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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Listening To The Mukies And Their Character Building Adventures
Robert Bohlken & Michele Veasey
Snaptail Press/Images Unlimited
PO Box 305, Maryville, MO 64468
0930643151 $14.95 www.snaptail.com
Written by educator and public speaker Robert Bohlken, Listening To The Mukies And Their
Character Building Adventures is a very highly entertaining collection of children's stories that are
not only enjoyable in their own right as simple entertainments, but which also serve a deeper
purpose. These stories (which feature a charming race of furry creatures called Mukies), teach
young readers about positive values, including tolerance, learning that an ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure, and the importance of not letting emotions such as anger take control of
one's actions. School or family activities, as well as thought-provoking questions pepper this
educational and recommended anthology.
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
1-800-242-7737 www.amazon.com
Lesley Harker's Annie's Ark (0439368 235, $15.95) arrived too late for holiday mention but
deserves year-round attention with its inviting story of Annie, Noah's spunky granddaughter who
tends the animals her grandfather has rescued as they all wait for rain to pass. The sight of a
rainbow
brings hope to the waterbound crowd in this gentle retelling of the story. Jessica Clerk's Wriggly,
Wriggly Baby (0439960679, $16.95) considers where a wriggly child is really trying to get to.
Here
a wriggly baby has plans if only his parents and family will quit restricting his movements. His
freedom from parental bonds leads to a fun day in this whimsical story, spiced with Laura
Rankin's
drawings. Leo & Diane Dillon's Rap A Tap Tap (0439478834, $15.95) brings the Bojangles story
to
life, using toe-tapping verse and fun paintings to celebrate the life of the tap dancer. All are fun
stories that kids and their parents will appreciate.
Bedtime Stories
Debi Gliori
DK Publishing
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
0789488612 $15.99 www.dk.com
Ages 3-5 and their parents will appreciate this set of updated bedtime stories which are told with
new twists to plot. Three Little Pigs, Little Red Hen and others often pair rollicking rhymes
perfect
for read-loud with twists of plot which will keep parents interested in the outcome, as well.
Bedtime
Stories is a fine set of wonderful little tales for young and old alike.
Mouse Tells The Time
Nicola Moon
Pavilion/Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
1843650002 $16.95 1-800-423-4525
Anthony Morris provides the illustrations for Mouse Tells The Timep, a fun story of a little mouse
who queries his animal pals on how they tell time. Everyone has a different method: some look at
shadows, some use dandelion clocks, some hour glasses but poor mouse is confused by all these
different methods, and must find his own way in this reassuring lift-the-flap tale.
Star Bright Books
42-26 28th Street, #2C, Long Island City, NY 11101
$5.95 each www.starbrightbooks.com
Two delightful boardbooks for preschoolers are the newest editions to the outstanding Star Bright
Books "Backpack Baby" series by Miriam Cohen. Sized to fit perfectly in a baby's hand,
Wah-Wah!
(1887734813) is a story of Backpack Baby wanting everything he sees when his Daddy takes him
out and about. When daddy says No to what he wants, Backpack Baby starts to cry -- and soon
he
is not the only one in tears! In Say Hi, Backpack Baby! (1887734821) we find Backpack Baby in
a
shy mood and refusing to say "hi" to his backpack friend. But the silence doesn't last for long
when
both children discover the full moon and their amazement leads to delightful chatter and laughter.
These are colorful, "kid friendly", highly recommended board books for ages 3 to 5.
Aesop's Fables
Betty Lou Kratoville
High Noon Books
20 Commercial Blvd, Novato, CA 94949
1571280812 $15.00 www.amazon.com
Adapted for contemporary young readers by Betty Lou Kratoville, Aesop's Fables is a unique
activity book based around adaptations of Aesop's classic moral tales, which have endured the test
of centuries. Word games, simple questions, language exercises and more fill this excellent
supplemental educational resource for grade-school children. Aesop's Fables is also highly
recommended for homeschooling curriculum supplementation.
Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
1-800-726-0600 www.amazon.com
Three new titles are recommended picks for grades 5-8, each offering involving histories in a
lively,
readable package. Elizabeth Cody Kimmell's As Far As The Eye Can Reach (0375813489,
$14.95)
tells of Lewis and Clark's trek in 1803, when wilderness stretched across North America and their
Corps of Discovery set out to explore it. The Corps returned to civilization years later, long after
all
thought them dead, with discoveries which changed their worlds. Also part of the 'Landmark'
series
is Linda Lowery's One More Alley, One More Hill (0375810927, $15.95), which tells the story of
Aunt Clara Brown, a pioneer who crossed the country on foot to Colorado in the 1850s to begin
a
successful business buying and selling property. Born a slave, Aunt Clara wasn't free to meet these
goals until she was over fifty years old: this brings together facts from archives and newspaper
articles to re-create her life and times. Both books read like fiction, but are packed with facts,
making them most accessible to reluctant readers of history. Jefferson's Children by Shannon
Lanier
and Jane Feldman (0375821686, $14.9) tells of a cross-country journey to document and
photograph family members of Thomas Jefferson and his Afro-American slave lover Sally
Hemmings. In 1998 DNA evidence proved the link between the Jefferson and Hemings families,
and
author Feldman interviewed and photographed family members on both sides. A fascinating
documentary of the legacy of a famous family.
JayJo Books
PO Box 760, Plainview, NY 11803-0760
1-800-999-6884 guidancechannel.com
Two new children's books focusing on health issues that elementary grade students ages 5 to 10
can
encounter are particularly and enthusiastically recommended for both community and school
library
collections. Written by Dee Dee L. Miller, Taking Arthritis To School (1891383213, $11.95)
explains to young readers what juvenile arthritis is, and how it is treated in children. Taking
Depression To School (1891383221, $11.95) by Kathy Khalsa explains what depression is and
how
psychiatrists, school counselors, and friends can help. Both of these outstanding titles are
colorfully
illustrated by Tom Dineen. Visit the Jayjo Books website for a complete listing of all of their
health
issues oriented titles for young readers.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
On Wings Of A Dragon
Cora Taylor
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
121 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA 02134
1550417827 $11.95 1-800-805-1083
Cora Taylor's On Wings Of A Dragon is a deftly written and fully engaging fantasy novel for
young
adult readers of Kour'el, a young woman and her immortal dragon companion Api'naga. Kour'el is
bereft of memory; and the dragon only knows that they have an unknown mission. The story of
their
journey and awakening is an entertaining and enthusiastically recommended fable of
self-discovery,
adventure, and inner strength.
Little, Brown & Company
1271 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10020
1-800-759-0190 www.amazon.com
It's a pleasure to see Eleanor Cameron's classic science fiction stories for pre-teens re-packed in
handsome, affordable paperwork editions: they promise to introduce new audiences to the magic
of
her Mushroom Planet people and adventurers. Two boys and an odd inventor discover a lively
new
world in Wonderfu Flight To The Mushroom Planet (0316125407, $7.95), which begins when the
boys answer an odd ad placed by one Mr. Bass. Stowaway To The Mushroom Planet
(0316125415,
$7.95) continues the adventure, providing a sequel which involves a return visit to the planet and
a
stowaway who becomes privy to a secret. Enchanting stores, brought to new life with fresh new
appearances.
The Salt Sorcerer Of Oz And Other Stories
Eric Shanower
Hungry Tiger Press
5995 Dandridge Lane, Suite 121, San Diego, CA 92115-6575
1929527063 $24.95 hungrytigerpress.com
Written and illustrated by Eric Shanower, The Salt Sorcerer Of Oz And Other Stories is an
anthology of exciting adventures set in (and faithful to) L. Frank Baum's original and classic series
of
fantasy masterpieces set in the land of Oz. Dorothy from Kansas makes a return appearance in
one
tale; and another story features Kabumpo the Elegant Elephant and his alliance with the mystical
Salt
Sorcerer in the adventurous hunt for the Crystal Corkscrew. An enchanting addition to the Oz
legacy, the stories comprising this enthusiastically recommended compendium include Kabumpo;
The Final Fate of the Frogman; The Glass Cat; Dorothy and the Mushroom Queen; Parts
Unavailable; The Balloon-Girl of Oz; Menu; Gugu and the Kalidahs; Ode to Brains; The Silver
Jug;
In Blue-Green Lands; and the title piece, The Salt Sorcerer of Oz.
The Science Shelf
From Lava To Life
Jennifer Morgan & Dana Lynne Andersen
Dawn Publications
PO Box 2010, Nevada City, CA 95959
1584690429 $9.95 www.dawnpub.com
From Lava To Life: The Universe Tells Our Earth Story by storyteller, educator, and
environmental
advocate Jennifer Morgan is the second volume in an amazing summary series for readers ages 8
through 12 of what science can tell us about how the Earth came to be, and how life arose upon
and
in it. Vividly illustrated in striking color by Dana Lynne Andersen, From Lava To Life is a most
fascinating introduction to science for young readers, beginning with the formation of the earth
and
concluding with the age of the dinosaur. From Lava To Life is also available in hardcover
(1584690437, $19.95). Also very highly recommended for young readers is the first volume
covering the birth the universe and the development of the solar system, Born With A Bang: The
Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story: Book 1 (158469033X, $19.95, hardcover).
It's About Time! Science Projects
Robert Gardner
Enslow Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 39840, Industrial Road, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922-0398
0766020126 $18.95 www.enslow.com
It's About Time! Science Projects: How Long Doest It Take? by Robert Gardner is a selection of
fun and educational experiments for young people, reflecting the central theme of time. It's About
Time covers measuring time with the Sun; the water clock, the sand clock, the candle clock, the
pendulum clock, reaction time, estimating time, and more. Whimsical color illustrations adorn the
practical guidelines for a whole series of worthy science projects. It's About Time! is confidently
recommended as an outstanding educational and enjoyable resource for grade-school aged
children
and would also be ideal for homeschool curriculum supplementation.
The Fiction Shelf
Alex Jackson: Grommet
Pat Flynn
Univ. of Queensland Press/ISBS, dist.
5824 N.E. Hassalo Street, Portland OR 97213-3640
0702232238 $13.95 1-800-944-6190
Alex Jackson: Grommet by Pat Flynn is a superbly written novel for teens about Alex Jackson, a
talented skateboarder who has to come to terms with a school bully, falling in love, and handling
the
social aspects of high school. Alex Jackson: Grommet is recommended as being an engagingly,
deftly written story about handling common teenage trials.
Lightkeeper's Daughter
Iain Lawrence
Delacorte Press
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
0385729251 $16.95 www.amazon.com
Recommended for older readers is Iain Lawrence's Lightkeeper's Daughter, a story of
seventeen-year-old Squid, who returns home to her parents' isolated life on an island bringing with
her a young daughter. Squid has a lot to face before she moves away from her parents: she resents
them for their isolated life, blames them for her brother's untimely death, and seeks a closeness
with
them which might never be. Lightkeeper's Daughter is a warmly recommended story of family
differences, strife, and the effects of an isolated environment on the family unit.
Daddy Says
Ntozake Shange
Simon & Schuster
0689830815 $15.95 www.amazon.com
Annie and Lucie-Marie are daughters of two black rodeo stars who have been raised by a remote
father after their mother is killed in the rodeo. Now that they are getting older, they miss their
mother more than ever and resent their father's dating Cassie. Can Cassie take the place of a
loving
mother in a very different kind of family? Ntozake Shange's Daddy Says is vivid, different
storytelling for young readers.
Ransom Of Mercy Carter
Caroline Cooney
Dell Books
0440227755 $5.50 www.amazon.com
In 1704 Mercy Carter is kidnapped from her Massachusetts community by Indians who destroy
their
settlement and force the survivors on a long-distance march to Canada. Her only hope is for
ransom
from the English government in Boston but as months and years pass, Mercy becomes
accustomed
to Indian life and questions whether she wants to return. Ransom Of Mercy Carter offers an
exciting, new twist on the old story of Indian kidnappings and is a highly recommended story
which
proves hard to put down.
Numbering All The Bones
Ann Rinaldi
Hyperion
0786805331 $15.99 www.amazon.com
In 1864 the Civil War is coming to an end and former house slave Eulinda, just thirteen, is facing
the
hardest time of her life. Her young brother has been sold, her older brother is in prison, and her
mistress takes in a boarder who offers Eulinda the chance to go North to freedom. Her encounter
with the pioneer Clara Barton will change her life and goals in Numbering All The Bones, an
unusual
and recommended novel of life just after the Civil War.
Swords For Hire
Will Allen
CenterPunch Press
3709 Center St., Cincinnati, OH 45227
0972488200 $6.95 www.amazon.com
Swords For Hire: Two Of The Most Unlikely Heroes You'll Ever Meet by Will Allen is a
rollicking,
clever, novel for young readers ages 8 to 14. Sam Hatcher grew up on a farm with his parents.
When Sam turned 16 he meets Rigby Skeet and the two of them uncover a plot that has thrust the
rightful king into a "Boneman" guarded dungeon and placed the king's evil brother upon the
throne.
To free the king and expose the plot, Sam and Rigby embark on an exciting cross-country
adventure
complete with evil guards, a magical sorcerer, ambushes, and a beautiful girl held captive against
her
will. Swords For Hire is a terrific read, one of those heroic action fantasy novels that are so easy
to
pick up and so hard to put down!
The Biography Shelf
Believing In Books
Sydell Waxman
Napoleon Publishing
1005-3266 Young Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4N 3P6
0929141776 $14.95 1-877-730-9052
Part of Napoleon Publishing's outstanding "Stories of Canada" series dedicated to presenting
young
readers with the lives of Canadian men and women whose influences have helped to create the
world
we live in, Believing In Books: The Story Of Lillian Smith is the true story of a remarkable
woman
who promoted books and reading for children in the early 1900's, and who became the first
children's librarian in the British Empire. Lillian Smith's pioneer work in introducing children's
literature to people around the world is retold with admiration Sydell Waxman, and illustrated
with
black-and-white artwork and photographs by Patty Gallinger and Liz Milkau in this magical and
engaging look at Lillian's life and literary love.
Annie T. Malone
J. L. Wilkerson
Acorn Books
7337 Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64114
0966447085 $9.95 1-888-422-0320+READ
Annie T. Malone: Story Of Pride Pride, Power And Uplift is the biography of Annie Turnbo
Malone
(1869-1957) who, although orphaned and sickly as a child, became the first black woman to
launch
a black haircare company which made her a multi-millionaire businesswoman. In 1900, Annie
Malone received the first patent for a modern hot comb that could be heated on the stove. She
also
founded Poro College, the first school for teaching and studying black cosmetology in America.
As
an entrepreneur she also invented the business franchise with her salons and became the country's
first major black philanthropist providing generous support to countless African-Americans and
national institutions serving the Black community. Highly recommended for grade school and
community library Black Studies and Biography collections for young readers ages 8-12.
Mitchell Lane
34 Decidedly Lane, Bear, DE 19701
1-302-834-9646 www.amazon.com
Mitchell Lane's biographies of famous figures will appeal to kids in grades 4-6, each providing
over
50 pages of facts and coverages of individuals who normally don't receive embellishment for this
age
group. The 'Unlocking the Secrets of Science' series enjoys more new additions to expand upon
its
biographies of famous scientists (17.95/each): John Bankston's Albert Einstein And The Theory
Of
Relativity (1584151374), Joanne Mattern's Joseph E. Murray And The Story Of The First Human
Kidney Transplant (1584151 366), Kathleen Tracy's Willem Kolff And The Invention Of The
Dialysis Machine (1584151358), and Amy Allison's Luis Alvarez And The Development Of The
Bubble Chamber (1584151404). Each includes an index, chronology, glossary, bibliography, and
plenty of science facts blending with biographical backgrounds. Contemporary, famous individuals
are revealed in the 'Real-Life Reader Biography' series ($15.95 each) recommended for grades
3-5.
The larger print in these 32-page readers is still packed with facts suitable for beginning reports.
New additions include Colin Powell (1584151447), Virginia Hamilton (1584151706), Ben Stiller
(1584151323), Condoleezza Rice (1584151455), Julia Stiles (1584151307) and Roberto
Clemente
(1584151277), covering the achievements and lives of each of these influential men and
women.
Millbrook Press
2 Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
1-800-462-4703 www.amazon.com
Millbrook's biographies provide readers of different grade levels with some excellent report
material.
Della Yannuzzi's Aldo Leopold: Protector Of The Wild (0761324658) provides almost fifty pages
of
material for grades 3-5, covering the life and achievements of this protector of the wild. Corinne
Nader and Rose Blue's Dian Fossey: At Home With The Giant Gorillas (0761325697) probes the
life
and achievements of a scientist who chose to live with gorillas as she studied their nature.
Dorothy
Francis' Clara Barton: Founder Of The American Red Cross (0761326219) considers the works
of
the founder of the American Red Cross. Sandra Shichtman's Helen Keller: Out Of A Dark And
Silent World (0761325506) provides the story of a deaf and blind child who became an educated
woman. Ira Peck's Elizabeth Blackwell: The First Woman Doctor (0761318542) tells of the first
woman doctor who made inroads for women participating in health care, while Carmen
Bredeson's
John Glenn: Space Pioneer (0761317198), reveals the space pioneer's revolutionary achievements.
Deborah Parks' John Paul II: The Pope From Poland (0761323201) covers the first Polish pope
who
made inroads in Catholic religion, while young sports fans have Mark Stewart's Jeff Gordon:
Rainbow Warrior (0761318712) and Michelle Kwan: Quest For Gold (0761326227) as strong
coverages of major sports figures.
Elizabeth's Song
Michael Wenberg
Beyond Words
20827 NW Cornell Rd. #500, Hillsboro, OR 97124-9808
1582700699 $15.95 www.amazon.com
Cornelius Van Wright provides the lively and realistic illustrations for Elizabeth's Songh, a book
which focuses on the life story of Elizabeth Cotton, legendary Afro-American folksinger and
songwriter who wrote the folk song 'Freight Train' when she was eleven. Elizabeth teaches herself
to
play guitar against all odds, developing a unique backwards style of playing: this dramatizes her
story.
Books in Series
Gareth Stevens
330 W. Olive #100, Milwaukee WI 53212
1-800-542-2595 www.amazon.com
Gareth Stevens' series titles for kids make for solid, intriguing library additions for grades 3 and
up.
The 'Welcome to the World of Animals' series, for example ($22.60 each) presents over thirty
pages
each of introductory natural history on animals common to kids, from Squirrels (0836835646),
Sharks (0836835638), Foxes (083683562X), Eagles (0836835 611), Beavers (0836835603) to
Bats
(083 683559X). A related 'Weekly Reader' series provides a focus on animals commonly seen at
the
zoo, and will intrigue ages 4 and older. 'Animals I See at the Zoo' titles ($18.60 each) include
Elephants (083683 268X), Camels (0836832 671), Bears (0836832663), Zebras (0836 832779),
Tigers (0836832760), Snakes (0836832 752), Sea Lions (0836832744), Penguins (0836832736),
Monkeys (0836832728), Lions (083683271X), Hippos (0836832 701) and Giraffes
(0836832698).
Each holds a little over twenty pages of large print, photos, and even a glossary and index. Kids
who
enjoy unusual concepts and possibilities will relish Jacqueline Gorman's 'X' series of possibilities,
which includes discussions of Bermuda Triangle (0836831969), Bigfoot (0836831977), ESP
(0836831985), Ghosts (0836831 993), Loch Ness Monster (0836832000), and UFOs
(0836832019). Facts mix with speculations about the possibilities of each. Libraries seeking
affordable Native American coverages for ages 8 and older will find the 'Native American Peoples'
series ($22.60 each) excellent. Each book contains a little over thirty pages of facts supplemented
by
lively color photos and large print appearance for easy reading. New to this series is D.L.
Birchfield's
Apache (0836836642), Sierra Adare's Mohawk (0836836650), Mary Stout's Nez Perce
(0836836669), Sierra Adare's Ojibwe (0836836677), Birchfield's Seminole (0836836685) and his
Sioux (0836836 693). All are highly recommended picks for young readers.
Benchmark Books
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
1-800-831-9881 www.amazon.com
Two sets of reference books are recommended picks for kids in grades 4-7: each provides an
excellent set of history and geography facts perfect for research and reports. Adding to Raymond
Bial's 'Lifeways' ($22.95 each) series of Native American history includes Blackfeet (076
1414169),
Chocataw (0761414134), Mandan (0761414150), and Tlingit (076141 4142). Each holds over a
hundred twenty pages of facts about the lifestyles, culture, and beliefs of the tribe, with photos,
drawings, and timelines accompanying a glossary and index for quick reference. Adding to the
ever-expanding 'Cultures of the World' series ($24.95 each) for kids in grades 5-8 are Thailand
(0761414789), Sri Lanka (0761414770), Philippines (0761414754), Nepal (0761414762), China
(0761414746) and Australia (07614 14738): each providing newly updated editions with bright
color photos, facts, and surveys of past and present-day experiences. All are bright, intriguing
titles
which invite leisure browsing as well as study, with almost a hundred fifty pages packing in facts.
Students in grades 4-6 who regularly face assignments of biographies of famous people will want
to
turn to the latest additions to the lively 'Great Explorations' set for their material ($19.95 each).
New
additions to the biographies of famous explorers include Otfinoski's Francisco Coronado
(0761414843) and Marco Polo (0761414800), Patricia Calvert's Hernando Cortes (0761414827)
and Sir Ernest Shackleton (0761414851), Rice's Sir Francis Drake (0761414835) and Faber's
John
Charles Fremont (076141 4819). Each offers over seventy pages discussing both background
history
and the purpose and outcome of each major expedition. Highly recommended.
Chelsea House
1074 Sproul Rd., Broomall, PA 19008
1-800-848-2665 www.amazon.com
Chelsea House series titles for grades K-2 provides beautiful works which attract with bright
color
covers, intriguing topics, and color photos: they are designed for both leisure pursuit and
rudimentary introductory studies and are recommended picks for libraries seeking basic materials.
Bev Harvey's new 'Animal Kingdom' series ($13.95 each), for example, offers basic 32-page
readers
which include a glossary and index, for Fish (0791069826), Arthropods (0791069869), Mammals
(0791069818), Birds (0791069850), Amphibians (0791069834), and Reptiles (0791069842).
Diana
Noonan's colorful 'Life Cycles' series will reach the same age group with similar natural history
coverages for Crocodile (0791069648), Drog (0791069664), Green Turtle (0791069 672),
Emperor
Penguin (0791069656), Butterfly (079106963X), and Kangaroo (0791069680). For an intriguing
treatise on basic facts of astronomy for this age range, choose Robin Birch's 'Space' introductions
Comets, Asteroids And Meteors (0791069737), Earth, Sun And Moon (0791069702), Stars
(0791069710), Exploring Space (0791069745), Solar System (0791069699), and Planets
(0791069
729). The next level up, for grades 4-7, focuses on "Science And Scientists" ($17.95 each), each
with a little over thirty pages of photos, charts, and facts. The slightly smaller print allows for
more
detail to be packed in for this age range, in Peter Pentland and Pennie Stoyles' titles Earth Science
(0791070123), Space Science (0791 070115), Kitchen Science (079107014X), Toy And Game
Science (0791070131), Forensic Science (0791070107), and Party Science (0791070158). Kids in
grades 4-8 who hold a special affection for sea life and the seashore will want to consult Beth
Blaxland's 'Invertebrates' series ($17.95 each). The specific titles come from the Australian
Museum
and cover both creatures familiar to Australia and those from other regions, in Mollusks
(0791069974), Echinoderms (0791069 966), Cephalopods (0791069923), Myriapods
(0791069958), Crustaceans (079106 994X), Annelids (0791069931). There' a distinct lack of
material on Antarctica for this age range, yet curriculums often include the continent in their
required studies, so the series 'Discovering Antarctica' by June Loves ($17.95 each) will prove
particular welcome for elementary grades 4-8. Each 32-page book can stand alone, but as a series
will prove a powerful reference tool offering insights on Antarctic Plants And Animals
(0791070220), People (0791070247), Land (0791070239) and Future (0791070255). All are
bright,
colorful series titles promising lasting durability and applicability to school curriculums.
The CD-ROM Shelf
Liberty's Kids
Riverdeep, Inc.
500 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA 94947
0763071072 $24.99 riverdeep.com
Strongly recommended for children ages 8-12, Liberty's Kids is an impressively produced and
presented educational software adventure based on the PBS KIDS television show, in which the
young players are immersed in pivotal events of the history of the American Revolution. Placing
the
user in the role of a journalist, it is his or her task to compose a front-page story about landmark
events such as the Boston Tea Party. The better the story, the higher the score. Printable puzzles,
games, and quizzes, a reference guide of people, places, and events, instruction in the basics of
investigative reporting (who, what, where, when, and why), and a great deal more make Liberty's
Kids as instructive as it is fun. Recommended for either traditional classroom curriculum
supplementation or for homeschooling use, Liberty's Kids is a CD-ROM that's appropriate for
both
Windows and Macintosh platforms.
The Picturebook Shelf
The Collie Of Castle Hill
Christine Reilly Carter
Polt Mountain Press
PO Box 241, Califon, NJ 07830
www.poltmountainpress.com
0971796408 $16.95 www.amazon.com
The Collie Of Castle Hill by Christine Reilly Carter is a wonderfully original black-and-white
picture
book, which is illustrated in a finer and richer detail than many a color picture book for children.
Celebrating a long and beloved friendship between man and beast, and based upon the 1950's
real-life story of Carl Maier and his collie Lucky, The Collie Of Castle Hill is an uniquely inviting,
superbly presented, and splendidly told story which is especially recommended for young dog
lovers.
The Collie Of Castle Hill is also available in paperback (0971796416, $10.95).
Wanda's Monster
Eileen Spinelli & Nancy Hayashi
Albert Whitman & Company
6340 Oakton St, Morton Grove, IL 60053
0807586560 $15.95 albertwhitman.com
Wanda's Monster is a full-color picture book by Eileen Spinelli about Wanda, a young girl afraid
of a
monster in her closet. A thoughtful and whimsical story about growing up and learning to
transcend
the weight of one's fears, Wanda's Monster is adorably illustrated in a cartoony and playful style
by
Nancy Hayashi and highly recommended for young readers ages 5 to 7.
The Shoemaker Extraordinaire
Steve Light
Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
100 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY 10011
0810942364 $14.95 abramsbooks.com
Written and illustrated by Steve Light, The Shoemaker Extraordinaire is a dazzling picture book
about Hans Crispin, a talented traveling shoemaker skilled at making footwear that is perfectly
tailored to an individual's needs. But when Hans incites the wrath of a cobbler, he is tricked into
making shoes for a very hungry and dangerous giant! The unique, silhouette style of the color
artwork adds a special zest to this creative and imaginative tale.
Easter Parade
Irving Berlin & Lisa McCue
HarperCollins Children's Books
1350 Ave of the Americas, NY, NY 10019
0060291257 $15.99 1-800-242-7737
Easter Parade is an enjoyable rendition of the timeless "Easter Parade" song written by the
legendary
composer Irving Berlin (1888-1989) more than sixty years ago. The whimsical animal characters
cleverly drawn and richly colored by Lisa McCue add a particular warmth and humor to the
vibrant
story in this engaging and enthusiastically recommended picture book for young people.
No More Garbage
Gail Gilkey & Kathy Kittell DiOrio
Windy Hill Press
22 Hilltop Ave., Barrington, RI 02806
0966298349 $14.95 www.amazon.com
No More Garbage by Gail Gilkey is a somber story about Julie and Renee, two sisters who
discover
a rabbit with its foot stuck in an aluminum can. They must save the rabbit not only from garbage,
but
from the misappropriated kindness of other children who want to take a wild animal home as a
pet.
Evocative, beautifully executed watercolor-style illustrations by Kathy Kittell DiOrio add an extra
special dimension of color and life to this meaningful picture book tale about respect for nature
and
its creatures.
Winter Pony
Krista Ruepp & Ulrike Heyne
North-South Books
11 East 26th South, New York, NY 10010
0735816913 $15.95 northsouth.com
Beautifully written by Krista Ruepp, Winter Pony is the story of a special bond between a young
girl
named Anna, and an Icelandic pony she calls Prince. But the pony is a winter pony - come
summer,
he must travel with his herd to the mountains, and leave Anna behind. A glimmer of Norse
mythology is reflected in the storytelling, enhanced with rapturous color illustrations by Ulrike
Heyne which bring to life a timeless and classically beautiful story of trust and friendship.
The Ring Bear
N. L. Sharp & Michael T. Hassler, Jr.
Dageforde Publishing, Inc.
128 East 13th Street, Crete, NE 68333
1886225915 $17.95 www.dageforde.com
The Ring Bear by N. L. Sharp is the story of Robert, a young boy who loves bears - real bears
and
stuffed bears, bears in books and even bear crackers to munch! So when Robert learns that he is
to
be a "ring bear" in his aunt's wedding he is excited - until he learns that his aunt isn't expecting a
real
bear! A whimsically told story artfully supplemented with amusing color illustrations by Michael
T.
Hassler, Jr., The Ring Bear is a welcome and highly recommended addition to school and
community library picture book collections for young readers.
Loveykins
Quentin Blake
Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
1561452823 $15.95 1-800-241-0113
Charmingly written and colorfully illustrated by Quentin Blake, Loveykins is the whimsical and
delightful story of an overprotective woman who finds a baby bird blown out of its nest, and does
her best to raise him - but who overindulges to an excessive degree, even taking her "loveykins"
out
for walks in a baby stroller! When a storm brings the opportunity for the grown-up bird to fly
free, it
changes both their lives forever in this thoughtful and recommended picture book story about
growing up and letting go.
Dear Mr. Leprechaun
Martin Nelson Burton & Clint Hansen
London Town Press
PO Box 585, Montrose, CA 91021-0585
0966649001 $17.00 1-818-248-4000
Original and imaginative, Dear Mr. Leprechaun: Letters From My First Friendship by Martin
Nelson
Burton is a warm and inviting picture book story about an enchanting correspondence by letter
with
a leprechaun. The full-color illustrations by Clint Hansen are especially amazing in that they were
all
created through three-dimensional paper sculpture! A joy to read and simply amazing to look
through, Dear Mr. Leprechaun is enthusiastically recommended for children ages 4 to 9.
Before I Was Your Mother
Kathryn Lasky & LeUyen Pham
Harcourt Brace Children's Books
525 B St., #1900, San Diego, CA 92101
0152014640 $16.00 1-800-543-1918
Engagingly written by Kathryn Lasky, Before I Was Your Mother is a thoughtful tribute to
mothers
and daughters everywhere, reminiscing about how every beloved mother was once a precocious
little girl herself. Charming color illustrations by LeUyen Pham fill the pages of this tender picture
book for young readers ages 3 to 7. Very highly recommended for family, school, and community
library picture book collections, Before I Was Your Mother would make an especially nice gift for
Mother's Day!
Random/Delacorte/Knopf
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
1-800-726-0600 www.amazon.com
Emily Snowell Keller's Sleeping Bunny (0375815414, $15.95) follows up on the author's last
picture
book with another rabbit-oriented retelling of a favorite fairy tale. Here the characters appear as
animals dressed in medieval clothing, and Beauty becomes Bunny, admired by a crowd of winged
piglets. The drawings by Pamela Silin-Palmer are exquisite and parents will want to consider this
for
read-aloud enjoyment. Debbie Bertram and Susan Bloom's Best Place To Read (0375822933,
$14.95) tells of a boy who loves to read, but can't find the perfect place which offers peace, quiet,
and a good environment. Rhymes and whimsical drawings accompany his efforts to find the
perfect
spot. Eric Sanvoisin's Little Red Ink Drinker (038572 9675, $9.95) offer a companion to his other
two easy readers on ink drinking kids. This time they are literally sucked into the story of Little
Red
Riding Hood with a twist. A zany fantasy for kids with rudimentary reading skills who still enjoy
pictures. Maya Gottfried's Last Night I Dreamed A Circus (0375823883, $15.95) features
colorful
paintings by Robert Rahway Zakanitch and a very simple text of one-line statements which will
encourage picture book readers to test their reading skills. A dream of a circus places the
protagonist in different roles in this bright celebration of circus life. Janet Schulman's A Bunny For
All Seasons (0375822569, $9.95) receives Meilo So's warm rabbit drawings as it tells of a bunny's
experiences of the four seasons of the year. An entertaining rabbit's-eye view of seasonal changes
evolves. Amanda Harvey's Dog Days (0375746210, $15.95) tells of a dog facing a kitten's new
arrival in his home. Hurt by the new arrival, he decides to leave home, only to find the outside
world
offers less than his home. All are bright, interesting readers.
Five Alive!
Dina Rosenfeld & Tova Leff
Hachai Publishing
156 Chester Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218
1929628099 $9.95 www.hachai.com
Five Alive!: My Yom Tov Five Senses is a charming picture book by Dina Rosenfeld about the
five
senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Written especially for Jewish children (as it
contains
references to Jewish religious traditions and celebrations such as Rosh Hashana), Five Alive! is
wonderfully enhanced with friendly full-color artwork by Tova Leff. Five Alive! is an thoroughly
delightful and enthusiastically recommended easy reader picturebook for children ages 2 to 5.
Francie And The Basket Women
Donald Gale & David Gale
Breakwater Books Ltd.
PO Box 2188, St. John's, NF, Canada, A1C 6E6
1550811495 $10.95 breakwater.nf.net
Based on a true story and written by Donald Gale, Francie And The Basket Women is a
thoughtful
and entertaing picturebook story for young readers ages 6 to 10 about Francie, a nine-year-old
girl
with a toothache. Francie's father threatens to "give her to the basket women" if she doesn't
behave
at the dentist's office, but when Francie escapes, she encounters three Mi'kmaq women with their
beautifully woven baskets. They help Francie with her toothache, and she comes to understand
that
the stories told about them are not true. Simple yet inviting color pictures by David Gale bring
this
engagingly crafted story to life in the mind's eye imagination of the reader!
Arthur's Tractor
Pippa Goodhart & Colin Paine
Bloomsbury Children's Books
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
1582348472 $15.95 bloomsbury.com/usa
Arthur's Tractor is a whimsical fairy tale by Pippa Goodhart about Arthur, a farmer who just can't
quite get his tractor to work right. Could it be the work of something mysterious behind his back?
Full-color, lighthearted illustrations by Colin Paine add a particularly entertaining flavor to the
enjoyable text which is especially recommended for beginning readers ages 5 through 7.
We See The Moon
Carrie A. Kitze
EMK Press
16 Mt. Bethel Rd, #219, Warren NJ 07059
0972624406 $16.95 www.emkpress.com
We See The Moon is an exotic picturebook written and drawn especially for adopted children and
their families by Carrie A. Kitze. Intended to help open a dialogue about family connections, and
the
importance of keeping loved ones in one's heart, the distinctive and unusual color illustrations add
a
truly universal world theme to this absorbing picturebook which is enthusiastically recommended
for
personal, school, and community library collections.
Moon's Cloud Blanket
Rose Anne St. Romain & Joan C. Waites
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster St, Gretna, LA 70053
1565549228 $14.95 1-800-843-1724
Superbly interpreted and written by Rose Anne St. Romain, Moon's Cloud Blanket is a traditional
Native American folktale from South Louisiana, about a mother whose efforts to protect her son
and daughter from a flood and is aided in her desperate effort by Moon, Stars, Clouds, and Wind.
Thoughtful color illustrations by Joan C. Waites grace the pages of this lovely and heartfelt
picture
book story which is especially recommended to children ages 5 to 8.
Soundprints
353 Main Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851
$15.95 each www.amazon.com
Four fine new titles join others in the Smithsonian's "Backyard" series, appealing to preschoolers
to
Grade 2 with lively stories which read like fiction but include natural history facts. Laura Gates
Galvin's River Otter At Autumn Lane (1931465 614) receives gorgeous, realistic paintings by
Christopher Leeper as it tells of a river otter's new cubs, Courtney Granet Raff's Giant Of The Sea
(1931465711) tells of a giant sperm whale's life with a pod near Hawaii. Waithira Mbuthia's My
Sister's Wedding (19314658961) is not part of the series, but provides an excellent multicultural
story as it tells of a family's preparations for a sister's marriage in Kenya, while Katacha Diaz's
Carolina's Gift (193 14656950) provides a modern story of Peru. All are lively picturebook
tales.
Let's Do That Again!
Hiawyn Oram & Sam Williams
Dutton Children's Books
345 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
0525469974 $15.99 penguinputnam.com
The collaborative effort of author Hiawyn Oran and illustrator Sam Williams, Let's Do That
Again!
is a delightfully enjoyable read-aloud bedtime picture book about a mischief-making mouse child
who loves to sneak up behind his mother and surprise her with a shout. Hijinks, love, and family
togetherness abound in this enchanting story which is enthusiastically recommended for children
ages 4 to 7.
Smiley Shark
Ruth Galloway
Tiger Tales
202 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton CT 06897
1589250281 $15.95 www.amazon.com
Written and illustrated by Ruth Galloway, Smiley Shark is a thoroughly delightful and nicely
imaginative color picturebook about a shark who loves to smile, yet finds that his scary teeth
frighten all the other sea creatures away. But when a net captures all the fish and sea animals, only
Smiley Shark has the sharp teeth needed to save the day! An enjoyable story filled with bright and
cartoony artwork, Smiley Shark is quite especially recommended for young readers ages 3 to
7.
Once Upon A Time
Niki Daly
Farrar Straus, and Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY 10003
0374356335 $16.00 1-888-330-8477
Superbly written and illustrated by Niki Daly, Once Upon A Time is a wonderful and memorable
children's picture book story about Sarie, a South African schoolgirl who struggles to learn her
letters. Sarie's beloved Auntie Anna helps her by reading a book together and sharing journeys of
the
imagination, until shapes and letters that were once confusing become friendly. Once Upon A
Time
is strongly recommended for school and community library picture book collections.
The Invisible Seam
Andy William Frew & Jun Matsuoka
Moon Mountain Publishing
80 Peachtree Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852
1931659028 $15.95 1-800-893-9673
Based on a true incident in Japan at the beginning of the twentieth century, The Invisible Seam by
Andy William Frew is the full-color picture book story of Michi, a talented kimono sewer whose
efforts are sabotaged by jealous co-workers. Beautifully enhanced with the artwork of Jun
Matsuoka
and recommended for young readers ages 6 to 10, the dangers of jealousy, the importance of
self-discipline, and the virtue of forgiveness are all central to this charmingly told tale of growth
and
learning.
The Audiobook Shelf
Groundhogs Meet Grimm
MeganHicks
stories: (un)folding
PO Box 7994, Fredericksburg, VA 22404
GHL01 $15.00 1-540-371-6775
In Groundhogs Meet Grimm, expert storyteller Megan Hicks presents six original stories for
listeners of all ages that are entertaining homages to classic fairytale stories. These delightful,
original, and attention grabbing entertainments include Three Little Groundhogs and a Wolf;
Groundhogstiltskin; Groundhog Godmother; The Story of the Three Groundhogs Gruff;
Groundhoglocks and the Three Bears; and The Fisherman (and His Wife). Groundhogs Meet
Grimm
is a wonderful and welcome addition to family, school, and community library collections.
The Music Shelf
Reggae For Kids Instrumentals
RAS Records
PO Box 42517, Washington, DC 20015
RAS3298 $15.98 www.rasrecords.com
Reggae For Kids Instrumentals comprises nineteen instrumental versions of popular songs made
freshly appealing for young listeners and music makers by incorporating reggae sax, keyboards,
guitar, and harmonica. The individual cuts comprising this highly recommended addition to family,
school, and community library children's music collections include Day O; One Love; When You
Wish Upon A Star; This Old Man; Puff The Magic Dragon; Rasta Row The Boat Ashore;
Raindrops/I Can See Clearly Now; Who's Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf; It's A Small World; Can
You Feel The Love Tonight?; What The World Needs Now; Black & White;
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah;
Swing Low Sweet Chariot; Over The Rainbow; Beauty And The Beast; and Dean. Reggae For
Kids
Instrumentals is available in an audiocassette format as well ($9.98). Also highly recommended
from
RAS Records are: Reggae For Kids (AS3095); More Reggae For Kids (RAS3232); and Reggae
For
Kids Movie Classics (RAS3258).
The Gardening Shelf
Compost By Gosh!
Michelle Eva Portman
Flower Press
10332 Shaver Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49024
0942256166 $16.95 wormwoman.com
Written and illustrated by Michelle Eva Portman, Compost By Gosh! is a simple, rhyming
children's
book about the joy of making compost - the process of letting worms eat leftover food and turn
into
that material into something which is perfect for fertilizing plants. Easy to follow, step-by-step
instructions for young people who want to make their own compost (under adult supervision)
round
out this excellent and very highly recommended instructional book for budding young
gardeners.
The American History Shelf
Mexico And The United States
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
$279.95/set 1-800-831-9881
Readers in grades 8 and above will find Mexico And The United States to be an important and
"user
friendly" reference set for students. This three-volume set provides an important A-Z reference to
Mexico/US relations which covers everything from Chicano life to the historic Battle of Buena
Vista. This set's relevancy isn't limited to young adults: many an adult audience will consider it an
equally important reference, and any library collection serious about representing Mexican history
should consider this a 'must'.
American Inaugurals
Blackbirch Press
10911 Technology Place, San Diego, CA 92127
1567115845 $64.95 1-800-877-4253
American Inaugurals: The Speeches, The Presidents, And Their Times presents a complete and
unabridged collection of inaugural speeches by American presidents from George Washington
through George W. Bush. Each speech is set into context by an historical introduction by Harry
Rubenstein, along with political backgrounding, sidebars, photographs, fact-filled asides and
more.
A superb educational and reference tool for readers of all ages, American Inaugurals is an
essential
and seminal addition to school and community library American History and Political Science
reference resource collections.
Encyclopedia Of American History
Gary B. Nash, editor
Facts On Files, Inc.
132 West 31st St, 17th fl, NY, NY 10001
081604371X $935.00 1-800-322-8755
The Facts On File Encyclopedia Of American History is a superbly developed and presented
eleven
volume history that ranges from the 3500 B.C. Native American settlements and culture
(including
the cultivation of corn) in what was one day to become Mexico; down to the attack of Islamic
fundamentalists against the United States on September 11, 2001. Volume 1 (1870 to 1899)
"Three
Worlds Meet" covers the Norse travels to Vineland and Greenland in 1000 A.D. through coming
of
the Spanish and English explorers and colonists. Volume 2 (1608 to 1760) "Colonization and
Settlement" starts with Henry Hudson's explorations in behalf of the Dutch West India Company
along the Hudson River and concludes with the French and Indian War of 1754. Volume 3 (1761
to
1812) "Revolution and New Nation" covers the era of American Revolution; the Lewis and Clark
expedition; Tecumseh's Native American confederation and the British/American war of 1812
(that
included the burning of Washington D.C. and concluded in 1814). Volume 4 (1813 to 1855)
"Expansion and Reform" surveys the decades of the country's westward expansion; the
establishment of the Monroe Doctrine; the California Gold Rush; and Commodore Matthew
Perry's
establishing contact with fabled Japan. Volume 5 (1856 to 1869) "The Civil War and
Reconstruction" details the events leading up to the American Civil War; the lethal years of
America's most deadly internal conflict between the Union and the Confederacy; the
Reconstruction
years of Northern dominance over the defeated South; the expansion of the continental railroads;
and concludes with the adoption of the 15th Amendment to the American Constitution which
extended the right to vote to African American males. Volume 6 (1870 to 1899) "The
Development
of the Industrial United States" covers the development of government agencies such as the
Weather
Bureau; the establishment of the world's first national park at Yellowstone in what is now parts of
Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho; inventions such as those of Thomas Edison; the wavesof
immigrants
through such entry ports as Ellis Island in the New York Harbor; and the USS Maine exploding in
the Manila Harbor which was to precipitate the Spanish American War. Volume 7 (1900 to 1928)
"The Emergence of Modern America" was the time of great inventions, the coming of aviation,
presidential assassinations, and World War I; Volume 8 (1929 to 1945) begins with the crash of
the
New York Stockmarket and the advent of the Great Depression; New Deal government policies;
and World War II. Volume 9 (1946 to 1968) "Postwar United States" were the glory years of the
United States as a true world power, the Cold War conflict, and political assassinations which
included Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President John F. Kennedy. Volume 10 (1969 to the
Present) ranges from Neil Armstrong walking on the surface of the moon to the beginning of the
American war against international terrorism. Volume 11 is a comprehensive index. Simply put,
the
Facts On File Encyclopedia Of American History is an essential, core addition to every public and
private school library in the country. Indeed, because of the necessary cost of such an outstanding,
detailed, comprehensive reference work, the Encyclopedia Of American History is especially
recommended as a Memorial Fund acquisit-ion for community library systems.
The Video Shelf
Percy's Chocolate Crunch & Other Thomas Adventures
Anchor Bay
Andrea Blain (publicity)
1699 Stutz Drive, Troy MI 48084
AB1290 $12.98 www.amazon.com
Percy's Chocolate Crunch & Other Thomas Adventures is a thoroughly delightful, colorfully
animated video for young viewers continuing the ongoing adventures of Thomas and Percy, two
little engines who strive to fulfill their goals of being Responsible, Reliable, and Really Useful. Six
short stories about their tasks make for wholesome, family-friendly viewing that children
preschool
through kindergarten will want to see again and again. Warmly and capably narrated by Alec
Baldwin, this 38 minute video is a welcome and highly recommended addition to family,
preschool,
daycare center, and community library collections.
The computer has made even more pressing the need for children to be literate if they are to
achieve
the most that they can be as adults!
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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