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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
The Belly Button Fairy
Bobbie Hinman & Mark Wayne Adams
Best Fairy Books
IPG (distributor)
1241 Chateau Green Ct., Bel Air, MD 21015
9780978679132, $15.95, www.bestfairybooks.acom
"The Belly Button Fairy" is an entrancing, fantasy-filled, original rhyming tale by Bobbie
Hinman about how all children's belly buttons came to be in the middle of their tummies. Told by
a grandmotherly fairy, filled with full-page, story enriching, and the colorful artwork of Mark
Wayne Adams, "The Belly Button Fairy" is the perfect example of the author's whimsical
philosophy, "Who better to blame it on than a fairy?" Children ages 3-7 will love this latest of the
Best Fairy Books, and they will also enjoy the audio CD complete with original fairy song and
chiming bell to mark the page turns. Even parents and babysitters will love "The Belly Button
Fairy" because it teaches kids about the joy of reading and besides, it's just lots of fun!
Our Abe Lincoln
Jim Aylesworth
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
0439925487, $16.99 www.scholastic.com
A cast of schoolchildren dramatize the life of Abe Lincoln in this musical biography pairing an
original Lincoln-era presidential campaign song with a lively story of Lincoln's life and times. It's
perfect both for reading and for any elementary-level collection thinking about dramatic
plays.
Guardian Angel House
Kathy Clark
Second Story Press
20 Maud Street, Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 2M5
9781897187586, $14.95, www.secondstorypress.com
There was resistance in Europe to the Nazi genocide. "Guardian Angel House: A Holocaust
Remembrance Book for Young Readers" is a fictional dramatization of a true story. In 1944,
Hungary has fallen to Nazi Germany, and one pair of Jewish sisters' only hope is to enter the
protection of a Catholic nunnery. A moving story with roots in fact, "Guardian Angel House" is a
great way to teach young readers about the holocaust through fiction.
The Great Dewey Hunt: Library Lessons
Toni Buzzeo & Sachiko Yoshikawa
Upstart Books
401 S. Wright Road, Janesville, WI 53547
www.upstartbooks.com
9781602130418, $17.95, www.amazon.com
"The Great Dewey Hunt" is the third title in a series designed by author Toni Buzzeo to teach
grade school children about how to use the Dewey Decimal system in a library. Led by
librarian/teacher Mrs. Skorupski, second, third and fourth -graders learn to work in teams to
uncover the mysterious codes of the Dewey Decimal System. Collecting and using special
objects like a Buddha statue, Cinderella snow globe, a hairy tarantula spider, a sailboat, and
theater masks, the students pick their way through the number categories for all books filed in the
library. A snag in the game helps students learn what to do when they find a misfiled book, and
competition is hot to the end. Different ages are encouraged to find constructive ways to team up
and work together and cooperation rules the day when the game comes to a dramatic finish with
the flipping of the ten Dewey Decimal flags (with number categories 000-900) to reveal (Ta-Da!)
"I Love Dewey!" An enclosed lesson format suggestion handout is available for duplication and
further learning activities. Sachiko Yoshikawa's exciting colorful illustrations keep the tempo up
and pace racing. Who says libraries are boring? All the best books are there! "The Great Dewey
Hunt" is a vibrant tool to unlock library exploration skills in elementary age students.
What's New At The Zoo?
Suzanne Slade & Joan Waites
Sylvan Dell Publishing
976 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Suite 3, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
9781934359938, $16.95, www.amazon.com
"What's New At The Zoo? An Animal Adding Adventure" is a children's animal/adding book by
Suzanne Slade with an added educational bonus. In addition to eleven special animal addition
pages and problems, there are creative activity pages with suggestions for related games and
tasks at the end of the book, including addition methods explanations, Fact Families about
related numbers, and animal matching activities. These last four pages can be duplicated to use as
teaching materials along with the book. Aimed at children ages 4-8, "What's New At The Zoo?"
tackles a beginning math curriculum with fun-filled humour and interest. Full page color
illustrations by Joan Waites richly enhances the text for young children.
The Trouble With "Bumble D"
Betty "Bo" Hagan, et al.
Professional Resource Publications
PO Box 501485, Indianapolis, IN 6250-1485
www.newperspectives-indy.com
9780963902344, $11.95, 317-465-9688
'The Trouble with "Bumble D"' presents an exciting children's story about the "Bee Team"
dealing with problems that arise when one of their team begins bullying, substance abuse
activities, and other poor choices. Written by mental health professional Betty 'Bo' Hagan, and
illustrated by a talented mother -daughter team of Keri and Leta Jones, 'The Trouble with
"Bumble D"' strikes a positive note for healthy decision-making and well-child development. A
complete discussion guide helps students puzzle through their reactions to the dilemmas faced by
the Bee Team, and 10 year old Keri Jones' crayon-like illustrations add color, dramatic substance,
and vivid flair and impact to the story. The end result: 'The Trouble With "Bumble D"' is a fun
and challenging resource for teachers and students who deal with familiar problems of bullying,
substance abuse and enabling behavior, and peer pressure. All decide to agree in the end: "Three
cheers for telling the truth!"
Good-Bye Bully Machine
Debbie Fox & Allan L. Beane
Free Spirit Publishing
217 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1299
9781575423265, $12.99, www.freespirit.com
Bullies can only be bullies if you let them be. "Good-Bye Bully Machine" is a guide for young
readers who want to stand up to their schoolyard tormentors and establish the confidence they
need to rise up through life. Comparing bullies to cold unfeeling machines, Debbie Fox & Allan
Beane give many effective tips to help young readers get through the machine and unplug it.
"Good-Bye Bully Machine" is a top pick for parents of children who face bully problems in
school.
The DVD Shelf
Kidwinks Farm
Kidwinks LLC
2505 W. Plum St., Ft. Collins, CO 80521
Andrea Blain Public Relations (publicity)
9750 Crawford Ave., Skokie, IL 60076
DVD, $14.95, www.kidwinksUSA.com
Created by the team of speech pathologist Mary Nel, art therapist Genevieve Lundberg, and with
the assistance of a music therapist, "Kidwinks Farm" is a superbly crafted speech development
DVD that uses repetition, one- and two-word phrases, sign language, music and simple
movements to enhance the speech development of children having developing language
difficulties. Through the combined use of live action and animation, "Kidwinks Farm" shows
children interacting with farm animals, naming body parts, naming actions, and modeling the
sounds that the animals make. Featuring flawless technical production values and highly
recommended for school and community library DVD collections for children, "Kidwinks Farm"
will also prove to be a useful curriculum supplement for children learning English as a second
language.
Rock 'N Learn
PO Box 3595, Conroe, TX 77305-3595
www.rocknlearn.com 1-800-348-8445
Rock 'N Learn is a premier producer of DVDs for children that are as entertaining as they are
educational. Two of their newest releases are especially recommended for family, preschool,
elementary school, and community library collections. Designed specifically for young viewers
ages 3 to 5, "Getting Ready For Kindergarten" (RL952, $19.99, 45 minutes) follows Jill and Joey
who are to start attending Kindergarten and can't hardly wait! Essential skills from getting
dressed and tying shoes, to making the bed and cleaning their room, to learning Left and Right,
and so much more, involve young viewers through songs, animated characters and real children.
"Division Rap" (RL980, $19.99, 55 minutes) teaches children ages 8 and older the basic math
skills of Division, including story problems, remainders, long division, and more. Through the
use of animated characters, young learners will learn just what division is, how it's used, and
even be able to practice what they are learning with free worksheets for the program obtainable
through www.worksheets-for-math.com. Both of these flawlessly produced and thoroughly 'kid
friendly' DVDs are enthusiastically recommended for family, school, and community library
educational DVD collections.
Bob The Builder: Truck Teamwork
Lionsgate
c/o Andrea Blain Public Relations, Inc.
9750 Crawford Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076
www.lionsgatedvd.com
H180452, $14.98, www.amazon.com
Children ages 2 to 5 will thoroughly enjoy this collection of five new adventures starring Bob
The Builder and his Can-Do Crew as they build an exercise park at Bobland Bay, construct a new
ice cream parlor (complete with a giant ice-cream cone on top), and more! This new DVD
package comes with a free collectible toy truck and two bonus features: a 'We Can Do It' read
along and a the game 'If You Were On Bob's Team'. Highly recommended as thoroughly 'kid
friendly' and fun, "Bob The Builder: Truck Teamwork" is flawlessly produced and certain to
please any and all preschoolers. For more information (and a complete listing) of all the Bob The
Builder DVDs, parents (and kids!) are encouraged visit his website at www.bobthebuilder.com. Also very highly recommended for the preschool set are three other newly released DVD titles
from Lionsgate and featuring iconic entertainment characters: "Sing & Dance with Barney"
(H180449, $14.98); "Thomas & Friends: Hop on Board" (H180450, $14.98); and "Shaun the
Sheep: Sheep on the Loose" (H180451, $14.98).
My Life
Rene Zamora
A John Cabibi Production
c/o Brickman Marketing (publicity)
395 Del MonteCenter, #250, Monterey, CA 93940
$19.95 www.brickmanmarketing.com 831-633-4444
My Life: Surviving the Loss of a Loved One is a documentary based on the school English class
composition of a 16-year-old teenager who has learned to cope with the loss of his father to
suicide when he was only five years old. A film with a positive message about dealing with
difficult family issues in the wake of devastating loss, My Life reaches out to any who have
experienced great childhood trauma. An recommended addition to school library collections,
"My Life" is particularly ideal for showing during homeroom. 20 minutes.
Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl Battle Dimension, volumes 1 & 2
Viz Communications Inc.
295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
1421531380, $24.98 www.viz.com 1-800-394-3042
Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl Battle Dimension is a box set collecting the first two DVD
volumes (containing seventeen episodes) of the latest installment of the Pokemon animated
television series. As Ash, Dawn, and Brock continue their journey through the Sinnoh region,
Ash trains and prepares to earn his next two Gym badges, while Dawn trains her performing
pokemon in an effort to break her recent string of contest defeats with a victory. Each episode
brings a different adventure - while the pesky Team Rocket of Jesse and James always seems to
be on our heroes' trail, the new menace of Team Galactic also reares its threatening head! Many
adventures also contain a helpful or insightful moral, from the importance of positive
reinforcement and patience when dealing with others (especially when teaching or training), to
the lesson that defeat in a competition, while painful, is not the end of the world; rather, it's an
opportunity to learn and grow. A fun and family-friendly collection, perfect for young Pokemon
fans - children's library collections will definitely see cartoon episodes checked out quite
often!
The Bilingual Shelf
Payshapes and the Bear
Lucina Kathmann
Chiron Books
9902 Crystal Ct. #107, Laredo, TX 78045
9781935178057, $8.95, www.chironbooks.com
An understanding of two different languages can be gained through bilingual fiction. "Payshapes
and the Bear" is a collection of short stories presented in both Spanish and English for young
readers to help them gain a greater grasp of both languages. With charming illustrations
throughout, the stories are sure to bring smiles to child readers, making "Payshapes and the Bear"
a must for any bilingual children's fiction collection.
A Very Smart Cat/ Una Gata Muy Inteligente
Mario Picayo
Illustrated by Yolanda Fundora
Campanita Books
c/o Editorial Campana
19 W. 85th Street, Suite A, New York, NY 10024
9781934370001, $19.95 www.editorialcampana.com
"A Very Smart Cat/ Una Gata Muy Inteligente" is a whimsical bilingual tale of a most unusual
cat and her adopted family. She is always on the table, and if she finds anything of interest to her
there, she makes full and competent use of it! She eats food, drinks coffee, cuts out magazine
articles, makes long distance phone calls (to multiple, foreign, exotic cats!), takes pictures with
the camera, draws with the pen, changes channels with the remote, and orders Japanese takeout
with the wallet! She plays the harmonica all night long, wears the hat and mittens, sleeps in the
fruit bowl, and uses the house keys to lock her owner out! The owner begs the reader (or anyone)
to please take my cat, but finally announces at the end that "She finally went outside!"
Unfortunately she has the truck keys and plans to tour with friend cats through Catskill, NY. The
owner posts a newspaper add for his missing cat, describing her as Very, Very Smart and if
found, to please keep her and return the truck! "A Very Smart Cat" aims to amuse and entertain,
but also to teach (that all cats are created equal) of human friendship with cats in particular. The
charming, colorful illustrations show cozy scenes of a black and white cat in a northeastern
farmhouse setting. "A Very Smart Cat" will sweep up the opposition with no visible trouble
whatsoever. Thranslations by Jacueline Herranz Brooks make "Una Gata Muy Inteligente" a
double asset.
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Creation Song
Anna Scott-Brown
Illustrated by Elena Gomez
Lion
Wilkinson House, Jordan Hill Road, Oxford OX2 8DR, England, UK
Kregel Publications (distributor)
P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapid, Michigan 49501
9780825462634, $12.99 www.lionhudson.com
"Creation Song" offers a beautiful, lyrical interpretation of a God-created universe with laughter,
tears, music, dancing, rainbows, and especially, joy. Familiar elements combine with new
inflections in "Creation Song." Brightly colored bird and flowers splash across its pages in joyous
abandon, while words like "dance" or "sing" are used and experienced afresh with expressively
disordered text. All page have something of the breath of God in them, and its effect is magical.
Appealing to children ages 4-8, "Creation Song" is a refreshing take on a familiar creation myth
that recaptures some of the wonder and delight that must have once been present and may yet be
found again.
Helena's Voyage
Paul Harbridge
O-Books
c/o John Hunt Publishing
The Bothy, Deershot Lodge, Park Lane, Ropley, Hampshire, SO24 OBE, U. K.
www.o-books.net tel
9781846941146, $19.95, www.amazon.com
Written and illustrated by Paul Harbridge, "Helena's Voyage" is a sensitively written children's
book that deals with a very relevant theme: the oneness of three major religious faiths,
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Helena is a child coping with serious illness who longs to
escape the pain of her life, in a boat to sea. Her wish is granted when an angel comes to guide her
on a voyage to three cities that hold the knowledge of mysteries of three holy religious faiths.
After visiting each city with the angel, Helena is given a small symbol of each faith to keep in a
silk bag; a 6-pointed star for Judaism, a cross for Christianity, and a crescent moon for Islam. She
summarizes to the angel what each city has taught her by saying, "(...the true belief of each of
these religions is...) To love God, and to love other people as much as I love myself." The angel
smiles and says this is a saying like finest gold, the essence of the Torah, the Gospel, and the
Qur'an. Helena journeys on with the angel to discover a suffering child, starving and ill, whose
parents were killed in (religious) wars. In an effort to help the child, she gives him her silk purse
with the three gold symbols of the three religions in it, telling him to trade it for what he needs.
Then three women, Jew, Christian and Muslim, enter the room with the sick boy and tend to his
needs and heal him. As Helena leaves, the boy gives her back her silk purse, in which she
discovers the three golden symbols have combined to form one simple gold disk, with all three
symbols on it, inscribed with the words "One God - Many Voices - - One People." When asked,
the boy tells her his name is Abraham. Turning over the gold disk, Helena sees that it encases the
faces of every human being who has ever lived and who ever will live, slinging together in a
thousand tongues in glorious harmony. "Helena's Voyage" is enriched by gold and gray
illustrations and completed by Hebrew translation by Yoav Shafir and Arabic translation by
Hanaa El-Kashef. It is a profound gift for all children and adults.
Annie's Angel
Grace Carberry Froncko
Illustrated by Raven OKeefe
Elderberry Press Inc.
1393 Old Homestead Drive, Second Floor, Oakland, Oregon 97462
www.elderberrypress.com
9781932762952, $19.95, www.amazon.com
"Annie's Angel" is a paperback children's book that tells the story of a little girl's death and the
efforts of her angel to help her family and community accept her passing and soul's
transformation. Sensitively written and illustrated, "Annie's Angel" does not avoid the painful
reactions and realities of a grieving, loving family. It endeavors to gently lead the reader to a new
awareness of the meaning of death. The method chosen by the angel to reassure the family is a
miraculous proliferation of snow angels, similar to the last one made by Annie before she died.
The possibility of failure is ever present, and the angel's attempt to comfort and heal at first seem
futile. But eventually the family, including Annie's mother and father and brother Tom, begin to
accept that though they deeply miss her, she is where she needs to be, in a better place, and still
loves and treasures them all. "Annie's Angel" might be aimed at an audience age 8 and older, but
its gentle message will come through to even younger children if carefully read to them. "Annie's
Angel" is a fresh resource dealing with a delicate and needful subject in a timely, sensitive
manner.
A Heart Ready to Fly
Jackie Chirco Cogswell
Divine Inspiration Publishing
PO Box 210414, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
www.divineinspirationpublishing.com
9780982049068, $14.95, www.amazon.com
A good heart goes a long way. "A Heart Ready to Fly" is a piece of Christian children's fiction
following young Sophia as she encounters an angel during a plane ride. The offbeat angel Frank
teaches Sophia much about faith and following her heart. Author Jackie Cogswell presents a tale
that young readers will delight in reading. "A Heart Ready to Fly" is a very much recommended
read for youngsters.
Saint Paul
David Self
Illustrated by Jason Cockcroft
Kregel Publications
P. O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501
9780825479069, $14.95, www.kregel.com
"Saint Paul" is a simply written retelling of the life and travels of the great Christian apostle Paul.
Aided by gentle illustrations and maps of Paul's many journeys, the pertinent facts as contained
in "The Good News Bible" are related to form a full biography of Paul, ending with the text of
his famous letter to Corinthians I. Careful to distinguish between known facts and unclear
outcomes, "Saint Paul" will fill the shelves of both religious and secular libraries. Its special
appeal shines through its simplicity of style, which allows the amazing truth of the life of Paul to
shine through. "Saint Paul" will appeal to children ages 7-11 and older.
Pictures Of God
John Kosmas Skinas
Conciliar Press
PO Box 76, Ben Lomond, CA 95005-0076
www.conciliarpress.com
9781888212587, $10.95, www.amazon.com
Icons are religious pictures most closely associated with the traditions, theology, and customs of
Orthodox Christianity. A premier publisher of books of interest to Orthodox communities,
Conciliar Press offers "Pictures Of God: A Child's Guide To Understanding Icons". This
informative introduction designed specifically for use with children, explains what icons are,
what they mean, and how they portray holy stories taken from scripture and other sources for the
benefit of the faithful. The full color reproductions of representative examples of icons is simply
flawless. "Pictures Of God" is a highly recommended means by which parents can provide their
children with a true understanding of the value icons have within the Orthodox community and
the believing hearts of the faithful.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Things Every Kid Should Know: Smoking!
Alya Nuri
Zohra Sarwari
c/o Eman Publishing
PO Box 404, Fishers, IN, 46038
www.alyanuri.com www.emanpublishing.com
9780982312551, $7.95, www.amazon.com
Although "Things Every Kid Should Know: Smoking!" was written to teach adolescent readers
about the manifold hazards of smoking, there are a great many adults who could well benefit
from reading this 24-page booklet by Alya Nuri. "Things Every Kid Should Know: Smoking!"
lays out in a particularly effective format the consequences that sustained tobacco usage can and
will inflect. Also very highly recommended for personal, family, clinic, school, and community
library Health Issues collections for teens are two other publications by Alya Nuri: "Things Every
Kid Should Know: Alcohol!" (Zohra Sarwari, 9780982312568, $7.95) and "Things Every Kid
Should Know: Drugs!" (Zohra Sarwari, 9780982312575, $7.95).
Maddie Goes To the Nurse Practitioner
Cindy Middleton Gray
Authorhouse
1663 Liberty Dr., Bloomington, IN 47403
www.authorhouse.com
9781438902203, $12.00, www.amazon.com
Expertly written by licensed family nurse practitioner Cindy Middleton Gray, "Maddie Goes To
The Nurse Practitioner" is a child-oriented paperback that achieves its goal of demystifying
health assessment and treatment for children through play, or "the work of childhood." In the
story, three and a half year old Maddie falls and hurts her head at a pool party, then gets taken to
the nurse practitioner assessment and treatment of her head injury. Both the nurse, or Aunt Carol,
and the nurse practitioner, or Aunt Cindy, help Maddie cooperate with her examination and
follow up treatment procedures by giving her simple, concrete explanations of the things they are
doing with her and the tools they are using. All ends well as Maddie is cleared of serious
complications and has a quick needle-free glue job on her head wound that does the trick.
"Maddie Goes to the Nurse Practitioner" is a great educational book for child health care
workers, parents and kids.
The Biography Shelf
Boy in Motion: Rick Hansen's Story
Ainslie Manson & Renne Benoit
Greystone Books
2323 Quebec Street, Suite 201, Vancouver, BC, Canada, VST 457
www.greystonebooks.com
9781553654278, $12.00, www.amazon.com
"Boy in Motion" is a compelling biography by Ainslie Manson of paraplegic athlete and
visionary Rick Hansen, the man who publicized the Man in Motion world tour begun March 21,
1985 and finished two years, two months and two days later. Raising over 26 million dollars to
help people with spinal cord injuries, Rick and his team helped raise world awareness of the need
for inclusion of people with disabilities. "Boy in Motion" traces the beginning of Rick's story as a
healthy active boy and traces his subsequent life and adjustment following his traumatic accident
in a truck coming home from a fishing trip. Rick's determination to reinvent his life post trauma
is challenging but very inspiring, especially since he had always been such a talented athlete.
Rick seems to embody the notion of never giving up. His team and family support are
acknowledged, but his contribution to world awareness of the needs for inclusion of people with
disabilities is outstanding. "Boy in Motion" will appeal to a juvenile audience up to age 16. The
accompanying water color paintings by Renne Benoit which effectively illustrate Rick's story are
truly masterful and poignant. "Boy in Motion" would be ideal for classes or topics on celebrating
diversity, as well as adaptive learning and adaptive physical education.
Up Close: Harper Lee
Kerry Madden
Viking
345 Hudson St, New York NY 10014
9780670010950, $16.99 www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Teens familiar with TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD will find essential this focus on its author, a
reclusive figure who has receives relatively little attention despite her award-winning book.
Kerry Madden conducted extensive research and personal interviews in Lee's hometown in
Alabama for her biography, making for an exceptional survey perfect for readers assigned to TO
KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Christian the Lion
Anthony Bourke & John Rendall
Delacorte Press/Random
9780385738569, $14.99 www.randomhouse.com/kids
Two friends searching for holiday gifts in London come across an amazing sight: a lion cub for
sale in Harrods, the famous department store. They take him home; a year later the adopters
realize their pet needs more care than they can give him. This story of how Christian was
returned to the African wild offers a vivid survey of human interactions with wildlife and
nature.
Boyds Mills Press
815 Church St, Honesdale, PA 18431
www.boydsmillspress.com
Pamela F. Kirby's WHAT BLUEBIRDS DO (9781590786147, $18.95) follows a backyard bird's
routines and uses color photos and easy text to capture the bird's life from nest to adulthood. The
gorgeous bluebird photos invite kids to learn about their own backyard residents. Laurence
Pringle's ALLIGATORS AND CROCODILES! STRANGE AND WONDERFUL
(9781590782569, $16.95) tells of the crocs and alligators who outlived dinosaurs and went on to
evolve to modern creatures, packing bright drawings throughout. From baby alligators that call to
their mothers inside their eggs to grown crocs and gators, this is an excellent survey, paired with
Meryl Henderson's realistic drawings throughout.
My Little Book of Bald Eagles
Hope Irvin Marston & Stephanie Mirocha
Windward Publishing
c/o Finney Company
8075 215th St. West, Lakeville, MN 55044
www.finneyco.com
9780893170684, $7.95, www.amazon.com
"My Little Book of Bald Eagles" is the latest book in a nature series designed and written by
author Hope Irvin for children ages 5-10. Beautiful natural landscapes highlighting daily habits
of eagles illustrate each page of this fact-filled book. The full life cycle of a normal eagle is
represented throughout the book. Solo flights, learning to fish and fly, building a nest; these are
all activities of eagles that are explained and shown. The awkwardness of the fledgling eaglets
and the unstinting devotion of the eagle parents is accurately described and illustrated. Other
pertinent facts about bald eagles (i.e. they are an endangered species, legal ways that American
Indians can acquire eagle feathers, etc.) are found in the Author's Note at the end. Nicely
enhanced throughout with the illustrations of Stephanie Mirocha, "My Little Book of Bald
Eagles" is an excellent naturalist's teaching tool for elementary age students.
Itsy Bitsy & Teeny Weeny
Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen
Illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen
Sleeping Bear Press
310 North Main St., Ste. 300, Chelsea, MI 48118
www.sleepingbearpress.com
9781585364176, $16.95, www.amazon.com
"Itsy Bitsy & Teeny Weeny" is the latest book in the Hazel Ridge Farm Story series by husband
and wife team Robbyn and Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen. The stories are drawn from the couple's
individual experiences in wildlife rehabilitation and farm life, and they convey an attitude of
loving respect for animals and their habitat. "Itsy Bitsy & Teeny Weeny" is the story of two
animal orphans, a fawn and a lamb, who are found and raised as orphan siblings when their
respective parent(s) are unable to finish the job of rearing them. Both young animals manage to
endure, thanks to their foster parents' intervention, and then begins a process of growth and
differentiation that ultimately leads to each animal seeking its own best path. "Itsy Bitsy & Teeny
Weeny" will tug at heartstrings while it tickles funnybones, while serving to remind that all life is
miraculous and a gift to be cherished.
Bug Feats Of Montana
Deborah Richie Oberbillig
Farcountry Press
PO Box 5630, Helena, MT 59604
www.farcountrypress.com
9781560374442, $14.95, www.amazon.com
Fun and informative, Deborah Richie Oberbillig's "Bug Feats Of Montana" is the newest addition
to the Farcountry Explorer series. Superbly illustrated on every page by Robert Rath, "Bug Feats
Of Montana" provides children and their parents with information on commonly encountered
insects in Montana's yards, gardens, and fields. Of special note are the 'Bug Finding Tips' to
guide young and inquiring minds in their pursuit of finding and identifying the insects listed in
"Bug Feats Of Montana". Each insect is showcased with background information that is
informed, informative, and thoroughly 'kid friendly'. "Bug Feats Of Montana" is enthusiastically
recommended for family, school, and community library collections -- and would serve
wonderfully well as a template for similar compendiums on insect life in other sections of the
country.
The Gaming Shelf
Gary's Adventures In Chess Country
Igor Sukhin
Mongoose Press
1005 Boylston St., #324, Newton, MA 02461
www.MongoosePress.com
9780979148224, $23.95, www.amazon.com
With an informative introduction by Susan Polgar, "Gary's Adventures In Chess Country" by Igor
Sukhin is a complete guide to the fascinations of learning the complexities of chess geared to
children age 6-10 years. The study of chess has been demonstrated to enhance a multitude of
desirable abilities, including patience, planning, improved self-image, and imagination, in
addition to contributing to increased success in academic test scores. "Gary's Adventures in
Chess Country" is deliberately designed to appeal to the "non-geek" students who might have
dismissed chess exploration as "too hard" or "too boring," etc. Exciting illustrations and stories
are used to describe and illustrate the different pieces and moves, and anecdotes about the history
of chess are woven into the text. At the end of the book, a list of puzzles from the notebook and
answers to the chess problems are presented and explained. Hey, who knew learning to play
chess was so much fun?
The Music Shelf
Picnic Playground
Jay Mankita, et al.
Putumayo Kids
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas Publicity
5505 SW Illinois St., Portland, OR 97221
www.putumayokids.com
B002B4GFNY, $15.98, www.amazon.com
The theme of a brand new music CD for children from Putumayo Kids are songs about food,
cooking and healthy eating. Drawing from Australia, Cuba, Denmark, France, German, Canada,
Trinidad, South Africa, and the USA, "Picnic Playground" offers a toe-tapping internationally
oriented entertainment that will engage the attention and appreciation of children. A flawless
technical production, this CD features twelve entertaining compositions that include Eat Like a
Rainbow; Mes Parents Sant Bio; Bolitas de Arroz con Pollo; Ice Cream; Goutez-les;
Peberpelikan; Beautiful Day; Bowl of Cherries; Pomodora; shoo fly Pie; Let's Bake Cookies; and
Milch. Unique, original, thoroughly 'kid friendly', and enthusiastically recommended for family,
preschool, elementary school, and community library CD music collections, "Picnic Playground"
features liner notes in English, Spanish and French.
Field Trips With Recess Monkey
Monkey Mama
c/o Waldmania!
130 Maywood Dr., San Francisco, CA 94127
DVD, $20.00, www.recessmonkeytown.com
There are a lot of really great children's music videos available today. But how many of those
DVDs also feature hand puppets and field trips! The member group known as 'Recess Monkey'
have a newly debuted DVD, "Field Trips With Recess Monkey" in which they take the
toe-tapping young viewer to four fun-filled locations in their hometown of Seattle, Washington
for a total of 90 minutes of rollicking musical fun inspired by those elementary school field trips
we all remember from our own collective childhoods. A technically flawless recording, the
musical numbers comprising "Field Trips With Recess Monkey" includes Fort; Hot Chocolate;
Marshmallow Farm; Haven't Got a Pet Yet; bubble Factory; Birthday Bite; Backpack; Under My
Bed; Green Monster; Boogie Monster; S-L-E-E-P-Over; Rainbow Road; and Monkey Bars.
Original, imaginative, and totally fun, "Field Trips With Recess Monkey" is highly recommended
for family school, and community library music DVD collections for kids.
The Science Shelf
Faces Of The Moon
Bob Crelin & Leslie Evans
Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main St., Watertown, MA 02472
www.charlesbridge.com
9781570917851, $16.95, www.amazon.com
It's simply universal human nature to look up in the night sky and wonder about the moon, to
question why there are times when the moon can be seen at dusk, at dawn, and even at midday.
To pay attention to the phases of the moon as it gives the appearance of waxing and waning as
the lunar month progresses. That's why Bob Crelin's "Faces Of The Moon" will prove
informative and popular with children ages 6 through 9 with its innovative die-cuts and playful
poetry introduces the names and shapes of the lunar phases, providing explanations with respect
to the role light and shadow play in these visual transformations. Superbly illustrated by Leslie
Evans, "Faces Of The Moon" is very highly recommended as an addition to family, school, and
community library Astronomy and Science collections for young readers.
Hurricane!
Celia Godkin, author and artist
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
311 Washington St. Brighton, MA 02135
9781554550807, $19.95 www.fitzhenry.ca
"Hurricane!" is a beautifully illustrated children's book using a naturalist's approach to describing
the effects and impact of a tropical super storm, or hurricane. Wonderful detailed pictures of
manatees, birds, opossum, squirrels, shellfish, and mangrove trees are used to educate the reader.
The process of the formation of a tropical super storm is traced and a world map showing
distribution of mangroves and locations of major tropical super-storms is shown. The crucial role
of mangrove swamps in protecting wildlife during tropical super-storms is emphasized. Aside
from answering common human concerns about the effects of tropical super-storms,
"Hurricanes!" endeavors to explain the need to preserve wetlands and mangrove swamps
"because they help feed, cleanse, and protect human communities...(as well as) serve as buffer
zones that protect human settlements from storms ." Such educational approaches are ever more
necessary as we observe the increasing effects of global warming, including tropical super
storms, or hurricanes.
The Activities Shelf
Try This At Home: Planet-Friendly Projects for Kids
editors of Owl Magazine
Owlkids Publishing
10 Lower Spadina Avenue, Suite 400, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5V 2Z2
www.owlkids.com
9782895791928, $14.95, www.amazon.com
"Try This at Home" contains suggestions and instructions for over 20 do-it-yourself eco-friendly
crafts and activities for tweens, as well as lots of fun eco-facts and figures along with an eco-IQ
quiz and profiles of environmental activists. Full color illustrations and photographs punctuate
the text with playful bursts. Do you know what your eco footprint is? "Think Green" will tell
you. Have you ever tried to plant a pizza? Can you fix your bicycle when it breaks? Have you
ever organized or attended a swap meet? What is your favorite green activity? These and many
more intriguing questions will be raised and answered in "Try This at Home." Created by the
editors of Owl magazine for children, "Try This at Home" promises to become the go-to book for
environmentally aware teachers and parents of 'tweens everywhere.
Just Like My Mommy
Agnese Baruzzi
Innovative Kids
c/o Innovative USA, Inc.
18 Ann St., Norwalk, CT 06854-2258
www.innovativekids.com
9781584766643, $19.99, www.amazon.com
An updated modern day version of paper dolls, "Just Like My Mommy" is a unique and beautifully
illustrated activity book that offers sixty distinct pieces that can be made into hundreds of
different possible magnetic-outfit combinations allowing little girls to 'mix and match' various
out combinations dressing up like their mommies might. The intricate collage-style designs offer
hours and hours of fun enhanced with intricate details of costuming with the magnetic clothing
easily adhering to the tilt-up pages. As original as it is entertaining, "Just Like My Mommy" is an
ideal and highly recommended activity for play time, rainy day amusements, and shared event
mother-daughter bonding.
The Mystery of Journeys Crowne
K. Michael Crawford
Privately Published
www.virtualbookworms.com
9780981794006, $14.95, www.amazon.com
"The Mystery of Journeys Crowne: An Adventure Drawing Game" is a Bazel Lark drawing
adventure/mystery book. Appealing to creative kids age 8 and older, this lavishly illustrated clue
hunter's tome will fill hours of drawing and thinking time. Encouraging hands-on artistic talent
development is what author/illustrator K. Michael Crawford does best. Readers and drawers will
need a pencil, eraser, and markers or colored pencils to finish their embellishments. Young
artistic sleuths must figure out each clue/solution in sequence, and they are encouraged to do
independent research through the library or use of the internet to solve clues and make drawings.
Readers agree to have a weapon-free adventure in the beginning. They must use their imagination
to find ways to play and win the game with no weapons drawn (pun intended). Artists must also
agree to Bazel's Creed, which includes "I agree to not use anyone else's answers and to keep my
quest protected from those who wish to get there before me or I agree to kiss my mom in front of
my friends." (Did I mention I love this book?) And then there's also "I agree to do my best no
matter what or I agree to eat a worm." To summarize, K. Michael Crawford may be a mystery,
but he certainly understands the soul and psyche of an eight -year-old! His most appealing book
will encourage and hone artistic, creative, logical, research, and self-entertainment skills, not to
mention promote positive, peaceful approaches to knotty problems like thwarting would-be
world dominators! "The Mystery of Journeys Crowne" is the heartfelt answer to a violent
video/computer games-beleaguered parent's prayer. It is also the perfect answer to the question,
"What kind of child would you like to raise?"
The Family Issues Shelf
Mommy Breastfeeds My Baby Brother
Mark Repkin & David Moneysmith
Istoria House
PO Box 6342, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
www.mommybreastfeeds.com
9780981653808, $16.99, www.amazon.com
"Mommy Breastfeeds My Baby Brother" is an educational children's book specifically written by
Mark Repkin to help older siblings understand and accept the importance supporting of the
special nurturing relationship between Mommy and the new baby, whom she breastfeeds. The
story is aimed at two year old Jenna learning to find her new role in the process of helping her
baby brother grow up happy and healthy, nourished by breastfeeding. Jenna goes through many
reactions to the strange process and experience, but her special Feeding Time toys help her to
accept sharing her mother's attention with Spencer, her new baby brother. David Moneysmith's
charming color illustrations make "Mommy Breastfeeds My Baby Brother" a reassuring choice
for young parents who are coping with breast feeding a baby with a toddler sibling or two.
Paul The Pack Rat
Vickie J. Belmore, et al.
New Horizon Press
PO Box 669, Far Hills, NJ 07931
www.newhorizonpressbooks.com
9780882823072, $8.95, www.amazon.com
The ability to empathize, to share, to play fairly are not genetically ingrained traits for children.
They are a system of ethics, attitudes, and behaviors that must be taught them. Clearly, the best
way to teach such qualities to a child is for them to be modeled by others (especially parents).
The second best way is for them to be played out within the entertaining context of a picture
book story. That is why "Paul The Pack Rat: Helping Children Learn To Share" by Vickie J.
Belmore and Corey Hoover is such an invaluable instructional tool for parents, teachers, and care
givers working with young children. Enhanced with the cartoon style artwork of Paul Ciaravino,
"Paul The Pack Rat" is the story of a creature who hoards everything from beach towels to board
games. His animal friends invite him to a picnic but he's too busy taking inventory on his
possessions to accept the invitation. Plus, he refuses to let his friends use any of his frisbees or
balls at their picnic. But when trouble strikes, all his friends come to his aid and rescue. That's
when Paul the Pack Rate learns a true life lesson -- people (especially friends) matter more than
possessions. Also very highly recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and
community library collections from New Horizon Press is Frederick Alimonti and Ann M.
Tedesco's "Tommy And The T-Tops: Helping Children Overcome Prejudice" (9780882823058,
$8.95).
Jake The Friendly Fish
Senetta R. Pitts Lancaster
Vantage Press Inc.
419 Park Avenue South, 18th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.vantagepress.com
9780533160143, $7.95, www.amazon.com
"Jake The Friendly Fish" is a simply but effectively written story of moving to a new home and
settling in as seen and experienced by a young girl. At first the girl and her mother don't know
anyone in their new apartment building. But they soon make the acquaintance of an elderly lady
named Ms. Mary who gives the girl a fish in a fish bowl as a house warming gift. That is the
beginning of the making of new friends in a new place! "Jake The Friendly Fish" is an ideal
picture book story for any young child having to get used to living in a new place and making
new friends.
Where Are You?
Laura Olivieri & Kristin Elder
Lulu Press
860 Aviation Parkway, Suite 300, Morrisville, NC 27560
9781435700918, $13.94, www.amazon.com
Sooner or later, in every young life there will occur a deeply personal loss of a beloved family
member or friend. That is something every parent is keenly aware of and wanting to provide
some kind of help and consolation in their child's grief. That's what author Laura Olivieri
experienced in her own life. It's also what inspired her to write "Where Are You?: A Child's
Book About Loss". Very nicely illustrated in full color by Kristin Elder, this story about the death
of a young boy's father and the lonely absences from his life, as well as the ultimate realization
that it is within his heart and memory that he will continue to be close to his father, is a simply
wonderful message to share with any other child who is grieving a similar loss in their young
lives. "Where Are You?" is an especially recommended addition to community library
collections for the enduring benefit of their communities.
Hugging Grandma
Zina Kramer & Dave Messing
Ferne Press
c/o Purple Cow LLC
6339 E. Greenway Blvd., #102-278, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
9781933916385, $12.95, www.amazon.com
When a little girl's Grandma Sylvia stops doing all the wonderful things they used to do together,
and even neglects her birthday, she worries that somehow her grandmother has stopped loving
her. That's when the little girl's mother explains that Grandma Sylvia has Alzheimer's and that
they must continue to love Grandma Sylvia and help her out in various ways. "Hugging
Grandma" is superbly written by Zina Kramer and lovingly illustrated by Dave Messing. More
than just another ordinary picture book, "Hugging Grandma" will prove invaluable for any parent
or care giver helping a child cope with Alzheimer's in their family, and is a deftly effective way
to explain to young children about Alzheimer's. Simply stated, "Hugging Grandma" should be a
part of every community library collection.
The Little Word Catcher
Danielle Simard
Illustrated by Genevieve Cote
Second Story Press
20 Maud Street, Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 2M5
9781897187449, $14.95 www.orcabook.com
"The Little Word Catcher" is a new children's book about a granddaughter's growing
understanding of the effects that Alzheimer's disease has upon her beloved grandmother. Since
her grandmother seems to be losing her words, Elise decides to try to help by "lending " words
back to her, and by trying to catch her words with a net as fast as she is losing them. The process
Elise is watching in her grandmother is saddening and confusing to her. But with help, she
decides that her grandmother has used up her words and is passing them on to her. The words are
not lost, instead they are a miraculous gift to the future. "The Little Word Catcher" is very
sensitively written for children ages 5-8. Its award winning illustrations are particularly effective,
enhancing the story as described in Canada's 2007 Governor General's Award for Illustration:
"The technique of successive, reworked photocopies creates a muted, slurry effect that poignantly
translates the fading and gradual loss of memory." "The Little Word Catcher" is a finely
developed tool to assist children and families in understanding and accepting the erosions of
Alzheimer's disease in a beloved, familiar, mature mind and psyche.
Sisters Are From Heaven
Onjeinika Brooks and Tamika Jackson
Xlibris
International Plaza II, Suite 340, Philadelphia, PA 19113
9781425752293 (hardcover), $18.99
9781425752255 (paperback), $12.99
www.xlibris.com/bookstore www.amazon.com
"Sisters Are From Heaven" is a heartwarming story about the love between sisters. Not excluding
moments of difficulty, pain or upset, the pathways of a relationship between two sisters are
described in text and represented in colorful photographs of two real sisters in daily familiar
situations and settings involving work and play activities. Co-created by two talented sisters, with
photographs of their daughters, "Sisters Are From Heaven " seems designed to appeal to young,
preschool age children, to help them pursue the best in their lives together. Emphasizing the God
given gift of family and siblings, "Sisters Are From Heaven" is bound to please, attract and
gently enlighten. Parents and sibling will welcome it and make it a favorite.
The Picturebook Shelf
Wormy, the Hairy Caterpillar, and the Rainbow
Olga Villa & Pedro Aguirre
Soto Publishing Company
P. O. Box 10, Dade City, FL 33526
www.sotopublishingcompany.com
9780982171103, $9.95, www.amazon.com
"Wormy, the Hairy Caterpillar, and the Rainbow" is a charming children's paperback tale by
children's author Olga Villa of a hairy little caterpillar who longs to find and crawl up his best
rainbow so he can get his grownup colors and be a butterfly like Mommy and Daddy. Wormy
gets discouraged and impatient waiting for his rainbow, but Mommy and Daddy encourage him
and one day after a dreary day at school, Wormy climbs up a blossoming apple tree and finds his
perfect rainbow! Now if he can only crawl high enough to find his wings! Just when he starts to
slide down the rainbow, afraid he will never find his wings, he discovers the rainbow wrapping
itself around him and out of it come his beautiful wings! Then he flies high into the sky and finds
his beautiful wing change color and let him eat wonderful apple blossoms to celebrate! "Wormy
the Hairy Caterpillar and the Rainbow" is a magical tale of endurance, perseverance, and
enchantment that will appeal to ages 3-7. The colorful illustrations by Pedro Aguirre add texture
and depth to enhance the impact of this morality fable.
My Grandchild, There's No One Like You
Dr. Kevin Leman & Kevi Leman II
Illustrated by Kevin Leman II
Revell
c/o Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.revellbooks.com
9780800718909, $12.99, www.amazon.com
"My Grandchild, There's No One Like You" is a warm and delightful children's book about two
lucky grandcubs (grandchildren bears) who get to visit their Grandma and Grandpaw Bear and
have a wonderful time. Whether dressing up in old clothes, eating dessert first, making cookies,
fishing with Grandpaw, or jumping on Grandma's bed before their nap, the grandcubs have a
special time visiting the Grandbears. The message is the memories that they are building will last
a lifetime and reach across generations to the future to be passed down to their grandchildren one
day. "My Grandchild, There's No One Like You" expresses the love that founds generations and
keeps on giving. The humorous bear illustrations add gentle detail to the story. Aimed at children
ages 3-8, "My Grandchild, There's No One Like You" can be enjoyed by grandchildren of all
ages.
Baron Thinks Dogs Are People Too!
Laurie Dean & Kevin Collier
Dragon Pencil
c/o Big Tent Books
115 Bluebill Drive, Savannah, GA 31419
www.BaronThinks.com
9781601310354,$14.00, www.amazon.com
"Baron Thinks Dogs Are People Too" is a charming children's book by children's author Laurie
Dean about a loveable dog whose exuberance requires training and revision for safety, but not
removal. His goal is to find a best friend and in the process of adapting to changes at home and at
doggy school, Baron learns a variant of "The best way to have a friend is to be a friend." The
charming colorful illustrations by Kevin Collier are like exuberant cartoons, further expressing
the endless energy and love of Baron. Aimed at children ages 3-9, "Baron Thinks Dogs Are
People Too!" will enchant and charm its intended audience. As an added plus, one dollar for
every book sale will be donated by the author to Operation Smile, a medical charity that helps
repair cleft palates and cleft lips of children throughout the world.
The Woollyhoodwinks vs. The Dark Patch
Phil Dumesnil & Asa Sanchez, authors
Jeff Root & Scott Runcorn, illustrators
Immedium Inc.
PO Box 31846, San Francisco, CA 94127
www.immedium.com
9781597020121, $15.95, www.amazon.com
"The Woolyhoodwinks vs. The Dark Patch" is a charming book about five distinctive creatures
called 'woollyhoodwinks' who resemble sock puppets. Descriptively named Ozard, Ludic, Reddy,
Junco, and Fluke, the woollyhoodwinks display and use their eccentricities/talents to solve the
problem of the Dark Patch, a mysterious infestation of the Black North Forest. Something dire
this way comes, but you can be sure the solution to the problem of fear is inbred in a small bit of
light called the Firefly, who encourages even the least brave among us. "The Woollyhoodwinks
vs. The Dark Patch" is creative story telling at its best, full of twists and turns, textures and
threads, rhymes and reasons. Imaginatively designed to appeal to children ages 4-8, the poetry
and pictures of 'the Woollyhoodwinks vs. The Dark Patch" are unforgettable and delightful.
Adding to the joyful experience of this book, undoubtedly the first of a successful series, actual
Woollyhoodwinks plush dolls can be purchased through gift and museum stores as well, or at
www.wollyhoodwinks.com.
In Search of the Perfect Pumpkin
Gloria Evangelista
Illustrated by Shawn Shea
Fulcrum Publishing
4690 Table Mountain Drive, Suite 100, Golden, CO 80403
9781555916978, $7.95 www.fulcrumbooks.com
"In Search of the Perfect Pumpkin" is a colorful, 32 page paperback romp with the Pucci family
in their exploration of the world of pumpkins; specifically, prize-winning pie pumpkins. After
trying pumpkins from Iowa, organic pumpkins, and pumpkins from the local grocery store.
While results measured by brother and sister Pucci in pie eating delight were good, the search for
excellence continued. Finally the father decides the family will grow their own to achieve the
best ever pumpkins for pumpkin pie. "In Search of the Perfect Pumpkin" contains interesting fact
about the history of pumpkins (they have been grown for food in America for over 5000 years
and were unknown in Europe before Columbus -), pumpkin growing tips, and a recipe for
pumpkin pie. The imaginative, slightly loopy illustrations add to the enjoyment of the book's
intended audience, children ages 4-8. "In Search of the Perfect Pumpkin" is the perfect fall
harvest children's book, carrying the interest through the spring growing season into the fall.
Clara Meets Mr. Twiddles
Lynnette A. Murray-Gibson
Illustrated by Nancy Scheibe
Five Star Publications, Inc.
P. O. Box 6698, Chandler, AZ 85246-6698
www.FiveStarPublications.com
9781589851238, $15.95, www.amazon.com
"Clara Meets Mr. Twiddles: The Magical Adventures of Clara the Cleaning Lady" is a
wonderfully imaginative book about a very territorial cat named Mr. Twiddles and a determined,
empowered cleaning lady named Clara, who has Very Special Powers that enable her to
understand and speak to cats. As cat owners and lovers everywhere will recognize, Mr. Twiddles
resents Clara cleaning his home and most especially, his personal napping chair. He orders her to
leave his chair alone but she makes no such promises, because she is no ordinary cleaning lady,
as Mr. Twiddles discovers. Well of course, Mr. Twiddles is no ordinary cat. (Has anyone ever
known an ordinary cat?) The ensuing exchange is polite, gentle, strong, and heart warming to all.
Beautiful full color illustrations enhance and complement this children's book perfectly. Quite a
significant amount of assumptions about space, identity, prejudice, powers, and integrity are
skillfully challenged and explored in "Clara Meets Mr. Twiddles." The author is devoted to
charitable causes and will donate a portion of the sales of the book to support her foundation
which funds literacy and educational services in Liberia, the author's birthplace. "Clara Meets
Mr. Twiddles" is just the right combination of fun, fact, fable, and fine education. It will appeal
to children ages 4-8.
Just Like My Papa
Pamela Haught Stuart
Illustrations by Ana Rae Stuart
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.authorhouse.com
9781434353696, $10.00, www.amazon.com
"Just Like My Papa" is a wonderful children's tale of growing up to be a cowboy, "just like my
Papa." Written in whimsical verse and "cowboyese," "Just Like My Papa" literally paints a
picture of the ideal life of a cowboy. "Just Like My Papa" is charming, soulful and sincere, but
never formidable. It will appeal to children ages 4-8.
Kajsa in the Middle
Sandi Adams
Illustrated by Beth Schiesher
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.authorhouse.com
9781434394972, $10.00, www.amazon.com
"Kajsa in the Middle" is a story of a two-and-a-half year old girl whose world is about to
change because her parents will be bringing home a new baby sister soon. Kajsa worries about
this event and confides in her cat, Irish. Though Kajsa has been happy to feel the baby kicking in
her mother's tummy, she is not sure what including the new baby will do to her role and position
in the family. She will no longer be the little-bittiest girl in the family. Suppose her father no
longer wants to carry her, or her mother read bedtime stories to her? She will have to learn to be
"Kajsa int the Middle." But is being in the middle a bad thing? Kajsa does some very serious
thinking about this. For after all she wants people to know that she can think big thoughts even
though she is little. After some very careful deliberation, Kajsa decides that being "Kajsa in the
Middle" is just who she wants to be after all, with many hugs and much love to share all around
the whole family. Charming sketches of wide-eyed girls and soft gray kitties make "Kajsa in the
Middle" a unique collaboration. "Kajsa" is a Swedish pet name for Katrina or Katherine, and
"Kajsa in the Middle" was written by a grandmother especially for her granddaughters.
Grandpa's Soup
Eiko Kadona & Satomi Ichikawa
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
2140 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.eerdmans.com/youngreaders
9780802853479, $8.50, www.amazon.com
"Grandpa's Soup" is a 32-page paperback designed for children ages 4-8 that tells the poignant
tale of a widower who grieves for the death of his dear wife, eating only bread and milk day after
day. When finally he decides to attempt to reconstruct a meatball soup just like his dear wife used
to make, he uses the very smallest of his 5 cooking pots because he thinks he is only making
enough soup for himself. But he has a surprise! Three tiny mice come to be his guests for a meal
of humble meatball soup! He welcomes his guests and after feeding all of them finds just a little
soup left for himself, which he eats, noting that it does not taste quite as good as the soup his dear
wife used to make. There follows a lovely learning progression where he remembers more of the
little song his wife used to sing when she made the soup, adding more tasty ingredients and
making more soup every day, and welcoming at least one more surprise guest each time! The last
time he makes the soup, it is full of wonderful healthy ingredients and his surprise guests include
three mice, a cat, a dog and nine children, all of whom are friends and all of whom love
Grandpa's soup! Thus rejoined to the living stream of joy and life, Grandpa decides that next time
he will make soup using all his five pots! "Grandpa's Soup" is beautifully illustrated with subtle,
shaded pictures that convey the mood of each stage of Grandpa's journey from sadness to joy
again. His heartache for the absent wife is tenderly conveyed in drawings of her empty chair,
with knitting by the side, and a vase of dead flowers nearby. The same setting shows the changes
in grandpa's mood by first emptying the vase of dead flowers, then filling it with fresh new
flowers, honoring his kind wife's legacy of love for him. There are many lessons of love,
tolerance, respect, and sharing to be learned in "Grandpa's Soup."
Saving Bonehead
Don Arends & Michael LaDuca
Mission Manuscripts Inc.
1000 Jorie Blvd., Suite 206, Oak Brook, IL 60523
www.missionmanuscripts.com
9780976888024, $14.50, www.amazon.com
Engagingly written by Don Arends and colorfully illustrated in a cartoon style by Micahel
LaDuca, "Saving Bonehead: The Ten-foot Hammerhead Shark" is an original picturebook story
of an 800-pound baby shark whose curiosity gets the better of him when he hears a strange noise
while swimming in the ocean with his mother and father. In seeking out the noise up on the
surface of the ocean, Hammerhead bumps his head and needs the care of his friends in the coral
reef like Grandpa Group and Doc Clark (a friendly octopus). With teamwork, problem solving,
imagination, and individual underwater abilities, Hammerhead is well taken care of in a beautiful
rehab lagoon. Inventive, entertaining, and a perfect storybook message for young readers
preschool through the second grade, "Saving Bonehead" is highly recommended for family,
school, and community library picture book collections.
Blind Tom
Shirley Raye Redmond & Lois Bradley
Mountain Press Publishing Company
PO Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
www.mountain-press.com
9780878425587, $10.00, www.amazon.com
There really was a blind horse called Tom who worked pulling flatcars for construction crews
who were building our country's first transcontinental railroad. Now that story has been historical
re-told by author Shirley Raye Redmond in "Blind Tom: The Horse Who Helped Build The
Great Railroad", published by the Mountain Press Publishing Company and charmingly
illustrated by University of New Mexico art student Lois Bradley. This 48-page paperback
picture book is enhanced for young readers ages 5 and older with a glossary of 'Things to Know'
and bibliographic references so the young reader can learn more about the transcontinental
railroad. As informative as it is entertaining, this true story of the handicapped horse who became
famous in his own time is very highly recommended reading and certain to become a popular
addition to school and community library collections.
Walk In Peace
Ingrid Hess
Herald Press
616 Walnut Ave., Scottsdale, PA 15683-1999
www.heraldpress.com
9780836194692, $12.99, www.amazon.com
A gentle and inspirational picture book for young readers, "Walk In Peace" is a charmingly
illustrated compilation of scenes where a child, upon leaving the company of a parent to go to
school, visiting a friend, walk to the market, and a myriad of other errands, is given a parental
blessing and prayer in the repeated refrain 'God loves you, sweet child. Walk in peace.' A simple,
effective, entertaining, and thoroughly charming picture book written and illustrated Ingrid Hess,
"Walk In Peace" is very highly recommended -- especially for parent/child story telling time.
Mabel Takes A Paddle
Emily Chetkowski
PublishingWorks, Inc.
151 Epping Rd., Exeter, NH 03833
www.PublishingWorks.com
9781933002996, $12.95, www.amazon.com
The third and newest title telling of the many adventures of a little dog named Mabel is Emily
Chetskowski's "Mabel Takes A Paddle". Charmingly illustrated in full color by Susan Spellman,
this is the story of Mabel's ride in a kayak and admiring the wildlife of Orange Lake in the state
of Maine. But the animals she sees around the lake seem frightened and run away form her. It
can't be Mabel who is doing her best to be non-threatening. It's got to be something else -- and
young readers will truly enjoy finding out what it is. Also very highly recommended for young
readers and community library collections are the two previous episodes of Mabel's adventures:
"Mabel Takes A Sail" (9781880158265, $12.95) and "Mabel Takes The Ferry" (9781880158371,
$12.95).
Charlie And Mama Kyna
Diana Rumjahn
Booksurge LLC
7290-B Investment Dr., Charleston, SC 29418
www.dianarumjahn.com
9781419656873, $15.99, www.amazon.com
Written by Diana Rumjahn, "Charlie And Mama Kyna" is an entertaining children's picture book
that is based on the story of her internationally acclaimed and award-winning film 'Going Home'.
The illustrations are also drawn from the film as well. Three friends, Charlie (a frog), along with
his two friends Leo (a lion) and Joe (a giraffe), are traveling together on a journey to Charlie's
mother's home, a little white cottage with big red brick steps. But having to go through the big
city, it's turning out to be quite an adventure for our intrepid trio! "Charlie And Mama Kyna" is charming and colorful entertainment, as well as a welcome and highly recommended addition to
family, school, and community library picture book collections.
Benny The Baffled Behemoth
Melissa Leembruggen
Clay Bridges Communications & Publishing
300 South Ridge Avenue, Troy, OH 45373
www.claybridges.com
9780615232041, $15.99, www.amazon.com
As described in the Bible, a 'behemoth' is a very large animal. Benny is just such an animal and
for some reason unknown to him, God has made Benny's skin with a great many colors. This
results in Benny's considerable confusion and compels him on a journey to meet his 'King
Creator' to discover the reasons behind his coloration and what Benny's ultimate purpose in life
would be. "Melissa Leembruggen's original tales is distinctively illustrated by the imaginative
artistry of Trish McKinney. The result is a seminal and compelling story for young children with
an underlying and valued message of hope, purpose, love, and faith.
Druffles The D. J.
William Hibert & Hugh O'Halloran
A Bear Group Publishing Inc.
11 Harper Avenue, Montrose, NY 10548
www.druffles.com
9780975489208, $11.95, www.amazon.com
The debut title of A Bear Group Publishing Inc., "Druffles The D. J." is the collaborative work of
William Hibert and Hugh O'Halloran. Druffles is an upbeat and optimistic young dog who shows
by his example how young readers can deal with life's disappointments, that everyone has a
special ability, and that wil a positive attitude, a persevering determination, and a little help from
friends, we can all accomplish wonderful things for ourselves and for others. Colorfully
illustrated in a cartoon-style, "Druffles The D. J." is imaginative, original, 'kid friendly', and a
welcome addition to family, school, and community library picture book collections.
An Angel To Watch Over
Laura Reavis & Gary Withrow
Angel Insights Press
c/o Concierge Marketing
13518 'L' Street, Omaha, NE 68137
www.AngelInsightsPress.com
9780980009101, $9.99, www.amazon.com
Drawing upon her personal beliefs and experiences as a hospital chaplin, Laura Reavis has
written a light-hearted, kid-friendly story about who guardian angels are and what they do with
and for their young charges. The simple storyline is enhanced for young readers with the
colorfully artwork of Gary Withrow. Highly recommended reading, this remarkable and original
children's picture book is highly recommended for family and community library collections. It
should also be noted that Laura Reavis is the founder of The Angel Foundation, a non-profit
organization dedicated providing financial assistance to families with hospitalized children, and
that this laudable cause will be benefit from the sale of this delightful children's book.
Joe Lee And The Boo
Ryan Jacobson & Elizabeth Hurley
Getch! Books
c/o Lake 7 Creative
530 Park Street South, Mora, MN 55051
www.getchubooks.com
9780982118702, $14.95, www.amazon.com
An original and thoroughly 'kid friendly' story by Ryan Jacobson, "Joe Lee And The Boo: Who's
Afraid Of Monsters?" is colorfully illustrated by Elizabeth Hurley and introduces Joe Lee Jensen,
a little boy who is afraid of creatures that he sees everywhere throughout his home. In the
kitchen, the basement, and even his bedroom! With his faithful little dog, Joe Lee is going to try
to overcome his fears if he can. Specifically written to help young readers overcome imaginary
fears like those of our little protagonist, "Joe Lee And The Boo" also shows the positive power of
imagination. Parents, teachers, and caregivers will appreciate the inclusion of discussion
questions to help children become involved in the process of problem-solving their way through
their anxieties. "Joe Lee And The Boo" is especially recommended for school and community
library collections.
Puppy Stew
Caroline Gregory & Michael Suorsa
Sortis Publishing
2193 East Claxton Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85296
www.sortispublishing.com
9780977202591, $8.99, www.amazon.com
When a lost little puppy is discovered in the park by a grumpy old witch, what she thinks of is
how good it would be to make a meal of the little canine. The only problem she can see is that
because the puppy is so skinny it will take a bit of time to fatten him up for the pot! But when
he's ready for that pot he will be delicious! What the witch will unexpectedly find out is the
emotional power a cute and companiable puppy can have to disrupt even the most anticipated of
dinner plans! "Puppy Stew" is quirky, fun, original, beautifully illustrated by Michael Suorsa in
perfect complement to Caroline Gregory's thoroughly entertaining story that will delight young
readers and prove to be a popular addition to school and community library picture book
collections!
Morning Rain
Sheila Cayolle & Kal Mebane
Pontchartrain Publishing Company
26107 Mill Creek Ave., Alpharetta, GA 30022
9780578013183, $14.95, www.wwaow.com
Rainstorms are a familiar part of everyone's childhood. What Sheila Cayolle has done in
"Morning Rain" is describe in entertaining detail using single sentence descriptions what a little
girl sees from her window as she watches what happens around her during a thunderstorm. When
the storm has passed, she is back outside to play in the sun shine. Enhanced with the full-page
artwork of Kal Mebane, "Morning Rain" is a gentle and entertaining picture book story that is
ideal for beginning readers and would make a popular addition to any family, school, or
community library collection.
Dezzer The Gasser
Lorraine Florido & John Ewing
Thinkus Publishers
7950 NW 155th Street, #203, Miami Lakes, FL 33016
www.thinkuspublishers.com
9780981844909, $15.99, www.amazon.com
Dezzer is an ordinary baby with extraordinary flatulence that is the bane and embarrassment of
his long suffering family -- until the family encounter a bear in the cabin where they are
vacationing. A rollicking fun and funny story by Lorraine Florido, "Dezzer The Gasser" is
illustrated in true Disney style by former Disney animator and artist John W. Ewing. The result is
an original and simply hilarious picture book that will be wildly popular with its young
readers!
Mary's First Thanksgiving
Kathy-jo Wargin & Robert Papp
Zonderkidz
c/o Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530
www.zondervan.com
9780310711797, $16.99, www.amazon.com
Robert Papp's museum quality artwork gracefully illustrates Kathy-jo Wargin's inspiring story of
Mary, a young pilgrim girl and her family's celebration of the first celebration of Thanksgiving in
our new country. Overcoming many problems, such as bringing seeds from England that
wouldn't seem to grow. But the Native Americans arrived to show them how to successfully
plant corn and thereby saved the newly arrived pilgrims from certain starvation. "Mary's First
Thanksgiving" is a simply beautiful and genuinely entertaining picture book that would grace any
family, school, church, or community library collection.
Carl The Frog
David N. Weiss & Pete Whitehead
Worthwhile Books
5080 Santa Fe Street, San Diego, CA 92109
Media Masters Publicity (karen@mmpublicity.com)
www.myworthwhilebooks.com
9781600103384, $16.99, www.amazon.com
Carl is handicapped by his very long tongue and huge appetite whenever he tries to make a
friend. But when a kingfisher sees Carl as his potential dinner, Carl discovers how to control his
tongue and change his table manners when around others. A rollickingly funny story by David N.
Weiss is delightfully illustrated in cartoon-style by Pete Whitehead. The result is a terrifically 'kid
friendly' picturebook that will make an enduringly popular addition to family, school, and
community library collections for young and appreciative readers.
Wolf Camp
Katie McKy & Bonnie Leick
Tanglewood Press
PO Box 3009 Terre Haute, IN 47803
www.tanglewoodbooks.com
9781933718217, $15.95, www.amazon.com
Summer camp can change a child. But when Maddie upon returning home from Camp Wolf
starts snapping at flies, howls at fire trucks, and chases squirrels on all fours, that's not the kind
of change her mother is comfortable with! Does Maddie have an overly active imagination or is
something else going on? "Wolf Camp" combines the deft writing of Katie McKy with the
superbly drawn illustrations of Bonnie Leick to create an original, entertaining, lively, highly
recommended picturebook story that will thoroughly delight young readers ages 4 to 8.
If I Were A Farmer
Gorden W. Frederickson & David Jewell
Beaver's Pond Press
7104 Ohms Lane, Suite 101, Edina, MN 55439
www.BeaversPondPress.com www.twoguysfromscottcountry.com
9781592982769, $11.95, www.amazon.com
Nancy is a little girl who simply loves all the farm animals -- but most especially the cows. That's
why she uses her imagination as she explains to her kitty, Dusty, just what it would be like if she
were a diary farmer. An original and thoroughly entertaining story by Gorden W. Frederickson,
the full color illustrations by David Jewell truly bring "If I Were A Farmer: Nancy's Adventure"
to life for appreciative young readers. "If I Were A Farmer" is enthusiastically recommended for
family, school, and community library picture book collections.
Boris And The Wrong Shadow
Leigh Hodgkinson
Tiger Tales
PO Box 70, Iron Ridge, WI 53035
www.tigertalesbooks.com
9781589250826, $15.95, www.amazon.com
Boris is a cat who upon waking up from a very good nap realizing something just isn't quite right.
He's somehow casting the wrong shadow! To add insult to injury, it appears to be the shadow of
a mouse. This makes Boris the object of teasing by the other cats -- and even the birds. Boris sets
out to regain his proper shadow and in doing so has a grand adventure along the way! Deftly
written and beautifully illustrated by Leigh Hodgkinson, "Boris And The Wrong Shadow" is an
original, entertaining, and thoroughly 'kid friendly' picture book that will prove to be an
exceedingly popular addition to school and community library collections for young readers.
The Adventures of PJ and Split Pea
S. D. Moore & Bobbi Switzer
Outskirts Press, Inc.
10940 South Parker Road, #515, Parker, CO 80134
www.outskirtspress.com
9781432712884, $19.95, www.amazon.com
PJ is a little boy who becomes friends with a parrot named Split Pea. This particular parrot
speaks with a distinctly British accent and is rather unkempt in his appearance. This moves PJ to
give his parrot a make-over. After a serious of tries ending in humorous but less that desirable
outcomes, PJ and Split Pea learn to love and accept each other just as they are. S. D. Moore's
original and entertaining story for young readers is very nicely complemented with the full color
illustrations of Bobbi Switzer. The result is a thoroughly 'kid friendly' picturebook that is
recommended for family, school, and community library collections.
Maisy Goes To Preschool
Lucy Cousins
Candlewick Press
99 Dover Street, Somerville, MA 02144
www.candlewick.com
9780763642549, $12.99, www.amazon.com
The newest addition to the outstanding 'Maisy' series of picture books for young children by Lucy
Cousins, "Maisy Goes To Preschool" continues the adventures of everyone's favorite mouse as
she and her friends go through a typical day at their preschool. With its bright color and simple
artwork, "Maisy Goes To Preschool" allows children ages 2 through 5 to learn about many of
preschool activities such as painting, music, story time, napping, bathroom behavior, playing in
the sandbox, and more! Thoroughly 'kid friendly' and ideal for parents to introduce children to
the concept of attending a preschool or kindergarten program or class, "Maisy Goes To
Preschool" should be a part of every daycare center, elementary school, and community library
picture book collection.
Do You Want A Friend?
Noel Piper & Gail Schoonmaker
Crossway Books
1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
www.crossway.com
9781433506215, $12.99, www.amazon.com
Every child wants and needs friends. While most friends come and go in a child's life, there is
one friend that will be a life-long companion wherever that child lives, plays, or goes to school.
That constant friend is Jesus. This is the fundamental message in Noel Piper's charmingly written
book for young children "Do You Want A Friend?". Wonderfully illustrated on every page by
Gail Schoonmaker, this thoroughly entertaining picture book is an ideal and enthusiastically
recommended addition to family and Sunday School library collections.
The Lonely Shadow
Clay Rice
Joggling Board Press
PO Box 13029, Charleston, SC 29422
www.jogglingboardpress.com
9780981873534, $19.95, www.amazon.com
Clay Rice follows in the steps of his grandfather, Carew Rice, as he continues the family tradition
of cutting silhouettes. In a single year, Clay cuts 10,000 children's silhouettes from live sittings
be they in his studio or anywhere else he might find himself. Clay has evolved the cutting of
silhouettes into a fine art as exemplified by his simple but sophisticated children's picture book
"The Lonely Shadow". Clay is also a singer/songwriter and that talent reveals itself in the lyrical
cadence and rhythm of his text about a little shadow who just knew he had to belong to someone.
In his search for where he truly belongs, children (and their parents!) will appreciate the elegance
and novelty of silhouette art which so perfectly compliments this original and thoroughly 'kid
friendly' tale. Entertaining and unique, "The Lonely Shadow" is very highly recommended for
family, school, and community library collections.
The Little Pot
Dawn Stephens, author/illustrator
bPlus Books
c/o Bumble Bee Productions, Inc.
725 Watch Island Reach, Chesapeake, VA 23320
www.bumblebeeproductions.com
9781933982113, $17.95, www.amazon.com
"The Little Pot" is a gentle homily for children ages 4-8 about finding patience to uncover God's
purpose for all creations, including the very special Little Pot. Each time the little pot is filled
with something new (paper, coins, flowers, etc.), she thinks she has finally found "the very best
pot to be!" But the Potter has a special plan and purpose for the Little Pot that only unfolds in
time and stages, like stations of spiritual development. "The Little Pot" gradually learns to have
patience and flexibility in accepting the role(s) which the Potter gives to her. It is a fine model for
encouraging humility, acceptance, faith and belief. "The Little Pot" conveys its message
beautifully through both the playfully displayed text and the whimsical illustrations. This is a
wonderful book for children and adults to learn with.
Sunny Bunnies
Margie Blumberg & June Golding
MB Publishing LLC
c/o Bisson & Barcelona
PO Box 458, Barrington, NH 83875
9780962416644, $15.96, www.amazon.com
Margie Blumberg has written a delightfully entertaining story about a family of bunny rabbits
who spend a day at the beach. While Mom and Pop are asleep at the beach, brother figures out
something fun to do with his sister while their parents nap. The rhyming text is as clever as it is
entertaining and children will thoroughly enjoy the surprise at the end! Charmingly illustrated
throughout by June Golding, "Sunny Bunnies" is a perfect pick for family, school, and
community library picture book collections!
A Wild Father's Day
Sean Callahan & Daniel Howarth
Albert Whitman & Company
6340 Oakton St., Morton Grove, IL 60053
www.albertwhitman.com
9780807522936, $16.99, www.amazon.com
Waking up their daddy on Father's Day, his young son and daughter, the three of them begin by
bouncing together on his bed pretending to be kangaroos. That's just the beginning of an active
day playing together and exercising their imaginations when they go swimming in a pool or
eating at the table. Daniel Howarth's living and animated illustrations are a perfect compliment
for Sean Callahan's delightful and original story making "A Wild Father's Day" a welcome and
popular addition to family, school, and community library picture book collections.
Larabee
Kevin Luthardt
Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
www.peachtree-online.com
1561453005, $15.95, www.amazon.com
Larabee is an energetic young dog who enjoys helping the mailman deliver the mail. Mr.
Bowman allows Larabee to ride in the mail truck and carry the mail. There's only one thing that
Larabee yearns for -- to get receive a letter himself! If only it were possible for a dog to get a
letter too. "Larabee" is written and illustrated by Kevin Luthardt who demonstrates a masterfully
ability to tell a simple story wonderfully well. An ideal and thoroughly entertaining picture book
for young children, "Larabee" would make an enduringly popular addition to family, school, and
community library collections.
Spongebob Squarepants: Happiness to Go!
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
9781416984467, $11.99 www.simonandschuster.com 1-800-223-2336
Spongebob Squarepants: Happiness to Go! collects six softcover children's paperbacks starring
the wildly popular cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants, at a very affordable price! Each
paperback features bright color illustrations in the style of the show, and an entertaining story
good for reading privately or aloud. The books in the set are "Atlantis Squarepantis", "Behold,
No Cavities!", "Hooray for Dads!", "Spongebob's Slap Shot", "Vote for Spongebob", and "Who
Bob What Pants?". An excellent gift set for any young Spongebob fan; the books even come in a
very convenient cardboard storage and carry case.
Flying High
Jorgen Stamp
Enchanted Lion Books
201 Richards St., Studio 4, Brooklyn, NY 11231
www.enchantedlionbooks.com
9781592700899, $16.95, www.amazon.com
"Flying High" is an engaging children's book about an enterprising giraffe named Walter who
decides to build and fly an airplane. When his turtle friend Sonny expresses an interest in helping
and maybe flying along, Disregarding Sonny's feelings, Walter blithely dismisses his offer to help
and his hurt feelings as well. When later during his flight he encounters danger in a storm, Walter
realizes he may need some help from others, including his friend Sonny. Luckily Sonny holds no
grudges and bravely swims to Walter's rescue after his plane crashes in the lake. Then Walter
realizes the value of including others in his life and plans. The next plane he builds has room for
his friend Sonny too. "Flying High" is a fine fable about learning to value the contributions of
others as well as an entertaining story. Author Jorgen Stamp's playful illustrations tell the story
even more fully. Appropriate for ages 4-8.
Pastry School in Paris
Cindy Neuschwander
Henry Holt
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
9780805083149, $16.95 www.henryholtkids.com
The Zills family is off to Paris to take a class at the International Pastry Academy, where the kids
measure liquids to make lollipops and learn about liquid measurements. When an inspector pays
a visit, it's up to the twins and their new knowledge to save the day in this outstanding story.
"I Have a Little Problem," said the bear
Heinz Janisch and Silke Leffler
North South Books
455 Sam Ridley Parkway West, Smyrna, TN 37167
9780735822351, $16.95 www.northsouth.com
The bear has a problem - and everyone's in a hurry to help him. Even if they haven't taken a
moment to find out exactly what the problem is... repeating, rollicking refrains discuss the
various solutions to a problem everyone's too busy to discuss in this fine story kids will find
inviting and fun.
Schwartz & Wade
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, NY, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
OH NO! TIME TO GO! By Rebeca Doughty (9780375849817, $15.99) discusses all the
different ways of saying 'goodbye', from 'gotta split' to 'later, gator!' A whimsical, fun set of
insights marks a picturebook recommended for any general collection looking for something
different. Also offbeat is Sally Lloyd-Jones' BEING A PIG IS NICE: A CHILD'S-EYE VIEW
OF MANNERS (9780375841873, $16.99), recommended for ages 4-8. Children have to be
polite and clean - but what about pigs? Or owls? The definition of 'manners' might change under
such circumstances! Dan Krall's engaging drawings lends to a fun consideration of changing
definitions of manners. Janet Stein's THIS LITTLE BUNNY CAN BAKE (9780375843136,
$15.99) tells of Chef George's dessert school where one eager student proves the only one willing
to follow the basic rules. Black and white and pink drawings accept a fun story of a little bunny
who ultimately proves successful.
Thunder-Boomer!
Shutta Crum
Clarion Books
c/o Houghton Mifflin
215 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10003
9780618618651, $16.00 www.clarionbooks.com
It's a hot day on the farm and the family's at the pond when suddenly dark clouds roll in and
lightning flashes. A thunder-boomer's on the way. Free verse blends with sound effects and fun
drawings to tell of a summer storm and a family's reactions.
Roaring Brook Press
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
www.roaringbrookpress.com
When an urban boy finds a book about redwoods on the subway, strange things begin to happen:
the book springs to life in Jason Chin's REDWOODS (1596434309, $16.95)! As he reads about
their history he finds history is all around him - and when he emerges from the subway, he enters
a redwood forest! Good reading skills will lend to this gentle blend of fiction and natural science.
Mordicai Gerstein's A BOOK (1596432519, $16.95) provides a whimsical story of a family who
lives in a book. Their story begins when the book is opened but what happens when a girl
questions the story line? Ages 4-8 will find this a fun exploration.
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591
www.marshallcavendish.com
Caren McNelly McCormack's THE FIESTA DRESS: A QUINCEANERA TALE
(9780761454670, $17.99) tells of the day Lolo's big sister has a party - and everyone's too busy
to play with Lolo. When she lets her dog out, trouble begins and Lolo has to work hard to save
her sister's celebration in this fine tale, illustrated by Martha Aviles. Beatrice Schenk de Regniers'
LITTLE SISTER AND THE MONTH BROTHERS (9780761455462, $17.99) will reach ages
4-8 with its story of a little sister who's busy doing all the work around the house and yard. She
grows prettier and prettier as she does her chores - but her wicked stepmother can't stand her
happiness despite her chores. This twist on the Slavic version of Cinderella makes for a fine story
reprinted from a 1976 classic inspired by a folktale the author heard as a child. Ralph Steadman's
GARIBALDI'S BISCUITS (9780761455783, $17.99) tells of an unlikely army wielding water
balloons and wearing pizza buckles. The real Garibaldi's great achievement was to unite Italy:
this zany take-off blends history and fantasy in a rollicking good read. Demi's GENGHIS KHAN
(9780761455479, $19.99) tells of a boy named Temujin and his rise to power in the Mongolian
Empire after he becomes its leader. History blends with legend to recreate the story of a notable
warrior in Demi's vivid tale. Demi's RUMI: WHIRLING DERVISH (9780761455271, $19.99) is
also a winner, telling of a 13th century Afghani poet who became the great poet of all. From his
early scholarship to his religious introspection, RUMI provides a fine survey of his life and
poems. Both hold Demi's signature drawings in full color.
Bloomsbury/Walker
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
www.walkeryoungreaders.com
Matthew McElligott's THE LION'S SHARE: A TALE OF HAVLING CAKE AND EATING IT,
TOO (0802797687, $16.99) tells of a small ant invited to a lion's dinner party. She's on her best
behavior, but the other partygoers don't share her manners and are greedy, leaving her nothing
but a crumb to share with her host. Can her offer to bake another cake turn the tables on greed?
An unexpected result makes for a fine story. Patricia Marx's DOT IN LARRYLAND: THE BIG
LITTLE BOOK OF AN ODD-SIZED FRIENDSHIP (1599901811, $16.99) tells of tiny Dot,
who is 'just bigger than invisible'. And she's miserable about her stature in life. Larry, meanwhile,
is so big his head's always in the clouds. Can two unlikely characters become friends? Roz
Chast's drawings are fun embellishments.
Dutton
c/o Penguin Publishing Group
345 Hudson, New York NY 10014
www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Sophie Blackall provides engaging drawings for Carol Diggory Shields' WOMBAT
WALKABOUT (9780525478652, $16.99), a lively survey of six woolly wombats who go on a
walkabout and miss seeing the dingo with the hungry eye. This whimsical counting book set in
the Australian outback is a lovely presentation for any young math learner seeking an adventure
story. Amy Zuckerman and James Daly's 2030: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF TOMORROW'S
KIDS (9780525478607, $16.99) takes a look at what a kid's life might be like in the world of
tomorrow, based on scientific trends and discoveries today. From amazing video presentations to
the ability to beam health information directly to a doctor's office, this is filled with many
engaging amazing possibilities!
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Corinne Demas' ALWAYS IN TROUBLE (0545024536, $16.99) pairs pictures by Noah Z. Jones
with the story of a very bad dog who is always in trouble, wetting the rug, running into the road,
and eating forbidden food. What's a owner to do? Fun drawings accompany Emma's attempts to
turn a bad dog good. Sara Varon's CHICKEN AND CAT CLEAN UP (0439634083, $16.99)
tells of two best friends. When Chicken opens his own housekeeping business, Cat comes to
mind as the perfect partner - but he's clumsy and is making lots of mistakes. How can Chicken
and Cat be in business and still be friends? A fun story of cooperation and shared goals evolves.
Linas Alsenas' HELLO, MY NAME IS BOB (0545052440, $16.99) tells of quiet Bob - and Jack,
who is NOT. Bob likes a lot of quiet and Jack is opposite - you wouldn't think they'd be best
friends but they are. A fine story of friendship evolves.
A Mighty Fine Time Machine
Suzanne Bloom
Boyds Mills Press
815 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431
9781590785270, $16.95 www.boydsmillspress.com
Ages 5-7 will appreciate this hilarious story of Samantha the anteater, whose friends aardvark
and armadillo invite her to help them build a time machine. Can an old box really take them back
in time? An unpredictable adventure results in a delightful, zany story of three friends who think
outside of - and get inside - the box.
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed
Mo Willems
Hyperion
114 -5th Avenue, New York NY 10011
9781423114376, $16.99 www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com
Wilbur is different from the other naked mole rats in his colony - he wears clothes secretly, and
likes it. So what will happen when the oldest, wisest, most naked of the mole-rats discovers
Wilbur's secret passion for clothes? A gentle story of not quite fitting in emerges in a fine
tale.
I'm Your Peanut Butter Big Brother
Selina Alko
Alfred Knopf
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
9780375856273, $16.99 www.randomhouse.com/kids
Big brother wonders whether the new baby will look like him - and considers all the different
family features the new baby could have. A lyrical text lends to read-aloud rhythm and an artistic
set of drawings captures the feel of a big brother's anticipation of the new arrival.
The Lime Green Secret
Georgia Graham
Tundra Books
75 Sherbourne St, 5th Floor, Toronto, ON M5A 2P9, Canada
9780887768415, $19.95 www.tundrabooks.com
Gloria's been chosen as a flower girl for her sister's wedding and is thrilled with her costume - so
thrilled, she can't resist trying it on for the dog to see. What results is an unpredictable dilemma
as Gloria finds trouble multiplies from her untimely dress up. Good reading skills will lend to an
appreciation of the story.
The Easy Reader Shelf
Mudshark
Gary Paulsen
Random House
9780385746854, $12.99 www.randomhouse.com/kids
Mudshark is cool: fast-thinking and the guy with the answers: that's why he's started his own
detective agency and is so successful - until a psychic parrot enters the school library. Can he
outthink Mudshark? A funny easy reader follows Mudshark's dilemma in this step above chapter
book status.
Abigail Iris: The One and Only
Lisa Glatt and Suzanne Greenberg
Walker
175 - 5th Ave, 8th Floor, New York NY 10010
0802797822, $14.99 www.walkeryoungreaders.com
Joy Allen provides fun black and white drawings to accompany the story of a girl who is One of
Many in her family - but longs to be an Only, like her three best friends. When she's invited on a
trip to San Francisco she has a rare opportunity to be an Only child - but will she miss her large
family? Kids in either situation will relate to Abigail's dilemma.
In Memory of Gorfman T. Frog
Gail Donovan
Dutton
345 Hudson St, New York NY 10014
9780525420859, $15.99 www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Fifth grade motor mouth Joshua spots a frog with three back legs and decides to bring it to school
- but having an unusual frog doesn't win him the expected points. When trouble strikes, he
decides to organize his classmates to fight for what's right in a daring plan that could lead to
more trouble. Janet Pedersen provides funny drawings for this zany story of a boy and his
unusual frog.
The Gecko & Sticky: The Greatest Power
Wendelin Van Draanen
Knopf
9780375843778, $12.99 www.randomhouse.com/kids
Dastardly Famien Black is holding a bank full of people hostage as he loots - but one of the
people is ordinary boy Dave who holds ancient powers and a secret gecko as weapons against
evil. Sticky and Dave hope to recover the loot - but danger may keep them from being heroes in
this fine easy reader, a step above chapter books for elementary grades.
George and Martha titles
James Marshall
Houghton Mifflin
$15.00 each www.hmhbooks.com
GEORGE AND MARTHA ONE MORE TIME (9780547144238) offers two stories in an easy
reader chapter book: THE SCARY MOVIE, where Martha is viewing her first scary film with
friend George, and THE SECRET CLUB, where George wants his own club apart from Martha.
Hilarious drawings of the hippo and elephant best friends accompany very fine tales. RISE AND
SHINE (9780547144252) tell of best friends who have more fun adventures, in three short tales.
THE FIBBER tells of George's attempts to impress Martha with some lies; THE EXPERIMENT
tells of Martha's possible science gone awry, and THE PICNIC tells of two very different
interests in a day off. Can the two friends compromise their different styles? A fine set of tales is
perfect for chapter book early readers.
The Fiction Shelf
The Wisdom of Solomon
Wanda E. Brunstetter
Barbour
PO Box 719, Uhrichsville, OH 44683
9781602602830, $16.95, www.barbourbooks.com
The Amish are a strict people, but it doesn't meant heir lives are devoid of adventure. "The
Wisdom of Solomon: A Soloman Lapp and Friends Amish Storybook" tells the story of young
Solomon and Sara Lapp as they deal with the stress and challenges of everyday Amish life. It's
not as dull or alien as one would think, as Solomon and Sarah's problems translate well to the
standard child's lives as well. "The Wisdom of Solomon" is a great pick for a young reader
seeking something different.
Home Free
Sharon Jennings
Second Story Press
20 Maud Street, Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5V 2M5
www.secondstorypress.on.ca
9781897187555, $8.95, www.amazon.com
Specifically written by author Sharon Jennings to appeal to girls ages 9 through 12, the brand
new 'Gutsy Girls' series from Canadian publisher Second Story Press promises to be lively,
funny, engaging, and original. Judging by the debut novel "Home Free" it will truly live up to
that expectation! Leanna Mets (known as Lee to her friends and family) is a twelve year old girl
with an ambition of becoming a writer. Cassandra is an orphaned girl who moves into a house
across the street from Lee who is at first glance convinced the two of them will be great friends.
But Cassandra is less than impressed with Lee's overtures because of her fascination with
Cassandra's orphan status. It takes a tragedy in Lee's own family and an uncovered truth about
Cassandra's past to bring the two girls together. Author Sharon Jennings is an original and
talented storyteller who brings her memorable characters to life with a novel that is deftly crafted
to engage intense reader interest from beginning to end. "Home Free" is highly recommended
reading and a popular addition to community library fiction collections for young readers.
G Force
Anthony Hampshire
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
311 Washington St., Brighton, MA 02135
www.fitzhenry.ca
9781554550272, $8.95, www.amazon.com
Driving in the Indianapolis 500 with a custom made Formula race care was also Eddie Stewart's
big dream. When Eddie's dream comes true with an innovative new Formula racing care, an
international sponsor to fund it all, and a top notch track team to help him, there is only one
problem left. Eddie discovers there's the crushing G (gravity) forces that come with high-speed
racing. Complicating things further is a series of mysterious and dangerous crashes to threaten
Eddie's big dream with possible catastrophic results! A deftly written novel, "G Force" is highly
recommended reading and a popular addition to both school and community library
collections.
Matthew Livingston And The Millionaire Murder
Marco Conelli
iUniverse, Inc./Author House
1663 Liberty Dr. Suite #300, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781440123474, $11.95, www.iuniverse.com
The second title in Marco Conelli's 'Matthew Livingston Mystery Series', this time an intrepid
young journalist named Dennis Sommer finds himself in trouble with the police when a wealthy
man he was scheduled to interview is found dead under mysterious circumstances. That is when
Dennis turns to Matthew Livingston who will use his incredible powers of deduction and lateral
thinking to discover that the dead man was murdered -- but not by Dennis! Deftly written with
plenty of plot points, twists and turns, "Matthew Livingston And The Millionaire Murder" is
highly recommended reading for young adults who appreciate a well crafted and original work of
mystery and suspense.
Jenny's Bubble Flight
Michelle Bandel
Vantage Press Inc.
419 Park Avenue South, 18th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.vantagepress.com
9780533159512, $8.95, www.amazon.com
A modern kind of fable, "Jenny's Bubble Flight" by Michelle Bandel is the story of a little girl
who enjoys blowing bubbles of all sizes, shapes and colors. As she blows her bubbles she can't
help but think of her mother's illness. Then she blows a most unusual bubble -- one that enfolds
her completely and floats her off to high adventure where she encounters a beautiful and friendly
butterfly named Tiger, an island filled with sympathetic and unusual birds, generous sea creatures
willing to help out, badly needed guidance from an elegant albeit mysterious fairy, and trouble
from an enormous, misshapen beetle. There's a popcorn volcano, a pounding waterfall, and the
ultimate realization that even an 8-year old girl might be able to find a cure for her mother and a
way home for herself. "Jenny's Bubble Flight" is a truly entertaining flight of fantasy and highly
recommended reading for imaginative young readers.
The Kane Press
240 W 35th St., Suite 302, NY, NY, 1001-2506
www.kanepress.com
The Kane Press has launched 'The Milo & Jazz Mysteries", a new series written by Lewis B. Montgomery for young readers ages 7 to 11. Nicely enhanced with black-and-white illustrations by Amy Wummer, this series of mystery adventures features two friends who aspire to be detectives, with a little assistance from time to time from the world-famous private eye Dash Marlow. Our intrepid duo first takes on "The Case Of The Stinky Socks" (9781575652856, $6.95) when the Wildcats' star pitcher is missing (along with his lucky socks), the kids set out to find them both. Their second case is "The Case Of The Poisoned Pig" (9781575652863, $6.95) when it's up to Milo and Jazz to discover who has poisoned a harmless pet piglet -- and why? Certainly to be a popular series, 'The Milo & Jazz Mysteries' are highly recommended additions to school and community library collections for young readers.
Forest Secrets
Tracy Kane & Kelly Sanders
Light-Beams Publishing
10 Toon Lane, Lee, NH 03861
www.light-beams.com
9780976628910, $14.95, www.amazon.com
Nicely illustrated with occasional black-and-white artwork, "Forest Secrets" is the collaborative
work of Tracy Kane and Kelly Sanders. The newest addition to their 'Fairy House' series of
mysteries for young readers ages 7 to 11 and in grades 3 through 6, "Forest Secrets" finds Kate, a
precocious eleven-year-old girl moving to a new home at the edge of a forest. That's where she
and her neighbor Luke discover a fairy house hidden in a tree trunk, as well as a clue that leads
the children to still more fairy houses! The forest is home to an enchanted and enchanting world
hidden from the mundane world. But that fairy world is threatened by a land developer and the
problem of how to save the fairies and their houses is now up to Kate and Luke to solve -- if they
can. Very highly recommended for both school and community library collections, "Forest
Secrets" is charming, original, entertaining, and superbly well crafted from beginning to end.
Samantha
J.A. Kundert
Cypress Productions
14184 Waterside Lane, Bloomfield, CO 80020
9780980189100, $14.95
Sometimes the violin simply isn't interesting enough. "Samantha: The Legend of the Whispering
Trees" follows young Samantha as she leaves her violin practice and pampered life to find
adventure in the forest, which leads her to a fantasy world with princely rabbits. She finds herself
on a whirlwind series of events that will keep any young reader riveted to the book until it's done.
"Samantha" is a fine addition to any children's fiction collection.
Gringolandia
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
Curbstone Press
321 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
9781931896498, $16.95 www.curbstone.org
Gringolandia is a novel for young adults about a young Chilean-American. Disturbed by troubled
memories of his father's arrest, Daniel Aguilar has escaped from the brutality of Pinochet's Chile.
When his father is released and rejoins the family, Daniel sees firsthand what harsh
imprisonment can do - his father is partially paralyzed, subject to nightmares, and resents his
exile to "Gringolandia". As Daniel seeks to reconnect with his father, he must also confront the
turmoil and struggle for democracy in the home nation he thought he left behind for the rest of
his life. A thoughtful and emotionally moving story, highly recommended.
Cold Hands, Warm Heart
Jill Wolfson
Henry Holt and Company
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Media Masters Publicity (publicity)
ron @mmpublicity.com
9780805082821, $17.99, www.henryholtkids.com
A sudden death is a tragedy, but there may yet be triumph to go along with it. "Cold Hands,
Warm Heart" is a novel following Dani, a girl in dire need of a heart transplant after years of
medical problems from birth. When all seems lost, one person's death becomes another persons
life as a teenage gymnast's life is ended by an accident. As Dani seems to get her second chance,
there's a lot to cope with, including the brother of the donor. Looking into the personal and
emotional side of teenage organ donation, "Cold Hands, Warm Heart" is a moving and intriguing
read from start to finish.
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Kat Black's THE BOOK OF TORMOD: A TEMPLAR'S APPRENTICE (0545056543, $17.99)
tells of one Tgormod MacLeod, who knows things before they happen and who finds even his
own family treats him differently because of his gift. When a Knight Templar asks him to
delivery a secret message, his life takes a strange twist in this fine historical fantasy. Karlijn Stoffels' HEARTSINGER (0545069297, $16.99) tells of Mee, born with a gift to sing others' stories and heal their pain. He's a wandering mistral but Mitou knows she belongs with him - even though they've never met. Two musicians are fated to share a love of music and for each other. HEARTSINGER covers many different facets of love. P.B. Kerr's THE EYE OF THE FOREST (0439932157,
$17.99) is the fifth book in the Children of the Lamp series and follows djinn twins John and
Philippa in another magical mystery. When rare Inca artifacts go missing, the twins and their
uncle embark on a dangerous journey into the Amazon jungle to find them in this powerful novel
of discovery and change. Sam Llewellyn's LYONESSE: THE WELL BETWEEN THE
WORLDS (0439934699, $17.99) tells of a land before King Arthur, where a sword is plunged in
a stone. The land of Lyonesse has become a place of danger, with its people living with the threat
of monsters in the wells. Idris, rescued from certain death, finds his fate tied with his world's in
this fine epic fantasy of a journey into dangers.
Stolen
Vivian Vande Velde
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591
9780761455158, $16.99 www.marshallcavendish.com
The same day villagers finally hunt down a witch in the woods, a pre-teen appears with no
memory of her past. Is there a connection between the two? Isabelle's only memory is of a
mysterious chant: could she have been stolen by the witch of the woods, or lost her memory?
Satisfying supernatural mystery abounds in this riveting novel for middle to high school
readers.
The Christmas Shelf
The Christmas House
Carol Bullman & Jim Madsen
Ideals Children's Books
c/o Ideals Publications
2636 Elm Hill Pike, Suite 120, Nashville, TN 37214
www.idealspublications.com
9780824955984, $16.99, www.amazon.com
Charmingly written by Carol Bullman and beautifully illustrated by Jim Madsen, "The Christmas
House" is a beautiful hardback children's book telling the tale of a young family who moves into
an old house with a young baby just before Christmas. Although their neighbors have not meant
to be unkind, they have been too busy to welcome them. Nevertheless, the sound of George and
Kathleen's piano playing a familiar old Christmas carol touches and embraces each of four
neighbors differently. They each allow the music to hold them for a moment, carrying them back
to memories of earlier Christmases. Then each neighbor is moved to share a special piece of
Christmas joy with the new little family, previously neglected and unwelcomed. Beautiful full
color illustrations enliven every page of "The Christmas House." Children of all ages will enjoy
this gentle story with its message of love and acceptance.
An Old Salem Christmas, 1840
Karen Cecil Smith & Bebe Phipps
Parkway Publishers
PO Box 3678, Boone, NC 28607
John F. Blair, Publisher (distributor)
1406 Plaza Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
9781933251462 $14.95 www.parkwaypublishers.com www.blairpub.com
Deftly written by Karen Cecil Smith and appropriately illustrated by Bebe Phipps, "An Old
Salem Christmas, 1840" is the story of a young girl who attends a Moravian Lovefeast in
celebration of Christmas back in 1840. As part of the celebration she joins a candlelight service
of sacred music and texts and afterwards savors a sweet bun and a cup of milky coffee. A
Protestant Christian sect, the Moravians had their own distinctive traditions which author Karen
Smith has faithfully portrayed in "An Old Salem Christmas, 1840", making it a highly
recommended picture book for young readers and a welcome addition to school and community
library collections.
Corinna the Christmas Elf
Suzanne Sumner Ferry & Jason Hutton
Tate Publishing & Enterprises
127 East Trade Center Terrace, Mustang, OK 73064
www.tatepublishing.com
9781606969311, $10.99, www.amazon.com
"Corinna the Christmas Elf: A Christmas Story" is an exciting new Christmas storybook written
by Suzanne Sumner Ferry with a definite empowering message for girl elves with electrical
engineering/managerial ambitions. One of Santa's best toy-maker elves (and the only girl elf),
Corinna longs to go to college and become an electrical engineer, even though Santa has
promoted her to Senior Elf Factory Manager. So she reads special electrical engineering
textbooks at night and studies hard to achieve her dream of becoming Chief Elfin Electrical
Engineer. One day the elves have a work-stopping electrical failure, and Corinna decides to take
the opportunity to use her special skills and knowledge, even though she is untested and
untrained as an electrical engineer. She takes proper safety precautions, plans ahead, and prepares
to save the day and solve the problem, even though Santa and other elves are quite worried about
her ability to tackle the dangerous work safely. Santa says, "I don't think this is something a girl
elf should be doing!" Oddly enough, Mrs. Claus weighs in as her supporter, asking Santa, "if it
were a boy elf up on the roof, would you be saying the same thing?" Finally Corinna achieves her
goal, after a few more frightening moments, and Santa proudly tells her, "Corinna, you were the
best man for the job today!' Of course, he then realizes he needs to amend that compliment by
saying "You know I'm joking, Corinna. You were the best girl for the job!" "Corinna the
Christmas Elf" is a refreshing revision of older holiday stories. It is charmingly illustrated by
Jason Hutton in holiday-colored cartoons full of humour and detail. Another offering of the
author is a free audio book digital download. "Corinna the Christmas Elf" is a delightful
reinterpretation of holiday activities and the value of a stiff work ethic.
The Graphic Novel Shelf
Dinosaur Hour Volume 1
Hitoshi Shioya
Viz Communications Inc.
295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
9781421526485 $7.99 www.viz.com 1-800-394-3042
Presented in unflipped format (read right-to-left, just as the author originally drew it), Dinosaur
Hour Volume 1 is a black-and-white manga (Japanese graphic novel) that combines amazing
facts about dinosaurs with a hefty dose of humor! Young and old readers alike will enjoy these
zany short stories about species ranging from velociraptor to dimetrodon to triceratops, baryonyx,
and many more as they toil to survive, escape quicksand, escort dinosaur babies, or even run in
fear from ghosts! Though the stories are fictional with anthropomorphic personalities given to the
dinos, the true facts scattered amid captions adds a surprisingly educational touch to this
enjoyable romp. Dinosaur Hour is enthusiastically recommended light reading for dino fans of all
ages!
Books in Series
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591
www.marshallcavendish.com
Six colorful, 23-page readers in the Sharon Gordon's 'Animals in the Wild' ($19.95 each) series
for the very young provide eye-catching introductions perfect for elementary grades K-3.
WETLAND ANIMALS (9780761429043), OCEAN ANIMALS (9780761429036), PLAINS
ANIMALS (9780761429029), MOUNTAIN ANIMALS (9780761429005), RAIN FOREST
ANIMALS (9780761428992) and DESERT ANIMALS (9780761428985) each provide vivid,
colorful covers and large-sized print pairing color photos on one page with one sentence of detail
on the facing page. A lovely set of basic primers for early grades. Carmen T. Bernier-Grand's
DIEGO: BIGGER THAN LIFE (9780761453833, $18.99) tells of artist Diego Rivera and his
'bigger than life' works. From his early entry to art school at age 10 to his travels studying art in
Europe and his return to Mexico, this offers nearly 60 pages blending biography with David
Diaz's artistic drawings capturing Diego's life. Patricia Hubbell's BOATS: SPEEDING!
SAILING! CRUISING! (9780761455240, $17.99) covers all kinds of boats from canoes and
barges to fishing boats and ferries, pairing zany illustrations with an easy, rollicking rhyme. Kids
who love boats will find fascinating the brief poems and funny illustrations of the vessels.
'ABCs of the Natural World' titles
Bobbie Kalman
Crabtree
350 - 5th #3308, New York NY 10118
$26.60 each www.crabtreebooks.com
THE ABCS OF THE ENVIRONMENT (9780778734178), ENDANGERED ANIMALS
(9780778734154) and INSECTS (9780778734161) are excellent choices for any elementary
library. Each hold 32 pages of detail including large color photos, a glossary, and index and quick
quizzes, making for excellent additions to any beginning nature collection.
The Oliver Press, Inc.
5707 W 36th St., Minneapolis, MN 55416
www.oliverpress.com 1-800-865-4837
The Oliver Press is a premier publisher of non-fiction books-in-series for young readers. One of
the best of their series is 'How It Happens' which offers a fully illustrated tours of a variety of
businesses where people and machines produce products that are used in the everyday life of a
child's family. Two new additions to this outstanding series of 32-page, photographically
illustrated books specifically written and designed for children in grades 2 through 5 are "How It
Happens at the TV Station" (9781934545072, $21.95) and "How It Happens at the Ice Cream
Factory" (9781934545065, $21.95). These sturdy bound 'library edition' titles are enhanced for
young readers with the inclusion of a Glossary, an Index, and a list of thematically appropriate
web sites. The entire 'How It Happens' series in general, and these two newest additions in
particular, are enthusiastically recommended for school and community library non-fiction
collections for young readers.
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3308, NY, NY 10118
www.crabtreebooks.com
It's important for young children to understand what a holiday is for, both in terms of what it
celebrates and how it is celebrated. 'Celebrations in My World' is a new six volume series offered
in both hard cover ($26.60) and paperback editions ($8.95), from the Crabtree Publishing
Company is specifically written and illustrated to provide children K-2 with just such an
understanding with respect to Earth Day (9780778742883 HC; 9780778743064 PB), Easter
(9780778742890 HC; 9780778743071 PB), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (9780778742906 HC;
9780778743088 PB); Thanksgiving (9780778742913 HC; 9780778743095 PB); Halloween
(9780778742920 HC; 9780778743101 PB); and Passover (9780778742937 HC; 9780778743118
PB). Each 32-page title in this informative and engaging series is illustrated in full color and
written at a K-3 interest level. A highly recommended addition to school and community library
collections for children, the 'Celebrations in My World' series is also appropriate for family and
daycare center libraries as well.
Small Bear Publishing
PO Box 842, Livingston, MT 59047
www.travelswithbarrington.com
www.amazon.com barringtonbear@q.com
'Travels with Barrington Bear' is a picture book series for children which is engagingly written by
Keith Szafranski and superbly illustrated with color photography by Keith Szafranski. Barrington
is a stuffed bear who in "Barrington Bear Visits The Emperor" (9780980166200, $19.95) visits
the Emperor Penguins where he talks and plays with them and learns interesting facts about them
along the way. In 'Barrington Bear On Safari" (9780980166217, $19.95) Barrington is on a
Kenya safari in Africa where he makes a new friend, photographs wild animals, and visits a
village of natives. An impressive series guaranteed to be as informative as it is entertaining,
'Travels with Barrington Bear' is enthusiastically recommended for family, school, and
community library collections.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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