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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Many Ideas Open The Way
Randy Snook
Shen's Books
40951 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538
1885008236 $16.95 www.amazon.com
This collection of Hmong proverbs provides a bilingual edition which will reach all ages
with its
powerful collection. From witticisms about family members and politics to unusual
illustrative
photos which bring a new set of insights to some ideas, such as 'many hands make light
work',
Many Ideas Open The Way is a fun and gorgeous title offering young readers a wealth of
Hmong
cultural insights.
Happy, Happy Chinese New Year!
Demi
Crown
299 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10171
0375826424 $8.95 1-800-726-0600
Demi's celebration of Chinese New Year provides a short set of insights on how the
Chinese
prepare for their celebration from cleaning the home to cooking, preparing for planting,
and
making ready for a fresh start. The lively, whimsical drawings are classic Demi and
provide easy
insights into the Chinese New Year's meaning.
Origami Activities
Michael G. LaFosse
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
0804834970 $9.95 tuttlepublishing.com
Origami Activities: Create Secrete Boxes, Good-luck Animals, And Paper Charms With
The
Japanese Art Of Origami presents clear instructions and simple diagrams for making
delightful
folded paper creations through the craft of origami. Informatively written by Michael G.
LaFosse
and enhanced with a profusion of illustrations, Origami Activities is especially intended
for
creative and curious young people ages 7 to 12, Origami Activities offers a wealth of
rainy day
fun and simple, easy-to-make crafts promoting hand-eye coordination. Also highly
recommended
are four other Japanese culture oriented titles from the Tuttle Publishing "Asian Arts &
Crafts For
Creative Kids" series: Haiku (0804835012); Tea Ceremony (0804835004); Ikebana
(0804835020); and Asian Kites (0804835454).
No More Handprints
Michael Hetzer & Kim Clayton
Webster Henrietta Publishing
PO Box 50044, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
www.websterhenrietta.com
0972822208 $18.95 1-843-457-8476
No More Handprints: Your Child's Handprint Completes The Story is an original
children's
picturebook that also functions as a parental keepsake. It comes with two specially
formulated ink
strips that a child can use to make his or her own handprints and complete the story,
about a
mother who is frustrated with her child's tendency to leave handprints all over the walls...
so she
collects his handprint and frames it to be displayed on the wall properly! Colorful
paintings add a
vivid touch to this excellent and unique book for the whole family to treasure.
Too Many Cats
Sindy McKay & Meredith Johnson
Treasure Bay, Inc.
17 Parkgrove Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080
1891327496 $7.99 www.webothread.com
Too Many Cats is the newest engaging title in the "We Both Read" series from Treasure
Bay.
Written and designed by Sindy McKay to promote shared reading by parents and
children, each
two-page spread features an intermediate-reading level narration on the left and a simpler,
"easy-reader" read-aloud line on the right for little ones. The engaging, tale featuring the
whimsically illustrations of Meredith Johnson, Too Many Cats is the tale of a young girl
or starts
finding way too many cats in her house is amusingly told, and young people just
beginning to read
and sharing the book with parents can chime in with simple lines like "...a red cat."
"Three cats!"
"Four cats?" "...a yellow cat." A recommended shared reading experience with kids of
kindergarten age.
Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
1-800-726-0600 www.amazon.com
Random's various children's imprints will provide something for everyone here. Delacorte
Press
hosts Lurlene McDaniel's Time Capsule (055357096X, $9.95), telling of twins who share
many of
the same ideas and goals until one falls ill from leukemia in high school. Adam's
remission brings
no respite for his family in this story of recovery and ongoing troubles. McDaniel's As
Long As
We Both Shall Live (0553571087, $6.99) presents two interconnected novels under one
cover:
Till Death Do Us Part and For Better, For Worse, Forever. April's struggle with an
inoperable
brain tumor and his involvement with cystic fibrosis sufferer Mark, who holds a passion
for living,
comprises the first book; the second follows Mark's death and tells of April's second
involvement
with a healthy boy who doesn't know her past, until her illness returns and forces
changes.
Younger readers will relish Donald Sobol's Encyclopedia Brown And The Case Of The
Jumping
Frogs (0553729316, $14.95). A ten-year-old young investigator in sneakers has ten
all-new short
mysteries to solve in this riveting book. Nicola Morgan's Mondays Are Red (0553730993,
$15.95) tells of a boy who awakens from a coma to face a condition called synesthesia,
where
music evokes tastes and days of the week are colors. Add a frightening creature which
moves into
this new world and begins to take over Luke's life and you have a mystery and fantasy
which is
compelling. The Atheneum imprint's Lisa Wheeler story Fitch & Chip: When Pigs Fly
(0553849-516, $14.95) provides a strong account at the Level 3 grade level. Kids ages
6-8 will
relish this beginning story of friends who admire heroes and embark on adventures to be
heroes
themselves. A warm, moving narrative is created for early grade readers. Simon Mason's
Quigleys
At Large (0385750226, $14.95) tells of a special family the Quigleys, who live on an
ordinary
street in an ordinary city, but who face all kinds of funny adventures. From lost birds to
playing
with fire extinguishers, the Quigleys face a myriad of challenge as they lead unusual
lives. The
reprint of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (0553825916, $15.95) tells of a car that
floats,
flies, and steers itself. A crackpot inventor comes up with a miracle car with a serious of
inventions leading to disaster in this fun story of high drama. Tamora Pierce's Trickster's
Choice
(05538-14663, $17.95) is not to be missed: kids at the high school level will find this a
compelling
story of Alianne, who leads a good life until she's captured by pirates and ends up a slave
to a
noble family in the Copper Isles. A patron god captures Aly and she'll have to make a
deal with
the god if she is to gain her freedom. All are packed with adventure and variety.
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
1-800-242-7737 www.amazon.com
New to the 'My America' series is Kathryn Lasky's Hope In My Heart (043918875X,
$12.95) the
first book of Sofia's Immigrant Diary which is set on Ellis Island in 1903. Sofia's journey
from
Italy to America seems only the beginning of new hardships as she finds her new home
anything
but appealing in this diary of discovery and a new world. Older readers will relish the
'Dear
America' addition All The Stars In The Sky by Megan McDonald (0439169631, $10.95),
which
presents the Santa Fe Trail diary of one Florrie Mack Ryder, who discovers both hope
and
hardship on the journey West. New to the Royal Diaries series is Weetamoo by Patricia
Clark
Smith (0439129109, $10.95), telling of Neepunna Keeswosh, who aims to become her
tribe's
leader in 1653. All do an excellent job of splicing history with fiction. Tony Johnston's
Mummy's
Mother (0439324629, $15.95) tells of ten-year-old mummy Ramose, who has been
peacefully
sealed with his mummy mother in a secret Egyptian tomb, until grave robbers make off
with her.
It's up to Ramose to find her and save her from a museum fate in this engaging and fun
story.
Greg Tang's Math-Terpieces (0439443881, $16.95) is recommended for kids ages 7-10
who want
to blend a pleasant picture book read with insights on problem-solving. Greg Paprocki's
bright
drawings blend with reproductions of paintings and math puzzles and clues in a title
which may
prove hard to easily categorize; but which is fun. Lisa Desimini's Policeman Lou
(0439408881,
$15.95) tells of a policeman and policewoman who work together to make their town a
safe
place. Safety tips for the very young accompany an easy story of how police people help
the
public. Shana Corey's First Graders From Mars Epiosode 4: Tera, Star Student
(0439266343,
$15.95) tells of an unusual group project assigned a group of alien students: to build the
solar
system. Tera's know-it-all attitude almost undoes her group's project in this zany and
funny story,
spiced with Mark Teague's inviting drawings. Douglas Cowling and Jason Walker's
Hallelujah
Hanel (0439058503, $16.95) will require good reading skills from young picturebook
enthusiasts
but tells of one George Handel and the ragged street boys who attract his attention. His
discovery
of one young singer leads to his creation of the famous messiah in this celebration.
I Was Born To Be A Brother
Zaydek G. Michels-Gualtieri, author
Daniel Liegey, illustrator
Platypus Media
627 A Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
www.PlatypusMedia.com
1930775105 $18.95 1-877-872-8977
Written by ten-year-old Zaydek G. Michels-Gualtieri, I Was Born To Be A Brother is the
charming true story of a young boy who adapts to having a little sister around the house.
Despite
their rivalries, their are siblings who know and love one another. Full-color illustrations
by Daniel
Liegey and an accompanying CD with the story and music make for a cherished and
strongly
recommended children's picture book tale about "siblinghood" -- and is especially meant
to be
shared among siblings.
The Biography Shelf
Ella Fitzgerald
Andrea Davis Pinkney
Scat Cat Monroe
Brian Pinkney, illustrator
Hyperion Books for Children
Weston Woods Edition
114 Fifth Avenue, 14th fl., NY, NY 10011
0786805684 $16.99 1-800-759-0190
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale Of A Vocal Viruosa by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Scat Cat
Monroe is
the amazing true-life picture book story of the First Lady of Song, also known as the
Queen of
Scat, Ella Fitzgerald. This amazingly gifted African-American singer, and her illustrious
achievements are presented with free-wheeling, full-color illustrations by Brian Pinkney
and a
jivin' prose. A great story to share with young people about the joy of music and reaching
for
one's dreams, this Weston Woods school library packaging edition is enhanced with the
inclusion
of a CD of the story with page-turn signals.
The ABC Shelf
The Kitty Cat Alphabet Book
Andrea Burris & Anna Schad, authors
Andrea Burris, illustrator
A & D Books
3708 E. 45th Street, Tulsa, OK 74135
0974329401 $14.95 1-918-748-4348
Collaboratively written by Andrea Burris & Anna Schad, The Kitty Cat Alphabet Book is
a
feline-themed alphabet book, featuring simple color illustrations by Andrea Burris and
singsong,
cat-themed rhymes pertaining to every letter of the alphabet. A joy to share with young
people
who may be just beginning to learn their alphabet letters in preparation for learning how
to read,
The Kitty Cat Alphabet Book is an especial delight to cat owners who can recognize their
own
beloved pet's antics in the lyrics.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Riding For Kids
Judy Richter
Storey Books
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
1580175104 $16.95 storeybooks.com
Riding For Kids by equestrian expert Judy Richter is an information-packed and practical
introduction for children to the pastime and skill of horseback riding. Individual chapters
explain
in clear "reader friendly" language the basics of stable care, tack, appropriate riding
clothing,
riding basics, jumping and showing, and more. Enhanced with a profusion of color
photography,
Riding For Kids is an absolute "must-read" for any young person interested in owning or
learning
to ride a horse.
Polliwog
Tammy Carter Bronson
Bookaroos Publishing, Inc.
PO Box 850, Farmington, AR 72730
0967816742 $17.00
Engagingly written and illustrated by Tammy Carter Bronson, Polliwog is a bilingual
English/Spanish picture book for young readers about the remarkable transformation of a
polliwog into her new, adult life as a frog. Scientific facts and soft-toned color
illustrations fill this
most enjoyable read, about an animal growing up and learning to adapt to a new
environment,
new challenges, and new foods. Polliwog is a welcome and informatively entertaining
addition to
family, school and community library picture book and/or wildlife collections.
Seahorses
Twig C. George
Millbrook Press
2 Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
0761328696 $24.90 1-800-462-4703
Seahorses by Twig C. George is a children's picture book that introduced young readers
to these
amazing creatures with a text of interesting, entertaining facts enhanced with stunning
full-color
photographs and showcasing a wide variety of seahorse species. A wondrous and
wonderful
introduction to these beautiful creatures of the ocean, Seahorses is a delight to page
through and
very highly recommended for both school and community library Pets/Wildlife
collections.
The Native American Shelf
Crazy Horse's Vision
Joseph Bruchac & S. D. Nelson
Lee & Low Books
95 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10016
1880000946 $16.95 leeandlow.com
Featuring color paintings by Sioux artist S. D. Nelson (who was inspired by the
traditional art
style of the Plains Indians), Crazy Horse's Vision by Joseph Bruchac is the true story of a
young
Native American boy named Curly who witnessed fierce battles between his tribe of
Lakota
Indians and white settlers. Defying the custom of his people, Curly ran to the hills in
search of a
vision, and what he saw would transform him forever. Curly would then come to be
known in
history as the Sioux war chief Crazy Horse. An author's note following the story relates a
summary of the life and death of this brave an unselfish leader. Crazy Horse's Vision is
an
outstanding picture book and a welcome addition to personal, school, and community
library
collections.
Meet Mindy
Susan Secakuku & John Harrington
Beyond Words Publishing, Inc.
20827 N.W. Cornell Rd., Suite 500, Hillsboro, Oregon 97124
1582700915 $15.95 beyondword.com
The second book in the impressive "My World: Young Native Americans Today" series
from
Beyond Words Publishing, Meet Mindy: A Native Girl From The Southwest by Susan
Secakuku
(and profusely illustrated with the color photography of John Harrington) introduces
young
readers to Mindy, a girl who tells of the Hopi and Tewa peoples of Arizona. Following
Mindy
through her coming-of-age ceremony, as well as offering an amazing look at Hopi culture
including agriculture, weaving baskets, making clay pots, traditional dances, and much
more,
Meet Mindy is a captivating look into a rich and enduring Native American culture. Also
very
highly recommended for young readers is the first title of this remarkable Native
American
cultures series -- Meet Naiche: A Native Boy From The Chesapeake Bay Area
(1582700729,
$15.95) by writer Gabrielle Tayac and photographer John Harrington.
The Journey Of Tunuri And The Blue Deer
James Endredy
Maria Hernandez de la Cruz
Casimiro de la Cruz Lopez
Bear Cub Books
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
159143016X $15.95 InnerTraditions.com
The Journey Of Tunuri And The Blue Deer: A Huichol Indian Story by James Endredy is
a
captivating picture book rendition of a tale from the beliefs of the Huichol Indians of
mountainous
western Mexico. Gorgeous, full-color traditional Huichol yarn drawings created
especially for The
Journey Of Tunuri And The Blue Deer is enhanced with Maria Hernandez de la Cruz and
Casimiro de la Cruz Lopez wonderful illustrations in this outstanding Native American
folk tale of
children who meet their family in nature (Grandfather Fire, Father Sun, Mother Earth,
and
Brother Wind) and learn to share the wonders of the planet in harmony. The Journey Of
Tunuri
And The Blue Deer is a highly recommended addition to school and community library
Native
American collections for young readers.
The Picturebook Shelf
I Can Fly
Ruth Krauss & Mary Blair
Golden Books/Random House
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
0307001466 $2.99 1-800-726-0600
I Can Fly by Ruth Krauss is a classic picture book in the Little Golden Book series.
Imaginative
color illustrations by Mary Blair show a young girl who enjoys pretending to be all sorts
of
different types of birds and creatures, whether walking like a cat or howling like a screech
owl. I
Can Fly is a delightful easy reader to share with little ones, and the last page features a
simple,
singable or playable song with music. Also very strongly recommended in the "Little
Golden
Book" collection is Dan Yaccarino's Mother Goose (0375825-711, $2.99).
Gordon In Charge
Jill Newton
Bloomsbury Publishing
175 Fifth Avenue, #300, NY, NY 10010
1582348235 $15.95 bloomsbury.com
Imaginatively written and brightly illustrated by Jill Newton, Gordon In Charge is a lively
picture
book story of stubborn barnyard animals. A strong-willed goat named Gordon declares
himself
leader of the barnyard, but when he gets an equally stubborn rival, how are they to settle
who
really is in charge? Jill Newton's exuberant color illustrations add a deft sense of whimsy
and a lot
of outright fun to this original, engaging, and recommended picture book tale.
Real Pirates
Clare Hibbert & John James
Enchanted Lion Books
c/o Peter Bedrick, Publisher
115 West 18 Street, 6 fl., NY, NY 10011
1592700187 $15.95 www.amazon.com
Knowledgeably written by Clare Hibbert, Real Pirates: Over 20 True Stories Of Seafaring
Sculduggery is a clever and informative picture book for young readers filled with facts
about sea
thieves of history. Offering fascinating brief biographies of famous pirates who really
lived, as well
as information about how pirates in general dressed and lived, and the difference between
a pirate
and a privateer or corsair (a sea thief authorized to help his nation's war effort by
targeting the
ships of other nations). Superbly enhanced with the artwork of John James, Real Pirates
offers
fascinating accounts especially recommended for any youngster curious about pirates and
piracy.
The Gorilla Who Wanted To Dance
Linda Marchus
Wee Read Publishing
4336 Rhone Court, Loomis, CA 95650
www.weereadpublishing.com
0972312218 $15.95 1-916-660-9209
Cleverly written and delightfully illustrated by Linda Marchus, The Gorilla Who Wanted
To
Dance is an exuberant picture book story about Louise, a passionate young gorilla girl
who wants
to dance even though the king forbids it. Louise sets out and meets and elephant, giraffe,
and lion
who also love dance, and together they put on a grand dance show for all the jungle
animals.
Crisp and clean color artwork embellishes this playful and entertaining tale of finding
one's dream.
Also very highly recommended is Linda Marchus other picture book, Hoot 'n Annie
(097231220X, $15.95).
Pelican And Pelicant
Sarah Froeber & Kim Mosher
Toucan Press
PO Box 16112, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
0974492604 $17.99 1-919-933-5710
Splendidly written by Sarah Froeber, Pelican And Pelicant is the thoroughly entertaining
story of
two bird friends: Pelican, who has an outgoing attitude, and Pelicant, who is nervous and
shy. Yet
despite their disparate personalities they share a lasting bond of friendship, and enjoy
trying new
and exciting things together. Whimsical color illustrations by Kim Mosher add a
fun-filled touch
to this endearing and highly recommended picture book story.
The Love Me Bird
Joyce Dunbar & Sophie Fatus
Orchard Books/Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
0439474310 $15.95 1-800-242-7737
The Love Me Bird by Joyce Dunbar is an endearing picture book story about a little
Love-Me
bird who just wants to be loved. So she sings her "Love me!" song all day, keeping poor
Shut-Eye
the owl awake. Yet no other bird comes... until the owl tells her a profound truth about
love, and
teaches her a new song: "Love you!" For a little bird can be both a "Love me!" and "Love
you!"
bird at the same time. A heartwarming and emotionally uplifting story, with simple and
charming
illustrations by Sophie Fatus, and especially delightful for celebrating Valentine's day --
anytime of
the year!
The Lady & The Lion
Laurel Long & Jacqueline K. Ogburn,
Laurel Long, illustrator
Penguin Putnam Inc.
375 Hudson St., 15th fl., NY, NY 10014
0803726511 $16.99 1-800-847-5515
Brilliantly retold for a new generation of children by Laurel Long and Jacqueline K.
Ogburn, The
Lady & The Lion is an impressive and memorable children's picture book that beautifully
illustrates the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale of the Lady and the Lion. Laurel Long's
artwork is
a perfect, museum quality, body of original artwork that is a perfect match for the
fairytale
storyline. To fulfill a desperate promise, a young girl must confront a seemingly terrible
lion - yet
the beast is actually a prince under an enchantress' spell, and becomes her husband. Yet
she must
undertake a quest of seven years that will test her courage to its limit to truly rescue him,
in this
emotional and appealing tale.
Humbug Witch
Lorna Balian
Star Bright Books
42-26 28th Street, Suite 2C, Long Island City, NY 11101
1932065326 $12.95 starbrightbooks.com
Humbug Witch is a simple and delightful children's picture book about a little witch
whose witchy
things just can't seem to go right. Even her black cat looks down on her - so one by one,
she takes
off each piece of her witch outfit and goes to bed as a precious little girl. Written and
illustrated
by Lorna Balian, Humbug Witch is a most enjoyable and confidently recommended easy
reader's
picture book delight!
Peter's Pixie
Donn Kushner & Sylvie Daigneault
Tundra Books
PO Box 1030, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
088776603X $22.99 tundrabooks.com
Peter's Pixie is a picture book written by Donn Kushner and brought to vividly to life
with
exuberant color illustrations by Sulvie Daigneault, about Peter, a young boy and the
friendship he
shares with a fanciful pixie. But Peter is the only one who knows the pixie is there, and
he is
blamed for the pixie's mischief! Then one day the pixie is nowhere to be found, and Peter
realizes
how much he misses his friend and hopes for the pixie's return. Evoking the power of the
bonds of
friendship and love, Peter's Pixie is an entertainingly adventurous, "kid friendly",
inspirational
picture book story.
Finders Keepers?
Robert Arnett & Smita Turakhia
Atman Press
2525 Auburn Avenue #345, Columbus, Georgia 31906
0965290026 $16.95 atmanpress.com
Finders Keepers? is a full-color picture book written by Robert Arnett and illustrated by
Smita
Turakhia that incorporates Arnett's experiences during his travels throughout India.
Exploring
traditions and lifestyles of this populous nation, Finders Keepers? features heartwarming
anecdotes (enhanced with 34 original illustrations on acid-free archival paper) such as the
boy
who returned the author's lost wallet and would not accept a reward because he did not
understand or agree with the idea that he should be rewarded for returning rightful
property.
Including a glossary, a pronunciation chart, a self-help guide, and an index, Finders
Keepers? is a
truly exceptional picture book treasure to share with young people.
Grandpa's Gate
Liliana Stafford & Susy Boyer
Cygnet Books/ISBS, dist.
5824 NE Hassalo St., Portland, OR 97213
1876268662 $22.50 1-800-944-6190
Written by Liliana Stafford and enhanced with the artwork of Susy Boyer, Grandpa's
Gate is a
moving and strongly recommended children's picture book story about a young girl and
her bond
with her grandfather. Suzy remembers helping her Grandpa with his creations in the
metalworking
shed; then, as time passes and Grandpa grows older, he starts to lose the ability to take
care of
himself. Yet one of his creations help bring them together again in this touching and
warmly
illustrated picture book story.
A Good Day For Ducks
Doug Truax & Jack K. Smith
Ducks Unlimited
One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120
1932052127 $16.95 www.ducks.org
Expertly written by seasoned hunter and fly-fisher Doug Truax, A Good Day For Ducks
is a
remarkable and entertaining picture book story telling of the virtues of hunting from a
young boy's
point of view. Justin braves rainy weather that would make most people stay indoors to
share the
experience of the wilderness, learn the habits and life cycles of birds, and understand the
vital
importance of preserving wetlands and natural habitat. A Good Day For Ducks is
commended as
a realistically illustrated, thoroughly enjoyable "read-aloud" picture book story to share
with
young people -- especially those in families with a strong hunting tradition.
The Magical, Marvelous Megan G. Beamer
Karen Gedig Burnett & Laurie Barrows
GR Publishing
460 Brookside Way, Felton, CA 95018
0966853059 $14.95 GrandmaRose.com
The Magical, Marvelous Megan G. Beamer: A Day In The Life Of A Dreamer by Karen
Gedig
Burnett is a very highly recommended and entertaining picture book with an underlying
positive
message for young folks. Following the adventures of Megan, an impulsive and
imaginative young
girl, whose exuberance brings her intense criticism, the story hinges upon a key
conversation in
which the girl's mother reassures her that it is OK to dream, to play, and to be a kid.
Wonderfully
enhanced with the colorful artwork of Laurie Barrows, The Magical, Marvelous Megan
G.
Beamer will prove a welcome addition to school and community library collections for
children
ages 5 to 8.
Daddy And The Pink Flash
Ellyn Bache & Carol Tornatore
Banks Channel Books
2314 Waverly Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403
1889199117 $14.95 1-910-762-4677
The collaborative effort of writer Ellyn Bache and artist Carol Tornatore, Daddy And The
Pink
Flash is a picture book story meant for reading aloud to very little girls, about the bond
between a
new dad and his baby daughter. Celebrating the joy of making designs and experiencing
the
enthusiasm of life, Daddy And The Pink Flash is a truly delight, warmly illustrated with
realistic
color artwork.
Big Blue
Shelley Gill & Ann Barrow
Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02172
1570913528 $15.95 1-800-225-3214
Big Blue by Shelley Gill is a superbly written children's picturebook about Kye, a young
girl who
studies facts about whales, dreams with whales, and yearns to experience whales close
up. At last
Kye has the opportunity to outfit herself with underwater gear and see a magnificent blue
whale in
person. Soothing illustrations by Ann Barrow prominently featuring the color blue add a
resonant
depth to this charming and avidly recommended picturebook story.
The Video/DVD Shelf
Thomas' Snowy Surprise & Other Adventures
Anchor Books
c/o Random House
Andrea Blain (publicity)
1745 Broadway, 17th fl, NY, NY 10019
DV12586 $19.98 1-800-726-0600
Thomas' Snowy Surprise & Other Adventures is a delightful holiday season DVD for
children ages
2 to 6, and featuring a narration by Alec Baldwin and George Carlin. Thomas' Snowy
Surprise &
Other Adventures is about a friendly train and his responsibility to carry Yule trees in
time for
winter celebration, as well as the efforts of his friends to do right, rescue animals trapped
in the
snow, and spread cheer. An endearingly animated and playful story with bonus features
such as a
"Winter Wonderland" sing-along song, simple DVD-exclusive games, and an 8 page
commemorative booklet. Also very highly recommended for children ages 2 to 6 is
Thomas &
Friends: Platinum Edition (DV12575, $29.98)which is a 3 disc boxed set DVD
showcasing the
best of Thomas, Percy and James!
The Music Shelf
John Denver's Sunshine On My Shoulders
Christopher Canyon
Dawn Publications
PO Box 2010, Nevada City, CA 95959
158469050X $8.95 1-800-545-7475
Adapted and illustrated by Christopher Canyon, John Denver's Sunshine On My
Shoulders
showcases the lyrics of John Denver's classic popular song with exuberant color pictures
for a
reading and sharing experience that practically exudes sunshine from the brightly colored
pages.
This edition features an accompanying music CD to play and enjoy, in a remarkable and
enthusiastically recommended tribute to a great musician that is also fun to read aloud to
little
ones.
A Treasury Of Children's Songs
Dan Fox, editor
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
c/o Henry Holt & Company
115 West 18th Street, NY, NY 10011
0805074457 $19.95 1-888-330-8477
A Treasury Of Children's Songs: Forty Favorites To Sing And Play is an impressive and
wonderfully entertaining collection of simple, classic musical favorites, written with
sing-along
notes, as well as a brief aside and features a beautiful and illustrative "museum quality"
work of
art next to each song. Tunes such as "Amazing Grace", "Eensy Weensy Spider", "She'll
Be
Comin' 'Round the Mountain" and more comprise this superb music-making repository
which
would make a welcome addition to family, school, and community library
collections.
Fun With Teachers
Fun With Languages
PO Box 4546 Hialeah, Florida 33014
$9.99 each www.funwithlanguages.com
Fun With Teachers: Music For The Classroom: Volumes 1 & 2 is an impressively
produced and
wonderfully "kid friendly" two-cd set filled with excerpts from classical music composed
by Bach,
Mozart, Vivaldi, Handel, and other great geniuses. With each piece carefully selected
specifically
appropriate for young listeners, Volume 1 compositions were chosen specifically to
develop
concentration; while Volume 2 offers music to help young ones calm down and relax. An
excellent CD set to enjoy and share, featuring themes with appeal that has withstood the
test of
time, the Fun With Teachers: Music For The Classroom series is an enthusiastically
recommended
addition to family, preschool, classroom curriculum, school and community library CD
music
collections for children.
The History Shelf
Texas
Simon Adams & David Murdoch
DK Publishing, Inc.
375 Hudson Street, NY, NY 10014
078949745X $15.99 www.dk.com
The latest title in the outstanding DK Publishing "Eyewitness Books" series, Texas is a
fun and
fact-filled book for young readers about the great American state of Texas. From Texas
geography and climate, to its sometimes violent history, to what life as a cowboy was
really like,
and a great deal more, Texas combines extensive research, amiable narration, and a
wealth of
outstanding color photographs to teach young readers ages 8 and older all about the proud
heritage the Lone Star State.
Disasters Of The Ancient World
Shirley Jordan
Perfection Learning Corporation
PO Box 500, Logan, Iowa 51546-0500
0789155516 $8.95 1-800-762-2999
Disasters Of The Ancient World by Shirley Jordan is a nonfiction survey of terrible
natural
disasters, written and presented for young readers in a high-interest, "reader friendly"
format that
is ideal for use with reluctant readers. Briefly summarizing volcanic eruptions,
earthquakes,
floods, droughts, famines, and other catastrophic historical events that devastated
civilizations,
Disasters Of The Ancient World is a straightforward and informative approach to
presenting basic
information about the great dangers of nature and the impact such have had upon human
civilization throughout recorded human history.
The Hawaiians Of Old
Betty Dunford
The Bess Press
3565 Harding Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816
1573061379 $66.60 1-800-910-2377
Now in an updated and expanded third edition, The Hawaiians Of Old by Betty Dunford
is a
234-page fact-filled history book about the native Hawaiian people. The Hawaiians Of
Old is
written for children, but will appeal to readers of all ages who want a general overview of
Hawaiian history. An informed and informative text goes into depth about the intricate
culture of
the islands, including native stonework, net making, worship, government, and much,
much more.
Full-color illustrations intersperse and enhance this fascinating, well-researched, superbly
written,
and very highly recommended introduction and survey of Hawaiian history.
The Religious Values Shelf
Creation
Gerald McDermott
Dutton
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
0525469052 $16.99 1-800-847-5515
Superbly written and impressively illustrated by Gerald McDermott, Creation
dramatically
portrays the creation story of the Genesis text of the Bible. The sweeping power of dark
colors
against black add a vivid and unforgettable touch to the simple words of Genesis related
verbatim.
Creation is very highly recommended for reading by or with young children within the
Judeao-Christian biblical tradition.
Thank You, Ruth & Naomi
Charlotte Lundy & Miriam Sagasti
Bay Light Publishing
PO Box 3032, Mooresville, NC 28117
www.baylightpub.com
0974181706 $15.95 1-866-541-3895
Charlotte Lundy's Thank You, Ruth & Naomi is a wonderfully charming children's
picture book
about three girls who learn about the true meaning of friendship from the Biblical story of
Ruth &
Naomi. Adapting the timeless and powerful scriptural parable and enhanced with Miriam
Sagasti's
very friendly color illustrations, Thank You, Ruth & Naomi is a heartwarming and highly
recommended introduction to what it means to share the highs and lows of being a real
friend.
Adam & Eve's First Sunset
Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Joani Keller Rothenberg
Jewish Lights Publishing
PO Box 237, Woodstock, VT 05091
1580231772 $17.95 jewishlights.com
Adam & Eve's First Sunset: God's New Day by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso is a multicultural,
nondenominational, nonsectarian picture book endorsed for children ages 4 and older by
Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish religious leaders. It tells the story of Adam and Eve's
first day in
the Garden of Eden. At first Adam and his mate Eve enjoyed the peaceful afternoon; then
they
realized the sun was slipping away, and the air became cold. They were fearful and fell
asleep
waiting for the world to end, but instead came the glorious dawn of a new day, and they
thanked
God for creating the light and the dark, as well as all that there is. Impressionably
illustrated in full
color by Joani Keller Rothenberg, Adam & Eve's First Sunset is a triumphant story of
hope that is
meant to be shared with children from all religious backgrounds.
Wonder As I Wander
Gwenyth Swain & Ronald Himler
Eerdman's Books for Young Readers
255 Jefferson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503
0802852149 $16.00 1-800-253-7521
Set during the hard times of the Great Depression, Wonder As I Wander by Gwenyth
Swain is the
enchanting picture book story of Annie Morgan, a young girl pondering the mysteries of
life.
Annie wonders how her beloved mother could have died in the spring, when the land was
full of
life; how her wandering preacher father will pay for gas and food when he gives away so
much to
the poor; and why a sheriff won't let her father preach on the courthouse square. A
haunting,
evocative, and emotional story, superbly illustrated Ronald Himler with windswept
colors,
Wonder As I Wander is especially recommended for young readers ages 5 to 8.
The Fiction Shelf
Daley Bread
Kathryn Totten
PublishAmerica
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
1592861091 $16.95 publishamerica.com
Daley Bread by Kathryn Totten is the story of ten-year-old Elizabeth Daley, a young girl
who
loves computers, pets, and her friends - yet who must stay at her grandparent's house for
the
summer, where she has none of her favorite things to enrich her life. But when she
overhears
terrible threats, she must put her skills and wits to the test to learn who is making them,
and why,
and thwart a cruel revenge plan. Daley Bread is an enjoyable and adventurous novel
especially
recommended for young readers ages 8 to 12.
Today's Rain, Tomorrow's Sunshine
Jamilah Underwood
Blessed Beginnings Publishing
PO Box 241282, Milwaukee, WI 53223
0972720146 $10.00 1-414-603-0723
Today's Rain, Tomorrow's Sunshine by Jamilah Underwood is the engagingly written and
highly
recommended story of Jazmine Colbert, a bright, eleven-year-old African-American girl
whose
seventeen-year-old brother Tony has fallen in with a bad crowd. Fearful of the dangers
that
threaten him and her family, Jazmine must prepare for, and cope with, a terrible tragedy,
and
somehow find the inner strength to survive and deal with harsh challenges brought to life
in this
maturely written story for young readers.
Zoonauts: The Secret Of Animalville
Richard Mueller
Panda Print
c/o Shangri-La Publications
3 Coburn Hill Road, Warren Center, PA 18851-0065
0971949662 $14.95 1-866-966-6288
Zoonauts: The Secret Of Animalville by Richard Muller is an exciting children's science
fiction
story about young people who must ally with super-intelligent animals to protect the
Earth from a
menacing alien invasion. An adventurous and hearty tale, Zoonauts: The Secret Of
Animalville
also provides young readers with a positive message of what it means to protect and
respect life in
all shapes and sizes.
A Few Screws Loose
Mary Ann Easley
Royal Fireworks Press
PO Box 399, Unionville, NY 10988
0880925515 $9.99 1-845-726-4444
A Few Screws Loose by MaryAnn Easley is the imaginatively written story of Lacey, a
young girl
coping with the emotionally volatile trials of growing up. The low point of Lacey's day
comes
when her mother drives up to school on a Harley motorcycle to take her for a ride, but
with the
help of a truly extraordinary English teacher, Lacey learns to have the personal strength
to adapt,
to change, and to grow from it. A Few Screws Loose is recommended as an adventurous
and
engaging novel for young readers.
Ghosts Of Vicksburg
Kathleen Ernst
White Mane Publishing Company
PO Box 152, Shippenburg PA 17257
1572493224 $8.95 1-888-948-6263
Ghosts Of Vicksburg by Kathleen Ernst is an historical novel set during the American
civil war.
Jamie Carswell is a soldier with the 14th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment carries terrible
memories of
the civilian suffering present in Mississippi campaigns, while his cousin Althea is
personally
trapped inside Vicksburg during the Union army's siege in 1863. An emotional and
moving
portrayal of the horror and lasting costs of war, Ghosts Of Vicksburg is an especially
recommended addition to school and community libraries. Also highly recommended for
young
readers are Kathleen Ernst other Civil War era novels: Night Riders Of Harpers Ferry
(1572490136, $7.95); The Bravest Girl In Sharpsburg (1572490837, $8.95); and Retreat
From
Gettysburg (1572491876, $17.95).
The Wonderful Winter
Marchette Chute & Grace Golden
Green Mansion Press
501 East 79th St., #16A, NY, NY 10021
www.greenmansionpress.com
097146121X $12.95 1-212-396-2667
Written by Marchette Chute and enhanced with illustrations by Grace Golden, The
Wonderful
Winter is an outstanding young adult novel set in sixteenth century London, about an
orphan buy
living with three ill-tempered aunts. When young Robin Wakefield finds a lost puppy, he
acquires
the resolve to keep the animal - yet one of his aunts refuses to allow this, forcing Robin to
run
away to the streets with his cherished new animal friend. Adventure, danger, and
excitement
ensue in this captivating tale which is enthusiastically commended to the attention of
school and
community librarians for inclusion in their fiction collections for young readers.
Stringer And The Blue Bat Mystery
Betty McElhatten & Jane Knipe Gubelin
PublishAmerica
Author Services (publicity)
PO Box 151, Frederick, MD 21705-0151
159286029X $19.95 publishamerica.com
The collaborative effort of sailing buffs Betty McElhatten and Jane Knipe Gubelin,
Stringer And
The Blue Bat Mystery is a thoroughly entertaining novel written for young adults.
Stringer And
The Blue Bat Mystery is the story of Stringer Watts and Hank Phillips, two adventurous
twelve-year-olds whose love for sailing gets them into a sticky situation. When Stringer
and Hank
observe a hijacker at work, they must escape and alert the police before he spots them -
sailing
into a cave at low tide is a much simpler matter than getting away as the tide rises!
Stringer And
The Blue Bat Mystery is an enjoyable saga of wind, waves, danger, and fun.
Pythagoras Eagle
Anne Carse Nolting
Mayhaven Publishing
PO Box 557, Mahomet, IL 61853
187804494X $23.95 1-217-586-4493
Winner of Mayhaven's Awards for Children's Fiction, Pythagoras Eagle & The Music Of
The
Spheres by Anne Carse Nolting is a superbly crafted novel for young adults set in Prince
William
Sound. A young native Koniagmiut with a passion for mathematics and its applications in
real life,
as well as her friends, must struggle to solve an obscure math problem by the end of the
summer
to earn a scholarship. They form the Pythagoras Club, and seek to enlist the help of
Shawna's
talented uncle - yet he has problems of his own, and when he disappears leaving behind
clues it
offers a life-defining challenge for the trio. An absorbing and emotional story, Pythagoras
Eagle &
The Music Of The Spheres is highly recommended reading!
Frosty
Ellen F. Feld
Willow Bend Publishing
22A Mill Village Road, South, Deerfield, MA 01373
www.willowbendpublishing.com
0970900228 $9.95 1-413-665-7649
The adventurous sequel to Ellen F. Feld's novel, "Blackjack", Frosty: The Adventures Of
A
Morgan Horse is a thoroughly delightful novel for young readers about a girl and her
relationship
with powerful and noble animals. Heather Richardson, owner of the horse Blackjack, is
entrusted
with a rare gray Morgan named Frosty. Heather learns to her disappointment that not all
horses
are meant for the show ring, yet she also discovers that Frosty's strength lies in trail riding
as she
and Frosty must learn to work together to survive the woods of Vermont. Frosty is a story
to be
cherished by horse lovers of all ages.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Ring From Rairarubia
W. Royce Adams
Rairarubia Books
1000 San Diego Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
0971220638 $10.95 www.rairarubia.com
The fifth book in the award winning and justifiably acclaimed action/adventury fantasy
series for
young readers by W. Royce Adams, Ring From Rairarubia tells of a young girl and her
best
friend, and adventures in the magical land of Rairarubia. At first, young Molly's contact
with
Rairarubia seems to have ended with the disappearance of the pebbles once used to travel
there,
yet Molly feels that strange events are signaling her to return a ring that she has brought
back
from the mystical land - but how is she to do this? A most engaging and well-written tale,
sure to
please young adults who have followed the impressively original series by Royce
Adams.
The Poetry Shelf
Dragon Stew
Domenic Diciacca
A Broken Toe Publication
c/o Caitlin Hamilton Marketing
4862 East Kentucky Avenue, #B, Denver, CO 80246
www.dragonstew.us
1879758393 $23.95 1-303-753-8859
Written and illustrated by Domenic Diciacca, Dragon Stew is a delightfully illustrated
book of
children's poetry featuring fantastic dragons. The cartoony and often exaggerated
illustrations, in
black-and-white and color, are the perfect complement to the whimsical and divergent
verses.
Dragon Stew is most enjoyable read and recommended for ages 8 to 88. St. George: St.
George
is just a fiction,/St. George is just a myth,/St. George is just a boogie-man/To scare little
dragons
with.
The Gaming Shelf
The Usborne Internet-Linked Complete Book Of Chess
Elizabeth Dalby
EDC Publishing
PO Box 470663, Tulsa, OK 74146-6515
0794503713 $17.95 www.edcpub.com
The Usborne Internet-Linked Complete Book Of Chess is a straightforward introduction
to the
classic game of chess written by Elizabeth Dalby, and highly recommended for young
players.
From a fundamental tutorial about basic moves, to deadly and complex traps for enemy
pieces, to
solid attack and defense strategies, to 80 brain-twisting chess puzzles, and so much more,
The
Usborne Internet-Linked Complete Book Of Chess is a superbly organized and "kid
friendly"
guide featuring full color illustrations, diagrams, and offering a wealth of useful internet
links.
Books in Series
Gareth Stevens
330 West Olive Street, Suite 100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
1-800-542-2595 www.amazon.com
This experienced publisher offers many history and social issues series titles which are
unparalleled in children's books, and these new series additions are picks which are not to
be
challenged by competitors from other publishers. The new 'International Organizations'
series for
grades 5 and older surveys various notable global groups. Each provides almost fifty
pages of
facts. Grahame's World Health Organization (0836855248), and her UNICEF
(0836855221),
Banks' Amnesty International (0836855175), Press' European Union (0836855183),
Kolba's
International Courts (0836855191), Blashfield's Interpol (0836855205), his Red Cross
And Red
Crescent (0836855213), and Tarsitano's United Nations (083685523X) provide details
suitable
for younger audiences but many an adult seeking an easy introduction may find these
equally
appealing. New to the World Almanac's 'Library of American Government' ($29.26 each)
is
Political Parties, Interest Groups & Media (0836854780), Constitution (0836854772),
Cabinet
And Federal Agencies (0836854764) and Bill Of Rights (0836854756). Each holds
almost fifty
pages of basic details along with plenty of illustration. The 'Landmark Events in
American History'
series ($29.26 each) for grades 5 and up expands with the addition of Anderson's
Terrorist
Attacks On September 11, 2001 (0836-853806), his First Moon Landing (083-6853784),
Birchfield's Trail Of Tears (0836853814), Uschan's Transcontinental Railroad
(0836853822),
Schaefer's Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire (0836853830) and Uschan's Lexington And
Concord
(0836853792). Each links the event to lasting changes in American history and lives. The
Native
American Peoples series titles ($23.93 each) is a set recommended for ages 8 and older:
each
holds almost thirty pages of facts about selected Native tribes. The most recent additions
include
Stout's Aztec (0836836995), and Cree (0836837-037), Birchfield's Cherokee
(0836837002)
Cheyenne (0836837010), Comanche (0836837029) and Navajo (0836837045). From
origins and
conflicts with white settlers o changes and clan discoveries, these are packed with
important
insights suitable for reports.
Benchmark Books
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
$17.95 each 1-800-831-9881
Virginia Schomp's 'Prehistoric World' titles is the second group in Benchmark Books
series for
grades 2-4 is available, promising young dinosaur fans a fine blend of color drawings and
large-size print for easily absorbing facts. Featured in these latest additions are
Pachycephalosaurus (0761415424), Kronosaurus (076-1415432), Stegosaurus
(0761415440),
Arcaeopteryx (0761415467), and Maiasaura (15459). Each 30-page coverage includes
online
resources, an index, and a fine history. All are recommended for libraries seeking more
in-depth
features of particular animals.
Chelsea House
www.chelseahouse.com
Here's another young adult book publisher whose holdings easily transfer to the adult
realm.
Martha Bridegam's Right To Privacy (0791073734) and Kevin Hile's Trial Of Juveniles
As Adutls
(0791073742) uses a 'point/counterpoint' debate style to provide pro and con arguments
over
major social issues. From legal to social viewpoints, each topic includes plenty of
researched
arguments on all sides. Chelsea's 'Modern World Nations' is another series recommended
for adult
collections; particularly since many of the individual introductory titles are not presented
so
thoroughly in adult holdings. Masoud Kheirabadi's Iran (0791072347), Joseph and Esther
Oppong's Ghana (0791073-785), Douglas Phillips and Charles Gritzner's India
(0791072371),
Zoran Pavlovic's Kazakhstan (0791072312), Christopher Salter's North Korea
(0791072339) and
Carol Ann Gillespie's Bahrain (079-1067793) each provide a little over a hundred pages
of
introductory geographic analysis of each country, from history to cultural details, and
makes for
an excellent point of starting reference for any study of that nation.
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
1-800-831-9881
William Childs, et.al., edit Business And Industry ($459.95), a multi-volume
encyclopedia of
business graded for school levels 7 and older, but easily reaching well into high school
and
college-level collections with its powerhouse of facts. The A-Z reference charts major
business
and industry figures, businesses themselves, and consumer trends and business indexes as
well,
with each listing providing illustrations, charts, graphics, and a concluding bibliography
for further
reading. The effect is an excellent introductory reference set especially recommended for
business
courses at the introductory levels. Cavendish's 'Open for Debate' series is another
'cross-over set
which will reach high school to college level readers ($25.95 each): major global issues
are
tackled in books which use the debate format to discuss conflicting sides. Kathiann
Kowalski's
Global Warming (15823), Karen Judson's Chemical And Biological Warfare (15858),
Susan
Gold's Gun Control (1584X), Ron Fridell's Capital Punishment (15874), Lila Perl's
Terrorism
(15831) and Ray Spanenburg and Kit Moser's Genetic Engineering (15866) make
excellent
introductory discussions for a wide age range, encouraging debate and understanding
based on
the latest facts and issues.
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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