 |
Book Reviews,
Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers |
| Home / Children's
Bookwatch |
Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
A Pacific Alphabet
Margriet Ruurs
Whitecap/Graphic Arts Center
203 W. 15th Ave. #108, Anchorage, AK 99501
1-55285-264-4 $16.95 1-800-452-3032
Diana Bonder's beautiful and fun illustrations enhance Margriet Ruurs's A Pacific Alphabet, a
basic
alphabet book which uses a whimsical illustration checklist to help teach. The sea life and world
observed by a sailor help emphasize the alphabet for kids.
Flag Lore For All Nations
Whitney Smith, Ph.D.
Millbrook Press
2 Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
0-7613-1753-8 $29.90 1-800-462-4703
Ages 8 and older will find Flag Lore For All Nations an excellent reference which covers the
histories of flags in nations around the world. Each small color flag is accompanied by a
paragraph of background on the date it first flew and the meaning behind its colors.
Tai Chi For Kids
Stuart Alve Olson
Bear Cub Books
c/o Inner Traditions
PO Box 388, Rochester, VT 05767-0388
1879181657 $15.00 1-800-246-8648
Stuart Olson's Tai Chi For Kids: Move With The Animals introduces young readers ages 4 to 8 to
one of the ancient popular Chinese form of exercise. Eight simple but elegant Tai Chi movements
are showcased and are simple enough that parents or caregivers can easily teach a child to
perform.
The illustrated presentations are particularly imaginative as they draw upon the mimicry and
symbolism of animals and animal movements. The exercises include: Holding the Bird's Tail;
Snake
Slithering Down; White Crane Cools Its Wings; Carry the Tiger Back to the Moutnain; Dragon
Plays in the Clouds; Wild Goose Flies Away; Chasing the Monkeys Away; and Gold Roosster
Stands on One Leg. Tai Chi For Kids is a unique and enthusiastically recommended title for any
family, school, or library collection.
Anne Frank In The World
Anne Frank House
Knopf
1540 Broadway, New York NY 10036
0-375-81177-X $18.95 1-800-726-0600
This resource for fans of Frank's Diary is a photo essay of over 225 black and white photos, many
never before published, compiled by the Anne Frank House for a travelling exhibition. Images in
the book are dedicated to preserving the history of not only Frank but the Holocaust and how its
issues affect contemporary life: images thus are gleaned from the extent of the war and its
aftermath and detail not just Frank's life but the experiences of all sides.
Life On The Farm
Lynn Stone
Rourke Publishing Group
Box 3328, Vero Beach, FL 32964
1589520890 $111.60 1-800-394-7055
The new Rourke series, Life On The Farm, is designed for students in grades 1-4 with a grade 3
reading level, and focuses on providing young readers with information and insights into what
farms
and farm life are like. The six volumes that comprise this wonderfully written and superbly
illustrated
series include Farm Animals (exploring the wide array of products that are derived from cattle,
horses, hogs, sheep, goats, and poultry); Farm Buildings (including silos, blacksmith shops,
windmills, packing plants, lofts, dairy barns, sugar houses, and pig sties); Farm Crops (focusing
on
the planing, harvesting, and importance of corn, soybean, lettuce, and orange crops); Farm
Machinery (tractors, sprayers, tillage machines, combines, balers, seeding and harvest machines);
Farms Old and New (the history of farming and the impact of science and technology on modern
farms); Growing Up On A Farm (informative descriptions of how farm life differs from urban
living,
the farm environment, farm chores, and farm fun!). Hallmarked with an oversized, easy-to-read
text,
informative photo-captions, a glossary, an index, and a list of resources for further study
(including
bibliographies and websites), this outstanding series is also available in Spanish (La vida en la
granja,
1589521803).
Christopher's Little Airplane Coloring And Activity Fun Book
Mark James & Harold Smelcer
Chelonian Press
1420 Spring Hill Road, Suite 600, McLean, Va 22102
0967696011 $3.95 1-703-734-1160
Based on Mark James' lively and recommended little picturebook, Christopher's Little Airplane
(0967696003, $15.95) about the adventures of a balsa wood toy airplane, the latest release from
Chelonian Press is Christopher's Little Airplane Coloring And Activity Fun Book. The
collaborative
efforts of Mark James and illustrator Harold Smelcer have produced a charming and fun activity
book designed for children ages 4 to 8. The large black & white drawings are perfect for being
colored in by young hands, and the puzzle solving pen-and pencil activities are ideal for passing
the
time. Christopher's Little Airplane Coloring And Activity Fun Book is an ideal and inexpensive
consumable for rainy day activities or long car trips.
My Listening Friend
P.J. Michaels & Anna Dewdney
Childswork/Childsplay
P.O. Box 760, Plainview, NY 11803
1588150437 $13.50 1-800-962-1141
My Listening Friend: A Story About The Benefits Of Counseling written by P.J. Michaels is a
gentle, thoughtful story written to help children who are seeing a counselor for the first time, to
better set the stage for a good introduction and a therapeutic relationship. The story disabuses
children of the false notion that seeing a counselor is a "punishment," or that only "crazy" people
have to see one. Black-and-white illustrations by Anna Dewdney add human warmth to the
personable tale of a young man who has problems controlling his anger and sees someone who
helps
him. Highly recommended for any youngster in anticipation of their first visit to a personal or
family
counselor.
Lost Treasures Of The Inca
Peter Lourie
Boyds Mills Press
815 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
1563979837 $9.95 boydsmillspress.com
Lost Treasures Of The Inca is a nonfiction picturebook written by Peter Lourie for more
advanced
young readers. Featuring simple yet highly informative language, and enhanced with a wealth of
full-color photographs of ancient artifacts and modern-day people, it contains a brief history of the
Inca empire and of modern-day archaeological expeditions, young readers will learn a great deal
about this amazing past civilization. A highly educational and enthusiastically recommended book,
Lost Treasure Of The Inca is certain to teach something new to readers of any age.
The Fiction Shelf
Moonpie And Ivy
Barbara O'Connor
Farrar Straus Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003
0-374-35059-0 $16.00 1-888-330-8477
When Ruby is left at her aunt's house, she thinks it's a temporary arrangement; but soon she
begins
to wonder if her mother will return. Her feelings of abandonment soften as she becomes used to
an
unusual boy, the love of an aunt, and the failings of her mother. A fine story of family and
friendships.
Spotted Flower And The Ponokomita
K. Follis Cheatham
Kaios Books
PO Box 442, Helena, MT 59624
0971428719 $12.95 kaiso.com/books
Follis Cheatham's Spotted Flower And The Ponokomita is a unique story of a young Native
American girl of the Blackfeet Nation, in what would one day be the state of Montana, and her
first
encounter with the strange new beast called a "horse". This engaging, informative, and highly
entertaining story is enhanced for young readers with an "Afterword", a bibliography, a listing of
places to visit in the area where the story takes place (including the Blackfeet Indian Reservation),
and thematically appropriate Internet websites. Spotted Flower And The Ponokomita would make
a
welcome addition to a classroom or homeschooling Native American studies curriculum
supplemental reading list, as well as any school or community library collection.
Silver Eyes
Nicole Luiken
Pocket Books
1230 Avenue of Americas, NY, NY 10020
0-7434-0078-X $5.99 1-800-223-2336
When a young investigator for a mining company captures a teen fugitive as part of her job, she
senses an immediate connection with him - and answers to her missing memories and questions
about her past. While this is a sequel to Violet Eyes, it's easy to quickly become immersed without
prior familiarity with the book's predecessor: characters are vivid, personal, and involving. Highly
recommended.
Outlaw Heroes
Deanna Lynn Sletten
Xlibris Corporation
436 Walnut Street, 11th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
073889902X $17.84 xlibris.com
In Outlaw Heroes, we are introduced to twelve-year-old Will Long, who considers himself
launched
on the adventure of a lifetime when he is swept back in time to join in with Butch Cassidy and the
Sundance Kid. But when a bank robbery goes wrong, Will realizes that the outlaw life isn't nearly
so
exciting and glamorous as he had thought it was. Written for young readers ages 10 and older,
Outlaw Heroes is a throughly entertaining read from first page to last, and would make a fine
addition to school and community library collections.
I Want To Be A Superhero!
David Black
First Publish
300 Sunport Lane, Orlando, FL 32809
1929925956 $12.95 firstpublish.com
Written for young readers ages three and older, I Want To Be A Superhero! is David Black's
debut
novel about a dog named Floyd and his bobcat friend Budley. Floyd doesn't feel special or
important, he comes up with the idea of becoming a superhero. That's when Budley shows Floyd
that he is already a very special dog and the superhero thing really isn't necessary! But Floyd
comes
up with all kinds of wild ideas about what he could do as the superdog "Mega-Mutt". An ideal
selection for family, school, and community library easy reader collections, I Want To Be A
Superhero! is charming, exciting, and very funny.
A Sailor Returns
Theodore Taylor
Scholastic/Blue Sky
555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
0439248795 $16.95 1-800-242-7737
A grandfather who long abandoned the family and who was believed dead attempts new contacts
with Evan and his mother, earning the resentment of their stepfather. Why has his grandfather
returned home at this time, and how can he fit into their new family? Evan discovers an unusual
bond exists as he learns what it means to have a grandparent in the world.
The Adventures Of Young Santa
Mike Pace & Duncan Pace
iUniverse.com, Inc.
5220 South 16th Street, #200, Lincoln, NE 68512-1274
059516997X $10.95 iuniverse.com
Written for young readers ages 8 to 12, The Adventures Of Young Santa is an action/adventure
novel of a young man who becomes a reluctant hero in an age of sword fighting, dank castles,
hidden treasure, fierce Vikings, and a secret elf civilization. The young man destined to become
the archetypal symbol of peace, hope and good will, must first experience daring escapes from
terrible dangers, all the while dealing with deceit, jealousy, and young romance. Highly
recommended for school and community library collections, The Adventures Of Young Santa
reveals where Santa was born, who his parents were, the origins of Mrs. Claus, how Santa got his
name, -- even why bad kids get coal in their stocking!
Mystery At Round Island Light
Robert A. Lytle
EDCO Publishing
2648 Lapeer Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
0971269203 $8.95 1-248-475-4678
Mystery At Round Island Light is the story of fifteen-year-old Pete Jenkins and his three summer
friends when they all visit nearby Round Island Lighthouse after crossing Lake Huron in a tiny
dingy. After exploring the island the friends find return to their little boat only to discover that
their
picnic basket has been turned upside down and a warning message is left in their boat. But the
threat
on their lives only serves to heighten their curiosity and lead them on the trail of dangerous
thieves.
In pursuit of answers, the four friends discover an unexpected side of Mackinac Island that poses
a
life-threatening danger! Mystery At Round Island Light is enthusiastically recommended reading
for
ages 10 to 14 who would enjoy a well crafted mystery adventure novel!
The Biography Shelf
Woody Guthrie
Bonnie Christensen
Knopf
1540 Broadway, New York NY 10036
0-375-81113-3 $16.95 1-800-726-0600
Good reading skills or parental assistance will be required of youngsters in grades 3-4 for
appreciation of Woody Guthrie, an American folk poet and musician who sung out for peace and
civil rights. Fine illustrations accompany this lively survey of Woody Guthrie's travels and
times.
Langston Hughes
Alice Walker
HarperCollins
1350 Avenue of Americas, NY, NY 10019
0-06-021518-6 $16.95 1-800-242-7737
Catherine Deeter's paintings accompany this celebration of poet Langston Hughes' life, which
reads
like fiction as it surveys the influences on Hughes' career and the motivations behind his writings
and
life. An excellent picturebook biography, this requires reading skills but will appeal to grades
2-4.
Benchmark Books/Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd. Tarrytown NY 10591
1-800-831-9881
The second group to add to the 'Rulers and Their Times' series ($19.95 each) has arrived, each
providing over seventy pages of report-quality information on each ruler and the history
surrounding
their fame. Nancy Plain covers Louis XVI, Marie-antoinette & The French Revolution
(0-7614-1029-5), Miriam Greenblatt probes Elizabeth I And Tudor England (1028-7) and
Genghis
Khan And The Mongol Empire (1027-9), and Kenny Mann's Isabel, Ferdinand And
Fifteenth-Century Spain (1030-9) covers the rulers' impact upon early Europe's development.
Each
features color illustrations and a blend of biography and history which ties each ruler's life and
decisions to the events of their times. The 'Great Explorations' series ($19.95 each) provides
excellent biographies of famous people: over seventy pages on each personality covers both the
person and background history. Patricia Calvert handles Daniel Boone (1243-3) and Robert E.
Peary
(1242-5), Harold Faber reveals La Salle (1239-5) and Lewis And Clark (1241-7), and Milton
Meltzer presents Captain James Cook (1240-9) and Ferdinand Magellan (1238-7). All have
particularly lively color illustrations throughout, along with plenty of material suitable for reports
and assignments.
Twenty-First Century Books
2 Old New Milford Rd.
Brookfield, CT 06804
These coverages will reach grades 7 and up with excellent biographical and historical sketches.
Nancy Bowen's Ralph Nader: Man With A Mission (0-7613-2365-1, $24.90) provides over a
hundred forty pages of information on Nader's activities as a consumer activist, his involvement
with
human rights campaigns, and his political encouragement of reforms. Excellent for reports. Milton
Meltzer's Walt Whitman: A Biography (2272-8, $31.40) achieves the same for the poet, with 160
pages covering his life, his involvement in politics and social issues, and his many award-winning
writings. Barbara Silberdick Feinberg's Articles Of Confederation (0-7613-2114-4, $24.90)
provides
a survey of the first constitution of the country, surveying its creation, conflicts surrounding its
adoption, and its first tests. All promise to be lasting library references.
Chelsea House
1974 Sproul Rd. #400 Broomall PA 19008
1-800-848-2665
Two outstanding biographical series titles for ages 10 and older provide not only strong
biographies
of historical figures, but coverages which promise lasting shelf life and report usage. The
'Explorers
of the New Worlds' series grows with new additions: Joilliet & Marquette (0-7910-6426-3) cover
the Mississippi River explorers, Harmon's Robert Peary (6440-9) tells of the Arctic explorer's
discoveries and trials; Hal Marcovitz's Vasco Nunez De Balboa (6428-X) tells of the explorer's
South Seas adventures; his Sir Ernest Shackleton (6424-7) reveals the explorer's Antarctica
multiple
trips; his book on John Smith (6432-8) tells of the explorer's dual talents as a colonial leader; his
John C. Fremont (6430-1) reveals the explorer's journeys through the West, Charles Shield's John
Cabot (6438-7) tells of the rediscovery of North America after Columbus; his James Cook
(6422-0)
tells of Cook's exploration of the Pacific, and Barbara Saffer's Henry Hudson (6436-0) tells of the
plagued North American explorer. Each book holds 63 pages which include color illustrations, a
glossary and bibliography, and an index. New to the 'Famous Figures of the American Frontier'
series are Daniel Harmon's Billy The Kid (6483-2) and Davy Crockett (6481-6), Barbara Saffer's
Jesse James (6499-9), Charles Shields' Buffalo Bill Cody (6497-2) and Annie Oakley (6489-1),
Rob
Staeger's Wyatt Earp (6485-9), Hal Marcovitz's George Customer (6495-6) and Sitting Bull
(6487-5), Kristine Brennan's Crazy Horse (6493-X) and Bill & Dorcas Thompson's Geronimo
(6491-3). Each holds a little over sixty pages of information along with an index, bibliography,
and a
peppering of color illustrations.
Scholastic Inc.
555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
$12.95 Each 1-800-242-7737
Affordable, compact, and appealing are these 'In Their Own Words' collections of biography
blended
with quotes from famous personalities. Peter and Connie Roop's Benjamin Franklin
(0-439-27179-7)
and Christopher Columbus (27180-0) each use the journals kept by these individuals to provide a
'you are there' atmosphere, strengthened by a tone of storytelling which imparts the feeling of a
lively
tale. George Sullivan's Helen Keller (14751-4) recreates the story of Helen's life using her
accounts
and memories and those of her family and associates. These are excellent biographies which will
prove especially appealing to reluctant learners.
The Science Shelf
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, #3308, NY, NY 10118
$ 7.95 each, 1-800-387-7650
Darlene Lauw and Lim Chang Puay effectively collaborate to present Science Alive!, an superbly
presented three volume series from Crabtree Publishing specifically designed for young readers
ages
8 to 14 and at a reading level of ages 9-10. Motion (0-77870604-4) blends fascinating facts,
engaging games, and hands-on activities which serve to explain the "why's and how's" of motion.
Heat (0778706052) offers entertaining activities for children that help to explain what heat is and
how it works. Light (0778706060) also uses fun games and activities to inform and demonstrate
to
children what light is and how we perceive it. Each book is written in with simple clear text
enhanced with full color photographs and illustrations. Highly recommended for homeschooling,
classroom, and community library reference collections, each book is further enriched for students
with a "user friendly" glossary and index. Motion (0778705587, $21.28), Heat (0778706052,
$21.28), and Light (0778705609, $21.28) are also available in a reinforced hardcover
binding.
The Picturebook Shelf
Walking With Maga
Maureen Boyd Biro & Joyce Wheeler
All About Kids Publishing
6280 San Ignacio Avenue, Suite C, San Jose, CA 95119
0970086342 $16.95 www.aakp.com
Author Maureen Boyd Biro's Walking With Maga is an elegant, gentle prose picturebook about
Maga and her young granddaughter, who go for walks through the seasons discovering simple
joys
in the world around them. At last, the granddaughter makes a special wish. Filled with
heartwarming
color illustrations by Joyce Wheeler, Walking With Maga is a beautiful and restful book excellent
for
reading aloud. A strong choice for family, school, and community library picturebook
collections.
Tiny Snail
Tammy Carter Bronson
Bookaroos Publishing
P.O. Box 850, Farmington, AR 72730
0967816718 $14.99 bookaroos.com
Tiny Snail written and illustrated by Tammy Carter Bronson, is the endearing picturebook story of
a
little snail who wants more than anything to live under the Maple Tree. But she can't reach it in
one
night - to achieve her dream, she must crawl into a land with no shade, filled with dangers. Highly
recommended for school and community library collections, the last four pages of this simple
story
contain basic facts about real snails, for beginning readers with questing minds.
Grandma And Me At The Flea
Juan Felipe Herrera, author
Anita De Lucio-Brock, illustrator
Children's Book Press
2211 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110-1811
0892391715 $16.95 www.cbookpress.org
Young Juanito works with his Grandma Esperanza in selling clothing and used books at the local
community flea market. As Juanito goes about running errands and bartering goods, he finds
himself
in the heart of a thriving Mexican American community, one that Juanito knows to be caring and
generous, whose value can never be measured only in dollars. A superbly presented bilingual
(English/Spanish) picturebook written by the Mexican-American poet Juan Felipe Herrera and
illustrated by folk artist Anita De Lucio-Brock, Grandma And Me At The Flea is highly
recommended for young readers ages 6 to 10.
The Gift
Marcia S. Freeman & Patrice Kennedy
Maupin House Publishing
Box 90148, Gainesville, FL 32607-0148
0929895517 $14.95 1-800-524-0634
The Gift is author Marcia Freeman's poignant story of Sonja, a young Norwegian immigrant, and
her
family who carved out a new life for themselves in the Dakota frontier territory of the late 1800s.
Beautifully enhanced with the artwork of Patrice Kennedy, the core of the story is how Sonja
helps
her mother to overcome the intense loneliness of prairie life. Strongly recommended for school
and
community library picturebook collections for children ages 5 to 9, The Gift is a wonderful story,
deftly told and superbly illustrated.
"It's Not My Job!"
Ted Lish & Charles Jordan
Munchweiler Press
Box 2529, Victorville, CA 92393-2529
0794000045 $14.95 munchweilerpress.com
Deftly written by Ted Lish "It's Not My Job!" is the humorous children's picturebook of a family
who moves into a brand new house... which slowly begins to fill up with day-to-day garbage. The
garbage really should be taken out, but each member of the family insists "It's not my job!" until
matters reach a crisis point. Filled with amiable color illustrations by Charles Jordan and ending on
a
moral to remember, "It's Not My Job!" is an especially delightful storybook to read aloud to
young
listeners. Suited for children ages 4 to 8, "It's Not My Job!" is very highly recommended for
family,
school, and community library picturebook collections.
That's What Grandparents Are For
Arlene Uslander & Freddie Levin
Peel Productions
KSB Promotions (publicity)
PO Box 546, Columbus, NC 28722
0939217600 $15.95 1-800-345-6665
In That's What Grandparents Are For, author Arlene Uslander uses a rhyming text to show the
special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Brightly illustrated by Freddie Levin,
Uslander's verses enable her young readers to share the joy and pride of grandparenting, from the
moment of their grandchild's birth, a visit to the zoo, building a kite together, and planting their
first
garden. That's What Grandparents Are For is enthusiastically recommended for school and
community libraries, and ideal for a shared moment of reading aloud together between
grandparents
and grandchildren.
Hugs & Kisses Contest
Paul Kortepeter
Dutton
345 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
0525465316 $14.99 1-800-847-5515
Siblings can't decide which one the mother loves the most, so they decide to hold a contest:
whoever
receives the most hugs and kisses before sundown is their mother's favorite child. The colorful
rabbit
drawings by Susan Wheeler are adorable in this intriguing story.
Piecing Earth & Sky Together
Nancy Raines Day
Shen's Books
40951 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538
1-885008-19-8 $17.95 www.shens.com
This creation story from the Mien tribe of Laos provides an intriguing tale of a competitive pair
who
use the Mien people's embroidery as a pattern to create earth and sky. The siblings work in secret
only to find their patterns don't fit together. Samples of traditional stitches and Mien embroidery
patterned endpapers accompany a fine creation story.
Rent Party Jazz
William Miller & Charlotte Riley-Webb
Lee & Low Books
95 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10016
1584300256 $16.95 leeandlow.com
Rent Party Jazz, written by William Miller, is a delightful picturebook filled with Charlotte
Riley-Webb's vividly expressionistic paintings, and is a story cleft from the soul of jazz. In 1930s
New Orleans, young Sonny Comeaux and his mother are at risk of missing their rent payment and
being thrown out on the street, when Smilin' Jack tells Sonny how to raise the money and throw
the
world's best party at the same time. A vibrant, enjoyable, highly recommended storybook.
Jasper's Magic Blanket
Debbie A. Atwood & Danny Gorden
Novel Approach Publications
PO Box 11747, Kansas City, MO 64138
0970101309 $16.95 novel-approach.com
Young readers will follow Jasper along as he conducts several experiments that lead him to the
conclusion that his blanket is magic! There are a lot of surprises in store for Jasper when he
reveals
his discovery to classmates, and how the classmates go about uncovering the secret to Jasper's
magic blanket. Danny Gorden's illustrations are a key to young readers finding the clues to what
Jasper's magic blanket is really all about. Debbie Atwood is a skilled and clever storyteller. It is
strongly hoped that Jasper's Magic Blanket will only be the first of many more unique and
charming
children's books to come!
Tiny The Bee
Kelli Chambers & Lynne Chambers
Blessing Our World, Inc.
Box 642, Palestine, TX 75802-0642
1928777139 $5.95 blessworld.com
Tiny The Bee is the charming story of a little bee who encounters many obstacles in his struggle
to
grow up. It is through his many adventures that Tiny learns about friendship, patience,
perseverance,
honor, loyalty, compassion, and tolerance. Brightly illustrated in full color by Lynne Chambers,
and
highly recommended for family and church Sunday School library collections for young readers
ages
4 to 8, Tiny The Bee was authored Kelli Chambers when she was 12 years old.
What Good Is...
Deanna Luke & JoAnn A. Woytek
Blessing Our World
P.O. Box 642, Palestine, TX 75802-0642
1928777007 $15.95 amazon.com
What Good Is... is a child's picturebook by Deanna Luke that is carefully written to educate the
young reader about a variety of different topics in a format utilizing one specific topic for each
letter
of the alphabet. From "What good is an apple?" (they're good for apple pies, and for feeding to
horses) to "What good is a zoo?" (you never know what kinds of animals you will see in one),
each
topic is fondly presented with personal memories and cheer. Colorful illustrations by JoAnn
Woytek
add extra zest and life to this enjoyable, highly recommended picturebook.
The Legend Of The Valentine
Katherine Grace bond & Don Tate
Zonderkidz
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530
0310700396 $14.99 zonderkidz.com
The Legend Of The Valentine: An Inspirational Story Of Love And Reconciliation reveals to
young
readers ages 4 to 8 the true meaning behind this nationally celebrated holiday. Deftly written by
Katherine Grace, this is the story of Marcus, the first African-American student in a segregated
school at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. When it comes to the making of valentines for
his
schoolmates, Marcus does not want to participate. His grandmother then tells him the story of St.
Valentine, who lived out his faith by continuing to love others even while facing intense
persecution.
It is through this true story that Marcus learns the power of forgiveness, true bravery, and the real
meaning of Valentine's Day.
One Shell, New Shell
Helen Ward
Millbrook
2 Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
0-7613-2708-8 $24.90 1-800-462-4703
Hermit crab loves his shell but he's outgrown it - he sets out to seek a replacement but finds only
another crab with the same problem. Very simple text and large color illustrations of coral reef life
accompany a story of problem-solving and change.
Sammy Wakes His Dad
Chip Emmons & Shirley Venit Anger
Star Bright Books
42-26 28th Street, Suite 2C, Long Island City, NY 11101
1887734872 $13.95 1-718-784-9112
Sammy Wakes His Dad by Chip Emmons is the story of a young boy who loves going out early to
fish more than anything. His dad used to come fishing with him all the time, but ever since an
accident left his father in a wheelchair, his seems to do nothing but hang around the house and
mope. Longing for the good times they once shared, Sammy finally decides to speak out, and tell
his
dad how he feels. Filled with hazy yet charming color illustrations by Shirley Venit Anger, Sammy
Wakes His Dad is a warm, thoughtful book well-suited for young readers ages 4 to 8.
Flowers From Mariko
Rich Noguchi & Deneen Jenks
Lee & Low Books
95 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10016
1584300329 $16.95 leeandlow.com
Set three years after the end of World War II, Flowers From Mariko is the story of a
Japanese-American family and their daughter Mariko are finally allowed to leave Camp. Life
doesn't
seem to get any easier, as the theft of Mariko's father's truck undermines his desire to restart the
family gardening business. Yet when young Mariko plants seeds that her father gave her and
carefully tends the tiny shoots, her dedication helps rekindle hope and spirit. Based on the unjust
imprisonment perpetuated upon Japanese Americans during and after World War II, Flowers
From
Mariko is a compelling story about the power of looking ahead to the future. Highly
recommended
selection choice for schools and community libraries.
Huevos Rancheros
Stefan Czernecki
Crocodile Books
99 Seventh Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
156656428X $15.95 interlinkbooks.com
Huevos Rancheros: A Mexican Tale is written and illustrated by Stefan Czernecki. Here is the
folklore story of a Mexican trickster, the tale of a brave and clever hen who must outsmart a
coyote
through charm and good cooking. Boldly colored illustrations bring this vivid children's story into
sharp relief, and the last page offers an easy-to-follow recipe for young people who want to make
and try Huevos Rancheros. Also highly recommended for school and library collections is Stefan
Czernecki's previous folklore-based picturebook for young readers, Mama God, Papa God: A
Caribbean Tale (1566563070, $15.95).
The Theatre Shelf
Meriwether Publishing
Box 7710, Colorado Springs, CO 80933
Two excellent drama guides provide high school students with skits for practice. Edward
Nevraumont and Nicholas Hanson's Ultimate Improv Book (1-56608-075-4, $16.95) provides a
complete curriculum in 24 class-length units, covering the basics of improvisational skills, comedy
basics, and improv work. Games and skits lend to honing skills as well as putting on productions.
Heather Henderson's Flip Side II (074-6, $15.95) provides a collection of sixty original
monologues
for teen actors which focus on issues of identity and presentation. From humorous issues to
historical figures and fantasy, these very different monologues provide a fine variety of topics and
acting skills. Both are recommended picks.
Smith & Kraus
300 Bedford St., Bldg. B, Suite 213
Manchester, NH 03101
These new titles provide plays and routines for aspiring young actors, offering a wealth of
instructions and insights into the drama world. Marisa Smith edits New Playwrights
(1-57525-225-2,
$19.95), offering the best plays of 1999 from a variety of new playwrights. The diversity of the
routines, from comedy to drama and beyond, lend to student acting abilities. Michael York's
Dispatches From Armageddon (311-9, $14.99) shares insights on the basics of creating a film.
The
first person diary entries share moment-by-moment experiences in the making of the movie
Megiddo: aspiring actors will relish the insights into how a movie is produced. Joy Varley's
Essential Manual For High-school Theater Directors (282-1, $16.95) provides students and
theater
leaders with a handy outline of tasks, roles, and responsibilities for creating a successful
production.
From audition schedules and evaluations to student volunteers and wardrobe assessment charts,
this
is packed with fine tips essential to staging a production.
The American History
Shelf
Songs And Stories Of The Civil War
Jerry Silverman
Twenty-First Century Books
0-7613-2305-8 $29.90 1-800-462-4703
This collection of Civil War stories and songs may hold lyrics and a sheet music to such notables
as
Dixie's Land, but it also holds plenty of background history, making it more a history presentation
than another songbook. From the practice of fitting new words to existing melodies during the
war
to the historical background covered in the songs themselves, this provides an excellent and
unusual
overview of how Civil War history is reflected in verse and music.
Remember The Maine
Tim McNeese
Morgan Reynolds
620 South Elm Street, #223, Greensboro, NC 27406
1-883846-79-X $20.95 1-800-535-1504
This survey of the Spanish-American War will reach advanced elementary to early middle school
readers, providing a coverage of the war and how it began. With the inclusion of quotes from
source
material this account reads almost like fiction, with the lively tone of a storyteller; yet is filled with
facts useful for reports. A topic which rarely receives its own complete coverage for this age
group.
Benchmark/Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd. Tarrytown NY 10591
1-800-831-9881
Two sets of American history titles provide elementary-level readers with basic introductory
material
suitable for reports. Edward Dolan's 'Kaleidoscope' histories ($15.95 each) are short (under 50
pages each) and easily digested, with large print, color illustrations on each page, and a lively
writing
style. New arrivals include Winter At Valley Forge (0-7614-1304-9), Boston Tea Party (1303-0),
Salem Witch Trials (1302-2), and Lost Colony Of Roanoke (1301-4). Each includes clear details
on
the backgrounds of each event. The 'Letters from the Homefront' series ($19.95 each) uses source
material letters and diaries to spice up historical overviews. New to this series are Susan Beller's
Revolutionary War (1094-5), Virginia Schomp's Vietnam War (1099-6), Linda George's World
War
I (1096-1), Schomp's World War II (1098-8), and her Civil War (1095-3). Each book holds
nearly a
hundred pages of facts blended with the source documents for added impact and color. All
promise
lasting reference use.
The Poetry Shelf
The Feelings And Imagination Of A Barefoot Boy Still Inside My Head!
Richard W. Carlson Jr.
iUniverse.com, Inc.
5220 South 16th Street, #200, Lincoln, NE 68512-1274
0595181317 $10.95 iuniverse.com
Richard Carlson's The Feelings And Imagination Of A Barefoot Boy Still Inside My Head! is a
delightful, entertaining, and highly recommended collection of poems and short stories for
children
ages 9 to 12. The topics of these pieces range from family, falling in love, and imagination, to
yelling, bicycles, and kissing. I Loved To Walk On My Bare Feet: When I was a young boy,/I
loved
life and felt great joy./I untied and my little shoes off I took./At my bare feet I wanted to look./It
felt
really neat,/Walking on the grass and soil in bare feet./I breathed in the spring air through my little
nose,/And in the mud puddles, wiggled my little toes./I would play and daydream./Life was
wonderful to me it did seem.
The Music Shelf
The Floppy Sleep Game
Patti Teel
Dream Flight Productions
1187 Coast Village Road, Suite 1-457, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
60732-7 $12.95 1-888-992-4200
Patti Teel composed and performed The Floppy Sleep Game as an aid to children learning how to
relax. Part 1 (The Flop Game and "It's a Mother's Lullaby") encourages children to "flop" their
body parts whil various musical isntruments correspond with amusing sounds. In Part 2 (The
Sound Of Dreams) children hear peaceful music as they are guided on a magical mental journey.
Highly recommended for family, day care center, and preschool resource collections, The Floppy
Sleep Game is also available in an audiocassette format ($9.95).
History Of Gospel Music
Rose Blue & Corinne Naden
Chelsea House
1974 Sproul Rd. #400 Broomall PA 19008
0-7910-5818-2 $21.95 1-800-848-2665
History Of Gospel Music joins others in the African-American Achievers series, here focussing on
the history and development of American gospel music from early composers and artists to its
current foundations. Ages 10 and older will find this an excellent coverage which considers the
social, spiritual and ethnic roots of gospel music in this country.
The Astronomy Shelf
Oliver Press Inc.
5707 W. 36th St., Minneapolis MN 55416
Two fine titles will reach ages 10 and older with exciting astronomy topics and
information-packed
volumes. Susan and Steven Willis' Astronomy: Looking At The Stars (1-881508-76-5, $21.95)
provides a history of the science, showing how early astronomers created the foundations for
theories and changed their fields. From Copernicus' discoveries about the motion of planets to
Tycho Brahe's introduction of astronomical investigative methods, this packs in anecdotes,
diagrams, and plenty of history. Jason Richie's Profiles: Spectacular Space Travelers (71-4, $1.95)
follows the space program from Sputnik to modern times, examining the crews and astronauts
who
participated in space exploration and new discoveries. Black and white photos pepper a coverage
of
space travellers and their experiences.
DK Publishing
95 Madison Ave., New York NY 10016
$12.95 Each www.dk.com
These BBC books provide exceptional studies of astronomy, using the latest in dramatic full-page
color astronomical photos blended with science and facts to capture both leisure audiences and
students seeking facts for reports. Paul Parsons' The Big Bang (0-7894-8161-8) explores the Big
Bang theory of the universe, surveying the thinking behind this and other origin ideas and liking
theory with scientific facts. Ian Nicholson's Stars And Supernovas (8160-X) tells of how
astronomers have been able to discover the true nature of stars and their composition through
advanced technology and new theories about space. John Man's Comets (8159-6) examines the
bodies which circle the sun, exploring their origins, evolution, and death. The formats and color in
all these promise to excite a wide audience from advanced elementary-level readers into adult
years.
The CD-ROM Shelf
The Learning Company
6401 Kaiser Dr., Fremont, CA 94555
http://www.learningco.com
Two outstanding new "Caillou" CD-ROM based learning softwares from The Learning Company
are ideal for daycare center, kindergarten, and homeschooling curriculums for children ages 2 to
6.
In Magic Playhouse ($19.99) young players will help to find hidden treasures scattered
throughout
Calliou's house under the supervision of his babysitter in the form of a scavenger hunt. The
players'
collection grows each time they locate an item from the list of things to find. Along the way they
solve puzzles, make snacks, or match socks together with Calliou! Featured are eight fun
activities,
four fun themes, and printable "Family Time" projects. In the Birthday Party ($19.99) young
players
join Cailou and all his friends for the perfect birthday celebration entertainingly enhanced with an
engaging combination of animation, puppets, music, dance, and live action. The eight fun
activities
and four fun themes, along with printable "Family Time" projects make for a wonderfully
self-directed, game-based, learning experience. The learning of preschool and kindergarten skills
was
never so much fun! These Calliou gaming CD-ROM packages operate on either Windows or
Macintosh platforms, and are based on the popular charecters of an award winning PBS KIDS
series.
The Easy Reader Shelf
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 - 5th Avenue, #3308, NY, NY 10118
1-800-387-7650
This fine new 'Blue Bananas' series will appeal to readers in grades K-1 just starting to read: each
holds lively illustrations and cartoon-like drawings which will appeal to those just starting out.
Maddie Stewart and Bee Willey's Peg (0-7787-0841-1) tells of a one-legged hen who longs for a
family; Alison Ritchie and Ian Newshams Horrible Haircut (0844-6) tells of a family of
hair-cutters;
Julie Donaldson's Follow The Swallow (0842-X) receives Martin Ursell's whimsical animal
drawings
as it tells of birds who are friends long distance; Jan Fearnley's Colin And The Curly Claw
(0840-3)
tells of a dinosaur-loving kid, Dunbar and McCafferty's Magic Lemonade (0839-X) tells of magic
talents; Tony Bradman and Martin Chatterton's Magnificent Mummies (0843-8) provides a funny
family of mummies; Chris D'Lacey's Dexter's Journey (0846-2) reveals a duck washed overboard;
Selina Young's Big Dog And Little Dog Go Sailing (0845-4) tells of dogs who find more
adventure
than they wished for; Sue Mayfield and Ken Cox's Shoot! (0847-0) reveals an unbeatable team's
greatest challenge; Tony Bradman and Martin and Ann Chatterton's Midnight In Memphis
(0848-9)
presents the Mummy family on a spaceship; Selina Young's Big Dog And Little Dog Visit The
Moon (0849-7) continues their adventures - in space; and Simon Puttock's Here I Am! Said
Smedley
(0838-1) tells of a shy chameleon who learns to stand out from the crowd. All are fine stories
especially appealing for reluctant readers.
The Library Video Shelf
Thomas & Friends: Best Of James
Anchor Bay
Andrea Blain (publicity)
1699 Stutz Dr., Troy, MI 48084
AB1262 $12.98 www.amazon.com
Thomas & Friends: Best Of James showcases three lively, full color adventures of Thomas and his
steam-powered fellow trains, along with a cast of his Island of Sodor friends. This charming,
highly
recommended, 46 minute video will prove an instant favorite for young viewers ages 2 to 6.
Thomas
& Friends: Best Of James is also available in a superb DVD format (DV12103, $19.98) that also
includes several bonus features and non-commercial public performance rights.
Disney Educational Productions
500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521-6307
1-800-295-5010 Education.Disney.com
Three new videos from Disney Educational Productions are strongly recommended for both
school
and community library collections. Learning For Life: Kids And Learning Differences
(0896258041,
$59.00, 24 minutes) shows young viewers what it feels like to grow up with a learning disability.
It
profiles the struggles and achievements of boys and girls as they learn to cope with their learning
differences and eventual find their way to becoming successful in their studies and in their lives.
Friends For Life: Living With AIDS (0896258033, $59.00, 27 minutes) presents eleven-year-old
Chris Edwards and other children in a moving documentary on HIV-positive youngsters
showcasing
their hopes, fears, joys, and ordinary lives as young viewers have any misconceptions corrected as
they learn what living with this widespread and often fearfully regarded disease is really like.
Miracle
In Lane 2 (0896258025, $99.00, 89 minutes) is the dramatic and true story of wheelchair-bound
Justin Yoder, a twelve-year-old boy who refused to let spina bifida keep him from becoming a
national soapbox derby champion. A Disney Channel Original Movie, Miracle In Lane 2 is as
entertaining as it is informative and inspiring.
We Sign
Production Associates
1206 West Collins Ave. Orange CA 92867
1-800-535-8368 www.wesign.com
Ken Frawley has created a superb series of six, lively, 30 minute, full color videos for young
viewers
that will teach them American Sign Language (ASL) based signing. A very visual, interactive
language that involves movement (especially the hands) and expression ASL also enhances motor
and
memory skills. Highly recommended for family, school, and community library collections, the
individual, live-action, "sign along" volumes comprising this outstanding series include We Sign:
ABCs (1887120580, $14.95); We Sign: Numbers (1887120599, $14.95); We Sign: Colors
(1887120602, $14.95); We Sign: Patriotic Songs (1887120645, $14.95); We Sign: Animals
(1887120610, $14.95); and We Sign: Rhymes (1887120629).
American Government For Children
Schlessinger Media
PO Box 580, Wynnewood, PA 19096
1-800-483-3620 www.schlessinger.com
American Government For Children is an impressive 6 volume video series specifically designed
and
highly recommended for use with children in grades K-4. Emphasizing the importance of
understanding and participating in all aspects of American government, each volume includes
interviews with government officials and other American citizens to explain the basic concepts of
how the American government functions. Fast-paced, informative, superbly presented, the six, 23
minute, full color videos comprising this outstanding series including American Citizenship;
Federal,
State and local Government; The History of American Government; A History of the Presidency;
The Three Branches of Government; and What is Government? A "Teacher's Guide" accompanies
each of the volumes and provides additional information including vocabulary words, discussion
questions, and activities that make them ideal supplements to the classroom curriculum.
Books in Series
We Both Read
Treasure Bay, Inc.
17 Parkgrove Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080
$7.99 each 1-415-883-3530
We Both Read is a unique and very highly recommended series of books designed to be
cooperatively read by both parents and children. We Both Read: About The Ocean (1891327313)
by Sindy McKay is beautifully illustrated with color photography and focuses on the many aspects
of an ocean environment from coral reefs to deep seas to sandy shores. A wealth of interesting
and fun facts about life in the ocean includes dolphins, sharks, whales, starfish, and more!
Meredith Johnson's lively and colorful illustrations enhance Sindy McKay's wildly imaginative
story of We
Both Read: The Big Tan Van (1891327356). Aunt Sue is taking her niece on a wild ride in her
amazing van to a store with clothes that have cats and pans in the pockets, a park with jogging
frogs, and a zoo run the animals! Charmingly illustrated with the full color artwork of Laurie
Harden, We Both Read: The Perfect Gift/El Regalo Perfecto (189132733X) is Jenny Gago's
bilingual (English/Spanish) of a child's search for the perfect birthday gift to give her mother.
Maria and her cousin find a beautiful "flower" for Maria's mother. The flower quickly wilts and
Maria is very disappointed. But, with the loving help of her older brother, Maria's flower because
a truly perfect Gift.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Animals Of The World
World Book, Inc.
233 N. Michigan Avenue, #2000, Chicago, IL 60601
0716612224 $238.00 worldbook.com
Designed for grades 1-6, The World Book series, Animals Of The World is an outstanding,
twenty
volume series that showcases (Set 1, 0716612003, $119.00) Ants and Other Social Insects; Fur
Seals and Other Pinnipeds; Hammersheads and Other Sharks; hedgehogs and Other Insectivores;
Howlers and Other World Monkeys; Kangaroos and Other Marsupials; Ladybugs and Other
Beetles;
Owls and Other Birds of Prey; Rattlers and Other Snakes; Wolves and Other Wild Dogs. (Set 2,
0716612219, $119.00) Alligators and Crocodilians; Cardinals and Other Song Birds; Cottontails
and
their Relatives; Giraffes and Other Animals with Hooves; Grasshoppers and Other Leaping
Insects;
Grizzlies and Other Bears; Jelly Fish and Other Stingers; Killer Whales and Other Toothed
Whales;
Spiders and Other Arachnids; Swans and Other Swimming Birds. Easy to read and superbly
illustrated, the informative text provides both verbal and visual information, promotes critical
thinking, and is enhanced for young readers with a table of contents, a collection of "fun facts", a
glossary of key words, and an index. An invaluable acquisition for both school and community
libraries, each Animals Of The World ten volume set can be purchased separately, but the
strongest
recommendation is for school and community librarians to acquire the entire twenty volume series
for their students and patrons.
Animals And Their Homes
Moonstone Press
KSB Promotions (publicity)
7820 Oracle Place, Potomac, MD 20854
$15.00 each 1-800-888-4741
Under the expert supervisory editorship of Stephanie Maze, the Moonstone Press series "Animals
And Their Homes" offers superbly written and photographically illustrated nature books for
young
readers. In Peaceful Moments In The Wild (0970776810) we find a koala resting high up in a
eucalyptus forest in Australia; families of penguins gathered together on the frosty icebergs of
Antarctica; an elf owl peeking out of its nest in a saguaro cactus in the North American desert
country. These and other captivating images are taken by some of the best wildlife photographers
working today and will introduce young readers to the diversity of animal habitats around the
world
and the idea that all living creatures live in very special places ideally suited for them. In Amusing
Moments In The Wild (0970776837), two elephants wrap their trunks around each other in a
morning greeting; a pair of polar bears dance on the ice; and a sponge crab wears a fancy seashell
hat for protection. "The Animals And Their Homes" series from Moonstone Press is a wonderful
addition to any family, school, or community library wildlife reference collection of children.
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
Copyright ©2001
Site design by Williams Writing, Editing &
Design