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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
The Everything Seed
Carole Martignacco & Joy Troyer
Beaver's Pond Press
7104 Ohm's Lane, Suite 216, Edina, MN 55439-2129
1592980082 $17.95 1-800-901-3480 www.BeaversPondPress.com
With a prose text that is lyrically poetic, The Everything Seed by Carole Martignacco (an
ordained
minister servicing the Unitarian Universalist Church of North Hatley, Quebec, Canada) is the
engaging and unique story of the very first seed, the one that unfolded to become everything in
the
Universe. Following generally accepted contemporary scientific theories, The Everything Seed
acknowledges the spiritual aspect of all creation with its theme of recognition with respect to the
continuous unfolding that goes around us all. Enhanced with Joy Troyer's superbly elegant batik
illustrations, The Everything Seed is completely accessible to young readers and is a storybook
that
adults will also enjoy and appreciated. Very highly recommended for family, school, and
community
libraries.
The Black Regiment Of The American Revolution
Linda Crotta Brennan & Cheryl Kirk Noll
Moon Mountain Publishing
80 Peachtree Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852
1931659060 $16.95 www.moonmountainpub.com
A bit of history regarding the American Revolution is relatively unknown and rarely taught in
school. In order to fill out its military forces, the fledgling state of Rhode Island recruited into the
ranks of the American forces hundreds of black and Native American slaves who worked on
plantations in the state, promising them their freedom at the end of the war. Several black freemen
also responded to the call, making up the first predominantly African-American fighting force in
U.S. history. Within weeks of its creation, the Black Regiment was thrust into the Battle of Rhode
Island -- the only major land battle against the British and their Hessian mercenaries in New
England
during the American Revolution. The Black Regiment Of The American Revolution was
scrupulously researched by author and library program coordinator Linda Crotta Brennan, and
superbly illustrated by Cheryl Kirk Noll for young readers ages 7 to 11 and grades 2 to 6. No
elementary school or community library should be without at least one copy of The Black
Regiment
Of The American Revolution for the American History and Black Studies collections.
I Can't Wait To Meet My Daddy
Kathleen Blease & Bruce Fackenthal
Niche House Publishing
PO Box 1954, Easton, PA 18044-1954
0974647705 $17.95 www.nichehouse.com
I Can't Wait To Meet My Daddy by Kathleen Blease is an enchanting picturebook for very young
children, that also serves as a wonderful gift for new and expectant fathers. The somewhat
abstract,
reassuring impressionist style of art by Bruce Fackenthal reinforces the simple message with vivid
color. I Can't Wait To Meet My Daddy is a treasury of emotional warmth.
Arnold Gets Angry
Lawrence E. Shapiro & Steve Harpster
CTC Publishing
10400 Eaton Place, Suite 140, Fairfax, VA 22030
0974778907 $17.95 1-800-440-4003 www.couragetochange.com
Specifically written by child psychologist Lawrence E. Shapiro (an expert on emotional
intelligence
in children and author of How To Raise A Child With A High EQ: A Parents' Guide To
Emotional
Intelligence and the creator of dozens of therapeutic games and counseling tools) for young
readers
ages 4 to 12, Arnold Gets Angry is the debut title in CTC Publishing 's "The Emotional Literacy
Series" intended to help children understand their emotions and behaviors. Arnold is a young boy
who is angry. As young readers turn the pages they discover how they, like Arnold, get angry,
stay
angry, the impact that anger has on other people, and how they can can deal with and overcome
anger. Arnold Gets Angry is enhanced with full color, cartoon-style illustrations by Steve harpster
and is ideal for use by school counselors, family therapists, and parents trying to help their
children
cope with anger issues. Also very highly recommended is the second title in this outstanding
"Emotional Literacy Series" from Lawrence Shapiro, Betty Stops The Bully (09-74778915,
$17.95)
Ferris Wheel Fun
Rainey & Karin Huggens
DreamDog Press
3686 King Street, Suite 160, Alexandria, VA 22302-1921
0966619986 $14.50 www.DreamDog.org
In Ferris Wheel Fun, CiCi and Ace go for a ride on a ferris wheel where they use their
imaginations
to win a rocket race in space, swim with a shark in the dark, dig like moles in their holes, fly in the
sky, and in general embark on a magic ride of music and make-believe adventure. Enhanced with
an
accompanying CD of songs, lively and colorful cartoon-style illustrations by Karin Huggens, and
featuring the unique imagination of author and singer Rainey, Ferris Wheel Fun is produced for
The
Children's Place by DreamDog Press and invites its young readers to visit the CiCi and Ace
website
for more stories, more music, fun games, entertaining activities, and some grate clothes as
well!
Daddy I Wanna Be A Lawyer
Larry Goldfarb
Elderberry Press
1393 Old Homestead, 2nd floor, Oakland, OR 97462
1932762086 $12.95 www.elderberrypress.com
In Daddy I Wanna Be A Lawyer: And Makes Lots Of Money is witty satire on the usual career
descriptive books about being a lawyer which is the usual fare for children. Author Larry Goldfarb
offers a poem style text laced with barbed wit and enhanced with simple illustrations as the
yearnings
of ten-year-old Rodney wanting to become a trial lawyer like his father and abuse the judicial
system
for personal profit are laid bare for all to see. Pointedly funny from first page to last, Daddy I
Wanna
Be A Lawyer is especially recommended reading for anyone who has ever dreamed of being a
lawyer -- or has a kid who does.
Jenny Is Scared!
Carol Shuman & Cary Pillo
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
1591470021 $14.95 www.apa.org
Jenny and her brother Sam are scared! The TV played frightening news all morning, Jenny's piano
lesson was canceled, and Mom forgot to make lunch. Something bad is going on and the kids
want
to know what it is and how not to be so scared. Mom and Dad can help them feel better. In Jenny
Is
Scared!: When Sad Things Happen In The World, psychologist Ann Rasmussen insightfully
employs
a picturebook format to explain how young children respond to violence and tragedy, provides
concrete suggestions for helping children feel safer, and offers families ideas for making the world
a
better place for children. Nicely illustrated throughout by Cary Pillo, Jenny Is Scared! is a
particularly appropriate reading for ages 4 to 8, and a very highly recommended addition to
school
and community library collections in this time of terrorism, wars, street gang confrontations, and
the
other violent events that permeate radio, television, and the movies.
The Fiction Shelf
Young Patriots
Marcella Fisher Anderson & Elizabeth Weiss Vollstadt
Boyds Mills Press
815 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
1590782410 $16.95 1-800-490-5111
The collaboration of Marcella Fisher Anderson and Elizabeth Weiss Vollstadt, Young Patriots:
Inspiring Stories Of The American Revolution is a compilation of short stories that reveal the
experiences of children from a variety of cultural backgrounds during the American Revolution.
These tales of carefully researched historical fiction provide young readers with stories of
courage,
loyalty, and a belief in liberty. From a young girl standing up to British soldiers at Concord on
April
19, 1775 where "the shot heard round the world" was fired, to a young boy and his dog catching a
Tory spy after they crossed the Delaware River with George Washington troops on Christmas
night
in 1776, to a young soldier's decision at Valley Forge, and culminating with a young boy
witnessing
the inauguration of George Washington as the first American president, all of these fifteen stories
are providing with sidebars to make the history of the American Revolution truly come alive.
Enhanced with a Time Line and suggestions for further reading, Young Patriots is a welcome
addition to both school and community library collections.
Mystery Of The Missing Candlestick
June Weltman
Mayhaven Publishing
PO Box 557, Mahomet, IL 61853
1878044982 $23.95 www.mayhavenpublishing.com
High school senior Miranda Manning and her two friends follow clues to a mystery that takes
them
into the dark corners of historic St. Augustine, Florida, in June Weltman's Mystery Of The
Missing
Candlestick. Smoothly written from first page to last, Miranda Manning is an engaging Nancy
Drew
style character with the Mystery Of The Missing Candlestick being author June Weltman's debut
mystery novel for young readers 12 through 18 -- who will be found eagerly awaiting the next
Miranda Manning mystery adventure!
Mountain Cabin Mystery
Max Elliot Anderson
Baker Trittin Press
PO Box 277, Winona Lake, IN 46590
0972925635 $10.95 www.gospelstoryteller.com
Part of the Baker Trittin Press "Tweener Press Adventure Series" for young readers, Mountain
Cabin Mystery finds that Scott and his friends on a wilderness camping trip when curiosity and a
Kodak moment causes them to leave the trail. That's when the find themselves surrounded by a
dense fog, facing a menacing bear, finding a remote cabin that seems to offer shelter --- proves to
be
a trapped encounter with terrorists! A very nicely crafted, attentention riveting adventure tale,
Mountain Cabin Mystery is especially recommended reading for children ages 10 to 14.
Beyond The Locket
Alan Saunders
Acovian Books
PO Box 543, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
1881917126 $24.95 www.acovianbooks.com
Beyond The Locket: Surviving Parental Separation is a novel for young adults set in the Middle
Ages world, yet encompassing a reality that is all too frequent in the modern world. It deals with
the
painful theme of parental separation, and a girl who must survive, cope, and find a path that will
bring her to a happy adult life in spite of the rift between her parents. There are no villains in
Beyond
The Locket; only hard choices and sad misfortune to be overcome. A powerful allegory,
especially
recommended reading for families in counseling or otherwise dealing with the hardship of
divorce.
Home To The Sea
Chester Aaron
Brown Barn Books
c/o Pictures of Record, Inc.
119 Kettle Creek Road, Weston, CT 06883
0974648124 $10.95 www.brownbarnbooks.com
Award-winning author Chester Aaron, whose books have been selected for the Junior Literary
Guild
and made into an ABC Weekend Special movie, presents Home To The Sea, a novel for young
adults about a twelve-year-old girl confronting changes in her life an Olympic-quality gift for
swimming, and the mysterious ability to hear inhuman voices calling her to the sea. The author's
years of participation in marine mammal rescues adds authenticity and emotion to scenes
portrayed
in Home to the Sea, and the story of a young girl on the cusp of womanhood seeking the truth
about
herself and her heritage will resonate in the hearts of young people. Home To The Sea is
especially
recommended for readers age 12 and up.
Clarion/Houghton Mifflin Book
215 Park Ave, South, NY, NY 10003
www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
Diana and her little brother have been living in the woods behind a decaying mansion for their
lifetimes: a set of rules won't allow them to leave the property or see people but all that changes
when a new caretaker brings a new friend and hopes of freedom in Mary Downing Hahn's The
Old
Willis Place (0618430180 $15.00). But to be free, Diana must discover the reasoning behind the
rules, and her investigations into the secret offers another satisfying ghost story from a seasoned
writer. Gina Willner Pardo's My Mom And Other Mysteries Of The Universe (0618430202,
$15.00)
tells of Arlie Metcalf, always at odds with her bossy, critical mother. When Arlie's parents leave
them behind on a month-long business trip it seems like a vacation to Arlie until their parents are
seriously injured in a car accident and their mother falls into a coma. A new girl's sudden arrival at
school offers Arlie a unique opportunity to understand her mother's attitude in this compelling
story
of bonding and changes. Lisa Jahn-Clough's Country Girl, City Girl (06184-47911, $15.00) tells
of
one Phoebe Sharp, who wears clothes from Goodwill and lives with her family on an isolated farm
with no friends until she meets Melita. Melita comes from the big city and brings with her visit a
sophistication alien to Phoebe: an unlikely friendship evolves which could lead to understanding
and danger.
Henry Fickle And The Secret Laboratory
Michele Mack
The Sorcerer's Press
119 Mertz Road, Martztown, PA 19539
096677471X $18.00 sorcererspress@aol.com
Five kids get to wondering about Henry Fickle who up and disappeared from the rickety,
deteriorating, and seemingly abandoned old house on Windy Drive. Fickle got a large package
delivered to him by mailman Ralph Picit, and then simply vanished leaving no trace of himself or
the
package. The search evolves into a unexpected adventure with the discovery of an ancient scroll,
a
note written in emerald-green ink, and Fickle's hidden laboratory housing some rather unusual
inventions. The debut novel of Michele Mack, Henry Fickle And The Secret Laboratory is the
first
volume of a planned trilogy that will have a special appeal to young readers ages 8 to 14 who
have
enjoyed J. K. Rowling's imaginative Harry Potter books or such delightful fantasy stories as Roald
Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
The unexpected lovely beauty of Alice Hoffman's Green Angel (0439443849, $16.95) makes is a
haunting novella recommended not just for advanced teen readers, but for all adults. September
11th's events come to mind as the narrator's family leaves for a day in the big city and disaster
leaving the narrator to change her life and attitude in morning. Green Angel's lyrical story of
recovery and a return to normalcy is simply haunting: "Once, I had wanted only one thing: to be
sixteen. I was no more certain that my wish would be granted than I was that daylight would
remain,
that the birds would sing, that my garden would grow." Highly recommended. Kate Constable's
novel Singer Of All Songs (0439554780, $16.95) tells of Calwyn, who knows nothing about the
world beyond the Wall where she lives as a novice ice priestess. When an outsider enter her life
with
tales of a changing world, Calwyn finds herself drawn to help him even if it means leaving the
safety of her isolated world. Eireann Corrigan's Splintering (0439535-972, $16.95) presents the
all-too-realistic aftermath of what happens to a family after a stranger breaks into their home and
attacks them. An alternating brother/sister perspective of the disaster uses poems to bring the
emotions to life.
The Picturebook Shelf
What Do I Do?
Hui Hui Su-Kennedy
Viking Press/Random House
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
0670058858 $15.95 1-800-726-0600 www.randomhouse.com/kids
Charmingly written and beautifully illustrated in watercolors, What Do I Do? by Hui Hui
Su-Kennedy presents a multi-ethnic cast of children and a few friendly animals as it shows young
readers preschool through kindergarten what kids do, how they eat, drink and sleep, how they
play
with friends, and how they learn to care for each other and share with one another. An especially
recommended title for preschool program and day care center picturebook collections, What Do I
Do? is an ideal addition to school and community library collections for ages 2 and up.
Teddy's TV Troubles
Joanne Cantor & Tom Lowes
Goblin Fern Press
3809 Mineral Point Road , Madison, WI 53705
096476637X $16.95 1-888-670-2665 www.goblinfernpress.com
An authority on media and children, Joanne Cantor draws upon her years of experience and
expertise to write Teddy's TV Troubles, a reassuring children's picturebook that charmingly,
entertainingly, and effectively assists parents to help their children deal with disturbing material
such
as that which visually permeates everything from television news broadcasts, to dramatic series, to
sitcoms, to afternoon and weekend specials. Very nicely illustrated by Tom Lowes, Teddy's TV
Troubles will help parents and care givers to help children acknowledge their fear while knowing
they are not alone; show a loveable teddy bear character work through his TV inspired fears with
the
help of a caring adult; engage in a series of age-appropriate activities (including drawing pictures,
creative play, and reassuring bedtime rituals) that will help children overcome their fears. A
combination activities book and bed-time reader, Teddy's TV Troubles is ideal for families with
children trying cope with what are now daily television doses of the world on terrorism, sniper
attacks, child abductions, natural disasters, and presidential campaign ads.
Never, Ever Shout In A Zoo
Karma Wilson & Doug Cushman
Little, Brown
1271 Avenue of Americas, NY, NY 10020
0316985643 $15.95 1-800-759-0190 www.lb-kids.com
Doug Cushman illustrates Never, Ever Shout In A Zoo, a funny picturebook story by Karma
Wilson
of one little girl's shout in a zoo, and the snowball effect it has upon zoo residents. Chaos evolves
as
frightened animals discover their freedom and the shouter finds herself running from a myriad of
hilarious residents.
Who's Not Asleep?
Shirley Hillard
Mamoo House
1626 North Wilcox Avenue, Suite 929, Hollywood, CA 90028
1933014318 $13.95 www.mamoohouse.com
Charmingly written and gently illustrated by Shirley Hillard, Who's Not Asleep? is the perfect
bedtime picturebook as night is falling, stars are twinling, and all the backyard animals are getting
ready to go to sleep. All except a certain someone! Every preschool boy and girl will soon identify
Who's Not Asleep? as their preferred bedtime reading and will make the perfect goodnight tale for
parents helping their children drift off to a good night's slumber. Original and enthusiastically
recommended!
A Cub Explores
Pamela Love & Shannon Sycks
Down East Books
PO Box 679, Camden, ME 04843-0679
0892725931 $15.95 1-800-685-7962 www.downeastbooks.com
A Cub Explores by author Pamela Love follows a day in the life of a black bear cub and his
mother
somewhere in a northern forest. This is a day of discovery for the cub as he curiously investigates
a
rock that turns out to be a paiinted turtle, finds a treasure trove of delicious blackberries,
experiences an anxious moment with a large bull moose, and survives a treetop scrapt with a
snarling bobcat defending her young. The colored pencil illustrations by wildlife artist Shannon
Sycks are a perfect enhancement for this original and entertaining picturebook which is especially
recommended for young readers preschool through first grade.
Grow Grow Grow
Barbara Riley & Jaenet Guggenheim
Azro Press
PMB 342, 1704 Llano Street B, Santa Fe, NM 87505
1929115083 $19.95 www.azropress.com
Grow Grow Grow is Jaenet Guggenheim's impressively paper collage illustrated presentation of
an
original poem by Barbara Riley. Through the seasons of a single year this story-poem follows a
growing sunflower seed that meets the world of caterpillars, dogs, and weather with a compelling
determination to grow. This artful and unique picturebook is especially recommended for
preschool
through kindergarteners and would make an ideal choice for bedtime bonding reading for parents
and children.
Hello Kitty's Graduation Day
Jean Hirashima, illustrator
Abrams Books for Young Readers
115 West 18th Street, NY, NY 10011
0810948184 $12.95 www.abramsbooks.com
Graduation day has arrived and Hello Kitty delivers a commencement speech filled with the
thoughts
and feelings of her closest friends about their past years together. Then it's time for Hello Kitty
and
her friends to make new memories with the best graduation party ever! This wonderful Abrams
edition of Hello Kitty's Graduation Day illustrated by Jean Hirashima includes a punch-out
picture
frame for a graduation photo and would make the ideal picturebook gift for anyone of any age
who
is graduating from school at any level.
Candy Shop
JanWahl & Nicole Wong
Charlesbridge
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
1570915083 $15.95 www.charlesbridge.com
Daniel the cowboy is a young boy who has done his chores, counted his money, and is going with
his aunt Thelma to the Candy Shop for a well deserved treat. But when they arrive at the candy
store
the find a crowed in front bercause across the sidewalk someone has written angry, hurtful words.
The owner of the Candy Shop is Mis Chu, and those hateful words have made her scared and
hurt.
What should an aspiring young cowboy like Daniel do? Enhanced with the artwork of Nicole
Wong,
Jan Wahl's Candy Shop is a superbly crafted and inspiring story for young readers grades 1
through
3 about a young boy's personal courage in the face of racial prejudice.
Two By Two
John Winch
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10017
0823418405 $16.95 www.holidayhouse.com
Two By Two is a picturebook rendition of the timeless biblical story of Noah and the great flood.
Told with very simple text and eye-catching illustrations of animals and their struggle to survive,
Two By Two emphasizes the importance of paying keen attention to and preserving the natural
world. An author's note at the end observes that more than three hundred cultures throughout the
world refer to a story of a great flood in the distant past.
Bedtime In The Southwest
Mona Hodgson & Renee Graef
Rising Moon
PO Box 1389, Flagstaff, AZ 86002-1389
0873588711 $14.95 www.northlandpub.com
Delightful told in a rhyming lullaby text by author Mona Hodgson and enhanced with imaginative
illustrations by Renee Graef, Bedtime In The Southwest showcases comically defined bedtime
behaviors by a number of animals found in the Southwest. Do rabbits hop into their beds? Do
porcupines poke quills into their pillows? Do wolves stare at the sky and howl at the moon when
it's
time to go to bed? Bedtime In The Southwest is a perfect bedtime reading experience for
preschool
through kindergarten children and ideal for a parent bedtime bonding read aloud with any boy or
girl.
John Muir And Stickeen
Julie Dunlap & Marybeth Lorbiecki; Bill Farnsworth, illustrator
NorthWord Press
c/o Creative Publishing International
18705 Lake Drive East, Chanhassen, MN 55317-9384
1559719036 $16.95 1-800-328-0590 www.creativepub.com
John Muir and Stickeen: An Icy Adventure With A No-Good Dog is the amazing true story
adventure of John Muir, who is best known for his tireless work to establish and conserve
America's
national parks, and a "no-good" dog named Stickeen. As one who loved wild things, Muir felt
that
tame animals had lost much of their spirit and intelligence along with their wildness. A friend's dog
would change his mind forever during one of his expeditions to Alaska; John Muir and Stickeen
recounts the dramatic tale with captivating color illustrations of man, dog and icy wilderness.
The Story Of Mr. Pippin
Johannah Bluedorn
Trivium Pursuit
PMB 168, 429 Lake Park Boulevard, Muscatine, Iowa 52761
0974361682 $TBA
The Story Of Mr. Pippin is a heartwarming picturebook about the relationship between a young
girl
and Mr. Pippin, an orphan raccoon that she rescued. The foods he ate, and the time he shared
made
for precious memories as he matured into an adult. Eventually Mr. Pippin felt the call of the wild,
and left his adoptive family to fend for himself - what new adventures could be in store for him?
An
especially delightful tale for any child who loves raccoons.
Eyes In The Night
Jan Ramage & Laura Peterson
Cygnet/ISBS, dist.
920 Northeast 58th Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213
1920694250 $24.25 1-800-944-6190 www.isbscatalog.com
Eyes In The Night by Jan Ramage is a picturebook about a young boy's effort to rehabilitate an
injured owl that he discovers in his yard in Australia. Laura Peterson's dark yet beautiful color
illustrations add a dramatic touch to this simple story, which is grounded in the very real tragedy
that
feral cats have brought to the land of Australia - after their introduction by Australian settlers,
many
domestic cats and other animals have turned feral, and since Australia has no natural predator like
them, they have exacted a devastating toll on the continent's wildlife, even rendering some species
extinct. A captivating story of the bond between rehabilitator and a majestic injured creature.
Making Room
Joanne Taylor & Peter Rankin
Tundra Books
PO Box 1030, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
088776651X $15.95 www.tundrabooks.com
Illustrated with museum quality paintings by Peter Rankin, Making Room by Joanne Taylor is the
picturebook story of John William Smith who builds a one-room home for himself, clears his
fields
for crops, marries Annie, and as their children are born discover that the one-room house is simply
not big enough to accommodate a growing family. John William must build a cradle for his babies,
construct more rooms for elderly parents and ailing friends, build a pantry and kitchen for Annie
as
she cooks for increasing numbers of people. John William never complains. When he grows old
and
needs care and assistance for himself, he learns that his unselfishness over all the years is rewarded
and love is returned to him three-fold. Based on the true story of John William and Annie Smith
of
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in the 1800's, Making Room is especially recommended as it
entertainingly shows young readers ages 6 to 9 the virtues of hard work and the rewards of a
generous life.
The Wizard Of Oz And The Magic Merry-Go-Round
Roger S. Baum & Victoria Seitzinger
Overmountain Press
PO Box 1261, Johnson City, TN 37605
1570722455 $14.95 1-800-992-2691
The Wizard Of Oz And The Magic Merry-Go-Round is an enchanting children's storybook set in
the
wondrous land of Oz and written by the great-grandson of L. Frank Baum, the immortal creator
of
Oz. Though featuring extravagant, full-color artwork, The Wizard Of Oz And The Magic
Merry-Go-Round also sports an almost intermediate-level amount of text, and is an excellent
exercise in reading comprehension for young people who are almost ready to graduate from
picturebooks to more involved fare. A lively piece of music, "After the Ball", rounds out this
delightful story especially recommended for young and old Oz fans alike.
A Pocket Full Of Kisses
Audrey Penn & Barbara Leonard Gibson
Child & Family Press
440 First Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, DC 20001-2085
0878688943 $16.95 www.cwla.org
Chester Raccoon has a problem. His younger brother Ronny plays on Chester's swings, talks to
Chester's friends, and follows Chester wherever Chester goes. When Chester complains about all
this, his mother explains with gentle understanding that Ronny is only doing what little brother do
and gives Chester a reassuring kiss in the middle of his palm to assure him of his mother's love.
The
Chester sees Ronny also gets their mother a kiss on the hand. Chester is simply overwhelmed at
the
unfairness of it all and tears roll down his cheek. Mother Raccoon allays Chester's fears with her
own special kind of wisdom and finds just the right way to let Chester know how deeply he is
loved.
Charmingly written by Audrey Penn and superbly illustrated by Barbara Leonard Gibson, A
Pocket
Full Of Kisses is a wonderful picturebook that deftly explores the feelings of young children when
their families expand with siblings and they feel unsure of their new and changing rolls.
Enthusiastically recommended!
The Story Of Hula
Carla Golembe, author and illustrator
Vicky Holt Takamine, fact checker
The Bess Press
3565 Harding Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816
www.besspress.com
1573061859 $14.95 1-800-910-2377
Carla Golembe's The Story Of Hula is a picturebook with a narrative audio CD all about the
meaning
and expression of the Hawaiian hula dance. Teaching young people about the origins and
symbolic
values behind traditional hula costume, and the power of the story behind the dance that is handed
down through generations, The Story Of Hula is a delightful introduction to other cultures and
celebrations. Simple color illustrations, a glossary of Hawaiian terms and a final page of historic
notes round out this enjoyable and educational volume.
A Team Of One
Ila Wallen & Robert Sauber
Golden Books/Random House
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
0375827056 $16.95 1-800-726-0600 www.randomhouse.com/kids
The latest in the Wollowbe Woods Campfire Series of children's picturebooks, A Team Of One is
the story of a young racoon who becomes frustrated as part of a scavenger hunt team of the great
Willowbe Woods. He splits off to search by himself, but soon comes to miss his friends and
realize
that he is a valuable part of the team. Robert Sauber's colorful illustrations of cheerful,
cooperative,
and hard-working animal friends add a warm-hearted vibrancy to Ila Wallen's simple tale of
self-worth and discovery. Highly recommended.
Dream
Susan V. Bosak
TCP Press
9 Lobraico Lane, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 7X5, Canada
1896232043 $17.95
Dream: A Tale Of Wonder, Wisdom, & Wishes is a fantastic picturebook featuring lavish color
illustrations and a beautiful rhyming verse, all about the inspiration, majesty, beauty, and
incredible
thoughts that can spring from dreams. From fabulous inventions, to the strength of inner beliefs,
to
learning how to overcome the challenges of growing up, dreams offer an important contribution
to
growing as a person, and Dream celebrates their role in pursuing a fulfilled life. Dreams grow like
seeds. / They need to take root, / then stretch toward the sun. / They grow slowly. / They must be
tended to. / And sometimes a gray day / gives them just the rain they need.
Flusi, The Sock Monster
Bine Brandle
Kane/Miller Book Publishers
PO Box 8515, La Jolla, CA 92038-8515
1929132697 $15.95 1-800-968-1930 www.kanemiller.com
Flusi, The Sock Monster is a delightful children's picturebook following the friendship between a
girl
and the little blue sock monster who swipes socks, leaving only one of a pair. A cheerful,
intermediate-level story illustrated in whimsical color, that emphasizes the importance of
respecting
others (i.e. never put one's sock monster friend in a doll bed with stuffed animals - they are sock
monsters, after all). An all-around fun picturebook to read and share.
The Legendary Unicorn
Udo Weigelt & Julia Gukova
North-South Books Inc.
875 Avenue of the Americas, Rm. 1901, New York, NY 10001-3507
0735819610 $15.95 www.northsouth.com
Udo Weigelt's The Legendary Unicorn is a simple, joyful picturebook that reinforces the
importance
of belief and dreams. A hedgehog glimpses a magical beast in the forest and tells his forest friends;
they denounce his claims as silly, but with that denoucement comes a change in their woods.
Things
are less vibrant, more dreary and ordinary, as if magic is seeping from the land. The only way to
bring that magic back is through belief, storytelling, sharing, and hope. Beautiful, soft color
illustrations by Julia Gukova bring this enchanting tale to life.
The Biography Shelf
Read A Zillion Books
Jerry Pallotta
Richard C. Owen Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 585, Katonah, NY 10536
1572745975 $14.95 1-800-336-5588
The latest book in the "Meet the Author" series, Read A Zillion Books is a picturebook
autobiography of Jerry Pallotta, who has written a wide variety of alphabet books that feature
amazing facts on specific subjects. Meant for young readers in grades 2-5, Read A Zillion Books
tells of Pallotta's efforts to proofread his stories, his travels meeting children in fifty states, his
visits
to schools whether speaking to one class or three thousand kids, and more. Full-color
photographs
on every page add a bright touch to this simple and fun introduction to the life of an ABC book
creator.
Singing Towards The Future
Lian Goodall
Napoleon Publishing
178 Willowdale Avenue, Suite 201, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M2N 4Y8
1894917081 $16.95 1-877-730-9052
Singing Towards The Future: The Story Of Portia White is the true story of an African-Canadian
woman's determination to become a great singer. Though she began in poverty, growing up with
ten
siblings, she worked tirelessly toward her goal until she became the first classical singer trained in
Canada to appear on international stages. Black-and-white photographs illustrate this biography;
though intended for younger readers, it is written at an intermediate level and goes into some
depth
on the challenges that Portia White had to face head-on. Highly recommended.
Thomson-Gale
274500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3535
www.gale.com
Three new additions to the 'Immigrants in America' ($27.45 each) series provide in-depth focus
on
different immigrant experiences. Joan Schur's The Arab Americans (1590180755) analyzes Arab
religions, turmoil in the Middle East, and how Arab Americans are living in this country. Barbara
Bloom's The Mexican Americans (1560067535) covers life in Mexico, workers in the U.S. both
legal and illegal, and the history and changing times of the Chicano movement. Laurel Corona's
The
Jewish Americans (1590184319) discusses issues of Judaism, Jewishness, and how Jewish peoples
fit into this country. Kids in grades 7-9 will relish Mary Williams' Immigration (073-7716916,
$33.70): it takes all the arguments surrounding the entire immigration process and juxtaposes
them
into pro/con chapters suitable for classroom debate. How do cultural differences matter, and who
puts the 'lid' on the immigration process and choices? These and other notable issues are discussed
in
depth. James Barter's Travel Guide To San Francisco In The 1960s (1590183592, $27.45) isn't so
much a travelogue as a historical overview of changing cultural and social history in the city.
Districts, monuments and points of historical interest are used to explore the culture of the city in
the 1960s, making for an unusual survey given to leisure browsing.
Morgan Reynolds
620 South Elm Street, #223, Greensboro, NC 27406
$21.95 Each www.morganreynolds.com
Peggy Cervantes' Waging Peace: The Story Of Jane Addams (1931798400) provides well over a
hundred pages covering the life and achievements of a woman resolved to help those in poverty.
Addams came from a privileged upbringing which includes travel in Europe, but when she
discovered the poverty under her eyes, she brought the settlement house idea of England to
Chicago, opening the famous Hull House for the poor. Her achievements would change a city -
and
open eyes to life in the slums. Women's rights are brought to life by Lisa Federiksen Bohannon in
Woman's Work: The Story Of Betty Friedan (1931798419): this biography of Betty Friedan
shows
how a radical reporter turned housewife and mother, then launched a revolution contradicting
common perceptions about women and their abilities. Donna Getzinger and Daniel Felsenfeld
bring
two classical musicians to life in titles which offer insights into the musicians and their times.
Johann
Sebastian Bach And The Art Of Baroque Music (1931798222) considers the achievements of a
man
born into a family of professional musicians, who left home at the age of ten in search of a life
which
would allow him to write his beloved music. Bach's 1700s world comes to life here, as does the
account of his search for music with worked. Antonio Vivaldi And The Baroque Tradition
(1931798206) tells of a now-famous classical musician whose work was once nearly forgotten.
Vivaldi's compositions gathered dust even as listeners applauded the achievements of his
contemporary Bach, and it was only until the 1920s that they were uncovered and only after
World War II that they became truly popular. An eye-opening story. Five new additions to this
publisher's set on historic female figures are highly recommended picks. Four are by Nancy
Whitlaw
($24.95 each): Queen Victoria And The British Empire (193179829X), Catherine The Great
(1931798273), Catherine De Medici And The Protestant Reformation (1931798265) and Queen
Isabella And The Unification Of Spain (1931798257) each provide over 150 pages of ey
biographical facts with plenty of informed background history to understand how each historic
figure came to be notable. Nancy Lotz and Carlene Phillips' Marie Antoinette And The Decline Of
The French Monarchy (1031798281, $$24.95) uses a similar format in exploring Marie
Antoinette's
monarchy, rise and fall. Each of these reads almost like fiction with a lively, fast tone packed with
facts but which incorporates the social and political climate and feelings of the times. Each
provides
a memorable story line and history to involve kids and help them recall beyond the pages they
read.
All are recommended picks.
The Judaic Studies Shelf
Ten Holiday Jewish Children's Stories
Barbara Goldin & Jeffrey Allon
Pitspopany Press
40 East 78th St, #16D, NY, NY 10021
0943706475 $16.95 1-800-232-2931 www.pitspopany.com
Barbara Goldin's Ten Holiday Jewish Children's Stories is a unique children's picturebook
anthology
of classic Jewish tales, each tied to a holiday. The first portion is devoted to the tales themselves;
each story is presented on two pages, and concluded with some "Now Consider This" questions
for
young people to think over. The stories include the origin of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur,
Hanukkah, and more. After each story is a gorgeous, full-color, two-page painting by Jeffrey
Allon
illustrating the types of events and celebration associated with the tale. A highly recommended
introduction to the wonders and festive events that comprise the rich tradition of Jewish
holidays.
The Folklore/Fairytale Shelf
The Barefoot Book Of Ballet Stories
Jane Yolen & Heidi E. Y. Stemple; Rebecca Guay, illustrator
Barefoot Books
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
1841482293 $19.99 www.barefootbooks.com
Co-authored by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple, The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories is an
anthology of classic fairy tales that celebrate the art and tradition of ballet. The stories presented
are
"Coppelia: The Girl with the Enamel Eyes", "Swan Lake", "Cinderella", "The Nutcracker", "Shim
Chung: The Blind Man's Daughter", "The Sleeping Beauty", and "Daphnis and Chloe". All of
these
great stories are wondrously brought to life with Rebecca Guay's beautiful color illustrations in
the
style of great fairy tale books, and though The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories is meant for young
and old alike, the tales are not dumbed down for young readers but are superbly presented in all
their
glory or sorrowful tragedy, as the case may be. Highly recommended.
Irish Legends For Children
Yvonne Carroll & Lucy Su
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053
1589802780 $15.95 1-800-843-1724 www.pelicanpub.com
Six legends are brilliantly retold by Yvonne Carroll and superbly illustrated by Lucy Su in Irish
Legends For Children. Taken from The Red Branch Knights Cycle (An Ruraiocht) and The
Fianna
Cycle (An Fhiannaiocht), two principle cycles of Irish lore handed down from generation to
generation, the stories selected include Children of Lir (a mystical twist on the traditional
evil-stepmother fable); Deirdre of the Sorrows (a young woman seeks to change her destiny);
Setanta (a young boy strives to become a member of the famous Red Branch Knights of Ulster);
The
Salmon of Knowledge (Fionn is a prince in hiding and needs help to return to his people); Fionn
and
the Dragon (the prince proves his bravery and assumes his rightful place as leader of the Fianna);
and Oisin in Tir na n-Og (in a beautiful land of eternal youth Fionn years to return to his beloved
Ireland). Irish Legends For Children will prove an enduringly popular addition to any family,
school,
or community library fairytale or folklore collection.
Books in Series
Enslow Publishers
PO Box 398, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
1-800-398-2504 www.enslow.com
A new series from Enslow Publishers is specifically designed to showcase six major "kid friendly"
holidays through a series of do-it-yourself holiday crafts projects. Young readers ages 8 to 9 and
grade levels 3 and 4 will learn the story behind the holiday while the easy to make, inexpensive,
and
minimal adult supervision required crafts projects are as fun as they are holiday themed. Each of
the
six titles comprising the "Fun Holiday Crafts Kids Can Do!" series is 32 pages, illustrated with
color
photographs, utilizes simple language printed in large and readable type, offers step-by-step
instructions for each craft project, and is enhanced with a bibliography for further reading
suggestions, internet addresses, and an index. At $17.95 each, the holiday titles include Christmas
Crafts (0766022579); Halloween Crafts (0766022366); Hanukkah Crafts (0766022382);
Kwanzaa
Crafts (076602203X); St. Patrick's Day Crafts (0766022560); and Valentine's Day Crafts
(0766022374). Although available individually, school and community libraries are encouraged to
acquire the entire series for their activities collections.
Gareth Stevens
330 W. Olive Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
www.garethstevens.com
Not to be outdone, Gareth Stevens also holds two age-adjusted collections of geography basics
for
young learners. The 'Welcome to My Country' series ($25.26 each) provides almost fifty pages of
facts for ages 7 and older, using eye-catching covers and kids to invite interest. The new additions
to
this lower-level set are South Korea (0836325535), Sri Lanka (083632-5543), Ukraine
(0836325551), Haiti (083-6825519), Denmark (083632500), and Pakistan (0836825527): each
volume provides a dynamic visual presentation to invite kids to enjoy cultural exploration. Older
ages 10 and up will find the 'Countries of the World' set ($29.26) more to their liking: there's
more
information packed in almost a hundred pages, but no less color and attraction. The focus on art,
food, language and geography as well as political and economic insights keep these sets relevant
to
classroom study. New in this series: Venezuela (0826823699), Taiwan (0836823680), Jordan
(0826823-656), Jamaica (0836823648), Liberia (0826823664), Dominican Republic
(082-6831101),
Czech Republic (0826831098) and Bolivia (083683108X): each focuses on the unique aspects of
the
nation under discussion, uses lively contemporary photos and maps to reinforce learning, and
packs
in details suitable for reports.
Benchmark Books/Cavendish
www.marshallcavendish.com
Benchmark's imprint happily holds geography sets for a variety of ages and interests; so if your
school is geared at a particular reading level, chances are Benchmark has the same information in
several sets at different levels. Their 'Discovering Cultures' series ($17.95 each) reaches all the
way
down to grades 2-4, each book holding almost fifty pages of basic introduction to each country
featured. The distinctive red-striped cover art makes it easy to associate between books in the set.
New to this group is Dana Rau's Singapore (07-61417273), her Iraq (0761417265), Sharon
Gordon's Poland (0761417249) and Argentina (0761417230), and Sarah De Capua's Dominican
Republic (0761417-222). Each uses plenty photo examples of kids to add attraction and interest
throughout the discussions of basic geography and culture. An older group in grades 3-5 will find
useful the 'It's My State!' series ($18.95 each) covering states of the U.S. Each book's introduced
by
a handy state-wide map with the state of subject in red. New to this batch are Arizona
(07614-16862), South Carolina (0761416900), Pennsylvania (0761416919), North Dakota
(0761416870), Kansas (0761416889), and Montana (0761416897). Kids in grades 5-7 aren't
neglected either: the 'Cultures of the World' set ($25.95 each) provide almost 150 pages of detail
each and the colorful series has received wide acclaim for its eye-catching covers, contemporary
photos, and easily-absorbed geography and cultural facts. New additions here are Libya
(0761417028), Turkey (07-61417052), Nigeria (0761417036), South Africa (0761417044),
Kenya
(0761417-01X), and Zimbabwe (0761417060). The fact that many of these countries are
under-represented in other collections for this age group makes the set particularly welcome.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Chrysalis Education
2140 Howard Drive West, North Mankato, MN 56003
1-800-445-6209
Two new series features from this publisher will appeal to elementary grade collections seeking to
refresh stock on popular topics. Angela Royston's Baby Animals: Chick (1593891628) and Kitten
(159389-158X) each provide 30 pages of large print, bright photos and facts. The 'Looking at
Small
Mammals' series ($27.10 each) covers Small Cats (1593891768) and Rodents (1593891776):
each
packed with photos and details surveying the creatures as pests and pets alike.
Weekly Reader
330 West Olive Street, #100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
$14.50 each www.earlyliteracy.cc
Plenty of books cover wild animals and others pack all the domestic animals under one general
'farm'
cover, so it's pleasing to find individual domestic animal books for grades 1-2, and this 'Animals
That
Live on The Farm' series by Joann Early Macken provides an excellent set. Each animal receives
its
on 24-page coverage consisting of several large-print sentences and full-page color photos from a
working farm. Sheep (0836842766), Chickens (0836842715), Cows (0836842723), Goats
(0836842731), Horses (083684274X) and PIGS (0836842758) each provide early learning
beginner's guides. The series is also available in a Spanish/English bilingual edition.
The Christmas Shelf
The Christmas Tractor
Jane Aumann & Cindy Ladage
Roots & Wings
20114 Rt. 16, Nokomis, IL 62075
0970331924 $8.95 www.rootwings.com
Beautifully illustrated with the artwork of Charles Freitag, The Christmas Tractor written by the
team of Jane Aumann and Cindy Ladage is the story of Allie and her brother Quinton's trip to
their
grandparents farm where their grandpa and father work to restore an old tractor with the intention
of driving it in the big Christmas parade. Wonderful picture book reading anytime of the year and
originally published in September, 2003, The Christmas Tractor is also one of the most unique
children's Christmas books available for children ages 5 to 8, and would be a welcome gift under
any
small boy's Christmas tree.
Christ's Santa
Glenn R. Elion
Life's Journey of Hope Publications
PO Box 1277, Groton, MA 01450
0974781509 $19.95 1-978-448-1252 www.lifesjourneyofhope.com
Christ's Santa by Glenn R. Elion is an original and delightful picturebook story about the origins
of
Christmas which reveals to young readers the connection between Jesus Christ and Saint Nicholas
--
the man who forged the nails and fashioned the cross used for Christ's crucifixion. Thoroughly
entertaining, Christ Santa's is also thoughtful and thought-provoking reading dealing with
Christmas
traditions and the origins of traditions from various faiths. Christ's Santa is an inspired and
inspiring
contribution to any Christmas bookshelf.
The Kingfisher Book Of Classic Christmas Stories
Ian Whybrow, Editor
Kingfisher/Houghton Mifflin Company
215 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10003
0753457326 $19.95 1-800-225-3362 www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
The Kingfisher Book Of Classic Christmas Stories is a treasury of some of the most beloved
Christmas tales by a wide variety of authors ranging from Charles Dickens and The Brothers
Grimm
to Louisa May Alcott and L. M. Montgomery. Gentle color illustrations round out the endearing
tales full of Christmas spirit, in this anthology that will appeal to adults and children alike.
Especially
recommended for bedtime reading in the nights before the grand holiday.
The Bilingual Shelf
Matt The Rat And His Magic Cloud
Lorenzo Liberto & Irving Torres
Harvest Sun Press
PO Box 826, Fairacres, NM 88033
0974366803 $20.00 www.harvestsunpress.com
Matt the Rat takes young readers ages 5 to 8 on an enhanced picturebook flight through a
wonderful
day of school encountering a magic cloud, a curious gopher, and other friends of his. Matt The
Rat
And His Magic Cloud: A Day At School / Raton Mateo y Su Nube Magica: Un Dia de Escuela is
a
thoroughly entertaining bilingual (English/Spanish) story told in lyrical rhymes by Lornzo Liberto
and colorfully illustrated by Irving Torres. Also very highly recommended for school and
community
collections is Lorenzo Liberto and Irving Torres' bilingual picturebook Matt The Rat And His
Sister
Maggie: When I Grow Up / Raton Mateo y Su Hermana Maggie: Cuando Yo Crezca
(0974366811
$20.00).
Arrorro, Mi Nino
Lulu Delacre
Lee & Low Books
95 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10016
1584301597 $16.95 www.leeandlow.com
Compiled and illustrated by Lulu Delacre, Arroro, Mi Nino: Latino Lullabies And Gentle Games
is a
bilingual collection of traditional Latino baby games and lullabies complete with melodies for
chanting and singing. Delacre's bright, colorful artwork aptly conveys warmth, family, and
parental
love. Also very highly recommended are Lulu Delacre's previous bilingual title: Arroz Con Leche:
Popular Songs And Rhymes From Latin America.
Birthday In The Barrio
Mayra L. Dole & Tonel
Children's Book Press
2211 Mission St, San Francisco CA 94110
0892391944 $16.95 www.cbookpress.org
Birthday In The Barrio/Cumpleanos en el Barrio is the collaborative bilingual picturebook by the
Cuban/American team of author Mayra L. Dole and art critic/visual illustrator Tonel. Chavi is a
young girl who proves that with a little determination and creativity she can do anything. Now she
must find a way to throw a birthday party for her friend's sister. Lazarita is turning 15 and wants a
special "quinces" party, but her family does not have enough money for such a fancy event. Chavi
decides she can help by rallying together her neighborhood friends to donate food and
decorations.
Before long, the entire Cuban American community of Miami is working together to organize a
birthday celebration.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
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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