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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Ellie's Long Walk
Pam Flowers, author
Bill Farnsworth, illustrator
A. & A. Johnston Press
P.O. Box 188, Talkeetna, Alaska 99676
9780615340777, $9.95, www.pamflowers.com
"Ellie's Long Walk: The True Story of Two Friends on the Appalachian Trail" is the story of a
2000 mile hike down the Appalachian Trail, taken by the author, Pam, and her faithful black
Labrador, Ellie. Beginning in March of 2008, in Maine, Ellie and Pam hike together for 6 months,
ending up at Amicola State Falls National park, Georgia. "Ellie's Long Walk" explains many
unexpected dangers and trail obstacles met by the pair of travelers, including a thunderstorm with
many downed trees, a tricky cliff climbing path to find, and an icy stream leading to a waterfalls,
which Ellie falls into and narrowly escapes. Through discouragement, hardship, cold, injury, and
discomfort, Ellie provides unfailing support and cheer to Pam, and the two keep going together
until they make it to the end of the Appalachian Trail. Sensitive paintings of beautiful scenes, as
well as frightening events, help document the epic journey of "Ellie's Long Walk. The only in-print
children's book about the Appalachian Trail, "Ellie's Long Walk" has been nominated for the 2012
Chickadee Award (children's choice award from the state of Maine), the 2012 Red Clover Award
(the children's choice award from Vermont), and also potentially the 2012 Children's choice award
in Michigan and New Hampshire. "Ellie's Long Walk" belongs in every child's nature education
library.
The Holiday Shelf
Witches
Cheryl Christian, author
Wish Williams, illustrator
Star Bright Books
30-19 48th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
9781595722836, $5.95, www.starbrightbooks.com
"Witches" is an exciting, colorful, Halloween tale in verse, with a tiny but definite message of
inclusiveness triumphantly embedded in both text and illustration. Capering, rollicking young
witches in masks prepare for a spooky night of entertainment. First they make a disgusting gooey,
concoction which all must taste. Then they clean up and prepare to go trick or treating outdoors
in the dark and spooky night. Amidst all the fun, masks, costumes, candy, and celebration is one
small witch with braces on her legs and adaptive cuff crutches to help her walk independently. She
joins in the fun and later on the walk for treats outside she is seen in the background being pushed
in a nice wheelchair. No special attention is paid to this particular witch, she is simply included in
the festivities. Meanwhile the Halloween verse tale follows an enchanted path to a happy evening
of festive fun for youngsters. "Witches" is sure to appeal to children age 4 and up, and to adults
who will be pleased at its thoughtful, unassuming content.
Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Power of Giving
Howard Binkow, author
Susan F. Cornelison, illustrator
Thunderbolt Publishing
c/o The Lerner Publishing Group
241 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55401-1607
www.lernerbooks.com
978098261543, $15.00, www.wedolisten.com
"Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Power of Giving: A Christmas Story" is an illustrated tender
teaching tale from the much beloved Howard B. Wigglebottom series produced by the We Do
Listen Foundation, which teaches important life skills to children ages 4-8 using humor and
realistic situations. Following Howard through a scary journey that teaches him to appreciate all
the gifts he has taken for granted, "The Power of Giving" teaches children more about the true
meaning of Christmas through learning to identify with those less fortunate than ourselves. A
series of lesson and reflection questions are suggested at the end of the book for further reflection
and learning. "Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Power of Giving" is a gift that will go on giving.
The color illustrations add charm and tangible glow to each page. Also recommended in this
series is "Howard B. Wigglebottom Blends in Like Chameleons: A Fable About Belonging,"
(ISBN 9780982616550, $15.00).
The Picturebook Shelf
A Storm Called Katrina
Myron Uhlberg, author
Colin Bootman, illustrator
Peachtree Publishers
1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318
9781561455911, $17.95, www.peachtree-online.com
"A Storm Called Katrina" is the illustrated fictional story of a 10 year old boy named Louis Daniel
who lived in New Orleans when it was struck by Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005. Children
will identify with the experiences encountered by young Louis during the impact of Katrina and in
the desperate time that followed. Louis flees by boat with his mother and father to the Superdome
and he experiences many strange and frightening events there. He manages to hang on to his
beloved brass horn, which plays a crucial part in Louis' finding his father in the Superdome after
he gets lost trying to find the family something to eat. The crowded and dangerous survival
conditions in the Superdome are carefully described, in ways that Louis would have experienced
them. Finally Louis' father finds him and his Mama and the buses come and people are taken to
other locations for safety. But Louis and his family and an adopted stray dog decide to stay in
New Orleans and begin rebuilding because it has always been their home. Additional facts and
figures about Hurricane Katrina's disastrous impact on New Orleans are provided in the last two
page, along with a list of other books and website resources on Hurricane Katrina. A portion of
the proceeds from sales of "A Storm Called Katrina" will be donated to the Norman Mayer library
in Gentilly, New Orleans, the area in which the fictional Louis Daniel lives.
Clucky the Hen
Mar Pavon, author
Monica Carretero, illustrator
Cuento de Luz
c/o Independent Publishers Group
814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
www.ipgbook.com info@cuentodeluz.com
9788415241089, $14.95, www.cuentodeluz.com
"Clucky the Hen" is an English translation of a Spanish children's book destined to become an
imaginative classic, winner of an International Latino Book Award by the Latin Literacy Now
organization. Written for children ages 5-7. "Clucky the Hen" is an adorable character, with many
quirky characteristics, beloved by her chicks. Although some have reported, from one country to
another, the rum our that "Clucky is a terrible mother!" her chicks are devoted to her and feel safe
with her despite her unpredictable ways. "Clucky the Hen" is translated into simple rhyme and
three-dimensional-appearing, softly colored illustrations help illuminate the Hen's unique
character. Children will love and identify with "Clucky the Hen," a beautiful story about the value
of individuality and being true to yourself.
Achoo!
Laura Nadler Scott, author
Marguerite Massa, artist
Eifrig Publishing
P.O. Box 66, 701 Berry St., Lemont, PA 16851
9781936172412, $14.99, www.eifrigpublishing.com
"Achoo!" is a charming colorful illustrated sneezing monkey tale in tasteful verse. Filled with
color and charm, "Achoo!" appeals to an audience of children ages 2 to 8 just what a monkey
with a miserable cold should do to get well. Although Mayor Munkin believes it's his sole
responsibility to come up with a cure, he discovers that the best ideas do not always have to be
his. Wise monkey Mubby makes a healthy blue leaf soup that soon cures both little Lulu, Mayor
Munkin, and everyone. "Achoo!" is a delightful rhyming tale with comic style color illustrations
that children will love.
The Tree Monkeys
Wynne Marshall, author
Cynthia G. Hale, illustrator
Tate Publishing
127 E. Trade Center Terrace, Mustang, OK 73064
9781617772986, $11.99, www.tatepublishing.com
"The Tree Monkeys" is a colorfully illustrated morality fable for young children about a young
boy who refused to share a tree he believed was his with other creatures. The myth of ownership
is explored and debunked in this brilliantly illustrated story. The boy is outraged to find a
disrespectful tribe of monkeys capering in his tree at the top of the mountain one day. He declares
they are monsters and vows he will not share his tree with them, though they invite him up to a
fruit picnic. To prove his rightful ownership, the boy brings a large axe the next day, and proceeds
to laboriously chop the tree down. At his expected moment of triumph, he realizes he has
destroyed his wonderful tree, rendering its birds, monkeys and other sheltered life forms including
himself, tree-less. "The Tree Monkeys" is a sophisticated examination of the destructiveness of the
myth of ownership, laced with humor, cartoon-like bright illustrations, and fresh dialogue.
A One-Eyed Horse in a One-Horse Town
Julie Mahler Harris, author
Bonnie Lemaire, illustrator
CreateSpace
100 Enterprise Way, Suite A200
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
9781456553371, $9.95, www.amazon.com
"A One-Eyed Horse in a One-Horse Town" is a heartwarming tribute to the author's real horse, a
half-blind old horse who could dance to music and stole the hearts of the town (minus one cranky
neighbor). Written in song-like verse format and colorfully illustrated with zany, cheery paintings,
"A One-Eyed Horse in a One-Horse Town" is a true tale of triumphing over limitations and
overcoming disabilities. Children age 4 and up with get the message and enjoy the tale very
much.
The Adventures of Sigi, a Day in the Mangrove Forest
Candace Carson, author/illustrator
Sigi and Lulu Productions
7508 Weeping Willow Drive, Sarasota, FL 342401
www.SigiAndLuluProductions.com
9781937339005, $11.99, www.amazon.com
"The Adventures of Sigi: A Day in the Mangrove Forest" is the fifth book in The Adventures of
Sigi series of children's picture books about a real dog who lives in Florida. Sigi tells the tale of
his exploration of the Mangrove Forest in verse, with lots of repetition, color, shape and number
recognition experiences for young readers. "The Adventures of Sigi: A Day in the Mangrove
Forest" teaches observation of the many interdependent species that call the mangrove forest
home, plus underlining respect and caution for animal species with some ability to threaten a dog
or a human, such as poisonous snakes and/or alligators. This book and series is recommended for
children ages 3-8. A special section at the end titled Did You See? encourages young readers to
use their skills and visual senses to learn about the mangrove forest and its inhabitants. The quirky
combo photo/collage illustrations display just the right combination of humor and
information.
Pirate vs. Pirate
Mary Quattlebaum and Alexandra Boiger
Disney
c/o Hyperion Books for Children
114 Fifth Avenue, 14th floor, New York, NY 10011
9781423122012 $16.99 www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com
PIRATE VS. PIRATE: THE TERRIFIC TALE OF A BIG, BLUSTERY MARITIME MATCH
tells of one Bad Bart, a burly boy pirate, who faces off with Mean Mo, the mightiest girl pirate on
the opposite coast. When the two meet in the middle there's a contest to see who is the best pirate
in the world. From cannonball-hurling to hurling pirate insults, this provides a fun, whimsical story
perfect for picturebook readers with some basic skills who want something different in their story
lines.
Tricycle Press
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
Betsy Franco's DOUBLE PLAY: MONKEYING AROUND WITH ADDITION
(9781582463841, $15.99) provides a basic primer on addition within the context of a fun
picturebook tale. Here best friends on the playground discover the math concept of doubling as
they explore jump roping, competitions and more. Kids receive a basic, easy introduction that will
lead to multiplication skills in this fun primer. Anna Grossnickle Hines' I AM A
TYRANNOSAURUS (9781582464138, $12.99) tells of a little boy who pretends to be different
dinosaurs until his mother joins in with a snack and assumes the role of a mother dinosaur. A
whimsical story evolves in a very simple picture book.
North-South Books
350 - 7th Avenue #1400, New York NY 10001-5013
www.northsouth.com
Rick de Haas' PETER AND THE WINTER SLEEPERS (9780735840331, $16.95) tells of Peter,
who lives in a lighthouse with his grandmother and his dog Leo. He loves his lighthouse home -
until he gets snowed in and all the animals want to come in for refuge. His solution is to offer beds
to them all - and fun drawings makes this a top pick for any leisure reader. Hans Christian
Andersen's THE NIGHTINGALE (9780735840294, $16.95) receives lovely drawings by Pirkko
Vainio and requires some reading skills for complete enjoyment. Gorgeous watercolors capture
the essence of his lovely story in a recommended pick for any picturebook collection strong in
classic folk stories.
Random House/Knopf
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
Jane Kohuth's ESTIE THE MENSCH (9780375867781, $16.99) presents a young Jewish girl's
discovery that to be a mensch means to be a good, well-behaved person. The trouble is: Estie
doesn't want to be a well-behaved person - or even a person at all. She wants to be an animal - or
anything but a mensch! The dual meaning of 'mensch' is explored in this whimsical story especially
recommended for Jewish collections. April Stevens & Sophie Blackall's EDWIN SPEAKS UP
(9780375853371, $16.99) tells of a disastrous shopping trip by the Finnemore family - who
haven't even hit the stores yet, as Mrs. Finnemore keeps losing things. Baby Edwin is trying to
help but he can only babble - or does he know something? A fun 'lost and found' story evolves.
Hannah Shaw's SCHOOL FOR BANDITS (9780375867682, $16.99) tells of raccoon parents
who worry about their child Ralph's terrible habits. He's clean, polite - how can he evolve into a
great raccoon bandit? There's only one possible approach in this whimsical story of a too-good
raccoon. Monica Brown's WAITING FOR THE BIBLIOBURRO (9781582463537, $16.99) tells
of Ana, who loves stories but has read every book in her small village. One morning she
encounters two burros carrying a traveling library full of books and finds her world enriched by all
their stories. This takes the idea of the mobile library a step further and is a top recommendation
for book-loving kids. The read-together rebus story WE LOVE OUR SCHOOL! By Judy Sierra
(9780375867286, $7.99) tells of the first day of school for a frog and his three animal friends. In
substituting pictures for many of the words, this provides a user-friendly introduction to ease new
readers into the text concept. Phillis Gershator's MOO, MOO, BROWN COW, HAVE YOU
ANY MILK? (9780375867446, $16.99) takes a well-known nursery rhyme and turns it into
something different, offering new animals and twists on the concept. A little farm boy queries his
animals about their talents and gifts in an engaging story paired with fun drawings by Giselle
Potter. All are top recommendations!
The Fiction Shelf
The Dragonfly Prophecy
Jacquelyn Castle
Class Act Books
3000 N. Rock Road, Newton, KS 67114
9781935048831, $17.95, www.maryglenn.com
Upon adulthood, all one truly has in uncertainty. "The Dragonfly Prophecy" tells the story of Lexi
Blane, as she faces adulthood and what lies ahead of her. As everything she knows collapses onto
herself, she learns of her destiny and what she can do about it. An intriguing coming of age novel,
"The Dragonfly Prophecy" is very much recommended reading.
Lucy Dakota
C. S. Shride
My Piece of the Puzzle, LLC
PO Box 261179,
Lakewood, CO 80226-1179
9780983386315, $22.95, www.mypieceofthepuzzle.com
Exploration is more than knowing something's there, it's truly discovering it for yourself. "Lucy
Dakota: Rocky Mountain Beginnings" is a modern adventure novel following the story of Lucy,
an adventurous girl who embarks on a journey throughout the Rocky mountains and sees a good
dose of the rest of the natural world. Sure to be a treat for any young readers who have a
fascination with the giant world we live in, "Lucy Dakota" is a fine pick and much recommended
addition to any young adult fiction collection.
The Birthday Present
Roy Stanley, author
Roy Stanley and Vickie Froelich, illustrators
Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.
701 Smithfield St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
9781434909091, $9.00, www.dorrancebookstore.com
"The Birthday Present" is a delightful story in brief chapters about an owl who decides to give
himself a name for a birthday present, so that he can introduce himself to all the other animals at
the birthday tea party. Of course this strikes the other animals as a bit odd or even unfair, until
they decide that Owl, in his wisdom, must pop out a name for each of them, so they can all attend
the birthday tea party and introduce themselves and converse properly. Despite the exhausting
reaction he experiences after each namegiving, Owl works his way through a long list of animal
namings from Kookaburra to Platypus. The birthday tea party with tea and apricot yum-yums
remains a center attraction, but the animals agree the odd wisdom of Owl is the main attraction.
Charming black and white cartoon-like illustrations add zest to the characters of "The Birthday
Present," which exudes a gentle type of old-fashioned appeal for young readers age 7 and up.
Adults will also enjoy reading "The Birthday Present" to younger children.
Cimarron Sunrise
Brenda Turner
Yorkshire Publishing
9731 East 54th St., Tulsa, OK 74146
9780881442656, $12.99, www.yorkshirepublishing.com
"Cimarron Sunrise" is a historical fiction novel for students in 4th grade and above about a single
mother (who happens to be a sharpshooter taught by Jesse James) and her two children as they
decide to stake a land claim in Indian Territory around the late 1800's, at the time of the first land
rush. Nine year old Maddie and her older brother Nick face danger, floods, excitement and
hardships on their trip west from Missouri with their Ma, Young readers will taste the adventure
in every page, with an enriching portrait of the realities faced by young pioneers in the "Sooner"
state before it was a state. Short, action- packed chapters are embellished with historically
accurate, detailed black and white drawings, that all help keep the pages turning quickly. A short
vocabulary list and some study questions under author's notes pages help to add to the quality
education result of reading "Cimarron Sunrise."
Down the Mysterly River
Bill Willingham
Starcape
c/o Tor/Forge
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
9780765327925 $15.99 www.tor-forge.com
Down the Mysterly River pairs illustrations by mark Buckingham with Bill Willingham's first
novel for young adults, telling of a Boy Scot and orienteering expert who suddenly finds himself
lost in the woods, with no memory of how he got there. His encounters with talking animals leads
him to realize he's no longer in his familiar Pacific Northwoods home - and is involved in a
struggle against hunters who capture their prey and make them zombies. A fascinating tale
evolves, perfect for young adults who like animal fantasies.
The Bridge
Stan Crader
Wheatmark
610 East Delano Street, Suite 104
Tucson, AZ 85705
9781587369087, $21.95, www.wheatmark.com
The concept of love strikes us hard and leaves us searching for it all too quickly. "The Bridge" is a
coming of age tale as Tommy Thompson spends a summer with a motorbike in his sights as he
tries to deal with middle school and brushes up with romance. With humor and a good dose of
Christian faith, "The Bridge" is a fine pick with plenty to consider, highly recommended.
Emma, Dilemma, the Nanny, and the Best Horse Ever
Patricia Hermes
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591
9780761459057 $15.99 www.marshallcavendish.com
Emma, Dilemma, the Nanny, and the Best Horse Ever, tells of Emma, who has always loved
animals but who really falls for the beautiful horse Rooney. She rides him at a stable and thinks of
him as her own horse until she discovers he's for sale and becomes determined to buy him. Add
her best friend's move and Emma faces a host of problems that seem to have no easy solutions.
Kids ages 8-11 will find this a fine leisure read!
Fury
Elizabeth Miles
Simon and Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9781442422247 $17.99 www.simonandschuster.com
Fury tells of Chase and Emily, popular at high school who are in the right social set. But
quarterback Chase hides his anger and poor foundations while Emily hides her secret crush on her
best friend's boyfriend. Their impulse to act on their secret lives leads to danger when three
beautiful girls appear to know their secrets - and are determined to make Chase and Emily pay.
Kids ages 14 and older will find this a moving story.
Scholastic Press
557 Broadway, New York NY 10012
www.scholastic.com
Ramin Ganeshram's STIR IT UP! (9780545165822, $16.99) tells of Anjali Krishnan, a girl with a
passion for cooking who grows up with food from her Indian parents' roti shop. Anjali wants to
be a celebrity chef, so when she gets the opportunity to compete on a kids' cooking reality TV
show, she works hard to make her dream come true. Cooking and family interactions provide a
spicy plot recommended for teens who like food. Kathryn Lasky's WOLVES OF THE BEYOND:
WATCH WOLF (9780545093149, $16.99) tells of an uncertain peace between the wolves and
grizzly bears of the Beyond - a peace broken when a bear cub is snatched by a wolf. Faolan is a
young wolf raised by a bear mother and finds himself in the middle of a race war in this vivid
story, recommended for teen fantasy readers. Meg Cabot's ABANDON (9780545284103,
$17.99) tells of Pierce, who has visited the realm of the dead and who has moved to a new town
to escape her fears of death finding her. But the dark force after her has followed - and Pierce is
afraid this time she won't escape the underworld he offers. A fine novel of afterlife and intrigue
evolves for older readers. Garth Nix and Sean Williams' TROUBLETWISTERS
(9780545258975, $16.99) tells of Jaide and Jack Shield, who find weather and magical disaster
happens when they're around. The twins go to live with relatives they've never met when a
mysterious explosion levels their house from the inside - and find danger follows them. This is
Book One of a series, and opens with a bang. Jo Treggiari's ASHES, ASHES (9780545255639,
$17.99) tells of a teen who lives beyond the end of civilization as she knows it - and who finds her
beloved New York City is a new world. Lucy survives alone in the now-wild Central Park,
hunting and foraging for food until she meets Aidan, who urges her to join a band of survivors. A
top survival story evolves with many twists and turns. Susan Shreve's THE LOVELY SHOES
(9780439680493, $16.99) tells of Franny, who suffers from both a birth defect in her foot and a
beautiful and embarrassing mother. High school brings new challenges: dating and new social
interactions Franny fears - but her mother plans a journey to Italy to a shoemaker who will create
a custom pair of gorgeous shoes for her, and the journey will change her life. A vivid story of
disability and achievement involves teens.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Catalyst
McLean
Brighter Books
4825 Fairbrook Crescent
Nanaimo, BC Canada V9T 6M6
9780986555589, $15.95, www.brighterbooks.com
You can't control everything forever. Set in a sci-fi world filled with clones and cyborgs,
"Catalyst" follows young Micah, who through a turn of events finds that his fate and his future
suddenly in his hands; can he push back against the heavy control that threatens to stifle him? The
first of series, "Catalyst" is a riveting read that should prove very much hard to put down for
young adult science fiction readers looking for a new series to sink their teeth into.
Galadria
Miguel Lopez DeLeon
Moon Shadow Press
c/o Wakestone Press
200 Brook Hollow Road, Nashville, TN 37205
9781609560089, $18.99, www.wakestonepress.com
When power is discovered, one must learn how to use it responsibly. "Galadria: Peter Huddleston
and the Ties of Passage" is a youth fantasy following young Peter as he comes to terms with his
responsibility and power. He learns there is much to protect and there's more on the line for him
than a summer gone wrong. "Galadria" is a fast paced and much recommended read that shouldn't
be overlooked.
A Rat's Tale: Pemba Is Innocent!
Heidi Jackson, author
Kurt Jones, illustrator
Tate Publishing
127 E. Trade Center Terrace, Mustang, OK 73064
9781606040355, $7.99, www.tatepublishing.com
"A Rat's Tale" is the first book in a series of juvenile fantasy fiction with a pair of giant rats for
protagonists. Pemba and Prince Alden are two giant rats from opposite universes with one charge
in common: They must leave their homes to seek out an experience known as the magical
moment. Convinced they are the last of their kind, imagine the shock and surprise when hero and
heroine meet in the Blue Forest and discover they were destined to be together. "A Rat's Tale" is
full of surprises and action, with the plot twists perfectly amplified by black and white shaded
drawings for illustrations. "A Rat's Tale" is just the right combination of fantasy, action and
adventure with some solid core family values built in. This series will have high appeal to juvenile
readers in the middle school years. Also recommended in this series is "A Rat's Tale II: Escape
From Rattovia," (9781617396939, $12.99).
Spark the Stone Man
Asya Pekurovskaya, author
Olga Titova, illustrator
Pekasus
Pekasus2011@gmail.com
9780982848739, $21.00, www.an-animation.com
"Spark the Stone Man" is second book of the first series about the discovery of Lemon Drop
Valley's secret dwellers. Characterized by incredible anime-influenced illustrations of high artistic
quality and daring, imaginative action-oriented characters and plot twists, "Spark the Stone Man"
takes the young reader farther into the strange fantasy world of Lemon Drop Valley, where all is
not so well as it might seem. Suffice it to say, a dangerous quest confronts Spark, dealing with
wizards, obstacles, and the imprisonment of Stella, a furry tailed Yushka beauty that Spark has
secretly fallen in love with. Risking all to bring her carrots to ward off starvation while in the
granite prison. The magic way in which Spark is invited to attempt to rescue Stella is absolutely in
character, and "Spark the Stone Man" ends with a cliffhanger invitation to read the next
installment as soon as it is available (after this volume has been read 18 times by the fans)! "Spark
the Stone Man" is an inventive, vivid, embroidered chapter fantasy tale that will keep the interest
of middle school age to elementary age children.
A Boy and His Bot
Daniel H. Wilson
Bloomsbury Children's Books
175 Fifth Avenue, 8th floor
New York, NY 10010-7728
9781599902807 $16.99 www.bloomsburykids.com
During an elementary school field trip Code finds a small metallic bee that guides him from his
world to a land of robots, where he discovers the only key home lies in a dangerous rescue
mission to find an object before an evil ruler takes over. Any fan of the Transformer movies will
find much to intrigue in this science fiction plot that follows a buy's journey to save his new robot
friends from doom.
The Nameless World
Heather Payer-Smith
Privately Published
9781461112655, $9.95, www.thenamelessworld.com
Through mystery and wonder, lives are in Noah's hands. "The Nameless World" follows Noah as
he stumbles upon a puzzle which takes him to another world. As he discovers evidence revealing
his missing science teacher, Noah find that the puzzle leads to another, making "The Nameless
World" an insightful spin of mystery and proves to be quite the fun read.
Kaladar Books
Box 5226, Larkspur, CA 94977-5226
Book 1 of the 'Spanish Gatekeeper', Empire of the Ulfair (9780983192909, $11.95) by Bernard
Dukas, was a 2011 Compton Crook Award Finalist for best new novel and blends science fiction,
fantasy and adventure in the story set in 1900 and telling of Peter de Soto, an English schoolboy,
and his cousin, Bonifacia Espasande, who uncover a family heirloom with powers to lure them
off-world into a universe filled with strange creatures and challenges. Powerful dialogue and
twists and turns of plot make this an exceptional read that ends with a mystery - followed in Book
II, Gwellem's Hitch (9780983192923, $11.95). The second book is best read with the first and
picks up the story of the cousins now marooned on the planet. Peter's purpose is to reunite with
his love and find the wizard that can bring them home, while Bonifacia's seeking to rectify a
mistake that threatens her friends. The strong protagonists and their interactions make these
highly recommended young adult fantasy reads.
The Christian Shelf
Bedtime Bible Stories
Candle Books
coed@lionhudson.com
9781859859186, $9.99, www.lionhudson.com
The stories of the Bible have stayed with us with their timeless nature. "Bedtime Bible Stories" is
a collection of illustrated stories for parents to read with children telling of the many stories of the
Bible with a thoughtful and clear art style throughout. Stories include Noah's Ark, David and
Goliath, and several stories surrounding Jesus. "Bedtime Bible Stories" is a choice pick for any
Christian parent who wants to bring a little faith to bedtime.
Anna Mei, Blessing In Disguise
Carol A. Grund
Pauline Kids
c/o Pauline Books & Media
50 St. Paul's Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
9780819807960, $8.95, www.pauline.org
The third title in the popular "Anna Mei" series for middle grade children ages 8-12, "Anna Mei,
Blessing in Disguise" follows American -adopted, Chinese seventh -grader Anna Mei through the
trials of adjusting to junior high homework expectations and discovering an annoying new boy
genius student, Kai Hao Chen from Beijing. To make complicated matters even worse, her
adopted parents seem determined that she will become best buddies with Kai, whom she considers
to be a conceited show-off. Many assumptions are challenged in this comfortable chapter book
about a girl facing the combined pressures of adjustment to changing cultural, educational, and
religious expectations, added to the normal stress of growing through the early teen years. Anna
Mei discovers many things about herself, her adopted parents, and her friends. Kids will identify
with the struggles of Anna Mei, learning to grow with her. This is an excellent Catholic Christian
series, with an underlying message of tolerance of differences.
The Adventures of Lumi Nary Light
Sonya Haramis, M. Ed., author/illustrator
Joanna Paxinou, editor
Peace of the Dreamer
www.peaceofthedreamer.com
http://www.peaceofthedreamer.com/contact
9780976224723, $7.95, www.amazon.com
"The Adventures of Lumi Nary Light: A Fairy Tale of a Teeny Tiny Angel" is a delicate teaching
tale for young children with a powerful message of peaceful spiritual enlightenment and growth.
The award-winning visionary author has created a magical world with tiny good angels, some of
them like Lumi, striving for growth and improvement and wanting to help and comfort small
children in distress everywhere. In the guise of rescuing two lost children, Lumi guides the
children through the steps of meditation and visualization to help them discover their way (home,
or to enlightenment). "The Adventures of Lumi Nary Light" is a small chapter book, illustrated by
the author with charming black and white drawings of the world of Lumi and friends. It will
appeal to both children age 8 and up and adults. It would be a lovely book to read aloud, chapter
by chapter, to younger children. Its message of love, peace, and progression is based on a
practical core of daily living reality that is discernible through the fairy dust. "The Adventures of
Lumi Nary Light" is sure to spawn sequels that will be as beloved as the first luminescent
tale.
Wreath
Judy Christie
Barbour Publishing
P.O. Box 719
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
9781616264529, $9.99, www.barbourbooks.com
Independence is powerful, but there are those who only wish to help. "Wreath" follows young
Sixteen year old Wreath Willis who is struggling with her own, finding solace in a junkyard. As
she meets with many people in her life and finds with her help, their lives change, and they want to
do the same for her, Wreath fights it. A coming of age novel of working with others and facing
one's own future, "Wreath" is an excellent addition to any community library youth Christian
fiction collection.
The Judaic Shelf
Hashem Is Truly Everywhere
Chani Altein, author
Marc Lumer, artist
Hachai Publishing
527 Empire Blvd., Brooklyn, NY 11225
9781929628575, $12.95, www.hachai.com
"Hashem Is Truly Everywhere" is a color illustrated child's book that explores the Judaic concept
that God, or Hashem, Creator of all, is present everywhere. Written in catchy verse, with colorful
cartoon illustrations of each phrase's important idea, "Hashem Is Truly Everywhere" is a
wonderful book to introduce young children to the Judaic concept of the omnipresent Creator,
Hashem. Innocent theological questions are asked of an older boy (Tzvi) by a younger boy, so all
ideas are very child friendly in presentation. "Hashem Is Truly Everywhere" is a reassuring
theological question and answer book that children ages 3-6 will enjoy very much.
The Easy Reader Shelf
Viku and the Elephant
Debu Majumdar, author
Lynn Wolfe, illustrator
Bo-Tree House
1749 Del Mar Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
9780983222705, $12.99, www.Botreehouse.com
"Viku and the Elephant: A Story from the Forests of India" is an early readers' chapter book,
suitable for children in grades 2-5. Colored pencil drawing of jungle settings and exotic animals
and people decorate the exciting tale of a young Indian boy and his elephant friend, Haatee.
Haatee communicates with Viku by using primarily two different sounding trumpets, one happy
and one sad. Viku and Haatee have exciting adventures together discovering and thwarting evil
ivory poachers. The wisdom of nature and its many animals and birds is a them throughout "Viku
and the elephant." At the end of the book, a list of questions and a foreign words and
pronunciation guide help young readers advance in their learning about life in parts of India.
"Viku and the Elephant" deserves the awards which it is sure to collect, a praiseworthy book to
educate young students about the realities of living in a far-off, exotic land. Simultaneously, they
will identify with Viku and Haatee and the obstacles they must face and overcome.
Except the Color Grey
Arlene Alda
Tundra Books
75 Sherbourne St., 5th Floor, Toronto ON M5A 2P9
9781770492844 $16.95 www.tundrabooks.com
Except the Color Grey provides a vivid set of colorful pages exploring why the color grey should
be included as a favorite. Very easy text and links between color and colorful objects make for a
fine survey that explores the basics of color and its eye-popping opportunities in the world. Kids
with rudimentary reading skills will find this a perfect introduction!
I Remember When...
Dawn Wynne, author
Andrea Vitali, illustrator
Privately Published
01746111801, $14.99, www.dawnwynne.com
"I Remember When..." is an original unique interactive board book for children inspired by stories
the author's grandmother told her as a child. Each page half contains a textured object that
illustrates a part of the special memory, like a towel bit hung on a line to dry, a plastic dial on a
phone, a corrugated pretend washboard, etc. The memories described are real, precious, and
unique to the current generation of grandparents. Although "I Remember When.." was initially
designed to appeal to preschoolers and toddlers, elementary school children also will love it. A
creative contribution to convey the technological distance the generations have come within only
50 years or less, "I Remember When..." is a gift to be used and treasure, a tiny snapshot of the
past to share with children of today.
A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon
Audrey Penn, author
Barbara L. Gibson, illustrator
Tanglewood Publishing
P.O. Box 3009, Terre Haute, IN 47803
9781933718521, $7.95, www.tanglewoodbooks.com
"A Bedtime Kiss for Chester" is an illustrated board book about reassurance at sleep time for
young children, ages 1-4. Chester Raccoon is snug in his tree hole with his mother as the sun
comes up. It is his bedtime, but he sees shadows from the creeping sunlight that make him think
of crocodiles, spiders, and bears. Although his mother reassures him that nothing bad will happen
in the afternoon, and his brother is sleeping peacefully, Chester struggles with fears and doubts.
His mother reassures him with a kiss, hug, smile, and a promise of safety and Chester falls asleep
with dreams of fireflies in the night. Children will love the gentle versed text and the carefully
crosshatched illustrations in subdued greens and browns, light and shade. "A Bedtime Kiss for
Chester Raccoon" is a dreamy daytime lullaby for cranky, tired toddlers.
Froggy Boots Go With Everything
Jill Zabkar Martin, author
Kirsten Gaede Van Mourick, illustrator
JZM Media
PO Box 1512, Los Gatos, CA 95031
9780984394609, $6.99, www.jzmmedia.com
"Froggy Boots Go With Everything" is a delightfully color illustrated board book for preschoolers
that celebrates the special versatility of a beloved pair of green froggy boots. Children will adore
finding the little peeping froggy that hides somewhere on every page. The friendly large print
rhyming text keeps a youngster's interest, while the charming illustrations suggest further
adventures and stories on each page. At the end is a list of objects for children to hunt for in all
the illustrations, including the ubiquitous froggies. To stimulate young imaginations and promote
adventurous play and fun, read "Froggy Boots Go With Everything" to your favorite
youngster.
The Poetry Shelf
There's A Story In Every Box
Doc Lawrence, author
David DiTuillo, illustrator
AuthorHouse
c/o Lawrence R. Birzon
9781456746117, $13.99, www.amazon.com
Written in the tradition and style of Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss, "There's A Story In Every
Box: Poems for Big Kids and Little Kids" is a kooky collection of zany poems encouraging kids
to develop more compassion, individuality, and practical solutions, with a trend towards "cultural
crossover" empathy. One poem, titled "Streaming" strikes the reader as characteristic, if brief:
"Row, row, row your boat./ 'Cause it won't go where you want unless you do (p. 67)." Whimsical
black and white illustrations pick up poetic themes and images. Emotions are frequently close to
the surface, in the form of tears or laughter. "There's a Story in Every Box" may be a step more
complex than Seuss, a shade less ethnic than Silverstein, and certainly a bit more obfuscatory in its
rhetoric (but encouraging creativity!); nevertheless, it is surely destined to be another middle
school children's favorite classic.
Mommy Daddy Evan Sage
Eric McHenry, author
Nicholas Garland, illustrator
Waywiser Press
c/o Dufour Editions Inc.
P.O. Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781904130451, $16.95 factotum@DufourEditions.com
"Mommy Daddy Evan Sage" is a frolicking narrative poem about a very imaginative seven year
old boy, his not quite two year old sister, and their bemused and befuddled mother and father.
"Mommy Daddy Evan Sage" is never quite what you expect it to be, but it has many hidden funny
surprises in it. "Mommy Daddy Evan Sage" is spunky adventure poetry written from a child's
original point of view. There will b many spontaneous smiles and frequent laughter from adults
who read "Mommy Daddy Evan Sage" to their children. This reviewer suspects it is a book
intended to educate parents, but kids will love it too. The black and white linoleum style wood
block illustrations add greatly to the whimsy and charm of "Mommy Daddy Evan Sage." Children
of all ages will enjoy this creative narrative poem. They will enjoy filling the blanks with their own
version of the further adventures of Evan and Sage.
The History Shelf
The Town That Fooled the British
Lisa Papp, author
Robert Papp, illustrator
Sleeping Bear Press
315 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Ste. 200
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
9781585364848, $16.95, www.sleepingbearpress.com
"The Town That Fooled the British: A War of 1812 Story" is a historic reconstruction tale from
the Tales of Young Americans series, introducing the character of young Henry Middle, a
fictional but realistically based hero from St. Michaels, Maryland, a town of shipbuilders. The
mighty British navy fleet sails up the Chesapeake River determined to destroy the shipbuilding
town. What can one boy do to help a town of shipbuilders outsmart the British? In this American
David and Goliath tale, the American creators of the Baltimore Clippers prepare to flee the
threatened attack of the dreaded British fleet. The time is the summer of 1813. Henry's mother is a
nurse, and the family decides to stay hidden in their cellar to help care for the wounded. Henry
takes two lanterns intending to deliver them to his father, who serves in the town militia. The
town's militia dreads the British cannons' attack, and the gunmen who will come ashore. But a
rainstorm with fog can help to turn the tide for the American town, if they will listen to young
Henry's inspired idea to hang the lanterns high in the trees to fool the oncoming British ships and
cannons. "The Town That Fooled the British" is based on a historical event. To pique young
readers' curiosity about the significance of their nations' history, Tales of Young Americans will
hopefully continue to produce inspiring literary offerings appealing to children ages 6-10.
Always Plenty To Do: Growing Up On a Farm in the Long Ago
Pamela Riney-Kehrberg, author
Texas Tech University Press
Box 41037, Lubbock, Texas 79409
9780896726925, $21.95, www.ttupress.org
"Always Plenty To Do: Growing Up On a Farm in the Long Ago" uses a variety of sources to
present farm life for children 100 years ago in what is known as the Bread Basket of America, the
Great Plains States. "Always Plenty To Do" describes what farm life was like for farm children of
the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, with vivid descriptions of chores and exercises and
responsibilities in a typical day. Hard work and the uncertainty of farming make for a family full of
workers from a very young age. There were both advantages and disadvantages to living an
isolated farm life in this era. Children got to be outdoors much of the time, to interact with their
natural environment. They often grew most of their daily food and helped prepare it, so often they
ate a locally sustained, healthy diet. No access to the Internet or cars or fast transportation made
for increased isolation, but there was perhaps a compensation for that. Life was quieter, less
confusing. Education was not always easily available, and was consequently prized and hopefully
extended at home. Living space was small, but the outdoors was a vast playground, when chores
were done. All activities were subject to the whims of the weather. "Always Plenty To Do" is
divided into 5 chapters focusing on living and working on a farm, going to school, playing on a
farm and conclusions and comparisons between life as it was then and as it is now, especially for
children. Study questions at the end, notes, and a vocabulary list aid middle school age children's
education about rural life for children in the past. Black and white or sepia photographs of farm
children on the prairies and other farms add authentic interest.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Pond Babies
Cathryn Falwell, author/illustrator
Down East Books
PO Box 679, Camden, ME 04843
www.downeastbooks.com
9780892729203, $15.95, www.amazon.com
"Pond Babies" is a beautiful picture book for children ages 2-5 about the young of many different
creatures whose native habitat is a pond. Frog babies, loon babies, deer babies, turtle babies, and
even a human baby are featured. The paintings are beautifully textured and detailed, with
decorated and illustrated text itself. At the end of the book are a series of creative suggestions for
"Pond Baby" activity exercises that kids will love, plus some additional instructions and
suggestions to parents about allowing children to use their 5 senses to explore the natural habitat
safely. "Pond Babies" is a multi-generational hit that also delivers a message of wilderness
stewardship and conservation awareness.
Chippy Chipmunk: Babies in the Garden
Kathy M. Miller, author/photographer
Celtic Sunrise
P.O. Box 174, New Ringold, PA 17960
KSB Promotions (publicity)
55 Honey Creek, NE, Ada, MI 49301
9780984089314, $19.95, www.celticsunrise.com
"Chippy Chipmunk: Babies in the Garden" is a child's photo-essay about a mother and father
chipmunk and their four baby chipmunks, born in springtime. A sequel to "Chippy Chipmunk:
Parties in the Garden," "Babies in the Garden" delivers more charming colorful photographs of
four charming baby chipmunks, named Rosalie, Roosevelt, Rachel, and Benjamin, all named after
famous conservationist historic personalities. The baby chipmunks are so excited to discover the
garden world outside their burrow. Beautiful bird pictures (goldfinch, cardinal, bluebird, oriole,
chickadee, woodpecker, hummingbird) are also featured as part of the chipmunks' garden world,
as well as a rabbit, eagle, owl, and an old red squirrel, who incidentally warns the baby chipmunks
about the possible danger of Chester the cat. Although the chipmunks are fearful of the danger of
Chester the cat, Mama Lily tells them not to fret, since they were born with instincts and skills to
help protect them. She tells them to go play in the garden, in the sunshine. Another day, Chester
sees the chipmunks through the window and Mama Lily sounds the warning squeek! while Papa
Chippy bravely faced Chester through the locked screen door, tail aloft. The baby chipmunks
were safe and sound! "Chippy Chipmunk: Babies in the Garden" is a nature education reading
treat for children age 4 and older.
Ten For Me
Barbara Mariconda, author
Sherry Rogers, illustrator
Sylvan Dell Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
9781607180852, $8.95, www.SylvanDellPublishing.com
"Ten For Me" is a colorfully illustrated, humorous math/nature educational book for children ages
5-10. Tantalizing rhymes and action pictures take readers on a butterfly catching odyssey with
Rose and Ed, friends in a race to see who can add the most butterflies to their "catch.' Along the
way are many opportunities to learn to count, add, identify butterfly body parts and learn the
sequence of the butterfly life cycle, as well as butterfly identification skills. Using humane capture
and release tactics, Rose and Ed have lots of fun learning how to add and identify butterflies, and
so will young readers. For a fun way to learn addition and lots of fascinating butterfly facts, read
"Ten For Me" with you elementary school-age child. "Ten For Me" is also available in hardcover,
eBook downloadable English, and eBook downloadable Spanish, as well as eBook
subscription.
Where Wild Horses Run
Georgia Graham, author/illustrator
Red Deer Press
195 Allstate Parkway
Markham, ON, Canada L3R 4T8
9780889954489, $18.95, www.fitzhenry.ca
"Where Wild Horses Run" is a beautifully illustrated book about a young wild foal named Brown
Foal who lives with her mother and band of mares in Gold Stallion's band, in an area known as
Nehemiah's Valley, in the mountains of Canada. Based on actual observations made by the author
of the few surviving wild horse bands, "Where Wild Horses Run" is a fluid tribute and
documentation of the ways in which wild horses manage to thrive in a forbidding environment
filled with natural predators. "Where Wild Horses Run" is a beautiful book, highly recommended
as both natural observation, education, and adventure reading for children age 7 and up.
Roar!
Bindi Irwin with Jess Black
Jabberwocky
c/o Sourcebooks
1935 Brookdale Road, Suite 139
Naperville, IL 60563
9781402259319, $4.99, www.sourcebooks.com
"Roar!" is sixth in the popular junior wildlife adventures series with Bindi Irwin, 12-year old
daughter of wildlife conservationists Steve (deceased) and Terri Irwin. In this latest adventure of
the enormously appealing and successful series, Bindi travels to Sumatra with her family to collect
three tiger cubs for the Australia Zoo. While there, she becomes involved in a rescue effort to foil
a dangerous tiger poaching scheme. As in the previous five Bindi Wildlife Adventures Books,
many educational facts about (tiger) animals are interwoven in the plot. Bindi encourages kids
everywhere to become Wildlife Warriors, a worldwide movement associated with the Australia
Zoo. In "Roar!" her final charge to would-be Wildlife Warriors is: "Don't support companies that
directly damage the environment, or support activities that destroy habitat." Bindi is an
experienced media artist, TV success, and winner of two Nickelodeon awards who has also
launched her own clothing line, Bindi Wear International, and co-starred in the film "Free Willy 4"
with Beau Bridges. "Roar!" moves quickly through brief action chapters that will intrigue young
readers with an interest in preserving endangered wildlife species and the environment.
The Science Shelf
Bang! How We Came To Be
Michael Rubino
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228
9781616144722, $17.00, www.prometheusbooks.com
"Bang!" is a creatively illuminated and illustrated Big Bang creation of the universe text for
children ages nine and up. Beginning with an explosion over 13 billion years ago that spewed
galaxies, "Bang!" proceeds to follow the projected progression of events on or from the vantage
of earth, with approximate datings at the head of each page/era. From the initial explosion to 4
million years ago and the evolution of human beings, to the present, with overpopulation, species
extermination, and environmental destruction, "Bang!" emphasizes the interdependence of species
and ends with some specific recommendations for ensuring the continuation of our world as we
know it: "To make a start, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, conserve energy, recycle
waste, and switch to a healthier, more vegetarian diet (p. 67)." "Bang!" is the ideal primer of
Darwinian cosmos expansion for kids" will appeal to kids with or without a sense of responsibility
to the natural environments. "The Tree Monkey" is also available as a free audio digital book
download, at an eLive book download coupon code in the back of the book.
Mountain Wildflowers for Young Explorers
Sharon Lamar
Mountain Press
Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
9780878425785 $14.00 www.mountain-press.com
Any collection strong in nonfiction for elementary-level readers in grades 3-5 will find Mountain
Wildflowers for Young Explorers: An A to Z Guide offers a lovely discussion of over twenty-five
flowers accompanied by watercolor illustrations of each, natural histories, discussions of how the
Native Americans used them, and where and when to find the flowers in the mountain states.
From flower-related activities for homeschoolers and classrooms alike to a glossary and
resources, this is a fine addition to any mountain botany kids' collection.
The Geography Shelf
Secret Agent Jack Stalwart
Elizabeth Singer Hunt, author
Brain Williamson, illustrator
Weinstein Books
c/o Perseus Book Group
387 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10016
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
lissa.warren@perseusbooks.com
9781602861527, $5.99, www.amazon.com
"Secret Agent Jack Stalwart: The Mission to Find Max: Egypt" is the 14th book in a
multi-cultural/geography-educational series for children written about nine-year-old Junior Agent
Jack Stalwart of the Global Protection Force. In this volume, jack seeks and eventually finds his
long lost brother, Max, with the help of Kate, a fellow GPF Junior Agent, and another GPF
insider, Jack finds himself in a desperate race against a greedy archaeologist who threatens to use
an ancient Egyptian treasure for evil ends. This action packed, globe-trotting adventure series has
been selected by Virgin Atlantic Airways for the education and entertainment of children on their
long flights, as well as being featured on UK talk and radio shows. Cartoon-like (reminiscent of
anime) illustrations in black and white help keep reader interest high through the page-turning.
Appealing to children ages 6-9, "The Mission to Find Max" will intrigue young readers and teach
them more about the culture and history of ancient Egypt. Also recommended in this series is
number 13 in the series, "Secret Agent Jack Stalwart: The Hunt for the Yeti Skull: Nepal," (ISBN
9781602861510, $5.99).
Meet Us at the National Parks
Andrew F. Johnson, author
Jennifer Johnson Haywood, illustrator
Haywood Studios Inc.
P.O. Box 115, Hastings, MI 49058
9780615389950, $16.95, www.jr-rangerland.com
"Meet Us at the National Parks" is an illustrated children's book that teaches familiarity with many
of the famous National Park sites in the United States. spunky kid explorers rove trails with
catchy, rhyming text accompanies colorful cartoon scenes, each displaying a sign indicating the
name of the National Park portrayed. Featured scenes from Mount Rushmore, Glacier, Hawaii
Volcanoes, Denali, Acadia, Crater Lake, and Boston National Parks are included. From Sequoia,
Yosemite, and Death Valley, to Golden Gate, these intrepid explorers delight in finding new
attractions in many beautiful parks and sites. the last page and the back cover of the book contain
many park signs and a map of the United States showing many of the National Park Service sites
and others presented in "Meet Us At the National Parks." Additional fun activities, puzzles and
games for Junior Rangers are offered online at WebRanger, as well as at National Park Visitor
Centers. "Meet Us At the National Parks" will appeal to kids age 5 and up.
The Health Shelf
Life of Shouty: Food & Fitness
NeonSeon, author/illustrator
Rixkin
P.O. Box 11922, Atlanta, GA 30355
www.rixkin.com, www.shouty.com
9780984206919, $14.95, www.amazon.com
"Life of Shouty: Food & Fitness" is the second book in a series titled the Life of Shouty, a saga
about a being who "goes from overweight and overwhelmed to fit and focused." Written in
inspirational, piquant verse and filled with large, colorful cartoon-like illustrations, "Life of
Shouty: Food & Fitness" is characterized by very familiar dilemmas facing a junk food eater who
strives for better, healthier choices in his life. Although Shouty has a faintly alien cone-head-like
appearance, this trait is somehow endearing, and readers will identify with his battles with his
personified midnight junk food cravings. "Life of Shouty: Food & Fitness" is a quirky manual to
self empowerment and improved health. "Life of Shouty" may be written for a young audience,
but its appeal will cross generation boundaries.
Charlie and Me
Kathryn Archambault, author
William E. Hamilton, illustrator
Beaver's Pond Press
7104 Ohms Lane, Suite 101, Edina, MN 55439
9781592983940, $ 16.95, www.beaverspondpress.com
"Charlie and Me" is a heartwarming children's book about a boy named Charlie who has cystic
fibrosis, or CF, an inherited chronic disease affecting the lungs and digestive system. Based on the
life of a real person and his friend, "Charlie and Me" uses gentle rhyming text and realistic, joyous,
colorful paintings to show what Charlie's life is like as he grows up, and how his friendship with
Kathryn, the author, develops through the years. In the 1950's, children diagnosed with CF rarely
lived past the age of 5, but medical advances have given today's CF children a longer life
expectancy. "Charlie and Me" is a touching book, not at all maudlin or hopeless, that speaks
realistically to children about living with CF.
The Education Shelf
Pay Attention, Emily Brown!
Linda Burton, author
Carl Burton, illustrator
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817
9781606130278, $16.95, www.woodbinehouse.com
"Pay Attention, Emily Brown!" is a vividly illustrated inspirational book in rhyme for kids and
parents of all ages. It is especially relevant to kids (and their parents) who have trouble focusing,
or paying attention. The message is that the best way to get through to any preoccupied (or
differently abled) child is with humor, love, kindness, and patience. "Pay Attention, Emily
Brown!" is both outrageous in its humor and teasing in its tone. It is a book that will get the
attention of even an Emily Margery Brown. Recommended as suitable for children ages 4-8.
The Native American Shelf
Isabella Propeller and the Magic Beanie
Jonathan Graves, author
Gail Haley, illustrator
Parkway Publishers, Inc.
421 Fairfield Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
9781933251745, $15.95, www.IsabellaPropeller.com
"Isabella Propeller and the Magic Beanie" is a wonderful children's tale about a girl who dreams
of flying. Accompanied by her dog, Mullaby, Isabella discovers a magic beanie with a propeller,
which she decides to try out on a magical mountain location called Blowing Rock, where tales
record an Indian brave was once blown back when he fell off a cliff. Guided by a special mentor
named Wind Lady, or Wind Keeper, Isabella explores the area near Blowing Rock with her family
on a picnic. Isabella mysteriously meets Wind Keeper and Red Tail, her hawk spirit bird, who
explains that the red feather she has given Isabella is from Red Tail, and it can give her the power
to fly, on the condition that she use this power only to help others. Soon Isabella has the chance
to test this gift of power, when she uses her ability to fly to rescue Mullaby who is threatened by a
copperhead snake on a mountain side. The book closes with Isabella dreaming of her adventure in
flying, with a promise of many more adventures to come. Beautiful paintings convey the uplifting
moments of the story with poignancy and style. "Isabella Propeller and the Magic Beanie" is also a
reframing of an older, Native American traditional source tale that anchors it in modern settings
and culture, inviting cross -cultural pathway, ties, and investigation.
The Environmental Shelf
Riparia's River
Michael Caduto, author
Olga Pastuchiv, artist
Tilbury House Publishers
103 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine 04345
978088483274, $16.95, www.tilburyhouse.com
"Riparia's River" is an eco-tale for children that teaches both the cause and the creation of
solutions for non-point source pollution of flowing water streams and rivers. Filled with lush,
sun-splashed water color paintings of river and riverside habitat and the birds, insects and plants
that shelter there, "Riparia's River" is a beautiful teaching fable for children in elementary grades
3-6. A group of friends discover their favorite swimming spot on the river is polluted, and harmful
to the fish and animals that live in it. They are taught by a lady naturalist named Riparia what can
be done to clean and repair the riverbanks and restore clean river habitat. The children cooperate
and work with a will, inviting others to help when their replanting of riverside plants project
grows. "Riparia's River" is a wonderful, empowering story for children who will inherit tomorrow
the rivers, habitat, and creatures of today's ongoing stewardship. A nice community spirit message
is embedded in the illustrations' use of multiracial profiles for all the children, conveying the added
idea that cleaning up our rivers and habitat is a global concern.
Habitat Spy
Cynthia Kieber-King, author
Christina Wald, illustrator
Sylvan Dell Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A-2
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
978160718323, $8.95, www.SylvanDellPublishing.com
"Habitat Spy" is a color illustrated nature education book for children age 5 and up that invites
children to use their observation skills to seek and identify plants, invertebrates, birds, mammals,
and more that live in 13 varied habitats. These include the backyard, beach, bog, cave, desert,
forest, meadow, mountain, ocean, plains, pond, river, and cypress swamp. In addition to a
charming versed narrative that accompanies a spotlighted child looking with binoculars in
different habitats, there are four additional pages of related educational activities to help underline
more nature lessons about habitat spying. "Habitat Spy" is also available in hardcover, and eBook
in English and in Spanish. A sure way to make learning about the natural environment and its
inhabitants, "Habitat Spy" is an excellent resource for concerned and thoughtful parents and
educators. Also recommended as a nature educational title from this publisher is "Prairie Storms
(ISBN 9781607181392, $8.95)." by Darcy Pattison, illustrated by Kathleen Rietz.
The Bilingual Shelf
Rubber Shoes ...A Lesson in Gratitude
Gladys Elizabeth Barieri, author
Lina Safar, illustrator
Lilian Cosentino, translator
Big Tent
c/o Castlebridge Books
115 Bluebill Drive, Savannah, GA 31419
9781601310781, $17.95, www.castlebridgebooks.com
"Rubber Shoes ...A Lesson in Gratitude/ Los zapatos de goma...una leccion de gratitud" is a
touching bilingual teaching tale about a girl who hates her new brown rubber shoes that her other
bought for her on sale. she hates them so she plots ways to lose or destroy them, but they are the
invincible rubber shoes. Finally her mother takes her on a trip to donate the shoes to another little
girl whose reaction to the rubber shoes is very different, leading to an epiphany of gratitude for
our charming heroine. "Rubber Shoes" is a beautiful lesson in gratitude and humility for children
ages 4-8, written in both Spanish and English and tenderly illustrated in gentle semi-anime
style.
The Activity Shelf
Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog
Barbara Gail Techel, author
Victoria Kay Lieffring, illustrator
Joyful Paw Prints Press
304 Kettleview Court, Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
9780980005257, $9.95, www.joyfulpaws.com
"Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog: A PAWSitive Coloring and Paper Doll Activity Book" is a child's
coloring and paper doll activity book based on the popular children's book of the same name,
about an amazing dachshund named Frankie who loses sensation in her hind legs due to a terrible
accident. Frankie is outfitted with a set of experimental wheels and a harness to help her learn to
move about without using her hind legs. In addition to a narrated section with black and white
drawings to color, there is a colored paper doll section with a very handsome Frankie and many
different outfits for the different seasons of the year. "Frankie the Walk N' Roll Dog" is a
charming gift for children age 5 and up who will enjoy both activities sections of the book, as well
as remembering Frankie's motto, "Always be positive, make a difference, and keep on
rolling!".
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
The Three Billy Goats Fluff
Rachael Mortimer, author
Liz Pichon, illustrator
Tiger Tales
5 River Road, Suite 128, Wilton, CT 06987
9781589251014, $15.95, www.tigertalesbooks.com
"The Three Billy Goats Fluff" is a gentle, knitter's new take on an old grim (really grim) fairy tale.
The three Billy goats have to cross the bridge over the home of the troll, who cannot sleep
because of the noise made by their little goat hoofs, "Trip-trap, trip-trap!" The sleep deprived troll
threatens the three goats with various forms of goat stew and other delicacies, which frightens
them so much they rush home to tell their mother, who happens to be a very creative knitter.
What an imaginative solution she concocts for both the troll and the three Billy goats! Children
will love the quirky, colorful illustrations and the funny new take on an old "grim" fairy tale. "The
Three Billy Goats Fluff" is perfect for children ages 3-7.
The Social Issues Shelf
Wishes And Worries
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Tundra Books
75 Sherbourne St., 5th Floor, Toronto ON M5A 2P9
9781770492387 $17.95 www.tundrabooks.com
Wishes And Worries: Coping With A Parent Who Drinks Too Much Alcohol explores that
happens when dad's drinking ruins a birthday party. By assuming a fictional format yet addressing
real-world problems surrounding a parent's alcoholism, this provides important information in an
accessible form for kids affected by adult alcoholism, and is a top recommendation for
picturebook fiction and health collections alike, needing basic reading skills to prove
accessible.
The Cookbook Shelf
One World Kids' Cookbook
Sean Mendez
Interlink Publishing
46 Crosby St., Northampton, MA 01060-1804
9781566568661 $20.00 www.interlinkbooks.com
One World Kids' Cookbook: Easy, Healthy and Affordable Family Meals is a pick for kids in
grades 4-6 and offers a blend of healthy cooking and international recipes the entire family can
use. Dishes from around the world offer insights into various ethnic varieties while photos of
children from around the world, kitchen tips, vegetarian substitutions for meats, and more create a
lovely blend of geography and cultural insights and culinary fun. A top recommendation, this will
introduce kids to foreign foods.
The Music Shelf
Strange Dees, Indeed
The Deedle Deedle Dees
Beth Blenz-Clucas Publicity
5505 SW Illinois Street
Portland, OR 97221
$10.00 www.thedeedledeedledees.com
Strange Dees, Indeed is a lively album by The Deedle Deedle Dees, a group of four teachers and
musicians who strive to educate as well as entertain listeners of all ages. From a practical
examination of the pacifist Hindu philosophy of Ahimsa ("no harm"), to the story of scientist
Marie Curie who smuggled radium in her suitcase, to the crusading work of Sojourner Truth or
speculation on how Sacagawea felt when she saw the ocean for the first time with her baby,
Strange Dees, Indeed is an extraordinary tour of the lives of great people and how the world
changed them even as they changed the world. Highly recommended especially for high school
and public library music CD collections. The tracks are "Ah Ahimsa" (3:01), "Cool Papa Bell"
(2:38), "a song for Abigail Adams" (3:05), "The Golem" (3:47), "Marie Curie" (3:17), "Sojourner
Truth" (2:24), "River of Blood" (2:31), "Penny Farthing" (1:47), "Mayor LaGuardia's Stomach"
(2:40), "Sacagawea" (3:24), "Sacagawea Sock It To 'Em Disco Addendum" (0:42),
"Camperdown Elm" (1:58), "Birds of America Don't Care-Oh" (1:42), "Whaleship Essex" (3:17),
"Skating in Old Bryant Park" (1:52), "Phineas Gage Has Something to Tell These People" (2:51),
"Dead Horse Bay" (2:52), "Henry (Hudson), How Ya Gonna Find a Way?" (3:19), and "Bluebird
Redbird, Redbird Reef" (3:15).
The Multimedia Shelf
Songs from the Baobab
Songs collected by Chantal Grosleziat
Musical arrangements by Paul Mindy
Illustrations by Elodie Nouhen
The Secret Mountain
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas Publicity
5505 SW Illinois Street
Portland, OR 97221
9782923163796 $16.95 www.thesecretmountain.com
Songs from the Baobab: African Lullabies & Nursery Rhymes is a book-and-CD set gathering 29
songs from 10 African nations, including Rwanda, the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, Togo, and
more. Each song has a unique language, recorded with indigenous instruments and performed by
women, men, and children. The beauty and natural rhythms of each lullaby's language is
beautifully preserved, resulting in an eclectic, multicultural compilation that captures the universal
quality of love within each culture's traditions. Lyrics, translations, and illustrations enhance the
book component of this wonderful collection. 48 min.
Disney Collected Kids' Solos, 38 Great Songs (book and CD)
Walt Disney Music Company
Hal Leonard
P.O. Box 13819, Milwaukee, WI 53213
9781617741050, $29.99, www.halleonard.com
"Disney Collected Kids' Solos" is a fabulous collection of medium level piano/vocal arrangements
of popular songs to be sung by kids or adults. Containing such classic favorites as
Bbibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," "The Bare Necessities," "Never Smile At a Crocodile," "So This Is
Love," and "When You Wish Upon a Star," "Disney's Collected Kids' Solos" is sure to be a
favorite. Along with the CD of piano accompaniments (performed by Lawrence Yurman, Louise
Lerch, hank Powell, and Richard Walters), this collection will provide hours of musical
exploration and fun for young vocalists and their teachers and families.
Glee Vocal Method & Songbook (with CD)
Kate Reid & Andy Waterman
Hal Leonard Corp
P.O. Box 13819, Milwaukee, WI 53213
9781617741074, $12.99, www.halleonard.com
"Glee Vocal Method & Songbook" is an excellent pop vocal studies resource for young vocalists
and their directors. True to its title, "Glee Vocal Method & Songbook" contains melody line
transcripts for 8 of "Glee's" most popular songs, specific vocal skill-building instructions complete
with vocal exercises, as well as a teaching CD with two imaginary vocal students to help practice
vocal skills and learn concepts, plus finally a full length version of all 8 songs for practice and
performance. The 8 songs included are "Don't Stop Believin'," "Keep Holding On," "To Sir, With
Love," "Hello, Goodbye," "Can't Fight This Feeling," "Lean On Me," Sing!", and "Telephone."
Each song features a special key vocal or performance concept, such as vocal articulation, breath
support for longer phrases, "Singing in the Pocket," or groove and feel, etc. In addition there are
complete staging and choreography instructions for the 8 songs plus a chapter on using
microphones and P.A. systems. With an added Glossary of vocal terms, the "Glee Vocal Method
& Songbook" is a complete package about excellent pop vocal performance that will enhance
vocal performances of aspiring vocalists.
Music Play for Folks of All Stripes
Jim Gill
Jim Gill Music, Inc.
PO Box 2263, Oak Park, IL 60303-2263
c/o Beth Blenz-Clucas Publicity
5505 SW Illinois Street
Portland, OR 97221
9780981572116 $17.00 www.jimgill.com
Music Play for Folks of All Stripes is a family-friendly music CD (with a bonus DVD!) that
encourages active participation from listeners. Featuring fifteen original songs with a diversity of
structures from showtune to country waltz to bagpipes, Music Play for Folks of All Stripes
includes clap-alongs, finger plays, pretend games, and creative dances. A great way to engage as
well as entertain young ones, Music Play for Folks of All Stripes is a choice pick for parents,
babysitters, and elementary school library collections. The included DVD has live-action music
videos of selected songs and is ideal for brightening up rainy days! The tracks are "Beethoven's
Five Finger Play", "It Takes Some Friends", "Truck Stop", "Have You Seen the Trampoline?",
"Johnny Cuckoo", "Bagpipes", "The Onomatopoeia Pizzeria", "I Was Born a Horn", "Bananas",
"Habanera La La La", "Bounces Abundant", "I Changed My Mind", "Two for Tea", "Foot
Notes", and "Living Inside of a Jar".
The Counting Shelf
Let's Count to 100!
Masayuki Sebe
Kids Can Press
2250 Military Road, Tonawanda, NY 14150
25 Dockside Drive, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5A 0B5
1554536618 $16.95 www.kidscanpress.com
Let's Count to 100! is counting picturebook for young people featuring simple, brightly colored
illustrations. Every two-page spread has 100 of some playful creature (mice, elephants, cats, kids,
etc.) for young people to count; the quirky art style is enhanced with subtle variations for kids to
discover, such as how many ants are carrying candy, or which cat is being cuddled by a child.
Let's Count to 100! is a delightful way for young people to practice their basic counting skills, and
a choice pick for children's library picturebook collections.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
Random Acts of Comedy
Jason Pizzarello
Playscripts
450 Seventh Avenue, Suite 809, New York, NY 10123
9780981909974, $19.95, www.playscripts.com
Comedy is easy to pick up, yet hard to master. "Random Acts of Comedy: 15 Hit One-Act Plays
for Student Actors" is a collection of assorted plays that range in many types of humor from
outright parody to twisting of classics to meta humor on the art of theatre. For anyone seeking to
teach their students the art of humor, "Random Acts of Comedy" is quite the excellent source for
inspiration.
The Travel Shelf
The (Not-For-Parents) Travel Book
Michael Dubois, Katri Hilden, Jane Price
Lonely Planet
150 Linden St., Oakland, CA 94607
9781742208145, $19.99, www.lonelyplanet.com/contact
"The (Not-For-Parents) Travel Book: Cool Stuff to Know About Every Country in the World" is
a priceless travel resource book for kids on the go, with fascinating details about 200 countries of
the world. Complete with inset maps, on-location color photos, scrapbook-style data
presentation, and small paragraph infobytes on color highlighted sidebars, "The Not For Parents
Travel Book" is sure to intrigue its intended audience of young would-be global travelers age 8
and up. The language style is cut-to-the-chase casual and cool, and the research is awesome too.
Geographically arranged by continent, countries from Guatemala, Canada and the United States
to China, Algeria and Australia are included, along with many tiny countries and a color-coded
world map to locate them all. On the map pages, the countries are listed alphabetically, and color
coded to match pages for the 6 major regions in the body of the book. "The Not For Parents
Travel Book" is sure to appeal to kids, providing them with hours of painless cultural education
about the multitudes of countries existing in the world today.
The Reference Shelf
The World Almanac 2012 For Kids
The World Almanac
Infobase Learning
132 West 31st Street, 17th Floor,
New York, NY 10001
9781600571527, $24.95, www.worldalmanac.com
The world has no shortage of facts and knowledge to learn. "The World Almanac 2012 For Kids"
is an age appropriate reference to the ins and outs of today's world in politics, pop-culture, and
history and countless other topics. Presented in full color with plenty of photographs, "The World
Almanac 2012 For Kids" is a fine exploration of general reference, an ideal gift for the any child
with a wide reaching curiosity about the world.
Books in Series
The Birth of Islam
Don Nardo, author
Morgan Reynolds Publishing
620 South Elm St., Suite 387, Greensboro, NC 27406
9781599351469, $28.95, www.morganreynolds.com
"The Birth of Islam" is fourth in a series titled World Religions and Beliefs written for young
readers age 12 and up. Filled with stunning color photos taken from many historic key locations in
the emergence of Islam, "The Birth of Islam" provides succinct coverage of Islam's development
in 7 chapters. Titles of areas covered by chapter are The Middle East Before Islam, The
Emergence of the Final Prophet, Basic Beliefs and Rituals, the Early Caliphs and Expansion,
Divisions Among the Faithful, Rise and Fall of the Umayyads, and The Abbasids and Golden Age.
Frequent scripture quotations from the Qur'an along with references to other authorities on the
history of Islam are featured, along with frequent stunning color photographs. A bibliography,
glossary, and list of web sites completes this handy reference work on the birth of Islam. Also
recommended in this series are the following titles: "The Birth of Christianity," also by Don Nardo
(ISBN 97815993541452), "Mystics and Psychics," by Joanne Mattern (ISBN 9781599351483),
and "Founders of the Faith," by Joan Price, (ISBN 9781599351476), all in hardback editions.
Arcturus Publishing
c/o Black Rabbit Books
PO Box 3263, Mankato, MN 56002
www.blackrabbitbooks.com
"Teen FAQ" features a series of six titles, each of which addresses in specific detail a healthy issue
especially relevant to teens. Anne Rooney's "Alcohol" (9781848377028) addresses the problems
and pressures of teenage drinking. Her "Bullying" (9781848377035) deals with the critical issue
and impact of adolescent bullying. Ann Kramer's "Drugs" (9781848377042) focuses upon the
chronic problem of teenage substance abuse. Jillian Powell's "Puberty" (9781848377066) answers
all the basic questions appropriate to adolescent sexual maturation. Patience Coster's "Smoking"
(9781848377073) cogently addresses the health and medical issues of smoking. Of special note
are the 'It Happened To Me" boxes that enhance each title to the benefit of teen readers. Although
each of these profusely illustrated titles are available separately ($32.80 List/$22.95
School/Library), both school and community libraries are encouraged to acquire the entire six
volume series ($196.80 List/$137.70 School/Library) for the benefit of their students and young
patrons.
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591
www.marshallcavendish.com
The Benchmark series 'Technology of the Ancients' ($22.95 each) provides grades 5-6 with a fine
link between ancient cultures and their use of technology. In having individual books surveying
each ancient world and its technology, kids receive fine reinforcement of the differences between
eras and worlds. Wil Mara's THE MESOPOTAMIANS (9781608707676) and THE ROMANS
(9781608707683) draws pictures of these two very different worlds and their accomplishments
and inventions (the Mesopotamians were the first to structure everyday human life and invented
the wheel, while the Romans are known for their roads), An Heinrichs' THE AZTECS
(9781608707652) explores a culture that stretched cross much of Mexoamerica and invented a
remarkable farming system, Kim Dramer's THE CHINESE (9781608707669) surveys China's
many industries and discoveries, and Trudi Strain Trueit's THE VIKINGS (9781608707690)
follows the Vikings' sailing voyages and longboat construction. All are excellent, vivid picks
packed with history and illustration. The 'Flavors of the World' series ($21.95 each) will appeal to
grades 4-6 with each book packing in over 64 pages of regional culinary history and insights.
Patricia K. Kummer's THE FOOD OF THAILAND (9781608702381), Byron Augustin's THE
FOOD OF MEXICO (9781608702374), Sara Louise Kras' THE FOOD OF ITALY
(9781608702367), and Tamra B. Orr's THE FOOD OF GREECE (9781608702350) and THE
FOOD OF CHINA (9781608702343) all pack in details on the flavor and culture of each country,
discussing its customs and celebrations as it relates to food. All are fine recommendations for
elementary-level geography collections.
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 - 5th Avenue, 59th Floor
PMB 59051, New York, NY 10118
$15.95 Each www.crabtreebooks.com
Eighteen new lower-level titles have been added to the Crabtree Connections group: each
including texts written at three different reading levels on the same subject matter, and in different
styles for grades K-2. Brief text is paired with modern colorful images and fun topics all contained
in 24 pages packed with illustrations and including a glossary and index in each book. New to the
Level One collection and highly recommended: Louise Spilsbury's BACKYARD BUGS
(9780778778417), ONE EGG (9780778778479) and CATERPILLAR CAPERS
(9780778778547), Anita Ganeri's SURVIVAL IN THE JUNGLE (9780778778585), Angela
Royston's TADPOLE STORY (9780778778592), ocean: it's my home! (9780778778516), A
BEAN'S LIFE (9780778778400) and OCEAN EXPLORER! (9780778778424), Sarah Levete's
JUNGLE CRASH! (9780778778493), SAVE THE OCEANS (9780778778578) and RAIN
FOREST (9780778778431), and Paul Mason's CARING FOR CRITTERS (9780778778486). All
are top picks for any elementary-level collection seeking strong introductions.
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
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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