directly to the hearts of dog-loving children who will almost certainly give their pets an extra hug afterwards. A note on adopting a shelter pet follows this unabashedly emotional offering. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Kirkus Reviews October, 2007"A poignant, thought-provoking book." -- School Library Journal, 12/01/2007 "In this witty, wise picture book Boelts presents a kids-eye view of a consumer fad that rages through school at gale force." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review, 12/05/2007 "Whether children are on the shoe-owning or the shoe-envying side of the economic line, they can sympathize with Jeremy and rejoice in the way he eventually resolves his problem with his too-small shoes." -- The Horn Book, 11/01/2007"Cozy, soft-edged pictures of an adorable dog characterize this warm-hearted book in which a boy, whose dog has died, gets another dog from a shelter. The young narrator, thrilled with his new pet, speculates about the dog's past in a series of questions. He imagines another boy loving the dog and playing with it: "Was your boy proud when you learned a trick? Did he talk about you at recess?" He pictures the dog as a lively puppy whose owners were annoyed by his chewing and digging, and in a few imagined scenes, the dog appears neglected and unhappy. But the story comes full circle as the narrator welcomes the shivering stray into its friendly new home. The pastel illustrations use a variety of layouts to infuse the story with emotion, and the author's note speaks of the "ripple of hope" created when someone adopts a dog. Children are likely to beg their parents for a trip to the shelter after reading this moving book." Kathleen Odean -- Booklist Dec. 2007PreS-Gr 2Boelts does an outstanding job of exploring the adoption of a rescued dog from a shelter. An unnamed boy whose family takes in this sweet-looking pet describes what the animal's life might have been like "before you were mine." The child wonders if his dog was loved, but too mischievous for the previous owners, or if they moved into a "no dogs allowed" apartment, or if he got lost, and "they never heard that...you look for him...until you find him." The boy also imagines how tough life must have been when the animal was on his own, and how frightened he might have been, even after being rescued. Walker's illustrations--some muted, others vibrantly colored--perfectly capture the misery and fear, the uncertainty, and ultimately the rapture of this pup because "you're home." The text and illustrations create moods that shift between poignant and blissful. A short essay about the "ripple of hope" created by a successful adoption of a dog from a shelter is appended. Pair this title with Marc Simont's The Stray Dog (HarperCollins, 2001) to drive home the joyous outcome when the right family meets up with the right dog.--Deborah Vose, Highlands Elementary School, Braintree, MA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. -- School Library Journal Maribeth Boelts and her family live in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Their second rescued dog, Dixie, lives happily with them.David Walker lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Every dog hes had has been rescued, but hes always felt like the lucky one.; Title: Before You Were Mine | [
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16,353 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 3Amanda is afraid of the dark, so her father takes her outside one night to look up at the stars. Still, her room is dark and scary, so Daddy brings home paper and paint to make stars that glow in the dark and pastes them on her ceiling. When he goes away, he tells her that he will be able to see the North Star just as she can. He gives her a puppy called Bear, another name for the Big Dipper. Only when he calls from his military post on the other side of the world do readers understand that Amanda's fear of the dark masks a deeper fear for his safety. An unspecified length of time passes, Bear grows, and the family is reunited at last at the airport. Realistic watercolor illustrations, many of them dark and still, are strangely comforting. This quiet, hopeful book speaks especially to the children of military personnel serving abroad, though it will resonate with any child separated from a parent.Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN END"This useful volume reassuringly examines the effect of military deployment on families." --Kirkus"This quiet, hopeful book speaks especially to the children of military personnel serving abroad, though it will resonate with any child separated from a parent." --School Library Journal; Title: Stars Above Us | [
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16,354 | 7 | Michael Carroll lives in Ireland.; Title: Quantum Prophecy: the Reckoning: Book Three | [
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16,355 | 16 | Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into more than 25 languages and sold over twelve million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than sixty books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote.Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Kunste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years.One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin's eye had been caught by a striking picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. It is still a favorite with children everywhere. This was the beginning of Eric Carle's true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.Eric Carle's art is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and cheerful images. Many of his books have an added dimension - die-cut pages, twinkling lights as in The Very Lonely Firefly, even the lifelike sound of a cricket's song as in The Very Quiet Cricket - giving them a playful quality: a toy that can be read, a book that can be touched. Children also enjoy working in collage and many send him pictures they have made themselves, inspired by his illustrations. He receives hundreds of letters each week from his young admirers. The secret of Eric Carle's books' appeal lies in his intuitive understanding of and respect for children, who sense in him instinctively someone who shares their most cherished thoughts and emotions.The themes of his stories are usually drawn from his extensive knowledge and love of nature - an interest shared by most small children. Besides being beautiful and entertaining, his books always offer the child the opportunity to learn something about the world around them. It is his concern for children, for their feelings and their inquisitiveness, for their creativity and their intellectual growth that, in addition to his beautiful artwork, makes the reading of his books such a stimulating and lasting experience.Carle says: "With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates - will they be friendly? I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun."Eric Carle has two grown-up children, a son and a daughter. With his wife Barbara, he lives in Northampton, Massachusetts. The Carles spend their summers in the nearby Berkshire hills.copyright 2000 by Penguin Group (USA) Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into more than 25 languages and sold over twelve million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than sixty books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote.Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Kunste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years.One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin's eye had been caught by a striking picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. It is still a favorite with children everywhere. This was the beginning of Eric Carle's true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.Eric Carle's art is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and cheerful images. Many of his books have an added dimension - die-cut pages, twinkling lights as in The Very Lonely Firefly, even the lifelike sound of a cricket's song as in The Very Quiet Cricket - giving them a playful quality: a toy that can be read, a book that can be touched. Children also enjoy working in collage and many send him pictures they have made themselves, inspired by his illustrations. He receives hundreds of letters each week from his young admirers. The secret of Eric Carle's books' appeal lies in his intuitive understanding of and respect for children, who sense in him instinctively someone who shares their most cherished thoughts and emotions.The themes of his stories are usually drawn from his extensive knowledge and love of nature - an interest shared by most small children. Besides being beautiful and entertaining, his books always offer the child the opportunity to learn something about the world around them. It is his concern for children, for their feelings and their inquisitiveness, for their creativity and their intellectual growth that, in addition to his beautiful artwork, makes the reading of his books such a stimulating and lasting experience.Carle says: "With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates - will they be friendly? I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun."copyright 2000 by Penguin Group (USA) Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.; Title: My Very First Book of Numbers | [
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16,356 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 4–A story that can be enjoyed as a read-aloud or by independent readers. It touches upon the troubles of a family, newly relocated to a town that has a special shopkeeper who stocks anything a person could ever need or want. Hensley's is more than a normal general store, and its optimistic and resourceful proprietor spreads magic into the lives of everyone he meets. Polacco spins an engaging tale with universal appeal. The subjects of single-parent difficulties, family stress, financial straits, and medical emergencies make this book a great tool for parents, caregivers, and educators who work with children who may share similar problems. The artwork draws readers into the emotions felt by the characters and frames the story with a certain charm that makes it one to read again and again. A terrific addition to any picture-book collection.–Kathleen Pavin, Purdy Elementary School Library, Fort Atkinson, WI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved."I was born in Lansing, Michigan in 1944. Soon after my birth I lived in Williamston, Michigan and then moved onto my grandparents farm in Union City, Michigan."I lived on the farm with my mom and Grandparents until 1949. That is when my Babushka (my grandmother) died and we prepared to move away from Michigan. I must say that living on that little farm with them was the most magical time of my life...and that my Babushka and other grandparents were some of the most inspirational people in my life."My parents were divorced when I was 3, and both my father and mother moved back into the homes of their parents. I spent the school year with my mother, and the summers with my dad. In both households I was the apple of my grandparents' eyes! I would say that these relationships with my grandparents have most definitely influenced my life and my work. You probably have noticed that in almost every book that I write there is a very young person who is interacting with an elderly person. Personally, I feel that this is the most valuable experience of my life....having the wonder of knowing both children and elderly people."The respect that I learned as a very young person certainly carried over into my life in later years. I have always like hearing stories from these folks. My genuine curiosity for the wonder of living a very long life prepared me to accept the declining years of my own parents."To get back to the farm in Union City...this place was so magical to me that I have never forgotten it! This was the place where I heard such wonderful stories told...this was the place that a real meteor fell into our font yard...that very meteorite is now our family headstone in the graveyard here in Union City."Did I tell you that I now live in Union City? This is after living in Oakland, California for almost 37 years. But, you see, every year I'd come back to Michigan to see my Dad and family."Anyway..."In 1949 we left the farm to move, first to Coral Gables, Florida. I lived there with my Mom and my brother, Richard, for almost 3 years. Then we moved to Oakland, California. I remained there for most of my young life on into my adulthood. We lived on Ocean View Drive in the Rockridge District. What I loved the most about this neighborhood is that all of my neighbors came in as many colors, ideas and religions as there are people on the planet. How lucky I was to know so many people that were so different and yet so much alike."It is on Ocean View that I met my best friend, Stewart Grinnell Washington. We are best friends to this day! He has a younger brother, Winston and three sisters; Jackie, Terry and Robin. When I was a student in elementary school I wasn't a very good student. I had a terrible time with reading and math. As a matter of fact, I did not learn how to read until I was almost 14 years old. Can you imagine what it was like to see all my friends do so well in school and I wasn't! I thought I was dumb. I didn't like school because there was this boy that always teased me and made me feel even dumber. When I was fourteen, it was learned that I have a learning disability. It is called dyslexia. I felt trapped in a body that wouldn't do what everybody else could do. That was when one of my hero's, my teacher, found what was wrong with me and got me the help I needed to succeed in school. Of course, now that I am an adult, I realize that being learning disabled does not mean DUMB AT ALL! As a matter of fact, I have learned that being learning disabled only means that I cannot learn the way most of you do. As a matter of fact, most learning disabled children are actually GENIUSES! Once I learned how to read and caught up with the rest of my fellow students, I did very well."I went on to University, majored in Fine Art, then went on to do a graduate degree and even ended up with a Ph.D. in Art History. For a time I restored ancient pieces of art for museums. I eventually became the mother of two children, Steven and Traci, and devoted much of my days to their education and upbringing."I did not start writing children's books until I was 41 years old. Mind you the "art" has always been there for me most of my life. Apparently one of the symptoms of my disability in academics is the ability of draw very, very well. So drawing, painting and sculpture has always been a part of my life even before I started illustrating my books. The books were quite a surprise, really. Mind you, I came from a family of incredible storytellers. My mother's people were from the Ukraine and Russia...my father's people were from Ireland. My extended family,(Stewart's family) were from the bayous of Louisiana...also great story tellers. When you are raised on HEARING stories.....NOT SEEING THEM, you become very good at telling stories yourself. So at the age of 41 I started putting stories that I told down on paper and did drawings to help illustrate them...I guess the rest is history."I have enjoyed a wonderful career of writing books for children . Who could have guessed that little girl that was having such a tough time in school would end up an illustrator and author. Children and adults alike ask me where I get my ideas...I get them from the same place that you do....MY IMAGINATION... I would guess the reason my imagination is so fertile is because I came from storytelling and, WE DID NOT OWN A T.V.!!!!!!!!! You see, when one is a writer, actor, dancer, musician; a creator of any kind, he or she does these things because they listen to that "voice" inside of them. All of us have that "voice". It is where all inspired thoughts come from....but when you have electronic screens in front, of you, speaking that voice for you... it DROWNS OUT THE VOICE! When I talk to children and aspiring writers, I always ask them to listen to the voice, turn off the T.V. and"LISTEN...LISTEN...LISTEN."Now that I have moved back to Union City I am intending to open my house and community and invite people to come there to take part in writing seminars, story telling festivals, literature conferences and various events that celebrate children's literature."Born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, to parents of Russian and Ukrainian descent on one side and Irish on the other, Patricia Polacco grew up in both California and Michigan. Her school year was spent in Oakland, California, and summers in her beloved Michigan. She describes her family members as marvelous storytellers. "My fondest memories are of sitting around a stove or open fire, eating apples and popping corn while listening to the old ones tell glorious stories about their homeland and the past. We are tenacious traditionalists and sentimentalists.... With each retelling our stories gain a little more Umph!"Studying in the United States and Australia, Patricia Polacco has earned an M.F.A. and a Ph. D. in art history, specializing in Russian and Greek painting, and iconographic history. She is a museum consultant on the restoration of icons. As a participant in many citizen exchange programs for writers and illustrators, Patricia Polacco has traveled extensively in Russia as well as other former Soviet republics. She continues to support programs that encourage Russo-American friendships and understanding. She is also deeply involved in inner-city projects here in the U.S. that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict and encourage art and literacy programs.The mother of a grown son and a daughter, Patricia Polacco currently resides in Michigan, where she has a glorious old farm that was built during the time of Lincoln.copyright © 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.; Title: Something About Hensley's | [
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16,357 | 13 | "This ode to all the 'mid-kids' demands to be read aloud accompanied by plenty of foot tapping and grooving." --Kirkus"This book is a winner." --School Library Journal"Catrow's irreverent day-glo caricatures are in tune with Crow's catchy song of woe." --Horn BookKristyn Crow lives in Layton, Utah. David Catrow lives in Springfield, Ohio.; Title: The Middle-Child Blues | [
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16,358 | 7 | Grade 5-8Brandon Lake resolves various crimes around London in 1936, even though people never see him. Actually, he doesn't really existhe is four young people, led by 14-year-old Art. They call themselves theCannoniers, with several comparisons to the Baker Street Irregulars. A parallel story line follows a modern-day Art as he finds the casebook of the Invisible Detective, recognizes the handwriting as his own, has flashes of memories of the cases discussed in it, and, with explanations from his grandfather, figures out what's going on. In Double Life, the Cannoniers' meeting place, an old abandoned building, is taken over by a man who is presenting a paranormal puppet exhibit. At the same time, people keep disappearing all over the neighborhood. The group helps Art's dad, a Scotland Yard Detective, along with their new friend Charlie, solve the case. As it turns out, the puppets have been trained to kill; their most important target, the Duke of York, is soon to be the next king of England. Shadow Beast concerns a monster living in the sewers of London who is killing and mutilating cats. But Art's father is more concerned with the recent robbery of a bank over the sewer lines. Could the two events be related? The modern-day Art helps his grandfather find out about the reappearance of the monster in the sewers. Two fast-paced, action-packed stories for mystery fans.Diana Pierce, Running Brushy Middle School, Cedar Park, TX Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Justin Richards lives in Warwick, England.; Title: Invisible Detective: Double Life (The Invisible Detectives) | [
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16,359 | 2 | Eric Hill (19272014) started his artistic career as an art studio messenger and from there went on to become a cartoonist and eventually an art director at a leading advertising agency. In 1978, Eric made up a story about a small puppy to read to his son at bedtime, and Spot was born. The success of his first bestselling lift-the-flap classic,Where's Spot?, in 1980 convinced him to become a full-time author, and his Spot books have been enjoyed by children around the world ever since. In 2008 he was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to children's literacy.; Title: Spot Loves His Grandma | [
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16,360 | 2 | Eric Hill lives in California.; Title: Spot Loves His Grandpa | [
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16,361 | 1 | Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into more than 25 languages and sold over twelve million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than sixty books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote. Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Kunste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years. One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin's eye had been caught by a striking picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. It is still a favorite with children everywhere. This was the beginning of Eric Carle's true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Eric Carle's art is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and cheerful images. Many of his books have an added dimension - die-cut pages, twinkling lights as in The Very Lonely Firefly, even the lifelike sound of a cricket's song as in The Very Quiet Cricket - giving them a playful quality: a toy that can be read, a book that can be touched. Children also enjoy working in collage and many send him pictures they have made themselves, inspired by his illustrations. He receives hundreds of letters each week from his young admirers. The secret of Eric Carle's books' appeal lies in his intuitive understanding of and respect for children, who sense in him instinctively someone who shares their most cherished thoughts and emotions. The themes of his stories are usually drawn from his extensive knowledge and love of nature - an interest shared by most small children. Besides being beautiful and entertaining, his books always offer the child the opportunity to learn something about the world around them. It is his concern for children, for their feelings and their inquisitiveness, for their creativity and their intellectual growth that, in addition to his beautiful artwork, makes the reading of his books such a stimulating and lasting experience. Carle says: "With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates - will they be friendly? I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun." 2000 by Penguin Group (USA) Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.; Title: Eric Carle's Very Little Library | [
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16,362 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 3Milo just doesn't get what's so special about moms. As far as he can see, all they do is nag you to eat your broccoli and send you up to bed when you tint your little sister purple. So who needs them? Well, as it turns out, Martians do (they grow motherless from the ground like potatoes) and one night, three Martians sneak into Milo's house and steal his sleeping mother. The boy races after them, grabs onto the ladder of their spaceship, and boards it just as it blasts off. Once on Mars, he looks outside and finally understands why the Martians need a mom so badlyThey needed driving to soccer! And to ballet! And to playdates, parks, and pizzas! Plus cooking and cleaning and dressing and packing lunches and bandaging boo-boos! Just then, he trips and falls and is saved byyou guessed it! And the sympathetic aliens take the boy and his mother home. The story ends with Milo waking up in his mother's bed, cuddling next to her. In typical Breathed form, the illustrations are lush, plush, and over-the-top with color, attitude, and craziness. The picture of the Martians trying to bait a mom with what looks suspiciously like a brand name Grande coffee on a line is hilarious, to say the least. Share this witty and sweet tale with young readers and their moms for a wacky treat.Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Milo doesn't see what's so great about mothers. After all, his makes him eat his broccoli and carrots and do chores around the house and garden. When Martian raiders arrive and abduct the mothers, Milo steals on board their spaceship and discovers why the moms have been kidnapped: so that they can drive the Martians to their Martian soccer games in their Martian vans, pack lunches, and put Band-Aids on cuts. When Milo's oxygen supply is nearly cut off, his mom is there to save him, and he finds new appreciation for mothers. The colorful, almost three-dimensional computer-generated art, interspersed with old-fashioned black-and-white line drawings, are the highlight here. The Martians are suitably comical, and the pages are filled with subtle little jokes, including plenty for adults (e.g., the Martians use Starbucks coffee to lure the moms onto their spaceship). Funny and visually striking. Todd MorningCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Mars Needs Moms! | [
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16,363 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 2When the unnamed protagonist refuses to wear clothes because he doesn't like them, his parents spend the rest of the story trying to convince him why he needs them. Unpleasant but hilarious scenarios ensue describing what would happen if he went nudeno pockets for stuff, freezing in winter, the pain of stealing second base, etc. After considering all the arguments, the boy decides that if he must wear something, then he'll choose his own outfit, and off he goes dressed as a superhero, cape and all. This fun-to-read story is written in rhyming couplets. "If you went to school naked when the sun's overhead,/you would get a sunburn and turn very RED!/You might be confused with a big red tomato,/stewed in a pot with a russet potato!" The illustrations aptly depict each consequence, and the characters' expressions bring them to life. The pictures have a vaguely 1950s cartoon sensibility both in style and color choice, which works well with the text. This one's great for storytime or one-on-one sharing. Just be prepared for gales of laughter.Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved."Just saying the word 'naked' will convulse a preschool audience; this is bound to find plenty of happy readers." -- Kirkus ReviewsThis one's great for storytime or one-on-one sharing. Just be prepared for gales of laughter. -- School Library Journal; Title: You Can't Go To School Naked! | [
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16,364 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2For two gigantic monster pals, playtime is calamitous in scale. When they "wake up," one bursts out of a volcano, while the other shoots up from beneath the ocean. When they "feast," they toss airplanes, ships, and mountains into their enormous mouths. When they "party" with other friends, their exuberance bounces buildings and vehicles high into the sky. However, when monster parents interrupt the fun, the protagonists turn into two cuddling youngsters who end their playtime with an affable "monster hug." Stein's rambunctious watercolors are as joyously messy as the characters they bring to life. His primary-color palette stands out boldly against the white backgrounds. Each page demonstrates a different activity, accompanied by simple descriptive statements. This eye-catching offering will elicit giggles from storytime audiences and makes an excellent addition to picture-book shelves.Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.David Ezra Stein is also the author and illustrator of Leaves and Cowboy Ned and Andy. He lives in Kew Gardens, New York.; Title: Monster Hug! | [
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16,365 | 2 | PreSchool-KJackson loves his soft, worn, fuzzy blanket and takes it everywhere he goes. His parents think it's time to wash it and put it away, but the child won't hear of it. Then he finds a tiny white kitten in the snow. He wraps it up in his blanket and takes it home. Jackson bathes and feeds the kitten and makes a bed for it using his blanket. The streamlined text and realistic watercolor illustrations come together to show how a boy grows up just a bit when the time is right. A great addition to most collections.Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.There's nothing not to like in this sweet tale. --Kirkus ReviewsThe streamlined text and realistic watercolor illustrations come together to show how a boy grows up just a bit when the time is right. A great addition to most collections. --School Library Journal; Title: Jackson's Blanket | [
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16,366 | 1 | Grade 3-5British comedian Gervais uses a field-guide approach in this second book about the bumpy, lumpy fanciful creatures first described in Flanimals (Putnam, 2005). Four short chapters discuss The Flanimal Kingdom, Flanimal Evolution, Flanatomy, and Flanimal Behavior. A longer chapter, Spotter's Guide, identifies 17 species, from the Skwunt to the Swog Monglet. All are illustrated with homely, cross-eyed cartoon figures, as in the first volume. The broad humor of the wordplay and the garish, impudent figures may be a quick draw for reluctant readers. The book strains at being clever, but some readers may like its brevity and silliness. It could also be used to encourage children to invent their own creatures.Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Ricky Gervaiss Flanimals was a New York Times bestseller. He has received numerous awards for his broadcast work, include six BAFTAs and two Golden Globes for writing, directing and starring in his TV comedy The Office. The New York Times called The Office "the best comedy on television," the DVD is the fastestselling TV title of all time, and he is currently starring in a new program, Extras. He lives in England.; Title: More Flanimals | [
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16,367 | 7 | Grade 5–8—This book is just as delightful as Samuel Blink and the Forbidden Forest (Putnam, 2007). It continues the story of Samuel and Martha, along with their Norwegian aunt and uncle and the trolls who live in the neighboring forest. The siblings are starting school, which is not an easy thing when you only speak English. Samuel has enough problems without the arrival of Troll-Son, who is hiding from the Betterer, an adult troll who uses various torture techniques to make the trolls more human. Meanwhile, Martha is becoming friendly with Cornelia, who has motives other than friendship for spending time with her. When the worlds of the trolls and the humans fully connect, there is no guessing what will happen. Enthusiastically portrayed with all of their quirks, the characters are engaging. Fast pacing adds to the readability of the book, and the combination of fantasy and broad humor is very well done.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Enthusiastically portrayed with all of their quirks, the characters are engaging...the combination of fantasy and broad humor is very well done.- -- School Library JournalWell-paced suspense, sympathetic (or satisfyingly wicked) characters and a lovingly described Norwegian setting make this an above-average fantasy, and readers will be hoping for more. -- Kirkus Reviews; Title: Samuel Blink and the Runaway Troll | [
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16,368 | 1 | PreSchool-Grade 1—Sally the duck has ordered some purple socks. When they arrive, they are much too small, but a note states that the garments will grow to the size ordered. After "some airing," the socks fit perfectly, but then they keep expanding. As they get bigger, she uses them for a hat-and-scarf set, then curtains, then as blankets. Before long, Sally has purple carpeting throughout her house. Eventually, the purple socks ooze out the windows and doors and into the street where they block traffic. Sally hauls them into her backyard, constructs a large tent, and invites her neighbors to a circus. All goes well until it starts to rain, causing the purple blobs to shrink back to socks that are just Sally's size. The illustrations are done in flat yellow, white, green, and purple gouache paint, outlined in brushed black ink. Sally's head and beak area is all white with tiny dot eyes, making her appear a bit ghostly. Children may be amused as the situation gets more and more out of hand, and this book could be used as part of a clothing-themed storytime. An additional purchase.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Sally the duck is thrilled with her new purple socks. They fit perfectly, and she wears them constantly until theyoddly begin togettoo big. Sheuses them asscarf and cap to wear while she gardens, but when they continueto grow, sheturns them into curtains, then blankets, a carpet; and, finally, when they block traffic in front of her house, she makesthem into a circus tent and invites all her neighbors over to have some fun. All goes well until rain shrinks the socks, leaving Sally with her lovely, soft, cozy, warm, luxurious purple socks, which fit perfectly again. This is similar in concept tobooks such as Tomie dePaolas Strega Nona (1975) and Jay Williams One Big Wish (1980),in whichthings grow andget out of control. The quirky, playful, and ultimatelywarm illustrations, coupled with the simple text and a plot with just the right amount of suspense, make the book spot-on for sharing with young audiences. Preschool-Grade 2. --Randall Enos; Title: Sally and the Purple Socks | [
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16,369 | 5 | DePaola (the 26 Fairmount Avenue series) has frequently mined his childhood to create memorable tales; here he taps into his 35-year-plus residency in northern New Hampshire. Organized by seasons, these homespun vignettes are flavored with a North Country accent, but they feature dePaola's characteristically folksy pictures. The cast, mostly amiable, includes a few comically ornery locals, among them a soap-shunning fella whose ripe aroma sends a family of skunks scampering. Elsewhere, a big-boned gal related to the Bunyans meets her husband while working as a cook in a loggin' camp, where she makes flapjacks for the lumbahjacks on a griddle fashioned from an old saw blade; and a friendly man invites two unsuspecting newcomers to set with him and his wife on Saturday evenin' after suppah, a pastime that, apparently, entails sitting silently while listening to the tickin' of the clock, the cracklin' of the stove and the sizzlin' of doughnuts frying. This last scenario, where the wide-eyed guests have no idea what they are in for nor how to react to the settin' session, epitomizes the volume's wry humor (Thanks fer coming, their host tells the visitors the next time he sees them. Maude and I was sayin' that Saturday was one of the best sets we ever had). Comics-style panels interspersed between sections lampoon tourists and locals; it's hard to predict which camp will enjoy this sunny book more. All ages. (Oct.) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Tomie dePaola is the author and artist of more than two hundred books for young readers, a Caldecott Honor and a Newbery Honor among them. He lives in New London, New Hampshire.; Title: Tomie dePaola's Front Porch Tales and North Country Whoppers | [
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16,370 | 2 | Olivier Dunrea (www.olivierdunrea.com) is the author of many bestselling books for children, including the Gossie & Friends series, Old Bear and His Cub, Bear Noel, Hanne's Quest and It's Snowing! He lives in Narrowsburg, New York.; Title: A Christmas Tree for Pyn | [
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16,371 | 2 | PreS-Gr 2This gorgeous picture book provides a look at animals that are active during the day (diurnal), those who come out at night (nocturnal), and a few that appear at sunrise or twilight (crepuscular). Minor relies on simple, lyrical text ("Speedy gray squirrel scurries all day in search of acorns to store for winter.") and stunning, full-color paintings to share characteristics of each creature, as he takes readers from day to night and back again. Many of the critters will be familiar to children (rabbit, deer, skunk), while several are lesser known (opossum, flying squirrel, luna moth). The use of comparisons and contrasts will be especially helpful in classroom settings, but browsers will also be attracted by the appealing, realistic illustrations. There are two pages of "Fun Facts" appended, which include thumbnail illustrations of the 22 animals, along with some interesting additional information for the most curious. VERDICT This lovely title should find a spot in all collections and will likely inspire greater outdoor observation and appreciation.Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY* Gorgeous. . . . Minor relies on simple, lyrical text and stunning, full-color paintings to share characteristics of each creature, as he takes readers from day to night and back again. Many of the critters will be familiar to children, while several are lesser known. . . . Appealing, realistic illustrations. There are two pages of Fun Facts . . . with some interesting additional information for the most curious. This lovely title should find a spot in all collections and will likely inspire greater outdoor observation and appreciation.School Library Journal, starred reviewAn album of contrasts. . . . The attraction of this invitation to explore daytime and nighttime worlds is visual: appealing gouache-and-watercolor animal portraits display Minors characteristic use of light and color, meticulous detail, and appreciation for nature. . . . For storytime or laptime, another beautiful rendition of the natural world.Kirkus Reviews Minors bucolic imagery suggests abundant space for humans and wildlife alike, and even if this green world is not an everyday reality for all readers, Minors gentle scenes will draw them in.Publishers WeeklyIn his signature representational artistic styledetailed, luminous, and pristineMinor compares and contrasts diurnal and nocturnal animals.The Horn Book; Title: Daylight Starlight Wildlife | [
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16,372 | 1 | PreSchool-Grade 2—All of the friendly animals in town want to know why Turtle is in such a hurry. "I am off to see something red, red, red," he replies. Each of his neighbors asks if it is something they have, but it is not Mrs. Raccoon's roses, Rabbit's produce, Goat's red socks, Fox's roof (which he is painting red), the firefighters' truck, or Captain Dog's boat. A growing parade of animals follows Turtle as he rushes through the town and up a hill that overlooks the lake. "Where is red, red, red?" they ask. "Look over there," says Turtle, as the friends are rewarded with a strikingly red sunset. Children may enjoy pointing out the colorful objects on each spread and trying to guess Turtle's mysterious destination. The pen-and-ink and watercolor pictures are kid-friendly, with the clothes-wearing critters reminiscent of Richard Scarry characters. A slight, but pleasant story.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Valeri Gorbachev lives in Brooklyn, New York.; Title: Red Red Red | [
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16,373 | 2 | Eric Hill (www.funwithspot.com) left school when he was 15 and took up cartooning while working as a messenger at an art studio.He created Where's Spot? as a bedtime story for his two-year old son. It was published four years later, and the rest is history.; Title: Spot's Easter Surprise | [
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16,374 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2This eye-catching picture book is all Dolly: big, bright, and shiny on the outside, sweet as Southern tea on the inside. Through straightforward (and only slightly forced) rhyme, readers are introduced to the idea that colors make up the world around them and can be used to describe their emotional landscape as well. "When I'm tickled PINK,/It means I'm feeling dandy./Everything is great and/As sweet as cotton candy." The comparisons are predictable: red/angry, green/jealous, blue/sad, but suit the intended audience. Parton also encourages empathy ("So remember as you go/from hue to hue/That each and every person/Has feelings too") and self-control ("It's not/always up to you,/The way that you feel./But/how you act,/Is a different deal")important concepts for this age group. Sheffield's bold, digitally rendered illustrations match the cheery simplicity of the message and the slightly flat, didactic text. This book radiates the author's good intentions and is sure to be appreciated at storytime.Piper Nyman, Brookmeade Elementary School, Nashville, TN END"This eye-catching picture book is all Dolly: big, bright, and shiny on the outside, sweet as Southern tea on the inside...sure to be appreciated at storytime." --School Library Journal; Title: I Am a Rainbow | [
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16,375 | 2 | PreS-Gr 2Sam is a curious boy, whose mother has tucked him in for the night, yet he can't help but wonder about how and where other people and creatures sleep. As he yells for his mother to ask more questions, his toy monkeys come to life and cause a ruckus. Sam tries his best to quiet his mind and go to sleep, even doing some breathing exercises. Yet, it is only when he pulls out a bedtime story that he is able to calm himself and the monkeys and drift off to slumber. Choldenko's story is funny, if at times potentially confusing, though perfectly capturing Sam's wandering mind. The illustrations are fun, with bold movement lines indicating a chaotic and hectic bedtime frenzy, and monkeys that just won't quit. The speech bubbles between Sam and his mother come in big, comic book-style bursts, adding humor. VERDICT This lovely story about the power of books to help calm and focus would make a fun bedtime story for lots of families.Kaitlin Connors, Virginia Beach Public LibraryBusy cartoon art full of overstimulating detail vibrates with energy, allowing readers to absorb what it might feel like to be the freckle-faced, fuzzy-haired protagonist, whose brain is buzzing . . . . A comical yet realistic look at bedtime for those who sometimes struggle with it.The Horn Book Choldenkos story is funny. . . perfectly capturing Sams wandering mind. The illustrations are fun, with bold movement lines indicating a chaotic and hectic bedtime frenzy, and monkeys that just wont quit.School Library Journal"Choldenkos buzzy narration itself quiets as Sam uses breathing techniques and reads to the monkeys on his way to falling asleepself-calming techniques that many readers may find helpful themselves.Publishers Weekly; Title: Putting the Monkeys to Bed | [
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16,376 | 5 | Grade 6 UpSet between Barron's "Lost Years of Merlin" and "Great Tree of Avalon" series, this book focuses on Basil, a unique lizard that sets out to understand his identity and his destiny. While small, Basil has a magical ability to create smells, and he uses his talent and his wits to escape a number of foes. After a series of encounters with the wizard Merlin, including attending his wedding, Basil learns from the good spirit Dagda that the evil spirit Rhita Gawr has entered the lands of Avalon and that Merlin is in grave danger. With the wind sister Aylah, he travels to all seven realms, learning about each one and about himself in his quest to save Merlin and all of Avalon from the magic-devouring kreelix. While this adventure starts out slowly and spans almost 40 years, the pace picks up rapidly during the second half. Basil is a prickly and entertaining hero, and his comments about life at the start of each chapter add tone and humor. Barron's return to Avalon will be welcomed by his many fans, who will have the patience to explore the lands with Basil and learn more about their history.Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Barrons latest in his ongoing Merlin saga is set between the Lost Years of Merlin series and the Great Tree of Avalon series. Basil, an odd creature that resembles a minuscule green lizard with big ears and crumpled wings, is charged by the great spirit Dagda, lord of the Otherworld, to seek out Merlin and warn him that the evil Rhita Gawr has returned to wreak havoc. Thus begins Basils epic, often terrifying, multiyear journey throughout all the worlds of Avalon during which he searches for others of his kind as well as for Merlin. Basil is an appealing, complex character, and, as usual, Barron infuses the story with a sense of love and appreciation for the natural world and also dismay at the destructive forces that threaten it. This first book in a new series will captivate readers already familiar with the fantasists Merlin chronicles. Grades 7-10. --Sally Estes; Title: Merlin's Dragon (Merlin Saga) | [
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16,377 | 2 | Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into more than 25 languages and sold over twelve million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than sixty books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote.Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Kunste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years.One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin's eye had been caught by a striking picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. It is still a favorite with children everywhere. This was the beginning of Eric Carle's true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.Eric Carle's art is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and cheerful images. Many of his books have an added dimension - die-cut pages, twinkling lights as in The Very Lonely Firefly, even the lifelike sound of a cricket's song as in The Very Quiet Cricket - giving them a playful quality: a toy that can be read, a book that can be touched. Children also enjoy working in collage and many send him pictures they have made themselves, inspired by his illustrations. He receives hundreds of letters each week from his young admirers. The secret of Eric Carle's books' appeal lies in his intuitive understanding of and respect for children, who sense in him instinctively someone who shares their most cherished thoughts and emotions.The themes of his stories are usually drawn from his extensive knowledge and love of nature - an interest shared by most small children. Besides being beautiful and entertaining, his books always offer the child the opportunity to learn something about the world around them. It is his concern for children, for their feelings and their inquisitiveness, for their creativity and their intellectual growth that, in addition to his beautiful artwork, makes the reading of his books such a stimulating and lasting experience.Carle says: "With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates - will they be friendly? I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun."copyright 2000 by Penguin Group (USA) Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.; Title: Eric Carle's Very Special Baby Journal | [
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16,378 | 7 | Grade 69It has been 10 years since all the adult superhumans have been stripped of their powers, but their children have inherited superpowers too, and it's their turn to fight the supervillains. Danny is still reeling from the loss of his arm and his superpowers and the reality that for years, a misguided shape-shifting superhuman impersonated his father. Colin is imbued with acute hearing, sight, and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures. His cousin, Renata, has the ability to change form. After their identities are leaked to the press, they are forced to hide out in a secret location where new superhumans are trained. Unbeknownst to them, their old enemy Dioxin, long thought dead, has joined forces with a powerful cult leader bent on destroying them all. He's using Dioxin's desire for revenge to help him discredit, kill, and divide them. They suspect there's a traitor in their midst but it isn't until their safe house is attacked that they discover who it is. This fast-paced and humorous science- fiction adventure may not be wholly original, but, with its part superhero, part James Bond characters, teens, particularly fans of graphic novels and Anthony Horowitz's books, won't mind. They will eagerly await the next entry in the series.Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.A fun and involving story that promises to have a bang-up third installment--can't wait! -- Kirkus; Title: Quantum Prophecy: The Gathering | [
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16,379 | 2 | DePaola's timeless Tuscan heroine trades in her magic spells in a pop-up book that will be best appreciated by kids who already know Strega Nona, Big Anthony and the rest. There's little storytelling: the initial spread has a small autobiographical inset by Strega Nona (complete with pop-ups) and a text box in Strega Nona's voice, declaring her intention to pass along her own and Grandma Concetta's secrets for a magical life. The first of these is famigliafamily; accordingly, Sabuda and Reinhart (Encyclopedia Mythologica) supply a towering tree from which ancestors' portraits bloom and from which a swing hangs, holding Strega Nona. Elsewhere, Strega Nona's friends dine under a grape arbor; Big Anthony slides into the village square on an avalanche of pasta; Strega Nona's pasta pot overflows with red hearts (her secret ingredient is love). Don't look for Sabuda and Reinhart's most jaw-dropping work: built for relatively young hands (though not for toddlers), this book has few movable parts, and the interactive elements, like lift-the-flap shutters and doors on village houses, are clearly labeled for durability's sake. All ages. (Oct.) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: Brava, Strega Nona!: A Heartwarming Pop-Up Book | [
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16,380 | 8 | As she has with previous books, The Princess and the Pea and The Twelve Dancing Princesses (both, 2007), Isadora takes stories from the Brothers Grimm and adapts them for agenerically African setting.The fishermanfrees a flounder and gets a wish. Then his wife makes himcontinually upthe ante: her new hut must becomea castle; then she wants to be king, emperor, pope! The highly patterned collage pictures dont really capture the scope of her ambitions, which seem more European than African, but their shaped and sculptured beauty is arresting. Preschool-Grade 1. --Ilene CooperRachel Isadora began dancing at the age of eight. She trained at George Balanchine's School of American Ballet and has danced professionally. Rachel lives in New York City with her family.Rachel Isadora has illustrated many books set in the world of dance and theater, including Opening Night, My Ballet Class, Swan Lake, The Little Match Girl, and Ben's Trumpet, which received the Caldecott Honor Award and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award.Rachel Isadora began dancing at the age of eight. She trained at George Balanchine's School of American Ballet and has danced professionally. Rachel lives in New York City with her family.Rachel Isadora has illustrated many books set in the world of dance and theater, including Opening Night, My Ballet Class, Swan Lake, The Little Match Girl, and Ben's Trumpet, which received the Caldecott Honor Award and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award.; Title: The Fisherman and His Wife | [
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16,381 | 2 | Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen lives in South Orange, New Jersey.David Clark lives in Luray, Virginia.; Title: The Mine-O-Saur | [
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16,382 | 7 | Grade 5-8In this third adventure, a group of English teens known as the Cannoniers is investigating the death of a local drunk. What they discover is an underground attempt at creating mutant soldiers, led by the evil Miss Gibson and her sidekick, Lawson. These ghost soldiers are actually humans whom Gibson has injected with a serum that turns them into metallic, non-feeling fighters. It is up to the Cannoniers to stop the soldiers from taking over the country. It is easy to root for these teens as they save the day. While the main story takes place in pre-World War II London, it is related through the pages of the present-day, mysterious diary of Art, who is somehow connected to the Cannoniers and able to solve the mystery along with them.Carly B. Wiskoff, Sayville Library, NY Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 5-8. The newest addition to the Invisible Detective series, which is very popular in England, combines mystery and science fiction into a surprisingly smooth and action-packed story that links a contemporary teen with four young crime solvers of the mid-1930s. The Invisible Detective, a creation of several kids who work together, dismisses a drunk's crazy story about a terrifying soldier. When the man is viciously murdered, the amateur sleuths investigate and discover that the soldier isn't just a figment of an alcohol-muddled brain--it's part of a terrifying Frankenstein monster-like army. Action and violence, in larger-than-life proportion, will keep the pages turning as the strange scenario unfolds. Stephanie ZvirinCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Invisible Detective: Ghost Soldiers (The Invisible Detectives) | [
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16,383 | 2 | Gr 13Apartheid has ended in South Africa, but a young boy learns that change takes time in this story of friendship and of a nation healing. Hector plays soccer with his sister in the barren field in his township in Johannesburg. What he really wants is to play with the white boys on the lush green field he sees when his mother takes him to the other part of the city where she works, but they never acknowledge the black boy. Newspaper headlines give a history of South Africa from the announcement that apartheid is over to President Mandela being elected (with Hector's family allowed to vote) to South Africa's hosting the 1996 African Cup of Nations. Each historic step is paralleled by the boys' soccer games in their individual neighborhoods as they root for their South African team, Bafana Bafana, throughout the tournament. When their team makes the finals, both boys attend the game and recognize each other from years of watching from the other side of the fence and raise fists in acknowledgement as they lead the procession of cheering fans in a symbolic uniting of a divided country. Bright acrylic paints and broad pencil strokes bring the characters to life while Bildner's first-person narrative personalizes Hector's childhood during these momentous events. Historical notes provide more detail in this effective introduction to apartheid and Nelson Mandela in a tender tribute to which young readers will be able to relate.Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NYHector tells of apartheids gradual breakdown, which happened while he was growing up in South Africa. As a young black boy, he watches white boys playing soccer, but they ignore his request to join their game. Years pass and changes come. After the first open election, Nelson Mandela becomes president. Later, South Africa hosts a soccer tournament and wins with an integrated team. And, at long last, a white boy invites Hector to play soccer with him. Bildner overcomes some of the problems inherent in a picture book with a time frame extending over several years. Roughly four years old in the opening scenes, Hector is in his early teens at the end, but the illustrations convincingly portray the boys as they grow up, while the narrative thread connecting the storys events is strong. Combining pencil drawings and acrylics, the illustrations are colorful and expressive. An appended apartheid timeline, aimed at a much older audience, briefly discusses significant events. This unusual picture bookshows social change as it affects one boy. Grades 1-3. --Carolyn Phelan; Title: The Soccer Fence: A story of friendship, hope, and apartheid in South Africa | [
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16,384 | 0 | "Great as a read-alone as well as for telling aloud, this story serves to rescue two worthy men from historical obscurity. Students would benefit from knowing about them and their "Hallelujah Flight." (starred review)In 1932, James Banning was the first African American to complete a transcontinental flight. Told from the viewpoint of his young copilot and mechanic, Thomas Allen, this dramatic picture book relates of their historic journey, in which they flew in a small plane from Los Angeles to New York in 21 days. Unframed, double-page paintings show the pair close-up in the cramped cockpit as they fly over the Grand Canyon and head into storms, the propeller whirring, while the ground passes not too far below. Some locals help, showing the kindness of family and friends, but the dramatic pictures also reveal the prejudice the pilots encountered when they are refused use of washrooms and restaurants. Finally, they reach New York and receive a heros welcome in Harlem. Along with the drama of the pioneer flight, kids will also enjoy the irreverent fun of the Flying Hoboes in their flying jalopy. The story of the pilots bonding is as memorable as the breakthrough flight. An introductory authors note offers cultural and historical context. Grades K-3. --Hazel Rochman; Title: The Hallelujah Flight | [
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16,385 | 0 | Grade 5-8–Having escaped from the Flying Dutchman and its odious Captain Vanderdecken, Ben and his dog, Ned, are cursed to wander the Earth for eternity, never growing older. In this third account of their adventures, the castaways are again shipwrecked and separated. Ben is captured by the slave trader Al Misurata, while Ned is rescued by a company of itinerant entertainers. The two are reunited when the entertainers, the Rizzoli Troupe, are forced to perform for the trader, and all of them end up on Al Misurata's ship to be sold as slaves. Ned speaks to Ben telepathically, and since no one would expect a dog to understand human language, he overhears the villain's plans. This is just the beginning of the swashbuckling adventure as Ben and his black Labrador attempt to escape the ship and to rescue the Rizzoli Troupe, while, at the same time, avoiding recapture by the ghostly sailors of the Flying Dutchman. Numerous footnotes translate various snatches of dialogue in German or Italian. This can be either helpful or annoying, depending on your way of looking at it. However, it is easy to just enjoy the compelling and readable adventure. This book is a good choice for any library in which Jacques's books in general and the Castaways stories in particular are popular.–Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.The third book in Castaways of the Flying Dutchman series continues the adventures of Ben and the black labrador Ned. Guided by the angel who spared them the fate of the Flying Dutchman's crew, they find themselves once again being used in heaven's fight against evil. This time they escape from a barbaric pirate and slaver, who relentlessly pursues them. As in The Angel's Command (2003), coincidence and fortuitous accidents forward the plot; however, the harrowing action, leavened by humor, makes this yet another riveting tale. Sally EstesCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Voyage of Slaves: A Tale From The Castaways of The Flying Dutchman | [
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16,386 | 0 | Loren Long grew up in Lexington, Kentucky. He pursued graduate-level studies at the American Academy of Art in Chicago after graduating with a BA in Graphic Design/Art Studio from the University of Kentucky. After graduation Long worked as an illustrator for a greeting card company in Cincinnati before beginning his career as a freelance illustrator.Since then, Long has received numerous accolades for his fluid WPA painting style. He has been awarded two gold medals from the Society of Illustrators in New York, and has been frequently selected for their annual exhibition and book. His work has also appeared in many other major annual exhibitions such as American Illustration, Communication Arts, Step By Step Graphics and Print.Long’s clients include Time Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Atlantic Monthly, Boy’s Life, Land’s End, Sports Illustrated and HBO. He has also illustrated book covers for numerous publishers and has recently concentrated on illustrating books for young readers where his work has garnered much recognition and praise.Recent awards/accolades:2002The United Nations chose to hang in their lobby Long’s painting of a firefighter in action, along with 21 other selections from the Prevailing Human Spirit Show at the Society of Illustrators.2003Recipient of the Golden Kite Award for picture book illustration, presented by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for I Dream of Trains. The book was also selected as one of the New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2003.2004Winner of the Parents' Choice Gold Award.Illustrates New York Times #1 best-seller, Mr. Peabody’s ApplesTo learn more about Loren Long and his books, go to www.lorenlong.com; Title: The Little Engine That Could (Oversize Gift Edition) | [
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16,387 | 2 | Continuing Isadoras series of European fairy talesplaced inAfrican settings, this picture book retells Andersens The Ugly Duckling, simplifying the story for a younger audience. Scorned by the animals on the farm (depicted as African wildlife), the ugly duckling runs away and almost freezes when snow and ice cover the land. In this version of the surprise ending, the Ugly Duckling turns into a black swan (a species native to Australia). The cut-paper-collage illustrations are colorful and dynamic. Though theres plenty about the adaptation for adults to discuss and criticize, many young children will find this vividly appealing. Preschool-Grade 1. --Carolyn PhelanRachel Isadora began dancing at the age of eight. She trained at George Balanchine's School of American Ballet and has danced professionally. Rachel lives in New York City with her family.Rachel Isadora has illustrated many books set in the world of dance and theater, including Opening Night, My Ballet Class, Swan Lake, The Little Match Girl, and Ben's Trumpet, which received the Caldecott Honor Award and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award.Rachel Isadora began dancing at the age of eight. She trained at George Balanchine's School of American Ballet and has danced professionally. Rachel lives in New York City with her family.Rachel Isadora has illustrated many books set in the world of dance and theater, including Opening Night, My Ballet Class, Swan Lake, The Little Match Girl, and Ben's Trumpet, which received the Caldecott Honor Award and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award.; Title: The Ugly Duckling | [
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16,388 | 16 | Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into more than 25 languages and sold over twelve million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than sixty books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote.Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Kunste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years.One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin's eye had been caught by a striking picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. It is still a favorite with children everywhere. This was the beginning of Eric Carle's true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.Eric Carle's art is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and cheerful images. Many of his books have an added dimension - die-cut pages, twinkling lights as in The Very Lonely Firefly, even the lifelike sound of a cricket's song as in The Very Quiet Cricket - giving them a playful quality: a toy that can be read, a book that can be touched. Children also enjoy working in collage and many send him pictures they have made themselves, inspired by his illustrations. He receives hundreds of letters each week from his young admirers. The secret of Eric Carle's books' appeal lies in his intuitive understanding of and respect for children, who sense in him instinctively someone who shares their most cherished thoughts and emotions.The themes of his stories are usually drawn from his extensive knowledge and love of nature - an interest shared by most small children. Besides being beautiful and entertaining, his books always offer the child the opportunity to learn something about the world around them. It is his concern for children, for their feelings and their inquisitiveness, for their creativity and their intellectual growth that, in addition to his beautiful artwork, makes the reading of his books such a stimulating and lasting experience.Carle says: "With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates - will they be friendly? I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun."Eric Carle has two grown-up children, a son and a daughter. With his wife Barbara, he lives in Northampton, Massachusetts. The Carles spend their summers in the nearby Berkshire hills.copyright 2000 by Penguin Group (USA) Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into more than 25 languages and sold over twelve million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than sixty books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote.Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Kunste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years.One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin's eye had been caught by a striking picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. It is still a favorite with children everywhere. This was the beginning of Eric Carle's true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.Eric Carle's art is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and cheerful images. Many of his books have an added dimension - die-cut pages, twinkling lights as in The Very Lonely Firefly, even the lifelike sound of a cricket's song as in The Very Quiet Cricket - giving them a playful quality: a toy that can be read, a book that can be touched. Children also enjoy working in collage and many send him pictures they have made themselves, inspired by his illustrations. He receives hundreds of letters each week from his young admirers. The secret of Eric Carle's books' appeal lies in his intuitive understanding of and respect for children, who sense in him instinctively someone who shares their most cherished thoughts and emotions.The themes of his stories are usually drawn from his extensive knowledge and love of nature - an interest shared by most small children. Besides being beautiful and entertaining, his books always offer the child the opportunity to learn something about the world around them. It is his concern for children, for their feelings and their inquisitiveness, for their creativity and their intellectual growth that, in addition to his beautiful artwork, makes the reading of his books such a stimulating and lasting experience.Carle says: "With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates - will they be friendly? I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun."copyright 2000 by Penguin Group (USA) Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.; Title: My Very First Book of Motion | [
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16,389 | 2 | Lisa Broadie Cook is a teacher and the author of Martin MacGregor's Snowman. She lives in Boone, Iowa. Jack E. Davis is the illustrator of many books for children, including New York Times bestseller Marsupial Sue and We're All in the Same Boat. He lives in Port Townsend, Washington.; Title: Peanut Butter and Homework Sandwiches | [
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16,390 | 11 | There is nothing remarkable about Josh Millers life on his familys chicken farm. He collects eggs, tends chard, and fans the flames of a crush on neighbor girl Annalee. Indeed, the only extraordinary part of his rural existence is his geriatric, beer-obsessed, talking pet chicken, Semolina. She's not always a blemish, though. When Joshs mother enters the hospitalbecause of a difficult pregnancy, Semolina becomes a reluctant confidante. Unfortunately, she speaks only to Josh, and whenshe identifies a fox as the egg-thieving culprit everyone is looking for, no one believes him. The story unfolds as a smooth amalgam of nostalgic farm tale and contemporary problem novel. Elliots warm, evocative pencil sketches, reminiscent of Robert McCloskeys work, combine with Cowleys rich storytelling voice to reinforce the novels sunny, bucolic surface.Small, lovely details, and careful character development, including a complex relationship between Joshs mother and visiting grandmother, add resonance to the deeper account of a nine-year-olds first struggles to find his place in the world and at home. Grades 3-5. --Thom BarthelmessA warmhearted tale ... the author builds to a climax infused with the sense of the miraculous, leverages happy endings all around. -- KirkusOriginal, well-crafted, and touching, Cowley's story begs to be read aloud-over and over again. -- School Library Journal, starred review[A] gentle, folksy short novel of life on the farm...Semolina steals the show. -- Horn Book; Title: Chicken Feathers | [
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16,391 | 12 | Bringing her proper-punctuation campaign to children for the second time, Truss follows up her best-selling 2006 picture book, Eats, Shoots, and Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Matter! (which shares its title with Truss' bestseller for adults) with this companion about apostrophes. Mishaps related to the flying comma (fancifully envisioned as a Good Punctuation Fairy . . . flitting above a page of words) are set forth in paired statements, with Timmons' lighthearted cartoons driving home the shift in meaning precipitated by missing or misplaced apostrophes. The strain of coming up with clever, illustration-friendly examples occasionally shows, but many of the 13 scenarios successfully find the sweet spot between kid-pleasing goofiness and perfect clarity of purpose: with one scenario's play on the two meanings of behind, one referring to a horse's rear end, kids won't soon forget the crucial distinction between its and it's. Endnotes provide brief technical explanations. Hide your red pens: if Truss and Timmons keep this up, the grammar police may have its youngest recruits yet. Mattson, JenniferLynne Truss is a writer and journalist who started out as a literary editor with a blue pencil and then got sidetracked. The author of three novels and numerous radio comedy dramas, she spent six years as the television critic of The Times of London, followed by four (rather peculiar) years as a sports columnist for the same newspaper. She won Columnist of the Year for her work for Womens Journal. Lynne Truss also hosted Cutting a Dash, a popular BBC Radio 4 series about punctuation. She now reviews books for the Sunday Times of London and is a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4. She lives in Brighton, England.BONNIE TIMMONS is best known for inspiring and creating images for the television show Caroline in the City and illustrating numerous national ad campaigns.; Title: The Girl's Like Spaghetti: Why, You Can't Manage without Apostrophes! | [
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16,392 | 15 | Starred Review. An earthquake, a fire, a tidal wave and selfless heroism, all packed into 32 pages, guarantee that this story will hold the attention of even the most restless listeners. Four hundred villagers are saved from death when Ojiisan, a wealthy old rice farmer on the mountainside, feels tremors, sees the ocean recede and realizes a tsunami is coming. Caldecott Medalist Young's (Lon Po Po) collageselaborate combinations of media ranging from cut and torn paper to photos of straw and bamboobuild steady tension as Ojiisan, disregarding his grandson's horror, sets his ripened rice fields alight in order to lure the villagers to higher ground. The double-page spread in which the monstrous, cresting black wave looms conveys real terror. Kajikawa's (Yoshi's Feast) portrait of an old man who acts unhesitatingly against his own interests delivers a forceful message, and the moral does not get in the way of the action. Ages 35. (Jan.) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Starred Review. Kindergarten-Grade 3Wealthy Ojiisan suffers a feeling of foreboding as he watches colorful rice festival celebrations from his cottage high above his village by the sea. In his mountaintop home, he feels a spongy earthquake and observes bizarre movements in the sea: tsunami! How can Ojiisan alert the townspeople? Young uses a panoply of papers to create collages that tell the story of a sacrifice that saved hundreds of lives. Patterned and marbled papers, fibrous grass cloth, translucent rice paper and tissue, photographic magazine papers, and even corrugated cardboard are keenly cut, roughly torn, layered, wrinkled, mounted, and manipulated to produce images that range from dead calm to the sea-spittled tumult of a roiling vortex that promises to consume everything in its path. The art reflects the frenzy of the events and is a departure from the more serene, controlled, and balanced work we know of Young. Kajikawa has based the character of Ojiisan on Japanese hero Hamaguchi Gohei, who in 1854 set his own rice-stack harvest ablaze, diverting the attention of revelers and drawing them away from impending disaster. A simple story of the power of a simple act.Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: Tsunami! (Rise and Shine) | [
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16,393 | 2 | Grade 37Charley is a master cook, a comic-book maniac, and a basically friendless nine-year-old. When his father sends him an early birthday gift and inquires how he is going to celebrate his big day, Charley is inspired to throw a party. The ensuing story chronicles his attempt to determine a theme, bake a cake, and make enough friends to have a gathering worthy of turning 10. The fast-paced plot will keep readers involved to the end. The novel is peopled with a host of unique characters including a mysterious neighbor, Charley's mother's seedy boyfriend, and an older sister obsessed with working at a fried chicken fast-food restaurant. Readers will enjoy the gross-out details and embarrassing situations in which Charley finds himself during his quest for a successful celebration. The author does a wonderful job of crafting the boy's character within the strange and bizarre events leading up to the satisfying conclusion. It's often very funny, but it's also poignant as Charley's loneliness and cluelessness about how to make a friend are clearly evident. This novel would be especially effective for a class read-aloud or as a choice for reluctant readers.Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Dean Pitchford wrote the lyrics for the hit movie Fame, for which he won an Oscar, as well as the lyrics and screenplay for Footloose. The Big One-Oh is his first novel. He lives in Los Angeles, California.; Title: The Big One-Oh | [
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16,394 | 2 | Starred Review. Grade 6-8Owen is the fattestand smartestseventh grader in his New York City school. When he's not ducking the school bully or trying to survive the world's most sadistic P.E. teacher, he invents things. Currently Owen has two projectsa TV that will show events in the past and a trap to catch the thief who keeps stealing the Oreos from his lunchbox. There's a lot of middle school banter and adolescent dialogue. However, what begins as a lighthearted adventure gradually takes on a darker tone. Owen calls his invention Nemesis and insists that it needs to reach exactly two years back. As the story evolves, readers learn that there are places in town where he feels distinctly uncomfortable, and that he treasures a note that says only SLOB. Step by step, Owen reveals the tragedy behind his concerns. Two years earlier, he was hiding in the basement of the family store, listening as his parents were killed by an intruder. Adopted by the 911 operator who took his call after the murders, he dreams of identifying the perpetrator. Although Nemesis fails to solve the crime, Owen is finally able to find closure, with help from his sister, their friends, and, surprisingly, from the dreaded bully himself. A sensitive, touching, and sometimes heartbreakingly funny picture of middle school life.Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Potter has written a pitch-perfect novel of the miseries of middle-school. Filled with sarcasm and lots of humor, the story is filled with intriguing characters, believable and unique. --Kids Lit Blog"An intriguingly offbeat mystery concerning the theft of cookies from a boy's lunch, at turns humorous, suspenseful and poignant. Intelligent Owen is the fattest kid in his middle school, having packed on the pounds after a major upheaval in his life caused him to begin turning to food as a source of comfort. His younger sister, who has joined up with a group at school called Girls Who Are Boys (GWAB) and taken to insisting that others call her Jeremy, coped by growing tougher. Owen, on the other hand, has become an object of ridicule due to his weight. While the Oreo heist provides the main premise for Owen to engage with other kids at school, there are a number of secondary mysteries crafted alongside it, each of them raising unexpected questions that are neatly wrapped up by the novel's end. While some readers may balk at some of its more convenient coincidences, fans of Jerry Spinelli and others of his ilk may especially enjoy it and will be held rapt." --Kirkus"A sensitive, touching, and sometimes heartbreakingly funny picture of middle school life." --School Library Journal, starred review; Title: Slob | [
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16,395 | 11 | K-Gr 2-Starting in a patch filled with large but ordinary pumpkins, this book quickly takes a turn for the fantastical as Minor imaginatively answers the title question. With each page, the pumpkins grow bigger, becoming gigantic jack-o'-lanterns. Ranging from comically spooky to downright scary, they loom over American landmarks. Some of the places are instantly recognizable, such as the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial or the U.S. Capitol, others less so, like a Yosemite Park waterfall. An appended list of these monuments and attractions gives their states and a brief informative blurb about each one and underscores the connection between an otherwise random-seeming mix of destinations: they are all remarkable in some way because of their size. The autumnal orange of the pumpkins stands out among the more subdued greens and blues of Minor's gouache and watercolor illustrations, their full-page dimensions well suited for sharing this book with a group. On each spread, a different synonym for "big," such as "mighty" or "immense," appears in large colorful caps, while the rest of the spare text is in set in a large black font. Blending Halloween and harvest themes, this book could find its place in libraries that are seeking to augment their autumn collections.-Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, formerly at Chappaqua Library, NY(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.After introducing giant pumpkins and giant pumpkin festivals, Minor asks, What can you do with an ENORMOUS pumpkin? He offers a number of memorable answers (some factual, others fanciful) based on real sites in America and amplified by his wonderfully visual imagination. Children paddle across a lake in boats carved from pumpkins. Beside the huge statues of Paul Bunyan and his ox, an oversize pumpkin looks almost normal. Gradually, though, the pumpkins grow larger and their situations more bizarre. One blocks traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge, while a jack-olantern outshines the presidents on Mount Rushmore. The final orange goliath towers over the Grand Canyon. Kids will enjoy the increasing absurdity as much as the challenge of guessing the locations pictured. A concluding two-page spread names the 14 sites depicted and gives a little information about each one. Minors watercolor-and-gouache paintings are well composed, richly colored, and (best of all) just plain fun. With a text that asks leading questions, this picture book makes a fine, imaginative read-aloud choice for classrooms in the fall. Preschool-Grade 3. --Carolyn Phelan; Title: How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow? | [
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16,396 | 0 | Starred Review. Grade 46Fleshing out historical events with invented but credible details, Polacco retraces the 1840s flight of the Crosswhite family from slavery to freedom and the dramatic standoff between the residents (black and white both) of the Michigan town where they settled and a band of "paddy rollers" sent to fetch the fugitives back to Kentucky. In lightly idiomatic language ("'Hark now,' their daddy whispered. 'We is gonna cross water tonight!'"), the author relates most of the tale from the point of view of Sadie, the youngest Crosswhite, and threads the narrative with a typical depiction of strong family bondsexpanded here to include the loyalty displayed by a crowd of townfolk who not only held off the paddy rollers until the Crosswhites could escape to Canada, but later paid hefty fines for defying fugitive slave laws. The illustrations, which include scenes of a bloody whipping and a heavily scarred back, have an urgent, unsettled look that fully captures the sharply felt danger and terror of Sadie's experiences. Particularly telling is the contrast between the open, mobile, well-lit faces of the Crosswhites and the shadowed, menacing miens of their pursuers. An iffy claim near the end that Lincoln "gave all slaves their freedom" aside, this moving account effectively highlights a significant instance of nonviolent community resistance to injustice.John Peters, New York Public Library END"Rooted in history, this is a masterly narrative that horrifies, moves and informs." --Kirkus"[T]his moving account effectively highlights a significant instance of nonviolent community resistance to injustice." --School Library Journal"Polacco at her best...undeniably vivid." --Horn Book; Title: January's Sparrow | [
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16,397 | 13 | The title says it all in this anthology of inspirational letters written by 23 contemporary childrens-book illustrators to future artists. A multicultural group with amazingly diverse artistic styles, the featured illustrators are some of the best-known and celebrated in the genre, including Mitsumasa Anno, Quentin Blake, Nancy Ekholm Burkert, Eric Carle, Tomie de Paola, Steve Kellogg, Leo Lionni, Petra Mathers, Barry Moser, Jerry Pinkney, Alice Provensen, Maurice Sendak, Chris Van Allsburg, Genady Spirin, Rosemary Wells and Paul O. Zelinksy. Their diversity shines in the text of their letters, in which they share childhood stories, sources of inspiration, views on art, details of how they work and advice on becoming an artist. Opposite each illustrators letter, a nifty fold-out page presents a montage of images, art, works-in-progress, photographs of studios and work spaces as well as each artists wonderful self-portrait. Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinharts collaborative self-portrait appropriately resides in one of their pop-ups. Fun to read and view, this anthology is a treasure trove of creative insight and inspiration. Perfect for libraries, art teachers, budding artists and fans of childrens-book illustration. Kirkus, starred reviewThis anthology celebrates and elucidates contemporary picture-book art, particularly that which has been exhibited at the Eric Carle Museum. An introduction (and entry) is penned by Carle himself; an afterword from the museum director highlights the institutions mission of nurturing young artists. Ashley Bryan, Quentin Blake, Leo Lionni, Alice Provensen, and Gennady Spirin are among the contributors, whose comments are formatted as signed letters, illustrated with childhood photographs. The missives speak of early stirrings of creativity, struggles with school, the importance of mentors, the joy of living a passion. Each artist includes glorious self-portraits and a gatefold page that reveals a marvelous array of sketches, color mixes, and studio scenes. All readers will find something that piques curiosity or provides insight: a page from Tomie dePaolas first picture book (1965); Jerry Pinkneys cowboy model and horse substitute; Paul Zelinskys sequential panels depicting the Renaissance-inspired technique used for Rapunzel and his portrait. While there is some overlap with Pat Cummingss Talking with Artists series (S & S), there are no framing questions, so the illustrators ruminate freely. Sendak writes about finding a space in the text so that the pictures can do the work. Sabuda (whose portrait is a pop-up) envisions a dance across the page. Brief biographies and bibliographies conclude the title. A selective work, by nature, results in omissions, and there are some surprising absences. Yet, the end result is a gorgeous, browsable gallery of international treasures, with a behind-the-scenes tour led by the generous and gifted creators themselves. School Library JournalI have loved picture books ever since I was a child. The illustrations of Beatrix Potter and N. C. Wyeth were early favorites, and I always found any kind of animal story irresistible. I was an enthusiastic young artist as well, and I formulated pre-school plans to make drawing the center of my lifetime career. I used to dream up stories and illustrate them for my younger sisters, Patti and Martha. We called the activity: "Telling Stories on Paper." When it took place, I would sit between them with a stack of paper on my lap and a pencil in my hand, rattling off tales and scribbling illustrations to accompany them, and passing the pictures first to one of the girls and then to the other. I enjoyed these storytelling sessions enormously and I usually persevered until my sisters were too restless to sit there any longer, or until they were buried under pieces ofpaper.I scribbled my way through elementary, junior- and senior-high school, and afterward I attended the Rhode Island School of Design, where I majored in illustration, and where I was particularly intrigued by the few projects we were given that related to the creation of picture books. I wasfortunate enough to win a fellowship that made possible a senior year of work and study in Florence, Italy. It was an exciting and fulfilling period for me, and I find that I draw constantly on the experience and images that I stored during my time there.Upon my return to the United States I did some graduate work and teaching at American University, and at the same time I began submitting picture book ideas to various publishers. Itwas an exciting moment when the first acceptances came in, and I realized that I would be able to "tell stories on paper" full-time and to a much larger audience. I loved the challenge of putting the first books together, guiding them through the various stages of the publishing process, and thenwatching them disperse into the lives of their readers. And now, twenty-five years and almost ninety books later, I still find every aspect of my involvement just as absorbing andenjoyable.During the time that I've been working on the picture books, I've lived in an old farmhouse in the hills of Connecticut which I've shared with my wife, Helen, and where I've raised six stepchildren, to whom most of my books are dedicated. Also in residence have been numerous dogs and cats, including a beloved harlequin Great Dane named Pinkerton, whose stubborn inadaptability during puppyhood inspired the book Pinkerton, Behave! The heroine of the sequel, ARose for Pinkerton, was our senior cat, Secondhand Rose, an independent old grouch who was born a wild thing in the Catskill Mountains, and who devoted her long life to harassing everyone in the world, including Pinkerton.The ideas for the other books come from lots of different sources, but most of them have their roots in feelings and images that I retain from my own childhood. I try to blend illustrations and the words so that each book is a feast for the eye and ear. I want the time that the reader shares with me and my work to be an enjoyable experience -- one that will encourage a lifetimeassociation with pictures, words, and books.Steven Kellogg talks about the art of the picturebookThe picture book is an art form that is designed specifically for children, but I feel that it can be appreciated and enjoyed by all ages. For centuries a distinguished tradition of illustrated books and manuscripts has existed of which the picture book is a part. It is a synthesis of literature and the visual arts, and the relationship of the written word and the picture is its essence.I am fascinated by the ways in which the picture book can borrow and combine diverse elements from other art forms to achieve startling and moving effects.The turning page, for example, gives the illustrator the chance to utilize the elements of surprise to advance the movement of the story, and to deepen the involvement of the viewer in much the same way that the theatrical director uses the revolving stages or the rising curtain between thescenes and acts of a play.An awareness of movement is extremely important in the conception of a picture book. My favorite illustrators delineate their characters so that animation is implied. The individual spreads are designed so that they crackle with graphic vitality. The characters seem to speak, cavort, andleap from the page so energetically that their life and movement are totally convincing. The moving qualities of each picture are heightened by the placement of the turning pages within the unfolding narrative and by the conception of the book as a whole. It is here that one sees the relationship between the arts of picture book design and filmmaking, as both of them deal with thephenomenon of "moving pictures."No one will deny that language can be musical, and certainly visual images can suggest different forms of music by the feelings that they convey. The musical qualities of the pictures and the words can be orchestrated by the artist as he moves them across the pages of the book. Rhythms and harmonies can be established on some spreads, and atonal effects or dissonances can be introduced on others.There are limitless possibilities available to the artist, who sets up relationships and tensionsbetween the illustrations and the text, allowing magical discoveries and subtle revelations to emerge in the areas between. When this happens, there is an uncanny fusion of all the elements,and the dynamic new expression that is created introduces young readers to the world of art.copyright 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.Quentin Blake lives and works in London, Hastings, and the South West of France. He first had drawings published when he was still at school. He has worked on over 200 books, sometimes as illustrator and sometimes as the writer too. In 1999, with the help of children from over 24 schools all over Britain, Quentin was selected to be the first Children's Laureate. The children submitted a long list of questions for Quentin, here are his answers to a few of them."Your illustrations are very recognizable. What made you illustrate the way you do?""I am not really quite sure why I draw the way I do. It may be because I didnt go to an art school, except for part-time lessons when I was already over twenty. But I dont think that can be the whole explanation. Its a kind of handwriting, and it does actually look rather like my handwriting.""Did you first start to like books because of the words or the pictures? Do you like writing as much as drawing and painting? In Clown you didnt use words at all. Do you think stories can be told as well without words?""I also enjoy writing words; though I think that sometimes its possible to tell a story entirely in pictures, as in Clown. One interesting thing about that is that it gives the reader the opportunity to invent words and I think it encourages you to think about, and perhaps discuss, what actually is going on and what the characters are thinking and feeling.""When we read we make up pictures in our heads. Do you think having lots of pictures in a book helps that or stops it happening?""This raises a very interesting question. With my pictures, what I hope is that it encourages the reader to imagine more pictures of his own. But sometimes what the writer is putting into your head is so rich and visual that much in the way of illustration is superfluous. Probably you know the answer to this question (though I dont think there is only one answer) better than I do.""How did you feel when they announced the winner of the Childrens Laureate? Will it help your work or get in the way? What do you want to be able to do now that you are Childrens Laureate?""When I was told that I was winner of the Childrens Laureate I experienced quite a variety of thoughts and feelings. It was very gratifying to think that a lot of people (like you) really did like what I had done - it was an unmistakable sign of something that it is very difficult to imagine from inside yourself. At the same time I was aware of the problem (so are the organisers of the Laureateship) that, if I am not careful, it might distract me from the work of creating more books, which is what I do best. However, for a long time I was a teacher of illustration at The Royal College of Art, so I know something about how to do two jobs at once; and I hope that during my two years I shall be offered, or find, ways to encourage people to discuss words and pictures and the way they go together; and generally to rate childrens books at their true value.""Have you any advice you can give us?""Well, difficult; because everyone is different. But I do know that, whether it is writing or drawing, you have to do a lot of it, and keep on doing it - that is the way to improvement. And dont wait for inspiration, just start. Inspiration is some mysterious blessing which happens when the wheels are turning smoothly.""At the moment I am at work on a book about my work and the way I do it. When it comes out - it wont be before September 2000, Im afraid - you may find in it more extended answers to your questions; I will try to make sure they are there!"Quentin Blake has illustrated many of Roald Dahl's books, in addition to other books for children. He lives in London, England.Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into more than 25 languages and sold over twelve million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than sixty books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote.Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Kunste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years.One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin's eye had been caught by a striking picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. It is still a favorite with children everywhere. This was the beginning of Eric Carle's true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.Eric Carle's art is distinctive and instantly recognizable. His art work is created in collage technique, using hand-painted papers, which he cuts and layers to form bright and cheerful images. Many of his books have an added dimension - die-cut pages, twinkling lights as in The Very Lonely Firefly, even the lifelike sound of a cricket's song as in The Very Quiet Cricket - giving them a playful quality: a toy that can be read, a book that can be touched. Children also enjoy working in collage and many send him pictures they have made themselves, inspired by his illustrations. He receives hundreds of letters each week from his young admirers. The secret of Eric Carle's books' appeal lies in his intuitive understanding of and respect for children, who sense in him instinctively someone who shares their most cherished thoughts and emotions.The themes of his stories are usually drawn from his extensive knowledge and love of nature - an interest shared by most small children. Besides being beautiful and entertaining, his books always offer the child the opportunity to learn something about the world around them. It is his concern for children, for their feelings and their inquisitiveness, for their creativity and their intellectual growth that, in addition to his beautiful artwork, makes the reading of his books such a stimulating and lasting experience.Carle says: "With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates - will they be friendly? I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun."Eric Carle has two grown-up children, a son and a daughter. With his wife Barbara, he lives in Northampton, Massachusetts. The Carles spend their summers in the nearby Berkshire hills.copyright 2000 by Penguin Group (USA) Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1934 to a family of Irish and Italian background. By the time he could hold a pencil, he knew what his life's work would be. His determination to create books for children led to a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and an MFA from the California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, California.It drove him through the years of teaching, designing greeting cards and stage sets, and painting church murals until 1965, when he illustrated his first children's book, Sound, by Lisa Miller for Coward-McCann. Eventually, freed of other obligations, he plunged full time into both writing and illustrating children's books.He names Fra Angelico and Giotto, Georges Rouault, and Ben Shahn as major influences on his work, but he soon found his own unique style. His particular way with color, line, detail, and design have earned him many of the most prestigious awards in his field, among them a Caldecott Honor Award for Strega Nona, the Smithsonian Medal from the Smithsonian Institution, the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota for his "singular attainment in children's literature," the Catholic Library Association's Regina Medal for his "continued distinguished contribution," and the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion. He was also the 1990 United States nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for illustration.Tomie dePaola has published almost 200 children's books in fifteen different countries. He remains one of the most popular creators of books for children, receiving more than 100,000 fan letters each year.Tomie lives in an interesting house in New Hampshire with his four dogs. His studio is in a large renovated 200-year-old barn.- He has been published for over 30 years.- Over 5 million copies of his books have sold worldwide.- His books have been published in over 15 different countries.- He receives nearly 100,000 fan letters each year.Tomie dePaola has received virtually every significant recognition forhis books in the children's book world, including:- Caldecott Honor Award from American Library Association- Newbery Honor Award from American Library Association- Smithson Medal from Smithsonian Institution- USA nominee in illustration for Hans Christian Andersen Medal- Regina Medal from Catholic Library Associationcopyright 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.Mitsumasa Anno was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, the highest honor attainable in the field of children's book illustration in 1984. His original art will be displayed at the gallery opening of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Northhampton, MA. Mr. Anno lives in Japan.Wendell Minor is a graduate of the Ringling School of Art and Design. His work is in the permanent collections of the Library of Congress, the Museum of American Illustration, and the NASA Art Collection at the John F. Kennedy Space Center.Five Caldecott Honor MedalsFive Coretta Scott King AwardsFour New York Times Best Illustrated Awards (most recently 2006 Little Red Hen)Four Gold and four Silver medals from the Society of IllustratorsBoston Globe Honor Book Award (John Henry 1994)In addition to his work on children's books, he is an extremely successful artist who has had eleven one-man retrospectives at venues ranging from the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists to the Art Institute of Chicago. His current one-man show entitled, "Building Bridges, the Art of Jerry Pinkney" was organized by the Pittsburgh Children's Museum and will be traveling through 1998. Mr. Pinkney has illustrated for a wide variety of clients, including National Geographic , the National Parks Service, the U.S. Postal Service, the American Library Association and the Association of Booksellers for Children.Born in Philadelphia in 1939, Jerry Pinkney states, "(I) took an interest in drawing very early in my life, and at some point I realized I'd rather sit and draw than do almost anything else." While growing up in the Germantown section of Philadelphia his interest in art was supported by hisfamily -- especially by his mother. "She certainly understood me and made it clear to everyone that if art was what I wanted to pursue, then that's what she wanted to have happen. My father also became very supportive, and when I wanted to take art classes after school he found ways for me to attend."In junior high school Mr. Pinkney had a newsstand and took a drawing pad with him to work every day and sketched passersby. That was how he met the cartoonist John Liney, who encouraged him to draw and showed him the possibilities of making a living as an artist.After graduating from the commercial art program at Dobbins Vocational School, where he met his wife, author Gloria Jean Pinkney, Jerry Pinkney received a full scholarship to attend the Philadelphia Museum College of Art (now University of the Arts). While at PCA he and Gloria married. After their first child was born, they moved to Boston, where Mr. Pinkney worked as a designer at Rustcraft Greeting Card Company, and at Barker-Black Studio where he developed his reputation as an illustrator. Eventually he opened Kaleidoscope Studio with two other artists. Later he opened his own freelance studio -- Jerry Pinkney Studio -- and moved to New York. Sensitivity to and an interest in a variety of cultures has always been a dominant theme of Mr. Pinkney s work. He has also drawn inspiration for a significant part of his work from African American culture. Among his numerous projects are his twelve postage stamps for the U.S. Postal Service Black Heritage series. Mr. Pinkney was a member of its Advisory Committee for ten years and he was also invited to join the NASA artist team for the space shuttle Columbia. "I wanted to show that an African American artist could make it on a national level in the graphic arts. I want to be a strong role model for my family and for other African Americans."Many of Mr. Pinkney's children's books celebrate multicultural and African American themes. "Working on both the Uncle Remus tales and John Henry has shown me an important link between pivotal and opposite African American folk heroes. Brer Rabbit, the sly trickster, originated during slavery and was the first African American folk hero. Slaves who wanted to get the better of their masters needed to be cunning and sly -- hence the trickster role. However, later comes John Henry, a free man, whose strength and valor bring him fame. He was a strong folk hero for African Americans, a symbol of all the working men who made a major contribution to the building of the roads and railroads in the mountains of West Virginia -- a dangerous job for which many paid with their lives."Mr. Pinkney's two latest books areThe Little Red Hen and The Old African by Julius Lester (illustrated by Jerry Pinkney). Books give me a great feeling of personal and artistic satisfaction. When I'm working on a book, I wish the phone would never ring. I love doing it. My satisfaction comes from the actual marks on the paper, and when it sings, it's magic".Jerry and Gloria Pinkney live in Westchester County, New York. The Pinkneys have four children: Troy, Scott, Brian, and Myles, and seven grandchildren. Two of the Pinkney's children are also involved in children's book illustration, Brian through illustrations, and Myles throughphotography. In addition to illustrating children's books and other projects, Mr. Pinkney has also been an art professor at the University of Delaware and State University of New York at Buffalo. He has given workshops and been a guest lecturer at universities and art schools across thecountry.copyright 2007 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.Gennady Spirin was born in 1948 in a small city near Moscow. A graduate of the Strogonov Academy of Fine Arts, he is noted for his beautiful illustrations, meticulously researched and exquisitely executed in pencil and watercolor. His work has brought him international renown as many awards, including the Gold Medal of the Society of Illustrators, the Golden Apple of the Bratislava International Biennale of children's book illustration, First Prize for Illustration at the Barcelona International Children's Book Fair, and the Premio Grafico at the Bologna Children's Book Fair. His book Gulliver's Adventures in Lilliput (retold by Ann Keay Beneduce) was chosen one of the Ten Best Illustrated Books of the Year by the New York Times Book Review.Gennady Spirin came to the United States in 1991 and now lives with his wife and their three sons in Princeton, New Jersey.copyright ? 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.Born in New York City, Rosemary Wells grew up in a house "filled with books, dogs, and nineteenth-century music." Her childhood years were spent between her parents' home near Red Bank, New Jersey, and her grandmother's rambling stucco house on the Jersey Shore. Most of her sentimental memories, both good and bad, stem from that place and time. Her mother was a dancer in the Russian Ballet, and her father a playwright and actor. Mrs. Wells says, "Both my parents flooded me with books and stories. My grandmother took me on special trips to the theater and museums in New York.When I was two years old I began to draw and they saw right away the career that lay ahead of me and encouraged me every day of my life. As far back as I can remember, I did nothing but draw."A self-proclaimed "poor student," Wells attended the Museum School in Boston after finishing high school. It was, she recalls, "a bastion of abstract expressionism an art form that brought to my mind things I don't like to eat, fabrics that itch against the skin, divorce, paper cuts, and metallic noises."Without her degree, she left school at 19, married, and began a fledgling career as a book designer with a Boston textbook publisher. When her husband, Tom, applied to the Columbia School of Architecture two years later, the couple moved to New York, where she began her career in children's books working as a designer at Macmillan. It was there that she published her first book, an illustrated edition of Gilbert & Sullivan's I Have a Song to Sing-O.Rosemary Wells's career as an author and illustrator spans more than 30 years and 60 books. She has won numerous awards, and has given readers such unforgettable characters as Max and Ruby, Noisy Nora, and Yoko. She has also given Mother Goose new life in two enormous, definitive editions, published by Candlewick. Wells wrote and illustrated Unfortunately Harriet, her first book with Dial, in 1972. One year later she wrote the popular Noisy Nora. "The children and our home life have inspired, in part, many of my books. Our West Highland white terrier, Angus, had the shape and expressions to become Benjamin and Tulip, Timothy, and all the other animals I have made up for my stories." Her daughters Victoria and Beezoo were constant inspirations, especially for the now famous "Max" board book series. "Simple incidents from childhood are universal," Wells says. "The dynamics between older and younger siblings are common to all families."But not all of Wells' ideas come from within the family circle. Many times when speaking, Mrs. Wells is asked where her ideas come from. She usually answers, "It's a writer's job to have ideas." Sometimes an idea comes from something she reads or hears about, as in the case of her recent book, Mary on Horseback, a story based on the life of Mary Breckenridge, who founded the Frontier Nursing Service. Timothy Goes to School was based on an incident in which her daughter was teased for wearing the wrong clothes to a Christmas concert. Her dogs, west highland terriers, Lucy and Snowy, work their way into her drawings in expression and body position. She admits, "I put into my books all of the things I remember. I am an accomplished eavesdropper in restaurants, trains, and gatherings of any kind. These remembrances are jumbled up and changed because fiction is always more palatable than truth. Memories become more true as they are honed and whittled into characters and stories."Mrs. Wells says, "Most of my books use animals rather than children as characters. People always ask why. There are many reasons. First, I draw animals more easily and amusingly than I do children. Animals are broader in range--age, time, and place--than children are. They also can do things in pictures that children cannot. They can be slapstick and still real, rough and still funny, maudlin and still touching.In Benjamin and Tulip, Tulip falls out of a tree and mashes Benjamin in the mud. If these pictures were of children, they would be too close to violent reality for comfort, and all the humor would be lost."Her writing career has been a "pure delight," she says. "I regret only that I cannot live other lives parallel to my own. Writing is a lonely profession and I am a gregarious sort of person. I would like someday to work for the FBI. A part of me was never satisfied with years of tennis. I still yearned to play basketball.""It's a little surprising to me, when I think back over my childhood in suburban Chicago, and recall the things I liked and the things I did, that I never considered the possibility of becoming a book illustrator. During my elementary school years I was always collaborating with classmates to create imaginary worlds and the stories to take place in them and putting it all down in pictures."In the third grade I drew bestiaries of ridiculous animals, their habits and habitats; in fifth grade my best friend and I, working through the mail, developed an island world of two competing countries. I think they were called Igglebeania and Squigglebeania (I know we never did agree about the spelling), and they teemed with colorful characters and important incidents. They now, like Atlantis, are lost to the world. At fourteen we wrote a novel about a monkey astronaut who saves the world from encroaching gorillas. Of course I made the pictures, and my friend's father took it on himself to send our opus out to real publishers for their consideration. It was with no small shock that several years ago, as I was leafing through my friend's scrapbook, I lit on a polite rejection letter from a publisher who was now a friend and with whom I had just published two books!"The earliest books that were important to me were, as far as I was concerned, not written or illustrated by anybody -- they just appeared in the library or in my room. The Color Kittens and The Tawny Scrawny Lion and many others that I can and can't remember filled my young childhood. It's the pictures that I remember, for the most part."Some years later I had book heroes: William Pene du Bois and Robert Lawson were the most lasting. I especially loved The Twenty-One Balloons and The Fantastic Flight. It didn't occur to me that these writers were real people living in houses somewhere and doing real things."Then a few years ago when I was driving in Connecticut with some friends they happened to mention that Robert Lawson had lived nearby. Inside my head, I jumped. Robert Lawson lived in a real place? In this world? Not having thought about it since my childhood, it seems I still harbored the notion that the man was just a paragraph on a book jacket flap. Now I guess that I, too, am taking a place on the back flap of book jackets. What the children reading my books will make me out to be, if anything, I can't guess. But it really doesn't matter: it's not the authors they should remember, it's the books. (Or maybe, for the most part the pictures!)"Known for his versatility, Mr. Zelinsky does not feel his work represents a specific style. "I want the pictures to speak in the same voice as the words. This desire has led me to try various kinds of drawings in different books. I have used quite a wide stretch of styles, and I'm fortunate to have been asked to illustrate such a range of stories."Paul Zelinsky was born in Evanston, Illinois. He attended Yale University, where he took a course with Maurice Sendak, which later inspired him to pursue a career in children's books. Afterwards he received a graduate degree in painting from Tyler School of Art, in Philadelphia and Rome. Paul Zelinsky lives in New York with his wife, Deborah, and the younger of their two daughters.copyright 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.; Title: Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art | [
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16,398 | 2 | Elizabeth Winthrop lives in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and New York City.Tomie dePaola lives in New London, New Hampshire.; Title: Maggie and the Monster | [
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16,399 | 2 | PreS-Gr 2All throughout the rainforest, adult and baby animals and birds are having similar conversations. The parents try to encourage their children to eat fruit or blossoms and the youngsters refusethey just can't stand one more mouthful of their usual fare. After a lot of complaining, the families meet to join forces and offer the rainforest babies fruit "ensalada." And what could be better than sharing it? "Nada!" The rhyming text is in English with Spanish words sprinkled in, a hallmark of Elya's work. Each stanza introduces the animal, bird, or insect. However, sometimes the rhyming structure makes it unclear who is speaking. Elya includes a helpful glossary of Spanish vocabulary at the front of the book, including pronunciation. The illustrations are winning, using pastel colors that emphasize the depth and vibrancy of the rainforest. The story seems to go on a bit too long before the final resolution, but it would appeal in a bilingual storytime or in a unit on rainforest animals.Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.Susan Middleton Elya lives in Danville, California.David Walker lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.; Title: No More, Por Favor (Spanish Edition) | [
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