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26,700 | 1 | This story, narrated in first person by Harold the dog (of Bunnicula fame), concerns a cat, a dachshund, a rabbit--and, of course, a scary Halloween night. The animals know all day a storm is coming that night, when they'll be alone in the house. Anything might happen. Once the Monroe family heads out for the evening's festivities, goblins wander the streets, and in the storm, the lights go out. Then a witch arrives. She starts up a brew in the kitchen, then says, "Now where are those animals?" Chester's remark: "My mother didn't raise me to be an ingredient." After the witch takes Bunnicula into the kitchen, the others try to escape, but they're stopped at every door by monsters. It's the invasion of the . . . Monroes, who've all come home--and the witch turns out to be Grandma, early for a visit. Morrill's diverting illustrations are an integral part of the fun in this light-hearted, corny caper. The pictures show the atmosphere growing visibly scarier once Harold, Chester et al. are alone at home; they cower at shadows, peek round doors with their ears back and stare in the dark living room at Bunnicula's red eyes. Then Morrill echoes the animals' (and the reader's) relief, when the intruders turn out to be family, by showing all participants full length, from farther away. This effective blend of words and art could summon a shiver any time of the year. Ages 5-up. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Be prepared for the frolicking fears of Howie, Chester, Harold, and the very unusual vampire rabbit, Bunnicula, in their newest adventure into the frights and sights of Halloween trickery. They have appeared before in Bunnicula (1979), Howliday Inn (1982), The Celery Stalks at Midnight (1983, all Atheneum) and now can be enjoyed by a younger audience. In this seasonal tale, the four friends are excited about Halloween, but are soon to be terrorized by a mysterious (and puzzlingly familiar) witch. Large watercolor illustrations make for a really tangible experience as the action-packed story unfolds to its surprising (but not too scary) ending. Young listeners will be spellbound as they "see" Chester's tail wag to and fro, or "feel" Howie's hair stand on end the length of his back. The text is not overwhelming, making this a tale well within the capabilities of early readers. Eyes will dart from word to picture and back again in this picture-book tale of the frightful foursome. Order early, and order duplicate copies. You'll need them! --Mary Lou Budd, Milford South Elem . Sch . , OHCopyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Scared Silly: A Halloween Treat (Bunnicula and Friends) | [
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26,701 | 2 | In this moving story of the love between generations, a grandfather and a little girl look after one another from the day she is born until the day he dies. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.With more than 60 fiction and nonfiction titles for children to her credit, Aliki has been delighting her many fans since her first book was published in 1960. Born in New Jersey, she now lives in New York City.Aliki's books for young readers include the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out titles Digging Up Dinosaurs, Fossils Tell of Long Ago, My Feet, and My Hands. Other nonfiction books by Aliki include How a Book Is Made, Mummies Made in Egypt, My Visit to the Aquarium, My Visit to the Dinosaurs, My Visit to the Zoo, Wild and Woolly Mammoths, and William Shakespeare & the Globe.; Title: The Two of Them | [
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26,702 | 6 | Grade 2-6 This how-to book covers an art form that is found rarely in other craft books. The pop-ups described and il lustrated range from very simple cards to the complex making of a pop-up book. The directions are concise and easy to follow, while the well-done black-and-white illustrations enhance the instructions by showing exactly how each pop-up fits together. The in structions repeat important tips as the pop-ups get more difficult. This will al low readers to make any of the pop-ups without having to refer to previous pop- ups for instructions. The introduction gives a brief history of the origin of pop- ups. A minimum of materials are need ed, and a complete materials list is giv en with tips that will help beginners. Symbols, definitions, tips for folding, scoring, cutting, and measuring are in cluded at the beginning of the book be fore instructions for any of the pop-ups. By following the instructions in this book, readers should be successful at making their own pop-ups. An excel lent addition to the crafts section. Sue E. Hamilton, Jackson County Library, Medford, Oreg.Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: How to Make Pop-Ups | [
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26,703 | 11 | Presents various kinds of boats which come and go in a busy harbor.Donald Crews is the renowned creator of many celebrated children's books, including the Caldecott Honor Books Freight Train and Truck. He and his wife, Ann Jonas, live in New York's Hudson River Valley.Donald Crews es el renombrado autor de dos libros merecedores del premio Caldecott, Tren de carga (Freight Train) y School Bus. Vive con su esposa, Ann Jonas, cerca del Ro Hudson, en Nueva York.; Title: Harbor | [
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26,704 | 2 | Henri Sorensen lives in Denmark.; Title: Hide and Seek Fog | [
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26,705 | 7 | Elizabeth Miles, illustrator of Dorothy of Oz by Roger S. Baum, lives in Laguna Beach, California. ; Title: Dorothy of Oz (Books of Wonder) | [
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26,706 | 2 | The softened watercolor worlds of Henkes's picture books sometimes distract readers from his acute understanding of just how harsh life can be. This awareness is glimpsed in his first novel, Two Under Par, but this new one is even more unflinching and more sensitive. Adine Vorlob doesn't like her Aunt Irene, who has a whiskery moustache and a habit of smoking narrow brown cigarettes, and readers will find it all too easy to dislike Irene, too. But she is moving into Adine's room while the Vorlobs adjust to the new baby, which surprises them all by being a boy (Adine's four other siblings are girls). The arrival of this boy breaks family tradition in many ways, not the least of which is the alphabetical order of the girls' namesAdine, Bernice, Carla, Dot and Effie. This is not another new-baby story; Henkes knows that every worry in a child's life has many layers. He depicts Adine's concerns with depth and sweetly persuasive touches of compassion, treating the thoughts and feelings of a 10-year-old with uncanny justice. Ages 8-up. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 3-6 Henkes' story presents a lov ing, creative family with Adine Vorlob, a sensitive, intelligent youngster as the main character. The arrival of a sixth child provides the catalyst which helps ten-year-old Adine understand her ec centric and bossy Aunt Irene. As the oldest, Adine has participated in the traditional creation of a special nursery wall to celebrate the first initial of each of her five sisters, all named alphabeti cally from B to E. All of the family is convinced that a sixth female will join the line. The title announces a surpris ing change. Aunt Irene comes to care for the girls while their mother is in the hospital and stays to help out after wards, much to the children's dismay. With her sisters, Adine plots to get Aunt Irene to leave, but in the end learns compassion and understanding. Henkes' characters are well drawn and appealingly unusual. As in Two Under Par (Greenwillow, 1987), he writes with humor about a caring family. Fans of Beverly Cleary and Betsy Byars will enjoy this newest Henkes selection. Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, N.J.Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Zebra Wall | [
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26,707 | 13 | Wolkstein fans will be disappointed in this spindly outing. Little Mouse, accustomed to spending all of her time with Bear, Squirrel and Porcupine, decides to strike out on her own one day and take up painting. As each of her friends wander by and admire her work, they see themselves on the canvas, although Little Mouse indignantly insists that she has painted a landscape. Back home, she is surprised to find that from a distance some of the objects in her painting do resemble her friends. If this story is meant to serve as a lesson in perspective, it's a flimsy one. Even as a simple tale of friendship, the prose is slight to the point of being innocuous and certainly not worthy of a storyteller of Wolkstein's ( Oom Razoom ; The Banza ) considerable talent. Begin's color-saturated acrylics are masterfully executed: her lovingly detailed animal cast bristles with realism and the play of light and shadow is superb. The art veers toward the precious, however, and fails to infuse the story with gusto. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Even though this sweet picture book seems, on first reading, to be devoid of complexity or any real action, a second, more thoughtful perusal uncovers unexpected charm. Little Mouse, a sociable yet independent sort, enjoys visiting with her friends Bear, Squirrel, and Porcupine, and shares different activities and interests with each. One day she devotes her time instead to painting on her own. When the picture is done, Little Mouse proudly shows it off; the animals see themselves in it. She is initially frustrated with their interpretations, insisting that the blueberry bush, flower, and sun do not bear resemblance to them. Later, however, when she hangs the picture, she realizes that their visions have some merit and she is pleased to have them nearby, in spirit and in pigment, if not in fact. Wolkstein's expressive, straight- forward narrative and Begin's beautiful, luminous watercolor and acrylic illustrations combine to produce an appealing, insightful look at friendship and creativity. The exquisite artwork; subtle characterization; and simple, thoughtful story add up to a satisfying whole. --Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of PittsburghCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Little Mouse's Painting | [
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26,708 | 13 | A quietly told story of a shoebox that helps Louie to remember old times, before he moved away, and then to make friends in his new neighborhood. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc."Keats...has surpassed even his award-winners here....The effect is tenderness and uncommon beauty." -- --Publishers Weekly"The author's collage-and-paint illustrations project just the right quality for Louie's dream trip." -- --School Library Journal; Title: The Trip | [
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26,709 | 1 | This is a deceptively simple, wonderfully appealing bedtime book--reminiscent of Eve Rice's Goodnight Goodnight --which will connect with even the most restless toddler. In a series of simple questions ("When the lights go down / On the city street / Where does the white cat go, honey? / Where does the white cat go?"), Weiss introduces a cat, a monkey, a camel, a stray dog, a seagull and a brown bear. All are "on their way . . . on their way home." Finally, "The stars are bright and a warm wind blows / Through the window tonight, honey, / Through the window tonight / . . . And everyone is home." Weiss shows a boy snuggled in bed under a quilt surrounded by all his animals. Although her palette runs to dark tones, Weiss's pastels are warm and glowing on black backgrounds sprinkled with twinkling stars. Infused with warmth, this book grows better with each reading. Ages 2-up. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-- Stars are sprinkled across a black sky, with crescent moon on high, as one by one a cat, a monkey, a camel, a dog, a seagull, and a bear appear singly against an appropriate backdrop, then reappear to form a procession. The question is asked, and repeated, where do they go when night comes? The answer each time: they are on their way home. The warmth engendered by the simple text envelops readers in a blanket of coziness and reassurance. The final scenes reveal that all of the animals are actually stuffed toys cuddled around a sleeping little boy, and, indeed, they are home. The text appears in white against a black page framed with Amish quilt colors. The color pencil pictures are naif, uncluttered, with just enough detail to engage sleepy readers. A thoroughly beguiling bedtime book which will assure many snuggly tucked in children contented dreams. --Phyllis G. Sidorsky, National Cathedral School, Washington, D . C .Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Where Does the Brown Bear Go? | [
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26,710 | 2 | Pat Hutchins, one of seven children, was born in Yorkshire, England, and grew up in the surrounding countryside, which she still loves. At a very early age she knew that she wanted to be an artist and was encouraged by an elderly couple who would give her a chocolate bar for each picture she drew. A local art school offered her a scholarship and she studied there for three years, continuing her training at Leeds College of Art, where she specialized in illustration. Her career in the children's book field began with the highly acclaimed Rosie's Walk, a 1968 ALA Notable Book. Since then she has written five novels and created more than twenty-five picture books. She was awarded England's prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal in 1974 for The Wind Blew. Pat Hutchins lives with her husband in London, England.; Title: The Very Worst Monster | [
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26,711 | 1 | A day in the life of a box turtle is chronicled by the creators of Beaver at Long Pond. As dawn breaks, the turtle crawls out of the log where he spent the night and heads for the pond. He passes the day searching for grapes and hunting worms. When a raccoon overturns the turtle and eats all of his worms, the turtle tries to catch grasshoppers and to find more grapes. He burrows into another nesting spot for the night. Magnificent gouache paintings depict a turtle's-eye view of the pond and the woods surrounding it. Small details of lichen, moss, pine needles, insects and headless worms are exquisitely rendered. Unfortunately, the text does not live up to the pictures; overly simple sentences relate pertinent information, but without much zip. Despite this drawback, the book is a lovely addition to a naturalist's library, for the information conveyed in the pictures. Ages 3-6. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2-- A day in the life of a box turtle is rendered carefully in words and lifelike illustrations with a text that respects its subject, avoids any anthropomorphism, and is simple enough for very young listeners. It records the turtle's actions as, slowly but with perseverance, he drinks, searches for food, evades danger, and sleeps. The outstanding gouache paintings in borderless, horizontal two-page spreads are so realistic that one almost reaches out to feel the turtle's textured shell. Although at times the turtle seems to be camouflaged, blending into his surroundings, he stands out clearly once located. The animals he encounters are equally well illustrated--readers will almost hold their breath so as not to frighten the raccoon and chipmunk. The book's design is excellent; even the well-chosen type, superimposed on the illustrations so that there is no visual break from the scenes, is clear and easily read. This is superior nature study for young readers and listeners. --Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJCopyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Box Turtle at Long Pond | [
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26,712 | 11 | PreS Tafuri's familiar style of animal drawing is set off to good advantage here by generous amounts of white background, which give the book a refreshingly crisp look. In an easy question-and-answer format, children are asked to identify various animals from various portions of their anatomy, such as, ``What has a bill?'' Each answer is provided on a large two-page spread. Older children may prefer similar books such as Beau Gardiner's Guess What (Lothrop, 1985) or Eric Carle's perennial favorite, Do You Want to Be My Friend? (Crowell, 1971), but the littlest are sure to enjoy Tafuri's latest gift to them. Judith Gloyer, Milwaukee Public LibraryCopyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.This barnyard tour will have its audience crowing with delight as they study the big, bold paintings of the animals and birds. "An ideal book for the beginning reader to entertain a younger sibling in a game they'll both enjoy. A natural for toddler story-hour collections." -- Horn Book.; Title: Spots, Feathers, and Curly Tails | [
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26,713 | 6 | "A bright, original look at common insects...Parker's appealing, full-color illustrations...lend this book a certain charm that might be unexpected, given the subject matter."-- "ALA Booklist" (starred review)"No little caterpillar trapper should be without Bugs..."-- "Chicago Tribune""Superb informational book for young readers."-- "Boston GlobeNancy Winslow Parker is the author and illustrator of numerous books for children, including Locks, Crocs, and Skeeters; Bugs, written by Joan Wright Richards; and Money, Money, Money. She lives in New York City and Mantoloking, New Jersey.; Title: Bugs (Reading Rainbow Books) | [
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26,714 | 0 | PreSchool-Grade 6 This dazzling photo essay immerses readers in a night sky no human eye ever beheld, full of long exposure color photos and computer-enhanced pictures, to introduce the galaxies: the Milky Way and a variety of others we can detect. Simon gives a clear, sure overview of the subject, occasionally surer than the experts. In one place, he states, ``The Galaxy has three spiral arms,'' ignoring the mixed nature of the evidence. Galaxies and Quasars (Watts, 1987) by Heather Cooper and Nigel Henbest offers considerably more detail for grades 4 to 8, in colorful but less alluring oversize format, and with its own set of errors. Simon's Galaxies is worth having just for the inspiration. Margaret Chatham, formerly at Smithtown Library, N.Y.Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.Seymour Simon is a well-respected writer of more than 200 nonfiction books for young people. Mr. Simon has received four lifetime achievement awards, and in his honor, June 29th was named "Seymour Simon Day" in Houston, Texas. His HarperCollins titles include Destination: Mars, Crocodiles & Alligators, Wild Babies, Sharks, Wolves, Snakes, Big Cats, and Whales. Mr. Simon lives with his wife in Great Neck, New York.In any discussion of outstanding authors of science hooks for children, the name Seymour Simon is one of the first mentioned. Teachers and librarians know they can depend on his books to present scientific information clearly andaccurately; children know that, whatever the subject, they can count on Seymour Simon to make science fun.As the author of over 150 highly acclaimed science books (more than half of which have been named Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children by the National Science Teachers Association), Seymour Simon has introduced thousands of children to a staggering array of fascinating science subjects, including anatomy; storms and lightning; earthquakes and volcanoes; light, mirrors, and optical illusions; paper airplanes; stargazing, planets, and space; oceanography and water; and animals of all kinds. Also an accomplished writer of fiction, Mr. Simon is the creator of the popular Einstein Anderson series. His books capture the imagination and interest of children and encourage them to wonder, to learn-and to discover.Mr. Simon credits his children; his grandchildren, Joel and Benjamin, and Chloe and Jeremy; and his twenty-three years as a science teacher for developing his direct, conversational writing style and his keen eye for subjects that will appeal to children. "Writing as if you're teaching and having actual contact with kids is important, " he says. "I try to write the way I talk. I'm always thinking about the effect my sentences will have on kids if they are read aloud." Mr. Simon also believes that a book about nature or science has to be more than just an answer book."Although Seymour Simon left teaching more than ten years ago in order to devote himself to writing full-time, he still visits schools and talks to students as often as he can, because it is this all-important contact with children and their sense of scientific wonder that has made him one of their favorite writers. I haven't really given up teaching," says Mr. Simon, "and I suppose I never will, not as long as I keep writing."Seymour Simon has been honored with the 1994 New York State Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature; the 1996 Hope S. Dean Memorial Award; the Eva L. Gordon Award, presented by the American Nature Study Society, for his contribution to children's science literature; and the Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Award for Nonfiction for the body of his work. He writes and photographs from a house on a hill in the Hudson Valley of New York State, which he shares with his wife, Joyce.; Title: Galaxies | [
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26,715 | 2 | Holly Keller has illustrated a number of books in the Lets-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, including Be a Friend to Trees. She is also the author and illustrator of many picture books, including Island Baby and Horace.Ms. Keller lives in West Redding, Connecticut.; Title: Geraldine's Blanket | [
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26,716 | 2 | In an affecting, stylistic departure from his often joyous watercolors, Henkes uses acrylic paints to create the hushed world of a child's first waking moments. A girl notes that the rest of the household is still asleep, from her stuffed animals and family pets to a baby sister in a crib and her parents. Reaching for her toy horn, she blasts them all awake--and is she punished? No, the final scene shows the loving family gathered together. The text is all mood--unlike Henkes's other works, which tell more of a story--and the paintings convey that tenderness in dusky morning tones and broad sweeps of the brush. How rewarding to watch an artist stretch, and achieve another perfect fit. Ages 3-up. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kevin Henkes has been praised both as a writer and as an illustrator. He received the Caldecott Medal for Kittens First Full Moon; Caldecott Honors for Waiting and Owen; two Newbery Honorsone for Olives Ocean and one for The Year of Billy Millerand Geisel Honors for Waiting and Penny and Her Marble. His other books include Egg, Old Bear, A Good Day, Chrysanthemum, and the beloved Lillys Purple Plastic Purse. Kevin Henkes lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin. www.kevinhenkes.com; Title: Shhhh | [
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26,717 | 0 | Kindergarten-Grade 3-- A collection of over 100 traditional childhood hand-clapping and street rhymes. Ball-bouncing rhymes, counting-out rhymes, and favorite teases, taunts, and comebacks include "Miss Mary Mack," " I Am a Pretty Little Dutch Girl," and "A, My Name Is Alice." Tiegreen's lighthearted pen-and-ink illustrations are sure to tickle the fancy of young readers. Completing this treasury is a bibliography of sources of more street games and an index of first lines. A book that's sure to produce smiles in any story hour or program. --Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VACopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Miss Mary Mack: And Other Childrens Street Rhymes | [
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26,718 | 1 | Elizabeth Fuller has worked extensively as a book illustrater. She is the illustrater of My Brown Bear Barney and its sequel, My Brown Bear Barney in Trouble. She lives in Auckland, New Zealand. ; Title: My Brown Bear Barney | [
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26,719 | 6 | A jubilant story about a boy and his attempts to remember the items on his mother's shopping list. Ages 3-up. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc."Bright, jubilant colors and skillful wordplay make this fun."--" Publishers Weekly"; Title: Don't Forget the Bacon! | [
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26,720 | 13 | The Maestros have created an ideal picture book history of one of the most beloved monuments in America. Ages 3-up. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc."At last, an outstanding picture book on the Statue of Liberty...The exceptional drawings are visually delightful...A striking book.""--School Libary journal (starred review)""The Maestros have once again produced a winner.""--Publishers Weekly"; Title: The Story of the Statue of Liberty (Rise and Shine) | [
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26,721 | 18 | Grade 2-6Picking up after the end of the French and Indian Wars, where Struggle for a Continent (HarperCollins, 2000) left off, the Maestros continue with the 20 years leading up to, and fighting, the American Revolution. A simple narrative, largely from the Colonists' perspective, touches on the major events, players, and ideas of the times, beginning with the Stamp Act and ending with Yorktown and the subsequent peace treaty. Much of the text is taken up with military encounters and strategies; campaigns, generals, and soldiers are kept relatively straight, often with the help of numerous clear maps (though there's no initial delineation of the 13 colonies). Full-color ink, colored-pencil, and watercolor illustrationsfrom small portrait ovals to full-spread scenariosare also helpful; they grace the page in a pleasing, uncluttered way. Packing that much history into 64 pages means, of course, that some complexity, detail, and depth are lost. While some misconceptions are cleared upPaul Revere's non-solo ride, Bunker/Breed's Hillmore explanation could sometimes relieve a bit of confusion. No sources are cited. Nonetheless, this book serves as a good introductory overview. The visual appeal, straightforward narrative, and large format make it accessible to audiences not ready for Joy Hakim's From Colonies to Country (Oxford, 2002) or Benson Bobrick's Fight for Freedom (S & S, 2004). Rosalyn Schanzer's George vs. George (National Geographic, 2004) is a more engaging and explanatory social and political history of the time, but lacks the more complete military coverage found here.Nancy Palmer, The Little School, Bellevue, WA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 3-5. The Maestros pick up the thread after Struggle for a Continent: The French and Indian Wars, 1689-1763 (2000) and continue their American Story series with a colorfully illustrated book that spotlights the Revolutionary War period. History provides a fine plot and cast of characters for this topic, and the Maestros make the most of them, weaving a dramatic tale of ideals and hardship, heroism and betrayal, and illustrating events with a series of detailed, dramatic, and informative pictures and a number of excellent maps. (In one case, however, the art and caption are confusing, making it seem as if Patrick Henry delivered his "Give me liberty" speech to the colonial legislature at the Virginia capitol building, rather than of the St. John's church.) The book ends with a year-by-year table of significant events; an annotated list of "Unsung Heroes of the American Revolution"; a paragraph each on blacks, women, and Native Americans during the Revolution; and a page gathering a miscellany of added facts, but no source notes or bibliography. Colorful and accessible. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Liberty or Death: The American Revolution: 1763-1783 (American Story) | [
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26,722 | 0 | Once again, Hurwitz combines humor, realism and a keen perception of childhood feelings in a well-written sequel to Ali Baba Bernstein . Protagonist David Bernstein, an individualist preferring the exotic "Ali Baba" to what he considers the overused "David," is now in fourth grade. He loves mysteries, occasionally creating them where none exist, to very funny effect. Each chapter offers a complete and self-contained episode, which means readers can pace themselves accordingly. The chapter in which Ali Baba and a second grader, Natalie Gomez, confront a man they think is Santa Claus and drill him as to why presents are not delivered to Jewish children, will strike a chord for many readers--they will cheer for Ali Baba, and for Hurwitz. Ages 8-12. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 2-4-- As readers of The Adventures of Ali Baba Bernstein (Morrow, 1985) already know, David is disgusted with being one of "many David's and delighted to discover in the Arabian Nights a name that can be uniquely his." Ali Baba is now in fourth grade and has preserved his zest for trying the unusual. He pursues the mysterious comings and goings of his upstairs neighbor to a simple and amusing conclusion. On a shopping trip with his mother he discovers royalty, from Donut King to Sweater Palace. With his friend Roger he trails elusive circus tickets from pocket to pocket of look-alike tan raincoats. He runs home from a class trip to the public library for his forgotten library card, causing more trouble than he expected. He even meets Santa Claus (in disguise, of course) and clarifies some questions he has as a Jewish non-receiver of Santa's gifts. As always, Hurwitz writes realistically about youngsters with whom middle-class readers can identify. Ali Baba's life is a sunny one, with no big problems at home or school, just short, humorous episodes simply written to hold the interest of young readers. Most third and fourth graders will find more to discuss and enjoy in other Hurwitz books, such as Teacher's Pet (Morrow, 1988), but for her younger fans, Ali Baba is a good read. --Sylvia S. Marantz, Wellington School, Columbus, OhioCopyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Hurray for Ali Baba Bernstein | [
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26,723 | 6 | Grade 3-8-- This delightful book gives clear, step-by-step instructions for making dozens of plasticine sculptures and bas-reliefs. Reid systematically demonstrates how to combine several basic shapes into increasingly complex creations. Unique to this book are directions for what amounts to painting pictures with plasticine. The technique involves spreading thin layers of well-softened plasticine over flat and solid shapes, and then adding flattened figures to create two- and three-dimensional scenes. The written instructions are effectively illustrated with attractive drawings and photographs. Useful modeling tips are offered along with information on sources, storage, and color mixing. Other modeling books for children are far less detailed, and describe the use of potter's clay rather than plasticine. This excellent offering is a craft rather than an art book. Reid gives directions for making things; she does not suggest exercises for exploring the nature of this particular modeling medium. A logical, attractive layout; many specific instructions; and a sense of fun make this an appealing book. --Cynthia Bishop, Onondaga County Public Library, Syracuse, N.Y.Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Playing With Plasticine | [
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26,724 | 6 | Have you ever seen a man dressed entirely in playing cards? Or a girl wearing a lollipop dress? Take a stroll through a most unusual market in this twenty-fifth anniversary edition of a Caldecott Honor Book."In a delightful and unusual book, a boy trots down Market Street buying presents for a friend, each one starting with a letter of the alphabet. Every letter is illustrated by a figure ingeniously composed of, for instance, apples or wigs or quilts. The notion is original, and the sum total enjoyable and unique." --Horn Book.Arnold Lobel (1933-1987) was the award-winning author and illustrator of many beloved children's books, including the classic I Can Read books about Frog and Toad, and the Caldecott Medal winning Fables.; Title: On Market Street | [
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26,725 | 0 | PreSchool-Grade 3-- As in Happy Valentine's Day, Emma! (1987) and Yuck! (1984, both Greenwillow), wicked witches Dolores and Lavinia go out of their way to make life miserable for good witch Emma and her friends. No matter what the baddies do, Emma always comes out on top--perfectly satisfying young readers' sense of justified vengeance. This time, the evil meanies try to keep Emma from enjoying the cooling delights of the beach on a hot summer's day. Emma, as always, gets the last laugh in her bouncy, off-the-wall way. The cartoon illustrations, done in watercolors and black pen, are as funky as ever. This story is revealed through dialogue in balloons. Fans of Stevenson's wacky sense of humor will be happy with Emma's newest triumph over Dolores and Lavinia. --Kay McPherson, Central Atlanta-Fulton Public LibraryCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Emma at the Beach | [
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26,726 | 15 | Stunning photographs and the author's characteristic clear writing provide introductions to two planets in the solar system. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.Seymour Simon has been called "the dean of the [children's science book] field" by the New York Times. He has written more than 250 books for young readers and is the recipient of the Science Books & Films Key Award for Excellence in Science Books, the Empire State Award for excellence in literature for young people, and the Educational Paperback Association Jeremiah Ludington Award. He is also the recipient of the American Association for the Advancement of Science's/Subaru Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting contribution to children's science literature. Mr. Simon lives in Great Neck, New York.; Title: Saturn | [
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26,727 | 15 | An ordinary walk to school is ripe with visual possibilities for children who are willing to look carefully at Jonas's route. Ages 3-up. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ann Jonas has written and illustrated many popular books for children, including Color Dance, Reflections, and Round Trip, which was an ALA Notable Book and a "New York Times" Best Illustrated Book. She is a graduate of Cooper Union and has worked as a graphic designer for many years with her husband, Donald Crews. They live in upstate New York.; Title: The Trek (Reading Rainbow Books) | [
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26,728 | 6 | Henri Sorensen lives in Denmark.; Title: White Snow, Bright Snow | [
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26,729 | 11 | "An ingenious barnyard story: brief...simple...colorful."-- ALA "Booklist"Byron Barton is the creator of many picture books for young children, including My Car, Building a House, and Little Red Hen.; Title: Good Morning, Chick | [
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26,730 | 1 | Sibling rivalry is not restricted to humans, or even siblings, as Calhoun tells her story about the cat who is displaced when a puppy is introduced to the family. ("When The Man brought a puppy in, Henry went out . . . and stayed out.") Through the window, the aggrieved Siamese watches as The Kid and The Woman join The Man playing with the tiny newcomer. Ingraham's muted illustrations are soft and clear, and fill the borderless pages with tender scenes of summer. His appealing, expressive animals are the real stars, however, and they are amusingly aided by Calhoun's acute sounds ("Yeef," "Warf," "Yow yowie meowl"). Henry is so desperate to regain the attention of his family that he becomes a high-wire performer, first on the fence and then on the clothesline and telephone wire. But it is not until he saves the pup from a high ledge that he feels like part of the family again. Ages 5-up. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-3-- A new story about the proud, adventurous, and accomplished Siamese cat featured in Hot-Air Henry (1981) and Cross-Country Cat (1979, both Morrow). Here, Henry feels his position in the family is threatened by a new puppy. Anxious to prove himself more clever than the dog, he decides to become a high-wire walker, but an embarrassing fall almost makes him abandon the scheme. When the puppy foolishly climbs out on a window ledge, however, only Henry can reach him by walking the telephone line, and he accepts his praise with total satisfaction. The animals in the realistic pictures are especially well drawn, and Henry's every emotion is aptly captured. The full-color illustrations are large enough to use with groups, and upper primary-grade reluctant readers will welcome this as an easy - reading picture book with illustrations that have an adult appearance. This is a laugh-out-loud book that will have young listeners and readers in total sympathy with Henry, for his anger, hurt, frustration, and attention-getting antics mirror the emotions of any new sibling. --Danita Nichols, New York Public LibraryCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: High-Wire Henry | [
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26,731 | 0 | Henri Sorensen lives in Denmark.; Title: Wake Up, Farm! | [
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26,732 | 2 | The characters first met in Hurwitz's Class Clown and Teacher's Pet return here, with the spotlight on Julio Sanchez and the upcoming fifth-grade election. Julio would like to be president, although he lacks the confidence to run. But almost in spite of himself, he demonstrates his ability to lead--rallying his peers to raise money to replace a classmate's broken glasses; convincing the principal that a new rule is unfair--and these efforts are recognized on election day. A few of the novel's events have a facile, fabricated tinge, and for all of Julio's demurrals the election's results seem a foregone conclusion from the start. But even with these weak aspects, Hurwitz's breezy, humorous touch, her feel for the details that matter to grade-schoolers and her focus on a strong Hispanic character carry the day. Ages 7 - up. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 3-5-- Hurwitz scores again with the continuing story of the children first introduced in Class Clown (Morrow, 1987), now in the fifth grade and getting acquainted with a new teacher. Julio, known up to now as the class athlete, is the focus of this story, developing new talents as the tale unfolds. Mr. Flores announces that an election for class officers will be held, and the students begin choosing up sides. Julio is immediately interested, but promotes the candidacy of an unenthusiastic Lucas for president instead. As Julio strives on his friend's behalf, his own leadership qualities become more apparent. He organizes a class fund raiser, acts as spokesperson during an interview with the principal, and even respectfully challenges Mr. Flores on how class money is to be spent. These kids live in a well-mannered, harmonious world. Adversity is only hinted at, as when readers discover that Julio's father is "no longer alive." Miscreants are understood and forgiven, and virtue is recognized and rewarded in just the way it always should be. Gently thoughtful and cheerfully humorous, this will make a good read-aloud as well as a satisfying read-alone. --Ruth Semrau, Lovejoy School, Allen, TXCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Class President | [
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26,733 | 2 | The creators of The Twelve Dancing Princesses offer an elaborate interpretation of this Russian folktale, which incorporates elements of Hansel and Gretel as well as the Cinderella story. Craft's paintings (reminiscent, in their ornate detailing, of those of Gennady Spirin) are embellished with florid borders, inset illustrations and fancy dropped-capital letters at the start of the text block on each spread. Her startlingly hideous depiction of Baba Yaga the crone makes the pointy-hat-and-warted-nose witch found in most fairy tales seem downright cute by comparison; the impact, however, is gravely inhibited by a legend at the bottom of the painting: "Smoking After Meals Is One of Baba Yaga's Many Bad Habits . . . " Mayer's stately retelling is equally formal, but maintains a natural buoyancy that enhances the book's read-aloud appeal: "It should be no wonder, then, that Baba Yaga lives alone. Even so, from time to time, there is the occasional visitor, the stray traveler, the hapless wanderer. Few have survived the visit." Similar in style to Elizabeth Winthrop's Vasilissa the Beautiful , this adaptation focuses on the heroine's bravery rather than her beauty, a distinction that may be important to some. All ages. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 3-5-An engaging text and accomplished paintings set this version apart from the recent crop of retellings of this popular Russian variant of the Cinderella tale. After the death of her father, Vasilisa is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters; her only comfort is the magical doll made by her mother before she died. Sent to Baba Yaga's house to fetch a light, the girl becomes the witch's servant and is given a series of impossible tasks to perform. With the help of her doll, she pleases the demanding hag, who sends her home with the precious light. After it destroys her stepmother and stepsisters, Vasilisa goes to live with an elderly woman and learns to spin and weave. She creates an exquisite piece of cloth that catches the attention of the tsar. He seeks out its maker, finds the heroine, and asks for her hand in marriage. Mayer's graceful prose conveys both the wonder and power of the tale. Complementing the text are Craft's illustrations done in a mixture of watercolor, gouache, and oils. The palette of red and gold set against a dark background resembles Russian folk-art paintings on black-lacquered wood. The pictures are often dark, and the depiction of Baba Yaga is not for the weakhearted. The use of decorative capital letters, elegant typeface, and small drolleries add to the visual appeal of each page. A stylized and classy offering that's ideal for older picture-book audiences.Denise Anton Wright, Illinois State University, NormalCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave | [
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26,734 | 2 | Grade 1-3-- When seven-year-old Kondi decides to fashion a galimoto (a generic term for various push-toys made from wires and sticks), his older brother is convinced that a small boy should not undertake such a difficult project. Besides, the elder brother reminds him, Kondi does not have enough wire to make a toy. Readers follow the clever boy through his small African village on his quest to obtain the precious material from adults and other children through persuasion and old-fashioned know-how. Although he encounters many obstacles in his search, Kondi's persistence is rewarded. Stock's bright watercolor illustrations energize this quiet tale. Readers will cheer Kondi as he sees his goal realized. A good read-aloud choice. --Denia Lewis Hester, Dewey School, Evanston, ILCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.When Karen Lynn Williams was growing up in New Haven, Connecticut, her dream was to become the youngest novelist ever. At the age of ten, she formed a writing group with some of her friends. They would lounge around on pillows and in old stuffed chairs in her basement and write for hours. When Karen hadn't produced the hoped-for novel by the age of twelve, she gave up on her dream of early publication, but not on writing. Although it took longer than she initially thought it would, eventually Karen became the award-winning author of such books as Baseball and Butterflies (a novel) and Galimoto and Painted Dreams, both picture books illustrated by Catherine Stock. Karen Lynn Williams lives with her husband, Steven, and their children, Peter, Christopher, Rachel, and Jonathan, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.; Title: Galimoto | [
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26,735 | 15 | In her first book for children, nature artist Leslie does a commendable job of taming an enormous range of information. She presents nature as it shifts in time: animals who do and don't hibernate; birds that migrate; life cycles of baby deer, mice, frogs and woolly bear caterpillars. She further examines rain and snowflakes, the sun's changing angles on the earth, Native American names for the moon, fall seeds and changing leaf colors and holiday festivals. But Leslie's comprehensive work suffers somewhat from excessive organization, as she superimposes a month-by-month calendar onto natural phenomena better suited to seasons. However, this is a minor fault in a book that parents and children will no doubt read by the season. The author selects animals and plants of interest to, and accessible to, children in the suburbs and rural areas of New England. Her full-page watercolors of field and pond life will engage younger readers, while her smaller, more intricate ink and colored pencil illustrations will satisfy the yen of older budding naturalists for accuracy and detail. Ages 7-up. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-4-- An attractive presentation of simple science concepts and outdoor activities throughout the calendar year, especially for the northeastern United States. For each month, seasonal changes are indicated against the background of the same rural scene with numbered, stylized habitats and sample plants and animals added. Their identification with brief notes appears on the opposite pages. Variations on the scene with the same animals hibernating or managing above and below the frost line are given for both January and December, rounding out the cycle. An additional double spread per month is devoted to appropriate projects--from making snowflakes to observing summer constellations or leafbuds on twigs. Occasional sidebars enlarge or expand the discussion as with a closeup view of the parts of a flower or the depiction of the lifecycle of a frog. Pen-and-ink diagrams and drawings with watercolor washes are appealing and informative. A useful, additional title to help children increase their awareness of the natural world and, for those living in areas in which the specific examples do not occur, to visualize the season. --Ruth M. McConnell, San Antonio Public LibraryCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Nature All Year Long | [
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26,736 | 2 | Seymour Simon has been called “the dean of the [children’s science book] field” by the New York Times. He has written more than 300 books for young readers and has received the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting contribution to children’s science literature, the Science Books & Films Key Award for Excellence in Science Books, the Empire State Award for excellence in literature for young people, and the Educational Paperback Association Jeremiah Ludington Award. He and his wife, Liz, live in Columbia County in Upstate New York. You can visit him online at www.seymoursimon.com, where students can post on the “Seymour Science Blog” and educators can download a free four-page teacher guide to accompany this book, putting it in context with Common Core objectives. Join the growing legion of @seymoursimon fans on Twitter!; Title: The Sun (Rise and Shine) | [
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26,737 | 15 | A stiff breeze blows Mary's beach ball along the water's edge for miles and miles. People, objects and animals appear and disappear as Mary gallops from page to page, chasing the ball that remains just a bit ahead of her. Her mostly wordless quest is augmented with a different concept worked into each spread. The reader is made aware of various things to look for by clever signals in each left-hand corner. A spread devoted to different kinds of animals is indicated by a flock of birds flying in formation spelling out the words " . . . name the animals." This added bit of fun makes combing the beach for different things a game of infinite variety. Sis's ( Waving ) inimitably cheerful illustrations fuse a riot of unsullied color with deft details and endless invention. Ages 3-up. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 3 --A great choice for beach-chair travelers. The wind has taken little Mary's ball, causing her to chase it through double-page spreads of color identification, numbers, shapes, opposites, and more, oblivious to the wild assortment of oddly dressed people basking in the sun. This backdrop of leisure activity is the essence of the book, as young beachcombers are encouraged to sift through the chaos to find objects from A-Z, count fish or sunglasses, or identify animals on an ark. Surprises abound as new objects are spotted--a little elf in green sitting under a mushroom umbrella, a shark and an alligator lurking in shallow water, a boy blowing up an elephant balloon larger than himself. Sis' quirky illustrations have the grainy, gritty texture of sand, causing the book itself to appear as though it had been at the beach--the perfect place to take it for an afternoon of fun. --Trev Jones, School Library JournalCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Beach Ball | [
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26,738 | 2 | In this loving tribute, a girl watches her father as he tends a garden--as well as its wiggling, sliding, bumbling and graceful creatures. He opens his cupped, earth-encrusted hands to reveal a "pink circle of worm," a beetle "shining in gold armor" and a praying mantis "so light, so bold, so strange." The father wordlessly conveys his enthusiasm to his daughter, who narrates: "I bend closer, knowing that nothing within my father's hands will harm me." The crisp clarity of Ryder's ( One Small Fish ) prose balances her warm effusion (as the mantis is returned to his bush, father and daughter "watch him / till he melts / green in the greenness"). Graham's ( Where's the Baby? ) oil paintings, scumbled beneath a dewy veil of early summer light, perfectly match the intimacy of Ryder's text. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-K-A little girl and her father share the wonders of nature as they examine several small creatures in the garden-a pink worm, a golden beetle, a sliding snail, and a praying mantis. Graham's lovely double-page, impressionistic oil paintings clearly focus on the man and his daughter, with closeups of faces and hands in nearly every illustration. The garden in the background, lush with flowers and vegetable plants, provides a picturesque setting for this simple, straightforward description of a special parent/child outing. A nice book for one-on-one sharing.Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OHCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: My Father's Hands | [
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26,739 | 18 | Diane Stanley is the author and illustrator of beloved books for young readers, including The Silver Bowl, which received three starred reviews, was named a best book of the year by Kirkus Reviews and Book Links Lasting Connections, and was an ALA Booklist Editors' Choice; The Cup and the Crown; Saving Sky, winner of the Arab American Museum's Arab American Book Award and a Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year; Bella at Midnight, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year and an ALA Booklist Editors' Choice; The Mysterious Case of the Allbright Academy; The Mysterious Matter of I. M. Fine; and A Time Apart. Well known as the author and illustrator of award-winning picture-book biographies, she is the recipient of the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children and the Washington Post-Children's Book Guild Nonfiction Award for her body of work.Ms. Stanley has also written and illustrated numerous picture books, including three creatively reimagined fairy tales: The Giant and the Beanstalk, Goldie and the Three Bears, and Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. dianestanleybooks.com.; Title: Charles Dickens: The Man Who Had Great Expectations | [
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26,740 | 18 | This ambitious sequel to the Maestros' The Discovery of the Americas begins with a revisionist summation of Christopher Columbus's famous feats: the explorer "was not the first to discover the Americas. But his voyages led to the European exploration of the New World." The book covers more than 130 years of exploration, presenting brief overviews of Magellan, Cortes, Pizarro, Hudson, Drake, Champlain et al. Betsy Maestro also discusses the effects of these incursions on native peoples; she touches upon the African slave trade, the decimation of the Aztec civilization and the general failure of Europeans to honor their agreements with Native Americans. While the writing is clear, the range of information may be too broad for the reader to absorb easily. Each topic receives only a paragraph or two, and important concepts are often reduced to a single sentence. More satisfying is the watercolor-and-pencil art, which vividly depicts the explorers and their exploits. Giulio Maestro captures the essence of his settings-the midnight blues of a nighttime sky at sea, the earthy yellows and browns of the American Southwest, the green, tiered mountains of Central America. Appendixes contain a table of dates; lists of explorers not mentioned in the text; useful summaries; and a list of Native American "contributions to the world." Ages 6-up. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 4-6-This companion to The Discovery of the Americas (Lothrop, 1991) provides an interesting discussion of the European exploration and conquest of the "New World." The author carefully explains that, "The great gain of one people was the great loss of another" and traces the disastrous effects that the Portuguese, Spanish, English, French, and Dutch had on the native peoples of the Americas, while acknowledging the benefits the Europeans enjoyed-gold, land, rich natural resources, and power. North, Central, and South America are discussed, as are the beginnings of the African slave trade. Detailed descriptions of the different native cultures are not provided-the focus is on European politics and rivalry-and there are no chapter divisions, which makes the information somewhat difficult to digest. Although the text is occasionally blunt and dry, this is still a good introduction to a complex topic from a multicultural perspective, beautifully illustrated with lush watercolor and colored-pencil drawings.Cyrisse Jaffee, formerly at Newton Public Schools, MACopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Exploration and Conquest: The Americas After Columbus: 1500-1620 | [
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26,741 | 15 | Jeannie Baker is the author-artist of a number of distinguished picture books. Window, the companion book to Home, was a School Library Journal Best Book, a Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, a Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year, a Young Australian Best Book, and was short-listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Her other books include Home in the Sky, an ALA Notable Book, and Where the Forest Meets the Sea, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book and the recipient of an IBBY Honor Award and a Friends of the Earth Award in Great Britain. Jeannie Baker makes her home in Sydney, Australia.; Title: Window | [
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26,742 | 5 | The classic story of Arthur's discovery of his noble birthright under Merlin the sorcerer's watchful eye receives some contemporary touches in this attractive volume. The author/illustrator of We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story presents young Arthur as unprepossessing, content to attend to his duties as his knighted brother's squire, dazzled when he is brought to London, reluctant to forsake his adoptive father for the throne of England. The illustrations encompass a range of styles--street scenes bustle; pictures of tournaments surge with energy; depictions of public assemblies suggest the anonymity of crowds. A bit less successfully, a few ethereal or studiously reverent illustrations herald the future glory of Arthur. On the whole, however, the drama in Arthur's feat of removing the famous sword from the stone on Christmas Day is not merely preserved but heightened. All ages. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 3-5-- The highlight of this adaptation of the coming of Arthur is the illustrations--vivid watercolors ranging from small vignettes to richly detailed double-page spreads. Costumes, armaments, and crowd scenes are especially eye-catching. Unfortunately, the text is less impressive. For some reason, Talbott strays from Malory's original from time to time, as when Arthur goes in search of a sword for his brother Kay, and later when Kay tries to claim Excalibur for his own. Instead of Kay's having left his sword behind and sending Arthur grumbling back to locked lodgings to look for it, here it is Arthur's error. Later, Kay yields the magic sword because he fails to return it to the stone, not, as Malory tells us, because he refuses to lie to his father under oath. Kay's basic honesty is here reduced to petulance--a minor point, but puzzling all the same. Acceptable because of the high quality of the art and the dearth of other versions for this age level, but otherwise not a first purchase. --Barbara Hutcheson, Greater Victoria Public Library, B.C., CanadaCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Tales of King Arthur: The Sword in the Stone (Books of Wonder) | [
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26,743 | 2 | Hines has a gift for depicting children in their natural habitats. This book, however, lacks the verve that some of her other books possess ( Daddy Makes the Best Spaghetti and Taste the Raindrops , among them). Big Like Me presents the positive side of being an older sibling; the narrator tells his new sister all the things he plans to teach her: about listening to stories, playing hide-and-seek and so on. On each page the siblings grow a little older, until the last page, which portrays a celebration of baby's first birthday. The illustrations are beautifully natural in the mood they convey: it's nice to see the mother nursing the baby, for example, and carrying her in a front pack. But the text is so rosy and uneventful that even the most enthusiastic older brother or sister is likely to be skeptical about such a future. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 2-- A book that's sure to be popular with those looking for a book to ease the introduction of a new sibling into the family. Whisper-soft pastel pencil drawings show the interactions between a newborn and her older brother throughout the baby's first year. The pictures are framed and labeled with the appropriate month. The backgrounds are kept simple to keep the emphasis on the two children. The story is told from the perspective of the older child as he relates, sometimes in verse, how he will show the little one everything: "I'll show you laps and taking naps." Hines keeps the vocabulary appropriately simple for a young child. As an illustrator, she has set herself the difficult task of showing the changing sizes and activities of a baby and young child month by month through the course of a year. The drawings are not static presentations, but show a range of movements from crawling to bouncing on Mom's knee. Some renderings are a bit off, but the whole is so enjoyable that they do not detract from the overall presentation. --Judith Gloyer, Milwaukee Public LibraryCopyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Big Like Me | [
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26,744 | 2 | From beneath the tickles, kisses, and unfettered affection showered on them by grownups, the children in Vera B. Williams' Caldecott Honor Book cry out for "more more more!" The stars of three little love stories--toddlers with nicknames like "Little Pumpkin"--run giggling until they are scooped up by adoring adults to be swung around, kissed, and finally tucked into bed. Quirky watercolor drawings and colorful text feature multiethnic families, and young readers will rejoice in seeing the center of all the attention: the wiggly, chubby, irresistible toddlers. (Baby to preschooler)The spontaneity and delight of play is captured perfectly in this trio of multigenerational, multiracial "love stories" about three pairs of babies and their grown-ups. Told in a natural, colloquial tone, the simple, engaging text is finely honed with a rhythm that is musical. The style is as buoyant and infectious as the actions described: "Little Guy's daddy has to run like anything just to catch that baby up." Williams carries the same basic framework and language through each story, generating the repetition that is so satisfying to very young listeners, while the stories and characters maintain their own distinctions. Just as she celebrates universality within the text, Williams presents diversity with characteristic flair within her illustrations. Little Guy and his father are white, Little Pumpkin is African-American and her grandmother is white, and Little Bird and her mother are both Asian-American. Natural and unforced, Williams' choices are an accurate reflection of American society, but are noteworthy in their representation in books for this age group. Uncluttered, yet filled with movement, the splashy, vibrant paintings in gouache feature vigorous portraits and large, clearly defined objects set against a textured expanse of sweeping brushstrokes. The text appears in rainbow-hued letters within the illustrations, adding to the appealing design. Although it is a fine vehicle for toddler storytimes, the real strength of this book lies in the intimacy achieved when it is shared one-on-one between babies and adults or older siblings. A joyous expression of verbal and physical affection, these are truly love stories for our times. More, more, more . . . --Starr LaTronica, North Berkeley Lib . , CACopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: More More More, Said the Baby | [
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26,745 | 2 | James Stevenson is a prolific author of picture books, poetry, and young adult novels. His work is read and loved by readers of all ages.; Title: What's Under My Bed? | [
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26,746 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2-- As a book encouraging self-respect among children despite physical differences, this is a commendable effort. Born without a left hand, Harry is, in the words of a schoolmate, "just a regular kid." He enjoys the same games, and his matter-of-fact responses to other children's questions soon satisfy their curiosity. He makes friends with a redheaded boy named Oscar, and when another classmate calls him "Carrothead," Harry jumps to his defense. In one of those quick social changes common among school children, the three boys become best friends. The emphasis is on the similiarity of the boys, and the portrayal of Harry carries a clear message that even people who are considered disabled can be capable and self-assured. The story is weakened, however, by a lack of tension that fails to make it emotionally involving. Caseley's cheerful and inviting full-color cartoons depict a multiracial suburban setting. An accessible, attractive, and positive character portrayal. --Danita Nichols, New York Public LibraryCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Judith Caseley says, "When I was a little girl, I fell in love with Abraham Lincoln. I was drawn to the kindness and melancholy I saw in his face. My sister Jean and I prayed to a framed portrait of him that hung on our bedroom wall. To this day, when I see Lincoln's likeness on the wall of a school auditorium, my heart lifts with gladness or my eyes fill with tears. I remember the fierce secrets we told him, the joys and sorrows that were for his ears only. It was a private act of communion, and we called him A. L."Judith Caseley is the author-artist of such favorite picture books as On the Town: A Community Adventure; Bully; Mama, Coming and Going; and Dear Annie. She lives on Long Island, New York, with her two children.; Title: Harry and Willy and Carrothead | [
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26,747 | 5 | In his latest story, Wisniewski ( The Warrior and the Wise Man ) dives into the history and myths of Iceland and emerges with an original saga, inspired by Viking lore, that explains the origins of the northern lights. Elfwyn, daughter of a Viking settler, is born blind due to a curse placed on her family by Gorm, a rival. Later, because she cannot see, Elfwyn is not drawn under the terrible thrall of Gorm's crystal, a spiteful gift whose visions fill Elfwyn's kinsmen with discontent. She alone is able to shatter it--sending its dust into the heavens, where it becomes the aurora borealis. Wisniewski's prose resonates with the majesty of legend, and his handsome, dramatic cut-paper illustrations add dimension to a splendid tale. Ages 6-9. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.A mesmerizing picture book for older readers, this story unfolds in a perfect blend of text and illustration. The Hidden Folk of frost and fire guide a Viking ship of settlers to a safe harbor, but deter a warrior ship from landing there. In anger, the warrior leader, Gorm the Grim, pronounces a curse on the peaceful Anlaf and his kin, causing Anlaf's daughter to be born blind. The child Elfwyn grows happily under the protection of the Hidden Folk, learning to use her other senses to make up for her blindness. In Trojan Horse fashion, Gorm presents Anlaf with a gift, a huge crystal in which all see a reflection of themselves in some unattainable position--younger, prettier, wealthier. The crystal causes discontent in all except Elfwyn, whose blindness makes her immune to its evil. When the others neglect their duties to continue gazing into the crystal, Elfwyn uses her pony to topple it. The splinters pursue her until she is rescued by the Hidden Folk, regaining her sight when the splinters crash into a boulder, thus ending the curse. This powerful story is based on elements of legend and history of the settlement of Iceland that are discussed in an extensive author's note at the end. Wisniewski's distinctive cut-paper illustrations are exquisitely rendered in rich and glowing colors. His portrayal of the people is especially compelling, with details of facial expression reflecting character and plot development. A truly original offering that will give back to today's children some of the mythic element that Joseph Campbell said we are missing. --Connie C. Rockman, The Ferguson Lib . , Stamford, CTCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Elfwyn's Saga | [
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26,748 | 12 | One of the most talked about figures in Jewish life this year may a kibbutznik named Chicken Man ......Edwards skills as a storyteller and illustrator are well showcased in this appealing glimpse into kibbutz life. --Moment Magazine; Title: Chicken Man | [
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26,749 | 0 | In what has to be the social upset of the season, an unsuspecting elephant receives a surprise invitation to the royal ball (thanks to a pair of prankster mice). Engelbert's arrival startles the stuffy courtiers, who nearly cause a stampede in their panic. But the queen is charmed by the pachyderm's courteous bow, and quickly puts a halt to the mad exit. Wearing one sneaker and one rollerskate, Engelbert turns out to be a veritable Fred Astaire, and is even chosen to squire the queen for the final dance. In the end, the party adjourns to the jungle, where the revelers dance until dawn. Popular folksinger Paxton has pulled out all the stops in this rollicking ballad, with its gentle reminder not to judge a book by its cover. Kellogg's characteristically droll touches depict Engelbert as a hero of magnanimous proportions--and one worth cheering for as well. Aspiring musicians may be disappointed to note that the music isn't included, so they could learn the tune and sing along. All ages. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Kellogg doesn't miss an opportunity to turn the verses of Paxton's ballad into sensitive buffoonery. Engelbert is invited to the Queen's Royal Ball. When he's presented, "the King and Queen were speechless/ (And I'm sure they're speechless now),/ Engelbert the Elephant/ Made a very lovely bow," with his large green-checkered backside predominating the page. The first half of the book is executed in muted pastel shades, largely in yellows and oranges with green and blue highlights. Readers will look for the multitude of carefully selected details in the jungle, the palace, and in the town. At dawn, the party follows Engelbert to the forest where Kellogg creates a mystical sunrise in pastel blues and greens with yellow highlights. "And the frolicking that followed/ Is still talked about today." Be sure to watch for the two mice who accompany Engelbert throughout his adventure. --Denise Krell, New York Public LibraryCopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Engelbert the Elephant | [
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26,750 | 11 | Byron Barton is the creator of many picture books for young children, including My Car, Building a House, and Little Red Hen.; Title: Building a House (Mulberry Books) | [
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26,751 | 0 | We've fallen in love with this book. We couldn't help it! The inimitable children's poet Jack Prelutsky and illustrator James Stevenson have won our hearts with such extravagant creatures as the Quossible ("its habits are impossible,/its temper is irascible,/its manners are not passable") and the Sneezysnoozer who sneezes "in a dozen sneezy sizes,/it sneezes little breezes/and it sneezes big surprises/and it sneezes teeny wheezes,/so it easily amuses,/when the Sneezysnoozer sneezes/as the Sneezysnoozer chooses." We can't resist the Sneepies who lie in a heap or the Smasheroo who "broke a batch of bottles/into bits as big as beans,/and shattered stacks of saucers/into scads of smithereens." Stevenson, who teamed up with Prelutsky for the magnificent The New Kid on the Block and other books, delightfully depicts these deliciously absurd creatures in comical, lively pen-and-ink drawings. A starred review in School Library Journal calls this book "exuberant," and Horn Book calls it "splendid." We call it a book that no child should have to live without. (All ages)"Exuberant." -- -- School Library Journal (starred review)"The catchy rhythms, humorous drawings, and deliciously alarming subjects make a splendid book." -- -- The Horn Book; Title: The Baby Uggs Are Hatching | [
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26,752 | 0 | The creators of the critically acclaimed The Dragons Are Singing Tonight and Monday's Troll are back with more breathtaking artwork, rib-tickling poetry, and a ghastly, gruesome cast of characters. Griffins, gargoyles, and goblins dance out of children's poet Jack Prelutsky's merry pen and two-time Caldecott Honor artist Peter Sis infuses life and elegance into this creepy crew with his soft-hued, finely crosshatched oil and gouache illustrations.While the monsters are malodorous and the vampires vile, Prelutsky captures a full range of (superhuman) emotions in his poetry: the troll is lonely, the mother gargoyle is tender, and the werewolf laments his lost youth. As always, the poet's meter is perfect--never a stumbling or forced line--and children will revel in the playful rhythms of poems like "Gremlins":Very young children may be scared by the monsters and their unveiled threats to chase, devour, and pounce on their victims. But kids old enough to know a fake monster from a real one will adore this funny, gorgeous collection by two masterful artists. (Click to see a sample spread. Text copyright 1999 by Jack Prelutsky. Illustrations copyright 1999 by Peter Sis. Permission of Greenwillow Books.) (Ages 6 to 10) --Karin SnelsonPrelutsky and S!s (The Dragons Are Singing Tonight; Monday's Troll) are at it again, concocting another spine-tingling brew of humorous verse and witty illustrations toasting gruesome ghouls. Celebrating gremlins, griffins and basilisks as well as more garden-variety monsters, Prelutsky's poems are filled with nimble word-play and shameless puns (quips a formerly lonely troll newly equipped with a telephone, "Feel free to call me, night or day/ .../ I've got a troll-free number"). Whether reciting the laments of an aging werewolf or observing a vampire's daily grooming habits ("When I look into the mirror,/ My reflection's never there./ So I always stare at nothing/ As I shave and comb my hair"), his rhymes never fail to amuse. S!s's ethereal oil and gouache illustrations, with their elegantly designed borders and finely cross-hatched detail, play up the inherent humor while bringing a touch of sophistication to the silliness, and he ties the pages together visually with an antique-like ochre frame around each scene. This is another winner from a pair of seasoned collaborators, and fans can only hope they keep them coming. Ages 6-up. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Gargoyle on the Roof | [
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26,753 | 0 | No one believes Frances when she insists there is a witch living in the basement, but the frightened girl knows she is there, with her wickedly pointed nose and claw-like fingers that reach menacingly through the basement stairs. Frances tries everything--spells and potions, disguises and bribes--to try to drive the nasty creature away, but nothing works. When her favorite stuffed animal falls through the stairs into the basement, Frances must go down into the dreaded darkness to find it. Youngsters will be highly amused at the way she prepares to meet her tormenter. And whether or not they identify with the heroine's fears, all will breathe a sigh of relief at what she doesn't find under the stairs. Smith's ( Noly Poly Rabbit Tail and Me ) finely detailed illustrations brim with humor, and her text is droll and direct. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Frances knows that a slit-eyed, grasping witch lives under the basement stairs, and that if her uncomprehending family keeps sending her down there, one day she might not return. Frances has tried spells, brews--everything she can think of--but nothing drives the witch away. Only when her stuffed toy, Ellie, falls through the stairs does Frances have the courage to face her fear. The effective text pattern of stating the witch-banishing attempts followed by brief reasons for their failure is made even funnier by the illustrations and added comments of the watchful hag. Rosy cheeks, dot eyes, and dotted-ink outlines give a doll-like look to the simple figures, but pictures are busy with color, household items, and fabric patterns. Ink crosshatching adds texture. Busyness is balanced by varying illustration size and setting some against ample white backgrounds. The double-page actions of Frances preparing to defend Ellie are guided by looping arrows and culminate in a full-page ferocious Frances, armed for battle in a collander helmet. The theme of overcoming fearful creatures is not new, although most youngsters' fears "go bump in the night." There is a satisfying finality to the story; this witch is just plain gone. Fun for groups and early readers. --Jane Saliers, Atlanta-Fulton Public LibraryCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: There's a Witch Under the Stairs | [
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26,754 | 5 | Mayer (The Unicorn and the Lake) again demonstrates her talent for spinning elegant fairy tales in understated, dramatic prose. The story of Turandot, the cold-hearted princess who challenges her suitors with a life-or-death game of three riddles, unfolds as both a mystery and a love story. Readers will be perplexed and then compelled by the power of her beauty, asking, as Prince Calaf does, "What sort of creature is this Princess Turandot that suitors gladly go to their death for her?" Pels's (Beauty and the Beast) moody, oil-and-pencil illustrations have a still, posed quality; certain images seem composed as if for the stage, echoing the famous opera. Her ice-gray palette slowly gives way to warm reds and oranges as Turandot falls in love with Calaf; the final scene shows a triumphant wedding procession. An author's note references the many versions of Turandot, including the original Persian as well as a variation from the Brothers Grimm. All ages. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 4-7?The beautiful but coldhearted Princess Turandot decrees that in order to win her, suitors must answer three riddles or be executed. A Persian prince, Calaf, smitten after one look at the young woman, determines to try his luck. Though he answers her riddles correctly, she still refuses to marry him. Because he adores her, he offers her a way out. If she can guess his name, he will leave Peking. This story was introduced by the Venetian playwright Carlo Gozzi (1720-1806), whose dramatized fairy tales were enormously popular during his lifetime. His version, said to be drawn from a tale he found in The Arabian Nights, widely impressed European romantics. Several composers have based operas on the story, notably Giacomo Puccini. Mayer's retelling follows the general outlines of his version. She softens Puccini's tragic libretto by leaving out his most notable addition to the tale: the cruel death of Calaf's loyal slave girl. A source note outlines the story's history. The illustrations, suffused with 1920s decadence, are also informed by Puccini's conception. Still tableaux, featuring many closeups of Turandot as a vamp draped in pearls and cuddling a tiger, stage the story on an icebound landscape. Since the text is not faithful to Puccini's problematic libretto, it will not be much help to those wishing to introduce his opera. Readers are left with a sentimental, improbable love story, slickly illustrated, that reflects the popular image of China at the turn of the century?a distant, exotic place populated by barbarous people.?Margaret A. Chang, North Adams State College, Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Turandot | [
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26,755 | 2 | Horace is adopted. He is also spotted, and he is loved and cared for by his new mother and father--who are striped. But, as is frequently the case with adopted children who are "different" ("My spots are silly. . . and I'm all the wrong colors"), Horace feels the need to search out his roots. And although he does find a brood that resembles him physically, it is not a family that truly loves him. Once again, Keller ( Goodbye, Max ; Henry's Happy Birthday ) deals with a sensitive subject in a way that is perceptive but not sentimental. Her text is suitably straightforward: "We liked your spots, and we wanted you to be our child," says Mama in her customary bedtime story. The bright, boldly colored illustrations feature a lively animal cast and numerous amusing details, such as cat's-paw slippers beside Horace's bed. Youngsters will love Horace as they absorb his subtle message; even parents may find a small lump in their throats. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2-- An adoption fable that has attractive, simple drawings in pen and watercolor; humor; and a graceful incorporation of several complex themes. Leopard-spotted Horace has tiger-striped parents, and he experiences the normal feelings of adopted children who do not look like their parents. Once or twice he wishes for different parents, and he has trouble accepting his looks. He decides to find a family where he belongs, and runs off to the park. There Horace makes friends with a kind family who look just like him, and who invite him to come with them. He realizes he wants to return to his own home and his own parents. Adults should be prepared to explain the part of the story in which Horace is told that he "lost" his first family, a word open to interpretation by preschoolers. Most adoption stories for young children use photos or drawings in a documentary or didactic way. Keller's use of appealing animal characters in a fictional tale is a welcome approach. --Anna Biagioni Hart, Sherwood Regional Library, Alexandria, VACopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Horace | [
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26,756 | 2 | In her latest work, Caldecott Honor artist Williams ( "More, More, More," Said the Baby ; A Chair for My Mother ) strings together a series of short vignettes to form a bouncy novel about a girl's adjustment to her parents' divorce. Elana Rose Rosen and her mother relocate to an apartment in a big city housing project where "Lanny" spends the summer making friends and practicing her favorite scooter tricks. She meets a virtual smorgasbord of kids and kindly neighbors and forms a special attachment to a boy named Petey who doesn't speak. Elana blossoms in her new environment with only a minimum number of tantrums or sad thoughts about her now-fractured family. The end-of-summer--and end-of-novel--Borough-Wide Field Day provides occasion for all the characters to let their talents shine. Though the era in which Lanny's adventures take place is never specified, numerous details suggest a setting of a few decades ago; happily, the story's universal themes and situations never seem dated. Feisty Elana's forthright voice supercharges the first-person narrative. Inventive hand-lettered acrostics open each chapter of this oversize novel, and a smattering of recipes and black-and-white spot illustrations lend an air of childlike authenticity to the account. Williams announces her versatility with this satisfying project. Ages 8-up. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 4-6. Elana Rose Rosen has just moved to an apartment in the city, and, on her scooter, she is excitedly exploring everything she can. New friends, old friends, a winning field day, and her relationship with young Petey (a boy who does not speak) fill her days as she fills sheet after sheet of paper with drawings, acrostics, and sayings. Illustrated with Elana's artwork and notes, this is a visually interesting book. The story is easygoing (Elana's one serious temper tantrum has the ring of truth) and brimming with the everyday details of urban family life--although there appears to be neither litter nor gangs on "these mean streets." The only real source of tension lies in what will happen to Petey, who has a sick mother and an ill-tempered father. Unfortunately, that's never directly addressed. Janice Del Negro; Title: Scooter | [
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26,757 | 0 | "If you don't believe in dragons, / It is curiously true / That the dragons you disparage / Choose to not to believe in you," matter-of-factly claims America's premiere children's poet Jack Prelutsky. Dragons aren't all the same, of course--some are amiable, some are disconsolate, and some are downright nasty. Here Prelutsky, who has written over 30 books of poetry for children, turns his considerable talents to the subject of dragons--a secret dragon, a thunder dragon, a mechanical dragon, even a lazy dragon who likes to sleep all day. The 17 poems range from the whimsical to the scary, but all reflect Prelutsky's incomparable flair for rhythm and humor. The fabulous fire-breathers are illustrated in all their irresistible splendor by award-winning artist Peter Sis. The sophisticated style of his large oil paintings is complemented by his trademark borders in antique gold, giving the pages an Old World look. If you don't believe in dragons then you need this book, because the magical combination of art and poetry will make you and your kids believers. If you listen closely, you might even hear the dragons singing tonight: "We are dragons! We are real!" Text 1993 by Jack Prelutsky. Illustrations 1993 by Peter Sis. Permission by Greenwillow Books.) (Ages 5 to 9) --Marcie BovetzPrelutsky ( Tyrannosaurus Was a Beast ) and Sis ( An Ocean World ; Komodo! ) outdo themselves with this fanciful series of poems about dragons. Prelutsky wrings a range of surprising verse from a seemingly limited theme. Stock images get a face-lift: in "A Dragon's Lament," for example, the narrator declares, "I'm tired of being a dragon, / Ferocious and brimming with flame, / The cause of unspeakable terror / When anyone mentions my name." An unerring sense for rhythm lends punch to the light verse, while more atmospheric selections, like the title poem, conjure up a fantasy world, where dragons come out of their lairs and "sing of their exploits of old / Of maidens and knights, and of fiery fights / And guarding vast caches of gold." Sis adds a new depth to Prelutsky's poetry. The artist's trademark antique gold borders enclose dramatically colored full-spread oil and gouache paintings. Old-fashioned imagery collides happily with whimsy: a Tenniel-style girl "walks" her leashed dragons, which soar in the air like kites; an ailing scaly dragon, reclining in its fairy-tale-like stone house, sips from tanks of gasoline; a goggle-wearing pilot in an open-air cockpit steers a mechanical dragon made from charmingly low-tech components (an umbrella serves as propellor). An enchanted pairing. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Dragons Are Singing Tonight | [
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26,758 | 2 | Helen V. Griffith is the author of many award-winning books for children, including the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book Georgia Music, illustrated by James Stevenson, and the ALA Notable Books Grandaddy and Janetta, Grandaddys Place, and Grandaddys Stars (all illustrated by James Stevenson). Helen Griffith lives in Wilmington, Delaware.; Title: Georgia Music | [
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26,759 | 1 | A family's tour of the zoo provides a rich vehicle for Ormerod's precise, delicate art. Her animals are intricately drawn and alluring without being "cute," and the borders and boxes with which she divides her spreads create the subtle illusion that, along with the family in the story, readers are looking into cages or fish tanks, through fences or across a moat. Ormerod ( The Frog Prince ; Sunshine ) is a keen observer of fine, telling detail. By focusing on a pelican's yawn, or picking out, amidst the pageant of showy zoo animals, a pair of sparrows building their nest, she helps draw attention to small but significant moments that are worthy of celebration but might easily go unnoticed. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2-- A young boy and girl recount the sights they see during a visit to the zoo. The excitement of watching the sea lions being fed, of touching a boa constrictor, and of riding a camel is surpassed when the children and their father spy a sparrow flying to its hidden nest near the zoo exit. Once again, Ormerod has taken a common childhood experience and turned it into a celebration. Her text is a straightforward listing of the children's activities, loosely rhymed on occasion. As usual, it's her illustrations that lift the book above the ordinary. Colorful line-and-wash pictures show the animals with realism and dignity; they are striking and appealing figures without being presented as either majestic or adorable. Ormerod's familiar panel layout is especially effective here. Readers are able to view a central scene while observing the animals' movements or seeing what is happening around the main activity. This is a visual delight and a true animal appreciation book. Those looking for information about zoos for this age level should consider Gail Gibbons's Zoo (Crowell, 1987) or Judith Rinard's What Happens at the Zoo (National Geographic, 1984; o.p.). --Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WICopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: When We Went to the Zoo | [
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26,760 | 5 | In Jewish folklore, the town of Chelm is where the foolish folk live. In this engaging picture book, Mendel is the bumbling yet lovable caretaker of the Chelm synagogue. On the first day of Hanukkah, the rabbi tells Mendel to place the menorah on a table by the window so everyone can enjoy its warm glow. Poor Mendel! He takes the menorah off the table in the storage closet and then embarks with his smart-alecky cat on an elaborate, all-day, fumbling, slapstick search... for a table. ("How many Chelmites does it take to move a table?" asks his cat. "One to hold the table and ten to move the earth.") By nightfall, Mendel accidentally stumbles on the original table from the storage closet, and the menorah candles can shine through the synagogue window after all. David Adler's original tale has all the elements of a traditional folk story, and clever jokes abound in the full-page pen and watercolor illustrations by Kevin O'Malley. Families have been laughing together for hundreds of years over the funny foibles of the Chelmites, and this slightly irreverent holiday book enthusiastically embraces that tradition. (Click to see a sample spread. Text 1997 by David A. Adler. Illustrations 1997 by Kevin O'Malley. Permission by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, Morrow.) (Ages 5 to 9) --Marcie BovetzGrade 1-4. This rollicking tale stars Mendel, the good-hearted, hard-working, but foolish caretaker of the temple. It is the first night of Chanukah, and Rabbi Nachman asks Mendel to put the menorah on a table by the window. In the closet, the caretaker looks over, under, and around the table, but still doesn't see it. His quest continues with good-natured silliness and a happy ending. Broad humor shines through in both the wry text and visual gags, pushing the traditional foolishness of Chelm further into farce. Dialogue balloons allow the characters to comment on the proceedings. A box is labeled "Imported Air," a bucket says "Cantor's Decanter," and a sign on the carpenter's workshop reads "Tables Are Us." O'Malley's oil wash on pen-and-ink illustrations, filled with amusing figures, rich colors, and beautiful scenery, portray a Chelm that is just the right combination of humor and tradition.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Chanukah in Chelm | [
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26,761 | 1 | On a walk through the sunny countryside, nine endearing ducks realize they are being spied on by a hungry fox. One by one they peel off from the flock, luring their not-so-wily pursuer ever closer to a rickety bridge until, in a triumphant ending, Mr. Fox gets his just deserts. Two subordinate story lines, consisting of the ducks' own silly comments and the presence of a small frog, provide additional fodder for giggles. Little ones should also appreciate the repetitive rhymes as the brood dwindles--"Six ducks six did balancing tricks," "Two ducks two had things to do." Hayes's pastoral watercolors dovetail neatly with the lighthearted mood of this merry counting book. Ages 3-6. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-- An original story that reads like a fingerplay."Nine ducks nine walked out in line./ Mr. Fox was watching./One duck ran away,/ down to the rickety bridge." On each double-page spread, there is one less duck, the fox gets closer, and the bridge becomes more crowded. Finally, Mr. Fox pounces, the bridge breaks, and he falls into the river, after which he "went home to his den and never chased those ducks again." Hayes' slightly overfull watercolor and ink illustrations are endearing. Eight of the nine ducks are white; the yellow-and-black speckled one that resembles a large duckling is, of course, the last to go. On each page, speech balloons allow the ducks to comment, ("Foxes are silly," "He can't see me," "He's coming," "I'm hungry," "I'm off!"). The fox isbig, scruffy, and klutzy--menacing without looking actually dangerous. The text does not flow smoothly, since only one line per page rhymes. The art and story line are, nonetheless, appealing and will be enjoyed by preschoolers. --JoAnn Rees, Sunnyvale Pub . Lib . , CACopyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Nine Ducks Nine | [
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26,762 | 2 | With evocative prose, Chall conjures up in her debut book the magic of idyllic childhood summers. Her creative use of language brings to life local flora and fauna as viewed through the eyes of a sensitive, enthusiastic city girl--a moose stands "like a house on stilts," cabins are built with logs like "shiny pretzels." In unaffected vignettes (the book has no real story line) the young vacationer baits her fishing hook with peanut butter sandwiches, canoes "through the wilderness" and embraces the thrill of water skiing. Johnson's ( The Frog Prince , Continued ; The Salamander Room ) textured oil paintings, daubed with bold brushstrokes, produce a breadth of vision that evokes universal experience. The artwork's smudged effect suggests the haziness of memory in conjunction with sun-dappled days and atmospherically conveys family quiet times, the mysteries deep within cool woods and the invigoration of outdoor sports. This gratifying warm-weather book will surely be savored again when "frosted windows cloud the sun." Ages 5-up. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-4--Chall offers readers a trip to the north woods through her carefully chosen words and Johnson's lush paintings. A young girl anticipates her arrival at the beloved cabin, experiences nature's wonders while there, and returns home with her fond memories until the next summer. Each segment of the child's narrative prose poem is accompanied by wonderful, evocative, full-page oil paintings of the family enjoying the lake and the surrounding wood. Up North at the Cabin is to Minnesota what McCloskey's Time of Wonder (Viking, 1957) is to Maine. To read it is to feel the summer breezes--whatever your location, whatever the time of year.-Kathleen Whalin, Belfast Public Library, MECopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Up North at the Cabin | [
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26,763 | 14 | Not as impressive as much of Gibbons's previous work, this curiously flat portrait centers on holiday preparations on a small island (ostensibly in Maine). Frequent use of the passive voice ("Boxes of ornaments have been pulled out from storage") and the namelessness of the characters ("In a cozy house someone clicks knitting needles together as a mitten takes shape") make for an impersonal, sometimes stiff account. But as her text and perky artwork show how the islanders decorate their homes and boats, select a tree for the school and church, etc., Gibbons successfully imparts this community's earnest sharing and caring. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 4-6. As warm as a holiday greeting card, this seasonal offering introduces the intriguing particulars of island life as they are manifest at Christmas time. Gibbons, who lives part-time on an island off the Maine coast, depicts the ways in which a homogeneous group of islanders, who have "no grand public event to give the feeling of Christmas," draw together and create their own festive occasion. Gibbons' artwork, bright with primary colors, shows vignettes of preparation and celebration, and her signature style has been softened somewhat (the art in her nonfiction is often more formal) to match the more casual flavor of the text. Stephanie Zvirin; Title: Christmas on an Island | [
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26,764 | 15 | Seymour Simon has been called "the dean of the [children's science book] field" by the New York Times. He has written more than 250 books for young readers and has received the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting contribution to children's science literature, the Science Books & Films Key Award for Excellence in Science Books, the Empire State Award for excellence in literature for young people, and the Educational Paperback Association Jeremiah Ludington Award. He and his wife, Liz, live in Great Neck, New York. You can visit him online at www.seymoursimon.com, where you can read "Seymour Science Blog" and download a free four-page teacher guide to accompany this book, putting it in context with Common Core objectives. Many of Seymour's award-winning books are also available as ebooks.; Title: Uranus | [
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26,765 | 13 | PreSchool-Grade 1. Engelbert the elephant is back for a big-top adventure. Upon receiving an invitation from Cousin Edgar, he leaves the jungle to visit America. Edgar works in a circus that employs music-playing animals, clowns, and a trapeze artist. When Engelbert arrives, he accidentally ends up in the main-event arena. His impromptu dancing and juggling steal the show, and he becomes the darling of the circus. The elephant agrees to stay and perform, for "an extra week or so" but finally must go home, with a promise that he will return. The story is told in rhyme, with meter that is occasionally forced, but reads aloud well. The egg-tempera illustrations are vibrant and fit the circus atmosphere. Children will enjoy looking for Engelbert's companion mice and their antics. Although neither text nor illustrations are as exuberant as in Engelbert the Elephant (Morrow, 1990), fans of the dancing pachyderm will want to read this happy tale.?Angela J. Reynolds, West Slope Community Library, Washington Co., ORCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 4^-7. Engelbert, who left the jungle to attend the queen's ball in Engelbert the Elephant (1990), now skips forward a century or two and boards a ship bound for America, where he hopes to visit Cousin Edgar's circus. He finds the circus, but Edgar is elusive until Engelbert bumbles into the big top and enchants the audience with his dancing and juggling. Told in rhyming verse with a surefooted sense of meter, the story will please Engelbert's fans, and so will the expressive, colorful illustrations, once the adjustment is made from Steven Kellogg's riotous fantasies in the first book to Wilson's more controlled style. A pleasant addition to the growing collection of picture books with circus settings. Carolyn Phelan; Title: Engelbert Joins the Circus | [
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26,766 | 0 | "Gammell's illustrations provide a treat for the eye."--" ALA Booklist"An ode to noncomformity, both touching and humorous."--" Horn BookStephen Gammell is the illustrator of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, and Scary Stories 3, as well as many other books. He won the Caldecott Medal for Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman. He also earned Caldecott Honors for Where the Buffaloes Begin by Olaf Baker and The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant.; Title: Old Henry | [
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26,767 | 0 | Bundled up in thick overcoats and scarves, two Jewish boys set off on a long journey to Palestine, hoping to leave behind the persecution of their Russian homeland. Levine's uplifting story--which reads like a folktale--is an admirable blend of religion and history that juxtaposes the tribulations of Benjamin and Moses with a retelling of the Hanukkah story. And just as the Jewish people experienced a miracle with their holy lamp, so too do these boys. Their small, battered lantern, given to them by their mother, keeps on burning, providing them with heat, light and hope. Ransome's richly textured oil paintings, though occasionally less than successful in depicting facial expressions, capture the underlying sadness while illuminating the story's themes of strong brotherly love and enduring faith. An interesting touch is his technique of layering his artwork, inserting a smaller illustration in the foreground to emphasize a particular textual detail. The result is a splendid book for Hanukkah and everyday, where the gentle message leaps out from the boys' shining faces and the homey simplicity of the text. Ages 5-up. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Based on the experiences of his grandfather and great-uncle's escape from Russia in 1914, Levine's story of two courageous boys should appeal to children. It is almost Hanukkah when brothers Moses and Benjamin flee the pogroms in their small village for Palestine, where their older brother lives. They travel by cart, train, and finally ship, through a number of trials and dangers. Along the way their spirits are sustained by telling the story of Hanukkah to each other, and by their grandmother's lamp. Given to them by their mother with only enough oil to last for a single night, it recreates the Hanukkah miracle by providing enough light for the entire journey. When the captain of the ship on which they are to sail claims they have only enough money for one ticket, they pay for the second ticket with the lamp. The boys mourn its loss, but then realize that they have All the Lights in the Night. Ransome's oil paintings capture the drama of the journey, especially the boys' encounters with the train conductor and the sea captain. They also show the warm relationship between the brothers. Good to read aloud, the story should prove popular for intergenerational sharing, especially in families in which grandparents or great-grandparents emigrated at a young age. --Susan Giffard, Englewood Public Library, NJCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: All the Lights in the Night | [
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26,768 | 11 | Grade 3 UpAThis informative picture book is a handsomely illustrated overview of Africa's ancient empires. From thousands of years ago when the Sahara was green and fertile, to the peak of the African slave trade in the late 1700's, many cultures flourished. Readers learn that Egypt was once ruled by the Kushites, whose kings were shown in temple and tomb depictions as black pharaohs. European explorers and exploiters ignored the continent's past in their preoccupation with treasure. The slaves who survived the brutal journey of the Middle Passage brought with them their rich oral history and traditions, eventually blending elements of their cultures with those of the New World in North, Central, and South America. There is just enough information in the text to leave children curious to learn more about these ancient empires, and the extensive bibliography points to more detailed sources. Cooper's understated paintings in muted colors effectively convey a feeling of strength and power. His oil wash on boards technique gives a textured antique appearance to the beautiful double-page spreads. A stunning introduction to African history.AEunice Weech, M. L. King Elementary School, Urbana, ILCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 3^-7. Although books about ancient Egypt generally are available in abundance, titles dealing with other African civilizations have been much more difficult to find. In this handsomely designed picture book for older readers, the authors begin with Nubia around the year 3800 B.C. and continue surveying the cultures (including Egyptian) in chronological order, covering 11 in all. Separate sections on music and dance, the spread of Islam, slavery, trade with Europeans, and art and religion are also included, along with milestones and a bibliography. The oil-and-wash paintings, which reflect Cooper's exceptional ability to capture people's faces, portray the varied cultures with dignity and spirit. Both the authors and the artist have done their research, but as Haskins notes in the introduction, the book is "only a glimpse." It is a place to begin. Susan Dove Lempke; Title: African Beginnings | [
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26,769 | 11 | Set in generously sized type, a succinct text shapes a sequence of events into a slice of farm life. Tafuri's ( Have You Seen My Duckling? ) large-scale, elegant illustrations dominate the double-page spreads, with figures often overflowing the pictures' colored borders. The story starts out with the farmer, "who kisses his wife / who pats the dog / that scratches a flea / that lands on a cat" and so on, until the conclusion, in which the farmer milks the cow and sends a squirt of milk into the waiting cat's mouth. Rendered in watercolor and ink, the artwork is pleasingly detailed: geese waddle through the barnyard, three kittens examine a ladybug and a brown mouse can be found scampering or hiding on all but the first three spreads. Ages 2-up. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-K-Tafuri has created yet another exceptional book for young children. Simple in concept, the circular story begins with the declaration that "This is the farmer," showing the man putting on his rubber boots and readying himself for some serious work. The chain of events proceeds quietly at first, but gains momentum as the cat spots the mouse. Eventually the mayhem concludes with the donkey's kick, which opens the gate that the farmer-ignorant of the goings-on-walks through. The mouse, once introduced, is hidden on each of the remaining pages, cleverly enough to engage youngsters in the search. Evoking a similar mood to Tafuri's Early Morning in the Barn (Greenwillow, 1983), the well-defined, watercolor-and-ink double-spread illustrations are once again of the highest quality. The brief story is rhythmic, predictable, and printed in extra-large type. The fine artwork, appealing subject matter, readable text, and large format make This Is the Farmer a hot candidate for story times.Lee Bock, Brown County Public Libraries, Green Bay, WICopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: This Is the Farmer | [
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26,770 | 18 | Grade 6 Up-Seldom has the plight of the African natives who were sent into slavery in the New World been more clearly and effectively presented. This combination of clear text and judicious use of primary-source material makes crystalline the inhumanity and commercialism that kept the trade in slaves alive for 350 years. Eighteen brief chapters illustrated with period and contemporary art cover the history of slavery in general; European and African society in 1492, when Columbus's contact with the New World precipitated the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade; the mechanics of the slave trade from capture to delivery; conditions on slave ships; mutinies; and what slaves could expect at the end of their journey. The volume includes a time line, a list for further reading divided between works for adults and for young people, and a sound index. Cooper's oil-and-wash paintings are exceptional, their impact resulting largely from the artist's ability to capture the suffering and stoicism of his subjects. Following on the heels of Haskins's and Benson's African Beginnings (Lothrop, 1998), this volume successfully continues the exploration of the history of people of African descent. Narrower in scope than Milton Meltzer's The Black Americans (HarperCollins, 1987) and Julius Lester's To Be a Slave (Dial, 1968), it shares their predilection for primary-source narrative. An excellent companion to Paula Fox's The Slave Dancer (Dell, 1975), this book will provide ample opportunity for thought and discussion.Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 6 Up-This engrossing and detailed account of the Middle Passage evokes powerful images through full-page oil paintings, riveting reproductions, and maps. A moving story told with authority and sensitivity. (Jan.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Bound for America: The Forced Migration of Africans to the New World | [
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26,771 | 2 | According to PW , "Smiles and giggles from the nursery crowd are virtually gauranteed by the quick, silly rhymes. Lively, imaginative additions to the paintings increase the appeal of an exceptional picture book." Ages 4-8. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc."Tailor-made for the youngest picture-book audience."--"Booklist"An exceptional picture book."--"Publishers Weekly"The full-page pictures are perhaps the artist's finest work so far."--"Horn Book"The utterly simple text is matched by the exquisitely simple illustrations. A good addition to the picture-book shelf for the very youngest of readers, with a comforting approach to the problem of bad dreams thrown in for good measure."--"School Library Journal; Title: Across the Stream | [
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26,772 | 0 | Bartone deftly vivifies a slice of American history--and the immigrant experience--in this touching story of a boy's quest to win his sick father's respect. In New York City's Little Italy at the turn of the century, Peppe must support his eight sisters and cantankerous father. His job as lamplighter takes on mythic proportions as he brings light to the streets--"a small flame of promise for the future"--and eventually drives away the doubts that darken his father's heart. With its evocative descriptions of an earlier era, Bartone's thoughtful, fluid text, while uniquely personal, is universal in scope. Lewin's dramatically rendered watercolors, their grim realism shot through with lamplight, perfectly suit the mood. These detailed street scenes, with their honest faces and authentic period garb, exhibit a cinematic sweep that proves quite remarkable. (Interior scenes, rich in the play of light and shadow, are equally striking.) The story ends on a sentimental note, but the earnest paintings keep it from seeming trite. Ages 6-up. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 2-5-- Peppe, a young immigrant, lives in a tenement in Little Italy in the early 1900s. His mother is dead, his father is ill, and the boy must help support his eight sisters. The street lamplighter offers him a temporary job, and Peppe accepts with pride and excitement. His father disapproves, but the girls encourage him. Peppe imagines each light to be "a small flame of promise for the future" and makes a wish for those he loves at each lamp. His father's continued disapproval discourages him and makes him so ashamed that one night he gives up. This night, his youngest sister does not come home because she is afraid of the dark. Peppe's father then pleads with him to light the lamps, admitting it is an important job. This is a pleasant story about a boy's aspirations and the values that shape character. The brilliant color illustrations are perfect in capturing the flavor of the neighborhood. They give a strong sense of time and place. The play of light from the streetlamps and kerosene lamps is especially striking, and the composition of each page is so embracing that readers will feel taken in, whether it is an interior scene or a sweeping streetscape. A solid, refreshing selection that can stand on its own, but would be great to use with immigrant studies. --Barbara Peklo Abrahams, Oneida City Schools, Manlius, NYCopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Peppe the Lamplighter | [
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26,773 | 4 | PreSchool-K?An unusual introduction to the modern workhorse. No glossy photographs or precise drawings here; this tractor is depicted in warm earth tones and fuzzy lines as it goes about its work on a small farm in the Midwest. The straightforward, minimal text describes how the farmer uses the tractor and its attachments to prepare the soil, plant seeds, harvest corn, and haul it to market. The double-page illustrations, done in pastels, pen, and black ink, evoke the vastness of that rich land. A multitude of tiny black dots give the pictures a hazy look of a time when farming was simpler. The machine is seen from all angles and perspectives?even from a bird's-eye view. (But be aware that sharp-eyed youngsters may want to know what happened to its exhaust pipe in the final picture). Children will also find other aspects of rural life here?the changes in the seasons, a pair of robins rearing their young, a faithful dog following the farmer everywhere, and a young boy's delight in nature. A helpful illustrated glossary shows the various pieces of equipment in greater detail. The large illustrations and simple text make this title ideal for story time, as well as for sharing as a lap book. Those who want to know more on the subject may be ready for the more detailed presentation in Claire Llewellyn's Tractors (Dorling Kindersley, 1995).?Virginia Golodetz, St. Michael's College, Winooski, VTCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 4^-6. The cover shows a tractor hauling a load of corn in from the field, the final task of the day for the tractor. The machine isn't a high-tech model, but this isn't a book about factory farming. The various tractor tasks are often set against wide background vistas that also show what animals are doing while the tractor does its work--robins are feeding their young, a barn cat is caring for her kittens. Earthy browns and varieties of green dominate the color scheme, helping to characterize the farm as a place set apart. Mary Harris Veeder; Title: Tractor | [
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26,774 | 1 | Kindergarten-Grade 4. A stouthearted miller's son who was abandoned at birth is raised by a devoted she-bear and fulfills his destiny by marrying the princess. Elegant, bordered paintings mix fairy-tale romance with modern-day wit. Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.Howard Pyle (1853-1911) was a celebrated artist, author, and teacher -- and a primary figure in the history of children's literature. Not only did he guide and inspire such artistic talents as N. C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, and Jessie Willcox Smith, but he was also a master storyteller in his own right. The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, Pepper & Salt, and The Wonder Clock are among the many stories and folktales that he wrote and illustrated.; Title: Bearskin (Books of Wonder) | [
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26,775 | 11 | Stock ( Armien's Fishing Trip ) returns to Africa in her latest work, which follows a girl on her trek to a small village school near the Limpopo River in Zimbabwe. Her full-spread watercolors, highlighting the variegated browns and greens of the African veld, beautifully depict the country's diverse land formations, vegetation and animal population. Her narrative, too, paints a picture: "The calls of the woodland kingfishers tremble through the air as Manyoni crosses the fever tree pan . . . and enters the shady kloof where the shy impala feed." Action is minimal--the text is more vignette than story--allowing the reader to concentrate on the sumptuous landscapes. Stock concludes with a glossary, a picture dictionary of the various animals that appear in the illustrations and a brief note about how she set about painting them. The endpapers, notes Stock, contain copies of cave paintings "made by indigenous people . . . thousands of years ago. The land and its inhabitants probably appeared very much to them as it did to me." Ages 4-8. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3-In text and illustrations, Stock tells the story of a child's long walk to school in rural Zimbabwe. She begins her journey in the family's outdoor kitchen and, along her way, passes a giant baobab tree, the dry bed of the Limpopo River, a bushpig foraging among the fig trees, baboons near the malala palms, the woodland kingfishers, the kloof (ravine), the koppies (boulders), the krantz (cliffs) above the dam, and the plains that lead to the village where her school is located. The book concludes with a much-needed glossary of unfamiliar geographical words and a picture list of the animals featured in the text. While the watercolor illustrations are certainly accurate and quite lovely, there is no story to speak of- only a chronicle of the girl's lengthy trek. The expansive double-page spreads provide plenty of opportunities for youngsters to search for Manyoni and to identify a rich array of wildlife. While the narrative is not as strong as the artwork, youngsters will enjoy this glimpse at a universal experience in another part of the world.Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Siena College Library, Loudonville, NYCopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Where Are You Going, Manyoni? | [
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26,776 | 2 | The silent world of a deaf child brims with imagined sounds and intriguing observations. As Mandy and her grandmother pass an afternoon baking cookies, looking at family photos and taking a walk, the girl wonders at all the sounds she cannot hear: the rustling of tree branches, cookie dough dropping onto baking sheets. With such intricate, poignant details, Booth--in her debut--illuminates Mandy's world and gently refocuses the reader's visual and aural perceptions. Far less subtle are the predictable events that unfold when Mandy's grandmother loses her cherished pin outdoors just as a storm threatens. Mandy's appeal as an engaging, inquisitive child needs no reinforcement from a cliched tale of heroism, and the narrative falters under its clumsiness. LaMarche's luminescent paintings capture a wealth of emotion, touchingly underscoring the importance of visual expression in nonverbal communication. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 2-4-- Mandy, a deaf girl, overcomes her fear of the dark to find her grandmother's lost pin during a storm. The child's deafness is treated matter-of-factly and explained without any traces of pedantic rhetoric. The book is quite wordy, but the warmth between the grandmother and the child is evident, and is reflected in the illustrations. Subtle use of light and color lends softness to the full-page paintings. While this is not great literature, it's an additional purchase for libraries needing books on grandmothers or conquering fear. --Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, Buffalo, NYCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Mandy | [
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26,777 | 18 | Should be invaluable. (Kirkus Reviews)Most useful as the earliest introduction available to the Constitution. (Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books)A good job of showing todays children how this extraordinary document was created. (San Francisco Chronicle)This easy-to-understand book tells why and how the Constitution of the United States was created. "Simple, attractive, informative....The most accessible history of the Constitution to date."--School Library Journal.; Title: A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution | [
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26,778 | 0 | "There are many beautiful views in Brooklyn. The view from Mrs. Fitz's apartment window isn't one of them." This genial, white-haired lady decides to do something to brighten her bleak urban outlook. She buys two pink plastic flamingos at a sidewalk sale and brings them home to her fire escape. She keeps adding to the flock until the fire inspector tells her that her birds are violating a safety code, so she moves the burgeoning brood to a neighboring roof. Mrs. Fitz is seized with angst when a wrecking crew closes in on the site of her lofty aviary, but as their ball delivers its first blow, the wary flamingos take flight and head for (where else?) Florida. Aided by genial, cartoony artwork, a nice balance between nonsense and reality characterizes this goofy story. The sight of hot pink flamingos soaring over the rooftops of New York is curiously exhilarating. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 1-- Mrs. Fitz is a resourceful senior citizen who improves the view from the window of her Brooklyn apartment by affixing dozens of pink plastic flamingos, first to her fire escape, and then to the tar paper roof of the warehouse across the street. When a wrecker's ball demolishes the building, the flamingos save themselves by taking flight. Mrs. Fitz's view is improved by the construction of a new city park, but she fondly recalls the sight of the pink birds. An undistinguished text is supported by garish cartoon illustrations. The element of fantasy, when the fuchsia lawn ornaments fly south, is not foreshadowed or well integrated into the story, making it simply confusing. The book lacks the underlying emotion and universality of Yorink's Hey, Al (Farrar, 1986), in which the infusion of fantasy into the drab life of a city dweller is masterfully portrayed. --Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Greenwich, CT-Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Mrs. Fitz's Flamingos | [
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26,779 | 16 | PreSchool-Grade 3-- Another first-rate concept book by Hoban. This one features full-color photographs taken from different perspectives, encouraging viewers to determine if they are looking up or down. Some are a cinch; others require careful observation. In a few cases, it'll take readers some time to figure out what they're looking at, even though they'll be certain of the perspective. The two large, vivid photos on each double-page spread are related in content (for example, a martin house and the imprint of birds' feet on sand) or in composition (the radiating spiral of a snail's shell and the pattern of an open umbrella). This connection between pictures gives observers even more food for thought. For this reason, the book will challenge primary graders as well as preschoolers. --Linda Wicher, Highland Park Public Library, ILCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.The incredible Hoban brings her unique eye and mind to another sequence of 28 splendid photos, subtly pairing them to explore concepts, designs, and colors as well as (almost incidentally) subjects. Look up at the swirling canopy of a sycamore or down at a circular grill that might surround its trunk; up at a vertiginous skyscraper, its sharp verticals gleaming against a blue sky, or down at a quiet park's soft treetops, silhouetted against the blue of snow at twilight; down at a rainbow oil slick or at a goldfish swimming over a muddy submerged tire. The final photo is another witty self-portrait (cf. Shadows and Reflections, 1990): Hoban's shadow, elbows akimbo to hold her camera. Intelligence and skill inform every exquisitely composed page; no words used, or needed. (Picture book. 2+) -- Copyright 1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.; Title: Look Up, Look Down | [
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26,780 | 15 | In the same large, square format as Simon's earlier books on other planets, a clear, concise text draws on the latest findings and the best of recent color photos. Venus has her special charms--the hottest planet in the solar system, covered with clouds of sulphuric acid, with bizarre surface details--all emerging from photos and radar maps taken from earlier Russian expeditions and NASA's Magellan spacecraft, which is still orbiting Venus. Our sister planet? Not even human siblings exhibit such diversity, and why this is so is an intriguing puzzle. Simultaneously published: Mercury, an equally fine contribution to science collections (though, like the planet itself, less bulky--only 24 pages). (Nonfiction. 9+) -- Copyright 1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved."A clear, concise text draws on the latest findings and the best of recent color photographs." -- -- Kirkus Reviews ; Title: Venus | [
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26,781 | 18 | The dazzling Egyptian queen proves a fertile subject for Stanley and Vennema, who have produced notable biographies of Queen Elizabeth, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and others. Here they make a seemingly effortless leap into ancient times, masterfully relating Cleopatra's life story through words and pictures. A succinct preface places the tale in historical context, noting that much of what is known about Cleopatra is based on legend or gossip--and that most accounts of her life were penned by her enemies. Stanley includes occasional quotes from the writings of Plutarch as she ably distills complex political machinations as well as the particulars of Cleopatra's often enigmatic private life, including her banishment from Alexandria and her fateful love for first Julius Caesar and then Mark Antony. Vennema's stunning gouache paintings spotlight the artist's trademark, period detail--attention is lavished upon simulating mosaics, for example, which serve as background for the text blocks. This peerless author/artist team makes the captivating, ultimately tragic Cleopatra seem astoundingly real. Ages 7-up. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 3-6-"It is traditionally believed that Cleopatra dazzled Caesar with her great beauty. Instead, it was the power of her intelligence and personality that drew him to her." In this lively, well-crafted biography, Stanley and Vennema brush the cobwebs from the popularly held portrait of Cleopatra to reveal a vital, warm, and politically adroit ruler. Lucid writing combines with carefully selected anecdotes, often attributed to the Greek historian Plutarch, to create an engaging narrative. The young queen's marriage to her brother Ptolemy XIII is placed in the context of practices of the rulers of the day. A "Note on Ancient Sources" and a map precede the text; an epilogue, pronunciation guide, and a brief bibliography are appended. Stanley's stunning, full-color gouache artwork is arresting in its large, well-composed images executed in flat Greek style. The palette is as rich and sumptuous as the court at Alexandria. Cover art and endpapers simulate period mosaics; the text is set against a faux-tile backdrop that reinforces the book's design and illustration. The figures of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony stride powerfully across scenes of Egypt and the Roman Empire. Finally, Cleopatra emerges as a savvy, astute, and complex leader who followed both her heart and mind.Carolyn Noah, Central Mass. Regional Library System, Worcester, MACopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Cleopatra | [
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26,782 | 11 | As in At the Crossroads , the versatile Isadora ( Ben's Trumpet ) here presents a radiant portrait of quotidian life in rural South Africa. Zolani, his mother and his younger sister set off on foot to visit Grandma Zindzi. En route a shop owner hands them a pumpkin to bring to the older woman, and some friends whose house they pass give Zolani his very first book; mother trades dried fish for firewood and purchases a speckled hen, which she carries on her head with her other belongings; and the boy helps a man lift his pig out of the mud. Their disappointment at finding Grandma's house empty gives way to joy as Zolani hears the familiar sound of her pennywhistle in the distance. The kindness of the South African people is at the heart of this affecting story, told as much through Isadora's vibrantly hued, arresting watercolors--spotlighting the local landscape, wildlife and customs--as her eloquent writing. The final image of Zolani and Grandma making music together against a radiant sunset is not soon forgotten. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2-- This cheerful companion piece to At the Crossroads (Greenwillow, 1991) is set in South Africa in the rural ``homeland'' of Transkei. Young Zolani walks through the countryside with his mother and baby sister to visit his grandmother. Along the way they meet a man with whom they trade dried fish for firewood, a small girl who is selling chickens, and a man with a pig. They also see an ostrich. When they arrive at Zolani's grandmother's house she is not home, but all is well when she returns at the end of the day. The text is simply and clearly written, but the rather bland dialogue does not reflect local speech. Isadora's bright watercolors in a realistic style depict the characters with sympathy and warmth. However, the impression given of a flourishing rural economy and a landscape showing few obvious signs of environmental degradation results in an idealized portrayal of one of the poorer regions of South Africa, stripped of the ugliness of poverty. In spite of the idealistic picture created, the book's unique subject matter for this age group will assure it a place in most collections. --Susan Giffard, Englewood Public Library, NJCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Over the Green Hills | [
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26,783 | 0 | Grade 7-10?Playing with shape and rhythm is nothing new for Adoff, and here he uses those techniques to illuminate the thoughts of adolescents. Words fall on the pages as images might come and go from a teen's mind and mouth. From the very brief (one poem is only four words long) to the full-page barrage of emotions, the poet is quite adept at listening to the voices in readers' heads. "Will I ever learn to love me first?" and "Will the sun for real rise up tomorrow?" are just two of the alternately philosophical and realistic concerns just bursting to be released from the jumble of the teenage mind. Adoff uncovers the masks teens wear, poses the question of love versus lust, offers a look at the dangers of drug use, and presents telling glimpses of body image. There is a beat to many of the selections, keeping readers moving forward. The poems' free-form shapes enforce the transitory and flashing images. In one sense, the structure aids the readability, making the verses appear as quick reads. But there is a great deal of depth here, with some of the selections providing more of an intellectual challenge. These flashes are fast and funky and will have readers questioning not only what poetry is (and isn't), but also taking another look at who and where they are in light of today's fast-moving issues and society.?Sharon Korbeck, formerly at Milwaukee Public LibraryCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 7^-10. Adoff addresses his poetry to modern, urban teens in a gritty, hip-hop style. He manages to create poetry from the universal concerns of love and loneliness, the specific teen concerns of acne and braces, and unpleasant realities like selling and taking drugs. The relentless self-loathing of adolescence is captured in poems such as "Listen to the Voice in Your Head" ("No one will ever love you / and the world will turn its great equatorial back on you, / and you will live in a swamp of defeat and self-pity" ), carefully keeping on the right side of the line between self-deprecating humor and adult zingers. William Cotton's photo collages use reality but, like the poems, give it a twist: the two together may renew the perspectives of both adult and teen readers. Susan Dove Lempke; Title: Slow Dance Heart Break Blues | [
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26,784 | 6 | Jonas ( Round Trip ) provides several unusual twists and turns in this visually engaging mystery, once again displaying her penchant for unorthodox formats. An ignored birthday girl's disappointed diary entry is interrupted--"That's funny. The light just went on!"--setting into motion a string of clues that require the reader to spin the book into a variety of positions. Inanimate objects (extension cords, mown grass, garments on a clothesline) form letters and words when viewed from a particular angle. No characters appear in this virtually textless book until its surprise ending; but the protagonist's shadow falling across each spread reveals the proper perspective from which to view the clues. Scrambled letters, mirror writing and rebus add to the sleuthing fun. Jonas's large-scale, full-toned watercolors function as both word and image, cleverly couching hints amid the scenery. In this mystery-adventure, the hunt is more enjoyable than the (somewhat predictable) treasure. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.Grade 1-3-- From the large magnifying glass on the front cover to the collage cutouts on the back, Jonas's latest work is an open invitation for young mystery fans. Beginning with a diary entry of a child complaining about her terrible day, the book leads the protagonist (and readers) on a merry chase from the attic to the backyard, across the pond, through the woods and up a hill where a surprise birthday party awaits her. Although the foreshadowing of the surprise in the opening diary entry seems a bit obvious, children will be immediately captivated by the clever clues that form the main part of the text. As she did with animals in The Trek (Greenwillow, 1985) , Jonas has worked the messages inventively into the motif of each scene; in a particularly brilliant stroke, the words of one clue are created by the laundry hanging on the line. To entice readers even further, some hints are written backwards, others upside down, and still others as a rebus. The strong natural tones used in portraying the lush woods, the craggy stone wall, and the mossy pond form a definite contrast to the bright primary colors found in the party scene and in the closing diary entry. It is also interesting to watch the protagonist evolve from a mere hint of a shadow to a full portrait of a young girl as the story progresses. Although the book could be shared with small groups, it will work best one-on-one since some of the clues are rather difficult to decipher from a distance. In any case, it will have wide appeal for would-be detectives who will be inspired to try their hand at designing their own clues, and it should also be an effective choice for reluctant readers. A guaranteed-to-please selection that deserves a spot in any collection.- Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, Wheeler School, Providence, RICopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The 13th Clue | [
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26,785 | 0 | Twins Devra and David Levy and their baby brother enact 13 tableaux, each typifying an occasion for offering a particular Hebrew prayer--waking up, eating different foods, celebrating a holiday and so forth. Facing pages contain the prayers themselves, rendered in Hebrew, translated in non-sexist language and transliterated; a variety of borders heightens the visual interest and contributes a folksy feeling. For example, opposite a picture of the twins making challah is the prayer for bread, bordered with lines of braided dough and vignettes showing wheat growing in the fields. Some fluency in Jewish tradition is helpful--the picture illustrating a blessing for parents is simply bizarre unless you understand the clues marking it as a Purim scene, and there's neither glossary nor guide to the transliteration system (What's the difference between the "ch" in "chessed" and the "kh" in "melekh"? Are the vowels short or long?). Edwards also goes a little too far in establishing the homeliness of her settings--the children's pudgy bodies, their unattractive features and their crudely exaggerated mouths are off-putting. Ages 3-up. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.Thirteen brief prayers in Edwards's translations, which she uses with her own children, plus the original Hebrew and a transliteration, all appearing on versos elaborately bordered with a vine-like motif that echoes the Hebrew script and also incorporates appropriate symbols--e.g., for the prayer beginning, ``God, grant us peace and goodness,'' Edwards includes a dove, a rainbow, and a menorah. Rectos display full-bleed mixed-media art depicting a family of three children engaged in everyday activities that might occasion the prayers--eating, celebrating together, playing with their parents, looking at the night sky. These vigorously limned, unabashedly homely kids might be cousins of the ones in Edwards's Alef-bet (1992); again, the bright, harmonious colors and the warmth and energy of the design bespeak a productive, loving, and devout family. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 2-8) -- Copyright 1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.; Title: Blessed Are You: Traditional Everyday Hebrew Prayers (English and Hebrew Edition) | [
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26,786 | 0 | Despite the pooh-poohing of his family, a boy suspects that his new neighbor, Mr. Myers, is a wizard. Where he sees dragons and monsters, his sister sees just a dog and a cat, and where he sees a space ship, his mom sees just an ordinary moving truck. The boy finally asks why only he can see what's really going on next door. "Because you're looking for magic," Mr. Myers tells him, and invites him over to show him the real source of the enchantment: books, which open up endless magical worlds. The dryly humorous text here plays straight man to Kellogg's distinctive, flamboyant artwork--the text for a scene showing Mr. Myers as a substitute teacher, for example, reveals only that "his stories really came to life," while the exuberant illustrations show the student body being carried off by flying monkeys as Mr. Myers reads aloud from The Wizard of Oz . It's a rollicking good read from beginning to end. Ages 5-up. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.Ages 5-8. Mr. Myers, the wizard next door, has strange pets, strange potions, and strange powers--but no one sees (or wants to see) them except our young protagonist. Why? "Because you're looking for magic," the wizard tells the boy. Following a variety of magical manifestations (storybook characters coming to life; a classroom math lesson conducted according to a book titled Underwater Mathemadness), Mr. Myers takes his young neighbor on as "sorcerer's apprentice," and all ends in a highly satisfactory fashion. Kellogg is at his fantasy best representing the magical mayhem, and Glassman's first-person narrative has plot, pace, and humor. It's a win-win combination, good for reading aloud in the classroom or to older story-time attendees. Janice Del Negro; Title: The Wizard Next Door | [
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26,787 | 0 | Though his text remains true to the popular version of this English fairy tale, Kellogg's ( Paul Bunyan ; Pecos Bill ) typically antic art gives this rendition a visual dimension that is uniquely his. Created with colored inks, watercolors and acrylics, the full-page illustrations have extraordinary texture and dimension. With a mouthful of pointy teeth and warts covering his scaly green face, Kellogg's villain is a truly horrid fellow who may in fact be a wee bit scary for fainthearted little ones--it's easy to believe that this giant eats little boys for breakfast. Slightly less menacing (though hardly comely) is his wife, who wears a necklace of tiny skeletons and hides Jack from her hungry husband. The pictures' variegated gold and bronze hues effectively cast an ominous glow over the ogre's palace. The art also features diverting details that youngsters may miss the first time around, which is one of many good reasons to read this book more than once. All ages. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Kellogg has streamlined Joseph Jacobs's version of the classic story, keeping much of its vigorous language. In the illustrations he has provided a story within a story. On the front endpapers, the ogre steals the gold, harp, and hen from pirates as a wizard floating by in a hot-air balloon watches; this has the effect of enlightening readers about some of the moral ambiguities of the story. The wizard is shown writing down the actual events that follow and provides Jack with the beans that set them all in motion. Kellogg's riotous, swirling pen is perfect for the energy of the tale; this is not the neat, contained English countryside of some previous editions. The ogre is toothy, warty, and a rather putrid yellow-green. His wife breaks the mold as well; she is tall and slim, fond of lipstick, and adorned in a necklace of skeletal shrunken heads. Colored inks, watercolors and acrylics throughout are similar in palette to Kellogg's recent work--lots of orange, yellow, and green--at times bordering on the garish. There are many humorous touches to delight children, who will also be happy to see Pinkerton accompanying the princess's entourage. Jack himself is irresistible. While many single-volume illustrated fairy tales have oversaturated the market, there should be plenty of room for this author/artist's extremely satisfying Jack and the Beanstalk . --Leda Schubert, Vermont Department of Education, MontpelierCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Jack and the Beanstalk | [
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26,788 | 0 | "Will capture and hold the attention of every boy and girl." -- -- Saturday Review; Title: On to Oregon! | [
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26,789 | 2 | At a time when many supposedly new titles turn out to be retellings of familiar fairy tales, it's invigorating to find real creativity at work. In a stunning debut, Melmed combines standard fairy tale devices (a wish granted by magic; a series of trials to prove worthiness; virtue rewarded, etc.) in a wholly original story featuring the most fetching cast of little ones since the Dionne quintuplets. Melmed's writing is flawless, her storyline clean and unaffected: a childless couple finds a dozen tiny rainbabies in the grass after a moonshower, takes them home and tenderly cares for them until the babies' real mother arrives to claim her offspring and reward the devoted husband and wife. LaMarche's (Mandy) paintings are equally masterful. Whether portraying the couple's delight with their unexpected charges, or pecking in at the row of sleeping wee ones nestled snugly in a drawer, the artist's transcendent watercolors glow with a warm inner light that comes as much from the heart as from the brush. A winner in every respect, this genuinely touching book is guaranteed to become a favorite. Ages 6-up. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Touched by the good fortune of a moonshower, a childless old couple finds a dozen tiny babies in the grass outside their small house. They take the infants into their home, lovingly care for them, protect them from ``. . . dangers born of water, fire, and earth,'' and refuse to trade them for a valuable jewel. For this they are rewarded, by Mother Moonshower herself, with a real baby girl in exchange for the tiny rainbabies. The story, written in a pleasing folktale style, is not nearly as exciting as LaMarche's large, handsome illustrations. Painted in rich, muted tones that exude feelings of warmth and love, the textured pictures resemble pastel drawings. Portraits of the couple (who actually appear to be upper-middle aged) expose their characters in a style that is reminiscent of Norman Rockwell's. Alas, neither the pleasant writing style nor the beauty of the illustrations can compensate for the story's weak plot. The book is auditorily and visually pleasing, but lacks depth and purpose. --Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OHCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: The Rainbabies | [
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26,790 | 1 | In his fourth adventure, Henry the Siamese cat, star of High-Wire Henry , takes to sailing like a duck to water. After the first moments of queasiness have passed, he is scampering up the mast, marveling at dolphins and enjoying the feel of the breeze in his fur. And when one of his human sailing companions tumbles overboard, he proves himself handy with a slipknot and endowed wth razor-sharp vision. This unlikely but enjoyable tale is brightly told, with the world viewed through Henry's eyes; it seems that cats and children share similar enthusiasms when it comes to sailing. Henry happily occupies center stage; other characters are reduced to The Man, The Woman and The Kid, friendly peripheral figures. Light-splashed watercolors capture the varying blue tones of sky and sea, and, as in other Henry outings, the realistic artwork lends a touch of authenticity to far-fetched feline antics. Ages 5-up. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 1-That intrepid Siamese cat, Henry, is back in another satisfying adventure. This time he is a stowaway on a small sloop that two members of his family are taking out for a sail. Once discovered, Henry proves that cats are natural sailors. He climbs the mast for a full view, spots cavorting dolphins, and watches carefully while The Man gives The Kid a lesson on coming about and stopping the boat. When the adult accidently slips overboard, it is quick-thinking Henry who leads the rescue. Ingraham's finely detailed, realistic watercolor illustrations are full of expression, and interesting perspectives make the feline's daring escapades totally believable. Seamlessly complementing the art is a text that captures the lure of sailing ("The water lapped gently, as if it was stroking the boat.") The practices portrayed are authentic, and the exciting rescue makes this an on-the-edge-of-your-seat read-aloud.Caroline Ward, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NYCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Henry the Sailor Cat | [
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26,791 | 0 | Books for bedtime are always popular with children (and tired parents!) who want one more story before turning off the lights. Michael Hague has selected and illustrated an exquisite collection of 51 poems and lullabies for bedtime or naptime. The familiar favorites are all here, as are lesser-known works from Robert Louis Stevenson, Margaret Wise Brown, Nikki Giovanni, Jack Prelutsky, and many others. Hague's intricate, luminous art is a perfect complement to the selected poems and lullabies, 26 of which have musical notation at the end of the book. Sleep, Baby, Sleep would make an excellent baby gift or first birthday present for the sleepy-eyed little one on your list. (Ages 1 to 4)Part poetry collection, part songbook, this bedtime volume will strike Hague fans as beautiful, others as precious. Hague's images, as always, are both ethereal and fantastical, recognizable by the palette alone (lots of ochre, brick red and moss green), and he creates worlds inhabited as comfortably by fairies and gnomes as by children and their parents. The volume has a self-consciously old-fashioned flavor, harkening back to Brahms and Tennyson and Robert Louis Stevenson, and evoking classic picture-book illustrations, a honeyed melange of Arthur Rackham and Jessie Wilcox Smith. A visual nod to the '90s is made with the inclusion of a multiracial cast. In his editorial choices, however, Hague leans heavily on English and European traditions, largely relying on the tried and true. "Rockabye Baby," "Star Light, Star Bright," "My Bed Is a Boat"--they're all here, with few surprises. A section supplying the musical arrangements for each song enhances the usefulness of this collection. All ages. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Sleep, Baby, Sleep: Lullabies and Night Poems | [
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26,792 | 15 | "Prepare your senses for a feast....What a delight to experience with children."--"Young Children"An ideal pre-reader. But above all, it's an energizing experience." --"Kirkus ReviewsRobert Kalan has also written the charming children's books Rain and Blue Sea, both illustrated by Donald Crewes. Kalan holds a master's degree in education and has taught reading to both gifted and remedial students from kindergarten through the fourth grade.; Title: Rain | [
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26,793 | 0 | A child's inner fears are sensitively portrayed in this subtle picture book. When Sara hears that her father is coming home from the Navy, she is scarcely excited--for she does not remember him. Her indifference to his imminent arrival belies a hidden anxiety over the prospect of seeing him again, and perhaps guilt at having forgotten him. While her mother is full of gaiety as Daddy's ship pulls in, Sara is dour: "I didn't say hello to anyone. I didn't see anybody I knew." But when the moment of truth arrives, Sara looks up into a kindly face and remembrance returns in an affecting rush. Brief yet poignant, the narrative achieves a surprising psychological depth. The sunniness of Gourbault's smudged pastels reflects Sara's mother's happiness, while their softness conveys the girl's doubts. Though Sara initially resembles a boy, this is a minor cavil: the beautifully matched gentleness of both text and art make this tender tale resound with the ring of truth. Ages 4-up. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 2-- A warm, loving look at a family group that is not much seen in picture books--one in which a parent is absent for long periods of time. Sara's mother tells her that her father, who is in the Navy, is coming home. The girl is worried because she has no memory of him. She looks at his picture and thinks about other children she knows who have fathers at home, and doesn't tell her mother about her lack of recognition. Finally, when the ship is in and he appears, she remembers him. The text is simple yet effective and the ending is perfect. Illustrations are done in softly hued colored pencils and convey the mood of the story, although the awkward proportions of the people detract from the overall effect. --JoAnn Rees, Sunnyvale Pub . Lib . , CACopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: My Father Is in the Navy | [] | Train |
26,794 | 0 | Joanna Cole is the author of the popular Magic School Bus series, I'm a Big Brother, I'm a Big Sister, and many other award-winning books. In Asking About Sex & Growing Up, she provides a reassuring blend of practical guidance and scientific fact for the audience that needs it most.; Title: The Eentsy, Weentsy Spider: Fingerplays and Action Rhymes | [
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26,795 | 2 | "A funny story that can easily be elaborated on...Small's energetic art is a perfect match for Cleary's witty prose." -- -- Kirkus Reviews"Kids will enjoy this farce." -- -- BooklistBeverly Cleary is one of America's most beloved authors. As a child, she struggled with reading and writing. But by third grade, after spending much time in her public library in Portland, Oregon, she found her skills had greatly improved. Before long, her school librarian was saying that she should write children's books when she grew up.Instead she became a librarian. When a young boy asked her, "Where are the books about kids like us?" she remembered her teacher's encouragement and was inspired to write the books she'd longed to read but couldn't find when she was younger. She based her funny stories on her own neighborhood experiences and the sort of children she knew. And so, the Klickitat Street gang was born!Mrs. Cleary's books have earned her many prestigious awards, including the American Library Association's Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, presented to her in recognition of her lasting contribution to children's literature. Dear Mr. Henshaw won the Newbery Medal, and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Ramona and Her Father have been named Newbery Honor Books. Her characters, including Beezus and Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ralph, the motorcycle-riding mouse, have delighted children for generations.; Title: Petey's Bedtime Story | [
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26,796 | 0 | Grade 3 Up-Thirty-one stories from Lang's various color fairy-tale books have been brought together in this lavishly produced volume. With a few exceptions, the selections are the best known European fairy tales, such as "Little Red Riding Hood," "The Three Pigs," and "Cinderella." The watercolor illustrations look as if Hague has tried to re-create the appearance of a fairy-tale anthology from an earlier era. The success is mixed. The colors are dense and have a peculiar garish yet blurred quality. The pencil drawings are more enticing and lively. They are skillfully done with a light and airy touch which, nevertheless, makes the most of the grotesqueries of the tales. The stories are readily available in single volumes or other collections, and the illustrations are not exciting enough to justify a first purchase. The effect of the whole is of a coffee-table book for children.Karen James, Louisville Free Public Library, KYCopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 4-6, younger for reading aloud. These 31 folktales and fairy tales were selected by artist Hague from Lang's Colored Fairy Books. Included are many of the more traditional tales from Andersen, the Brothers Grimm, and Perrault--among them, "The Steadfast Tin Soldier," "Rumpelstiltskin," and "Cinderella." Hague also gives a nod toward cultural inclusiveness, incorporating such tales as "The Snake Prince" from India, "The Hero Makoma" from Zimbabwe, and "Hok Lee and the Dwarfs" from China. The majority of the tales can easily be located in other collections, but they won't be so easily found grouped together as they are in this fine book. Hague has a real talent for recalling the feeling of the old masters who illustrated children's books, and he surpasses himself here with 23 full-color plates and 41 black-and-white pencil drawings. The juxtaposition of well-known and lesser-known tales with such handsome artwork results in a strong anthology that will have a multitude of uses. Janice Del Negro; Title: The Rainbow Fairy Book (Books of Wonder) | [
6933
] | Test |
26,797 | 2 | Although several nonfiction titles have recently explored the modern-day powwow (Dancing Rainbows, Cobblehill; Powwow Summer, Carolrhoda), this fictionalized account is a worthy addition to the shelf. Katie, a city girl, travels with her family to the annual Nanticoke powwow. (The Nanticoke, an Algonquian tribe, live primarily in southern Delaware.) Mitchell (Down Buttermilk Lane) details the powwow's events, focusing on Katie's observations and reactions. She goes with great excitement and a sense of homecoming: "Down the sandy roadside, the drums call Katie's name: Red Bird... RED BIRD. 'Katie' fades away. She is Red Bird, Nanticoke Daughter." After the powwow, she sheds her beaded, fringed leather dress and returns to the city, but "the heartbeat of The People stays with her all year long." The exhilaration of the powwow, tempered by its brevity, makes for a bittersweet afterglow; but Doney's (The Stone Lion) vivid, sun-dappled oils supply a joyful intensity. One spread, of the Nanticoke before the white settlers came, is "yellowed" with age?moving and exquisite. Ages 5-up. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.Kindergarten-Grade 4?Katie and her parents live in the city. When September arrives, her mother takes a trunk out of the attic and gathers up Katie's dance regalia for the family trip to the annual Nanticoke Powwow near Millboro, DE. As their car draws near the farm where the powwow is held, Katie hears the drums and begins to feel more like Red Bird, which is her Indian name. Camping next to grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles, Red Bird joins in the dancing and listens to her grandparents' stories before heading home at the end of the weekend. Although several photo essays of contemporary powwows (usually in the West) have been published in recent years, this title is unique because it is about an Eastern powwow, and because the illustrations are accurate oil paintings rather than photos. The warm and woodsy double-page art is right on target in conveying the sights of powwows along the East coast. This wonderful offering captures the setting, style of dress, and even the frequent multiracial makeup of many of these nations. Despite one oddly off-base illustration of Nanticokes fishing for crabs that includes Plains tipis instead of longhouses, this book is a fine addition.?Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PACopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Red Bird | [] | Validation |
26,798 | 15 | In the tradition of Truck and Freight Train, Crews spirits young readers away in an interesting vehicle, this time for a day of sailing. The power in the air and water are palpable as a family rows the dinghy out to board their sailboat and embark on an exciting trip. But when "clear skies turn cloudy and gray" and the seas become angry, the crew faces some scary moments. Crews's short phrases and multi-sized typefaces work in tandem to convey a true feeling of motion. In one particularly striking spread, for example, the word "Whoosh!" appears in giant letters as the sails are raised; the letters gradually bleach from a nautical blue "W" to a brilliant white "H." Sunny blues and greens and lots of crisp white make up an appropriate seafaring palette. Even landlubbers won't be able to resist this invigorating outing. Ages 2-up. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreSchool-Grade 3?With inventive interplay between typeface and art, Crews conveys the excitement of a somewhat harrowing sailing experience. It starts out as a perfect day when the small sloop leaves its mooring, putt putts out under the bridge, passes the lighthouse, and sets sail. A violent storm provides a dramatic crescendo to the adventure before the boat returns home safely as the sun is setting. The brief text with selected onomatopoeia works harmoniously with the bold yet fluid watercolor art to create the sensation of sailing. The clever design utilizes typeface to further extend the impression of motion: slanted words mirror the angle of the wind, letters change size during climactic plot shifts, and, at times, the print is incorporated into the illustrations?when the sails catch the wind with a forceful WHOOSH, the overblown letters billow onto the white sail. With his unerring sense of color and design, Crews has again successfully captured the essence of a moving experience within the confines of a book.?Caroline Ward, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NYCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Sail Away | [
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26,799 | 2 | Grade 1-3-- New illustrations breathe freshness into this book originally published as The Dead Tree (Parents, 1972; o.p.). It stands as a tribute to the mighty oak tree, focusing on its majesty in maturity, through gradual decline to final decay. The interdependence of plant and animal life is clearly evident, including both those that seek its shelter and those that hasten the decaying process to prepare the soil for new life. The original text stands the test of time, reaching its audience with power and emotion as it directs attention to the forces of nature at work. The writing style encourages the young to develop a sensitivity to all aspects of nature without lecturing. Illustrations stretch from : cover to cover across double-page spreads to immerse readers in a forest setting. Seasons and years fade one into another through impressionistic woodland scenes that form the background for the oak and various animals that appear in realistic form. Color tones reflect the seasons, as they are softly muted in fall and winter; more vivid in spring and summer. These illustrations are far more vibrant than those in the previous edition. A perfect choice to use with Romanova's Once There Was a Tree (Dial, 1985) and Hiscock's The Big Tree (Atheneum, 1991) to promote a full understanding of the natural cycle of trees, ever changing, ever renewing. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.With a new title, larger format, and expansive new illustrations, a reissue of The Dead Tree, the prolific author's 1972 account of the natural end of an oak's long life: rotting wood attracts insects and then leaves holes that become homes for other creatures; after the tree falls, it continues to nurture and provides homes for the forest wildlife until ``there remained only a brown ghost of richer loam where the proud tree had come to rest.'' Sorensen, a Danish painter who also reillustrated Tresselt's Sun Up (1991), contributes sun-dappled, impressionistic illustrations that beautifully reflect an evocative text that's a reminder that just 20 years ago young children could be expected to take words like ``garner'' and ``moldered'' in their stride. One of the best of a spate of spring books designed to encourage the treasuring of trees. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright 1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.; Title: The Gift of the Tree | [
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