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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island: A Choose Your Own Path Book
Robert Louis Stevenson, author
Adapted by Blake Hoena
Lake 7 Creative LLC
www.Lake7Creative.com
9780988366268, $8.95, www.amazon.com
"Treasure Island" is reissued adapted to the Choose Your Own Path series which is an interactive
juvenile format for classic adventure and other stories. The original matchless prose of Robert
Louis Stevenson's classic is recast in modern language with preservation of as much of
Stevenson's dialogue as possible. Throughout the book, readers are asked to jump to distant
pages and sometimes asked to choose between two or more options. The resulting reading
odyssey/adventure is challenging and exciting and stimulates young readers to imagine diverging
outcomes to plot lines. It also encourages them to revisit or perhaps explore for the first time the
original source. "Can You Survive? Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island" is a popular
vehicle for today's young readers to use exploring and expanding some of the most beloved
classics of juvenile literature. Another title in this innovative series that is also highly
recommended for readers age 10 and up is "Can You Survive? Greek Mythology's Twelve
Labors of Hercules (9780988366299, $8.95)."
Black Wolf of the Glacier: Alaska's Romeo
Deb Vanasse, author
Nancy Slagle, illustrator
Snowy Owl Books
c/o University of Alaska Press
P.O. Box 756240, Fairbanks, AK 99775
www.uaf.edu/uapress
9781602231979, $12.95, www.amazon.com
"Black Wolf of the Glacier" is a stunning illustrated fiction wolf biography that is based on the
life span of a known wolf who lived near the Mendenhall Glacier Lake. Romeo, the beautiful
black wolf was so named by park visitors who frequently sighted him and allowed him to interact
and play with their dogs. Because he somehow lost his mother and pack mates as a young animal,
Romeo was lonely for canine (lupine) companionship. He became known and loved by park
users, and although rangers feared for hikers' safety, everyone wanted Romeo to be allowed to
remain a cyclical visitor at the Mendenhall Glacier area. Unfortunately, one year Romeo did not
return at his usual time. Later, his pelt, with distinctive markings, was found among illegally
trapped wolf pelts. Friends of Romeo prepared a farewell to him on the glacier where he had
been seen and loved. "Black Wolf of the Glacier" presents Romeo as he might have been
experienced by a young girl with her dog. Although the character of Shawna is fictional, Romeo
was a real wolf, who was mourned and missed by many. Enhanced with stark, descriptive
paintings of the wolf and companions in the wild glacier setting, "Black Wolf of the Glacier" is a
both a lasting tribute to a noble wild animal and a testament to the two -sided, ongoing
relationship (with potential capacity for good or evil) between wild animals and humans.
Children's Day
Thelma B. Thompson, author
Ivan Earl Aguilar, illustrator
Xlibris Corporation
1663 South Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
9781439105342, $15.99, www.amazon.com
"Children's Day" is a wonderful book that celebrates the special uniqueness of children
everywhere. If there is a Mother's Day, a Father's Day, and even a Grandparents' Day, why isn't
there a Children's Day? This is the quite reasonable question asked (in verse) by Nellie and
Jamal, two excited African American children. When Father Barnaby can find no answer even on
his computer, he suggests they ask the County Commissioner. Over and over the question is sung
by the family, "Tell me, tell me, can you say, why there is no Children's Day?" Everyone gets a
chance to sing a solo as the song and its questions become longer and more unanswerable. The
entire family including pets eventually sing their query to Congress and the White House, even
the President. Finally the President (who happens to be a woman) finds the best answer: "With
joy and with pleasure we can now say - EVERY DAY IS CHILDREN'S DAY!" This amazing,
rhyming, empowering story is decorated with fabulous, fun color illustrations of children and
elected officials of both genders and multiple ethnic origins. "Children's Day" is all about
affirming to children that they and their questions are important and valued.
The Gift of the Ladybug
Carole M. Amber, author
Evi Shelvia, illustrator
Whitegate PR
Ladybug Publishing
www.giftoftheladybug.org
9780615580944, $10.99, www.amazon.com
"The Gift of the Ladybug" is a creative healing book for children and adults written by a parent
of a child who died of Leigh Syndrome before his second birthday. Winner of the Bobby's Books
award specially given to only 250 children's books to help children cope, "The Gift of the
Ladybug" is already in use as a healing tool by physicians, schools, hospitals, and parents. "The
Gift of the Ladybug" is written in delicate, appealing prose and expressively illustrated with
charming, whimsical illustrations of two loving parent horses who discover they have a ladybug
for a son. The core message of "The Gift of the Ladybug" is acceptance, acceptance of the painful
reality that a loved, tiny child has come with medical differences, an inner nature that precludes a
long life span. At first the horse parents can only cry when they understand this very significant
difference in their beloved son Polkadot, the ladybug. Then, gradually they decide to find out the
best ways they can help and care for Polkadot, and also to spend their time celebrating the gift of
the ladybug, rather than grieving the shortened life span he will enjoy with them. "The Gift of the
Ladybug" is a masterful example of bibliotherapy, beautifully presented. The author continues to
donate 30 percent of book profits to UMDF, United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.
The American History Shelf
The Girl from the Tar Paper School
Teri Kanefield
Abrams Books for Young Readers
c/o Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
115 West 18th Street, 6th floor
New York, NY 10011
9781419707964 $19.95 www.abramsbooks.com
Ideal for young readers ages 10 to 14+, The Girl from the Tar Paper School is a nonfiction,
picturebook chronicle of a young African-American woman who used nonviolent civil
disobedience to stand up for what she believed in. Before Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.
were household names, Barbara Rose Johns was an African-American teenager forced to go to an
inferior, segregated school and receive a substandard education. She and her classmates went to
school in "tar paper shacks" - rickety wooden buildings covered in tar paper. Though they were
promised a new school equal to the whites-only school across town, time passed and she knew
the tar paper shacks would become permanent if she did not take action. She led her classmates
in a peaceful boycott to draw attention to the atrocious condition of their inferior school. Her
bravery was repaid with public ridicule, even a cross burning on her school grounds, but she and
her classmates would not give up. The NAACP championed her school's case in the court
system, eventually culminating in the landmark Supreme Court decision "Brown v. Board of
Education" in 1954, outlawing segregation. A wealth of archival photographs, a glossary, and an
index round out this true-life history, worthy of the highest recommendation especially for school
and public library children's collections.
The International Shelf
If You Were Me and Lived In...Kenya
Carole P. Roman, author
www.caroleproman.com
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
9781481979917, $9.99, www.amazon.com
From an award winning nonfiction series exploring life from a child's viewpoint round the world,
"If You Were Me and Lived In .... Kenya: A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World"
explores and describes daily life for a child growing up in Kenya. Common names such as Kiano
or Akeyo, plus familiar terms for father and mother such as Baba and Mazazi, as well as names
of famous places like Nairobi and the Masaai Mara National Reserve are described and
explained. A term for "school" is "shule" and a popular festival is the Mombasa Carnival, while
cricket is a popular sport and roast goat or beef is a common food. All this and more is vividly
described and pictured in "If You Were Me and Lived In .... Kenya," along a handy global map
that shows Kenya's location in the world, in eastern Africa. Ending with a globe encircled with
children of many lands and backgrounds holding hands, plus a handy pronunciation guide for
new Kenyan terms, "If You Were Me and Lived In ...Kenya" is a snapshot education in African
living for children age 8 and up.
The Military Shelf
I Miss Daddy
Acacia Slaton Beumer, author
Dimas S. S., illustrator
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
9781481217088, $4.04, www.amazon.com
"I Miss Daddy" is an expressive child's book about an African American preschool girl named
Jana whose Daddy has been sent to Afghanistan for military service. Jana has a mom and
younger sister whom she also loves, but she misses her Daddy so badly and has such difficulty
understanding why and where he is gone, and for how long, that she occasionally misbehaves or
even regresses out of insecurity and confusion. It takes Jana and her mom a while to figure out
the problem and to learn to understand the hurt and just try their best to get along together. A
letter sent from Afghanistan to Jana from her Daddy helps a lot, as does quiet cuddling time with
her mother's understanding and making prayers together for her Daddy's safe return. "I Miss
Daddy" is filled with living color illustrations that seem photo-pasted, showing a very real little
girl with her family in daily settings that children will recognize and relate to. Each page number
is attached to a silver dogtag symbol, which becomes a sort of reminder and mantra, telling the
reader the family is always aware that Daddy is a soldier gone on assignment and needs their
prayers for safety until he returns home. At the end, suggested discussion questions can help
parents and children talk about important issues and ideas related to why Jana misses her Daddy.
"I Miss Daddy" is a very helpful child's book dealing with military family separation issues from
a young child's point of view. It is perfectly suited for use with children ages 4-10.
The Biography Shelf
Chester Nimitz and the Sea
Jane Sutcliffe, author
Craig Kodera, illustrator
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053
www.pelicanpub.com
9781455617968, $16.99, www.amazon.com
"Chester Nimitz and the Sea" is an illustrated juvenile biography of U.S. Navy Admiral and hero
of the Pacific theater of WW II, Chester Nimitz. Chester grew up in Fredericksburg, TX, far from
the sea but under the influence of his grandfather, a retired sailor who built the Nimitz or
Steamboat Hotel. Chester went to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1901, much encouraged by his
grandfather and family. His following illustrious career revolved partly around early maxims
learned from his grandfather: To get along with the sea, and life, learn all you can, do your best,
and don't worry about things you can't control. Chester was present at Pearl Harbor on December
7, 1941, when Japanese planes attacked the Hawaiian base. Subsequently, he became Admiral
Nimitz, in charge of the entire Pacific theater for U. S. Naval defense and warfare, a huge
responsibility. Admiral Nimitz rose to the challenge, with the help of Navy ships, seamen and
airplanes. He held the mast and invented strategies and defenses until the Japanese surrendered at
Midway on September 2, 1945. "Chester Nimitz and the Sea" is enhanced with realistic paintings
and illustrations and actual black and white photos of Navy ships in action. This biography of a
Navy hero will appeal to readers age 8 and up.
The Self-Help Shelf
Thanks for the Feedback...I Think!
Julia Cook, author
Kelsey De Weerd, illustrator
Boys Town Press
14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010
www.boystownpress.org
9781934490495, $10.95, www.amazon.com
"Thanks for the Feedback...I Think!: My Story About Accepting Criticism and Compliments the
Right Way" is a great self-help book teaching kids to how to accept compliments and
constructive feedback. RJ is a boy who has trouble finding the right thing to say when others give
him compliments or constructive feedback. Using many familiar examples and interaction
situations, RJ is taught the following suggestions: "When somebody GIVES you a compliment,
the BEST thing for you to do, is to LOOK at the person, use a nice, pleasant voice, and simply
say, 'THANK YOU.'" The second suggestion is "When somebody GIVES you feedback, they're
helping to IMPROVE who you are. LISTEN to the person, and say 'OK.' Their words just might
take you far. Make sure that when you listen you LOOK to the one who is talking to you. STAY
CALM on the inside, now matter what is said. Then carefully THINK is through." Using ideas
coming from these two key suggestion, RJ is able to improve his soccer game, get his
schoolwork done on time, and show all his homework steps in math to prove he is not cheating.
"Thanks for the Feedback...I Think!" is a practical kids self help book that many adults could also
benefit from. Amusing, nonjudgmental language and pictures help keep the message clear and
positive throughout this appealing self help for boys and girls age 7 and up.
A Happy Hat
Cecil Kim, author
Joo-Kyung Kim, illustrator
Magination Press
c/o American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
9781433813375 $14.95 www.maginationpress.com
A Happy Hat is a colorful, consumable children's picturebook with an underlying message about
resilience. The story follows a weather-beaten, seemingly abandoned hat that remains joyful
despite the many changes that have happened to it. Once, the hat was the height of fashion; then
it served a magician, and later a street performer. But when it became lost in the wilderness, far
away from people, it was still needed - a mother bird chose it to hold a nest and her eggs! The
consumable pages encourage young people to write or draw what the hat and the street musician
are thinking, as well as a picture of the Happy Hat's next destined owner. A final, two-page "Note
to Parents and Other Caregivers" goes into detail on ways to help children adujst to difficult
times and abrupt changes in their lives. Highly recommended.
The Crafts Shelf
Totally Awesome Rubber Band Jewelry
Colleen Dorsey, author
Design Originals / Heliconia Press
c/o Fox Chapel Publishing
1970 Broad Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520
www.d-originals.com
9781574218961, $7.99, www.amazon.com
"Totally Awesome Rubber Band Jewelry" is a hip new children's craft book that includes
detailed, photo-illustrated instructions for making more than twelve cool rubber band projects.
Starting with easy patterns for bracelets, rings, necklaces, and hand and foot accessories, projects
expand to belts, daisies, and more. Using specified supply lists of colored, sometimes shaped
rubber bands, crochet hooks, and special looms or common object tools, children are able to
create incredible artistic designs with easily learned techniques, following suggested patterns.
Materials are inexpensive and instructions are clearly illustrated and presented, moving from easy
patterns to more complex designs. Banner projects include a variety of bracelets, flower charms,
dangly earrings, a hippie belt, and much more. Appealing to elementary school children age 6
and up, "Totally Awesome Rubber Band Jewelry" is the leading craft text for a wildly popular
craft craze for kids that is sweeping the country.
The Sports Shelf
Puckster's First Hockey Tryout
Lorna Schultz Nicholson, author
Kelly Findley, illustrator
Fenn
c/o Tundra Books
One Toronto Street, Suite 300, Toronto, ON, Canada M5C 2V6
www.tundrabooks.com
9781770495968, $6.99, www.amazon.com
From the Hockey Canada hit Puckster series, "Puckster's First Hockey Tryout" is an inspiring,
practical action story that teaches young athletes valuable tips to learn and use when trying out
for their first big hockey team. Featuring centre Puckster, illustrated as a talented white polar bear
on skates, "Puckster's First Hockey Tryout" follows the team through a typical hockey drill,
warmup, and practice before playing being selected to make the team to play against the Russian
Tigers, a big team in a televised game. Detailed, colorful illustrations show different animal team
members displaying non-competitive hockey moves in the tryouts. Solid tips delivered in the end
as Puckster's Tips include: Listen to your coach! Warm up your muscles before practicing or
playing in a hockey game. Stay hydrated (bring your own water bottle)! Don't give up! With hard
work and practice, Puckster and teammate Sarah, defense, make the team in the end. "Puckster's
First Hockey Tryout" is one of six Puckster titles available from Tundra Books and Hockey
Canada on hockey for kids.
Tag, You're It!
Guy Bailey, author
Educators Press
14005 NE 8th Street, Vancouver, WA 98684
www.educatorspress.com
9780966972795, $16.95, www.amazon.com
"Tag, You're It!: 101 Tag Games for Run, Fitness, and Skills" is a great physical education
resource for kids grades K-6 that is packed with fun-filled action games incorporating many
motor skills, enhancing cardiovascular health, and enticing kids to pursue yet more fun fitness
development. Each tag game variation is simply explained in one page with introduction,
equipment, and how to play instructions. Simple black and white symbolic illustrations embellish
each game page, and games are listed alphabetically by title. Thus we have Flexibility Tag,
Quadriceps Tag, Stone Age Tag, Teamwork Tag, and many more, including some partner tag and
dance tag variations. Suggestions for game incorporation, play and targeted improvement areas
are included in game introductions and instructions. "Tag, You're It!" is a fantastic fun PE
resource that can be used by educators, child care staff, and parents for promoting lots of hours of
healthy, fun play for kids.
The Counting Shelf
Mama, How Does The Wind Start To Blow?
Jeanne Styczinski, author/illustrator
Jeanne Kay Publishing
E8869 810th Avenue, Colfax, WI 54730
9780991094608, $9.95, www.jeannekaypublishing.com
"Mama, How Does The Wind Start To Blow" is aptly subtitled "A Counting Story That Will
Blow You Away!" Filled with creative, brightly decorated, mixed media and collage-like
illustrations of leaves falling, fireflies blinking, horses swishing their tails, frogs leaping and
sunflowers shedding their seeds, this counting song-like story will grip the imaginations of
children age 3-6 everywhere. The answer to the title question comes after a wide variety of other
possible sources for the wind blowing have been imagined and explored, from one moon rising
to 10 sunflower seeds falling : "It's simple. Wind starts when a Mother blows an, "I Love You:
kiss to her child. Catch it! This wind is for you! ....Catch it! This wind is for you!" Thus the child
or reader is actively engaged in the mystical process of linking imagination to reality. The appeal
is magical. To underline learning the counting process, the final few pages repeat with ritual
embellishment and repeated images the counting numbers and objects, such as one moon, two
stars, three leaves, four horses, etc. A final leaping frog asks cheerily, "Got Wind?" "Mama, How
Does the Wind Start to Blow" is an irresistible combination of art, poetry, logic, and math. This
book deserves an award for stimulating creative learning approaches.
The Board Book Shelf
Spoonful of Sweetness
Maria Dismondy, author
Ronnie Rooney, illustrator
Maria Dismondy, Inc.
PO Box 930237, Wixom, MI 48393
www.mariadismondy.com
9780984855827, $6.99, www.amazon.com
"Spoonful of Sweetness" is a delectable, sturdy pasteboard book for very young children (age
0-2) that promotes excellent qualities by encouraging children to play imitative games that
promote the capacity for such desirable traits as empathy, respect, responsibility, friendship,
kindness, and courage. Charming colored illustrations show babies of different races and skin
colors displaying imitative responses such as waving, smiling, blowing kisses, kissing boo-boos,
etc. "Spoonful of Sweetness" is a delightful educational board book for all young children and
their parents and caretakers.
The Picturebook Shelf
The Best Saturday Ever!
Gary Cook, author
Adam Sward, illustrator
Scarletta Kids
10 South Fifth Street, Suite 1105, Minneapolis, MN 55402
www.scarlettapress.com
c/o Publishers Group West (distribution)
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781938063251 $15.95 www.pgw.com
The Best Saturday Ever! is a rhyming children's picturebook about the power of imagination.
One stormy Saturday, the power goes out - with no TV, no video games, and no opportunity to
go outside, what is young Robbie to do? He soon learns that there are ways to make one's own
fun, creating his very own superhero costume and embarking on adventures to defeat fantastic
monsters! "While some of them are tricky, / they never stay long in our way. / So I'm off to my
next mission, / to save another day!" Exuberant and playful, The Best Saturday Ever! fosters
creativity by encouraging young people to exercise their minds and invent their own fun.
And the Cars Go...
William Bee
Candlewick Press
99 Dover Street
Somerville, MA 02144
9780763665807 $15.99 www.candlewick.com
And the Cars Go... is a charming children's picturebook filled with read-aloud sound effects.
When a policemen encounters a traffic pileup, each vehicle idling in the jam makes a different
noise - "Here is the beach buggy, off to the coast, and the surfers mumble, 'Hey man! We're
missing the waves.' And their buggy goes, Bumble bumble bumble bumble bumble bumble."
What's holding all the different cars up? It's escaped sheep in the street! Exuberant color
illustrations add just the right touch to this charming story perfect for sharing with little children,
who will love to imitate the many different sounds.
Bronto, Friend of Ceratops
Charlotte Vivian Rodenberg
Craigmore Creations
2900 SE Stark St., Suite 1A
Portland, OR 97214
9780984442294 $14.99 www.craigmorecreations.com
Set during the Cretaceous, Bronto, Friend of Ceratops follows a young Apatosaurus named
Bronto, and Bronto's friends, the three-horned Ceratops. When lightning ignites a forest fire, and
predatory dinosaurs menace the Ceratops herd, Bronto takes it on himself to deliver the both the
dangerous news and a plan of action! Inviting color illustrations add just the right touch to this
heroic story reminiscent of "The Land Before Time" animated movie series. Also highly
recommended is the author's previous children's book featuring Bronto, "Bronto & the
Pterodactyl Eggs" (9780984442249, $14.99).
The Slip-Slide Misadventure of Mildew Goo
R. Douglas Jacobs, author
Nicholas Voshall, illustrator
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
www.createspace.com
9781490324142, $19.95, www.amazon.com
"The Slip-Slide Misadventure of Mildew Goo" is a rhythmic fable deftly told by R. Douglas
Jacobs about a bit of foam called Soapy Suds, who is in danger from the dark clutches of a
bathtub drain, but is befriended in a rescue effort by Mildew Goo who is a fungus. The virtue of
humility becomes the central theme of this entertaining story for young readers during the course
of Mildew's attempt to rescue Soapy. This entertaining and original little story is enhanced with
the illustrations of Nicholas Voshall. "The Slip-Slide Misadventure of Mildew Goo" is highly
recommended for both family and community library picture book collections. It should be noted
that "The Slip-Slide Misadventure of Mildew Goo" is also available in a Kindle edition
($2.99).
Ink-Blot
Maria Eugenia, author/illustrator
Second Story Press
20 Maud Street, Ste. 401
Toronto, ON M5V 2M5 Canada
www.secondstorypress.com
9781927583227, $15.95, www.amazon.com
"Ink-Blot" is an incredibly creative, artistic children's book that will have special appeal for girls
(ages 5-8). Powerful, eccentric appearing caricature-like illustrations show girls who are worried
about their appearance, their nose, their hair, their size, and EVERYTHING. Some girls in fact
feel that they are "badly drawn." By complete contrast, Ink-blot is a black and white zany cartoon
entity who really does appear to be "badly drawn," but who "couldn't care less!" This is because
she is too busy having fun! "Ink-Blot" is a masterfully empowering book, a freeing experience
for children who obsess about their appearance. The expressiveness of the color and black and
white illustrations tells all, with humor and love.
Nero the Proud Tiger
Betty R. Anderson, author
Erin Salazar, illustrator
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781481771535, $17.99, www.amazon.com
"Nero the Proud Tiger" is a teaching tale about a proud tiger who wanted to be on his own, away
from other tigers and animals. One day all the animals are upset to learn that Princess Betta, who
loves and cares for them all, is missing. Although Nero wants to find her, his pride keeps him
from joining the others in searching for her. Finally he is moved by the feelings of his friends
(who understood him best) Bruno the monkey and Alma the elephant to cooperate in continuing
the search for Princess Betta. What ensues is an exciting adventure in which all the animals
cooperate to succeed in finding and rescuing the lost Princess Betta from a deep hidden cave in
the jungle. They happily brought the Princess home, and the King was so pleased and proud he
made Nero an overseer of the village. And although Nero was still proud, he never again let pride
keep him from his friends or the village. "Nero the Proud Tiger" is enhanced by jolly, cartoon
illustrations of animals and the princess. It's clear moral of the value of cooperation and
friendship is a message children of all ages will joyfully accept.
Shell-less Shelby
Jessica Kirsenlohr, author/illustrator
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781481746236, $20.99, www.amazon.com
"Shell-less Shelby" is an exciting turtle tale that takes the reader from a newly hatched sea- turtle
named Shelby, through an exciting search for her missing shell, along with friend and fellow
hatchling, Gus. Gus helps Shelby search for her lost shell in a number of likely spots, including a
crab, an empty sea shell that does not fit Shelby, a clam, a bottle cap, and even a sleeping
starfish. None of these is the right size for a shell for Shelby, and just as she is becoming very
discouraged, the starfish suggests she look back at her eggshell, where she first lost her shell.
This leads Shelby to her perfectly matching and fitting shell. After moving back in, she and Gus
set out for the ocean to swim out to sea and meet their mommies. "Shell-less Shelby" teaches a
number of valuable concepts in both story and illustration. Not being afraid to try new things,
helping a friend, not giving up when a task gets challenging, and using imagination, sensitivity,
and creativity to find solutions and tackle problems cooperatively are just a few examples.
"Shell-less Shelby" has a particular strength in its vivid, compassionate, colorful, humorous
illustrations, which make identifying with a turtle one more fun experience in a challenging
world.
The Adventures of Bibole, Rivol, and Michelle, My Brother Pounce
Brian Fujikawa, author
Gil Balbuena, Jr. illustrator
Trafford Publishing
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.trafford.com
9781490709567, $21.34, www.amazon.com
"The Adventures of Bibole, Rivol, and Michelle: My Brother Pounce" is from an innovative
series about a mouse family written by a father for his young daughter, Daisy. Daisy and her
friends enjoy playing together in a forest, where the mouse family lives in a tree. Bibole is the
mouse son, Rivol the mouse father, and Michelle is the mouse mother of the family. "My Brother
Pounce" is a magical story about a new baby brother brought to the mouse family by mistake by a
confused and tired stork. Rivol, Michelle, and Bibole adopt, nurture and love their new family
member even when they learn he is in fact a lion cub. Pounce's true nature eventually emerges, as
the lion cub grows beyond his foster family's environment and vegetarian diet. Then the mouse
family does something quite brave: They support Pounce in searching for and finding a family of
his own kind, far away in Africa, so he can finish growing to be a lion king. This process is
accelerated by Pounce accidentally eating a mocking blackbird, something that surprised and
terrified Pounce because he was unaware of his true nature as a lion. The loving mouse family
reaches a new pact with their lion foundling, and a brave voyage in a hot air balloon to a new
home in Africa. At first the pride of lions is unsure about accepting Pounce, but once his lion
identity is confirmed, he is greeted by bows from all as the new king of the pride of lions.
However, Bibole is heartbroken at losing his little lion brother and has difficulty accepting
Pounce's relocation. Rivol and Michelle counsel him carefully, explaining some wonderful
concepts, among them, "Family is special. Families are forever. Family members can be
different, and we will love them just the same no matter what. Even when family members go
away, they are still a part of the family, and they can return to visit. Love your family, they are
yours forever." "My Brother Pounce" is a beautiful tale with a valuable lesson for all children,
told in colorful cartoon illustrations and quietly understanding prose.
The Foolish Dandelion
Karen Ott, author
Mary Connors, illustrator
Balboa Press
c/o Hay House
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.balboapress.com
9781452562773, $13.99, www.amazon.com
"The Foolish Dandelion" is a modern teaching fable about learning to make wise choices.
Appealingly illustrated with colorful flowers with expressive faces and one charming little
ladybug who follows the foolish dandelion on his journey to mark his journey towards
enlightenment. The foolish dandelion is young, naive, and vain in the beginning, concerned
mostly with how beautiful he is, and longing for a more beautiful, greener garden to better
display his beauty. The wise rose bush tries to tell the foolish dandelion that the distant garden
over the hill only appears to be greener, but the dandelion doesn't listen. He pulls up his roots and
gradually inches his way to the far off garden. The difficult journey takes him three days. When
he arrives, his petals are beginning to fail, age, and go to seed. As the little dandelion changes to
a fluffy white seed head, watched by his faithful ladybug companion, his seeds drift back to the
rose in his original garden. "The Foolish Dandelion" is a beautiful nature fable, with layers of
interpretation open to young readers' analysis. All messages of "The Foolish Dandelion" are
underlined and enhanced by its expressive, imaginative illustrations.
My Sister Sophie
Cindy Mackey, author
Jake Tebbit, illustrator
Cyrano Books
941 Pueo Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
9780989269995, $6.99, www.cyranobooks.com
"My Sister Sophie" is an appealing, quirky look at the world of sibling tolerance limits. Written
in catchy verse, cleverly illustrated with funny scenes of unfair sibling situations, "My Sister
Sophie" is all about extending the limits of tolerance and patience between siblings, even when it
may seem stretched to the breaking point. Basically, Sophie's older brother would like to keep
her in a cage where she would do less damage, like a pet rodent or lizard. If this seems
reasonable to the reader, it will also under score the dominant note of hilarity which underlies all.
The final couplet and illustrations summarizes all: "I don't know why/ she's tough as nails/ I don't
know why/ I can't see her scales." Fortunately the overstrained older brother narrator has a pet
dog for a friend to help him express the outrageousness of life with a sibling like "My Sister
Sophie." This book is for parents and kids with siblings everywhere. Also highly recommended
is another title by the same author, "Hannah's Day of Revelations (9780989269940, $7.99)," an
amusing exploration of nuggets of thought about life's meanings according to one quirky
pre-teen, with an inspiring quotation by Hannah Arendt: "Under conditions of tyranny it is far
easier to act than to think."
Tippy Tip
Vanessa Roam, author
Rodora Taboada, illustrator
Tate Publishing
127 East Trade Center Terrace
Mustang, OK 73064
9781629947082, $8.99, www.amazon.com
"Tippy Tip" is a compassion-inspiring story of the life of a baby goat born with weak, unsteady
legs. Second in a series about Walter and Gretchen, two children growing up on a farm, "Tippy
Tip" describes their efforts to protect and care for one kid born with weak knees, who will not be
chosen by the buyer to train to become a pack goat. After they worked as much as they could to
strengthen and encourage baby Tippy Tip, both children are very concerned what will happen to
him. Finally an amazing solution to the future of Tippy Tip materializes. A visiting neighbor's
child, Mitchell has been ill and has lost his pet dog because of his allergies. Yet he loves and pets
the abandoned Tippy Tip with no ill effects. Walter and Gretchen leap to a happy conclusion:
Since Mitchell is apparently not allergic to goats, he can safely give Tippy Tip a loving home,
with his parents' consent. This gentle story has a message for encouraging a compassionate heart
at its core: There is a good purpose for everyone and everything alive, we have only to seek it.
Expressive, pastel colored illustrations show the world of Tippy Tip and Walter and Gretchen in
windows of simplicity. "Tippy Tip" is ideal for children ages 4-8, and is to be released in March,
the season for the birth of young goats.
Hurty Feelings
Helen Lester
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
9780544106222 $8.99 www.hmhbooks.com
Lynn Munsinger's HURTY FEELINGS is all about feeling good about yourself, and tells what
happens when hippo 'Fragility' walks around with hurty feelings, responding to everyone's
compliments or comments as though they were critical comments. Would that everyone read
HURTY FEELINGS as a child! This uses a fragile hippo's life to cover the basics about feeling
good about yourself, and is a lovely picturebook read for adult and child alike!
Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com
CINDERELEPHANT by Emma Dodd (9780545532853, $16.99) provides a fun take-off on the
original tale and tells of an abused elephant. The Warty Sisters never appreciate her labors and
just laugh at her when she wants to go to the ball. But Cinderelephant has a Furry Godmouse
working with her - and needs only shoes to make her dreams come true. A hilarious story
evolves, perfect for kids in grades 2-3. Audrey and Don Wood's THE BIRTHDAY QUEEN
(9780545414746, $17.99) tells of Birthday Queen, who always knows exactly how to make a
party the best. From decorations to cakes and guests, the Birthday Queen is involved in the
testing process and magic. Colorful, oversized pictures accompany a whimsical, lively story. Eric
Barclay's HIDING PHIL (9780545464772, $16.99) tells of an elephant who meets three friends
who want to take him home. The only problem is: their parents aren't thrilled about an elephant
in the house. How can they hide Phil? It turns out there's a variety of ways in this hilarious, fun
tale for beginning readers. Elisha Cooper's TRAIN (9780545384957, $17.99) covers the
experience of riding a train, using sound effects, realistic situations, and fine paintings to follow
the sights, sounds and experience of riding a train. Kids with basic reading skills will find this a
fun story documenting the train experience!
Random House/Knopf
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
Jane Kohuth's ANNE FRANK'S CHESTNUT TREE (97804497812556, $12.99) will appeal to
readers ages 5-8 as it pairs colorful drawings by Elizabeth Sayles with the story of how Anne
Frank, hidden away in a secret annex during World War II, sees the branches of a tall chestnut
tree and finds hope from this. Frank's belief in nature lends to a fine biography for readers with
basic skills who want a simple and passionate coverage of her life, fictionalized for added drama.
Trudy Ludwig's THE INVISIBLE BOY (9781582464503, $16.99) receives drawings by Patrice
Barton which come to life as readers follow this account of invisible boy Brian, whom nobody
notices until a new kid comes to class. Brian is the first to make him welcome - and their
friendship helps Brian shine for others, as well. A fine story of friendships evolves, perfect for
picturebook readers.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
How Do You Make a Dragon Laugh? Lia's Magic Dragon
Susan Coursey, author
Xlibris Corporation
1663 South Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
9781483656557, $21.99, www.amazon.com
"How Do You Make a Dragon Laugh?" is a fantasy odyssey adventure story about a girl named
Lia who wanted to help a dragon by making him laugh. Lia is told there are no real dragons on
planet Earth, but she dreams of traveling to Planet Eleuthera with some helpful space aliens
caught visiting her tree house, because she is inspired to visit their resident dragon, Perry. Perry
does not laugh, and he is sad in his cage. Thoughtfully packing a basket of snacks, Lia rides in
the space ship to Planet Eleuthera and tackles the problem of how to amuse and entertain Perry,
the sad dragon. Strangely enough, she finds her snack basket of strawberries is just the treat to
perk Perry up. All good things develop from Lia's rescue mission to make Perry laugh. She is happily escorted home to her bed by the friendly aliens, knowing that Perry is happy in his
new special dragon home at the zoo. Delightful, whimsical illustrations with a soft palette of
colors help bring the world of Lia, Perry, and Eluethera to life in this charming bedtime dragon
story with humane undertones.
Annette: A Big, Hairy Mom
John S. McFarland, author
Brenna Vaughan, illustrator
Goose River Press
3400 Friendship Road, Waldoboro, ME 04572
9781547131353, $9.95, www.gooseriverpress.com
"Annette: A Big, Hairy Mom" is a haunting young adult chapter novel about an eight year old
boy named Evan Nestor Bettancourt who has a unique rescue experience when he becomes lost
in northern California forest lands while on an outing with his family. Evan is small for his age,
clinging to his favorite stuffed toy Froggums, and attached to fantasy stories about imaginary or
magical creatures, which is a source of concern and disappointment to Evan's father, who is a
high school biology teacher. Against his wife's wishes, Duane Bettancort has definite beliefs
about what toys and books are appropriate for an eight year old boy, which beliefs only cause
Evan to cling all the more strongly to his Froggums and favorite story of Vernon the Gnome. All
this background comes under total review in Evan's exciting adventure being found and rescued
by Annette, a large, hairy mother Sasquatch who is curious about humans and also misses her
own son who has grown up and moved away. Complicating the adventure is an eccentric,
delicacy dependent cryptozoologist named Wesley whose chief ambition is to trap a Sasquatch
and pretend to rescue Evan. Further excitement abounds, as a mountain lion prepares to deliver a
coup de gras to the self-trapped Wesley who is easily outwitted by Annette and Evan in en
exciting chase. What will the gentle, big hearted Annette do, rescue Wesley, abandon Evan to the
hungry mountain lion, and risk capture by outside forces? All this excitement builds as Annette
carefully pursues a crafty plan to place Evan safely where he will be found by his parents. All
parts of "Annette: A Big, Hairy Mom" are scintillatingly believable in their sharp focus, realistic
action, and sure character and plot development. Comic relief and danger mix as Evan faces
situations and challenges that ultimately lead him to choose his own path of growing maturity.
Undoubtedly like many other readers, this reviewer was moved to tears when Evan sacrificed his
beloved Froggums for Annette to cherish, understanding and identifying with her special
loneliness. John S. McFarland is compared to Roald Dahl, Richard Matheson, and H. P.
Lovecraft in his writing. Though the style may have echoes, the storyteller's voice is unique and
unforgettable. Like J. K. Rowling and others, McFarland never underestimates the sensitivity and
sophistication of his intended audience. Further embellishing the pages of "Annette A Big, Hairy
Mom" are many black and white sensitive drawings of a gentle hairy figure, tenderly carrying a
little boy on her immense shoulders.
The Adventures of Ruy Diver
Miriam Salinas, author
Joshua Allen, illustrator
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781481754774, $28.99, www.amazon.com
"The Adventures of Ruy Diver" is a splashy sea-set tale of a boy diver that piques the
imagination of young readers. While at the beach and in the sea, Ruy met a talking turtle named
Rosy who rescued him from diving into deep water when he didn't know how to swim. Acting as
his guide, Rosy Turtle introduces Ruy to many other friendly sea creatures, including Sally
Snapper, Sara Sardine, Pete Pompano, Joey Fish, and Octi Octopus. Although all the sea
creatures are kind to Ruy, it is Rosy Turtle who rescued him, pulling him up on the beach from
deep water. All the other sea animals decide to teach Ruy to swim. This begins the first chapter
of a long and fascinating series of adventures for Ruy with his ocean friends. Additional chapters
of "The Adventures of Ruy Diver" are titled Ruy Diver and His Friends Build a House, Someone
Else Lives in Ruy Diver's Home, and A Very Dangerous Prank. Each chapter tells another
exciting adventure for Ruy with his undersea friends. Brightly colored illustrations and rainbow
page colors keep attention riveted on these fun, action-filled pages of maritime adventures, each
with an important lesson for Ruy and young readers. Curious qualities, quirks of fate, and many
recognizable human traits emerge in these captivating chapters, which are appealing for children
age 8 and up.
The Magical Cat
Carla Marrero, author/illustrator
Inkwater Press
6750 SW Franklin St., Portland, Oregon 97223
www.inkwaterpress.com
9781592992324, $16.95, www.amazon.com
"The Magical Cat" is a spunky modern fable about a rescued white cat who rewarded the girl
who found and cared for her by granting her three wishes. The idea of acts of random kindness
being duly rewarded is integral to the theme of "The Magical Cat," but even more central is the
idea that love creates its own reward. To paraphrase, the magical cat grants Ana her first two
wishes for a bike and a large playground in her back yard, asking each time, "Will this make you
happy?" However, for Ana's final wish, a new thought dawns. Ana asks Skylar, her name for the
magical cat, if she can have her become her pet for her last wish. Skylar carefully asks if she still
wants this wish knowing that if Skylar is her pet, she will no longer be magical or able to grant
wishes. Yes, Ana affirms, she does, and no other wish could make her happier. A happy ending
ensues, with a lifetime of happy companionship between Ana and Skylar. The charming pencil
and digital water color illustrations offer delicately tinted, mercurial expressions of the growing
relationship between Ana and Skylar. This lovely children's book affirms some very positive
thoughts about the true nature of love and happiness.
Sweet and Sour Power (The Witches of Danarobbeth)
Faye Allison Gilbert, author
Pritali Joharapurkar, illustrator
Mirror Publishing
6434 West Dixon Street, Milwaukee, WI 53214
www.pagesofwonder.com
9781612252117, $12.99, www.amazon.com
"Sweet and Sour Power (The Witches of Danarobbeth)" is a clever, colorfully illustrated fantasy
nature tale about a mythical battle of smells between the Sweets, or sweet flower witches who
loved creating flower perfumes and the Sours, or stinky green witches who loved stinkweed and
other noxious smelling weeds. Although the epic battle takes place in mythical Danarobbeth,
there are many similarities between that land and more familiar ones. The story of the
disagreement between the Sweets and the Sours originates in the wind blowing sweet smells to
the land of the Sours, who complain bitterly. After many twists and turns, the Sweets come up
with a masterful plan, with elements of magic. They use an enchanting verse and liquid perfume
to douse the sleeping sours, which results in a fantastic transformation! The Sours become yellow
dandelions, who turn white and blow away with the wind. Thus ends the epic battle between
flower power and weed power, or the Sweets and the Sours, and thus begins a basic legend about
the life history of the dandelion, a pretty yellow weed that eventually goes to seed and blows
away in the wind. "Sweet and Sour Power" is creative, effective nature fantasy literature for
children ages 3-9.
The Christian Shelf
Bible and Prayers for Teddy and Me
Christina Goodings, author
Janet Samuel, illustrator
Kregel Publications
PO Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501
www.kregel.com
9780745964164, $8.99, www.amazon.com
"Bible and Prayers for Teddy and Me" is a sweet young child's first Bible story/prayer book with
charming, racially inclusive color illustrations that often feature a Teddy bear, a narrator's helper.
Fourteen familiar Bible stories are retold in simple language, each concluding with a child's
prayer that arises from the lesson of the story. The use of the empathetic Teddy bear friend is a
great interpretive device to encourage young children to begin to understand the message of faith
and kindness to all in each Bible story. Included are Bible stories about Noah and the ark, Baby
Moses, David and Goliath, Daniel and the lions, Jesus' birth, the lost sheep, the prodigal son, the
good Samaritan, and the first Easter, and several more. Covered with a thickly padded color
illustrated cover, the "Bible and Prayers for Teddy and Me" is a perfect first Bible companion for
children aged three years and up.
Mandy and Sandy
Leonie Petersen, author
Russell Murugan, illustrator
Xlibris Corporation
1663 South Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
www.xlibris.com
9781465303936, $21.99, www.amazon.com
"Mandy and Sandy" is a children's teaching book based on Colossians 3:20: "Children always
obey your parents for this pleases the Lord." Mandy and Sandy are two sisters with brown skin
who learn the words of Colossians 3:20 in their Sunday School class, but only Mandy
understands and believes this teaching of the Bible directed to children. Sandy decides to disobey
her mother to try to trap a wild snake for her Show and Tell project, unaware of the serious
danger she risks despite her mother's warnings. Sandy is rescued by a medical emergency team,
and Sandy rides along with her to the hospital for treatment, while her mother drives her car
behind. Mandy has mixed feelings about her sister who has disobeyed her mother and God, and
risked her life as a result. However, Mandy prays for Sandy to learn to obey her mother and also
God, so she will live and be safe and happy. Mysteriously, Sandy recovers consciousness during
this harrowing ride and promises to listen to her Mother and obey God even when she did not
want to. "Mandy and Sandy" is an appealing story that presents both sides of temptation for
children who do not always really want to obey their parents.
The Colors of God
Angela S. Gibson, author
Denis Proulx, illustrator
Xulon Press
2301 Lucien Way, Suite 415, Maitland, FL 32751
www.xulonpress.com
9781624194795, $24.99, www.amazon.com
"The Colors of God" is an imaginative, satisfying answer to a question frequently asked by
children and adults, especially appealing for a young audience ages 4-10. Enriched by relevant St.
James Bible source quotations, "The Colors of God" follows the questions of a young boy with
brown skin color and curly black hair named Eugene, put to his dear Grandmother Ellie:
"Grandmother, what color is God?" To answer Eugene's question, his grandmother takes him on
an adventure, in which she helps Eugene imagine God in a rainbow colors. First his skin is red,
then yellow, then green, blue, purple, black and white. Finally Eugene begins to understand,
saying: "God is all colors! God's color is Love!" Grandma Ellie tells Eugene to remember each
time he sees a rainbow in the sky, how beautiful each color in the rainbow is. Because in God's
eyes, each color of skin is equally beautiful. "The Colors of God" is enriched by charming
cartoon-like illustrations that place a fresh outlook on the rainbow colors of God. At the end of
"The Colors of God" is suggested music for a theme song called "The Colors of God," written
and arranged by Jermaine Miller, which joyfully celebrates all the colors of God in song.
Tommy and His Cats
Enrique C. Benages, author
Dwain Esper, illustrator
Jerry Leigh Stokes, Jr., contributing editor
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781491803172, $20.99, www.amazon.com
"Tommy and His Cats" is a collection of three short stories about a boy named Tommy who
loved, sheltered, healed, and rescued cats. The first story is about an old, sick cat named
Geronimo who came out of the woods near Tommy's home and responded to Tommy's loving
care and attention, even though he did not have very long to live. A second story tells about
Tommy's care of a kitten he named Independence because he found her on the Fourth of July. In
this chapter, Tommy's family of one kitten grows gradually to a large band of 70 cats whom he
feeds and tries to shelter. Tommy's mother is allergic to cats, so finding a proper home for the
cats becomes an all family project. Complicating the issue is Tommy's failing health, caused by
his heart which is not strong. The final chapter, titled Tommy and the Mountain, deals with
Tommy's continued courage in battling for his beloved cats in an afterlife in heaven. Tommy is
able to meet and reunite with his first beloved cat, Geronimo, whose death had touched him so
deeply. He also finds Independence and Betty, a fox who had become Geronimo's friend in
heaven despite the fact that she had injured him in their lives together on earth. Tommy's final
experience in heaven, after his battles for the cats, is to revisit his home in Jasper, Alabama, to
see his parents and Jerry, the retired chauffeur who loved and cared for his cats living in a cabana
specially built by Tommy's dad. The story ends with a happy reunion and an end of suffering by
both humans, cats and animals, as promised by the Lord: "I will heal the injured and resurrect the
dead; eternal life for all in my name, your Lord (p.33)." "Tommy and His Cats" is an inspirational
humanitarian collection of chapter stories that will appeal to older children age 10 and up.
Audrey Bunny
Angie Smith, author
Breezy Brookshire, illustrator
B&H Publishing Group
127 Ninth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37234-0143
9781433680458 $14.99 www.bhpublishinggroup.com
Intended for children ages 4-8, Audrey Bunny is a picturebook with subtle elements of Christian
allegory. A toy bunny languages in a barrel of stuffed animals at a shop, passed over again and
again because of a mark over its heart. But the one day a little girl named Caroline comes; she
and chooses the toy bunny for a playmate, and names it Audrey. She doesn't see the mark as a
defect, but rather a sign that Audrey is wonderful and special. She even takes Audrey to Show
and Tell! "There would be no going back to the barrel, no more tears, and no more hiding what
made her different. Caroline loved her, just as she was." The final page encourages young readers
to think about the meaning of Psalm 119:73, "Your hands made me and formed me," and the
story as Christian allegory. Little ones are prompted to contemplate questions such as "How does
Caroline change how Audrey Bunny feels about herself?" "How does God see you?" and "Does
that change how you feel about yourself?" A suggested, step-by-step activity to write a letter to
God closes this heartfelt story, especially recommended for Sunday School picturebook
collections.
The Islamic Shelf
Colours of Islam
Dawud Wharnsby, author
Shireen Adams, illustrator
The Islamic Foundation
www.islamic-foundation.com
c/o Kube Publishing Ltd.
www.kubepublishing.com
c/o Meryl Zegarek PR
9780860375913 $22.95 www.amazon.com
Originally released two decades ago, Colours of Islam is a picturebook presentation of classic
songs from a diversity of cultures that practice the religion of Islam. This new presentation comes
with an remastered, percussion-based audio CD of the songs featured in the book. The happy,
colorful illustrations complement the celebratory songs, suitable for young readers ages five and
up. "Colours of Islam": Allah made us all a different shade and colour. / Nations and tribes
recognise one another. / 'Cause every single person is your sister and brother. / So many different
colours of islam..."
The Metaphysical Shelf
The Infinite Song
Andrea Freeman, author/illustrator
Halcyon Wind Press
P.O. Box 2242, San Anselmo, CA 94979
9780989089708, $19.95, www.amazon.com
"The Infinite Song" is a mystical reshaping of creation myth, written in allegorical verse and
illustrated with stunning paintings of universe origin scenes in rainbow hues. It's dream-like
sonorities extend throughout, and both text and imagery present contrast and enhancement of
each other, presenting a possible metaphor for the ideal relationship between humans, the apex of
creation, and all other living beings, flora and fauna, known and unknown, of a planet known as
Earth. Presented as "An Allegorical Tale for Our Times," "The Infinite Song" has won or been
nominated for multiple literary awards, including the coveted Mom's Choice Awards honoring
excellence. Described as an attempt to reconcile science, religion and mysticism, "The Infinite
Song" explores a special awareness, even attraction, that seems to exist between human higher
consciousness and the universe. Some might call it a longing for oneness with the Infinite. The
author's verse addresses the human dilemma of this duality as follows: "Our lives are as bubbles/
that float on a sea,/ and no matter their form here/ will pop ultimately!/ We' re all in this together/
and need only remember/ that real as it seems,/ it's all but a Dream/ spun on the loom/ of one's
imaginings. / One constant thread/ runs through us all, he, she, or it, gigantic or small./ Our
minds are our vessels,/ dream-stuff the sea./ To ride on the waves/ harmoniously/ is our true
purpose in being here;/ no less will suffice;/ to let go and let Goddess/ is the wisest advice."
Closing lines follow this gender equality flavored visionary mix with images of Sublime Divine
Laughter, Love, Grace, and Infinite Song. "The Infinite Song" is a beautiful experience that feels
both very new and very old. It is destined to become a juvenile classic that also appeals to
adults.
The Environmental Shelf
How Are You, Mother Earth? We're Taking You to the Doctor
Gordon Hunter, author
Marvin Alonso, illustrator
Trafford Publishing
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781466993556, $24.40, www.amazon.com
Written by a retired biology professor, "How Are You, Mother Earth? We're Taking You to the
Doctor" is simple checkup on the global environment presented in the format of a routine
medical checkup on the health of the planet. Succinctly and clearly written, a thorough review of
Mother Earth's age, weight, pressure, respiration and air quality, circulation and fluid analysis,
dermatology and temperature reveals that the planet we live on is suffering from many toxins,
deep infections, festering sores, rashes, and loss of fertile farmland plus growth of human
population. The treatments recommended for most of these disorders are alternative energy
sources in combination with unified practice of green habits such as conservation of energy and
recycling. An excellent source of scientific information about the health of earth, "How Are You
Mother Earth? We're Taking You to the Doctor" is a motivator to organize proper green
treatment and alternative energy sources now. The team of Mike, Katie and our beloved author
provides age appropriate role models for young readers (and also not so young). This handbook
has real impact and arresting delivery of environmental news that affects the future of all earth's
inhabitants.
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
The Otter, The Spotted Frog & the Great Flood
Gerald Hausman, author
Ramon Shiloh, illustrator
Wisdom Tales
1501 E. Hillside Dr., Bloomington, IN 47401
9781937786120, $17.95, www.wisdomtales.com
"The Otter, The Spotted Frog, & the Great Flood: A Creek Indian Story" is a respectful retelling
of a traditional Creek origin tale from the Georgia Creek Indian ancestors of the Florida
Seminole and Miccosukee tribes. This stunning edition is enhanced by the artistry of star-studded
portraits of Otter Woman and Listener, who become First Man and First Woman. This is a poetic
origin tale, with a crucial role played by Spotted Frog, "who, as everyone know, saved the world
by singing." The animal characters in this tale show different sensitivities or abilities to listen to
the voice of others and of Nature. The message of the tale seems enwrapped in an ability to hear
and respond to the important messages of Mother Earth. "The Otter, The Spotted Frog, & the
Great Flood" is a classic origin tale, majestically presented in this volume for children age 4 and
up.
First Fire: A Cherokee Folktale
Nancy Kelly Allen, author
Sherry Rogers, illustrator
Sylvan Dell Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
www.sylvandellpublishing.com
9781628552164, $17.95, www.amazon.com
"First Fire" is a beautifully illustrated retelling of a traditional Cherokee folktale explaining how
the First animals discovered fire, with the help of Raven, whose feathers were forever changed
from white to black in his carrying of an island tree branch on fire across the water to a sycamore
tree. Owl also helped to carry the fire, receiving a mark that makes Owl's eyes shine red in the
firelight today. Other animals and birds, including the Hoot Owl, Horned Owl, and Racer Snake
tried unsuccessfully to help bring home the fire from the sycamore tree and received distinctive
markings that can still be seen today. Only Spider was able to carry a tiny hot coal in her tusti
bowl made of woven spider silk on her back across the water. "First Fire" continues to educate
juvenile readers with a section titled For Creative Minds, including material on Cherokee Then
and Now, Cherokee Territory, and fire. All educational activities are recommended for Common
Core, Next Generation Science Standards and social studies lessons for students in grades K-3.
"First Fire" is also vetted for authenticity by Gina K. Burnett, Outreach Coordinator at the
Cherokee Heritage Center. Embellished and enhanced with expressive illustrations and maps and
actual photographs of spiders, "First Fire" offers an exciting array of material to explore a
traditional Cherokee vision of relationships between animals, fire, and humans.
The Money/Finance Shelf
A Teen Guide to Earning Income
Tammy Gagne, author
Mitchell Lane Publishers
P.O. Box 196, Hockessin, Delaware 19707
www.mitchelllane.com
9781612284705, $29.95, www.amazon.com
"A Teen Guide to Earning Income" is an economic resource book from the Practical Economics
for Teens series, specially written for a student audience from grades 4-8. Cheerfully illustrated
with relevant photos and pithy sidebars with titles like Earning Income Tips and Trivia, "A Teen
Guide to Earning Income" covers multiple teen employment issues in five basic chapters. These
are titled Help Wanted, Finding a Job, You're Hired! Now What? Paying Your Taxes, and
Making the Most of Your Paycheck. Chapters are succinct, practical, and filled with good advice
and information for job-seeking teens. Chapter notes are listed at the end, along with resource
suggestions for further reading both online and in published books and a helpful glossary of
terms. An example of the useful material contained is found in chapter 3, page 28: "Before you
go home on your first day, be sure you know when you are due to report to work again. It is very
important that you show up on time each and every time you are scheduled to work. It is also
important that you follow the rules. For example, if you aren't supposed to have a cell phone with
you when you work, leave this item at home or in your locker if your employer provides one.
Simply switching it off is not following the rule." Additional helpful tips and definitions are
found in highlighted sidebars. "A Teen Guide to Earning Income" is a very practical guide to
seeking and keeping appropriate employment as a teen, and learning to be a productive
employee. Other titles by the same author from the Practical Economics For Teens Series that are
also highly recommended include the following: "A Teen Guide to Buying Goods and Services"
(9781612284729, $29.95), "A Teen Guide to Saving and Investing" (9781612284712, $29.95),
and "A Teen Guide to Protecting and Insuring Assets" (9781612284736, $29.95).
The Fiction Shelf
The Corporate Kid
Neil Shulman and Susan Wrathall
Whitman Publishing
4001 Helton Drive
Florence, Alabama, 35630
9780794836191 $16.95 www.whitman.com
The Corporate Kid is a novel written to appeal to both young adult and adult readers. The story
follows an impoverished African-American youth, who likes basketball and music, and tries to
play nice with his little sister. A sudden car accident puts him at the crossroads of the radically
different world of the very wealthy, where appearances are everything. Can the Corporate Kid
find a way to use his new status to change the world for the better? Or will the press of a
radically different lifestyle transform him beyond all recognition? A fascinating story of hard
choices and lasting repercussions, The Corporate Kid is highly recommended, especially for
public library fiction collections.
Cherished Memories
Sylvia Rouss, author
Pat Davis, illustrator
Apples & Honey Press
4622 Via Apuesta, Tarzana, CA 91356
www.sylviarouss.com
9781467585422, $9.95, www.amazon.com
"Cherished Memories" is a lovely, sensitive story about a grandmother's sharing of her special
memories with a nine year old granddaughter. Amy wants to help her grandmother replace her
stained chair seat covers with covers from new fabric, but her grandmother explains that she
treasures each and every mark upon her chair covers because it reminds her of a special memory
of the family eating together at her table. Gradually, listening to the stories and memories, Amy
learns that the stained old chair covers are precious to her grandmother because they remind her
of all her grandchildren and family as they grew up over the years. Charming chalk, pastel
illustrations bring each separate memory to fragile life in "Cherished Memories," a book for all
ages but especially for children and grandparents.
Shea-Shea Shea-na-ni-gans: Shea Runs Away
Lana Schneider, author
Raymond Reyes, illustrator
Xlibris Corporation
1663 South Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
9781483652283, $21.99, www.amazon.com
"Shea-Shea Shea-na-ni-gans: Shea Runs Away" is a convincing story about a curious German
Shepherd mix rescued dog who decides to run away from her backyard to explore the world
beyond. Shea is not necessarily a bad dog, she is just full of energy and not always obedient to
her family's rules. On a splendid day Shea looks through a hole in the fence in her back yard and
decides to go exploring. After imagining and planning a fun expedition, Shea jumps over the
fence when no one is looking and travels a busy street, meets a kind old lady who smells like
cookies, is awarded a juicy bone by a friendly butcher, takes a nap in the grass under a tree, and
ends up at a fire station discovered by a fireman who reads her tag and calls her worried owners.
Luckily, Shea's owner came to collect (and scold) her and take her safely home. Shea finally
understood that her owner was very worried about her and that she risked her safety by running
away. Shea felt loved and as though she belonged at home, and did not run away again.
"Shea-Shea Shea-na-ni-gans: Shea Runs Away" is filled with bouncy, colorful illustrations of the
spunky dog on her adventures. Children will identify with the irrepressible Shea and cheer her on
to learn her lesson of safety first in her own back yard.
Geronimo the Frog
Matthew Stein, author
Taillefer Long, illustrator
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
www.matstein.com
9781482535655, $15.99, www.amazon.com
"Geronimo the Frog" is a fast moving, earth or swamp-friendly saga for kids about a brave band
of swamp animals who take action to protect their beloved swamp lands from disrespectful,
unclean, rude polluters and exploiters. Based on an original story created for the author's
daughter, "Geronimo the Frog" features a band of swamp creatures with Seminole (and other
Native American) names who are determined to protect their sacred Big Cypress Swamp from
Bad Billy's Gang. The environmental theme and message of respect for nature is clearly
conveyed in this colorfully illustrated action tale with characters like Koowe the Panther,
Echaswa the Raccoon, Kunu the Squirrel, Yube the Alligator, Obu the Owl, and, of course,
Geronimo the Frog. Written to appeal to an audience of children age 2-7, "Geronimo the Frog"
has a fast moving plot, heroes, villains, spunky narrative, and best of all, a lovable underdog hero
who comes out on top. Motivating others to take action to help preserve the habitat of all
represented species is central, but the happy by-product is environmental themed entertainment
with a positive, empowering message. Everyone can help improve and save the environment,
even, and maybe especially kids.
The True Adventures of Nicolo Zen
Nicholas Christopher
Knopf
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
9780375867385 $17.99 www.randomhousekids.com
The True Adventures of Nicolo Zen provides the fine story of teen Nicolo, who is a poor orphan
in Venice. His rare clarinet is his only possession, so when he finds it's enchanted, he discovers
whole new worlds in an adventure that changes his life and involves him living in disguise in an
all-girls orphanage, journeying to Europe's grandest concert halls, and earning wealth. But is it
really Nicolo's talents, or the magic that is achieving his dreams? A fine story of achievement
evolves in a solid fantasy for young readers.
Gooney Bird and All Her Charms
Lois Lowry
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
9780544113541 $16.99 www.hmhbooks.com
Gooney Bird and All Her Charms receives fine black and white drawings by Middy Thomas and
tells of Gooney Bird's plan to make learning more fun. But a scary box and a charm bracelet
threaten to change her world in this story of a girl's school adventures and dramas. As with other
Gooney Bird stories, this is a hilarious and fun read, perfect for any elementary to middle school
reader.
Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com
Kristy McKay's UNFEED (9780545536721, $17.99) provides a fine sequel to UNDEAD and is
set on the morning after the night of the return of the living dead. Bobby thought she'd found the
antidote to the juice that turned her class into zombies; but unfortunately the fun is just
beginning. Now she's a prisoner, her friend Smitty is missing, and Bobby has to find him amid
buckets of blood and zombies. Add in investigations into the heart of what is causing the undead
to rise and you have a novel mature teens will find engrossing. Patrick Carman's THE FIELD OF
WACKY INVENTIONS (9780545253219, $16.99) provides a fine Floor Novel of mystery set in
the mysterious Whipper Hotel. This time an entire floor is hoisted into the night by an invisible
airship, causing Leo and Remi to embark on an amazing voyage into a world of strange
inventions. Fantasy at its best makes for a changing story line based on puzzles and the light
fantastic.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Parrots Over Puerto Rico
Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore, authors
Collage illustrations by Susan L. Roth
Lee & Low Books
95 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
9781620140048 $19.95 www.leeandlow.com
Ideal for young people ages 6 to 11, Parrots Over Puerto Rico is an astonishingly beautiful
children's picturebook about heroic efforts to preserve Puerto Rican Parrots from extinction. The
story and illustrations run vertically, not horizontally, in order to give a strong sense of space and
depth (the picturebook is meant to be rotated ninety degrees when read). Instead of artwork,
photographs of striking paper collages of parrots, their Puerto Rican habitat, and people
embellish the true-life story of human efforts to protect a dwindling species. The Puetro Rican
Parrot is a bright green-and-blue animal native to the island that has suffered intense
depopulation from raptor predation, competition for nests from Pearly-Eyed Thrashers, habitat
loss, and human poaching (for food or illegal pet smuggling). Conservation efforts strive not only
to raise Puerto Rican Parrots in aviaries, but also to teach new generations of parrots how to
survive in the wild. For example, "...[The parrots] heard a hawk's whistle as the cutout shape of a
hawk was passed over their cages. They watched a trained hawk attack a Hispaniolan parrot that
was wearing a protective leather jacket. In time, the parrots learned to stay still or hide if a hawk
was nearby. When these parrots were released, more of them survived in the wild." An afterword
with more fascinating facts as well as full-color photographs of many of the birds featured in the
collages rounds out this extraordinary and educational children's book, highly recommended
especially for public and school library picturebook shelves.
Let's Make a Difference: We Can Help Protect Mountain Gorillas
Gabriella Francine with Solara Vayanian
BBM Books
220 Newport Center Dr. #11-369
Newport Beach, CA 92660
9781938504020 $15.00 www.bigbluemarble.org
Gorgeously illustrated with full-color photography of mountain gorillas, Let's Make a Difference:
We Can Help Protect Mountain Gorillas is a nonfiction picturebook created to teach children
about these endangered animals (fewer than 900 remain), and encourage donations to legitimate
conservation efforts. The lush images of wild gorillas and their babies are set opposite of
cartoony pictures of children and adults in this educational book meant to not only teach, but also
inspire. "An easy way to [raise money to help mountain gorillas] is to take an empty jug or jar
and drop all of your change into it. You can even ask your friends and family to add to the jar
whenever they can. After you have filled the jar, give these dollars to an adult you trust and have
him or her use a credit card to make a donation for that amount to one of the organizations listed
on the back page of this book." Of course, the back page lists the websites of dozens gorilla and
wildlife conservation organizations with excellent reputations, including The Dian Fossey Gorilla
Fund International (www.gorillafund.org - Dian Fossey referenced in the book as one of the
mountain gorilla's most impassioned defenders), and the World Wildlife Fund (www.wwf.org).
Websites of well-known zoos are also present. We Can Help Protect Mountain Gorillas is
especially recommended for any young person curious to learn more about this amazing
creatures!
The Spirit of Love
Caroline Keefer and Sandra Brown, authors
AuthorHouse LLC
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781491806524, $19.99, www.amazon.com
"The Spirit of Love" is a true story of an endangered polar bear cub who was rescued from a
remote ice tundra in the Arctic Circle by searching helicopter pilots of the Polar Bear Rescue and
Rehabilitation Center, just established in January, 2012. The little polar cub appeared to be
orphaned, or at least his mother or family was not found. He would certainly have perished
without the rescue team. But other issues remained for the little cub, chiefly finding a good home
with other polar bears for friends. To complicate things, the cub seemed sad and depressed and
could not find acceptance among other polar bear families at the center. Finally a plan emerged to
place the cub at Sea World in San Diego. He was flown there and settled in, but he did not take
well to his new home. He was sad and listless, refusing to play with his toys or eat, or interact
with other polar bears. The little polar bear cub dreamed of a little girl with kind brown eyes who
would love him always. Meantime the Sea World care staff consulted experts about his condition
and formed a plan to move him to the San Diego Zoo, in hopes that he would be happier there,
and regain his health. The Zoo is a good home for the little polar bear, with its pool, toys and
other polar bear cubs. In the gift shop a shelf of stuffed toy polar bear cubs attract a little girl with
beautiful brown eyes. She chooses one special toy, imbued with the spirit of love (and the little
polar bear cub) and adopts him, naming him Awesome. Girl and toy cub lived happily ever after,
while the real Awesome also lived happily at the beautiful San Diego Zoo. "The Spirit of Love"
is about the importance of hope for all creatures, as well as the miracle of love. Children 7 and up
will love this beautiful book and its ever-important message.
Toby the Pet Therapy Dog and His Hospital Friends
Charmaine Hammond, author
Rose Anne Prevec, illustrator
Bettie Youngs Book Publishers
www.BettieYoungsBooks.com
c/o SCB Distributors
15608 South New Century Drive, Gardena, CA 90248
www.SCBdistributors.com
9780983604501, $11.95, www.amazon.com
"Toby the Pet Therapy Dog and His Hospital Friends" is a charming book about a rescued
Chesapeake Bay retriever named Toby who becomes a special pet therapy dog, visiting sick
children and others in a hospital setting weekly. This award winning series is based on the true
story by Charmaine Hammond, "On Toby's Terms." Toby is a real pet therapy dog and also proud
winner of the CHIMO Reese award. The Toby series was awarded the Mom's Choice Award
among Best in Family -Friendly Products. Expressive, realistic illustrations show Toby, the
brown retriever, in his special vest and handkerchief visiting children and patients in the hospital
with his owner. Toby is eager to cheer the saddest young patients, and he takes a marked interest
in one shy girl's teddy bear slippers. His owner explains this is because he has a favorite stuffed
teddy bear toy which he likes to share with children who are sad to cheer them up and help them
get well. "Toby the Pet Therapy Dog and His Hospital Friends" does a great job of describing
Toby's exuberance (which must sometimes be curbed) and joy at visiting special friends in the
hospital each Wednesday. "Toby the Pet Therapy Dog and His Hospital Friends" can be used to
help a child adjust to a needed hospitalization or to understand a friend's hospital stay. The Toby
series is first rate juvenile mental/physical health curriculum and will surely strike a chord in its
audience of children age 6 and up. Another title from this award winning series that is sure to
attract favorable notice is "Toby the Pet Therapy Dog Says Be a Buddy Not a Bully"
(9780983604556, $12.95).
Kiwi Simile
Megan C. Brown, author/illustrator
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
www.KiwiSimile.BlogSpot.com
9781492754114, $12.00, www.amazon.com
"Kiwi Simile" is an unusual, humorous nature educational book that combines pungent, witty,
graphic-like illustrations with fascinating factoids and details about the life and habits of the New
Zealand kiwi, a threatened species which is described as a bird and an 'honorary mammal.' The
kiwi is the smallest Ratite, a category of flightless bird species. Many interesting details are
described in the narrative and also humorously depicted in the imaginative illustrations. "Kiwi
Simile" is an entertaining read and a fun way to learn many strange things about this unusual,
declining species. In addition, multiple websites are listed to provide further information about
kiwis. "Kiwi Simile" is juvenile nonfiction at its finest. Also highly recommended is a second
title by the same author/illustrator, "Ant Adaptation (9781493584956, $12.00)."
Kali's Story: An Orphaned Polar Bear Rescue
Jennifer Keats Curtis, author
John Gomes, photographer
Sylvan Dell Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
www.sylvandellpublishing.com
9781628552171, $9.95, www.amazon.com
"Kali's Story" is a heart-warming true story about the rescue, nurturing and eventual zoo
placement of a baby polar bear cub orphan found near Kali, an Inupiat village in Alaska. Filled
with color photos of Kali drinking formula from a bottle, playing with toys, and growing up,
"Kali's Story" is written in simple narrative style to interest readers ages 4-8, in grades K-3. Many
related teaching /learning activities relating to life in the Arctic, the polar bear life cycle, and
even polar bear math and more can be presented to interested students. To complement these
activities, a 15-30 page teaching activities guide is available on sylvandellpublishing.com. As
well, additional background material and related facts are presented in the book's For Creative
Minds section at the end of "Kali's Story." From the dangerous beginning to the ultimate zoo
placement of the growing Kali at the Buffalo Zoo in New York, "Kali's Story" is exciting nature
study for students of global warming and the environment.
Rascal the Baby Squirrel
Deborah Cooper, author
Rachel M. Jackson, illustrator
Friesen Press
852 Fort St., Suite 300, Victoria, BC V8W 1H8 Canada
9781460226582, $17.99, www.friesenpress.com/bookstore
"Rascal the Baby Squirrel" is the touching story of a family's rescue of an orphaned baby squirrel,
so young its eyes were barely open. The tiny baby squirrel who became known as Rascal could fit
in the palm of Mr. Wilson's hand and the pocket of his jacket when he was discovered and
rescued. Together, the Wilson family cared for Rascal, keeping warm and safe and finding little
crackers and nut crumbs to feed him until he grew gradually bigger. Eventually, Rascal outgrew
his cardboard box and birdcage home. Rascal showed he wanted to be free by climbing up a tree
and refusing to come down. The family decided to take Rascal to a safer, protective environment
with large oak trees and other grown squirrels for role models and companions. Rascal was
released to find his way in this new, exciting world, which he welcomed and accepted. "Rascal
the Baby Squirrel" is a gently inspirational story about responsible, loving foster parenting of a
wild baby, enhanced with sensitive, pastel portraits of the young squirrel growing up in his foster
family's home.
Dixie Doodle the Helper Poodle
Mary Gover Gray, author
Denver Wagner, illustrator
Little Creek Press
c/o Kristin Mitchell Design, LLC
5341 Sunny Ridge Road, Mineral Point, WI 53565
www.littlecreekpress.com
9780989643184, $15.95, www.amazon.com
"Dixie Doodle the Helper Poodle" is a charming story about a big black poodle named Dixie
Doodle who loved to visit the residents of the Senior Center with her owner, Mrs. Logan. Dixie
Doodle loves to help, but sometimes gets into a bit of mischief by accident, such as forgetting her
manners and barking loudly at a squirrel, disturbing a senior who was drinking coffee (which
unfortunately spilled). However, friendly Dixie Doodle managed to redeem her good name when
Mrs. Logan lost her car keys and asked Dixie to "Fetch!" Although she returned covered with
popcorn and craft feathers, Dixie Doodle trotted triumphantly to the rescue after seeking and
retrieving the lost car keys! "Dixie Doodle" is a lovingly presented story with warm, humorous
illustrations of both Dixie and her friends, sure to captivate young readers while teaching them a
definition of pet therapy.
Polar Bears and Penguins: A Compare and Contrast Book
Katherine Hall, author
Sylvan Dell Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
www.sylvandellpublishing.com
9781628552188, $9.95, www.amazon.com
"Polar Bears and Penguins" is a lushly photo-illustrated Compare and Contrast nature educational
book for students in grades K-3. "Polar Bears and Penguins" helps children compare and contrast
cold weather creatures from opposite poles with many detailed, color photos of penguins and
polar bears in their frozen habitats at both poles. At the end of the book, a section titled For
Creative Minds suggests further learning activities related to the many comparisons, including
study of seasons, polar mammals, a year at the poles (charts seasonal polar bear and penguin
activities and life cycles), plus Polar Bear True and False and Penguin Matching. More material
for teaching activities is available in a 15-30 page guide at sylvandellpublishing.com. "Polar
Bears and Penguins" offers a fun, fact filled resource to study life among living mammals at the
earth's poles.
The Adventures of Anoo and Pashmack
Salmeh Moghimi, author
Golnar Sepahi, illustrator
Balboa Press
c/o Hay House
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.balboapress.com
9781452558578, $19.95, www.amazon.com
"The Adventures of Anoo and Pashmack" is a charming illustrated children's book that invites
young readers to explore their perceptions of the world and life using their senses, including eyes
to see, hands to touch, tongue to taste, ears to hear sound, nose to smell, and imagination to
discover new ideas everywhere. Most important of all, children are encouraged to use their hearts
to see through feelings. A love of animals can open this door for children, which is represented
by Anoo's beloved pet cat, Pashmack, who is her best friend and teaches her about life and love.
Delicate pastel and bright colors enliven charming, whimsical illustrations that take a young
reader's outlook to many surprising viewpoints. "The Adventures of Anoo and Pashmack" is a
children's nonfiction book that encourages spontaneity, imagination, and learning to be in
harmony with what is around us. It offers many priceless gifts and experiences to young readers
and their parents.
The Graphic Novel Shelf
Alien Dude! And the Attack of Wormzilla
Elizabeth Smith, author
Peter Grosshauser, illustrator
Zip Line Books
PO Box 78134, Charlotte, NC 28271
9780988379206, $4.99, www.amazon.com
"Alien Dude! And the Attack of Wormzilla!!" is the first title of a new exciting reluctant reader
series aimed at an audience of boys ("You think girls won't read it?"). Zany black, white and gray
cartoon illustrations and a fast paced, humor and action packed narrative keep "Alien Dude!"
readers on the edges of their seats throughout. In a fabulous plot with interest enhanced by such
devices as yucky worms, farts, morphing, and general grossness of a high index, "Alien Dude!
And the Attack of Wormzilla!!" is sure to hook and sustain readers age 6-8 and up. No doubt the
next title of the series, "Alien Dude, Mr. Evil Potato Man, and the Food Fight," will be eagerly
awaited for its spring release. Watch this creative reluctant reader series take off, enticing early
readers into a lifelong path of exciting, happy literacy.
The Holiday Shelf
Molly's Menorah
Amye Rosenberg, author/artist
Behrman House
11 Edison Place, Springfield, NJ 07081
www.behrmanhouse.com
9780874418842, $9.95, www.amazon.com
"Molly's Menorah" is a charming illustrated Hanukkah story about Molly and the whole Gopher
family's preparations and celebration of Hanukkah. Molly is the youngest of the Gopher family
and no one seems to think she can help with the many tasks of getting ready to celebrate
Hanukkah. First she is told she can't help with cleaning, vacuuming, wrapping presents, or
making latkes, but finally Grandma Gopher gives her some cooky dough to play with. Molly
decides to make a menorah out of cooky dough to surprise her family. As she is going out the
door to play in the snow, she pops the cooky menorah onto Grandma's cooky sheet as it is going
in the oven without Grandma noticing. Then the fun begins to unfold. Other members of the
extended family arrive for the Hanukkah feast and a crisis looms! Dad can't find the menorah
which is doubtless lost in the unpacking from the Gopher family's move to their new home.
Nelly's menorah saves the day! All nine candles, including the center Shamash which lights all
the other candles fit into Nelly's wonderful cooky dough menorah. A sparkling celebration
follows, with eight nights of games, special foods, lighting one more candle of the menorah each
night, and of course presents. "Molly's Menorah" has a special vocabulary list of Hanukkah
words at the end and also a special page of over 40 stickers of charming Hanukkah symbols and
objects. All the imaginative illustrations of Molly and the Gopher family are expressive and
sweetly convincing, presenting a warm Gopher family celebration of a significant Jewish holiday
with a long, holy history. "Molly's Menorah" is great reading fun and also educational, perfect for
readers age 5 and up.
The Divine Pine
Tracy M. Novembre, author
Stephen Adams, illustrator
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781491807477, $3.99, www.amazon.com
"The Divine Pine" is a new Christmas story, told in verse, that recasts the focus of the traditional
Christian holiday for children from greed to showing compassion for others. A girl named
RayRay hopes to complete her shopping for a Christmas tree and decorations on December 23
before a forecast blizzard strikes. She ends up stuck at home with no purchases, making a bowl
of popcorn, watching the large pine tree in her yard in the snow. Then a succession of wild birds
and animals appeal to her for shelter from the storm, which had destroyed their warm habitat.
Feeling compassion for the animals and birds, the girl offers the shelter of her divine pine tree
living branches, with ropes of popcorn, peanuts, and berries for snacks. First comes the Blue Jay
family, then Roxy Raccoon and youngsters, then other various critters of the forest came to
shelter in the pine's branches and nibble on the life giving snacks. On Christmas morning, the
divine pine is transformed through its natural inhabitants to a great tree of beauty and grace with
a white dove on top, a true Christmas tree...."For the greatest fight of all is LOVE,/ Paired with
the selfless act of GIVING.....(p. 22)" "The Divine Pine" is a beautiful Christmas book for
children age 6 and up that opens the eyes to a deeper meaning of Christmas.
Christmas Tidings
Marla D. Estrada, author/illustrator
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781491822470, $17.99, www.amazon.com
"Christmas Tidings" is a charming child's Christmas book filled with holiday verse and simply
expressive illustrations of attributes of Christmas that begin with the first letters of the title,
"Christmas Tidings. Written by a retired elementary teacher, "Christmas Tidings" leads children
to discover the original story of Christ's nativity in simple, descriptive verse. "Christmas Tidings"
is an easily beloved work that children will want to reread and examine time and again, in a rapt
communion with the message of hope for all at the heart of the book. "Christmas Tidings" began
as a Christmas presentation for the author's first grade class, where it's success was only the
beginning.
The Christmas Cats Chase Christmas Rats
Constance Corcoran Wilson, author
Gary McCluskey, illustrator
Quad City Press
c/o Quad Cities' Learning, Inc.
2127 3rd St. B, East Moline, IL 61244
9780982444863, $14.95, www.amazon.com
"The Christmas Cats Chase Christmas Rats" is book two in the Christmas Cats series, written to
entertain and teach children age 3-10. Following the first book, "The Christmas Cats in Silly
Hats," this charming Dr. Seuss-flavored illustrated tale in rhyme teaches a valuable lesson: Do
not judge others based on stereotypes, and make caring for others your first concern. Extremely
funny, detailed illustrations show multi-colored Christmas cats in strange funny hats rounding up
and caring for white Christmas rats who have been doing hard, painful work helping cure disease
in labs. So here we have a rollicking story about Christmas Cats in funny hats being sent to round
up white Christmas rats, and ending with said cats honoring said rats for their excellent, humane,
compassionate role in helping heal others. The message is funnily clear: "Do not judge others
without knowing, or prejudice you will be showing. It's best to be open and trusting and kind,
and always to keep an open mind." Kids will love the colorful Christmas light decorations and
humorous white rats and cats in funny hats, and they will not forget the delicious moral.
The Christmas Time Dog Rescue
Stephen Harley, author
imagery by Thinkstock
Inspiring Voices
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.inspiringvoices.com
9781462400743, $10.95, www.amazon.com
"The Christmas Time Dog Rescue" is the heartwarming story of a boy's determination to rescue
his lost dog and bring him home for Christmas. Peter loved his dog Cody, and is heartbroken to
find that Cody is lost. Even more heartbreaking is the discovery that his father has lied to him
about losing Cody, for a friend tells him that his father abandoned Cody at the Biller City Freight
Yard after removing his collar and tags. Peter knew his father did not like dogs, but this
knowledge resolved him to make a Christmas dog rescue plan. Underlying Peter's search for his
abandoned dog, Cody, is an ongoing heartfelt prayer to help Peter's father become a Christian.
First a kind truck driver offers Peter a ride to a distant city 200 miles from his home to find Cody
at the Freight Yard. Then Peter faces the problem of how he will get Cody and himself home for
Christmas, with very little money or supplies. Peter keeps praying his special prayer and he
remains determined to take Cody home, with the help of God. Meanwhile, Peter's parents found
the note he wrote before he left home in the night, and His father began to repent his heartless
action deliberately abandoning Cody. He prayed for forgiveness for his sins, and for the safe
return of his son Peter and his dog, Cody. Out of ideas for transportation or shelter, Peter and
Cody began the long walk back to Terryville, in the snow. Near a truck stop they are found by a
girl named Brenda Wiseman, whose grandfather has a charter plane service. The Wiseman family
is flying to a reunion in Fort Bennett, and Grandfather Wiseman agrees to take Peter and Cody
along in the plane to Terryville, after they call the Millers, Peter's parents. Brenda took Peter and
Cody out for a meal and they all had a fun flight together to Terryville, where Peter was met by
his grateful parents. Mr. Miller had become a Christian during the search for his son and Cody.
The family reunion was joyous and warm. Christmas Day saw many gifts given, but the greatest
gift was Mr. Miller's promise to be a good Christian, to love his family and his dog and never be
mean or lie again. "The Christmas Time Dog Rescue" is a heartwarming story that underlines the
importance of honoring promises to love one's family and one's pets, demonstrating the ongoing
love of Christ for all.
Grandma's Yarn
Waneta Cotner Worstine, author/illustrator
WestBow Press
c/o Thomas Nelson Publishers
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.westbowpress.com
9781449766610, $16.95, www.amazon.com
"Grandma's Yarn" is a heartwarming story based on the author's loving memories of her
grandmother and grandfather. Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed being with all their grandchildren,
but one year Grandma was determined to make their Christmas visit together special an avid
knitter, she had many different colors of yarn, which she used to create a yarn path from a special
labeled cardboard gift tube under the Christmas tree all the way up the stairs to secret hiding
places in different unused bedrooms and closets. Grandpa helped her prepare the secret hiding
places of each special gift, and together they created a magical spider-like web of colored yarn
that all the grown grandchildren would have tons of fun unwinding together. A most exciting,
happy holiday scene unfolded when everyone learned of their specially hidden gifts. Unimagined
fun twists and turns became a sort of family dance of love. In the end, everyone was amazed at
the imagination and love shown by their very special Grandma and Grandpa, a gift to travel
across generations and into the future. "Grandma's Yarn" does not end with the finding and
opening of the special gifts, it continues on to another level. For Grandma was frugal, and had
each child carefully save the yarn they followed to their gift(s), to give back to her to make into
something wonderful. So they did, and so she did, crocheting an incredible afghan from her own
grandchildren's special Spider's Web, a lasting memento and testament of love bequeathed in
tangible form. "Grandma's Yarn" is imaginatively illustrated with pictures made of colored yarns,
and also with a photograph of part of Grandma's special Spider's Web afghan. "Grandma's Yarn"
is a creative tribute to intergenerational love and support that warms the heart and soul.
The Audiobook Shelf
Dyamonde Daniel series
Nikki Grimes, author and narrator
www.nikkigrimes.com
OneVoice
c/o Full Cast Audio
101 Clarke Street, 1st floor
Syracuse, NY 13210
$15.00 each www.fullcastaudio.com
Two chapter books in the Dynamonde Daniel series (ideal for young people ages 5-10) now have
unabridged audiobook adaptations, read aloud by award-winning author Nikki Grimes.
Dynamonde Daniel is a precocious young African-American girl with spunk, a strong will, and a
caring heart, although she's still learning about the tough realities of the world. In "Halfway to
Perfect" (9781936223510, 1 hour, 1 CD), Dynamonde Daniel's friend Damaris cuts back
drastically on the food she eats, because other kids tease her about her weight. Dynamonde
worries about Damaris' health, and wants her to have more respect and love for herself. Another
girl, Amberline, is also being picked on; she may be in an even worse situation! In "Almost Zero"
(9781936223503, 56 min., 1 CD) Dynamonde craves a new pair of red high-top sneakers. A
classmate advices that she openly demand her mother to buy them, a plan that backfires
spectacularly! Mrs. Daniel will not let her own daughter boss her around; she teaches
Dynamonde a lesson, leaving her with "almost zero" to wear! At first Dynamonde is enraged, but
she soon realizes that other people hae much bigger problems. Her friend Isabel Martinez is in
the middle of a serious crisis, and Dynamonde not only to help, but also to get the aid of
everyone she knows. A powerful moral lesson about the difference between "want" and "need"
underlies this thoroughly enjoyable audiobook. Both stories will entertain adults as well as young
people, and are an excellent choice for family car trips!
The Music CD Shelf
123s and ABCs
Ella Jenkins
Smithsonian Folkways
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas Publicity
5505 SW Illinois Street
Portland, OR 97221
www.folkways.si.edu
$13.74 www.amazon.com
"First Lady of Children's Music" Ella Jenkins presents 123s and ABCs, an educational music CD
filled with simple games that use upbeat music and catchy lyrics to help teach young people
about basic counting, and the alphabet. Exuberant and playful, 123s and ABCs transforms
curriculum basics into unabashed fun. A choice pick especially for school and library music CD
collections for young children. The tracks are "Easy as ABC" (1:33), "Johnny Had One Friend"
(1:55), "One, Two, Three, Four, Five" (1:11), "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe" (1:23), "One Potato,
Two Potato" (1:35), "Eight Clay Pigeons" (3:16), "Counting from One to Ten in Spanish" (0:58),
"Counting in Swahili" (1:36), "One, Two, Three, O'Leary" (1:15), "Numbers and Alphabets"
(0:44), "ABCs" (0:41), "And One and Two..." (4:18), "Ten Green Bottles" (1:37), "Farmer
Brown Had Ten Green Apples" (2:49), "The Rabbi Teaches ABCs / English ABC Song" (2:18),
and "This Old Man" (2:47).
American Heroes #4
Jonathan Sprout
jonsprout.com
Privately Published
c/o To Market Kids
4136 Lamson Ave.
Spring Hill, FL 34608
$13.98 www.kidzmusic.com www.cdbaby.com
Like the rest of the "American Heroes" series, American Heroes #4 is a music CD for young
people that educates as well as entertains. Throughout history, notable Americans have applied
their skills and talents to make the world a better place; American Heroes #4 celebrates their
accomplishments while subtly encouraging little ones to do well in school and find their own
passion. The American heroes honored in #4 are Mary McLeod Bethune, Rachel Carson, Roberto
Clemente, Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, Theodore Seuss Geisel, Juliette Gordon Low, William
Penn, Theodore Roosevelt, and Samantha Smith. Highly recommended, especially for school and
public library children's music collections! The tracks are "Unstoppable", "Come with Me!", "E =
mc^2", "Hall of Fame", "Man in the Arena", "Through the Eyes of a Child", "Powerful", "Dr.
Seuss", "Interconnected", "Heads, Hearts, and Hands", and "I See a Hero".
The DVD Shelf
Angelina Ballerina: On with the Show
Hit Entertainment
c/o Lionsgate (distributor)
c/o Andrea Blain Public Relations
9750 Crawford Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076
$14.98 www.angelinaballerina.com www.hitnewsonline.com
Brought to life with seamless 3D computer animation, Angelina Ballerina: On with the Show
continues the fun-filled, family-friendly adventures of a dancing mouse who aspires to be a star.
When Ms. Mimi loses her voice, her class discovers that music can be an effective means of
communication. AZ recovers from an accident during a musical, and Gracie discovers that the
search for inspiration can be its own reward. A celebration of creativity and the joy of
performance, Angelina Ballerina: On with the Show is an excellent program especially for little
ones 2-6 years old. 61 min., English/Spanish/French audio, widescreen.
Story Time with Barney
Hit Entertainment
c/o Lionsgate (distributor)
c/o Andrea Blain Public Relations
9750 Crawford Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076
$14.98 www.barney.com www.hitnewsonline.com
Excellent programs with positive messages make the Barney series a reliable source of quality
entertainment for young children ages 1-4. Story Time with Barney is a colorful DVD with three
gentle, playful episodes. Baby Bop learns about the virtue of patience; Ryan discovers that being
honest and playing fair makes games with friends more fun, and Daniel works to improve his
skills through practice! Story Time with Barney is a choice pick for toddler birthday parties or
rainy-day fun, highly recommended. The episodes are "Fairy Tales", "The Emperor's Contest",
"The Sword in the Sandbox", and bonus feature "Short Stories with Barney Featurette". 71 min.
closed-captioned, English/Spanish languages, fullscreen.
The Activity Shelf
Flowerpot Press
142 - 2nd Avenue North, Franklin, TN 37064
www.flowerpotpress.com
Flowerpot Press has published two impressive volumes for young readers ages 6 through 8 that
are superbly and profusely illustrated, hardcover compilations of fun facts and Q&A exercises
that explore science, art, nature, and math. "The Really Big Awesome Book" (9781770939295,
$24.95, 164 pages) covers unusual animals of the deep oceans, the phenomena of the universe;
prehistoric animals, tornados, volcanoes, and more. "The Really Big I Didn't Know That Book"
(9781770939271, $24.95, 160 pages) beautifully showcases fun facts and Q&A exercises about
cars, trains, dinosaurs, sharks, and bugs. Enhanced with glossaries and indexes, these two 'kid
friendly' compendiums are as informed and informative as they are solidly entertaining and are
certain to be enduringly popular additions to family, school, and community library
collections.
The Science Shelf
The Owner's Manual for Driving Your Adolescent Brain
JoAnn Deak, Ph.D. and Terrence Deak, Ph.D.
Illustrated by Freya Harrison
Little Pickle Press, Inc.
3701 Sacramento Street #494, San Francisco, CA 94118
c/o Smith Publicity
1930 E Marlton Pike, Suite I-46, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
9781939775023 $15.95 www.smithpublicity.com
Thoroughly accessible to teens and young adults, The Owner's Manual for Driving Your
Adolescent Brain is a no-nonsense tour of how the human brain works, and what people can do
to keep their minds keen and healthy. A glossary and an index supplement the straightforward
scientific explanations, presented in plain English with accessible definitions for technical terms.
"Scientists have uncovered amazing evidence that what your brain learns during the day is
consolidated during sleep. That means the more sleep you get, the better your brain will
remember and understand what you learned that day." Peppered with colorful cartoons to drive
home its serious points, The Owner's Manual for Driving Your Adolescent Brain lives up to its
title and is enthusiastically recommended especially for grade school, high school, and public
library collections.
How to Be a Dinosaur Hunter
Scott Forbes, author
James Gulliver Hancock, illustrator
Lonely Planet Publications
150 Linden Street
Oakland CA 94607
9781743219089 $17.99 www.lonelyplanet.com
How to Be a Dinosaur Hunter: Your Globe-Trotting, Time-Traveling Guide is packed with 150+
pages of amazing facts about paleontology (the scientific study of the geologic past and ancient
life forms, particularly through analyzing fossils). Lightly colored, slightly cartoony illustrations
add charm to the educational lessons about the history of fossil study, how fossils are found,
lesser-known dinosaur facts, what it's like to be an archaeologist or paleontologist, and much
more. "In the 1960s a team of French paleontologists discovered a spectacular skull of an Early
Cretaceous crocodile-like reptile in the Tenere and named it Sarcosuchus imperator. When US
dinosaur Paul Sereno found similar bones in the 1990s, the creature quickly became known as
Super Croc - and for good reason!" Every two-page spread is broken down into bite-sized bits of
incredible information, readily accessible to young readers. A great way to spark the imaginations
of future scientists, How to Be a Dinosaur Hunter is enthusiastically recommended especially for
grade school and public library children's collections.
The Bilingual Shelf
Lupita's First Dance / El Primer Baile De Lupita
Lupe Ruiz-Flores, author
Gabhor Utomo, illustrator
c/o Pinata Books
Arte Publico Press
University of Houston
4902 Gulf Freeway, Bldg. 19, Room 100, Houston, TX 77204
9781558857728, $17.95, www.artepublicopress.com
"Lupita's First Dance" is a lively, vivid bilingual illustrated book about a girl's first dance
performance experience of La Raspa, a Mexican folk dance that features dance partners and lots
of fun, fast steps. Lupita is terribly excited about her part in dancing La Raspa with her partner,
Ernesto. Her mother has helped by making her a beautiful costume of a white blouse and yellow
skirt with red, blue, yellow and green ribbons. Lupita feels exactly like a brilliant butterfly
dancing and whirling in her new costume. However, the day of the performance she is told her
partner, Ernesto has injured his ankle and cannot dance, so her teacher tells her she cannot dance,
because she has no partner. Lupita is so upset and she does not want to disappoint her Mami,
who is so proud of her in her lovely dress. Surprising her teacher, Lupita decides to join the
dancers without a partner and whirls and dances spontaneously along with the rest of the group.
At the end her teacher tells her she was very brave, her mother smiles, and her Papa gives her a
single rose, telling her she is a star. In her imagination, Lupita envisions dozens of beautiful roses
being showered on her by an appreciative audience as her parents drive her home from her first
dance. Each page of "Lupita's First Dance" has English and Spanish narratives next to each other
to encourage bilingual learning. "Lupita's First Dance" is stunningly presented with vivid
narrative and illustrations that whirl and dance off the pages.
The Social Issues Shelf
What On Earth Can I Do?
Debbie Dunlap, Ed.D.
Lara Agulto, illustrator
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.authorhouse.com
9781477255056, $15.95, www.amazon.com
"What On Earth Can I Do?" is a vivid new kids' help book that introduces some great approaches
to help heal bullying behavior. Written in simple verse, filled with gorgeous illustrations with
symbols and similes of the best healing advice, "What On Earth Can I Do?" answers its question
with a statement of Mackenzie's Rule: "Go through life with an open mind, be a good friend to
everyone, and always be kind!" To help children arrive at the pledge to observe the Rule, the
process of opening one's heart with compassion to others is gently demonstrated. "What On Earth
Can I Do?" ends with a Pledge page, stating: "I pledge to help stop bullying and to use the
'Mackenzie Rule.' I will always be kind to everyone at school." It encourages kids to take
responsibility to help stop bullying in a variety of effective and creative ways.
My Friend Suhana
Shaila Abdullah, author
Aanyah Abdullah, illustrator
Loving Healing Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
www.LHPress.com
9781615992119, $14.95, www.amazon.com
"My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy" is the moving story of a
friendship between two girls the same age with different abilities, as seen and experienced by a
child. One girl has normal abilities to move, talk and think, while another, my friend Suhana, has
a disease which makes it hard for her to move, talk, and learn like other children do. The disease
is cerebral palsy. "My Friend Suhana" is an excellent educational book for children teaching
compassion for others born with different abilities. The child who narrates the story describes her
friend Suhana exactly as she appears to her, also conveying positive caring and love for her
special friend. Although she cannot talk, Suhana is learning to communicate with sounds, and to
convey something about her moods, whether she is happy or sad. She is also learning to move
but it will be harder for her to learn to walk or move independently. Both girls are 7 years old.
There are many special ways in which "My Friend Suhana" conveys the importance of respecting
another child who is differently abled. Charming color illustrations also depict part of the reality
of being a child with cerebral palsy, moving in a wheelchair, having limited control of
movements and speech. "My Friend Suhana" is a very sensitive book that encourages children
age 4 and up to reach out to others and not be afraid of developing relationships with those who
are differently abled.
The Cookbook Shelf
The Disney Princess Cookbook
Recipes by Cynthia Littlefield
Photography by Joanne Schmaltz
Disney Press
114 Fifth Avenue, 14th floor
New York, NY 10011
www.hyperionchildrensbooks.com
9781423163244 $15.99 www.disneybooks.com
Filled with full-color photography of its dishes (and bright, cartoony images of Disney
characters), The Disney Princess Cookbook is a hardcover cookbook of fifty, easy-to-follow
recipes inspired by Disney's family-friendly animated movies. Dishes range from meals to sweets
and beverages, including Abu's Monkey Bread, Mushu's Moo Shu, Belle's Bonjour Baguette,
Princess Pink Popcorn, and much more. Recipes also include useful tips for novice cooks, such
as "Melted marshmallow is hot, so be sure to use a long-handled spoon to stir it." A great way to
teach girls that cooking can be fun, The Disney Princess Cookbook makes an excellent gift for
the little princess in one's life!
The Divorce Shelf
Still a Family: A Young Child's Book About Divorce
Sandy Lanton, author
June H. Blair, illustrator
Lantern Press
PO Box 276, Old Bethpage, NY 11804
9780982979501 $18.95 www.sandylanton.com
Former teacher Sandy Lanton presents Still a Family: A Young Child's Book About Divorce, a
picturebook story that is also useful as a teaching tool to help children understand a difficult
situation. The story follows Emily and Andrew, a young girl and her baby brother who see their
parents fight and eventually separate. Emily gradually learns that it's OK to have two homes, and
that she, her mother, and father are still a family even though they don't all live together."'Please,
don't go, Daddy, I promise I won't spill my milk anymore.' 'Oh, Emily, you didn't do anything
wrong,' said Daddy.' 'We're still a family,' said Mommy. 'We both love you and Andrew very
much and we'll both take good care of you. You will live here with me and visit Daddy on
Sundays and Wednesdays at his new place.'" Highly recommended, especially for helping
children understand divorce - whether in their own family, or the family of a friend at
school.
The Music Shelf
There's a Hole in the Bucket!
Adapted by John M. Feierabend
Illustrated by Marissa Madonna
GIA Publications, Inc.
7404 South Mason Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638
9781579999704 $16.95 www.giamusic.com
There's a Hole in the Bucket! is a charming children's picturebook based on a lighthearted,
400-year-old German folk song. It's a "circle song" with no meaning and no end; a pair of
bumbling fishers note that there is a hole in the bucket, and they need an assortment of things to
fix it, including water - but how can one get water when there is a hole in the bucket? The color
illustrations portray the fishers as a pair of anthropomorphic grizzly bears carrying bait and
tackle. The last couple pages show the simple melody's musical notation, and list the verses of
the song for easy singing, followed by a couple pages about the song's history. A free MP3
version of the song is available at giamusic.com/bucket as well. There's a Hole in the Bucket! is a
wonderful picturebook that deserves to be sung aloud to and by little ones. Highly
recommended!
Books in Series
Origami Dinosaurs
Lisa Miles, author
Belinda Webster and Michael Wiles, models and photography
Gareth Stevens Publishing
111 East 14th Street, Suite 349, New York, NY 10003
9781433996481, $26.20, www.garethstevens.com
"Origami Dinosaurs" is an instruction book for creating simple, creative origami representations
of dinosaurs. Beginning with two chapters on basic folds and bases, illustrated step by step,
"Origami Dinosaurs" continues to present complete color instructions for creating six origami
dinosaurs, including Compsognathus, Diplodocus, Plesiosaurus, Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, and T.
Rex. Students and readers age 9-10 and up should be able to create these paper sculptures with
minimal adult assistance, achieving satisfaction and learning simultaneously. Also included is a
glossary of terms, further reading recommendations, and reconstructed color photos of each
dinosaur in its natural habitat. Hours of creative fun are in store for young origami crafters as
well as learning about paleontology. Further titles from this series by the same author that are
also highly recommended include the following: "Origami Sea Creatures (9781433996603,
$26.20)," and "Origami Birds and Butterflies (9781433996443, $26.20), as well as "Origami
Farm Animals" (9781433996528, $26.20), "Origami Pets" (9781433996566, $26.60), and
"Origami Wild Animals" (9781433996641, $26.60).
Agricultural Inventions: At the Top of the Field
Helen Mason, author
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor, NY, NY 10118
9780778702139, $23.49, www.crabtreebooks.com
"Agricultural Inventions" is a brief history of tools and techniques of agricultural progress from
ancient times to the present day, with emphasis on North American influenced trends and
technologies. Written in color photo illustrated chapter format, with clear language accessible to
students ages 10-13 and up, "Agricultural Inventions" begins with a hard look at What's On Your
Plate (chapter one), and moves on to Filling America's Breadbasket, Making Machines for
Farmers, From the Field to Your Plate, Pesticides and Genetics on the Farm, and ending with a
brief chapter on how Communication Speeds the Spread of Innovation. Discussion of the patent
process for patenting inventions is included, and prominent farm machine inventors such as
Hussey, McCormick, George Washington Carver, Eli Whitney, John Ford, and John Deere are
profiled briefly. Chapter five includes discussions of DDT and pesticides, genetics and DNA, and
the pros and cons of GM foods. As with all of the series' titles, a two page timeline is included
that extends from 68,000 BCE to 2013, along with a web-inclusive source bibliography, glossary
and index. "Agricultural Inventions" is an excellent updated history resource for today's students
of science and agriculture. Also highly recommended are the following additional titles from this
quality series: "Communication Inventions: "The Talk of the Town (9780778702221, $23.49)"
by Alexander Offord, "Medical Inventions: The Best of Health (9780778702122, $23.49)" by Jill
Bryant, and "Transportation Inventions: Moving Our World Forward (9780778702238, $23.49)"
by Robert Walker.
U. S. Immigration Services
Amie Jane Leavitt, author
Mitchell Lane Publishers
P.O. Box 196, Hockessin, DE 19707
9781612284477, $21.50, www.mitchelllane.com
"US Immigration Services" is a new title from the My Guide to US Citizenship educational series
for students in grades 1-6. Filled with color photographs and blue shaded informative sidebars
discussing key points, "US Immigration Services" is a well written chapter text on US
immigration services, past and present. Chapters cover details such as the U. S. is a country of
immigrants, services available to immigrants, pathway to citizenship, controlling immigration,
and more. Additional chapter notes offer helpful source footnotes, plus books, web sites and
authors consulted are listed under Further Reading. A brief glossary lists terms, pronunciation,
and meanings used in the chapters. "US Immigration Services" provides a brief, wide sweeping
overview of the status of present US immigration services available along with a plethora of
relevant facts and details plus their sources. "US Immigration Services" is a useful text for
students age 10 and over, in connection with the other titles listed in this series. Additional titles
in the My Guide to US Citizenship series that are highly recommended include: "Your Guide to
Becoming a US Citizen (9781612284491, $21.50)" by Tammy Gagne, "US Laws of Citizenship
(9781612284484, $21.50)" by Amie Jane Leavitt, and "Immigration in the US (9781612284460,
$21.50)" by Tammy Gagne.
Museum Day
Sindy McKay, author
Meredith Johnson, illustrator
Treasure Bay
P.O. Box 119, Novato, CA 94948
www.WeBothRead.com
9781601152657, $9.95, www.amazon.com
"Museum Day" is a fun new K-level We Both Read title for young readers and parents or adult
reading partners. Interactively formatted with pages in pairs, one with more challenging
vocabulary for the adult to read, and one designed specifically for the child to read easily,
"Museum Day" is an entertaining illustrated text that bounces along with cleverly designed
single-word pages for the beginning reader to practice on. The story follows a young girl and her
father on their bus trip to a fantastic museum with dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian artifacts, Native
American exhibits, and more, specifically hungry birds that gobble leftover sandwich crumbs
outside the museum doors. We Both Read is a successful educational tool that encourages the
child to tackle words, sounds and vocabulary by using context, pictures, memory, plot
development, and more to sound out the words. Besides promoting child literacy levels, We Both
Read books encourage enriched development and increased child-parent supportive interactions.
This entire series is highly recommended for young readers and their families. Additional new
titles in this popular series include the following: "About Bats (9781601152671, $9.95)" by
Sindy McKay, illustrated by Wendy Smith, and "The Emperor's New Clothes (9781601152695,
$9.95)" by Sindy McKay, from the story by Hans Christian Andersen, illustrated by Toni
Goffe.
Burj Khalifa: The Tallest Tower in the World
Stuart A. Kallen
Norwood House Press
PO Box 316598
Chicago, IL 60631
9781599535982 $26.60 www.norwoodhousepress.com
Part of the "A Great Idea: Engineering" series, Burj Khalifa: The Tallest Tower in the World is a
hardcover picturebook about the extraordinary Burj Khalifa in the emirate of Dubai. Accessible
to middle graders and preteens, Burj Khalifa: The Tallest Tower in the World is packed with
amazing engineering facts about the tower's design, construction, and maintenance - and even a
few notorious urban legends! Striking color photographs, an index, and even a few handy
websites for learning more round this excellent contribution to a series ideal for getting young
people to think about a potential future career pursuing great accomplishments in engineering,
architecture, or the sciences.
I'm a Pretty Little Black Girl!
Betty K. Bynum, author
Claire Amstrong Parod, illustrator
Dreamtitle Publishing
PO Box 36341
Los Angeles, CA 90036
9780615785516 $14.95 www.theimagirlcollection.com
First in "The I'm a Girl" series of celebratory picturebooks, I'm a Pretty Little Black Girl!
encourages young black girls to delight in themselves, in going to school, in being polite, and
sharing good times with friends. The main character, Mia, is a young black girl who loves to
twirl around; she expresses that the concept of "pretty" lies in a cheerful, upbeat attitude and
good manners, not what the mirror shows. Charming, playful color illustrations of Mia and her
girlfriends at school (who come from many different ethnic backgrounds) add the perfect touch
to this delightful picturebook promoting a positive self-image. "We come in all shapes and sizes -
skinny, short or round. / And like a special rainbow we're all different shades of brown. / We say
'PLEASE' and 'THANK YOU' / That's how we spread Love around!" Additional and forthcoming
books in "The I'm a Girl" series, include "I'm a Lovely Little Latina!", "Hooray! I'm a Girl in the
U.S.A.!", and "I'm an Awesome Asian Girl!".
The Year of the Horse
Oliver Chin, author
Jennifer Wood, illustrator
Immedium
PO Box 31846
San Francisco, CA 94131
9781597020800 $15.95 www.immedium.com
Part of the "Tales from the Chinese Zodiac" picturebook series, The Year of the Horse is a
charming, original fable crafted in the spirit of Chinese folklore. 2014 is the Year of the Horse
according to the Chinese Zodiac; accordingly, the story follows a young foal named Hannah. Her
lively adventures with other horses and humans reflect the temperament that those born in the
Year of the Horse are alleged to have: energetic, enthusiastic, proud, and attention-living, but
sometimes also impatient and headstrong. Lively and playful, The Year of the Horse is a
wonderful addition to public library children's picturebook collections, as are previous books in
the series: "The Year of the Dog", "The Year of the Pig", "The Year of the Rat", "The Year of the
Ox", "The Year of the Tiger", "The Year of the Rabbit", "The Year of the Dragon", and "The
Year of the Snake". Books in the series are also available as iPad apps downloadable from
iTunes, complete with "Read to Me" and "I Can Read" narrative options, as well as bonus
interactive games!
Ignoramus
Karla Oceanak, author
Kendra Spanjer, illustrator
Bailiwick Press
www.bailiwickpress.com
9781934649411 $12.95 www.aldozelnick.com
Part of the award-winning "Aldo Zelnick Comic Novel" series, Ignoramus is a work of
middle-grade fiction following 10-year-old Aldo Zelnick's amusing adventures. Aldo's birthday is
fast approaching - but it happens to be on Valentine's Day! Also is not a fan of pink lace, hearts,
or chalky candies, and he plans a guys-only birthday party to escape these things. But what
happens when the girls who have a crush on his Aldo's friend Danny decide to crash the birthday
bash? Ignoramus isn't a graphic novel, but it does feature whimsical, sketchy black-and-white
doodles embellishing almost every page of the story. Highly recommended, especially as a fun
way to encourage children to read!
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3308
New York, NY 10118
www.crabtreebooks.com
This month the focus is on Crabtree Publishing, for producing consistently-awesome
elementary-level nonfiction combining elements of attention-grabbing contemporary color
photos and subjects and writings that encourage kids to both learn and use the information in
reports. Take the 'Inventions That Shaped the Modern World' series, for example ($23.49 each).
Ages 10-13 will find these 48-page primers provide the basics of how inventions of yesterday
directly led to achievements of today, offering a new series that links ideas and technologies to
future changes. Primary source documents and images accompany profiles of inventions.
TRANSPORTATION INVENTIONS (9780778702238) details changes from Ford's Model T
auto to today's high-speed trains, documenting transportation inventions and how they built upon
one another. MEDICAL INVENTIONS (9780778702122) surveys medical field changes and
provides a chronological timeline of events, from new drugs to the invention of machines for
diagnosis. AGRICULTURAL INVENTIONS (9780778702139) chronicle the history of farming
and how agriculture was changed with inventions that led to superior production, while
COMMUNICATION INVENTIONS (9780778702221) reveals everything from Bell's telephone
to modern-day e-mail and internet communications. All provide sidebars of information, modern
color photos and illustrations, and a smooth timeline of events to keep young readers interested.
The 'Engineering in Action' series ($20.70) each for the same age group provides 32 pages each
of full color discussions exploring the field of engineering, and blends examples from real-world
events with activities and basic science relating to engineering achievements. OPTICAL
ENGINEERING AND THE SCIENCE OF LIGHT (9780778712282) provides a survey of
optical engineers and their designs, and offers a fine study of how light and vision blend into the
engineering process. AUDIO ENGINEERING AND THE SCIENCE OF SOUND WAVES
(9780778711964) covers sound effects in videos and movies and considers how audio engineers
apply sound to daily life. From special challenges in using sound waves to audio research, this
provides a fine survey. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND CHAIN REACTIONS
(9780778711971) teaches basic chemistry concepts and shows how engineers blend chemistry
science with the engineering design process, while ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND
THE SCIENCE OF SUSTAINABILITY (9780778712138) features keys to understanding how
the engineer applies science to sustainable issues. The result is an outstanding survey
recommended for any elementary-level science holding. Molly Aloian's 'The Green Scene'
($17.70) will reach ages 5-8 with 24 pages each of readers teaching the basics of sustainability in
all facets of life. By breaking the concepts into individual books, 'The Green Scene' offers more
depth than most and enables kids to apply 'green' concepts to their daily lives. GOING GREEN
AT SCHOOL (9780778706241) covers school recycling, composting, creating litter-free lunches
and creating paperless classrooms, GREEN GARDENING AND COMPOSTING
(9780778702627) teaches the basics of ecologically conscious gardening, LIVING GREEN AT
HOME (9780778702740) takes a room-by-room approach to creating greener lifestyles
throughout the home, GREEN ENERGY (9780778702658) assesses wind, solar, water and other
energy sources for communities and individuals, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO GO GREEN?
(9780778702757) surveys general techniques for changing habits to better, sustainable use
habits, and EATING GREEN (9780778702634) surveys connections between eating choices and
sustainable agriculture and farming. All are top books for any elementary-level collection strong
in ecology. 'Crabtree Chrome' is a series for reluctant, under-confident readers who read several
levels below their age level, providing a set of vocabulary and reading sessions that use exciting
topics and lively formats to appeal. Each book holds nearly fifty pages, is intended for ages
1--14, and pairs eye-catching covers with exciting topics. CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH!
(9780778711704) covers the discovery of gold in California, TRAIL OF TEARS
(9780778711742) documents the movement of Native peoples from their land onto reservations
and territories in general and the Trail of Tears in particular, HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI
(9780778711711) documents the decision to use the atomic bomb to end the war with Japan, and
KING TUT (9780778711728) documents the work of Howard Carter as he uncovers the hidden
tomb of King Tut. The result is a powerful set of lively, inviting reads for any low-achieving
reader.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
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