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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Millbrook Press
2 Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
1-800-462-4703 www.amazon.com
Patricia Seibert's We Were Here: A Short History Of Time Capsules (0761304231, $22.90) will
reach grades 3-6 with its unusual short history of time capsules. While this subject won't easily fit
into a given curriculum topic, it's a project often done at the elementary to middle school grade
levels and will prove of leisure interest to a wide audience. There are plenty of titles on terrorism
for adults: choose Tricia Andryszewski's Terrorism In America (0761328033) if it's an
introduction to the concept for kids in grades 4-6 which is required. All these titles are especially
recommended for school and community library collections for young readers.
DK Publishers
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
www.dk.com www.amazon.com
Three new titles provide lively accounts of history, culture, and health for young picturebook fans.
Harry Belafonte provides the foreword to the3 bright cultural guide A Life Like Mine
(0789488590, $24.99), exploring how children live around the world. From children's rights to
health, play, love, and care, this provides a wide age range with views of how children of other
cultures live. Dr. Sue Davidson and Ben Morgan's Human Body Revealed (0789488825, $12.99)
provides transparent pages of graphics created with specialist computer imaging techniques to
reveal layers of the human body. Accompanying descriptions of the digestive system and other
body parts will appeal to kids with good reading skills in grades 3-5, who will relish the
exceptionally bright color illustrations. Ancient Egypt Revealed by Peter Chrisp (0789488833,
$12.99) performs the same service for Egyptian history, using bright transparent pages of graphics
honed by computer imaging techniques to help impart Egyptian history and culture. All are
excellent, recommended picks for both students and leisure readers.
Constitution Translated For Kids
Cathy Travis
Oakwood Publishing
Phenix & Phenix (publicity)
PO Box 403, Dayton, OH 45409
www.oakwoodpublishing.com
1591650003 $14.95 1-937-298-1998
Constitution Translated For Kids by Cathy Travis is a highly educational and informative
presentation of what the language of the constitution really means and how it evolved. Offering
discussion and debate questions for the curriculum, as well as definitions of constitutional
terminology, student exercises, summaries, and more, Constitution Translated For Kids is a
first-rate, "kid friendly" resource especially recommended for school libraries and home schooling
curriculums.
Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
1-800-242-7737 www.amazon.com
The 1776 document which announced to England that its colonies were forming a free nation is
presented in Sam Fink's Declaration Of Independence (0439407-001, $19.95) in its complete text
but in a phrase-by-phrase setting, with each phrase inscribed in hand lettering and illustrated with
colorful drawings. The book looks as though it would be appropriate for middle school grade
levels, with its 158 pages but the large artistic text and appealing drawings make it easy for grades
5 and up to become involved. Highly recommended. Liz Sonneborn's The American West
(0439219701, $19.95) provides more of a multicultural approach to the settlement of the West
than most, offering grades 6 and up a survey of the many different peoples who tamed the West
and their different objectives in doing so. Add vintage photos and drawings and you have quite a
different history approach. Karen Young's Small Worlds: Maps And Mapmaking (043909545X,
$17.95) provides an exciting tour of maps, from satellite views and brain scans to cells and maps
of exploration. The notion of maps is thus expanded from the usual, offering an exciting selection
of insights.
Random House/Knopf
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
1-800-726-0600 www.amazon.com
It's hard to peg the age range of these books, but parents interested in more challenging
read-aloud or family participatory picks will find these a good alternative to the more basic
picturebooks available. Andrew Matthews retells Shakespeare Stories (0375816100, $20.95),
presenting a lively yet readable edition of these works which blends all the drama of the original
plots with a smooth, flowing text. Angela Barrett's color drawings are beautiful embellishments to
these classic works, which are also recommended for advanced elementary to middle school
readers needing an easier introduction to Shakespeare's magic. The Arnold Lobel Book Of
Mother Goose (0679887369, $19.95) packs in over 300 classic nursery rhymes suitable for
read-aloud pleasure. These are rollicking, whimsical rhymes embellished with the color drawings
of Lobel and the magic of classic Mother Goose, and will reach parents and their kids with new
attractions.
The Biography Shelf
Business Builders In Toys And Games
Nathan Aaseng
The Oliver Press, Inc.
5707 West 36th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55416-2510
1881508811 $22.95 1-800-865-4837
In Business Builders In Toys And Games, children's author Nathan Aaseng provides young
readers ages 10 and older an amazing spotlight on the evolution of seven enterprising individuals
and the companies they founded to create famous toys and games, ranging from Hiroshi
Yamauchi and Nintendo's incalculable contribution to video games; to Gary Gygax and the history
of role-playing "games without winners"; to Joshua Lionel Cowen and his famous line of toy
trains; to Kirk Christiansen and the history of Lego blocks. Black-and-white photographs
illustrate this involving "toys and game maker" biographical anthology. Also very highly
recommended are the other volumes comprising this unique entrepreneur biography series:
Business Builders In Computers; Business Builders In Cosmetics; Business Business Builders In
Real Estate, Builders In Fashion; Business Builders In Fast Food; and Business Builders In
Oil.
The Poetry Shelf
Fireflies At Midnight
Marilyn Singer & Ken Robbins
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
1230 Ave of the Americas, NY NY 10020
0689824920 $16.95 1-800-223-2336
Fireflies At Midnight is an upbeat poetry picture book for children. Each two-page spread
features a full-color illustration by Ken Robbins on one side, and a catchy free-verse poem perfect
for reading aloud by Marilyn Singer on the other. Each poem has a theme around a certain time of
day, from dawn to dusk, as well as a certain animal, from otters to bats to red foxes. Fireflies At
Midnight is captivating, high quality book to share with young readers. Spider: Web is the work/is
the home/is the trap/is the hub/is the map/is the night/is the day/is the hour/is the power/is the
pattern/is the way
Rise The Moon
Eileen Spinelli & Raul Colon
Dial Books/Penguin Putnam
375 Hudson Street, NY, NY 10014
0803726015 $16.99 1-800-847-5515
Rise The Moon is a picturebook of poetry that combines simple, rhyming verse by Eileen Spinelli
with a unique style of moody color artwork by Raul Colon, showing how the moon is seen by
people and animals across the world. Nighttime colors and gentle, poetic verse make Rise The
Moon a superb book for reading aloud to young folks at bedtime. A Night-shift baker/rolls a
moon-shaped crust/for apple pie/as moony tomcat/yowls astop/an alley fence nearby.
I'm Still Here In The Bathtub
Alan Katz & David Catrow
McElderry/Simon & Schuster
1230 Ave of the Americas, NY, NY 10020
0689845510 $15.95 1-800-223-2336
I'm Still Here In The Bathtub by Alan Katz is a delightful collection of "silly-dilly" poems, which
can be sung to the tunes of classic childhood favorites. Extravagant caricature artwork by David
Catrow adds a special touch to the toe-tapping verses that beg to be sung aloud, in this pleasant
and humorous picture book. My Sister Fights With Me: My sister fights with me/We always
disagree/And it's her fault!/She breaks my favorite stuff/She treats me mean and rough/I say, "I've
had enough!"/Our mom yells halt!/So we act like we're friends/But soon the niceness ends/She
starts to hiss/Taking things from my drawers/Making me do her chores/And worst of all, she
snores/Please take my sis!
The ABC Shelf
Talk To Me About The Alphabet
Chris Raschka
Henry Holt & Company
115 West 18th Street, NY, NY 10011
0805067825 $16.95 1-888-330-8477
Written and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Chris Raschka, Talk To Me About The Alphabet
is a "kid friendly" alphabet picture book, featuring rap-style rhythm, sound-out phrases and
scrawl-style color illustrations to introduce young readers to the fundamental twenty-six letters.
Talk To Me About The Alphabet is a cheery and recommended "read-aloud" ABC picture book
to share with young folks ages 2 to 5.
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
The Kids Book Of World Religions
Jennifer Glossop & John Mantha
Kids Can Press
2250 Military Rd, Tonawanda, NY 14150
1550749595 $15.95 1-800-265-0884
The Kids Book Of World Religions is an involving, fact-filled guide offering basic information
about the major world religions from across the globe, ranging from Hinduism, to Jainism, to
Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, Christianity, Judaism, and more. Color illustrations by John
Mantha showcase the extensive text by Jennifer Glossop who provides young readers with
accurate historical information about religious teachings, beliefs, festivals, practices, traditions,
and stories.
Standard Publishing
8121 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati OH 45231
www.stnadardpub.com 1-800-543-1301
"First Virtues For Toddlers" is a new twelve book series written by columnist, public speaker, and
host of the syndicated radio program "Front Porch Parenting" Mary Manz Simon. Each book in
the series features a particular virtue and a different animal character to help very young children
learn about (and remember) that specific virtue. The first four titles launching this series (with
another 8 titles slated for release in 2003-2004) include: Piglet Tells The Truth (078471407X,
$4.99); Bunny Loves Others (0784714096, $4.99); Duckling Is Patient (078471410-X, $4.99);
and Kitty Shows Kindness (0784714088, $4.99). The Piglet and Bunny books are colorfully
illustrated by Dorothy Stott, and the Duckling and Kitty titles being illustrated by Linda
Clearwater. Very highly recommended, "First Virtues For Toddlers" offers a rhyming text and
bright colors, and includes a Scripture reference which can be used as a memory verse for children
ages 1 to 4.
The Fiction Shelf
A Corner Of The Universe
Ann M. Martin
Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
0439388805 $15.95 www.amazon.com
Hattie Owen is a pre-teen before she discovers the existence of an odd uncle, Adam, who is
returning to her grandparents' home after his special home/school is closed. Adam suffers from a
mental illness which affects his behavior but doesn't mask his intelligence. Hattie's experiences
during a summer with her new uncle and the new carnival in town, which brings unexpected
friendships to a shy young girl, culminate in an unexpected tragedy. A Corner Of The Universe is
hard to put down and a moving portrayal of the life of a small-town girl with close family ties
comes to life under Martin's experienced pen.
Slam Dunks Not Allowed!
Dan Bylsma & Jay M. Bylsma
River Road Publications, Inc.
830 East Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456
www.riverroadpublications.com
0938682725 $15.95 1-616-842-6920
Set against the backdrop of World War II, Slam Dunks Not Allowed! is the story of Woody
Nelson, a senior who plays on his small high-school's basketball team -- even though most of the
time he sits on the bench. It is his Woody's wit and strategies that make him a valuable team
member. When U.S. Air Corp tests reveal his abilities, Woody begins to value himself and to
prepare mentally for the dangers job of fighter pilot after he graduates. Letters from a Jewish
family in Europe and a hometown solider already on the front lines, weaves through Woody's
personal story and gives Slam Dunks Not Allowed! an history (and often heartbreaking) reality.
This is an exceptionally well written collaboration by Dan Bylsma and Jay M. Bylsma, and a
highly recommended novel for teens.
The Secret Treasures Of Oak Island
J. J. Pritchard
Formac Publishing Limited
c/o Orca Book Publishers
PO Box 468 Custer, WA 98240-0468
0887805825 $6.99 www.formac.ca
The Secret Treasures Of Oak Island by J. J. Pritchard is an adventurous novel for young readers
which is based on factual information as well as legends regarding buried pirate treasure and the
"Money Pi"t at Oak Island, Nova Scotia. Joe and Emma are two young kids are visiting their
Uncle Jake (who is excavating the Money Pit), when Uncle Jake suddenly disappears, it's up to
Joe and Emma to solve the mystery! The Secret Treasures Of Oak Island is confidently
recommended as a lighthearted and thoroughly entertaining read for kids ages 9 to 13.
Sean's Quest
Leone Castell Anderson
ShadowPlay Press
PO Box 647, Forreston, IL 61030
0963881973 $10.95 pb amazon.com
0963881965 $16.95 hc amazon.com
Set on the American frontier during the 1830s, after the Black Hawk War, Sean's Quest by Leone
Castell Anderson is a engaging and entertaining novel written especially for middle-grade students
about a young boy's adventures with his pioneer family after the end of the Black Hawk War.
Sean's Quest is recommended as being an astute and engaging read, capturing both the joys and
hardships of life before the Civil War, as well as the conflicts within a close family. Also very
highly recommended is the previous book in this outstanding series, Sean's War (0963881-949,
$17.95).
The CD-ROM Shelf
Caillou: Four Seasons Of Fun
Riverdeep, Inc.
500 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA 94947
0763072257 $19.99 riverdeep.com
Very highly recommended for children ages 2-6, Caillou: Four Seasons Of Fun is an fun and
informative educational software based upon the popular and award-winning PBS Kids show of
Caillou, a young boy whose thirst for exploration and adventure more than makes up for the lack
of hair on his head. The educational activities on this colorful and "kid friendly" cd-rom software
include basic spelling drills, learning measurements, letter recognition and reading, identifying
numbers, games relating to the four seasons, and more. Technically excellent, compatible with
Windows or Macintosh, thoroughly entertaining, and offering wholesome entertainment for
designed for preschool and early grade school age children, Caillou: Four Seasons Of Fun is a
welcome and popular addition to any classroom or homeschooling CD-ROM collection.
The Folklore/Fairytale Shelf
The Prince And The Salmon People
Claire Rudolf Murphy, author
Duane Pasco, illustrator
Eastern Washington University Press
705 W. 1st Ave., Spokane, WA 99201
0910055831 $19.95 1-800-508-9095
Claire Rudolf Murphy's The Prince And The Salmon People is an entertaining rendition of the
legend of the Salmon People, an ancient tale told among many tribes of Northwest Coast Indians.
Based upon accounts and interviews with Tsimshian elders and craftsman, and enhanced with
black-and-white drawings, by Duane Pasco, this classic Native American legend comes to life for
young readers in a particularly vibrant story about the interdependence between humans and
animals.
The Seven Chinese Sisters
Kathy Tucker & Grace Lin
Albert Whitman & Company
6340 Oakton St., Morton Grove, IL 60053
0807573094 $15.95 1-800-255-7675
The Seven Chinese Sisters is a merry rendition by Kathy Tucker of a classic Chinese folk tale.
Seven sisters must unite and each use her own special talent when the youngest of them is taken
away by a hungry dragon. Simple and colorful artwork by Grace Lin embellishes this adventurous
story. The Seven Chinese Sisters will prove to be a popular and entertaining addition to any
family, school, or community library children's folktale picture book collection.
Faerie
Jody Bergsma
Gallery Press Publishing
1344 King Street, Bellingham, WA 98226
0971711704 $15.95 www.bergsma.com
Falana is the head rainbow fairy. Keven is a boy wizard. Together they journey into a mystical
world of trolls and goblins in Faerie, an enchanting picture book about conflict between the
glorious and sunny land of fairies and elves, and the looming threat of darkness from the Goblin
Land. Extravagantly beautiful full-color art by author/illustrator Jody Bergsma hallmarks this
captivating and enthusiastically recommended fairytale fable for all ages.
The Audiobook Shelf
Listening Library/Random Audio
1-800-726-0600 www.amazon.com
Four new titles geared to young listeners of audiobook fiction make for excellent, outstanding
productions highly recommended for parents and libraries alike. James Howe's Tales From The
House Of Bunnicula, Books Volumes 1-4 (080720-8981, $18.00) come alive under the smooth
voice of Joe Grifasi, which brings high drama and tension to life in a lively audio format. These
unabridged stories include It Came From Beneath The Bed, Invasion Of The Mind Swappers
From Asteroid 6, Howie Monroe And The Doghouse Of Doom, and Screaming Mummies Of The
Pharoah's Tomb II: supernatural, fantasy tales which will delight all ages. Beverly Cleary's Henry
And Beezus (0807210269, $18.00) also appears unabridged, with William Roberts providing the
fun rendition of this story of a boy who longs for a classy bicycle. His efforts to raise money for
his dream come to naught, until his long-time friend Beezus comes up with some money-making
winners. The Hardy Boys' Hunting For Hidden Gold by Franklin W. Dixon (0807212482, $18.00)
is certain to receive a wide range of young listeners: pair swift action and a mine cave-in with the
thrilling voice of actor Bill Irwin and you have an audio which is hard to stop listening to. Nancy
Drew's Secret Of Shadow Ranch (0807215554, $18.00) receives an unabridged presentation by
Laura Linney, whose film background lends to her warm voice in highlighting the drama of an
Arizona ranch's deadly mystery. From elementary-grade listeners through teens, these provide
plenty of action and adventure.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Horse Care For Kids
Cherry Hill
Storey Kids
Box 206, N. Adams, MA 02147-9919
1580174078 $16.95 storeybooks.com
Kids eager to learn about caring for a horse will learn the basics of horse care; from matching a
horse to the right rider to safe handling, grooming, and training. Horse Care For Kids is a
kids-oriented guide provides everything that's needed to enjoy being around a horse, including
many color photos and diagrams of the horse care process. Highly recommended for kids at the
advanced elementary grades through middle school.
About Arachnids
Cathryn Sill & John Sill
Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
1561450383 $15.95 1-800-241-0113
Cathryn Sill's About Arachnids is an enjoyable picture book for beginning readers, featuring full
color plates by John Sill, illustrating spiders and their close relatives such as ticks and scorpions.
Simple sentences offer very basic information about arachnids to young children, noting that many
arachnid species are beneficial to humans and only a few pose a dangerous threat. About
Arachnids is a strongly recommended addition to school and community library collections for
children ages 3 to 8.
The Self-Help Shelf
How To Take The GRRRR Out Of Anger
Elizabeth Verdick & Marjorie Lisovskis
Free Spirit Publishing
217 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1299
1575421178 $9.95 www.freespirit.com
Collaboratively written by Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lisovskis, How To Take The GRRRR
Out Of Anger is a wonderfully written and presented self-help book especially recommended for
young people with anger management problems -- and their parents who are trying to teach their
kids how to control their tempers. From five steps to getting anger under control, to
problem-solving techniques, ways to deal with grownups who get angry, recognizing body
language warning signs, and much more, How To Take The GRRRR Out Of Anger is practical
and useful for all children of all ages.
For Teenagers Living With A Parent Who Abuses Alcohol/Drugs
Edith Lynn Hornik-Beer
iUniverse.com
5220 S. 16th, Ste. 200, Lincoln, NE 68512
059515994X $10.95 www.iuniverse.com
For Teenagers Living With A Parent Who Abuses Alcohol/Drugs by Edith Lynn Hornik-Beer is a
very straightforward book written especially for young people, and offering direct answers to
basic questions such as "What causes alcoholism?"; "What do I do about the abuse?"; "Where can
I get help?"; and "Should I stay at home?". With information about Alateen and other helpful
programs, sound and critical insights, and a down-to-earth style of narration that candidly
presents much-needed facts and information, For Teenagers Living With a Parent Who Abuses
Alcohol/Drugs deserves the highest recommendation and would be an invaluable addition to any
school or community library collection.
The History Shelf
Life In A Medieval Castle
Tony McAleavy
Enchanted Lion Books
c/o Peter Bedrick Books
115 West 18th St., 6th fl., NY, NY 10011
1592700055 $22.00 1-800-323-4900
Life In A Medieval Castle by Tony McAleavy is an extensive, 64-page, fact-filled source of
information accessible to readers of all ages about what daily life really was like in the great and
grand castles of the Middle Ages. This extensive history is impressively enhanced with more than
one hundred full-color illustrations of historic artifacts, paintings, and more to make Life In A
Medieval Castle an informed and informatively enjoyable read for young readers.
The Gardening Shelf
The Gardening Book
Jane Bull
DK Publishing, Inc.
95 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016
0789492164 $12.99 www.dk.com
Jane Bull's The Gardening Book is lively and engaging gardening book for kids which is filled
from cover to cover with full-color photographs, easy-to-follow instructions for indoor and
outdoor gardening, suggestions for growing flowers and herbs ideal for gift-giving, and much,
much more. A welcome and popular addition to any family, school, or community library
gardening guide collection for children, The Gardening Book is highly recommended activity
guide for science-fair projects, rainy-day fun amusements, or budding backyard gardeners.
The Picturebook Shelf
Titus Rules!
Dick King-Smith
Knopf/Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
0375814612 $15.95 www.amazon.com
John Eastwood provides the engaging illustrations for Titus Rules!, a story of a Queen's favorite
dog, and Titus' bravery in keeping on the alert. Warm characterization blends with whimsical
humor with a peppering of black and white drawings in this warm story of a brave royal pet.
Emily Loves To Bounce
Stephen Michael King
Philomel/Penguin Putnam
375 Hudson Street, NY, NY 10014
0399238867 $15.99 1-800-847-5515
Emily Loves To Bounce is an enthusiastic picture book written and illustrated by Stephen Michael
King about Emily, a young girl who loves to bounce around. Playful color illustrations and upbeat
words make Emily Loves To Bounce an engaging book for young people just beginning to learn
how to read.
Horace Splattly
Lawrence David
Dutton
345 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
0525468676 $14.99 www.amazon.com
Barry Gott provides the fun cartoon cover and black and white occasional drawings to spice
Horace Splattly: Terror Of Pink Dodo Balloons, a story of the 'cupcaked crusader', who finds
himself in trouble when pink flamingo balloons overtake the town. Horace eats his sister
super-power cupcakes to turn himself into a Cupcaked Crusader but now he's in trouble with the
police in this whimsical, zany adventure.
Akiko & the Alpha Centauri 5000
Mark Crilley
Delacorte Press/Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
0385729693 $9.95 www.amazon.com
Eleven spaceships, four aliens, and a fifth grader compete in an intergalactic race from one side of
the universe to the other but must face some formidable challenges during the race. When
Spuckler finds his old rival is also in the running, Akiko finds herself in the competition for a
trophy in Akiko & the Alpha Centauri 5000, a fun science fiction tale for young readers.
Oscar And Hoo
Theo
Harper UK/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0007107935 $16.95 1-800-423-4525
Michael Dudok De Wit provides the appealing, simple drawings in Oscar And Hoo, a picturebook
story of a boy who is a dreamer, and who sometimes loses track of the real world. His
daydreaming one holiday leads him to become lost in a big desert. He's all alone until a magic,
lonely little cloud finds him and they share their concerns about being lost.
Bubble Bath Pirates!
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Viking/Penguin Putnam
375 Hudson Street, NY, NY 10014
0670035998 $15.99 1-800-847-5515
Bubble Bath Pirates! is a charming, expansive picture book written and illustrated by Jarrett J.
Krosoczka to show young folks how much fun a bubble bath can be! Simple, expressive prose for
beginning readers and color artwork drawn with great enthusiasm hallmark this enjoyable,
inviting, and highly recommended tale for youngsters ages 2 to 5.
Gideon
Francesca Greco
Star Bright Books
42-26 28th Street, Suite 2C, Long Island City, NY 11101
1932065024 $16.95 starbrightbooks.com
Written and illustrated by Francesca Greco, Gideon is the story of a chameleon who feels
depressed because he is always changing colors to match his background, and no one notices him.
Yet when a hungry tiger threatens the forest animals, Gideon's talents and bravery become crucial
to saving the day. Simplistic yet vibrant color artwork adds a special dimension to this original
and charmingly told tale for young readers ages 4 to 8.
The Paper Dragon
Johnny Gruelle
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, NY, NY 10020
0689849699 $17.95 www.amazon.com
This Raggedy Ann adventure comes complete with the illustrations of Gruelle and the classic
color known and loved by Raggedy fans for generations. Here Raggedy and her boyfriend embark
on a walk in the woods and find a magic wishing tool enables them to help Marggy find her lost
father in the wild woods. A beautiful story evolves.
Waiting To Disappear
April Young Fritz
Hyperion
114 5th Ave., New York NY 10111
0786807903 $15.99 www.amazon.com
Buddy is looking forward to a wonderful summer before she begins high school, but family
problems are keeping her from fun. Her older brother, killed two years earlier, still haunts her
mother's memory and just before the big summer picnic, her mother suffers a breakdown and
enters a rest place for those with emotional problems. Determined to get her mother back from
'that place', Buddy embarks on a campaign which will change her family's life in Waiting To
Disappear, a warm story of a family adjusting to emotional upset.
The New Hippos
Lena Landstrom
R&S Books
c/o Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003
9129658233 $15.00 1-888-330-8477
Written and illustrated by Lena Landstrom, The New Hippos is a thoroughly enjoyable picture
book story about adapting to new neighbors. When new hippos come, it causes consternation
among the existing hippo families, but when the newcomer hippo kids disappear, it is up to the
neighbor hippo kids to find them. Full-color ink drawings evoke awe and the imagination in this
delightful tale which is ideal for children preschool through first grade.
Toulouse
Priscilla Cummings
Tidewater Publishers
c/o Cornell Maritime Press
PO Box 456, Centreville, MD 21617
0870334603 $9.95 1-800-638-7641
Toulouse: The Story Of A Canada Goose is a wondrous and imaginative story about a
mischievous Canadian goose who becomes separated from the family and friends he has known all
his life, during his first fall migration to Maryland. Toulouse must find his own way south with a
lost snow goose; together the two become special friends for life. A warm love story, enjoyably
told by Priscillia Cummings and beautifully illustrated in a thoughtful pastel color style by A. R.
Cohen, Toulouse is an especially recommended picture book story from children ages 5 through
8.
Look About You
Erin Anderson & Mary Fuscaldo
Rimwalk Press
4249 S. Whitehill Drive, Cedar, MI 49621
0972069631 $29.95 1-231-256-2237
Artfully written by Erin Anderson, Look About You: A Magical Childhood In Michigan's Wild
Places is a very special picture book meant to be read by parents to their children, and which
commemorates and celebrates the joy of seeing Michigan's wilderness through a child's eyes. Soft
color illustrations by Mary Fuscaldo enhance Anderson's narrative text. Filled from cover to cover
with joy and reverence, Look About You provides a unique and highly enjoyable experience
young readers, young listeners, and their parents.
Princesses Are Not Quitters
Kate Lum & Sue Hellard
Bloomsbury Publishing
175 Fifth Avenue, #712, NY, NY 10010
158234762X $16.95 bloomsbury.com
Kate Lum's Princesses Are Not Quitters is a humorous picture book story about three bored
princesses who decided to become servants for a day. But it turns out that servants have so much
to do, in so little time! Charmingly illustrated by Sue Hellard, Princesses Are Not Quitters is an
adventurous and recommended read about the race to discover one's own capabilities.
Snuggle Mountain
Lindsey Lane & Melissa Iwai
Clarion Books
215 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10003
0618043284 $15.00 1-800-225-3362
Snuggle Mountain is a merry, rhyming, recommended picture book about Emma, a young girl
who wants pancakes - so she climbs the "shaking, quaking" mountain to a two-headed giant that
is fast asleep when it is time to be making breakfast! Sweeping, full-color illustrations by Melissa
Iwai brings this adventurous and playful story by Lindsey Lane to life.
Grady's In The Silo
Una Belle Townsend & Bob Artley
Pelican Publishing Company
PO Box 3110, Gretna, LA 70054
1589800982 $14.95 1-800-843-1724
Grady's In The Silo is a colorful story by Una Belle Townsend about a 1,200-pound cow named
Grady who becomes stuck inside a large, gray silo. How is she to get out? A variety of people put
their heads together but their best efforts seem ineffective, until a reporter from Denver saves the
day with sharp thinking and extra grease. Bob Artley's playful color illustrations add a special
touch to this delightful and entertaining picture book for children.
Mingo
Lenice U. Strohmeier & Bill Farnsworth
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
0761451110 $16.95 1-800-831-9881
Set in 1771 on the Massachusetts coast, Lenice U. Strohmeier's Mingo is the picture book
rendition of a tale handed down through the generations, about a young girl named Olivia who
remembers the words of Mingo, her father's slave and her friend: "Freedom is freedom, and I'll
take it any way it comes." Moving color illustrations by Bill Farnsworth add an exquisite touch to
this heartfelt and memorable story.
Persephone The Ladybug
J. Moria Stephens
Little, Brown & Company
1271 Ave of the Americas, NY, NY 10020
0316815446 $16.95 1-800-759-0190
Written and illustrated by J. Moria Stephens, Persephone The Ladybug is a charming
anthropomorphic picture book about a young ladybug - pictured as a girl with ladybug antennae
and a red-and-black spotted dress - who is traumatized when her tulip home is taken to a proper
tea shop; in the process, Persephone is separated from her beloved mother. Her trials and conflict
with a wicked rat gang and her struggle to return home form the heart of this inviting tale.
Persephone The Ladybug is especially recommended for young readers ages 3 to 6.
Across A Dark And Wild Sea
Don Brown
Roaring Brook Press
2 Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
0761324151 $22.90 1-800-462-4703
Deftly written and superbly illustrated by Don Brown, Across A Dark And Wild Sea is the true
story of Columcille (also known as Columba), a beloved figure from Celtic history. Columcille
loved books so much that he secretly copied a volume of psalms from Rome against it's owner's
wishes. The resulting and bitter fallout in 521 A.D. caused Columcille to deliberately leave Ireland
in a tiny boat, vowing never to return. He founded a famous monastery on the Scottish island of
Iona and left a legacy that endures to this day. Brought to life with moody, windswept color
illustrations, Across A Dark And Wild Sea is a most engaging picture book and recommended for
readers of all ages.
Calico's Curious Kittens
Phyllis Limbacher Tildes
Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
1-57091-512-1 $16.95 1-800-225-3214
Delightfully written and beautifully illustrated in watercolor images by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes,
Calico's Curious Kittens is the newest title regaling young readers ages 2 through 7 with the
adventures of Calico, a cat who is now a mother with seven kittens of her own! These are very
curious kittens who have great adventures exploring the big backyard, climbing curtains, and
investigating the kitchen. The simple text introduces prepositional opposites such as in/out,
over/under, up/down, etc. Calico's Curious Kittens is also available in paperback (1570915121,
$6.95). The other highly recommended titles in this outstanding series include Counting On
Calico; Calico Picks A Puppy; and Calico's Cousins.
Molly And The Storm
Christine Leeson & Gaby Hansen
Tiger Tales
PO Box 70, Iron Ridge, WI 53035
1589250273 $15.95 tigertalesbooks.com
Christine Leeson's Molly And The Storm is a charming picture book about Molly the mouse and
her brother and sister, who want to go outside and play yet are confined indoors due to a
persistent storm. When they venture outside during a break in the bad weather, they are
unexpectedly caught in the open when the storm returns. All the neighboring creatures' homes are
too small, until their mother catches up and finds the best place of all to wait out the rain.
Cheerful color illustrations by Gaby Hansen add a heartfelt touch to this perky and recommended
picture book story.
The Promise
Chiemi
Berkeley Major Publishing
8282 Skyline Circle, Oakland, CA 94605
0972069100 $16.99 berkeleymp.com
A young child remembers discussing Heaven with his deceased yet beloved grandfather, who
cherished the beauty and wonder of flowers and planted them to keep a promise. Written and
illustrated by Chiemi, The Promise is a thoughtfully impressive picture book for young readers
ages 8 to 11 and deals with the serious issue of death and the remembering a lost loved one. A
meaningful, poignant, and recommended addition to family, school and community library picture
book collections.
Rosie's Roses
Pamela Duncan Edwards & Henry Cole
HarperCollins Children's Books
1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019
006028997X $15.99 1-800-242-7737
Delightfully written by Pamela Duncan Edwards, Rosie's Roses is an enjoyable alliterative picture
book, which especially celebrates the letter "R". Rosie Racoon and her big brother Robert set out
to deliver four roses tied with a rainbow ribbon to Aunt Ruth for her birthday. Delightful color
illustrations by Henry Cole enhance and support the charming narration marking this lighthearted
and recommended picture book for young readers.
Uncle Andy's
James Warhola
Putnam/Penguin Putnam
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
0399238697 $16.99 1-800-847-5515
Uncle Andy's is a wondrously presented picture book story for young readers about what it was
like to have the famous artist Andy Warhol for an uncle. Written and illustrated in full-color by
James Warhola (Andy Warhol's nephew), this thoroughly delightful, unique, and recommended
storybook recounts from memory the whimsy and eye-opening insights of seeing works of art in
progress, -- often crafted from the most ordinary of humble objects.
The Amazing Air Balloon
Jean Van Leeuwen & Marco Ventura
Phyllis Fogelman/Penguin Putnam
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
0803722583 $16.99 1-800-847-5515
The Amazing Air Balloon by Jean Van Leeuwen is a remarkable and true story about aviation
history set back in 1784 colonial America, when for the first time a hot air balloon was flown with
a human passenger, -- who happened to be a thirteen-year-old boy. Evocative oil paintings by
Marco Ventura showcase the narration to mark The Amazing Air Balloon as a truly wonderful
picture book account of ambition and dreams come true.
Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?
Carmela LaVigna Coyle & Mike Gordon
Rising Moon/Northland Publishing
PO Box 1389, Flagstaff, AZ 86002
0873588282 $15.95 1-800-346-3257
Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? is an enjoyable picture book about a young girl's search for
identity. She wonders if princesses do ordinary things like wear hiking boots or drink sparkling
punch, or are at all like herself. Whimsical color illustrations by Mike Gordon add a special
vibrancy to this delightful and recommended "easy reader" tale by Carmela LaVigna Coyle.
Timid Timmy
Andreas Dierssen & Felix Scheinberger
North-South Books Inc.
11 East 26th South, New York, NY 10010
0735818118 $15.95 northsouth.com
Timid Timmy is a warmly written story by Andreas Dierssen for young readers about a very timid
little hare who wishes he could be like his daring and fearless friend Rocket. But then Timmy
learns what true courage and bravery is. Timid Timmy is a playfully drawn and colored picture
book with a meaningful message at its heart which is very highly recommended for young
readers.
Gypsy The Circus Dog
Jean
Sunstone Press
PO Box 2321, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2321
0865343004 $24.95 1-800-243-5644
Gypsy The Circus Dog is a simple and charming story of a dog who dreams of joining the circus.
In the process he meets the delightful and warmhearted Calico Girl, and enjoys a wondrous
dream. A folk art style in lush color illustrates this upbeat and charming tale for young folks.
Books in Series
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 5th Ave. #3308, NY, NY 10118
1-800-387-7650 www.amazon.com
Two beautiful 'Nature Unfolds' titles may not be entirely appropriate choices for the rigors of
library lending, but promise a world of attraction and will prove suitable for at-home learning, at
the least. Gerard Cheshire's Mountains And Deserts (0778703118) & Andy Williams' Oceans
(077870310X) each offer told-out pages which expand to large size to illustrate the color and
diversity of wildlife of both of these worlds. The exceptionally bright formats and presentation
promise a world of delight and leisure reader interest.
The Child's World
Box 326, Chanhaussen, MN 55317
1-800-599-7323 www.amazon.com
Additions to expanding series titles from this publisher provide libraries with new materials
recommended for grades 2-5. The 'Our People' biography series for grade 4 expands with the
addition of Bob Temple's Henry Ford (1567664474) and Cynthia Klingel and Robert Noyed's
Thomas Edison (1567664490; $27.07 each). These profiles of major inventors and innovators
present a little over thirty pages of biographical insights and vintage photos, recreating not just
backgrounds, but the flavor of their times. The outstanding 'Proud Heritage' Hispanic Library
series shouldn't be missed by any library seeking a representative sampling of Latin history for
grades 3-6. James Garcia's Cinco De Mayo (1567661742) and Ann Gaines' Cesar E. Chavez
(1567662099, $28.50 each) provide about forty pages each of black and white and color photos
of history and Latin insights. Add larger print and eye-catching covers and you have titles which
will receive lasting library attention.
Compass Point Books
3109 W. 50th. St., Minneapolis MN 55410
www.compasspointbooks.com
School/Library, $406.80, 1-877-371-1536
This Land Is Your Land is an impressively illustrated, information-packed new series showcasing
the land, history, people, culture, government, and economy of each of the fifty states, plus
Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Specifically designed for use by second to fourth grade
students, the individual volumes feature each state's flag and seal; symbols; famous people; song
lyrics; important dates; special recipes; abbreviations; glossary, and index. Of special note are the
"Did You Know? sections; the "At A Glance" sections; and the "Want To Know More?
resources. With each volume running 48 pages, with a Grades 2-4 interest level, combined with a
Grade 3 reading level, this easily accessible series is an ideal and strongly recommended addition
to both school and community library reference collection for young readers.
Gareth Stevens
330 W. Olive St. #100, Milwaukee WI 53212
1-800-542-2595 www.amazon.com
Two fine sets of science and history titles offer some unusual focuses not ordinarily seen in
elementary-level nonfiction. One might anticipate Ian Graham's Genetics (0836832310, $22.60)
would be too complicated for grades 4-6, but the use of large plenty, plenty of maps and
drawings, and easily-understandable explanations turns a potential liability into an asset this age
group can readily understand. Terry Jennings' Ecology (0836832302) accomplishes the same;
offering a study of ecology geared to a level young elementary readers can readily understand.
The use of bright illustrations to explain difficult concepts makes these outstanding and unusual.
New to the 'Events That Shaped America' history series ($22.60 each) are Anasazi Culture At
Mesa Verde (0836833902), Battle Of Gettysburg (0836833910), Bombing Of Pearl Harbor
(0836833929), California Gold Rush (0836833937), Montgomery Bus Boycott (0836833945)
and Settling Of St. Augustine (0836-833953). Each uses maps and historic art and photos, paired
with activities and easy text, to explain the focus in a little over thirty pages of detail for grades 3
and older. (If it's Grades 5 and older who are using the details, consider the companion 'Landmark
Events in American History' set ($26.60 each), using the same titles but geared to an older
reading audience). All are excellent, highly recommended picks.
Benchmark Books
99 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591
1-800-831-9881 www.amazon.com
This publisher's excellent series titles are highly recommended picks for grades 4-6. The
'Animalways' titles ($20.95 each) expand with new additions, each blending dramatic,
eye-catching cover art with over a hundred pages of insights and details suitable for reports. New
to the series are Schlaepfer's Elephants (0761413901), Greenberg's Whales (0761413898),
Stefoff's Tigers (076141391X) and Dogs (0761413936) and Schwabacher's Bees (0761413928).
Each invite leisure browsing with their strong visual appeal. The 'Blastoff' series ($18.95 each)
will reach a younger group in grades 3-5, with a set of astronomy titles which each provide a little
over sixty pages of the latest research on the solar system and planets. New additions to this series
include Stone's Venus (0761414053) and Mercury (07614140-37), Stefoff's Pluto (0761414045)
and Uranus (0761414010) and Schwabacher's Sun (0761414029). A running history of believes
about these planets and the sun accompany the latest known facts and science. The beautiful
Peoples Of Europe reference set (0761473785, $329.95) will reach grades five and up with a
unique A- Z encyclopedia set of European ethnic populations. Organized by country and studded
with maps, inlays, color photos and attractive illustrations, this set compiles information on
European history and heritage in a unique manner which makes for an essential reference for any
studying European cultures. Matthew Locricchio's 'Super Chef' series ($19.95 each) is a real
winner: cookbooks for kids are still relatively uncommon, and this set fills the gap for grades 4-6,
pairing recipes and color photos with a culinary history suitable for youngsters. Cooking Of
France (076141-2166), China (076141214X), Mexico (0761412174), and Italy (0761412158)
each include a dose of cultural history and background along with their traditional dishes. The
'North American Historical Atlases' set by Rebecca Stefoff ($16.95 each) will appeal to grades 3-5
with their close look at maps paired with American history. Enjoy The Indian Wars
(0761413480), Texas And The Far West (0761413456), Civil War (0761413464), Growth In
America 1865-1914 (0761413-499) and Civil War And Reconstruction (0761413472): each
providing almost fifty pages packed with maps, illustrations, and history. Last but not least, 'The
Story of Science' set ($19.95) provides an excellent coverage for grades 5-7, each covering a
scientific concept and how it was developed. Donnellan's Miracle Of Immunity (0761414258),
Parker's Mystery Of Gravity (0761414282), and Gallant's Treasure Of Inheritance (0761414-266)
and Wonders Of Biodiversity (0761-414274) each present 80 pages of facts, spiced with lively
color art and contemporary color photos for solid embellishment. These series titles are
exceptional, lasting picks.
World Almanac Library
330 West Olive Street, Suite 100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
1-800-848-2928 www.amazon.com
This publisher's attractive sets of books promise both report-writing attention and even leisure
browsing, as in the attractive 'Great Rivers of the World' series ($26.60 each), with its beautiful
photo covers drawing youngsters ages 10 and older into other cultures which live near rivers.
Waterlow's The Yangtze (0836854470), Allan's Rhine (0836854462), Cumming's Nile
(0836854454), Walsh's Mississippi (0836854446), Cumming's Ganges (0836-854438) and
Parker's Amazon (083685-442X) each cover the geography and peoples of the major rivers,
blending discussions of history and geography with insights on how the rivers have affected those
who live by them. The 'Library of American Government' series ($26.60 each) is recommended
for the same age group, blending time lines of history, tables and charts with primary source
documents and materials suited for grades 5 and up. Horn's Armed Forces (0836854-56X),
Congress (0836854578), Presidency (0836854586), and Supreme Court (0836854594) each
provide almost fifty pages of clear insights on how the branches of government work. Librarians
may want to pick and choose among the 'Trailblazers of the Modern World' biography series
($26.60 each): some figures of modern history may prove more lasting to library collections than
others; though all will promise young reader attention and suitability for report writing.
Blashfield's Oprah Winfrey (0836850874), Buckley's Venus And Serena Williams (0836850-866)
and Brown's Elvis Presley (0836850-858) each will have popular appeal among young audiences;
while libraries seeking biographies of tried-and-tested long-time personalities will welcome
Holland's Pablo Picasso (083685084X), Hantula's Alexander Fleming (0836850831) and
Macdonald's Winston Churchill (0836850-823). Each closely examines their lives, providing
almost fifty pages of insights.
Rourke Publishing
PO Box 3328, Vero Beach, FL 32964
www.rourkepublishing.com
1589523954 $119.72 1-800-394-7055
"Rourke's Guide To State Symbols" is an outstanding, four volume, bilingual (English/Spanish)
series. Authored by Jason Cooper, each title in this "Standards of Learning" based series is
alphabetically arranged in format, provides an informative overview introduction, is enhanced
with bolded glossary terms with phonetic pronunciations in both Spanish and English, a
bibliography and website list, as well as featuring a detailed index. Profusely illustrated with
full-color photography, showcasing an easy-to-read text, children will now understand why their
state flag (and the state flags of other states) look the way they do with certain flowers, birds,
trees, and flag symbols historically significant to that particular state. The four titles comprising
this outstanding and highly recommended series include Rourke's Guide To State Symbols: Birds;
Rourke's Guide To State Symbols: Flags; Rourke's Guide To State Symbols: Flowers; and
Rourke's Guide To State Symbols: Trees.
Chelsea House
1974 Sproul Rd. #400, Broomall, PA 19008
1-800-848-2665 www.amazon.com
Two excellent sets will appeal to any school collection focusing on food. Ann Thomas' 'Food'
($13.95 each) provides kids in grades K-2 with very basic introductions to food groups and foods.
Fruits (0791069761), Vegetables (079106977X), Fats, Oils And Sweets (0791069795), Grains
(0791069753), Meat And Protein (0791069788) and Dairy Products (079-106980X) each present
a little over thirty pages of detail on the food groups, how the body absorbs these foods, and how
they're prepared. Especially recommended for elementary schools with health courses. Carol
Jones' 'From Farm to You' ($17.95 each) is recommended for grades 4-6, offering surveys of the
history and development of different foods. The titles under this series include Pasta And Noodles
(0791070042), Honey (0791070093), Cheese (0791070050), Bread (0791070-077), Sausage
(0791070069) and Chocolate (0791070085). Each includes a history of the food, different kids of
foods, a flowchart and illustrations showing how the food is made or processed, and a survey of
world eating habits showing how that food is consumed in different countries. All are bright,
inviting titles.
Every child should learn how to read with joyous enthusiasm!
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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