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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
The Girls Take Over
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Delacorte Press/Random House
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
0385327382 $15.95 1-800-726-0600
The Hatfield boys and Malloy girls are still competing; this time their conflicts range from racing
bottles downstream and a potentially dangerous spill to wild ball games. Prepare for more
laughs and unexpected twists in The Girls Take Over, as Phyllis Naylor continues the ongoing
story in such a manner as to invite newcomers to participate in the zany fun.
Reginald
Jeff Newman
Doubleday & Company
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
0385746342 $15.95 1-800-726-0600
Reginald the cow lives in the jungle so he's different from his jungle neighbors, who are irritable
and just plain unfriendly. Reginald refuses to bow to their crazy habits and unfriendliness, but he
still wants to be friends can he turn them into buddies? Zany drawings for this warm story of
friendship.
Alfred A. Knopf/Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
1-800-726-0600 www.amazon.com
Jarrett Krosczka's Annie Was Warned (0375815678, $15.95) is a scary story to be enjoyed
year-round: Annie has been warned to stay away from the creepy mansion, but she isn't scared
and is determined to investigate its mysteries. Large print and dark pages emphasize her creepy
encounters in the spooky old mansion in this satisfyingly scary tale. Mark Alan Stamaty's Who
Needs Donuts? (0375825-509, $16.95) first appeared in 1973 but 30 years later is just as
compelling, even if its pictures are in black and white. Sam's dilemma of too many donuts
involves a host of characters and zany situations as his donut-collecting gets out of hand. Long
out of print, this reprint will attract new generations with involving, fun tales.
Enslow Publishers
PO Box 398, Berkeley Hegihts, NJ 07922
Two fine new titles will reach ages 11 and older with excellent topics. Linda Jacobs Altman's
African Mythology (0766021-254, $20.95) gathers traditional tales from seven different cultural
groups throughout Africa, focusing on differences and similarities between the groups, lifestyles,
legacies and myths. Black and white drawings throughout, but it's the written word which is of
interest here. Arlene Bourgeois Molzahn's Ponce De Leon (0766020711, $18.95) will reach ages
6-9 with almost 50 pages detailing de Leon's exploration of Florida and his importance in
American history. Both are unusual, excellent library additions.
Scholastic Books
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012
1-800-242-7737 www.amazon.com
Kaethe Zemach's Just Enough And Not Too Much (0439377242, $16.95) tells of Simon the
Fiddler, who has only enough food, friends and music to get by. One day he discovers there is
more to life than barely getting by and he finds it may be possible to have too much, on the
other end. A truly excellent story of possessions and their pull. Mark Sperring's Find-A-Saurus
(0439531624, $15.95) ably features Alexandra Steele-Morgan's engaging drawings as it tells of a
young boy who firmly believes in dinosaurs. They are just hiding and he's certain to find a live
one, if only he looks hard enough! Nancy Willard's Cinerella's Dress (0439569279, $16.95)
enjoys Jane Dyer's warm drawings as it tells of a rich dress on a poor girl. Good reading skills or
parental assistance required for this story of a poor girl with a rich heart. Virginia Hamilton's
Bruh Rabbit And The Tar Baby Girl (043947376X, $16.95) features gorgeous paintings by James
E. Ransome as it tells of a rabbit which gets itself in a peck of trouble. A beloved folk tale springs
to new life under Hamilton's retelling. Keith Graves' Three Nasty Gnarlies (0439240-905,
$16.95) tells of three funky dump-dwelling creates who see themselves through the eyes of a
beautiful butterfly. How can they improve upon their looks? Zany humor evolves into a lesson in
beauty. Robert Florczak's Yikes!! (0439050-535, $15.95) presents a large-sized fast-paced
adventure/action story as it follows an adventurer who encounter a cobra, a tiger, or a crocodile.
Very easy one-word pages accompany large-size, realistic and fun drawings. Nancy Tafuri's You
Are Special, Little One (0439398797, $16.95) tells of six animal babies and one child who are
assured of the many ways in which they are special. Her inviting watercolors lend a warm feel
appropriate especially for read-alouds between parents and kids.
The Biography Shelf
My Thirteenth Winter
Samantha Abeel
Orchard Books
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012-3999
0439339049 $15.95 1-800-242-7737
Samantha Abeel's story is a memoir with reads with all the smoothness, drama and pointed
observations of a novel. Her math-related learning disability sets her apart from others and until
she is diagnosed in 7th grade, her life is one big struggle. My Thirteenth Winter is a very fine
autobiography of courage and frustration.
Morgan Reynolds
620 S Elm St #223, Greensboro NC 27406
Four excellent new biographical sketches will reach middle to high school readers with fine
coverages of major figures. Nancy Whitelaw's Jimmy Carter (1931-798184, $21.95) provides a
little over a hundred pages detailing the president's struggles against the odds to reach the White
House, his policies while there, and his failure to win re-election. William Schoell's H. P.
Lovecraft (193179815X, $21.95) provides a lively story of the dark fantasy writer's short life and
a world which he created which lives on and influences other writers today. William Boerst's Isaac
Newton (193179801X, $21.95) provides a survey of Newton's fundamental scientific work,
exploring the laws which he developed and experiments which revolutionized our understanding
of the universe. Finally, Jane Ackerman's Louis Pasteur And The Founding Of Microbiology
(1931798133, $21.95) surveys Pasteur's background and the many techniques he developed,
including the one named for his genius. Not only are these excellent for biographical sketches and
reports; they are lively enough to invite leisure browsing.
Down a Sunny Dirt Road
Stan & Jan Berenstain
Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
0375814035 $20.00 1-800-726-0600
This impressive autobiography of the romance between Stan and Jan Berenstain which led to not
only a marriage of love but a marriage of businesses reveals how the two talented artists came to
create the Berenstain Bears and other popular works for children. Packaged so as to appeal into
the elementary grade levels, yet in depth enough for adult pursuit, Down a Sunny Dirt Road is a
truly exceptional autobiography that will entertain entire families with its warm story of the
creation of the Berenstain Bears, enhanced with color and black and white drawings and sketches
throughout.
Blue Earth Books/Capstone Press
PO Box 669, Mankato, MN 56002
1-800-747-4992 capstone-press.com
The "American Indian Biographies" series ($22.60 each) is an impressive collection of nonfiction
portraits that combine museum quality color illustrations with simple informative text crafted
specifically for young readers and telling the stories of a number of famous Native American
leaders and individuals who lived before the twentieth century. Each title provides children with
an honest, direct, informative portrait showcasing the life of a legendary Native American figure
and just how their actions left their mark on American history down to the present day. the
individual installments in this very highly recommended series for school and community library
Native American Studies collections include Tecumseh 1768-1813 (0736812121) and Osceola
1804-1838 (0736812113) by Rachael A. Koestler-Grack; Sitting Bull 1831-1890 (0736812156)
and Crazy Horse 1842-1877 (0736812105) by Anne M. Todd; Pocahontas 1595-1617
(0736812148) by Liz Sonneborn; and Sacagawea 1788-1812 (073681213X) by Rosemary
Wallner. All of these outstanding titles are straightforward, well presented, and excellent
introductions to Native American history for young readers.
The Music Shelf
Big Kid
Sara Hickman
Sleeveless
Andrea Blain (publicity)
3005 S. Lamar, Suite D-109, #412, Austin, TX 78704
www.sarahickman.com
CD $15.00 1-888-606-6874
Big Kid is third in an impressive series of audio CDs designed to inspire quality parent-child time
through music and poetry. Award-winning singer and songwriter Sara Hickman reaches out with
enthusiastic and movement-oriented songs to spark activity, confidence, and imagination in
developing young minds. The individual tracks include Iolana, Cantaloupe!, Ooh La La, Middle
Of A Little Country Road, Eat My Breakfast, Look At Me, Louise, Pledge, Little Seed, Radiation
Man, Pink On The Inside, Here It Comes, My Sista My Friend, Nanatime!, Little Yella Dog,
Belinsky, I Wish I Were A Princess, It's Fall, Space Poetry!, Pillowman!, Red Wagon, Rainstick, I
Wish You Well, and Pray For Peace. Also very highly recommended are the two earlier CDs
from Sarah Hickman: Newborn (featuring both traditional and original songs for newborns and
their parents) and Toddler (a collection of songs, stories, and poetry that teaches counting, colors,
animals, sounds, and geography suitable for preschoolers).
Animal Songs
Madacy Kids
c/o Madacy Entertainment Group, Inc.
Andrea Blain (publicity)
6 Lansing Square, Suite 121, Toronto, Ontario, M2J 1T5
CD $5.98 1-416-756-2800
A licensed Crayola product, Animal Songs presents twenty lively songs on CD, with included
lyrics and activities, especially for precocious young minds. Merry tunes and colorful characters
can entertain and stimulate young minds during rainy days and long car trips. Silly songs with
age-appropriate lyrics make for a bountiful work of pure creativity. Tracks include Color My
World Crayola, B-I-N-G-O, The Bear Went Over The Mountain, The Animal Fair, Oh Where, Oh
Where Has My Little Dog Gone?, Baa-Baa Black Sheep, Five Little Monkeys, Camptown Races,
The Cat Came Back, Had A Little Rooster, The Old Grey Mare, Three Little Kittens,
Fiddle-Dee-Dee, The Crocodile, Crawdad Song, This Little Pig, Mary Had A Little Lamb,
Donkey Riding, Pop Goes The Weasel!, and The Farmer In The Dell. Also highly recommended
are three other CDs in the "Cryaola" series for children: Toddler Songs ($5.98); Silly Songs
($5.98); and Storybook Favorites ($5.98).
Patti Teel's The Inside-Out Blessing Game
Patti Teel
Dream Flight Productions
1187 Coast Village Road #457, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
097249622X $12.95 www.dreamflt.com
Patti Teel's The Inside-Out Blessing Game is a combination relaxation exercises and music CD
meant for bedtime or quiet time and are especially appropriate for young children ages 3 and up.
Featuring relaxing music and simple exercises that encourage self-appreciation, tranquility, and
peaceful thought, this gentle collection is soothing for all ages to listen to. Tracks include
Progressive Relaxation: The Inside Out Blessing Game, On Your Way To Dreamland..., and
Soothing Song: Count Your Blessings in Routine One, and Creative Visualization: Come Inside
and Soothing Song: Inside Out in Routine Two. Also very highly recommended is Patti Teel's
companion CD release: The Christmas Dream (0972496203, $12.95) consisting of two bedtime
routines to enhance a child's "quiet time" in preparation for restful slumber.
Twice As Many Friends / El Doble De Amigos
Sol y Canto
The Rounder Records Group
Beth Blenz-Clucas (publicity)
One Camp Street, Cambridge, MA 02140
CD $14.98 www.rounder.com
Twice As Many Friends / El Doble De Amigos is an enthusiastically recommended bilingual music
CD meant to introduce children to the lively beat of Latin music. Performed by internationally
acclaimed band Sol y Canto ("Sun and Song"), Twice As Many Friends brings together
dance-worthy rhythms, high-energy vocals, and joyful lyrics sung in both English and Spanish
spanning topics such as numbers, days of the week, parts of the body, self-esteem, ethnic
diversity, peace, flying kites, and more. The bilingual songs include Twice As Many Friends
(3:01), The Train Party (2:30), Banana (3:49), Little Paper Boat (2:26), Numbers (1:46), 7 Days
(2:19), Let's Go Fly Kites! (2:59), Peace Will Come (3:13), Shake It Morena (1:50), The One &
Only (0:57), Planet House (2:47), Under One Sky (3:58), My Body Makes Music (2:04), Shoes
(2:22), Careful! It Might Be Hot (2:44), and Rainbow (5:37).
The American History Shelf
Building America
Janice Weaver
Tundra Books
PO Box 1030, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
0887766064 $17.95 tundrabooks.com
Building America reveals almost four hundred years of history and travels across the U.S., using
architecture and its creators as a touchstone from exploring American history. The result is an
intriguing guide for ages 9 and older, which considers key architectural accomplishments and their
role in American history and culture.
The Video/DVD Shelf
Toucanz Trail Obstacle Adventure
Avid Ideas/Bravura Films
www.toucanz.com
0974343005 $17.95 1-877-543-7386
Toucanz Trail Obstacle Adventure is a DVD which is enthusiastically recommended for energetic
young people ages 6 to 11. No special equipment is required for young people to watch and learn
exciting exercises to practice, and simple indoor or outdoor obstacle adventure courses they can
create for themselves and friends. A fun way to help stimulate healthy habits and acitivity in young
people bombarded with increasingly sedentary societal messages, Toucanz Trail Obstacle
Adventure would enhance any family, school, or community library collection. 40 minutes.
Galloping Minds
20266 Vista Ct., Cupertino, CA 95014
1-866-425-5672 gallopingminds.com
Galloping Minds Alphabets is a 40-minute full color DVD intended for preschool through
kindergarten children age 6 months to 6 years. Featuring a colorful alphabet video that blends
letters with still images - such as the letter "R" with a photograph of a rhino - and light classical
music in the background, Galloping Minds Alphabets is a rewarding and educational treasure to
share with one's children and show them just how much fun learning can be. Also very highly
recommended is the companion DVD Galloping Minds Shapes And Colors ($14.95, 30 minute,
Color) which is specifically designed to stimulate the minds of babies and children from age 6
months to 6 years with ppbeat music and colorful images of two-dimensional and
three-dimensional shapes creating an enchanting experience of color, sound, and basic
building-block educational fun.
The Mayflower Pilgrims
Home Video Publishing
c/o Janson Associates
88 Semmens Road, Harrington Park, NJ 07640
Cat. #20232 $24.95 www.janson.com
The Mayflower Pilgrims is a remarkable and recommended DVD that follows the voyage
struggle,
settlements and daily life of the early American settlers who came from a corner of England,
across the seas in the Mayflower. Especially recommended for classroom viewing, yet also an
enjoyable and educational treat to share at home, The Mayflower Pilgrims is a solid,
well-researched, entertaining and informative presentation amenable to all viewers of all ages.
Running Time: 43 minutes.
The Cortex Files
NIA Productions Inc.
4604 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
VHS $50.00
The Cortex Files ($90.00 - curriculum and video) is a five-part VHS video (which is also available
in DVD format), intended especially for 7th to 10th graders as a supplement to a science or
lifeskills curriculum. Discussing the ramifications of early childhood brain development, including
the powerful effect of proper parenting skills versus neglectful or abusive treatment, The Cortex
Files features graphics, animations, child actors, and more to firmly demonstrate its principles. A
highly educational and thought-provoking resource, The Cortex Files is very highly
recommended for traditional classroom supplemental resources and for homeschooling
curriculums as well.
Children's Stories From Africa
Monterey Media Inc.
566 St. Charles Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-3901
www.montereymedia.com
1569942811 $19.95 1-800-934-4336
Children's Stories From Africa is an award-winning collection of two engaging volumes of fables
and songs drawn from African cultures and highly recommended for young people ages 2-6.
Dancers from the Mahlatsi pre-school sing and tell stories in African garb. A total of twelve
enchanting tales, brought to life with colorful imagery, include the story of Kafumbi and the
Crocodile, How Dabula got Married, The Hare and the Lion-Cubs, and others. This DVD edition
of Children's Stories From Africa is enhanced with actor biographies (including a James Baldwin
biography), and a Study Guide.
Dog Talk Double Feature
Tall Tale Productions
411 Video Information (publicity)
1590 Shady Grove Road, Weatherford, TX 76088
VHS $19.95 1-817-613-8508
Dog Talk Double Feature is an award-winning 46-minute DVD that blends education and
entertainment. Intended for children age 3 and above, Dog Talk offers two segments, "A Dare To
Share" and "Double Trouble," in which friendly dogs chat and share their messages of learning,
discipline, and fun. A treat to view with little ones, Dog Talk Double Feature is an ideal and
welcome addition to preschool, kindergarten, daycare center, community library, and family DVD
collections.
Mrs. Murphy's Playhouse: Little Red Riding Hood
Virtual Drama Company, LLC
411 Video Information (publicity)
4836 E. Nisbet Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254
www.mrsmurphysplayhouse.com
VHS $12.99; DVD $14.99; 800-383-8811
An energetic and enriching experience to stimulate creative young minds, Mrs. Murphy's
Playhouse: Little Red Riding Hood from the Virtual Drama Company is an engaging and
enthusiastically recommended entertainment for young people that offers a unique twist on a
classic fairytale. Mrs. Murphy's Playhouse: Little Red Riding Hood encourages children ages 3 to
8 to use their home or classroom as a living stage. By interacting with the narration, the viewer is
encouraged to participate in, rather than passively observe, the unfolding live action, full color
drama. Running Time: 27 minutes.
Thomas & Friends Best Of Gordon
Anchor Bay Entertainment
1699 Stutz Dr., Troy, MI 48084
Andrea Blain (publicity)
www.anchorbayentertainment.com
www.thomasthetankengine.com
DV12576 $19.98 www.amazon.com
The Collector's Edition Of Thomas & Friends Best Of Gordon presents in a DVD formate the
lively and entertaining adventures of the fastest and most powerful animated railroad engines of
the Island of Sodor. Gorden's stories, his friendship with Thomas, and the lessons he learns about
friendship make for engaging and wholesome viewing for young folks. Nine wonderfully
presented short stories, plus bonus features such as exclusive games and a commemorative
booklet, make The Collector's Edition Of Thomas & Friends Best Of Gordon a real treat for any
young fan of the Thomas The Tank Engine series. Running Time: 46 minutes, plus 60 minutes of
bonus features.
The Fiction Shelf
The River Between Us
Richard Peck
Dial/Penguin-Putnam
345 Hudson, New York, NY 10014
0803727356 $16.99 www.amazon.com
Tilly and her family are awaiting the start of the Civil War, fearing its approach to their small town
and observing increasing divisions between north and south in their own world. The arrival in
town of a glamorous young lady and her dark servant changes Tilly's world as the war's issues
come to roost in her very house. The River Between Us is a masterful, realistic, fictional story of
Civil War issues and times.
The Window
Jeanette Ingold
Harcourt
525 'B' St. #1900, San Diego, CA 92101
0152049266 $6.95 www.amazon.com
In The Window, Mandy has survived a tragic car accident which killed her mother, but she's left
blind and living with relatives she doesn't really know. Her heightened sense of hearing introduces
her to a world of her past relatives, where she slowly comes to understand her
sometimes-puzzling present uncles and aunt. The time slip theme combined with the theme of a
contemporary girl struggling with blindness and new friendships makes for a satisfying balance of
subplots.
Holiday House
425 Madison, New York NY 10017
Four new titles will appeal to teen and pre-teen readers with exciting plots and vivid characters.
Erin MacLellan's Run From The Nun! (0823417964, $16.95) tells of Kara, who faces a new
Catholic school when her parents force her to switch schools. Her reluctant introduction to the
zany school atmosphere is tempered by an investigation into mysteries in the church cemetery.
Louise Albert's Less Than Perfect (0823416887, $17.95) tells of a girl facing her mother's new
diagnosis of breast cancer. Laura doesn't want to tell anyone and wants to ignore her fears, but
her romance with a boy leads her to understand life's struggles and changes. Vivian Vande
Velde's Witch's Wishes (0823417-891, $15.95) will appeal to pre-tens with the story of an old
witch and a fairy wand which has the power to grant wishes. Sarah's random wishes are wrecking
Halloween havoc all over town and pre-teens will relish the zany plot. Cynthia Voigt's The Rosie
Stories (0823416259, $16.95) will appeal to elementary level readers just beyond the picturebook
level who still need pictures to absorb a good plot. Rosie the dog is always getting into trouble,
but from her viewpoint, life's always rosy. A charming story of a dog and an understanding family
evolves.
Paddington Goes To Town
Michael Bond
Houghton Mifflin
222 Berkeley St., Boston MA 02116
0618083073 $15.00 www.amazon.com
The appearance of this classic in solid hardcover reissue format will delight librarians whose
collection holdings include aging titles: the bright cover enhances this new edition Paddington
Goes To Town, and will greatly appeal to modern generations and will introduce them to the
exploits of a small bear who journeys from 'darkest Peru' to join the Brown family in a series of
zany events.
Terrible Times
Philip Ardagh
Henry Holt
115 W. 18th Street, New York NY 10011
0805071563 $12.95 www.amazon.com
Terrible Times is Book 3 of the 'Eddie Dickens Trilogy' and requires familiarity with the past
plots, but will nonetheless delight fans who have enjoyed the story of hero Eddie, who now finds
himself en route to North America aboard the sail ship The Pompous Pig. Zany misfortunes and
disreputable traveling companions abound with mystery and an involving, lively plot.
The Irish Dresser
Cynthia G. Neale
White Mane Books
Box 708, Shippensburg, PA 17257-0708
1572493445 $6.95 whitemane.com
The Irish Dresser: A Story Of Hope During The Great Hunger by Cynthia G. Neale is a novel
written for young adults and set in the Irish Famine of 1845-1850. The Irish Dresser follows the
struggles of Nora McCabe, a thirteen-year-old girl who wages a daily battle with hunger. Nora's
adventure begins when her father decides to take her to America for an escape from famine and a
chance at survival in a new world. The Irish Dresser is an exciting, entertaining, and highly
recommended story of taking risks and facing new challenges for the sake of hope.
Utterly Me, Clarice Bean
Lauren Child
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140-1338
0763621862 $15.99 www.amazon.com
It's not easy to concentrate at school when mysteries are happening, especially if you're a
schoolgirl detective determined to solve these mysteries. In Utterly Me, Clarice Bean, Clarice's
diary charts her troubles between detective work and school work in this hilarious story, packed
with simple but zany cartoon drawings throughout.
Song For Eloise
Leigh Sauerwein
Front Street
862 Hayward Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
1886910901 $15.95 www.amazon.com
Ages 12 and up will appreciate Song For Eloise, a story of a teen married off to a man twice her
age and transported to a lonely castle to live. Her involvement with a childhood friend brings
newfound romance and dangers in this vivid, realistic story of medieval times and passion which
brings the 12th century world to life.
Amy
Mary Hooper
Bloomsbury
175 5th Ave., New York NY 10010
158234793X $14.95 bloomsbury.com
Amy's best friends have alienated her, the only school chum she has now is an odd girl who is also
not part of the mainstream, and Amy finds herself increasingly drawn to Zed, whom she meets in
an online chat room. When she decides to take the next step and meet him in person, conflict
begins in Mary Hooper's Amy, a realistic story of a modern girl's encounter with Internet romance
and ideals.
Lorenzo's Revolutionary Quest
Lila Guzman & Rick Guzman
Pinata Books/Arte Publico Press
University of Houston
452 Cullen Performance Hall, Houston, TX 77204-2004
www.artepublicopress.com
1558853928 $9.95 www.amazon.com
Written by the award-winning Lila Guzman, Lorenzo's Revolutionary Quest is the sequel to
Lorenzo's Secret Mission, and continues the adventures of Lorenzo Bannister, a young man
named captain in the Continental Army by George Washington himself. Washington sends
Lorenzo upon a challenging task: to purchase 500 head of cattle in Texas from the Spanish, a duty
that is far more complex than it may seem in a largely untamed land with few roads and many
ruthless cattle rustlers. Lorenzo's Revolutionary Quest is a superbly crafted and very highly
enjoyable novel for young readers.
John-Browne's Body & Sole
Jonathan Pearce
Balona Books
2017 West Hammer Lane, Stockton, CA 95209
The Writers' Collective
780 Reservoir Avenue, Ste 243, Cranston, RI 02910
1594110530 $14.95
John-Browne's Body & Sole: A Semester Of Life by Jonathan Pearce is the story of John-Browne
Ordway, a 13-year-old boy with a close family, a wide variety of activities and talents, and bevy of
male and female friends. Yet storm clouds intrude on young Ordway's carefree life, as he learns its
gifts should not be taken for granted and challenges put him to the test. Told from the boy's
perspective, John-Browne's Body & Sole is an engaging coming of age story especially
appropriate which is both entertaining and insightful reading for all ages.
Putnam Publishing Group
345 Hudson, New York NY 10014
Putnam's line of intriguing stories holds something for both teen and pre-teen audiences. Don &
Pam Wulffson's Abracadabra To Zombie (0525471006, $15.99) is a fun title which tells stories
about everything from lollipops to the rock group Pearl Jam. It reads like fiction but its coverage
of zany word origins will delight a wide audience. Mirjam Pressler's Malka (0399239847, $18.99)
holds a dark foreboding cover to match its serious story of young Malka, who with her family
must escape across the Hungarian border to safety from Nazi persecution. When Malka falls ill
and must be left behind, she faces a world of strangers, starvation and Nazi roundups. A poignant
story of courage and survival which older teens will appreciate. Frances Arrington's Prairie
Whispers (0525239758, $17.99) tells of Colleen, who switches a stillborn sister with a dying
woman's baby on a wagon train journey across the prairie, then faces guilt and danger when the
baby's father comes back. 1860s America comes alive in Arrington's poignant story. Nancy
Sprinter's Outlaw Princess Of Sherwood (0525237216, $16.99) provides a lively, vivid story of
Rowan Hood, who escapes to Sherwood Forest to join a band of misfit teens in an attempt to
escape her princess heritage and forthcoming marriage to a power-hungry lord. Her father is
determined to re-capture her, and will do anything to get her back in this fast-paced adventure.
Jacqueline Woodson's The House You Pass On The Way (0525239693, $16.99) provides the
story of Staggerlee, who is a loner set apart by her parents' interracial marriage and a set of
celebrity grandparents. When a relative comes to stay with the family for the summer, Staggerlee
finds her isolation broken in this story of family ties and secrets.
The Computer/CD-ROM Shelf
Little People Discovery Airport
Knowledge Adventure, Inc.
4247 S Minnewawa Av, Fresno CA 93725
1-866-894-0738 $49.95 education.com
Intended especially for preschool children ages 2 to 4, Little People Discovery Airport a creative,
intellectually stimulating, and very highly recommended educational software package that helps
teach preschool through first grade children about colors, shapes, sizes, number recognition,
spatial relationships, cause and effect, and more. The playful and multi-ethnic child characters
featured add warmth and appeal. With five different activities, multiple difficulty levels, printable
activity Fun Pages, and a colorful and friendly setting, Little People Discovery Airport is a quality
experience to share at home, during day care, or in preschool. The teacher edition contains a
CD-ROM for use on two computers; also available for this title are a lab pack ($149.95), a site
license ($325.00), and an add-on licence ($10.00).
The Audiobook Shelf
Listening Library, Inc.
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
1-800-726-0600 randomhouse.com/audio
The appearance of Donald Sobol's Encyclopedia Brown Mysteries Volume 1 (98-0721874X,
$19.99, CD) assures that teens and pre-teens will relish the mishaps and adventures of a boy
detective who wrestles with brain-challenging mysteries. Included here are mysteries revolving
around a kid-lover who turns kidnapper, a Civil War sword and many other puzzles. Jason Harris'
unabridged reading of these short mysteries is exceptional. Spencer Breslin ably narrates Dr.
Seuss' classic Cat In The Hat: The Movie! (98072-18642, $19.99), the story of two kids who
have the worst day ever until the Cat in the Hat drops in to enrich their lives. Breslin's narration
brings the story to life. Helen Ericson's Harriet Spies Again (9807216410, $25.00) receives an
excellent unabridged presentation and Anne Bobby's fine narrative style to provide a suitable
companion to the original Fitzhugh Harriet The Spy. Further adventures evolve when Harriet
enjoys the return of Ole Golly, her former nanny. All are excellent choices for pre-teens and many
a young adult listener.
The Picturebook Shelf
The Donkey And The Golden Light
Gill Speirs & John Speirs
Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
100 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
www.abramsbooks.com
0810948125 $16.95 1-800-759-0190
Featuring the museum quality paintings of John Speirs, The Donkey And The Golden Light is a
beautifully illustrated picture book by Gill Speirs about a young donkey named Bethlehem and the
interaction he has with Jesus beginning the Messiah's birth and proceeding through the flight into
Egypt, the baptism by John, the wedding feast at Cana, the events of the Last Supper, and finally
with the Jesus' crucifixion at the hands of the Roman authorities. The breathtaking full-color,
full-page artworks are of especial note, as they are inspired by classic paintings Pieter Bruegel the
Elder. A moving and visually stunning story, The Donkey And The Golden Light would be a
welcome popular addition to any picture book collection.
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10017
holidayhouse.com amazon.com
Judy Cox's Go To Sleep, Groundhog! (0823416455, $16.95) receives Paul Meisel's fun drawings
as it tells of a groundhog who just can't sleep. He decides to go exploring, and finds amazing
winter sights he's never seen before. How can he sleep now, with an exciting new world to
explore? Mary Jane and Herm Auch's Poultrygeist (0823417565, $16.95) arrived too late for
holiday mention but will enjoy year-round interest as it tells of a ghostly being bent on frightening
farm animals. Can two roosters who suspect fowl play get to the heart of this Halloween
haunting? Tom Birdseye's Oh Yeah! (0823416-496, $16.95) receives Ethan Long's fine drawings
as it tells of two boys who decide to brave all the hidden dangers of the night in order to explore.
A zany tale of fear and adventures emerges. Esther Hershenhorn's Fancy That (0823416054,
$16.95) receives Megan Lloyd's warm and realistic drawings as it tells of three 1800s orphans
who decide to hit the road. Pip plans to paint as his father did, earning money to rescue his sisters
from a possible poorhouse world; but unsold portraits lead to broken dreams in this engaging
story.
I Know A Shy Fellow Who Swallowed A Cello
Barbara Garriel
Boyds Mills Press
815 Church St., Honwesdale, PA 18431
1590780434 $15.95 www.amazon.com
John O'Brien illustrates I Know A Shy Fellow Who Swallowed A Cello, a zany story of a shy
wallflower who listens to a duet for cello and viola and who one day attracts attention by
swallowing a cello. His appetite for music increases and suddenly he is absorbing numerous
musical instruments in his diet in this wacky tale.
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, NY NY 10020
These new picturebooks provide hilarious moments and entertainment for young picturebook
readers. Sarah Weeks and Betsy Lewin's Two Eggs, Please (068983196X, $15.95) tells of a
diner where the eaters have nothing in common except the number of eggs they wish. Similarities
and differences are profiled as the narrator explores what makes friendships and associates.
Bonny Becker's Just A Minute (0689833741, $15.95) tells of a mother who goes on a shopping
spree at a department store and leave her son a long wait. As Johnny tries to be patient, he
imagines adventures of his own in this zany tale. Marissa Moss' Mighty Jackie (0689-863292,
$16.95) will reach ages 5-8 with its story of a girl determined to become good at baseball. She
develops a wicked pitch but can she pitch against Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig? A true story of
heroism receives fictional embellishment.
The Science Shelf
The Concise Dinosaur Encyclopedia
David Burnie
Kingfisher/Houghton Mifflin
215 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10003
0753457547 $12.95 1-800-225-3362
Comprehensive information on dinosaur behavior and habitats, as well as over 1,500 color
illustrations and photographs fill the pages of David Burnie's The Concise Dinosaur Encyclopedia.
An excellent and absorbing resource for dinosaur fans, this chronologically organized
informational guide covers all of the eras in which dinosaurs lived, their habits and habitats, what
modern science can now tells us about the different dinosaur species, and so much more. A
seminal addition to any family, school, or community library collection, The Concise Dinosaur
Encyclopedia is thorough, comprehensive, and recommended for dinosaur enthusiasts of all
ages.
Case Of The Monkeys That Fell From The Trees
Susan E. Quinlan
Boyds Mills Press
815 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431
1563979020 $15.95 www.amazon.com
Mysteries which revolve around nature begin when scientists note unusual events in the tropics
and ask questions. Susan Quinlan's Case Of The Monkeys That Fell From The Trees reads like a
series of detective stories, following the course of investigations as scientists piece together clues
about nature. Case Of The Monkeys That Fell From The Trees presents young readers with a
thorougly lively, intriguing, and informative discussion.
Other Lands, Other People
Explore Western Europe
Brian Bibi
1st Books Library
2595 West Vernal Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404-2782
www.1stbooks.com
1410712737 $14.95 1-800-839-8640
Explore Western Europe is a consumable, educational activity book intended especially for
children. A wide variety of activities that teach children ages 4 to 8 some basic facts about
Western Europe including pictures and flags that can be colored, mazes to solve, grids that aid in
drawing, quizzes, word finds for capital cities, and much more. The solutions to the puzzles are all
in the back of the book. Explore Western Europe is an enriching and recommended activities
book for rainy day fun, long car trips, or for something to do when there's nothing worthwhile on
television!
Black Dog and Leventhal
151 W. 19th St., New York NY 10011
Two fine and inexpensive new geography guides from Black Dog & Leventhal are suitable for
readers of all ages and grade levels as they invite leisure browsers to read about world and about
local geography. Kevin McKinney's Everyday Geography Of The World (1579123260) provides
chapters organized by continents and covering country-by-country details of topography, climate,
history and culture. Barbara Fifer's United States (1579123-252) provides a similar format with a
narrowed focus to the U.S. Each excels in lively facts, a question-answer format which embraces
some unusual true stories, and a presentation which invites easy learning. Public libraries as well
as school library collections will relish the addition of these two excellent and recommended
references.
Greenhaven/Gale Publishing
27500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3535
'The World's Hot Spots' series provides young readers with excellent surveys, each of which
provides a little over a hundred pages of detail on 'trouble spots' in the world, blending a historical
background introduction with chapters which primarily focus on the cultural and social issues
which continue to make the country a 'hot spot' in the world. New to the series are Afghanistan
(073771722X, $19.95), Saudi Arabia (0737718129), The Palestinians And The Disputed
Territories (0737714905, $19.95), Iraq (0737718145) and Pakistan (073771459X, $19.95). Each
excels particularly in its inclusion of the ideas and insights of a range of individuals, from world
leaders and activists to journalists, who present the causes and potential solutions to current
problems. Highly recommended.
Books in Series
Barnaby Books/Bess Press
3565 Harding Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816
1-800-910-2377 www.besspress.com
Adapted by Donivee Martin Laird and featuring carefree color illustrations by Carol Jossem, and a
"kid friendly" glossary of Hawaiian words, a unique series of Hawaiian versions of classic fairy
tales published by Barnaby Books are intended for youngsters ages 4 to 10 years old. Each
fanciful tale transposes the familiar characters and stories into a exotic and memorable Hawaiian
setting. Enjoyable read-aloud installments of the series include 'Ula Li'i And The Magic Shark
(0940350238, $8.95), adapts Little Red Riding Hood; Hau Kea And The Seven Menehune
(0940350262, $8.95), adapts Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; The Three Little Hawaiian Pigs
And The Magic Shark (0940350254, $8.95), adapts The Three Little Pigs; Keaka And The
Lilikoi Vine (094035022X, $8.95), adapts Jack And the Beanstalk; and Wili Wai Kula And The
Three Mongooses (0940350246, $8.95) adapts Goldilocks And The Three Bears. All of the
Barnaby Books titles comprising this charming and entertaining series are engaging stories to
share and offer young readers while offering a very special encounter with the native Hawaiian
language and culture.
Weigl Publishers Inc.
PO Box 227, Mankato, MN 56002
1-866-649-3445 www.weigl.com
The "My Favorite Writer" series from Weigl Publishers ($18.20 each) combines color
photographs, creative writing tips, and the life stories of popular and beloved children's writers for
an engaging and informative reading experience which is especially recommended for young
people who themselves enjoy writing and sharing stories. The individual titles in this delightful and
educational series for children include Judy Blume (1590360257, $18.20) by Jennifer Nault; Dr.
Seuss (1590360-281, $18.20) by Jill Foran; Beverly Cleary (1590360303, $18.20) by Susan Ring;
Roald Dahl (159036029X, $18.20) and E. B. White (1590360265, $18.20) both by Rennay
Craats; and Laura Ingalls Wilder (1590360273, $18.20) by Leslie Strudwick. This is a superbly
organized, deftly presented, and highly readable series which is confidently recommended for
school and community library biography collections for young readers.
Picture Window Books
5115 Excelsior Boulevard, Suite 232, Minneapolis, MN 55416
1-877-845-8392 picturewindowbooks.com
Matthew Lilly's simple yet bright and clear full-color illustrations bring to life Jacqui Bailey's
educational "Science Works" series ($16.95 each), a series for grades 3-6 (ages 8-12) which
combines fascinating facts with fun experiments any child can do. Monster Bones: The Story Of A
Dinosaur Fossil (1404805656, $16.95) tells the amazing tale of how the bones of a dinosaur
buried under the ocean can be put back together again, while Sun Up, Sun Down: The Story Of
Day And Night (1404805672, $16.95) teaches young readers about planets, the moon, and the
stars and how their motion in space causes an ordinary day to progress, as well as how-to
instructions for making one's own sundial. An educational treasury of information for young
people "Science Works" is firmly recommended for school and community science collections for
young readers. The remaining two titles comprising the balance of this superbly presented series
include A Drop In The Ocean: The Story Of Water (1404805664, $16.95) and Charged Up: The
Story Of Electricity (1404805680, $16.95).
Mitchell Lane Publishers
PO Box 196, Hockessin, Delaware 19707
1-302-834-9646 www.mitchelllane.com
The reader friendly "Blue Banner Biography" series John Bankston engagingly introduces young
readers to the lives and music of hip-hop superstar singers with a text nicely enhanced with color
photographs, and providing an involving survey of their lives and achievements, a chronology, as
well as suggestions for further reading for those who want to learn more about popular voice
icons. The latest four volumes in this strongly recommended biographical series portray the lives
of Ja Rule (1584152214, $16.95), Jay-Z (1584-152230, $16.95), Missy Elliott (15841-52192,
$16.95), and Bow Wow (158415-2206, $16.95) with honest enthusiasm in offering informative
insights into just how their respective life experiences shaped their individual contributions to
modern musical culture.
Milly Molly Books
c/o Paula Shuster
5737 Kanan Road, PMB 334, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
1-818-865-1096 www.millymolly.com
Cris Morrell's enchantingly simple color illustrations add a warm and friendly touch to the "Milly
Molly" series ($9.95 each) by Gill Pittar. Every single volume in this charming and thoroughly
enjoyable set is intended for children 4-8 years old, and follows the adventures of Milly and
Molly, two young girls (one white and one a person of color), who "may look different but feel
the same". Specifically written to promote kindness, diversity, and solid morals, these enchanting
stories include Milly, Molly And Beefy (1869720067, $9.95) about standing up to a bully, Milly,
Molly And Jimmy's Seeds (1869720008, $9.95) about coping with loss, Milly, Molly And Pet Day
(1869720040, $9.95) about caring for their beloved animal companions, Milly, Molly And
Betelgeuse (1869720059, $9.95) about the power of hidden meaning in a name, Milly, Molly And
Oink (1869720024, $9.95) about the danger of stranger abduction, when their beloved piglet is
taken away by a bad person, Milly, Molly And Taffy Bogle (1869-720016, $9.95) about the
importance of being responsible when a quiet walk with a dog turns into an adventure, and Milly
And Molly Go Camping (1869720032, $9.95) about how fears can seem to be larger than they
really are. All the Milly & Molly titles are excellent storytime reading and very highly
recommended for family, school, and community library collections.
Advance Publishing, Inc.
6950 Fulton Street, Houston, TX 77022
1-800-917-9630 advancepublishing.com
The "Another Sommer-Time Story" series ($9.95) blends charming color illustrations by Kennon
James and enjoyable tales written by educator Carl Sommer for very young readers and
showcasing underlying virtues and morals worthy of being remembered. The newest addition
include The Great Royal Race (1575370085, $9.95) about the qualities that truly distinguish a
leader; No Longer A Dilly Dally (1575370018, $9.95) about the importance of hard work; Your
Job Is Easy (157537-0182, $9.95), a merry tale about a couple who switch jobs for a day and
learn respect for the responsibility and effort of others as well as the virtue of forgiveness; The Sly
Fox And The Chicks (1575370-042, $9.95), a parable about real-life danger and the importance
of listening to one's parents for one's own safety; and The Little Red Train (157537014X, $9.95)
about the importance of persevering to meet difficult challenges and civic responsibility. All the
titles in this outstanding and enthusiastically recommended series are enriching and
character-building stories.
Benchmark/Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown NY 10591
Benchmark's excellent sets are highly recommended picks and promise to reach a wide age range
with lasting topics and bright presentations. Kathryn Hinds' 'Life in the Renaissance' series
($20.95/Each) provides four exceptional volumes covering Renaissance experiences: The Church
(076141679X), The City (0761416781), The Countryside (0761416773) and The Court
(0761416756). Each holds almost a hundred pages of information suitable for reports and lively
enough for some degree of leisure pursuit. The fifth group in this publisher's 'Cultures of the
World' series ($25.95 each) includes the new additions of Saudi Arabia (0761416668), Egypt
(0761416706), Germany (0761416676), Iran (076141665X), Iraq (0761416684) and Israel
(0761416692): each holds almost 150 pages of facts ranging from geography and politics to
economics and cultural background details. These appear in revised second editions updating
details to modern times. Don't miss the Great World Writers: 20th Century set (0761474684,
$459.95), which will reach grades 7 and up with an excellent set of critical investigations into 20th
century writers. Each coverage blends a discussion of their literary significance with a brief
biography, an overview of published works, and a focus upon the unique qualities of their works.
Very highly recommended.
Gareth Stevens
330 W Olive St #100 Milwaukee WI 53212
New series additions to this publisher's holdings assure that readers and libraries receive a
satisfyingly wide range of titles to choose from for reports and basic education. The '"Trailblazers
of the Modern World" series from the World Almanac Library imprint ($29.26 each) provides
almost 50 pages per book, includes an index, bibliography and timeline of events, and packs in
photos to accompany biographical backgrounds suitable for reports. New additions include
Muhammad Ali (0836850963), Frank Lloyd Wright (083-6851013), Cesar Chavez (0836850971),
Jonas Salk (0836851005), Thurgood Marshall (083685098X), and Margaret Mead
(0836850998). For very simple 'I can Do' math functions, don't miss the set which uses large
photos and bright colors to introduce step-by-step ideas in math ($19.93 each). Each may hold
only 24 pages of very basic detail, but the format particularly lends to easy introductions, so be
sure Making Graphs (0836841115), Adding (0836841085), Crayola Counting (0836841093),
Learning About Coins (0836841107), Measuring (0836841123) and Subtracting (0836841131)
are acquisitions for grades 1-2. The 'Places in American History' set ($18.60 each) will also
appeal, providing the same grade level with basic history about American icons. Washington
Monument (0836841-441), Statue Of Liberty (0836841433), Golden Gate Bridge (0836841409),
Liberty Bell (0836841417) and Mount Rushmore (0836841425) each present a little over twenty
introductory pages paired with bright photos. Kids who love animals will relish the 'All About
Wild Animals' series ($22.60 each) which holds titles covering both common and unusual wild
animals. Parrots (0836841220), Wolves (0836841247), Turtles (0836841-239), Spiders
(0836841727), Kangaroos (0836841190), Hippos (0836841182), Giraffes (0836841166),
Dolphins (0836841-158), Chimpanzees (0836841719) and Pandas (0836841212) each provide
you-ngsters with very basic science surveys. All are very highly recommended series picks.
Chelsea House
1974 Sproul Rd. #400 Broomall PA 19008
These new series titles additions from Chelsea House will provide kids in grades 6-12 with
excellent basic introductions. The new 'Immigrants in America' series ($22.95 each) expands with
the addition of Michael Martin's Chinese Americans (7126-X), Liz Sonneborn's German
Americans (7127-8), Rebecca Aldridge's Italian Americans (7129-4), Cory Gunderson's Swedish
Americans (7131-6), and Kerry Graves' Irish Americans (7128-6): each hold a little over a
hundred pages, includes an index, glossary, and plenty of color maps and illustrations, and
provides a clear history of the immigrant group's culture, background, history and experiences in
America. Neither should new arrivals to the expanding 'Modern World Nations' be missed
($24.95): each book is designed to attract attention with glossy contemporary covers and plenty
of attractive photos to blend with solid information. The additions of Roger Sandness and Charles
Gritzner's Iceland (7232-0), Harry Greenbaum's Brazil (7240-1), Kristi Desaulniers' Canada
(7238-X), Roger Dendinger's Costa Rica (7242-8), and Edward Hogan and Erin Fouberg's
Ireland (7377-7) assure readers plenty of material suitable for in-depth reports, yet a lively enough
style to lend to browsing. All are lasting, ongoing recommendations for librarians seeking to build
long-term, quality collections.
MGT Publishing, Inc.
c/o Independent Publishers Group
140 Union Street, Marshfield, MA 02050
www.ipgbook.com www.jungleofutt.com
Extravagantly and colorfully illustrated by Andrej Krystoforski, "The Jungle Of Utt" series written
by Cameron Thomas' in a singsong rhyme offers young readers an enjoyable picture book romp
through a fanciful land populated by whimsical anthropomorphic characters. The Jungle Of Utt:
Shipwrecked On The Island Of Skree (0921800010, $16.95) follows a castaway sailor named
Barnaby who arrive on this whimsical new land and befriends the diverse yet friendly talking
animal inhabitants, who share common goals and harmony despite their differences. The Jungle Of
Utt: Mystery Of The Lake (0921800029, $16.95) continues the adventures of Barnaby and his
animal friends, with the important lesson not to be too afraid of things that are not known for
sure. Both the original story and the sequel are a delight to read aloud and share with young
ones.
Your children's education is much too important to leave up to a schoolroom textbook. Introduce
them to the wonderful world of books that is as close as their public library.
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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