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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
101 Dalmations
Dodie Smith
Listening Library
1540 Broadway, New York NY 10036
0807206725 $25.00 1-800-726-0600
101 Dalmations deserves ongoing mention as an excellent audio that will appeal to a wide age
range.
Martin Jarvis' smooth voice provides a clear, unabridged production bringing to life the classic
story
of a host of puppies who must escape the cruel Cruella de Vil in order to get back to their home.
Cruella has a fur coat in mind made of dalmations. The whole family will find this fun and a fine
listen.
Blueprint For My Girls
Yasmin Shiraz
Rolling Hills Press
Box 10315, Alexandria, VA 22310
0971817405 $12.95
Shiraz has been involved with youth for years, bringing the message of this book to a nation
through
tours and lectures. Blueprint For My Girls is comprised of guidelines for young women on how to
navigate life, from selfacceptance and understanding inner beauty to recognizing and resisting
behavior patterns that sabotage goals. The testimonial examples gleaned from her life are
particularly
reinforcing of her blueprint for success.
My Friend Rabbit
Eric Rohmann
Roaring Brook Press
Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
0761315357 $15.95 1-800-462-4703
In Eric Rohmann's lively story, My Friend Rabbit, Mouse allows his best friend Rabbit play with
his
new airplane, only to find trouble immediate. It's up to mouse to both preserve his friendship and
to
figure out an unusual solution to the dilemma of his new toy in this zany and entertaining tale for
young readers of a mouse who values friendship more than objects. My Friend Rabbit is
recommended for both school and community library collections.
The Dream Book
Patricia Garfield
Tundra Books
Box 1030, Plattsburg, NY 12901
0887765947 $9.95 tundrabooks.com
There have been plenty of dream guidebooks written for adults: here enjoy a title written for kids,
which tells kids how to begin to interpret classic dreams. From variations on nightmares to
understanding the underlying influence and importance of dreams, this is a beginner's guide
recommended for kids in grades 5 to 8.
Disney's Storybook Collection: Volume 2
Deborah Boone, designer
Disney Press
114 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY 10011-5690
0786833599 $15.99 disneybooks.com
Disney's Storybook Collection: Volume 2 is an amazing collection of 16 different stories drawn
from
the impressive library Disney films. From a story about The Tigger Movie, to ones about Little
Mermaid II, Chip 'n' Dale, Mickey Mouse, Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc., and more, these are
Disney
tales illustrated with pictures from the movies, and told in simple prose excellent for reading
aloud.
The Disney's Storybook Collection: Volume 2 is an economical and enjoyable treasure trove of
adventure and entertainment for young people, and a "must" for school and community library
storybook collections.
Scholastic Inc.
555 Broadway, New York NY 10012
1-800-242-7737
Jim Arnosky's All About Frogs (0590481649, $15.95) is recommended as a basic introduction for
kids in grades 1-3: it tells of how toads and frogs differ and provides bright color drawings of a
variety of frogs and toads throughout. Amy Cohn and Suzy Schmidt's Abraham Lincoln requires
good reading skills from grades 3-4 but provides a warm story of Abe Lincoln that reads like
fiction
but is filled with facts. Add David Johnson's delicate pale watercolors and you have a very
different
approach to Abe's life. Jerry Pallotta's Hershey's Milk Chocolate Multiplication Book
(0590236231,
$14.95) will appeal to ages 67 with its chocolatebarbased multiplication tables. Rob Bolster's
whimsical drawings accompany said bars, though an appetite for chocolate may well be aroused
by
use of this primer.
Tiny Treasures
Dina Rosenfeld & Bryna Waldman
Merkos Publications
291 Kingston Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11213
0826603645 $12.00 1-718-778-0226
Tiny Treasures: The Wonderful World Of A Jewish Child is a charming picturebook written by
Dina
Rosenfeld, and warmly illustrated by Bryna Waldman in full color with endearing artwork. The
story
is about modest yet important and significant cultural and traditional effects that a young Jewish
enjoys while growing up. From the tasty treat of Matza; to daily Mitzvos for noses, fingers, and
feet;
to the ritual of the Kiddush; Tiny Treasures is a remarkable and enjoyable introduction for young
readers and showcases experiencing Jewish heritage from a charming little girl's
special point of view. Highly recommended!
The Health Issues Shelf
The Happy Heart Kid
G. Robert
Dream Publishing
Box 1747, Silver Spring, MD 20915-1747
http://www.sillweewobbert.com
0970486111 $9.99 1-877-537-3262
The first title in the Dream Publishing Company's new and impressive "Sillwee Wobbert" series of
uplifting and non-technical stories about health issues for young readers, The Happy Heart Kid is
a
picturebook written especially for young children who have a heart condition, or young friends
with
a heart condition. With his heart-shaped head, The Happy Heart Kid is an engaging caricature that
shows kids it's OK to live, laugh, be silly, and have fun with friends while taking proper care of
oneself. The vividly colorful yet simple illustrations help this rhyming story and its deep, positive
inner message come fully alive. Very highly recommended reading.
Zoey And The Zones
Shawn McCormick, et al.
HealthSprings, LLC
1759 Grandstand, San Antonio, TX 78238
0971812004 $8.95 1-949-376-5696
Zoey And The Zones: A Story For Children With Asthma is a picturebook collaboratively written
by
Shawn McCormick and Ginny Trevino for the purpose of introducing young children to the
reality
of asthma, the precautions that asthmatic people have to take, and to knowing that asthma doesn't
have to be an obstacle to a happy and healthy life. The charming color illustrations by Nathan
Schmidt of a young car diagnosed with asthma and his stoplight buddy bring to life this story
about
the importance of seeing the doctor, carefully following a treatment, and remembering to enjoy
fun
things. Zoey And The Zones is especially recommended for young children who have asthma, or
who have friends with asthma. Also highly recommended is the Zoey And The Zones Companion
Workbook For Parents Of Children With Asthma (0971812012, $17.95)
Friends, No Matter What
Rose Bevins
Perfection Learning
10520 New York Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50322
http://www.perfectionlearning.com
078915560-5 $8.95 1-515-278-0133
Twelve-year-old Kelly Carlson is excited to learn that the family moving in next door includes a
boy
his age. Someone to play basketball and other sports with. But when Alex arrives he is in a
wheelchair! Alex has spina bifida and has never been able to walk. Much to Kelly's
surprise,
he learns that Alex plays in a summer league -- how can someone play basketball from a
wheelchair?. The latest entry in the outstanding and enthusiastically recommended high interest,
low
vocabulary, "Cover-to-Cover" series from Perfection Learning, Friends, No Matter What is
enhanced with full-color illustrations and natural-sounding dialogue. Young readers will learn that
kids with physical disabilities can enjoy many of the same interests as other kids their age. That
the
most serious cases of spina bifida cause paralysis below the waist requiring kids to use braces, a
walker, or a wheelchair. And that some very successful people have spina bifida, including
seven-time winner of the Boston Marathon Jean Driscoll and Grammy Award-winning musician
John Mellencamp. Friends, No Matter What is also available in hardcover (075690644X,
$15.95).
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Hansa
Clare Hodgson Meeker
Sasquatch Books
615 Second Avenue, Suite. 260, Seattle, Washington 98104-2200
http://www.SasquatchBooks.com
1570613443 $16.95 1-800-775-0817
Hansa: The True Story Of An Asian Elephant Baby is a remarkable picturebook for young readers
about a baby elephant born in the Woodland Park Zoo. Children will learn that Hansa was 235
pounds when born and by her first birthday had gained almost 800 pounds! Filled cover to cover
with true facts about elephants and splendid color photographs from the Woodland Park Zoo,
Hansa
is very highly recommended for young people who want to learn more about this wondrous,
exotic
animal species.
Supercroc
Christopher Sloan
The National Geographic Society
1145 - 17th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20036-4688
0792266919 $18.95 www.ngs.org
Supercroc And The Origin Of Crocodiles by Christopher Sloan (Senior Editor for Art, National
Geographic magazine) is a nonfiction children's picturebook about ancient, gigantic crocodiles of
millions of years ago, and their modern-day descendants. Enhanced with superbly presented
photography, color illustrations, and amazing facts about these ancient reptiles, Supercroc is an
exciting and highly educational read for children ages 8 through 12.
Strange Animals, New To Science
Laurence Pringle
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
0761450831 $15.95 1-800-831-9881
Strange Animals, New To Science by wildlife expert Laurence Pringle is a truly informative and
beautiful book highlighting new mammal, bird, and fish species discovered by the scientific
community in the last decade. Ranging from the Jacotoco Antpitta of Ecuador to the Marmosets
of
Brazil, gorgeous, full-color photographs bring these exotic animals to life, and the text is easily
accessible to lay readers. Enhanced with an enlightening introduction to the subject of strange
animals that are new to science, chapters on "Undiscovered Treasures" and "Protecting Earth's
Biodiversity, Strange Animals, New To Science is a genuinely fascinating book of wondrous
creatures, and very highly recommended for school and community library "Pets/Wildlife" reading
lists and reference collections.
The Fiction Shelf
Girls Under Pressure
Jacqueline Wilson
Delacorte Press
1540 Broadway, New York NY 10036
0385729758 $9.95 1-800-726-0600
Ellie's encounter with a modeling contest does more than challenge her friendship with her best
friend: it shows her that she weighs too much and is in need of some serious dieting. Suddenly life
becomes a big effort to avoid food at all costs: even newcomers to Jacqueline Wilson fiction
writing
will find it's simple to absorb this engrossing, realistic story, which also encompasses Ellie's
parents'
reaction.
Green Boy
Susan Cooper
McElderry Books
1230 Avenue of Americas, NY NY 10020
0689847513 $16.00
Trey and his silent younger brother love to visit their special Bahamas cay, but when they discover
that their visits are bringing them to a frightening future world, linked to their own, their become
involved in fighting off an environmental threat to their own beloved home. Fantasy blends with
more than a touch of realistic settings in this fast paced fantasy.
Escape From The Holocaust
Kenneth Roseman
UAHC Press
633 Third Avenue, NY, NY 10017-6778
0807403075 $7.95 1-888-489-8242
An outstanding title in the unique UAHC "Do-It-Yourself Jewish Adventure" series for young
readers, Escape From The Holocaust by Rabbi Kenneth Roseman (Temple Shalom, Dallas,
Texas) is
a thrilling adventure story that is also an accurate portrayal of the horrific events arising from the
Nazi holocaust of World War II. On every page the young reader confronts the kinds of real life
choices that once meant the difference between freedom or slavery, survival or death for
thousands
of other young people and their elders. The protagonist is a young medical student in Berlin
during
the 1930s who is confronted by the rise of Hitler and the Nazi's with a choice of returning to his
native Poland or remaining to finish his studies. When the holocaust begins, the choices offered
are
to flee south to Italy or west to Holland. When escape isn't possible any longer, the alternatives
are
to go into hiding or to obtain false identity papers. Every decision embodies risks in an attempt to
survive what is happening around him. Also very highly recommended are two other titles in this
outstanding historical series written by Rabbi Roseman: The Tenth Of Av (0807403598, $7.95)
and
The Melting Pot: An Adventure In New York (0807402699, $7.95).
No Place Cat
C. S. Adler
Clarion Books
215 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10003
0618096442 $15.00 1-800-225-3362
Tess continues to find her new stepfamily stressful despite a year of living with them, so when her
young stepsister accidentally destroys a school project, Tess decides to run away and live with her
less responsible mother. A cat becomes her only companion on the journey home and when Tess
must make some final decisions on where she's to live, the cat factors in unexpectedly in this story
of self-discovery.
Riddle of the Lost Gold
Joan K. McAfee
Sunflower University Press
Box 1009, Manhattan, KS 66505-1009
0897452623 $9.95 1-800-258-1232
Joan McAfee's Riddle Of The Lost Gold is a superbly presented historical novel about Colonel
George Armstrong Custer's mission at Fort Hays. Vividly characterized and dynamically written,
Riddle Of The Lost Gold follows a persistent young teenager and her friend who seek to solve an
enigma handed through generations since Custer's 1867 battle. An involving story for young
adults
and historical fiction buffs, Riddle Of The Lost Gold is enthusiastically recommended for school
and
community fiction collections for young readers.
The Picturebook Shelf
How The Frog Got His BREE-DUP!
Edward Allan Faine & Jim Hunt
IM Press
P.O. Box 5346, Takoma Park, MD 20913
0965465195 $3.95 1-301-587-1202
Written by Edward Allan Faine and illustrated by Jim Hunt, How The Frog Got His BREE-DUP!
is
a humorous, enjoyable, and highly affordable picturebook for young readers, presenting a vividly
presented tall tale about how the frog earned his characteristic BREE-DUP! call. A simple,
enjoyable story How The Frog Got His BEE-DUP! is especially recommended for children age
2-8.
Also highly recommended from IM Press is The Balloon Galloon (0965465187, $3.95) written by
Edward Allan Faine and illustrated by Joan C. Waites.
Fatuma's New Cloth
Leslie Bulion & Nicole Tadgell
Moon Mountain Publishing
80 Peachtree Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852
0967792975 $15.95 moonmountainpub.com
Fatuma's New Cloth is an energetic and highly recommended children's picturebook about
Fatuma, a
young East African girl who learns about the complexities of the marketplace. There is even a
recipe
for East African chai (tea) included in this highly enjoyable tale by Leslie Bulion, whose engaging
text is superbly complemented by the soft, watercolor-style illustrations by Nicole Tadgell.
The Gazebo
Ethel Pochocki & Mary Beth Owens
Down East Books
P.O. Box 679, Camden, ME 04843
0892725168 $15.95 downeastbooks.com
The Gazebo is the delightful story of a young girl who becomes fascinated by gazebos, simple
set-apart outdoors places or shelters for enjoying one's garden or estate. She learns about gazebos
throughout history, and when she grows up and reaches middle age, she enjoys the pleasure of
gardening and crafting a natural gazebo of her own. Highly recommended for family, school, and
community original picturebook collections, Ethel Pochocki's truly delightful story is enchantingly
brought to life with gentle, color illustrations by Mary Beth Owens.
Jerome's Jam
Rainey, author & Betsy Dill, illustrator
DreamDog Press
3686 King Street, Suite 160, Alexandria, VA 22302
0966619927 $15.95 1-877-272-4639
Entertainingly written by Rainey, and enhanced with the artwork of Betsy Dill, Jerome's Jam is a
thoroughly delightful picturebook about a young boy, who is troubled by the addition of a baby
sister to his family. But Jazz the DreamDog teaches him about the fun and joy that comes from
welcoming a new family member and teaching her all about life. A happily illustrated, energetic,
lively children's picturebook with an abiding message, Jerome's Jam is especially recommended for
school and community library picturebook collections.
The Teddy Bear
David McPhail
Henry Holt
115 West 18th Street, NY, NY 10011
0805064141 $15.95 1-888-330-8477
Charmingly written and illustrated by David McPhail, The Teddy Bear is the story of a young boy
who loves his plush stuffed toy... but when he outgrows it and throws it away, a homeless man
takes
it for comfort. One day, the homeless man loses his beloved bear, and the boy finds and returns it
to
him. The Teddy Bear is a highly recommended tale of compassion, warmly brought to life with
soft
color illustrations.
The Tree
Dana Lyons & David Danioth
Illumination Arts Publishing Company
P.O. Box 1865, Bellevue, WA 98009
0970190719 $16.95 www.illumin.com
Deftly written by Dana Lyons, The Tree is beautifully illustrated by David Danioth and is
enthusiastically recommended as an engaging, impressive, full color picturebook for beginning
readers. This is a truly memorable story about the joy a tree feels giving life, shade, sustenance,
and
comfort. Yet the threat of human expansion and destruction could destroy the tree, unless humans
band together to save it. A brief postscript with facts about the Pacific rainforest rounds out this
charming, ecology-minded picturebook tale.
The Art Room
Susan Vande Griek & Pascal Milelli
Groundwood/Douglas & McIntyre Ltd.
720 Bethurst Street, Suite 500, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 2R4
0888994494 $15.95 1-800-788-3123
Emily Carr (1871-1945) was an acclaimed artist who lived and painted along the Northwest
Coast.
Her paintings have been recently exhibited with such legendary pioneer women artists as Georgia
O'Keeffe and Frida Kahlo. Written by Susan Vande Griek's The Art Room is set in the early
1900s
and tells (in the form of a delightful story poem) of Emily Carr's having to teach art to children in
order to support herself. Here portrayed is Carr's love of animals, her insistence on painting from
life
and nature, and the sense of fun and freedom that she inspired in her many students. Susan Vande
Griek's superbly presented text is showcased with the rich artwork of Pacal Milelli who has
managed
to perfectly capture the life and work of Emily Carr, a true pioneer female artist in her own
right.
Mud Is Cake
Pam Munoz Ryan & David McPhail
Hyperion
114 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY 10011-5690
http://www.hyperionchildrensbooks.com
0786805013 $15.99 1-800-759-0190
A truly delightful picturebook recommended for beginning readers age 2-5, Mud Is Cake features
a
series of whimsical metaphors by Pam Munoz Ryan, which are brought to life through David
McPhail's gentle, playful color illustrations. The power of belief and using one's imagination are
central to Mud is Cake, which is a brief, simple, and enjoyable treat -- and especially suitable for
parent/child bedtime reading.
Bigger Than A Button
Elsie Karr Kreischer, author
Claire Brandenburg, illustrator
Gently Worded Books
Box 1326, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1326
http://www.gentlywordedbooks.com
097089404X $14.95 1-0505-983-6134
Charmingly written by Elsie Karr Kreischer and featuring the impressive artwork of Claire
Brandenburg, Bigger Than A Button is a simple, enjoyable children's picturebook about the
hidden
treasure of love: "It is greater than the mountains / Prettier than the moon / And stronger than the
wind." Warmly illustrated in color and narrated in simple prose, Bigger Than A Button is a perfect
picturebook for a quick and easy bedtime read to sleepy young ones.
McGrawHill
8787 Orion Place, Columbus, OH 43240
1-800-722-4726
Author Mercer Mayer has developed a 'first readers' set of picturebooks that are geared toward
kids
just learning how to read. Each title features his Little Critter characters, offering fun and easy
formats to invite kids to learn. Professor Wormbog In Search For The Zipperrumpazoo
(157768687X, $15.00) presents an AZ reader of zany beasts owned by a zany professor; One
Monster After Another (1577686888) tells of a letter coveted by a host of strange monsters.
Classic
fun. If I Had A Gorilla (1577686861) presents the dilemma of a boy who faces big bullies and
imagines a gorilla friend/protector; You're The Scaredycat (1577686896) tells of two brothers
who
are afraid when camping in their own backyard; Arcadio Lobato's Secret Of The North Pole
(1577683099, $15.00) tells of a young polar bear who discovers Santa's cap and decides to meet
the
Man himself. Jutta Gorschluter's Bandus The Bear (1577683072, $15.00) tells of a bear's dreams
of
becoming a famous circus bear, and Lobato's Little Star (1577683080, $15.00) will reach ages 37
with its gentle story of a star which comes to earth to visit a princess. All are engaging.
Pete And Polo's Farmyard Adventures
Adrian Reynolds
Orchard Books
555 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10012
0439309131 $16.95 www.amazon.com
Deftly written and superbly illustrated by Adrian Reynolds, Pete And Polo's Farmyard Adventures
is a thoroughly delightful multi-generational farm adventure for children ages 3 through 6 in
which Pete
and his mouse friend help his Grandpa find ten little lost duckling. The thoughtful text is perfectly
illustrated by the wonderful full page paintings. Pete And Polo's Farmyard Adventures is perfect
for
kindergarten age and preschoolers.
The Birdwatchers
Simon James
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
0763616761 $15.99 candlewick.com
The Birdwatchers is a delightful color picturebook written and illustrated by Simon James. It's the
story of Jess, a young girl who discovers the joy of birdwatching with her grandfather.
Showcasing
simple, heartwarming caricature drawings, The Birdwatchers is about finding peace and happiness
through sharing and observing the wonder of nature. The Birdwatchers would make a wonderful
addition to any school or library picturebook collection for young readers.
Raccoon Moon
Nancy Carol Willis
Birdsong Books
1322 Bayview Rd, Middletown, DE 19709
0966276124 $15.95 BirdsongBooks.com
Written and illustrated by Nancy Carol Willis, Raccoon Moon is a gentle and highly recommended
children's picturebook about a mother raccoon who takes care of her young cubs. The soft color,
museum quality illustrations add a heartwarming special touch to this tender tale. A postscript of
fun
facts about raccoons, including how the raccoon got its name and why baby raccoons can't be
kept
as pets, rounds out this excellent story which is particularly suitable for bedtime reading.
Tiny Red's Trip To Earth
Marie Seuffert & Frances Palmer
Little Treasure Publications
541 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073
0963983873 $12.95 1-800-738-0502
Written by Marie Seuffert specifically for beginning readers age 3-6, Tiny Red's Trip To Earth is a
gentle story about a young angel who, mostly by accident, comes down to earth - but only for a
little
while. Enhanced with the artwork of Frances Palmer, Tiny Red's Trip To Earth is a very
comforting
book meant for young people who have lost a friend too soon and cannot understand why, Tiny
Red's Trip To Earth is a story of hope, comfort, and faith in God.
Willie Was Different
Norman Rockwell
Berkshire House Publishers
480 Pleasant Street, Suite 5, Lee, MA 01238-9271
0936399619 $16.95
Written and illustrated with color paintings by the late Norman Rockwell, one of America's most
outstanding artists and illustrators, Willie Was Different is an absorbing children's story and
features
a young thrush whose tendency toward genius leads him to seek out a different life and sing the
greatest songs he can. Inventive, emotional, and superbly characterized by Rockwell's uniquely
expressive art, Willie Was Different is very highly recommended for both young readers, as well
as
the legions of Norman Rockwell fans whose work continues to enjoy an immense popularity from
generation to generation.
Harcourt
525 B St #1900 San Diego CA 921014495
1-800-543-1918
Two fun titles are recommended picks for libraries seeking different picturebook offerings for
kids.
J. Patrick Lewis' Arithmetickle (0152164189, $16.00) will provide kids ages 69 with math in its
most appealing form: riddles. Add rollicking rhymes and you have some real fun challenges ("It's
100 miles from me to you. (You're in Detroit, I'm in Kalamazoo.) How many miles do you think it
would be/If we were halfway between you and me?) Sue Williams' Dinnertime! (0152164715,
$16.00) is appealing right from its intriguing cover art by Kerry Argent of a wolf pouncing on two
rabbits. Ages 37 will find this a fun story of six fat rabbits who have to watch out for a hungry
fox.
Zany and fun.
Busy Night
Ross Collins
Bloomsbury Children's Books
175 Fifth Avenue, #712, NY, NY 10010
1582347506 $15.95 http://www.bloomsburymagazine.com
Delightfully written and charmingly illustrated by Ross Collins, Busy Night is a whimsical
children's
picturebook about a young boy whose attempts to sleep are disturbed by ghosts, the tooth fairy,
the
Sandman, Santa Claus, and just about every other scary or fantastic creature imaginable.
Eventually
he has to order them all away to enjoy his sleep, in this colorful story which is perfect for bedtime
reading.
Otter On His Own
Doe Boyler & Robert Lawson
Soundprints
353 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851
1568991290 $15.95 soundprints.com
Otter On His Own: The Story Of A Sea Otter is a children's story by Doe Boyle about a young
otter
growing up in the natural world. From learning how to eat sea urchins to exploring the
underwater
cove near where he was born and the world beyond, Otter On His Own is a scientifically accurate,
highly enjoyable tale. Simple yet inspiring color illustrations by Robert Lawson add depth to the
watery world of the otter pup.
Six Is So Much Less Than Seven
Ronald Himler
Star Bright Books
42-26 28th Street, Suite 2C, Long Island City, NY 11101
1887734910 $16.95 1-718-784-9112
Six Is So Much Less Than Seven is a gentle, easy reader picturebook that follows an old farmer
and
his beloved cats throughout the day. Though the farmer regrets the sad loss of one of his faithful
companions, life goes on, and a new litter of kittens is born. A heartwarming picturebook, Ronald
Himler's gentle story is superbly illustrated with his soft, captivating, color artwork.
Little, Brown & Company
Three Center Plaza, Boston, MA 02108
1-800-759-0190
Two engaging picturebooks are recommended picks from this publisher. David McPhail's Edward
In
The Jungle (0316563919, $15.95) presents the dilemma of a child who loves to read about jungle
adventures, but has problems when he faces the real thing. Edward's zany encounter with Tarzan
and
a host of fictional characters come to life make for a fastpaced story which will intrigue kids with
some basic reading skills. Simon Puttock's Squeaky Clean (0316788163, $13.95) tells of mucky
piglets who don't want a bath until a wise mother adds bubbles and toys into the equation. Kids
will surely relate to their sentiments and antics.
The Legend Of Moondyne Joe
Mark Greenwood & Frane Lessac
Cygnet Books/ISBS
5824 N.E. Hassalo Street, Portland, OR 97213-3644
1876268700 $19.95 1-800-944-6190
Mark Greenwood's The Legend Of Moondyne Joe is an legend of the greatest escape artist of the
era when Australia was used a prison destination by Great Britain. Moondyne Joe was not
gunfighter or a bank robber, but rather a thief with the uncanny ability to regain freedom every
time
he was put behind bars. The simple, color illustrations by Frane Lessac bring life to a vivid legend
in
this charming story which is highly recommended for young readers.
Little Raccoon Always Knows Best
Kathe Recheis & Pieter Kunstreich
Munchweiler Press
Box 2529, Victorville, CA 92393-2529
0794000096 $14.95 munchweilerpress.com
Little Raccoon Always Knows Best is a delightful story by Kathe Recheis about a young raccoon
who thinks he knows the best way to catch his dinner. His siblings humor him at first, but when
the
little raccoon stirs up trouble he soon learns that sometimes it's best to listen to and learn from
others. A friendly picturebook with charming full color illustrations by Pieter Kunstreich, Little
Raccoon Always Knows Best is an ideal addition to family, school, and community library
picturebook collections.
Henry David's House
Henry David Thoreau, et al.
Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02172
0881061166 $16.95 1-800-225-3214
Illustrated by Peter Fiore and edited by Steven Schnur, Henry David's House introduces young
readers ages 5 to 9 to the life, thought and writings of Henry David Thoreau. Text and illustration
collaborate to showcase the beauty, power and subtlety of solitary living withing the context of a
nature-oriented retreat as represented by Thoreau's tiny house in the woods and on the shore of
Walden Pond. Henry David's House is an enthusiastically recommended addition to school and
community picturebook collections.
Vanessa And The Angel
Beatrice Rich
Bridge House
1632 Pennsylvania Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
0967221501 $16.95 1-800-327-5113
Engagingly written Beatrice Rich, Vanessa And The Angel is a charming, easy-reader picturebook
about a young girl who meets her gentle guardian angel. The angel teaches Vanessa how to make
a
wondrous garden out of thoughts alone. Colorful, slightly abstract illustrations add vibrance to
this
joyful book which is ideal for beginning readers still learning how to sound out their first
words.
Atheneum
1230 Avenue of Americas, NY NY 10020
1-800-223-2336
Two board books by Ian Falconer will appeal to the very young with a blend of educational
attributes and very simple appeal. Olivia Counts (0689850875, $6.99) has the piglet learning to
count from one to ten, using some zany examples in the process. Olivia's Opposites (0689850883,
$6.99) presents toddlers with very easy contrasts, from 'long' and 'short' to 'plain' and 'fancy'. An
appealing and attractive presentation.
The Science Shelf
The Way Science Works
Robin Kerrod & Sharon Ann Holgate
DK Publishing
95 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
0789485621 $24.95 www.dk.com
Ideal for both classroom and homeschool curriculum supplementation, The Way Science Works is
an exciting introduction for young readers to the deductive process of science and the marvels
that
mankind has discovered about the natural world. Offering more than sixty experiments and
hands-on
projects suitable for budding scientists age 10 and older (with safety precautions detailed where
needed), The Way Science Works offers a fascinating glimpse into everything from the workings
of
the atom to understanding the true nature of gravity, to optical illusions and magnetism. Hundreds
of
excellent color photographs illustrate this superbly organized instructional reference. Although
filled
with fascinating revelations which would appeal to readers of all ages, The Way Science Works is
particularly geared to show younger folks just how much amazing fun science can be!
The Military Shelf
The Belly Gunner
Carol Edgemon Hipperson
Twenty-First Century Books
c/o The Millbrook Press
2 Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
0761318739 $27.90 millbrookpress.com
The Belly Gunner is the dramatic, first-person narrative story of Dale Aldrich, an American GI
who
served in World War II, and who told of his life to author Carol Edgemon Hipperson. Eyewitness
experiences, gripping and deadly battles, black-and-white photographs and an era that changed
the
world forever are all presented in vivid detail, in this straightforward account especially suitable
for
readers age 12 through 17, and is highly recommended for school and community library
collections.
The Jobs/Careers Shelf
Careers In Network Engineering
Christina Penna & Rachael Shook
The Rosen Publishing Group
29 East 21st Street, NY, NY 10010
0823934225 $26.50 1-800-237-9932
The latest volume in the unique "The Library of E-Commerce and Internet Careers" series from
Rosen, Careers In Network Engineering by Christina Penna and Rachael Shook is a
straightforward
introduction to young people about the blossoming field of Network Engineering, and what
people
who choose this line of work do. Individual chapters address the future of network engineering,
how
to tell if a career in this field is for the reader, and how to get started preparing oneself for this
exciting line of work. Sources for further reading round out this excellent introduction, which is
highly recommended for grade school and community library reference shelves. Other titles
available
in this outstanding series include: Careers As A Content Provider For The Web; Careers As A
Webmaster: Maintaining The Site; Careers In E-Commerce Security And Encryption; Careers In
E-Commerce Software Development; Careers In Network Engineering; Careers With
Click-And-Mortar Businesses; Careers With Internet Service Providers; Careers With Successful
Dot-Com Companies; E-Advertising And E-Marketing: Online Opportunities; E-Commerce
Careers
In Multimedia; E-Tailing: Careers Selling Over The Web; Web Hosting And Web Site
Development:
A Guide To Opportunities.
The Poetry Shelf
Revolting Rhymes
Roald Dahl
Alfred A. Knopf
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
0375815562 $15.95 1-800-726-0600
Quentin Blake's whimsical drawings accompany a series of sometimes frightening but always
unusual
rhymes based on fairy tales in Revolting Rhymes. Parents and kids in grades 4-6 will find
Revolting
Rhymes to be a whimsical and fun set of gruesome rhymes providing very different perspectives
on
the traditional fairy tales that they spoof.
The Video Shelf
I Love You Like Crazy Cakes
Ros Lewis & Jane Dyer
Weston Woods
Weston Woods Studios/Scholastic
143 Main Street, Norwalk, CT 06851
MPV599VCC $60.00 1-800-290-7531
I Love You Like Crazy Cakes (a picturebook for young readers ages 4 to 8 and originally
published
by Little, Brown) is based on author Ros Lewis and her journey to China for the purpose of
adopting a baby girl. The charming, heartwarming story of a mother's love and a baby's smile as
they
bond together as a new family is wonderfully illustrated by the watercolor artwork of Jane Dyer.
All
of this translates beautifully into an iconographic, seven minute video enhanced with a
complementary musical score. I Love You Like Crazy Cakes is a wonderful addition to school
and
community library video collections, and is especially recommended for adoptive family
viewing.
The ABC Shelf
Mary's Alphabet Garden
Mary Batson
Sun R.A.Y.S.
417 Clover Lane, Fort Collins, CO 80521
097028800X $10.95 1-888-220-7393
Mary's Alphabet Garden is a charming ABC book for young children. Each letter of the alphabet
is
illustrated with beautiful, slighly abstract artwork (resembling an expanded photograph) of a
corresponding garden plant or item and a line from a rhythmic, original alphabet poem. "F is for
the
flowers around the garden's edge/G is for my gloves sitting on the ledge." Mary's Alphabet
Garden is
enthusiastically recommended for budding young readers.
L M N O P and All the Letters A to Z
Howard Schrager & Bruce Bischof
LemonTree Press
P.O. Box 841, Santa Cruz, CA 95061
0964484609 $16.95
The alphabetical poetry of Howard Schrager is nicely showcased by the illustrations of Bruce
Bischof in L M N O P and All the Letters A to Z, an engaging and original alphabet book for
beginning readers. Each letter of the alphabet is featured with a warm color illustration and a
unique,
catchy, alliterate poem perfect for reading aloud. Some suggested means for using L M N O P
and
All the Letters A to Z for teaching young people are presented in a thoughtful forward. "B is in
bowl, bag, basket, and bin,/All manner of places/To keep berries in./A brawny brown bear/Called
Big Belly/Beholds a bee buzzing;/Oh our busy B." Highly recommended for school and
community
library ABC book collections for beginning readers.
The Christian Studies Shelf
Jesus Is Risen
Rolf Krenzer & Constanza Droop
Liturgical Press
Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
0814627641 $14.95 1-800-858-5450
Ably translated into English by Linda M. Maloney, Rolf Krenzer's Jesus Is Risen is an outstanding
children's picturebook about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Simple, color illustrations
by
Constanza Droop help present this straightforward account of the Christian miracle for young
readers. Jesus Is Risen is very highly recommended for family, Sunday School, and Parochial
School
picturebook collections.
Bible Verse ABC With The CobbleKids
Deborah B. Cobb, illustrator
Lollipop Publishing
Box 6354, Chesterfield, MO 63006-6354
0970979304 $18.95 1-800-383-7767
Enhanced with Deborah Cobb's brightly articulated artwork, Bible Verse ABC With The
CobbleKids
is a delightful ABC book that pairs each letter of the alphabet with a verse of scripture and
cheerful
full color artwork of children enjoying everyday delights. An especially fine book for teaching
young
Christians their basic alphabet, along with simple yet profound scriptural passages, Bible Verse
ABC's With The CobbleKids will prove a welcome addition to family, parochial school, and
Sunday
School picturebook and ABC book collections.
The History Shelf
Exploring Ancient Rome
Evans Bros
c/o Trafalgar Square Publishing
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road
North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0237520036 $19.95 1-800-423-4525
Who were the ancient Romans and how did they live? From boxed information frames and both
color photos of relics and color illustrations to maps and charts, this provides a lively coverage of
early Roman civilization for kids in grades 5-7. An intriguing introduction for an earlier age than
most competitors.
Books in Series
Gareth Stevens Inc.
330 West Olive Street, Suite 100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
$19.93 Each 1-800-542-2595
This bright new set of simple picturebooks by Eric Ethan will reach ages 4 and older with a
coverage
of classic emergency vehicles and their operations. Police Cars (0836830474), Helicopters
(0836830466), and Fire Engines (0836830458) each hold 24 pages of very simple description and
full-page color photos of each vehicle at work.
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, #3308, NY, NY 10118
1-800-387-7650 www.crabtree-pub.com
"Arty Facts" is a unique and outstanding six volume series dedicated to presenting entertaining art
activities for children ages 7 to 14. A reader friendly texts showcases interesting facts and
step-by-step art projects that are as entertaining as they are informative about the wonders of the
natural world. Rosie McCormick's Plants And Art Activities (0778711382, $8.95) showcases the
special characteristics of different plants and the projects reinforce information about petals, tree
bark, seeds, vegetables, and more. Steve Parker and Polly Goodman's Insects, Bugs, And Art
Activities (0778711374, $8.95) focuses on caterpillars, butterflies, worms, fireflies, and more. The
projects highlight the distinctive characteristics of nature's creepy crawly creatures. In Animals
And
Art Activities (0778711366, $8.95), Janet Sacks, Polly Goodman and Steve Parker collaborate to
reveal interesting facts about dinosaurs, birds, marine life, and other fascinating animals. John
Cooper's Planet Earth And Art Activities (0778711390, $8.95) takes on the subjects of
earthquakes,
colcanoes, fossils, and gemstones. Polly Goodman's Space And Art Activities (0778711404,
$8.95)
ranges from the rings of Staturn to the bright taieil of a comet, from the Sun and Moon, to planet
rotation, space travel and black holes. Barbara Taylor's Structures, Materials And Art Activities
(0778711412, $8.95) showcases architectural accomplishments ranging from tthe mighty
pyramids
of Egypt to modern-day bridges. Children will enjoy such activities as making a seashell
paperweight
based on what they've learned about scales, spines, patterns, pouches, camouflage, and more.
Each
of the six volumes (also available in hardcover at 17.95 each) in this highly recommended series
for
classroom, homeschool, and community library reference collections, is enhanced with full-color
photography, illustrations, glossary, and index.
Compass Point Books
3722 West 50th Street, #115, Minneapolis, MN 55410-2016
$79.72 Set of 4, 1-877-371-1536
Highly recommended for young readers K-2, the Compass Point Books "Transportation" series
authored by Darlene R. Stille consists of four, 32 page books that are superbly illustrated with full
color photography and showcase the fascinating and diverse subject of transportation. Especially
suited for school and community library collections, this outstanding series for young readers is
enhanced with includes tables of content, indexes, and a glossary. The series: Race Cars
(0756501490TB); Freight Trains (0756501482TB); Big Rigs (0756501474TB); and Airplanes
(0756501466TB) .
Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavenish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
1-800-831-9881
Three additions to sets deserve ongoing recommendation as top picks for libraries seeking lasting
references. New to the 'Kaleidoscope' series is a set focusing on 'The Human Body' ($15.95 each).
Susan LeVert's Brain (0761413081), Lungs (0761413073), Bones And Muscles (076141309X),
and
Heart (0761413065) each provide almost fifty pages of basic detail, with fullpage color photos
accompanying not only heath facts, but examples from everyday life which kids can easily relate
to.
New to Jacqueline Sweeney's 'We Can Read' superbly written and presented series for beginning
readers are four easy reading, 31 page titles. and includes Meadow Magic (0761411240); Pond
Monster (0761411232); Critter Sitters (0761411224), Freddy Bear (0761411216), and . Each
blends color photos by G.K. and Vikki Hart with very simple stories beginners will relish. Kids in
grades 2-5 will find the 'Animals Animals' group ($15.95 each) most appealing, providing pages of
bright closeup color photos and plenty of basic science facts. Dan Greenberg's Spiders
(0761412638), Judith Cohen's Penguins (0761412603) and Giraffes (0761412581) Maria Mudd
Ruth's Snakes (076141262X), Joanne Mattern's Lizards (076141259X) and Sharks
(0761412611).
Each title is enhanced with engaging information, color photos, bibliographies, an index and
glossary; and web sites for further research. All will prove appealing.
Chelsea House
1974 Sproul Road, #400, Broomall, PA 19008
1-800-848-2665
These series title are powerful picks: while recommended for ages 10 and older, grades 5-8 will
all
find them excellent references. The 'People at Odds' series ($21.95 each) is particularly notable for
current affairs collections. New to this series are Heather Lehr Wagner's Israel And The Arab
World
(079106705X), presenting a history of Israel and its neighbors and some of the personalities
involved in Middle East politics; Hal Marcovitz's Balkans People In Conflict (0791067106),
revealing 1,000 years of volatile relationships in the region; and Jennifer Breen's England And
India
At War (0791067084), which surveys the history of British involvements in India. Don't leave out
Wagner's Ira And England (0791067068), offering a close look at the history of IRA and English
conflict. The 'Modern World Nations series ($21.95 each) provides the same age group with a
fine
set of geography titles. New additions: Richard Crooker's Bermuda (0791067769), Carol Ann
Gillespie's New Zealand (0791067777), Roger Dendinger's Scotland (0791067823), Alan
Allport's
Austria (0791067750), and Zoran Pavlovic and Charles Gritzner's Republic Of Georgia
(0791067785). Each includes a little over a hundred pages with bright contemporary color photos
supplementing the latest facts about the history, peoples and economics of these countries. The
'Battles That Changed the World' series ($21.95 each) focus on military battles which resulted in
longterm changes. While these might not as easily fit into a curriculum, they will make good
supplemental material for reports. Earle Rice Jr.'s First Battle Of The Marne (0791066851)
surveys
the events and results of the first battle of World War 1, Samuel Crompton's Waterloo
(0791066835) reveals the decisive battle of 1815,Rice's Normandy (0791066878) discusses DDay
in
1944, Richard Worth's Saratoga (0791066827) surveys battles faught during the American
Revolution in 1777 in the region; and his Midway (079106686X) tells of the 1942 Naval triumph.
Biographies are often assigned and often focus on key poliical and social figures, but the 'Who
Wrote That?' series is geared to authors, providing kids with solid alternatives who shine in their
field of writing children's classics. Rita Cammarano's Betsy Byars (0791067203) reveals the
methods
and attempts of the writer who has become famous for her spunky and fun characters; Elizabeth
Paterra's Gary Paulsen (0791067238) covers his adventurous journey through life and the books
which resulted from his experiences; Elizabeth Silverthorne's Louisa May Alcott (0791067211)
tells
of the life and writing efforts of a woman determined to save her family from poverty; Charles
Shields' Mythmaker (079106719X) tells of the creator of Harry Potter, and Tanya Dean's
coverage
Throdor Geisel (0791067246) tells of Dr. Seuss himself. All are outstanding.
Child's World Press
PO Box 326, Chanassen, MN 55317
PR0086-A1131 $95.70 1-800-599-7323
Music is a basic and fundamental aspect of all human cultures down through history to the present
day. The Child's World Press series "Music Makers" consists of six superbly presented volumes,
each of which is dedicated to a particular variety of musical instruments and profusely illustrated
with photography, enhanced a clear and descriptive text. Young readers grades 2 through 6 will
receive an excellent introduction to the history and value of various musical instruments with each
of
the books, each of which focus on a specific category. Clarinets (1567666795); Drums
(1567666833); Flutes (1567666787); Violins (1567666817); Pianos (1567666825); and Trumpets
(1567666809). Each volume is enhanced with a table of contents, detailed index and glossary, and
a
thematically related web site. Although the individual volume are available separately ($15.95
each),
school and community libraries should acquire the entire series.
Mitchell Lane Publishers
34 Decidely Lane, Bear, DE 19701
1-302-834-9646
Two excellent series additions are recommended picks for grades 5-6. New to the 'Latinos in
American History' series ($19.95 each) are Jim Whiting's Francisco Vasquez De Coronado
(1584151463) and Russell Roberts' Pedro Menendes De Aviles (1584151501). Each provides not
only a biography of just under 50 pages, but insights into how their Hispanic backgrounds
contributed to their lives. Pedro founded and colonized St. Augustine, made a name for himself in
brave deeds at sea, and lead a life of adventure. Coronado's life was one of searching for gold in
the
American southwest, a pursuit which changed his world. New to the 'Unlocking the Secrets of
Science' ($17.95 each) series is John Bankston's Christian Barnard And The Story Of The First
Successful Heart Transplant (158415120X), Kimberly Garcia's Wilhelm Roentgen And The
Discovery Of X Rays (1584151145), Bankston's Jacquesyves Cousteau: His Story Under The Sea
(1584151129) and his Robert Jarvik And The First Artificial Heart (1584151161). Each 48 page
book includes an index, glossary, bibliography, black and white photos, and plenty of detail
suitable
for reports. All are recommended library picks.
The CD-ROM Shelf
Riverdeep/The Learning Company
6401 Kaiser Drive, Fremont CA 94555
$19.99 each www.riverdeep.net
Jay Jay is a playful and sweet six year old jet plane whose inquisitive nature leads him on exciting,
entertaining, and educational adventures in a delightful series of interactive computer games based
on a very popular PBS children's television series. In Jay Jay Earns His Wings, Jay Jay must show
he
has mastered all the right skills before taking his first solo flight. In Sky Heroes To The Rescue,
Jay
Jay, Tracy and Snuffy discover that the legendary Sparkleberry Tree of Pangabula Island has lost
its
glimmer and it up to them to rescue the precious tree and collect all the elements needed to keep
it
health. Kids ages 3 to 7 will become avidly engaged in stories and characters that teach life
lessons
through six interactive activities and coloring printables. The Jay Jay series of interactive
computer
games is enthusiastically recommended for family, homeschooling, day care center, preschool, and
kindergarten educational software collections.
A literate child is the only real hope our future has. To know how to read and write, is to know
how
to think and communicate. If you want to ensure a tomorrow that is better than today, then teach
the
children to read!
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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