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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
The Girl On The High-Diving Horse
Linda Oatman High & Ted Lewin
Philomel/Penguin-Putnam
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
039923649X $16.99 1-800-847-5515
Set in the summer of 1936, The Girl On The High-Diving Horse: An Adventure In Atlantic City
by
Linda Oatman High is the story of a young girl who sees the daily performance of another girl and
her horse, diving from a tall platform to the delight of onlookers. Looking up at the girl on the
high-diving horse, she wonders if she can ever share that much courage and adventure. Simple,
almost photograph-style illustrations by Ted Lewin add a realistic touch to this charming
story.
Counting Arizona's Treasures
Terri Fields & Tony Marinella
Kiva Publishing
21731 E. Buckskin Dr., Walnut CA 91789
1885772033 $15.95 1-800-634-5482
Terri Fields' Counting Arizona's Treasures is a simple counting book for young readers. Each
two-page spread features beautiful photographs by tony Marinella of locations to visit in Arizona,
and ten little lizards scurry around and split up to visit each one of them, later getting together to
share their stories. A simple and enjoyable celebration of Arizona as well as a countdown book
from
10 to 1.
Peaceful Thoughts
Robin K. Thumann
Peace Thoughts, Inc./NBN, dist.
510 Falls Watch Circle, Alpharetta GA 30022
www.peacefulthoughts.net
0972511806 $19.95 1-800-338-4450
Written and illustrated by teacher, early childhood education consultant, and domestic/juvenile
dispute mediator Robin K. Thurmann, Peaceful Thoughts: An Interactive Journey In Positive
Thinking For Children And Their Parents is a thoroughly delightful and inspiring "self-discovery"
book, meant for children ages four to ten. Simple poems about virtues such as the joy of reading
and
enjoying humor are placed alongside inviting color illustrations and fill the pages of this engaging
collection. Ideas for discussion and questions that can be shared with one's child round out this
quality volume. Peaceful Thoughts is recommended for family and community library
collections.
Horrible Harry And The Mud Gremlins
Suzy Kline
Viking Press/Penguin-Putnam
345 Hudson, New York NY 10014
067003617X $13.99 1-800-847-5515
Suzy Kline's Horrible Harry And The Mud Gremlins tells of a boy who wears a necklace and faces
ridicule until he reveals its secret. His promise to introduce the class to a mini-kingdom at recess
involves breaking an important school rule in this chapter book for kids from Viking Press.
The Question Song
Kaethe Zemach
Little, Brown and Company
1271 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10020
0316666017 $16.95 1-800-759-0190
Charmingly written and superbly illustrated by Kaethe Zemach, The Question Song is a rhyming,
full-color picturebook about finding solutions to everyday problems. The easy-to-read, original
lyrics
about responding to dilemmas make The Question Song a very highly recommended read-aloud
book to share with young children ages 3 to 6. "Look at this room! Oh, what a mess! What are
we
going to do? / We'll pick up the toys and / put them away. Then we'll have more / room to
play."
Dutton/Penguin-Putnam
Scott Beck's A Mud Pie For Mother (05-25470409, $14.99) tells of a little pig who uncovers
many
'perfect' presents for his mother's birthday but all already belong to someone else in the farmyard,
leaving his gift basket empty. How can a little pig with nothing get his mother something
fabulous?
Kids will surely relate to this pig's dilemma. Hiawyn Oram's Let's Do That Again! (0525469974,
$15.99) pairs engaging mouse drawings by Sam Williams with the simple story of a mother and
child
acting silly together. Mrs. Brownmouse participates in the laughter but gently guides her
mischievous child. Michele Malkin's Pinky's Sweet Tooth (0525470883, $15.99) tells of a bakery
run by Pinky and her niece Lulu. The bakery needs more customers, and it's up to Lulu to spread
the
word about its delights in this warm, appealing story of entrepreneurial crocodiles. Julia
Donaldson's
Spiffiest Giant In Town (052528484, $15.99) tells of a scruffy giant and good friends who buy
him a
spiffy set of clothes. George the giant is also kind-hearted, though, and his new clothes serve not
only him, but those kindly bequeaths them on.
A Winkle In Time
Lara Jo Regan
Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
0375824871 $14.95 1-800-726-0600
A Winkle In Time: Mr. Winkle Celebrates The Underdogs Of History is a delightful collection of
very brief biographical portraits of often-overlooked champions and visionaries around the
world, ranging from the Japanese woman who wrote the world's first novel, to the Idaho potato
farmer who invented television. Full-color photographs featuring a lovable puppy in each scene of
history add a unique twist to Lara Jo Regan's engaging and educational picturebook read for
children 6 to 12.
Dropping In On Rousseau
Pamela Geiger Stephens & Jim McNeill
Crystal Productions
PO Box 2159, Glenview, IL 60025
www.crystalproductions.com
1562903039 $15.95 1-800-255-8629
Pamela Geiger Stephens' Dropping In On Rousseau is an enjoyable and rather elegant picture
book
that blends the famous Rousseau's classic artworks with simple and engaging color illustrations by
Jim McNeill. A bumbling Puffer flies into early twentieth-century Paris to meet the self-trained
artist
Rousseau, in this cleverly written and presented book that introduces young readers to memorable
artistic treasures. Also very highly recommended is the sixteen minute VHS video of Dropping In
On Rousseau (CP-6185, $29.95).
Flying: Just Plane Fun
Julie Grist
Spoonbender Books
419 North Larchmont Blvd., #4, Los Angeles, Ca 90004
www.spoonbenderbooks.com
0972575006 $17.95 1-323-933-0253
Author and illustrator Julie Grist's Flying: Just Plane Fun is a delightful picture book about how
planes stay up in the air, the basics of flying, and what it's like to be a pilot or co-pilot. An
adventurous read which is most especially recommended for young people with a budding interest
in
aircraft, aviation, and the mechanics and physics thereof, Flying: Just Plane Fun is an original and
enthusiastically recommended addition for family, school, and community library collections.
The Fiction Shelf
Elisabeth: Princess Bride
Barry Denenberg
Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
0439266440 $10.95 1-800-242-7737
Elisabeth: Princess Bride joins others in the 'Royal Diaries' set, providing the first-person story of
Elisabeth, a princess bride of the Austria-Hungary regime in 1853. The end of her carefree
childhood
and her unwilling marriage to an emperor for the good of politics comes to life in this diary
format,
which is based on real events.
Tori And The Sleigh Of Midnight Blue
Margo Sorenson
North Dakota Institute for Regonal Studies
PO Box 5075, Fargo, ND 58105-5075
091104261X $6.95 1-701-231-8338
Set in North Dakota during the Great Depression, Tori And The Sleigh Of Midnight Blue by
Margo
Sorenson is a young adult novel about Tori Olesen, an eleven-year-old girl who longs to be a
writer
yet has to deal with daily hardships such as her family's meager income and living, the loss of her
beloved father, her nosy little brother, and most recently, the intrusion of a Norwegian bachelor
courting her mother. Tori's struggle to come to terms with changes in her life and her family is
thoughtfully and believably told in this highly recommended read whose a message transcends its
setting.
Moon Eyes
Josephine Poole
Hodder
c/o Trafalgar Square Publishing
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0340843748 $8.95 1-800-423-4525
Katie's father has gone away for a while, and replacing him is the mysterious Aunt Rhoda with her
big dog Moon Eyes, who threatens Katie and her brother. As Katie becomes more aware of
Moon
Eyes' underlying dangers, she realizes they are in a struggle for their very souls in this excellent
supernatural thriller, reprinted for modern audiences.
Mr. Crumb's Secret
Phyllis J. Perry
Upstart Books
Box 800, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-0800
1579500803 $16.95 1-800-448-4887
Mr. Crumb's Secret is a delightful and enthusiastically recommended story by Phyllis J. Perry for
young readers ready to make the transition from picturebooks to more challenging fare. Fribble
Mouse uses his library know-how to learn about his neighbor's mysterious new hobby, in a
charming
adventure which subtly encourages young readers to make the most of school and community
library
resources.
The House On Hound Hill
Maggie Prince
Houghton Mifflin Company
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
0618331347 $6.95 1-800-225-3362
Emily's new house in London's historic neighborhood is filled with secrets of the past secrets
which bring Emily right into the past as she begins to experience plague symptoms and uncovers a
doorway to an era where the Black Death killed almost a quarter of London's people. A
challenging,
involving story which blends real history with supernatural overtones in a riveting style.
Don't Just Stand There, Do Something!
William Alan Rieser
Publish America
PO Box 151 Frederick, MD 21705-0151
1592863426 $24.95 publishamerica.com
Don't Just Stand There, Do Something! is a collection of twenty-seven short stories written
especially for young readers about everyday issues, challenges, and events to remember. The
stories
are arranged into the categories of Baseball; Plants and Animals; Odds and Ends; Scary Things;
and
Outer Space. Excitement, practical problems, sports, animals, plants, science fiction, and more
form
the eclectic subject matter of this intriguing and rewarding anthology for young readers.
The Little Ghost Who Wouldn't Go Away
Joseph J. Ruiz
Sunstone Press
PO Box 2321, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2321
0865343039 $10.95 1-800-243-5644
The Little Ghost Who Wouldn't Go Away/El Pequeno Fantasma Que No Queria Irse is a bilingual
(English and Spanish) storybook for young readers, about Rebecca Garcia, a young girl
determined
to learn why a little ghost continues to quietly haunt the mountain community of El Rito in New
Mexico. A warm and engaging story about discovery and emotion, The Little Ghost Who
Wouldn't
Go Away is nicely illustrated by Kris Hotvedt with a handful of black-and-white drawings.
Manitou Art Caper
Emily Burns
Covered Wagon Publishing, LLC
PO Box 473038, Aurora, CO 80047
www.coveredwagonpublishing.com
0972325913 $4.95 1-303-751-0992
The sequel to "Mystery on Rampart Hill", Manitou Art Caper by Emily Burns is the next
involving
installment in this on-going series for young readers about the Thompson kids, teen detectives
who
become involved in tracking down the thief behind a number of art gallery robberies. The Manitou
Art Caper is enthusiastically recommended as a charming and enjoyably entertaining story.
Mr. Lincoln And The Time Train
WeWrite Kids
WeWrite Corporation
11040 Alba Road, Ben Lomond, CA 95005
0938943219 $8.95 www.wewrite.net
Mr. Lincoln And The Time Train is a book written by kids, for kids, commissioned especially by
the
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Center for Governmental Studies at the University of Illinois in
Springfield. The charming story tells of Lincoln's contribution to history and America in a unique
way -- by portraying the president as lost in the future! History may change drastically without
him,
with dramatic effects upon the present day, and so a group of children must help him return to his
proper place in time. Historical notes and a copy of the Gettysburg Address are included in this
inviting and educational read.
Doogie Dork's Wish
Mavis Tofte
Creative Quill
PO Box 4028, Salem, OR 97302-1028
0970990626 $5.75 creativequill.us
Mavis Tofte's Doogie Dork's Wish is a delightful novel for young readers making the transition
from
picture books to more complex stories. Detailing the adventures of a loveable Dork, and his
exploration through a town in search of his heartfelt wish, the story is written with charm and
enhanced with black-and-white illustrations of the cartoon-like Dork against photographic
backgrounds. Doogie Dork's Wish is recommended as an endearing children's book for
transitional
readers.
How Mother Nature Flowered The Fields Of Earth And Mars
Tom Schwartz
Battiston Publishing
PO Box 8141, Victoria, B.C., Canada V8W 3R8
www.britishseagullshop.com
1894241045 $14.95
How Mother Nature Flowered The Fields Of Earth And Mars is a charming collection of three
original Mother Nature stories (How Mother Nature Flowered the Fields of Earth; How Mother
Nature Saved the Flowering Fields of Earth; How Mother Nature Flowered Mars!) which are
recommended for young readers for their warmth and gentleness, as well as in their promotion of
an
awareness about the environment and the importance of conservation. Highly recommended for
young people whose reading comprehension skills have made the transition from picturebooks to
simple novels or novellas, How Mother Nature Flowered The Fields Of Earth And Mars is
enhanced
with Debbie Schwartz-Der's black/white illustrations.
The Real Hannah Green
Kathleen M. Uldoon
Perfection Learning Corporation
10520 New York Avenue, Desmoines, IA 50322
0789158787 $5.95 1-800-762-2999
The latest title in Kathleen M. Muldoon's "Orphan Train" series, The Real Hannah Green is a
novelette intended for children in grades 4 to 6, and written to be both an absorbing story and to
help encourage beginning readers to practice their reading skill (including a vocabulary building
Glossary). Set in 1854, it tells the story of a young girl in the "orphan train" program who winds
up
with a Texas family. Her veterinarian foster father is cold and distant at first, but when a deadly
disease spreads among Texas cattle, Hannah and her foster father must help the suspicious and
stubborn populace learn new ways of caring for their animals and containing the sickness. Also
available in hardcover (075691082X, $11.95), The Real Hannah Green is a quality story written
especially to stimulate and enrich young minds. Also highly recommended are the early Orphan
Train titles: Champion Of The Cornfield; The Copper King; The Road Home; and Join Hands
And
Sing.
The Biography Shelf
Eddie Rickenbacker
Kathryn Cleven Sisson
Patria Press, Inc.
PO Box 752, Carmel, IN 46082
188285912X $14.95 patriapress.com
Very nicely written for the young reader by Kathryn Cleven Sisson, Eddie Rickenbacker: Boy
Pilot
And Racer is the latest of the Patria Press "Young Patriots Series", a collection of biographical
books celebrating the achievements of youthful American heroes and heroines. Children will
avidly
follow the daring exploits of a young man with flying in his blood, who would one day become a
World War I Flying Ace and winner of the Medal of Honor. Enhanced with black/white
illustrations
by Cathy Morrison, Eddie Rickenbacker: Boy Pilot And Racer is an upbeat and inspirational
biography for young grade-school level readers which would make a welcome addition to any
school or community library collection!
Chelsea House Publishers
1974 Sproul Road, Suite 400, Broomall, PA 19008-0914
1-800-848-2665 chelseahouse.com
New additions to the expanding historical biography series from Chelsea House ($22.95 each)
promise high interest and attention from audiences in grades 4-6. Bonnie Carman Harvey's Atilla
The Hun (0791072215) adds to the Ancient World Leaders series, exploring the life of a
barbarian
who was actually a stranger to hardship and warfare. Brenda Lange adds to it with her Genghis
Khan (0791072223), telling of the controversial Mongolian conquerer with two sides to his
personality, while Dale Gelfand's Charlemagne (079-107224X) reveals the achievements of a Year
800 emperor who earned a crown from the Pope. The 'Great Hispanic Heritage' series provides
biographies of selected Hispanic leaders and major figures, making for strong biographical choices
for youngsters. John Morrison's Frida Kahlo (0791072541) reveals the suffering and life of the
acclaimed artist who began painting to overcome the physical pain of a terrible accident, Sheila
Foard's Diego Rivera (0791072568) tells of the artist who witnessed a changing world after the
Mexican Revolution and tried to capture this in public places; Louise Chipley Slavicek's Juan
Ponce
De Leon (0791072-55X) covers the life of an explorer who searched for the fountain of youth
only
to find other riches; and Hal Marcovitz's Pancho Villa (0791072576) tells of a share-cropper who
becomes an outlaw. All are especially recommended picks for biographical studies.
People Who Changed The World
World Almanac Library
330 West Olive St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Worldalmanaclibrary.com
$26.60/each 1-800-848-2928
This set focuses on people who changed the world with their works and research: kids in grades 5
and up receive a little over a hundred pages each of biographical materials in sets organized
around
themes. New to the series are 100 Scientists Who Changed The World (0836854713), 100
Military
Leaders Who Changed The World (0836854705), 100 Leaders Who Changed The World
(0836854721), and 100 Artists Who Changed The World (0836854691), each examining exactly
how selected individuals made their contributions to world history, changing lives all around
them.
An excellent set suitable for introductory research and biographical study.
The Native American Shelf
Children Of Native America Today
Yvonne Wakim Dennis
Arlene Hirschfelder
Charlesbridge Publisher
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
1570914990 $19.95 1-800-225-3214
The collaborative effort of Yvonne Wakim Dennis and Arlene Hirschfelder, Children Of Native
America Today introduces young readers to the lives and cultures of Native Americans all across
the
nation. Ranging from the Ojibway and Cherokee peoples, to the Pueblo and native Hawaiians,
Children Of Native America Today is enhanced with color photographs illustrating an outstanding
survey which broadly touches upon a variety of different Native American tribes and cultures --
rather than going for an in-depth on any particular one. Careful attention to what life is really like,
and emphasizing the importance of not allowing stereotypes to cloud one's judgement, make
Children Of Native America Today a highly recommended addition to school and community
library
Native American Studies collections for young readers.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Who's Home?
Neecy Twinem
Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin Putnam
345 Hudson Street, NY, NY 10014
0448428571 $6.99 penguinputnam.com
Who's Home?: An Animal Lift-the-Flap Book written and drawn by Neecy Twinem is an
enjoyable
picture book for very young readers. Each individual page has a full-color, realistic illustration
enhancing a simple text, and includes a detachable flap that can be lifted to reveal hidden
creatures.
Who's Home? is an admittedly delicate yet most engaging read for parents to share with their
curious little ones.
Rory: The Adventures Of A Lion Cub
Gillian Cullinan, author
Patsy Smith Roberts, photographer
Savuti Muti Publishing
Box 22096, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
0939801094 $19.95 www.pinkstonemarketing.com
Rory: The Adventures Of A Lion Cub is a unique picturebook story written by gillian Cullinan
and
illustrated entirely with full-color photographs taken by Patsy Smith Roberts. Rory is about a lion
cub who feels ignored and struggles to practice his roar. The beautiful pictures and the gentle
story
about growing up in one's own time make Rory: The Adventures Of A Lion Cub an original and
very special picturebook treasure for young readers.
Franklin Watts, Inc.
c/o Grolier Publishing
90 Sherman Turnpike, Danbury CT 06813
1-800-371-3908 www.amazon.com
Three new animal titles ($25.00 each) will appeal to grades 3-5, providing lively coverages of
animals arranged by order. Erin Swan's Penguins (0531122646) surveys the many differences
between penguins: while all have white fronts and dark backs, there are many differences between
penguins of the world which contrast nicely in her coverage. Sara Miller's Ants, Bees And Wasps
Of
North America (0531122441) surveys ants, bees, wasps and their kin, exploring differences and
similarities and using bright close-up photos for added emphasis. Sara Miller's Woodpeckers,
Toucans And Their Kin (0531122433) discusses the piciformes order which holds these birds,
discussing common traits and differences. All excel in beautiful close-up color photos and plenty
of
facts.
The Picturebook Shelf
The Old Woman And The Eagle
Indries Shah
Hoopoe Books
PO Box 176, Los Altos, CA 94022
1883536278 $18.00 www.amazon.com
An old woman encounters an eagle for the first time, and decides to change its unsightly
appearance
to suit her own ideas of what a bird should look like. The old woman gets her way; but the eagle
is
saddened by his new pigeon-like appearance, until a sympathetic comrade decides to help out. A
fine
story of how not to change others, The Old Woman And The Eagle is a very highly recommended
picturebook story.
Polly's Picnic
Richard Hamilton & Sophy Williams
Bloomsbury Children's Books
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
1582348197 $16.25 bloomsbury.com
Polly's Picnic is a spirited and happy picture book about a young girl who wants to enjoy a picnic
by
the river - only some malicious guests abscond with her tasty lunch! Soft, almost
impressionistic-style illustrations by Sophy Williams and easy-to-read words comprising the text
written by Richard Hamilton, wonderfully combine to make Polly's Picnic an enjoyable read to
share
with little ones, especially right before mealtime or bedtime.
R&S/Farrar Straus Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY NY 10003
1-888-330-8477 www.amazon.com
Mordicai Gerstein's Sparrow Jack (0374-371393, $16.00) tells of one John Bardsley, who leaves
England to seek his fortune in America, only to find his garden overrun with inchworms. Recalling
his childhood and the native birds which took care of such problems, Bardsley embarks on a
pilgrimage which will change his new world in this engaging story of introduced species. Lena
Landstrom's The New Hippos (9129658233, $15.00) tells of two new hippos who arrive at the
river's edge and who aren't allowed to join in with the others. The newcomers just don't fit in
until they vanish and it's up to the rest of the hippos to find them. A warm story of efforts made
on
both sides. Eva Eriksson's Molly Goes Shopping (0374658195, $15.00) tells of a pig who is old
enough to do the shopping on her own but she forgets what she's supposed to buy and lies to
cover up, getting herself in more trouble. A second chance leads to more mishaps in this engaging
story.
The Wright Brothers
Pamela Duncan Edwards & Henry Cole
Hyperion Books for Children
114 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY 10011-5690
0786826827 $16.49 1-800-759-0190
The Wright Brothers is an engaging nonfiction picturebook that teaches young children about the
incredible advances that Wilbur and Orville Wright made, in opening the sky to human travel.
Full-color illustrations by Henry Cole enhance the historically accurate text by Pamela Duncan
Edwards to present a highly educational and very entertaining read for young readers.
Who Moved My Cheese? For Kids
Spencer Johnson, M.D. & Steve Pileggi
G. P. Putnam's Sons
345 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
0399240160 $19.99 penguinputnam.com
Impressively enhanced with the cartoon style artwork of Steve Pileggi, Who Moved My Cheese?
For Kids is a thoroughly entertaining story by Spencer Johnson about dealing with change and
brand
new opportunities. Four little friends who live in a maze live off of seemingly never-ending
magical
cheese; one morning the cheese is gone and the four must work together to explore, search, and
help
each other cope in this involving tale.
McGraw Hill
8787 Orion Place, Columbus, OH 43240
1-800-722-4726 www.amazon.com
Four new picturebooks will appeal to beginners with their stories. Strawbeerie Donnelly's
Hushabye,
Bearcub (157768-432X, $13.95) presents an easy, rhyming story of a loving relationship between
a
daddy bear and his little cub as they prepare for bedtime. Large print and warm illustrations
abound.
Peter Harris' Perfect Prudence (1577684370, $15.95) tells of a girl who is tops at everything,
from
math and spelling to dancing and acting. In fact, she is cast in every role in the school play can
she
carry off this feat with her usual perefction? A comment on the role of perfectionists, with fun
drawings by Deborah Allwright. Jo Brown's Pirate Jam (1577-684427, $15.95) tells of pirates
who
can't read treasure maps, can't buckle swashes, and enjoy people too much to make them walk the
plank. They are kicked out of pirate school as a result, and ultimately discover their self-worth in
a
different way in this story of two bad guys who just don't fit in. Pat Posner's Princess Fidgety Feet
(1577684478, $15.95) tells of a princess who just can't sit still. Her feet want to play games and
do
all kinds of things improper for a princess so she keeps her love of soccer a secret, until an
etiquette expert and a kind reveal their own improper secrets. All are refreshing, different stories
for
picturebook leisure readers and their parents.
Big Day On The River
Sarah Wilson & Randy Cecil
Henry Holt and Company
115 West 18th Street, NY, NY 10011
0805067876 $16.95 henryholt.com
Big Day On The River is a completely delightful picture book story about a young girl who
sometimes feels a bit squeezed by her large family, and her determination to enjoy a river
adventure.
Playful color illustrations by Randy Cecil perfectly showcase the upbeat text by Sarah Wilson, --
and
lots of splashing make for an upbeat and thoroughly fun-filled read for children ages 4 to 7!
Farmer McPeepers And His Missing Milk Cows
Katy S. Duffield
Rising Moon
PO Box 1389, Flagstaff, AZ 86002-1389
0873588258 $15.95 1-800-346-3257
Zany drawings compliment this rollicking story of a farmer who lose his glasses and loses sight
of
his gold milk cows. As the nearsighted farmer peers around his world in search of his cows, he
sees
cows in the swimming hole, riding skateboards all kinds of places only he misses them because
of poor eyesight, while the cows are having all the fun. A different, appealing story.
Who Shares?
Ewa Lipniacka & Jane Massey
Dial/Penguin Putnam Inc.
345 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
0803728891 $14.99 penguinputnam.com
Who Shares? is a lively and lighthearted story by Ewa Lipniacka about learning the true spirit of
sharing with one's siblings. Young rabbits Jack and Georgina do not get along very well - but with
time and patience, they learn the rewards of sharing both good and bad things about life with each
other. A warm-hearted and positive tale which is wonderfully enhanced by the colorfully
illustrations
of Jane Massey, Who Shares? is recommended to family, school, and community library picture
book collections.
The Pumpkin Fairy
William T. Boyd
Wyatt Press
15005 W. 167th Terrace Olathe KS 66062
0971816107 $14.95
Mary Jo Roberts illustrates this celebration of the Pumpkin Fairy, who discovers her magic
powers
in defense of the pumpkins in the pumpkin patch. The Pumpkin Fairy will require parental
assistance
or good reading skills, but presents a fun and different story of Halloween and magic which will
intrigue parents and kids alike.
Swing Around The Sun
Barbara Juster Esbensen, et al.
Carolrhoda
c/o The Lerner Publishing Group
241 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1607
0876141432 $16.95 1-800-328-4929
Swing Around The Sun is an inviting kids' picture book featuring upbeat original poetry by
Barbara
Juster Esbensen against brilliant, full-color illustrations drawn in a simple yet inviting style by
Cheng-Khee Chee, Janice Lee Porter, Mary GrandPre, and Stephen Gammell. An excellent book
for
reading aloud to young ones, Swing Around The Sun would make a welcome and popular
addition
to any family or community library collection. "Together, / In the sapphire sky / They float: / The
milkweed / And a burnished / Trumpet note."
Holiday House
425 Madison, New York NY 10017
www.holidayhouse.com
Walter Dean Myers' Blues Journey (082-3416135, $18.95) provides the story of American blues
music, exploring and re-creating the language and tone of blues music in a series of lilting
descriptive
verses and history. Add dark and memorable drawings by Christopher Myers and you have a
revealing history. Loreen Leedy and Pat Street's There's A Frog In My Throat! (0823417743,
$16.95) provides a host of zany animal sayings with whimsical illustrations. From odd ducks and
sitting ducks to one-horse towns and charley horses, the organization by animal provides some
inviting chapters. Mary Jane and Herm Auch's Superchicken (0823-417042, $16.95) tells of a
chicken who is so busy reading she hardly has time to lay her eggs. Her more productive aunts are
leaving for an all-expenses vacation when Henrietta reads the sign on their transport vehicle and
realizes it's up to her to save them. All are memorable reads.
Flora's Surprise!
Debi Gliori
Orchard Books/Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
0439455901 $15.95 1-800-242-7737
Flora's Surprise! is a simple and charming full-color picturebook written and illustrated by Debi
Gliori. Flora the rabbit and her family are all busy planting different things - but while the other
rabbits plant seeds, Flora plants a brick and waits and waits for it to grow into a house. A twist
ending complements this upbeat and confidently recommended picturebook story.
A Day In The Life Of Murphy
Alice Provensen
Simon & Schuster Books
1230 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10020
0689848846 $16.95 SimonSaysKids.com
A Day In The Life Of Murphy is a delightful, easy-reader picture book about an eager and
loveable
terrier, who barks, runs, and plays all day. Charming color illustrations Alice Provensen
complements her simple text, making A Day In The Life Of Murphy an excellent "starter book" --
especially for young dog lovers!
The Jones Family Express
Javaka Steptoe
Lee & Low Books, Inc.
95 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10016
1584300477 $17.95 leeandlow.com
The Jones Family Express is a warm-hearted picture book written by Javaka Steptoe. His
engaging
text is uniquely brought to life with full-color illustrations of paper collages. In The Jones
Family
Express, Steven is a young African-American boy who is stumped trying to think of the perfect
gift
for his beloved, globe-traveling Aunt Carolyn during the annual block party. Steven learns that the
best gifts of all come from the heart, in this emotional and highly recommended picture book story
for young readers ages 4 to 9.
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
1230 Ave of Americas, NY NY 10020
1-800-223-2336 www.amazon.com
Two new arrivals from this publisher provide involving, pleasing stories. Robert Sabuda's Uh-Oh,
Leonardo! (0689811-608, $16.95) tells of a young mouse who likes to make new things in an
artistic way. Her hero is Leonardo da Vinci and when she discovers a library book with a scrap
of
paper covered with designs for a mechanical mouse, she finds herself intrigued. She builds the
intricate mouse and finds herself on an unexpected journey to the past. David McPhail's Henry
Bear's Park (0689839677, $16.95) tells of a father who buys a park and a son who finds himself
in
charge of the park. Henry misses his father and begins to neglect his tasks, until a pig complicates
matters by hinting of his father's whereabouts. A fun, different story of responsibility and
change.
Especially Heroes
Virginia Kroll & Tim Ladwig
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
255 Jefferson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503
0802852211 $16.00 1-800-253-7521
Set in the 1960s and based on a series of true incidents, Especially Heroes by Virginia Kroll is a
meaningful picture book about the challenges of race relations and the pursuit for true equality, as
well as the courage of ordinary people that helped bring a change in attitudes and practices from
coast to coast. Warmly illustrated in full color by Tim Ladwig which fully complement an
engaging
text written at an intermediate level for young people just about ready to progress from
picturebooks to children's novels, Especially Heroes is a very highly recommended addition to
school and community library collections.
The Audiobook Shelf
Gone-Away Lake
Elizabeth Enright
Listen & Live Audio, Inc.
PO Box 817, Roseland, NJ 07068
www.listenandlive.com
1593160003 $25.95 1-800-653-9400
Gone-Away Lake is the unabridged audiobook version of a classic Newbery Honor Book by
Elizabeth Enright about Portia and Julian, two young people who discover a ghost town that used
to
be a resort community. Flawless recorded and wonderfully enhanced by the narrative storytelling
skills of Colleen Delany, Gone-Away Lake is recommended as an exciting tale of lost secrets and
hidden wonders which will absorb the total attention of young listeners. 4 cassettes, 6 hours.
Listening Library
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
1-800-726-0600 www.amazon.com
These audiobook picks for young listenersd stand out from the crowd and deserve very special
mention and enthusiastica recommendedation. Beverly Cleary's popular novels for young readers
now come to life with the dramatic readings presented by Stockyard Channing in this technically
flawless and unabridged productions. Ramona And Her Mother (0807210307, $18.00) and
Ramona
And Her Father (0807210323, $18.00) tell of a little girl who wants everyone to be happy even
during hard times. Romona's efforts to make things better can bring her into conflict with her
parents
in these fun listens from Listening Library.
The Preschool Shelf
Alphathoughts
Lee Bennett Hopkins & Marla Baggetta
Boyds Mills Press
815 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
1563979799 $15.95 1-877-512-8366
Alphathoughts: Alphabet Poems is a joyful alphabet picture book for kids. Each letter is
celebrated
with a word, a simple verse by Lee Bennett Hopkins, and enhanced with a full-color, full-page
illustration artfully drawn by Marla Baggetta to bring dreams to life. A most engaging, original,
and
colorful picture book, Alphathoughts is appropriate and recommended for both school and library
collections. P - Pencils: Magical implements waiting for stories, poems to pop out from head to
lead.
The Library Video/DVD Shelf
The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe
C. S. Lewis
Home Vision Entertainment
4423 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60640-5802
0780025997 $24.95 homevision.com
The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe is the feature-length, live action, DVD movie
adaptation
of C. S. Lewis' timeless and classic novel for children. When a group of young people stumble
through a gate to another world disguised as an aging and ordinary wardrobe in a countryside
English estate, they find themselves caught up in a land frozen in a permanent winter and ruled by
an
evil witch. With the aid of each other, and the wisdom of the Great Lion Aslan, they must battle
to
protect this strange new world of Narnia and find their way home. An exciting and superbly
produced BBC movie, and enhanced with an interactive trivia game for kids; an excerpt on C.S.
Lewis from the BBC television literary magazine "Bookworm"; a photographic stills gallery; and
even a recipe for "Turkish Delight", This DVD edition will appeal to adults as well as children --
and
make a very popular addition to personal, family, school, and community library collections. 169
minutes.
Bear In The Big Blue House: Live!
Sony Pictures Television
Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment
c/o Andrea Blain Public Relations
9750 Crawford Ave, Skokie, IL 60076
0767894685 $14.95 SonyPictures.com
A wonderfully entertaining celebration of birthdays and friendship, Jim Henson's Bear In The Big
Blue House: Live! is the filmed version of the live touring stage show "Surprise Party". This
outstanding DVD edition features five sing alongs; bonus trailers; animated menus; scene
selections;
a digitally mastered audio and video, and an English Dolby Surround Sound System. Subtitles are
available in both English and Spanish. A superlative and enthusiastically recommended
entertainment
for young viewers, Bear In The Big Blue House: Live! is also available in a VHS format
($12.95).
Dragon Tales: Let's Start A Band
Sony Pictures Television
Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment
c/o Andrea Blain Public Relations
9750 Crawford Ave, Skokie, IL 60076
1404928669 $14.95 SonyPictures.com
Featuring the mythological denizens of the popular "Dragon Tales" cartoon series, Dragon Tales:
Let's Start A Band is a merry DVD blend of live-action and full color animation. When a local
group
of kids doesn't know what to do, their babysitter suggests they start a band - and with help from
their favorite dragons, they do! Fifteen rousing songs (including five sing-alongs), make for a fun
and engaging presentation for young viewers from 2 to 11. Also available in a VHS format
(#00671,
$9.95), Dragon Tales: Let's Start A Band would make a welcome and popular addition to any
family, preschool center, grade school, or community library collection. 41 minutes.
The Wacky World Of Mother Goose
Anchor Bay Entertainment, Inc.
Andrea Blain (publicity)
1699 Stutz Dr., Troy, MI 48084
www.anchorbayentertainment.com
DV12127 $14.98 www.amazon.com
The Wacky World Of Mother Goose is an especially lively and animated DVD movie intended
especially for young folks, which features various characters drawn from classic Mother Goose
nursery rhymes to life, including Simple Simon, Jack & Jill, Little Miss Muffet and others. A
simply
animated yet engaging presentation filled with cheerful songs and playful adventure, this DVD
edition of The Wacky World Of Mother Goose is further enhanced for children with the added
inclusion of a full-frame presentation; a theatrical trailer, as well as a poster and still photography
gallery. 81 minutes.
The Daydreamer
Anchor Bay Entertainment, Inc.
Andrea Blain (publicity)
1699 Stutz Dr., Troy, MI 48084
www.anchorbayentertainment.com
DV12125 $14.98 www.amazon.com
The Daydreamer is a colorful DVD movie for children that recreates some of Hans Christian
Andersen's most beloved fairy tales: "The Little Mermaid," "The Emperor's New Clothes," and
"Thumbelina." A young live-action Hans Christian Andersen is given to daydreams, and from his
creative mind spring colorful "Animagic" scenarios of wonder and adventure. With this DVD
edition, The Daydreamer is enhanced with a full-frame presentation format, the addition of a
theatrical trailer, as well as a post and still photography gallery. Starring the voices of such
Hollywood luminaries Boris Karloff, Burl Ives, Hayley Mills, Ed Wynn, Margaret Hamilton, Patty
Duke, and Robert Goulet, The Daydreamer is confidently recommended for family, school, and
community library Video/DVD collections as a thoroughly enchanting, genuinely "family-friendly"
movie. 99 minutes.
The Story Keepers Collection
ZonderKidz
c/o Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530
0310705916 $17.99 zonderkidz.com
Intended for young Christians viewers ages 6-10, The Story Keepers Collection: Volume 1 is a
superbly produced DVD featuring animated cartoons set in A.D. 64. Emperor Nero and Rome
severely persecutes Christians, yet Storykeepers deep in the Roman catacombs pass on the
teachings
and tales of Jesus of Nazareth to the children of the fugitive Christian community. Young
protagonists star in three separate, colorful adventures - "Breakout," "Raging Waters," and
"Catacomb Rescue" - in this warmly cheerful collection with a total viewing time of 90 minutes.
Also very highly endorsed and recommended are the two other volumes in this outstanding DVD
series: The Story Keepers Collection: Volume 2 (0310705924, $17.99) featuring "Ready, Aim,
Fire!"; "Sink Or Swim"; and "Starlight Escape"; and The Story Keeper's Collection: Volume 3
(0310705932, $17.99) featuring "Roar In The Night"; Captured!"; and "Trapped".
The Folktale/Folklore Shelf
Song Of Moon Pony
Robby McMurtry
Eakin Press
PO Box 90159, Austin, TX 78709-0159
1571687408 $17.95 eakinpress.com
Written and illustrated by Robby McMurtry, Song Of Moon Pony adapts a classic oral folktale of
the Southern Plains Native Americans, about a young warrior named Twisted Face who struggled
to
earn the love of a beautiful blind girl named Moon Pony. But Moon Pony has a destiny of
transformation ahead of her, and Twisted Face has his own kismet destiny of hidden talent. Song
Of
Moon Pony is a vividly illustrated, absorbingly written, and highly recommended title for those
young readers ages 7 to 11 who are just about ready to make the transition from picturebooks to
more complex narratives.
The Giant Cabbage
Cherie B. Stihler & Jeremiah Trammell
Sasquatch Books
119 South Main Street, Suite 400, Seattle, Washington 98104
1570613575 $9.95 1-800-775-0817
Entertainingly written by Cherie B. Stihler and delightfully illustrated by Jeremiah Trammel, The
Giant Cabbage: An Alaska Folktale is a playful story about a hard-working moose who is
determined to enter the biggest and best cabbage he can grow into the Giant Cabbage contest.
But
the cabbage he grows is so big it can hardly be moved - what is everyone to do? The Giant
Cabbage
is an upbeat, whimsical and enthusiastically recommended picture book tale which will have
special
appeal for children ages 3 to 8.
Here Comes Holi: The Festival of Colors
Meenal Pandya
MeeRa Publications
PO Box 812129, Wellesley, MA 02482
www.MeeRaPublications.com
0963553941 $14.95 1-781-235-7441
Written and illustrated by Meenal Pandya, Here Comes Holi: The Festival Of Colors retells the
ancient East Indian folklore story about the young Prince Prahlad who dared to stand against his
powerful and evil father King Hirnakasypu. This struggle of good and evil is associated with the
annual festival of Holi that is celebrated throughout India today to welcome the spring. Vibrant
color illustrations fully enhance this timeless adventure. Ideal for inclusion in school and
community
library multicultural picture book and folklore collections, Here Comes Holi: The Festival Of
Colors
is specially commended as being a most engaging and enjoyable storybook for young people
everywhere.
Books in Series
DK Publishing
375 Hudson St., NY, NY 10014
www.dk.com www.amazon.com
Schools seeking high-interest nonfiction to attract leisure readers as well as students will find the
'Secret Worlds' series is packed with appeal, from the eye-catching color covers to the
photo-filled
insides. Steve Setford's Predator (0789492245, $5.99) tells of hungry piranhas, deadly velvet
worms, trapdoor spiders and others; Reg Grant's Flight (0789492237, $5.99) covers the history of
early planes and attempts to break the sound barrier up to modern spy planes; John Malam's
Titanic
Shipwrecks And Sunken Treasure (0789-492253, $5.99) tells of classic wrecks of the world and
treasure yet to be discovered, and Laura Buller's Myths And Monsters (0789492261, $5.99)
considers monster myths around the world. Each promises instant attention from even reluctant
readers.
Crabtree Publishing
350 5th Ave. #3308, NY, NY 10118
1-800-387-7650 www.amazon.com
Bobbie Kalman's new series titles will prove lasting library acquisitions, pairing bright
contemporary
photos with topics which lend to both leisure pursuit and supplemental studies. Her 'Kid Power'
series ($22.60 each) provides kid-friendly, kid-appealing recipes for active kids, encouraging kids
to
eat right, cook, and learn about food in the process. Breakfast Blast (0778712508) explains
important food issues such as recognizing dehydration symptoms and flavoring water to make it
more appealing, Lunch Munch (0778712-516) discusses nutritious and inventive choices for
lunches,
Super Snacks (0778-712524) explores snack pizzas, tomatoes on toast and other nutritious
options,
and Active Kids (0778712532) surveys physical activities which can build healthy bodies. For
basic
history titles ($16.95 each) which promise appeal to ages 9-14, choose Life In A Pueblo
(0778703754), Life In An Anishinabe Camp (0778703738), Native Nations Of The Western
Great
Lakes (077870372X) or Nations Of The Southwest (0778703746): these titles pair realistic color
drawings and photos with maps and charts to color and explore the lives of Native Americans.
Niki
Walker's Colonial Women (0778707490) and Kalman and Bishop's A Slave Family (077877466)
each join others in the Colonial People series, appealing to the same audience studying early
American history. The foundation of Kalman's geography series 'Land, People and Culture'
continues to expand with the addition of new titles ($22.60 each). The same structure so
successful
in past publications is still used: a three-book-per-country format, one for land, one for people and
one for culture. New coverages include Puerto Rico (0778793346 & 0778793338), Brazil
(9338993400 & 077-8793397), Afghanistan (0778793354, 07-78793370, and 0778793362),
Pakistan (0778703478, 077879346X, and 0778793-486) and Peru (0778793427 &
0778703-419).
Each is packed with gorgeous photos, plenty of facts suitable for reports, and eye-catching covers
which invite leisure browsing.
Gareth Stevens
330 W. Olive #100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
1-800-542-2595
Three new series collections offer high appeal and promise repeat attention for younger grades.
The
'World's Largest Snakes' series ($19.93 each will reach grades 2 and older with its individual titles
devoted to individual snakes. New to this series is African Rock Pythons (083683-6529),
Anacondas
(0836836537), Asian Rock Pythos (0836836531), Boa Constrictors (0836836545), Reticulated
Pythons (0836836561) and Scrub Pythons (083683657X). Each includes a glossary, bibliography
of
books and web sites, index, and a list of places to write or visit to learn more about the snake.
Close-up color snake photos blend with facts to make these suitable choices for first reports, too.
The Weekly Reader "Months of the Year" series (0836835751, $223.30/set) provides an inviting
month-by-month examination of the year, covering that month's holidays, weather changes, and
events. Large print and easy large photos make this set particularly accessible for the younger set
ages 4 and up. New additions to the ever-expanding "Welcome To My Country" series ($23.93
each) include Vietnam (0836825489), South Africa (0836825-470), and Singapore
(0836825462):
each providing almost fifty pages of facts couched in larger print and with bright color photos for
grades 2 and up. A fine introduction to each country written with the younger crowd in
mind.
Benchmark Books
c/o Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd. Tarrytown NY 10591
1-800-831-9881 www.amazon.com
New additions to the 'Discovering Cultures of the World' set ($16.95 each)make it a highly
recommended introductory series pick for kids in grades 2 and up, packing color photos with
cultural information which tells what essential components differentiate the culture from another.
Robert Reiser's Japan (0761411771) and Brazil (0761411801); Sandy Asher's Mexico
(0761411755) and China (0761411798); Margaret Gay Malone's France (076141-178X) and Italy
(0761411763) each begin with a map pointing out where the country is in the world but the
chapters on cultural attributes unique to each featured country are what set this series apart from
your usual geography introduction. They help explain cultural expressions, oddities, and activities
to
newcomers. Dan Greenerg's "Animals Animals" set ($15.95 each) presents the third group of
titles
in the series: Leopards (0761414-487), Wolves (0761414479), Crocodiles (0761414460), Seals
(0761414452) and Gorillas (0761-414444). Each 48-page titles includes an index, glossary, and
plenty of color photos to accompany beginner's facts about each animal. A good choice for
elementary-level book reports for grades 2-3. Don't miss the new adds to the ongoing 'It's My
State!'
geography series ($18.95 each) covering US states: Florida (0761415-270), Kentucky
(0761415254), Washington (076141522X), Connecticut (076141-5238), Wisconsin
(0761415246)
and New Mexico (0761415262). Each individual book holds 80 pages packed with colorful
photos
and information ranging from history and local culture to plants and animals and local
government.
All are recommended as lasting library lending picks.
The Music Shelf
Wee Sing & Learn My Body
Pamela Conn Beall & Susan Hagen Nipp
Price Stern Sloan/Penguin-Putnam
345 Hudson Street, NY, NY 10014
0843102551 $8.99 1-800-847-5515
An enjoyable, quality, music-based activity for adults and children to share at home or in the
classroom, Wee Sing & Learn My Body is a cheerful 32-page full-color book which is colorfully
illustrated by Winky Adam, and features a 20-minute sing-along cassette combination. The
collaborative effort of Conn Beall and Susan Hagen Nipp, Wee Sing & Learn My Body utilizes
lively music to make learning basic parts of the body and what they do fun for 3 through six year
olds. Also very highly recommended is the companion title by Pamela Conn Beall and Susan
Hagen
Nipp: Wee Sing & Learn Opposites (084310256X $8.99).
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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