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Reviewer's Choice
Tuky: The Story of a Hidden Child
Shterni Rosenfeld
Hachai Publishing
527 Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11225
9781929628858 $12.95 www.hachai.com
Tuky: The Story of a Hidden Child is a novel for middle grade and young adult readers based on
the true-life story Tuky Gestetner, a Hungarian Jewish girl whose childhood coincided with the
Nazi Holocaust. When Hungary joined the Axis in World War II, Tuky's idyllic life with her
many brothers, sisters, and cousins was shattered. Everyone she loved had to separate and hide
from the Nazis. Along with her younger brother and cousin, Tuky went to live with non-Jewish
farm families in the country. The Nazis were relentless in their efforts to send Jews to death
camps; eventually they seized her and the boys. Tuky ultimately survived, but an estimated six
million Jews and four million non-Jews condemned by the Nazis were not so fortunate. Powerful
and emotionally moving, Tuky: The Story of a Hidden Child is also a valuable teaching tool for
educating young people about the horrific Holocaust.
Cooper and the Big Apple
Camille Cohn & Riley Cohn
Greenleaf Book Group Press
PO Box 91869, Austin, TX 78709
www.greenleafbookgroup.com
9781626342200, $15.95, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Cooper the cat is purrfectly content with his life in Texas. So when his best friend Jennifer tells
him they're taking a trip to New York City, he's not really sure what all the fuss is about. But, like
a good friend, he embarks on the new adventure with her. Jennifer takes Cooper to climb the
Statue of Liberty, to visit the Stock Exchange, and to attend a Broadway musical, and to see
many other New York City landmarks. At each new location, Cooper realizes the Big Apple is
not what he expected and even more than he imagined! The collaborative work of freelance
graphic designer Camille Cohn and illustrator Riley Cohn (a high school sophomore whose gift
of Autism gives her a special ability to see the beauty and good in all), "Cooper and the Big
Apple" is an original and engaging story that young readers will find thoroughly entertaining
from first page to last. Very highly recommended for both school and community library
collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Cooper and the Big Apple" is also
available in a Kindle edition.
The Seven Saws of Speedy Weedy and Mosey Dawdle
Reg Down
Lightly Press
6187 Greenhaven Drive, Sacramento, CA 95831
www.tiptoes-lightly.net
9781517485115, $14.95, 120pp, www.amazon.com
"The Seven Saws of Speedy Weedy and Mosey Dawdle" by Reg Down is an impressive and
unfailingly entertaining collection of 26 stories specifically written for young children ages 5 to 9
and students from kindergarten through the fourth grade. "The Seven Saws of Speedy Weedy and
Mosey Dawdle" is comprised of nature stories, fables, mystery tales, wonder tales, fairy tales,
fabulous tales and of course the seven saws of Speedy Weedy Hare and his unbeatable nemesis,
Mosey Dawdle the Tortoise. Perfect for family bedtime story hours "The Seven Saws of Speedy
Weedy and Mosey Dawdle" or for rainy day family entertainment, "The Seven Saws of Speedy
Weedy and Mosey Dawdle" is very highly recommended for family, school, and community
library collections. It should be noted that "The Seven Saws of Speedy Weedy and Mosey
Dawdle" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.95).
My Teacher is an Idiom
Jamie Gilson
Clarion Books
c/o Houghton Mifflin
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
9780544056800, $16.99, www.hmhco.com
My Teacher is an Idiom tells of Richard, who is trying to befriend new French girl Sophie. She
can speak English, but many times she doesn't make sense - and idioms and phrases are a
problem. There are other troubles going on at school but idioms and manners keep Richard and
his troublemaking classmate guessing. The result is a fun investigation into language,
misunderstandings, and trouble; excellent reading for grades 4-6.
Saddleback Publishing Inc.
3120 Pullman Street, Cosa Mesa, CA 92626-4564
www.sdlback.com
Saddleback Publishing is the premier publisher of high interest/low vocabulary books
specifically designed to foster not just an improvement in a student's reading skills, but engender
the enjoyment of reading as well. Their latest four volume series by John Perritano designed for
highschool students features "Tuskegee Airmen" (9781680210521, $9.95) that covers why
Adolph Hitler was able to rule Germany; who was Jim Crow; what were Red Tails; how the First
Lady helped the Tuskegee pilots; and if the reader has ever felt judged. "Great Spies Of The
World" (9781680210491, $9.95) as addresses the questions of whether anyone can be a spay; do
all spies lie; how was Moe Berg able to spy; what is a double agent; and can the reader keep a
secret. "Cannibal Animals" (9781680210484, $9.95) covers why alligators eat their babies; do
animal sisters eat brothers too; what helps toads grow; where do most cannibals live; and do
people ever eat people. "Fault Lines" (9781680210538, $9.95) explains why the earth moves;
what makes us feel the shake; where the largest fault line is; how many faults are there; and why
faults are helpful. Also very highly recommended for school and community high interest/low
vocabulary collections from Saddleback Publishing is M. G. Higgins' "Hacked"
(9781680210378, $9.95) which explores whether all hackers are bad; what a cyber war is; who
are white hats; do all computer bugs get found; and is hacking a crime.
The Christmas Shelf
The Nutcracker
Music by Tchaikovsky
Adapted by Stephen Simon
Jim Weiss, narrator
Performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra
Maestro Classics
c/o Simon & Simon LLC
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
www.maestroclassics.com
c/o Waldmania! (publicity)
$16.98 CD / $9.98 download
Part of the "Maestro Classics" series of music CDs designed to introduce young listeners to the
joy of classical music, The Nutcracker is an hour-long adaptation of Tchaikovsky's beloved
ballet. The London Philharmonic Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky's music, as narrator Jim Weiss
tells the story about a magical nutcracker given to a little girl named Clara as a present. On
Christmas Eve, the nutcracker comes to life as a handsome prince, battles the Mouse King, and
takes Clara to visit the enchanted Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy... but was it all just a dream?
Music from each section of Tchaikovsky's ballet is included, in this wondrous fantasy adventure
that the whole family will enjoy. The Nutcracker is also highly recommended for public library
children's music collections. 58 min., 1 sec.
Yule Be Cool
The Little Rockers Band
Little Rockers LLC
www.LittleRockersMusic.com
$11.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com
Yule Be Cool is a children's music album that presents a mix of classic Christmas favorites and
brand new original songs by The Little Rockers Band. The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is
celebrated too! The Little Rockers adds their unique zest to each and every performance, in this
upbeat, joyous collection. A choice pick for Christmas parties at any age! The tracks are "This Is
How It Feels at Christmas", "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", "Feliz Navidad", "Jingle Bells
Rock", "Hanukkah Is Here!", "Snow Falls", "Frosty the Snowman", "Dreidel Song", "Holiday",
"8 Little Candles", "Let It Snow", and "It's Christmas Time Again".
Here Comes Christmas!
Greg Page
www.gregpage.com
Butterscotch Communications Group, Ltd.
www.butterscotchtv.com
c/o Waldmania! (publicity)
$12.99 CD / $10.99 download
Here Comes Christmas! is a music CD that wholeheartedly celebrates the Christmas season.
Most of the album is for whole family; Greg Page (formerly part of the children's entertainment
group "The Wiggles!") performs a wide variety of classic holiday favorites, as well as a few
original songs. An additional four bonus tracks are songs "just for kids" from Greg's new DVD
"Butterscotch Playground" round out this choice pick for playing at Christmas parties! The tracks
are "Here Comes Christmas!", "Christmas Bells", "It's Christmas", "Santa Clause Is Coming to
Town", "Jingle Bells", "Let It Snow", "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "Winter
Wonderland", "Little Drummer Boy", "The Christmas Song", "Frosty the Snowman", "Jingle Bell
Rock", "Dominick the Donkey", "White Christmas", "Silent Night", "Silver Bells", "Feliz
Navidad", "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "I Saw Three Ships", "The Twelve Days of
Christmas", "O Come All Ye Faithful", "We Wish You A Merry Christmas", and bonus tracks
"Everybody Dance", "At the Fire Station", "Knead It", "Get Down Low and Go, Go, Go". 58
mn.
Happy Holidays from Rocknoceros
Rocknoceros
Rockno Records
c/o Waldmania (publicity)
$10.00 www.rocknoceros.com
Happy Holidays from Rocknoceros is a children's music CD that celebrates Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's Day with family-friendly charm and enthusiasm. The original songs all share a common theme of joyful celebration, with a stylish dash of tongue-in-cheek drama. Happy Holidays from Rocknoceros lives up to its title as a font of holiday cheer! The tracks are "Halloween Masquerade", "This Thanksgiving", "The Dreidel Song", "On Christmas Brie", "Snow Day", "Wenceslas", "Up on the Rooftop", "The Night Before Christmas", and "Auld Lang Syne (Enjoy Yourself)". 23 min.
The Midwife of Bethlehem
Shad Driggs, author
Diane Lucas, illustrator
Privately Published
9780990878001, $14.99, www.lucasillustration.com
"The Midwife of Bethlehem" is a beautiful story based on Gospel scriptures about the birth of
Jesus as seen by some women of Bethlehem who may well have assisted Mary at the Nativity.
Rebecca is described as a midwife of Bethlehem, who assisted Hebrew mothers at their birth, as
is known in traditions of Israel. In the story, Rebecca first encounters Mary riding the donkey
with Joseph as she is on her way to assist at another mother's delivery. Seeing Mary's weariness
and condition, Rebecca has a premonition that she may need her assistance soon. Rebecca soon
meets her assistant, a midwife in training named Rachel, at the home of a young mother to be
named Sarah. During quiet moments, Rachel and Rebecca remember the prophesy quoted in
Micah 5:2 and wonder if they might witness the birth of the longed for Messiah. A few days
later, Rebecca and Rachel are called to help a young woman staying in the stable of an inn, who
is giving birth on a bed of straw. The child, a Son, is delivered well and whole, and the woman
who holds him wonders if this is no ordinary Baby. She imagines a voice whispering in her heart
saying: "You came to the stable tonight to deliver me, but I came to the world to deliver you."
The midwives help clean and swaddle the baby and tend the young mother with clean cloths in
the stable straw. Later, visitors arrive, excited shepherds, who tell an amazing story of angels
visiting them in the fields, saying: "Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy
which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is
Christ the Lord." Later the midwives leave, remembering the prophecy of Moses: "There shall
come a star out of Jacob, and a Scepter out of Israel." They rejoice, knowing that they were the
first to see and hold the newborn King. Quiet, shadowed illustrations of the women and Joseph
seem molded of light and hope against the starry sky of Bethlehem. Skillfully embedded with
beloved quotations from Scriptures about the coming of the Messiah, "The Midwife of
Bethlehem" offers a fresh, believable viewpoint of the wondrous Nativity of Jesus Christ. This
tender story is appropriate for children ages 5 and up, and can help them to picture the original
event in their minds, grounding the miracle.
The Christmas Pumpkin
Debbie Reece, author
Ron Head, illustrator
BeeBop Books Publishing
PO Box 1424, Howe, TX 75459
www.BeeBopBooks.com
9780615662329, $14.99, 32pp, www.amazon.com
A green pumpkin for Christmas? Who ever heard of such a thing? When James wants to use his
green pumpkin to celebrate Christmas, many people laugh at his idea. With the strength of his
family and his own self confidence, James decides to carve a star like the star the Three Wise
Men follow and show everyone what a green pumpkin can do for Christmas. Imaginatively
written by Debbie Reece and charmingly illustrated by Ron Head, "The Christmas Pumpkin"
includes a coloring page to design your own Christmas pumpkin. An inspiring story that proves
that if you believe in something, you can make it happen, "The Christmas Pumpkin" is very
highly recommended for school, family, and community library Christmas storybook collections
for young readers. "The Christmas Pumpkin" is a recipient of the Mom's Choice Gold Award and
the Dove Family Seal of Approval along with 4 other children's book awards. It should be noted
that "The Christmas Pumpkin" is also available in a paperback edition (9780615290720, $8.00)
and in a Kindle format ($2.99).
The Tannenbaum Tailors and the Secret Snowball
J. B. Michaels
Harrison and James
http://mistermichaels.com
9780692540558, $9.99, 144pp, www.amazon.com
The Tannenbaum Tailors are elves charged with maintaining Christmas trees in homes around
the world. Without the Tailors' efforts, families might lose their Christmas spirit. And this year,
one team of Tailors will be tested like never before. With the North Pole itself under attack,
newly promoted Captain Brendan is assigned a special mission: conceal the source of Santa's
power within a Christmas tree in Chicago. On Christmas Eve, Santa will pick it up. The job
would be simple, but the Tailors find themselves facing a serious threat - the thieving Spiritless
elves, already responsible for sabotaging the North Pole Home Tree, will do anything to gain
control of the very thing that makes Christmas possible. Equally bad, Christmas spirit is at an
all-time low in the Chicago home where Brendan's assigned. The family's mother even wants to
take the tree down before Christmas Eve! To save Christmas, Captain Brendan and his Tailors
will have to use every spirit-raising trick they know - and possibly even bend a few rules to pull it
off. Combining Christmas holiday cheer with action and thrills, "The Tannenbaum Tailors and
the Secret Snowball" is as absorbing as it is a unique and entertaining addition to the growing
library of Christmas themed stories for young readers. Very highly recommended for school and
community library Christmas fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"The Tannenbaum Tailors and the Secret Snowball" is also available in a Kindle edition
($2.99).
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Asha Pearse, illustrator
Flowerpot Press
2160 South Service Road, Oakville, ON, Canada L6L 5N1
9781486700226, $8.99, www.flowerpotpress.com
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is a sturdy, colorful, beribboned board book setting for the
first verse of a beloved, traditional, English Christmas carol. Especially attractive to young
preschool children, every page of holiday cheer and joy radiates the light and love at the heart of
Christmas. All races, genders, and ages of human figures (and some animals) are represented,
exchanging cards, walking pets, sending mail, shopping, celebrating Yuletide around a cozy fire,
exchanging presents, decorating a tree, visiting Santa, singing carols, and celebrating a happy
New Year. Each page is crammed full of exciting pictures of diverse, happy groups of people
rediscovering the joy of wishing one another a Merry Christmas yet once again, or for the first
time. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is a perfect holiday book to give the youngest recipient
on your gift list this year. Another new beautiful board book of holiday joy that is sure to delight
the younger audience is a lovely setting of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas (9781770938496,
$8.99)," by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by David A. Cutting.
Kristoph and the First Christmas Tree
Claudia Cangilla McAdam, author
Dave Hill, illustrator
Paraclete Press
P.O. Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653
9781512516308, $16.99, www.paracletepress.com
"Kristoph and the First Christmas Tree" is a moving retelling of an early story of the prayer of St.
Boniface for a Christmas Tree. The year is 722, and the date is December 24, in a cold forest
village in Germany. A young orphan boy named Kristoph follows the priest Boniface into the
forest with supplies to take down a special fir tree for celebration of the nativity of Christ.
Kristoph was responsible for sharpening the axe they would use. The pair trudge deep into the
snow covered forest and encounter a group of pagan men who are about to sacrifice a young boy,
the son of the village chieftain, before a huge old oak tree. Boniface tells the men they should
worship the true God, and not a tree, and they laugh and taunt him to prove the power of God.
Boniface promises the men that through the power of God, he will fell the mighty tree with one
axe stroke. The men laugh and do not believe he can do this. However, Boniface has faith, and he
tells Kristoph to have faith. With one mighty whack of the axe, he fells the oak giant. This is
mystifying to the pagan men, but even more strange is a fir tree as tall as a mean that seems to
spring immediately from the stump of the old oak tree. Boniface tells the men the fir tree is a
wood of peace, that points towards heaven, a sign of endless life with its evergreen branches. He
declares it should be known as the tree of the Christ Child, displayed in their homes where it will
shelter loving gifts and lights of kindness rather than evil deeds or sacrifices. Thus Boniface
began the conversion of the pagan men, and rescued the village chieftain's son, and began the
tradition of the blessing of the Christmas tree. Filled with colorful, realistic, narrative
illustrations of the story, "Kristoph and the First Christmas Tree" describes an ancient Christian
miracle through the fresh eyes of a child, making this lovely book a beautiful holiday gift to
celebrate the coming of Christ.
All I Want for Christmas Is You
Mariah Carey, author
Colleen Madden, illustrator
Random House/Doubleday Books for Young Readers
www.randomhousekids.com
9780399551390, $17.99, mariahcarey.com
"All I Want for Christmas Is You" is a classic, modern Christmas song made famous by
singer/author Mariah Carey. Now it is presented in a heartwarming picture book for young
readers ages 3-7, with charming holiday illustrations suggesting a specially appealing subtext to
the familiar, bouncy lyrics. "I don't want a lot for Christmas. This is all I'm asking for. I just want
to see my baby standing right outside my door. I just want you for my own, more than you could
ever know. Make my wish come true. Baby, all I want for Christmas is....You!" Pictures of happy
children playing in the snow, skating, making cookies, singing carols, visiting Santa, and opening
presents, all show a little blonde girl dreaming of one special Christmas wish: to have one special
brown and white puppy from the adoption place for her own. "All I Want for Christmas Is You"
will delight young children, who will also enjoy listening to the song performed by the
inimitable, award-winning Mariah Carey (visit mariahcarey.com). The song book ends with a
tender postscript from the author: "To everyone this holiday season: This book is something I've
been wanting to do for a long time, and I hope it brightens up your holidays as it has brightened
mine. Love you always, Mariah Carey."
One Maine Christmas Eve
Douglas Coffin, author/illustrator
Tilbury House Publishers
12 Starr Street, Thomaston, Maine 04861
9780884484691, $16.95, www.tilburyhouse.com
"One Maine Christmas Eve" revisits the classic tale of Clement C. Moore with a definite down
under twist. Think Rudolph and Santa meet a sweet group of old Maine folk, with a holiday
crisis in the making. Santa's reindeer, it turns out are sick, and need tending and a rest in Miss
Moody's old barn. When her boarders and she discover that half of Santa's rounds are as yet
unfinished, a wonderful, comical, Maine miracle begins to occur. Old farmer Emery begins to
hitch old Copper, his horse to the empty, frozen harness of Santa's eight tiny reindeer, who are
convalescing in the barn. A marvelous journey through the countryside animals ends with this
fantastic delivery team who generously volunteer to sub for Santa: "Now Copper, Now Sheila!
Now Sal and Good Riddance! On Goosers and Cinda, the Grunter, and Smittens! To the top of
whatever you think you can't do, dash out of the Old Year and into the New!" The comical
illustrations show a ramshackle sleigh drawn by an old horse, a goat, a cow, a pig, two geese,
even a tractor, plus a cat and Miss Moody's beloved Smittens, the dog. "One Main Christmas
Eve" is impossible to read without laughter that is infectious. Children and adults will love this
eccentric revisiting of a tried and true holiday favorite.
Emily's Perfect Christmas Tree
Catherine Christensen, author
Jane Delve, illustrator
Sweetwater Books, an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc.
2373 W. 700 S., Springville, Utah 84663
9781462117505, $14.99, www.cedarfort.com
"Emily's Perfect Christmas Tree" is a heartwarming, narrative verse story of a girl's quest to find
the perfect Christmas tree for her family's Christmas celebrations. Along with her two brothers,
mother and father, Emily examines all the trees in the Christmas tree lot. She is frustrated in her
search, for she finds something not quite right about every single tree. Sourly, Emily accepts her
father's verdict that the family needs to settle on the last Christmas tree, even though Emily does
not think it is the perfect one. Her mother tells her: "I'm sorry, Emily. I doubt there IS a perfect
tree." But later, after putting up the tree and decorating it at home, hanging homemade ornaments
for festive color, Emily decides, "The tree looks great, sparkling, colorful, tall and straight...... I
was wrong! This tree's not bad- Maybe the best we've ever had." And finally, after wrapping
presents, having holiday treats, and listening to the Christmas story, Emily realizes even more:
"This tree's perfect!....Shape doesn't matter, nor does size. It helped us love and have great fun. It
helped us think about God's Son." Watching snowflakes fall on this wonderful Christmas Eve,
Emily finally realized that her wish had come true, and she had found the perfect Christmas tree."
Joyful, jubilant, colored illustrations underline the festive atmosphere of this homey Christmas
story, and young readers are challenged to find 13 hidden portraits of Whiskers, a little gray
mouse who scampered through the story pages of "Emily's Perfect Christmas Tree."
Look & Find Bible Stories: Christmas
Charlotte Thoroe, author
Gill Guile, illustrator
Copenhagen Publishing House
www.copenhagenpublishing.com
c/o B&H Kids
One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234
BHKidsBuzz.com
9781433687860 $12.99 hc / $3.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
Part of an engaging seek-and-find activity book series designed to teach biblical stories to young people, Look & Find Bible Stories: Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. The text is written to be accessible to children, although the entire story is somewhat lengthy and beginning readers may need help from an adult. Children will enjoy pulling each fold-out story page to reveal a full-color, two page scene and a checklist of people and things to look for! A write-on, wipe-off marker can be used on the laminated, thin-cardboard pages, so that little ones can search-and-find again and again. Look & Find Bible Stories: Christmas makes a great gift and a delightful holiday activity! Also highly recommended are other titles in series, "Look & Find Bible: Old Testament Stories" (9781433685972, $12.99 hc / $3.99 Kindle) and "Look & Find Bible: New Testament Stories" (9781433685989, $12.99 hc / $3.99 Kindle).
The Social Issues Shelf
Beautiful is Black
Serenity Anderson, author
Rina Risnawati, illustrator
Gifts From Heaven
15 Yew Road, Newark, DE 19702
9781942779018, $21.95, www.gfhbooks.com
"Beautiful is Black" is a juvenile book with a mission to educate and sensitize children and adults
to the particular pain inflicted their peers upon kids of mixed races. The heroine is a girl with
caramel colored skin, blue eyes, and ash blond kinky hair, the child of a loving African American
father and a white mother. She is cruelly teased and rejected by kids of both races, and suffers
pain and lack of self acceptance. She feels she is tortured for being who and what she is, a choice
she did not make. "Beautiful is Black" does an excellent job of presenting the feelings of the girl
being harassed for her racial appearance, resulting in the girl's sadness and depression at felling
rejected by kids of all races and colors. When her parents encourage and reassure her, they do not
minimize her suffering, but teach her to learn to be strong, to accept and respect everyone. Color
illustrations present many racial characteristics and skin colors accurately, in the story's
characters. "Beautiful is Black" ends on a positive note, with the girl embracing both her parents,
saying "Mom and Dad you are the greatest. Love to me, I think, is blind. My mother and father
raised me to love all kinds of colors. I hope one day people will learn to love all skin tones
realize that we are all the same on the inside." Fur further study, and to encourage empathy and
integrated perception, there are questions, food for thought, positive affirmations for children,
and a group exercise suggested at the end. "Food for Thought" is ideal for a middle grade
elementary audience, or kids ages 8-12.
I Am Not a Minority! I'm Part of the Majority!
Valerie Christopher, author/illustrator
Lulu Publishing Services
www.thevaleriechristophercommunity.com
9781483429571, $19.99, www.amazon.com
"I Am Not a Minority! I'm Part of the Majority!" is a much needed educational book that focuses
on increasing acceptance of all races and skin colors among children especially. Highlighting
awareness the majority of dominant culture/race is shifting from white to other races, implying
the inevitable reversal of dominant/non dominant roles by 2020, this educational book in
narrative verse, filled with children with multiple representative racial characteristics, inspires
children to work and aspire to their special dreams and contributions no matter whether they are
part of a majority or a minority. Some pages deal with differences, such as on p. 14-16: "And
there are times we don't agree, but fight to harm - never, never! In some parts of the world
children like me are seen less not more, but no, no, no, look a bit farther there's children like me
galore! There's a very promising future for children who are just like me. Although ugly things
are sometimes said some find it hard to see, like all people in this big fantastic world I'm still part
of the majority!" Another inspiring quotation about celebration of differences is on page 21: "My
nose, my eyes, my hair, and my lips are features you cannot ignore, Hooray! Being me does not
mean there is less. Instead there is more!" Positive images of children with dark skin, yellow skin
and tilted eyes, copper colored skin, and light brown skin abound, showing children engaged in
helpful, industrious, and studious activities as well as active play. A superb, inspiring ending
closes with: "I am not a minority. Like all the beautiful people in this 'super huge amazing world,'
I am part of the majority!" A final two page worksheet reinforces all the positive messages of "I
Am Not a Minority, I'm Part of the Majority!" Closing with "How many things can you do better
in the next five years?' this important, inspiring educational book is ideal for adaptation and use
with children age 2 and up.
How the Crocka Dog Came to Be
Ross Van Dusen, author/illustrator
Rio Grande Books
925 Salamanca NW, Los Ranchos, NM 87107
0891936744398, $21.95, www.LPDPress.com
"How the Crocka Dog Came to Be... and Then Not to Be" is the initial title in a series about
bullying, which is designed to entertain and educate children ages 3-8. It begins with a little
yellow puppy who lived off Mean Street down in Bad Alley somewhere. The little yellow puppy
is frightened and hurt by mean creatures and people who are stronger than he is. He had to fight
to defend himself and to protect his food. So the little yellow puppy became the mean Crocka
Dog who bites others, a frightening beast. Larger and larger grew the Crocka Dog, chewing up a
tank and a blimp sent to catch him (but releasing the crew). But a boy named Elwood had been
watching Crocka Dog and he knew what to do. Despite Crocka Dog's scary growls and hisses,
Elwood surprised him with a hug and a kiss. This transformed Crocka Dog "Not back to a puppy,
but to a nice little doggy with love in his eyes." So Elwood loved the little doggy, named him
Frank, and gave him a home, "after he shrank." Needless to say, Elwood and Frank lived happily
ever after. "How the Crocka Dog Came to Be... and Then Not to Be" is a great story of the
healing change effects of love and friendship, a new window on bullying behavior.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Darien and the Seed of Obreget
Jeanna Kunce, author
Art by Craig Kunce
Windhill Books
windhillbooks.com
9780984482870 $16.00 hc / $9.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
Available in both jacketless hardcover and Kindle editions, Darien and the Seed of Obreget is the
second novel in a fantastic series following Darien, a young girl caught between worlds in more
ways than one. Darien's parents push for her to fit in and grow up, while Darien yearns for
independence from her family and freedom to express her creativity. Yet Darien is also
connected to the mysterious lands of Telinoria, where a tree with magical healing properties is
threatened by a growing conflict. Darien hopes that magic from the Tree of Healing can restore
the powers of her friend Miss Mildred, but can she reach it in time? Can one girl persuade two
greed-driven races to back down? Middle grade students will enjoy this thoughtful
fantasy-adventure, ideal for private and public library children's collections. Also highly
recommended is the first book in the series, "Darien and the Lost Paints of Telinoria"
(9780984482863, $16.00 hc / $9.99 Kindle).
Library of Souls
Ransom Riggs
Quirk Books
215 Church Street, Philadelphia PA 19106
9781594747588 $18.99 www.quirkbooks.com
Illustrated with striking black-and-white photographs in a vintage style, Library of Souls: The
Third Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children continues an enthralling saga intended for
readers ages 13 and up. Continuing where the suspenseful second novel left off, Library of Souls
follows Jacob and Emma, both barely alive, as they desperately try to mount a rescue mission to
save their friends from evil weights. Jacob struggles to control his budding powers, as he and
Emma make their way deep into enemy territory. A growing love binds Jacob and Emma
together, but do they have a prayer of saving Miss Peregrine, or any of the other peculiar children
in peril? Also highly recommended are the first two books in the series, "Miss Peregrine's Home
for Peculiar Children" (9781594744761) and "Hollow City" (9781594746123).
End of Days
Eric Walters
Doubleday Canada
320 Front Street West, 12th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5V 3B6
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9780385670067, $9.99, 320pp, www.amazon.com
It's 2012 and the world's most renowned astrophysicists, astronomers, and theoretical
mathematicians have all died within the same 12-month period. But as these scientists discover,
none of them are really dead after all. They have been taken hostage by alien forces. And while
their family and friends are mourning their passing, and with the help of a 16-year-old with rare
gifts, they face the ultimate struggle of prevailing over evil and returning themselves and the
earth to safety. Eric Walter's "End of Days" is a deftly crafted science fiction action/adventure by
a master of the genre and is very highly recommended for highschool and community library
science fiction collections for young readers ages 12 and up. For personal reading lists it should
be noted that "End of Days" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
Life of Zarf: The Troll Who Cried Wolf
Rob Harrell
Dial Books
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780803741041, $14.99, www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Life of Zarf: The Troll Who Cried Wolf is the next step up from a chapter book, retaining larger
print and black and white cartoon drawings throughout but crafting a fun story surrounding a
wolf and one Zarf in particular, a troll who is at the bottom of the middle school social ladder
only because wolves have largely vanished after the Red Ridinghood incident. But when Zarf
discovers his friend Kevin the pig has vanished, and wolves are heard howling, it's a friendship
threatened by danger. Life of Zarf is a fun story of friendship, adversity and survival, and it offers
a creative portrait of a young troll who faces many options and challenges in the course of a
school takeover attempt. Advanced elementary to early middle grades will find it a lively and
satisfyingly unpredictable saga.
Illuminae
Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Alfred A. Knopf
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
9780553499117, $18.99 www.randomhouseteens.com
Illuminae: The Illuminae Files 01 presents a riveting sci-fi thriller centered around a girl who
finds her life driven by more than interpersonal relationships when her planet is invaded. It's
2575, two rival corporations are at war over a distant planet, and two exes find themselves on the
same side when a bigger enemy appears. Told in the unusual format of a dossier of hacked
documents - emails, military files, medical reports and interviews - Illuminae is an engrossing,
revealing saga highly recommended for mature teens into adult audiences.
Seaside
Wylde Scott, author
Hannah K. Shuping, illustrator
Wylde Press
www.wyldescott.com
9780996031523 $16.99 hc www.amazon.com
Seaside is a lighthearted fantasy adventure set in a fairy tale fishing village only a hop, skip, and
jump away from reality. Like every other boy in Seaside, ten-year-old Robert Grace O'Malley
yearns to be one of "Blackbeard's Boys", a stepping stone to becoming captain of his own ship.
Yet O'Malley's life is destined to be transformed forever when he befriends Walter, an intelligent
young octopus! Also highly recommended for middle grade and young adult readers is author
Wylde Scott's imaginative saga, "The Possible Police" (9780996031509, $17.99 hc).
The Picturebook Shelf
Dandelions
Katrina McKelvey, author
Kirrili Lonergan
Exisle Publishing
9781921966828, $17.99, 32pp, www.amazon.com
A little girl notices her father mowing the lawn and in the process is destroying her favorite
flowers: the dandelions. She rushes out to stop him, but she's too late, they're all gone. There's
nothing for it: she's just going to have to sit outside and wait until they grow back! But
fortunately, Dad has another idea. Taking her hand, he leads her to the front step, and there,
nestled in a crack in the concrete, are two tiny dandelion puff balls. Father and daughter each
blow as hard as they can, and the tiny dandelion parachutes spiral and spin, up, up and away,
spreading their seeds to create new generations of dandelions far and wide. Father and daughter
lie down together on the grass, watching as they whirl and twirl through the air. A wonderfully
charming and original story by Katrina McKelvey, "Dandelions" is perfectly enhanced by the
colorful illustrations of Kirrili Lonergan. The result is an enthusiastic and very highly
recommended addition to family, school, and community library picture book collections for
children age 4-9.
Jasper And The Haunted House!
Donald W. Kruse, author
Donny Crank, illustrator
Zaccheus Entertainment
136 Morrison Avenue, Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
9780692537343, $12.95, 52pp, www.amazon.com
After helping a little old lady to cross the street, Officer Jasper is called to a crime scene. Who or
what is stealing items from Big Al's Department Store? His initial investigation reveals a single
clue, but then the investigation seemingly hits a dead end. But then a group of terrified boys, who
had been playing ball in the street, confront Officer Jasper with the hair on their heads standing
straight up. Their frantic story leads Officer Jasper to a huge haunted house! And what he finds
inside is a scary surprise. "Jasper And The Haunted House!" is a Christian story written in verse
and features an inspiring Foreword by Police Chief Steve Bukala. Engagingly written by Donald
W. Kruse and enhanced with the colorful illustrations of Donny Crank, "Jasper And The Haunted
House!" is the third book in the Jasper picture book series and very highly recommended,
especially for young readers ages 5 to 10.
Rooty Le' Boar
Mary Ann D. Cogliano, author
Phil Wilson, illustrator
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
www.createspace.com
9781512094954, $12.99, 26pp, www.amazon.com
Imaginatively written by Mary Ann D. Cogliano and colorfully illustrated by Phil Wilson, "Rooty
Le' Boar" is a wonderfully presented picture book story about bullying. Young readers will enjoy
the adventure meet some pretty cool characters with hooves and feet. But they must beware,
because there's a shady character coming to Muckapoo farm. As children breeze through the
story they will find out if the farm animals have what it takes to stop the bullying or not!
Splendidly entertaining with a strong social message, "Rooty Le' Boar" is very highly
recommended for school, family, and community library picture book collections.
The Tiniest Tumbleweed
Kathy Peach, author
Alex Lopez, illustrator
Little Five Star
c/o Five Star Publications
P.O. Box 6698, Chandler, AZ 85246
9781589852273, $12.95, www.TiniestTumbleweed.com
"The Tiniest Tumbleweed" is a wonderful teaching story about the eventual growth and thriving
of a very small tumbleweed and a very small sparrow, on a desert in the American Southwest.
Both the Tiniest Tumbleweed and the smallest baby sparrow had loving parents who encouraged
them to dig deep, do their best, take root, grow, and even fly. Although Tiniest Tumbleweed was
sad and fearful he would never be as big as his siblings, his parents said, "Perhaps not, but you
will be as big and strong as YOU can be and that is just fine, just fine indeed." And Father
sparrow told Baby sparrow the same thing, and gave him a hug. Tiny Tumbleweed was
encouraged, and tried her best to take root and grow in the desert rains, to make shelter and seeds
for the little sparrow to find and spread. Baby Sparrow flapped her wings and learned to fly.
When a desert rainstorm came, the little sparrow was able to take shelter inside the Tiny
Tumbleweed, where he found seeds to eat and scatter. Both the Tiny Tumbleweed and the little
sparrow were very happy because they knew they had done their best and become what they were
meant to be. Expressive, playful portraits of Tiny Tumbleweed and the little sparrow keep the
story moving and exciting. At the end of the story are pages of Fun Facts, a Curriculum Guide,
and other related project suggestions and ideas. "The Tiniest Tumbleweed" is excellent reading
for children in grades K-3.
Stinky Feet the Dragon
Rhonda Stewart, author
Cortni Green, illustrator
Inspiring Voices
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781462411139, $16.95, www.inspiringvoices.com
"Stinky Feet the Dragon" is a delightful original classic children's tale originally created for the
author's grandchildren. Stinky Feet is an adorable, beautiful dragon with "scales ... like
beautifully painted glass that sparkled when the sun shined." His real name was Elvin, but he had
one flaw - stinky feet! Elvin would come down from his mountain to look for children to play
with, but they all ran from him because of his stinky feet! His mom and dad were working on a
solution to his problem with Mr. Leatherman. When Elvin went home back up the mountain, his
mother surprised him with special boxes of shoes and even fun socks! So even though dragons
don't usually wear shoes, Elvin tried them on. This time the children were happy to see him and
play with him, at the playground, at the pool, at church, and in the snow! Elvin had special shoes
for all these conditions, so he learned that "there really is a rainbow around the corner....even
when things seem really tough!" Creative, crayon-decorated illustrations bring "Stinky Feet the
Dragon" vividly to life, and the positive message will be a source of encouragement to young
readers everywhere.
Rosie and Rolland in the Legendary Show-and-Tell
Jon Berg, author/artist
Owlkids Books
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781771470582, $17.95, www.owlkidsbooks.com
"Rosie and Rolland in the Legendary Show-and Tell" is a riveting fantasy adventure story
spotlighting a shy, spunky heroine and her favorite canine companion. Rosie wants to find
something exciting to share and Show-and-Tell, and her dog, Rolland assist her in a fantastic
quest for adventure that begins with her explorer Grandpa's old hat. Haunting illustrations reveal
a jungle/guarded site, with a mysterious monkey god statue holding a glowing ball at its core.
Rosie is tough, resourceful, and quick to accept the helpful suggestions of her wise dog, Rolland
in her fantastic quest adventure. A shadow of threat is cast by a rude classmate named Freddy
who follows her, steals the golden ball, and attempts to trap her in the hidden temple. But Rosie
finds an alternate escape, with the help of Rolland, and later her Grandpa, who comes to the
rescue in a hot air balloon. In the end, Rosie decides to take her Grandpa's hat to Show-and-Tell,
explaining that it is his adventure hat. Most intriguing of all, Freddy, the rude classmate/thief of
the golden ball, was unable to show the class his treasure which he stole from Rosie and the
Monkey King. Later, he scornfully returns the rock to Rosie, telling her it was the Golden Ball,
but looks like an ordinary rock now. He blames her for a trick, but the reader must begin to
wonder if the real lack is in Freddy's ability to believe in real treasures, like adventure, and
perhaps friendship.... "Rosie and Rolland in the Legendary Show -and Tell" ends on a promising
note, hinting that this may be the first of many more exciting adventures to come. Watch for an
exciting sequel in this youth adventure fantasy experience!
How Many Legs?
Kes Gray, author
Jim Field, illustrator
Barrons Educational Series
250 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppage, NY 11788
9781438006840, $8.99, www.barronseduc.com
"How Many Legs?" is a zany, funny, wildly fantastic counting mystery that masquerades as an
animal parade, where legs are the operative currency to be counted. Hopelessly funny images of a
succession of eccentric animals and accouterments involve the reader's math and counting skills
in a hilarious cavalcade of creatures. A blonde boy jumps joyously through each hysterically
funny pair of pages, trying to keep track of the number of legs of... so many funny animals,
eccentrically dressed! At the end, a blackboard total with diagrams of counted animal legs helps
resolve the rhyming riddle: "If you lose count, don't feel bad, A sum this big could send you mad.
No need to tie your brain in knots. Let's just say the answer's .... (dramatic page turn) LOTS!
(Plus four more if you include the table!)" And for the persistent readers, the children who want
to know the real total, the correct answer is presented on the very last page, on the back of the
blonde boy, who is busy sweeping up the animal parade confetti! What en effortless and fun way
for children to learn mental counting! "How Many Legs?" is entertaining education crossing
poetry, math, art, and memory all simultaneously, with effortless delight.
The Dog that Nino Didn't Have
Edward Van De Vendel, author
Anton Van Hertbruggen, illustrator
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
2140 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
9780802854513, $17.00, www.eerdmans.com
"The Dog That Nino Didn't Have" is a haunting, sensitive story whose narration and illustrations
are intricately intertwined, a visible union of imagination. Dark, mysterious, shadowy portraits of
Nino and his imaginary dog (who may be himself) in a forest camping with his mother and
grandmother portray the sparse words of a poetic narrative. Perhaps the deepest mystery is the
faraway image of Nino's father, a distant voice on a telephone, leading dangerous, exotic quest
adventures impossibly far away. "The dog that he didn't have heard whatever Nino heard. On the
phone. With Dad who was calling from a country far, far away." Then one day, Nino knew the
dog that he didn't have was gone. He is replaced by a different dog, perhaps sent from his
faraway father, but a real little dog. "The dog that Nino has now is soft. And sweet. And
obedient. And naughty and small. And everyone can see it. " The dog who has become Nino's
may or may not have come from his father. Most important is the new experiences he has invited
Nino to experience, discovering all sorts of fabulous imaginary animals that he doesn't have....
The closing illustration of Nino dreaming of global explorations, exotic animals, mysterious
adventures, all under a blanket, in his dreams, with a real dog of his own. "The Dog That Nino
Doesn't Have" allows children to explore feelings of loneliness, loss, and fear, along with other
exciting, positive feelings and wonderful experiences. It is suggested reading for children ages
4-8.
Cooper and the Big Apple
Camille Cohn, author
Riley Cohn, illustrator
Greenleaf Book Group Press
PO Box 91869, Austin, TX 78709
www.greenleafbookgroup.com
9781626342200, $15.95, www.gbgpress.com
"Cooper and the Big Apple" is a creative collaborative artistic triumph of a children's book by a
mother daughter team. Featuring quirky, colorful, humorous illustrations by daughter Riley
Cohn, "Cooper and the Big Apple" (by author mother Camille Cohn) explores the difference
between literal and figurative meaning of words and expressions, through the viewpoint of
Cooper, the gray cat hero traveler, who accompanies his human friend Jennifer on an exciting
trip to the Big Apple, or New York City. Jennifer is so excited about taking Cooper to visit New
York City, but what he understands and expects from her descriptions is very different from what
he experiences. It is all very delightfully presented, from the airplane flight to New York, from
Texas (Cooper wasn't sure he wanted to leave home), to the subway station (Cooper was
expecting sandwiches, not underground trains), to the visit to Queens (Cooper expected a bevy of
real queens, not an urban neighborhood), to the stock market (again, nothing edible in this
market), and on to more exciting surprises. Cooper does manage to enjoy himself in a feline way,
but his cavalcade of surprises does not end until his trip is over. "Cooper and the Big Apple"
helps teach children how to understand those who think in concrete, literal terms, such as persons
with autism. It also helps concrete, literal thinkers to transition through humor to a more
integrated outlook. And finally, it encourages both types of readers and others to move beyond
their comfort zone and experience the world in a fresh way. "Cooper and the Big Apple" is a
delightful story, expertly and effortlessly presented, for both education and amusement. it is an
irresistible package.
The Ladybug Race
Amy Nielander, author/artist
PomegranateKids
c/o Pomegranate Press
19018 NE Portal Way, Portland, Oregon 97230
9780764971877, $19.95, www.pomegranate.com
"The Ladybug Race" is a sophisticated, fascinating story told entirely in accurately detailed, life
size images of different ladybugs. What is the mystery here? Only the careful observer of these
amazing racing ladybugs in surprising formations can trace this intriguing story. What seems to
have begun as a race transforms into something ....... different. A big brown ladybug and a tiny
brown ladybug seem to be the chief architects of action. This beautifully crafted, artistic creation
is meant to appeal to readers with developing powers of observation and appreciation. There is a
definite surprise in the end, and it is up to each reader to decide just what it means. As the
PomegranateKids slogan states, the appeal of "The Ladybug Race" definitely extends to an
audience of kids from ages 3 to 103!
Simon and Schuster
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
Delphine Perret's Pedro and George (9781481429252, $17.99) tells of a crocodile and an
alligator who love adventure and look almost alike. The problem is: nobody can tell them apart.
Good reading skills will be required for a story quite detailed for a picture book, which includes
much dialogue between the two friends who decide to visit the big city and snack on some little
children, for one adventure - with disastrous results. Kids will appreciate the whimsical, fun story
of look-alike animals with slightly different perspectives on life. Mark Pett's Lizard from the
Park (9781442483217, $17.99) tells of a boy who finds a lizard egg in a park, only to find his
amazing discovery is bringing him trouble as time goes on and the lizard keeps outgrowing his
disguises. Even more troubling is the fact that the lizard seems to enjoy his life with Leonard less
all the time. What can he do to keep their friendship and keep his new friend happy? A fine
solution eventually evolves - but not before more trouble looms. Both are excellent picture book
stories highly recommended for young readers seeking something different.
Viking
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Anna Dewdney's Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa (9780670013963, $17.99) tells of Llama
Llama who is getting ready for his first overnight visit to his grandparents' house. There are lots
of activities he's looking forward to, but he's forgotten his toy Fuzzy Llama - and this threatens to
ruin everything. How can he embark on his first trip away from home without his very best
friend? A warm whimsical story of grandparents and llamas emerges in a simple, fun tale.
Pharrell Williams' Happy! (9780399176432, $19.99) takes a hit song from a hit animated movie
and turns it into a picture book story about happiness by adding fun photos of children at play.
Words from the song and whimsical imaginative phrases pair with these happy kids celebrating
play and fun in a story best read aloud with the original music for full effect. Tomie DePaola's
The Magical World of Strega Nona (9780399173456, $40.00) takes the author's classic 1975
enchanted woman and weaves a collection pairing colorful drawings with adventures that parents
will welcome as a fun read-aloud collection. It offers new introductions to each story as it takes
six favorites and adds maps, an original lullaby, a cd of the song and Tomie's reading of Strega
Nona, Her Story, and more. Not to be missed by any familiar with the loveable character of a
magical old lady.
Wisdom Tales Press
1501 E. Hillside Drive, Bloomington, IN 47401
www.wisdomtalespress.com
Bette Killion's Princess Rosie's Rainbows (9781037786441, $16.95) tells of a princess who loves
rainbows, even though they disappear quickly, which makes her sad. Becca is a wise teacher who
may be able to solve the problem of the princesses' elusive happiness, even if it does involve
something impossible. Good reading skills will make this warm and gentle story a fine tale worth
remembering. Pauline Ts'o's Whispers of the Wolf (9781937786458, $16.95) tells of a young boy
named Two Birds who finds an abandoned wolf pup. The two grow up together - but now the
wild wolves are luring his companion away. Will Two Birds allow him to go? This story is set in
the desert Southwest in the Pueblo Indian tribe and uses gorgeous drawings and insights into
Native American culture to build its gentle tale of change and friendship.
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
Destiny: The Tale of Sonali and Amir
Sonya Wadhera, author
Priya Wadhera, author
Cory Wolfe and Carlos Valenti, illustrators
Double Infinity International Incorporated
P.O. Box 76016, 832 March Road, Kanata, Ontario, Canada K2W 0E1
9780993992810, $20.00, www.doubleinfinityinternational.com
"Destiny: The Tale of Sonale and Amir" is a lovely re-telling of a South Asian fairy tale with
many positive messages such as strength through cooperation, believing in oneself, and
perseverance and more. Sonale and Amir are the son and daughter of two royal families of India
who were famous for their kind, loving rule bringing peace to the land. A dangerous demon
named Raakshasa plotted to take over the country and destroy its peace and beauty. As revealed
in a special ceremony, only Princess Sonali and Prince Amir, the two heirs to the throne, are
destined to defeat the horrible demon together. Many trials and difficulties are faced by the
Prince and Princess before they were able to unite and use all their gifts to defeat the demon and
bring back to life the stone statues of the king and the queen, Sonali's parents enchanted by
Raakshasa. Prince Amir and Princess Somali are assisted by Shakti, the supreme power of the
Universe, to achieve this and other miracles to restore harmony to the land and destroy the
demon Raakshasa. After many fearful encounters and devilishly puzzling obstacles, Prince Amir
and Princess Somali finally defeat the demon Raakshasa, restore their parents, and marry and live
together spreading peace and love throughout the land. They fulfilled their destiny, and lived
happily ever after. Exciting, brilliant, jewel toned illustrations are embedded in this haunting
fairy tale of India that inspires young readers ages 5 and up.
The Runaway Tortilla
Eric A. Kimmel, author
Erik Brooks, illustrator
WestWinds Press
c/o Graphic Arts Books
P.O. Box 3225, Durango, CO 81302
9781941821695, $16.99, www.graphicartsbooks.com
"The Runaway Tortilla" is a classic takeoff on The Gingerbread Man traditional children's story,
sort of the Southwestern equivalent featuring Hispanic, Native American influences, and desert
animals, people, customs, and foods. The runaway tortilla begins as a perfect, fluffy, light tortilla
made by Tio Jose and Tia Lupe at El Papagayo Feliz (the Happy Parrot) taqueria. When the
adorable talking tortilla learns that she is destined to be eaten, she decides to escape her fate by
running swiftly away, saying, "Run as fast as fast can be. You won't get a bite of me. Doesn't
matter what you do, I'll be far ahead of you." A hilarious chase begins with Tio Jose and Tia
Lupe chasing the runaway tortilla into the desert, soon followed by a cavalcade of animals,
including seis vaqueros (six cowboys), cinco cascabeles (five rattlesnakes), cuartro conejos (four
jackrabbits), tres burros (three burros), y dos sapos cornudos (and two horned toads). The
runaway tortilla outruns them all and believes she is safe from being caught and eaten. Then she
meets Senor Coyote, her nemesis. Coyote is very sly, using a devious trick to finally catch and
eat the delicious, vain little runaway tortilla. All is illustrated in lovely soft desert hues, with
comical expressive faces on all characters, animal, human and edible. The interweaving of
Spanish terms is seamless in the narrative, inviting children ages 5 and up to enjoy this refreshing
Southwestern American version of a beloved classic.
Why Bear Has a Short Tail
Sydelle Pearl, author
Anca Delia Budeanu, illustrator
Reading Reading Books
P.O. Box 6654, Reading, PA 19610
9781608925438, $4.95, www.rrbooks.com
"Why Bear Has a Short Tail" is an imaginative retelling of a Norwegian folktale for preschool
children and early readers. In this traditional legend, bears used to have long, beautiful tails. One
day a bear met a fox in the woods, carrying a pail of fish. The bear was hungry and asked the fox
to teach him to fish. The fox was envious of the bear's long, beautiful tail, so a way to trick the
bear occurred to the devious fox. Children will love the primitive, simply styled illustrations of
the chocolate brown long-tailed bear and the crafty red fox with his pail of fish. "Why Bear Has a
Short Tail" is a children's classic, with a built in lesson for kids of all ages.
The Health Shelf
Flossopher and the Brushing Trees
Mike King, author
Simone Kaplan, editor
Rick Ellis, illustrator
The Fifth Dentist
http://thefifthdentist.com
9780990948407, $11.95, 24pp, www.amazon.com
An adventure book for young Tooth Brushers, "Flossopher and the Brushing Trees" is a
children's book that teaches the importance of taking care of your teeth. The Brite Forest is where
Flossopher, who knows everything there is to know about teeth, lives with his friends. The evil
Cavidorg plots to steal the magic Brushing Crown from, Sparkla, the mother of all Brushing
Trees. Without the toothbrushes that the Brushing Trees grow, no one will brush, and everyone's
teeth will turn rotten. That way Cavidorg's plant, Denture-Con, can make even more fake teeth
for the world. Flossopher must find a way to save the Brite Forest from Cavidorg's army of cavity
bugs. An original and charming story by Mike King (a pediatric dentist who uses jokes and
magic tricks to entertain his patients) is augmented and enhanced with illustrations by Rick Ellis.
The result is a book for very young readers that is as entertaining as it is informative in both tone
and message. "Flossopher and the Brushing Trees" is very highly recommended for preschool,
elementary school, family, and community library collections.
Steven the Upset Stomach
Justin Noble, author
Ann Bonin, illustrator
Pakiki Waltnell Publishing
978099085821, $7.99, www.PakikiWaltnell.com
From the pre-school health education series, "My Body Village," "Steven the Upset Stomach"
tells the story of what happens when Raymond Brain allows the Body Village to be tempted to
overeat on junk foods like candy, cola, chips, dip, ice cream and cake. Using taste and smell
meters, Raymond Brain decided to allow the body to stuff itself with these junk foods. However,
Raymond discovered that in Body Village, Lyle Liver and Steven Stomach had trouble breaking
down some of these rich foods, and there were very few nutrients in them to nourish the health of
the Body Village. Steve decided to call Raymond and tell him he might have to send some of the
junk food back out, that he couldn't handle that quantity of junk food. He asked for some water to
help process the food. Raymond agreed and apologized for the overload that upset Steven
Stomach. Steven answered, "As delicious as those foods are, when it comes down to it, no Body
likes an upset stomach." The story ends with a group portrait of all important Body Village
organs saying: "It takes a village.... to raise a healthy child." Humorous, anthropomorphized body
parts illustrations bring the digestive system to life for young children, helping to explain the
cause and cure for an upset stomach.
The Christian Shelf
Bible Animals series
Juliet David, author
Lucy, Barnard, illustrator
Candle Books
c/o Lion Hudson
$9.99 each www.lionhudson.com
Two easy-reader board books in the Bible Animals series adapt classical biblical parables for
young readers. The pages are stiff cardboard, marked with colorful tabs to aid little ones in
turning the pages. In "Bible Animals: The Helpful Donkey" (9781781281802), an unfortunate
man is beaten and robbed; two temple men ignore the sufferer, but a man from another country
and his kindly donkey lend their aid. "Jesus said, 'Help everyone who's in need!'" In "Bible
Animals: Little Lost Sheep" (9781781281796, based on Luke chapter 15), a little sheep has gone
missing from a shepherd's flock, and he searches high and low to rescue it. "Jesus is like the kind,
good shepherd." Both titles are welcome additions to Sunday School libraries and Christian
children's bookshelves. It should be mentioned that the Bible Animals books are not intended for
children under 3 years, as a safety precaution against the remote possibility of a choking
hazard.
God Gave Us Sleep
Lisa Tawn Bergen, author
Laura J. Bryant, illustrator
Waterbrook Press / Multnomah Press
12265 Oracle Boulevard, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
9781601426642, $10.99, www.waterbrookmultnomah.com
"God Gave Us Sleep" is part of a best-selling series for young children with Arctic characters and
a nondenominational religious thought framework. Little Cub is a tired polar bear who doesn't
understand the need for rest and sleep, when it seems like more fun to play. Her patient but tired
Mama explains to her that all cubs need rest and sleep, because God gave us work time, play
time, and rest time too, to create a life in rhythm. Little Cub has many questions, which her
patient, tired Mama answers, encouraging her by telling her to pray for good dreams and good
sleep. However, Little Cub was restless that night and did not sleep very well. The next day,
Little Cub was grumpy, cranky, and huffy with her Arctic playmates. Her Mama explains his is
because she did no get a good night's sleep. Finally Little Cub goes to bed again, praying for
good rest and good sleep, and this time, she has awesome Arctic dreams. In the morning Little
Cub awakens refreshed to a beautiful new day. Then she is thankful that God gave her a good
night's sleep. Soft pastel colors of happy Arctic frolic scenes make "God Gave Us Sleep" a
memorable children's bedtime story.
The Bilingual Shelf
Joshua's Grandma Is Sick / La Grand-mere de Joshua est Malade
Yamina Rambaran, author
Shelly J. Cox Vandermeulen, illustrator
Privately Published
9781511815116, $ 9.95, http://yaminarambaran.weebly.com
"Joshua's Grandma is Sick" is a French and English children's book about a child's reactions to
the illness of his beloved grandmother. Written to appeal to children ages 3-8, this poignant story
helps convey a sense of familial love and purpose, as Joshua is saddened to learn of his
Grandmother's sickness, and happy to be able to help nurse her as she recovers. Charming, warm
color illustrations help evoke an atmosphere of caring and love, while simple helpful acts
performed by Joshua add a sense of importance and acceptance of responsibility, as well as a
healthy embracing of feelings of compassion. Each page's brief narrative is written first in
English and second in French, so the text can be a useful tool in expanding language skills.
"Joshua's Grandma is Sick" is a valuable teaching text that encourages children to accept and
express their love and compassion in practical, caring ways.
The Activity Shelf
I Love My Hair
Andrea Pippins
Schwartz & Wade
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9780399551222, $15.99, 84pp, www.amazon.com
"I Love My Hair: A Coloring Book of Braids, Coils, and Doodle Dos" a unique doodle coloring
book about all hair and hair styles. "I Love My Hair" celebrates strong, confident women with a
passion for style, design, and fashion. Readers will revel in the mesmerizing patterns and
intricate details of Andrea Pippins's delicate pen-and-ink illustrations, ready for them to color,
complete, and embellish. With page after page of bold hairstyles and accessories, from rows of
braids, to Mohawks, to sweeping updos, to cascades of ribbons and beads, "I Love My Hair"
showcases Medusa's slithering coiffure, Cleopatra's elaborate headdress, and Marie Antoinette's
towering bouffant. Although specifically intended for coloring enthusiasts from Kindergarten to
12th grade, it is readily obvious that adults of all ages will truly enjoy this empowering and
stylish book. Very highly recommended and a lot of great fun!
The Multimedia Shelf
Country Store
Tim Noah
Tim Noah Productions
PO Box 587, Snohomish, WA 98290
www.timnoah.com
9781517305352, $19.95, 64pp, www.amazon.com
A boy and his faithful dog set out to visit the country store. Friends join them along the way, and
they learn that their trek is not about its destination, but rather the adventure of their journey.
Charmingly illustrated and deftly told by Tim Noah, "Country Store" is a wonderfully
entertaining picture book story for young readers that is impressively enhanced with the inclusion
of a CD featuring a song composed and sung by Tim Noah, as well as two bonus tacks of Tim's
work. "Country Store" is highly recommended for family, school, and community library
children's picture book collections. It should be noted that "Country Store" is also available in a
Kindle edition ($8.66).
The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Oh, Brother! Brat Attack!
Bob Weber Jr. & Jay Stephens
Andrews McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
www.andrewsmcmeel.com
9781449472252, $9.99, 176pp, www.amazon.com
Bob Weber Jr. is the creator of Slylock Fox and Comics for Kids; Jay Stephens is the Emmy
Award-winning creator of the animated TV series Tutenstein and The Secret Saturdays.
Together, they launched Oh, Brother! as a cartoon feature with King Features in June 2010. "Oh,
Brother! Brat Attack!" stars the sibling duo of Bud and Lily, who humorously interact within the
leafy confines of their middle-class suburban home and neighborhood. Whether they are playing
together in the family room or running amok in the schoolyard, Bud and Lily elevate the act of
one-upmanship to Code Red levels. Lily is the quintessential slightly older and far more sensible
sister. She takes it upon herself to look after her uninhibited, prank-loving younger brother, Bud.
While Lily wins the occasional battle with her cool-headed maturity, Bud is intent on winning the
war with his brazen brand of mischief. Despite their obvious differences, Bud and Lily love each
other deeply and have a strong sibling bond. With humor specifically intended for young readers
ages 7 to 12, "Oh, Brother! Brat Attack!" is certain to be an enduringly popular addition to
family, school, and community library collections. But more than that, the cartoon humor, based
on all-to-believable sibling behaviors will be read with complete enjoyment by anyone who is or
has ever been a parent. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Oh, Brother! Brat
Attack!" is also available in a Kindle edition ($7.99).
The Audiobook Shelf
My Teacher is an Alien
Written by Bruce Coville
Read by Nancy O'Connor and the Full Cast Family
Music by Todd Hobin
Full Cast Audio
101 Clarke Street, 1st floor, Syracuse, NY 13210
9781933322865 $9.99 digital edition www.fullcastaudio.com
Available in an affordable digital edition from Full Cast Audio (with a forthcoming MP3 CD
edition from Brilliance), My Teacher is an Alien is the audiobook adaptation of a wacky sci-fi
adventure story, intended especially for young adults ages 7-12. When Susan Simmons returns to
school from spring vacation, she is distraught to find that her beloved teacher Ms. Schwartz has
been replaced by Mr. Smith, a tall, handsome, yet stringently idiosyncratic man. His strict "by the
book" attitude and his unusual habits warrant investigation, and a startling discovery. Mr. Smith
is actually an alien named Broxholm, who intends to abduct five students! How can Susan stop
him? Will anyone believe her story? Peter Thompson, the biggest geek of her class, makes an
unlikely ally in Susan's quest to protect her class! A thrilling adventure to the very end, My
Teacher is an Alien comes to life with Full Cast Audio's characteristic performance by a grand
ensemble of talented actors and actresses! Highly recommended. 2.5 hours.
The Music CD Shelf
Nursery Rhyme Parade!
Lisa Loeb
LisaLoeb.com
Furious Rose Productions
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas (publicity)
$12.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com
Mother and children's performer Lisa Loeb presents Nursery Rhyme Parade!, an album in which
she performs thirty-five timeless and beloved nursery rhymes. Songs such as "Jack and Jill" to
"Humpty Dumpty", "Yankee Doodle", "Little Boy Blue" and many more will also inspire adults
to reminisce about their childhood. Simple and delightful, Nursery Rhyme Parade! is a great
choice for family bonding and makes a wonderful baby shower gift.
Andy's Wild Amphibian Show
Andy Offutt Irwin
Privately Published
NewSound Kids (dist.)
Community Music, Inc. (publicity)
$15.00 www.andyirwin.com
Andy's Wild Amphibian Show is a children's album featuring two full-length stories and two
songs. Rambling and playful, ranging in tone from enjoying the last day of summer vacation to
the soothing calm of a sing-along lullaby, Andy's Wild Amphibian Show is a family-friendly
delight. The tracks are "I Have a Loose Tooth" (17:10), "Andy's Wild Amphibian Show" (29:21),
"The Light Went Away" (3:16), and "I Love to Whistle (with Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer)"
(2:44).
Smiles Ahead
Mighty Mo Productions
mightymoproductions.com
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas (publicity)
$9.99 CD / $9.49 MP3 www.amazon.com
Smiles Ahead is the debut album of family-friendly record label Mighty Mo Productions. The
songs are from a diverse variety of contributors, but all are brimming with pep and vigor. Smiles
Ahead is almost pure exuberance in musical form, and the perfect antidote to rainy-day blues!
The tracks are "Jump Up", "Walking with Spring", "The Together Song", "Box of Crayons",
"The Sun Will Shine Again", "You're It", "Get Happy!", "Best Day Ever", "Gotta Lotta Happy",
"Dragonfly", "Happy Heart", "Gratitude", and "Sitting on Top of the World".
Mi Viaje: De Nuevo Leon to the New York Island
Sonia De Los Santos
Festival Five Records
www.nuevoleontonewyork.com
c/o Mayers Consulting (publicity)
$10.89 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com
Mi Viaje: De Nuevo Leon to the New York Island (or, "My Journey: From Nuevo Leon to the
New York Island") is an all-ages music CD from Mexican singer Sonia De Los Santos. Most of
the songs are classics sung in Spanish, from a variety of countries: Mexico, Argentina, the
Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Basque Country, and the United States. Two original
compositions, "La Golondrina" and "Tan Feliz" round out this joyous cross-cultural celebration,
especially recommended for young people eager to learn and practice Spanish! The tracks are
"Esta Es Tu Tierra", "La Golondrina", "Tan Feliz", "Luna y Lucero", "Txoria Txori", "Ojala Que
Llueva Cafe", "Chocolate", "Indiecito Dormido", "El Martillo", "Romance en Taragui",
"Burundanga", and "Monterrey".
The Salamanders
The Salamanders
Privatley Published
www.salamandersmusic.com
$10.00 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com
All-ages rock band The Salamanders presents their self-titled debut music album! Energetic,
original songs encourage young people to get up and dance, engage their imaginations, learn and
have fun. The playful, exuberant music is a treat to play for family car trips, sleepovers, and
children's parties. The tracks are "Please Don't Eat My Guitar", "Sunshine and Daisies", "Mama's
in the Kitchen", "Peanut Butter", "Brand New Toy", "My Grandma is a Spy", "Sun and Moon",
"Barefoot Booger Boogie", "Pirate Cowboy", and "Chickens go to Hawai'i". 38 min.
Sing! Sing! Sing! ...and Dance!
Valerie Leonhart Smallkin
Small Kin Music
www.smallkinmusic.com
$12.00 www.sillygooseandval.com
Sing! Sing! Sing! ...and Dance! is a jubilant children's music CD. Children's performer Val
Smalkin. Eight exuberant tunes about dinos, sharing, dragons, recycling, polliwogs, dancing,
springtime, and manners encourage young listeners to get up and dance. Downloadable activity
sheets and lyrics are freely available to the public on the website sillygooseandval.com. Sing!
Sing! Sing! ...and Dance! is an excellent choice for gift-giving and public library children's music
collections. Also highly recommended is a Parents' Choice Fun Stuff Award-winning album by
Smallkin, "A Gentle Halloween" ($10.00) and Smalkin's picturebook with accompanying CD,
"Springtime Dance" (9780996074902, $16.99).
A Frog Named Sam: A Musical for Children
Ben Rudnick and Friends
www.benrudnick.com
Bartlett Ave. Records
c/o Waldmania! (publicity)
$14.95 CD / $9.95 download
Award-winning kids' indie ("kindie") music performers Ben Rudnick and friends present A Frog
Named Sam: A Musical for Children, an album that includes both the beloved favorites from the
band's history (such as "A Frog Named Sam", Race Car", and more) with brand new, creative
songs (such as "The Adventure Song" and "When Something's Got You Terribly Blue"). All
songs are connected to a book by Australian playwright Augusta Supple, who tells an
adventurous tale with an underlying moral about the importance of sustainability, both in
personal relationships and in respect for the environment. Sam is a frog rock-star, who is aghast
to find that his pond has become overgrown and nearly waterless in his absence. An alien called
Tripp crash lands into the withering pond; the two become unlikely friends, working together to
restore the pond to its former vibrancy. A Frog Named Sam: A Musical for Children is a
listening delight for young people ages 4-8, highly recommended! The tracks are "A Frog Named
Sam" (3:29), "When Something's Got You Terribly Blue" (3:33), "Sam Reprise: The Journey
Begins" (0:31), "Reading a Book" (2:31), "Sam Reprise: Yee-Haw" (0:17), "My Horse" (2:19),
"Macaroni and Cheese" (3:09), "I Got a New Friend" (2:34), "Sam Reprise: Zoom" (0:31), "Race
Car" (3:17), "Sam Reprise: Heading Home" (0:15), "Love is a Superpower" (4:08), "The
Adventure Song" (2:19), and "Coney Island Crazy" (3:08). 32 min.
Mindful Moments for Kids
Kira Willey
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas (publicity)
$TBA www.kirawilley.com
Award-winning children's musician and yoga instructor Kira Willey presents Mindful Moments
for Kids, a music CD anthology of thirty one-minute mindfulness exercises. Each track has Kira's
easy-to-follow voiceover instructions, set to her original songs. These exercises can be done
seated or standing, at home or in the classroom. The exercises are centered around the goals of
achieving calm, focus, inspiration, energy, and stress removal. Mindful Moments for Kids is a
wonderful way to ease young people (or novice adults!) into the benefits of simple meditation.
Highly recommended.
Maestro Classics
c/o Simon & Simon LLC
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
$16.98 each www.MaestroClassics.com
With flawless production values, all of the Maestro Classic children's music titles feature
outstanding performances by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The individual titles in this
twelve CD series is enhanced with the inclusion of superbly narrated stories, musical
explanations, historical commentary, and explanations, as well as beautifully illustrated 24-page
activity booklets. This truly impressive and exceptional series includes Peter and the Wolf
(9781932684124); The Nutcracker (B016PADT7Y); The Story of Swan Lake (9781932684162);
Carnival of the Animals (9781932684094); My Name is Handel: The Story of Handel's 'Water
Music' (9781932684100); Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (9781932684025); The Tortoise
and the Hare (9781932684186); Merry Pranks of Master Till (9781932684131); Casey at the Bat
(9781932684032); The Sorcerer's Apprentice (9781932684070); The Solder's Tale
(9781932684117); and Juanita the Spanish Lobster (9781932684056) which is available both
English and in Spanish (Juanita la Langosta Espanola). Each of these truly exceptional titles is
available individually, but schools and libraries should give earnest consideration to acquiring the
complete set.
The DVD Shelf
Pokemon The Johto Journeys: The Complete Collection
Viz Media LLC
1355 Market Street, Suite 200
San Francisco CA 94103
$44.82 www.viz.com
Based on the enormously popular, trans-generational "Pokemon" series of role-playing video
games in which players capture amazing creatures and test them against one another in battle,
Pokemon The Johto Journeys: The Complete Collection gathers all episodes of the anime
(Japanese cartoon) series set in the Johto region on 4 DVDs. Returning favorite main characters
Ash, Misty, and Brock reunite in Pallet Town and set off to explore Johto and aid Professor Oak.
In addition to his loyal Pikachu, Ash also recruits Totodile and Chikorita to his pokemon team
(among others) as he confronts a new assortment of challenging gym leaders! Exemplifying the
series' characteristic high levels of optimism, charm, and lessons in the value of hard work and
friendship, Pokemon The Johto Journeys: The Complete Collection will appeal to Pokemon fans
of all ages, and is enthusiastically recommended. 4 DVDs, 920 min., rated TV Y7.
A House for Hermit Crab
Written and illustrated by Eric Carle
Narrated by Will Damron
Music by Ernest Troost
Weston Woods
c/o Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
9780545874984 $59.95 www.scholastic.com/westonwoods
Ideal for young viewers ages 5-7, A House for Hermit Crab is a DVD rendition of a delightful,
classic picturebook originally written and illustrated by Eric Carle. The story follows a hermit
crab who has outgrown his small shell, so he ventures forth in search of a bigger one. He is
fortunate to encounter friends who help him decorate and protect it as he travels! Simple
animation based on the original picturebook is enhanced with warmhearted narration by Will
Damron, and gentle music by Ernest Troost. A brief bonus segment, "About Hermit Crab and his
Friends" is included. A House for Hermet Crab is perfect for public and elementary school
library DVD collections, as well as homeroom viewing. 9 min. optional English subtitles,
closed-captioned.
The Fiction Shelf
How to Be Brave
E. Katherine Kottaras
St. Martin's Griffin
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.stmartins.com
9781250072801, $18.99, 288pp, www.amazon.com
Georgia is a teenager who has always lived life on the sidelines: uncomfortable with her weight,
awkward, never been kissed, terrified of failing. Then her mom dies and her world is turned
upside down. But instead of getting lost in her pain, she decides to enjoy life while she still can
by truly living for the first time. She makes a list of ways to be brave-all the things she's always
wanted to do but has been too afraid to try: learn to draw, try out for cheerleading, cut class, ask
him out, kiss him, see what happens from there. But she's about to discover that life doesn't
always go according to plan. Sometimes friendships fall apart and love breaks your heart. But in
the process, you realize you're stronger than you ever imagined. "How to Be Brave" is an
exceptional novel that will hold the reader's rapt attention from beginning to end. Deftly crafted
and specifically recommended for your readers ages 12 to 17, "How to Be Brave" will prove to
be an enduringly popular addition to school and community library YA Fiction collections. For
personal reading lists it should be noted that "How to Be Brave" is also available in a Kindle
edition ($9.99).
The After-Room
Maile Meloy
Putnam
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780399175442, $17.99, www.penguin.com/youngreaders
The After-Room joins two other predecessors in offering a powerful finale to the Apothecary
series - and even though the others weren't seen by this reviewer, it represents Meloy's powerful
ability to craft a yarn that can be relished even coming late into the game with the concluding
book. It's 1955 and Benjamin and Janie are attempting to live a normal life in America, even
though they hold the power to prevent nuclear disaster. Their explorations of ghosts, life after
death, and abilities that connect them to their friend Jin Lo, who is in China, makes for an
engrossing plot also fueled by the emotional attachments between Benjamin and Janie. The result
is a captivatingly storyline that requires no prior familiarity with the series - though readers
lacking such background will surely wish to turn to enjoy its predecessors.
That's Not Hay In My Hair
Juliette Turner
Zonderkidz
c/o Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530
www.zondervan.com
9780310732440, $8.99, 240pp, www.amazon.com
New York City life had crammed sidewalks, gasoline-filled puddles, and angry taxi drivers, but
Juliette enjoyed the towering sky-scrapers, the half-block walk to school, and the restaurant
smells wafting into her bedroom. She had never cared for a horse, let alone a long-horn, when her
mother announced their imminent move to a 300 acre ranch in Texas, where they would be
caring for three horses, five dogs, twenty-five longhorns, and a cat -- all by themselves. Juliette
couldn't help feeling excited, even though she'd have to climb a hill to get a bar of cell-phone
service. Soon she was running from bats and snakes, rescuing a calf from a twenty-foot ditch,
medicating ponies, and having adventures so crazy it's hard to believe they're for real -- but it all
happened exactly how it's written. Fiction based on real life experiences, "That's Not Hay In My
Hair" is replete with side-splitting laughs, heart-wrenching tears, and surprising life lessons
learned down on the farm and shared by fourteen-year-old Juliette Turner. Specifically written
for young readers ages 8 to 12, "That's Not Hay In My Hair" is very highly recommended for
school and community library General Fiction collections. For personal reading lists it should be
noted that Juliette Turner's "That's Not Hay In My Hair" is also available in a Kindle edition
($5.99).
The Adventures of Bubba Jones
Jeff Alt
Beaufort Books
27 West 20th Street, Suite 1102, New York, NY 10011
www.beaufortbooks.com
9780825307867, $9.99, 190pp, www.amazon.com
Tommy "Bubba Jones" and his sister Jenny "Hug-a-Bug" learn more about the Great Smoky
Mountain National Park than they ever thought they would when Papa Lewis lets them in on a
family secret: The family has legendary time traveling skills! With these abilities, Bubba Jones
and Hug-a-Bug travel back in time and meet the park's founders, its earliest settlers, native
Cherokee Indians, wild animals, extinct creatures, and what the park was like millions of years
ago. With this time traveling ability also comes a family mystery, but the only person who can
help solve the mystery is a long lost relative who lives somewhere in the park. Explore the
Smokies with Bubba Jones and family in a whole new way in the pages of Jeff Alt's "The
Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through the Great Smoky Mountains". Very highly
recommended for school and community libraries for young readers ages 8 to 12, it should be
noted for personal reading lists that "The Adventures of Bubba Jones(TM): Time Traveling
Through the Great Smoky Mountains" is also available in a Kindle edition ($8.69).
Tell the Story to Its End
Simon P. Clark
St. Martin's Griffin
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.stmartins.com
9781250066756, $18.99, 208pp, www.amazon.com
People are keeping secrets from Oli. His mum has brought him to stay with his aunt and uncle in
the countryside, but nobody will tell him why his dad isn't there, too. Why hasn't he come with
them? Has something happened? Why won't anyone talk about it? Oli has a hundred questions,
and only an old, empty house in the middle of an ancient forest for answers. But then he finds a
secret of his own: there is a creature named Eren that lives in the attic. Eren is not human. Eren is
hungry for stories. Eren has been waiting for him. With Eren to listen, Oli starts to make sense of
what's happening. But Eren is powerful, and though he's willing to help Oli, he's not willing to do
it for free; he wants something in return. Oli must make a choice: he can learn the truth -- but to
do so he must abandon himself to Eren's world, forever. All the more impressive considering that
"Tell the Story to Its End" is author Simon P. Clark's debut as a novelist, this is a deftly crafted,
inherently absorbing, and thoroughly entertaining read from beginning to end. "Tell the Story to
Its End" is especially recommended for young readers ages 12 to 18 and will prove to be an
enduringly popular addition to school and community YA Fiction collections. For personal
reading lists it should be noted that "Tell the Story to Its End" is also available in a Kindle edition
($9.99).
Instructions for the End of the World
Jamie Kain
St. Martin's Griffin
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.stmartins.com
9781250047861, $18.99, 244pp, www.amazon.com
When Nicole Reed's father forces her family to move to a remote area of the Sierra Foothills, one
without any modern conveniences, it's too much too handle for her mother, who abandons them
in the middle of the night. Heading out to track her down, Nicole's father leaves her in charge of
taking care of the house and her younger sister, Izzy. For a while, Nicole is doing just fine
running things on her own. But then the food begins to run out, the pipes crack, and forest fires
start slowly inching their way closer every day. Wolf, a handsome boy from the neighboring
community, offers to help her when she needs it most, but when she starts to develop feelings for
him, feelings she knows she will never be allowed to act on once her father returns, she must
make a decision. With her family falling apart, will she choose to continue preparing for
tomorrow's disasters, or will she take a chance and really start living for today? Exceptionally
well crafted from beginning to end, Jamie Kain's "Instructions for the End of the World" is a
gripping, young adult novel that explores family, friendship, and love in the midst of the most
difficult and dangerous circumstances. Very highly recommended for high school and
community library YA Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"Instructions for the End of the World" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
The Blue Vase
Katarina Jovanovic, author
Josee Bisaillon, illustrator
Trade Wind Books
c/o Orca Book Publishers
PO Box 468, Custer, WA 98240-0468
www.orcabook.com
9781896580913, $10.95, 112pp, www.amazon.com
Before and after school, while her parents work, Sonia stays with her next-door neighbor, Mrs.
Kaminski, and her granddaughter, Marta. When Sonia accidentally breaks Mrs. Kaminski's
precious blue vase, Marta offers to keep it a secret for a price. But Sonia is not able to satisfy
Marta's escalating demands for more gifts and more money. When Marta spreads lies about
Sonia at school, her classmates taunt her. Finally, after a teacher discovers stolen property in
Sonia's knapsack, Sonia is forced to find the courage she needs to confront her bully. "The Blue
Vase" is a chapter book specifically written by Katarina Jovanovic and illustrated by Josee
Bisaillon for middle-grade readers to help them tackle a universal issue that needs to be
addressed. Highly entertaining and with a critically important message, "The Blue Vase" is
strongly recommended for elementary school and community library collections, as well as the
personal reading lists of children ages 7 to 10 and in grades 2 to 5.
The Bell Family
Noel Streatfeild
Vintage Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com
9780099583363, $12.99, 368pp, www.amazon.com
Meet the big, happy Bell family who live in the vicarage at St. Marks. Father is a reverend,
Mother is as kind as kind can be. Then there are the children: practical Paul, dancing Jane,
mischievous Ginnie, and finally the baby of the family, Angus, whose ambition is to own a
private zoo (he has already begun with his six boxes of caterpillars). And not forgetting Esau, a
sure fire competitor for the most beautiful dog in Britain. Follow their eventful lives from tense
auditions to birthday treats; from troubled times to hilarious escapades. Exclusive material in the
back of "The Bell Family" includes a chance to find out which one of the Bell children the young
reader most resembles. Very highly recommended for children ages 9 to 11, "The Bell Family"
will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to school and community library General Fiction
collections for young readers in grades 4 to 6. It should be noted for personal reading lists that
"The Bell Family" is also available in a Kindle edition ($8.94).
Simon and Schuster
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
Anica Mrose Rissi's Anna, Banana, and the Friendship Split (9781481416054, $15.99) opens a
series with the story of Anna who loves her best friend Sadie and her dog Banana, and who looks
forward to celebrating her birthday with both of them. Unfortunately a fight breaks out at the
birthday - one that Sadie begins - and Anna and Banana find themselves on the wrong side of
Sadie's affections when a beautiful necklace comes between them. What can Anna and Banana
do to get back in her good graces? A realistic story of conflict makes for an involving plot spiced
with fun black and white drawings by Meg Park. Anna, Banana, and the Monkey in the Middle
(9781481416085, $15.99) offers more friendship dilemmas, because in this story Anna has two
best friends - Sadie and Isabel - and everything seems especially wonderful - until they begin
choosing opposite sides on everything, placing Anna in the middle. Emerging conflicts make for
friendships gone awry once again, and it's again up to Anna to find a way to keep the peace.
Anna, Banana, and the Big-Mouth Bet (9781481416115, $15.99) provides more interpersonal
conflicts: this time involving a class clown who likes to make fun of Anna's problems and her
friends. Anna tries to get him to stop - and becomes involved in an impossible bet in this fun,
involving story. While this series stands well alone as individual books, their bright and
absorbing stories make for fun reads and kids will want all of them to absorb their very different
messages about getting out of friendship jams.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle
Janet Fox
Viking
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780451476333, $16.99, www.penguin.com
Young adult fans of mystery who like spooky reads, whether they be in middle school or beyond,
will appreciate this fine story of a pre-teen who stumbles upon strange happenings at Rookskill
Castle, which has been turned into a school for children whose parents seek a safe haven from
the London Blitz. Rookskill is anything but safe, however: strange noises, spooky events, and
intrigue permeates a strange castle and when schoolchildren begin vanishing, Kat is forced to
confront a dangerous truth. A satisfyingly complex yarn makes for an engrossing read.
The Science Shelf
Edible Science: Experiments You Can Eat
Jodi Wheeler-Toppen and Carol Tennant
National Geographic Kids
1145 17th Street N.W.
Washington, DC, 20036-4688
www.nationalgeographic.com
9781426321115 $12.99 sc
9781426321122 $22.90 library binding www.amazon.com
Illustrated with full-color photography on virtually every page, Science: Experiments You Can
Eat lives up to its title as a science book for young people that encourages them to engage in
hands-on experiments... with edible results! Projects include making beef jerkey (a process of
"osmosis" in which water is removed from food), color-changing cookies (which involves
learning about pH balance), allowing bread to rise (by harnessing the power of yeast, a type of
fungi), and much more. Experiments are categorized by difficulty level, and the more challenging
or potentially hazardous ones (such as anything involving a hot oven) are given the highest
difficulty rank of "grab a grownup". Edible Science: Experiments You Can Eat is an excellent
choice for educational fun anytime, with adult supervision as needed. Also highly recommended
for young adults is Jennifer Swanson's "Brain Games: The Mind-Blowing Science of Your
Amazing Brain" (9781426320705, $12.99 sc / 9781426320712, $22.90 library binding), a
compendium of fascinating facts and quiz-worthy challenges, brought to life with full-color
photography throughout and inspired by the National Geographic Channel's smash hit television
show, "Brain Games".
Books in Series
I'm Reading About Wisconsin the Badger State!
Carole Marsh
Gallopade International
PO Box 2779, Peachtree City, GA 30269
9780635113740 $29.99 library binding
9780635113245 $8.99 pbk www.gallopade.com
Part of a series of fifty books about American states, I'm Reading About Wisconsin the Badger
State! is an easy reader picturebook that uses striking color photography, cartoons of talkative
ladybugs, singsong rhymes, and a simple glossary to teach beginning readers about the great state
of Wisconsin. Inquisitive young minds will learn about the state tree (sugar maple), names of
famous Wisconsinites (including escape artist Harry Houdini and circus founders the Ringling
Brothers), a little bit of Wisconsin history, and more. "Wisconsin is known for its cheese!
Wisconsin makes the most cheese in America. Many other dairy products come form Wisconsin,
too. Dairy products include milk, butter, and cheese. People from Wisconsin are sometimes
called 'cheeseheads'!" At once both informative and charming, I'm Reading About Wisconsin the
Badger State! is a welcome contribution to kindergarten/elementary school and public library
children's collections, as is the rest of this educational series.
Raine's Rainbow Socks
Richard Ditchburn, author
Dwain Esper, illustrator
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
www.authorhouse.com
9781504939638, $19.82, 24pp, www.amazon.com
Written by Richard Ditchburn and featuring the lively illustrations of Dwain Esper, "Raine's
Rainbow Socks: Book 1: Raine's Birthday, Red Socks, Orange Socks" can be a fun way for a
child to learn the different colors of the rainbows while learning how to be more caring and
helpful toward people and animals. A parent and child can read a story together, with the parent
coaching the child on the values that each story gives. The dangers of taking too many pills,
blaming the wrong person or animal. When a mystery that needs to be solved, Raine uses her
rainbow socks to help find the truth. Some of the stories, at first, make the young reader think
about what or who may have been to blame about an event that has occurred. Raine, when using
her rainbow socks, can solve a mystery by going back in time and secretly watching the event
unfold or even be a part of that event. When Raine comes back to the present time, she knows
how to help solve the mystery. These stories can make a child feel like they have been helpful
and can give the parent a sense of pride, knowing their child has learned some valuable lessons.
As entertaining as it is educational, "Raine's Rainbow Socks" is enthusiastically recommended as
an appropriate addition to both school and community library collections. For a child's personal
reading lists it should be noted that "Raine's Rainbow Socks" is also available in a Kindle edition
($4.99). Also very highly recommended are the two other books in this singular trilogy: "Raine's
Rainbow Socks: Book 2: Yellow Socks, Green Socks, Blue Socks" (9781504939850, 24pp,
$19.82 PB; $4.99 Kindle) and "Raine's Rainbow Socks: Book 3: Indigo Socks, Violet Socks, The
Washing Line" (978-1504942041, 24pp, $19.82 PB; $4.99 Kindle).
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor, New York, NY 10118
$27.60 each www.crabtreebooks.com
The 'Watch This Space!' series provides grades 4-5 with 32 pages each of basic astronomy
information in a series of four vivid books revealing amazing facts with eye-catching covers and
photos. Stars, Galaxies, and the Milky Way (9780778720228) considers our galaxy and the Sun
as well as neutron stars and other kinds of galaxies and stars, pairing modern photos with charts,
color sidebars of information, and discussions of star systems and astronomy facts. Astronomy,
Astronauts, and Space Exploration (9780778720218) surveys telescopes in space and the latest
space probes and how astronauts operate in space. The Universe, Black Holes, and the Big Bang
(9780778720249) goes back to the Big Bang and discusses time travel, black holes, alien life and
more, while The Solar System, Meteors, and Comets (9780778720232) surveys our solar system
and the visitors who pass through it. All are designed for reports but pack in eye-catching and
colorful facts suitable for leisure reads as well. New to the 'Science Sleuths' series are Measure It!
(9780778715405), Prove It! (9780778715436), Plan and Investigate It! (9780778715429) and
Model It! (9780778715412), each holding 24 pages of information packed with good-sized color
photos and plenty of detail simplifying the investigative process. All are recommended for
discriminating collections strong in elementary-grade science guides.
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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