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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Where The Action Was
Penny Colman
Crown
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
0-517-80075-6 $17.95 1-800-726-0600
During the second world war, over a hundred women obtained official accreditation from the US
War Department as war correspondents, finding ways to cover combat to break major war
stories.
Where The Action Was tells their stories and some of the incredible lengths they went to in order
to
provide inside coverage during the war. Over seventy black and white photos pepper this account
of
their lives, achievements and courage: ages 10 and up will find it intriguing.
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd. Tarrytown NY 10591
1-800-831-9881
Two excellent encyclopedia sets are excellent basic library references recommended not only for
grades 6 and older, but into the public and high school settings. Each set promises extensive
reference to history and geography. The History Of World War I set (0-7614-7231-2, 3 volumes,
$279.95) chronicles World War One's political, social and historical significance. Black and white
and color photos and maps pack each of the three volumes, while chapters are divided by years
1914-16 (war and response), 1917-18 (victory and defeat) and the final volume covering home
fronts and technologies of war. An excellent, basic reference set. The second edition of the
weighty
24-volume reference set Encyclopedia Of World Geography (0-7614-7289-4, $459.95) will reach
from grades 6 and up, including more color photos in each book than one might expect from a
geography series and providing at-a-glance overviews of each area's principal industries,
nickname,
population and notable features to accompany further paragraphs of historical facts and figures.
This
promises to be a lasting and much-used reference for a wide age range. Both are solid collections
recommended for library purchase.
Usborne Spotter's Guides
EDC Publishing
10302 East 55th Place, Suite B, Tulsa, OK 74146-6515
1-800-475-4522 www.amazon.com
Stickers and sticker books are perennial favorites among preschool through first grade
youngsters.
The "Usborne Spotter's Guide" series capitalizes on this to present a colorful and fun learning
experience in a number of areas. Included in this outstanding educational series are the Dinosaur
Sticker Book (0746033508, $7.95); Seashore Sticker Book (0746029985, $7.95); Rocks And
Minerals Sticker Book (0746029993, $7.95); Flowers Sticker Book (0746029977, $7.95); and
Flags
Sticker Book (0746031513, $7.95). Each book features more than one hundred thematic stickers
that when matched with the black and white illustrations will help children to learn specific facts
about the particular book's subject matter. Ideal for home schooling as well as "rainy day" projects
and road trip past times, these "Usborne Spotter's Guides" are as entertaining as they are
informative!
Twenty-First Century Books
2 Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
1-800-462-4703 www.amazon.com
Readers in grades 7 and up will find Osama Bin Laden: A War Against The West (0761317090,
$23.90) by Elaine Landau to be an unusual biography which covers what is known of the
terrorist's
life and philosophy. From his privileged upbringing in Saudi Arabia to his terrorist attempts and
the
attempts of others to bring him to justice, this provides an unusual biographical focus. Michael
Kort's Handbook Of The Middle East (07613116116, $39.90) will provide an excellent, lasting
resource for libraries of readers in grades 7 and up. A social sciences professor provides his
expertise in reviewing the region's history and politics, adding color photos and plenty of
embellishment to a text which is easy to absorb. Both will prove important library reference
additions.
Islam World Religions
Matthew Gordon
Facts on File
132 West 31st St., NY, NY 10001
0816044015 $30.00 1-800-322-8755
This revised and updated edition of Matthew Gordon's Islam World Religions provides updated
details on the current activities of Islam and provides an important survey of the history,
fundamental beliefs, structure and population of believers of Islam in the modern world. Black and
white photos pepper a survey which provides students in grades 6 and up with a basic
introduction
to the religion.
One Bullfrog
Sid Hausman
Azro Press
1704 Llano Street, Suite B, PMB 342, Santa Fe, NM 87505
1929115059 $18.95 www.azropress.com
Written and illustrated by Sid Hausman, One Bullfrog is a superbly presented, highly
recommended
children's book that teaches counting through a sequence of different natural animals: one
bullfrog,
two bats, three lizards, up to ten bears. The verses of the book can be sung to a simple tune on
the
first page, and naturalistic color illustrations bring each animal to life. A short section at the end
offers some fun facts about the wildlife in a charming book to help young people learn their
numbers
one through ten.
Chelsea House
1974 Sproul Rd, #400 Broomall PA 19008
1-800-848-2665
These titles by Harold Bloom are meant as study guides for student and highly useful for
reviewing
the works of these major literary figures. Stendhal (0-7910-6351-8, $21.95) covers the novels
Red
And The Black and Charterhouse Of Parma, focussing on the heros, realism, and settings of his
books. Critical insights into passages and presentation will prove invaluable for those producing
papers on these works. Edith Wharton (6349-6, $21.95) covers the much-assigned House Of
Mirth,
Ethan Frome and Custom Of The Country, with notes on passages and technique making this
excellent for study. Ken Kesey's classic One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (6339-9, $36.95)
receives its own full-length critical survey with articles providing plenty of scholarship and
insights
into Kesey's methods and the underlying social and political messages of his novel. Modern
readers
of E.L. Docotrow's Ragtime (5343-7, $36.95) will find this a lively collection of essays and
discussions on one of his most controversial works, with essays examining his unique
characterization and approach.
The Science Shelf
How The Earth Works
Michelle O'Brien-Palmer
Chicago Review Press
814 North Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60610
1556524420 $14.95 www.ipgbook.com
Written by Michelle O'Brien-Palmer for young readers ages 6 to 9, How The Earth Works: 60
Fun
Activities For Exploring Volcanoes, Fossils, Earthquakes, And More is a fact-filled book about
geography and geology, packed cover to cover with exciting do-it-yourself learning projects and
home experiments. How the Earth Works is a wonderful and educational reference for inquisitive
young readers that is highly recommended for school and community library science activities
reference collections (and ideal for home schooling curriculum development), How The Earth
Works is also the perfect activity book for a rainy day, or even a sunny one.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Under The Sea
Lynn Stone
Rourke Publishing Group
Box 3328, Vero Beach, FL 32964
1589521080 $111.60 1-800-394-7055
Lynn Stone's "Under The Sea" is a superbly presented, six volume series written for students in
grades 1 to 4 and focusing on a fascinating variety of sea animals and their habitats. Superbly
illustrated and with a thoroughly "reader friendly" text, the individual volumes comprising this
outstanding series include: Animals Of The Coral Reef (exploring the colorful homes of thousands
of different kinds of rainbow colored fish and seam animals); Life Of The Kelp Forest
(discovering
how brown seaweed called kelp can rise over 100 feet and spread out another 100 feet on the
ocean
surface, and why a kelp forest is home to many small invertebrates); Getting Around (examining
the
modes of ocean locomotion for a diverse sea life ranging from sharks, seals and porpoises, to
marine
animals that don't swim at all kinds starfish, sea urchins and snails. The Food Chain (why a food
web
is made up of many linked chains and how each marine animal has a special niche in food chains,
as
well as how tiny underwater floating plants turn sunlight into food); Partners (surveying the three
major kinds of partnerships between different animal species - hurtful, harmless, and mutual
beneficial). Ocean Hunters (surveying the biggest and best-known of the ocean predators
including
the great white shark and the orca, as well as that each kind of predator usually eats more than
just
one kind of prey). The "Under The Sea" series is a strongly recommended addition to both school
and community library wildlife and oceanography reference collections.
Alistair on Safari
Laura Hurwitz & Amanda Lumry
Vista Press
Phenix & Phenix (publicity)
PMB 741, 15600 NE 8th #B-1, Bellevue, WA 98008
0966225740 $16.00 www.vistapress.com
Collaboratively written by Laura Hurwitz and Amanda Lumry, Alistair On Safari is an engaging
and
informative children's picturebook that alternates simple, cartoon-like pictures by Sarah McIntyre
of
young Alistair and her friends, and superb color photography by Amanda Lumry of wildlife from
baboons to lions and hyenas. Filled with facts about these amazing creatures, Alistair On Safari is
a
great book for introducing young readers to the exciting wonders of exotic wildlife.
Gareth Stevens
330 W. Olive #100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
$15.95 Each 1-800-542-2595
Ages 5 and older will find the Gareth Stevens' 'Facts About Pets' series to be simple, appealing
introductions to choosing and caring for a pet. Each book provides a narrowed focus on a
different
kind of pet. Julia Barnes' Terrarium Pets (0-8368-3021-0) focuses on snakes, salamanders and
other
terrarium pets; her Parakeets (3020-2) explains how to care for a bird; her Horses And Ponies
(3019-9) may explain to urban children why a horse or pony isn't an appropriate city dweller; her
Hamsters (3018-0) tells how to purchase and feed a hamster, Goldfish (3017-2) examines how to
care for a fish in the home, and Claire Horton-Bussey's Ferrets (4016-4) explores a popular yet
unusual animal. Each book comes packed with facts.
Random House Children's Books
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
$8.99 Each 1-800-726-0600
While these oversized, long titles may not prove popular with library shelving systems, youngsters
will find the Random House 'Amazing Animal Facts' titles to be fascinating and informative
reading
with their high-profile subjects and eye-catching covers. The Ugliest (0-375-81409-4) tells of
naked
mole rats and other strange ugly animals; The Loudest (81406-X) focuses on animals which make
much noise; The Meanest (81407-8) covers the habits of crocodiles, mosquitoes and others and
The
Laziest (81408-6) covers hippos, sloths and other couch potatoes of the animal kingdom. All are
organized with large color photos to attract and hold interest.
The Artbook Shelf
Monet And The Impressionists For Kids
Carol Sabbeth
Chicago Review Press
814 North Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60610
1556523971 $17.95 www.ipgbook.com
Monet And The Impressionists For Kids is a book filled with 21 fun and educational activities to
teach young people more about the classical painter Claude Monet and others in the grand and
beautiful tradition of Impressionist art. Gorgeously illustrated in full color, Monet And The
Impressionists For Kids features such activities as using colored construction paper to paint
reflections, or painting the shimmering sky with watercolors. A wonderful biography and history,
as
well as a highly educational rainy-day fun book, Monet And The Impressionists For Kids is as
entertaining as it is educational and highly recommended for home schooling and classroom
curriculum supplementation.
The Money/Finance Shelf
Stock Market Pie
J. M. Seymour & Marcos Ramirez
Dynaminds Publishing
6119 Nottingham, #1, Johnston, IA 50131
http://www.dynamindspublishing.com
0971290008 $19.95 1-888-991-2665
Written expressly for young readers by J.M. Seymour, and colorfully illustrated by Marcos
Ramirez,
Stock Market Pie is much more than a just another picturebook - it is a highly informative
introduction offering simple explanatory lessons about investing and the stock market. Bulls,
Bears,
and Internet trading are all discussed at length in the format of a coversation between
grandmother
and grandchild. In an increasingly modern era with financial ups and downs, it's more important
than
ever for young people to learn the basics of carefully managing their dollars, and for this reason
Stock Market Pie is an enthusiastically recommended book for children with grade-school reading
skills.
The Nature/Ecology Shelf
Earth Day
Elaine Landau
Enslow Publishers
PO Box 398, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
0766017788 $18.95 1-800-398-2504
Part of the Enslow Publishers' outstanding "Finding Out About Holidays" series, Elaine Landau's
Earth Day: Keeping Our Planet Clean teaches young readers about the history of Earth Day from
its
first celebration in 1970, and also emphasizes the importance of keeping the planet clean and
doing
one's part to recycle, plant trees, and conserve water. An excellent educational book ideal for
showing the importance of environmental awareness to the next generation, Earth Day is very
strongly recommended for school and community library collections, and would prove invaluable
for
enhancing a homeschooling curriculum nature/ecology studies reading list as well.
The Poetry Shelf
The Feelings And Imagination Of A Barefoot Boy Still Inside My Head!
Richard W. Carlson Jr.
iUniverse.com, Inc.
5220 South 16th Street, #200, Lincoln, NE 68512-1274
0595181317 $10.95 www.iuniverse.com
Richard Carlson's The Feelings And Imagination Of A Barefoot Boy Still Inside My Head! is a
delightful, entertaining, and highly recommended collection of poems and short stories for
children
ages 9 to 12. The topics of these pieces range from family, falling in love, and imagination, to
yelling, bicycles, and kissing. I Loved To Walk On My Bare Feet: When I was a young boy,/I
loved
life and felt great joy./I untied and my little shoes off I took./At my bare feet I wanted to look./It
felt
really neat,/Walking on the grass and soil in bare feet./I breathed in the spring air through my little
nose,/And in the mud puddles, wiggled my little toes./I would play and daydream./Life was
wonderful to me it did seem.
The Library Video Shelf
The Color Of Friendship
Disney Educational Productions
500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521-6307
68E75VL00 $99.00 education.disney.com
Produced for young viewers in grades 6 through 12, The Color Of Friendship is set in the 1970s
and
focuses on races relations and tolerance. Piper Dellums and Mahree Bok are two teens that grew
up
with very different ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds and must find a way to bridge their
differences. Piper is the daughter of an outspoken civil rights advocate and U.S. Congressman.
Her
family is host to a foreign exchange student Mahree who is the privileged daughter of apartheid
and
has been raised to view blacks as second-class citizens. Mahree had assumed her American host
family would be white. But when the two teens meet, they are compelled to confront their own
respective biases, question their upbringing, and explore both personal and national histories. The
Color Of Friendship is an engaging, thought and discussion provoking, full color, ninety-minute
video with superb production values. Originally broadcast as a Disney Channel Original Movie,
The
Color Of Friendship is an enthusiastically recommended addition to both school and community
library video collections. An accompanying Teacher Guide will prove invaluable with
incorporating
The Color Of Friendship into a class curriculum for multicultural studies and racial tolerance
based
social issues.
The Fiction Shelf
Scholastic Inc.
555 Broadway, NY, NY 10012
Mary Pope Osborne's After The Rain: Virginia's Civil War Diary (0-439-20138-1, $8.95) joins
others in the 'My America' series ad presents Book 2 in the story of Ginny and her family. Their
move to Washington, DC in the final months of the Civil War brings hardship and introduces
Ginny
to new realizations in this absorbing, easy read. Russell Hoban's Mouse And His Child (09826-2,
$16.95) is a classic which receives new visual embellishment with the addition of pictures by
David
Small. His whimsical black and white drawings lend to this story of a rat junkyard lord who stalks
toy mice for their clockwork parts, and other strange creatures. An excellent gift choice for
readers
who want to pass on lasting literary classics in sturdy, new hardcover.
All The Way Home
Patricia Reilly Giff
Delacorte Press
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
0-385-32209-7 $15.95 1-800-726-0600
Brick and Mariel share their interest in the Dodgers team in 1941 where it seems they share little
else
in common. Mariel is determined to know her real mother, who left her in the hospital with polio,
and Brick's parents must abandon their family farm when disaster strikes, sending him to live with
nurse Loretta. The three form an unusual, different kind of family with renewed dreams for the
future.
Shattered
Jennifer Armstrong, Editor
Knopf
1540 Broadway, NY, NY 10036
0-375-81112-5 $15.95 1-800-726-0600
Short stories by M.E. Kerr, Gloria Miklowitz, Marilyn Singer and others center around the theme
of
children and war, delivering powerful messages of how war affects families, friends, and
childhood.
From an Afghan girl whose home is slowly destroyed by the Soviets to the children of a Vietnam
vet, this covers a wide range of cultural experiences and scenarios of war.
Tides
V.M. Caldwell
Milkweed
1011 Washington Ave. Suite, #300, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1246
1-57131-628-0 $16.95 1-800-520-6455
Elizabeth's life with her new adopted family means another summer spent at the crusty Grandma's
home, and this year she's looking forward to the months. Her ongoing fear of the ocean despite
months of swimming lessons combines with oldest cousin Adam's anger with the family to make
for
a troubled summer in this fine story of a girl's ongoing blossoming.
Penguin/Putnam Publishers
345 Hudson Street, NY, NY 10014
1-800-847-5515
Two classics now appearing in paperback promise new generations access to fine reading. Nancy
Farmer's The Ear, The Eye And The Arm (0-14-131109-6, $6.99) was a Newbery Honor book
winner and with good reason: it's unlike any other science fiction story on the market. Set in
Zimbabwe in 2194, this tells of three children who are kidnapped and introduced to other societies
and subgroups in their country's borders. An excellent, intriguing story packed with unexpected
twists and turns. Elizabeth Goudge's Little White Horse (230027-6, $5.99) tells of an orphan
who
arrives at a manor to fit right in with its beauty and inhabitants. When she learns of a tragedy
which
changed all lives years ago, Maria decides to investigate and changes her world. Both are
absorbing,
enjoyable reads.
The Cookbook Shelf
The Jumbo Vegetarian Cookbook
Judi Gillies and Jennifer Glossop
Kids Can Press
2250 Military Rd., Tonawanda, NY 14150
1550749773 $14.95 kidscanpress.com
The Jumbo Vegetarian Cookbook by Judi Gillies and Jennifer Glossop is an appetizing selection
of
fun, mouth-watering, easy to prepare, meatless cuisine for budding young chefs of all ages and
skill
levels. From Cheese Omelet; Cuban Black Bean Soup; and Vegetarian Tacos; to Applesauce
Muffins; Stuffed Pepper Boats; and Peach-Banana Sorbet, The Jumbo Vegetarian Cookbook
makes
a wonderful gift and a very useful reference to preparing delicious meals for the entire family!
The Picturebook Shelf
Toby Belfer And The High Holy Days
Gloria Teles Pushker
Pelican Publishing Company
Box 3110, Gretna, LA 70054
1-56554-765-9 $14.95 1-800-843-1724
Toby lives up to his rabbi's wishes to help others, give charity, and apologize for any hurts caused;
and as she follows his instructions and explains her Jewish heritage to her best friend Donna, she
discovers new meaning in her background and life in this warm story of self-discovery and
confidences sparked by a Jewish tradition.
Mister Got To Go And Arnie
Lois Simmie
Raincoast Books
9050 Shaughnessy Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6P 6E5
1551924943 $15.95 www.raincoast.com
Mister Got To Go And Arnie is a charming picturebook by Lois Simmie about a grey cat named
Got
To Go, who enjoys a very comfortable living until a small but noisy and incessant barking dog
moves in nearby. This vocal rival animal disturbs Got To Go's pleasurable naps and more; what is
a
cat to do? Enhanced with the engaging artwork of Cynthia Nugent, Mister Got To Go And Arnie
is
a highly enjoyable story, especially young cat lovers.
Spring's Sprung
Lynn Plourde & Greg Couch
Simon & Schuster
1230 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10020
0689842295 $16.00 SimonSaysKids.com
Lynn Plourde's Spring's Sprung is an engaging, fanciful story about the three daughters of Mother
Earth, March, April, and May, who are responsible for bringing springtime to the world. But after
a
long winter's sleep the three begin quarreling and forget their duty - will spring ever arrive? The
warm and gentle illustrations by Greg Couch fill every two-page spread with generous color and
life,
in this enchanting and enthustastically recommended picturebook fable for beginning readers.
Guess Who's Coming, Jesse Bear
Nancy White Carlstrom & Bruce Degen
Aladdin Paperbacks/Simon & Schuster
1230 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10020
068984820X $6.99 SimonSaysKids.com
Guess Who's Coming, Jesse Bear is the latest of the Jesse Bear series, a charming set of
soft-cover
picturebooks about young Jesse Bear, his family, and his friends. In Guess Who's Coming, Jesse
Bear, the young ursine shares a delightful week-long visit from his cousin, with outdoor
excursions,
playtime and happy memories. Written by Nancy White Carlstrom in simple, friendly rhyming
verse,
and illustrated by Bruce Degen with affectionate color drawings, Guess Who's Coming, Jesse
Bear is
a highly enjoyable and recommended read-aloud story.
Pretzels By The Dozen
Angela Elwell Hunt & Bill Dodge
Zonderkidz
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530
0310701732 $14.99 zonderkidz.com
Written by Angela Elwell Hunt for young readers ages 4 to 8, Pretzels By The Dozen: Truth And
Inspiration With A Heart Shaped Twist is a wonderfully presented Christian picturebook all about
the history of pretzels. Among its many fascinating anecdotes is the origin of the pretzel - the first
pretzel was shaped by a monk, and the pretzel's three holes symbolize the holy Trinity of God.
Pretzels By The Dozen combines short stories about pretzels among American colonists, how
pretzel bakers once saved Vienna from invasion, and more with an underlying theme about the
importance of loving Jesus Christ. enhanced with beautiful illustrations by Bill Dodge, Pretzels By
The Dozen is a thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended book for young readers.
Pumpkin Sumo
Zoran "Pilot" & Monica Pieratt
Starshine Enterprise
1702 Ruxton Lane, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
0970900600 $14.95 1-310-704-7208
Written by Zoran "Pilot", Pumpkin Sumo is the humorous and engaging story of a much
bigger-than-average pumpkin who has to protect the garden from the threat of invading bugs. A
very highly recommended picturebook story for young readers, the brilliantly colored pictures by
Monica Pieratt capture the eye in this fanciful and delightful children's story.
Henry David's House
Henry David Thoreau, author
Steven Schnur, editor
Peter Fiore, illustrator
Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
0881061166 $16.95 charlesbridge.com
Henry David's House is a picturebook adaptation by Steven Schnur of a part of Henry David
Thoreau's classic nature book "Walden", told with only a limited amount of editing. Beautiful,
slightly abstract yet full-color illustrations by Peter Fiore bring this classic thinker's words to
vibrant
life for young readers. Henry David's House is a superb introduction to a literary masterpiece for
young readers, and its final message, "We can never have enough of Nature," reverberates in the
hearts of all ages. Highly recommended for family, school, and community library picturebook
collections.
Rosie And Roger
Rik Dessers & Hilde Schuurmans
Smallfellow/Tallfellow Press
Andrews McMeel, dist.
1180 S. Beverly Drive, Los Angeles., CA 90035
1931290091 $16.95 1-800-851-8923
Rosie And Roger is a quite charming picturebook about two animal friends. Rosie is a pig with a
straight tail and Roger is a mouse with a short, curly tail. Rosie's and Roger's tails make them
different from their pig and mouse friends at school, and subject to much teasing. Then, one day
they
find each other. Delightfully written by Rik Dessers and enhanced with the artistry of Hilde
Schuurmans, Rosie And Roger is a very highly recommended tale with an abiding lesson for
young
readers everywhere on the virtue of tolerance and the true strength of friendship.
My Island And I
Alfonso Silva Lee & Alexis Lago
Pangaea
226 Wheeler Street South, Saint Paul, MN 55105
1929165153 $15.95 www.pangaea.org
Written by Caribbean naturalist Alfonso Silva Lee, My Island And I: The Nature Of The
Caribbean
is a colorful children's picturebook about the natural ecology of an island - from fallen trees
becoming food for fungi and termites to the thoughts of lizards and the interaction of fish. The
watercolor-style illustrations by Alexis Lago bring to life the festive, multifaceted wonder of
natural
life. A highly recommended and educational book for young readers, My Island And I is highly
recommended for school and community library picturebook collections. My Island And I is also
available in a Spanish/English bilingual edition (1929165064, $15.95); a Spanish edition
(1929165196, $9.95); and a bilingual French/Kreyol (1929165285, $9.95) editions as well.
Ebb & Flo And The Baby Seal
Jane Simmons & Jane Simmons
Margaret K. McElderry Books
1230 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10020
0689843682 $16.00 SimonSaysKids.com
Ebb & Flo And The Baby Seal by Jane Simmons is happy picturebook story by award-winning
author about Jane Simmons. Set on the beach, where a dog named Ebb and a young girl named
Flo
find a baby seal far away from home, Ebb & Flow And The Baby Seal is a thoughtful story about
compassion and helping others. A delightful story filled with Jane Simmons' soft-toned, full-color
illustrations in a distinctively minimalist style.
Dippers
Barbara Nichol & Barry Moser
Tundra Books
481 University Avenue, Suite 900, Tornoto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 2E9
0887765491 $7.95 tundrabooks.com
Dippers is a pleasant picturebook for young readers about a hot summer in 1912, when fanciful
creatures that author Barbara Nichol calls "dippers" came up from the Don River. The Dippers
are
most curious beings indeed, at first glance resembling cat-sized shrews with wings. Barry Moser's
full-page illustrations in soft tones enhance Nichol's inquisitive prose making Dippers a pleasure
for
young readers who have just graduated from easy-reader picturebooks and are ready to try
something with slightly longer and with more complex sentences.
Whose Coat?
John Luksetich & Patti Kern
Imagine Nation Press
P.O. Box 172, Lakewood, CA 90714
http://www.imaginenationpress.com
0940411024 $14.95 1-888-483-7547
John Lukesetich's Whose Coat? is a highly recommended picturebook story about a man who
takes
animal's coats and turns them into things that people wear. But the animals are cold and need their
coats back! A humorous, well-meaning tale with vividly stylized illustrations by Patti Kern, with
an
underlying theme of living in harmony with wild creatures, Whose Coat? is a young reader's book
embodying the valuable sentiments of caring and compassion.
MacMurtrey's Wall
Marc Sutherland
Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
100 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY 10011
0810944944 $16.95 abramsbooks.com
Marc Sutherland's Macmurtrey's Wall is a superbly presented picturebook of a giant named
MacMurtrey, who was stronger and braver than every other living thing. Believe that conquering
everyone was the path to happiness, MacMurtrey challenged the one force that defied him: the
sea.
He set to cage the sea itself with a wall - but his plan held great hidden peril, and the true path to
happiness is not always what it appears to be. An engaging story with a soft-spoken moral,
Macmurtney's Wall is very highly recommended for elementary school and community library
collections.
Flowers From Mariko
Rich Noguchi & Deneen Jenks
Lee & Low Books
95 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10016
1584300329 $16.95 leeandlow.com
Set three years after the end of World War II, Flowers From Mariko is the story of a
Japanese-American family and their daughter Mariko are finally allowed to leave Camp. Life
doesn't
seem to get any easier, as the theft of Mariko's father's truck undermines his desire to restart the
family gardening business. Yet when young Mariko plants seeds that her father gave her and
carefully tends the tiny shoots, her dedication helps rekindle hope and spirit. Based on the unjust
imprisonment perpetuated upon Japanese Americans during and after World War II, Flowers
From
Mariko is a compelling story about the power of looking ahead to the future. Highly
recommended
selection choice for schools and community libraries.
This Little Chick
John Lawrence
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
0763617164 $15.99 candlewick.com
This Little Chick by John Lawrence is a bold and vividly illustrated picturebook for young people
just beginning to read. A little chick makes its way throughout the farm, listening to the barnyard
noises each of the different creatures makes. The exciting illustrations, originally made in vinyl,
add
an unforgettable emotional flavor to this unique bedtime story. The Little Chick is strongly
recommended for family, day care center, school and community library picturebook
collections.
The Magic In Me
Maggie Moran & Chie Sasaki
New Voices Publishing
P.O. Box 560, Wilmington, MA 01887
1931642028 $14.95 http://www.newvoicespublishing.com
The Magic In Me is an engaging picturebook written by Maggie Moran and designed for children
as
well as their parents and relatives. It's about the importance of self-esteem - the magic in a person
that enables them to earn success, happiness, and wonder throughout their life. Every young
person's
magic should be celebrated, whether through learning to play an instrument, taking part in a
sports
team painting, or other form of self-expression. Nicely illustrated by Chie Sasaki, The Magic In
Me
is a gentle and recommended picturebook with a very positive message.
Down By Jim Long's Stage
Al Pittman
Breakwater
P.O. Box 2188, St. John's NF, Canada, A1C 6E6
1550811630 $19.95 breakwater.nf.net
Written by Al Pittman, Down By Jim Long's Stage is a justifiably classic picturebook cherished
for
25 years, now reprinted in a special collector's edition. The rhymes about various different fish are
pleasant, lyrical, and make for excellent reading to young people before bedtime. The charming
color illustrations of the various add a special flair, so distinctive that they earned the Canadian
Library Association's Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award for Best Canadian Illustration in
1977.
A wonderful rhyming book for young readers, and enhanced with new illustrations by Pam Hall,
Down By Jim Long's Stage will continue to be treasured for many more years to come.
Bear Snores On
Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
McElderry Books
1230 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10020
0-689-83187-0 $16.00 1-800-223-2336
In a deep cave in the deep of winter a brown bear snores the season away while various animals
stop
by to warm up and try to entice him with popcorn and tea. The variety of guests turns into a
virtual
party in this whimsical, fun story of a sleeping bear's unexpected guests.
Danitra Brown Leaves Town
Nikki Grimes
Amistad/Harper
1350 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10019
0-688-13155-7 $15.95 1-800-242-7737
Zuri Jackson and Danitra Brown are best friends facing a long summer apart, for Danitra is going
to
visit her family in the country. They decide to cultivate a series of letters sharing their summer:
this
presents their insights, with Floyd Cooper providing the illustrative embellishments.
Seashells By The Seashore
Marianne Berkes & Robert Noreika
Dawn Publications
P.O. Box 2010, Nevada City, CA 95959
1584690348 $8.95 1-800-545-7475
Charmingly written by Marianne Berkes and featuring the artwork of Robert Noreika, Seashells
By
The Seashore is a beautifully illustrated color picturebook story, written in simple rhyming verse,
about a young girl who combs the beach collecting various and fascinating different shells. The
importance of conservation and living in harmony with nature is alluded to, in a wonderful, very
highly recommended picturebook story that comes with a tear-out seashell identification card for
budding collectors.
The Berry Book
Gail Gibbons
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10017
0823416976 $16.95 holidayhouse.com
The Berry Book by Gail Gibbons is a cheery, fact-filled, highly recommended picturebook for
young
people who are just beginning to learn reading. All sorts of different edible berries are pictured
with
simple, cheery, full-color illustrations. From strawberries and blueberries to gooseberries and
wintergreen berries, just about every berry type is presented for inquiring young minds. The last
few
pages teach how to grow your own strawberries, and how to make a blueberry pie, strawberry
jam
and raspberry ice cream.
Storm Run
Libby Riddles & Shannon Cartwright
Sasquatch Books
615 Second Avenue, Suite 260, Seattle, Washington 98104-2200
1570612986 $16.95 SasquatchBooks.com
Libby Riddles' Storm Run is a picturebook of the exciting true story of the first woman to win the
Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Alaska. Storm Run is the story of fulfilling one's dream, daring freezing
treasures and bonding with loyal sled dogs. Wonderfully illustrated by Shannon Cartwright with
soft,
full-color artwork, Storm Run is an especially recommended giftbook for young girls nurturing
their
own dreams.
Chester's Big Surprise
Olivia Villet
Bloomsbury/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0-7475-5247-9 $16.95 1-800-423-4525
Chester the dog is lonely: Tilda hasn't come to play with him and he can't find her. The very young
with only rudimentary reading skills or parental assistance will enjoy the treasure hunt as Chester
searches all over for his Tilda, only to discover a surprise.
Shake It, Morena!
Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Millbrook Press
2 Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
0-7613-1910-7 $24.90 1-800-462-4703
Lulu Delacre illustrates this mix of games, songs, rhymes and stories from Puerto Rico. The
foundation follows a little girl throughout her day from awakening to bedtime, drawing upon her
Puerto Rican traditions and providing a bilingual story of her customs and experiences. Basic
reading skills will enhance this account, packed with games and insights.
Knopf
280 Park Avenue, NY, NY 10017
1-800-726-0600
Margaret Mayo's Wiggle Waggle Fun (0-375-81529-5, $16.95) provides a host of stories and
rhymes for the very young, pairing artistic and warm illustrations with whimsical, rollicking verse.
While the cover art seems uninspired, the pictures inside are more appealing and rich with life and
whimsy. C. Drew Lamm's Gauchada (81267-9, $15.95) tells of a necklace which passes from
hand
to hand in Argentina - farther than its gaucho maker will ever travel. A warm, simple rhyme of
love
and giving.
Throwaway Bear
Sandy Nightingale
Anderson/Trafalgar Square
Box 257, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0-86264-899-8 $16.95 1-800-423-4525
Good reading skills or parental skills are required for a thorough appreciation of this beautiful
picturebook story of a teddy bear who is thrown aside by a spoiled child. His adventures in the
world outside lead him to a new, kinder owner and a revived life ala Raggedy Ann...
Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox
Erin Dealey
Atheneum
1230 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10020
0-689-82981-7 $16.00 1-800-223-2336
Kids ages 3-7 will find this a different picturebook story revolving around poor Goldie Locks and
her chicken pox experience. Hanako Wakiyama illustrates a story which is told using a variety of
rhyme bases from famous rhymes ("Jack, be nimble! Jack, be quick! Come and see! My sister's
sick!"). A refreshingly different approach to childhood illness.
Pigmalion
Glenda Leznoff & Rachel Berman
Tradewind Books Limited
Interlink Publishing Group, dist.
46 Crosby St., Northampton, MA 01060
1896580203 $15.95 interlinkbooks.com
Pigmalion is the highly entertaining picturebook story by Glenda Leznoff of a shy little piglet
named
Juliet Hogsworth, who is gifted at singing and dancing but whose timidity of the big and terrible
stage threatens to prevent her from achieving her dreams. A story of courage and finding inner
strength, Pigmalion is both a comic tale and a lesson in the value of self-confidence. Color
illustrations by Rachel Berman in soft and gentle tones fill this engaging, strongly recommended
story for young readers.
Pipaluk And The Whales
John Himmelman
National Geographic Society
1145 17th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-4688
0792282175 $16.95 www.ngs.org
Written and illustrated by John Himmelman, Pipaluk And The Whales is a touching picturebook
based on a true story. A young girl on the Chukchi Peninsula (a part of Russia just across the sea
from Alaska) named Pipaluk finds thousands of whales trapped in a narrow opening in the ice.
The
whales have provided her village with food for centuries, and now it's their turn to help the
whales.
But all efforts to free the whales are in vain - until Pipaluk has an idea. Pipaluk And The Whales is
a
truly wonderful story for young readers and is filled with gentle, wintry illustrations.
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
Blossom Tales
Patricia Hruby Powell & Sarah Dillard
Moon Mountain Publishing
80 Peachtree Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852
http://www.moonmountainpub.com
0967792983 $15.95 1-401-884-6703
Patricia Hruby Powell's Blossom Tales is a wonderful picturebook anthology filled with short
one-page or two-page folk stories from around the world; each story involving a flower in one
way
or another. The superbly presented color illustrations by Sarah Dillard add life and vigor to these
classic folklore and fairytale stories. Blossom Tales is a wonderful multicultural anthology for
young
readers, filled with variety, color, and life.
Hero Of The Land Of Snow
Julia Witwer
Dharma Publishing
2425 Hillside Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704
0898002028 $7.95 1-800-873-4276
Hero Of The Land Of Snow is a wonderfully presented retelling by Sylvia Gretchen of an ancient
Tibetan epic about the hero Gesar, destined to be the King of Ling. Fine, soft-toned, full-page, art
gallery quality color drawings by Julia Witwer fills this magnificent tale of a noble fighter aided by
a
beautiful lady and a loyal flying horse. An engaging Tibetan folktale, Hero Of The Land Of Snow
is
strongly recommended for any young reader with a taste for myths, folklore, and fairytales.
The Race Of Toad And Deer
Pat Mora & Domi
Groundwood/Douglas & McIntyre Ltd.
720 Bethurst Street, Suite 500, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 2R4
0888994346 $15.95 1-800-788-3123
In The Race Of Toad And Deer, American Latina author Pat Mora has deftly written a poetic
adaptation of the Mayan version of the tortoise and hare fable specifically designed for children
ages
2 to 5. The arrogant deer Venado boasts of his strength and speed. The wily toad Sapo challenges
deer to a race. All the jungle animals (jaguar, tapir, armadillo, and toucan) watch the race take
place.
Toad may not be as large as Venado, but he has many friends to help him. Sapo wins the race and
proves the value of brains over brawn while doing so. Domi's wonderful artwork is the perfect
enhancement for Mora's entertaining and highly recommended version of a classic Mayan folktale
for children.
The Stolen Sun
Amanda Hall
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
255 Jefferson Avenue., S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503
http://www.eerdmans.com/youngreaders
0802852254 $17.00 1-800-253-7521
Written and illustrated by Amanda Hall, The Stolen Sun: A Story Of Native Alaska is a
picturebook
retelling of an ancient Native American fable about Raven who created the world with a song of
life,
yet became angry and sad when people's violence and greed drowned out his song. Disappointed
in
the people's hearts, he took the sun out of the sky and hid it, leaving people in darkness. It was up
to
Raven's son Little Darkness to bring light and Raven's Song back to the world, in this highly
enjoyable, enthusiastically recommended picturebook tale brought to life with stunning, stylized
artwork and vivid color.
The History Shelf
Franklin Watts
90 Sherman Turnpike Danbury CT 06813
1-800-371-3908
Six new history titles will reach students in grades 3-5 with simple yet detailed coverages of
explorers and events, suitable for reports. Each book holds 63 pages of facts and information
about
the explorer and his world, with color illustrations, an index, bibliography and glossary rounding
out
the presentation. Don Nardo's Francisco Coronado (0-531-11974-2) tells of the 1500s Spanish
conqueror who searched for a fabled set of golden cities and instead found natural wonders of the
American Southwest; Andrew Santella's Lewis And Clark (20323-9) tells of the expedition which
opened the American West, Gail Sakurai's Juan Ponce De Leon (11964-5) tells of the man who
traveled with Columbus on his second 1493 expedition, then set out on his own searching for the
fountain of youth; Nardo's Sieur De La Salle (11973-4) tells of the first European to travel down
the
Mississippi River in 1682; Liz Soneborn's Samuel De Champlain (11978-5) reveals the French
explorer's journeys in the 1600s along the Canadian/American border, and Andrew Santella's
Henry
Hudson (11968-8) tells of the 1600s explorer's search for a northern passage to Asia. All are
excellent coverages.
Other Lands/Other People
Crabtree Publishers
350 Fifth Ave. #3308, NY, NY 10118
$15.45 Each 1-800-387-7650
New, revised editions of these 3-set "The Lands, Peoples and Cultures" titles provide new
information, update old material, and add new color for elementary-level libraries seeking basic
geography titles to capture attention. New editions of Bobbie Kalman's Vietnam - The Land
(0-7787-9355-9), Viietnam - The People (9356-7), and Viietnam - The Culture (9357-5)
updated
folktales and facts. Spain - The People (9365-6), Spain - The Land (9364-8) and Spain - The
Culture (0366-4) provides beautiful color photos of a country with colorful festivals and
traditions.
Canada - The Culture (9360-5), Canada - The Land (9358-3) and Canada - The People (9359-1)
provides an excellent coverage of the history and peoples of our closest neighbor, while Mexico -
The People (9362-1), Mexico - The Culture (9363-X) and Mexico - The Land (9361-3) does the
same for neighbors to the south. El Salvador - The People And Culture (9368-0) and El Salvador
-
The Land (9367-2) covers a country which rarely receives its own individual coverage. All are
colorful, inviting reads.
The Biography Shelf
Morgan Reynolds
620 S. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27406
$20.95 Each 1-800-535-1504
Three biographical sketches will reach students from grades 5-7 with engrossing and lively
coverages suitable for reports. Nancy Whitelaw's Thomas Jefferson (1-883846-81-1) covers the
man's presidency and philosophy, surveying the contradictions in his life and thought and his many
achievements while in office. Rachel Stiffler Barron's John Coltrane (57-9) covers the life of one
of
the great geniuses of jazz music. From his early talents on the saxophone to his development as a
respected musician, this tells of his life and musical abilities, and his lasting influence on jazz.
David
Collins' Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (49-8) tells of the son of a violin maker in Japan who became
interested
in music from an early age and taught himself violin. All are excellent and lively biographical
studies
which should reach a wide audience.
Child's World Press
Box 326, Chanhassen, MN 55317
$27.07 Each 1-800-599-7323
These two 'Our Presidents' titles appeared last Fall but deserve ongoing recognition as excellent
additions to the 'Spirit of America' series focussing on all 42 presidents. Ann Gaines' Harry S.
Truman (1-56766-867-4) covers the 33rd president, with 48 pages of detail beginning with his
childhood and moving to his achievements while President. Sandra Francis' Gerald R. Ford
(872-0)
tells of a boy who loved football but became President in his adult years. Both include plenty of
color photos, but with large print and information geared to report writing.
Chelsea House
1974 Sproul Rd., Broomall, PA 19008
$21.95 each 1-800-848-2665
These excellent series additions will reach an audience of young adults and pre-teens as well, from
grades 6 all the way through high school. Bloom's study guides may even reach some
college-level
students, providing comprehensive research and study guidelines for classics often assigned in
school. Ben Jonson (0-7910-6539-3), Christopher Marlowe (6357-7), Aeschylus (6355-0), and
Oscar Wilde (6361-5) each provide comprehensive study guides for the major dramatists' body of
works, with articles providing critical viewpoints and analysis. D.H. Lawrence (6350-X), Leo
Tolstoy (6347-X), Virginia Woolf (6344-5), and James Joyce (6353-4) each analyze passages
from
the authors' noted major works, including fine in-depth discussions which will lend to reports at
many levels of study.
World Almanac Library
330 West Olive #100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
$26.60/Each 1-800-848-2928
These 'Trailblazers of the Modern World' titles off young readers different biographical references
relating the lives of the important people of the 20th century, using historic photos of the life and
times of the people with primary source documents and tips for further research and reading. Each
book holds almost fifty pages of information, with a lively format filled with sidebars of
information
and color photos. The series' latest offerings: The Beatles (0-8368-5068-8), Franklin D. Roosevelt
(5073-4), Jackie Robinson (5072-6), Rosa Parks (5071-8), Henry Ford (5070-X), Albert Einstein
(5069-6). A fine set which promises lasting reference use for discriminating collections.
The Music Shelf
Colors, Shapes And Sizes
KidzUp
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas Publicity
5505 SW Illinois St., Portland, OR 97221
189467724-2 $12.99 www.kidzup.com
Children learn best by doing - and it's easiest to learn new things through direct experience.
Colors,
Shapes And Sizes is a new educational kit from KidzUp which encourages young children to see,
hear and act out basic concepts. Through movement and song, they'll discover colors, shapes and
basic measurement. The handy Colors, Shapes And Sizes kit includes a musical CD, take-along
cassette, and a 28-page activity book with all of the song lyrics and additional activities. Children
will love learning all about basic colors, shapes and sizes through these hand-clapping, toe-tapping
sing along songs. Each song was created to help children develop skills like color and shape
identification through movement and music. Young listeners learn how to make a square while
square dancing, and about size comparisons with "Huge and Tiny." Colors, Shapes And Sizes is a
welcome addition to any preschool, daycare center, kindergarten musical resources shelf, and an
ideal curriculum supplement for homeschooling, as well as a perfect "rainy day" entertainment for
young childen.
Marshmallow Peeps Sing Along
Craig Taubman
Peter Pan Records
Beth Blenz-Clucas (publicity)
88 Saint Francis St., Newark, NJ 07105
#9700-2 $9.98 www.peterpan.com
Marshmallow Peeps Sing Along showcases fourteen wonderfully original selections guaranteed to
delight young listeners preschool through first grade. The music is toe-tapping lively and the lyrics
are totally engaging. The pieces featured include Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep (3:32); Celebration
(3:25); The Mahna-Mahna Song (2:35); Rockin Robin (2:11); ABC (3:12); Hopefully Hoping
(2:45); Locomotion (2:47); I Cant Help Myself (2:48); Sunny Side Up (2:45); I Believe I Can Fly
(3:29); Chicken Dance (2:26); Dancing In The Streets (3:05); Peeps On The March (2:26); and A
New Beginning (3:46). Marshmallow Peeps Sing Along is an enthusiastically recommended
addition
to family, preschool, kindergarten classroom, and community library music collections.
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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