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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Ballet School
Naia Bray-Moffat
DK
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
0789492288 $12.99 www.amazon.com
Ages 5-8 will find Ballet School a warm story of a young dancer's introduction to the world of
ballet. The book follows the expereinces of young ballet students from first dance classes to
year-end performances, paired with color photos of the class in action.
Millbrook Press
Two Old New Milford Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
1-800-462-4703 www.amazon.com
Two excellent guides are recommended picks, offering something different to library collections.
Ted Gottfried's Northern Ireland: Peace In Our Time? (0761322523, $24.90) provides grades 5-8
with a clear survey of the issues dividing the country. History and cultural insights blend with a
clear
survey of why Northern Ireland has had trouble finding a lasting peace. Bob Raczka's No One
Saw
(0761-323708, $23.90) provides an unusual focus on modern art. Each painting represents how
its
maker viewed his world: Cezanne, Magritte and others are the focus of this simple yet involving
display contrasting different art styles and visions.
The Fiction Shelf
Zipped
Laura & Tom McNeal
Knopf/Random House
1745 Broadway, 17th fl, NY, NY 10019
0375814914 $15.95 1-800-726-0600
Mick has adjusted well to his stepmother and is content with his home life until he opens the
wrong email and discovers his stepmother's secret affair. Should he tell his father, or keep his
stepmother's secret and who is her lover? Mick finds his life increasingly confusing as he
struggles
to understand both his elders and himself.
Where I'd Like To Be
Frances O'Roark Dowell
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
1230 Ave. of Americas, NY NY 10020
0689844204 $15.95 www.amazon.com
Meet twelve-year-old Maddie, who has spent years being shuffled from one foster home to
another.
Maddie is always looking for a real home life and real friends; so when new girl Murphy shows up
with adventure stories and a zest for life, she hopes she's made a new friend who will join her
search
for stability. The character of Maddie comes to life and is compelling in this inviting story.
Scholastic Inc.
557 Broadway, NY, NY 10012
Two new additions to the 'My America' historical fiction series for younger readers in grades 4-5
will introduce audiences to American history with a personal touch. Kate McMullan's For This
Land
(04393-70590, $10.95) presents a 1856 Kansas diary of Meg, who finally reunited with her family
on the prairie after a flight from cholera in St. Louis, only to find a struggle against slavery
threatens
their new life. Sharon Dennis Wyeth's Message In The Sky (0439370574, $10.95) considers the
other side of the coin in telling of Corey and his family, who celebrate new lives of freedom in
Canada, only to find themselves re-involved in American slavery issues as they try to help a friend
escape slavery. New to the 'My Name is America' series is Journal Of Finn Reardon (0439188946,
$10.95), presenting the 1899 diary of a boy who sells newspapers in New York City. Kids in
grades
5-7 will find this an involving account recreating the era in all its social issues. New additions to
the
'Dear America' series include Love Thy Neighbor (0439153085, $10.95), presenting the 1774
diary
of one Prudence Emerson, who lives in Massachusettes and tells of her experiences with patriots;
and Land Of The Buffalo Bones (0439220270, $12.95), which presents the diary of Mary Ann
Rodgers, an English girl in Minnesota in 1873. In using different age characters, settings, and eras
paired with the personalization of the diary format, kids will find history comes to life. Marisa
Montes' Get Ready For Gabi! (0439517109, $12.95) is recommended for the younger group of
readers in grades 4-6: it tells of a bilingual girl who finds herself paired with a dreaded enemy for
a
class project. Comedy results. Dietlof Reiche's I, Freddy (0439283561, $16.95) presents Book 1
in
the 'Golden Hamster' series and is recommended for a wide age range from grades 5 and up.
Freddy
is no ordinary hamster: he searches for literacy, freedom, and dignity despite his short stature. His
quest for improvement and a better life paired with a peppering of whimsical black and whte
drawings makes for a fun, memorable title.
Rodzina
Karen Cushman
Clarion Books
215 Park Avenue, NY, NY 10003
0618133518 $16.00 www.amazon.com
Rodzina is one of a large group of children who board the Orphan Train in search of new homes
and
lives; but unlike her fellow hopefuls, she has no illusions about her marketability to a potential
family. She's large, ugly and Polish who would want a 12-year-old with such characteristics?
Rodzina's spunk and candid look at life makes for a compelling, different Orphan Train story.
Baseball Fever
Sindy McKay & Meredith Johnson
Treasure Bay Publishers
PO Box 2510, Novato, CA 94948
1891327453 $7.99 1-650-589-7980
Sindy Mckay's Baseball Fever is uniquely designed for shared reading. The bright illustrations by
Meredith Johnson enhance an engaging story about an African-American boy who must deal with
the frustration of getting sick right before he can pitch in a big baseball game is structured so that
each two-page spread has a page for the parent to read on the left, and a page for the child to read
on the right. The child's page is significantly shorter and easier to read aloud than the parent's
page,
yet the flow of the story is quite smooth and engaging.
Escape From Botany Bay
Gerald & Loretta Hausman
Orchard Books
557 Broadway, New York NY 10023
0439403278 $16.95 www.amazon.com
In 1786 19-year-old Mary has been sentenced to hang for stealing a lady's bonnet but instead
finds
herself on a prison ship bound for Botany Bay in Australia. Told in the first person, this tells of
her
struggles on the ship, her new life on land, and her journey into adulthood and family life.
The Deep End Gang
Peggy Dymond Leavey
Napoleon Publishing
1005-3266 Young Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4N 3P6
092914189X $7.95 1-877-730-9052
Peggy Dymond Leavey's The Deep End Gang is an engaging novel for 9 through 14, about
Martin
Jessup, a twelve-year-old boy, and Martin's friends who are all drawn to an odd, abandoned
house.
They form a club that meets in the deep end of the house's disused swimming pool. Curiosity
draws
the kids deeper into mystery and adventure in this excitingly told and enthusiastically
recommended
story.
Harry's Adventures In Plugovia
GranDad David
Trafford Publishing
2333 Government Street, Suite E, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8T 4P4
1553951999 $9.95 www.trafford.com
Harry's Adventures In Plugovia by GranDad David is an adventurous story for young readers
about
a boy who arrives in the mysterious land of Plugovia, which is where bathwater goes and where
animals act and talk like people. Harry's quest to find his way home with help from animal
companions makes for an engaging read-aloud tale, sparsely but effectively illustrated with
black-and-white pictures.
At The End Of Words
Miriam Stone
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge MA 02140
0763618543 $14.00 www.amazon.com
Miriam's mother is dying of cancer, and she turns to a journal to try to express her feelings about
her
mother through writings and poems. This recounts her journey in accepting her mother's
condition,
her struggles before, during and after acceptance of the inevitable, and the daily search for
meaning
in life. A warm, personal journal of meeting life's end and going beyond.
Summer Of My German Soldier
Bette Greene
Dial Books/Penguin-Putnam
345 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
0803728697 $16.99 www.amazon.com
Summer Of My German Soldier has been in print for thirty years, and its reissue in a handsome
hardcover assures attraction to new generations. Petty Bergen is a Jewish girl coming of age
during
the war and Anton is a German soldier being held prisoner outside her town in Arkansas during
the war. Her discovery of him as a frightened young man takes her beyond the Nazi label and
brings
her into dangerous territory with her peers and family in this award winner.
Alligator Crossing
Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Milkweed Editions
1011 Washington Avenue South, #300, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1246
157131640X $16.95 1-800-520-6455
Originally published in 1959, Alligator Crossing by Marjory Stoneman Douglas (1890-1998) is an
engaging novel about Henry Bunks, a thirteen-year-old boy who stows away in the boat of an
outlaw alligator hunter in Florida. Henry's journey through the Everglades will take him into a
world
of beauty and danger, where he must rely on his own courage and resourcefulness to protect
himself
and the land alike. Also available in a paperback edition (1571316442, $6.95) is highly
recommended reading and a welcome addition to school and community library collections.
The American History Shelf
Good Women Of A Well-Blessed Land
Brandon Marie Miller
The Lerner Publishing Group
241 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401
0822500329 $25.26 1-800-328-4929
Good Women Of A Well-Blessed Land: Women's Lives In Colonial America by Brandon Marie
Miller is an eye-opening presentation for young readers at the roles, struggles, and daily lives of
women in colonial America from the 1600's to the beginning of the American Revolution in the
late
1700's. The strife and challenges presented to African American, European American, and Native
American women are all detailed in this fascinating and aptly written presentation, which is
enhanced
for children with simple black-and-white illustrations.
The Science Shelf
The Usborne Internet-Linked Book Of Astronomy & Space
Judy Tatchell, et al.
EDC Publishing
PO Box 470663, Tulsa, OK 74146-6515
0794501168 $14.95 www.edcpub.com
The collaborative effort of Lisa Miles and Alastair Smith under the editorship of Judy Tatchell,
The
Usborne Internet-Linked Book Of Astronomy & Space is an exciting look into the wonders of the
galaxy for young readers. Each page is filled with facts about heavenly bodies, spectacular
full-color
illustrations, and thematically appropriate reference website addresses on the World Wide Web
that
young people can access in order to learn more about the objects and mysteries of the cosmos. A
most educational and enjoyable resource for budding astronomers, The Usborne Internet-Linked
Book Of Astronomy & Space is ideal for personal, school, and community library
collections.
The Music Shelf
Wee Sing For Halloween
Pamela Conn Beall & Susan Hagen Nipp
Price Stern Sloan/Penguin-Putnam
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
0843149094 $2.99 1-800-847-5515
Wee Sing For Halloween is a simple songbook with cartoony black-and-white illustrations filled
with Halloween-themed sing-aloud tunes with accompanying actions and dances for children and
parents. The brief, easy-to-learn melodies are ideal for Halloween parties or just plain fun any time
of the year.
Take Me To Your Library
Monty Harper
Monty Harper Productions
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas Publicity
5505 SW Illinois St, Portland, OR 97221
MHP-004 $14.99 blenzb@aol.com
ISBN 097010815X (CD) and 0970108141 (Cassette)
Monty Harper's Take Me To Your Library is a superbly presented, lively performed, original and
altogether kids pleasing collection of songs about reading, libraries, and traveling by space, land
and
sea. Especially recommended for school and community library CD music collections for children,
the eleven songs comprising this outstanding CD collection include Take Me To Your Library
(4:49); Blast Into Books (2:33); Roundy Round (4:01); Magical Madcap Tour (5:20: Howdy
Song
(2:45); Big World After All (3:09); Grandma's House Tonight (5:14); Tropeo the Pirate (3:05);
Out
on the Beach (3:48); Books, Ahoy! (3:14); and Diving in the Deep Blue Sea (4:29).
Seasons & Celebrations
Kidzup Productions Inc.
Beth Blenz-Clucas (publicity)
PO Box 717, Swanton, VT 05488
KCD-020391 $12.99 www.kidzup.com
Seasons & Celebrations from Kidzup Productions is an instructional multimedia set for children
ages
five and up. A music CD and audio cassette offer 17 fun songs that teach young ones about the
seasons and holidays from Labor Day to Chanukah, Christmas, and April Fools, while an
accompanying reproducible book features pages full of lyrics, activity sheets, and curriculum
ideas.
An engaging resource for parents and educators alike. Seasons & Celebrations is enthusiastically
recommended for family, school, and community library collections.
The Picturebook Shelf
Winnie The Pooh: The Easter Bear?
Ann Braybrooks & Josie Yee
Disney/Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
0736412980 $3.25 1-800-726-0600
Ann Braybrooks' Winnie The Pooh: The Easter Bear? is a humorous Disney storybook for young
readers, about the latest adventure of the classic charcter Winnie the Pooh. Rabbit is too busy to
play the role of Easter Bunny this year, and so Pooh tries to take his place as the Easter Bear, in
this
simple and happy story with bright color illustrations by Josie Yee in the classic Pooh style.
Rising Moon
PO Box 1389, Flagstaff, AZ 86002
1-800-346-3257 www.amazon.com
Carmela LaVigna Coyle's Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? (0873588282, $15.95) presents the
warm picture book story of a little girl who longs to be a princess, but who questions whether her
energetic and un-regal ways lend to being royalty. Do princesses ride tricycles, climb trees, or do
chores? It's up to her mother to answer her daughter's questions in this fun story. Jean Ekman
Adams' Clarence And The Purple Horse Bounce Into Town (0873588266, $15.95) provides the
third adventure in the Clarence Pig and Smoky Horse series. This time they are exploring the city
which is having an adverse effect on Smoky's health. Can Smoky live without open space, and can
Clarence do what's best for his friend? A fine story of friendship and sacrifice.
Pirate Boy
John Wallace
Harper UK/Trafalgar Square Pub.
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053-0257
0001984217 $17.95 1-800-423-4525
"Pirate Boy" has been captured by evil pirates and is forced to be their slave aboard a pirate ship;
but
when the pirates decide to enjoy some shore leave, it's up to Pirate Boy to make his escape, even
if it
means going adrift on the open seas. A simple pirate adventure story will have kids
immersed.
I Knew You Could!
Craig Dorfman & Cristina Ong
Platt & Munk/Penguin-Putnam
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
0448431483 $9.99 1-800-847-5515
I Knew You Could!: A Book For All The Stops In Your Life by Craig Dorfman is an
enthusiastically recommended picture book based on the beloved classic children's story "The
Little
Engine That Could." Singsong rhyming verse combined with inviting illustrations by Cristina Ong
of
a happy and plucky blue engine encourage readers of all ages about the importance of believing in
oneself.
Toestomper And The Bad Butterflies
Sharleen Collicott
Houghton Mifflin Company
215 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10003
0618140921 $15.00 1-800-225-3362
Toestomper And The Bad Butterflies by author/illustrator Sharleen Collicott is a charming child's
picture book and the sequel to Toestomper and the Caterpillars. In Toestomper And The Bad
Butterflies, the caterpillar caretaker Toestomper is in for a surprise when his caterpillars become
flying butterflies with rebellious attitudes who zip and zoom wherever they please! Gentle color
illustrations enhance this thoroughly enjoyable read-aloud story.
The Story Of Kites
Ying Chang Compestine
Yongsheng Xuan
Holiday House
425 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10017
0823417158 $16.95 holidayhouse.com
The Story Of Kites is a fanciful picture book story by Ying Chang Compestine about the invention
of kites in ancient China. An author's note mentions in passing that there is no precise record of
how
or why the kite was invented, yet theories concerning the first beautiful kites make for an
engaging
tale, enhanced with iconic color illustrations by Yongsheng Xuan.
Little One Step
Simon Jones
Candlewick Press
2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140-1338
076362070X $15.99 1-800-526-0275
A little duckling is lost and frightened but by putting one foot in front of the other he learns a
new
strength and finds in himself a new ability to undertake a frightening journey. Little One Step is a
very simple book with large words, easy pictures, and encouragement to kids to take one step at a
time when facing something frightening or new.
Butterflies For Kiri
Cathryn Falwell
Lee & Low Books
95 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10016
1584301007 $16.95 leeandlow.com
Butterflies For Kiri by author/illustrator Cathryn Falwell is the story of Kiri, a young girl who is
struggling to learn the art of origami, paper folding to craft a beautiful butterfly from a square
sheet
of colored paper. Her first tries tear the paper, yet with inspiration, determination and
perseverance,
Kiri is able to achieve her goal. Instructions for young people to fold their own butterflies are
included in this charming, full-color picture book.
Simon & Schuster
1230 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10020
1-800-223-2336 www.amazon.com
These bright new picturebooks offer a variety of themes and topics for picturebook leisure
readers.
Bonny Becker's An Ant's Day Off (068982274X, $15.95) enjoys Nina Laden's warm and
whimsical
drawings as it tells of an ant who takes an unusual day off, only to discover how important it is for
an ant to explore the outside world. Betsy Frano's Mathematickles! (0689843577, $17.95) blends
words and math with seasonal observations, resulting in a picturebook collection of fun poems
encouraging kids to think about colors, shapes, and sizes. Margaret Wise Brown's Sheep Don't
Count Sheep (0689833466, $14.95) receives Benrei Huang's large and beautiful watercolors as it
tells of a little sheep who finds it hard to sleep in a busy night world. Leslea Newman's Pigs, Pigs,
Pigs! (0689849796, $15.95) excels in its bright illustrations and fun story of pigs who come to
town
to a feast. Erika Oller's drawings are a beautiful addition to this zany tale. Diana Cain
Bluthenthal's
I'm Not Invited? (0689841418, $16.95) tells of a friendship threatened when one is not invited to
the
other's party. Minnie observes the party preparations and feels left out but what can she do about
it? A warmly realistic story. Crockett Johnson's Ellen's Lion (0689822887, $12.95) reissues a
classic
chapter book story of a chatty little girl. Ellen has a lion for a pet in her world of fantasy, and it
causes all kinds of dilemmas. Jerry Spinelli's My Daddy And Me (0689806067, $15.95) tells of a
dog who can't wait for his father to come home. Seymour Chwast provides the engaging drawings
in
this story of a father/child relationship.
Shoshoni Pony
Carol Lynn MacGregor & Dick Lee
The Caxton Printers Ltd.
312 Main St, Caldwell, ID 83605-3299
0870044311 $15.95 1-800-657-6465
Shoshoni Pony is a picture book that teaches young readers about the Shoshoni Native American
tribe, and how they integrated horses into their lives. Quality color illustrations by Dick Lee and a
straightforward prose by Carol Lynn MacGregor make Shoshoni Pony as entertaining a read as it
is
informative regarding the Native American culture which is its storytelling background.
Meet The Gizmos
John V. Tocco & Douglas Tocco
Favorite Uncle Books
23228 Lawrence, Dearborn, MI 48128
www.FavoriteUncleBooks.com
0971166528 $16.95 1-313-406-2040
Written by John V. Tocco and illustrated by Douglas Tocco, Meet The Gizmos: The First Kids
On
The International Space Station is an unusual and adventurous science fiction picture book about
a
group of kids on an international space station. Rendered full-color computer artwork adds a
futuristic touch to this simple and delightful story which will leave young readers eagerly looking
forward to the Gizmos' next space adventure!
Pictures For Miss Josie
Sandra Belton & Benny Andrews
Greenwillow/HarperCollins
1350 Ave. of the Americas NY NY 10019
0688174809 $16.99 1-800-242-7737
Pictures For Miss Josie is a remarkable picture book by Sandra Belton based on the life of
celebrated
African-American artist Josephine Carroll Smith. Slightly abstract yet vivid color illustrations by
Benny Andrews complement this glowing portrayal of Miss Josie and her exhortations concerning
the importance of believing in oneself and rising to one's fullest potential. Pictures For Miss Josie
is
very highly recommended for school and community library picture book collections.
The Chicken Without A Coop
Kathleen Cameron & John Wilson
Lost Coast Press
155 Cypress St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437
1882897714 $14.95 cypresshouse.com
Based on a true story of a girl's pet hen who would sneak into the family home through the cat
door
and lay an egg on the child's colored quilt, The Chicken Without A Coop by Kathleen Cameron is
a
charming picture book about the plucky Henrietta the Hen who, when left behind by her human
family, befriends Columbus the Cat and his young owner Katy. Simple and inviting color
illustrations
by John Wilson add a special touch to this heartwarming story of acceptance.
Filbert Flies
Karl Ruhmann & Rolf Siegenthaler
North-South Books Inc.
11 East 26th South, New York, NY 10010
0735818290 $15.95 northsouth.com
Enhanced with illustrations by Rolf Siegenthaler, Filbert Flies is a fabulous children's picture book
by
Karl Ruhmann about a penguin who wishes he could fly. He obsesses so much about what he
can't
do that it makes him miserable - until a friendly seal reminds him of what he can do, such as slide
and ice skate and swim, talents that other flying birds can't hope to match. A warm-hearted story
with an important moral about remembering one's strengths, Filbert Flies would make a popular
and
appreciated addition to any school or community library picture book collection.
Soledad Sigh-Sighs
Rigoberto Gonzalez & Rosa Ibarra
Children's Book Press
2211 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110-1811
0892391804 $16.95 cbookpress.org
Soledad Sigh-Sighs/Soledad Suspiros by Rigoberto Gonzalez is an absorbing bilingual
(English/Spanish) picturebook about Soledad, an eight-year-old latchkey girl who comes home
from
school to an empty house, because everyone else in the house has to work all day. At first she
creates an imaginary sister to be with her, but then she starts to make real friends in her
neighborhood. A poignant and enduring story written for young readers just about ready to
graduate
from picturebooks to kids' prose books, warmly illustrated by Rosa Ibarra.
Felicia's Favorite Story
Leslea Newman & Adriana Romo
Two Lives Publishing
PO Box 736, Ridley Park, PA 19078
0967446856 $9.95 TwoLives.com
Felicia's Favorite Story is a gentle paperback by the author of "Heather Has Two Mommies,"
about
a young girl who loves to be told how she was adopted by Mama Nessa and Mama Linda, and
both
her mamas loved her from the moment they lay eyes on her. Felicia's Favorite Story is a lovely and
warm picture book illustrated by Adriana Romo and written by Leslea Newman especially for
young children in alternative families.
Grandma's Ashanti Cloth
Maria McNaught
African American Images
1909 West 95th St., Chicago, IL 60643
0913543837 $8.95 1-800-552-1991
Warmly written and illustrated by Maria McNaught, Grandma's Ashanti Cloth is a warmly colored
picture book story about a young African-American boy who almost loses his family's cultural
heirloom of an Ashanti cloth - symbol of the tribe and the land where his ancestors came from.
Grandma's Ashanti Cloth is recommended as a powerful story about the importance of learning
about one's heritage and treasuring the traditions that one's family and ancestors hold dear.
Hotshots!
Chris L. Demarest
McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster
1230 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10020
0689848161 $17.95 1-800-223-2336
Written and illustrated by Chris L. Demarest, Hotshots! is a simple and engaging picturebook for
beginning readers about "hotshots" - elite firefighters who are trained to brave wildfires and dig
trenches to limit the destruction of land and wildlife. Unforgettable and dramatic full-color
illustrations fill the pages of this simple yet memorable story about those amazing men and women
who risk their lives to protect land, animals, and people from the ravages of forest fires.
Friends Of A Feather
Bill Cosby & Erika Cosby
HarperCollins Children's Books
1350 Ave. of the Americas, NY NY 10019
0060091479 $16.95 1-800-242-7737
Written by comedian and humanitarian Bill Cosby, Friends Of A Feather: One Of Life's Little
Fables
is a children's storybook with an underlying moral about the importance of having the courage to
be
oneself. The eye-catching, brilliant style of color illustration by Erika Cosby (Bill Cosby's
daugther),
present avian characters as if they were paper shapes, in this original story of a pair of stunt-flying
comrades faced with choices about how much value to put on the limelight versus one's own
goals.
Friends Of A Feather is recommended for grade school and community library picturebook
collections for young readers.
City Zoo Blizzard Revue
Barbara Crispin & Roswitha Houghton
Dancing Words Press
PO Box 1575, Severna Park, MD21146
www.dancingwordpress.com
0971634610 $14.95 1-410-647-1441
City Zoo Blizzard Revue is a delightful picture book by Barbara Crispin about animals who put
together a grand show for the sake of their zoo, which must weather a bitter winter. Roswitha
Houghton's joyful color illustrations of human and animal antics enhance this playful and
entertaining
read-aloud story which is especially commended to parents, teachers, and young readers
preschool
through first grade.
Perry's Baltimore Adventure
Peter E. Dans & Kim Harrell
Tidwater Publishers
PO Box 456, Centreville, MD 21617
0870335405 $11.95 1-800-638-7641
Perry's Baltimore Adventure: A Bird's Eye View Of Charm City is a picture book story by Peter
E.
Dans about exploring Baltimore from the viewpoint of an adventurous peregrine falcon. Kim
Harrell's soft colors and absorbing illustrations bring to life this engaging story packed with
exciting
facts about peregrine falcons and the splendors of "Charm City." Perry's Baltimore Adventure
would
make a welcome and popular addition to any family, school, or community library collection.
Hamlet And The Magnificent Sandcastle
Brian Lies
Moon Mountain Publishing
80 Peachtree Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852
1931659036 $7.95 1-800-893-9673
Deftly written and colorfully illustrated by Brian Lies, Hamlet And The Magnificent Sandcastle is
an
engaging picture book which is especially recommended for young readers from age 4 to 8, and
features the adventures of a pig and his porcupine friend during their trip to the beach. Hamlet is
determined to build the best sandcastle ever, yet the water and the weather threaten to tear down
his
creation, in this simple yet captivating tale. Also very highly recommended is Brian Lies' Hamlet
And
The Enormous Chinese Dragon Kite (193165901X $7.95).
Sunny Meets Her Baby Sister
Susie Neimark & Kent Hammerstrom
Sunny & The Chocolate Dog, LLC
5 Palm Row, #C, St. Augustine, FL 32084
www.sunnyandthechocolatedog.com
0972594507 $9.95 1-904-808-7144
Sunny Meets Her Baby Sister is a picture book in Susie Neimark's "Sunny & the Chocolate Dog"
series. Sunny is a frisky yellow Labrador who has to adjust to the antics of a playful puppy that
her
loving parents choose to be her new sibling. It takes time for the two canines to get to know one
another, yet the rewards of forging a relationship are beyond measure in this charming story which
is
enhanced with Kent Hammerstrom's cheerful illustrations. Also very highly recommended is the
Neimark and Hammerstrom companion title: Sunny & The Chocolate Dog Go To The Beach
(0972594515, $9.95).
Prince Zucchini
Neil Philip & Veronica Rooney
Star Bright Books
42-26 28th Street, Suite 2, Long Island City, NY 11101
1887734988 $15.95 starbrightbooks.com
Based on a story by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont and retold by Neil Philip for
contemporary
young readers, Prince Zucchini is a delightful picture book story about a prince under an evil
sorcerer's curse - he has a nose the size and shape of a zucchini! The king tries to compensate by
persuading the prince that small noses are ugly and big noses are admired, but when the prince
falls
in love with a small-nosed princess, sparks fly and tables turn. Enhanced with the artwork of
Veronica Rooney, Prince Zucchini is a wonderful, joyous and delightful romp of a story for young
readers.
Farrar, Straus, Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY NY 10003
1-888-330-8477 www.amazon.com
Mary Casanova's One-Dog Canoe (0374-356386, $16.50) tells of a youngster who undertakes a
canoe trip with her dog, only to find other wildlife wants to join in. A rollicking rhyme
accompanies
a zany story with particularly endearing pictures by Ard Hoyt. Shelley Fowles' Bachelor And The
Bean (0374304785, $16.00) tells of a grumpy old bachelor who loses his last bean down the well,
waking the well imp with his shouting and bad humor. The imp gives him a magic pot, but a
jealous
thief trades it for an ordinary one with unusual results in this fine folktale.
The Audiobook Shelf
New Manchester Girl
Tattling Tales Productions
1857 Jackson's Creek Drive, Marietta, GA 30068
097142361X $15.00 tattlingtales.com
New Manchester Girl is a superbly presented compendium of stories told and adapted for young
listeners by Cathy Kaemmerlen. Based on the true story of Scynthia Catherine Steward, a young
girl
who lived in New Manchester, Georgia during and immediately after the American Civil War, and
who was accused of treason against the United States government because she made cloth for the
Confederates. After Union soldiers burned down the textile mill, Scynthia was sent as a prisoner
of
war to Louisville, Kentucky (along with her mother and siblings) where she was eventually
reunited
with her father. After the war, the Stewart family returned home to find New Manchester a ghost
town and experience "strawberry manna from heaven". With a total running time of 45 minutes,
New Manchester Girl will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to school and community
library CD audio book collections.
Listening Library
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
These fine unabridged productions will reach a wide age range of readers who enjoy audios.
Beverly
Cleary's Henry And Beezus (0807210269, $13.95) comes to life under the warm reading of
William
Roberts, who tells of Henry's attempt to raise money for the bike of his dreams and of his old
friend
Beezus' money-making idea. Cleary's comedy of relationships and mishaps will reach pre-teens
with
a lively yarn. The younger crowd will appreciate James Howe's Tales From The House Of
Bunnicula, Books 1-4 (0807208981, $18.00), with Joe Grifasi providing the dramatic reading of
hilarious stories of animals facing rabid bunnies and the like. Teen fans of Nancy Drew and the
Hardy Boys now can enjoy riveting listens on audio through unabridged productions. Bill Irin
narrates the Hardy Boys tales by Franklin Dixon: Shore Road Mystery (1587-2, $18.00) tells of
an
attempt to locate a missing family treasure, while Hunting For Hidden Gold recounts perils in an
old
mine. Girls won't want to miss Carolyn Keene's Nancy Drew classics which are spiced with a
lively
reading by aura Linney: Secret Of Red Gate Farm (1590-2, $18.00) tells of a suspicious society
gathering near a summer ranch; while Secret Of Shadow Ranch (0807215554, $18.00) tells of an
Arizona vacation which turns into mystery. The same eye-catching blue/yellow covers of the
books
have been lovingly reproduced on the audio covers, providing catching scenes to attract new
audiences. All are highly recommended leisure listens.
Joy Stories
PO Box 439, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
1-908-221-1040 www.joystories.com
Two outstanding CD audio book compilations of bedtime stories are enthusiastically
recommended
both for their entertainment value and for building a sense of self-esteem in the minds of their
young
listeners ages 4 to 8. Believe In Your Self (0971699127, $14.00, 15 minutes) is the story of a sea
turtle who struggles to overcome obstacles in order to reach the ocean from its sandy nest. Trust
Yourself (097-1699135, $14.00, 15 minutes) is the story of a small bird who learns to fly by using
positive messages and inner resources. With flawless technical production values, both Believe In
Yourself and Trust Yourself are enthusiastically recommended for family and community library
CD
storybook collections for children.
The Video Shelf
Schlessinger Media
PO Box 580, Wynnewood, PA 19096
VHS 1-800-483-3620
Two new video series from the Schlessinger Science Library focus on the human body including
cells, blood, the heart, bones and muscles, the brain, the senses, organs and organ systems, good
physical health, hygiene, nutrition, and exercise. Human Body For Children is comprises of eight
23-minute videos ($29.95 each) designed for use with children grades K-4. Human Body In
Action
consists of ten 23-minute videos ($39.95 each) appropriate for children in grades 5 to 8. A
teacher's
Guide accompanies each of the videos with additional information, vocabulary words, discussion
questions and activities designed for follow-up assignments and class projects. Ideal for
homeschool
use as well as highly recommended traditional classroom curriculum supplementation, both of
these
outstandingly produced and grade-specific video series are produced with impressively high
degrees
of technical excellence.
The Religion Shelf
On The Wings Of The West Wind
Joni Eareckson Tada
Michael Steirnagle
Crossway Books
1300 Crescent St, Wheaton, IL 60187
1581343728 $14.99 1-800-323-3890
Joni Eareckson Tada's On The Wings Of The West Wind is a Christian picture book that touches
the
heart with its message of faith: "The truth shall set you free." Absorbing color illustrations by
Michael Steirnagle enhance the story about Marcus, who struggles and perseveres with the
strength
given to him by God. On The Wings Of The West Wind is a truly poignant and highly
recommended
read for Christian parents to share with children.
Jewish Holidays All Year Round
Ilene Cooper & Elivia Savadier
Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
100 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
0810905507 $18.95 1-800-759-0190
Jewish Holidays All Year Round is a remarkable resource written by Ilene Cooper to help young
readers discover their Judaic history, faith, heritage, culture and traditions, as well as what it
means
to be a Jew. Sample crafts and activities with holiday themes, and explanations of holidays with
descriptions of how they are celebrated fill this highly recommended volume. Enhanced with full
color illustrations by Elivia Savadier, Jewish Holidays All Year Round recommended for Jewish
family collections and would make an ideal addition to school and community library Multicultural
Studies collections for young readers.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Okomi: The New Baby
Helen & Clive Dorman, Tony Hutchings
Dawn Publications
PO Box 2010, Nevada City, CA 95959
1584690445 $4.95 1-800-545-7475
Collaboratively written by Helen and Clive Dorman under the auspices of The Jane Goodall
Institute, Okomi: The New Baby is the first in a series about the relationship between a
chimpanzee
infant and its mother. A warm and gentle story for beginning readers, with thoughtful color
illustrations by Tony Hutchings, and a deep sympathy for humans' primate relatives. Also highly
recommended are the three other titles in this outstanding series for very young readers, Okomi
And
The Tickling Game; Okomi: Plays In The Leaves; and Okomi Climbs A Tree.
Monkeys
Deborah Dennard
NorthWord Books for Young Readers
c/o Creative Publishing
18705 Lake Drive East, Chanhassen, MN 55317
1559718501 $7.95 creativepub.com
Part of the "Our Wild World" series, Monkeys by Deborah Dennard is a gorgeously illustrated
and
educational picture book filled with amazing facts about primates, their habitat, behavior, life
cycles,
and relationship to humans. Straightforwardly written and illustrated with superb color
photographs,
Monkeys is especially commended for young people with a keen interest in learning more about
animals. Also highly recommended are the companion volumes, Chimpanzees (1559718-463,
$10.95) and Orangutans (1559718-48X, 10.95).
The Folklore/Fairytale Shelf
Slovak Tales For Young And Old
Lucy Bednar & Martin Benka
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
1000 Brown Street, Unit 101, Wauconda, IL 60084
0865165319 $29.95 bolchazy.com
Slovak Tales For Young And Old: Pavol Dobsinksy In English And Slovak is an engaging
collection
of tales derived from classic Slovakian literature, and imbued with tradition. Smoothly translated
by
Lucy Bednar into English for readers of all ages to enjoy, and featuring impressive illustrations by
Martin Benka which enhance these colorful and vivacious fables and folklore, Slovak Tales For
Young And Old is a welcome and much appreciated contribution to family, school, and
community
library Folklore, Fairytale & Mythology collections.
Cloud Weavers
Rena Krasno & Yeng-Fong Chiang
Pacific View Press
2864 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
1881896269 $22.95 pacificviewpress.com
Cloud Weavers: Ancient Chinese Legends by Rena Krasno and Yeng-Fong Chiang is a
compilation
of enduring Chinese fables, which are beautifully illustrated in full color with an artwork style that
seems to blend Eastern and Western influences. The simple, easy-to-follow text offers particular
appeal for young children, and would well serve as quick bedtime stories. Cloud Weavers is
recommended for family and community library Folklore, Fairytale & Mythology collections.
Sindbad's Secret
Ludmila Zeman
Tundra Books
PO Box 1030, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
0887764622 $17.95 tundrabooks.com
Author/illustrator Ludmilla Zeman's, Sindbad's Secret is a brilliantly illustrated picture book based
on the enduring Arabian classic "The Thousand and One Nights." Sinbad's perilous journey, a
crisis,
and the unexpected rewards of showing compassion to a baby elephant, make for engaging,
entertaining reading.
The Queen Bee
Brothers Grimm & Iassen Ghiuselev
Simply Read Books
501-5525 West Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6M 3W6
0968876846 $16.95 1-800-593-9673
The Queen Bee is a picturebook version of the classic fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, about a
young prince named Dimwit who must accomplish three impossible tasks to break the spell
surrounding a mysterious castle. Yet the impossible becomes possible with the help of small
creatures he rescued from torment. The impressive color illustrations by Iassen Ghiuselev are
reminiscent of Renaissance style artwork and wonderfully enhance this amusing and magical fairy
tale.
Gecko's Complaint
Ann Martin Bowler
I Gusti Made Sukanada
Periplus Editions/Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
0794601650 $12.95 tuttlepublishing.com
Set on the beautiful island of Bali, Gecko's Complaint: A Balinese Folktale is an engaging picture
book retold by Ann Martin Bowler about a gecko whose sleep is disturbed by hundreds of
fireflies.
He complains to the kindly lion who rules the jungle, and the lion's efforts to unravel the situation
brings to light a host of complaints - can peace ever be restored to the jungle? An enjoyable read
enhanced by soft, full-color artwork by I. Gusti Made Sukanada.
The Old Woman And The Eagle
Idries Shah & Natasha Delmar
Hoopoe Books
PO Box 176, Los Altos, CA 94022
1883536278 $18.00 hoopoekids.com
Written by an Afghan author, The Old Woman And The Eagle is a picture book story adaptation
by
Idries Shah of a tale steeped in Afghan and Sufi tradition, about an old woman who is perplexed
when she sees an eagle for the first time. She decided to change the eagle to better represent what
she thinks a bird should look like, a common albeit unfortunate type of behavior among people.
Natasha Delmar's eye-catching color illustrations add a special touch to this wonderful story about
learning to be open to new sights and things.
All For The Best!
Hans Wilhelm
Hampton Roads Publishing Company
1125 Stoney Ridge Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
1571743448 $16.95 1-800-766-8009
All For The Best!: The Secret To Happiness is a picture book by Hans Wilhelm which is based
upon
a traditional Eastern folkstory. An old weaver stoically says that "It's all for the best" when one
disaster after another befalls him - even when his grandson breaks his leg. Yet when the king's
soldiers draft all able-bodied men in the town for war, his grandson is spared and the hidden bright
side to seeming misfortune is revealed. A thoughtful tale and an important reminder to keep an
upbeat outlook on life, All For The Best! would make an enduringly popular addition to any
school
and community library collection.
Books in Series
Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Box 398, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
1-800-398-2504 www.enslow.com
"Incredible Deep-Sea Adventures" is the newest series of books from Enslow Publishers. Written
by
Brad Matsen, who is superb at showcasing the excitement, dangers, and discovers of ocean
exploration for young readers. This outstanding six book series of 48-page titles are enhanced
with
full color photo illustrations, chapter notes, glossary, bibliographies for further reading, website
resources, and an index. Strongly recommended for both school and community library
collections,
the individual titles include An Extreme Dive Under The Antarctic Ice (0766021904, $18.95);
The
Incredible Hunt For The Giant Squid (0766021920, $18.95); The Incredible Quest To Find The
Titanic (0766021912, $18.95); The Incredible Record-Setting Deep-Sea Dive Of The
Bathysphere
(0766021882, $18.95); The Incredible Search For The Treasure Ship Atocha (0766021890,
$18.95); and The Incredible Submersible Alvin Discovers A Strong Dee-Sea World (0766021890,
$18.95.
It's Spring
Jimmy Pickering
Smallfellow Press
1180 South Beverly Drive, Suite 320, Los Angeles, CA 90035
1931290229 $16.95 1-800-851-8923
Written and illustrated by Jimmy Pickering as one of the Smallfellow Press "Another Season
Book"
series, It's Spring is a joyous picture book that celebrates the arrival of warmer temperatures,
fresh
green leaves, and all the other hallmarks of the spring season. Rhyming verse captures the antics
of a
young girl and her beloved dog, in this whimsically illustrated read-aloud tale. Also highly
recommended is the other book in this outstanding series, It's Summer (1931290237,
$16.95).
Rourke Publishing Group
Box 3328, Vero Beach, FL 32964
1589523008 $115.62 1-800-394-7055
"American Legends" is a high-interest, six volume, biographical series deftly written and superbly
illustrated so as to appeal to young readers in grades 2 through 4. Each individual volume
showcases
one famous American and includes a glossary, list of thematically appropriate websites, a
bibliography for further reading, and a "kid friendly" index. The volumes include: Amelia Earhart;
Helen Keller; Thurgood Marshall; Babe Ruth; Jim Thorpe; and Oprah Winfry. Although available
individually ($19.27 each), school and community libraries would be well advised to secure the
entire series.
Imagination
MikeThaler
Richard C. Owen Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 585, Katonah, NY 10536
1572745983 $13.45 1-800-336-5588
One of the latest titles in the outstanding "Meet The Author Series" from Richard C. Owen
Publishers, Imagination showcases popular children's picture book author Mike Thaler who tells
young readers about himself, and what it's like to create, write, and illustrate stories for children
everywhere. Full-color photographs and warm, personal narration make Imagination an enjoyable
read to share, especially with budding young storytellers curious about the creative process. Also
very highly recommended for school and community library collections are two other "Meet The
Author" series titles: Laura Numeroff's If You Give An Author A Pencil (1572745959, $13.45)
and
Denise Fleming's Maker Of Things (1572745967, $13.45)
Chelsea House
1974 Sproul Rd., Broomall, PA 19008
Kids in grades 2-4 will find Paul McEvoy's series titles to be bright, fascinating introductions to
nature and science. Each simple 24-page book features bright photos and large print and plenty
of
inviting facts which encourage kids to read. His 'Plant Facts' set includes Trees (07910-72932),
Plants As Food (0791072924), Flowers (0791072908) and Plants (0791-072916). The 'Animal
Facts' series takes the same approach, offering bright color covers and striking photos paired with
simple facts which encourage leisure reading and easy report material. Reptiles (0791072835),
Birds
(0791072800), Mammals (0791072827) and Insects (07-91072819) provide bright appeal.
Choose
the 'Ocean Facts' series for a visit to the seashore or a section on sea life: this series offers Sea
Life
(0791072886), People And The Sea (0791072878), Oceans (079107-286X) and Coral Reef
(0791072851) to pique interest and provide variety. Older readers in grades 5-7 will find the
unusual
biographies by this publisher provide excellent alternates to the usual names. Earle Rice Jr.'s
Claire
Chennault (0791072177) joins others in the 'Famous Flyers' series to explore the achievements of
a
World War II Flying Tiger as do Rice's Manfred Van Richthofen (0791072142), Rachel
Koestler-Grack's Eddie Rickenbacker (0791072150) and Heather Wagner's Charles Lindbergh
(0791072126); John Davenport's Saladin (0791072231) reveals the Muslim leader's conflicts and
life
in the ancient world, Samuel Crompton's Alexander The Great (0791072193) tells of an
inspirational
military commander of ancient times; Julius Caesar (079-1072207) reveals the life of a fighting
man
in early Rome; Hal Marcovitz's Pancho Villa (0791072576) covers the outlaw who changed a
world;
Cesar Chavez (0791072-533) tells of the man who campaigned for farmworker's rights. All
promise
to be lasting library lending picks.
The Children's Press
90 Sherman Turnpike, Danbury CT 06816
The 'Read About Holidays' titles from The Children's Press are very simple picturebook readers
bring to young audiences the basic facts about holidays which are usually introduced to kids in
more
complex books. Each 31-page book features bright contemporary photos, large print, maps, and a
minimum of words per page, making them easy to absorb. New to the series are Kelly Bennett's
Flag
Day (05-15228625) and Arbor Day (0515228617), Uma Krishnaswami's Holi (0515228633), and
Mary Dodson Wade's Cinco De Mayo (0515226649). Each provides an excellent introduction to
the
holiday and to reading.
Gareth Stevens
330 W. Olive St., Milwaukee, WI 53212
Two excellent elementary-level series titles will appeal to collections seeking to increase their
geography holdings. New additions to the 'Welcome to My Country' series for grades 2-4 include
Poland (0836825454), Hungary (0836825446), and Ecuador (0836825438; $23.93 each). Each
provides almost fifty pages packed with bright contemporary photos, introductions to language
and
culture, and basic facts suitable for reports. Older readers in grades 5-7 will find the more detailed
'Countries of the World' series ($29.26 each) provides more embellishment and detail suitable for
the
higher age range, with books holding almost a hundred pages of geographic material. New to this
set: Norway (0836823621), Morocco (08368-23513), Malaysia (0836823605), Iraq
(0836823591),
Chile (0836823583) and Afghanistan (0836823575). The kids in grades 2 and older will enjoy a
new
series 'Life Around the World', which contrasts and observes how kids all over the world cook,
observe holidays, and celebrate events. World Of Sports (0836836626), Holidays (0836836618),
Food (0836836-60X) and Birthdays (0836836596) examine and contrast customs in ten selected
countries across the globe. All are recommended picks.
World Almanac Library
330 West Olive St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Worldalmanaclibrary.com
$26.60 Each 1-800-848-2928
The 'Library of the States' is a 52-volume set providing an excellent look at each of the states for
grades 5 and up, with each book blending fact boxes, primary source documents, and maps and
time
lines with factual data and an easy organization which lends to reference reports. The latest
arrivals
completing the set are West Virginia (0836851633), Washington DC (0836851625), Utah
(0836851617), South Dakota (0836851609), Rhode Island (0836851595), Puerto Rico
(0836851-587), North Dakota (0836851579), Montana (0836851536), Nevada (0836851-544),
Mississippi (0836851528), New Mexico (0836851560), New Hampshire (0836851552),
Wyoming
(0836851641), Hawaii (0836851498), Delaware (08368-5148X), Alaska (0836851471), Maine
(083685151X) and Idaho (0836851501). The oustanding set promises lasting library usage.
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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