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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Ben's Flying Flowers
Inger Maier, author
Maria Bogade, illustrator
Magination Press
PO Box 92984
Washington, DC 20090-2984
9781433811333 $14.95 hc / $9.95 pbk www.maginationpress.com
Available in both hardcover and softcover versions, Ben's Flying Flowers is a picturebook
designed to help young children learn how to cope with the loss of a sibling. Young Emily adores
her little brother Ben, and fondly remembers how he first mistook butterflies to be flying flowers.
Ben enjoyed drawings of butterflies, and even had a special butterfly pillow just for him while he
was in the hospital. But he becomes sicker and more tired in the hospital, and eventually passes
away. Emily is devastated when her parents explained the cruel reality to her. "'Emily, you know
how much we wanted to keep Ben with us forever; how we have all wished. The doctors have
tried so hard, but there are some things doctors cannot fix either. Ben was too sick for his body to
live any longer.'" At first, Emily is devastated, but in time, she learns ways to remember the good
things about the time she spent with Ben. "It helped when she talked about her feelings with
caring grown-ups. It helped when she did regular things like go to school, or play with her friends
and toys." Ben's Flying Flowers is worthy of the highest recommendation for public library
children's collections and for parents helping their children grieve for the loss of a loved
one.
Irena's Jars of Secrets
Marcia Vaughan, author
Ron Mazellan, illustrator
www.ronmazellan.com
Lee & Low Books
95 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
9781600604393 $18.95 www.leeandlow.com
Irena's Jars of Secrets is more than a children's picturebook; it's also a valuable teaching tool to
help young people learn about World War II, the Holocaust, and the courageous few who dared
to resist and help those in need. Irena's Jars of Secrets tells the true story of Irena Sendler, a
Polish Catholic social worker, who risked everything to help the sick and starving Jews
imprisoned in the Warsaw Ghetto during the German occupation of World War II. She smuggled
food, clothing, and medicine into the ghetto, then started smuggling children out of the ghetto.
With false papers, bribes, creative methods, and extreme personal risk, she helped transport
Jewish children to safe surroundings and families who would shelter them. She also kept secret
lists of the children's identities, in hope that one day they could be reunited with their parents.
Although she was betrayed to the German secret police, tortured, and sentenced to execution,
Irena never told her captors how to find the families and children she aided, or the other people
who put their own lives on the line to help save Jewish children. The realistic art style adds an
unforgettable dimension to this incredible story of true heroism, highly recommended especially
for public library children's collections.
Wilson Learns Manners!
Susan Castriota
Privately Published
P.O. Box 12631, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
9780615534633 $12.95 www.wilsongetsadopted.com
Wilson Learns Manners! is more than a softcover picturebook; it's an excellent teaching guide
that parents can use to help their children understand basic etiquette. A cheerful little dog named
Wilson teaches young people what to say in certain situations, as well as impressing the
importance of responsible sharing or borrowing. "Do you eat with your mouth open or talk with
your mouth full of food? YUCK! No one wants to see food in your mouth. When you eat, put
your napkin on your lap and use it when you have to wipe your mouth... don't use your shirt!"
Simple, colorful illustrations of Wilson and his canine pals add a charming touch to this
plain-spoken teaching guide. Also highly recommended is the first picturebook in the "Wilson's
Wondrous Tails" series, Wilson Gets Adopted (9780615439778, $12.95), which tells the
heartwarming story of how Wilson was rescued from the pound when his first owner became to
sick to take proper care of him.
The Social Issues Shelf
Drugs Make You Un-Smarter
Savanna Peterson & Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Brighton's Mountain Books
9781467921374, $14.99, www.jillvanderwood.com
Drugs can penetrate every aspect of society, and it can often be tough to stand against the tide.
"Drugs Make You Un-Smarter" is a collection of articles gathered by high school student
Savanna Peterson as she compiles articles surrounding drug abuse and how to make a difference
in your life, even when it seems everyone around you is using. "Drugs Make You Un-Smarter" is
a worthwhile pick for youth empowerment collections.
Mixed Heritage
Catherine Blakemore
Adams-Pomeroy Press
PO Box 189, Albany, WI 53502
9780966100990, $98.00, www.amazon.com
In today's world, race is becoming more and more irrelevant as heritages become more diverse.
"Mixed Heritage: Your Source for Books for Children and Teens about Persons and Families of
Mixed Racial, Ethnic, and/or Religious Heritage" is a guide for teachers and librarians in
connecting children and teenagers of mixed heritage to understand their heritage and gain a
healthy dose of pride, be they products of a biological mixing or a mixed adoption. "Mixed
Heritage" is a strong pick for any librarian who wants to appeal to the next generation, highly
recommended for social issues and library science collections.
The World History Shelf
Titanic: Voices from the Disaster
Deborah Hopkinson
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
9780545116749, $17.99, www.scholastic.com
Titanic: Voices from the Disaster revises the events of the Titanic and blends the voices of
Titanic survivors and witnesses to the disaster with descriptions of the events that changed lives.
Historical photos and illustrations capture the entire experience of the Titanic's maiden voyage
and make for a gripping account especially tailored for young adult readers who want a
re-capturing of the events that led up to and followed the Titanic's sinking.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
His Date for the Dance was His Science Project
David Kenneth Mull
Royal Fireworks Press
First Avenue, PO Box 399
Unionville, NY 10988-0399
9780898243710, $9.99, www.rfwp.com
The power of science is not to be underestimated. "His Date for the Dance was His Science
Project" is a story of school and Gilbert O'Shay, a science nerd who comes to the dance with a
beautiful girl on his arm. The rumor mill sparks up, as the truth is slow to come out, in this story
of Gilbert's friend, Charlie Cliche. "His Date for the Dance was His Science Project" is a fine
read not to be overlooked for younger readers.
Legends of Scythia
Yulia Handy
CreateSpace
100 Enterprise Way, Suite A200
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
9781467970051, $16.99, www.amazon.com
Forced from their homes, the journey to find a new one will be a very different one than they
expected. "Legends of Scythia: The Secret Keepers" follows young Arcadius and Terra as they
flee their hometown, sacked by a dreadful pirate king. With them, they carry the legacy of
Scythia, as they are marked as the keepers of the Golden Book. Through life and death, they
realize the book they are charged to keep has fallen into the hands of the pirate king. "Legends of
Scythia" is a strong pick for readers of all ages who love fantasy and adventure.
The PITS
A. W. Hampton
Divine Dictations Publications
9780983704607, $12.99, www.divinedictations.com
What was called witchcraft to some may be another's salvation. "The PITS: The Answer That
Lies Within" is the first entry into A. W. Hampton's Prophets in Training series, following
Jacqueline Broyeur who discovers her command over the supernatural at the age of ten, and
quickly finds that this power will bring fear, and threaten those around her. As the lives around
her hang in the balance, she finds herself at the crossroads of good and evil. "The PITS" is an
intriguing pick for young adult fantasy readers, very much recommended.
Imagine Travelling to the Most Mysterious & Unusual Places!
Praveeta
Travel Tales of Elves
9780987209603, $14.99, www.traveltalesofelves.com
Adventure knows no size or age. "Imagine Travelling to the Most Mysterious & Unusual
Places!" is a series of stories from Praveeta illustrating the struggles of young elves as they
explore the many kingdoms of nearby and the adventures that lie within. Sure to entertain young
readers with a taste for the bright childlike fantasy, "Imagine" may be worth considering for
youth fiction collections.
Maximojo and the Wand of Light
Julianne Bien
Spectrahue Light & Sound Inc.
PO Box 85507, 842 Eglinton Avenue West
Toronto, Canada, M5N 0A2
9780973483536, $TBA pbk / $9.97 Kindle www.amazon.com
Who says interstellar salvation can't be adorable? "Maximojo and the Wand of Light" is a
lighthearted novel from Julianne Bien, as she crafts the story of Maximojo, Glitta, and other
friends as they seek to battle for the fate of Zalturn, a planet where a gang is gaining control of it
and all of its inhabitants. For the good of the galaxy, Maximojo and his crew must win the day.
"Maximojo" is a choice pick for science fiction lovers who also love their pets,
recommended.
Eggs for the Hunting
Reg Down
Lightly Press
9781470030018, $14.95, www.amazon.com
Eggs of all colors and sizes can seem so appealing if you can find them. "Eggs for the Hunting" is
a fantastical story for children from Reg Down. Telling stories of gnomes hunting for eggs, and
the discoveries of Tom and June as they come across the gnomes and their hunts. "Eggs for the
Hunting" is an entertaining twist for younger readers, very much recommended.
Patalosh
Z Altug and Tracy Gensler
CreateSpace
100 Enterprise Way, Suite A200
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
9781463521332, $12.99, www.createspace.com
Through the universe and time, one may have a lot to look through. "Patalosh: The Time
Travelers" is a youth fantasy novel following the journeys of the people of Lumina, the
Taloshians and their gift of time travel. As Orion Spence crashes onto Earth with the ship the
Exploricus, he finds he must search all over the world and find any clues he can to gain a lead on
finding his lost parents. "Patalosh" is a riveting read that younger readers will relish and not be
able to put down, recommended.
Fairy House Handbook
Liza Gardner Walsh
Down East Books
PO Box 679
Camden, ME 04843
9781608931736, $14.95, www.downeastbooks.com
Creativity in youth can come in many forms. "Fairy House Handbook" is a guide to how to
inspire children to create their own fairy houses, small structures for the outdoors. From selecting
a site, picking the right tools, and sharing the lore of fairies between one and their child as a
family activity. With full color photos to give plenty of ideas, "Fairy House Handbook" is a
strong and much recommended addition to kids arts and crafts collections.
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Janet Foxley's MUNCLE TROGG: SMALL GIANT. BIG ADVENTURE! (9780545378000,
$14.99) is a fine story for grades 3-5 and is soon to be a major animated feature. It tells of Mount
Grumble, where giants live and where Muncle Trogg is so small that all the other giants make
fun of him. He's fed up with giant life - and leaves his giant kingdom to see what the humans
look like - only to discover a dragon and a girl, and a threat to his home. Can the littlest giant
save the day? O'Kif's black and white illustrations pepper an appealing tale. BONE: QUEST
FOR THE SPARK BOOK 2 (9780545141048, $10.99) provides a fine novel by Tom Sniegoski
and peppers color illustrations by Jeff Smith with the story of an evil dragon who holds the entire
Valley hostage. It's up to pre-teen Tom and his friends to find the missing pieces of the Spark,
which will drive away the nightmare dragon forever. Magic, a quest, and dangers make this a fine
story with a good amount of print for readers moving from graphic novel to regular novel
format.
The Fiction Shelf
Always Upbeat / All That
Stephanie Perry Moore
Saddleback Educational Publishing
3120 Pullman Street
Cosa Mesa, CA 92626-4564
9781616518844, $14.95, www.sdlback.com
There are two sides to every relationship. Part of the Lockwood High series for young adults,
"Always Upbeat / All That" is an urban high school romance told from both sides of the
relationship, written by Stephanie Perry Moore. Set amid the high school drama surrounding the
football team and its cheerleaders, "Always Upbeat / All That" is an engaging novel especially
recommended for junior high and high school library collections.
Goodbye Tchaikovsky
Michael Thal
Royal Fireworks Press
First Avenue, PO Box 399
Unionville, NY 10988
9780880924696 $9.99 www.royalfireworkspress.com
Goodbye Tchaikovsky is a novel for young adults about the difficulties of learning to live with
deafness. At the young age of eleven, David had a natural talent for the violin and nearly perfect
pitch; but when he turned twelve, he suddenly lost his hearing. Not only could he no longer listen
to music, but he also had to learn how to communicate in American Sign Language, and read
lips. Told in first person perspective, Goodbye Tchaikovsky is a story of courage, adaptation, and
the struggle to accept a new way of life. Highly recommended.
Madison K. Live, Life, Fun
Nina Kaplan
CreateSpace
100 Enterprise Way, Suite A200
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
9781463749859 $14.99 www.beautylandcouture.com www.createspace.com
Madison K. Live, Life, Fun is a cheerful novel for young adults, especially young women. A
recent high school graduate, Madison K. has learned to live with attention deficit disorder,
obsessive compulsive disorder, and dyslexia, and she doggedly pursues her dream - to become a
professional writer and blogger. In search of her first big break, she strives to capture people's
attention through her prose, and dares to openly speak her mind. Told in first-person perspective,
Madison K. Live, Life, Fun is especially valuable reading because it features an excellent role
model for today's girls!
Blind Horse Bluff
C. Ellen Culverwell
Royal Fireworks Press
First Avenue, PO Box 399
Unionville, NY 10988
9780880924832 $9.99 www.royalfireworkspress.com
The sequel to "The Horse Lady", Blind Horse Bluff is continues the story of Claire Westfield's
efforts to rehabilitate abused horses and help people. This summer, Claire and young Maggie
Forrester are helping out at St. Michael's Academy, a plays to aid the blind and handicapped.
Claire has particular trouble with an emotionally suffering blind boy, and feels that forming a
bond with a blind horse can benefit him. Blind Horse Bluff is a thoughtful, uplifting story, highly
recommended for young adults.
Summer Dance
Lynn Swanson
CreateSpace
100 Enterprise Way, Suite A200
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
9781463742164, $12.99, www.amazon.com www.createspace.com
There is so much to look forward to that we don't think anything could ever go wrong. "Summer
Dance" is a novel of summer vacation following Sara, a thirteen year old with a love of dance.
Sara attends a summer camp for adventure, new lessons in dance, the chance to see old friends,
and the opportunity to flirt with the boys across the lake! "Summer Dance" is an inspired read for
youth fiction collections, much recommended.
St. Martin's Press/Griffin
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
www.stmartins.com
Amber Dermont's THE STARBOARD SEA (9780312642808, $24.99) is a powerful first novel
about life, death, friendships and coming of age and tells of Jason, who is a smart, athletic teen
familiar with the elite world of Manhattan and affluence. When his best friend commits suicide
during his junior year at prep school, Jason transfers to another school only to meet Aidan, who
faces her own emotional demons. Their relationship will give each the courage to face milestones
in their young lives in this powerful saga. C.C. Hunter's TAKEN AT DUSK (9780312624699,
$9.99) provides a new Shadow Falls addition to a series about teens with supernatural powers.
Kylie seeks the truth about her real family and her emerging powers - but a budding romance
leads to danger, a haunting, and a dangerous warming about her life and her background.
Supernatural forces swirl around Kylie in this fine leisure read. Joining others in the Immortals
series and recommended for prior followers is Alyson Noel's NIGHT STAR (9781250005946,
$9.99), which presents a final showdown in the drama over centuries-old enemies Ever and
Haven. Haven is determined to destroy Ever and her friends, and one of her first shots will tear
two centuries-old loves apart in this powerful saga of romance and change. Jana Oliver's
FORGIVEN (9780312614805, $9.99) provides a fine new Demon Trappers saga and centers
around teen demon trapper Riley, who faces fallen angels, devil's deals, and encounters with
Hell. A fast-paced romantic saga keeps readers following to the unexpected conclusion in this
riveting fantasy. All are top leisure reading picks for older teens who followed Twilight with
affection.
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Leah Bobet's ABOVE (9780545296700, $17.99) tells of Matthew, who has loved Ariel from the
moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee's wings fading. They live together in an underground
refuge and avoid the dangerous city Above - but one night an invading army results in their
exodus to safer grounds, where Matthew and his friends face an even more dangerous world and
a history that will change all their lives. Eva Ibbotson's ONE DOG AND HIS BOY
(9780545351966, $16.99) tells of Hal, who is desperate for a dog and unlikely to get one. But on
his birthday he's allowed to choose one - and he picks Fleck. Only nobody has told Hal that Easy
Pets is all about renting a pet - and that his beloved Fleck is only a temporary gift. A fine story of
friendship and escape evolves. Kim Harrington's PERCEPTION (9780545230537, $16.99)
provides a fine Clarity novel and tells of a psychic girl who doesn't want her gift. When messages
and gifts from a secret admirer begin to permeate her life, Claire faces a mystery that could
change her world; especially when a girl vanishes and the messages take on a dangerous tone. A
fine novel of supernatural encounters evolves. Carole Geithner's IF ONLY (9780545234993,
$16.99) tells of teen Corinna, who wishes that her mother was alive again. At a time when
classmates are focusing on living, Corinna is focusing on the past - and is forced to act as if
nothing has happened. Her year of grief and evolution is recounted in a moving novel. Roland
Smith's STORM RUNNERS: ERUPTION (9780545081740, $16.99) tells of Chase and his
father who are Storm Runners, who are heading south to Mexico to track down a missing circus.
With a volcano about to erupt after a massive earthquake, survival again becomes a dubious
pursuit in this fine novel of change and challenge. Kathryn Lasky's DAUGHTERS OF THE SEA
(9780439783125, $17.99) tells of Lucy, who has always felt outside New York society and
dreads its parties and sophisticated sense. When her minister father accepts a summer position in
a seaside community, Lucy discovers she's not an only child - and actually is not even wholly
human. A fine fantasy evolves.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
The Case of the Deadly Desperados
Caroline Lawrence
Putnam
345 Hudson Street, 15th floor
New York, NY 10014
9780399256332, $16.99, www.penguin.com
The Case of the Deadly Desperados is set in 1862 and revolves around twelve-year-old P.K.
Pinkerton, on the run from a gang of desperados. P.K. is determined to hold on to his mother's
last priceless possession: the deed to a large amount of land and silver mines in Nevada - but
there's no place safe in the early mining towns of the state, and only disguises will keep P.K.
hidden. This moving Western mystery will intrigue any young adult leisure reader.
Journey Into Darkness
Craig Etchison
Mirror Publishing
PO Box 691, Fort Ashby, WV 26719
9781612251097, $10.99, www.pagesofwonder.com
The cost of war is not only the lives of the soldiers, but the battlefield that consumes the land
around them. "Journey Into Darkness" follows high school junior Samantha as a break out of war
interrupts her life and drives her from her family. Crossing the battlefield, she quickly learns the
true price of war and wonders if she is yet done paying the cost yet. "Journey Into Darkness" is a
profound read on the toll of warfare, recommended for young adults age 15 and up.
The Bilingual Shelf
Alfabeto Crossover Alphabet
Peggy Edwards
Dorrance Publishing Company
701 Smithfield Street, 3rd floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3906
9781434913012 $12.00 www.dorrancepublishing.com
Alfabeto Crossover Alphabet is a softcover, bilingual English/Spanish ABC book designed
especially to help beginning readers learn the alphabets of both languages. Featuring colorful but
simple watercolor-color illustrations drawn in a manner similar to that of a child, Alfabeto
Crossover Alphabet devotes each page to a single letter, and a sample word starting with that
letter in both English and Spanish. For example, the letter T features the English word "Train",
the Spanish word "Tren", and a picture of a train curling out of a tunnel. A pronunciation guide at
the beginning enhances Alfabeto Crossover Alphabet, which is especially recommended for
parents to share with young children while teaching them about both the English and the Spanish
alphabets.
Inside Me, Sometimes
Gail Heath
Condor Publishing, Inc.
PO Box 39, 123 South Barlow Road
Lincoln, Michigan 48742
9781931079044 $8.95 www.condorpublishing.com
Inside Me, Sometimes is a flat-spined, bilingual English/Spanish picturebook for beginning
readers about the different emotions one can feel. Simple, colorful pictures of a little blue
octopus enliven this playful story ideal for parents and children to share while talking about
feelings. "Sometimes I am so proud that I almost pop, or // I am so ashamed that I hide my head.
// sometimes I am so clever that I read to myself, or // I am so silly that I wear socks for mittens."
Inside Me, Sometimes is also an excellent book to help young English or Spanish speakers
understand both languages better!
Sora and the Cloud
Felicia Hoshino, author
Japanese translation by Akiko Hisa
Immedium
PO Box 31846
San Francisco, CA 94131
9781597020275 $15.95 www.immedium.com
Sora and the Cloud is a bilingual English/Japanese picturebook about a young boy who befriends
a cloud, and rides it on a fantastic journey, seeing everyone and everything from way up high. He
dreams of wonderful things, and can't wait to tell his little sister about his new friend the Cloud!
Gentle, soft-hued color illustrations bring this fanciful children's story to life. Sora and the Cloud
is a wonderful pick for parents to read aloud to little ones at storytime or bedtime.
The Picturebook Shelf
Silly Frilly Grandma Tillie
Laurie A. Jacobs, author
Anne Jewett, illustrator
Flash Light Press
c/o Independent Publishers Group
814 North Franklin Street
Chicago, IL 60610
9780979974687 $16.95 www.flashlightpress.com
Silly Frilly Grandma Tillie is a high-spirited children's picturebook featuring outrageously wacky
color artwork by Anne Jewett. Whenever Grandma Tillie comes to babysit, her grandchildren
Sophie and Chloe thrill to the adventures she spins; sometimes Grandma Tillie disappears
(transforms?) and in her place appears the most amazing characters! Tillie Vanilly with bright
pink hair, star of "The Tillie Vanilly Show", loves to share jokes and dance the conga; Chef Silly
Tillie wears a lampshade hat and makes incredible culinary creations like Giggly Chili; and
Madam Frilly Tillie is an avant-garde bath-bubble stylist! But it's Grandma Tillie herself,
champion storyteller and all-around wonderful grandma, who returns to tuck Sophie and Chloe
into bed. An excellent read-aloud pick, Silly Frilly Grandma Tillie is playful in tone, yet the
dialogue is sufficiently advanced to encourage little ones who have mastered easy reader
picturebooks to take the next step forward.
Tadeo's Search for Circles
Marion Brooker, author
Kyrsten Brooker, illustrator
Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited
195 Allstate Parkway
Markham, Ontario L3R 4T8
9781554551736 $18.95 www.fitzhenry.ca
Intended for beginning readers ages four and up, Tadeo's Search for Circles is a charming
picturebook about how a young boy's quest for the perfect round shape magically takes him all
over the world. Young Tadeo is a Central American boy with frizzy hair, who can't quite create a
perfect circle by blowing bubblegum, creating sand castles, yawning, or twirling a lasso. His
amazing, dreamlike journey for circles takes him to the African Savannah, Istanbul in Turkey,
London in England, and even the Canadian Arctic! When he returns home, he makes an
incredible discovery - "'A hug is the most wonderful, perfect circle of all!' 'But a circle's not a
hug,' his mama whispered, 'until there's someone special in it!'" Tadeo's Search for Circles is a
read-aloud joy to share with little ones.
Sugar on Snow
Nan Parson Rossiter
David R. Godine, Publisher
PO Box 450
Jaffrey, NH 03452
9781567923704 $9.95 www.godine.com
Sugar on Snow is a softcover picturebook ideal for young readers ages 4-8, about a family outing
to enjoy collecting sap from maple trees to make sweet maple syrup. A father, his two sons, and
their dog share the hard work of hauling buckets of sap to the holding tank, and using a big
evaporator to reduce forty gallons of sap into one gallon of syrup. Of course, testing and tasting
the syrup is the best part! Gentle color illustrations of the snowy March woodlands and a busy
family's wonderful time together distinguish this delightful storybook, ideal for parents and
children to read together.
It's an Absolutely Perfect Day For...
Catherine G. McElroy
Queenie Mac Books
9780615531779 $19.99 www.catherinemcelroy.com
It's an Absolutely Perfect Day For... is a children's picturebook filled with tongue-twister fun and
vivid illustrations by watercolor artist Catherine McElroy. Set during a beautiful summer day, It's
an Absolutely Perfect Day For... features a lavishly fanciful picture and a tongue-tying animal
phrase for every letter of the alphabet. For the letter I, the mouth-mashing phrase is, "...an
absolutely ideal day for... intrigued ibex interested in insanely intelligent incognito ibis
investigating incredibly icky invisible insects." It's an Absolutely Perfect Day For... is
enthusiastically recommended as a wonderful book for parents to read aloud to children, and help
them learn to sound out alliterations - and perhaps to kindle renewed interest in the joy of playing
outside!
Time Together, Time Well Spent
Casey Rislov, author
Stephen Adams, illustrator
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200
Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
Bohlsen PR (publicity)
9781467041911 $15.99 www.authorhouse.com www.amazon.com
Time Together, Time Well Spent is a flat-spined children's picturebook about the importance of
spending time with family and friends. Featuring lively color illustrations of a family of bears,
Time Together, Time Well Spent devotes each page to a different joyful activity, from playing
cards to making popcorn and watching movies, reading storybooks, playing baseball, making
shadow figures, and much more! A wonderful antidote to the presence of increasingly
isolation-heavy media and technology, Time Together, Time Well Spent features a valuable
positive moral as well as inspiration for enjoyable family activities, and is highly
recommended.
Silly Goose's Big Story
Keiko Kasza
Putnam's/Penguin
345 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9780399255427, $16.99, www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Silly Goose's Big Story provides the fun story of Goose, who loves to make up stories in which
he's always the hero. His friends enjoy his stories - but they want to take turns leading the fun and
Goose won't pay attention to them. When all become embroiled in argument, nobody notices a
wolf sneaking up on them. Can Goose become a real hero in a dangerous stand-off? A fun,
whimsical tale of course evolves.
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Tedd Arnold returns the popular Fly Guy to young readers with his fun RIDE, FLY GUY, RIDE!
(9780545222761, $6.99), a vivid account of Fly Guy's adventures on boat, train and plane. Fly
guy has many funny mishaps flying in and out of trouble in this very simple reader for kids just
mastering beginning reading skills. Diane DeGroat and Shelley Rotner's HOMER
(9780545332729, $15.99) provides a fun story of a dog baseball world when Homer and the
Doggers take on the Hounds. Dogs appear Photoshopped into uniforms and provide simple yet
fun pages of baseball action for any young baseball and dog fan! Amy Gibson's SPLIT! SPLAT!
(9780439587532, $16.99) receives fun drawings by Steve Bjorkman and tells of a little girl and
her dog who venture out during a rainy spring day to enjoy the outdoors. Very simple songs for
rain and sun accompany the whimsical drawings of a girl having fun outdoors in this engaging
tale. Adam Stower's SILLY DOGGY! (9780545373234, $16.99) tells of Lily, who saw
something wonderful in her garden - a dog. Lily's always wanted a dog - but this dog is a
challenge. It isn't exactly obedient - and it doesn't exactly look like a dog. A fun story
emerges!
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Barbara Kerley's THOSE REBELS, JOHN & TOM (9780545222686, $17.99) receives Edwin
Fotheringham's drawings and covers the stories of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two very
different patriots that had different ways of doing things. They both cared deeply about the
American colonies, both hated British King George - and both became lasting heroes for
following their beliefs and helping their country become free. The drama of fiction pairs with
nonfiction facts to make this an attractive reader. Two other new books also combine fictional
drama with facts to good result. Shana Corey's HERE COME THE GIRL SCOUTS!
(9780545342780, $17.99) provides the true story of Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low and her
Scouting program. Daisy was a Victorian era girl who defied the standing definitions of proper
female behaviors. She loved the outdoors and yearned for adventure, and in the process of
realizing her dream would come to found an organization that a hundred years later leads to good
deeds and adventure. A fine, passionate story emerges for any elementary-level reader. Jonah
Winter's JUST BEHAVE, PABLO PICASSO! (9780545132916, $18.99) tells of a world-famous
artist who was playful and talented. He faced down accusations that his artwork was 'ugly' and
persisted in creating art that lives on today. Kids with elementary reading skills will find this a
simple and fun exploration of Picasso's art and determination. Two powerful 'Discover More'
titles ($15.99 each) are picks for grades 3-5, offering some 100 pages each packed with color
photos and spectacular natural history topics. Steve Parker's OCEAN AND SEA
(9780545330220) packs in unique photos of newly discovered ocean animals and graphs to
simplify basic science concepts, and presents information verified by marine biologists from
around the world. The subject is how to help protect seas and oceans and how to understand life
in and on the oceans. The focus on the latest information makes this a recommended pick. Dan
Green's THE ELEMENTS (9780545330190) uses the same format to provide a stunning visual
guide to over 100 elements in the world, from the periodic table to how elements appear in and
affect our lives. Lovely graphs, photos, and the very latest cutting-edge research make for a fine
winner! Andrea Pinnington and Tory Gordon-Harris' ANIMAL BABIES (9780545365680,
$7.99) joins others in the 'Discover More' series and provides a focus on newborn animals and
how they grow and change. From animals that change as they grow to the lessons they learn and
the journeys they take, this is a fine introduction for any in grades 2-3. Michaela Muntean's
STAY: THE TRUE STORY OF TEN DOGS (9780545234979, $16.99) pairs lovely color photos
by K.C. Bailey and Stephen Kazmierski with the story of Luciano Anastasini, a man who called
the circus home, and ten dogs that have no home. A fine story of adoption, adaptation and circus
fun makes this a lovely leisure read for kids with good reading skills in grades 2-4.
The Health Shelf
Coach Can Fitness Fun!
Mike Alexander
Outskirts Press, Inc.
10940 South Parker Road, #515
Parker, CO 80134
9781432742645 $12.95 www.outskirtspress.com www.coachcan.com
Coach Can Fitness Fun! is a colorful, softcover children's picturebook featuring a burly,
enthusiastic coach who encourages young people to be physically active. Coach Can
demonstrates basic exercises such as touching toes, stretching out, jumping jacks, and more.
Other health tips include the importance of drinking enough water, eating healthy foods like
fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep at night. The exuberant illustrations bring Coach
Can's positive message to life, in this excellent motivational tool perfect for parents to share with
children as a means to teach them about the value of incorporating more exercise and activity
into their lives. Highly recommended.
You are a Lion! And Other Fun Yoga Poses
Taeeun Yoo
Dial/Penguin
345 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9780399256028, $16.99 www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Taeeun Yoo's YOU ARE A LION! AND OTHER FUN YOGA POSES provides a delightful
survey for young children and covers yoga poses. It uses animal characters to illustrate easy
poses, and provides very simple instructions that even early readers can readily absorb. It's a very
different approach to teaching yoga to an age range that typically doesn't receive such instruction,
and is a recommendation for any early activities collection.
The Poetry Shelf
A Stick is an Excellent Thing
Marilyn Singer, author
LeUyen Pham, illustrator
Clarion Books
c/o Houghton Mifflin
215 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10003
9780547124933 $16.99 www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
A Stick is an Excellent Thing: Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play is packed cover to cover with
catchy, playful poems about the joys of playing outdoors. From jumping rope to bounding
through sprinklers on a hot day, to hide-and-seek, hopscotch, and much more, A Stick is an
Excellent Thing features joyful pictures to complement the delightful rhymes about common
outdoor activities. A Stick is an Excellent Thing is an excellent book for parents and children to
share, especially when teaching young ones simple outdoor games that can help them become
more active!
Nasty Bugs
Lee Bennett Hopkins, poet
Will Terry, illustrator
Dial/Penguin
345 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9780803737167, $17.99 www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins and illustrated by Will Terry make NASTY BUGS a
fine pick for any lending library seeking to involve young people in poems. Sixteen poems focus
on creatures and offer contributions by many recognized children's poets. The bright art work
captures the eye and draws young people in to the poems about fire ants, chiggers, cockroaches,
ticks, and more. Highly recommended especially for young people who are fascinated by
insects!
The Environmental Shelf
The Lorax Pop-Up!
Dr. Seuss
Random House
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
97803758960355, $29.99, www.randomhouse.com/kids
Dr. Seuss' Lorax first appeared in 1971 and here it receives new embellishment in its incarnation
as a pop-up edition by paper engineer David A. Carter. The original Dr. Seuss tale springs -
literally - to life with these pop-ups, including gatefold panels with pop-ups inside, pull tabs, and
more. There are eight pop-up spreads to accompany the story. While obviously this isn't a pick
for a lending library due to its fragile moving parts, it is a 'must' for any avid Lorax fan who
wants a three-dimensional take on the classic!
The Science Shelf
The Kingfisher Dinosaur Encyclopedia
Professor Mike Benton
Kingfisher
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780753468586, $12.99 paperback, www.kingfisherbooks.com
Filled with updated facts about dinosaur finds and dinosaur history, "The Kingfisher Dinosaur
Encyclopedia" presents a guide to amazing tomes of researched facts about different species of
dinosaurs known to have lied on Earth. Featuring dinosaur finds from locations all over the
world, color illustrations of reconstructed dinosaur models, plus charts and graphs of related
dinosaur fact and data, "The Kingfisher Dinosaur Encyclopedia" is a junior dinosaur scholar's
dream come true. How many of us knew that there were not one but five major extinctions
experienced by the dinosaurs, or that major dinosaur finds are still being discovered in parts of
China, Argentina, the Romanian Islands, as well as North America and Africa. China even has
remains of feathered dinosaurs . Fascinating dinosaur facts are highlighted in sidebars, with
additional websites and resources listed in each chapter and at the end, along with a glossary of
terms. In all, "The Kingfisher Dinosaur Encyclopedia" provides a mini-comprehensive guide to
worldwide fossil finds and their implications for earth's early prehistory. The reading level
appears to be 6th grade and up for this excellent classroom, library and personal educational
resource for early natural history.
Where Do Mountains Come From, Momma?
Catherine Weyerhaeuser Morley
Mountain Press Publishing Company
PO Box 2399
Missoula, MT 59806
9780878425822 $12.00 www.mountain-press.com
Where Do Mountains Come From, Momma? is an educational picturebook in
question-and-answer format, that teaches young people about geology. When a young girl and
her mother take a walk in the mountains, the young girl starts to ask her mother questions about
where the mountains comes from, and learns about the marvelous ways in which the Earth
works! "Mountains can also form where a piece of land is pulled in opposite directions by forces
within the earth. Rocks break, just like a rubber band will break if you stretch it too far. The
broken blocks of land move against each other, and some rise up to become mountains." The
colorful, stylized illustrations add a gentle touch to this fun book of amazing facts, ideal for
parents to read aloud and share with their children.
Oceans
Cathryn Sill, author
John Sill, illustrator
Peachtree Publishers
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30318-2112
9781561456185, $16.95, www.peachtree-online.com
It's 70% of the world and a lot of us know nothing about it. "About Habitats: Oceans" is a
children's picturebook exploring the creatures that live under the sea and their many habits and
practices. As writer Cathryn Sill explores the oceans with illustrations from John Sill, they give
young readers plenty to be curious about with the creatures of the sea. "About Habitats: Oceans"
is a strong pick for any children's picturebook collection looking for books on science and
nature.
The Travel Shelf
What Trip Is This?
Mahalia Solages, author
Ashley Rosenblatt, illustrator
CreateSpace
100 Enterprise Way, Suite A200
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
9781439285947 $TBA hc www.createspace.com
9781463795252 $9.99 pbk www.amazon.com www.mahaliasolages.com
What Trip Is This? is more than a playful children's picturebook with gentle color illustrations;
it's also a useful tool for adults to communicate with young children about travel in general, and
travel by airplane in particular. What Trip Is This? features an exuberant young lion girl, her
brother, and her parents, who are all setting out on a trip to Greece. The girl is restless and
impatient in response to the demands of travel, from having to stand in multiple lines to having
to sit in an airplane seat for hours to visiting a strange new hotel. But their destination ultimately
turns out to be an exciting and fun place to sell, well worth the trouble! What Trip Is This? is a
wonderful read-aloud storybook, and carries invaluable lessons from the importance of eating
only healthy snacks (despite the temptations of airport candy) to the necessity of taking potty
breaks whenever one has the opportunity during long journeys. Highly recommended.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
No Dead Fish for Ginger!
Cathy Marine
Eifrig Publishing LLC
PO Box 66, Lemont, PA 16851
9781936172443 $12.99 www.eifrigpublishing.com
Illustrated with authentic color photographs of Ginger's rescue, No Dead Fish for Ginger! The
Story of a Sarasota Bay Dolphin is the true-life softcover picturebook story of how the Dolphin
and Whale Hospital at Mote Marine Laboratory rescued Ginger, a dolphin stranded on the beach,
and prepared her for her return to the wild. From the importance of responding to a stranded
dolphin properly by keeping their skin moist until help arrives (one must never attempt to push a
stranded dolphin back into the ocean - only trained marine biologists can determine whether it's
healthy enough to be released), to Ginger's treatment for sickness, to her incredibly finicky eating
habits that kept over a dozen volunteers busy, No Dead Fish for Ginger! tells a story that is as
educational as it is entertaining. A brief glossary and an index round out this educational
children's book enthusiastically recommended for young dolphin lovers - especially since all
proceeds from its sale will benefit dolphin research and the Dolphin and Whale Hospital at
Mote!
Satchi and Little Star
Donna Marie Seim, author
Susan Spellman, illustrator
Jetty House
an imprint of Peter E. Randall Publisher LLC
5 Greenleaf Woods Drive, Suite 102
P.O. Box 4726
Portsmouth New Hampshire 03801
c/o Skye Wentworth Public Relations
9780982823675 $19.95 www.DonnaSeim.com www.perpublisher.com
Satchi and Little Star is a heartwarming picturebook that will especially appeal to little girls who
love horses. Satchi is a young, dark-skinned island girl who is fascinated by the wild horses who
live near her. One young horse has a white star on his forehead; Satchi longs to tame him and
make him her own. When she asks her mother and father about the prospect, they tell her,
"Satchi, wild horses are meant to be wild." Unbowed, Satchi resolves to catch and tame Little
Star entirely on her own. But attempting to domesticate a wild animal is no simple prospect, and
when Satchi's efforts put Little Star in jeopardy, she must summon all her courage to rescue him!
Satchi and Little Star ultimately has a strong positive message about how it is possible to love
wild animals without forcibly making them into domestic pets, and is highly recommended
especially for public library children's picturebook collections.
I Love You Baby Deer
Linda Gilleland, author
Leigh Ann Irish, illustrator
Brown Books Publishing Group
16250 Knoll Trail Dr., Suite 205, Dallas, TX 75248
9781612540252, $19.99, www.brownbooks.com
"I Love You Baby Deer" is a lush, beautifully illustrated true story of the delicate friendship
between Grace, a young girl, and Pineapple, an orphaned baby deer. A story of the awesome
power of love is remembered and retold by Grace's Grandma. She wanted her granddaughter to
remember the best parts of her growing love for Pineapple, even the sad chapter called 'Change,'
in which Pineapple finally decides to leave her beloved Grace and family to go be with other wild
deer. "I Love You Baby Deer" is a beautiful gift to children everywhere that celebrates the joy of
unconditional love, however unlikely and surprising its form.
The Penguin Lady
Carol A. Cole, author
Sherry Rogers, illustrator
Sylvan Dell Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
9781607185369 $9.95 www.sylvandellpublishing.com
The Penguin Lady is a softcover picturebook that does more than tell a story - it's a useful tool
that parents can use to help encourage curiosity and learning about animals! Penelope Parker is
an ordinary woman who likes to wear black and white, and sometimes waddles when she walks.
One day, she is surprised to find herself suddenly taking care of a penguin! More and more
different species of penguins keep showing up, making Penelope's home life increasingly hectic!
At last, she has to admit that she owns more penguins than she can take care of, and sends them
all to a zoo... but finds herself lonely at home, and when her neighbors sell Dalmatian puppies,
she opts to adopt "just one". A subtle one through ten counting exercise is neatly worked into the
story, as Penelope, acquires one Galapagos Islands penguin, two Rockhopper Penguins, etc. up to
ten Emperor Penguins. A four-page supplement is packed with fun facts about various penguin
species, as well as simple educational activities ideal for engaging young minds. Highly
recommended.
The Christian Shelf
The Grief Recovery Kit
Tanya Kilgore
Aepisaurus Publishing
P.O. Box 5309, Austin, TX 78763
9780983568803, $19.99, www.aepisaurus.com
A Gold recipient of the Mom's Choice award, "The Grief Recovery Kit: A Young Person's Guide
Through the Journey of Grief" is a creative, photo-illustrated paperback grief manual for young
persons who have suffered a loss of a significant other. Written by a talented young woman who
experienced a type of paralysis or stagnation in her own grieving response to the loss of her
father, "The Grief Recovery Kit" is all about helping individuals fin ways to gently progress
through steps of healing and acceptance after loss, separation, or death. It is aptly described as a
"roadmap through grief," featuring four stories of different losses, and 40 separate suggested
activities to help the griever get in touch with his/her reaction and work through the process. Also
helpful are blank personal journal pages for further expression of feelings or reactions in writing
or illustrations or other creative written response. "The Grief Recovery Kit" is appropriate for
both young people and adults to use. For additional religious themed Christian grief reactions,
the use of suggested Biblical scriptures is presented at the end of each chapter in a highlighted
sidebar. Many will find its helpful suggestions comforting and healing.
Bible Adventures & Activities
Sally Ann Wright & Moira Maclean
Pauline Books & Media
50 Saint Paul's Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
9780819811998, $11.95, www.pauline.org
"Bible Adventures & Activities" is an illustrated collection of Bible stories accompanied by
related crafts and activities designed for children ages 7-10. Beginning with A Beautiful World
(the creation text) and ending with A Lakeside Breakfast (the encounter of apostles with Jesus
after the resurrection), here are 35 chapters with simply retold stories from the Old and New
Testaments accompanied with fun games, puzzles, crafts and activities that reinforce and relate to
the teachings of each story. Presented in a clear, kid-friendly format "Bible Adventures &
Activities" can help supplement religious studies instructors cherished work with children in
teaching basic Christian concepts. A handy answer key guide and a listing of the Biblical sources
of each story chapter is found at the end of the book. Colorful, imaginative illustrations help
children envision the events of each story while keeping interest high with humor and holy
hilarity.
Christian's Story
Christie L. Appel, RN, CLNC, author
Lowell Hildebrandt, illustrator
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200
Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
9781467877213 $19.99 www.authorhouse.com
Christian's Story is a softcover children's picturebook with simple, color illustrations chronicling
the difficulties that beset a family. Based on real-life experiences, Christian's Story tells of a
father who struggled with alcoholism, through the eyes of his children. "You see he's an
alcoholic, it's not his fault. He just didn't know how to get help, but we all kept praying." It was
God's love the aid of a dedicated AA sponsor that finally turned the father around, and helped
him become sober again. Christian's Story carries a strong positive message about the power of
faith, as well as the road to recovery from alcoholism.
The Buddhism Shelf
Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda
Lauren Alderfer, author
Kerry Lee MacLean, illustrator
Wisdom Publications
199 Elm Street
Somerville, MA 02144
9780861716838 $15.95 www.wisdompubs.org
Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda is a children's picturebook designed to teach young readers the
value of mindfulness. Although mindfulness is a practice especially advocated by Buddhism,
Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda is intended for children of any religious faith or background, as it
describes the idea in simple and secular terms. When Monkey asks his friend Panda why Panda is
so much happier when they do the same things each day, Panda responds by asking what Monkey
is thinking about when he goes through his daily routine. Monkey tends to think about different
things than what he is doing - for example, when he plays, he thinks about resting, and when he
rests, he thinks about walking. Meanwhile, Panda does not let his mind wander to things other
than what he is doing - when he plays, he is just playing, and when he rests, he is just resting.
"'True happiness,' said Happy Panda gently, 'comes from bringing all your attention to whatever
you are doing right now... Bringing your mind back to this moment, right here, over and over and
over again, is called mindfulness.'" And so, monkey resolves to practice mindfulness - how about
you? The bright, friendly illustrations bring this invaluable parable to vivid life. Mindful
Monkey, Happy Panda is highly recommended especially for public library children's
picturebook collections.
The Easy Reader Shelf
Animals... and Their Families
Barbara Nascimbeni, author/illustrator
Lesley, Zimic, translator
Owlkids Books inc.
10 Lower Spadina Avenue, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario M5V 2Z2
Publisher's Group West, distributor
1700 Fourth St., Berkeley, CA 94710
9781926973326, $17.95, www.owlkids.com
"Animals... And Their Families" is a magnificent bestiary with black and white silhouettes and
names of each animal accompanied by a charming color illustration of the animal in its
environment, with three symbol-illustrated circles beneath for My Sound, My Home, and My
Meal. Here are represented giraffes, tigers, hippos, cats, snails, gazelles, owls, and many more.
Using artistic economy, grace and style, each animal family member is illustrated and named,
and small text bytes provide key pieces of information for young readers. Originally published in
French, noted for teaching curious young readers and pre-readers, "Animals... and Their
Families" transcends national boundaries and is an excellent learning experience which is already
beloved by children of many nations and languages.
The Board Book Shelf
In the Garden
Elizabeth Spurr, author
Manelle Oliphant, illustrator
Peachtree Publishers
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318
9781561455812, $6.95, www.peachtree-online.com
"In the Garden" is a simply stated rhyming illustrated board book about a boy planting a garden
in springtime. "In the Garden" is part of a seasonal board book series, planned to feature "In the
Woods" in fall of 2012 and "At the Beach" in spring of 2013. Perfect for preschoolers and
toddlers, this appealing story shows a boy going through the steps of planting a garden and
watching it grow. Using spare, simple language and a gentle sparse verse story, the beautiful
process of making and tending a garden is explored. The charming gently toned, colored
illustrations embody and complement the text with perfect precision. Watch for more books in
this charming educational series for young children.
The Art Shelf
Graffiti Culture
Liz Gogerly
Lerner Publications Company
241 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55401-1607
9780761377672 $26.60 www.lernerbooks.com
Part of Lerner's "On the Radar" nonfiction picturebook series, Graffiti Culture teaches young
adults about the tremendous impact urban graffiti art has had on human culture throughout
history, and continues to have in the modern day. Graffiti Culture specifically emphasizes the
value of graffiti created on specially designated, legal sites, and does not promote graffiti drawn
on surfaces without the surface owner's permission, nor does it endorse any other form of
vandalism. Filled with full-color photographs and illustrations on every page, Graffiti Culture
shows everything from an example of ancient Roman graffiti to modern street art deemed worthy
of addition to galleries. Of especial interest is the "art or vandalism" section that presents both
sides of the debate about urban graffiti. "Chalk washes away easily, so many people don't see it
as a problem. Chalk can be used to create stunning shadow graffiti. This art form is not as
common as paint graffiti, but the idea is catching on." Graffiti Culture is an extraordinarily
accessible and informative introduction to this hotly contested art form, and highly recommended
especially for school and public library children's nonfiction collections.
The Graphic Novel Shelf
Max Finder Mystery Collected Casebook Volume 6
Craig Battle and Ramon Perez
Created by Liam O'Donnell
Owlkids Books Inc.
10 Lower Spadina Avenue, Suite 400
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5V 2Z2
9781926973210 $9.95 www.owlkids.com
Max Finder Mystery Collected Casebook Volume 6 is the latest graphic novel anthology of Max
Finder mysteries that young people can solve as they read along! Ten solve-it-yourself mysteries,
two whodunit short stories, and even a guide to planning one's own "mystery party" fill this
excellent book designed to engage young people's eyes and minds. Each mystery does have its
list of clues and solution given at the end, but the stories work best when one tries to figure out
the puzzles without help! Parents may enjoy sharing Max Finder Mysteries with little ones as a
thought exercise; they also make great rainy day or car trip fun. Highly recommended.
The Music CD Shelf
Picasso, That's Who! And So Can You!
Hope Harris
www.hopeharris.com
Holcomb Rock Road, LLC
PO Box 18022, Richmond, VA 23226
Waldmania! (publicity)
130 Maywood Drive, San Francisco, CA 94127
$15.00 amazon.com cdbaby.com
Ideal for children ages 3-10, Picasso, That's Who! And So Can You! is a bubbly children's album
that shares performer Hope Harris' love of great art and artists with young listeners. Picasso,
That's Who! And So Can You! is educational as well as entertaining, since the songs teach about
the extraordinary people who created great art as well as celebrating the art pieces themselves.
From the joy of free-painting like abstract artist Jackson Pollock, to Picasso's determination to
find his own style no matter what others might say, Picasso, That's Who! And So Can You!
encourages children to cultivate their own artistic creativity, just like the great masters did. The
tracks (and artists they are about) are "A-C-T-I-O-N" (Jackson Pollock), "Picasso, That's Who!"
(Pablo Picasso), "Who Made the Splash?" (David Hockney), "Grandma Moses" (Grandma
Moses), "Swingin' Little Duck" (Alexander Calder), "See A Painting By Georgia O'Keeffe"
(Georgia O'Keeffe), "Dot in Motion" (Paul Klee), "Telling Stories" (Romare Bearden),
"M-A-T-I-S-S-E, Matisse" (Henri Matisse), "Impression, Monet" (Claude Monet), and "Paint a
Picture, Too". 33 min.
Invisible Friends
Dog on Fleas
www.dogonfleas.com
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas Publicity
5505 SW Illinois Street
Portland, OR 97221
$12.97 CD / $9.99 digital www.cdbaby.com
Invisible Friends is the seventh energetic album for kids of all ages from the acclaimed band Dog
on Fleas. Drawing upon a wide variety of dance-heavy musical traditions from Afro-pop to 60's
soul, Invisible Friends especially delights in songs that celebrate creativity, imagination, and
appreciating the wonderful things about one's friends. The result is a joyful collection perfect for
road trips or children's parties, performed with such aplomb that adults may well find themselves
humming along or tapping their toes! The tracks are "There's a Band in My Head", "Treehouse",
"Fortunate Mistake", "Party", "Just Another Finger", "Peapod", "The Smelt", "Charm Them
Birdies", "Invisible Friends", "Tell Me What You Love", "If You Wanna Dance Say Yeah!",
"Has Anybody Seen My Shoes?", "Memory Lane", "As Far as the Eye Can See", "So Sweet You
Are", and "Great Big Ball".
World of Wonder
Alison Faith
www.alisonfaithlevy.com
Mystery Lawn Music
Waldmania!
130 Maywood Drive
San Francisco, CA 94127
$12.97 CD / $9.99 digital www.amazon.com www.cdbaby.com
World of Wonder is a solo album of kid-friendly (and parent-friendly!) rock by Alison Faith
Levy, also known as "Sippy Alison" of "The Sippy Cups" band. For World of Wonder, Alison
has joined forces with songwriter, band leader, and producer Allen Clapp to create a lively
collection of magical, move-happy tunes, ideal for young people ages 2-8. The songs are
overflowing with pure pop-rock delight, and Alison's love for sharing joyful songs with little
ones shines through her magical singing. Highly recommended. The tracks are "Reach for the
Sky", "Like a Spinning Top", "Detours", "I Love the Rain", "Itsy Bitsy Spider", "Three Tulips",
"Eye of the Tornado", "Baby Anteater", "I Had a Rooster", "World of Wonder", and "One More
Cupcake". 32 min.
Delicious
Orange Sherbet
c/o Waldmania! (publicity)
130 Maywood Drive
San Francisco, CA 94127
$15.00 CD / $10.00 download www.orangesherbet.org
Delicious is the fifth album of family-friendly musical group Orange Sherbet. A playful
collection of seventeen catchy tunes, Delicious revolves around the theme of growing, preparing,
and savoring wonderful meals during all four seasons of the year. Different songs draw
inspiration from a wide variety of musical genres, from the jazz-influenced title track to the
folk-rock blend "Waffle Day" to Latin leanings in "Rice & Beans", a song that doubles as a
Puerto Rican recipe. A joy to listen to and share with little ones, Delicious is highly
recommended. The tracks are "Delicious", "Springtime", "Who", "Waffle Day", "Summertime",
"Honey Bee", "We Jump for Sherbet", "Juicy Berry", "Fall", "Farmers' Market", "Rice & Beans",
"Chase That Pig", "Winter", "Stone Soup", "Tea Time", "Through the Seasons", and "Garden
Song".
A Potluck
Lucky Diaz
Lucky Diaz Music
www.luckydiazmusic.com
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas Publicity
5505 SW Illinois St., Portland, OR 97221
CD, $12.44, www.amazon.com
A 'potluck' is a community or church dinner where everyone brings a dish to share. The Family
Jam Band and Lucky Diaz have created the musical equivalent of a potluck dinner experience by
creating lively songs inspired by their own Los Angeles-based neighborhood. Eleven original
pieces comprise "A Potluck" and include Morning (:51); Lines and Dots (2:44); On My Bike
(3:06); Lemonade Stand (2:44); Squirrelly the Squirrel (3:19); Monkey Jones (2:52); Li'l Red
Rooster (2:52); Tres Ratones (4:08); Invisible Friend (2:49); Who Stole the Cookies (3:18); and
Night (:59). Superb musical performances combined with technically flawless recordings make
"A Potluck" a joyous listening experience and highly recommended for personal, family, school,
and community library CD music collections.
The DVD Shelf
Disney's The Lion King Deluxe Edition
Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice
Hal Leonard
7777 W. Bluemound Rd.
P.O. Box 13819, Milwaukee, WI 53213
9781458421173, $19.99, www.halleonard.com
"Disney's The Lion King Deluxe Edition" is released to commemorate the Disney Lion King 3D
movie release. Adorned with a spectacular, 3D color cover portrait of five of the beloved
characters, "The Lion King Deluxe Edition" contains complete piano /vocal /guitar arrangements
for Nants' Ingoyama, Circle of Life, I Just Can't Wait To Be King, Be Prepared, Hakuna Matata,
Can You Feel the Love Tonight? and more. A center section with vista color illustrated complete
lyrics is included, as well as special performance editions of the three most popular songs (Can
You Feel The Love Tonight, Circle of Life, I Just Can't Wait to Be King), presented as performed
by Elton John. This bargain-priced collection will be treasured and much used.
Angelina Ballerina Ultimate Dance Collection
Hit Entertainment
c/o Lionsgate (distributor)
c/o Andrea Blain Public Relations
9750 Crawford Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076
$19.98 www.angelinaballerina.com www.hitnewsonline.com
Angelina Ballerina Ultimate Dance Collection is an inexpensive collection of three DVDs from
the popular computer-animated "Angelina Ballerina" children's show, plus a bonus music CD.
The three DVD programs are "Pop Star Girls", in which Angelina directs a hip-hop musical;
"Dancing on Ice", where Angelina searches for her suddenly missing ice skates, hoping to be
ready in time for a performance on ice; and "The Shining Star Trophy", where Angelina and her
friends compete in an exciting talent show. A simple bonus DVD game enhances each of the
programs, and the music CD features four energetic, toe-tapping songs: "I Will Be a Star", "The
Mouseling Twirl", "It Takes a Lot of Dancers", and "A Step at a Time". Angelina Ballerina
Ultimate Dance collection is an excellent gift for young girls, especially those with a budding
interest in the art of dance. 3 DVDs and 1 CD, 175 min.
The Multimedia Shelf
When You Wish Upon a Star
Performed by Judy Collins
Paintings by Eric Puybaret
Music by Ned Washington
Lyrics by Leigh Harline
An Imagine Book
c/o Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
9781936140350 $17.95 www.charlesbridge.com
When You Wish Upon a Star is a sumptuously illustrated children's picturebook that brings the
lyrics of the classic lullaby to starry life. Eric Puybaret's paintings features breathtaking
renditions of night sky fairies spreading their magic to embrace children of cultures around the
world. A music CD of three lullabies by Grammy Award-winning singer Judy Collins (two of
which she wrote and recorded just for this book!) is a heavenly listening experience, and useful
for helping parents as well as fussy children relax and doze off. Highly recommended. The CD
songs are "When You Wish Upon a Star", "The Other Side of My World", and "All the Pretty
Horses (Hush-a-Bye)".
The Amazing Adventures of Radish Toe
Adrienne Momi, author/illustrator
Momi Lani Paper Arts
655 Bayview Dr., Aptos, CA 95003
9780615395241, $19.95 http://radishtoe.com
"The Amazing Adventures of Radish Toe" is a story, a poem, a song, and a fabulous art show in
wacky, wonderful, crazy collages. Telling the story of Radish Toe the Monkey, held captive on
an island by the evil Snake, rescued by the bold Giraffe, she manages to also save her beloved
Giraffe from his snake-venom-caused blindness by kissing his eyes. All ends happily in this
imaginative reworking of the Rapunzel fairytale story. Accompanied by a magical CD of story
narrated by Adrienne Momi and music by Suzanne Weller, "The Amazing Adventures of Radish
Toe" appeals to multiple senses with its rhyme, tale, music, and colorful, primal collages of
spiritual transformation. although "The Amazing Adventures of Radish Toe" is a children's book
and will be eagerly enjoyed by youngsters everywhere, it also holds a special appeal for adult
sensibilities. For a magical, transforming experience, read "The Amazing Adventures of Radish
Toe" to your favorite child. You'll both be enriched immeasurably.
The Activity Shelf
Welcome to New York
Peter Pauper Press, Inc.
202 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
9781441306371 $15.99 www.peterpauper.com
Welcome to New York is a lavish paper doll dress-up activity book that will appeal to adults as
well as young people ages three and up (it's explicitly not for children under three years due to
small parts). Consisting of five student paper dolls, over ten mix-and-match outfits, and three
fold-out scenes of New York Harbor, Central Park and Times square upon which to pose the
dolls, Welcome to New York is a grand source of rainy-day amusement. A heavy-duty storage
envelope to keep the paper dolls safe and a companion 32-page "Welcome to New York" book
are included; this book is packed with photographs and fun facts about thirteen different places in
New York. Although Welcome to New York is not meant for public library collections due to its
plethora of component parts, families everywhere can enjoy playing with this celebration of the
Big Apple.
Books in Series
The Business of High Tech series
Adam Sutherland
The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
29 East 21st Street
New York, NY 10010
$23.95 hc / $10.00 pbk. each www.rosenpublishing.com
"The Business of High Tech" series is an intermediate reading level nonfiction picturebook series
designed to educate young adults about companies that have made a gigantic impact in the
modern technological market. Each volume details the history of a specific company, from the
people who founded it to the business practices (such as innovation or diversification) that helped
it grow. "The Story of Nintendo" (9781448870431) chronicles the immensely popular video
game company that got its start as a playing card manufacturer over one hundred years ago; "The
Story of Facebook" (9781448870424) tells of how the successful social media application spread
because it helped people from all walks of life stay in touch with one another; "The Story of
Apple" (9781448870400) explores the ups and downs of the longstanding computer company,
perhaps best known currently for its iPod devices that streamlined and reinvented people's access
to their favorite songs; and "The Story of Google" (9781448870417) relates how the world's most
popular search engine came to be. Each book is packed cover to cover with full color
photographs illustrating accessible text that does not talk down to young adults, plus a glossary
and "Do You Have What It Takes to Work At...?" list of questions, making "The Business of
High Tech" a top pick for public and grade school children's library collections. Highly
recommended, especially as tools to teach young people more about the intersection of the
business world and modern technology.
Animals in Danger series
Michael Portman
Gareth Stevens Publishing
111 East 14th Street, Suite 349
New York, NY 10003
$22.60 each www.garethstevens.com
"Animals in Danger" is a six-volume educational picturebook series for elementary or middle
school readers, about animals who are at risk for extinction due to habitat loss and other threats.
Each book spotlights a different majestic creature; the text is filled with amazing facts and
illustrated with captivating, full-color wildlife photography. A brief glossary, index, and list of
recommended books or websites for more information rounds out each volume. "Animals in
Danger" is an excellent resource for helping to introduce young readers to the natural world, and
some of its most incredible, imperiled animals. The individual volumes are "Whales in Danger"
(9781433958144), "Tasmanian Devils in Danger" (9781433958069), "Gorillas in Danger"
(9781433957949), "Tigers in Danger" (9781433958106), "Pandas in Danger" (9781433957987),
and "Sea Turtles in Danger" (9781433958021).
Food from Farmers series
Ruth Owen
Windmill Books
c/o The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
29 East 21st Street
New York, NY 10010
$25.25 each www.rosenpublishing.com
"Food from Farmers" is a five-volume educational picturebook series written to teach elementary
and middle school children where about where healthy food comes from, and about daily life on
different types of family farms (factory farms are described or referred to at times, but not
expressly profiled). Each book is filled cover to cover will color photographs and fun facts, plus
a glossary and an index to help young readers memorize agricultural concepts and words. A
young boy or girl narrates the hard work and numerous responsibilities of caring for plants or
animals on a farm. Highly recommended, especially for public and grade school library children's
collections. The individual titles are "Eggs! Life on a Chicken Farm" (9781615335299), "Fruit!
Life on an Apple Farm" (9781615335305), "Vegetables! Life on a Produce Farm"
(9781615335312), "Milk! Life on a Dairy Farm" (9781615335282), and "Meat! Life on a Sheep
Farm" (9781615335336).
Galloping Gertrude: By Motorcar in 1908
John J. Loeper, author
Ron Chironna, illustrator
Hat Head Books
PO Box 895, Pottstown, PA 19464
9780972794015, $19.95, www.hatheadbooks.com
First publication of an educational series titled Whence America?. "Galloping Gertrude: By
Motorcar in 1908" is the fictional story of a beloved motorcar whose travels through turn of the
century America highlight many of the delights, problems, and unforeseen obstacles to the
automobile's beginning popularity. Grandfather Hill decides to buy a Pierce-Arrow Touring Car
in 1908, in the Pennsylvania Appalachian Highlands. In accordance with his custom of naming
cows and horses, he names his new vehicle Galloping Gertrude. The rollicking tales of travel
adventures that ensue are filled with typical incidents that dotted the early history of automobile
use and travel in America. Unforeseen obstacles such as sharing the road with animals, farmers,
and horse-drawn vehicles, the lack of service stations, and a prejudice against automotive travel
are hilariously drawn and experienced. An educational series appealing to juvenile and even
reluctant readers, "Whence America?" is a creative effort to recreate the historical framework for
the development of many modern innovations, including automotive transportation. Historically
correct colored illustrations add to the interest level and enjoyment of "Galloping Gertrude,"
while an illuminated timeline of automotive milestones from 1769 to 2011 traces important
events in the history of automobile development. In addition, there is a glossary, index of names,
and listing of additional resources and related websites to visit for more information. Look for
more exciting titles from the "Whence America?" series including "Away We Go! On Bicycles in
1898," "The Golden Dragon: By Clipper Ship Around the Horn," and "The Flying Machine: A
Stagecoach Journey in 1774."
Frankie the Bunny series
Dorothy Jasnoch, author/illustrator
Owl About Books Publisher, Inc.
1632 Royalwood Circle, Joshua, TX 76058
9781937752033, $12.99, www.owlaboutbooks.com
"Frankie the Bunny: Woodland Warning" is one of the latest books in the series "Frankie the
Bunny," which features a wheelchair-seated compassionate bunny who seeks to help his forest
friends. In "Woodland Warning," Frankie senses a dangerous thunderstorm coming through his
large, keen ears. He warns as many of his woodland friends as he can, eventually helping all to
retreat to Secret Hill, a higher ground location that will be safe from dangerous flooding from the
impending storm. Filled with brightly colorful, eccentric illustrations of Frankie and his
woodland friends, "Woodland Warning" is a beautiful parable about how wonderful it can be
when all work together to help each other. Everyone has something special to contribute, and
concern and compassion for the well being of everyone, no matter how different, is central. Kids
will love learning from Frankie the Bunny and adults will too. Recommended for children ages
3-7. Another title in this series that is also recommended is "Frankie the Bunny: Mystery in the
Forest," (9781937752019, $12.99). The adorable, humorous, eccentric illustrations present a
cozy, comfortable cluster of unusual woodland friends together. Pictures to identify animals in
the story and Fun Facts about animals are also included at the end of each book. It is no surprise
that this series won the award in a European competition entitled "Fairytale World in
Non-Fairytale Reality", or that its 2008 publication helped raise thousands of dollars in donations
for the European Foundation for Child-Victims of Road Accidents and the "Return" Foundation
in Jantar, Poland.
America's Amazing Political Parties!
Carole Marsh
Gallopade International
P.O. Box 2779, Peachtree, GA 30269
9780635079756, $7.99, www.gallopade.com
"America's Amazing Political Parties!: Understanding How We Choose, Elect, and Support Our
Leaders!" is a handy workbook for children in grades 3-8 that uses games, activities, puzzles, and
fact bytes to teach the basic workings of the political party system in the United States .Complete
with handy answer key, each page is reproducible for learning purposes with definitions, word
games, slogans, explanations, and fun games and activities that help explain the present political
system to kids. Useful for social issues, political studies, and democracy teaching, "America's
Amazing Political Parties!" can make learning about the election process cool and fun for
everyone. Kids are encouraged to grab a pencil and join the party with learning accomplished as
a by product of fun. Vocabulary enrichment and media awareness and analysis is encouraged,
while election procedures are featured throughout. Also recommended from Gallopade
International is a series of political party coloring books including "The Green Party Coloring
Book (9780635079794, $4.99)," "The Republican Party Coloring Book (9780635079763,
$4.99)," "The Democratic Party Coloring Book (9780635079770, $4.99)," and "The Tea Party
Coloring Book (9780635079787, $4.99)."
Fujimini Adventure Series
Eileen Wacker, author
Alan M. Low, illustrator
Once Kids, LLC
119 Maono Place, Honolulu, Hawaii 96821
c/o Smith Publicity
1930 E Marlton Pike, Suite I-46, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
$10.99 each www.oncekids.com www.smithpublicity.com
The Fujimini Adventure Series is a delightfully playful children's picturebook series featuring a
band of colorful, cartoony animal friends. Elements of Hawaiian and Japanese culture blend
seamlessly into these charming stories about friendship and character building. In "Green
Hamster and the Quest for Fun" (9781439266335), Green Hamster is distressed that the island's
other animals seem to be having much more fun than he does. He sets out on a quest to find fun,
and discovers that other animals' ideas of fun (from eating a lot of fish to climbing fragile tree
branches) aren't as enjoyable for him as for them, and discovers that true fun comes from being
with friends who accept a hamster for who he is. In "Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi"
(9780984420735), Red Penguin's top-quality sushi that he worked so hard to prepare for the
Moon Festival Celebration suddenly goes missing! Wise Brown Hamster is determined to solve
the mystery in time, but could the sushi have disappeared due to a mistake by Blue Whale, or
could there be more sinister shenanigans behind the matter? In "Pink Hamster and the Birthday
Surprise" (9780984420711), Pink Hamster obsesses tremendously over birthday cake. But what's
this - have all the hamsters, even her best friend Green Hamster, forgotten hir birthday? Will she
get to enjoy the cake, singing, and birthday wishes she has been dreaming of for weeks? A brief
glossary and explanation of items from Asian cultures that appear in the story enhance this
charming picturebook. Other titles in the "Fujimini Adventure Series" include "Silent Samurai
and the Magnificent Rescue", and the forthcoming "Black Tortoise Samurai and the Dynasty
Dragon". The "Fujimini Adventure Series" is especially recommended as a fun and gradual way
to introduce young picturebook readers to elements of Asian culture!
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Michael J. Martin
Morgan Reynolds
620 South Elm Street, Suite 387, Greensboro, NC 27406
9781599351698, $28.95, www.morganreynolds.com
"Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Champion of Freedom" is a biography for juveniles of the famous
theologian, anti-Nazi Christian martyr/double agent, from a series of biographies of social justice
champions and pioneers. Bonheoffer's eventful life is presented in ten chapters which cover his
profile, background, travels, teachings, European and American connections in the battle for the
"soul of the Church," persecution, double agent status, and arrest and martyrdom. A final chapter
titled Legacy is the epilogue to this 20th century visionary, which explains briefly how
miraculous it is that there is any remaining written record of the amazing theological thoughts
and insights of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Had Hitler's orders to execute a close confederate, Eberhard
Bethge been carried out, it is doubtful that the illuminating writings of Dietrich Bonnhoeffer
would have been preserved and resurrected. But Hitler's suicide in later April, 1945, came too
late to save Dietrich Bonhoeffer, but in time to preserve Eberhard Bethge, who later published
Bonhoeffer's "Ethics" in 1949. Many ironies and dualities persist in the fascinating biography of
this great moralist and philosopher. The biography ends with a timeline of the life of Dietrich
Bonhoeffer and a list of sources and bibliography. Other highly recommended titles in this series
include "Aung San Suu Kyi, Champion of Freedom,", by Sherry O'Keefe (9781599351681,
$28.95) and "Nelson Mandela, Champion of Freedom," by Kem Knapp Sawyer
(9781599351674, $28.95).
Meet My Neighbor series
Marc Crabtree
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3308
New York, NY 10118
$21.27 each www.crabtreebooks.com
Three new volumes in the "Meet My Neighbor" picturebook series teach young people the basics
about different careers adults can have. Each book in the series is filled with full-color, full-page
photography and enhanced with a vocabulary-building glossary; the simple text is excellent for
beginning readers. "Meet My Neighbor, the Police Officer" (9780778745617) follows the daily
routine of a female police officer who delivers tickets to drivers of speeding cars, directs traffic,
and even arrests people who break the law. "Meet My Neighbor, the News Camera Operator"
(9780778745600) follows a dedicated cameraman as he loads his equipment into a news van and
uses it to interview people and capture the latest stories on film. "Meet My Neighbor, the
Librarian" (9780778745594) follows a librarian who teaches people how to find the books they
are looking for, helps children learn how to use the library, and much more. The "Meet My
Neighbor" series is as educational as it is lively, and highly recommended for public library and
elementary school picutrebook collections.
I Spy Up in the Sky
Tamra Orr
Mitchell Lane Publishers
PO Box 196, Hockessin, DE 19707
9781584159735, $25.70, www.mitchelllane.com
Far above us lie many mysteries, and children will always prove curious. "I Spy Up in the Sky" is
a series of children's book from Tamra Orr, as she presents a series of children's books exploring
the things that hang far above us and inspire wonder for those who look up, educating and
entertaining with rhyme. "The Moon" (9781584159735, $25.70) explores the moon, why it
changes night to night, the man in the moon, and other legend."The Clouds" (9781584159742,
$25.70) explores the many type of clouds over head, where they come from and what the can
bring. "The Stars" (9781584159759, $25.70) discusses the stars that fill the sky, what they are,
and the constellations they form. "The Sun" (9781584159728, $25.70) explores the center of our
universe and what it does for us, what's it's made of and more. An excellent choice for collections
seeking educational picturebooks, "I Spy Up in the Sky" is a series that shouldn't be excluded
from consideration.
Alton Brown
John Grabowski
Eldorado Ink
P.O. Box 100097, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
9781619000070, $29.95, www.eldoradoink.com
"Alton Brown" is a detail-packed, fun biography of talented chef, food celebrity and educator
Alton Brown, from the Top Chefs series about famous celebrity chefs with widespread media
experience. Like Alton Brown's hit T.V. series, "Good Eats." "Alton Brown" packs a lot of
information into a fantastically entertaining, photo-illustrated format. Key to Alton Brown's
philosophy about educating his audience about food and its preparation is the statement quoted in
the book from a national Public Radio interview: "'Good Eats isn't about food, it's about
entertainment. If, however, we can virally infect you with knowledge or interest, then all the
better (p. 8).'" Nine chapters present an extremely well-researched, brief thumbnail sketch of an
eccentric, brilliant food network star from start to finish. Alton Brown the self made food prodigy
merges with Alton Brown the great food entertainer/educator and above all home chef. In
addition to chapters about the show, the man, the making of an award -winning, hit food network
production, and related issues and controversies, there is included a chronology, glossary, and list
of additional resources at the end, plus chapter notes. All lovers of good eats will take note of this
fascinating sourcebook about one of the world's most unusual and gifted food educators. "Alton
Brown" is written to appeal to students age 11 and up. Also recommended in this series are the
following titles: "Paula Deen," by Bonnie Hinman (ISBN 9781619000131, $29.95), "Rachel
Ray," by Susan Korman (ISBN 9781619000254, $29.95), "Gordon Ramsay," by Annette Galioto
(ISBN 9781619000223, $29.95), "Wolfgang Puck," by Alison Hart (ISBN 9781619000193,
$29.95), "Emeril LaGasse," by Sawyer Albright (ISBN 9781619000162, $29.95), and "Bobby
Flay," by John F. Grabowski (ISBN 9781619000100., $29.95).
Step-By-Step Experiments series
The Child's World, Inc.
1980 Lookout Drive, Mankato, MN 56003
www.childsworld.com
A premier publisher of non-fiction 'books in series' specifically designed for school libraries and
classrooms, one of the newest twelve volume sets and enthusiastically recommended is The
Child's World series 'Step-By-Step Experiments' and provides young readers in grads 1 through 4
with simple but effective introductions to the scientific process. A specific volume addresses
electricity, insects, life cycles, light and vision, magnets, matter, plants, simple machines, soils,
sound, taste and digestion, and the water cycle. Each individual 32-page book includes a
profusion of colorful photography and instructive illustrations perfectly coordinated with an
informative and 'student friendly' text. Each book comes with a reinforced library binding and is
enhanced with the inclusion of a table of contents, a glossary of key words and phrases, sources
for further research (including thematically relevant web sites), and a comprehensive index.
Although each individual titles is available separately ($28.50 List / $19.95 Library), school and
community libraries are well advised to achieve a significant cost savings by obtaining the twelve
volume "Step-By-Step Experiments" set (9781609734798) in its entirety ($342.00 List / $239.40
Library). Incidentally, "Step-By-Step Experiments" is ideal as a home schooling curriculum
supplement!
Crabtree Publishing Company
PMB 59051, 350 - 5th Ave, 59th Floor, New York NY 10118
www.crabtreebooks.com
Four new books in the 'Life in the Early Islamic World' series ($22.95 each) will appeal to grades
5-8 and reading levels of Grade 6 with four books considering the history, culture and spread of
the Muslim peoples and religion from the 600s to modern times, and are a pick for any collection
seeking to cover the subject for young readers. Each book holds some 48 pages of color
illustrations and coverage, and is designed to attract students and leisure browsers alike. Lizann
Flatt's ARTS AND CULTURE IN THE EARLY ISLAMIC WORLD (9780778721673), Trudee
Romanek's SCIENCE, MEDICINE AND MATH IN THE EARLY ISLAMIC WORLD
(9780778721703), Rachel Eugster's ROLE OF RELIGION IN THE EARLY ISLAMIC WORLD
(9780778721697) and Allison Lassieur's TRADE AND COMMERCE IN THE EARLY
ISLAMIC WORLD (9780778721727) all provide plenty of details suitable for reports. The 'Let's
Rock' geology series ($19.95 each) provides 32 pages of geology basic facts for grades 3-6, and
covers the basics of how to be a rock collector and how to understand such specialty items as
crystals, fossils, and more. Each book is packed with color photos and illustrations, includes a
glossary and index, and features photos of kids involved in investigating rocks. Natalie Hyde's
HOW TO BE A ROCK COLLECTOR (9780778772125), WHAT ARE FOSSILS?
(9780778772149), and WHAT ARE MINERALS? (9780778772156) each pack in fine and
specific details, with Molly Aloian's WHAT ARE CRYSTALS? (9780778772132) rounding out
the fine offerings identifying different types of minerals, their properties, and the process of their
creation and discovery. The 'Cultural Traditions in My World' series ($19.95 each) is a pick for
earlier readers in grades K-3 and provides 32 pages of colorful photos and discussions of
different traditions around the world. Suitable for both leisure browsing and student reports, each
book packs in descriptions of history, cultural evolution, and modern festivals and traditions
covered in each of the countries today. Molly Aloian's BRAZIL (9780778775836) and RUSSIA
(9780778775881) and Lynn Peppas' CHINA (9780778775843) and INDIA (9780778775850) are
top recommendations for any collection strong in cultural explorations.
Morgan Reynolds Publishing
620 South Elm St. #387, Greensboro NC 27406
www.morganreynolds.com
Six new releases from Morgan Reynolds provide recommendations for middle school
collections. Each book in the 'Champions of Freedom' series holds over 150 pages packed with
information suitable for reports, contemporary color photos, and fine detail. New to the
'Champion of Freedom' series are Kem Knapp Sawyer's NELSON MANDELA (9781599351676,
$28.95), providing a survey of Mandell's life and the politics and evolution of South Africa,
Michael J. Martin's DIETRICK BONHOEFFER (9781599351692, $28.95) following the pastor
and theologian's rise in the church and eventual pivotal role opposing Nazis in Germany, and
Sherry O'Keefe's AUNG SAN SUU KYI (9781599351684, $28.95), about Burma's leading
pro-democracy woman who was released in 2010 after seven years of house arrest imposed by
the country's military leaders. The history of Burma and Kyi's involvement in her nation's
independence makes for a powerful survey. Three new Don Nardo additions to the 'World
History' collection each provide over 120 pages packed with detailed historical survey perfect for
reports. CLASSICAL CIVILIZATION: ROME (9781599351749, $28.95), GREECE
(9781599351730, $28.95) and MEDIEVAL EUROPE (9781599351728, $28.95) provide fine
surveys that consider how early civilizations changed and evolved to foster in the modern era. All
are top recommendations for any middle school library.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
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
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