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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
100 Things to Know Before You Grow Up
Lisa M. Gerry, author
National Geographic Kids
1145 17th St. NW, Washington D. C. 20036
97814263164, $12.99, www.kids.nationalgeographic.com
"100 Things To Know Before You Grow Up" is a zippy factbook full of "tips, tricks, how-to's,
helpful hints and more." From how to tie-dye a T-shirt to how to remember someone's name,
from how to say "no" to how to do laundry, here are a hundred cool facts and approaches to life's
common conundrums that will entertain and inform kids age 8 and up. Some of the interesting
ideas are how to start a petition, how to check out books in your local library, and how to quiet
your mind (tip # 92). One tip that will be quite popular is #94, how to take a great yearbook
photo! "100 Things to Know Before You Grow Up" is a handy paperback resource and tool for
exploring kids who want to learn more about the world they live in.
Nibbles: The Book Monster
Emma Yarlett
Kane/Miller Book Publishers
4901 Morena Blvd, Suite 213, San Diego, CA 92117
www.kanemiller.com
9781610674676, $16.99, HC, 20pp
Beware all book lovers! Nibbles is on the loose, and he's chomping through all of your favorite
fairy tales! With books within the book, Emma Yarlett's extraordinary and original story with its
utterly appealing artwork, and lots and lots of nibbled holes, this laugh-out-loud funny and
ferocious charmer's unstoppable appetite for the printed page will nibble a hole right through
your heart. Specifically written, illustrated, and designed to entertain young readers ages 6 to 8,
"Nibbles: The Book Monster" is a wonderfully entertaining and very highly recommended.
A New Leash on Life
Kara Hamilton, author
Alexandria Gold, illustrator
Nothing But The Truth, LLC
http://nothingbutthetruth.com
9780996899925, $24.50, HC, 50pp, www.amazon.com
Smokey is a miniature apricot poodle and feels blessed. But can it last? With the arrival of a new
baby, Smokey struggles to adjust to his new place in the family. After several failed tactics, he
ingeniously teaches the baby how to behave around him so they may co-exist peacefully. Smokey
realizes that there's enough love for everyone in the family, and also gains a new best friend.
Enhanced with Alexandria Gold's charming and colorful illustrations, author Kara Hamilton's
original and entertaining story is especially commended for children young children and their
parents who have canine companions in their homes. Thoroughly 'kid friendly' in tone, storyline,
and presentation, "A New Leash on Life" is unreservedly recommended and will probe to be an
enduringly popular addition to school and community library collections for young readers. It
should be noted that "A New Leash on Life" is also available in a paperback edition
(9780996899918, $11.99) and in a Kindle format ($4.99).
Their Great Gift
John Coy, author
Photographs by Wing Young Huie
Carolrhoda Books
c/o The Lerner Publishing Group
241 First Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1607
www.lernerbooks.com
9781467780544 $19.99 hc / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
Their Great Gift is an easy-to-read children's picturebook about immigrants to America in the
twenty-first century. Filled cover to cover with both black-and-white and color photography of
real-life immigrants from all over the world, each determined to work hard and forge a great
future, Their Great Gift celebrates the American values of diversity, inclusiveness,
egalitarianism, and the will to better oneself. Their Great Gift also focuses on the perspective of
the children of American immigrants, and the gratitude they feel toward their parents: "They kept
going day after day so we'd have choices they didn't have. And now, we're all here together with
our own arrival stories, but one question keeps rising: What will we do with their great gift?"
Striking, inspirational, and highly recommended, Their Great Gift is an excellent choice for
public and school library picturebook collections.
The Education Shelf
The Survival Guide for Kids with LD, third edition
Rhoda Cummings, Ed.D
Free Spirit Publishing
217 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1299
9781631980312 $13.99 www.freespirit.com
Now in an updated third edition, The Survival Guide for Kids with LD is a resource written
especially for young adults with learning differences (LD). Some types of LD include innate
problems with reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), math (dyscalculia), problems
understanding what one hears (auditory processing disorder) and more, and some children have
to deal with more than one type of LD. Although written at a grade 5 reading level and meant to
be accessible to children ages 9-14, The Survival Guide for Kids with LD works well as a
resource to share with parents, teachers, or friends. Chapters cover different kinds of LD, ways
technology can help kids with LD learn, tips for making friends and getting along better at school
and at home, how to respond to bullying, stories from kids with LD, checklists, quizzes, and
more. "Kids who bully can be strong-willed. They will often keep trying to bully you - even if
you stand up for yourself. But keep standing up for yourself. Keep reporting the bullying... There
are also things you should not do. You should not ignore the bullying. It will likely get worse if
you ignore it." The Survival Guide for Kids with LD is highly recommended, and deserves a
place in every school and public library collection.
The Science Shelf
A Journey Through Space
Steve Parker, author
John Haslam, illustrator
QEB Publishing
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9781609928285 $16.95 amazon.com
Award-winning science author Steve Parker presents A Journey Through Space, a children's
picturebook about the amazing celestial bodies in the solar system and beyond. Packed with
eye-opening, jaw-dropping facts, A Journey Through Space is sure to inspire curiosity about the
wonders beyond our home planet. Highly recommended, especially for public and school library
picturebook nonfiction shelves. "More than one million Earths could fit inside the Sun. At the
surface it is 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 25 times hotter than a home oven. Massive
flames leap up from the Sun's surface, curl around and back in. Slightly darker, cooler patches
are known as sunspots. Most last only a few days."
Burn: Michael Faraday's Candle
Darcy Pattison, author
Peter Willis, illustrator
Mims House Publishing
http://mimshouse.com
9781629440446, $22.99 HC
9781629440453, $11.99 PB
B017RYI60C, $3.99 Kindle
"Burn: Michael Faraday's Candle" is an exciting adaptation of Michael Faraday's (1791-1867)
original special Christmas lecture, "The Chemical History of a Candle." Condensed from 6000
words to about 650 words for modern elementary education students, "Burn: Michael Faraday's
Candle" is enhanced by dashing, colorful, quirky illustrations bring to life the original author's
scientific lecture for juveniles, first delivered on December 28, 1848, at the Royal Institution in
London, England. Mr. Faraday demonstrated several kinds of candles, including stearin, made of
ox fat, a sperm candle made from the purified oil of the sperm whale, a bees-wax candle, and a
paraffin candle, made from Irish peat bogs. Mr. Faraday taught everyone to observe experiments
and ask, "What is the cause, why does it occur?" Mr. Faraday explains that capillary action
explains who the flame in a candle gets hold of the fuel. Faraday continues to explain the oblong
shape of the flame of the candle and the current of hot air draws out the flame, supplies it with
air, and cools the sides of the cup of melted fuel. "Burn" is a brilliant reduction of a very famous
British science lecturer that presents the information in a format appealing to children today.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
The Toad
Elsie Gravel
Tundra Books
75 Sherbourne Street, 5th floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 2P9
www.tundrabooks.com
9781770496675 $10.99 www.penguinrandomhouse.ca
The Toad at first glance appears to be a fictional easy reader; but it's a cartoon exploration of the
creature that is actually nonfiction in disguise. Comedy permeates a story of the toad that covers
toad anatomy, parenting, and warts. The factual information is presented amid a fun story line
that is amusing. No color photos here: the delightfully whimsical cartoon-style drawings don't
need them.
Mary's Clover: A Story About Medication Safety
Nila E. Sturlin, author/photographer
Outskirts Press
10940 S. Parker Road, #515, Parker, CO 80134
www.outskirtspress.com
9781478773115, $19.95 HC, $13.95 PB, $4.99 Kindle, 38pp
"Mary's Clover: A Story About Medication Safety" is a wise lesson in a story about a girl and her
beloved pet rabbit. Mary Stephens loved playing with and caring for her pet rabbit, Clover. When
Clover became ill, Mary's mother took both of them to see the veterinarian and the pharmacist, to
diagnose and treat the rabbit with the proper medication. Dr. Pestle, the pharmacist, explained to
Mrs. Stephens and Mary the importance of "Right time, right dose." Clover was to get only two
droppers full or doses of medicine per day for seven days. Right time, right dose would help
Clover to get better. But more medication than that could be very dangerous for Clover. Mrs.
Stephens took the medicine and Mary and Clover home and gave her the medicine as prescribed.
Clover began to get better before 7 days passed. Unfortunately, Mary decided to try to help
Clover recover faster by giving her more medication. Clover became very ill indeed. Fortunately,
Mrs. Stephens was able to return Clover to the Dr. Clover would recover with careful care and
treatment. Dr. Pestle helped Mary to understand the importance of "right time, right dose" for
giving medication by using a calendar to track and check the doses of medicine for Clover's
treatment. Mary did not mean to hurt Clover by giving her too much medicine. She learned to be
responsible for her pet's excellent medical care by obeying "right time, right dose." Color shaded
photos of Mary and Clover add empathy to this touching story about a girl and her pet.
The Easy Reader Shelf
Leo Can Swim
Anna McQuinn, author
Ruth Hearson, illustrator
Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
www.charlesbridge.com
9781580897259, $9.95, HC, 24pp, www.amazon.com
Leo, Lola's little brother from Leo Loves Baby Time, is back in "Leo Can Swim", a new
adventure at the community swimming pool. Leo and Daddy go to swim class where they kick,
bounce, and dive like little fish. Joining other babies and their caretakers in the pool is a
guarantee for unforgettable fun. Ruth Hearson's delightfully charming illustrations transform
author Anna McQuinn's simple and elegantly entertaining story into a 'must' for young children
ages 1 to 3. Simply stated, "Leo Can Swim" is unreservedly recommended for family, preschool,
and community library collections.
The Board Book Shelf
Baby Animals Day & Night
Phyllis Limbacher Tildes, author
Charlesbridge Publishing Inc.
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
www.charlesbridge.com
9781580896092, $6.95, Board Book, www.amazon.com
"Baby Animals Day & Night" is a child's board book filled with black and white
illustrations/portraits of four animals awake (black against white background) and asleep (white
against black background). Two animals are nocturnal (bobcat and skunk), and two are diurnal
(chipmunk and otter). The delicate black and white animal portraits end with two full color pages
showing a charming boy baby with brown curly hair, awake in the daytime, and asleep in the
night. On his lavender pajamas are images of the daytime animals during the day, and the
nocturnal animals during the night. It has been suggested that bold black and white images
stimulate eyesight and brain development, which adds to the impact and value of the board book,
"Baby Animals Day & Night." The message is: "Some animals sleep during the day. Some sleep
at night. But everyone needs a good rest!"
It's Nice to Be a Pika
Molly Woodward, author
Tom and Pat Leeson, photographers
Heyday Books
PO Box 9145, Berkeley, CA 94709
www.heydaybooks.com
9781597143363, $8.99, Board Book, 20pp, www.amazon.com
Filled with stunning color photographs of pikas in their natural, mountainous habitat, "It's Nice to
Be a Pika" is an educational board book for very young readers that conveys the features of the
exciting daily life of a pika. Complementing the excellent color photographs is the sparse
descriptive text, supplemented with yellow sidebars of related data and facts about pikas. Some
of the portraits show the pika camouflaged against a rocky background, challenging the reader to
find the pika in the picture! "It's Nice to Be a Pika" is an excellent nonfiction nature board book
for early or pre readers, with dual communication in both photo and text complementing each
other and stimulating observation in the readers.
The Picturebook Shelf
Pea Soup and the Seafood Feast
Anna Burger, author
Laura Craig, illustrator
Belle Isle Books
c/o Brandylane Publishers
5 South First Street, Richmond, VA 23219
www.brandylanepublishers.com
9781939930460, $19.95, HC, 30pp, www.amazon.com
When his mother tells him they're having pea soup for dinner, Jack wonders how he'll survive.
Then he comes up with a plan: he'll catch his own seafood feast instead! Relying on skills learned
from his grandfather, the resourceful boy embarks on a seaside adventure, casting for fish,
digging for clams, and setting traps for blue crabs. In the process he learns that the only thing
better than a basket full of crabs or a bucket full of clams is a heart full of appreciation for the
natural wonders of the bay. With playful prose and vivid watercolor illustrations, Pea Soup and
the Seafood Feast teaches readers to value and sustain their environment with gratitude for life's
little gifts. Featuring the elegant watercolor artwork of Laura Craig, "Pea Soup and the Seafood
Feast" is an absolutely charming picturebook story that will thoroughly delight young readers and
prove to be an enduringly popular addition to family, elementary school, and community library
collections.
Turn On The Night
Geraldo Valerio
Groundwood Books
c/o House of Anansi Press
110 Spadina Ave., Suite 801, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5V 2K4
www.groundwoodbooks.com
www.houseofanansi.com
9781554988419, $18.95, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
In "Turn On The Night" by Geraldo Valerio, a little girl falls asleep and in her dream becomes a
huge gray wolf, like the one in her bedtime story. Out the window she leaps, and a marvelous
nighttime adventure unfolds. She visits the rooster in his coop, and invites him to hop upon her
back and together they run through the night. A reindeer joins in the fun, until the three are
suddenly stopped in their tracks by a giant dazzling star. The reindeer climbs upon the wolf, and
the rooster upon the reindeer to reach the star, then they carry it home, where it brings all kinds of
light to the little girl's world. Very highly recommended for young readers ages 4 to 8, "Turn On
The Night" is a vibrantly illustrated wordless picture book and a joyous celebration of the
inspiration and freedom to be found in stories, dreams and the imagination. Simply stated, "Turn
On The Night" will prove to be an enduringly popular and welcome addition to family,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections.
Memoirs of a Parrot
Devin Scillian, author
Tim Bowers, illustrator
Sleeping Bear Press
315 East Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
www.sleepingbearpress.com
9781585369621, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
In "Memoirs of a Parrot", young readers ages 5 to 8 will join a brilliant, but stubborn, parrot as he
endures the banality of the pet store before being purchased by an equally insufferable young
man. But while things between parrot and owner get off to a rocky start, the delights of having a
pet (or human) bring them both around in the end. Author Devin Scillian original and charmingly
entertaining story is wonderfully illustrated with the comedically cheery artwork of Tim Bowers.
The result is an unreservedly recommended addition to family, elementary school, and
community library picture book collections! It should be noted that "Memoirs of a Parrot" is also
available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
It's Just So
Brenda Faatz, author
Peter Trimarco, illustrator
Notable Kids Publishing
www.notablekidspublishing.com
c/o Midpoint
www.midpointrade.com
9780997085105, $16.95, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
It's Lizzy's first day in a brand new school! At first things feel "just so" scary and "just so" hard,
but in the end, they're "just so".... not what she thought they would be! From waking up early and
boarding the bus for the very first time to meeting new friends and painting outside the lines, it's
a day of discovery and perspective for a little girl named Lizzy. With "It's Just So..." featuring a
combination of Brenda Faatz's thoroughly engaging and charming story and the colorfully
comedic artwork of Peter Trimarco, the result is a thoroughly entertaining read for children ages
4 to 8, and a highly recommended addition to family, preschool, elementary school, and
community library picture book collections.
Sleepy Solar System
John Hutton, author
Doug Cenko, illustrator
Blue Manatee Press
www.bluemanateepress.com
9781936669493, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"It's been a long, busy day in the starry Milky Way. Sleepy, setting Sun calls out, 'Bedtime,
everyone...'" The rhyming text of author John Hutton and the whimsical illustrations by Doug
Cenko provide children ages 3 to 5 an enchanting celebration of the wonders of outer space,
including a map and facts at the end. Very highly recommended for family, preschool,
elementary school, and community library children's books collections, and perfect as a 'read
aloud' nap-time or bed-time book, "Sleepy Solar System" is certain to send the imagination
soaring!
Monday Is Wash Day
MaryAnn Sundby, author
Tessa Blackham, illustrator
Ripple Grove Press
PO Box 86740, Portland, OR 97286
www.ripplegrovepress.com
9780991386666, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
An original and deftly crafted story by MaryAnn Sundby that is charmingly illustrated by Tessa
Blackham, "Monday Is Wash Day" is a wonderfully engaging and entertaining story from a time
not so long ago. Annie and her sister help Mama with washing the clothes on Monday morning.
From gathering and sorting the clothes, to washing and hanging them outside to dry, to folding
and putting them away, the family works together to get the job done. "First we work and then
we play." Mama smiles but walks with purpose to the porch. It's interesting to note that this is the
debut artwork of Tessa Blackham whose warm, hand-painted cut-paper collages bring the reader
to a time in the Midwest when doing the laundry was an all-day family chore. Unreservedly
recommended for children ages 6 to 7, "Monday Is Wash Day" will prove to be a unique and
enduringly popular addition to family, elementary school, and community library picture book
collections.
Hey, That's MY Monster!
Amanda Noll, author
Howard McWilliam, illustrator
Flash Light Press
527 Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11225
www.flashlightpress.com
9781936261376, $17.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
When Ethan looks under the bed for his monster, he finds this note instead: "So long, kid. Gotta
go. Someone needs me more than you do. - Gabe" How will Ethan ever get to sleep without his
monster's familiar, comforting snorts? And who could need Gabe more than Ethan does? Gabe
must have gone to Ethan's little sister's room! She has been climbing out of bed every night to
play, and obviously needs a monster to help her get to sleep - but not HIS monster! Ethan tries to
help his sister find her own monster, but none are the perfect blend of cute and creepy. Just when
it seems that Ethan will lose his monster forever, an uninvited, tutu-toting little monster full of
frightening fun appears. With author Amanda Noll's charmingly crafted and original story
wonderfully supported by the truly impressive artwork of Howard McWilliam, "Hey, That's MY
Monster!" is an irresistible monster-under-the-bed story with the perfect balance of giggles and
shivers. Unreservedly recommended for children ages 5 to 7, " Hey, That's MY Monster!" will
prove to be an enduringly popular addition for family, elementary school, and community library
picture book collections.
Let Me Finish!
Minh Le, author
Isabel Roxas, illustrator
Disney Hyperion
125 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10023
www.disneyhyperionbooks.com
9781484721735, $16.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
When our young hero settles in to read, the last thing he wants is for some noisy animals to ruin
the ending of the story. But ruin it they do. And as it turns out, the boy is quickly approaching a
surprise ending of his own! Maybe he should have listened to the animals after all! The
wonderfully entertaining artwork of Isabel Roxas wonderfully augments author Minh Le's
original and impressively entertaining picture book story. Especially recommended for children
ages 2 to 5, "Let Me Finish" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to family, preschool,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections.
Gator, Gator, Second Grader
Conrad J. Storad, author
Alex Lopez, illustrator
Great Books For Growing Minds
Five Star Publications
PO Box 6698, Chandler, Arizona 85246
www.FiveStarPublications.com
9781589852716, $9.95, www.GatorGatorSecondGrader.com
"Gator, Gator, Second Grader" is subtitled "Classroom Pet.... Or Not? ...As told By a Gerbil
Named Snoozer, Translated from Gerblish to English!" It is a hilarious recounting of a highly
unusual classroom visitor in the second grade. The wonderful twist is the narrator is the present
classroom pet, a gerbil named Snoozer, or Sue. Snoozer likes her cage in the second grade
classroom, she enjoys the active students and admires the in-charge teacher. Somehow, Gerbilese
translates in English in narrative verse; "When the subject is science, Teacher's words are to the
point. She leaves no room for doubt. It's not just facts and figures. Respect for nature is what it's
about!" When students brought a cardboard box to class with a tiny little alligator in it, the
Teacher used the example of an alligator for a classroom pet to make a point. "A baby gator is
NOT a good classroom pet...Even though, today, it seems kind of sweet, this gator will grow a
foot longer each year. Soon, to it, YOU might look a treat!" Then the children were encouraged
to learn to classify animals as follows: "A goldfish is a good classroom pet. A great white shark
is NOT!" Other fun comparisons teach kids to grasp respect for nature and wild animals and to
differentiate between safe and unsafe classroom pets. This educational book ends with a pet
owner's list of smart, safe practices, like always wash your hands! There is also a page about the
narrator, a gerbil named Sue, and fun, fast facts about American Alligators. In addition there are
pages describing a Curriculum & Activity Guide fro teachers and parents who are using "Gator,
Gator, Second Grader" as a learning experience. For a fun but informative classroom pet study
and guide, "Gator, Gator, Second Grader" serves an excellent nature study with tons of humor
and good instruction and information. Intriguing, expressive illustrations help hold interest and
rivet the readers to the story line.
Little Peach Pit
Grace Neva, author/illustrator
Media for Life Corporation
PO Box 1214, Little Falls, NJ 07424
9781515220862, $10.95, PB, www.Little-Peach-Pit.com
"Little Peach Pit" is a creative fable about perseverance for children ages 5-8. It tells the exciting
story of a little peach pit whose task it is to be planted and to be patient, to persevere through the
important job of overcoming obstacles and growing into the best peach tree ever. At first, Little
Peach Pit is ridiculed by its peers, Watermelon seed and Apple Seed for being ugly, big and
wrinkled. Little Peach Pit is encouraged by a small voice of conscience inside to persevere,
which means to keep on trying until you reach your goal. Many experiences befall Little Peach
Pit in its journey to become a big peach tree bearing sweet fruit. The repeated lesson is always to
continue to persevere. The value of forgiveness is also a lesson experienced by the little peach
tree. Finally the Little Peach Tree achieved its goal, and became the heart of a wonderful orchard
of peach trees. Little Peach Tree has a message for young readers: "When you have a hard time,
remember my story, and persevere. Listen to your inner voice, telling you right from wrong. And,
no matter what anybody says, believe in yourself, and be a good friend."
Jenny & Her Dog Both Fight Cancer
Jewel Kats, author
Claudia Marie Lenart, artist
Loving Healing Press
9781615992799, $15.95, www.LHPress.com
"Jenny & Her Dog Both Fight Cancer: A Tale of Chemotherapy and Caring" is a tender, touching
story about a girl and her dog who both battle cancer with chemotherapy, giving love and support
to each other. Told in sparse prose with lovely fiber art representations of Jenny and Dolly,
"Jewel & Her Dog Both Fight Cancer" is a very moving story with extra impact from the
sensitive collaboration between artist and author, who has since passed on. Upon being told of
her dog's cancer, Jenny's feelings vary from anger to disbelief, and sadness. However, Jenny
decides to be there for all of Dolly's chemotherapy appointments because Dolly has been there
for her during her chemotherapy. Feeling sick and weak and sad, Jenny still decides to do her
best for Dolly, to be strong, and to be there for her. The two friends progress through their
chemotherapy with different results. Jenny gradually improves and one day is pronounced free of
cancer. Dolly gradually gets weaker and finally one day she stops breathing while she is in
Jenny's arms. A beautiful tribute is presented on the last two pages, with a sensitive fiber art
portrait of Jenny and her parents burying Dolly. "We hold a funeral for Dolly. A burial spot is
dug. I put my floral handkerchief into the ground, I know she will be alright, and so will I. The
important thing is: we were there for each other (p. 32)."
Choose Your Days
Paula S. Wallace, author/illustrator
Cinco Puntos Press
701 Texas Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79901
www.cincopuntos.com
9781941941026380, $8.95, www.amazon.com
"Choose Your Days" is a deeply touching catalog of paintings, outlining a tender story about a
girl named Corky, who was "given calendars for all of her days by Old Bear, keeper of time and
keys." Corky was also given a list, "to dream and to do - to mark each day and to name each
line." Corky was given the joyous opportunity to choose her days, to make them sunny or gray.
Lovely paintings illustrate Corky as she grows through her sunny days as a child, then as a grown
up woman, and finally as an old woman. As the end of Corky's calendar drew near, she offered
Old Bear a small purse of coins for a few more days, "For work undone. For play postponed. For
music unsung." Old Bear leaned close to hear her request, reminding her "You hold the key." The
ending of Corky's beautiful story comes in spare, poetic words and expressive, sensitive paintings
that evoke the lobe of beauty and the transitory nature of life. Together paintings and poetic text
tells a mystic tale that is unforgettable. "And when the play is played, and the songs are sung,
when the seas are sailed, and the work is done. Go into the dark cottage. Unlock the door - the
door to wonder. Do not be afraid. I will wait for you there." "Choose Your Days" is a book for all
ages, about cherishing and releasing life with joy.
The I-Wants and the Gimmies
Taylor Overbey, author/illustrator
Crimson Dragon Publishing
PO Box 460147, Aurora, CO 80046
www.crimsondragonpublishing.com
9781944644000, $15.95, PB, www.amazon.com
"The I-Wants and the Gimmies" is a highly unusual comic illustrated allegory fable for children
about the value of sharing vs the limitations of greed and selfishness. Written in witty rhyming
couplets, and starkly but brilliantly illustrated in tones from dark shades of gray to bright rainbow
assortments of shades, "The I-Wants and the Gimmies" tell the tale of a greedy battle between
two covetous clan members who both desire to possess a lonely free kitten. When a natural
catastrophe falls from the sky in the form of plummeting bird poop, both the I-Want and the
Gimmie decide simultaneously to cooperate to save the kitten from bird poop splashing. This act
of charity leads them to realize there is a better way to act and to live. "Never before could this
story be told, For an I-Want and Gimmie broke their self-centered mold. It happened this way in
that "Mine, my, me" land, when an I-Want and a Gimmie lent another a hand." The impulse to
give help and share soon spread and: "Giving is better now reigns in that land, and all live for
sharing, not what they demand." The inspiring moral message is joyously underlined by the
creative comic illustrations to deliver a most uniquely inspiring impetus to growth and sharing.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the saga of "The I-Wants and the Gimmies."
Playground
Mies Van Hout
Lemniscaat
9781935954514 $17.95 www.lemniscaat-usa.com
Two children travel through different environments, from trees and sand dunes to rivers and
clouds, on their way to a playground, and young beginning readers get to follow along with them
in a fun format that pairs watercolor drawings with simple one-line explanations of the journey's
progress. As the kids problem-solve through a myriad of obstacles, young readers receive a fun
adventure story perfect for read-aloud or new reader exploration.
Who Broke the Teapot?
Bill Slavin
Tundra Books
75 Sherbourne Street, 5th floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 2P9
www.tundrabooks.com
9781770497334 $16.99 www.penguinrandomhouse.ca
Who Broke the Teapot? provides a fun picture book story of a mother's favorite teapot, which is
broken. Nobody will admit to being the perp who broke it - it could be Dad, Cat, Baby, or
something else. It's up to Mom to solve the mystery, but another lesson is important which is
non-investigative in nature and delightfully thought-provoking, making this a recommended
read-aloud as well as a fun picture book story filled with color.
The Midsummer Tomte and the Little Rabbits
Ulf Stark and Eva Eriksson
Floris Books
9781782502449 $24.95 www.florisbooks.co.uk
The Midsummer Tomte and the Little Rabbits offers a series of adventures particularly well
suited to adult read-aloud in much the way the original classic Uncle Wiggily was as it explores
summer in a big forest and a Midsummer party hosted by the animals. Midsummer is a time for
fun and dancing - but when a sudden storm flattens the forest and sends the animal friends
fleeing for shelter, the party is in jeopardy. Simple drawings and many words make for an
involved but fun read-aloud that holds enough adventure and interest to last for a number of
nights.
Indian Boyhood
Charles Eastman (Ohyyesa)
Wisdom Tales Press
1501 E. Hillside Dr., Bloomington, IN 47401
9781937786564 $17.95 www.wisdomtalespress.com
Indian Boyhood: The True Story of a Sioux Upbringing is adapted by Michael Oren Fitzgerald
and illustrated by Heidi M. Rasch as it provides the first-person story of a childhood filled with
adventure, where American Indian author Charles Alexander Eastman (Ohiyesa) experienced life
as an orphan at the age of six. From his encounters with soldiers and his poverty to the values in
a Sioux upbringing, customs and habits of his tribe and others are explored using a personal
touch that young readers will find engrossing and revealing.
Franky
Leo Timmers
Gecko Press
9781927271933 $16.99 www.geckopress.com
Franks tells of young Sam, who loves robots and is certain they live in outer space.
Unfortunately, his family doesn't understand him or share his beliefs, and nobody seems to care.
Nobody fur Franky, who is a friend Sam has to build himself. Sam doesn't tell his parents about
his new friend, who shares his beliefs - but what's wrong with Franky? The answer will change
lives in this fun story of determination and extraterrestrial encounters.
Candlewick Press
99 Dover Street, Somerville, MA 02144
www.candlewick.com
Yuval Zommer's One Hundred Bones (9780763681838, $16.99) tells of Scruff, a dog who loves
to dig. One day his efforts surpass even his wildest beliefs when he and his friends uncover a
hundred bones. Since nobody has been impressed by Scruff's passion before, maybe they will be
amazed now? The results surprise and amaze not only Scruff's doubting dog friends, but the
humans who have previously viewed Scruff's passion as a nuisance. Fun color photos accent a
fine story of determination and discovery. Alison Murray's Hare and Tortoise (9780763687212,
$16.99) takes place on a farm where Hare is the fastest animal and Tortoise the slowest. The
inevitable takes place during a competition - or is it inevitable? Murray's twist on the Aesop
classic will especially delight young and old alike, who may think they well know where the
story's heading, only to find it takes a different direction.
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
Two wonderfully different picture books are top picks that stand out, in whimsy and topic, from
the rest. Sam apple's The Saddest Toilet in the World (9781481451222, $17.99) is illustrated by
Sam Ricks and tells of Danny, who will sit everywhere but on the toilet. The sad toilet feels
rejected and decides to leave home in such of a more appreciate audience - and so begins a zany
story of fear, rejection, and a boy's realization that his own phobias can impact others. Hilarious
and zany, many a parent will want to "read aloud" this engaging tale even if their child already
has reading skills! Also appealing to a wide audience is David Gordon's Extremely Cute Animals
Operating Heavy Machinery (9781416924418, $17.99), a fun tale of how very cute animals face
mean bullies with heavy machinery. But "cute" doesn't necessarily lend to "talented" - or to the
ability to run heavy machines - as this whimsical tale shows. Or, does it? A delightful story
evolves with some unexpected twists.
Disney Press/Hyperion
125 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10023
www.disneyhyperionbooks.com
Kent Redeker and Bob Stakke's Don't Splash the Sasquatch! (9781423152330, $16.99) tells what
happens when a friendly but huge sasquatch who hates getting his fur wet sits by a pool after
announcing his phobia. Unfortunately this creates trouble despite the lifeguard's best intentions.
How can a water-phobic monster enjoy sunning himself poolside when wetness is the inevitable
side effect? An engaging tale of tolerance and problems evolves. Minh Le's Let Me Finish!
(9781484721735, $16.99) is illustrated by Isabel Roxas and tells of a young reader who is beset
upon by nosy animals intent on ruining the end of the story. What kind of insensitive creature
would do such a thing? Among the perps are prior fans of the tale who can't wait to 'reveal',
gossips who can't keep their mouths shut, and more. How can a good book be enjoyed if all the
prior readers are intent on disturbing the peace and spilling the beans? A fun story evolves. James
Burks' Pigs and a Blanket (9781484725239, $16.99) tells of Henry and Henrietta, who love their
soft green blanket, which makes life seem so much nicer. It's inconceivable that such an asset
could present difficulties, but as the two sibling pigs discover trouble, it's up to them to solve it in
a winning story of getting along. Jaime Temairik's Alice & Lucy Will Work for Bunk Beds
(9781484708163, $16.99) tells of sisters who love sharing everything but a bed. The obvious
solution seems to be bunk beds; but that costs money. They'll have to get jobs. And will their
different ways of doing things help them achieve their goals? A gentle story offers many lessons
as the two create goals and attempt to reach them through different means.
The Fiction Shelf
Mis-Adventures of a Boy Named "Popcorn"
M.L. Cooper
Privately Published
9781532713989 $8.50 pbk / $2.99 Kindle amazon.com
Mis-Adventures of a Boy Named "Popcorn" is a brief, adventurous novella written especially for
"reluctant readers". The story follows four 5th-grade boys who are best friends. One weekend,
they set out together to explore an abandoned building, dreaming of the treasure and excitement
to be found within. But a tremendous, raging storm appears... and could someone or something
sinister already be using the building? Mis-Adventures of a Boy Named "Popcorn" is a
self-contained adventure, and the first book in an ongoing series ideal for young boys.
Bailey's Story
W. Bruce Cameron
TOR Starscape
c/o Tor/Forge Books
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780765388407 $16.99 www.tor-forge.com
Bailey's Story: A Dog's Purpose Novel is a gentle story of a boy and his dog and comes from a
dog's perspective as he meets eight-year-old Ethan and discovers his purpose in his new young
master's life, and will appeal to middle grade readers with a special affection for dog stories. This
novel was adapted from the bestselling A Dog's Purpose, soon to become a film, and pairs fine
black and white drawings by Richard Cowdrey with a reader's activity guide perfect for young
readers and classroom teachers who would apply Bailey's story to life experiences and
lessons.
Here's Hank: You Can't Drink a Meatball Through a Straw
Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver
Grosset & Dunlap
c/o Penguin Young Readers Group
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780448486598 $14.99 www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Here's Hank: You Can't Drink a Meatball Through a Straw adds the seventh book to a fun series
about a second grader who is inadvertently funny. He's nothing like his accomplished cousin who
is a great chef - his primary skill seems to like in making people around him laugh, even though
it's not intended - and so when a competitor drops out of Judith Ann's cooking competition, Hank
sees it as a chance to prove himself. But can a non-cook make an impact on a neo-professional
contest? Readers will find the story delightfully whimsical, with black and white drawings
peppering the tale.
The Thank You Book
Mo Willems
Disney Hyperion
125 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10023
9781423178286 $9.99 www.disneyhyperionbooks.com
The Thank You Book presents two fun characters: Gerald, who is careful, and Piggie - who is
not. They seem like very different creatures with different approaches to life - but they are best
friends. In this book Piggie tries to thank everyone - but Gerald worries she'll forget someone
important in this process. The point Gerald wishes to make is: you just can't thank everyone. Or,
can you? A fun story with large print dialogue and simple drawings offers a fun saga of two
different friends.
Brooklyn Bat Boy
Geoff Griffin
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
www.createspace.com
9781530482672, $8.00, PB, 152pp, www.amazon.com
Bobby Kelly is a 12-year-old Brooklyn boy who loves playing stickball in the street with his
friends and cheering for the Dodgers. Bobby's dream of being part of the Dodgers comes true in
1947 when he lands the job of bat boy for the team. There's just one thing Bobby's not sure about.
The Dodgers are planning to do something that has never been done before. An
African-American named Jackie Robinson will be playing for Brooklyn. Bobby isn't sure how to
feel about it, especially since members of his family and kids in his neighborhood don't like the
idea. In order to truly become part of the Dodgers, Bobby will have to learn to accept Robinson
as a member of the team and learn from his example. "Brooklyn Bat Boy: A Story of the 1947
Season that Changed Baseball Forever" is based on an important point in baseball history and
told from a young boy's perspective, highlighting the time period and includes the accurate use
popular slang from the East Coast in the 1940s. "Brooklyn Bat Boy" will prove to be an
enduringly popular addition to school and community library collections -- especially for young
readers with an interest in African American and baseball history. It should be noted for personal
reading lists that "Brooklyn Bat Boy" is also available in an inexpensive Kindle edition
($0.99).
On the Other Side of the Bridge
Ray Villareal
Arte Publico Press
University of Houston
4902 Gulf Freeway, Bldg 19, Rm 100, Houston, TX 77204-2004
www.artepublicopress.com
9781558858022, $11.95, PB, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Lon Chaney Rodriguez is a typical thirteen-year-old boy. He loves horror movies. His bedroom is
a mess. He doesn't like to read boring books. And he likes to skip church and hang out at Catfish
Creek during services. But his life changes completely when his mother is shot and killed at the
apartment complex where she worked as a security guard. Life without her is unimaginable, and
he's haunted by the feeling that he let his mom down. He didn't prioritize his schoolwork, so he's
on the brink of failing. And worse, he lied to her. Why didn't he tell her the truth? Why didn't he
make better grades and help her more? Lonnie's life is turned upside down, both at school and
home. The school counselor is determined to get him to talk about his mom, and the preacher's
daughter is insistent that he read scriptures to bring him comfort. His unemployed father turns to
drinking excessively. He struggles to pay the bills and put food on the table. It doesn't seem
possible, but... will they really end up on the street like the homeless guy that panhandles at the
freeway underpass? With its central underlying theme being the consequences of bad choices
such as homelessness and the loss of life, "On the Other Side of the Bridge" is a consistently
compelling read that is written by author Ray Villareal for young readers ages 12 to 15. While
very highly recommended for school and community library collections, it should be noted for
personal reading lists that "On the Other Side of the Bridge" is also available in a Kindle edition
($9.99).
Don't Tell, Don't Tell, Don't Tell
Liane Shaw
Second Story Press
20 Maud Street, Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5V 2M5
9781927583951 $12.95 pbk / $8.99 Kindle http://secondstorypress.ca
Frederick has a lot of rules for himself -- like if someone calls him Freddy, he doesn't have to
answer them, and he only wears shirts with buttons. But when his friend Angel (who is his only
friend) goes missing and he is questioned by the police, he doesn't have a rule for that. Friendship
is a new concept for Frederick, so when Angel asked him to keep a secret no matter what, he
agreed. But do the rules of friendship apply when your friend is missing? A consistently
compelling novel by an imaginative and skilled storyteller, "Don't Tell, Don't Tell, Don't Tell" is
an especially recommended addition to high school and community library YA Fiction
collections. With the unusual underlying themes of sexual assault and Asperger's Syndrome, it
should be noted for personal reading lists that "Don't Tell, Don't Tell, Don't Tell" is also available
in a Kindle edition ($8.99).
Max and Annabel: The First Patrol
Catelyn Kronfeld, author
Jennifer Brandon, illustrator
Archway Publishing
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781480824263, $16.95, www.archwaypublishing.com
"Max and Annabel: The First Patrol" is a beautifully illustrated first title of Catelyn Kronfeld's
series about two Clydesdale horses who become Central Park patrol mounts together in New
York City. Annabel, a five year old dapple gray, arrives to find her new job and partner on a cold
January day. Officer Michael introduces Annabel to Max and her new home in the Central Park
horse barn. After settling in and meeting new friends, max and Annabel set out for their first
patrol together the next day, with Officer Michael and Officer Francis. The job of the two
Clydesdales is very important: they help to keep Central Park a safe and happy place. On her first
day of patrol, Annabel encounters excitement in the form of an electrical fire at the Tennis
Center. Both Max and Annabel help to keep people and animals calm while the fire department
is called and gets the fire under control. Next, Annabel heard the sound of music and laughter at
the Wollman Ice Rink, where there was an after school ice skating program. After a long a busy
day, max and Annabel were glad to make their way back home to the Barn. They would be well
cared for by officer Michael and Officer Francis there. At the end of "Max and Annabel: The
First Patrol" are some interesting facts about the Clydesdale Horse, and also information about
two upcoming titles in the same series: "Monkey Business" and "Rosa and the Red Tail Hawk".
"Max and Annabel: The First Patrol" is a beautifully presented book about a proud breed of
service horse, inspiring for children to look at and read.
Tundra Books
75 Sherbourne Street, 5th floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 2P9
www.tundrabooks.com
www.penguinrandomhouse.ca
Paula Wilson's Burn (9781770498518, $9.99) tells of Gabby, who has spent the last year
believing she was someone she wasn't, recovering from an accident that killed her twin brother.
When Rafa discover her, she uncovers her true identity as a half angel/half human warrior
attracted to him - and also faces a showdown between heaven and Earth in which she's to be a
major player. Book 4 of The Seraphim really requires prior familiarity with the others in the
series to prove satisfying, as it's a clear continuation of a theme flushed out in prior books; but
advanced young adult audiences with this familiarity will find it just as compelling as the others.
Shane Peacock's The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim (9781770496989, $17.99) tells of a boy
exposed to horror stories since childhood who has long suffered from nightmares as a result.
When his father dies, Brim is sent to a dark Scottish school where his nightmares become even
more powerful, fueled by the teasing of his classmates. Years later, now a teen, Brim uncovers
his father's journal and a revelation that will rock his world. A compelling story for mature YA
readers evolves with a dark vision of horror that remains elusive and satisfyingly complex
throughout the story line.
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
Heather Vogel Frederick's The Mother-Daughter Book Club (9781442471832, $16.99) tells of
five girls who read classic books for their book club and who spend a last summer at camp in this
conclusion to the series. Here they are reading Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher, and
their reading plus their bittersweet acknowledgement that this is the last summer to be spent this
way contributes to a satisfying story about book readers and changing connections. Jessica
Lawson's Waiting for Augusta (9781481448390, $16.99) provides middle school readers with a
historical fiction piece set in the South, and follows pre-teen Benjamin who believes he's
receiving messages from his recently deceased father. Tasked with taking his father's ashes back
to Georgia from his Alabama home, he encounters another runaway and both make new
discoveries about themselves and each other in the process of running away and towards
something different. Both are fine leisure choices.
The Self-Help Shelf
Mad to Glad
Angie Harris, author
Stacy Heller Budnick, illustrator
Mindful Aromatherapy, LLC
www.MindfulAromatherapy.com
9780996658508, $9.99, PB, www.amazon.com
"Mad to Glad: Mindfulness Lessons to Help Children Cope with Changing Emotions" was
written in part to help children become aware of emotions while they are experiencing them. This
heightened awareness then builds a foundation making it possible for the child to establish
insulating space between the "challenging experience and their emotional and physical reaction."
It is natural for children and all to experience many emotions, such as frustration, sadness, anger,
etc. Mindfulness practice can help children develop their abilities to cope with these emotions
and move the energy into positive growth experiences. "Mad to Glad" presents five different
experiences of emotions from a child's viewpoint, exploring experiences of mad, sad, frustrated,
fear, and lonely relating to a child's specific situation. In each instance, the feeling is described
and presented in the present. Then a suggested calming or centering response is demonstrated,
such as breathing in deeply through the nose and then releasing air through the mouth, with eyes
open and then closed. Deep breathing can accompany healing thoughts such as imagining you are
blowing all the lonely feelings away. After the mindfulness exercise, the child is able to move
through the experience in a positive way and go on growing. Each exercise ends with the
instruction to repeat aloud, "I am Happy again. I am Good always." A portrait of the child's
smiling face accompanies this affirmation. Cheery, inclusive pictures of children of different
sexes, ages, and races help to make the mindfulness approach universal. A final page includes a
mindfulness diary page, with name and date and blanks to fill in experiences. "Mad to Glad" is
an excellent meditation tool for children age 3-7.
The Biography Shelf
Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge
Monica Kulling, author
Bill Slavin, illustrator
Tundra Books
75 Sherbourne Street, 5th floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5A 2P9
www.tundrabooks.com
9781770495227, $17.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Growing up in Smiljan, Croatia, Nikola Tesla dreamed about harnessing the power of Niagara
Falls. In 1884, he walked down the gangplank into the New York Harbor with four cents in his
pocket, a book of poems, a drawing of a flying machine, and a letter of introduction to Thomas
Edison, the "electrical wizard" of America. Upon meeting, Edison sent Tesla to fix the SS
Oregon as a test and was so astounded that he offered Tesla a job at his factory. Tesla and Edison
had different views about electricity; Tesla wanted to develop an alternate current while Edison
wanted to stick to the direct current system. Edison offered Tesla a large sum to make his direct
current system more efficient, but when the work was done, Edison refused to pay. Tesla quit and
when things were looking bleak, he met George Westinghouse, who also thought that alternating
current was the way to light up America. He gave Tesla a job and in 1896, Tesla and
Westinghouse built a generator at Niagara Falls that was able to send power as far as Buffalo,
New York. Written specifically for young readers ages 5 to 8, "Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge"
is part of the truly outstanding 'Great Idea Series' and unreservedly recommended for elementary
school and community library biographical picture book collections.
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
The Teeny-Tiny Woman
Paul Galdone
Houghton Mifflin Company
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
9780544641051, $8.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
When a teeny-tiny woman finds a teeny-tiny bone in the teeny-tiny village churchyard, she takes
it home to boil for her teeny-tiny supper. She never expects the bone will object. "The
Teeny-Tiny woman" is an old English ghost story, retold and illustrated for children ages 4 to 7
with singular wit by Paul Galdone. Simply stated, "The Teeny-Tiny Woman" is spine-tingling,
funny bone-tickling fun. With hidden details to discover in the illustrations and plenty of
repetition in the text, children will enjoy joining in on this as a read-aloud event. Now part of the
Folk Tale Classics series from HMH Books, with gold foil stamping on the cover, and
unreservedly recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and community library
collections, "The Teeny-Tiny Woman" is one is certain to become a story time favorite at
Halloween or any time of year! It should be noted that "The Teeny-Tiny Woman" is also
available in a Kindle edition ($5.99).
The Wolf Who Visited The Land Of Fairy Tales
Orianne Lallemand, author
Eleonore Thuillier, illustrator
Auzou Publishing
24 - 32 rue des Amandiers, 75020 Paris, France
www.auzou.biz
9782733839232, $14.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
This year for the Spring Picnic, the Wolf wants to prepare an apple pie. The problem is that he
isn't a very good cook! So he goes into the forest trying to look for someone who could help him.
It is while he is in the forest that the Wolf meets the real characters from the most famous fairy
tales! What will happen to him? Only the truly unexpected! Eleonore Thuillier's charming
illustrations are perfectly suited to author Orianne Lallemand's original and entertaining story for
children ages 3 to 5, making "The Wolf Who Visited The Land Of Fairy Tales" and ideal and
enthusiastically recommended addition to family, preschool, elementary school, and community
library picture book collections!
The American History Shelf
Your Presidential Fantasy Dream Team
Daniel O'Brien
Crown Books for Young Readers
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9780553537482, $16.99, Library Binding, 272pp, www.amazon.com
What if a zombie apocalypse or a robot uprising threatened the nation and you had the power to
recruit some of the nation's finest presidents to help save the day? By studying the most
successful squads in history, Daniel O'Brien has identified the perfect ingredients for a victorious
team. Which president would you choose for: the Brain, the Brawn, the Moral Compass, the
Loose Cannon, and the Roosevelt? Choose wisely young reader, the fate of the world is in your
hands! "Your Presidential Fantasy Dream Team" is a unique and inherently fascinating read from
first page to last. Especially recommended for young readers ages 10 to 14, "Your Presidential
Fantasy Dream Team" is unreservedly recommended for school and community library
collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Your Presidential Fantasy Dream
Team" is also available in a paperback edition (9780553537475, $13.99) and in a Kindle format
($9.99).
The Native American Shelf
I Am Hapa
Crystal Smith, author
Michael Satoshi Garcia, photographer
East West Discovery Press
P.O. Box 3585, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
9780997394702, $16.95, HC, 24pp, www.eastwestdiscovery.com
'Hapa' is an Hawaii term used to describe a personal of partial Asian or Pacific islander descent.
The multiracial population in American demographics is growing faster than at any previous time
in our country's history with as many as seventeen million Americans identifying themselves as
being of more than one race. "I Am Hapa" was specifically written by author Crystal Smith for
the benefit of children ages 4 to 5 who are confronted with their identities -- especially when they
are questioned about their being or looking 'different'. Featuring a trilingual text (English,
Spanish, Chinese), "I Am Hapa" is wonderfully illustrated with the full color photography of
Michael Satoshi Garcia. "I Am Hapa" is an extraordinary and very highly recommended addition
to family, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.
The Activity Shelf
Wolf Tales
Oldrich Ruzicka & Klara Kolcavova, authors
Maria Neradova, illustrator
Walter Foster Jr., Publisher
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9781633220584, $14.95, Board Books, 20pp, www.amazon.com
The Read & Play Puppet Theater format of "Wolf Tales" not only allows young children to not
only read their favorite fairy tales, but also act them out on stage. The box containing the board
book comprising "Wolf Tales" can be used as a stage and contains puppets, set pieces, and a
book of three fairy tales: Little Red Riding Hood, The Wolf and the Young Kids, and The Three
Little Pigs. Each individual tale includes a shortened script and will capture the attention of event
he youngest children. Just set up the pieces, get the puppets ready, and let the performance begin!
The boxed set contains: a foldout puppet theatre, a book of three fairy tales with shortened scripts
and prompts, 5 colorful set backdrops, and 9 double-sided paper puppets. Enormously friendly
fun, "Wolf Tales" is unreservedly recommended for preschool, elementary school, family, and
community library collections.
The Graphic Novel Shelf
Bera the One-Headed Troll
Eric Orchard
First Second
175 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9781626721067 $17.99 www.firstsecondbooks.com
Bera the One-Headed Troll is a full-color graphic novel for all ages, about a humble, one-headed
troll content with tending her island pumpkin patch, until she unexpectedly rescues a human
baby. An evil witch is in hot pursuit of the baby. Can Bera successfully escape the witch and
return the baby to its human homeland? Perhaps the local troll hero will help; then again, perhaps
will Bera will have to rely on her own wits to save the day! A whimsical, heartwarming
adventure from cover to cover, Bera the One-Headed Troll is highly recommended, especially for
public library graphic novel collections.
Ogres Awake!
James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost
First Second
175 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9781596436534 $14.99 www.firstsecondbooks.com
Ogres Awake! is hardcover graphic novel for all ages about the valiant Knight and his trusty
horse Edward as they race against time to prepare for an ogre invasion! When the Knight spots
ogres asleep near the castle, he rushes to warn the King and the castle gnomes at once, since
everyone knows that when ogres wake up they smash and destroy everything in sight! Of course,
the valiant and loyal Knight is ready to serve his King and country... but just what is the King's
plan, and why is the King handing him a vegetable peeler? Bright colors and a cheerful moral
about the wisdom of using one's head rather than one's sword to solve problems distinguish this
delightful storybook.
Compass South
Hope Larson
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.fsgbooks.com
9780374300432, $17.99, HC, 290pp, www.amazon.com
It's 1860 in New York City. When 12-year-old twins Alexander and Cleopatra's father
disappears, they join the Black Hook Gang and are caught by the police pulling off a heist. They
agree to reveal the identity of the gang in exchange for tickets to New Orleans. But once there,
Alex is shanghaied to work on a ship that is heading for San Francisco via Cape Horn. Cleo
stows away on a steamer to New Granada where she hopes to catch a train to San Francisco to
find her brother. Neither Alexander nor Cleo realizes the real danger they are in-they are being
followed by pirates who think they hold the key to treasure. How they outwit the pirates and find
each other makes for a fast-paced, breathtaking adventure. A riveting read by an impressively
skilled storyteller, Hope Larson's "Compass South" is an extraordinary graphic novel superbly
illustrated by Rebecca Mock. Very highly recommended for young readers age 10 to 12,
"Compass South" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to school and community
library Graphic Novel collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Compass
South" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
Cinebook Ltd.
56 Beech Ave., Canterbury, Kent, CT4 7TA, UK
www.cinebook.com
c/o National Book Network (dist.)
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.nbnbooks.com
Two colorful graphic novels from Cinebook will appeal to readers of all ages. "Spirou &
Fantasio 10: Virus" (9781849182973, $11.95) by Tome and Janry features the scoop-chasing
reporters Spirou, Fantasio, and their squirrel associate Spip as they investigate disturbing rumors
behind a cargo ship from Antarctica. But a deathly ill man has escaped quarantine, setting the
duo on a race against time to obtain components for a cure! In "Lucky Luke 58: The Dalton's
Stash" (9781849182980, $11.95) by Morris and Vicq, legendary sharpshooter Lucky Luke has
more problems than he can shake a cigarette at; not only have the villainous Dalton brothers
escaped, but corruption is afoot in the Old West - and just why are the Dalton brothers so eager
to dig their way in to a different penitentiary? What could they possibly be searching for? Both
graphic novels have self-contained stories and make great "jumping-on" points for their
respective series!
The Music CD Shelf
Preschool Basic Skills
Kimbo Educational
PO Box 477, Long Branch, NJ 07740-0477
$15.95 www.kimboed.com
Preschool Basic Skills: Literacy, Math, Colors & More! is an educational music CD created
especially for preschool-age children, at school or at home. The songs encourage physical actions
and are designed to help build foundational skills that aid in success at school. Topics covered
include alphabet knowledge, phonological awareness, simple counting/addition/subtraction, and
colors/shapes. Preschool Basic Skills is an excellent enrichment for preschool library music
collections, homeroom activity, or just plan family fun with little ones! The tracks are "Alphabet
Stretch", "The Alphabet Rock", "Nursery Rhyme Tap", "Rhyming Word Shuffle", "Say and
Rhyme", "Peter Piper", "Good Together", "Diggin' Up Dinosaur Bones", "Echo Sticks", "Hickory
Dickory Count", "One Dinosaur", "Five Little Frogs", "Five Little Monkeys", "The Color Game",
"Monster Color Game", "One Blue Square", and "Shapes in Action". Also highly recommended
for young people in preschool through middle grades is "Best Multicultural Songs for Kids"
($15.95).
To Follow Apollo
Jim Thorne
Privately Published
$9.99 CD / $6.99 download cdbaby.com
To Follow Apollo: Songs About Kids in Space is a themed children's music album, featuring
seven story-songs about two young explorers of the solar system named Tommy and Laura. They
discover the original Apollo landing sites on the moon, travel to three more places that were
planned for Apollo yet cancelled, land on Mercury, find animal constellations in the sky, and
even visit another star! An awe-inspiring educational adventure, To Follow Apollo is highly
recommended especially for children's public library and personal music collections.
Post Folk Absurdist
Funkinships
funkinships.com
$13.99 CD / $10.99 download cdbaby.com
Post Folk Absurdist is a family-friendly music CD by Funkinships, a band whose core members
include Iraq veteran Derek McGee and professional musician Charlie Chamberlain. Together,
they have created an idyllic, laugh-out-loud fun collection of songs brimming with the energy of
an all-night jam session. Post Folk Absurdist is pure whimsical delight with a touch of nautical
theme, highly recommended! The tracks are "Sea Legs", "The Platypus and the Stevesuscemi",
"A Dragon Tale", "If you Can't Sing Well, Sing Loud", "Kid Van Winkle", "Chicken Flap Fly",
"The Shad and the Eel", "Nightmare on the Kid's Menu", "Left Foot Right Foot", and "The Great
White Ball".
Spaceship Earth: Caring for Our Planet
Music by Bay Song
Keenan Literacy & Learning
$12.97 CD / $12.97 download, cdbaby.com
Spaceship Earth: Caring for Our Planet is a children's music CD crafted around the themes of
good stewardship, respect for nature, and preservation of the delicate ecological balance.
Touching on topics ranging from recycling, to watersheds and the importance of oceans, to the
celebration of Earth Day, these educational songs are as heartwarming and educational as they
are just plain fun. Spaceship Earth is especially recommended for public and school library
children's music collections. The tracks are "Spaceship Earth" (2:42), "Nature's Outside Your
Door" (1:33), "The Butterfly Song" (2:41), "A Habitat is Where It's At" (3:48), "Cycle of the
Seasons" (2:51), "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" (1:56), "May the River Frun "Free" (3:57), "We Need
the Oceans" (2:55), "Care for the Earth" (2:12), "Bio, Bio, Bio, Biodiversity" (2:50), "Web of
Life" (3:51), "The Nature Dance" (2:34), "Grain of Sand" (3:11), "Sustainability" (2:41), "Earth
Day Celebration" (2:48), "Rachel, Rachel" (3:32), and "Sustain the Earth" (2:49).
Novelties
Recess Monkey
www.recessmonkey.com
$12.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com
Novelties is a delightful album chock full of original songs by independent family-music
performers Recess Monkey. Charming wordplay and catchy rhymes make songs as sweet as the
ice cream treats Novelties is named after! Highly recommended. The tracks are "Every Flavor",
"Sweaty Yeti", "Show and Tell", "Chasing My Tail", "Snowball", "Piggyback", "Bear with a
Bear", "Mustaches of the World", "Smitten for Kitten", "Time to Make the Donuts", "Wind Up
Robot", "Lovestruck Unicorn", "The Band Next Door", and "My Guitar". 39 min.
Press Play
Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could
www.bradyrymer.com
$11.99 CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com
Two-time Grammy Award nominee Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could present Press
Play, an accordion-laced, pop-rock-keyboard-guitar album that the whole family can enjoy. The
original songs draw freely from a variety of American music traditions, from piano ballad to New
Orleans boogie. Press Play is a vivacious good time, perfect for keeping spirits high during car
trips, everyday chores, or just plain any day! The tracks are "Don't Knock It 'Til You Try It", "Me
on the Map", "I Surprised Myself", "It's a Beauty", "The Only One", "Hold This Home Together",
"Chain Reaction", "Dress in Blue", "Your Love Turns the World Around", "Switcheroo Day",
and "One Day by the Riverside".
In My Dreams
Dean Jones
Dog On Fleas
www.dogonfleas.com
$11.99 CD / $8.99 download cdbaby.com
In My Dreams is a family-friendly album that encourages listeners to think about everyday things
from a different point of view. Rather than drive home a strict message, the songs ask
open-ended questions, such as "Have You Ever Been Real?", or "Who was the first person in the
history of the world to snuggle up with a feline?", encouraging the listener to ponder at length. In
My Dreams is creative, inspirational, and highly recommended. The tracks are "What Kind of
Fruit?" (2:33), "Humans are Still Evolving" (2:43), "Animal Collective" (3:12), "Do You Talk to
Yourself?" (2:21), "People Watching" (2:56), "Monkey C. Monkey" (2:14), "In My Dreams I
Have a Dog" (2:08), "Feline" (2:23), "Oh Little Baby" (2:37), "Swiss Cheese Angels" (3:16), "Fly
Like a Bird" (3:02), "Have You Ever Been Real?" (2:35), and "Night Time" (2:42).
The Playground Zone
Alphabet Rockers
alphabetrockers.com
$7.00 CD / $5.00 download cdbaby.com
The Playground Zone is a six-song, kid-friendly EP album by Alphabet Rockers, a team devoted
to promote learning among children and families through hip hop music. Each lively song is
great for dancing, and explores issues of race, ethnicity, and community while celebrating
diversity. Highly recommended! The tracks are "Players' Life", "That's Your Name, Wear it
Out!", "Wiggle Jiggle", "Oddball", "Gimme Some Skin", and "Change the World".
The Holiday Shelf
Christmas Heart
Joyce Johnson Rouse
Rouse House Music
PO Box 450, Independence, VA 24348
www.earthmama.org
$15.00 CD / $10.00 MP3 cdbaby.com
Joyce "Earth Mama" Rouse presents Christmas Heart, a holiday-themed music CD for the whole
family. Some of the songs have religious themes that celebrate God's love and the birth of Jesus
Christ; all are shining with the universal joy and camaraderie of the season. An included lyric
booklet makes Christmas Heart ideal for sharing and singing aloud, especially at Christmas
caroling or parties. Highly recommended! The tracks are "Christmas Heart" (3:18), "Close To
The Earth" (4:26), "Baby Child, Baby King" (2:34), "The Angel Tree" (3:49), "First Christmas
Waltz" (3:27), "Christmas Candles" (2:52), "Quaker Christmas Medley" (5:03), "For Christmas"
(3:25), "Fear Not (in the Stile Nacht)" (5:20), and "Green Christmas" (4:57).
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Jack Death
M. L. Windsor
Creston Books
PO Box 9369, Berkeley, CA 94709
www.crestonbooks.co
9781939547286, $12.99, HC, 165pp, www.amazon.com
Jack is an ordinary boy except that his father happens to be Death. Nadine is a perfectly normal
girl except that her Mother is - oh well, that's a Secret and not to be carelessly revealed. The
important thing is that together, these two incredibly average children discover the lemon-headed
villain behind the destruction of the Magical Creature Reserve and piece together his plot to
divide the Golden and Black Bloods. They may even save a few lives. An original, entertaining,
deftly crafted fantasy novel by M. L. Windsor, "Jack Death" is very highly recommended for
school and community library Fantasy Fiction collections, as well as the personal reading lists for
children ages 8 to 12 and in grades 2 through 7.
The LGBT Shelf
Lily and Dunkin
Donna Gephart
Delacorte Press
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780553536744 $16.99 www.randomhousekids.com
Lily and Dunkin is a powerful novel for readers age 10 and up about Lily Jo, a transgender girl. Lily was born Timothy; she has always known she was a girl, but she looks like a boy. She's in the eighth grade, and when she befriends a bipolar boy who also doesn't quite fit in, her life changes. From bullies and adult strife to emerging identities, the two new friends find their very different lives challenged and changed in new ways, with acceptance and kindness the ultimate rewards for being strong enough to face the world in their real identities.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
The Mystery of the Missing Fox
Written by Tamra Wight
Illustrated by Carl DiRocco
Islandport Press
PO Box 10, Yarmouth ME 04096
www.islandportpress.com
9781939017895 $16.95 / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
The Mystery of the Missing Fox is a novel for middle grade readers about young Cooper Wilder,
who encounters a campground mystery. Cooper has his own problems; his dad suffered an
accident and is recovering in the hospital, which in turn forces Cooper to bear new
responsibilities. Then Cooper and his friends discover a fox caught in an illegal trap on the
campground's land, and kits start to disappear from the fox den. Who would steal baby foxes, and
why? Cooper, Packrat, and Roy must work fast to save the wild animals! A handful of
black-and-white illustrations intersperse this thoughtful mystery, highly recommended for young
adult fiction shelves and public library children's collections.
Books in Series
American Politics Today
Eldorado Ink
PO Box 100097, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
www.eldoradoink.com
8 Volume Set: S/L $26.95, List $33.95; Individual Titles List $16.95
Just in time for the Fall 2016 presidential election, the eight volume series 'American Politics
Today' from Eldorado will give young readers an informed and informative descriptive and
current insight into the various elements of American government and it works. From exploring
the modern political parties and branches, to fundraising and processes, young readers will be
able to develop and deepen their understanding of the functioning of the U.S. government. The
individual titles comprising this outstanding series include: The House of Representatives Today
(9781619000971); The U.S. Senate Today (9781619001046); Lobbyists and Special Interest
Groups (9781619000988); The Modern Democratic Party (9781619000919); The Republican
Party (9781619000926); Tea Party, Libertarian and Other Political Parties (9780606382908);
Pacs, Super Pacs and Fundraising (9781619000988); The Presidential Election Process
(9781619001022). Each library bound, hardcover, 64 page volume is specially written and
illustrated to appeal to students in grades 6 to 12. Although individual titles are available
separately in paperback, it is very strongly recommended for school and community librarians to
acquire the entire hardcover set. A special note: the 'American Politics Today' series is ideal as
text book material for school civics classes and home schooling curriculums.
A Birthday Party for Mother Earth
Laurenn Prater Barker, author/illustrator
Expressions Studio
7040 Avenida Encinas, Ste. 104, Carlsbad, CA 92011
www.laelae.com
9780982417263, $9.95, PB, 44pp, www.amazon.com
The eighth title in the Lae Lae series, "A Birthday Party for Mother Earth: The Adventures of Lae
Lae, a Story and Activity Book" reinforces positive values such as respect and love for humans,
animals, and the environment, kindness and compassion for others who are less fortunate, respect
for people from different backgrounds and cultures, intergenerational caring and respect, and
encouraging appreciation of a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Lae Lae wants to create a birthday
party to celebrate mother Earth. With the help of her friends Amalia, from Colombia, Raj from
India, Timmy with family in Italy, Beke from Ethiopia, and Ayako from Japan, Lae Lae helps to
plan and enjoy a wonderful celebration with a birthday cake made of mud and decorated with
acorns and things from the earth. Each child contributes a special food and a special gift to the
gathering. In the end, all the children enjoy a picnic of Lae Lae's Irish stew, Timmy's Italian
bread, and wonderful fruit from Colombia and India. Even more intriguing are the activity and
story telling pages which follow, including a Hopi story of the power of the hummingbird, a folk
tale about the strength of unity from India, a page about the gazelle from Ethiopia, and the
Japanese legend of Grandfather Cherry Blossom. Special activities pages teach about the value of
trees, plus some fun recipes for making Irish stew and Italian bread. In addition there are puzzle
and game pages, plus crafts like making a paper moon, The pages of "A Birthday Party for
Mother Earth" are decorated with sensitive colored pencil drawings of all the children enjoying
their birthday party celebration for Mother Earth. This excellent story and activity book is filled
with positive learning experiences for children age 2 to 6. The Lae Lae collection has been
awarded a Family Choice Award for the best in children's and parenting products in April,
2016.
MyaGrace Wants To Make Music
Jo Meserve Mach and Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier, authors
Mary Birdsell, photographer
Jo Mach, Publisher
Finding My Way Books
www.findingmywaybooks.com
9780986379208, $19.49 HC, $8.99 PB, 50pp, www.amazon.com
"MyaGrace Wants To Make Music" is an exciting new title from a series featuring true stories of
inclusion and the development of skills needed for self-determination. Finding My Way Books,
the publisher, promotes books about real children who deal with special needs or disabilities.
Filled with color photo portraits and brief narrative explanatory text, "MyaGrace Wants To Make
Music" appeals to kids who might have reading skills at K-2 or less. MyaGrace is excited
because she wants to learn to make music like the other members of her family. Each of her three
brothers and both her parents play different musical instruments. MyaGrace is beginning to learn
to play piano. A touching visual narrative shows MyaGrace attending her piano lesson with her
piano teacher, Cathie. Cathie introduces MyaGrace to the piano keyboard and encourages her to
use both hands to play notes on the piano, after practicing. When MyaGrace is distracted by
another sound from outside, Cathie redirects her to the lesson and making music on the piano.
She even helps MyaGrace to compose her own song and learn to clap the rhythm and play it, also
writing it down for her. MyaGrace is happy and proud of her accomplishment and growing
ability to make music with her family. "MyaGrace Wants to Make Music" is described as a true
story promoting inclusion and self-determination. It is a very inspiring book. In addition to the
story, there is a MyaGrace Wants To Make Music index listing specific self-determination skills
and more, a Family Guide for Promoting Self-Determination, and Classroom Activities for
'MyaGrace Wants To Make Music.' It is especially effective that the story is written from the
viewpoint and in the voice of the child, MyaGrace. Other titles by the same authors from this
publisher and series that are also highly recommended include: "MyaGrace Wants To Get Ready
(978096835794)," "I Don't Know If I Want a Puppy (9780990354338)," "Marco and I Want To
Play Ball (9780990354376)," "I Want To Be Like Poppin' Joe (9780990354321)," and "Kaitlyn
Wants To See Ducks (9780990354314)."
Hiking
Amy Beattie and Sara Coppin, authors
Rosen Publishing
29 East 21st St., New York, NY 10010
www.rosenpublishing.com
9781499462319, $26.95, Library Binding, 63pp, www.amazon.com
"Hiking" is a practical, condensed, color photo-illustrated guide to hikers featuring challenges of
such trails as the Appalachian Trail, trails in the Grand Canyon, National Park trails, trails in
Australia, Germany, and even the Stairway to heaven trail on Oahu Island in Hawaii. While not
claiming to be comprehensive, "Hiking" offers condensed hiking information and wisdom on
things to bring, distance and climate considerations, terrain, ideas to help stay safe, hiking
traditions and clubs, and other hiking activities such as birdwatching, journaling and self
reflection, and geocaching. A practical list of things to bring when hiking and camping overnight
includes a large backpack, tent, ground cloth, sleeping bag and pad, any needed medications,
water filter or iodine tablets, camping pots, spoons and cups, cleaning supplies, and lightweight
food that is resistant to spoilage. In addition to many hiking tips, safety concerns, and planning
suggestions, there are added pages containing further reading suggestions, addresses and websites
for more information, and a glossary of terms. "Hiking" is an excellent introduction to the
challenging and rewarding pastime for readers age 12 and up. Other titles covered in this exciting
series include "Bike Trekking," "Camping," "Fishing," "Hunting," "Kayaking," "Snowmobiling,"
and "Trail Riding."
Go West: First Contact With Native Nations
Cynthia O'Brien, author
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor, New York, NY 10118
www.crabtreebooks.com
9780778723318, $$27.60 HC, $8.95 PB, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"Go West: First Contact With Native Nations" is an excellent overview of issues arising from the
traveling of White Americans to the western regions during the period from 1800-1890.
Headlines and sidebars illustrated with photos and drawings from the era keep interest high,
while color coded maps of North America show the original distribution of seven regions of
different types of native peoples. A later map dated 1894 titled "A Changed Land" shows how
native peoples of the West were forced to relocate or live on small reservations that totally
limited and changed their former ways of living. The final chapter, Legacy of Settlement covers
the Dawes Act, last resistance of the Sioux at Wounded Knee, the impact of mission schools with
intent to erase or wipe out native heritage, and the ongoing struggle, in which native peoples
today are fighting for the restoration of rights and land decisions within the legal system. "Go
West: First Contact With Native Nations" documents that the conflict between settlers and native
peoples often arose from the ignoring of the native peoples' previous settlement of and right to
occupy the territory. A Glossary, list of web sites and books, plus a Western expansion timeline
from 1803 to 1890 documents many important events in this period of intense change. The Go
West series has appeal for students age 10-11 and up with a guided reading level of T, S or I.
Other volumes from the Go West series that are also highly recommended include: "Go West
With Famous Trailblazers (9780778723240)," by Rachel Stuckey, "Go West With Settlers and
Farmers (9780778723301)," by Rachel Stuckey, "Go West With Cowboys and Ranchers
(9780778723226)," by Tim Cooke, "Go West With Merchants and Traders (9780778723264),"
by Cynthia O'Brien, and "Go West With Miners, Prospectors, and Loggers (9780778723288),"
by Cynthia O'Brien.
Crabtree Publishing
350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor, New York, NY 10118
www.crabtreebooks.com
Crabtree's elementary-level series titles are solid acquisitions for any librarian interested in
building a nonfiction collection of books that tie into the curriculum with contemporary
perspectives and eye-catching color photos which supplements their facts with an approach that
will attract both young researchers and leisure readers alike. 'Math on the Job' is one example,
offering a set of titles that links math processes to real-world activities. Building a Business
(9780778723578), Working in Sports (9780778723622), Serving Your Community
(9780778723608), Caring for Marine Animals (9780778723585), Working in Construction
(9780778723615) and Keeping People Healthy (9780778723592) all show how math is key to
different career goals, presenting problems that can only be solved by math and including
exercises and sidebars of information that lend to the process of understanding. Each 32-page
book includes an index, glossary, and websites and books for further details. Robin Johnson's
'Severe Weather Close-Up' series of books offers 24 pages each, including an index, glossary,
and bibliography, and invites kids to not just read about the properties of severe weather, but
think about their science and impact. "What is A?" titles include Flood (9780778723967), Heat
Wave (9780778723974), Tornado (9780778724230), Blizzard (9780778723950), Thunderstorm
(9780778724001), and Hurricane (9780778723981) and discusses the science behind weather
events and how each differently affects mankind. The "No Kidding: Jokes, Riddles and Games!"
series uses jokes, riddles and games to impart its information and provides 32 pages each of
detail that require good reading skills from picture book elementary readers. Sports!
(9780778723905), Monster and Creepy-Crawly (9780778723899), Around the World
(9780778723882), and Animal! (9780778723875) each utilize humor to impart information. All
these titles will attract discriminating library purchasers who look for curriculum-supporting
volumes that not only stand out, but are lasting additions.
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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