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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Before Columbus
Elziabeth Cody Kimmel
Random House
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0375813470 $14.95 1-800-726-0600
Before Columbus is an exciting saga of the Lief Eriksson expedition five hundred years before
Columbus provides kids in grades 3-5 with an excellent saga which reads like fiction but includes
all known facts about his incredible journey. New audiences will appreciate this vivid retelling of
what Lief might have experienced on his Viking expedition.
Scholastic
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
1-800-242-7737 www.amazon.com
New additions to the popular historical novel series 'Dear America' and 'My America' provide
important historical facts couched in a language and excitement level advanced elementary
through middle school readers will readily absorb. New to the 'My Name is America' series if Sid
Hite's Journal Of Rufus Rowe (0439353645, $10.95), set in 1862 and following the story of
Union soldiers during the civil war. A young witness to the Battle of Fredericksburg recounts
events which took place in Virginia during the battle. Kathryn lasky's Home At Last
(0439449634, $12.95) adds to the 'My America' series, continuing the story of Sofia and her
family, who are separated on Ellis Island and who move to Boston to begin new lives. Mary Pope
Osborne and Will Osborne's A Time To Dance (0439443415, $12.95) provides Book 3 of the
ongoing Civil War diary of Virginia, who watches the battle of Gettysburg change her family's
lives and fortunes, bringing her new opportunities in New York. Kate McMullan provides Book 3
of Meg's prairie diary in A Fine Start (0439370612, $12.95), which tells of the Wells family who
try to make a home on the priarie frontier. Patricia Hermes' third book The Wild Year
(0439370558, $12.95) tells of Joshua McCullough's search for adventure and schooling after the
Oregon Trail. All use the diary/journal formats to present vivid first-person observations of life
during the times. Two exciting new Captain Underpants novels present Part 1 and Part 2 of his
battle with the 'Bionic Booger Boy'. Part 1, Night Of The Nasty Nostril Nuggets (0439376092,
$16.95) tells of a dangerous nerd/genius who uses his invention to create a dangerous Bionic
Booger Boy a possible match for the undefeated Captain Underpants. The story continues in
Revenge Of The Ridiculous Robo-Boogers (0439376114, $16.95) which tells of the ongoing
threat of the Robo-Boogers. Time travel makes their adventures even more exciting. Dav Pilkey's
Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs. The Stupid Stinkbugs From Saturn (0439-376440, $16.95) tells
of Rickyand his mighty robot who battle a smelly space-monster kidnapper. Danger abounds in
this zany tale.
Hidden Treasures Summer Fun
Liz Ball
Hidden Pictures
PO Box 63, Tipp City, Ohio 45371
0967815940 $5.95 hidden-pictures.com
Liz Ball's Hidden Treasures Summer Fun is a hidden picture activity book. Featuring 56 pages of
black-and-white picture puzzles with 1,300 hidden objects, all drawn with the theme of friendly
animals making the most of summer sunshine activities, Hidden Treasures Summer Fun is an
enjoyable resource for children, suitable for picture-find games or coloring.
Knopf/Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
1-800-726-0600 www.amazon.com
Three new Knopf readers are recommended picturebook picks. John Burningham's Magic Bed
(0375824235, $16.95) tells of the day Georgie is to get a big bed. His new bed turns out to be a
magic bed, taking him on thrilling night-time adventures in far-off lands in this whimsical journey
of discovery. Mini Grey's Very Smart Pea And The Princess-To-Be (0375826262, $14.95) tells
the real story of the princess and the pea. Here a Very Smart Pea becomes involved in a frustrated
prince's search for the perfect wife, in a zany story. Caroline Clicksman's Eric The Math Bear
(0375824324, $15.95) tells of Eric, who loves counting, numbers and math. When two robbers
storm the Big Bear Bank, he finds his math skills are also stolen in the process with unexpected
results.
Farmyard Tales Storybook
Heather Amery & Stephen Cartwright
EDC Publishing
10302 E. 55th Place, Tulsa, OK 74146
0794502709 $7.95 www.edcpub.com
Highly recommended for family and community library children's books collections, Farmyard
Tales Storybook by Heather Amery is a high-spirited children's storybook filled with a wealth of
wonderfully entertaining tales for young readers concerning adventures on the farm. Cheery and
colorful illustrations by Stephen Cartwright pepper these thoroughly delightful stories of finding
lost animals, daily chores, and learning the ins and outs of farm life.
Simon & Schuster
1230 Ave of Americas, NY NY 10020
1-800-223-2336 www.amazon.com
These new arrivals are powerful stories hard to put down. Margaret Peterson Haddix's Escape
From Memory (0689854-218, $16.95) tells of an adventure which begins when Kira agrees to let
her friends hypnotize her at a slumber party and discovers a world of secrets she didn't even
know she had, involving fleeing a war-torn country with her mother. Her discovery of her hidden
memories reveals a world in which memories are valued above all even the most dangerous ones
which hold secrets to threaten lives. Francesco D'Adamo's Iabal (0689854455, $15.95) provides
an involving, realistic story of Fatima and others who work in Khan's carpet factory. Iqbal Masih,
a courageous thirteen-year-old boy, arrives at the factory to voice truths which will change all
their lives and challenges a well-worn system in this story of child abuse in the Middle East.
Younger readers will relish Frank Asch's Class Pets: Survival School (0689846576, $14.95),
which tells of Molly and her mouse gang, trying to survive in a classroom world as pets. The
escapees run into mousetraps and a myriad of dangers in their school world in this inviting, simple
story of mice on the loose.
Shortest Day
Wendy Pfeffer
Dutton
345 Hudson, New York NY 10014
0525469680 $16.99 1-800-847-5515
Winter begins on the shortest day, Dec. 21st, and changes the lives and habits of all. Shortest Day
uses lyrical prose and illustrations to explain the winter solstice and how it's been celebrated by
various cultures throughout history. Fine color illustrations by Jesse Reisch create a warm,
realistic atmosphere.
The Biography Shelf
Ben Franklin's Almanac
Candace Fleming
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, NY NY 10020
0689835493 $19.95
This account of Franklin's life holds a little over a hundred pages, and has good large print and
fine pictures to offset the many words from Franklin's own almanac which offers a scrapbook of
his accomplishments. Modeled on his Poor Richard's Almanack but revised for younger
audiences, this blends biography and observation with cartoons, etchings, and other illustrations
to create a lively coverage for kids with good reading skills.
Gareth Stevens
330 W. Olive #100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
$21.95 Each 1-800-542-2595
This publisher's fabulous World Almanac 'Great Explorers' biographies are highly recommended
acquisitions for libraries serving grades 5 and up: each provides a biographical sketch of a selected
famous explorer, with 48 pages including a timeline of events, maps, source material quotes and
backgrounds, a glossary, index, and easy fact boxes which lend to quick study and browsing. New
arrivals to this growing series: Captain James Cook (0836850149), Christopher Columbus
(0836840130), John Cabot (0836850122), Ferdinand Magellan (0836850165). The related
'Trailblazers of the Modern World' series picks notable people from the 20th century to focus on,
using excerpts from primary source documents to enhance introductions to such lasting figures as
The Wright Brothers (0836850947), Anne Frank (0836850904), Louis Armstrong (0836850890),
Martin Luther King Jr. (0836840912), Theodore Roosevelt (083-6840920), and Gloria Stinem
(0836850-939). Two new to the 'Judge for Yourself' series reaching grades 7 and older are Mao
Zedong (0836855361) and Catherine The Great (0836855357). Each holds 64 pages or expanded
information dealing the controversies surrounding these leaders' worlds.
Morgan Reynolds
620 South Elm Street, #223
Greensboro, NC 27406
Two new science biographies provide kids in grades 4-7 with strong introductory coverages of
both famous personalities and the science they helped foster. William Boerst's Galileo Galilei And
The Science Of Motion (1931798001, $23.95) provides a survey of Galileo's experiments,
astronomical discoveries, and 1633 conviction of heresy which resulted in house arrest for life.
Todd Goble's Nicholas Copernicus (1883846994, $23.95) surveys the professional astronomer
who spent his life studying the universe, achieving an alternate model of reality which was to
change the science. Both are recommended picks for the later elementary-level grades.
Mitchell Lane
34 Decidely Lane, Bear, DE 19701
$19.95 each 1-302-834-9646
Two fine new series title provides grades 4-8 with lasting coverages and introductions which
feature timelines, bibliographies, and plenty of basic material suitable for reports. New additions
to the 'Masters of Music' survey of composers include Jim Whiting's Peter Tchaikovsky
(1584152-117), George Frederic Handel (1584151-927), and Johann Sebastian Bach
(158-4151919), and Susan Zannos' John Philip Sousa (1584152125). Each holds 48 pages, with
contemporary color photos offsetting useful biographical sketches of each composer's life and
times. This isn't the only notable series produced by Mitchell Lane: new to the 'Latinos in
American History' series are John Bankston's Juan Bautista De Anza (158415196X), his Diego
Rivera (1584152087) and Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna (1584152095), Jim Whiting's Junipero
Jose Serra (1584151-870), Kathleen Tacy's Cesar Chavez (158-4152249) and Rebecca Murcia's
Americo Paredes (1584152079). The profiles of notable Latins in all walks of life will greatly
enhance any multicultural collection. Two new to the 'Great Achievement Awards' series is John
Bankston's Randolph Caldecott (1584152001), telling of the creator and creation of the notable
book Caldecott Award, and Russell Roberts' John Newbery (158415201X), telling of the 18th
century bookseller who was the first to specialize in children's books. All are significant, lasting
additions to any elementary-level school collection.
The Picturebook Shelf
The Aunts Go Marching
Maurie J. Manning
Boyds Mills Press
815 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431
1590780264 $15.95 1-877-512-8366
In Maurie Manning's charming picturebook story The Aunts Go Marching,, a young girl marches
through falling rain beating a drum, which draws a battalion of aunts into the street behind her. An
unusual counting song which leads to a parade and some zany rainy day results ensues.
Gooseberry Goose
Claire Freedman & Vanessa Cabban
Tiger Tales
PO Box 70, Iron Ridge, WI 53035
1589250303 $15.95 tigertalesbooks.com
Gooseberry Goose is an upbeat children's picture book about a young goose who loves to
practice flying. All his animal friends are preparing for winter by storing food or building a warm
den, yet though Gooseberry Goose wants to prepare too, he can't bring himself to abandon his
flying. Then the big day of migration arrives, and the accomplished goose learns that he has been
preparing to deal with winter all along. Enthusiastic color illustrations by Vanessa Cabban add a
hearty touch to Claire Freedman's enjoyable and highly recommended picture book story.
Penguin/Putnam
345 Hudson, New York NY 10014
1-800-847-5515 www.amazon.com
These whimsical, engaging titles are recommended picks for kids. Peter Maloney and Felicia
Zekauskas' Bronto Eats Meat (0803727917, $16.99) tells of a young brontosaurus who develops
a terrible stomach pain from something he eats a surprising piece of meat indeed. Trinka Hakes
Noble's Jimmy's Boa And The Bungee Jump Slam Dunk (0803726007, $16.99) features engaging
drawings by Steven Kellogg as it tells of a pet boa who becomes involved in basketball practice
with some amazing results. Ewa Lipniacka's Who Shares? (0803728891, $14.99) receives
engaging drawings by Jane Massey as it tells of siblings who do not like to share: when forced,
they come up with some engaging solutions to the dilemma. Judy Schachner's Skippyjon Jones
(0525471340, $15.99) tells of a kitty boy who doesn't want to be a Siamese cat, but a Zorro-like
adventurer. His antics involve him with a gang of Mexican Chihuahuas. Jonathan London's Eat!
Cried Little Pig (0525469060, $15.99) receives Delphine Durand's whimsical and fun drawings as
it tells of a pig's first word and how he wears it thin. Helen Ward's Dragon Machine (0525471146,
$15.99) tells of overlooked, ignored dragons - until one George discovers them and their world.
Wayne Anderson's drawings are lovely embellishments to this story of a dragon rescue. Lynn
Plourde's Teacher Appreciation Day (0525471138, $16.99) receives Thor Wickstrom's fun
drawings as it tells of a class determined to thank their favorite teacher. Maybella can't decide
how to add her own unique thank you to class efforts in this fun tale. Recommended year-round is
Patricia Polacco's The Graves Family (0399240349, $16.99), which will require good reading
skills from picturebook enthusiasts. The family moves into a creaky old house and seems nice
but they paint it the color of blood, let giant spiders roam free, and perhaps have a secret lab in
the basement it's up to neighbors to find out the truth. Spencer Johnson, MD's Who Moved My
Cheese? (0399240160, $19.99) tells of mice who live in a big maze seeking Magicl Cheese. When
they do, happiness results until one morning when the Cheese is gone. The lesson on handling
change is invaluable. Keiko Kasza's My Lucky Day (0399238743, $15.99) tells of a tender piglet
who knocks on Mr. Fox's door by mistake. The fox thinks it's his lucky dinner but the piglet has
his own way of extracting good things from a bad situation in this whimsical tale. Bebe Moore
Campbell's Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry (0399239723, $16.99) receives E.B. Lewis'
realistic drawings as it tells of a child who must face her mother's changing, stormy moods. Annie
finds her own methods of coping, from friendships to independence, in this gentle story with no
easy answers. Bob Hartman's Grumblebunny (0399237801, $15.99) receives David Clark's
whimsical drawings as it tells of a grumpy bunny who complains about everything. Actually his
grumbling enables him to survive wolves; how can he convince the sweeter bunnies that
self-preservation lies within a grumpy mood? Satomi Ichikawa's My Pig Amarillo (0399237682,
$16.99) tells of a pig who is Pablito's best friend. When Pablito comes home one day to find his
pig missing, heartbreak ensues and he must find his own answers to the mystery, helped by a
loving grandfather.
More 5-Minute Princess Stories
Lara Bergen
Disney Press
114 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY 10011-5690
0786834706 $12.99 disneybooks.com
Nicely written by Lara Bergen and wonderfully illustrated by Disney Storybook Artists, More
5-Minute Princess Stories is a full-color picture book featuring brief but enchanting "read-aloud"
tales about Princess heroines from the popular Walt Disney animated movies, including Jasmine
from "Aladdin"; Belle from "Beauty and the Beast"; Ariel from "The Little Mermaid"; and others.
A delightful bedtime or anytime storybook, More 5-Minute Princess Stories is especially
recommended for reading to girls from preschool to first grade.
Grasshopper Pie
Rebecca Talley & Angela Talley
WindRiver Publishing, Inc.
PO Box 911540, St. George, UT 84791
www.windriverpublishing.com
1886249091 $14.95 1-435-634-8037
Grasshopper Pie is a humorous picture book by Rebecca and Angela Talley about imagination and
the dangers of taking ideas too literally. A mother dreams up and talks about unique dishes such
as "grasshopper pie" to her children, yet her young boy and girl decide to surprise her with a "pie"
that has not-so-imaginary ingredients! A funny story, nicely illustrated with simple yet charming
color drawings, Grasshopper Pie is a welcome addition to school and community library and
especially recommended for young readers ages 4 to 6.
The Giant King
Kathleen T. Pelley & Maurie J. Manning
Child & Family Press/NBN, dist.
440 First Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, DC 20001-2085
0878688803 $14.95 www.cwla.org
The Giant King is a colorful picturebook by Kathleen T. Pelley about the hidden potential within
people's hearts. When a giant besieges a town, an inspired woodcarver reasons that if the giant is
treated like a king, he may come to act like one... and with gifts, he sparks a transformation. The
giant becomes a king in spirit, to the extent that he would protect his people with his life - as a
true king must always do. Charmingly illustrated by Maurie J. Manning, The Giant King is a
heartwarming and thoughtful story.
Silent Dreams
Dandi Daley Mackall & Karen A. Jerome
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
255 Jefferson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503
www.eerdmans.com
0802852009 $16.00 1-800-253-7521
Written by Dandi Daley Mackall and illustrated by Karen A. Jerome, Silent Dreams is a somber
yet upbeat picture book story set in the early twentieth century. Hard times have a crushing effect
on the poorest, homeless segment of the population, yet a young orphan girl and her aunt find
escape from the pressures of survival in the excitement of stories on the silent movie screen. The
girl shares the rapture of the stories with fellow down-on-their luck survivors in this engrossing,
simple tale which is commended to the attention of school and community librarians for young
readers ages 5 and older.
A Visit With My Uncle Ted
Candace Pruett, R.N.
Red Anvil Press/Elderberry Press
1393 Old Homestead, Second Floor, Oakland, OR 97462
1930859686 $14.95 elderberrypress.com
Ably written and nicely illustrated by a registered nurse Candace Pruett, A Visit With My Uncle
Ted is a charming flat-spined children's picture book about a young boy who visits his uncle
working in the hospital. He watches his uncle help people who are sick and hurt, and he is filled
with respect and the desire to be just like Uncle Ted - the nurse! A Visit With My Uncle Ted is a
charming, simple read with friendly-faced color illustrations.
The Blue King
Arthur W. Hoffmann & Lynn Morgan
ASK Publishing, LLC
1091 Centre Road Suite 260, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
www.askpublishingllc.net
0974296708 $21.95 1-800-462-4703
Written by Arthur W. Hoffmann and illustrated by Lynn Morgan, The Blue King is a charming
children's picturebook about a young girl, her brother, and their shaggy dog, who chase a soccer
ball and unexpectedly arrive in the mystical Blue Kingdom. There, they bring a humanitarian cause
for the pursuit of fun itself to the kingdom, its king, and its people. An enthusiastic and fanciful
story, more sophisticated and requiring a little more reading comprehension than the average
picturebook, that comes with an enjoyable audio CD featuring original songs.
Raccoon Tune
Nancy Shaw
Henry Holt
115 W. 18th St., New York NY 10011
080506544X $15.95 1-888-330-8477
Howard Fine illustrates an engaging and zany story of a family of raccoons by Nancy Shaw. The
raccon family prowl the neighborhood making a ruckus until they find just the right dinner dish.
The whimsical drawings and trash can antics of the raccoons will delight a wide audience and
Raccoon Tune is a very highly recommended pick.
Ame The Elephant
J. A. Louthain & Andrea Eberbach
Alexie Books
PO Box 3843, Carmel, IN 46082
0967941628 $14.97 alexiebooks.com
Award nominee J. A. Louthain presents Ame The Elephant: Terrorized By Evil Mice, an original
and highly recommended children's picture book featuring contrasting, solid-color illustrations by
Andrea Eberbach in its rendition of an elephant harassed by rodent bullies. A metaphor of
responding to the September 11th attacks, Ame The Elephant tells of using strength to defend
oneself when other recourses fail.
Many Ideas Open The Way
Randy Snook, photography
Shen's Books
40951 Fremont Blvd, Freemont CA 94538
1885008236 $16.95 www.shens.com
Strongly recommended for school and community library "Other Lands, Other Peoples"
collections for young readers, Many Ideas Open The Way: A Collection Of Hmong Proverbs is a
bilingual English/Hmong picture book that presents the enduring wisdom of the Hmong people.
Photographic illustrations by Randy Snook of Hmong in traditional cultural costumes illustrate the
timeless advice, such as "Think before you speak, translate before you explain" and "Those who
live far away love one another; those that live close together dislike one another."
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
1-800-526-0275 www.amazon.com
Barney Saltzberg's Crazy Hair Day (0763-61954X, $15.99) tells of one Stanley, who has wrapped
and dyed his hair to make it perfect for Crazy Hair Day at school. But when he discovers the day
is not right, can he live with his creation for a week? A fun story of changing styles. Amy Hest's
You Can Do It, Sam (0763619345, $15.99) tells of Mrs. Bear and Sam, who are baking cakes for
their friends. Sam's participation in their delivery makes for an engaging story, especially with
Anita Jeram's drawings enhancing the effects.
The Treasure On Gold Street
Lee Merrill Byrd, et al.
Cinco Puntos Press
2709 Louisville, El Paso, TX 79930
www.cincopuntos.com
093831775X $16.95 1-800-566-9072
Ably translated by Sharon Franco, The Treasure On Gold Street by Lee Merrill Byrd is a bilingual
English/Spanish picture book about a young city girl who befriends a mentally retarded women,
who unlike many other grownups is always ready to play games, doesn't criticize, and whose joy
and love are a true treasure recognized by all. Written by an active member of the National
Association of the Mentally Ill, and brought to life with heartwarming color illustrations by
Antonio Castrol L., The Treasure On Gold Street is very highly recommended.
The Legend Of Lasseter's Reef
Mark Greenwood
Cygnet Books/ISBS, dist.
920 NE 58th Ave., Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
1876268999 $22.50 1-800-944-6190
The Legend Of Lasseter's Reef by Mark Greenwood is a unique picture book rendition of the true
story of Australian explorer Lasseter, whose quest to find gold amid the wilderness brought him
into contact with the kindness of others, yet eventually led to tragedy. Illustrated with an eclectic
mixture of photographs and color cut-out style artwork, The Legend Of Lasseter's Reef is a
powerful retelling about the dangers that searching for riches at the neglect of one's own health
and safety can bring.
I Hope You Dance!
Mark D. Sanders, et al.
Rutledge Hill Press
Alday Communications (publicity)
Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000
1401601278 $14.99 1-800-251-4000
The collaborative effort of authors Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sillers, and illustrators Buddy
Jackson and Karinne Caulkins, I Hope You Dance! is an enthusiastically energetic picture book
featuring exaggerated, contrasting color illustrations and off-the-wall style text. Sheer exuberance
erupts from the pages celebrating the joy of movement and life, in this impressive and upbeat
rhyming read for young folks.
Sometimes It's Turkey, Sometimes It's Feathers
Lorna Balian & Lecia Balian
Star Bright Books
42-26 28th Street, Suite 2C, Long Island City, NY 11101
starbrightbooks.com
1932065334 $12.95 1-800-788-4439
The collaborative effort of Lorna and Lecia Balian, Sometimes It's Turkey, Sometimes It's
Feathers is a wonderfully charming holiday picture book about an old woman with a cat who finds
a turkey egg. She hatches and raises the turkey, and anticipates a tasty Thanksgiving dinner with it
- yet when the season rolls around she finds it far more enjoyable to share the holiday with her
new avian friend than to eat him! "He'll be much bigger - and much plumper - next Thanksgiving!"
she says to herself, in this sprightly illustrated and enthusiastically recommended tale.
Guri And Gura's Spring Cleaning
Rieko Nakagawa & Yuriko Yamawaki
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
0804835322 $10.95 tuttlepublishing.com
Highly recommended for both school and community library children's picture book collections,
Guri And Gura's Spring Cleaning is an expertly translated rendition of a classic Japanese picture
book for children, about two young mice who learn that spring cleaning can be fun. Eighth in a
delightful series of Guri and Gura adventures, Guri And Gura's Spring Cleaning is a positive and
delightful experience to share.
The Fiction Shelf
A Hole In The Hedge
Grace Casselman
Napoleon Publishing
1005-3266 Young Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4N 3P6
0929141997 $8.95 1-877-730-9052
A Hole In The Hedge by Grace Casselman is a young adult novel about growing up, dealing with
change and loss, and the lure for revenge contested against the power of forgiveness. Kaitlin is a
twelve-year-old girl who is miserable over the death of her mother to cancer. Kaitlin maintains an
emotional distance from her stepmother and half-sister while plotting unhappiness for the boy next
door -- whom she hates with a passion. But Kaitlin's true desires are masked underneath the anger
she perpetuates against others, and coming to terms with herself and what she really wants will
change everything in this heartfelt and highly recommended read.
Amber Brown Is Green With Envy
Paula Danziger
Putnam
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
0399231811 $15.99 1-800-847-5515
In Amber Brown Is Green With Envy, Amber Brown's parents seem set on making her life
difficult; from a father who goes on dates instead of being with her to a mother who wants to visit
Disneyland without her. Then her mother decides to marry Max and move them to a new house
and Amber can only envy friends who seem to lead a quieter, more stable life. Another fine
Amber Brown dilemma builds.
A Hole In The Hedge
Grace Casselman
Napoleon Publishing
1005-3266 Young Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4N 3P6
0929141997 $8.95 1-877-730-9052
A Hole In The Hedge by Grace Casselman is a young adult novel about growing up, dealing with
change and loss, and the lure for revenge contested against the power of forgiveness. Kaitlin is a
twelve-year-old girl who is miserable over the death of her mother to cancer. Kaitlin maintains an
emotional distance from her stepmother and half-sister while plotting unhappiness for the boy next
door -- whom she hates with a passion. But Kaitlin's true desires are masked underneath the anger
she perpetuates against others, and coming to terms with herself and what she really wants will
change everything in this heartfelt and highly recommended read.
Taneesha's Treasures Of The Heart
M. LaVora Perry & Chris R. Seaman
Dorrance Publishing Company
643 Smithfield St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
www.dorrancepublishing.com
080596049X $9.00 1-800-788-7654
Taneesha's Treasures Of The Heart is a young adult novella by M. LaVora Perry and sparsely
illustrated in black-and-white by Chris R. Seaman. Taneesha is a young girl who stands up to
bullies for the sake of her best friend. The power of understanding to unlock kindness in the
human heart is a core theme of this inspirational and highly recommended story, which will also
admirably serve to present a Buddhist approach to such friendship issues as faith, hope, and
courage.
Rinny And The Trail Of Clues
Robyn Leslie
Sugar Ducky Books, Inc.
Box 56954, Jacksonville, FL 32241-6954
0972738886 $7.95 sugarduckybooks.com
Robyn Leslie's Rinny And The Trail Of Clues is an outstanding novel for young adult readers
about a fifth-grade detective by the name of Erin "Rinny" Olson. As Rinny enters the election for
class president against the notorious yet intelligent class clown Billy Perez, mysterious events start
to happen, starting with the appearance of a dead rat on her doorstep and a note directing Rinny
to the cemetery at night. Rinny And The Tale Of Clues is an enjoyable read which is a nicely
layered mystery with hidden secrets.
No Ordinary Boy
Jack Jacobson
Starbound Books
610 E Delano St, #104, Tucson, AZ 85705
1587361655 $13.95 1-888-934-0888
No Ordinary Boy is an impressively written novel for young adult readers by Jack Jacobson which
is set in Biblical times. Telling the story of a twelve-year-old boy Yeshua (who is smart, strong,
wise, and independent far beyond his twelve years of age) this is a story of his battles with a wild
beast, his foiling a plot to kidnap the Rabbi's young sons. Yeshua's determination and special light
shine brilliantly, and the revelation of Yeshua's true nature is the crux of this powerfully original
and highly recommended story.
Heartwood
Mary E. Burns
Manitowish River Press
4245 N Hwy. 47, Mercer, WI 54547
096567634X $9.95 manitowish.com
Mary E. Burns' debut novel Heartwood is a thoroughly delightful fantasy for young adults
readers. Kelly is a 12-year old girl who speaks with a white pine tree spirit. That's how she learns
that the trees are in danger, and only she can save them by traveling into the past itself and
resurrecting the heartwood. A warm and magical narrative enhanced by the skillfully illustrations
of studio artist Peggy Grinvalsky, Heartwood is very highly recommended reading -- and even
offers some White Pine seeds for planting!
The Music Shelf
It's A Puzzle
Trout Fishing in America
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas Publicity
5505 SW Illinois Street, Portland, OR 97221
#TRT-16 $14.98 blenzb@aol.com
It's A Puzzle offers a new and lively collection of twelve original songs that the whole family will
enjoy listening to. A variety of wonderfully performed musical styles range from pop to folk to a
"Gen X Beat". The individual selections comprising this highly recommended addition to family,
elementary school, and community library CD music collections includes: Fill It Up (2:52); The
Goops (2:27); I Get Ideas (2:39); Why I Pack My Lunch (2:56); It's Gone (3:26); Relax (2:53);
Wrong Right (2:16); La La Land (3:35); Alien in My Nose (2:58); The King of My Mountain
(2:28); It's Like (3:08); and the title piece, It's A Puzzle (2:31).
The Health/Medicine Shelf
The Girl With No Hair
Elizabeth Murphy-Melas, author
Alex Hernandex, illustrator
Health Press
www.healthpress.com
0929173406 $14.95 1-800-441-5569
The Girl With No Hair by Elizabeth Murphy-Melas is a flat-spined children's picture book about
the common condition of alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin disease in which the body's own
defenses attack the hair follicles and cause hair loss. People with alopecia are often healthy in
every other respect, but children with the disease are often struck with an emotional burden in a
phase of life when developing self-esteem is crucial. Bright color pictures by Alex Hernadix
enhance the straightforward, understanding text which teaches young readers about what it's like
to live with alopecia, and the joy of having a rewarding life with or without hair.
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
A World Of Faith
Peggy Fletcher Stack
Kathleen Peterson
Signature Books
564 W. 400 N., Salt Lake City, UT 84116
1560851627 $24.95 1-800-356-5687
Written in partnership with the Interfaith Roundtable of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for
the Olympic Winter Games of 2002, A World Of Faith offers one-page descriptions of a wide
variety of beliefs, succinctly summarzing the core tenets and practices of each belief for young
readers. Simple illustrations mark this enjoyable reference for young children, which explains the
very basics of Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, Hinduism, and many other beliefs including the ways of
those who practice different forms Christianity - Jehovah's Witnesses, Unitarians, Pentecostals,
and much more.
UAHC Press
633 - 3rd Ave., NY, NY 10017-6778
1-888-489-8242
Two outstanding new titles provide young Jewish readers with insights into seasonal and Biblical
inspirations. Matt Biers-Ariel and Tama Goodman's Seven Species (0807408520, $19.95) uses
the sheva minim, seven species of food as identified from the Bible, to blend receipes with
background information on the ancient Israelites and Biblical habits. Good reading skills or adult
assistance will lend to appreciation of this coverage. Maxine Segal Handelman's Shabbat Angels
(0807408-654, $13.95) tells of two angels and their influence on a Jewish family. The religious
message will reach kids in grades 2-4, with Joani Keller Rothenberg's drawings adding color and
appeal to the tale.
Family Time Bible Storybook
Gospel Light/Regal Books
2300 Knoll Dr., Ventura, CA 93003-7383
0830732470 $14.99 1-800-446-7735
Family Time Bible Storybook is a collection of interactive bible stories designed especially for
preschoolers and their families. Each story is only one page in length, with emphasis on key words
for beginning readers, while simplified cartoon-style illustrations add a touch of color. Both Old
and New testament stories are presented in this superb resource for Christian parents and their
young children.
The Brass Serpent
Eric A. Kimmel & Joanna Miller
Pitspopany Press
40 E 78th St., #16D, NY, NY 10021
www.pitspopany.com
1930143427 $9.95 1-800-232-2931
Also available in a hardcover format (1930143419, $14.95), The Brass Serpent by Eric A.
Kimmel is a simple yet vibrant color picture book presenting the biblical Old Testament tale of
Moses, and how the brass serpent came to be the sigil of healing. Emphasizing the moral of God's
immense power, and the need to trust Him when sickness strikes, The Brass Serpent is colorfully
illustrated by Joanna Miller and a very highly recommended picture book story for young readers
ages 6 to 9.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Freckles
Paul M. Howey & Judy Mehn Zabriskie
AZTexts Publishing, Inc.
PO Box 93487, Phoenix, AZ 85070-3487
0967729211 $14.95 FrecklesFriends.org
Paul M. Howey's Freckles: The Mystery Of The Little White Dog In The Desert is a
heartwarming true story about the love and comradeship offered by a dog and her puppies. The
black-and-white illustrations of Judy Mehn Zabriskie adds an especially endearing touch of charm
to the text story, which is sophisticated enough to appeal to young readers who are almost ready
to move on from picturebooks to more complicated reading material. Freckles is highly
recommended - especially for young animal lovers.
The Christmas Shelf
Bethlehem Town
Patricia A. Hoffman & Nancy Munger
Concordia Publishing House
3558 South Jefferson Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63118-3968
www.cph.org
0758604122 $8.99 1-800-325-3040
Bethlehem Town: Where Jesus Was Born by Patricia A. Hoffman is a rhyming Christian
picturebook about the story of the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Nancy Munger's joyful color
illustrations add a particularly cheerful and welcome touch to this engaging and spiritual retelling
of the Christmas story, and one which is especially recommended for reading aloud with very
young children.
Saint Nicholas
Julie Stiegemeyer & Chris Ellison
Concordia Publishing House
3558 South Jefferson Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63118-3968
www.cph.org
0758603762 $12.99 1-800-325-3040
Saint Nicholas: The Real Story Of The Christmas Legend by Julie Stiegemeyer is a picturebook
rendition of the historical roots of Father Christmas. Recounting the life of Saint Nicholas, a
pastor in fourth-century Lycia (modern-day Turkey) whose generosity was so profound that he
became known as "Father Christmas" and legends circulated about his home in the North Pole and
his tradition of distributing gifts on Christmas Eve. Moving, realistic color illustrations by Chris
Ellison bring heart to this true story of Christian compassion and inspiration.
Clopper The Christmas Donkey
Emily King & Ed Olson
Kregel Publications
PO Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501
0825430690 $10.99 1-800-733-2607
The collaborative effort of children's author Emily King and illustrator Ed Olson, Clopper The
Christmas Donkey tells the story of the greatest adventure of a hardworking donkey's life -
escorting Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and the dusty stable in which Jesus Christ would be
born, and the subsequent news from angels that brought three shepherds to pay their respects.
Clopper The Christmas Donkey is a cheerful, warmly illustrated picture book rendition of the
story of Christmas and a welcome addition to Christmas season reading lists and collections.
Ernest's Special Christmas
Laura T. Barnes & Carol A. Camburn
Barnsyard Books, Inc.
KSB Promotions (publicity)
Box 254, Sergeantsville, NJ 08557-0254
0967468132 $17.95 barnesyardbooks.com
Ernest's Special Christmas by Laura T. Barnes is a heartwarming story of friendship between a
little donkey and a hardworking draft horse. When snow falls thickly, the old horse finds himself
unable to move, the little donkey must get help from his animal friends to ensure that everyone
comes safely home. Enhanced with illustrations by Carol A. Camburn, Ernest's Special Christmas
is an engaging tale of spirit and compassion, based on real-life events and animals at Barnesyard
farm.
Elliot's Christmas Surprise
Andrea Beck
Kids Can Press
Raab Associations (publicity)
2250 Military Rd, Tonawanda, NY 14150
www.kidscanpress.com
1553374746 $12.95 1-800-265-0884
Charmingly written and illustrated by Andrea Beck, Elliot's Christmas Surprise is a thoroughly
delightful holiday picture book about Elliott, a young moose who finds a gigantic red box near his
bed on Christmas Eve morning. When Elliott learns that no one else received an early present, he
sets to making special gifts for all his friends. The friendly and cheerful color pictures add a
particular sparkle of Christmas spirit to this magical story of sharing and happiness.
The Candle In The Window
Grace Johnson & Mark Elliott
Revell/Baker Book House
DeChant Hughes Associates (publicity)
Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
0800718151 $16.99 bakerbooks.com
Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy, The Candle In The Window is a children's picture book about
the true meaning of Christmas. A lonely, unhappy cobbler who finds no joy in life encounters the
holiday proceedings of awaiting the Christ Child's visit. He prepares to welcome Christ, yet the
gifts he has planned end up going to other needy souls. It is a young girl who shows him the
eternal value of this, for Christ's own words have proclaimed the testament of good deeds in the
terms "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of my brethren, ye have done it unto
me." A joyful and faithful holiday commemoration adapted by Grace Johnson, The Candle In The
Window is warmly illustrated by Mark Elliott and very highly recommended.
Christy: Christmastime At Cutter Gap
Nancy LeSourd & Bill Farnsworth
Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530
0310705711 $15.99 zonderkidz.com
Perfectly enhanced with Bill Farnsworth's artwork, Nancy LeSourd's Christy: Christmastime At
Cutter Gap is a wonder-filled picturebook based on the classic novel "Christy" by Catherine
Marshall. An outgoing young redheaded girl is determined to spend Christmas season with her
father, who has not been seen in years. Her courageous and perilous journey through the snow
lead to a quiet miracle that spreads joy and love to her family and friends in this superbly
presented story.
A Christmas Journey
Susie Poole
Standard Publishing
8121 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati OH 45231
0784714614 $14.99 1-800-543-1301
Ably written and colorfully illustrated, A Christmas Journey: From Creation To The Savior's Birth
is a truly endearing retelling of familiar bible stories, ranging from Adam and Eve in the garden
of Eden to the birth of Jesus Christ. Susie's kindly color illustrations fill the pages of this
endearing picture book which is especially recommended for shared reading between parents and
young children.
Kids' Christmas Carols
The Countdown Kids
Madacy Kids
Andrea Blain (publicity)
6 Lansing Square, Suite 121, Toronto, ON, Canada, M2J 1T5
MK2-2193 $5.98 1-416-756-2800
Kids' Christmas Carols is a 40-minute celebration featuring twenty classic Christmas time tunes
set to new musical arrangements and wonderfully performed by the Countdown Kids. Flawlessly
recorded, this perfect treat for the Christmas season is recommended for kids 3 and up, and
features Frosty the Snowman; Deck the Halls; Jolly Old St. Nicholas; We Wish You a Merry
Christmas; Winter Wonderland; Here Comes Santa Claus; Joy to the World; We Three Kings of
Orient Are; Ding Dong Merrily on High; Go Tell It on the Mountain; Suzy Snowflake; I Saw
Three Ships; Mary had a Baby; Good King Wenceslas; O Holy Night; O Little Town of
Bethlehem; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; Mary's Boy Child; Jingle Bell Rock; and The
Chipmunk Song. Also very highly recommended for family, school, and community library
Christmas CD music collections is the companion album Kids' Christmas Favorites (MK2-2192,
$5.98) showcasing twenty lively selections ranging from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to
Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
The Science Shelf
Exploring Our Solar System
Sally Ride & Tam O'Shaughnessy
Crown
299 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10171
0375812040 $19.95 1-800-726-0600
Exploring Our Solar System is a definitive guide to space will particularly interest readers ages 10
and older with its survey of the planets by former astronaut Sally Ride, who begins with the Sun
and moves outward. Over a hundred color photos and diagrams lends to classroom assignment
and research use.
Dinosaur Atlas
Don Lessem
Firefly
Box 1339, Ellicott Stn, Buffalo, NY 14205
1552978303 $18.95 www.amazon.com
Dinosaur Atlas is a fascinating and informative survey of dinosaurs which will appeal to any
young reader interested in an easy atlas with over 25 full-color maps concentrating on the range
and distribution of dinosaurs and their environments. John Bindon's illustrations are realistic, fun
accompaniments to the geographic foundations of this appealing atlas.
Books in Series
Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
1-800-831-9881 www.amazon.com
Three new sets of series titles promise lasting additions to discriminating school collections. New
to the 'Symbols of America' series by Debra Hess ($17.95 each) are Star-Spangled Banner
(0761417109), Fourth Of July (0761417117), Statue Of Liberty (0761417079), Liberty Bell
(0761-417133), White House (17125) and American Flag (17095). Each provides almost forty
pages of easy facts for kids in grades 2-4, with colorful color photos supplementing introductions
tracing the history and evolution of each symbol. New to the 'Kaleidoscope' series by Suzanne
LeVert is The Governor (0761415939), State Courts (0761415947), How States Make Laws
(0761415955), and State Government (0761415963). Each offers almost fifty pages with large
print, appealing photos, and a juxtaposition of history and current facts. Teachers seeking a
hands-on set of history projects will welcome Marian Broida's 'Projects About' series ($18.95
each) which provides recipes, remedies, and crafts projects suitable for different classroom
studies. Plantation Life (0761-416056), Westward Expansion (0761416-048), Colonial Life
(076141603X), American Idnaisn Of The Southwest (0761-416021) and Plains Indians
(0761416-013) each blend historical overviews with hands-on projects reinforcing basic
concepts.
Weekly Reader Learning
Gareth Stevens, dist.
330 W. Olive #100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
$23.93 each 1-800-542-2595
John Burstein's 'Math Monsters' series for grades 1 and up introduces kids to math concepts
through the humorous antics of Addison, Mina, Multiplex, Split and pals. Based on the TV series,
this supports classroom math learning with a series of math concepts for K-2 math, wrapped
neatly in a story-tale format for special appeal. Using Computers (0836838173), Making Maps
(0836838114), Making Tens (0836838122), Number Lines (083-6838157), Patterns
(0836838165), Measuring (0836838130), Number Conservation (0836838149), Doubling
(0836838-076), Estimating (0836838084), Geometry (0836838092), Keeping Track Of Time
(0836838106), Calculating Area (0836838041), Collecting Data (0836838-05X) and Counting
(0836838068) each provide a whimsical tale with sidebars of questions which invite kids to 'help
the monsters' solve their dilemmas through math.
Gareth Stevens
330 W. Olive #100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
1-800-542-2595 www.amazon.com
This publisher's ongoing science series titles provide schools with good, solid reference works.
The 'Universes Large and Small' series is such an example ($23.93 each): each 32-page book, part
of the 'Discovery Channel School Science' new series, features strong contemporary color
illustrations packing attraction to such weighty-sounding subjects for grades 5 and up as Viruses
(0836833651), Universe (0836833740), Space Exploration (0836833732), Solar System
(0836833-724), Protists And Fungi (0836833716), Genetics (0836833708), Forensics
(0836-833694), Forces And Gravity (083683-3686), Cells (0836833678) and Bacteria
(083683366X). The topics may sound advanced and dry, but the presentation is anything but, and
excels in lively, easy coverage for the younger grades. Don't miss the lively 'Let's Read About
Pets' series ($13.95 each): grades PK and up will find these very easy accessible Weekly Reader
editions covering the care and handling of common pets. New to the series: Guinea Pigs
(0836837983), Kittens (0836837991), Parakeets (0836838009), Puppies (0836838017), Rabbits
(083683-8025), and Goldfish (0836837975). More startling and appealing to grades 2 and
older are the 'Dangerous Spiders' series ($21.26 each), packing in close-up color photos and facts
on a range of individual spiders. Black Widow (0836837657), Brown Recluse (0836837665),
Tarantulas (083683769X), Yellow Sac (0836-837703), Funnel-Web Spiders (0836837-673), and
Hobo Spiders (0836837681) each provide full-color- full-page photos along with basic spider
facts. The availability of these titles in Spanish will especially delight schools with large Hispanic
populations.
Chrysalis Editions/Creative Company
123 S. Broad St., Mankato, MN 56001
Barbara Taylor's bright, specific 'Bug Zone' titles bring bizarre bug facts into the classroom,
exploring the habits which make bugs different and providing eye-catching photos for grades 1-4.
Bugs That Build (1932333134, $16.95) covers bug which build towers, unusual homes, and nests.
Easy large print juxtaposes bright modern color photos for maximum appeal and interest,
covering such bugs as ants, termites and wasps. Water Bugs (193233-3118, $16.95) provides 32
pages covering snails, fleas and water bugs, and will appeal to kids who like learning about and
collecting bugs. The new '21st Century Science' titles New Materials (1932333-531, $16.95) and
Space (1932333515, $16.95) will reach kids in grades 4-5 with important in-depth scientific facts.
The color photos in these are outstanding as they chart present knowledge and future trends.
The American History Shelf
Great Exploration of Lewis & Clark
Judith Edwards
Farrar, Straus, Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003
0374380392 $17.00 1-888-330-8477
In 1803 a young farmer Reubin Field enlisted for a journey headed by Lewis and Clark. Edwards
focuses on his experiences, imagining what his voice might have been like and what his
experiences would've been on the 2-year plus journey. The result is Judith Edwards' Great
Exploration of Lewis & Clark, a first-person, folksy narrative brings history live with facts
blended with rich observational insights.
The Myth/Folklore Shelf
The Star People: A Lakota Story
S. D. Nelson
Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
100 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
0810945843 $14.95 1-800-759-0190
Parent's Choice award-winning author S. D. Nelson (who is also a member of the Standing Rock
Sioux tribe in the Dakotas), presents The Star People: A Lakota Story. Based on Lakota legend,
The Star People tells of a brother and a sister who become lost, and must find their way home,
with guidance from the heavens themselves. Nelson's warm, multicolored illustrations bring this
fantastic picturebook work of Native American folklore to life.
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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