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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
My Friend Rabbit
Eric Rohmann
Roaring Book Press
2 Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
0761315357 $15.95 1-800-462-4703
Written and illustrated by Eric Rohmann, My Friend Rabbit is a truly delightful children's tale
about
a mouse who lets his bigger, older best friend Rabbit play with the mouse's airplane. Trouble
comes
soon after, in this comical, touching, and enthusiastically recommended picturebook story
illustrated
in enthusiastic color and simple, bold, sweeping, strokes.
Tales From The Dragon's Cave
Arlene Williams
The Walking Light Press
P.O. Box 1329, Sparks, Nevada 89432
0960544488 $12.95 1-775-356-0216
Arlene Williams' Tales From The Dragon's Cave: Peacemaking Stories For Everyone is a highly
enjoyable anthology of twelve short stories with a central theme of the importance of nonviolence,
and how non-violent conflict resolution can change the world for the better. Occasional
black-and-white illustrations intersperse this unique and entertaining collection which particularly
recommended for avid young adult readers and dragon lovers.
On My Own
Sally Taylor
Silly Goose Productions, LLC
24701 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Ste 2833, Valencia, CA 91355
http://www.onmyown.com
0971150001 $34.95 661-254-1553
On My Own: The Ultimate How-To Guide For Young Adults by Sally Taylor is a superbly
presented book and interactive CD-ROM set, deliberately written in easy-to-read question and
answer format. On My Own provides in-depth coverage of the practical, real-life skills young
people
need to learn to make it on their own. Covering the effective management of one's time, to paying
bills, pursuing a career, responsible sexuality, taking care of one's health and one's pets, and so
much
more, On My Own is an excellent, thorough, "user friendly" guidebook and highly recommended
for
older teens and young adults contemplating living on their own.
Peace In Our Land
Bunny Hull & Synthia Saint James
Kids Creative Classics
DeVorss Publications/Penton Overseas
256 S. Robertson Blvd., Suite 2288, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
0967376297 $10.95 brassheartmusic.com
Peace In Our Land: Children Celebrating Diversity is an original and impressive audio
cassette/activity book combination that illustrates for children ages 5 to 10 the beauty of their
differences and the wonders of life and living that they all share in common. Comprising the
wonderfully produced and recorded audio cassette are: I Plant A Seed (a recited poem); The
Truth
About Friendship (a narrated story); and the original songs: A World Of Difference; I Believe In
Myself; Peace In Our Land; A Smile Is A Smile; Family; Loves Comes In Every Color. The
24-page
activity book teaches children about peace and diversity with interactive drawings, a story,
creative
exercises, and inspiring song lyrics. Also highly recommended for young listeners the CD single
Peace In Our Land (0967376289, $5.99).
Golden Books
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
1-800-726-0600 www.randomhouse.com
Little Golden Books were first published in 1942 as an inexpensive alternative when World War II
paper supply shortages made traditional children's picturebooks very expensive. Originally selling
at
25 cents each, Little Golden Books became immensely popular and a part of childhood memories.
Now on the 60th anniversary of Little Golden Books, four classic titles from the series that helped
to
launch one of the most enduringly successful children's books lines in the history of publishing are
again presented to a new generation of youngsters and their parents. Tootle (0307020975,
$2.99); The Poky Little Puppy (0307021343, $2.99); The Shy Little Kitten (0307001458, $2.99);
The Saggy Baggy Elephant (0307021106, $2.99); and the Tawny Scrawny Lion (0307160491,
$3.99).
Daily Blessings
Beth Harrison Schneider
Raven Tree Press
200 S. Washington St., Suite 306, Green Bay, WI 54301
0970110766 $16.95 raventreepress.com
Compiled and very effectively illustrated by Beth Harrison Schneider, Daily Blessings: Prayers For
Children is a bilingual (English/Spanish) color picturebook of prayers children can read aloud.
Each
benediction is elegantly presented. A warm, thoughtful and loving spiritual book Daily
Blessings/bendiciones Diarias is highly recommended reading for young people of all ages and
backgrounds. "Come Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let Thy gifts to us be blest. / Por favor Dios se
nuestro invitado y benedice los alimentos que vamos a comer."
More Than A Label
Aisha Muharrar
Free Spirit Publishing
217 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1299
1575421100 $13.95 1-612-338-2068
More Than A Label: Why What You Wear Or Who You're With Doesn't Define Who You Are by
teenager Aisha Muharrar is an informative examination of teenaged society's tendency to label and
pigeonhole one another into categories like "jock", "geek", "preppy", and so on. A survey of more
than 1,000 American teens offers insight into how teenagers across America think and tend to
automatically label one another. Various chapters address what labels are, how they can make
people feel, and how one can break the label habit and help others do the same. The central
message
of More Than A Label is "Labels don't define you. YOU define you." It is a message that young
people today desperately need to hear. More Than A Label is strongly recommended for high
school
and community library self-help and social issues collections.
Ray-Ray's Dream
Barbara Massine
Lovegifts Publishing
PO Box 201388, Denver, CO 80220
http://www.lovegiftspublishing.com
0970260121 $14.95 1--866-653-7326
Ray-Ray was born addicted to drugs, suffering from full-blown AIDS, and written off by a world
devoid of hope for children like him. But then he is adopted and becomes an example of hope for
other children who may think that all hope is lost for boys and girls like themselves. Enhanced
with
her simple illustrations Barbara Massine's Ray-Ray's Dream is based on the the true story of a
little
boy who wasn't expected to live to see his first birthday and abandoned in a foster care system
that
felt, because of his medical condition, he "wasn't worth the paperwork". Then Barbara Massine
met
Ray-Ray and became his loving mother and he became her son. After his death Barbara founded
Camp Ray-Ray as an annual four-day retreat for families affected by HIV/AIDS.
The Judaic Studies Shelf
Lost And Found And Other Stories
Rachel Yaffe
Merkos Publications
291 Kingston Ave., Brooklyn NY 11213
0826603300 $12.00 1-718-778-0226
Preteens seeking solid stories of Jewish females learning about their heritage will appreciate a
collection of short stories which blends history with social issues. Young women here learn
Talmud,
handle dangers, deal with hidden treasure, and see spiritual and personal understanding. Lost And
Found And Other Stories is an exceptionally well-rounded collection.
The Sukkah That I Built
Rochel Groner Vorst
Elizabeth Victor-Elsby
Hachai Publishing
156 Chester Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218
1929628072 $9.95 www.hachai.com
Wonderfully written by Rochel Groner Vorst, The Sukkah That I Built is a warmly illustrated
color
children's picturebook featuring the artwork of Elizabeth Victor-Elsby and is the picturebook
story
about building a temporary eating place during the Festival of Ingathering (a traditional Jewish
celebration) called a "Sukkah". The simple prose mimics the repetitive style of the famous nursery
rhyme "This is the house that Jack built", only it is about the fun of constructing a Sukkah from
boards and nails. A postscript on the last page informs readers of all ages about the celebration
that
a Sukkah is part of. A fine and enjoyable picturebook celebration of a part of Jewish culture and
tradition, The Sukkah That I Built is highly recommended and enjoyable reading for children ages
2
through 5.
Too Young For Yiddish
Richard Michelson
Charlesbridge/Talewinds
85 Main St., Watertown, MA 02472
0881061182 $15.95 1-800-225-3214
Aaron wants to learn how to speak to the chickens like his Zayde said the Shochet did in the Old
County, but he's too young to learn Yiddish. Plus, his grandfather thinks that American Jews
should
speak English well. Can Aaron get his grandfather to teach him before it's too late? Good reading
skills or parental assistance required for Too Young For Yiddish, an intriguing set of insights into
the Yiddish language and Jewish culture in general.
The History Shelf
Ten Kings And The Worlds They Ruled
Milton Meltzer
Orchard Books
555 Broadway, New York NY 10012
0439312930 $21.95 1-800-242-7737
Hammurabi, David, Kublai and other kings shaped their times and ultimately the world: Ten Kings
And The Worlds They Ruled selects ten kings from history to profile, including maps, color
illustrations, and descriptions which read with the excitement of a novel, yet are packed with
information and detail suitable for reports. An intriguing approach to history and biography.
Enslow Publishers
PO Box 398, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
1-800-398-2504
Three excellent new titles on exploration will reach an age level of 1013 in grades 5 and older:
each
title in the 'In World History' set provides a special focus and a lively topic kids will find easy to
supplement with classroom study. Katherine Doherty and Craig Doherty's King Richard The
Lionhearted And The Crusades In World History (0766014592, $20.95) traces the origins of the
religious wars fought by Christians and Muslims over holy lands; Ann Gaines' Hernando De Soto
&
The Spanish Search For Gold (18210) examines the life and explorations of De Soto and his
obsession with wealth; and Gaines' Captain Cook Explores The Pacific (0766014630) considers
his
exciting voyages and his discoveries of unique Pacific region cultures. Kids in grades 48 will find
Carmen Bredeson's El Nino & La Nina (0766015513, $18.95) provides clear and graphic
coverage
of the weather patterns behind climate changes. All are recommended picks for supplemental
classroom reading.
Morgan Reynolds
620 South Elm Street, Suite #223, Greensboro, NC 27406
$20.95 Each 1-800-535-1504
Two excellent new titles tackle very different topics in American history. Nancy Colbert's Great
Society: Story Of Lyndon Baines Johnson (1883846846, $20.95) chronicles the achievements of
Johnson during his years as President. From his ending of legal racial discrimination and his war
on
poverty to the escalation of Vietnam under his hand, this presents a multifaceted, varied look at
the
president's times and decisions. Peggy Caravantes' Petticoat Spies (1883846889) details the lives
of
six women spies of the Civil War, telling of women who found unusual ways to participate in the
war on both Confederate and Union sides. Descriptions and events read like fiction with high
drama,
but are based on facts. Both will intrigue middleschool level readers.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
The Magical Worlds Of Harry Potter
David Colbert
Berkley
375 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
0425187012 $13.00 1-800-847-5515
Where did Rowling receive inspiration for her Harry Potter books? The Magical Worlds Of Harry
Potter surveys the legends and myths that contribute to Rowling's settings, from reallife wizards
to
alchemists and unicorns. Interviews with Rowling blend with reviews of these myths and legends
in
this fine survey of young Potter's early influences.
Space Academy
Mark Nicholas and Jane Christine
Writers Club Press/iUniverse.com
5220 South 16th Street, #200, Lincoln, NE 68512-1274
0595191797 $11.95 www. iuniverse.com
Collaboratively written by Mark Nicholas and Jane Christine for young adults with a taste for
science fiction, Space Academy: Volume One Of The Kirsten Chronicles is an engaging adventure
from cover to cover. Kirsten is an empathic, 16-year-old cadet at the Space Academy who shares
a
special bond with an extraterrestrial life form called a skeecat. Together they encounter danger
and
challenge when her roommate and dorm mother disappear. Determined to find answers, Kirsten
embarks on a search to find them in this briskly written, highly enjoyable 148 page novel.
The Picturebook Shelf
Impatient Pamela Wants A Bigger Family
Mary Koski
Trellis Publishing
PO Box 16141, Duluth, MN 55816
1930650043 $14.95 trellispublishing.com
Pamela is an only child and is jealous of friend Sam's seven lively brothers, so she returns home to
prompt her parents to have more kids. That's when she learns about some of the problems faced
by
bigger families, and gains a newfound appreciation for her family's size as well as an
understanding
of how adoption works. A realistic story with a gentle message.
The Obvious Elephant
Bruce Robinson & Sophie Windham
Bloomsbury Publishing
175 Fifth Avenue, #712, NY, NY 10010
1582347697 $15.95 bloomsbury.com
Splendidly written by Bruce Robionson and enhanced with the softly impressive artwork of
Sophie
Windham, The Obvious Elephant is a whimsical children's picturebook about a town that never
seen
or heard of an elephant, until one day an elephant happens to arrive! Everyone has different
guesses
about what the elephant is, but only one young boy knows for certain in this picturebook featuring
earthy, shaded color illustrations.
My Nana's Remedies/Los Remedios de mi Nana
Roni Capin Rivera-Ashford, author
Edna San Miguel, illustrator
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 North Kinney Road, Tucson, Arizona 85743
1886679193 $15.95 1-520-883-3028
My Nana's Remedies/Los Remedios de mi Nana is a beautifully presented bilingual children's
picturebook (written in both English and Spanish by Roni Capin Rivera-Ashford) about the
traditional home remedies that a grandmother lovingly prepares for her granddaughter. Warm,
playful color illustrations by Edna San Miguel, celebrate the fulfillment of family obligations and
the
enhancing of a caring relationship make My Nana's Remedies a very special and most enjoyable
book for budding bilingual readers.
Jesse's Color Field
S.K. Miller
Treehouse Treasures
PO Box 1030, St. Charles, IL 60174
treehousetreasur@aol.com
0971463603 $16.95
It's hard to peg the age range for Jesse's Color Field -- ages 5 to 10 will find it involving but it's
the
older end of the age bracket who will find easy access to the descriptions and writing. Jesse's
daydream becomes a reality in the form of a storm, and the animals of Color Field place their
rescue
hopes on him. The animal drawings are quite whimsical and fun in this detailed adventure.
The Kite
Luis Garay
Tundra Books
481 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2E9
0887765033 $14.95 tundrabooks.com
Written and illustrated by Luis Garay, The Kite is a charmingly presented, full-color children's
picturebook about a poor boy living in the barrio who makes three wishes: that he can sell all his
newspapers, that his baby brother will be born soon, and that the kite that he has his eye on in the
toy stall will still be there. Even the humblest of wishes are often denied those growing up in
poverty, yet there is joy to be found in all life. The uniquely textured art superbly complements the
simple, straightforward storytelling style in this excellent, highly recommended story for school
and
community library picturebook collections.
Knopf/Random House Children's Books
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
1-800-726-0600 www.amazon.com
Roald Dahl's titles receive whimsical black and white drawings by Quentin Blake as they
present
some rollicking events. Fantastic Mr. Fox (0375822070, $15.95) tells of a fox who successfully
steals from men who prize their fowl. Boggis, Bounce and Bean know what's going on and hope
to
catch Mr. Fox but his varied tactics are too clever for them. Mavis Jukes' Blackberries In The
Dark
(0394875990, $14.95) tells of a family tradition of blackberry picking summers challenged by a
grandfather's death. Grandma is alone and Austin feels his summer has lost its special magic it's
up
to them both to make new traditions in this warm story of death and change, with black and white
drawings by Thomas Allen. George's Marvelous Medicine (0375822062, $15.95) tells of a
miserable
old grandmother who is constantly nagging poor George. He plans a special medicine for her
which
will give her a taste of her own sour grapes in this hilarious story. Both classic tales enjoy new
editions and will appeal to advanced elementary level readers.
Pizza Kittens
Charlotte Voake
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
0763616222 $15.99 1-800-526-0275
Lucy, Joe and Bert want pizza for dinner and their parents just want peace and quiet: can they all
enjoy a meal at the same table? When father decides to cook, his food turns out great but the
kittens
create even more chaos when they face foods they don't like. Pizza Kittens is a fun story!
Hector Visits His Country Cousin
Jane Scoggins Bauld & Gary Laronde
Eakin Press
c/o Sunbelt Media
PO Box 90159, Austin, TX 78709-0159
1571686010 $14.95 eakinpress.com
Hector Visits His Country Cousin is a cleverly written and presented children's story about a city
bat
who learns more about life in the country from his experienced cousin. Charming, humorous
black-and-white illustrations bring to life an entertaining and engaging story filled throughout with
tidbits about bat life and survival. A superb storybook for young folks, Hector Visits His Country
Cousin is enthusiastically recommended for family, school, and community library
collections.
Hyperion
114 5th Ave., New York NY 10011
1-800-759-0190 www.amazon.com
Three new picturebooks provide delightful new stories to kids. Pam Munoz Ryan's Mud Is Cake
(0786805013, $15.99) pairs a fun rollicking rhyme with classic paintings by McPhail. The rhyme
also helps kids think about words and alternate meanings they represent. Elizabeth Spurr and
Martin
Matje's A Pig Named Perrier (0786803029, $15.99) tells of a purebred potbellied pig who lives
with
a movie star. Perrier is the toast of the town but feels something is still missing in his life. His
search
for inner meaning provides gentle food for thought. Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers' McDuff
Saves The Day (0786806443, $14.99) takes place on July 4th and tells of the bouncy dog's plans
to
celebrate. McDuff's ride in the family car is particularly hilarious and realistic as he bounces
between
seats, baby, and chicken versus marrowbone. A fun and zany tale.
Celebrate The Fire Within
Kathy Larsen & C. B. Decker
North Star Publications
1474 E. Springdell Dr, Provo, UT 84604
1930458010 $15.95 1-800-352-9711
Celebrate The Fire Within is an enthusiastic children's picturebook written by Kathy Larsen for
the
express purpose of introducing young readers to the joy of sports and competition in general, and
an
appreciation of the Olympic Games in particular. Written in simple rhyme, brought to life with
enjoyable color illustrations by C. B. Decker highlighting human activity and grace, Celebrate The
Fire Within is a great book for reading aloud to young people and a very worthwhile addition to
both school and community library collections.
The Secret Of Old Zeb
Carmen Agra Deedy & Michael P. White
Peachtree Publishers
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
1561452807 $8.95 peachtree-online.com
The Secret Of Old Zeb is a charming softcover children's picturebook written for children ages 6
to
10 and is about ten-year old Walter, a boy whose summer visit to his great aunt promises to be
boring - until he befriends a mysterious old sailor neighbor with a Great Secret Project hidden in
the
depths of his cellar! Inviting, caricature-style color artwork by Michael P. White and a theme of
chasing one's dreams to the sea and stars mark this enjoyable, highly recommended picturebook
story.
Soundprints
353 Main Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851
www.soundprints.com
This publisher's association with the Smithsonian has produced a host of beautifully illustrated
nature
picturebooks for the young reader. Doe Boyle's Otter On His Own (1568991290, $15.95) pairs a
fictionalized story with facts and beautiful, realistic drawings by Robert Lawson as it explores a
young sea otter's life; Deborah Dennard's Bullfrog At Magnolia Circle (1568991045,
$15.95)receives Kristin Kest's colorful drawings as it tells of a bullfrog's life behind a white
wooden
house, and an alpine meadow's ecology is explored by Audrey Fraggalosch and illustrated by
Higgins Bond in Trails Above The Tree Line (15689919410, $15.95), which uses the bighorn
sheep'seyeview to explore Rocky Mountain ecology. All are gorgeous.
The Hunter And The Ebony Tree
Nelda LaTeef
Moon Mountain Publishing
80 Peachtree Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852
http://www.moonmountainpub.com
0967792991 $15.95
Wonderfully written for young readers ages 5 to 9 by Nelda LaTeef, The Hunter And The Ebony
Tree is an authentic African folk tale brought to life in picturebook form with LaTeef's
remarkable,
shape-centered full-color illustrations. The Hunter And The Ebony Tree is the story of a hunter
who
must demonstrate intelligence, skill, and loyal friends to overcome challenges and win the hand of
a
wise young woman makes for enjoyable reading aloud to young folks. The Hunter And The
Ebony
Tree is enthusiastically recommended for family, school, and community library folk tale and
picturebook collections.
"I Don't Want to Take a Nap!"
Michael Ambrosio & Bob Langan
LionX Publishing
705-2 E. Bidwell Street, #235, Folsom, CA 95630-3315
http://www.lionxpublishing.com
0971608512 $16.95 1-916-984-0102
Cleverly written by Michael Ambrosio and featuring a cartoony bear family humorously drawn in
bright colors by Bob Langan, "I Don't Want to Take a Nap!" is the highly recommended
picturebook story of a young bear boy who's have trouble adjusting to bedtime. He wakes up
thirsty,
or from the sound of his own snoring, or tangles himself in his covers and falls out of bed. At last
his
father helps him by spending some quality time. "I Don't Want to Take a Nap!" is a gentle story
perfect for reading aloud to very young children.
Pelican Publishers
1000 Burmaster St., Gretna, LA 70053
1-800-843-1724 www.pelicanpub.com
Libraries looking to spice up their multicultural sections will relish these two new picturebook
tales.
Virginia Walton Pilegard's Warlord's Puzzle (1565544951) and her Warlord's Beads
(1565548639)
each receive fine color drawings by Nicholas Debon who brings the Chinese topics to life.
Warlord's
Puzzle tells of a fierce warlord in China who receives a ceramic tile as a gift, but sentences the
man
to punishment when it's shattered. The artist poses an unusual contest as the solution for the
problem. Warlord's Beads tells of a man fortunate to live under the roof of a powerful Chinese
warlord but only as long as his worried father, an accountant, finds good favor with the warlord.
It's up to the young man to rescue a father in trouble with a clever solution in this problem-solving
story of intrigue and faith. Both are fine tales with surprise endings.
Creative Company
Box 227, Mankato, MN 56002
Monique Felix's inviting mouse illustrations in Robert Lewis Stevenson's My Shadow
(1568461410,
$15.95) provides an inviting mix of rollicking rhyme and whimsical mouse illustrations. Kids will
learn a new appreciation of the poetic style will enjoying the mouse's lively adventures. Roberto
Innocenti and J. Patrick Lewis' Last Resort (1568461720, $17.95) tells of an artist's imagination
which abruptly disappears. His quest to recover it leads him to a remote seaside hotel where he
finds
other seekers. The illustrations are gorgeous and parents can help kids absorb the somewhat
difficult
theme.
Books in Series
Crabtree Publishers
350 5th Ave., #3308, NY, NY 10118
1-800-387-7650
These series additions provide excellent basic references for kids in grades 23, combining over
thirty
pages of color photos with solid examples and facts suitable for early learners. New to 'The Life
Cycle' series ($15.45 each) are Tree (0778706591), Wolf (0778706575), Lion (0778706567), and
Spider (0778706583). Each has large, doublespaced print, bright color photos and illustrations,
and
basic facts. The 'Small Worlds' series ($15.96 each) for grades 34 include Jen Green's Coral Reef
(0778701387), her In A Backyard (0778701417), On The Tundra (0778701395) and James
Martin's
In A House (0778701409). Each includes 'fantastic facts' and sidebars of appealing information.
Geography collections for grades 45 will be enriched by some new additions to the 'Lands,
Peoples
and Cultures' series ($15.45 each): each featured country enjoys three volumes devoted separately
to
geography, ethnic groups and cultures. Philippines (Land 93524; People - 93532; and Culture -
93540) packs in plenty of color photos and details. Ireland (Land 93494; Culture -- 93516; and
People -- 93508) provides an excellent account of Ireland. Each will enhance and fill in an
elementarylevel collection of geography titles.
Millbrook Press
#2 Old New Milford Rd., Brookfield CT 06804
$22.90/Each 1-800-462-4703
Ethnic grandmothers recall their pasts and family roots in 'What Was It Like, Grandma?', a unique
set of books offering very different memories of growing up. Ann Morris' Grandma Esther
Remembers (076132318X) contrasts the life experiences of different members of a Jewish family,
Grandma Lai Goon Remembers (0761323147) tells of the cultural differences between native and
next generation Chinese, Grandma Susan Remembers (0761323198) considers a BritishAmerican
family's experiences; while Ann Morris' Grandma Maxine Remembers (0761323171) effectively
presents the background of a Native American family; Morris' Grandma Francisca Remembers
(0761323155) tells of an active elderly woman and her family, and Morris' Grandma Lois
Remembers (0761323163) tells of an African -American family's experiences around the country.
Each book is accompanied by an activity, activities for family participation, and tips for family
research.
Chelsea House
1974 Sproul Rd. #400, Broomall, PA 19008
$17.55/Each 1-800-848-2665
The Chelsea House 'Religions of Humanity' series is a gorgeous library reference set will reach
ages
10 and up with each book holding 28 pages of facts about specific world religions. These
outstanding titles are marked by contemporary color photos and illustrations, maps, and enough
practical background and spiritual insights to make them suitable for basic reports. Author
Lawrence
Sullvan contributes Protestantism (0791066290), Judaism (0791066304), Taoism (0791066479),
Shinto (0791066312) and Navajo (0791066320). Olivier Clement tackles Orthodoxy
(0791066282)
following its evolution from early Greece, while Julien Reis completes the set with his informative
titles Christianity (0791066231), Catholicism (079106624X), Hinduism (0791066258), Buddhism
(0791066266), and Islam (0791066274). Completing the set is Man And The Sense Of Mystery
(0791066223), providing an overall review of religion and mankind. All are excellent with bright
color and clear, useful facts: all are recommended picks.
DK Publishing
95 Madison Ave., New York N 10016
$9.95 each www.dk.com
Dramatic, atmospheric photography marks a new 'Eye Wonder' science series geared to the young
child just learning about nature and science. Just as eyecatching as the bright covers are their
topics:
Reptiles (0789485540), Big Cats (0789485486), Bugs (0789485524), Birds (0789485508) each
pack in plenty of lush photos, from full page to sidebars of smaller color photos, along with basic
animal facts. Kids will delight in learning about these colorful creatures.
The Gardening Shelf
Growing Things
Angela Wilkes & John Shackell
EDC Publishing
10302 E. 55th Place, Tulsa, OK 74146
0746001223 $4.95 1-800-475-4522
Accessibly written by Angela, Growing Things is a simple picturebook for young readers, and
offers
basic information on how to grow plants illustrated with refreshing, colorful, cartoon-style art by
John Shackell. From how to plant bulbs to raising herbs, tomatoes, or houseplants, Growing
Things
teaches young people the joy of raising something by themselves. Highly recommended for family,
school, and community library gardening and children's activities collections, a glossary of
plant-related words on the inside back cover rounds out this excellent book.
The Music Shelf
Advanced Brain Technologies, Inc.
c/o The Creative Service Company
4360 Emerald Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
1-888-228-1798 www.advancedbrain.com
Advanced Brain Technologies has debuted an impressive series of CD music collections
specifically
designed for use with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers from birth to 36 months. But what makes
this series especially unique is that the recordings (featuring harp, celeste, violin, viola, cello,
clarinet, and flute played by members of The Arcangelos Chamber Ensemble) are a blend of
classical
and folk music, as well as lullabies and nursery rhymes designed to enhance a child's cognitive and
language development through auditory stimulation. This superbly produced four volume series
includes Sleepy Baby (MFB 0401); Peaceful Baby (MFB 0402); Cheerful Baby (MFB 0403); and
Playful Baby (MFB 0404).
Mini-Fresh Records
Beth Blenz-Clucas (publicity)
PO Box 577400, Chicago, IL 60657
1-773-665-0289 www.minifresh.com
Two outstanding CD music collections for children by Ralph Covert (a teacher at Chicago's Old
Town School of Folk music) would make ideal additions to family, school, and community library
collections. Ralph's World (1-70038, $13.99) engages the mysteries of numbers, the alphabet, the
animal world; sibling rivalry and more through the means of playful pop songs brimming with
delightful absurdities and useful information. Ralph's World: At The Bottom Of The Sea
(2-70042,
$13.49) showcases seventeen bright and lively children's songs performed in pop, blues, folk, and
swing styles. Both of these outstanding recordings are flawlessly produced, wonderfully
performed, and invite both interactivity and response form young listeners preschool through 3rd
grade. Also
available and recommended is an 18-page "Ralph's World" Classroom Activity Guide ($3.00)
offering dozens of ideas, full song lyrics to several songs from both albums, and reproducible
activity
sheets ideal for classroom or home schooling usage.
Madacy Entertainment Group, Inc.
Andrea Blain (publicity)
2235 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 905, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M2J 5B5
1-416-756-2800 www.madacy.com
Comprising a blend of classic songs and contemporary hits, the Madacy Entertainment Group's
new
"Pop 4 Kids" series features CD collections that are lively, energetic, superbly recorded, and
thoroughly "child friendly". Get This Party Started! (P4K2 8278, $7.98) features All Star (3:17);
I'm
A Believer (3:10); Beautiful Life (3:41); Graduation (5:34); Love Don't Cost A Thing (3:41);
Everywhere (3:33); Lucky (3:24); I Wanna Be With Your (4:12); We Like To Party (3:42); and
the
title piece, Get This Party Started! (3:11). Stop! In The Name Of Love (P4K2 8276, $7.98)
showcases ten Motor City classics and enduring pop music favorites: Everyday People (2:20);
Ain't
No Mountain High Enough (5:23); ABC (2:53); And The Beat Goes On (3:50); Uptight (2:45);
Dancing In The Street (2:45); Reach Out, I'll Be There (3:03); I Can't Help Myself (2:58); Tears
Of
A Clown (2:58); and the title cut, Stop! In The Name Of Love. Also available in a cassette format
($5.98 each), these memorable numbers are effectively performed by "The Countdown Kids" and
would enhance personal, school, or community library music collection!
The Fiction Shelf
Seven For A Secret
Mary C. Sheppard
Groundwood
720 Bathurst Street, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2R4
www.groundwoodbooks.com
0888994370 $19.95
Set in a small village on the coast of Newfoundland, Seven For A Secret by Mary C. Sheppard is
a
highly recommended, "reader friendly" novel of Rebecca and Kate, two fifteen-year-old girls and
their confrontation with opposing directional pulls. Invited to develop their artistic talent and
explore the world beyond their village borders, Rebecca and Kate are forbidden to go by an
uncompromising family member. Also available in paperback (0888994389, $12.95), Seven For A
Secret is strong tale of personal will in the making one's own destiny.
Paint By Magic
Kathryn Reiss
Harcourt
525 B Street #1900, San Diego, CA 921014495
0152163611 $17.00 1-800-543-1918
Conner's mother suddenly turns strange, wearing old-fashioned clothes and even removing all
TVs
from the house but it isn't until Conner is whisked to the past that he begins to understand the
reasons for her actions and to wonder if his family will ever be the same. Mystery, magic, and
good tension evolve to create a satisfying story with many unpredictable twists and turns.
The Raging Dragon
Len Lamensdorf
SeaScape Press
1010 Roble Ln., Santa Barbara CA 93103
0966974174 $22.95 seascapepress.com
The second book in the "Will to Conquer" series, Len Lamensdorf's The Raging Dragon is a
fantastically conceived and excitingly presented novel for young adults and concerns two young
people who must fight and think their way through the events of history in the 1960s.
Life-threatening challenges, vicious enemies, and intrigue on the streets of Paris await young Willi
and Louise, who meet with their French Resistance allies in a famous bistro called the Raging
Dragon. An assassination plot against President John F. Kennedy and his wife threatens to change
history, unless Willi and Louise are up to the task! Also very highly recommended is the first
volume
in "Will To Conquer" series, The Crouching Dragon. The third volume comprising this
outstanding
trilogy will be The Flying Dragon.
The Great Blue Yonder
Alex Shearer
Clarion
215 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10003
0618212574 $15.00 1-800-225-3362
Harry has been hit by a truck and has gone to the Other Side, a place in between heaven and earth
where inhabitants wander and seek to remedy unresolved problems. Why is Harry here? His
unresolved tensions with his younger sister may affect the entire family; yet when he returns to
remedy them he finds the world curiously moving on without him in this involving story.
Miranda And Starlight
Janet Muirhead Hill
Raven Publishing
PO Box 2885, Norris, MT 59745
0971416109 $7.95 1-406-685-3546
Miranda Stevens is a lonely fifth grader who feels that if she only had a horse of her own
everything
else in her life would be okay. Then in response to a dare by Chris, a boy who has a habit of
bullying
others, she mounts a beautiful black horse named Starlight who is pastured in a field just beyond
the
schoolyard fence and begins a wonderful adventure of scrapes, narrow escapes and quandaries
that
teach Miranda life lessons in honesty, trust and courage. Beautiful black and white illustrations by
Pat Lehmkuhl enhanced Janet Muirhead Hill's charming and highly recommended story for young
readers.
Caterpillar Jones And The Adventures Of Nut E. Squirrel
J. J. Brothers
Foundation Publishing
PO Box 396, Green, OH 44232-0296
http://www.caterpillarjones.com
0971877408 $8.95 1-330-899-0018
In Caterpillar Jones And The Adventures Of Nut E. Squirrel, young readers learn of how Nut E.
Squirrel, while struggling with weight issues and with the help of his friend, Caterpillar Jones,
finds
that he must change his habits in order to save his home and his job as mayor of Mulberry
Meadow.
A thoroughly entertaining, deftly written, imaginative and engaging story, Caterpillar Jones And
The
Adventures Of Nut E. Squirrel also showcases the value of a healthy approach to eating and
exercise. Highly recommended for school and community library children's fiction
collections.
Just One More
Wendi Silvano & Ricardo Gamboa
All About Kids Publishing
6280 San Ignacio Avenue, Suite C, San Jose, CA 95119
0970086377 $16.95 www.aakp.com
Just One More is the entertaining children's picturebook deftly written by Wendi Silvano and
brightly illustrated in watercolor art by Ricardo Gamboa about a rickety old bus in the Andes
Mountains, jammed full of passengers, as the calm driver stops again and again to let still more
crazy
passengers aboard. From a young boy and his hungry llama to a woman with a bag full of
chickens,
the wacky and delightful people and animals on board the bus make for mounting excitement in
this
amusing and entertaining story for beginning readers.
Ashes Of Roses
Mary Jane Auch
Holt & Company
115 W. 18th St., New York NY 10011
0805066861 $16.95 1-888-330-8477
A new Irish immigrant family to the U.S. faces its first great challenge on Ellis Island, when the
family is divided by illness and rejected by officials. Rose and her younger sister are left to fend
for
themselves and after struggles find work at a factory where working conditions are tough. When
factory work ends in disaster, Rose must decide where her commitments and roots lie in this
involving historical novel which blends insights on both immigrant experience and labor
issues.
Atheneum/McElderry Books
1230 Ave. of Americas, NY NY 10020
1-800-223-2336 www.amazon.com
Two excellent, very different titles will appeal to young adult leisure audiences. Willo Davis
Roberts'
Undercurrents (0689816715, $16.00) tells of a family recovering from a mother's death, when the
father announces remarriage to a woman only slightly older than his daughters. Nikki is not only
troubled by her father's sudden marriage; she finds her new young stepmother's behavior hides a
deeper mystery that her father doesn't seem to sense: a puzzle which will bring them all into
danger.
Excellent tension throughout to the unexpected conclusion. Jane Louise Curry's Egyptian Box
(0689842732, $16.00) tells of a mysterious Egyptian box inherited by a young girl and the
supernatural figure it releases. At first the ancient Egyptian worker seems subservient to her
mistress' commands, but soon ulterior motives emerge and Tee finds herself fighting for her
identity
in this gripping supernatural thriller.
The Health/Medical Shelf
Memories Of Summer
Ruth White
Dell Books
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
0440229219 $5.99 1-800-726-0600
Lyric and her older sister move from a small town to a big industrial city, and it's then that Lyric
must face the difficult fact that her older sister is mentally ill, and that the progression of her
illness
may lead to danger for them all. A moving story of love and loss evolves.
Keeping A Secret
Elizabeth Murphy-Melas, author
April Hartmann, illustrator
Health Press
PO Box 37470, Albuquerque, NM 87176
0929173341 $14.95 healthpress.com
Keeping A Secret: A Story About Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is a unique, non-fiction children's
book that teaches young readers about juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, its diagnosis, and its
treatment.
Four-color illustrations by April Hartmann brings to life a heartwarming book written specifically
by
Elizabeth Murphy-Melas to help young readers diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (and
their friends and family) to better understand, adapt, and cope with this sometimes painful and
debilitating condition. Keeping A Secret is very highly recommended for school and community
library collections.
Poems And Short Stories About My Brother Kevin Who Has Autism
Richard W. Carlson, Jr.
iUniverse
5220 South 16th Street, #200, Lincoln, NE 68512-1274
0595228453 $9.95 www.amazon.com
Suggested for young readers age 6 to 10, yet involving and highly recommended reading for all
ages, Poems And Short Stories About My Brother Kevin Who Has Autism by Richard W.
Carlson
Jr. is a unique and compelling collection of six true stories and six poems about the author's
autistic
younger brother, Kevin. Fifty simple black-and-white line drawing illustrations by Kevin illustrate
and enhance this straightforward, heartwarming account which offers young readers a unique
perspective into what it's like growing up with an autistic sibling, and the special challenges and
responses therein. "Most boys would like bugs a lot./Because he has autism he does not." Also
strongly recommended for school and community library collections is Richard Carlson's previous
book: My Brother Kevin Has Autism.
The Literary Shelf
Great American Writers: 20th Century
R. Baird Shuman, Editor
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
0761472401 $459.95 1-800-831-9881
Great American Writers: 20th Century is graded at levels 6 and older but it's the middle to early
high
school reader who will gain the most from this important reference set. Students of fiction, drama
and nonfiction alike receive an A-Z reference that lends to quick and easy information, with each
section hosting beautiful color plates and sidebars of ataglance information. Vintage black and
white
photos, color paintings and illustrations and plenty of detail include biographical background,
overviews of influences and writings, and critical coverage of major works all in an inviting
format
that lends to browsing. These characteristics differentiate this set from competing reference works
on writers, making it recommended above others as a lasting value.
The Library Video Shelf
We Sign: Babies & Toddlers
Production Associates, Inc.
1206 W. Collins Avenue, Orange, CA 92867
1887120653 $29.95 1-800-535-8368
We Sign: Babies & Toddlers is a superbly produced and presented two volume video series
specifically designed to teach infants to use sign language to communicate. We Sign: Babies &
Toddlers provides hearing impaired parents with practical, "user friendly" instruction in utilizing
signing with their hearing children, and to incorporate signing into their child's everyday life.
Based
on the American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary, even the young child can learn to sign before
he
or she learns to speak! Signing with hearing infants and toddlers enhances communication,
reduces
frustrations, and accelerates language development. The success of this system is based on an
infant's natural discovery their hands and how to use them. Indeed, babies are physically capable
of
signing (using their hands to communicate desires and thoughts) long before thy master the skills
for
verbal communication. We Sign: Babies & Toddlers is an invaluable instructional resource and
highly recommended for family and community library ASL signing instructional and reference
collections.
Maggie And The Ferocious Beast
Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment
Andrea Blain (publicity)
10202 West Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232-3195
0767881818 $19.95 sonypictures.com
Maggie And The Ferocious Beast: Adventures In Nowhere Land is a wonderfully entertaining
collection of animated stories that will utterly delight young viewers ages 3 through 6. Enhanced
with digitally mastered audio, a full screen presentation, bonus trailers, interactive menus, and
episode selections, the DVD format also allows for either English or Spanish audio, with English
subtitling. Enthusiastically recommended for family, day-care center, school, and community
library
video/DVD collections, the individual episodes comprising Maggie And The Ferocious Beast:
Adventures In Nowhere Land include: Beastly Picture; The Big Duck; Hamilton's Pet; My One
And
Only Box; Mr. Shivers; and The King of Nowhere Land.
MarshMedia
Box 8082, Shawnee Mission, KS 66208
VHS 1-800-821-3303
MarshMedia offers two videos designed for early elementary students with each emphasizing how
to
properly take care of an important body part and function. In Take Care Of Your Ears!
(1559421886, 14:57 minutes), Annie introduces the Funsters to the world of hearing and
demonstrates how ears provide enjoyment and help in communicating with others. Annie explains
some common ear problems and helps children recognize symptoms of various hearing conditions,
what to expect on a visit to the doctor's office, and the first principle of ear safety: Don't put
anything in your ears smaller than your elbow! In Take Care Of Your Eyes! (1559421894, 13:40
minutes) Annie explains temporary and long-term problems with vision as well as how eyes are
examined and vision is tested. With Annie's help, the Funsters learn how to avoid injuries to eyes
and
how children with serious loss of vision can communicate and learn. With a new appreciation for
the
gift of sight, the Funsters recap for listeners all the ways to take care of their eyes. Both of these
superbly produced, "child friendly", highly recommended videos are ideal for school and
community
library health and safety video collections.
My First Day
My First Day Productions
411 Video Information (publicity)
18711 Oriente Dr, Yorba linda, CA 92886
VHS $14.99 www.myfirstday.net
Buddy Bear is about to embark upon his first day at preschool. Young viewers will appreciate
Buddy's nervousness and concerns about what preschool will be like. This charming 27 minute
children's video was filmed at actual school locations with students and teachers who, upon
Buddy's
arrival at school, all demonstrate their friendliness towards him and helps him to appreciate that
preschool can be fun! My First Day is a wonderful addition to preschool, day care center, and
community library video collections for children ages 3 through 5.
The Noble Prize: Science
Schlessinger Media
PO Box 580, Wynnewood, PA 19096
1-800-483-3620 www.LibraryVideo.com
The Nobel Prize: Science is a superbly produced and presented, ten volume video series that
provides young viewers ages grades 9 through 12 with an informed and informative survey of
ground breaking scientific research as reflected in the world's most prestigious award - the Nobel
Prize. Each of the ten minute videos is enhanced with illustrative graphics, dynamic animations,
and
a deft blending of contemporary and historical footage to help explain cutting-edge science. Each
video illustrates both the research and the discoveries of the preeminent scientists honored for
their
achievements in physics, chemistry and medicine. Highly recommended for both school and
community library resource collections, the individual titles comprising this outstanding series
include: Nobel -- The Man; Origin Of The Universe: Cracking the Cosmos; Immunology: Battling
the Bugs; Blood Research: In the Blood; Diagnostic Imaging: See Through; How Atoms Work:
Quantum Leaps; Sub-Atomic Particles: Beyond the Atom; Electronic Communications: Wired;
Radioactivity: The Good, The Bad; Superconductors: Super Cool.
The Environmental Studies Shelf
Deserts
Beatrice Macleod
McGrawHill
8787 Orion Place, Columbus OH 43240
0872266958 $9.95 1-800-722-4726
Where do deserts come from, how are they found, and what wildlife makes them home? Beatrice
Macleod's Deserts is geared to the younger picturebook reader and pairs dramatic and realistic
drawings with clear insights on desert life and climate.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
Smith & Kraus
177 Lyme Rd., Hanover, NH 03755
$14.95 Each 1-800-895-4331
Two excellent drama collections compiled and edited by Kimberly Mohne Hill for aspiring teen
actors are recommended picks for libraries seeking different collections of original material.
Monologues In Dialect For Young Actors (1575252503, $14.95) provides monologues with
flavors
of ethnic groups: New York, Russian, Cockney, Irish, and American South accents. Introductions
to
setting and place are followed by monologues meant to bring out the ethnic flavor of each area.
Scenes In Dialect For Young Actors (1575252511), the companion, expands the concept to
include
full scenes: as with the prior book, scenes include sound change breakdowns and phonetic
spelling,
exercises which may be followed either by a class or individually, and an introduction by dialect
expert and author Hill.
The Cookbook Shelf
Around The World With Food And Spices
Melinda Lilly
Rourke Publishing LLC
PO Box 3328, Vero Beach, FL 32964
1589520432 $143.93 1-800-394-7055
Written for inquisitive young readers in grades 3-5, Around The World With Food And Spices is
a
six-volume set brimming with information about foods shared and eaten around the world and
throughout human history. From olives (also known as "the queen of all trees"), to the versatile
peanut, to the staple of rice (which serves as daily sustenance for over half of the people on
earth),
Around The World With Food And Spices offers young readers a fascinating wealth of lore that
will
teach young readers fun facts, new words, and a different way of looking at food. Enhanced with
bolded glossary terms (including phonetic pronunciations), bibliographies, website lists, and
detailed
indexes, the individual volumes comprising this very highly recommended series for both school
and
community library collections include: Olives; Oranges; Peanuts; Rice; Salt; and Species.
A childhood without books is perhaps the most disadvantaged circumstance I can think of, if we
seek an intellectually and culturally prosperous future for our children.
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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