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20,900 | 0 | Schachner (Willy and May) creates a vivid introduction to the venerable New England philosopher through the eyes of Annie Burns, the Irish immigrant girl who comes to cook for him and his family. Upon her arrival, Annie confesses, "I've led many a cow to the barn, but never a philosopher to the dinner table," but she has yet to discover just how daunting her task is. Try as she might, as Annie writes to her mother, "When offered a warm bowl of soup, he chooses the warm colors of the sunset every time." But when her mother replies with a cookbook Annie wrote as a child, filled with recipes for mud pies and moon cakes, the cook's imagination soars. The next morning, her Sunrise Pie, "filled with all the colors of the morning sky," wins Mr. Emerson over?he takes three helpings. Loose sketchbook-like drawings with watercolor wash capture the details of the early-19th-century setting, spiced with comic touches; in the Sunrise Pie scene, Emerson stands on a chair holding his slice, while his wife, children, Annie and a parrot perched on his arm look on with delight. An afterword providing additional background about Emerson, Thoreau and Annie Burns (Schachner's own great-grandmother) tops off this meaty course, one part humor and one part history. Ages 6-9. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 4-6-In a picture book that weaves together fact and fiction, Schachner tells of her great grandmother, Annie Burns, who arrives from Ireland and becomes a cook at the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson. This curious man is so consumed by nature, thought, and writing that he has lost interest in food. Annie has no success with her good cooking until her mother sends her a cookbook she made as a child; its recipes for mud pies and moon cakes remind her that she shares some of the spiritual values of this odd but wonderful man. She uses her imagination to combine real food with food for the spirit-and finally, much to the relief of his family, he begins to eat. Annie has a fine sense of humor and is sensitive to her employer. As she learns to understand him, so do readers, through his character and dialogue. The warm watercolor illustrations are done with a light touch and have a celebration of natural goodness to match the spirit of the text. This is for readers who enjoy Michael Bedard and Barbara Cooney's Emily (Doubleday, 1992), a story about a literary figure whose writings are often beyond the reach of a picture-book audience, but whose generosity of spirit is for everyone.Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, MECopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Mr. Emerson's Cook | [
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20,901 | 11 | This nifty picture book/guidebook, the debut work of Angelenos Jaskol and Lewis, shouts "I love L.A.!" and may well elicit the same affection from readers. As reporters for independent newspapers in Los Angeles, the authors know well how to combine the histories of individual communities and human interest stories to create a pulsing biography of the nation's second-largest city. Readers who have never visited Southern California (and even those who live there) will take away a portrait of an urban center teeming with cultural and geographical diversity, as seen in the glitz of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, the springtime Blessing of the Animals ceremony on Olvera Street, the ringing of the Korean Bell of Friendship and the newly built Getty Center, dedicated to preserving and exhibiting fine art. Historically significant dates, anecdotes and fascinating fun facts abound, including those found in a brimming time line at the end of the book. Kleven (Abuela), also an L.A. resident, shares her favorite, often aerial perspectives of familiar places in joyfully bustling compositions of watercolor and cut paper. Her scenes, full-to-bursting with people, color and detail, suggest sunny bursts of confetti or the view through a kaleidoscope. And kids will love searching for the angels hidden in each painting. All ages. (Oct.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 2-5-Beginning with Chinese New Year, the authors take readers through a year in their city. The book opens with a colorful title page that features the entrance to the Los Angeles Public Library complete with hovering book-reading angels and ethnically diverse readers. The double-page spreads that follow introduce the attractions and neighborhoods of the sprawling City of the Angels through bright, exuberant collages filled with fascinating, minute details and a few paragraphs of text equally jam-packed with tidbits of information. Olvera Street, Angels Flight, San Pedro's Korean Bell of Friendship, Santa Monica's pier and merry-go-round, Leimert Park's street fairs, and the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at UCLA are among the 20 sites and events that help give this city its unique, complex character. A three-page chronology that begins with Juan Cabrillo's arrival in 1542, a one-page historical overview, and a colorful map all help to make this a valuable, entertaining resource that will inspire readers to explore their own communities and learn about local history.Ginny Gustin, Santa Monica Public Library, CA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: City of Angels | [
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20,902 | 12 | Amaze your friends! Lift the fiendish flaps! Launch the rocket! Work the candy machine!The invitations shouted on the cover of this marvelously outlandish pop-up book instantly let young readers know that this is no ordinary multiplication lesson. In the book's opening pages, readers learn that when they multiply any number by zero, the answer is always zero! To illustrate that point in a sillier manner, turn a wheel and watch numbers disappear into a black hole. The 4 times table is displayed as a ghoulish Halloween picnic: "Multiply each number by 4," drips vampire-boy Frederick Four, "and there will be 4 times as many foul things to eat!" What horrors does he reference? Three crunchy frogs leap to 12 crunchy frogs with the lift of a flap! Ten chocolate bellybuttons transform to 40!The 8 times table is brought to you by a pink pop-up octopus named Edina Eight. "Hello, darlings!" she exclaims. "I simply adore shoes, but I need 8 to go with each outfit. Pull the tab to multiply by 8 and to see how many shoes I need to go with my entire wardrobe." This wild ride continues all the way to 12 for the grand finale--a square multiplication table that shows the times tables up to 12, encased in a pull-out box that explodes with pop-up fireworks. This zany, dizzying book is certainly not meant to replace trusty flashcards and a good math teacher. But if kids are swimming in what they perceive to be humorless times tables, this maniacal mathematical pop-up book may be a welcome diversion. (Ages 9 and older) --Karin SnelsonGrade 2-4-A disorganized look at multiplication. With no introduction, readers open the book to "Meet the Stars"-Tim Times, Eddie Equals, etc.-in an outer-space setting on the front endpapers. Multiplication by zero is written as 0x, which makes it look more like a word than a math operation. Still in space, the one times table is quickly explained on the next page. Two is on a double-page spread featuring Noah's Ark. The rest of the numerals and their multiples get one page each with different color and picture schemes, except 9 and 10, which share a large pair of hands across two pages. There are shortcuts, comments, and other hints for each multiplication table with lots of tabs and flaps that move, pull, pop, and lift up. Some of them are hard to find and hard to operate. Moving parts do not always line up clearly, making it difficult to relate problems to answers. The full-color drawings and text leave no blank spaces adding to the confusing and cluttered look. Children using this title must be focused and skilled readers to tell whether instructions or humorous asides are being presented on the crowded pages filled with type, illustrations, and pop-ups. This book is sure to frustrate novice math students.Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NYCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Amazing Pop-up Multiplication Book | [
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20,903 | 1 | Ages 5-9. When Saint Francis, known for his love and respect for animals, meets a donkey in the forest, the donkey rails against the unfair lot of his kind, who are forced to carry heavy burdens and laughed at for the strange sound they make. Francis first tells the animal the lively, funny story of how the donkey came by its bray, and then tells a more consoling tale about the donkey that carried Mary into Bethlehem. Although of little use to children, a two-page opening note provides excellent background on Francis. Byrd's evocative language, however, will attract readers and listeners of many ages. The pace of his story is measured and calm, and the paintings are large and spacious, some glittering with details, others open and peaceful. The beautiful closing double-page spread shows Francis and the donkey standing in the snow and gazing at one particularly bright star in the sky. Susan Dove LempkeCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedMr. Byrd is a successful commercial artist and children's book illustrator whose award-winning picture books include The Bear and the Bird King. Robert Byrd lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey. ; Title: Saint Francis and the Christmas Donkey | [
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20,904 | 1 | PreSchool-K-Two titles with bright, jovial illustrations. In the first book, Minerva Louise wants to play a game with her friends, but she can't find them. Young children will spot the farmyard animals hiding around the barn, in the haystack, and beside the tractor long before the silly hen does. In the second story, they will enjoy following her around in the rain, kneeling beneath a sheep, and playing in a puddle. These cheerful books make good read-alouds and the brief texts are appropriate for early readers.Shelley Woods, Boston Public Library, MA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Hide-and-Seek (Minerva Louise) | [
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20,905 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 1-A sweet, warm story that deals with the loss of one friendship and the creation of another. Lund continues the story of the coyote from Way Out West Lives a Coyote Named Frank (Dutton, 1993). Frank and Angelina have been best friends for a long time. When her family moves away, he misses her, but also learns to make new friends without expecting everything to be the same. He finds that Larry (the new coyote in town) is also "one of a kind" in a totally different way. The text and pictures work together in an unusual way. Lund includes details about life out West without actually defining new vocabulary words. The pictures illustrate references to such Western animals as pumas, javelinas, and coatimundis, with which many readers may not be familiar. The artwork also gives a sense of the desert environment. The author's text is spare enough to make this a great storytime offering, but it is also a good book to share with one or two children on a lap. All in all, a well-done title with lots of personality.Susan Marie Pitard, Weezie Library for Children, Nantucket Atheneum, MA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.The playful protagonist of Way Out West Lives a Coyote Named Frank (1993) returns, this time to find a new friend when an old one departs. Next-door neighbors and best buddies, Frank and Angelina do everything together, from learning about cactus thorns to howling at the moon. Then Angelina's family moves away, and Frank quickly discovers that counting cloud bunnies and tickling tarantulas just isn't the same. Enter a new coyote family with a cub named Larry, and before long, the sun shines again. Actually, the sun is generally shining: even the night scenes are brightly lit in Lund's rocky, cactus-strewn desert vistas. Sporting brightly patterned bandannas, the coyotes caper comically, whether they are mugging at a grumpy puma or hamming up the nightly howl. Frank doesn't forget Angelina, but he learns that his new friend can be just as much fun. It's gently delivered consolation, with plenty of giggle-inducing visual jokes. John Peters; Title: Two Cool Coyotes | [
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20,906 | 1 | Princess Chamomile isn't allowed to do anything. She can't wear T-shirts or shorts, or ride her bike beyond the castle walls, or even eat sweets at her own birthday party. One morning, she decides enough is enough. She sneaks out of the castle, grabs her bike, and, with nothing but candy on her mind, heads straight for Bags-Eye the Bad Cat's Candy Store. The store owner is, as it turns out, a rather bad cat. The second he finds out Chamomile is a princess, he decides to kidnap her and hold her for ransom. Fortunately, he can't write, and Chamomile is clever enough to concoct her own ransom note to her parents, pretending to transcribe the cat's malevolent plot word for word. She is, of course, rescued--escaping all plights but an upset, candy-stuffed stomach. As Chamomile is trundled safely to bed, she tells her parents and nanny that it was their overbearing rules that forced her to escape in search of the forbidden candy. Yes, the moral of this cautionary tale is for parents rather than children.Being a princess is no fairy tale for young mouse Chamomile, heroine of this sprightly offering from the author and illustrator of Badger's Bad Mood. Princess Chamomile's strict nanny rules in extremes, forbidding sweets ("even at [Chamomile's] own birthday parties!"), bicycling beyond the castle walls, etc. One morning, tired of being a "Not-Allowed," Chamomile escapes on her bicycle, making a beeline for the most forbidden place of all-the candy store. The candy store owner, a cat who spends much of his time wondering "how bad a bad cat could be," sees the tiara-wearing mouse as a ticket to ransomed riches. Chamomile's clever thinking thwarts the would-be kidnapper and also wins her a mountain of sweets. The sugary spoils give her a royal stomachache but inspire a reevaluation of Nanny Nettle's draconian policies. This crisply paced adventure once again showcases Oram's on-the-mark understanding of childhood emotions and frustrations. Varley's airy, humorous watercolors (the mouse-head topiaries are hilarious) are most engaging when depicting the royal household in an uproar. Her cat kidnapper is appropriately scraggly and beady-eyed, but not too sinister, and a view of a gleeful Chamomile licking her lips in front of a candy display is not to be missed. Ages 3-9. (May) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Princess Chamomile Gets Her Way | [
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20,907 | 1 | Three white puppies frolic in this unpretentious picture book, whose elementary images and tiny trim size invite beginners. Tucker and his two brothers love to eat, sleep and play. In a montage of petite line drawings on an apple-green background, the identical pups demonstrate their favorite activities: "They played tug-of-war. They practiced barking." On his own, Tucker enjoys diving from the couch to a soft pillow. This urge for deeds of derring-do serves him well one winter day, when a bumpy sled ride tosses him into the air. A dotted line in the solid blue sky maps Tucker's end-over-end trajectory into snow that's the same pure white as his fur ("He wagged his tail to show [his mother] that he was okay"). The title suspensefully anticipates Tucker's performance, but, disappointingly, no pictures show him practicing his feat. On the other hand, McGuirk, who has published children's books in Japan, writes concise sentences and skillfully pares down her illustrations to a few careful lines and opaque colors. Her playful caricatures of West Highland white terriers (with their wiry coats, pointed ears and black-dot eyes and noses) suggest the pups' na?vet? and infectious bouncy energy. Children may well flip over this endearing daredevil. Ages 3-up. (Oct.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-K-Tucker and his two canine brothers eat, sleep, play games, and watch adventure shows on TV. An adventurer himself, Tucker likes to jump off the couch onto a pillow or practice skateboarding. One wintry day, Mother takes the pups outside and shows them neat tricks like how to make snow yellow and how to dig tunnels. Now, while the others dream of food, Tucker has visions of sledding like the children he's seen outdoors. In the culminating action sequence, he hops on a sled, hits a bump, and goes flipping through the air, landing safely in the soft and fluffy snow. Short, direct statements move the tale along at a steady clip. There is a solid story construct with a defined beginning, middle, and rousing end. The love of the dogs' mother lends support and comfort. The illustrations of the four West Highland white terriers are bright and lively, and their bodies contrast nicely with the flat expanses of bold background colors. The two children are gnomelike figures. This square book is diminutive in size, allowing for heightened intimacy. Tucker is a pup whose individuality is celebrated-even though he's a carbon copy of his brothers.Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Tucker Flips! | [
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20,908 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2-In this bright, bold picture book, Hannah's teacher has announced that students may bring a collection to share with the class on Friday. This presents a dilemma for Hannah, who keeps buttons, Popsicle sticks, shells, leaves, feathers, barrettes, dolls, leather purses, and more. Which should she bring? Her clever solution is to create a sculpture with various items from her many collections. Colorful collage illustrations incorporate cloth, paper, and found objects against patterned backgrounds. This story will appeal to children who love to collect, and it makes a good introduction to show-and-tell. Math classrooms will want to add it to their shelves for its treatment of the skills collecting teaches including counting and sorting.Meghan R. Malone, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 3-5. Spreads and individual scenes in this bright, boldly graphic picture book possess startling clarity, a quality that enhances the book's presentation of Hannah's many collections. The story describes Hannah's dilemma: which of her beloved collections should she share with her class? After being treated to a look at assorted groupings--153 buttons, 19 feathers, and 5 rings, to name just a few--children will applaud the surprise solution Hannah devises to get a representative sampling of her collections to school. The collages, which use real buttons, shells, Popsicle sticks, barrettes, dolls, and more, will bring children back for second and third looks, but the book is more than just eye candy. The story framework presents ingenious opportunities for preschoolers to practice some important thinking skills: counting, mathematical grouping, naming objects, and creative problem solving are all seamlessly wrapped up in this fresh, visually vibrant display. Denise WilmsCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Hannah's Collections | [
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20,909 | 16 | Ages 3-5. Short and sweet, this ABC picture book presents one word to a page, beginning with "Aa apple," which is accompanied by an illustration of Christopher Robin strolling along, eating an apple. The original ink drawings, now brightened with watercolor washes, appeared first in Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner, Now We Are Six, and When We Were Very Young. The words chosen for some of the letters may stretch the alphabet concept a bit ("yellow daffodils" for Y), and it's fair to say that only Milne fans will think that "expotition" is a great choice for X. Still, there are more than enough Winnie the Pooh lovers in the world to justify purchasing this book for public library collections. The format is clean and simple, and Shepard's artwork is as beguiling as ever. Carolyn Phelan; Title: Winnie - the - Pooh's ABC | [
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20,910 | 1 | PreSchool-K-Tucker is a playful West Highland terrier, similar to Rosemary Wells's McDuff. In the first book, the author blends the use of prepositions with Tucker's activities on a hot summer day. The pup goes "off his rocker," literally, and jumps in front of the fan. From there, he goes onto his skateboard. His adventure continues as he seemingly travels the globe via taxi, flying carpet, parachute, and raft, ending up back in his rocker where he started. In the second title, Tucker's nose for adventure takes him to the circus. He ends up as part of an act in order to earn his favorite treat, popcorn. Then he decides that the circus life is not for him and goes home, where his owner returns from a party with a surprise- popcorn. The cool background colors with lots of empty space create energy for the charming canine as he bounds across the pages. The use of multiple Tuckers to portray movement may require explanation for the youngest readers. Overall, though, he is an appealing character and these small-format books will undoubtedly find an audience.DeAnn Tabuchi, San Anselmo Public Library, CA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Tucker Over the Top | [
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20,911 | 0 | Six famous prayers and poems by Samuel Coleridge, Cecil Alexander, Christina Rossetti, and others, plus two selections from the Bible, are included in this charming board book for young children. The thick pages, gilt-edged to add a special brilliance, are filled with quaint pictures--rabbits and mice dressed in delicate frocks, wrapped in quilts, sipping tea, even pitching woo under a moon--that establish a warm mood that mirrors the feeling of poetry. These sentimental pictures also compensate for the language of some selections, which the youngest listeners may not find easy to understand. Each double-page spread has a border of pink roses adding sweetness to the moments captured by the art and words. An appealing book for children and adults who want to foster the faith and hopes of their children. Shelley Townsend-Hudson; Title: A Child's Book of Prayers (Holly Pond Hill) | [
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20,912 | 2 | In his first children's book, Beck introduces a charmer of an avian hero. Pepito, with his red ovoid body, bright purple eyes and yellow wings shaped like half-circle construction blocks, looks like he stepped out of a child's toy box. What's more, he's as gutsy as he is cute. Pepito is afraid of flying. When he leaves the nest, instead of flapping his wings like his brothers and sisters, "he decided to go his own way." Taking the advice of a fox, frog, fish and gopher, Pepito runs, hops, swims and burrows his way across gleefully stylized landscapes; a pink, ribbonlike fence reaches to the horizon across a field defined by a sweeping curve of gold. Beck keeps familiar landmarks in sight, so readers know that Pepito has not strayed too far. The feathered hero triumphs over every formidable obstacle on his way to meet up with his siblings, who point out that "If you are brave enough to do all those things... / then you must be brave enough to fly!" With just a few words per page and a crayon-bright palette, Beck creates a genuine poster-bird for pluckiness. Viva Pepito! Ages 3-6. (Mar.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-Gr 1-A charming red bird that is afraid of heights is faced with a challenge when it comes time to leave his nest. Rather than risk flying, Pepito sets off on a trek during which he meets animals that inspire him to run, hop, swim, burrow, and climb. When he reaches the tree where his siblings have relocated, they are impressed by his feats. They assure him that if he is brave enough to do all those things-he must be brave enough to fly. The primary shapes, simple landscapes, and broad strokes of color are the perfect complement to this modest yet utterly satisfying tale. The vocabulary is so simple that the book could be effectively used as an easy-reader. Pepito's tireless spirit and engaging encounters with various creatures make for a soaring storyhour selection.-Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CACopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Pepito the Brave | [
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20,913 | 13 | "Clop" a rhythm like a pony! Take the musical tree elevator! Meet Quentin Quarter Note! With this lively, toe-tapping, time-keeping interactive book, aspiring young musicians pull tabs, flip flaps, and tickle the ivories of a real battery-run electronic keyboard (three SR1130 batteries included). Soon everyone will be reading music! Friendly critters introduce each of the basic musical elements: rhythm, notes, time signatures, the staff, scales, sharps and flats, and key signatures. Fabulous images ensure that the learning will be lifelong--a plump elephant sits on a note to make it flatter. Rock-'n'-rolling "Beetles" teach an easy way to remember the order of notes on a staff: "Even Groovy Bats Drink Fly-juice." The amount of color, creatures, and information on each page may be a trifle overwhelming, but it leaves no doubt that there will be something new to discover with every reading.Kate Petty and Jennie Maizels have created several books designed to make scary subjects less intimidating: The Amazing Pop-Up Multiplication Book and The Amazing Pop-Up Grammar Book. Their imaginative paper mechanics and goofy animal antics make their books a hit with reluctant learners and avid scholars alike. (Ages 6 to 10) --Emilie Coulter; Title: The Amazing Pop-up Music Book (Amazing Pop-Ups) | [
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20,914 | 2 | K-Gr 3-Sun-splashed illustrations and descriptive prose transport readers to a time in the past when most children lived on a family farm or had one to visit. Emma reminisces about the summer spent with Aunt Ada, Uncle Will, and her cousins on Sunnyside Farm in Vermont, and vividly describes her experiences gathering eggs, feeding the calves, swimming in the pond, and riding old Jack. The story continues through Emma's memories of sadder times when her aunt and uncle die and the farm is neglected by the new owners, but it comes to a satisfying conclusion when Emma, now grown up with children of her own, buys it back for the family. At times, Kinsey-Warnock's writing is poetic, rhythmically listing joyous details, such as this description of her great-aunt: "hands that gathered eggs/and shelled peas/and made warm, golden doughnuts,/and her strong arms that raked hay/and churned butter/and could hug five children at once." The artist obviously knows the Vermont landscape well. Her paintings expand the story skillfully, using detailed double-page spreads. Three of those spreads have an interesting collage design that illustrates information in the text. Similar in tone to Elsie Lee Splear's Growing Seasons (Putnam, 2000) and Patricia MacLachlan's All the Places to Love (HarperCollins, 1994), this lovely book belongs in most libraries.Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WICopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Ages 5-7. City girl Emma gets a taste of country life when she summers with her great aunt and uncle at Sunnyside Farm. The experiences are rich--lots of work, but there's time for fun, too, and when Emma returns home in the fall, she misses her cousins and the farm. That could be the end of the story but isn't quite--we learn that when Emma grows up and has a family of her own, she and her husband buy the farm, now run down but ready to be restored by its loving new owners. Kolb's watercolor paintings celebrate the ties of kinship and the fruits of farm labor. Front porches on a summer night, a wagon full of hay, cooling off in the pond--all reflect the warmth and affection that underlie the sweet, sturdy story. Denise WilmsCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: A Farm of Her Own | [
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20,915 | 13 | The South African team paired for Tabu and the Dancing Elephants here presents a sliver of a story centering on a girl "in search of music for her flute." Strolling through her African village, Lindiwe asks six birds--a crowned crane, hornbill, rainbird, hoopoe, Paradise flycatcher and wood owl--to "share" their sounds with her. When each obliges, its signature call (reproduced phonetically, e.g., "Whoo-hu... whoo-hu-hu") enters her instrument. As the winged creatures follow her home, the child plays her flute and the birds "all made music while she ran." Oddly, while readers see speech balloons of the birds' utterances entering the flute, no pictorial representation of the sounds reappears even though the text claims that "the air was filled the music of Lindiwe's flute--and the song of six birds." Gilbert's unadorned, brightly hued pictures portray Lindiwe's fellow villagers as an obviously appreciative audience, but the narrative fails to foster a similar enthusiasm in readers. Ages 3-9. (Dec.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-3-Lindiwe has a new flute that makes a dreadful noise when she blows into it. As she journeys through the South African countryside looking for music, she meets different people and six birds that share their sounds with her. The repetitive nature of the story and the language used create a natural pace for reading aloud. Children will enjoy imitating the rhythmic birdcalls as the narrative carries them along to a happy celebration when Lindiwe's music calls the others to dance and sing through the night. Gilbert's flat, folk-art illustrations are reminiscent of South African designs and perfectly complement the text. The black outlined images of Lindiwe and the other villagers dressed in bright reds and oranges are set off by background colors of green and brown. The vivid illustrations capture the child's supportive community and the typical activities in her small village. A charming story for group reading.Tali Balas, Ethnical Culture Fieldstone School, New York City Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Song of Six Birds | [
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20,916 | 18 | Grade 2-5. Though no mummies actually rear up, fans of the thoroughly bandaged ones will be delighted with this four-spread, pop-up look at a pharaoh's death rites, as it allows them to help an embalmer sloooooowly pull out the corpse's intestines, peer beneath several layers of linen wrapping, lift lids on coffins, and watch funerary goods being arranged in the burial chamber deep within a pyramid. The text goes a step beyond simply captioning the pictures, including, for instance, the specific deity to which each of this pharaoh's major organs was dedicated, the significance of several amulet symbols, and a capsule version of the story of Seth and Osiris. Stewart's paintings are realistic but toned down, so that organs look like generic blobs of pink silly putty. The special effects are clever, simple, and, expectedly, not very sturdy; nonetheless, Polk's tone is more serious than sensationalistic, and either the burial chamber scene or the 3-D pyramid would make eye-catching centerpieces in a topical display.?John Peters, New York Public LibraryCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Egyptian Mummies: A Pop-Up Book | [
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20,917 | 13 | "At night, from my window, I can see the white trails of tracer fire and the orange flash of mortars in the sky. I pretend I am watching shooting stars and meteors," says the nameless girl protagonist of Cutler's (The Song of the Molimo) moving and, sadly, timely story of the healing power of music in wartime. With winter approaching, food scarce and her father off fighting, the high point of the girl's week is Wednesday, when the relief truck arrives and the community gathers. Most days, she sits with the other children under the stairs until their high energy levels send them running through the halls, where they taunt an unsociable musician named Mr. O. As the girl stands outside his apartment, she remembers how her father described the craftsmanship of Mr. O's cello and the command performances of the cellist's youth. When a rocket destroys the relief truck, Mr. O surprises the children by courageously playing music in the middle of the square and lifting their spirits. Couch's (Wild Child, reviewed above) soft-focus watercolors in burnished shades of gold, copper and fiery red have a dreamlike quality that effectively contrast with the unsentimental narration. He mixes realistic scenes of the war-torn landscape with a surreal sense of war's intrusion on this child's life. While more details about the mysterious Mr. O might have made his change of heart more believable, Cutler's focus on turning calamity on its head will likely have an uplifting effect on readers young and old. Ages 5-9. (Sept.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-4-In poetic prose, a young girl describes what it is like to live in a city ravaged by war. Schools are closed, electricity and telephone service is out, and the only consolation is the arrival each Wednesday of the relief truck bringing food and supplies. To pass time, the children play together in the hallways. When they make too much noise, an elderly musician, Mr. O, opens his apartment door and scolds them. No one, not even the adults, talks to Mr. O, who keeps to himself. But the week after the relief truck is bombed, the old man takes his cello into the courtyard and plays for all of the frightened, hungry people. The music is described as something "which feeds us as truly as the supplies brought by the truck did." Later, when the cello is destroyed by more shelling, the little girl wonders, "What will feed us now?" These and a few other didactic statements, jarringly atypical of any child, mar an otherwise lovely story. Couch's watercolor illustrations, however, are absolute perfection. In warm earth tones, the artist has captured both the emotion and the details of civilian life under siege. While the war is not named, readers may infer a reference to the Balkan conflict. In spite of a little excess verbiage, this is an inspiring story.Jackie Hechtkopf, University of Maryland, College Park Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Cello of Mr. O | [
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20,918 | 1 | PreS-Gr 1-Another uproarious picture book about the appealing bull terrier. In this story, Daisy's three puppies are beginning to grow. Baby's favorite is Little Daisy; the toddler orders her to sit, to lie down, and to speak, which the puppy does with a squeaky little bark. Along comes Daisy, and it's Baby's turn to sit, lie down, and to speak ("WHAAAAA!"). Mommy rushes to the rescue, and soon the humans and the dogs are rollicking on the floor. This offering, like the earlier titles, is perfect for toddlers. Its brief, cleanly written text is also simple enough for first graders to read. The delightful pencil-and-watercolor illustrations add dimension and humor to the story.Anne Parker, Milton Public Library, MACopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Ages 2-4. Little ones are certain to welcome the return of irresistible Daisy, a mommy dog, and her three chubby puppies--Morris, Dolores, and Little Daisy. The little dogs have lost none of their mischievous nature since their last outing in Daisy's Puppies (2000), and neither has Baby, the toddler who really rules the roost. In this episode, bossy Baby takes charge, ordering Little Daisy about: "Speak." And Little Daisy speaks: "Squeak!" Baby's tears fall when big Daisy interferes in the game, requiring Mommy to soothe hurt feelings and issue some orders of her own--with unexpected results. Mommy has less personality than the rest of the crew, but Baby and the canines are all cute enough to cuddle. Soft nursery colors, sweetly simple background details, and wonderful, funny renderings of both pets and people will make this a winner with both children and the adults who read to them. Stephanie ZvirinCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Good Dog, Daisy! | [
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20,919 | 1 | PreSchool-Uncluttered illustrations on sturdy board pages follow bunny as he watches his animal friends prepare for winter. Squirrel and chipmunk gather acorns, bear licks honey, raccoon digs for pinecones, and mouse and skunk find fruits and berries. In the last of the double-page spreads, all settle down to sleep. Colors are clear and bright and the large format provides plenty to look at without appearing cluttered. A cozy book to share with toddlers.Lisa Smith, Lindenhurst Memorial Library, NY Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 1-3. In this getting-ready-for-winter board book, a bunny is thrilled^B by the sight of a snowflake and the prospect of winter and watches as other animals--a skunk, a squirrel, a chipmunk, a mouse, a bear, and a raccoon--prepare for the cold. The simple text, only about eight words per double-page spread, conveys the excitement and urgency of winter's approach, and bright, boldly colored cutoutlike illustrations collect more and more snowflakes as the story progresses. This small, cozy book will make an effective bedtime read, too, because all the animals seek shelter and sleep at the end. Connie FletcherCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Bunny's First Snowflake Board Book | [
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20,920 | 18 | Grade 6-10AWith characteristic scholarship, clarity, insight, and compassion, Myers presents readers with the facts and the moral and historical significance of the Amistad episode. Archival photographs and artwork, newspaper accounts and correspondence, and interpretive text reveal the dramatic story of the captive Africans who mutinied against their slaver crew and accidentally landed in the United States instead of back in Africa. From their imprisonment in 1839, through two years of court battles ending up in the Supreme Court, this group of Africans, led by their striking spokesman, Sengbe (Cinque), aroused the moral conscience of America. The complicated issues involved are explained within the context of the times when tension in the United States between antislavery and slaveholding forces was escalating. The author tells the human story along with the legal story: the search for an interpreter to deliver Sengbe's testimony; the despair of the Africans who could not comprehend the reason for their imprisonment; the fascination of Americans with these proud, unyielding captives; and the dilemma of major historical personalities who dealt with this controversy. This story is not the movie screenplay. Although the topic is timely, Myers offers readers a well-researched, documented, nonfictionalized account of this far-reaching episode. Frequent black-and-white maps, drawings, and diagrams add to an understanding of this tragic event.AGerry Larson, Durham Magnet Center, Durham, NCCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 5^-9. Like Jurmain, Myers gives a dramatic factual account of the capture in West Africa, the hellish journey aboard the slave ship on the Middle Passage, the sale in Cuba, the mutiny led by Sengbe on the Amistad as it sailed from Cuba, the forced landing in Connecticut, the subsequent court trials in the U.S., and the final struggle to return home. The design is clear and readable, with spacious type, historic photographs and prints, a time line, a map showing the voyages of the captives, and a bibliography. Myers includes considerable detail drawn from primary reports but no source notes. The narrative is exciting, not only the account of the uprising but also the tension of the court arguments about whether the captives were property and what their rights were in a country that banned the slave trade but allowed slavery. Myers distinguishes among the various captives, quoting the children and the adults, as well as their great leader, Sengbe, who wanted to get home. Hazel Rochman; Title: Amistad: A Long Road to Freedom: A Thirst for Freedom | [
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20,921 | 1 | PreSchool-Grade 3-Minerva Louise is back. This time, the happy, self-satisfied hen meanders over to the fairgrounds and misinterprets everything she encounters based on her experience on the farm. She sees stars falling all around (fireworks); steps into a moving bulldozer (Ferris wheel); sees dozens of other hens (trick mirrors); mistakes the merry-go-round for a horse barn; and finally roosts for the night in one of the boxes built for the rabbit judging. The next day she is discovered by her very own farmer, who takes her home to a hero's welcome. The artwork is outstanding. With a triangle for a beak and two dots for eyes, Minerva Louise has an amazing variety of expressions as she walks along peering here and there or sits plump and happy with herself or enjoys the wind while in the back of the moving truck on the ride home. With one or two lines accompanying a bright, full-page picture, this is a perfect choice to share with a group. Anyone who has ever made an error in perception will appreciate Minerva Louise's logic as she figures everything out entirely wrong. And everyone will cheer as things turn out perfectly all right. This hen deserves a blue ribbon.Marlene Gawron, Orange County Library, Orlando, FL Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 2-6. "We see with what we know," said Conan Doyle's famous detective Sherlock Holmes, and the unflappable hen Minerva Louise is a perfect (and hilarious) case in point. In her adventures (now numbering 12, including board books), Minerva always mistakes objects outside the farm for something in her familiar world. This time, Minerva has a Chicken Little moment when she sees fireworks and thinks the stars are falling. She follows the bursts to a fair, mistaking the roller coasters for mountains. More mistaken sightings follow (the carousel is a horse barn; the Ferris wheel a bulldozer), all of which are bound to tickle preschoolers' sense of the ridiculous. The story will be great for lap sharing or reading aloud to small groups: listeners will delight in catching Minerva's goofs. The brightly colored, boldly outlined drawings underscore the simplicity and comedy of Minerva's world. Connie FletcherCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Minerva Louise at the Fair | [
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20,922 | 1 | Grade 2-4-This rather old-fashioned, action-packed tale will keep readers riveted even if they have seen the movie. Spirit is a larger-than-life, four-legged hero. From the time he is a colt, his brash curiosity and athleticism make him a standout, and eventually he becomes the leader of the Cimarron herd. However, that same curiosity brings about his capture by wranglers, who sell him to cavalrymen determined to tame him. With the help of an American Indian boy, he escapes and finds true love with Little Creek's mare, Rain, but his adventures and difficulties are far from over. This hooved Indiana Jones escapes danger at every turn and finally succeeds in returning to his herd, his life of freedom, and his true love. Scenes of galloping horses, an exploding locomotive, and Rain being shot during a cavalry raid on Little Creek's village fill some of the pages of this yarn. The illustrations have a Disneyesque feel as the two horses flirt with and seem to smile at one another; the colors of the paintings are appealing. The faces of both the four-legged and two-legged characters are expressive and sustain the excitement of this "superhero" story for those who just want an entertaining page-turner.Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Illustrated by noted western artist William Maughan, this is both a beautiful companion book to the DreamWorks film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron and a stand-alone storybook that will have a place in any horse lover's library.; Title: Spirit: Stallion on the Cimarron (Picture Book) (Dreamworks) | [
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20,923 | 0 | Gr 3-5-When one of their fifth-grade classmates finds a monster in her garbage can, science detectives Drake Doyle and Nell Fossey rush to the rescue. After discovering that the receptacle is in a warm place and smells like bread, they have the solution. The pair go on to save local frogs from a gruesome death on the highway, free a truck stuck under a bridge, and reveal the identity of another classmate's secret admirer. The first in a new series, this book will appeal to fans of short mysteries and kids with an interest in science experiments. Torrey's style is light and funny, and the stories move at a rapid pace. Newman's quirky drawings appear throughout the text. While readers may quickly guess the cause of the "gasping garbage," the other mysteries and solutions are clever, and are explained in the "Activities and Experiments" section. Kids will enjoy reading about these young scientists who sometimes outsmart adults.Ashley Larsen, Woodside Library, CACopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Gr. 3-5. Move over, Einstein Anderson,. You have competition. Whether the "case" is a baker's unusually noisy garbage pail or a sudden wave of frog road kill, fifth-grade sleuths Drake Doyle and Nell Fossey are on the job. Doyle and Fossey have competition of their own in classmate James Frisco, a "bad, mad" scientist who fudges his experiments. Still, thanks to a combination of sharp observation, scientific method, careful thought, and decaf coffee ("Real scientists don't drink hot chocolate. Ditto for detectives."), the good guys always win out. Tongue firmly in cheek, Torrey bases the four problems and their solutions on basic, well-articulated scientific principles and techniques, reinforced by several related experiments or activities at the end to keep fans of this hardboiled series opener busy as they pine for the next installment. A scattering of small ink-and-wash illustrations by Barbara Johansen Newman adds comic details. John PetersCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Case of the Gasping Garbage (Doyle and Fossey, Science Detectives) | [
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20,924 | 2 | How does a grandfather enjoy time with his grandson (and vice versa)? Shields (Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp) counts the ways in this winsome picture book. "My favorite person in the world is coming for a visit," the narrator announces as a cheery watercolor illustration depicts grandfather and grandson greeting each other. The narrator then imagines all the fun things in store: sharing knock-knock jokes, snacks ("We love hot chocolate, with as many marshmallows as we want!"), a game of dominoes ("I hate to lose. Come on, just one more game") and a ride in the car with the top down ("Even when it's freezing"). But as the list of favorite pursuits draws to a close, readers will be surprised to learn who has been doing the talking. Skillfully blending warmth and youthful exuberance, Shields's lighthearted and immediate text holds appeal for a wide range of readers. Debut illustrator Nakata serves up a series of perky vignettes that seemingly dance on the white page. She creates a coziness with loose lines, homey details and plenty of smiling facesAsomething like a blend of the styles of Elisha Cooper, Holly Berry and Jennifer Plecas. If her approach is not wholly original, it's pleasing and easily captures the protagonists' tenderness and talent for fun. Ages 3-7. (Aug.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-K-This charming story shows what happens when "my favorite person in the world" comes for a visit. A boy and his grandfather like to tell knock-knock jokes (four are included), watch heavy machinery at work, cook, play dominoes, read a good book, and work on taking toys apart and putting them back together again. But, says the narrator, his guest hates to lose at games, and doesn't like kissy movies or cleaning up. The cozy and energetic relationship is echoed in the exuberant, loosely rendered watercolor illustrations that provide many enjoyable details. The short, punchy sentences; fresh, humorous language; and snappy ending will all involve readers. "Here's what I like. I like lucky pennies, hot chocolate, and knock-knock jokes. And my grandson does, too." It's a nice reversal of our assumptions about the narrator. Perfect and perfectly delightful.Susan Hepler, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Lucky Pennies and Hot Chocolate | [
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20,925 | 16 | Emma Dodd is the author-illustrator of many children's books, including Dog's Colorful Day.; Title: Big, Small, Little Red Ball (Changing Picture Book) | [
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20,926 | 2 | Daisy the mommy dog is back for a much welcome follow-up to Daisy Knows Best. Also back for the ride are her pudgy and scrumptiously named puppies Morris, Dolores and Little Daisy, as well as their equally plump human sidekick, known only as Baby. Although Baby seems to have grown into a bona fide toddler, this book isn't so much a sequel as it is a lateral story. Kopper devotes the first few pages to reintroducing the cast of characters--Daisy is first shown having what is clearly a hard-won snooze in Baby's stroller--and then puts them through their havoc-wreaking paces, which this time results in everyone covered in lipstick from Mommy's purse. There's a new element of interspecies tussling ("And when Morris, Dolores, and Little Daisy want to sleep... Baby doesn't," she writes, as a piqued Baby tips over a cushion full of canines), but the book's biggest chuckles still reside in Kopper's roly-poly renderings of dogs and babies sharing the same id-driven impulses. Ages 2-4. (Mar.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-A bull terrier and her three puppies, Morris, Dolores, and Little Daisy, sometimes disagree with the human baby of the house about what to do and when to do it. Morris doesn't want to play house with Baby, Dolores doesn't want to read, and Little Daisy doesn't want to hide. When the puppies want to nap, Baby pulls their bed out from under them. Then all of the babies (puppy and human) are ready to watch TV, but big Daisy isn't. She gets hold of the human mother's purse, and they smear makeup all over themselves. The humorous illustrations depict all of the messes and mischief. The attractive, realistic colored-pencil drawings show details not included in the text such as the expression on Baby's face when Dolores rips his book or the lipsticked Daisy with a roll of candy in her mouth. This simple, readable story will appeal to toddlers, especially those who enjoy animals.Anne Parker, Milton Public Library, MA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Daisy's Babies | [
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20,927 | 15 | Contrary to popular belief, the earth is not flat. Therefore it stands to reason that a geography book should pop up, spin, and reveal the world's secrets in all its three-dimensional glory. This truly Amazing Pop-Up book, virtually exploding with action and visual stimulation, is divided into eight main categories: "Our Place in Space," "Sunshine," "Continents and Oceans," "Rivers and Mountains," "Countries," "Disaster!," "Journey Time," and "Who Lives Here?" Each page is jam-packed with flaps to lift, wheels to dial, tabs to pull, and exciting pop-ups. There's even an expandable globe hanging on an elastic string, so readers can take a closer look at Earth as they learn more about its components. Scientific, political, and geographical information is presented in an easy-to-absorb, lighthearted way, so even the reluctant geographer will have no problem mastering the basics and much more. Silly characters named Sonny Sun, Eartha Earth, the Quizmaster (a walrus in a top hat), Disastrous Dan, Julian Journey, and Otis Ocean guide readers through the pages, and encourage everyone to take good care of the world. This lively book is a terrific companion to Kate Petty and Jennie Maizels's other Amazing Pop-Up books: The Amazing Pop-Up Multiplication Book, The Amazing Pop-Up Grammar Book, and The Amazing Pop-Up Music Book. Death-defying paper mechanics and truly fascinating information about the universe ensure a happy surprise for children who've wondered if there isn't anything more to geography. (Ages 6 to 10) --Emilie CoulterA 2000 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner -- From Parents' Choice; Title: The Amazing Pop-Up Geography Book (Amazing Pop-Ups) | [
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20,928 | 0 | oet Bobbi Katz gets into a groove in A Rumpus of Rhymes: A Book of Noisy Poems. In this collection of 28 original works, Katz's words burst from the page in an onomatopoeic flourish. "Caught in the Act" explains the punishment for stealing potato chips: "And now I'm grounded! What a pain / betrayed by crinkling cellophane!" In "Spring Conversations:" "`Whisk!'/ whirls the jump rope,/ twirling/ around./ `THUD!'/ say the sneakers,/ bouncing off the ground."' Each "noisy" word gets special typeface thin, heavy, looping and brisk to suit the sound. Susan Estalle Kwas's neon-bright illustrations with a bold black outline add thunder.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Gr 1-4-This rambunctious collection begs to be shared aloud. Katz includes all kinds of sounds, from the "POP" of bubble gum and the "chinkety-chonkety" of carrots to the "Padoom! Padum!" of a parade and the toots and beeps of a city street. Throughout the book, fonts of different sizes and shapes accentuate them and bring them to readers' attention. There is a variety of poems, from short couplets to two-page spreads. The author uses alliteration, especially in "Summer Jazz," where the "Bebop beetles boogie to the beat," and lots of onomatopoeia. There is also plenty of humor in the selections. However, there is some unevenness; not all of the poems scan well as the author stretches to work in the sound word. The brightly colored, cartoon illustrations are full of energy and go well with the poems, although at times the pages seem overly busy. Debi Gliori's Poems Go Clang (Candlewick, 1997) has more classic poems about sounds but is not as lively. Children should enjoy the sounds they can make with Katz's rhyming rumpus.Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VACopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: A Rumpus of Rhymes | [
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20,929 | 15 | Kindergarten-Grade 3-The clever little mouse who made her debut in Princess Chamomile Gets Her Way (Dutton, 1999) is back. The diminutive princess enjoys helping Melchior in the kitchen gardens, learning "how to tell the difference between the weeds that were to be pulled and the little plants that weren't," but the work is too hard, so she decides what she really needs is "more of a my-sort-of garden." The energetic rodent sets to work, drawing out exactly what her very own garden needs, including "Wildflowers for lots of butterflies" and, of course, a "reading quietly place." Her only obstacle is convincing the queen and her nanny, who thinks that "gardening is not princesslike." As soon as they agree, Melchior and the princess get to work. Finally, Chamomile announces that the creation "isn't just my sort of garden. It's everyone's sort of garden-." A good choice to read alone or aloud, this well-paced story illustrated with detailed pastel watercolors, including a drawing of Chamomile's plan and final three-page foldout, will have readers thinking that Chamomile's garden is their sort of garden, too.Margaret Rhoades, Orange County Library System, Orlando, FL Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Princess Chamomile's Garden | [] | Train |
20,930 | 7 | A British team, Preston (The Lonely Scarecrow) and Bartram (Pinocchio), reinvents David Wiesner's Tuesday with grimacing jack-o-lanterns and a hellfire orange gleam. At midnight on October 31, weird things defy gravity. When trick-or-treaters fall fast asleep, "It's party time! And away they go." Flying pumpkins, accompanied by empty Halloween costumes, terrorize a trucker and leave sidewalk splatters the next morning. Despite accomplished illustrations, this volume lacks Tuesday's finely tuned mystery and mischief. Ages 6-10.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Gr 1-4-Minimal text and boldly painted views follow the nighttime antics of jack-o'-lanterns and costumes-come-to-life after their trick-or-treating owners are fast asleep in their beds. In the opening scene, children busily carve their pumpkins and paint finishing touches on their costumes. Spare bits of narrative alternate with wordless scenes, fully painted on sturdy paper. Trick-or-treating is quickly done. "Midnight comes-," the children's Halloween paraphernalia spring into action. "It's party time! And away they go-." The night flight through the woods, over the highway and into the city is cheerily eerie, and very much in the spirit of Arthur Yorinks's Tomatoes from Mars (HarperCollins, 1997) and David Wiesner's Tuesday (Clarion, 1991). The swirl of grinning pumpkins sweeps in a long stream across a deeply shaded orange sky, pulled toward the largest jack-o'-lantern of them all. "It's a pumpkin moon!" As morning dawns readers see falling pumpkins through a plane window, past the face of a sleeping passenger, and the puzzled children wake to find their still smoking jack-o'-lantern on the windowsill and the morning newspaper carrying headlines about pumpkin aliens. It's a jolly, pretty tame night out, with only a startled truck driver for humor, but children will likely enjoy the familiar scenario of the nightlife of homely, inanimate things. The foil-paper pumpkin on the jacket is a catchy introduction, and the strong visuals with few words will work well for group sharing.Margaret Bush, Simmons College, BostonCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Pumpkin Moon | [
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20,931 | 14 | While on the job in Santa's workshop, Tingle the elf climbs into the cockpit of a toy plane and falls asleep. Next thing he knows, he's being unwrapped on Christmas morning. Terrified and homesick, Tingle tries to fly home to the North Pole, crashes, but eventually reaches his destination with the help of a polar bear. As brightly colored as a string of Christmas tree lights, Garland's (The Mouse Before Christmas) oddly surreal computer-generated illustrations teeter on the edge of garish; the best thing about them is the 3D illusion they project. Ages 3-8. (Oct.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 2-Tingle, a hardworking but exhausted elf, falls asleep in a toy plane he has helped to complete. The toy is boxed and wrapped, and, on Christmas morning, Tingle finds himself face to face with an excited boy. After several hairy moments escaping the family dog, the elf manages to escape up a chimney and tries to fly the plane back to the North Pole. Another mishap occurs, but a friendly polar bear comes to the rescue and delivers Tingle to Santa's door. Garland's digitally painted illustrations have a commercial slickness, with bold, bright colors that grab viewers' attention. Tingle is an appealing little guy, with an oversized head and pointed chin and ears. Despite the visual appeal, though, Garland's story is slightly stale, with problems easily solved and relatively few surprises. Ultimately, the text serves as a vehicle to showcase the vibrant pictures.-M.M.H. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: AN Elf for Christmas | [
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20,932 | 2 | After a polar bear cub is separated from his mother, he seeks comfort with "a snow mother" that his cold-weather friends a musk ox, snow goose, moose, fox, wolf and rabbit help him build. Dawn breaks, and when the cub awakes, he discovers that the snow figure has been replaced by his warm, familiar-smelling mother. The book's "hook" is Kneen's illustrations; as with her The Lonely Scarecrow, they are embossed to evoke the textures of the arctic setting and its inhabitants. Children will readily discern the difference between the smooth feel of the fallen snow and the bumpier surfaces of the animals' coats and feathers. But there's little variation among the textures of the animals themselves and the conceit wears thin quickly. It's ultimately the quiet power of Moss's (The Snoops) writing that compels attention. With alliteration and sibilance, she evokes the hushed landscape of winter: "In the silent forest is a clearing where soft snowflakes fall. But listen! There's padding and pouncing and a snowdrift shivers." Her descriptions bring to life the different ways each animal helps the cub: the bison "heaves a heavy mound of snow with his strong shoulder," while the snow goose "pats down the snow with her wide, webbed feet." All ages.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.reS-Gr 1-This square storybook uses elegant embossing and selective foil-paper accents to enhance the scenes of deepest winter. Softened realism shows a sweet-faced polar bear cub that receives assistance in his search for his mother from a musk ox, a snow goose, a moose, and others. Moss provides some poetic phrasing-"There's padding and pouncing, and a snowdrift shivers"-that also lends a rhythmic connectivity. The ending is satisfying but there is no explanation for mother bear's prior whereabouts. Be aware that the double pages are joined at two edges and may not hold up given the heavy usage that the book's appearance assures.Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VACopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Snow Bear | [
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20,933 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2-William, a young guinea pig, longs to experience the world outside his secure hut. Stella the squirrel's invitation to explore is more tempting than his mother's stern warnings of danger, so off he goes. He soon finds himself abandoned by Stella and pursued by a hungry fox. Thanks to his mother, the young guinea pig eventually ends up safe at home. It is difficult to determine the purpose of this book. It doesn't work as a story of adventure and danger as the stilted narration does not create a sense of excitement. Likewise, the colorful, blossom-filled paintings, both pretty and precious, depict an idyllic setting rather than an ominous one. William is adorable, Stella is nasty, but the fox looks more mild-mannered than threatening. Children will sympathize with William's need to test the limits. However, the final message, "Never trust a squirrel," is confusing. It may suggest that it is wrong to trust anyone different from you or that it is best to stay with your own kind. It also sends a questionable message about taking responsibility for one's own actions.Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Never Trust a Squirrel | [
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20,934 | 1 | IN GREAT SHAPE!!!..........SHELF WEAR ON FRONT AND BACK COVER/BUT BOARD BOOK PAGES IN LIKE NEaW +VERY GOOD SHAPE..............PAGES CLEAN & CRISP......NO INK/PENCIL/HIGHLIGHTS....$$$ BACK GUARANTEE......SHIPS QUIK FROM LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA; Title: Rain: A Giant Shaped Board Book (Dreamworks) | [
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20,935 | 0 | PreSchool-Money is tight, so there won't be many presents for Beth this year, but when the little rabbit spares the life of a house spider on Christmas Eve, Allie thanks her by decorating the tree with beautiful webs. That's the entire plot of this pleasant but ultimately boring story. The detailed, textured illustrations depicting the rabbit family's snug home are warm and cozy, but they don't save this uninspired effort.-E. M.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.This is Shirley Menendez's first book. Maggie Kneen is the illustrator of The Snow Bear, by Miriam Moss, among many other books.; Title: Allie the Christmas Spider | [
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20,936 | 12 | William Steig, Maurice Sendak, Karla Kuskin, Rosemary Wells, Mitsumasa Anno, Jerry Pinkney and others 14 in all discuss their work in Ways of Telling: Conversations on the Art of the Picture Book by Leonard S. Marcus. This engaging volume offers insight into the creative process of each author and illustrator as well as the social and political contexts from which their work emerged. Ages 11-up.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc."A picture book is a dialogue between two worlds: the world of images and the world of words," says the author in his introduction to this remarkable glimpse into the work of 14 creative people. The dialogue is also between the adult artist and/or writer and the child audience, and Marcus illuminates the art form through his own dialogues with picture-book creators. In conversations that took place from 1988 to 1999, he draws out stories that will fascinate anyone who appreciates the impact of a successful picture book. Readers learn about early influences on the artists that affected their later work, as well as childhood memories and family interactions. We hear in the words of Maurice Sendak, Robert McCloskey, and James Marshall how they perceived the picture book as a theatrical piece, a stage on which action unfolds. We learn of connections they make to earlier artists, of Eric Carle's homage to the brilliance of Margaret Wise Brown and the help he received from Leo Lionni. It is obvious that Marcus carefully prepared for each conversation and extensively studied each body of work to elicit provocative insights. From Mitsumasa Anno to Charlotte Zolotow, readers will find compelling stories to fascinate anyone who studies, uses, loves, or is puzzled by some of the most compelling picture books of the last half century. Ways of Telling is a highly readable, often humorous, and intensely rewarding book for novices and seasoned professionals alike.Connie C. Rockman, Stratford Library Association, CTCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Ways of Telling: Fourteen Interviews With Masters of the Art of the Pict: Fourteen Interviews With the Masters of the Art of the Picture Book | [
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20,937 | 14 | Originally published more than 20 years ago, Jan Pienkowski's terrifically twisted Haunted House returns in a mini-edition. Creepy creatures and hidden surprises await readers bold enough to accept the invitation on the great green door of a cover: "Let yourself in." A snaggle-toothed monster with enormous tonsils presides over the kitchen; a King Kong-size gorilla dominates the living room. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Jan Piénkowski is the illustrator of many popular books for young children.; Title: Haunted House Mini-Edition | [
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20,938 | 2 | A. A. Milne was born in 1882 in London. He was a playwright and journalist as well as a poet and storyteller. His classic children's books were inspired by his son, Christopher Robin. Milne died in 1956.Ernest H. Shepard was born in 1879 in England. His pictures of the Pooh characters are based on real toys owned by Christopher Robin Milne. Shepard died in 1976.; Title: My First Winnie-the-Pooh | [
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20,939 | 2 | Wheeler and Kortepeter, who previously collaborated on Tea with Victoria Rose and The Happiest Season of All, create a valentine for parent and child, featuring the rabbit matron Victoria Rose Boxwood and her two children, Oliver and Emily. When sailor-suited Oliver becomes jealous of his mother's affection for his sister, Emily declares, "Whoever gets the most hugs and kisses from Momma before the sun goes down is her favorite child." And the contest begins. Emily has the perfect-child act down pat, but each attempt by Oliver to score points (and thus hugs and kisses) with his mother is comically thwarted: gathering peaches to make a cobbler, he falls out of a tree and sprains his cottontail. "I'm wounded, Mama," he whines, when a friendly rabbit doctor brings him home. Mama, the very picture of turn-of-the-century maternal devotion in her petticoat and bloomers, declares that both children are special. Wheeler's sentimental stylings may not be to everyone's taste, but her meticulous eye for detail and subtle visual verve rescue the pictures from preciousness. Likewise, Kortepeter's narrative glimmers with gentle wit (Emily is characterized by Oliver as "the hug thief"; and when he spots his mother giving her a kiss, "Suddenly it seemed to Oliver as if a dark cloud had crept into his blue sky"). This appealingly old-fashioned-feeling volume features French-fold pages and embossing both within the illustrations and along the margins. Ages 4-up.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.reSchool-Kindergarten--A contest born out of jealousy is the subject of this book based on the Holly Pond Hill greeting-card line. Oliver, the youngest rabbit in the family, feels certain that his sister is getting all of their parents' attention. He challenges her to a contest in which the rabbit who receives the most hugs and kisses all day long will be clearly proven to be the favorite child. The siblings set out to win their mother's love by doing good deeds for her, but while Emily's efforts always turn out perfectly, Oliver's attempts constantly go awry. Finally, he falls from a ladder and injures himself, causing Emily to confess the scheme to their mother. Even though she says all the right things about loving them equally, Oliver is not satisfied and it seems that he will instigate a new plan the next day. This book is too much of everything-too long and stilted for its intended audience, too detailed in its illustrations, too saccharine, too cluttered. The poor page design includes text and illustration, plus a lilac flowered border and a separate embossed border. This attempt to turn a successful greeting-card line into a children's book is markedly unsuccessful.Susan Marie Pitard, formerly at Weezie Library for Children, Nantucket Atheneum, MACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Holly Pond Hill: The Hugs and Kisses Contest | [
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20,940 | 7 | Magical merriment breaks out at Emily's house on Christmas Eve, when she sneaks out of bed to discover singing pets, a chorus line of stockings and a snowman and snowwoman dancing on the front lawn. The story line is a bit of fluff, but the real point here is Garland's (The Mouse Before Christmas) artwork. Exterior scenes fare best (notably a lilac sunrise seen through a stand of skeletal trees) while the interiors, with their surreal juxtaposition of objects and oddly flattened perspectives, are not as compelling. Ages 3-8.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.reS-Gr 2-On a Christmas Eve that seems especially magical, a little girl builds a snow-woman. During the night, she sees Katrina come to life and dance with the snowman next door, the stockings jump down from the mantel and form a chorus line, and mice bake pies. It could all have been a dream, but in the morning, the two snow people who started out in different yards are standing side-by-side. The illustrations of a Victorian household and a snowy night are stronger than the text, which has a somewhat contrived plot and flat prose.-V. W.GIBBONS, Gail. Christmas Is- illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. Oct. 2001. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-1582-1. LC PreS-Gr 2-A first introduction to Christmas that briefly explains the birth of Christ; some of the popular figures and symbols such as angels, Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus, Christmas trees, stockings, and gifts; and how the holiday is celebrated. Gibbons masterfully explains concepts simply, clearly, and in a visually appealing way. Her two to three sentences per topic (with the exception of Christ's birth) give just enough information to help youngsters understand the meaning of the season. The attractive watercolor cartoons and simple prose make this a perfect read-aloud for one-on-one sharing or a solid choice for newly independent readers.-M. W.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Christmas Magic | [
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20,941 | 2 | This imagistic chronicle of children playing and swimming in a river on a hot day casts a dreamy sort of spell although both art and text distance readers from the action. London's (White Water, reviewed below) poem focuses primarily on the physical sensations of the children as they plunge into the water or run back to shore, but he couches many of his descriptions in adult language. The child-narrator says, "We play in the sun/ like a dance," and continues, "[we] dally in the brilliance/ of heat/ radiating/ off our shining bodies." When the children plunge into the river, their "bones turn/ to icicles," but they also "feel/ that snowmelt water/ from the high mountains/ in our blood." Complex and action-filled, Couch's (The Cello of Mr. O) intriguing designs and textured hues contrast with the naturalistic focus of the text. His exquisite watercolors alternate bursts of color the children themselves turn yellow-gold or purplish blue as they choose to bake in the sun or cool off in the river. These characters look flat, almost like brightly colored shadow puppets. In metaphorical moments, the artist shows the sun burning inside a boy's chest or lets readers see the drinks from the cooler wash through the children's transparent bodies and back to the river. An interesting, if sometimes inaccessible, book. Ages 4-8.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3-A poetic evocation of summer fun. London's flowing text takes an energetic group of kids through a hot, sunny day to a cool, starry night. The unnamed children cavort in the current, skip stones, stop for snacks and cold drinks, and then continue to explore their watery, woodsy world. Eventually they come to rest on large rocks "holding/the last heat" as they watch the sky for falling stars. Their world is idyllic, but not without danger. They must be "careful for snakes/and the sharp bite/of rocks/like arrowheads" as they walk through the water. More than just a catalog of activities, London's text captures the children's joy, the beauty of the natural world, and the timeless appeal of simple pleasures. Couch's paintings swirl with energy and feature vivid colors-cool, watery blues, purples, and greens contrasting with bright, sunny yellows and fiery reds. The somewhat stylized artwork occasionally has a surreal look. Skin tones and surroundings take on unusual, sunbathed colors as the children frolic on the shore and splash in the water. Interestingly, this play of light and shadow allows the characters to be more representational than realistic and to stand for any children, anywhere, anytime. Use this as a terrific seasonal selection or as a warm splash of memory when the weather is foul.Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Sun Dance, Water Dance | [
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20,942 | 2 | Expressive and bursting with life, Schachner's (Mr. Emerson's Cook) artwork sweeps readers into a story based, surprisingly, on a real incident involving her daughter. Emma has an imagination that won't quit, and when she has to prepare a report about Viking explorer Erik the Red, she's off and running on a voyage of discovery: "Emma spent every day after school at the library plundering the shelves for more Viking books." The more she learns, the more seeps into her journal and her everyday life she makes a Viking helmet from tinfoil, hands her brother a painted stone ("It's a rune," she informs him) and renames herself Emma the Red. After the librarian shows her a newspaper ad for a 29-foot Viking ship ($7000 or best offer), Emma and her brother write to the owner proposing to pay $128, two baseball cards and a fox tooth. No one believes her when she announces she's getting a Viking ship for her birthday ("Emma makes everything up," scoffs one classmate), but in fact it's exactly what happens, and the Viking ship arrives in her backyard along with a TV news crew and all of Emma's classmates dressed as Vikings. "See, Ollie," Emma tells her brother. "Dreams do come true." Schachner artfully crowds the slightly oversize pages with detail. Warmly realistic family scenes coexist with Emma's energetic fantasies, the latter delineated as colorful, vibrant images emerging from books and journals. This buoyant book will likely launch readers on adventures of their own. Ages 5-9.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 2-Emma loves to pretend, and has in turn been Robin Hood, a raptor, and a ring-tailed lemur. As the story opens, she sports a red bushy tail and pointed ears for her current incarnation as a fox. When she must give a speech about an explorer for a class assignment, Emma chooses Erik the Red. She goes off to the library for research, where Mr. Sigurd shows her a row of "Very Old Books," presumably the best place to find historical information. The child is fascinated when she reads about the Vikings, but at no point does she uncover the facts that Erik the Red fled first Norway and then Iceland charged with murder or that those "magical ships" were primarily used to raid and terrorize the English coast. She has now traded in her fox ears for a tinfoil Viking helmet-except that it has horns, a common misconception. Some of the youngster's fascination stems from Norse mythology, but the distinction between history and myth is never delineated. The end of the story, where Emma manages to have a Viking ship delivered to her backyard on her birthday, is totally implausible. The illustrations swirl frenetically across the pages, only adding to the already rampant confusion. Fantasy and reality do not blend here; they clash.Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Yo, Vikings! | [
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20,943 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 2Children will delight in this fourth whimsical offering in this popular series. Kate, a cat, and Digby, a dog, continue their unlikely friendship, which is based on true affection, seasoned with a bit of conflict and tempered by the ability to seek out compromise. The five vignettes have a simple narrative appeal that will engage beginning readers. Youngsters will relate to the frustration that the friends feel, particularly when Kate wants to go for a walk but Digby wants to finish his book, and to their concern for one another's feelings. Parents and teachers will appreciate the focus on solving one's own problemsno tattletales in this book. Winborn's expressive ink drawings are awash with cheerful hues and provide a pleasing visual story line.Robyn Walker, Elgin Court Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 1-2. The amusing fourth book about neighbors Digby (a dog) and Kate (a cat) includes five short stories. Three episodes focus on ways that the friends manage to annoy each other and how they resolve their conflicts. Another features Kate splashing through puddles in her new boots. The most entertaining tale plays on the "dressed animal" convention in children's stories. Digby urges Kate to befriend a mouse in her house instead of hunting him. Kate tries to see things Digby's way, but in the end she's not just a furry person in a cat costume, but a feline whose nature tells her to pounce. Bright with colorful washes, Winborn's drawings clearly convey the animals' emotions as well as their actions. The scene when Kate and the mouse exchange forced smiles sets up the rising tension to perfection, enhancing the laugh quotient of Kate's next line: "Digby, that mouse is so cute, I could eat him up." Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Digby and Kate 1, 2, 3 | [
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20,944 | 7 | Grade 2-4-In the third installment of this series, Drake Doyle and Nell Fossey continue to use their love of science to solve mysteries. The four cases presented here include the extraction of a classmate trapped in her laundry chute, the identification of who or what is menacing the annual Budding Botanists Junior Rose Club competition, the hair-raising revelation of the ghost of the Old Mossy Graveyard, and exposing the culprits involved in the illegal sale of rare Diamond Tipped Parrots. The fifth-grade detectives are aided by their parents and Nell's dog, Dr. Livingston. The end of the book presents activities and experiments for readers to pursue in their efforts to become junior science detectives. The stories move quickly, holding readers' interest. The resolutions are viable and the elements used to crack each case are based on scientific principles. The main characters are believable and thoroughly engaging. Pencil illustrations complement the tales. Early chapter-book readers will be enchanted with the deductive skills and humor of Doyle and Fossey, whose adventures will remind the readers of Cam Jansen and Einstein Anderson.Linda B. Zeilstra, Skokie Public Library, ILCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Gr. 3-6. Children who liked the previous books in the quirky, imaginative Doyle and Fossey Science Detective series will welcome this one. As before, the "cases" aren't really mysteries at all: they are science puzzles. In the first one the junior scientists use baking powder and vinegar to help get an obnoxious classmate out of a laundry shoot. In another the kids expose a ghost as a fraud. The final case seems a bit out of place: the sleuths help foil animal smugglers. A selection of activities and experiments based on the investigations appears at the end, written in the same delightful, tongue-in-cheek style as the cases themselves. The stories and the experiments stress the importance of good scientific method, including note-taking and organization. The experiments are best suited for older children or those who can count on adult help. Marta SegalCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Doyle & Fossey #3: The Case of the Graveyard Ghost (DOYLE AND FOSSEY, SCIENCE DETECTIVES) | [
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20,945 | 0 | Three favorite school chants get the royal treatment from a trio of children's books veterans. Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky brilliantly reimagines the song as a boy's daydream, Knick-Knack Paddywhack!: A Moving Parts Book, with engineering by Andrew Baron. Youngsters lift a flap to "Give the dog a bone"; under the flap, the "old man [comes] rolling home" on a bicycle. The focus of the spread features a boy in striped pajamas who, when readers tug a pull-tab, reveals the old man holding the numeral one (and "play[ing] knick-knack" on the boy's thumb). The final spread shows 10 little old men rolling down the hillside.-- knick-knack" on the boy's thumb). The final spread shows 10 little old men rolling down the hillside.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2-No bones about it, this glorious title is a paper-engineering and bookmaking marvel as well as a freewheeling romp. Adapting the traditional counting song, Zelinsky gets maximum mileage out of the minimal nonsense text, larding the visual narrative with dogs, bones, and plenty of old men, each of whom plays "knick-knack paddywhack" with a numerical instrument and uses a different wheeled conveyance to come "rolling home." The artwork uses warm, cheery tones on the full-bleed pages. A rosy-cheeked boy is the focus of each spread; readers follow as he and his dog head outside and have some adventures before rolling home on his skateboard. Pull-tabs and flaps abound as the wacky action plays out and a bevy of tiny men make their progressive appearances. Perfectly enchanting little miniatures and moving parts within the flaps reveal copious attention to detail and each spread invites repeated viewing. Kids will love to sing, count, and clap along.Luann Toth, School Library JournalCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Knick Knack Paddywhack (New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books (Awards)) | [
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20,946 | 2 | What child does not like to look in a mirror? On the last page of The Big Book of Beautiful Babies Board Book by David Ellwand, babies can see themselves in a mirror after they look at dozens of captivating black-and-white photographs of other babies. Some babies are "quiet," some babies are "loud," some babies are "shy" and some babies are "proud." The loud baby, especially, is having a lot of fun, kneeling on top of a very large drum. ( Mar.) Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.David Ellwand lives in England.; Title: The Big Book of Beautiful Babies Board Book | [
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20,947 | 1 | Grade 4-7-Spectacular close-up pictures showing a variety of sea turtles in the wild and an informative, spirited text combine for a dynamic photo-essay on these ancient, endangered animals. From the first chapter on Sipadan Island in the Pacific Ocean, home to underwater caves that attract, and trap, sea turtles, readers will be caught up in the beauty and adventure of the underwater world. Other chapters deal with the physical characteristics of sea turtles, their brief and dangerous time on land, and their life at sea, much of which is still a mystery. Finally, there is discussion of their endangered status due to hunting, habitat encroachment, pollution, and fishing gear, as well as the conservation efforts to bring them back from the verge of extinction. The inclusion of humans involved with these animals is what makes this book special; readers will be fascinated to learn about the different people working to save these creatures-scientists as well as volunteers, including a number of children. A first-rate choice.Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FLCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 3-6. The author of numerous children's books about ocean creatures examines sea turtles: the various species, their lives on land and in water, and threats to their survival. The narrative is lively and immediate, interrupted periodically (and sometimes awkwardly) by sidebars on special topics, including information on how turtles hear and factors determining the sex of hatchlings. Although the book would have benefited from more extensive captions and from having a photo alongside the description of each species, photographer Rotman got "up close and personal" with his subjects, producing some spectacular images. One additional glitch: in the chapter on conservation there's a photo of children interacting with turtles without a professional nearby, something that Cerullo discourages in her text. Along with supplying some interesting information, this will please students, who like great photos in their animal books. Bibliography is appended. Catherine AndronikCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Sea Turtles: Ocean Nomads | [
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20,948 | 1 | Grade 4-8-This excellent biography tells what little is known of Andrews's childhood and youth, then focuses on the adventure and science of his explorations and dinosaur discoveries in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. The fossils unearthed on his trips had an impact on our understanding of prehistoric life and cemented the stature of the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Marrin does an admirable job of recognizing the esteem due to such a robust and successful explorer without ignoring our contemporary views on excluding women, shooting rare animals, and plundering the national treasures of other countries. He includes compelling details of danger and triumph and offers scientific and political background. Many full-page, black-and-white photographs illustrate this oversized volume. Many of the archival photographs are identical to those in Ann Bausum's Dragon Bones and Dinosaur Eggs (National Geographic, 2000), which also includes some of the same details from the expeditions but does not offer the depth of explanation of important topics such as how fossils are formed or the role of women in scientific exploration at that time. Brian Floca's Dinosaurs at the Ends of the Earth (DK Ink, 2000) is a fictionalized picture-book version of the Gobi explorations illustrated with watercolors. Secrets will inspire and enlighten students who love dinosaurs or biographies or both.Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJ Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 4-8. Andrews is best known for his famous 1920s Mongolian expeditions, during which he and his team unearthed rare dinosaur fossils, including the first dinosaur eggs known to Western science. In this photo-biography cum adventure story, Marrin gives brief mention of Andrews' early years, but focuses mostly on the Mongolian work, providing plenty of stories about the rigors of organizing such an ambitious expedition and of the scientific work itself, and folding in definitions of basic terms (for example, Mesozoic and warm-blooded). Marrin often sensationalizes his anecdotes, particularly when describing Mongolian life (there's a graphic story about Andrews being offered sheep eyeballs at a local feast). But the treatment of Andrews himself is more evenhanded, discussing both accomplishments and flaws (chauvinistic treatment of women; shirking of family responsibilities). The result is a colorful portrait that offers thought-provoking insight into the constantly shifting nature of scientific discovery. A spotty resource section concludes. Gillian EngbergCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Secrets from the Rocks | [
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20,949 | 1 | Kindergarten-Grade 2-A young African-American boy and his dog take turns expressing their views of a day spent together. On each left-hand page, color photos depict Alex's take on their activities, as he takes Loki off his leash, pushes him down his favorite slide, and throws a ball for him to fetch. On the right, a black-and-white photo ("Dogs can't see colors quite the same way as humans") gives readers a Loki-eye view of these same events. He can't wait to get off his leash, he's petrified of the slide, and he wishes Alex would learn that he won't fetch a ball without a treat. Both boy and dog agree at the end of the story that a mutual hug is the best treat of the whole day. Small head shots of boy and dog next to their narratives get children into the groove of changing perspectives. A fun book, best suited to independent reading.Holly Belli, Bergen County Cooperative Library System, West Caldwell, NJ Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 5-8. A boy always knows what his best friend is thinking, or does he? As Alex (an African American boy of six or seven) and Loki (a small, mixed-breed dog) play together, each comments on what the other is doing or thinking. A clear, consistent design and on-target perspective leave no doubt about who is speaking. The humor lies in the well-meaning misinterpretations, both visual and textual. Alex begins the playground adventures by explaining that dogs see the world in black and white; so while Alex's viewpoints are expressed on pages with color photos, it's black-and-white for Loki. Each photograph features either Alex or Loki's view of the action. Alex looks down at Loki from atop the jungle gym. Though he'd like to bring Loki with him, "I don't think he'd like it." On the facing page, Loki looks at Alex hanging upside down from the jungle gym and begs, "Lemme climb up there." Skillfully blurred action shots and a breathless text convey Loki's energy. Close-ups of Alex show his loving concern. Inability to read minds aside, communication between these two friends is totally successful. Amy BrandtCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Loki & Alex: Adventures of a Dog and His Best Friend | [
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20,950 | 14 | Susan Wheeler is the artist behind the enchanting world of Holly Pond Hill. Her delightful watercolors grace greeting cards, figurines, fabrics, ornaments, and more. Paul Kortepeter was formerly a greeting-card writer who helped develop the Holly Pond Hill line of cards with Susan Wheeler. He is now a teacher.; Title: Holly Pond Hill: Child's Book of Easter | [
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20,951 | 7 | Grade 5-7-From the author of The Haunting of Holroyd Hill (Penguin, 1997) comes another mystery/ghost story that involves an 11-year-old girl who is unhappy with her family's recent move, a connection to the Civil War, and spooky midnight encounters. Abby misses sunny Florida when she and her mother move in with relatives in the upstate New York town of Stratton Falls. The year is 1944, and Abby's father has been declared missing in action in Europe. A trail of wet footprints leads the girl to the ghost of Felicia Stratton, who drowned 80 years ago while her father was fighting in the Civil War, and who supposedly appears when someone is about to die. Has she returned to warn Abby? Is it about her father? Abby falls through the ice, but is saved by the ghost and her father is discovered alive in Germany. Seabrooke does a nice job of re-creating the World War II era, with ration coupons, blackouts, oleo, Glenn Miller, and lots of Ovaltine. The novel is formulaic, but diverting. While characters are not fully developed, the plot is fast-paced and suspenseful. An easy read that will appeal to fans of Betty Ren Wright's mysteries.Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.For 11-year-old Abby, adjusting to Stratton Falls, New York, is even more difficult than anticipated. She misses her father, in Germany fighting the war, and her warm Florida home; her cousin Chad is more mean than friendly; and she's often lonely. One night mysterious wet footprints appear in the hall, and Abby wonders if the ghost stories about the house are true. Enlisting Chad's help, Abby discovers a long-ago tragedy involving a young girl, and on Christmas Day, past and present dramatically come together, unexpectedly resulting in positive changes and realizations. Although the climactic scene is fairly intense (it details the emotional and physical struggles of Abby's accidental near-drowning), fans of history and mystery up to the challenge will enjoy the novel's diverse characters (Abby is likable and sympathetically portrayed), well-paced suspense, period detail, and descriptive, expressive prose. As a bonus, the author supplies some easy-to-do craft ideas by describing Abby's dollhouse furniture project, which uses common household items in creative ways. Shelle RosenfeldCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The HAUNTING AT STRATTON FALLS | [] | Test |
20,952 | 0 | John Muir once said, "Whenever we try to isolate anything in the universe, we find that it's hitched up to everything else." Indeed. Storyteller and artist Elisa Kleven illustrates this quotation (included in the front matter) with no-less-than-fabulous collages in the exuberant picture book The Dancing Deer and the Foolish Hunter. The story begins when a coonskin-capped hunter--a rather crass, grumpy fellow--spies a deer joyfully dancing in the forest. It's not the reaction we'd expect from a hunter carrying a gun, but he instantly envisions a future for the deer in the circus... and a big pile of cash for himself. And, with a "lightning-swift swirl of his lasso, the hunter caught the deer."Of course, once ensnared in the hunter's home, the deer "crouched miserably in the corner" because, as she tells him, she needs the sweet singing of birds in order to dance. He goes to the forest to capture birds for her, but of course they won't sing without the "pine trees whistling along with them." ("'Trees, peas,'" scoffed the hunter. 'I'll whistle for them myself!'") You get the idea. Before long the hunter's abode is packed with woodland creatures, and still the deer won't dance. "'Hunter! Stop your foolishness!' the deer cried. 'Just put me back in the deep green forest, along with everything else, and I'll dance by myself!'"In a funny plot twist, the deer offers the hunter dancing lessons, so he can perform in the circus himself. Children will be drawn right into this story (no doubt feeling protective of the poor dancing deer in the hands of the greedy hunter), and will cheer the satisfying ending where the hunter dances happily ever after and the forest creatures are left in peace. The vibrant collages are wonderfully expressive and accessible, providing countless whimsical details for hours of close inspection. Highly recommended! (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin SnelsonIn Kleven's (Sun Bread) relatively lengthy tale about the interconnectedness of all living things, an opportunistic hunter discovers that he can neither take the deer out of the woods nor the woods out of the deer. When the hunter spies a deer joyfully dancing in the forest, he's sure he has stumbled upon a moneymaking miracle. But once he lassoes the creature and takes her to his house, the deer doesn't seem so miraculous. "To dance, I need the sweet singing of birds," the deer explains. Netting some birds and bringing them indoors to accompany the deer doesn't work either. "To sing, they need the pine trees whistling along with them," according to the deer. After several other failed attempts to simulate the great outdoors in his living room, the hunter returns all the animals, plants and elements to their habitats and gets a dancing lesson as thanks. More narrative in style than some of her other work, Kleven's mixed-media compositions vary between framed, slightly static scenes and images that swirl and sway through the text like the light-footed doe. Particularly nifty collage elements include marbled paper birds' wings and, for the buildings in the hunter's town, scraps from newspapers and advertisements. Kleven's signature kaleidoscopic blend of color and texture and her respect-for-nature theme never disappoint. Ages 4-7. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Dancing Deer and the Foolish Hunter | [
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20,953 | 0 | PreSchool-Grade 1-A young boy sets out with his parents for a full day of adventures. He delights in his Radio FlyerR wagon, whether he is maneuvering it himself or his dad is pulling it. Each spread features a realistic picture on the left-the father walking along with a picnic basket, the child splashing through a puddle, the boy and his dog digging in the sand. On the right, imagination runs wild as the child pictures himself making his way through a blizzard, sitting on an iceberg, and meandering down a jungle river. The trusty wagon becomes a sled, a boat, and even a spaceship. As evening approaches, the family arrives back home and the boy is tucked safely in bed, thinking, "My wagon will take me anywhere." The slight plot is enhanced just a bit by Newsom's detailed, full-color illustrations, but one can't help but feel that this book is simply an advertisement in disguise. The trademark Radio Flyer is found on nearly every spread, worming its way into readers' consciousness. Pass on this one.Anne Knickerbocker, Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: My Wagon Will Take Me Anywhere (Radio Flyer) | [
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20,954 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 3-A spunky heroine, buoyant text, and irresistible illustrations make this easy-reader a real winner. In the first chapter, May Belle has big plans for a lovely summer night, as she puts on her new hat and gloves and sings a song. The unexpected appearance of an ogre at first frightens her, but she soon finds a way to put her visitor in his place. In chapter two, the youngster quickly solves the mystery of a disappearing blueberry pie with hilarious consequences. The book comes full circle in the final story, which features a wistful May Belle, who is feeling lonely until the ogre once again shows up at her house, and the two become fast friends. The child's winning personality will charm readers, who will find themselves humming along with her little ditties: "Oh, a cozy bed,/A cozy night,/Friends forever-/It feels just right!/Dee-diddle-dee-dum-dee!" Combining pastel washes with scratchy black-line details, the cozy watercolor artwork supports the mood and action of the bouncy text. An energetic, bright book that will be a hit with beginning readers.Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-Gr. 2. This upbeat Dutton Easy Reader tells a story of friendship between an energetic child, May Belle, and a furry little ogre. May Belle, who lives alone in a manner reminiscent of Pippi Longstocking, entertains herself with dress-up clothes, baking, and books until she meets the ogre, who seems scary at first (he steals May Belle's pies), but eventually becomes a good friend. Well-crafted repetition helps make the text accessible to beginning readers. Within each of the three chapters, related actions are described in the same phrases, and the ogre's bumping and thumping noises recur throughout the book, as do May Belle's songs. Cheerful pictures, similar to the illustrator's work in the Digby and Kate series, add color and personality. A solid addition to collections that need easy-reader material. Kathleen OdeanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: May Belle and the Ogre (Dutton Easy Reader) | [
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20,955 | 12 | Grade 1-5"Hans told lies, too. About his past life. About his present life. He called them fairy tales." Yolen uses these words at the start of her simple, wistful, and winsome portrait of a very complicated and, by most accounts, very unhappy man. From the humble, one-room shoemaker's house of his birth to his tortured schoolboy days, from the haunting trauma of his father's death to the eventual recognition of his genius, readers follow this persistent artist through the landscape of 19th-century Denmark on his quest for some kind of personal and professional peace. This volume, with its patrician wallpaper and sepia-tinged pastel pictures framed with gentle arches, is handsome where its ugly-duckling subject was, by his own reckoning, most assuredly not. In her affectionate, fairy-tale-flavored narrative, Yolen pairs events from Andersen's life with excerpts from his stories, providing new and different interpretations of the tales in this context. Full-page paintings depict the realistic scenes, while smaller vignettes illustrate the fictional ones; these oval-shaped pictures seem to let viewers peer right into the meanderings of Andersen's yearning imagination. The quotes take on new and different meanings when readers see them connected, both visually and verbally, to real experiences and emotions. With a well-measured note from the author and a meticulous listing of excerpt sources, this is a carefully crafted, lovely, and loving tribute to the father of the modern fairy tale.Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CTGr. 1-3. This lively picture-book account of Andersen's life concentrates on his childhood and youth, which included a lengthy "ugly duckling" phase before his poverty and privation were overmatched by his hard work and determination. Meanwhile, Andersen developed his talents as a writer and eventually achieved international fame and literary immortality. Andersen grows from boy to man in a series of sensitive and often dreamlike pictures. Gracefully drawn and softly lit, the illustrations create a sense of another world through sepia and pale blue tones sparked with brighter colors. One large, full-page picture appears on each spread, facing a page with a few paragraphs telling his story and a passage from his fairy tales accompanied by a smaller picture illustrating the passage. The quotes from the tales relate to stages and events in the writer's life, but children are free to draw their own connections. This handsome biography is a fine choice to display or read aloud on April 2, which is International Children's Book Day and (no coincidence here) Hans Christian Andersen's birthday. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Perfect Wizard, The: Hans Christian Andersen | [
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20,956 | 11 | Kindergarten-Grade 3--Francophiles will delight in Wellington's Paris, shown as a beautiful city filled with historic buildings, gardens, and happy people eating Suzette's crpes as she sells them from her pushcart in parks and squares and on wide boulevards. While there is not much of a story in this charming book, the visual details are plentiful. The intriguing illustrations are mixed-media collages of photographs and ephemera (tickets, stamps, postcards, etc.). Most of the photos have been taken apart and put back together again in a slightly off-kilter way; this very modern look blends perfectly with the simple, sweet cartoon paintings of the vendor and the people she meets. These customers are posed like the characters in famous paintings, which are identified in an afterword. The brief text appears inside crpe-like circles, which are often set against wide sidewalks, adding stability and peacefulness to the otherwise busy scenes. The story opens with a street map of Paris pinpointing all of Suzette's stops and ends with a glossary of French phrases, a crpe recipe, and details about the scenes in the photographs. While it may be best appreciated with the help of an adult familiar with the city, observant readers will enjoy this original and appealing concept book that mixes art appreciation with a travelogue.--Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. Books penned by illustrators sometimes sacrifice literary muscle in the name of visual impact. Such seems to be the case with this otherwise lively picture book, which is built around a day in the life of a Parisian street vendor. A cart is an excellent device for getting Suzette from one page (street corner) to the next and enabling her to interact with a host of different characters, but there's not much depth to this story about French pancakes. Still, the book has an undeniable charm, thanks entirely to the wonderfully intricate collages that create a visual impression of all things Paris. Wellington successfully uses stamps, labels, headlines, and street maps to underscore actual photographs taken during her visits to the city, and as with her Night House, Bright House (1997), she populates her street corners with knockoffs of characters from familiar works of art. The dense visuals make for delightful exploration, as do the recipe, French glossary, and picture notes at the end. Terry GloverCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Crepes by Suzette | [
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20,957 | 0 | Kindergarten-Grade 3The simple people of Chelm are in a dither. Their rabbi is mysteriously absent, Hanukkah is drawing near, and they've forgotten how they are supposed to celebrate. A mirthful adventure ensues when the town's wise men (an oxymoron, if ever there was one) send the naive, yet likable Yossel to a nearby village in hopes of reclaiming the traditional customs. However, Yossel unwittingly visits the Big City, where preparations are being made for a different holiday than the one he has in mind, and when the rabbi returns, he finds the villagers decorating trees and cavorting with a fat, bearded man in a blue velvet suit named Hanukkah Hershel. After the rabbi reminds the villagers about the miracle of the Festival of Lights, things are quickly set right again, with the requisite latkes, songs, dreidels, and gelt. Schindler's charming, comically detailed watercolor-and-ink illustrations portray the characters endearingly and provide cultural insight that will appeal to children of all faiths. Suitable as a read-aloud or a lap-sit.L. I. Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: A Confused Hanukkah: An Original Story of Chelm | [] | Validation |
20,958 | 0 | Vischer's artwork provides a context and rapport among the characters that is often absent from the text of his debut novel, set on the Dabbles' farm. The story strikes a precarious balance between a hard-knock real world and fantasy. Jimmy, an only child, acts as foil to his hard-working, joyless parents, Hank and Maggie. Their battle to keep the farm provides the realistic backdrop to an otherwise farfetched plot. The couple confines Jimmy to his crib day and night after he crawls off into the forest as a baby and returns with a report of having met a "hairy creature" (he began to talk at the age of five months). But the farm animals, with whom Jimmy can communicate, help him escape from his crib. Over time, the boy becomes their caregiver, playmate and confidante and teaches them to sing opera. Among the disparate strands Vischer works into his meandering plot are Jimmy''s rapport with Oma, his eccentric grandmother who arrives from Holland, his several encounters with the bizarre forest creature (named Beebo) who inspires Jimmy with his magic and several dramatic calamities at the book's close. Predictably, the singing animals save the day, but the narrative along the way is at times clumsy and clich-riddled. Nevertheless, Vischer's drawings of Jimmy communing with Beebo and the other animals may tempt readers to give this a try. Ages 7-10.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Gr 2-4-"Jimmy arrived like a ray of sunlight in the drab lives of his parents." Although both were kindhearted, Hank and Maggie Dabble struggled so hard on their poor farm on the very edge of a dark wood that they had little time for anything but chores. That left Jimmy alone most of the time. In a lighthearted style, Vischer constructs a believable fantasy in which the squabbling hens, wise cow, friendly sheep, and a pig named Al become Jimmy's companions on many adventures. It turns out that these animals are talented and save the day in a melodramatic twist at the end of the story that children will enjoy. Add to the mix a zany grandmother, a not-so-scary creature named Beebo who lives in the dark woods, and a disaster or two, and you have the ingredients for a story that children will appreciate. Vischer's abundant large-sized cartoons and spot-art creations are as lively and exuberant as the text. The diversity of characters and ample dialogue make the book a good choice as either a group read-aloud or an independent read. Not quite so complex as E. B. White's Charlotte's Web (HarperCollins, 1952) or a Roald Dahl creation, Jimmy Dabble will expose children to a well-written fantasy and leave many of them searching for similar titles.Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WICopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Jimmy Dabble | [
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20,959 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 2Emily is heading off for her first day of school, and she insists that her mother stays with her. "Forever!" "I promise.And a promise is a promise. I'll stay at school for a million gazillion years with my Emily right on my lap." Mrs. Beekman is true to her word. Even when her daughter discovers that school is actually a fun place, the woman won't leave. Teacher Sue nicely but firmly insists repeatedly that it's time for all adults to go home, but Mrs. Beekman is not deterred. She resorts to disguising herself as a coatrack and, on subsequent days, as a big purple hat, green dog, yellow bird, and oversize hula hoop. Finally, Emily kindly convinces her mother that she wants to be in school by herself. Careful readers will note that Mrs. Beekman's disguises match items Emily mentions in the book's first pages. The illustrations work perfectly with the text. The characters' facial expressions are spot-on, and Carrington captures the feel of kindergarten, the love between Emily and her mother, and a child's first steps toward independence. This enjoyable if slightly familiar tale would work well for one-on-one sharing or storytime.Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.In a hilarious reversal of the starting-school panic, Emily Beekman makes her mother promise to stay withher in her preschool classroom, but when Mrs. Beekman does stay and stay, Emily cannot get rid of the hovering, embarrassing, silly grown-up. The storysfun is in the details, and the clear, neon-colored comic scenarios show the child reaching out, bonding with her teacher, finding friends, and enjoying the play, whether she is making monster cartoons, learning songs, or climbing the jungle gym. Still, Mommy will not go home: A promise is a promise,andher appearances in class are increasingly wild: shedresses up in a big green dog suit, pretends to be a coatrack, and even dangles from a helicopter over the playground. Finally, Emily makesher ownpromise that she will have a wonderful day, without Mommy.Full of love and nonsense, this picture book nicely capturesa young childs dramatic, first-school-day feelings. Preschool. --Hazel Rochman; Title: Go Home, Mrs. Beekman! | [
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20,960 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2-An overview of a special spring harvest in the Vermont woods. Seth and Ethan help their parents collect sap and make maple syrup. Seth is particularly excited about his chance to drive the small tractor that pulls the collecting tank to the sugar bush. From rising at dawn to eating fresh maple syrup drizzled on snow late in the evening, the boys pitch in with the tasks required to turn maple sap into a golden treat. The afterword summarizes a Native American legend about maple syrup and briefly describes current technology that simplifies sap collection. The illustrations of wildlife and the woods are clear and engaging. Each text block is accompanied by a close-up of a bird or animal, often enlarged from the scene on the facing page. However, the people have a static, somewhat idealized quality, as though posing for tableaux in an outdoor clothing catalog. Less nostalgic than Marsha Wilson Chall's Sugarbush Spring (Lothrop, 2000) and Jessie Haas's Sugaring (Greenwillow, 1996), Rossiter's book demonstrates how a family can contribute to a process that generates its own sweet rewards.Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, MankatoCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.Nan Parson Rossiter is the author-illustrator of Rugby & Rosie and The Way Home.; Title: Sugar on Snow | [
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20,961 | 1 | Kindergarten-Grade 6-A story about the custom of Kapores, told by a man looking back on his childhood in a 19th-century Russian village. As described here, the ritual involves holding a chicken over someone's head while reciting a prayer in order to rid the person of the year's misdeeds. Triggering a commotion in the prayer house, the boy is sent outside and observes the chicken population leaving town. They're fed up with being vehicles for a New Year's clean slate. The boy pleads with the revolutionaries, saying he needs them to make Kapores so that his father will be proud of him. A hen asks, "Boychick- for this, do you really need a chicken?" In this skillful adaptation of a story by Sholom Aleichem, Silverman's addition of a young narrator lends immediacy and empathy, and streamlines the story with no loss of flavor and point. Though the tale is accessible and enjoyable, a discussion of Kapores beyond what is offered here will increase children's understanding and appreciation of the story. The comic alliteration and in-your-beak attitude of the cheeky chickens, reinforced by the handsomely humorous paintings, are appealing. Executed in layers of ink, pencil, gouache, acrylic, and oil, the illustrations are a wonderful combination of modern and folk art. The fiercely funny fowl, with long necks, whitish bodies, and rich red coxcombs, squawk right off the page. Good New Year's-let alone Rosh Hashanah-stories are in short supply. This is one to crow about.Nancy Palmer, The Little School, Bellevue, WACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.K-Gr. 3. In this Jewish New Year story, based on a Sholom Aleichem tale, a young boy sneaks away from religious services to spy on a meeting of local chickens. The birds are upset about the tradition of Kapores, a custom involving twirling chickens overhead to symbolically rid a person of bad deeds. Declaring freedom for fowl, the birds go on strike, and not even negotiators can convince them to return. Without the ceremony, the boy despairs that he will ever be good enough to please his father; then, one of the hens gently explains to him that humans can control their own behavior. Trueman's stylistically inventive mixed-media illustrations, rich in earth tones, are visually striking. They juxtapose well with Silverman's understated yet humorous text; both include many nineteenth-century Russian setting details. A perfect choice for holiday read-alouds, this will make a welcome addition to religious collections, especially in libraries where there is a Jewish audience. Kay WeismanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: When the Chickens Went on Strike | [
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20,962 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 2Sylvia Jean, a piglet, is always in costume, whether visiting the dentist, attending school, or gardening with her mother. Everyone in town is used to seeing her dressed up, so when the announcement for a costume party with a grand prize for the best outfit is posted at the grocery store, Sylvia Jean is considered a shoo-in. All week, she conjures up and discards ideas. As the pressure mounts and everyone keeps quizzing her on her choice, she locks herself in her bedroom, where she is in tears. Suddenly, she smiles. When the event rolls around, no one recognizes her until she speaks up, as she is wearing the most spectacular costume of allshe is dressed as herself. Happily, she wins the grand prizea trunk filled with costumes. Ernst's familiar, homey illustrations fill the pages with a lovable little pig surrounded by warm pastel colors outlined in black. An enjoyable tale that subtly shows how special it is to be true to oneself.Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. Few can match the flair of little piglet Sylvia. For every activity, she has a perfect costume. When Mom gardens, Sylvia wears a bee suit; at the grocery store, she shows off a headdress of cascading fruit. When a local shop announces a costume party, a thrilled Sylvia resolves to find the perfect disguise. "It will be my best costume ever," she promises her piggie friends. "You'll never recognize me." As the day approaches, though, Sylvia is without an idea, and she takes to her room in tears. Then she hits on the one costume no one will expect: she goes to the party as herself--and wins the prize. Ernst's lively text bounces with dialogue and rhythm, while the Easter egg-colored illustrations extend the humor in detailed scenes of expressive Sylvia and her wild ensembles. This is a good choice for costume-shy children anxious about Halloween as well as young dress-up fans, and like Amy Schwartz's Begin at the Beginning (2005), it sends a reassuring message about exploring creativity and overcoming creative blocks. Gillian EngbergCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Sylvia Jean, Drama Queen | [
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20,963 | 1 | PreSchool-After learning his first word ("eat"), voracious Little Pig enthusiastically consumes his meals, making a mess of himself and everything around him and alarming his parents. "He ate with all his might./He ate everything in sight!/Mish went the beans./Mash went the peas./Mish-mash went everything/that landed on his knees." By the time dessert comes along, he has learned his second word, "neat," and he devours his treat without a spill and then throws toys instead of food. Filled with bountiful humor, the playful illustrations are set against plain white backgrounds. The perspectives vary; on some pages it looks like readers are sitting across the table from Little Pig, then the view shifts to a different vantage point. The puckish, almost retro style of the art relies on muted shades of green, yellow, and blue. This jaunty read-aloud perfectly describes toddlers and will delight them.Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CACopyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: Eat, Cried Little Pig | [
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20,964 | 0 | Grade 2-4 - During the winter of 1778, while the colonies were still at war with England, John Adams and his 10-year-old son made an uncomfortable transatlantic crossing on the Boston in an effort to enlist French support for the struggling American cause. Fears and predictions of danger materialized in the form of encounters with British ships and a huge storm. Although Johnny is the cameo character, it is through many of John Adams's own thoughts as revealed through his actual diary that readers get a glimpse of the threats and hardships endured during their voyage. While Johnny's experience can stand alone as an adventure story, having at least a rudimentary familiarity with the American Revolution would enhance children's appreciation for why the boy and his father were taking such risks. Some of the vocabulary, particularly passages from Adams's diary, may require adult help, but for the most part, the text is fairly easy, and the map and watercolor illustrations support it well. The masterful watercolor paintings not only depict the action but also show period clothing and nautical surroundings from many interesting perspectives. This is engaging historical fiction with illustrations that truly bring the story to life. Pair it with Jan Cheripko's Caesar Rodney's Ride (Boyds Mills, 2004) to explore travel during colonial times as well as the self-sacrifice and bravery of America's founders. - Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 2-4. In 1778, 10-year-old John Quincy Adams and his father, John Adams, crossed the Atlantic on the frigate Boston. Based on the elder Adams' diary, the episodic story includes everything from storms and the threat of battle to seasickness. John observes a Portuguese man-of-war hauled up from the sea in a bucket and endless days of "Nothing but Sky, Clouds, and Sea." Finally, the Adams reach the French coast. Harlin's richly atmospheric paintings dramatize scene after scene with subtle hues and lighting effects as well as a sure sense of composition that articulates quiet moments and perilous ones with equal conviction. Written in third person, except for the occasional quote from the actual diary, the story offers a stirring account of life aboard ship, spiced with details from the voyage. An appended author's note comments on the story's source and the illustrious careers of the two Adamses. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Dangerous Crossing: The Revolutionary Voyage of John Quincy Adams | [
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20,965 | 1 | PreSchool-Grade 1-Dog's third adventure takes him around a barnyard to meet the noisy animals that live there. The adorable pup wakes with a yawn, encounters a songbird outside his window, and becomes excited by the strange sounds he hears: "`COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO!' A rooster crows to wake up the neighboring farm. It certainly works on Dog!- Dog tries to crow like the rooster. `WOOFA, WOOFLE, WOO!'" Children will need little encouragement to make each sound as they enjoy this lively, well-paced story. The simple, digitally enhanced cartoons are done in vivid colors and the animals are all wonderfully expressive. Dog's Noisy Day is perfect to read aloud to a group of any size. Storytime will never sound the same again.Alison Grant, West Bloomfield Township Public Library, MICopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-K. Joining Dog's previous books, including Dog's ABC (2002), this romp begs to be read aloud: WOOF! From wake-up to bedtime, Dog's adventurous day touring a neighboring farm is filled with all kinds of animal noises. The bouncy illustrations--simple shapes outlined in black and digitally colored--and the animals' noises in large, black capital letters guarantee participation. Dog's googly eyes give him jolly character, and his enthusiasm bounds off the pages as he romps with cows, sheep, and even bees. In a satisfying wrap-up, Dog hears his favorite sound--the CLANG, CLANG of a spoon against a plate--his dinner. A delightful choice for preschool story time; the noisy response to the story will surely be, "READ IT AGAIN!" Julie CumminsCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Dog's Noisy Day | [
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20,966 | 6 | In Christmas City: A Look-Again Book by Michael Garland, a companion to Mystery Mansion, rhyming text challenges readers to spot the more than 200 objects hidden in the computer-generated collage illustrations. Complex layers of pattern and design multiply the fun. Ages 3-8.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-4-Fans of Garland's Christmas Magic (2001) and The Mouse before Christmas (1997; o.p., both Dutton) will not be disappointed with this year's offering. On Christmas Eve, Tommy's eccentric aunt sends him a note with rhyming clues and a flying cab that whisks him to the magical Christmas City. More notes lead him around the city to discover its wonders before finally meeting up with his relative. Readers are invited to search for 200 hidden pictures, puzzles, and clues (answers supplied in the back). Glowing, fantastical paintings that look computer enhanced fill each spread with action and unique perspectives. Enthusiasts of the "I Spy" books (Scholastic) and "Where's Waldo" series (Candlewick) or Graeme Base's Animalia (Abrams, 1987) will enjoy poring over this holiday treat.-M. W.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Christmas City: A Look Again Book | [
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20,967 | 13 | Nostalgic images of a country landscape disguise this picture book's visual complexity. At first glance, nothing seems out of the ordinary. British author/artist Jay provides a set of gorgeous illustrations in the American primitive style, each labeled with a quaint word such as "tortoise" or "umbrella." However, the author has more than a spelling lesson in mind. The sequence begins with the lowercase word "clock" and a picture of the face of a grandfather clock, a pairing that looks easy until "Hickory Dickory Dock" enthusiasts notice the hour (almost one o'clock) and the gray mouse atop the timepiece. Decorative images surround the clock face, alluding to the four seasons and to forthcoming pictures of, for instance, a "snail" and "cat." Later in the volume, a yellow tabby refers back to the opening image of the cat pictured on the clock and also directs readers' attention to new objects, including a fire engine-red "airplane" loop-de-looping in the summer sky. Meanwhile, other visual allusions (to Jack and Jill, for example, and the Tortoise and the Hare) draw on nursery lore. The concluding winter scene, captioned simply "snowman," again recalls the clock and reactivates the book's cycle. Jay sets all the scenes in a seaside orchard among rolling hills; her luxurious palette includes custard colorsDavocado green, robin's egg blue, vanilla white and peachy goldDand the paintings have the crackled surface of antique porcelain. Fans of such brainteasers as David Wiesner's Tuesday and Joan Steiner's Look-Alikes will be charmed by this pictorial puzzler. Ages 2-5. (May) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 3-With just one word per page, Jay takes readers on a journey through the seasons, beginning with images that decorate a clock on the very first page. Children studying the primitive-style, crackle-glazed paintings will delight in finding the nursery-rhyme look-alikes and other familiar objects. Tiny images on one page become full-sized illustrations on the next. The little snail on a golden leaf in autumn next appears larger than life, sporting an alarmed expression as a menacing red boot-worn by the girl raking leaves in the previous picture-approaches. Viewers' eyes are at once drawn across each page and yet are invited to tarry, studying each scene to find all that is hidden within. One may wonder if the couple running up the sunny hill to fetch a pail of water is the same pair pictured ice skating in a painting on the wall in a Yuletide scene. This unique book is clever enough to engage older children, yet simple enough to be a first wordbook for the youngest readers.Doris Gebel, Northport-East Northport Public Library, NY Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Picture This... | [
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20,968 | 2 | Reviewed with Hope Vestergaard's Wake Up, Mama!PreS-Gr. 1. These pint-size companion books will delight active toddlers. In Driving Daddy, a young boy rides to the park on his father's shoulders. Vestergaard uses driver-themed language to describe the journey, including occasional onomatopoeia ("Vroom, vroom!") and simple similes ("His hands hold you like a seat belt."). But Dad sprints right by the swings. The boy protests, but his objections subside when he realizes, "Daddy's got a secret plan. / Something good's around the corner. . . / Here that music? Ice-cream man!" A journey of another sort takes place in Wake up, Mama! Dad places his young son at the foot of sleeping Mom's bed. From there, the child climbs up "Mama Mountain," past her piggies, around her knees, over the hill that is her hip, and so on until, "Here's the top of Mama Mountain! Wake up, Mama! No more rest! Kiss her, hug her, make her giggle. Baby wake-ups are the best!" The playful rhyming language is short and sweet, just right for the young target audience, and Courtin's childlike illustrations are also on the mark, providing comforting scenes of tender family fun that youngsters will page through on their own. Lauren PetersonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Driving Daddy | [
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20,969 | 13 | Based on imagined events during Bruegel's real-life two-year journey through mid 16th-century France and Italy, newcomer Shafer's luminous watercolor and pencil illustrations spill across the large-scale format with the vivacious humanity characteristic of the great Northern Renaissance painter. As in Bruegel's work, the pictorial settings surrounding the young artist are rich with dramas large and small. The narrative, conveyed through chatty diary entries, tells of thieving boys in the Alps and Ottoman soldiers battling in Reggio. Shafer thus drives home the idea that Bruegel lived and traveled among real people with all their frailties and foibles, characters and ideas that would continue to inform his work. Together, text and illustrations create a portrait of a place and time complete with the plague and the pope's private zoo as well as an introduction to an artist whose work and themes are highly accessible to children. Unfortunately, the 16 paintings and drawings by Bruegel, reproduced as a kind of postscript, are too small to do justice to the artist's genius; one double-page spread of The Wedding Banquet, for instance, would have conveyed Bruegel's magic more effectively than the miniatures assembled here. A lengthy author's note with considerable historical background rounds out this visually appealing evocation of the man behind the art. Ages 8-12. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Grade 3-6-An inviting illustrated chronicle of Bruegel's trip from Antwerp to Rome in the 16th century. The lively fictional diary entries report exciting events and provide a sense of the difficult times in which he lived. In the course of his journey, he encounters a Huguenot carrying straw for his own fiery execution, people suffering from a plague, a sea battle at Reggio, and even the smells of poverty. Very little is known about the subject's life, so Shafer imaginatively reconstructs the journey from the sometimes conflicting accounts that exist and from the artist's paintings and drawings. The use of the first person adds immediacy. Some entries have themes directly related to Bruegel's paintings, such as The Alchemist, The Beekeepers, and, perhaps his most famous image, The Hunters in the Snow. Shafer's watercolor-and-pencil illustrations perfectly capture the events of the engaging narrative. The biggest disappointment is the lack of source notes. Despite a detailed note that explains the lack of documentation about the painter's life, Shafer only refers to "my sources" and does not provide a bibliography. Otherwise, this is an appealing introduction to the painter, to the tradition of the artistic pilgrimage, and 16th-century life in general.Robin L. Gibson, Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Fantastic Journey of Pieter Bruegel | [
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20,970 | 20 | Grade 3 Up-McDermott casts the story of creation in strong poetic text and sweeping vibrant views. A nebulous, cometlike swirl fills the black opening vista. "I was before time. I was everywhere. There was nothing. I was there." Dramatic shifts of somber color mark the first few abstract scenes. Then they burst into deep tones of orange, blue, green, and brown against black as life-forms fill the void. The use of gesso on fabric lends a rich texture to the bold compositions. The circular dimensions of Earth, Sun, and Moon are echoed in the rolling sweep of heavens, seasons, and great bands of animal life-soaring birds and the creatures swimming in the sea, crawling in the grass, and moving over the land. Then, in spare form, man and woman face a rainbow arc and the Sun. "I gave my gifts to them. They would be the keepers of all this beauty." In a summation, the creatures swirl again around the small, dancing figures of the woman and man filling an earthen ball. Finally, an embryonic figure in a small orange orb announces emphatically, "I am all this. All this I AM." Sumptuous, rhythmic, and mystical, this book is arresting and evocative. Each page commands and absorbs readers' attention, though the large, square volume, once opened, is somewhat awkward to handle. An author's note makes broad reference to Eastern and European religious traditions as well as the Hebrew Bible. Readers of many ages and philosophical persuasions will find much to savor in this universal episode.Margaret Bush, Simmons College, BostonCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-Gr. 2. Lately occupied with trickster tales from around the world, author-illustrator McDermott here tells of the first and greatest sleight of hand, the creation of the universe. Drawing on Genesis 1:1 through 2:3 of the Hebrew Bible, as he says in an author's note, "with an eye towards its antecedents in the Near East," McDermott uses the rich textures of his gesso-and-fabric paintings and a suitably wide color spectrum (with a Mexican tint) to make this grand abstraction come alive. Swirling with activity, the book will appeal to young readers and listeners who like to think big. As the narrator puts it at the start, "I was before time. I was everywhere. There was nothing. I was there." Darkness progresses to light to water to the earth and all its life. There are few surprises here, but McDermott's paintings are gorgeous, particularly one in which the first bit of land emerges, a fertile island mound covered with trees, grasses, and flowers. The image, smaller and slightly altered on several subsequent spreads, becomes the basis for McDermott's colorful parade of birds and beasts that emerge in glorious colors. "I am all this. / All this I AM" is a powerful, fitting end. Abby NolanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Creation | [
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20,971 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 1Sonny, Mama, Papa, Grandma, and Grandpa Shivers find themselves living in a strangely cold and dark place. Grandpa feels an earthquake coming; the world begins to shake, a great blazing light shows forth, and a monster appears, reaching out and out untilPHOOMPH!!! The earthquake is over, the monster is gone, and the Shivers are plunged back into darkness. First, Cheesy Square disappears, and then Jelly is taken. Papa ponders their living conditions and sets off to find the family a warmer place to live. He climbs to the top of Buttery Cliff and the world begins to shake, a great blazing light shows forth, a monster appears, and Buttery Cliff and Papa are gone. Grandpa, Mama, and Grandma leave in a similar manner, and Sonny is left alone. He decides to face the monsters and climbs onto Purple Boulders. He is snatched up by a creature who smiles and announces, Mom! Look what I found! The last magnet! Sonny is flying and then PLUNK! lands on the side of the fridge next to his family, who are all proudly stuck to the door, holding up important papers. Zelinsky's refrigerator world comes alive with the cold, the darkness, and the terror of the earthquakes, blazing lights, and creatures who snatch items and family members away from each other. Manushkin's humor softens the scary aspects of the story. A quirky and satisfying selection for those with a palate for adventure.Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.*Starred Review* Mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, and one small boy are freezing cold. Although they vaguely remember another time when they were standing tall, now they must contend with darkness, earthquakes, and monsters plucking things from their frigid home. It will be fun to see how long it takes preschoolers to figure out that the family is living in the refrigerator--and that they are magnets. Manushkin tells their story in colorful language and with a high humor. The family must travel through Egg Valley and beware of Buttery Cliff. Emerald Lake is swimmable until it hardens into gelatin. There's a wonderful repeat in the story as, one by one, each of the family members decides that he or she must find a warmer place to live, attaching themselves to places like "the scary jungle" (a bunch of celery). The story's humor is matched by Zelinsky's inventive artwork, which picks up on the wit and slyness of the text. In the world that is the fridge, a boy can stand on a mountain of grapes, geographic landmarks can be plucked at a moment's notice, and dreams of happy families mingle with stalks of broccoli. Drawn with a frisson that may make readers shiver, these pictures are meant to look at again and again. Those who do may figure out how the family found themselves out in the cold. Ilene CooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Shivers in the Fridge | [
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20,972 | 2 | Eaton's first outing is a nervy, wordy parody of swashbuckling rescue tales. Grade-schooler Jason wakes up without a nose one morning and a note from the nose, which is fed up with being wiped on Jason's sleeve: "You're a good kid, but I'd prefer we just be friends." Jason's face is round and doughy, and his hair looks like chocolate icing; the nose (which looks too mature for his face anyway) is not an alarming loss. The boy's grandfather (who was "always sticking [his] nose into someone else's business") suggests he head to Nose Island and packs him onto a floating schooner with a sea chantey- singing captain. On the island, Jason discovers his nose, Montague, crowned king of the noses. Though the boy begs him to come home, Montague refuses ("Silence, Former Face!... Now we shall begin the War of the Noses with its first prisoner you!"). The final confrontation parodies Hollywood with a tearful reconciliation, but Jason must still return to school noseless. He worries about taunts, but it turns out his classmates are all noseless, too; Montague has recruited the lot of them. Debut picture book artist Long turns in zany portraits in television animation style; palm trees look like folded paper fans, and the humans and the noses appear made out of plasticine. The sharp-edged humor might puzzle smaller children, but older kids already accustomed to dark cartoons (and not intimidated by the amount of text) may enjoy the ride. Ages 5-9.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-3-Who "nose" what would happen if a body part suddenly decided to leave for a better life? Fed up with Jason's careless abuse ("You wiped me up and down your lousy sleeve-"), his nose, Montague, deserts overnight, leaving the boy with odorless food, jeers from his classmates, and slipping glasses. His grandfather tells him to "hitch a ride with the Ship of Lost Things" to Nose Island, where he discovers that his own renegade nose not only rules the current community, but also plans to "conquer the world." Eaton's last pages provide the perfect unexpected plot resolution, while Long's humorous, bold, full-page cartoon art frames Jason's lengthy first-person narrative. A brightly colored fantasy for younger readers.Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TXCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Day My Runny Nose Ran Away | [
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20,973 | 18 | Grade 2-5-In this reflective poem drawn from a visit to the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, Patz recalls an exhibit she saw and asks, "Who was the woman/who wore the hat/I saw in the Jewish Museum?/What was she like?" In proselike poetry, the author poses questions about what the woman ate, whether she took cream in her coffee, and how she tilted her hat when she wore it. She reflects on whether the woman wore it the day she was arrested and taken to the Square in the Jewish Quarter. How did she know what she should pack, "Or how many sweaters/to put on each of her children-." Patz dramatically states on a spread with white letters against black paper that the hat might have belonged to her mother, herself, or you, the reader. Sepia-tone drawings and copies of old photographs are intentionally mixed together in a fragmentary manner, so as to "convey a sense of loss," as Patz states in the author's note. Loss is the perfect word for this simple, mournful poem reminding readers that the victims of the Holocaust went shopping, drank coffee, and wore hats like everybody else.Leslie Barban, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SCCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 3-6. When author Patz saw an unlabeled woman's hat in a glass case in the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, she wondered whose it could be. "Except for the winds of chance," she thought, "I might have been that woman." She drew the hat in her sketchbook and eventually created this quiet tribute to the woman--any Jewish woman-- who might have been forced to leave her home in Amsterdam for a cruel fate in the Nazi extermination camps. Patz combines an accessible prose poem ("What was she like? Did she lie awake in the morning / and watch / the way I did today, / as dawn brushed light through the sky?") with collages that blend historical photographs with her own sketches. A chronology of the Holocaust completes the book, which is as much about trying to personalize history as it is about the Jewish experience of the Holocaust: "Who was the woman? Whom did she love? And did she put cream in her coffee?" Teachers might use this subtle, meditative book as a supplement to Holocaust curriculum or as a tool to discuss the study of history itself. Karin SnelsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Who Was the Woman Who Wore the Hat? | [
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20,974 | 2 | Reviewed with Hope Vestergaard's Driving Daddy.PreS-Gr. 1. These pint-size companion books will delight active toddlers. In Driving Daddy, a young boy rides to the park on his father's shoulders. Vestergaard uses driver-themed language to describe the journey, including occasional onomatopoeia ("Vroom, vroom!") and simple similes ("His hands hold you like a seat belt."). But Dad sprints right by the swings. The boy protests, but his objections subside when he realizes, "Daddy's got a secret plan. / Something good's around the corner. . . / Here that music? Ice-cream man!" A journey of another sort takes place in Wake up, Mama! Dad places his young son at the foot of sleeping Mom's bed. From there, the child climbs up "Mama Mountain," past her piggies, around her knees, over the hill that is her hip, and so on until, "Here's the top of Mama Mountain! Wake up, Mama! No more rest! Kiss her, hug her, make her giggle. Baby wake-ups are the best!" The playful rhyming language is short and sweet, just right for the young target audience, and Courtin's childlike illustrations are also on the mark, providing comforting scenes of tender family fun that youngsters will page through on their own. Lauren PetersonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedHope Vestergaard is the author of Baby Love, illustrated by John Wallace. Thierry Courtin has illustrated several children's books published in Europe.; Title: Wake Up, Mama! | [] | Validation |
20,975 | 0 | Kindergarten-Grade 5-An introduction explains the inspiration for Zalben's title and selections-a 16th-century Jewish legend in which humans are created to find the shards and rebuild the vessels that had shattered from the weight of containing God's holy light. Their actions would "repair the world." The sacred verses are culled from sources representing a variety of cultures and time periods, including the Bible, Koran, Native American and African prayers, as well as holy men such as the Dalai Lama, Lao-Tzu, Buddha, and St. Francis of Assisi. Zalben's mixed-media illustrations incorporate rice paper from Japan, papyrus from the Nile, and paper made from the bark of African and Middle Eastern trees. The artist imitates a wide range of styles, from Persian miniatures to Matisse cutouts, furthering the sense of global inclusion. Most are quite well executed; a few are less successful. Clearly a response to September 11th (although the day is not actually mentioned), the book offers much to consider about peace and character in any environment in which spiritual conversations are encouraged.Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public LibraryCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.*Starred Review* Gr. 2-6. Zalben offers a distinctive collection of short, inspirational writings gathered from many cultures and religious traditions. Selections include passages from the Bible, the Qur'an, and the writings of Lao-Tzu, the Buddha, Native American peoples, St. Francis of Assisi, the Shona of Zimbabwe, the Dalai Lama, and Mahatma Gandhi. Each piece is illustrated with one or two pages of artwork--sometimes delicate, precise paintings, sometimes bold paper-cut collage, sometimes a combination of the two. Even the art incorporates materials from around the world, such as Egyptian papyrus and Japanese rice paper, which Zalben has cut, torn, painted, and digitally manipulated to make illustrations that can differ in style from one another, but suit the writings they illustrate. A simple collage flower shown growing from seed to withering plant in one picture illustrates the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1-9; in another an Asian wall hanging complements a saying of the Buddha. The positive message of this anthology of poems, quotations,and prayers, with thoughtful selections and creative illustrations, shines through like the sun that warms the world's children on the jacket illustration. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Let There Be Light: Poems and Prayers for Repairing the World | [
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20,976 | 11 | PreSchool-Grade 1-Kleven's sequel to The Paper Princess (Dutton, 1994) is every bit as charming as the original. Here, the paper doll feels neglected as her girl grows older and finds other pursuits. "Children stop hearing their toys when they grow up," the dog tells her as he carries her outdoors to freedom. Chased by a cat, held by a baby, and placed on top of the family Christmas tree, the doll finds another little girl at last in the "warm country" to which she is carried by a cloud of migrating monarch butterflies that see in her a kindred spirit. As in the first book, the mixed-media, folklike illustrations (paint, paper and fabric collage, ink, etc.) are gloriously colored and filled with tiny details. The simple story will delight young children, who also find adventure and pleasure in the simplest things. "I've traveled so far," says the princess, "and I've changed again and again."-Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OHCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.K-Gr. 2. The paper princess, with her leaf-print dress, starry socks, and watermelon shoes, returns for her second far-flung adventure. When the girl who made Princess stops playing with her because she is growing up, Princess decides she wants to change, too. The wind whisks her off on a journey where she meets a cat, a baby, computerized toys, and a boy who makes her angel wings, so she can decorate the top of his Christmas tree. The tree is eventually thrown away, and rain and snow batter the princess. Then spring arrives, and butterflies recognize a kindred spirit and carry Princess aloft to fly south with them, where a young girl from a small village (never defined but possibly in Mexico) finds her. The sprightly mixed-media artwork, in Kleven's familiar colorfully decorative style, creates a breezy feeling for this heartening sequel about everyday change, strong spirits, and finding one's way. The ending raises the possibility of another Princess story. Julie CumminsCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Paper Princess Finds Her Way | [
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20,977 | 2 | Plourde's (Wild Child) zany portrait delivers a puckish message about nonconformity along with a classroomful of giggles. Josephina Caroleena Wattasheena the First is the only kid in class who isn't dressed for picture day she's too busy with her toolbox, "fidgeting, fiddling, fuddling, and foopling." Her research leaves her classmates' best clothes spattered with sawdust and oil. The photographer lines the class up and tries to take their picture ("Birdie wants a cheesy cheesy") only to be confronted with more "fidgeting, fiddling, fuddling, and foopling." But when his camera doesn't work, who should fix it but Josephina? In waggish cartoon spreads and vignettes, Wickstrom (Hiccup Snickup) provides clouds of smoke, drifting feathers and 23 children with big smiles and a lot of missing teeth. A winning snapshot of an unconventional heroine whose curiosity saves the day. Ages 5-8.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 2-It's picture day, and everyone arrives dressed to the nines. Everyone, that is, except Josephina Caroleena Wattasheena the First, who had "more important things to think about." What she cares about is not pretty bows or jewels and jackets, but, rather, how the gearshift on the bus works, or the electric pencil sharpener, or the sprinkler system at school. Of course, finding out how these items work takes some "highfalutin fidgeting, fiddling, fuddling, and foopling" on her part, which always spells disaster for the other students in the class. As the day goes on, they get progressively dirtier as the girl continues to take things apart. When the photographer arrives and his camera won't work, it's Josephina, of course, who comes to the rescue. The zany, colorful, cartoon illustrations complement the child's eccentric nature, showcasing a multiethnic classroom fully engaged in her antics. While the text can be wordy at times and some pages verge on busy, children will enjoy Josephina's story. It may even relieve some pre-photo jitters.Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: School Picture Day | [
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20,978 | 1 | Grade 2-4-Sobol's full-color photographs handsomely convey Mexico's Laguna San Ignacio, winter home of gray whales that migrate down the Pacific Coast. As in Seal Journey (1993) and One More Elephant (1995, both Cobblehill; o.p.), the author focuses on specific experiences of humans who interact with animals. Adelina, 10, lives in a remote fishing village. The scrappy houses, patched together from bits of wood and metal sheets, stand in contrast to the windswept sand and deep blue ocean. The simple narrative follows the girl and the fishermen in her family as they hear and see the returning whales, first from the shore and then from small boats. The huge mammals attract visitors from the outside world, and passengers with cameras poised ride along for whale watching. A sense of the great size and some of the behavior of these creatures is conveyed, but the emphasis is on the annual rhythm of the returning animals as a bond between human generations and also between humans and whales. This documentary account is well constructed and beautifully assembled on the pages. In a foreword, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., describes the advocacy work of the National Resources Defense Council in 1997 in staving off factory development in the area. A page of facts about gray whales is appended. Although readers get only a quick glimpse into each world-Adelina's and that of the whales-the glimpse is attractive and worthwhile.Margaret Bush, Simmons College, BostonCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 2-5. This attractive photo-essay introduces Adelina Mayoral, who lives with her family in Laguna San Ignacio, a small fishing village in Baja, California. Every winter they welcome gray whales to their lagoon and take tourists on whale-watching excursions. The very short narrative smoothly integrates a family story with bits of information on whales. The text is generally respectful, but at one point the author refers to the Mayoral home as "a simple shack." Most of the story lies in the clear, candid photographs that capture the interaction between Adelina and the whales. The text explains a few of the pictures, but captions would have helped. A foreword by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. documents the measures taken to protect the area from commercial developers, and an appended page adds an assortment of facts about the gray whale. There is no map, and this brief glimpse doesn't supply enough information for school reports, but it will attract whale aficionados and supplement science studies. Linda PerkinsCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Adelina's Whales | [
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20,979 | 13 | Kindergarten-Grade 4–The text is comprised of the lyrics of a song written more than 40 years ago in which a young camper writes a letter to his parents explaining why they should come and get him: "...You remember Leonard Skinner?/He got ptomaine poisoning/last night after dinner." One to five lines per spread appear on what looks like lined yellow notepaper. The bold and zany full-color illustrations begin to tell the story on the title page, where readers see a car driving up the dirt road through a camp signpost. The verso shows a short, stout boy in front of a cabin littered with toys, sports equipment, and shoes while his parents drive off in the distance. Words and pictures humorously blend to show readers just how unhappy and threatened the child feels. Thought bubbles that depict scenes from home disappear when he begins to change his mind about leaving; he notices that the sun has come out and that the other campers are having fun. The only thing missing is the music.–Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, IL Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.A comical delight... -- Bookpage; Title: Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah: A Letter from Camp | [
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20,980 | 2 | Grade 5-7-From the first moment 11-year-old Taylor sees the 18th-century house her father and his wife, Sylvia, have recently purchased in West Virginia, she feels the presence of all of its previous inhabitants. Her first night there, she sees two ghosts, a disembodied head outside the window of the bedroom she is sharing with her new stepsister, and a woman in a 19th-century dress opening and closing phantom drawers as if searching for something. Taylor discovers that the ghost head is actually a prank dreamed up by Nicole, who is not happy about sharing her room. She reasons that the other ghost was also somehow faked-until Nicole sees her, too. The two girls, along with Nicole's brother Peter and friend Cody, begin investigating the history of Swain's Fancy and discover a murder committed in the house during the Civil War. Two brothers, Jason and Jared Swain, one in the Union Army, the other the Confederate, were both in love with their cousin, Elizabeth. Jason was shot and murdered by Jared, who accused his brother of stealing the family's gold. Elizabeth was convinced Jason was innocent and searched the rest of her life for proof. The children find this evidence, all the while menaced by Jared's vengeful ghost, and the past is set to rest. This is a well-done, historical-mystery, ghost story with suspenseful pacing that will draw readers in. The added plot of adjusting to a new stepfamily is well integrated into the story.Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 4-6. Seabrooke ably combines a ghost story with stepsibling rivalry and a smattering of Civil War history in this well-crafted suspense story. Taylor, spending the summer with Dad's new family, is lonely in their pre-Civil War house in West Virginia. Standoffish Nicole doesn't want to be friends, and Peter, Dad, and Dad's wife, Sylvia, always seem busy. It isn't long, however, before Nicole and Taylor find a common cause: ghosts haunting their bedrooms. The girls then come up with some creative ways to solve the mystery, including holding a seance. Spats between the stepsiblings are realistically portrayed, and the girls' resolution to be friends despite their differences is satisfying without being too neat. Readers will sympathize with Taylor from the first, and even Nicole becomes more appealing as Taylor gets to know her. A good mix of fantasy and reality. Diane FooteCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Haunting of Swain's Fancy | [
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20,981 | 7 | Magic and mermaids, fierce old aunts and tenderly wicked witches, krakens and spoiled brats and adorable baby mistmakers. Eva Ibbotson is at her finest when writing about mystical places and fantastic creatures. Her legions of fans will be thrilled to see not one, not two, but three fabulous titles from this master of droll fantasies collected in one thoroughly satisfying volume.A powerful wizard seeks a wife from among the local witches in Which Witch?. Dismayed at the prospect of warts and whiskers, yet still grimly determined, he holds a contest to establish the very wickedest witch--with surprising results. In The Secret of Platform 13, a long-awaited baby prince is kidnapped from his secret island home. Nine long years later, the king and queen select several of the rather peculiar islanders to rescue the boy from London, where, unfortunately, he seems to have grown into quite an unpleasant child. And last but not least, The Island of the Aunts involves still more kidnapping. This time, three kindly but somewhat ferociously single-minded aunts decide they need a few children to help them care for the mythical animals that have found a safe haven on their island. Devotees of Roald Dahl and J.K. Rowling, take note! Eva Ibbotson is well worth more than a peek. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter; Title: An Eva Ibbotson Collection: Which Witch?, The Secret of Platform 13, Island of the Aunts | [
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20,982 | 2 | Reviewed with Barbara Baker's Anna's Book.PreS. Baker's experience as a preschool teacher shines through in these two little stories, which manage to portray a young child's world in a way that is both beguiling and unflinchingly realistic. In Shares, Mommy puts cookies on a plate for Anna to share with her playmate, but the little girl can clearly see that four cookies are better than two. Anna, whose sweet disposition hides her iron-willed determination not to submit to tyranny, decides not to share. The story's outcome may not seem fair to adults, but toddlers will take satisfaction in the happy ending and preschoolers will find it funny. In Book, Mommy reads Anna her new book once, twice, and a third time. Laundry beckons, Mommy leaves, then Anna reads her new book to Teddy Bear just as many times as he asks. Though Anna initially tugs at her mother's skirt to bring her back to reading, the child doesn't fall apart but finds her own solution. O'Neill's breezy ink drawings, brightened with washes in cheerful hues, contribute to the stories' simple narrative appeal and visual charm. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedBarbara Baker, an author and preschool teacher, is peerless in her ability to capture not only what children need but also what they want. She lives in New York City.Catharine ONeill has illustrated many books, including Favorite Fairy Tales Told in Ireland, by Virginia Haviland, and Mrs. Dunphys Dog, which she wrote.; Title: Anna Shares | [
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20,983 | 1 | Newbery Medalist Jean Craighead George extends the audience for My Side of the Mountain with Frightful's Daughter, a picture book starring a peregrine offspring of that novel's feathered heroine. When two of Frightful's three babies are stolen, Sam Gribley (Frightful's human buddy from the novel) captures Oksi for safekeeping, bringing her to his home deep in the forest. Daniel San Souci's watercolors portray the falcon's grace and the beauty of the natural setting. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-4-Oksi, a peregrine falcon eyas (chick) hatched among the girders of a high, river-spanning bridge, doesn't always listen to her mother. This picture-book account of life's perils for endangered birds continues the story of Sam Gribley and his falcon Frightful, which George began in My Side of the Mountain and continued in two subsequent novels, On the Other Side of the Mountain and Frightful's Mountain (all Dutton, 2000). Illegal poaching is a continuing theme, and because she doesn't stay in the nest with her siblings, Oksi narrowly misses being caught. Sam's fortuitous appearance to rescue her strains credibility, but George still has a way with story in conveying the world of nature and the impact of humans on it. This tale follows the intrepid young bird through her year of growing up in captivity, returning to the wild, and coming back with her mate to build their first nest at Sam's forest home. San Souci's rust-toned views provide panoramic vistas of mountains and forest and a grand sense of the bridge as well as informative close-ups of the falcons and Sam's rustic dwelling. The drama of Oksi's brushes with danger, the romanticized connection between Sam and the birds, and the satisfying denouement provide a pleasing introduction to the peregrine falcon. Sam's previous involvement with Frightful is deftly incorporated, and the story stands on its own. It could also serve as a nice introduction to My Side of the Mountain for children ready to read or listen to the longer book.Margaret Bush, Simmons College, BostonCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Frightful's Daughter | [
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20,984 | 13 | Grade 3-8-A gorgeous biography suitable for group sharing or for independent reading. The brilliant, full-page ink-and-watercolor paintings characterize da Vinci's life in a cartoonlike manner. The animated artwork and lively text that brings together facts and anecdotes keep interest high. The layout varies from page to page. Each spread includes the main biographical text (easily identified by its appearance in cream-colored boxes) accompanied by pertinent art. Light green text sidebars offer additional information and serve as captions to the pictures. The deep purple endpapers are packed with da Vinci quotes written in old-world-style lettering. A bibliography (referencing the quotes), references for the illustrations, suggested Web sites, and further reading (for children and adults) are also included. This excellent resource provides an in-depth look at da Vinci and the impact that his work has had on the world.Christine E. Carr, Lester C. Noecker Elementary School, Roseland, NJCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 4-6. This vision of da Vinci's life, work, and dreams is a celebration of the Renaissance artist's genius. The large-size format with bordered spreads and a variety of framed insets was inspired by the style of Leonardo's own distinctive notebooks, and it incorporates many quotes. Spread captions allow spot reading, but their tiny print demands concentration. The detailed pen-and-colored-ink illustrations create layers of information juxtaposing facts and anecdotes. Diane Stanley's Leonardo da Vinci (1996) presents the time period in an elegant, graceful style, while Byrd saturates his scenes with images to suggest da Vinci's mind overflowing with ideas and questions. The extensive back matter (some in even smaller print) includes an author's note, a lengthy time line, a bibliography that includes Web sites, and sources for the illustrations. Effective book design is carried out even to the endpapers, which are patterned with quotes in tiny simulated handwriting. An impressive tribute to a man whose curiosity and artistic imagination amazed the world, then and now. Julie CumminsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Leonardo: Beautiful Dreamer | [
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20,985 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 3 - The only talking pickle in the world has his own talk show and looks a lot like David Letterman, but he's lonely. For a special show, he takes a trip to Antarctica and meets a solitary penguin. The two sail up the coast of South America and into New York Harbor. In the city, Pickle loses his friend. While he searches for him, Penguin follows odd creatures (people) throughout the city and even asks a bunch of pickles in a tub at a market if they know where Pickle is. Then he finds the Statue of Liberty and climbs up into her crown. Pickle comes to the rescue in a blimp, and the story ends happily. Clever, cartoon illustrations contain amusing details, such as a green limousine with a bespectacled pickle as a hood ornament, a blimp that looks like a pickle, and a winking Lady Liberty. Some kids may chuckle at this story; others may find it simply silly. - Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: Pickle & Penguin | [
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20,986 | 2 | Grade 5-9-This is a fascinating, detailed history of the smallpox virus, beginning with its probable origins in a farm animal in Asia or the Middle East approximately 8000 years ago, continuing with its spread to Europe via trade routes, to the New World with the Spanish explorers, and concluding with the current concern that remaining stocks of variola may fall into the hands of terrorists intent on waging germ warfare. Intertwined with the disease's history is the biography of Edward Jenner, the 18th-century English surgeon whose observation that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox were immune to smallpox led him to conduct experiments that resulted in the perfection of the smallpox vaccination. Jenner is portrayed as a dedicated doctor devoted to what he considered a sacred mission, that of completely annihilating the "Speckled Monster" and demonstrating that science could ultimately triumph over disease. His dream appeared to have come true when the World Health Organization declared in 1980 that smallpox had been eradicated from Earth, but the continued existence in the U.S. and Russia of some 600 vials of frozen variola, originally slated to be destroyed by December 31, 1993, is at the center of an ongoing controversy among scientists, governments, and the military. Black-and-white photos appear throughout. This title updates James Cross Giblin's When Plague Strikes: The Black Death, Smallpox, AIDS (HarperCollins, 1995).Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.*Starred Review* Gr. 4-8. Marrin's latest offering is a fascinating, eminently readable social history of smallpox, with an emphasis on Dr. Edward Jenner's contributions to eradicate the disease. Beginning with a description of the role smallpox played in the decimation of the Aztec empire, Marrin makes clear that infectious disease began to take hold and spread once people started living in settled groups and that smallpox probably crossed over to humans from a farm animal host. He explains how the virus works within the body, describes several well-known outbreaks, and recounts how Jenner, an English country surgeon, using a combination of observation and experimentation, developed what we now call the smallpox vaccine. Marrin's writing is direct and succinct, and his scientific explanations are lucid and well detailed. Numerous black-and-white period illustrations (some appropriately gruesome) appear in most chapters, adding interest to the text. A final chapter on smallpox as a weapon of mass destruction makes this title particularly current. Appended with bibliographies of books and Internet sites, the book is a great choice for both science and history classes as well as a solid read for science buffs. The title and the cover will definitely attract browsers. Kay WeismanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Dr. Jenner and the Speckled Monster: The Discovery of the Smallpox Vaccine | [
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20,987 | 0 | Ellen Raskin was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up during the Great Depression. She was the author of several novels, including the Newbery Medal-winning The Westing Game, the Newbery Honor-winning Figgs & Phantoms, The Tattooed Potato and other clues, and The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel). She also wrote and illustrated many picture books and was an accomplished graphic artist. She designed dust jackets for dozens of books, including the first edition of Madeleine LEngles classic A Wrinkle in Time. Ms. Raskin died at the age of fifty-six on August 8, 1984, in New York City.; Title: Westing Game: Anniversary Edition | [
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20,988 | 2 | Garland (An Elf for Christmas) fashions his computer-generated artwork into a visual puzzler leading to a surprise birthday party. After receiving an invitation from his eccentric Aunt Jeanne, Tommy finds successive notes that lead him through her mansion, into a maze in the garden and finally to cake and guests. Readers are invited along for the ride from the start (Aunt Jeanne's letter instructs them to "Take a pencil and paper/ And carefully look./ Make a list of the things/ That you find in this book"). The rhymes may be forced, but the hunt is the main draw. Garland hides several hundred objects in the illustrations, from butterflies, bats, frogs and more in the statuary and shrubbery, to letters that spell out clues. The surreal quality of Garland's digital illustrations works well here, allowing for an abundance of repetitive elements and lush layering of wallpapers, textiles and so on that play up the trompe l'oeil effect. Heightening the game is the fun-loving Aunt Jeanne herself, hiding in each display. An afterword provides a checklist of all the hidden items. Ages 5-11.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Gr 2-4-Children who enjoy poring over crowded pictures and cataloging details will have a ball with this new offering from the creator of Dinner at Magritte's (Viking, 2001)-though only the truly indefatigable may be able to stay the course. Directed by a series of rhymed notes from his mysterious Aunt Jeanne, young Tommy undertakes a tour of her palatial house and gardens, passing hints and visual clues that he will have a surprise birthday party at the end. The big, brightly patterned rooms and locales he traverses are positively encrusted with small animals (more than 400, according to the itemized list at the end), plus hidden words, a trio of magical creatures, and often a concealed Aunt Jeanne watching his progress with a smile. Garland doesn't try very hard to camouflage this plethora of birds, butterflies, reptiles, and other creatures, but even young detectors trained on Ruth Brown's If at First You Do Not See (Holt, 1995) or Walter Wick's dazzling photographs for the "I Spy" series (Scholastic) will find keeping a running tally, then matching it to the author's, a tempting challenge.John Peters, New York Public LibraryCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Mystery Mansion: A Seek-and-Find Puzzle Book: Seek-and Find Puzzle Book | [
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20,989 | 15 | Grade 23Rocco's gentle caricatures and visual gags further brighten this wry follow-up to the author's Boy, Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs! (Dutton, 2005). Showing how widely held preconceptions about nature are slowly, stumblingly tested by scientific study, Kudlinski traces our view of the universe from flat earth to the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet.Effectively giving readers the big picture first, she places most of the significant specific terms and names in a time line at the end, and in the main narrative focuses on concepts: "A new idea came to an astronomer. He said that the sun was in the center of the [solar] system, not the Earth. That would mean that we were not so important. He had no proof, so most people just laughed." Though itself a little "wrong" as Pluto and its more distant mates have very recently been RE-reclassified as "Plutoids," this breezy account will be as equally effective in demonstrating how science works as it will be in bringing young readers up to speed on the structure of this and other solar systems.John Peters, New York Public Library Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.The opening page to this lighthearted science picture book shows a ship sailing off the edge of the ocean; the next shows a vast spread of our galaxy, with Earth a tiny dot in the corner. The disconnect between reality and these two images is explained by the history of humankinds often wrongheaded notions about the cosmos. Major players in this drama such as Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton pop up here, but only as unnamed astronomers or scientists who provided great leaps of thought contrary to the prevailing wisdom of their times. Cartoonish illustrations range from ancient Greeks studying the moon to a board of white-coated eggheads deciding no on the question of Plutos planetary identity (much to the dejected orbs dismay). Young readers will come away with a rudimentary knowledge of our relationship with the universe, but, more importantly, theyll learn that even today much of what we know about the solar system could be wrong. A brisk, cheerful introduction to the mixed-up history of cosmology. Grades 1-3. --Ian Chipman; Title: Boy, Were We Wrong About the Solar System! | [
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20,990 | 2 | One Saturday Morning (1994) follows a busy bear family through its hectic, enjoyable day. In this follow-up, also a Dutton Easy Reader, the bear family settles down for the night, but there's lots to do before the lights go out. Each short chapter follows a family member: Mama washes the dishes, the table, the kitchen floor, baby Jack, and finally, in a lovely, bubbly tub, herself. In later chapters, Daisy, Rose, and Lily all take baths, enjoy rowdy play, and protest bedtime. The chapter structure and short, basic sentences are well tuned to newly confident readers, and the reassuringly familiar scenarios, nicely extended in Duke's expressive ink-and-watercolor pictures, will draw children into the cozy nighttime mayhem. The final chapter, in which Papa and Mama Bear chat over tea in the kitchen, will answer children's curiosity about what happens in the house after they're asleep. Like the previous title, this is a strong choice for the just-literate crowd. Engberg, GillianBarbara Baker has written many books for children, including the Dutton Easy Reader One Saturday Morning, which was a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. Her other books include the popular Digby and Kate series. She lives in New York City.Kate Duke is the author-illustrator of The Guinea Pig ABC, which The Horn Book hailed as "destined to become a classic," and One Guinea Pig Is Not Enough, as well as many other books for children. She lives in New Haven, Connecticut.; Title: One Saturday Evening (Dutton Easy-to-Read) | [
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20,991 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2-Jack is in really big trouble with his mom-he's in a time-out and she's using his full name, Jackson-for making "one little mistake." What's the big deal? he thinks. "Everybody makes mistakes." There was the time he lost his mittens and hat and Mom told him to wear his sister's to school. "No one will notice," she said. Big mistake. There was the waitress who thought he was a girl. And there was the time at school that he carefully set his snack down next to him, only to have his teacher sit on it. But today, before getting ready for his uncle's wedding, he actually made three mistakes. Playing beauty shop with his sister, he used gum to hold her new coiffure in place, did her nails up to her knuckles, and made up her face with blue and red permanent markers. At the party, the happy couple finds the whole thing amusing. Then, dancing away, the bride bumps into Mom, spilling punch on her. The premise of this story is promising, but it fails to capture the imagination completely. The examples of others' mistakes border on slapstick at times, and the humor seems forced. Decker's watercolor-and-ink illustrations are pleasant but don't totally carry a weak plot. Bernard Waber's Nobody Is Perfick (Houghton, 1991) and Janet Morgan Stoeke's "Minerva Louise" series (Dutton) remain better choices.-Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. Jack is in big trouble; he has made a mistake. But everybody makes mistakes. What did he do that made Mom so angry? Listeners won't know at first. As suspense builds, Jack remembers adults' mistakes, and he trots out all the excuses that he heard from grown-ups ("I guess I got a little carried away"; "No one will notice"; "Next time I'll remember"). It turns out that Jack was playing beauty shop with his little sister, and now the gum and goo he used will not come off her face and out of her hair--and it's his uncle's wedding day! The bright, exaggerated illustrations capture the farce and sly comedy as well as the excitement of the wedding. Kids will laugh about Jack and about their own embarrassing moments. Other people's mess-ups make for great fun, and this will be an entertaining read-aloud. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Everybody Makes Mistakes | [
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20,992 | 1 | PreSchool-Grade 3–Ducks Douglas and Dolores are smitten with one another. Unfortunately, every time Douglas removes his shoes for a gambol in the grass, a dip in the drink, or relief from a pesky pebble, everyone near him faints–"kerplunk!"–from the sheer nastiness of his smelly feet. Soaking, powdering, and perfuming have no effect on the fowl's foul digits. Even the disposal of all his stinky shoes and a change to flip-flops fail to solve the problem. Dolores sticks by her drake, though, and remains true to him, proving that if love is not blind, at least it is tolerant. Palatini's characteristic exaggeration and outrageousness are in full swing in this goofy tale. The dialogue and narration are done in a serious tone that contrasts winningly with the gross subject matter. Long's elastic cartoon illustrations sprawl across the pages in psychedelic shades. The sickly green and yellow miasma from Douglas's feet coils across pages and noses and knocks out nearby wildlife. Despite the lack of a clear solution at the end of the tale, kids who delight in subversive humor will welcome this noisome love story.–Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha's Public Library, WI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Margie Palatini has written many hilarious books for young readers, including Piggie Pie!, illustrated by Howard Fine; Moosetache, illustrated by Henry Cole; and Moo Who?, illustrated by Keith Grave. Ethan Long has illustrated several picture books, including The Day My Runny Nose Ran Away, by Jason Eaton.; Title: Stinky Smelly Feet: A Love Story | [
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20,993 | 2 | Laurel Porter-Gaylord is an artist as well as an author.Ashley Wolff is the creator and illustrator of many popular picture books.; Title: I Love My Daddy Because... | [
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20,994 | 11 | Kindergarten-Grade 4Readers can learn about an endangered species and the culture of an Asian country in this engaging photo-essay. Large, colorful photographs enhance the text as Sobol introduces a four-year-old domesticated Asian elephant that lives in Tha Klang, Thailand. Raised by her human family and schooled by a full-time trainer, Wan Pen will eventually earn money by taking visitors on tours of the village. Children will delight in discovering how the animal spends her day, and that her favorite pastime is playing soccer with her human siblings and their friends. The text is packed with interesting tidbits about these large mammals ("just one day's worth of food would fill an entire garage") and day-to-day life in Tha Klang (where the dirt and gravel of the unpaved roads have mixed with droppings to create an "elephant-poop highway"). The vivid photos show Wan Pen interacting with her caregivers, present colorful images of the village and its people, and capture the beauty of the verdant landscape. Additional facts about elephants are appended. A fine introduction to a special place where elephants live safely with humans.Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. Photojournalist Sobol contributes both words and stunning color photographs in this introduction to elephants that visits on a village in Thailand, Tha Klang, where elephants are trained during a period of years to perform for tourists. Sobol focuses on a four-year-old elephant that attends school and receives snacks and affection from the children in her human family. The color images don't always match the words: the text above an image of a woman doing laundry reads, "For the children of Tha Klang, elephants are part of their families." But Sobol uses accessible, casual language to weave in plenty of interesting facts: local roads, for example, are a mixture of elephant dung, mud, and gravel--an "elephant poop highway," which Sobol allows "may sound gross" but actually forms "the perfect coating for a country road." It's the intimate color images of elephants and Thai kids side-by-side that will really capture an audience. A final page of elephant facts closes this attractive offering, which will be a great nonfiction story-hour choice. Gillian EngbergCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: An Elephant in the Backyard | [
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20,995 | 0 | Grade 4-8--This anthology celebrates growing up female as the protagonists tackle and embrace new experiences and changes in their lives. In a selection by Francess Lantz, readers meet Joanie Frankenhauser, who spends a day pretending to be a boy when the teacher at her new school mispronounces her name. Sheila Solomon Klass offers a delightful piece in which a young Annie Oakley convinces her mother to let her use her talents with a gun despite the fact that it is not ladylike. In June Rae Wood's "Flying Free," readers will empathize with Joretta, a girl recovering from polio, who is left with her aunt when her mother disappears and who wants to know the truth about where Mama is. In Sandy Asher's "The Secret behind the Stone," Lindsay tries to decide what to do when she learns that her new friend is being abused at home. Other contributors include Marion Dane Bauer, Patricia Calvert, Angela Johnson, Donna Jo Napoli, and Linda Sue Park. The stories and poems are entertaining and engrossing, presenting likable characters who learn valuable lessons on their journeys to womanhood.--Janet Hilbun, formerly at Sam Houston Middle School, Garland, TX Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 4-8. In the introduction to this anthology, Asher writes that she was a smart, outspoken kid until seventh grade, when, "Rather than risk not 'fitting in,' I became very quiet." The poems and stories here, contributed by familiar authors for youth, feature strong girls who, like Asher, struggle to maintain their "invincible spirit" in the midst of contrary pressures. The selections show girls' frustration and bewilderment: "My horse doesn't care . . . about my hair or think I'm too smart / for my own good," says the speaker in Miriam Bat Ami's poem "This Is the Way It Is"; "That's all sixth grade seemed to be about--tears and crazy things," complains the narrator of Bonny Becker's story "The Makeover." There are also several empowering pieces, including a lively historical story that imagines a young, "unladylike" Annie Oakley. A few of the poems use sophisticated, challenging imagery, but most of the selections are accessible and often inspiring, and many girls will recognize their own challenges in the spirited heroines who long to show their smarts. Gillian EngbergCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: On Her Way: Stories and Poems About Growing Up Girl | [
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20,996 | 1 | For this follow-up to Frightful's Daughter (2002), George returns to the natural setting and themes of My Side of the Mountain (1959). Sam Gribley may coexist peacefully with the peregrine falcon Oksi and the small predator he calls the Baron Weasel, but the weasel's attraction to Oksi's young eyases (chicks) puts the two animals at odds. After several clever but failed attempts over the course of weeks, the Baron Weasel does at last reach the high nesting boxbut before he can seize either of the eyases, his arrival startles them into taking their first flights. Sam, dressed in buckskin, puts in an occasional appearance, but otherwise there's little sign of human presence in San Souci's verdant, open forest landscapes. Without anthropomorphizing, both the author and the illustrator make this nature tale and its animal participants accessible and inviting to young readers. Peters, JohnJean Craighead George lives in Chappaqua, New York.Daniel San Souci lives in Oakland, California.; Title: Frightful's Daughter Meets the Baron Weasel | [
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20,997 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2Its evening, and in a cozy house on a hill, theres a wild little child/not ready to close her eyes. Tucked in her bed, the little girl hears the sounds of the nearby animals, as birds, raccoons, frogs, and deer settle their babies down and the crickets sing the creatures and the child to sleep. This slight bedtime tale is told through simple, rhymed language, and it might calm fears about nighttime noises. The delightful animals, painted with soft edges, are the main feature here, and youngsters will enjoy nodding off with these gentle, twilight-hued images in their heads. There is a slight inconsistency between text and illustration, as the wild child looks quite serene. A supplemental purchase for larger collections.Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS. This gentle good-night story swings along with the rocking rhythm of a bedtime song: "In a house on a hill there's a wild little child not ready to close her eyes. She burrows in blankets and talks to her toys and listens for lullabies." Outside the child's snug house, creatures are settling in for the night. Each successive spread focuses on a different animal family and its restless young--the birds thirsty for a drink before sleep; rowdy rabbits that want one last chase before bed. Children will easily recognize the animals' procrastination techniques, and they may want to sing along with the rhyming couplets that close each spread. Luminous double-page images of starlit sky, deeply shadowed lawn, and sleepy animals evoke both the cozy comforts of bedtime and the dreamy mystery of the nighttime world. Suggest this with Kate Banks' And If the Moon Could Talk (1998). Gillian EngbergCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Hillside Lullaby | [
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20,998 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 2An easy reader that features the two delightful characters from May Belle and the Ogre (Dutton, 2003). In each of three vignettes, their personalities shine through: a patient, loving child is willing to put up with an ever-hungry, sometimes-bored, but always-lovable monster. Beginning readers will enjoy sharing this book aloud as there are many opportunities for using expression (e.g., when bees chase Ogre, or when May Belle tries to stop him from eating her precious tulips). They will also be amused when he learns to read. Winborn's vivacious color cartoon illustrations portray Ogre as a hairy, but not scary, beast and May Belle as a happy, steadfast girl. Anne Knickerbocker, formerly at Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.K-Gr. 2. Like May Belle and the Ogre (2003), this chapter book in the Easy Reader series tells a story of friendship and farce, with lots of repetition and ink-and-watercolor illustrations that show a small girl trying to keep her wild best pal in line. Ogre treats everything as food. After he eats the tulips, the girl shows him how to plant a garden, and she cooks him a delicious stew. When she sends him a note, he eats it, so she teaches him to read. Ogre doesn't always do exactly what he's told, and new readers will see themselves in the stubborn rebel, as well as in the small, caring girl. The fun is in the sounds of the rhythmic words and the slapstick action. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Ogre Eats Everything (Dutton Easy Reader) | [
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20,999 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 2-This attractive picture book offers a heartfelt tribute to the love between a grandparent and grandchild as well as a way of coping with grief and loss. The story line is simple and episodic, focusing on small wonders and affectionate interactions. Beginning when she's just a toddler, a child shares quiet times with her grandfather. As they walk together, they admire dandelions, spider webs, and fireflies. The man answers all of her questions and teaches her to appreciate the natural world. He also shows her how to say "thank you and good-bye" to the dead insects and small creatures they occasionally find in their explorations. This gentle lesson comforts the girl when the time comes to say a final good-bye to her beloved relative. Plourde's thoughtful text and Cockcroft's expressive paintings work well together to convey both a respect for life and an awareness of the power of love. Soft, light-filled illustrations celebrate the pastoral setting, while the realistic portraits bring the child and her grandfather to life. Cockcroft does a particularly good job of conveying the passage of time, both in the growth of the child and in the more gradual change in the grandfather's appearance. Snippets of dialogue enliven the text and balance the serious subject matter. Parents looking for a way to introduce this difficult topic will appreciate the sensitive story, but it's possible that even browsers who aren't seeking this specific subject will appreciate this unusual picture book.Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.K-Gr. 3. Through seasons and years, a young girl's nature walks with her Grandpa always bring new surprises and delights-- dandelions, dew-laden spider webs, a snake "playing hide-and-seek." There is sadness, too, when they discover the still body of a grasshopper. But Grandpa helps the child remember the pleasure nature has brought them and explains how to say, "Thank you and goodbye." Then one day, the girl says, "Thank you and good-bye" to Grandpa, missing him but remembering how he had enriched her life. This celebration of a special grandparent-grandchild relationship is also a vehicle for exploring the temporal nature of life and its gifts. Realistic, soft-edged artwork evokes the magic of the natural world, the girl and grandfather's affectionate relationship, the poignancy of life passing. Although the descriptions and homage are occasionally too effusive, the lyrical language is lovely, and the story serves as a gentle, not overly sentimental, look at life in the moment and in memory. Shelle RosenfeldCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Thank You, Grandpa | [
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