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28,000 | 1 | Starred Review. PreSchool-Grade 3–Two award winners team up to explore playfully the essence of being a cat. The framework of an interview between a boy and a feline allows for a series of skillfully constructed calls and responses. For example, the youngster asks, Do you have a kitty bed/with your picture at the head? and his subject replies, I do not have a kitty bed/to rest my kitty tail and head./I'd rather/sleep most anywhere/that's warm and soft:/a couch,/a chair,/a sleeping loft;/I'll curl up there. Within strong black lines, the loosely composed watercolor cartoons perfectly capture the range of expressions, postures, and mischievous ways of cats. The illustrations are set against crisp white backgrounds and each page offers a diverse layout that enhances the cadence of the poem. This inextricable interplay of art and text works harmoniously to provide a delightful portrait of the capricious nature of felines. A great choice for reading aloud.–Caroline Ward, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. Pencil in hand, a boy interviews his gray cat, beginning with the question in the title. Seated in a director's chair, the rangy feline answers with the easy, false modesty of a celebrity: "Cats are private creatures / who are happier when left alone. Of course I trust / and also wish / no one forgets to fill my dish / (a bit of fish might be delish)." The cat proudly acknowledges that although humans have a few things going for them ("They balance nicely on their feet"), they don't "nap or leap or lie / as gracefully or well / as I." Lewin's charming, uncluttered watercolors extend the spare poetry's precise wit with swooping bold lines that beautifully capture both characters' movements and moods. Children will easily recognize the pet's wildly joyful leaps and bounds and his wary backward gaze as he slinks away from a grasping toddler. Pair this with Dave Crawley's Cat Poems (2005) for more lighthearted verse about the secret lives of cats. Gillian EngbergCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: So, What's It Like to Be a Cat? | [
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28,001 | 13 | Every Robert Sabuda pop-up is a marvel, but America the Beautiful is singularly remarkable for its inspired interpretation of the classic American anthem. Each page presents a magnificent pop-up featuring a line from the first (and best known) verse of "America the Beautiful." Sabuda has included the song in its entirety, featuring mini pop-ups, in a small booklet on the final page. Beginning with the Golden Gate Bridge, and ending with a spectacularly regal Statue of Liberty, Sabuda's America the Beautiful is a lovely keepsake that also serves as a patriotic primer for teaching young ones about America. --Daphne DurhamAmazon.com's The Significant SevenMaster paper engineer Robert Sabuda answers the seven questions we ask every author.Q: What book has had the most significant impact on your life?A: Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel. I specifically remember feeling as if I'd become a grown-up reader because many of the pages did not have pictures. Q: You are stranded on a desert island with only one book, one CD, and one DVD--what are they?A: The Stand by Stephen King Madonna's Greatest Hits Strangers with Candy: Season One Q: What is the worst lie you've ever told?A: That I'd be finishing a book project on time.Q: Describe the perfect writing environment.A: I live in New York City, so anyplace that's quiet.Q: If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?A: "Robert Sabuda--Bookmaker."Q: Who is the one person living or dead that you would like to have dinner with?A: Benjamin Franklin Q: If you could have one superpower what would it be?A: InvisibilityK Up–New and astonishing feats of paper engineering lurk within the bulging covers of Sabuda's latest creation. Here, taking the first verse of our other national anthem as his text, he flies viewers from the Golden Gate Bridge, over waves of grain beneath a spinning windmill, past Mount Rushmore, Mesa Verde, a Mississippi river boat, and the National Capitol, to Lady Liberty–then, within a small inset booklet, pairs the Twin Towers, a swinging Liberty Bell, and other American symbols to the rest of the stanzas. Aside from the aforementioned bridge, plus an occasional foil highlight, the pop-up effects are an undecorated white that gleams like those "alabaster cities" against the generally solid color fields on which they are set. The very last line, which contains a reference to America's "whiter jubilee," has an odd ring to it these days, and some of the pop-ups are so complexly folded that they'll rip if their spreads aren't opened carefully: still, each opening will elicit gasps, and the poem's soaring imagery has never been better served.–John Peters, New York Public Library Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: America the Beautiful: A Pop-up Book | [
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28,002 | 2 | PreSchool-KA child dressed in a costume and mask is handing out treats at his front door. With each page turn, the door, which is a flap, opens to reveal a new monster, including a ghost, a witch, and a mummy, none of whom are frightening. The singsong, rhyming text is playful and works well with the illustrations. In a surprise twist, three adorable charactersa bunny, a kitten, and a fairyappear at the door, and the frightened boy jumps into his dads arms. For the first time, readers see his full face unmasked and realize that he is a tiny werewolf-vampire, as is his father. A simple and fun holiday entry.JoAnn Jonas, Chula Vista Public Library, San Diego, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Marion Dane Bauer is the author of many books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor book On My Honor and the New York Times bestseller My Mother Is Mine. Her other titles include A Mama for Owen, If You Were Born a Kitten, Grandmother's Song, andThank You for Me! She has recently retired from the faculty of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults where she was the first Faculty Chair. She lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and can be reached at mariondanebauer.com.; Title: I'm Not Afraid of Halloween!: A Pop-up and Flap Book | [
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28,003 | 0 | Gr. 2-4. Narrator Leandra and her friends Jeannie and Paul agree that the new neighborhood dog, called Tippy Lemmey, has a "sweet teddy-bear face," but there's no question that he's making their lives miserable by chasing, barking, and snapping at them. Nothing they do seems to help. Then Tippy is dognapped, and the kids are torn between enjoying their peace and rescuing a critter they know is someone's beloved pet. Their decision to help their nemesis leads to unexpected troubles and a surprising discovery, as the pup eventually turns out to be a good doggy friend. Leandra is an observant, appealing narrator, whose dilemmas are sympathetically portrayed, and the book's short chapters, straightforward prose, and suspense will keep the pages turning. Although the story is set in 1951 in Templeton, Tennessee, and there are a few references to the Korean War, readers will be more involved with the canine conflict than the backdrop. Black-and-white drawings show African American Leandra and her buddies in action in this pleasing Ready-for-Chapters book that will appeal to fans of both animal stories and realistic fiction. Shelle RosenfeldCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedPatricia C. McKissack is the author of many highly acclaimed books for children, including Goin' Someplace Special, a Coretta Scott King Award winner; The Honest-to-Goodness Truth; Let My People Go, written with her husband, Fredrick, and recipient of the NAACP Image Award; The Dark-Thirty, a Newbery Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Award winner; and Mirandy and Brother Wind, recipient of the Caldecott Medal and a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri.; Title: Tippy Lemmey | [
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28,004 | 2 | Willo Davis Roberts wrote many mystery and suspense novels for children during her long and illustrious career, including The Girl with the Silver Eyes, The View from the Cherry Tree, Twisted Summer, Megans Island, Baby-Sitting Is a Dangerous Job, Hostage, Scared Stiff, The Kidnappers, and Caught! Three of her childrens books won Edgar Awards, while others received great reviews and other accolades, including the Sunshine State Young Readers Award, the California Young Readers Medal, and the Georgia Childrens Book Award.; Title: The One Left Behind | [
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28,005 | 16 | Olivia knows all about opposites. Sometimes this porcine heroine of Ian Falconer's Caldecott Honor Book, Olivia, is "plain," attired only in red briefs. Other times she is "fancy," with high-heeled dress-up shoes, lipstick, pearls, and a big red bow. Sometimes-when Olivia is running the circus, for example (Olivia Saves the Circus)--she is very "loud" with a lion, which renders the lion rather "quiet." Whether meeting this energetic and incorrigible piglet for the first or the 100th time, readers of all ages will be happy to watch Olivia do pretty much anything, even something as simple as counting (Olivia Counts) or teaching about opposites. This sturdy little board book, with lots of white space and black-and-white illustrations, splashed with occasional red, is a perfect introduction to the concepts of opposites, from "up" and "down" to the "open" and "closed" mouth of our yawning, pajama'd pig at the conclusion. (Baby to preschool) --Emilie CoulterChildren's NOTES Learn with Olivia What better way for toddlers to learn the basics than with two board books starring Ian Falconer's Olivia? Youngsters start with one ball at the beach (in the signature red-and-white stripes) and finish with ten Olivias jumping rope, doing handstands and sprawling on a beach towel in Olivia Counts. A red numeral accompanies each scene. In Olivia's Opposites she demonstrates word pairs with comic flair (for instance, she models a scarlet evening gown for long and a red tutu for short). Both feature b&w and red illustrations from Falconer's Caldecott Honor book, Olivia, and its companion, Olivia Saves the Circus. (June) Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Olivia's Opposites | [
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28,006 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2In this jolly follow-up to What Mommies Do Best/What Daddies Do Best (1998) and What Grandmas Do Best/What Grandpas Do Best (2000, both S & S), Numeroff and Munsinger show how these relatives enjoy time with nieces and nephews. The critters, including sheep, cats, and squirrels, take roller-coaster rides and stay up for late-night television. An aunt plays a piano with her nephew while another takes her niece for a ride in her yellow convertible. Readers can then turn the book over to see how uncles enjoy their young relatives, such as sitting on the floor for toy piano tunes or driving all-terrain in a messy jeep. The ink-and-watercolor cartoons are endearing. Stereotypes are dashed since both sexes cook, shoe shop at the mall, and build clubhouses. The characters' expressions and poses alternate from comic to affectionate. As expectedand hoped forthe title reiterates that uncles and aunts "can give you lots and lots of love." This upbeat offering just might inspire a family reunion.Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS. Like Numeroff's popular What Mommies Do Best/What Daddies Do Best (1998), this winsome picture book features two parallel stories. The first half of the book shows a variety of adoring animal aunts entertaining their beloved nieces and nephews. Turn the book over and another set of pages shows uncles enjoying the same activities with their nieces and nephews. As in Mommies/Daddies, Numeroff chooses refreshingly gender-neutral pastimes, such as building a clubhouse and buying cotton candy and winning prizes at a fair. Munsinger's watercolor-and-ink illustrations are as charming as ever here. Whether the animals are pictured telling jokes at home, e-mailing from a distance, or enjoying a drive outdoors, the affectionate scenes reinforce Numeroff's comforting message that what aunts and uncles do best is "give you lots and lots of love." Gillian EngbergCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: What Aunts Do Best/What Uncles Do Best | [
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28,007 | 16 | Tired of plain vanilla ABC books? Apple, ball, cat... Here's a witty charmer that you'll like as much--if not more--as your kids do. Valorie Fisher's Ellsworth's Extraordinary Electric Ears features a single, perfectly arranged diorama in homage to every letter. Plastic figurines, paper cutouts, tiny clay sculptures, and artfully repurposed everyday objects (see Holly's "humble handbag home") populate each cheery scene, all filled to bursting with items beginning with the designated letter. (On the "C" page, there are at least 20 different things beginning with the letter "C".) Even better than the silly tableaux are the breathless alliterations accompanying each scene. Just try to read them without adding aural italics and exclamation points galore: "Nigel's nifty newspaper neckties were nothing but a naughty nuisance," "Vacationing in the valley of a violent volcano was very invigorating for Violet," and "Zelda's zigzagged zebra was the zippiest at the zoo" are among the best.The book is beautifully suited both to very young kids who are in full noun-acquisition mode as well as to older children who've become adept at matching images and words beginning with specific letters. For example, the "L" page features several items a toddler could pick out--lion, ladder, lemons--without fully understanding that these things are grouped together because they start with the same letter. There are also less readily named items in the picture: a llama, a laundry basket, and a locomotive. And then there's the book's grownup appeal: "Pepita's pink paper parasols were particularly popular with pirates." Check out all the swarthy, half-dressed pirate figurines clutching paper drink umbrellas and see how long it takes you to start planning a theme party around your favorite letter of the alphabet. (Ages 2 to 6) --Jennifer LindsayPreSchool-Grade 4-Here's an alphabet book that calls to mind Walter Wick's "I Spy" pictures crossed with characters from William Joyce's A Day with Wilbur Robinson (HarperCollins, 1990). Wonderfully retro-looking plastic toys are arranged and photographed in unlikely madcap tableaux in which nearly every object begins with the same letter. A compact caption appears below each full-page picture. In the eponymous scene about Ellsworth ("E"), a plastic man in a suit-complete with raincoat and briefcase-sprouts small light bulbs from his ears as elephants and an emu look on. It's a zany approach for pre-readers, who will recognize the initial sounds of most of the toy creatures and objects, as well as for older children, who will enjoy the imaginative juxtaposition of items. A list by letter at the back of the book will help readers identify picture parts they missed or aren't sure about. The full-page, full-color illustrations are fairly simply composed with only the foreground in focus, as if to capture a frame of a film or a scene in motion. Alphabet purists may quibble about misleading figures with different initial letters in some pictures (the pigs on the "F" page, the jar of cookies in the kangaroo's kitchen on the "K" page), but most children will recognize them as necessary parts of the wacky short tales depicted. Overall, an unusual and delightful book.Kathie Meizner, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Chevy Chase, MDCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Ellsworth's Extraordinary Electric Ears and Other Amazing Alphabet Anecdotes | [
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28,008 | 0 | Jan Adkins was raised in West Virginia and Ohio, around Wheeling. He attended Ohio State University for more than eight years, flunking out several times. At first he studied architecture. In this second phase of his long university career he studied literature and creative writing. He has served as an art director for National Geographic Magazine, has written for Smithsonian magazine, Cricket and Muse magazines, Harper’s, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, Sail, WoodenBoat, Maine Boats Homes & Harbors, and others. He also works on museum exhibits.; Title: John Adams: Young Revolutionary (Childhood of Famous Americans) | [
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28,009 | 0 | Daniel Pinkwater is the author of several bestselling children's books as well as a popular commentator on National Public Radio. He writes regular reviews on Contentville.com. Daniel lives in Hyde Park, New York.; Title: Mush, A Dog From Space | [
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28,010 | 7 | Eric Carle takes readers on an interactive romp as two children run for their lives in Watch Out! A Giant!, which was first published in 1978. Flaps that lift to show pages underneath aid the journey through Carle's distinctive collages. Ages 4-8.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Eric Carle is the author and illustrator of more than seventy books for children, many of them bestsellers. Born in Syracuse, New York, he moved to Germany with his parents when he was six years old. He studied at the Academy of Graphic Arts in Stuttgart before returning to the United States, where he worked as a graphic designer for The New York Times and later as art director for an international advertising agency. His first two books, 1,2,3 to the Zoo and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, gained him immediate international recognition. The latter title, now considered a modern classic, has sold more than 30 million copies and has been translated into forty-eight languages. Eric Carle and his wife, Barbara, divide their time between the mountains of North Carolina and the Florida Keys.; Title: Watch Out! A Giant! | [
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28,011 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2-Frog has a problem. He loves to eat and he loves to burp. When he's a tadpole, the other frogs think his behavior is "cute," but as he gets bigger and his belches get louder, they begin to think it's quite disgusting. Finally, unable to stand it any longer, they send him "up the river." Far away from home, he hears burping in the nearby town and discovers other frogs that eat and burp day and night. At first life is blissful, but then even he becomes fed up with their bad manners. Spotting publicity about the Great Annual Frog Jam back home, he returns in disguise, "nervous that he would not be welcome." When he arrives, a crowd is already gathered around the Three-Beetle Chili, and the mayor's family and others are lapping it up. When Baby Mayor emits "a gigantic burp," everyone else follows, including Frog, and his disguise flies off. "You are excused!" Mr. Mayor declares, and the outcast is enthusiastically welcomed back. From the first page that introduces the lovable, bottle-green frog, fork in hand, to the final spread that shows lumpy green frogs in a circle, holding webbed hands, children will revel in Frog's antics. The scenes of slimy-looking food and clouds of belches come to life in warm-toned, acrylic spreads. This will be a great read-aloud, but get ready to hear listeners do some burping of their own.Leslie Barban, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SCCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.K-Gr. 2. Frog has been burping steadily since he was a tadpole, but as he grows older he finds that his burps, once exclaimed over, are no longer acceptable. The other frogs hold a meeting and exile Frog up the river. It isn't long before he finds a community of frogs that belch freely with no apologies. But what seems like paradise soon pales, as Frog tires of burps, 24/7. Disguised with fake nose, mustache, and glasses, he returns home for the annual food festival, where his old compatriots eat so much that they let loose with some tremendous belches. At least they say, "Excuse me!" Kopelke's expansive acrylic illustrations are loaded with energy and exaggerated humor, including some gaseous explosions destined to prompt laughter as furniture flies. Kids are sure to enjoy this and yearn for the obvious, more disgusting, sequel. Todd MorningCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Excuse Me! | [
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28,012 | 0 | Grade 6-8-Jill Winters, 14, has been sent to stay with her grandmother in Maine while her father, a famous singer, is on a U.S. tour and her mother is visiting her dying brother in Newfoundland. It is the summer of 1942, and German U-boats patrol the shores of the North Atlantic. Jill is terrified that her mother's ship will be torpedoed and nervous about the possibility of U-boats in the area. Adding to her worries are the mysterious goings-on in Winter Haven. Even her grandmother is secretive about the Sunday night meetings she has with her friends. When Jill intercepts a carrier pigeon with a message in German, she begins to suspect that someone in the community is guilty of treason, and she has no idea whom to trust. After the town's July 4th clambake, her life is threatened when it becomes clear to the spies that she has figured out their identity. The ending is not neatly tied up and leaves some unanswered questions. Though the novel is largely plot driven, it moves along at an engaging pace, and the author weaves in snippets about World War II and details of teen life during the 1940s.Cheri Estes Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MICopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 7-10. Like Janet Taylor Lisle's The Art of Keeping Cool (2000) and other stories about young people caught up in World War II at home, this novel brings the enemy right into the neighborhood. This time the setting is on the coast of Maine in 1942. Fourteen-year-old Jill is sent to stay with her grandmother. She finds a wounded pigeon carrying a German message, and she and a local boy become caught up in trying to find spies among the townspeople. Who are the secret Nazi sympathizers? Is Nana's German friend a suspect? Who is in touch with the German U-boats that are lurking in the ocean near the coast? The plot is predictable, but Harlow does a good job of combining the war drama with family secrets and vicious prejudice among the local kids. In an afterword she talks about how much of the story of the submarine incursions is true, and readers will find the history as exciting as the fiction. Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Shadows on the Sea | [
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28,013 | 0 | art of the Bug in a Box series, Peekaboo Bugs by David A. Carter offers five liftable flaps on each page to highlight an assortment of same-colored items ("Can you find the Blue Bug?"); a turning wheel keeps the foil-trimmed insects on the move. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.David A. Carter is a master paper engineer and creator of the Bugs series, which has sold more than 6 million copies. Also the author and illustrator of the critically acclaimed Color series, featuring One Red Dot, Blue 2, 600 Black Spots, Yellow Square, and White Noise, he lives in Auburn, California, with his wife and two daughters.; Title: Peekaboo Bugs (Bugs in a Box Books) | [
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28,014 | 0 | Laura Numeroff is the author of the best-selling modern classic If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and the popular What Mommies Do Best and its sequels. She lives in Los Angeles, California.; Title: Sometimes I Wonder If Poodles Like Noodles | [
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28,015 | 2 | Barbara Brooks Wallace has written Victorian mysteries that include a parlor, a tavern, a castle, a scullery, and a gallery. But she claims never to have lived in a tavern or a castle, or owned a house with a parlor, a scullery, or a gallery. So far she has not lived in a tenement, either. She simply dwells in a nice little house in Alexandria, Virginia, with her very nice husband; affectionate Burmese cat, Cleo; and turtle, Peter. Her son, Jimmy, daughter-in-law, Christina, and Victoria and Elizabeth, their two daughters, live nearby.; Title: The Perils of Peppermints | [
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28,016 | 18 | Blending bits of history and long-accepted lore into a snappy story, McDonald (Is This a House for a Hermit Crab?; the Judy Moody series) entertains readers with her imagining of the Liberty Bell's whereabouts during the American Revolution. Young John Jacob Mickley is ready to burst with excitement as he regales his younger siblings with a tale of the fateful trip he took to Philadelphia with their father. As Mickley pre and fils arrived in the city of brotherly love, warning came of the encroachment of British Redcoats led by General Howe. The rush was on to hide any sources of metalincluding all the church bells in town and "the Great Bell" atop the State House (later known as the Liberty Bell). The 11-year-old and his dad, along with their wagon and horses, were pressed into duty, surreptitiously spiriting away the 2,000-plus-pound bell to a hiding place in their hometown of Northampton. McDonald's vivacious text brims with details, while keeping a brisk pace. A historical note fills in additional elements. With a keen eye, Carrington (Jake Johnson: The Story of a Mule) captures the bucolic countryside as well as prim city townhouses of 18th-century Philadelphia in her acrylic paintings. Her energetic portraits of a fretful John Jacob and his father carting the cleverly (and colorfully) concealed bell let youngsters in on the secret while also keeping them on the edge of their seats. Ages 5-8. (May) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Grade 1-3-John Jacob Mickley, 11, tells his siblings about his role in hiding the Liberty Bell from the British. He describes how he and his father travel to Philadelphia to sell their farm goods. The Great Bell is ringing out its warning from the State House that the Redcoats are on their way, and everyone knows they will be looking for metal to turn into weapons. Colonel Benjamin Flower approaches the Mickleys and asks them to help spirit the Great Bell away for safekeeping. The father-son team must hide it under stinky stable straw, potato sacks, and even a woman's hoop skirt. John is certain they will run into Redcoats during the journey. And, on the third night, soldiers do find them. Fortunately, they are from General Washington's army, and they escort the wagon toward safety. A mere four miles from home, the wagon breaks down, but, with help from the locals, the bell is moved to safety and hidden beneath the floorboards of the Zion Reformed Church in present-day Allentown, PA. McDonald has nicely personalized an event from American history and presented it in a form reminiscent of tall tales. Carrington's acrylic paintings complement the tone of the text with their humorous, cartoonlike style. An author's note sorts out fact from fiction. A fun way to introduce the Revolutionary War.-Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: Saving the Liberty Bell | [
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28,017 | 2 | Kay Thompson (19091998) was a singer, dancer, vocal arranger, and coach of many MGM musicals in the 1940s. The Eloise character grew out of the voice of a precocious six-year-old that Miss Thompson put on to amuse her friends. Collaborating with Hilary Knight on what was an immediate bestseller, Kay Thompson became a literary sensation when Eloise was published in 1955. The book has sold more than two million copies to date. Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight created four more Eloise books, Eloise in Paris, Eloise at Christmas, Eloise in Moscow, and Eloise Takes a Bawth.; Title: Eloise's What I Absolutely Love Love Love | [
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28,018 | 16 | Children can act out "A told B/ and B told C,/ 'I'll meet you at the top/ of the coconut tree' " with the magnets included in the Chicka Chicka ABC Magnet Book by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illus. by Lois Ehlert. The spiralbound edition of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom boasts an easel stand with an attached magnetic sheet that slips under each page; the magnetic letters in a matching palette come packaged in a resealable case. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.Bill Martin Jr (1916-2004) has been called Americas favorite childrens author. He wrote more than 300 books for children, including the classic texts Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, illustrated by Eric Carle, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, illustrated by Lois Ehlert.; Title: Chicka Chicka ABC Magnet Book | [
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28,019 | 13 | Finding a suitable sort of self-expression can be a challenge. Sometimes what seems so right for one individual is so very, very wrong for everyone around her. Take Hilda Hippo, for example. There's nothing Hilda loves more than dancing. But whether she's tangoing, square dancing, boogying to disco, doing the flamenco, rumba, or samba, Hilda makes a lot of noise:CRASH! CRASH! SMASH!THUMPITY-BUMP! THUMPITY-BUMP!BOOM! BANG! BASH!Rollicking rhymes and dynamic, jungle-hued illustrations make Karma Wilson (Bear Snores On, A Frog in the Bog) and Suzanne Watts' picture book collaboration a must for every foot-stomping, tutu-swishing reader. Irresistible! (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie CoulterKarma Wilson is the bestselling author of several picture books, including the Bear Books series,Where Is Home, Little Pip?, andA Dog Named Doug.Karma lives in Montana.; Title: Hilda Must Be Dancing | [
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28,020 | 5 | Those who have wondered how the folklore about leprechauns stashing their treasure at rainbow's end came to be, now have a playful explanation courtesy of Krensky's original tale (with the fitting subtitle, "Or How That Pot o'Gold Got to the End of the Rainbow"). Following a year of fun in Dublin, Finn O'Finnegan, who "looked like a rogue and walked like a rascal," plans to recharge by loafing around his mother's cottage in Dingle. But his plan hits a snag when Finn learns that cobbler leprechauns have been keeping the whole town up at night with all their "infernal tapping," as they craft footwear for the local fairies. Finn, sounding like a judge from Project Runway, insults the leprechauns' style and craftsmanship, inciting their anger and teaching them a trick or two about the transport of fairy gold. Though Krensky's (How Santa Got His Job) magical logic may at times be difficult for younger readers to follow, kids will likely be amused by the proud and cranky leprechauns and trickster Finn. Andreasen's (By the Dawn's Early Light) oil paintings exude loads of Old WorldEmerald-Isle charm in scenes of rolling hills dotted with stone walls and thatch-roof cottages. His leprechauns, clad in natty green hats and suits, and shod with (well made, no doubt) buckle shoes, prove a memorable clan. Ages 4-6. (Jan.) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Kindergarten-Grade 4Wry humor and lyrical dialogue make this story great fun to read aloud. Unfortunately, the text does not always provide sufficient context to explain some of the plot elements. Finn O'Finnegan returns to his village after a long absence and notices that "something was clearly amiss." It is an oil painting that reveals what: a cow is being served milk, a hen is staring at fried eggs, and a pig is taking a bubble bath. Finn's mother complains that some noisy leprechauns who are making fairy shoes are disturbing her sleep with their "tap-tap-tap," so the young man devises a clever scheme to outwit them. He angers the leprechauns when he finds fault with every one of their shoes, so they show him their stash of gold to prove that they make fine products. However, the story does not explain how the leprechauns can find their gold at will, and at the end of a rainbow, when there is no reference to moisture in either the text or illustration. Nevertheless, the clever Finn makes their gold disappear (or does he?) and strikes a bargain: "If you promise to leave Dingle and never trouble us again, I'll return your gold." Additional humorous visuals show the increasingly annoyed leprechauns searching high and low for their treasure. Purchase as needed.Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: Too Many Leprechauns | [
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28,021 | 16 | PreSchool-Grade 2-The alliterative, rhyming text features each letter of the alphabet in sequence and is accompanied by attractive watercolors of racing scenes. Each page's text focuses on some aspect of the sport and an often-repeated letter (e.g., "Helmets holding heads"). While clever, the writing is occasionally stilted due to the requirements of the setup. Realistic, double-page paintings depict a variety of authentic racers, including Formula 1, Indy/CART, sports cars, and stock cars, which progress chronologically, with early models at the start and modern ones following. Almost all the drivers and officials are white men, but spectators are a diverse crowd and the doctor treating an injury is a woman. Endpapers illustrate each of the machines depicted and identify them by year, make, and model. Similar in concept to Anne Miranda's Vroom, Chugga, Vroom-Vroom (Turtle, 1998), Floca's book is more appealing due to its superior illustrations and their faithfulness to real racecars.Jeffrey A. French, Euclid Public Library, OHCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-Gr. 2. Floca's picture-book tribute to auto racing looks simple, but many things are going on at once. There is, of course, a race. Also, the alphabetical text often uses alliterative phrases, providing functional fare for phonetics fanatics and fun for everyone else. And finally, each turn of the page represents a time shift. Although a single race appears to proceed throughout the book, the cars, drivers, tracks, and spectators change considerably from the book's opening in 1901, when a Ford chugs along a country road, to the conclusion in 2001, when a Ferrari takes its victory lap around an immense racetrack. Large in scale, the ink-and-watercolor artwork is bold enough to share with a story hour or classroom group, yet young racing fans will find the details absorbing. Floca's introductory note on the history of racing may interest them as well. The clean, spacious book design is thoughtfully planned, right down to the end papers, which show different views of the cars and drivers. An appealing picture book on an unusual subject. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Racecar Alphabet (Ala Notable Children's Books. Younger Readers (Awards)) | [
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28,022 | 13 | Grade 3-6Gonsalves awakens young readers from the twilight fantasy of Imagine a Night (S & S, 2003) and invites them to visit his evocative dreamscapes in broad daylight. The "wow" factor in every image is high, though some of the acrylic paintings pack more of a conceptual punch than others. The illustration that accompanies "imagine a day/when your house enfolds you/like a nest,/rocking gently/in the autumn wind" is definitely pretty neat. But "imagine a day/when you forget how to fall" is more deeply powerful, insightful, and visually demanding. The dust jacket copy indicates that Gonsalves's influences include such surrealist masters as Varo and Magritte, but picture-book aficionadoschildren includedare likely to associate these sophisticated, sensitive acrylics with other kid-friendly art by the likes of Anthony Browne and Chris Van Allsburg. Every image, from first to last, gives viewers plenty to ponder in their quieter moments, and older readers with artistic sensibilities will be as inspired as their younger siblings. Like Gonsalves's art, this riveting, memorable book works on many levels.Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 3-6. In a companion to Imagine a Night (2003), Gonsalves offers a new series of remarkable paintings that fool the eye in transparent yet intriguing ways. Each double-page spread presents a large picture and Thomson's brief text, such as "imagine a day . . . when you can dive down through branches or swim up to the sun." In this case, the acrylic painting depicts a scene in which a large tree is clearly reflected in the calm waters of a river or a lake. Three children climb out of the boat and along the reflection of the tree branches, toward the shore. In another painting, children walk along a picket fence, which almost imperceptibly turns into a city skyline that features the Chrysler Building. The text, though often lyrical, adds less to the book than the detailed pictures, which will stimulate wonder and imagination. An intriguing introduction to the surreal in art, this large-format book will fascinate children and adults with its realistic depiction of logical impossibilities. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Imagine a Day | [
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28,023 | 16 | In this rhyming story of the further adventures of Jesse Bear, the furry fellow gets a visit from an older cousin. While atfirst he's less than thrilled, by the time her week's visit is over, they can't bear to be parted. Ages 2-6. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.Nancy White Carlstrom is the author of more than fifty books for children, including nine other titles in the Jesse Bear series, Who Said Boo?, and Wild Wild Sunflower Child Anna. Ms. Carlstrom lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, with her husband, David, and their two son, Jesse and Josh. And while the olive too far away for frequent visits with their family, they enjoy traveling to see their family as often as possible.; Title: Guess Who's Coming, Jesse Bear | [
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28,024 | 0 | Cheryl Harness lives in Independence, Missouri. As an author and illustrator, she is known for her engaging approach to history, seen in such books as Our Colonial Year; Mary Walker Wears the Pants; Young Abe Lincoln; George Washington; Spymaster; Three Young Pilgrims, Ghosts of the White House; and Remember the Ladies.; Title: They're Off! : The Story of the Pony Express | [
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28,025 | 18 | Written by Lynne Cheney, author and wife of Vice President Richard Cheney, to honor this "beautiful land made more beautiful still by our commitment to freedom," America: A Patriotic Primer is a proud celebration of the individuals, milestones, and principles of this nation. Each busy spread features elaborately decorated letters of the alphabet, with one or two kids draped over its bars and loops, along with the highlighted concept or person: "N is for Native Americans, who came here first," "T is for Tolerance." Surrounding every letter is a veritable circus of entertaining and useful related information, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser (Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move). "J is for Jefferson," for example, is bordered with biographical details and quotations from Thomas Jefferson, while mini images depict the third president's famous home (Monticello), some of his inventions, and a description of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. This compelling picture book will work best as a supplement for children who are already immersed in basic American history at school. Teachers and parents will enjoy exploring with their kids every inch of the detailed, hand-drawn and illustrated U.S. map found in "U is for United States," explaining and elaborating on the historical lessons as appropriate. (All ages) --Emilie CoulterThe Second Lady teams up with Glasser (the You Can't Take a Balloon series) to create this well-intentioned ("I wrote this book because I want my grandchildren to understand how blessed we are," writes Cheney in her introduction) if rather listless alphabet book celebrating the United States and its history. Rendered in ink, watercolor washes and colored pencil, Glasser's detailed, bustling art features multiple images on each spread and inventive borders containing pictures and brief factoids, yet the spreads have a slightly washed-out quality. The alphabetical entries include renowned individuals (Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln), milestones in this country's history (The Constitution, The Declaration of Independence) and generic terms (heroes, ideals, oath, patriotism, suffrage, valor). As the alphabet winds down, Cheney strikes a sentimental note, drawing readers into her narrative with her assertion that "Y is for You and all you will be in this greatest of countries, the land of the free." Glasser then provides simulated snapshots of children with captions denoting their career aspirations (e.g., "future art critic" and "test pilot of tomorrow"). Although many of the anecdotes and quotations from presidents and other patriots appear in a tiny type face, children will likely pore over the pages to glean the interesting tidbits offered. Cheney's concluding notes provide details about some of the individuals or events mentioned on the prior pages. A competent though less than compelling tribute. All ages.; Title: America : A Patriotic Primer | [
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28,026 | 2 | Booklist Suspense and humor...and wholesome kid characters...great for summer reading.Bill Wallace grew up in Oklahoma. Along with riding their horses, he and his friends enjoyed campouts and fishing trips. Toasting marshmallows, telling ghost stories to scare one another, and catching fish was always fun.One of the most memorable trips took place on the far side of Lake Lawtonka, at the base of Mt. Scott. He and his best friend, Gary, spent the day shooting shad with bow and arrows, cutting bank poles, and getting ready to go when their dads got home from work.Although there was no "monster" in Lake Lawtonka, one night there was a "sneak attack" by a rather large catfish tail. Checking the bank poles was not nearly as fun or "free" after that point, but it was the inspiration for this story.Bill Wallace has won nineteen children's state awards and been awarded the Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award for Children's Literature from the Oklahoma Center for the Book.; Title: Skinny-Dipping at Monster Lake (Aladdin Fiction) | [
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28,027 | 0 | Grade 3-6Yolen and her daughter outline the basic events that gripped this community while boxed text, drawn to look like pages from an investigator's notebook, add context. Smaller sidebars define some of the terms used. The book concludes with a presentation of some of the extant theories of what caused the girls' hysteria and the reactions of the other townspeople, with questions for readers, based on the text, that may support or attack each theory. Roth's graphite-and-watercolor illustrations, done in somber tones, convey the bleakness of the Colonial winter and the drama of the unfolding events. There have been a number of books for this audience covering the Salem witch trials, Edward Dolan's (Benchmark, 2001), Tamra Orr's (Blackbirch, 2004), and Stephen Currie's (KidHaven, 2002), among them. While these titles cover the facts more completely and may be better suited for reports, the investigative approach used here gives a different perspective and encourages readers to evaluate the evidence and draw their own conclusions.Elaine Fort Weischedel, Millbury Public Library, MA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 4-6. Yolen and her daughter offer another entry in the Unsolved Mystery from History series. Once again, a girl whose father is a detective introduces events. She collects information about the "case" and at the end offers various scenarios about what happened in Salem, asking readers to come up with their own conclusions. The format seems more streamlined than in previous books, but each spread still features a text box and another box in the shape of a notebook, which contains the girl's musings. There are also several colored boxes with word definitions, which could have been incorporated into the text; simpler words could also have been used. On the plus side, this effectively introduces an intriguing subject, and the mystery of what really happened is more than enough to whet kids' appetites. Roth's illustrations serve the text very well; big, bold, and reminiscent of the work of Trina Schart Hyman, they fit the oversize picture-book format and move things along. A bibliography and list of Web sites will lead readers to more. Ilene CooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Salem Witch Trials: An Unsolved Mystery from History | [
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28,028 | 1 | Scottish author Bonning and Hobson (Three Bugs Full) don't change the recipe for the folktale "Stone Soup," but they do serve up a satisfying retelling. Down a dust-brown country road comes a brick-red fox, toting a blue backpack. He stops next to a wall of smooth, round stones, and calls to some farm animals, "Can you spare a little food for a hungry traveler?" When they refuse, the fox empties his backpack which contains only an iron-gray pot and "Sheep, who was slightly kinder than the others," gets some water. As the curious animals watch, Fox selects a rock for his soup, then graciously requests a pinch of this and that. As Bonning succinctly describes the sequence, Hobson focuses on each animal's role. Donkey brings a carrot by the greens, and Goat leans forward so that Fox may lift a cabbage off his horn; in the end, all the animals crowd in a semicircle around the bubbling soup, which Fox shares. The illustrator models curved, dense shapes on an opaque field of leafy green, and her full-bleed spreads harmonize with the calm, concise writing. Fox exchanges a smile with his cooperative friends as he takes his leave, confirming the peaceful sense of balance in this time-tested trickster story. Ages 4-8.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.reSchool-Grade 1--In this delightful retelling of "Stone Soup," a weary fox stops by a farm with the hope of getting some spare food. The stingy animals decide that they won't share with him, so he resorts to his wily ways to get some sustenance. Asking for a "drop of water to make some soup," the fox pulls a pot from his backpack, lights a fire, and drops a stone into the pot. As in the original, he declares that the soup is just "not quite right," wondering whether some salt and pepper, turnip, carrot, cabbage, and corn would enhance its flavor. With predictable results, the animals gather the necessary ingredients and enjoy a steaming bowl together. The illustrations add to the flavor of this story, as Hobson garnishes the pages with vivid green and blue backgrounds upon which a cartoon-looking sheep, cow, goat, donkey, and hens romp. While the original version of the story is as charming as ever, Fox Tale Soup is still an attractive addition.Lisa Gangemi Krapp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NYCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.; Title: Fox Tale Soup | [
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28,029 | 0 | "An intriguing picture book celebrates the sense of wonder that motivates scientists," wrote PW. "The surrealistic artwork favors the playfulness behind imagination over scientific objectivity." Ages 5-up. (July) Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.LEE BENNETT HOPKINS is a distinguished poet, writer, and anthologist whose poetry collections include the highly acclaimed Hand in Hand: An American History Through Poetry, illustrated by Peter Fiore, and My America: A Poetry Atlas of the United States, and America at War, both illustrated by Stephen Alcorn. Mr. Hopkinss numerous awards include the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion for lasting contributions to childrens literature and both the Christopher Award and a Golden Kite Honor for his verse novel Been to Yesterdays: Poems of a Life. He lives in Cape Coral, Florida.; Title: Spectacular Science: A Book of Poems | [
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28,030 | 2 | Grade 5–7—Ginny Davis begins seventh grade with a list of items to accomplish. This list, along with lots of other "stuff"—including diary entries, refrigerator notes, cards from Grandpa, and IM screen messages—convey a year full of ups and downs. Digitally rendered collage illustrations realistically depict the various means of communication, and the story flows easily from one colorful page to the next. Ginny is fairly typical—she wants to look good for her school picture but ends up with a hair disaster the night before. She babysits but can't seem to increase her bank balance. She has problems with friends, boys, and clothes. But readers also learn about some deeper issues. She has a hard time adjusting to a new stepfather, and her older brother has difficulties with alcohol and poor behavior choices. Ginny's pain is expressed through report card grades that drop to Cs and hall passes to the school counselor. However, the year ends on a high note as she discovers a talent for art and gets asked to the Spring Fling. The story combines honesty and humor to create a believable and appealing voice. Not quite a graphic novel but not a traditional narrative either, Holm's creative book should hook readers, especially girls who want something out of the ordinary.—Diana Pierce, Running Brushy Middle School, Cedar Park, TX Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Jenni Holm is the Newbery Honor-winning author of Our Only May Amelia, Penny from Heaven, Turtle in Paradise, and the BabyMouse graphic novel series. She lives in Northern California with her family.; Title: Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf: A Year Told Through Stuff | [
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28,031 | 2 | Grade 4 Up-Magical realism permeates Gonsalves's large acrylic paintings, and they are essential to the lyrical text. For "imagine a night when-you can hear a farmer play his fields to sleep," the artist depicts a man playing a fiddle on a porch in front of a field of sunflowers-but no, the flowers have human faces, leafy bodies, and green-gloved hands, and they are bowing their heads in sleep. A painting of children riding their bikes up a flight of stairs accompanies "imagine a night when you might find that gravity doesn't work quite as you expected." A girl walking in a church cloister suddenly looks over her shoulder and discovers that she's not alone, as the pointed church windows become hooded monks forming a procession. In the back of the book, each painting is repeated in miniature with its actual name. This is a fascinating foray into the imagination and a fine discussion starter for older children. For another look at things that are not what they seem, pair it with Guy Billout's Something's Not Quite Right (Godine, 2002).Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community College, CTCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Sarah L. Thomson's other books include The Dragon's Son, which was named one of the best science fiction, fantasy, and horror books of 2001 by Voice of Youth Advocates; Stars and Stripes; and Imagine a Night. She lives in Maine.; Title: Imagine a Night | [
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28,032 | 2 | PreS-Gr. 1. Tinka is the smallest sheep anyone has ever seen--the size of a cupcake, to be precise. Needless to say, her diminutive size presents some distinct disadvantages: she produces only enough wool for a hamster sweater, she could easily be squished by the other sheep, and she isn't even tall enough to see the large purple spider that appears on a distant hilltop each spring. Tinka's forlorn tale turns, however, after her friend Sooty the crow flies her to see the purple spider up close. As it turns out, the spider is actually an oddly shaped patch of thousands of tiny purple flowers. Tiny Tinka triumphantly returns to the farm with her important news, and she realizes for the first time that not just being one of the sheep has its advantages. Readers could spend hours discovering the many comical details in Dohaney's soft-edged, watercolor and colored pencil illustrations, reminiscent of Peter Sis's work, that give cuddly warmth to a familiar message. Karin SnelsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedRainy Dohaney's work has appeared frequently in the New York Times and other publications under another name. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and a hermit crab named Luca.; Title: Tinka | [
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28,033 | 0 | PreS-Gr. 1. From the Ready-to-Read series that includes See Otto (2002) and Ride Otto Ride! (2002), this very simple book introduces a little mouse named Pip. "See Pip. See Pip point" begins the text. When Pip sees Otto's purple helium balloon, he points at it repeatedly until Otto politely hands it over. The balloon quickly lifts lightweight Pip into the air. A bee accidentally runs into the balloon and pops it, but Otto flies by in a clunky wooden airplane and saves Pip. Unfortunately, the plane crashes into a tree, and Otto and Pip splash into a pond beside a couple of hippos. The little one holds a red balloon. "See Pip point" the text concludes, implying a continuing story beyond the last page. The illustrations, large in scale and clearly delineated against white backgrounds, feature particularly expressive characters. Using a very few short words, plenty of action, and droll humor, Milgrim creates a book that even beginners will enjoy reading. Read-aloud fun for those not ready to read, too. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: See Pip Point | [
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28,034 | 13 | Patricia Lakin, a former elementary school teacher and an award-winning author, has written more than fifty published works. Her books, both fiction and nonfiction, span multiple age groupsfrom toddlers to middle graders. Patricia lives in New York City with her husband, Lee Koenigsberg. They have two grown sons, Aaron and Benjahmin. When not reading, writing, or researching, she can be found traveling with Lee to far-off places in the world.; Title: Harry Houdini: Escape Artist (Level 2) | [
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28,035 | 7 | Phyllis Reynolds Naylor has written more than 135 books, including the Newbery AwardwinningShilohand its sequels, the Alice series,Roxie and the Hooligans, andRoxie and the Hooligans at Buzzards Roost. She lives in Gaithersburg, Maryland. To hear from Phyllis and find out more about Alice, visit AliceMcKinley.com.; Title: The Witch Herself (W.I.T.C.H. (Paperback)) | [
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28,036 | 2 | Short-legged, funny-voiced Arabella feels like an old friend, and children will feel a kinship to her from the first line of the book: "Arabella Anastasia was not an ordinary girl." For one thing, she wants extraordinarily badly to be famous. As she ponders and ponders how she might achieve that goal, "ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE KNEW!" She decides to become a famous painter, so she tries to make her paintings "as beautiful as all the other paintings she had seen. But her colors always ran together and the lines were always crooked." Undaunted, she decides to become a famous actress. She tries to act like other famous actors, but she still can't help being late, forgetful, and, well, "indescribably Arabella." Finally, when her attempts to be a famous dancer fail, and she just about gives up on her dream, she is befriended by two little old people. At their request, she paints a picture for them ("the most unusual picture that the two little old people had ever seen"), acts out a play for them ("the most unusual performance that the two little old people had ever seen"), and does an unusual dance for them, too, which they of course adore. And, as luck would have it, "Now Arabella performs for the whole neighborhood, so you see she HAS become famous after all." Jane Gilbert's Indescribably Arabella, first written in 1947 but never published, is a truly timeless story of individuality and perseverance with a delightfully bizarre illustration style and design (with cursive writing for the text) that we hope will endure for generations. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin SnelsonPreSchool-Grade 2-Arabella Anastasia wants to become famous, but she's not sure how to go about it. First she decides to become known for her painting, but her art teacher regretfully tells her that that will never happen. Then she decides to become an actress, but she has trouble remembering her lines and "her entrances were always late." Finally she tries ballet, but no one will watch her dance. Forlorn and distraught, she is ready to trash her paints, costumes, and dance slippers. Just then, an elderly couple walks by, stops to ask why she's throwing away her things and hears Arabella's complaint that "No one appreciates me." The two lonely people take her to their home, where she paints them a picture, acts out a play, and dances for them. They are delighted, and Arabella finds herself performing for the neighborhood, finding, at least, local fame. Written in 1947 but never before published, this sweetly innocent story reflects its old-fashioned sensibilities, particularly the idea that it might be safe for a child to go home with perfect strangers. The characters have a doll-like appearance, and the text is printed in cursive handwriting. The art is well executed, with some of the characters reminiscent of Hilary Knight's drawings. Young readers who love books about ballet and dreams of stardom will enjoy meeting Arabella Anastasia and perhaps be prompted to put on some shows of their own.Leslie Barban, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SCCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Indescribably Arabella | [
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28,037 | 7 | "In a dark, dark wood, / there was a dark, dark house" begins this well-known ghost story with its dramatic build-up and Eek!-producing finale. Paper engineer David A. Carter (Bugs in Space, The Elements of Pop-up) enhances the traditional tale with his own spooky paintings of the dark, dark house and its dark, dark mysteries along with a green ghost that pops up at the end. This story takes less than a minute to read aloud from cover to cover, so don't get too cozy. A good Halloween gift for kids who like to be just a tiny, tiny bit scared. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin SnelsonWith a pop-up spooky surprise on the final spread, David A. Carter's In a Dark, Dark Wood puts a new spin on an old tale. The paper-over-board book features colors-emanating from beakers-that waft, snake-like, through the full-bleed illustrations; sturdy pages ensure durability. Ages 3-7.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: In a Dark, Dark Wood: An Old Tale with a New Twist | [
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28,038 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 1-A town's residents busily prepare delicacies, anticipating the exciting arrival of the pigs that are "coming to play, hooray!" In fact, a veritable banquet awaits: "We're planning a feast for ten thousand at least,/We're cooking a fabulous meal." The porcine party is followed by high-stepping dancing and, when the frolicking comes to an end, the insatiable guests request one last snack. Though the warm, welcoming hosts are weary and worn-out, and have joined in the fun, they serve up crumb, plum, and rum cakes, and anticipate the arrival of-the sheep. Oller's distinguished watercolors of boisterous, smiling pigs are a perfect match for Newman's winsome, lyrical verse. This rollicking romp will be a storytime delight or a terrific laptime treat. It's sure to bounce right off the shelves.Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-Gr. 2. Dozens of pigs are coming, by Cadillac and yak, to the delight of a town that is preparing a feast for the visitors. Playful verses packed with internal rhymes elaborate on the extensive menu and describe the pigs swinging song-and-dance act after the meal. Winsome watercolors in soft colors and rounded shapes create personable pigs whose eloquent facial expressions and body language add to the humor. Like Dogs, Dogs, Dogs (2002) and Cats, Cats, Cats (2001), by the same team, this animal frolic has a fast pace that will work for story times, with enough detail in the illustrations for further scrutiny by young listeners. Kathleen OdeanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Pigs, Pigs, Pigs! | [] | Test |
28,039 | 18 | Kathleen Kudlinski was born in Pennsylvania. When she grew up, she studied art and biology at the University of Maine. She became a science teacher, but when she stopped teaching, she tried writing. She is the author of books about Rosa Parks, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dr. Seuss, and many more.; Title: Sojourner Truth | [
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28,040 | 2 | Grade 4-6-Devotees of Bernie Magruder and his antics at the Bessledorf Hotel will find mystery and adventure in this humorous and rollicking installment. The author masterfully weaves a story line about church bells that ring out parts of a hymn every quarter hour as a gift from the deceased richest woman in Middleburg to her husband, driving residents crazy and into camps for and against; the appearance in the belfry of Indiana Aztec bats with a green glow; and a strange new hotel guest. The sixth grader and his friends find the surprising and satisfying solution to the mystery of the bats as Halloween approaches, and long before Officer Feeney and the other adults do. Naylor's characters are consistently well done, with father talking in clichs that express wisdom and humor, and she provides an old-time sense of community that is charming in its innocence. For readers who are not already Naylor fans, this welcome addition may be the book that leads them further into her work.JoAnn Jonas, Chula Vista Public Library, San Diego, CACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 4-7. Bernie Magruder, star of the Besseldorf mystery series, is back, this time on the trail of the dangerous Aztec bat that is terrorizing the town of Middleburg. Well, at least someone has put up signs that say there's a new bat in town whose bite is fatal. It doesn't seem likely that the presence of the bat could be related to another new scourge in Middleburg--the church bells that repeat the same hymn over and over--but when the bells and bats both converge in the belfry, Bernie, along with his friends, is on the case. This has the same off-the-wall humor the series is noted for, so fans will welcome the new adventure; readers unfamiliar with previous books will be drawn in as well. Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Bernie Magruder & the Bats in the Belfry | [
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28,041 | 11 | Beatrice Gormley has written a number of books for young readers, including several titles in the Historys All-Stars series, as well as biographies of Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Laura Bush, and John McCain. She lives in Westport, Massachusetts.; Title: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: Friend of the Arts (Childhood of Famous Americans) | [
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28,042 | 0 | In this handy guide/ (For children overqualified/ For boring jobs), Lewis (Doodle Dandies) and the sublime Bloch (Butterflies in My Stomach) catalogue some of the more esoteric professions. There's the crossword puzzle maker (I make up clues for/ 'Olive' (green), / 'Lentil or garbanzo' (bean) and the titular specialty haberdasher (You wear them briefly/ And in short,/ I sell them chiefly/ For support); the center spread salutes the marathon runner with a poem set into the map of a course. Lewis deserves applause for his sophisticated wordplay and his willingness to push readers in terms of poetic conceits: anyone who attempts to explain to kids what a philosopher doesin verse, no lessdeserves a paean himself. It's a shame, then, that poems that start out so promisingly often run out of steam and wrap up with weak jokes (a pet groomer bemoans a customer who forgets toupee; a plumber works in Inside The Twoilet zone). Bloch's wonderful digital collages save the day: his signature combination of piquant ink doodles and witty found objects lends elegant playfulness to every page. Ages 710. (Mar.) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Puns are everywhere in this playful, rhymingsurvey of jobs, and the collage illustrations extend the verbal fun with wry, literal images, from the butcher named Sloppy Joe toan underwear salesman, whose sales pitch includes instructions to wear his garments briefly. The sounds of the words will appeal to grade-schoolers, and so will the visuals, from the double-page spread of the marathon runner in the city streets (Motivation / Perspiration / Long duration) to the view of the subway driver as a sixty-mile-an-hour mole who worms his way underground.Then there is thefancy gymnastwho triesfor a triple-handspring somersault and ends up very horizontal. Kids will get the message that comes from these scenes of adults at work: grown-up life is fun, sometimes, but there isno need to hurry to get there. Grades 2-5. --Hazel Rochman; Title: Underwear Salesman | [
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28,043 | 0 | Ann Rinaldi is acclaimed for her historical novels, of which eight have been named Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association. Author of more than thirty titles, she sets the standard for the genre in excellence and accuracy with her modern-day classics Wolf by the Ears and In My Father's House. She lives in New Jersey with her husband.; Title: Taking Liberty: The Story of Oney Judge, George Washington's Runaway Slave | [
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28,044 | 0 | Poet Eve Merriam and Caldecott Honor artist Lane Smith have mastered creepy. In 1987, they first created the award-winning Halloween ABC, and this deliciously sinister collection of poems and paintings has been redesigned by Molly Leach, digitally corrected, "spooked up," and rereleased as Spooky ABC. Smith first completed the project as a wordless picture book, depicting the 26 letters of the alphabet and their Halloweenish symbols... C for cat, for example. When Macmillan decided the book needed powerful words to accompany the dramatic paintings, they signed on poet Eve Merriam. In the bookmaking process, some of Merriam's choices for poem subjects trumped Smith's original illustrations--"vampire" became "viper," "yeti" became "yeast," "tree" became "trap," and "cat" became "crawler." "Invisible" disappeared into "icicle." At the end of this 2002 edition is a fascinating recap of "the awful truth behind the making of Spooky ABC" as well as a glimpse at Smith's wonderful "lost" paintings."A is for apple" sounds friendly enough, until you see the creepy claw that holds the fruit above the flames and the words, "Delicious, / malicious; / one bite and / you're dead." B is for bat, as you might suspect, C is for crawler, D for demon... X for xylophone ("bones to clang / bones to bang"), Y for yeast ("rise rise / seethe spread / fuss fume / foam spume"), Z is for zero ("Nothing but hollow / holes for eyes"). The poems, from A to Z, are often chilling, and do not shy away from the darkest corners of human fears. They are also brilliant and rhythmic, as shown in "Mask:" "Guises, disguises, / all kinds of surprises: / A peasant's a king, / a king's a knave, / a knave's a donkey, / a donkey's a slave" or in "Nightmare:" "Nay nay nay / never get away / writhing writhing / in woe woe woe / too late to tell/ friend from foe." Smith's paintings are gorgeous, moody, dark, but not without whimsy. Together, this creative team has produced a macabre masterpiece to be treasured every Halloween or full moon. (Ages 8 and older, not for the faint of heart!) --Karin SnelsonDesigned to shiver the timbers of youngsters all year round, the previously published Halloween ABC (1987) is now Spooky ABC by Eve Merriam, illus. by Lane Smith. The handsome edition pits 26 alphabetically organized poems-"Demon" and "Lair" among them-against eerie illustrations. Ages 5-up.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Spooky ABC | [
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28,045 | 0 | Avi is the author of more than seventy books for children and young adults, including the 2003 Newbery medal winnerCrispin: The Cross of Lead. He has won two Newbery Honors and many other awards for his fiction. He lives with his family in Denver, Colorado. Visit him at Avi-Writer.com.; Title: The Traitors' Gate (Richard Jackson Books (Atheneum Paperback)) | [
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28,046 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2-Mama answers the phone, telling Rose to "get ready for bed,/while I have a quick little chat with Uncle Fred." However, before the redheaded girl can do so, the doorbell rings and four "muscley" men appear bearing a load of party supplies. Rose calls to her mother, but Mama isn't through talking, so the youngster lets them in. Each time the doorbell rings-as guests, waiters serving hors d'oeuvres, and a magician arrive-she tries to get her mother's attention but is put off. When the band arrives, Rose is ready to jump into the action: she fills in for the absent drummer, playing a "boogie-down beat" that steals the show. Finally, Mama warns that she is about to hang up. Rose tells her visitors that they must go, and they quickly depart, taking the mess with them. None the wiser, Mama finds her daughter fast asleep in bed, and whispers, "Good girl, Rose." The rhyming text never misses a beat. The watercolor illustrations feature slightly stylized characters: Rose and her mother have skinny legs and pointy feet, fuller-looking torsos, and hair that flies away at unexpected angles. A busy, colorful spread showing the party in full swing emphasizes the moment when Rose decides to join the fun. Children will appreciate the humor of this slightly over-the-top take on a familiar situation.-Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.K-Gr. 3. "Rose, dear," said Mama, "please get ready for bed while I have a quick chat with Uncle Fred." But Mama's phone chat isn't quick at all; it goes on long enough for a series of visitors to burst through the front door: four muscular delivery men with party supplies (despite Rose's protests that there isn't any party); an assortment of party guests; waiters with trays of hors d'oeuvres; a magician looking for an assistant; and a band in need of a drummer. Rose calls for help at each stage of the folly ("MAAAAAAAAMA . . . I need you right now!"), but Mama is too busy to respond. Told in rhyme, this fanciful book perfectly characterizes the impatience children experience while waiting for adults' attention. The watercolor art has an upper-crust, period feel (butlers, gentlemen with top hats, and jazz bands), and Mama, phone to her ear, is spotlighted within a circular border that separates her from the party shenanigans. Kids will relate to Rose's troubles; adults will appreciate the staging. Julie CumminsCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: While Mama Had a Quick Little Chat | [
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28,047 | 7 | Phyllis Reynolds Naylor has written more than 135 books, including the Newbery AwardwinningShilohand its sequels, the Alice series,Roxie and the Hooligans, andRoxie and the Hooligans at Buzzards Roost. She lives in Gaithersburg, Maryland. To hear from Phyllis and find out more about Alice, visit AliceMcKinley.com.; Title: Witch Water (W.I.T.C.H. (Paperback)) | [
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28,048 | 0 | Kathleen Dueys works include the middle grade American Diaries and Survivors series, as well as the well-reviewed chapter book series The Unicorns Secret and its companion series, The Faeries Promise. She is also the National Book Awardnominated author of Skin Hunger. She lives in Fallbrook, California.Chapter OneHeart wiped a raindrop from the tip of her nose. She pulled her cloak tighter and shivered.Davey's wagon was stuck fast. Its wheels were half buried in mud.Davey sat on the driver's bench. The reins were loose in his hands. His jacket and shirt were dark with rainwater. His trousers were mud stained. The horses were nervous and he was singing to them.Heart brushed at her own clothes, then at Moonsilver's armor. The boots Josepha had given her were caked in mud. Everything was."We need a hand!" Binney was shouting. "Davey's stuck." Groans rose from the long line of Gypsy wagons. Heart made a face. Every muscle in her body was sore. They had been struggling against the weather since they had left Bidenfast. Usually, Binney said, they made it to Lord Kaybale's sheltered valleys before the worst storms hit. Not this year.Winter in Lord Levin's mountains had been long and cruel.They had spent months huddled in the crowded wagons.The cold didn't seem to bother Moonsilver or Avamir. It was terrible for everyone else. Zim had been sick for weeks, sniffling and coughing. The horses shivered and stood close together. Kip slept inside Binney's wagon, curled in a ball so tight his tail covered his ears.The snow storms finally stopped.Then the rains had begun. The streams had turned into deep torrents of dark, muddy water. There was a low, distant rumble of thunder. "Not much chance we'll sleep dry tonight," Talia called. She pointed at the dark clouds overhead. "Looks like another storm." Heart glanced up. "It has to clear up sometime."Talia grinned. "The sooner the better."Heart didn't answer. She was sick of the cold, of the wet, of the wagons being so crammed with people every evening that she couldn't read or practice writing. Tibbs had left behind a whole packet of paper.Heart had found a hawk's feather to make a quill pen.She knew her writing wasn't very good yet.She could barely read it.But she was determined to improve."I miss our campfires," Talia said. "None of us has practiced reading since Tibbs left. Not even you."Heart nodded unhappily. It was true.She hadn't told the Gypsies about Moonsilver healing Lord Irmaedith, or the storybook he had given her, and only Zim knew about Lord Dunraven's. So she had to keep them hidden.She wanted to tell Binney everything. But it was forbidden for commoners to have books. And one of the books in her carry-sack had been taken from Lord Dunraven's castle. If she got caught, Heart didn't want the Gypsies to get into trouble too. "Maybe Gypsies just aren't supposed to learn to read," Talia said. Heart glanced at her. "Everyone should learn."Talia laughed. "The Lords of the Lands surely don't agree with that. I wonder why.""They don't want people to know the old stories," Heart said slowly. This was something she had thought about a lot. "They want to keep all kinds of things secret."Talia arched her brows. "Why?"Heart wasn't quite sure why, but she knew it was true."We're set!" Binney shouted.Heart sighed.Talia frowned.Kip whined, a high-pitched, unhappy sound.Heart leaned down to pat his head. "Stay here."Slogging through the mud, Heart and Talia joined the line of people getting ready to help.Binney and Zim had worked a rope around the back of the wagon. Heart found a place between Talia and Josepha. She wiped her hands on her cloak for a better grip.On the opposite side of the mud mire another line was forming. They would hold the other end of the rope. Four men pulled off their boots.They rolled up their trousers.Then they waded into the mud.The men lined up shoulder to shoulder, their hands flat against the wagon gate. "Ready?" Binney shouted. Heart nodded along with everyone else.Davey stood up on the footrest.The horses leaned into their harness collars. They knew what to do."Ready?" Binney yelled. "One, two...THREE!" "Pull!" Davey urged his horses. "PULL!"Heart leaned backward, digging her boot heels into the muddy earth. She could hear people groaning with effort. The men behind the wagon were bent almost double, their heads down as they strained to push."Yah!" Davey shouted at the horses. "You can do it!"Heart heaved at the rope. Her hands hurt. She pulled harder anyway.Finally, a wet, squelching sound made her glance up. The wheels were coming free!She gritted her teeth and pulled harder, along with everyone else.The wagon lurched forward. Heart stumbled backward as the rope went slack. Talia staggered, trying to keep her balance.Binney lifted her head. "Hurrah! There is no mud puddle too fierce for us!"Heart heard quiet laughter on all sides."You are all heroes!" Binney raised her arms like an acrobat landing a back flip. "You are the conquerors of mud and drizzle!" The laughter came again. Heart smiled. Binney reminded her of Ruth Oakes. They would be good friends if ever they met. Suddenly the bracelet on Heart's wrist tightened. Startled, Heart pushed up her cloak to stare at the woven silver threads. Sometimes it seemed like the bracelet tightened to warn her of danger.But nothing was wrong....The woods were still, except for the sound of the falling rain.The Gypsies were all smiling, trudging back to their wagons.Avamir and Moonsilver were walking calmly toward her. Kip trotted with them, his ears plastered flat with rainwater. Heart pulled her cloak close around her shoulders.Text copyright © 2003 by Kathleen DueyIllustrations copyright © 2003 by Omar Rayyan; Title: Castle Avamir | [
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28,049 | 1 | Salina Yoonis the creator of over seventy novelty books including the international bestsellerThe Icky Sticky Frog. She graduated from the Art Center College of Design and currently lives in San Marcos, California, with her husband Chris and their two young sons, Max and Mason.; Title: Happy Easter! (Sparkle 'n' Shimmer Books) | [
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28,050 | 2 | Grade 5-8-An earthquake, followed by a tsunami, hits the Oregon coast where 13-year-old Kyle is vacationing with his family. His parents are on a yacht, celebrating his realtor father's Salesman of the Year award, and Kyle must get his eight-year-old sister out of their burning hotel and up the hill, away from the beach. As they escape, he also saves the life of a bully who has tormented him since grade school. Later, after seeing Daren for the lying coward he is, Kyle stands up to him, ending the abusive behavior. Kyle's self-image is transformed through his experience with the tsunami and the bully. While this is a satisfying read for victims of bullying, it is unremarkable in plot and style. One character does stand out, Kyle's sister, BeeBee, a financial whiz who follows the stock market and names her teddy bear after Bill Gates. A bibliography of books, Web sites, a video, and pamphlets about tsunamis is included.Laurie von Mehren, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OHCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Peg Kehret's books for young readers are regularly recommended by theAmerican Library Association, the International Reading Association, and the Children's Book Council. She has won twenty-one children's state book awards, the Golden Kite Award from the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, the PEN Center West Award for Children's Literature, and the Henry Bergh Award from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for Saving Lilly. A longtime volunteer at the Humane Society, she often uses animals in her stories.Peg and her husband, Carl, live in a log house on ten acres of forest near Mount Rainier National Park. Their property is a sanctuary for blacktail deer, elk, rabbits, and many kinds of birds. When she is not writing, Peg likes to read, watch baseball, and pump her old player piano.; Title: Escaping the Giant Wave | [
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28,051 | 16 | Bill Mayer's work has appeared in major journal publications such as the New York Times magazine, National Geographic, Time magazine, Sports Illustrated, and the Wall Street Journal. He also created the Bright Eyes stamp series for the U.S. Postal Service, and has illustrated picture books such as All Aboard by Chris Demarest. Bill lives with his wife, a fellow artist, in Decatur, Georgia. For more information, visit him at thebillmayer.com.; Title: All Aboard! | [
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28,052 | 6 | Starred Review. Continuing to innovate, Sabuda enhances the already powerful enchantments of J.M. Barrie's classic 1902 tale with astonishing paper engineering. Illustrations suggest a hybrid of period styles, somewhere between arts and crafts, with their rich patterning, and art nouveau, with their Tiffany glasslike outlines and colorations. At first Sabuda's techniques look familiar if splendid. Pop-up story booklets are tucked to the side of imposing pop-ups that dominate a full spread: enormous clouds (these are shaped like characters) billow over a 3-D London nightscape on the opening spread; to the left, the text begins on narrow pages that unfold to include pop-ups of Nana, Wendy stitching Peter's shadow and more. As the book continues, Sabuda's work becomes more surprisingCaptain Hook slides down a hollow treeuntil, on a final climactic spread, an entire pirate ship pops up, masts, Jolly Roger and all. Not to be missed. All ages. (Nov.) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Robert Sabuda is one of the most innovative and inventive children's book creators and is known worldwide for his amazing pop-up paper engineering. His books include Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, The Winter's Tale, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, to name but afew, have garnered numerous awards and have made the New York Times bestseller lists on many occasions. He lives in New York City.; Title: Peter Pan (A Classic Collectible Pop-up) | [
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28,053 | 15 | PreSchool-Grade 3Done mostly in sparkly whites, shiny silvers, and icy pastel hues, Sabuda's dazzling pop-ups upstage the simple text in a tale that highlights the wonders of a winter landscape. The paper constructions are indicative of the artist's usual high standard: an owl soars off the pages; a cave lifts and opens to show the foxes concealed within; and a waterfall cascades into a rushing river, where a bear darts forward to catch the fish that dance above the water's surface. The final 3-D scene shows all of the creatures posed within a forest of evergreens and bare trees, while a snowman standing in front of a lonely house reveals himself as the story's narrator, and promises to return for a visit next year. All of the animalswhether deer, squirrels, or a mooseare sculpted out of flat white paper, making them look elegant against the more colorful woodsy backdrops. While the artwork is stunning, there is not much plot here and the pop-ups are delicate, making the book more of a confection for browsing or winter displays than a story for reading.Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.K-Gr. 3. More dimensional sleight-of-hand awaits readers in Sabuda's latest entry in the Classic Collectible Pop-Up series. The theme here is winter wildlife, and as in many of Sabuda's books, the spreads feature spare, white pop-ups set against boldly graphic backgrounds embellished with glitter and foil. The renderings display Sabuda's typical virtuosity with a few exceptions; the bear's rounded physique, for example, doesn't translate quite as well to the planes and creases of pop-up art as do the forms of other animals. Remind readers to peek under the diecut flaps on most spreads, where they'll discover miniature pop-up scenes of additional woodland creatures. The text is fairly weak (an owl is described as "a soft streak of white in the sky," even though the artwork shows a close-up bird), but there's a gentle mystery about the identity of the narrator, who remains unseen until the last spread. The piece de resistance? A cozy cottage decorated with tiny, blinking Christmas lights, powered by replaceable batteries. Jennifer MattsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Winter's Tale | [
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28,054 | 16 | Kindergarten-Grade 3This unusual tale mixes circus scenery and characters with a familiar barnyard theme. On the day the cows get loose, Ida Mae is hanging upside down in an apple tree, dreamin' about how to git famous. Pa asks her to find their 26 roaming bovines, and, although Ida Mae rights herself to start her search, the story continues to feel topsy-turvy. The animals' names span from A to Z, but the cows are not listed or discovered in alphabetical order. In fact, it is difficult to know when all the missing animals are found. Rendered in a combination of watercolor, colored pencil, and pen and ink, the energetic illustrations add to the chaos. From the front cover to the back, cows practically jump off the pages, performing circuslike antics such as juggling, flying on trapezes, and walking a tightrope. Ida Mae's family and neighbors are equally unconventional. She lives in a dilapidated trailer Fun House, rides a plumed zebra, and visits a bearded lady and a fire-swallowing man during the roundup. At story's end, she can finally see her way to fame, envisioning Ida Mae's Bovine Big Top. The busy illustrations and zany action will have some readers reeling in confusion, while others will be reeling with laughter. A selection best suited for individual or one-to-one reading.Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.PreS-Gr. 2. Wild, nostalgic illustrations steal the show in this circus tall tale about exceptionally talented cows. When a family of big-top performers' eccentric cow herd is on the loose, it's young Ida Mae's job to perform the roundup. Each spread gleefully reveals that the cows have picked up plenty of tricks from their owners. Some are found juggling cabbages; one balances atop a stack of chairs; others gracefully perform a synchronized swimming routine in a nearby mansion's pool. Ida Mae narrates in a droll, colloquial voice ("This is gooder 'n grits!"), and the tension between what her words leave out and what the pictures show makes most of the fun. The phrase "Ma was out back choppin' a load of wood," for example, is matched with an image of Ma, in evening gown and gloves, wielding multiple axes with the expertise of a knife thrower to whittle down a tree stump. This may be more situation than story, but the expressive mixed-media images, reminiscent of David Small's work, will easily draw interest, giggles, and requests for repeated viewings. For another look at misbehaving bovines, see Suzy Becker's Manny's Cows,^B reviewed on p.80. Gillian EngbergCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: When the Cows Got Loose | [
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28,055 | 7 | "This clever, deftly written first novel gives life to Princess Sylvie and her cohorts, characters from an out-of-print and rarely read fairy tale, by having them cross over to the dreams of Readers," said PW, calling it "as much a romantic paean to reading and writing as it is a good story." Ages 10-up. (Oct.) n Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.James Howe I read the first sentence of "The Great Good Thing, " and it was love at first sight. Here is a stunningly original story, full of beautifully crafted words, ideas that crackle with intelligence, and characters who literally step off the pages and into the readers' minds and hearts. A timeless treasure for all ages.; Title: The Great Good Thing | [
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28,056 | 15 | Robert Sabuda is one of the most innovative and inventive children's book creators and is known worldwide for his amazing pop-up paper engineering. His books include Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, The Winter's Tale, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, to name but afew, have garnered numerous awards and have made the New York Times bestseller lists on many occasions. He lives in New York City.; Title: Winter in White (Classic Collectible Pop-Up) | [
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28,057 | 14 | Ana Martin Larraaga lives with her family in Germany. She doesn't have a dog or a goat but is always thinking of getting one (maybe because her eldest son asks for one of each constantly). She is the illustrator of more than 60 children's books.; Title: Who Said Boo?: A Lift-the-Flap Book | [
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28,058 | 20 | Grade 3 Up-Demi's somewhat reverent picture-book introduction to Muhammad is similar in format to her Buddha (Holt, 1995). Born into a powerful and influential Meccan tribe in the year A.D. 570, Muhammad was nursed for five years by a desert woman who recognized his "inner beauty and greatness." Between the ages of 40 and 63, he had many visions that revealed to him the words that became the Koran and the Five Pillars of Islam. Although he quickly gained many followers, his attempts to convert the idol-worshipping Meccans to monotheism annoyed the Quraysh tribal leaders, forcing the Muslims into military confrontations. Ultimately, he was able to unite the feuding Arab tribes into the Ummah brotherhood. Demi states that he granted religious tolerance to Christians and Jews, but forced them to pay a "tribute" to the Islamic government. Also, problematic generalized statements, such as "-Muhammad taught God's words that said that all men and women, black and white, rich and poor, must be treated with dignity and respect," are presented as fact. No mention is made of the disparaging references in the Koran to Jews and Christians, who are termed "disbelievers," or that Muslims are admonished not to take them as friends. Demi's carefully designed paint-and-ink illustrations, with their tiny detailed people in brightly colored costumes and Islamic architecture and symbols, are done in the style of the Persian miniature. Because Islamic tradition forbids the creation of graven images, Muhammad is depicted as a golden silhouette; his printed name is followed in the text by the Arabic symbol for benediction. Quotes from the Koran appear throughout, and a one-page bibliography includes text and art references. Elsa Marston's Muhammad of Mecca: Prophet of Islam (Watts, 2001) is a more thorough, unbiased introduction to Muhammad and Islam.Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OHCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 4-7, younger for reading aloud. More than any other children's book available, this biography of the prophet Muhammad reflects the literary and artistic traditions of the Islamic world. Like most Arab texts, it begins with the words, "In the name of God, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate," and an Arabic honorific always follows Muhammad's name. The readily understandable narrative tells the stories of Muhammad's life as Muslim children hear them, beginning with his birth in Mecca and ending with the declaration that although Muhammad has died, God never will. In keeping with Islamic artistic tradition, the paintings do not portray the face or body of the Prophet; instead they show his silhouette in gold leaf. Using the ancient Persian miniature style, Demi ignores scale and paints primarily in two dimensions (so that, for instance, worshippers do not appear to be kneeling on a rug so much as superimposed on it). With dramatic scenes extending past the borders of the intricately patterned frames, the art will be a continual source of interest for young people. Demi weaves together selections from the Qur'an and an overview of Islam in this excellent retelling of the Prophet's life that combines beauty and scholarship. John GreenCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Muhammad | [
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28,059 | 1 | Kindergarten-Grade 4The self-sufficient star of Clever Beatrice (Atheneum, 2001) returns in another folktale from the French-Canadian tradition. This time, the girl outsmarts a lutin, described as a little bearded man from the old country who acts and looks a bit like a leprechaun. Every morning, Beatrice finds that her beloved pony is dripping with sweat, covered in burrs, and exhausted, and surmises that someone must be riding him at night. She consults the town baker, Monsieur Le Pain, who is also the expert on "things not easily explained." While he ponders how to help her, Beatrice figures out on her own how to handle the lutin. This well-told story about a strong and smart heroine will appeal to kids. The illustrations add beautifully to the narrative. Solomon combines watercolors, acrylics, oils, and collage in palettes of gold, brown, and other earth tones to evoke the north woods setting. Willey includes a helpful note about lutins that will spark even more conversation about the tale.Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.K-Gr. 2. When young Beatrice finds evidence that her beloved pony is being ridden hard at night and left in a terrible state, she seeks advice from Monsieur Le Pain, the baker from Quebec who is known as "the village expert on things not easily explained." He correctly suspects that the culprit is a lutin (a small, elflike creature) and agrees to help her. But it is Beatrice who discovers the troublemaker, confronts him, and catches him. This entertaining sequel to Clever Beatrice (2002) tells a well-crafted, smoothly written story and features a determined heroine. Solomon's often dramatic illustrations use watercolors, acrylics, and oil paints with elements of collage to create a series of quirky scenes that interpret the story with energy and originality. The attractive, maplike endpapers lay out the setting in an agreeable manner that allows children to trace the action. An entertaining picture book, well suited to reading aloud. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Clever Beatrice and the Best Little Pony | [
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28,060 | 16 | Kindergarten-Grade 3This clever and sophisticated tribute to two icons of nonsensical rhyme, Dr. Seuss and Edward Lear, will surprise and amuse. From the Angry Ack who eats dirty clothes to the Zanderiffic Zibble Zook, who loves to read dictionaries, these fantastic creatures defy expectations. The Bloobytack, who collects objects on his sticky back, assures, I know what you're thinking, but that's not a BOOT, it's a SHOE so no B's here. In fact, none of the illustrations seem to have anything to do with their respective letters. Each spread features a letter, a corresponding Seuss-like creachling and its rhyme, and a comical cartoon portrait of the author. Several pages into the story, the Teedle-Weenie Woo, potatolike, brightly colored digits, join the fun. They insist on counting, be it 7 stars, 90 laps, or, in the case of the Uggle-Unk, 3 stripes in his underwear./Thank goodness, none are brown. Amid the laughs, children are ingeniously exposed to colors, numbers, and letters. The pen-and-ink illustrations of the creachlings are colored digitally, each in a different hue, in imitation of picture books of the '40s and '50s. The author and the Woos are painted in gouache with prismacolor-pencil details. The formerskinny and boyish with jeans, yellow T-shirt, sneakers, round glasses, and unruly red hairimitates and interacts with his creations on every page, clearly having just as much fun as his readers. Handsomely designed, this wacky wonder will wow Woos of all ages.Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Tony DiTerlizzi is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator who has been creating books with Simon & Schuster for fifteen years. From his fanciful picture books like Jimmy Zangwows Out-of-this-World Moon Pie Adventure, Adventure of Meno (with his wife, Angela), and The Spider & The Fly (a Caldecott Honor book), to chapter books like Kenny and The Dragon and The Search for WondLa, Tony always imbues his stories with a rich imagination. His middle grade series, The Spiderwick Chronicles (with Holly Black), has sold millions of copies, been adapted into a feature film, and has been translated in more than thirty countries. You can visit him at DiTerlizzi.com.; Title: G Is for One Gzonk!: An Alpha-number-bet Book | [] | Test |
28,061 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 3Stewart is an "average, everyday kid" with a talking molar that inevitably lures him into trouble. At his cousin's wedding, the tooth demands a large chunk of cake, and when the boy crams it into his mouth, his parents deny that he's their son. At school, its clamoring for candy causes the boy's teacher to send him to the principal's office yet again. He foists off blame with the predictable phrase, "It's The Tooth!" The illustration adds to the hilarity as the molar peeks out of the boy's mouth with an impish and belligerent smirk, its fist raised in apparent anger. Throughout, the mixed-media cartoon artwork extends the comedy of Palatini's text and enriches her characterization of Stewart. In one spread, readers look down on him as he lies on the floor with a stomachache after raiding an Easter basket. This scene adds visual interest with a change in perspective, showing only the feet of his family memberseven the paws of the catclustered around the sick boy. When Stewart finally tells his molar that he's switching to a "Healthy diet," Davis uses rosy red to perk up the palette and show the youngster's new determination to win the war with the tooth. Finally, Stewart extracts it with the help of a big carrot and the Tooth Fairy administers justice in an upbeat ending. With a rollicking text and charming illustrations, this adventure is a scrumptious delight.James K. Irwin, Nichols Library, Naperville, IL Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.K-Gr. 3. One of young Stewart's molars demands a steady stream of sweets. Often the cravings become so bad that Stewart goes into feeding frenzies at the most inappropriate times. Stewart retaliates against the pesky molar with a steady stream of vegetables until it finally falls out and is collected by the tooth fairy. This is an amusing story, but the zany, cartoonish, mixed-media illustrations are the real treat, especially in chaotic scenes of sweets flying in all directions as friends and relatives look on in horror. The molar itself lingers in the back of Stewart's mouth, a comic, angry, and malevolent presence. Kids are sure to enjoy this funny, but not overly didactic, look at the dangers of a sweet tooth enjoying unchecked power. Todd MorningCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Sweet Tooth | [
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28,062 | 0 | Grade 610Jiaan, Kavi, and Sorayathe three young Farsalans attempting to wrest their fallen nation from the conquering Hrumare back in this final installment of Bell's trilogy. Invoking the name of the legendary Sorahb, they lead the tiny, ill-trained army, organize the peasants, and practice magic as taught by the mysterious, desert-living Suud. The sword that they forge represents both their discovery of the secrets of Hrum steel as well as their ability to create a new, unified Farsala. The young people work according to their particular talents, learning to cooperate and to forgive past transgressions. Primarily, they learn that the world is not a place of black and white, but grayenemies can be noble and supposed friends can deceive. How one proceeds in the face of that knowledge is the main thrust of this novel. Readers who enjoyed the earlier adventures will be happy to see this epic to its conclusion, but the book does not stand on its own. No attempt is made to recap any previous information. The seamless interweaving of the ancient heroic poem of Sorahb into the downfall of Farsala gave the first novel depth, and its loss is heavy in books two and three. Purchase where the earlier titles have a following.Sharon Grover, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, WI Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Bell brings the Farsala Trilogy to a rousing conclusion, replete with fierce battles and nerve-wracking incursions into enemy territory by the young heroes who are fighting to save Farsala from becoming part of the Hrum Empire. The author maintains the complexity of her main characters and the intensity of the story line: the Hrum have only a few months, according to their self-imposed time limit, to conquer Farsala or depart the land. An edge-of-the-seat finale for the trilogy's readers. Sally EstesCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Forging the Sword (The Farsala Trilogy) | [
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28,063 | 0 | School Library Journal, starred review Adventure, mythology, politics, military tactics, and intrigue combine in this sweeping fantasy that draws its underpinnings from ancient Persian poetry and the relentless march of the Roman army.Tamora Pierce An amazing tale of adventure, fear, magic, conquest, and rebellion!Hilari Bell is a librarian in Denver, Colorado, where she lives with her family. Her favorite books are fantasy, science fiction, and mystery -- all the ingredients for a great novel! Hilari is also the author of the Farsala Trilogy -- Fall of a Kingdom, Rise of a Hero, and Forging the Sword -- as well as Songs of Power, A Matter of Profit, and The Goblin Wood.; Title: Fall of a Kingdom (The Farsala Trilogy) | [
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28,064 | 13 | Grade 1-4According to legend, the Dragon King had nine sons who, after leaving their father's house, seemed to be aimlessly frittering away their days. When the king goes to investigate, he discovers that what appears to be frivolity or laziness is masking a unique talent, and he helps each son to employ his talent productively. For example, because the second son, Chi Wen, constantly stares intently into the distance, he becomes a sentinel. Young then goes on to describe how that young man and his talent are still symbolically reflected in Chinese art and architecture. "And to this day, Chi Wen may still be found at the tops of buildings, a sentinel searching the distance for potential danger." The text is engrossing and includes an informative author's note. The illustrations, rendered in brush, ink, and cut paper, use softly smudged lines for the part of the story focused on the legend, and sharper, cleaner lines augmented by a minimal but dramatically effective use of color for the present-day segments. This elegant addition to folklore shelves should be a first purchase for most libraries.Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 3-5. The Dragon King's nine sons have been sent forth to find their true callings. Unfortunately, they gravitate to activities that seem self-indulgent, such as breaking into song or "fuss[ing] about in the kitchen." Though initially distressed, the Dragon King realizes that each of his sons' interests can be parlayed into useful employment: his noisy son, for example, can keep musical instruments sounding "loud and true," and his sharp-eyed son can protect homes from danger, and so on. Although the story has a repetitive structure typical of folktales for younger readers, the text is long and requires a certain level of sophistication to make the conceptual leap between each son's role in the story and its corresponding significance in Chinese iconography (each of the nine scenarios concludes with a cut-paper example of real-world dragon ornamentation, much of which can evidently be traced to this legend). Even readers older than the traditional picture-book audience, though, may find that they lack the cultural context to fully appreciate the esoteric aspects of Young's treatment. The ink-wash portraits of the exuberant young dragons are probably reason enough to buy this book; readers of any age will marvel at how much Young can accomplish with just a few sinuous strokes of his brush. Jennifer MattsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The Sons of the Dragon King: A Chinese Legend | [
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28,065 | 18 | Laurie Halse Anderson is aNew York Timesbestselling author known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity. Her work has earned numerous ALA and state awards. Two of her books,Chains andSpeak, were National Book Award finalists.Chainsalso received the 2009 Scott ODell Award for Historical Fiction, and Laurie was chosen for the 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award. Mother of four and wife of one, Laurie lives in Pennsylvania, where she likes to watch the snow fall as she writes. You can follow her adventures on Twitter @HalseAnderson, or visit her at MadWomanintheForest.com.; Title: Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving | [
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28,066 | 2 | "A charming, fanciful tale." -- People"The writing is out of this world." -- Parents"Sophisticated and silly at the same time, Lithgow's voice will keep kids on their toes." -- Kirkus ReviewsJohn Lithgow is the New York Times bestselling author of I Got Two Dogs; Mahalia Mouse Goes to College; Marsupial Sue Presents: The Runaway Pancake; I’m A Manatee; Micawber; Marsupial Sue; The Remarkable Farkle McBride; and Carnival of the Animals. An award-winning actor, he has starred on stage, film, and television. He performs concerts across the country and has recorded the CDs Farkle and Friends, Singin’ in the Bathtub, and The Sunny Side of the Street. Visit John at JohnLithgow.com.; Title: I'm a Manatee: (Book & CD) | [
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28,067 | 2 | Grade 4-7-Thirteen-year-old Iqbal Masih was murdered in his Pakistani village in April, 1995, a few months after he had received an international prize and traveled to Sweden and the United States, speaking about his six years as a bonded child in Lahore carpet factories. The murderers-perhaps part of the "Carpet Mafia"-have never been caught. In smoothly translated prose, D'Adamo retells the boy's story through the eyes of a fictional coworker. Also sold into servitude to pay her father's debt, Fatima worked in Hussain Khan's carpet factory for three years and had forgotten almost everything about her previous life. She had grown used to the long hours, the scanty rations, the heat, and the cramped quarters of a life spent tying carpet knots and sleeping beside her loom. She and the others in the workshop are stunned when Iqbal appears and tells them that their debts will never be paid. He tries to convince the children that their situations can change and he escapes to the market where he hooks up with members of the Bonded Labor Liberation Front. Fatima doesn't come alive as a character in her own right, but the situation and setting are made clear in this novel. Readers cannot help but be moved by the plight of these youngsters. This thinly disguised biography makes little effort to go beyond the known facts of Iqbal's life. Nonetheless, his achievements were astounding, and this readable book will certainly add breadth to most collections.Kathleen Isaacs, Edmund Burke School, Washington, DCCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Gr. 4-7. This moving docu-novel, translated from the Italian, adds a new dimension to the recent biographies of Iqbal Masih, the brave young activist who brought global attention to the appalling facts of contemporary child labor. Told from the fictionalized viewpoint of Fatimah, a young Pakistani girl who toils alongside Iqbal in a carpet workshop and is inspired by him to rise up, the personal story is a close-up view of the power of Iqbal's cause and the anguish of his death. The harsh facts will rivet readers. Fatimah tells what it's like to be rented as a child to a cruel master, her small fingers valued for their flexibility in weaving. Foreign clients come to buy the carpets and barely notice her. Iqbal's artistry thrills the master, until Iqbal cuts his carpet, runs away, and shows Fatimah--and the world--the necessity of rebellion. D'Adamo frames the story with an introduction about child workers now and a terse epilogue about Iqbal's murder ("He was about thirteen"). The writing is simple yet eloquent. Hazel RochmanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Iqbal: A Novel | [
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28,068 | 2 | PreSchool-Lach's text describes some familiar activities, each one matched with a painting by Mary Cassatt that lovingly depicts a moment between a mother and baby. The two-word rhyming phrases are presented against white left-hand pages with delicate pink borders. Additional color and emotional content are reserved for the right-hand pages, which show such scenes as a mother holding a napping baby, another reaching for a toddler's hand, and one checking the bathwater temperature. The pictures include a selection of Cassatt's work in several mediums: pastels, oils, etchings, and prints. The final pages offer descriptive information about the selected works of art. Adult caregivers and young children alike will be calmed by these tranquil paintings.Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.PreS-K. The work of the great American Impressionist Mary Cassatt seems to epitomize the ideal of motherly love. This small, lovely book includes images from 16 of her paintings, pastels, and prints in beautiful full-page reproductions. On the page facing each picture is a two-word chant: "baby sits," "baby claps," etc. The simplicity of the text combined with the clear, comforting art will appeal to infants and their caregivers, who will want to turn the pages over and over again. At the back of the book the paintings are reproduced in miniature, with notes about title, medium, date, and size. All the pictures are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Kathy BroderickCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Baby Loves | [
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28,069 | 2 | All the world loves a pig--at least a pig as perfectly precocious as Olivia. Your favorite kids (and grownups!) won't believe their good fortune when Ian Falconer's irresistible boxed set finds its way into their hands. The hardcover set includes Caldecott Honor winning Olivia and Olivia Saves the Circus. Now take a deep breath--there's also a limited-edition poster of the fabulous pig herself, in all her full, glorious, red, gray, and white splendor! Who could resist? (Ages 4 to 104) --Emilie CoulterThe Olivia Boxed Set will have fans of Ian Falconer's perky piglet oinking for joy. The attractive black, white and salmon-pink slipcover holds Olivia-a 2001 Caldecott Honor book-and Olivia Saves the Circus plus a laminated poster of the red stockings-clad starlet in a quartet of ballet poses, suitable for framing. Ages 3-7.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Olivia/Olivia Saves the Circus: Includes Limited-Edition Poster | [
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28,070 | 0 | Kathleen Dueys works include the middle grade American Diaries and Survivors series, as well as the well-reviewed chapter book series The Unicorns Secret and its companion series, The Faeries Promise. She is also the National Book Awardnominated author of Skin Hunger. She lives in Fallbrook, California.; Title: The Unicorn's Secret, The Journey Home | [
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28,071 | 2 | Booklist, starred review Gripping...unsettling.Publishers Weekly Sure to spark heated discussions.SLJ, starred review Convincingly genuine.E.R. Frank is the author of America, Friction, Wrecked, and Dime. Her first novel, Life Is Funny, won the Teen People Book Club NEXT Award for YA Fiction and was also a top-ten ALA 2001 Quick Pick. In addition to being writer, E.R. Frank is also a clinical social worker and psychotherapist. She works with adults and adolescents and specializes in trauma.; Title: Friction (Richard Jackson Books (Simon Pulse)) | [
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28,072 | 13 | Kindergarten-Grade 3--In this satisfying picture book, a young woman raises sheep, shears them, cards and spins the wool, dyes the yarn, and weaves it at a loom. She is an artist who takes pleasure from and applies patience to each phase of her work. Lyon's writing is lyrical, and the gentle pacing is calming. Terms like "yearling," "skein," "warp," "weft," "shuttle," and "treadles" are understandable in context and bring richness to the text. Words and illustrations complement each other in evoking the essence of creating art and in portraying the lush countryside. In her skillfully composed watercolor artwork, Anderson directs readers' eyes and shows them what to focus on. The paintings, with their dose of impressionism, effectively depict textures, but they can also suggest steam or wind. The final spread reveals what the woman is weaving: a picture of her sheep in their pasture, to which an illustration on the dedication page alluded earlier. A beautifully presented walk through one person's artistic process.--Liza Graybill, Worcester Public Library, MA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.K-Gr. 2. Though its title seems fanciful, this meditative picture book tells a realistic story of a textile artist who spins wool from her own flock of sheep, boils the yarn with dyes extracted by hand, then weaves it, "doing with wool what painters do with paint." Even city slickers will be fascinated by Lyon's lyrical yet concrete descriptions of the multistep process: how at shearing time the wool "comes off in one piece, sheep-shape"; how dying wool is "like dying Easter eggs." Anderson's soft-focus watercolors capture the beauty and serenity of the artist's pastoral surroundings, and, impressively, the nubbly textures of the finished tapestry. Though this title does not fill any obvious niche, the plentiful, winsome, snowy sheep and satisfying start-to-finish story arc have intrinsic appeal. Elementary-school art teachers may find it especially useful for introducing kids to less-common forms of creative expression and for communicating a gentle message about the rewards of patient labor. Jennifer MattsonCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Weaving the Rainbow | [
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28,073 | 11 | PreSchool-Grade 1–Rhythmic, rhyming language abounds as two piglets welcome the early-morning arrival of a pair of Rumbling, roaring garbage trucks. All of the offal details are here as the green behemoths gobble up everything from apple cores and dirty diapers to broken furniture. Smiling porcine workers, with Greasy gloves…sticky boots…/stains a-plenty on their suits, feed the beasts while Flies a-buzzin'/by the dozen enjoy a feast at the rolling bug buffet. After completing all of the Crushing,/cramming,/screeching,/slamming, the vehicles thunder away, leaving the youngsters to re-create the action with their toy replicas. Done in ink and egg tempera on canvas, the vivacious two-page paintings convey the text's enthusiasm and energy. The trucks, shown from the rear and personified with mouthlike hoppers and red brakelight eyes, gleefully munch their way through an array of vividly colored refuse. The pigs are appealing, and readers can follow the antics of their dogs as they rush outside to be part of the fun. Pair this onomatopoeic offering with other tongue-tingling read-alouds, such as Kate McMullan's I Stink! (2002) and Andrea Zimmerman and David Clemesha's Trashy Town (1999, both HarperCollins), for a crash-bang storytime on a perennially popular topic.–Joy Fleishhacker,School Library Journal Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Another book about garbage trucks? Well, yes, but instead of focusing on a swaggering, loudmouthed vehicle, as Kate McMullan does in I Stink! (2002), this book stars a couple of pigs. Leaping out of bed early in the morning, the pigs watch two garbage trucks groaning, gobbling, and grinding as they make their noisy rounds. Hillenbrand's textured illustrations, in egg tempera and ink on canvas, depict the machines as giant, mechanical toads on wheels. The midnight-blue background gradually lightens to cream as daylight comes and the garbage workers (also pigs) pick up their loads, including cast-off furniture and dirty diapers. After the big buildup, the end is rather tame, but the rhyming text is as descriptive as the art ("Gooey, gloppy. / Slimy, sloppy. / Truck's a rolling bug buffet. / Flies a-buzzin' by the dozen-- / lapping up that cheese souffle").^B The antics^B of three dogs drooling after the trucks in anticipation of fallout extend the comedy. Julie CumminsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Smash! Mash! Crash! There Goes the Trash! | [
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28,074 | 0 | Marion Dane Bauer is the author of many books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor bookOn My Honorand theNew York TimesbestsellerMy Mother Is Mine. Her other titles includeA Mama for Owen,If You Were Born a Kitten,Grandmothers Song, andThank You for Me!She has retired from the faculty of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults where she was the first Faculty Chair. She lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and can be reached at MarionDaneBauer.com.; Title: Wind | [
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28,075 | 2 | Grade 5-8Twelve-year-old Britt's older brother has helped watch over the family for as long as she can remember. So when Bran tells Britt and her mother that he's convinced a family to let them house-sit for the summer, no one questions the arrangement. This house-sitting job will give their mother the chance to go to school full time and try to get a scholarship to finish. However, when they move in, Bran starts acting strange, and Britt discovers that the owners really didn't give them permission to live there, only for Bran to mow their lawn. She also learns that they are her maternal grandparents, estranged from her mother. Bran explains that because their grandparents disowned her when she eloped, using their house is simply a long overdue payback. Britt isn't sure that she buys this, but goes along until they are discovered. Lo and behold, the owners of the house aren't their grandparents at all, and they are all in deep trouble. This novel starts out as an interesting and lightly suspenseful mystery but becomes too far-fetched to be believed with the "happy ever after" ending. Britt's character is the only one with depth; the supporting characters, especially the mother, are rather shallow. Not a bad read, but for books with more character depth try Avi's Midnight Magic (Scholastic, 1999) or Wolf Rider (Bradbury, 1986).Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 4-7. Twelve-year-old Britt lives with her mother and her older brother, Bran, in a small, dismal apartment. Then Bran announces that he has a summer house-sitting job, enabling the family to live in a better neighborhood. When they move into their temporary home, Britt notices that Bran's recent, uncharacteristic rudeness is matched by a newfound mania for secrecy. Impelled by the dreadful certainty that Bran is concealing something, Britt discovers what she thinks is the truth, then what Bran believes to be true, and, finally, the one dreadful secret that neither of them had guessed. Like the books in Haddix's Shadow Children series, this story propels readers along on a strong current of narrative and jolts them with unexpected twists. One unusual addition is a sympathetic older character who is dealing with her son's long-term incarceration, a subject seldom acknowledged in books for young people. Though at times the story stretches credibility, Britt's first-person narrative makes riveting reading. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: The House on the Gulf | [
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28,076 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 1-Life with an older sibling is playfully celebrated in this follow-up to My Big Brother (S & S, 2002). From this baby's point of view, everything about an older sister seems larger than life-as the opening close-up shot of pink high-top sneakers indicates. Fisher's bright, artfully composed photographs offer a tongue-in-cheek interpretation of the brief, simple text. This dynamic big sister "likes to pick out everyone's clothes" (including the pet guinea pig's) and gets "oodles" of calls (on her red plastic toy phone). She is fun to play with, but the narrator knows "I'm not supposed to bother her when she's working" (like when she's painting her toenails). The relationship is both loving ("My big sister kisses me") and realistic ("and sometimes she doesn't"). A visual treat that is perfect for sharing when the new baby comes.Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, CanadaCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Valorie Fisher is the author and illustrator of My Big Brother and My Big Sister, both Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award winners; and Ellsworth's Extraordinary Electric Ears, called "sassy" in a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Her photographs have been widely exhibited and are in many major museum collections, including the Brooklyn Museum, London's Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Bibliothque Nationale in Paris. Ms. Fisher lives in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut, with her husband and two children.; Title: My Big Sister | [
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28,077 | 7 | "The writing is top-notch, the characters are well realized, the setting comes to life, and the chills and thrills are delivered realistically."--"Voya.Lynn Morley and Mouse spot strange purple weeds growing exactly where they threw old Mrs. Tuggle's glass eye in The Witch's Eye. Could these ominous plants be witch weeds?; Title: Witch Weed (W.I.T.C.H. (Paperback)) | [
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28,078 | 2 | A delightfully fresh take on the "anything you can do, I can do better" theme, Elena's Serenade follows a feisty little Mexican girl on a quest to prove to her father--and herself--that she can be a glassblower, even if she is a girl. Magic realism abounds as Elena journeys (dressed as a boy) to Monterrey to learn from the great glassblowers. Along the way she meets a burro, a roadrunner, and a coyote, helping each of them accomplish their goals as she blows tunes through her father's cast-off glassblowing pipe. Arriving in Monterrey, our little "muchacho" is mocked at first, but soon silences her detractors (who continue to think she's a boy) when she creates beautiful glass stars through her pipe. If only her Papa could see what she can do! Perhaps if she blows a giant bird (golondrina), she can fly home.A lovely story penned by Campbell Geeslin, with lyrical acrylic and crayon art by the illustrator of Jonah Winter's Frida, Ana Juan. Readers will revel in the whole experience--words, pictures, message, and all. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie CoulterKindergarten-Grade 4--In this story set in Mexico, a young girl longingly watches her papa blow into a pipe to create bottles, and dreams about doing the same. Papa disapproves, with comments about her size and gender. Hurt and angry, Elena takes her brother's advice and, disguised as a boy, begins a journey to Monterrey, home of the great glassblowers. Stopping to rest along the way, she pulls out her pipe to blow and is surprised when a melodious sound emerges. Her beautiful notes give lost and lonely Burro comfort, help hopeless Roadrunner to move faster, and allow shrill-sounding Coyote to make sweet melodies. With newly acquired confidence in her abilities, the girl finally reaches Monterrey. Although the men laugh at her, she closes her eyes and plays "Estrellita" while blowing a star out of glass. Desperate to share her talent with her father, Elena blows out a giant bird and flies home, and Papa soon realizes how special she is. The story flows well and Spanish words are smoothly incorporated into the text. The alluring acrylic-and-crayon illustrations have a stylized folk-art quality that helps to set the stage for the tale. Juan uses striking color combinations and shifting perspective to keep attention focused on the child and her changing emotions. The final images of Elena, complete with smiling face and flowing hair, reveal her blossoming identity along with her talents. A fascinating adventure that explores issues of gender roles, self-confidence, and the workings of an artist's heart.--Tracy Bell, Durham Public Schools, NC Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.; Title: Elena's Serenade (Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature. Commended) | [
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28,079 | 2 | A young African-American girl named Precious has a stomachache, so she has to stay at home alone while the whole family leaves to plant corn. Mama tells her, "Now remember, don't let nothing and nobody in this house--not even me, 'cause I got a key." Precious's older brother warns her with a wink that, you never know, Pruella the Boo Hag could even try to get in: "She's tricky and she's scary, and she tries to make you disobey yo' mama." Sure enough, the shapeshifting Pruella shows up, first as a big, mean force with lightning hair and burning-cinder eyes; then as a friendly-looking, but more-than-slightly off visitor asking for a drink of dirty dishwater; then as a strange, raspy-voiced facsimile of her friend Addie Louise; and finally, as a copper penny. Clever Precious never falls for the Boo Hag's half-baked disguises (the Boo Hag "aine too smart") and her family is proud to find her at home safe and sound. That night, as Precious hums her victory song in bed, the reader is asked to look just outside her window... have we really seen the end of Boo Hag? Kyrsten Brooker's wonderfully expressive, mixed-media collage illustrations shine with as much humor, motion, and texture as the story. Young readers will revel in this original, vivacious, suspenseful-but-not-too-scary, read-aloud tale about a child's conquest of a genuinely spooky foe. (Ages 6 to 8) --Karin SnelsonStarred Review. Kindergarten-Grade 3When Precious's bellyache keeps her from helping in the fields, she is left at home alone, with Mama's strict instructions to let no one inside the house for any reason, no matter what. This admonition is reinforced by Brother's warning that if she is not careful, Pruella the Boo Hag might sneak in. Frightening Boo Hags tell lies and are rude, and try to get children to disobey their mamas. Worst of all, they change shapes, so they are hard to recognize. Temptation comes in many forms and Precious is surely baited. But she is a plucky girl who confronts her fears and, in the end, clings to what she knows is right. The spirited language and vivid images will draw out the performer in every reader. The authors have produced an enchanting tale that is a pinch scary but a peck of fun. Brooker's oil-and-collage illustrations enhance the excitement while providing a glimpse of a modest home with peeling paint, braided rugs, and homemade jam. These images evoke real warmth and comfort, fortifying Preciousand readersto meet her challenges. Find a comfy chair, gather an audience, and enjoy this wonderful book.Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME; Title: Precious and the Boo Hag (Anne Schwartz Books) | [
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28,080 | 1 | Kindergarten-Grade 3-The author of the decidedly handsome adult book Trout (Knopf, 1996) turns his careful pen and deft paintbrush to an equally handsome work for children. Here, a young narrator conveys his love of fishing by describing the contents of his tackle box and identifying the species that each lure is designed to catch. A spinner (for perch), flies "tied from furs and feathers" (for trout), and a variety of hooks ("Aren't they cool?") are among the equipment presented in the very brief text and luminous watercolors. At the end, the child digs out the item most essential for "a good day's fishing"-"my hat." A five-page glossary carefully defines the wide variety of lures portrayed, from spinners to spoons, dry flies to jigs. This title will appeal to readers who enjoyed such offerings as William T. George's attractive Fishing at Long Pond (Greenwillow, 1991; o.p.) and Nina Kidd's suspenseful June Mountain Secret (HarperCollins, 1991; o.p.), but are not yet ready for the complexities of Jim Arnosky's colorful Freshwater Fish & Fishing (Scholastic, 1982) or his personal Flies in the Water, Fish in the Air (HarperCollins, 1986; o.p.). Prosek's book is a special treat that may lure to the surface the ever-hopeful fisherperson lurking in youngsters' inner depths.Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NYCopyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Prosek is an expert on fly-fishing and the author of several popular adult books, including Trout: An Illustrated History (1996). Here, Prosek offers young readers a beautifully illustrated, simple story about a good day's fishing. In a simple, descriptive text that contains a few humorous surprises, a child describes the many bobbers, hooks, lures, and other paraphernalia he finds as he searches through his tackle box for the one thing he needs to guarantee a successful catch. In the end, though, the boy's lucky item isn't the hooks in his box--it's the hat on his head. The appended lure and fly glossary is well done, but it is probably too detailed for the younger range of the book's audience. Nonetheless, young fishing enthusiasts will certainly learn more about which tackle works best to catch particular kinds of fish, while the wonderfully detailed, gentle watercolor illustrations of fish and gear offer a lovely introduction. Ed SullivanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Good Day's Fishing | [
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28,081 | 2 | PreSchool-Grade 2Books this good come along once in a blue moon. Rylant opens this radiant offering by explaining: "Long ago Native Americans gave names to the full moons they watched throughout the year. Each month had a moon. And each moon had a name." The two-page illustration shows a woman holding a baby and looking at the nighttime sky. Scenes of their house and the surrounding countryside accompany the 12 poems that follow, beginning with January and tracing the cycle of the year. To read the text is to be bathed in the magic of moonlight, magic extended by Siegel's luminous charcoal, pencil, and pastel landscapes. February's picture is stark and cold; a solitary stag, his breath a white cloud, stands by an icicle-shrouded bear den. The stag appears again in March as does the den without the icicles, and the painting glows with green tones: "a Sap Moon rises/over/melting ponds,/sleepy bears,/small green trees./It tells a promise/and a hope." The woman and the now-older child reappear at the end and again gaze at the orb from their garden gazebo: "And in December/the Long Night Moon waits/and waits/and waits/for morning./This/is the faithful moon./This one is your friend." Savor this thoughtful book, and pair it with Jane Yolen's Owl Moon (Philomel, 1987) for a lyrical bedtime read-aloud.Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. "Long ago Native Americans gave names to the full moons they watched throughout the year." Taking off from this premise, Rylant's lyrical prose moves month by month, the words placed against melting nighttime skies. In January, it's a Stormy Moon, "in mist, / in ice, / on a wild wolf's back." In May, a Flower Moon "blooms wide open, bright." By November, the Frosty Moon "holds a hard ground, / empty trees, / the wind in lonely places. It shivers with the shining stars / It thinks it might / just / sleep." The deceptively easy phrasings strike a chord; even when the words are joyful, there's still a poignant undertone. Siegel explains in a note that he spent many hours walking around at night to capture the "astonishing and complex face" nature reveals at night. And capture it he does, in shades of blue, green, purple, gray, and black, creating nights that shelter life and harbor the moon--in all its permutations. Ilene CooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Long Night Moon | [
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28,082 | 2 | Phyllis Reynolds Naylor includes many of her own growing-up experiences in the Alice books. She writes for both children and adults and is the author of more than one hundred and thirty-five books, including the Alice series, which Entertainment Weekly has called "tender" and "wonderful." In 1992 her novel Shiloh won the Newbery Medal. She lives with her husband, Rex, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Visit Phyllis online at alicemckinley.wordpress.com; Title: The Witch Returns (Witch Saga) | [
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28,083 | 0 | PreSchool-Grade 2-Set in the Appalachian Mountains during the early 20th century, this pleasant story is told in a manner that will appeal to children. In the quiet narrative, a young girl awaits the arrival of a new sibling. The lyrical text reads like poetry: "Mama says an angel is coming, coming clear up the mountain, riding clear up Lonesome Creek, a tiny babe tucked in her saddlebag, a tiny babe tucked safe and warm." Attractive, realistic acrylic paintings show the family's preparations as Pap takes the handmade cradle out of storage and Mam washes tiny garments that once belonged to the narrator. Glimpses of life in the hills include a quilting bee with all of the aunties and storytelling by the fireplace. In the end, though she hoped for a sister, the girl readily accepts her little brother, declaring, "Can't help but love him just the same." An appended author's note gives a brief history of Mary Breckinridge and the Frontier Nursing Service, describing the nurse-midwives who traveled into rugged terrain to serve families that otherwise went untended. It also explains that many young Kentuckians believed that babies arrived in the saddlebag of one of these "angel[s] on horseback." An engaging piece of historical fiction.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.*Starred Review* PreS-Gr. 2. Living in a rustic, mountainside house with her father and pregnant mother, a little girl awaits the arrival of an angel on horseback with "a tiny babe tucked in her saddlebag." Time passes. The family gets out the old cradle, washes little clothes, and hosts a quilting bee. One morning, the girl climbs the mountain and returns to find a tall lady standing with her horse outside the cabin. Inside, Mama lies in bed, holding the new baby. The appended author's note explains that beginning in 1925, the Frontier Nursing Service began training and sending nurses to remote cabins in the mountains to check on the families, treat their ailments, and occasionally, if the timing was right, help with the birth of a child. Children were sometimes told that the babies were brought by angels on horseback. From mentions of creek sounds, darting birds, and "old-time ways" to the gentle curves and soft colors of the landscape, both story and art evoke the beauty of the Appalachian setting. Gaber's acrylic paintings portray the characters and their surroundings with finesse. Written in the first person from the girl's point of view, the text is unrhymed, but its cadence has the grace of speech and the meter of song. A quiet, memorable picture book. Carolyn PhelanCopyright American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Angel Coming | [
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28,084 | 0 | Grade 2-4-The comic cows who have endeared themselves to the beginning-reader set are back in a longer chapter book for transitional readers. Moo thinks she has overheard Mr. Farmer talk about selling the farm, and she cajoles Minnie into helping her carry out a fund-raising scheme designed to entice donations from the other animals. The bovines lead the group on a barnyard tour of their version of the Seven Wonders of the World, all cooked up by Moo. They include a bunion with George Washington's face on it; a Rock That Never Moves (but that has somehow disappeared); a UFO landing site, complete with the hubcap it left behind; Flying Long Underwear; and other unexplainable phenomena. But when Big Hoof turns out to be a real creature (Irene the rhino, escaped from the local zoo), even skeptical Elvis the rooster is almost moved to contribute. Irene reveals that it's not their own farm but the neighboring Wilkerson farm that is in danger of being sold. The zoo's "Dotty Docents" come looking for the missing animal and unwittingly save the day when they decide to give generously to the campaign to save the "Forest Octopus," thereby salvaging the farm. Loaded with silly fun, droll illustrations of varying sizes, and familiar farmyard "characters," this latest dose of bovine antics, in its expansive new format, is sure to please old friends and make new ones.Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NYCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.Denys Cazet is the author and illustrator of more than forty books for children. Among these are such favorites as Never Spit on Your Shoes, Im Not Sleepy, and fourteen titles in the Minnie and Moo series for beginning readers. He lives with his wife and sons in Pope Valley, California.; Title: Minnie and Moo & the Seven Wonders of the World (Minnie and Moo (Live Oak Hardcover)) | [
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28,085 | 0 | Reviewed with Marion Dane Bauer's Wind.Gr. 1-2. Bauer is such a good writer that even when she's limited to approximately 75 words, she can still put together an interesting text. These Ready-to-Read books not only capture the excitement that comes with snow, it explains how snow is formed: "Clouds are crystals of ice. Each bit of ice clings to a speck of dust . . . they grow so heavy that they drop from the cloud." And she follows the snow that melts into rivers and lakes to give the earth "a cool refreshing drink." Wallace's artwork, childlike and child friendly, works well with the words, although most of the pictures concentrate on fun in the snow rather than the scientific aspects. A final page, "Facts about Snow," offers interesting tidbits for teachers and parents to share with kids. Wind, a companion volumes, follows the same format. Ilene CooperCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedMarion Dane Bauer is the author of many books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor bookOn My Honorand theNew York TimesbestsellerMy Mother Is Mine. Her other titles includeA Mama for Owen,If You Were Born a Kitten,Grandmothers Song, andThank You for Me!She has retired from the faculty of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults where she was the first Faculty Chair. She lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and can be reached at MarionDaneBauer.com.; Title: Snow (Weather Ready-to-Reads) | [
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28,086 | 2 | PreSSyrupy dialogue overwhelms this latest story about Little Red. The River Noodle Boating Bonanza is always so much fun. What a buzz of a day! Little Red judges the boats that her animal friends create and selects a winner. The soft pencil-and-watercolor illustrations do a nice job of conveying the action. Imaginative boats include a gravy boat, a teacup, a boot, and a watering can; the animals riding in them are lively and have personality. Buy only if you have fans of Little Red's previous adventures.Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, is the author of several childrens books, including Ballerina Rosie; Tea for Ruby, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser; and the Little Red series as well as a memoir, Finding Sarah. The Duchess is a devoted spokesperson for many charitable organizations, including Changes for Children. She has two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.; Title: Little Red's Summer Adventure | [
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28,087 | 0 | Reviewed with Kathleen Duey's True Heart.Gr. 2-4. Books in the early-chapter-book Unicorn's Secret series tell the story of Heart Avamir, who ran away from her caregiver in order to protect a unicorn mare and her colt. Along the way she has made friends with a group of gypsies, and in Sunset Gates, the fifth book, she accompanies them while trying to learn more about her own life. She knows that some information she needs is in a book, but learning to read while on the road is practically impossible. She eventually gets assistance from an old enemy turned friend, who not only teaches her to read but also helps her travel to the mountain where she thinks answers may lie. In True Heart, the sixth book of a projected eight, Heart attempts to reunite with the gypsies, but it's difficult to keep the unicorns safe as she travels to a festival where the gypsies are to appear. By the end, though, Heart has made friends with a young lord and acquired a bit more reading skill and another book. Duey continues to write in short, simple sentences while telling a story with texture and excitement, and it's a nice twist for children struggling with reading to find a heroine sharing their difficulties. Susan Dove LempkeCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedKathleen Dueys works include the middle grade American Diaries and Survivors series, as well as the well-reviewed chapter book series The Unicorns Secret and its companion series, The Faeries Promise. She is also the National Book Awardnominated author of Skin Hunger. She lives in Fallbrook, California.; Title: The Sunset Gates | [
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28,088 | 2 | Gr. 2-4. This new entry in the Third-Grade Detectives series combines a facile mystery and a simple science lesson with some work with easy codes. JoAnn, the new girl in Mr. Merlin's class, which is known as the "Third-Grade Detectives," may have to move. It seems her parents' restaurant will be closed unless the cause of an episode of food poisoning can be found. With help from Dr. Smiley, whose laboratory once again comes in handy, and hints from Mr. Merlin, presented in the form of code that readers can solve right along with the characters, the class investigates and the kitchen culprit comes to light. An experiment just right for budding classroom detectives rounds out this interactive and informative Ready-for Chapters book. Artwork not included in galley. Stephanie ZvirinCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedGeorge Stanley was a Professor of African and Middle-Eastern Languages and Linguistics at Cameron University. In between prepping class lectures and grading papers, he found the time to write for children. He was also the author of Night Fires and the Third-Grade Detectives series.; Title: The Secret of the Green Skin (Third-Grade Detectives #6) | [
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28,089 | 2 | Kindergarten-Grade 3A quiet, reflective piece on the importance of a grateful attitude. With a light hand, Wood shares the idea that there is a secret [in life], one of the happiest ones of all. Readers may discover it as the sun welcomes a new day, or maybe it will come when they really notice a flower and its fragrance for the first time. Maybe just some cool shade on a hot day or hearing a bird sing will lead them to say, Thank you. There is much to be grateful for: the stars, the moon aglow at night, lakes and rivers, ponds or puddles, family and people we love. Each spread is a reminder of the wonders around us. The heart that gives thanks is a happy one.We don't give thanks because we're happy. We are happy because we give thanks. This is a pleasing story for times of contemplation. It is not heavy-handed or preachy, and should appeal across cultures or religions. While it has a definite spiritual tone, it does not promote a singular point of view. Shed's oil illustrations of a young girl and her golden retriever noticing the world around them appear as though they are being viewed through a gauzy shade. The effect plays well with the peaceful nature of the text. This title could be used anywhere books with values lessons are in demand.Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Douglas Woodis the author of A Quiet Place as well as theNew York Timesbestselling Cant Do series. His booksOld TurtleandOld Turtle and the Broken Truthwere both international bestsellers. He lives in a cabin in the woods of Minnesota. A studied naturalist, Douglas shares his knowledge of nature as a wilderness guide. Visit him at DouglasWood.com.; Title: Secret of Saying Thanks | [
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28,090 | 0 | Reviewed with Kathleen Duey's The Sunset Gates.Gr. 2-4. Books in the early-chapter-book Unicorn's Secret series tell the story of Heart Avamir, who ran away from her caregiver in order to protect a unicorn mare and her colt. Along the way she has made friends with a group of gypsies, and in Sunset Gates, the fifth book, she accompanies them while trying to learn more about her own life. She knows that some information she needs is in a book, but learning to read while on the road is practically impossible. She eventually gets assistance from an old enemy turned friend, who not only teaches her to read but also helps her travel to the mountain where she thinks answers may lie. In True Heart, the sixth book of a projected eight, Heart attempts to reunite with the gypsies, but it's difficult to keep the unicorns safe as she travels to a festival where the gypsies are to appear. By the end, though, Heart has made friends with a young lord and acquired a bit more reading skill and another book. Duey continues to write in short, simple sentences while telling a story with texture and excitement, and it's a nice twist for children struggling with reading to find a heroine sharing their difficulties. Susan Dove LempkeCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedKathleen Dueys works include the middle grade American Diaries and Survivors series, as well as the well-reviewed chapter book series The Unicorns Secret and its companion series, The Faeries Promise. She is also the National Book Awardnominated author of Skin Hunger. She lives in Fallbrook, California.; Title: True Heart | [
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28,091 | 2 | Margaret McNamara is the author of the Robin Hill School series, and she gets many ideas from her daughters own school experiences. She lives in New York City.; Title: One Hundred Days (Plus One) | [
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28,092 | 0 | Kindergarten-Grade 1–Otto just cannot seem to learn to swing from a vine like his monkey friends. Although they provide him with many tips about holding on, the little robot just can't get the knack of it. After several mishaps, he ends up on the jungle floor. As he stares into the sky, bruised and battered, he devises a plan: he builds himself a swing set with a seat. The cartoon illustrations depict the action and provide visual clues. This book is reminiscent of the "Dick and Jane" series. Instead of seeing Spot run, readers "See Otto swing." The simple text is printed in various places on each spread, making it difficult for beginning readers to track the words, and the story is not interesting enough to work as a read-aloud.–Bethany L. W. Hankinson, Miller Elementary School, Newark, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr. 1. For children who are just beginning to read, Milgrim's Otto books from the Ready-to-Read series offer the unbeatable combination of simple words and funny stories. In this adventure, Otto the robot tries to learn how to swing, Tarzan-style, through the trees on a vine. Although his monkey friends, Flip and Flop, show him how it's done, Otto ends each attempt by falling. Increasingly battered and bandaged, the amiable robot finds a way to swing that suits him much better. With many two- or three-word sentences, plenty of repetition, and just a few words on each page, the form of the text is reminiscent of Dick and Jane readers. The content, however, is worlds away. The simple words are expanded and enhanced on every page by the comical illustrations of Otto and his pals. Simple, clean lines and restrained use of color enhance the reading experience while developing a comic subtext that even nonreaders will understand and enjoy. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved; Title: Swing Otto Swing! (Adventures of Otto Ready-To-Read) | [
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28,093 | 0 | Karma Wilsons previous picture books include the international bestsellerBear Snores On, Bear Wants More, Bear Stays Up for Christmas, and Mortimers Christmas Manger, all illustrated by Jane Chapman, One Day in the Middle of the Bog, illustrated by Joan Rankin, and Hilda Must Be Dancing and Bear Hugs, illustrated by Suzanne Watts. She lives with her family in Fortine, Montana. Visit Karma at KarmaWilson.com.; Title: Mortimer's Christmas Manger | [
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28,094 | 0 | Marion Dane Bauer is the author of many books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor bookOn My Honorand theNew York TimesbestsellerMy Mother Is Mine. Her other titles includeA Mama for Owen,If You Were Born a Kitten,Grandmothers Song, andThank You for Me!She has retired from the faculty of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults where she was the first Faculty Chair. She lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and can be reached at MarionDaneBauer.com.; Title: Rain (Weather Ready-to-Reads) | [
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28,095 | 2 | Franklin W. Dixon is the author of the ever-popular Hardy Boys books.; Title: The Mystery of the Black Rhino (The Hardy Boys #178) | [
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28,096 | 2 | Margaret McNamara is the author of the Robin Hill School series, and she gets many ideas from her daughters own school experiences. She lives in New York City.; Title: Too Many Valentines | [
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28,097 | 18 | Jonah Winter is the author of more than thirty celebrated nonfiction picture books includingDiego, The Secret Project, and Oil, illustrated by Jeanette Winter;Jazz Age Josephine, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman;Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in theBronx, illustrated by Edel Rodriguez;The Founding Fathers!illustrated by Barry Blitt; andLillians Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, illustrated by Shane W. Evans.; Title: Paul Revere and the Bell Ringers (Ready-to-read COFA) | [
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28,098 | 2 | Bob the Builder invites readers to join him and his pals for 10 stories ("Can you read it? Yes, you can!")-some short, some long (and so designated in the table of contents)-in the paper-over-board, appropriately oversize Bob the Builder: Bob's Big Story Collection. Stills from the Nick Jr. TV series make readers at home, and the large print is easy on the eyes. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.; Title: Bob's Big Story Collection | [
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28,099 | 2 | Dan Gutman hated to read when he was a kid. Then he grew up. Now he writes cool books like The Kid Who Ran for President; Honus & Me; The Million Dollar Shot; Race for the Sky; and The Edison Mystery: Qwerty Stevens, Back in Time. If you want to learn more about Dan or his books, stop by his website at DanGutman.com.; Title: Babe Ruth and the Ice Cream Mess (Ready-to-read COFA) | [
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