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The Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Fribbity Ribbit!
Suzanne C. Johnson
Knopf
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
0375811990 $15.95 1-800-726-0600
Fribbity Ribbit!, Debbie Tilley's entertaining easy reader picturebook tells of a frog on the loose,
which turns a family head to heals as they try to capture him. Parents will appreciate the fun of
joining in on sound effects in this very easy story.
Miss Bindergarten Takes A Field Trip With Kindgergarten
Joseph Slate
Dutton
345 Hudson, New York NY 10014
0525467106 $16.99 1-800-847-5515
Miss Bindergarten and her kindergarten explore exciting places around town, from the bakery to
the
fire station. Enjoy a rollicking rhyming text and fun, bright art which displays how clever children
enjoy their outing - sometimes at others' expenses!
Encyclop dia Britannica 2002 Expanded DVD Edition Windows Version
Macmillan/Pearson Software
c/oPearson Technology Group
201 West 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46290-1097
0852297852 $69.95 pearsonptg.com
Encyclop dia Britannica 2002 Expanded DVD Edition Windows Version is the all-in-one resource
featuring a comprehensive, highly visual encyclopedia plus dictionary and world atlas - all on one
disc. Designed to engage the senses, over seven hours of video and audio will take you on a
learning
adventure. Britannica's renowned knowledge index provides "intelligent search" capabilities, and a
new and improved results display will get what you need - fast! System Requirements: Windows
95,
98, 2000, Me, XP or NT 4.0, Pentium 166 MHz or faster processor, 233 MHz recommended,
64MB RAM minimum, 94MB RAM minimum for Windows 2000, Me or XP users, 140MB free
hard-disk space (plus 50MB for IE 5.01), DVD-ROM drive, 800x600 resolution - 16 bit color,
and
sound card and speakers recommended.
Autism
Elaine Landau
Franklin Watts/Grolier Publishing
90 Sherman Turnpike, Danbury CT 06816
0-531-11780-4 $TBA 1-800-371-3908
This provides an easy history of autism, from its first identification in 1943 to the early signs of
autism and the various treatments available. Chapters will reach advanced elementary through
middle school grades with an age-appropriate discussion of a condition which has only recently
received much insight.
Through The Grapevine
Martha Hamilton & Mitch Weiss
August House
Box 3223, Little Rock, AK 72203
0-87483-624-7 $14.95 1-800-284-8784
Through The Grapevine is a recommended pick for families as well as small groups: storytellers
Hamilton and Weiss provide over thirty world tales geared to reading aloud - by kids. Kids are
encouraged to add drama and personality to the stories, which represent over twenty countries
and
traditions around the world. An excellent guide for budding young drama students.
Boyds Mills Press
815 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431
Two fine titles provide very different subjects for discriminating young readers. Peter Lourie's
Mystery Of The Maya (1-56397-839-3, $19.95) tells of how the lost Mayan city of Palenque was
discovered and resurrected by archaeologists. Chapters blend color photos with details of the
archaeological experience by those who were there. David Stemple's High Ridge Gobbler (933-0,
$10.95) provides a story of the American wild turkey and arrives just in time for Thanksgiving.
While it reads like fiction, the turkey facts within are real, spiced by black and white drawings by
Ted Lewin. Both are excellent.
90-Minute Shakespeare
Adapted by Diane Timmerman
Smith & Kraus
177 Lyme Rd., Hanover, NH 03755
$9.95 each 1-800-895-4331
These slim paperbacks contribute to a continuing series which provides highschool drama classes
with ready-to-use adaptations of Shakespeare's most popular plays. A Midsummer Night's Dream
(1-57525-290-2) and Romeo And Juliet (238-4) here provides shortened versions which alters
nothing of the original language. They will appeal not only to student drama groups, but
professional
theaters using the 90-minute format. For additional drama instruction don't miss L.E.
McCullough's
Plays For Learning: Israel Reborn (253-8, $15.95): it provides twelve original plays drawn from
Jewish culture and especially written for 4th-6th grades doing one-act plays.
Illegally Easy Halloween Costumes For Kids
Leila Peltosaari
Tikka Books
PO Box 203, Chambly, Quebec, Canada, J3L 4B3
189610603X $19.95 tikkabooks.com
In Illegally Easy Halloween Costumes For Kids, Halloween costume designer Leila Peltosaari
showcases one hundred easy-to-make costumes complete with matching treat bags and
accessories.
The simple, step-by-step instructions are enhanced with detailed full-color photos and
illustrations.
The color-coded, easy patterns for 3 to 12 year olds are well-organized and feature a wealth of
"no-sew" shortcuts and "last-minute" solutions. Highly recommended for even the most novice
costumer, Illegally Easy Halloween Costumes For Kids is enhanced further with a history of
Halloween, safety tips, and anecdotal background stories. With designs ranging from traditional
and
storybook characters to animals and clowns, to celestial beings and cultural tributes, most of the
costumes can be assembled without a sewing machine and in only one evening. Many of the
costumes are made form Polarfleece (a perfect Halloween fabric which is soft and lightweight,
slightly stretchy, warm, versatile, with no hemming or seam finished needed -- and hotglues like a
dream!). Although specifically targeted for the Halloween holiday, these are delightful outfits that
can well serve for costume parties and school plays at any time of year!
The Anger Solutions Workbook
Lisa M. Schab
ChildsWork/ChildsPlay
Box 760, Plainview, NY 11803-0760
CPE63475 $17.95 1-800-962-1141
The Anger Solutions Workbook was written and illustrated with the aim of helping children ages
6
to 12 learn about the emotion of anger and how they could manage it appropriately, turning anger
from a destructive to a constructive force in their lives. Divided into five major sections
(Understanding Anger; Safe Ways to Express Anger; Cognitive Restructuring; Relaxation;
Conflict
Management), clinical social worker Lisa Schab teaches children specific techniques designed to
help them remain calm and to express their anger safely while working through conflict situations.
Each section is designed to stimulate self-awareness and teach behavioral/cognitive skills through
the use of simple activities, puzzles, and games. The Anger Solutions Workbook will enable
children
to build confidence in their own abilities to manager their anger safely, and the relaxation
techniques
provided will assist them to achieve the state of mind necessary to put into practice what they
have
learned. The Anger Solutions Workbook is a superbly presented, age-appropriate workbook that
will prove invaluable for counseling and working with children who exhibit anger management
issues.
The Legend Of The Three Trees
Hall Holbrook, narrator
Tommy Nelson
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
0849975999 $14.99 1-800-251-4000
The Legend Of The Three Trees is a superbly produced, animated folktale of three distinct trees
(an
Oak, an Olive, and a Pine) and the roles they played in the story of Jesus. Each tree began with
their
own particular dreams and aspirations -- but met with what seemed to be bitter disappointment,
only
to emerge with truly unique roles in "the greatest story ever told". Hal Holbrook's narration is
nothing short of masterful, the quality of the animation is flawless, and the story is totally
engaging
from beginning to end. The Legend Of The Three Trees (VHS, 30 minutes, full color) is a
wonderful
addition to family, parochial school, and community library video collections for young
viewers.
So You Wanna Be A Writer?
Vicki Hambleton & Cathleen Greenwood
Beyond Words Publishing Inc.
20827 NW Cornell Road, Suite 500, Hillsboro, OR 97124
1582700435 $8.95 1-800-284-9673
In So You Wanna Be A Writer?, freelance writer and editor Vicki Hambleton and classroom
teacher
Cathleen Greenwood effectively collaborate to provide a superbly presented "how to" guide for
young aspiring writers on how to practice and improve their writing and get what they write
published! Young writers are shown how to begin a career in writing; explore different areas of
writing (poetry, journalism, fiction, nonfiction); find creative ideas for improving their writing; and
a
wealth of practical advice for approaching publishers and getting published. So You Wanna Be A
Writer? is enhanced with a current and extensive list of magazines, websites, contests, and book
publishers actively soliciting "kid authors". There are illuminating profiles of ten "kid authors"
who
are already accomplishing their literary dreams by writing and getting attention for their work and
thereby serve as illustrative examples for others. Whether a young author is writing to make
money,
advance a cause, or just for fun, So, You Wanna Be A Writer? is a strongly recommended and
invaluable resource on how to begin!
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Gareth Stevens
330 W. Olive Street, #100, Milwaukee, WI 53212
With all the shark details in the news lately, this 'Sharks' series of short picturebooks will be
certain
to attract a captive audience. Each is only 24 pages long but is packed with information, color
photos, a glossary, bibliography and index; and each features large, easy to read print. Chasing
Sharks (0-8368-2825-9, $19.93) outlines the work of shark researchers; Very Big Sharks
(2828-3,
$19.93) tells of some of the mightiest, Baby Sharks (2824-0, $19.93) tells of how baby sharks
live,
Shark Camouflage And Armor (2827-5, $19.93) tells of shark defense systems; World's Strangest
Sharks (2829-1, $19.93) reveals shark oddities, and Killer Sharks, Killer People (2826-7, $19.93)
reveals the truth behind shark attacks. All promise to capture young leisure audiences.
The Saving Of Okee & Dokee Seat Turtle
John Harms II & Robin Lee Makowski
Frederick Press
PO Box 32593, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420-2593
0965387143 $14.95 1-561-625-4964
After laying her many eggs deep in the sand along a Florida beach, a female loggerhead sea turtle
returns to the ocean. Thus begins the hatchling turtles' arduous and dangerous journey to survival
since only one in a thousand sea turtles live to adulthood. But even before this batch of eggs can
hatch, a tropical storm threatens to destroy the entire nest. That's when Buster and his friend Rob
help a local wildlife officer save some of the hatchlings -- including two they name Okee and
Dokee.
In the process, the boys (and the readers) learn everything from how to track the path of a
tropical
storm to how sea turtles survive in the wild. The latest in the outstanding Frederick Press
"Buster's
Adventures" series, John Harms' text offers an entertaining and informative blend of fiction and
expository writing ideal for young readers ages 7 to 12, and grades two through five. Other highly
recommended titles in this superbly presented series include: The Saving Of Arma Armadillo
(0965387119, $14.95); The Saving Of Valiant Blue Heron (0965387178, $14.95); and The
Saving
Of Sly Manatee (0965387135, $14.95).
Other Lands, Other People
Discovering World Cultures
Crabtree Publishing Company
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3308, New York, NY 10118
1-800-387-7650 www.crabtree-pub.com
Crabtree Publishing has launched a superbly illustrated new series highlighting and showcasing
aspects of world culture designed for young readers ages 6 to 12. Finoa MacDonald's Clothing
And
Jewelry (0778702464, $8.95) takes surveys clothing and jewelry in the world, both in ancient
times
and in the world today. Attractive illustrations and informative text combine to enable children to
compare their own clothing styles with those of different cultures around the world and in the
past.
MacDonald's Home (0778702472, $8.95) features different kinds of homes in different cultures
around the world illustrated by spectacular color photos and engaging information on how
different
styles of homes are often determined by climate, geography, local materials. MacDonald's Food
(0778702480, $8.95) explores traditional food and recipes from different cultures around the
world
and informs children why certain foods are more popular in certain parts of the world, and why
we
eat the foods that we do in America. Neil Morris's Music And Dance (0778702499, $8.95) is a
presentation that is as informative as it is entertaining, showing children a variety of different
musical
instruments and traditional forms of dance around the world. Discovering World Cultures is a
very
strongly recommended addition to both school and community library "Other Lands, Other
People"
collections for young readers.
The Music Shelf
Trout Fishing In America
InFinity
Trout Records
PO Box 914, Prairie Grove, AR 72753
TRT-15 $14.98 1-800-439-8342
Trout Fishing In America showcases thirteen songs which balance technically flawless
musicianship
with immensely entertaining lyrics that never talk down to their young listeners. The lively,
engaging, and original songs include My Best Day (3:08); Are We There Yet? (3:30); Everything
That's Made of Wood (2:46); You Can't Go (2:31); Your Name Backwards (2:57); Junk Food
Jump
(2:58); Sailing (2:20); Happy That You're Here (2:22); Dinosaur in Your Bathtub (2:30); Simon
Says (3:43); It's Better Than That (2:12); and Something Sweet (1:38). Trout Fishing In America
is
enthusiastically recommended for family, school and community library music collections for
children.
Arthur's Really Rockin' Music Mix
Rounder Records Group
One Campt St., Cambridge, MA 02140
11661-8106-2 $TBA www.rounder.com
In Arthur's Really Rockin' Music Mix, Arthur and the gang find themselves in a recording studio
to
sing 15 new and lively songs, plus one lop-sided fairytale (Goldilocks and The Bears Trio as told
by
Sue Ellen)! A variety of musical styles ranging from pop, rock, folk, and rhythm, to blues,
country,
jazz, and swing are offered with splendidly entertaining and original lyrics. From Believe in
Yourself
(2:40) and I Don't Want to Wake Up (2:18) to Fern's Detective Tango (2:14) and My Echo
Doesn't
Sound Like Me (2:43), Arthur's Really Rockin' Music Mix is a lot of fun and a highly
recommended
addition to family, school, and community library children's music collections.
Moonlight Rose Publications
PO Box 154 Huntington, NY 11743
CD $15.00 each janicebuckner.com
Janice Buckner is an accomplished performing and recording artist with a special flair for
entertaining children with her music. The veteran of sixteen nationally acclaimed touring shows
for
schools and communities, Buckner has also created a series of outstanding CDS, six of which
have
won awards for the excellence. A welcome addition to any family, school and library music
collections, her CDS range from preschool through middle school in their appeal for young
listeners.
Especially recommended are Chanukah, Holidays And Heritage: Jewish Traditions (2-10 Years &
Families, MR 312-2); Yuletide Favorites: A Christmas Album (2-10 Years & Families, MR
311-2);
All Aboard The Learn Along Train (2-7 Years, MR 319-2); There Are Many Ways To Tell A
Story:
Story/songs (4-8 Years, MR 310-2); Everybody's Special: Self-esteem (4-8 Years, MR 302-2);
Songs Of The Differently Abled: Physical Challenges (5-18 & Years & Families, MR 305-2).
Each
highly recommended collection features flawlessly recorded vocal and instrumental tracks.
The Christmas Shelf
The Animals' Christmas Carol
Helen Ward
Millbrook Press
2 Old New Milford Rd., Brookfield, CT 06804
0-7613-2408-9 $23.90 1-800-462-4703
Helen Ward's lavish Christmas title, The Animals' Christmas Carol, is based on the medieval
French
carol and provides an animals' viewpoint of the birth of Christ in the manger. The animals provide
a
gentle lullaby and large-size inviting, warm color photos accompany their well wishes.
Clear Moon, Snow Soon
Tony Johnston & Guy Porfirio
Rising Moon
P.O. Box 1389, Flagstaff, AZ 86002-1389
0873587855 $15.95 northlandpub.com
Tony Johnston's Clear Moon, Snow Soon is a wondrous Christmas picturebook that captures the
spirit and mystery of a visit from Santa Claus on a starry winter night. Soft, breathtaking,
full-color
splash-page illustrations by Guy Porfirio highlight the very simple text, making Clear Moon, Snow
Soon perfect for the youngest beginning readers. The deep blue-white of the wraparound cover
painting is particularly striking.
Chris Mouse And The Christmas House
Deanna Luke & JoAnn A. Woytek
Blessing Our World, Inc.
P.O. Box 642, Palestine, TX 75802-0642
192877704X $14.95 1-800-729-1130
This enchanting Christmas picturebook for young readers, written by Deanna Luke entirely in
rhyming verse, emphasizes the joys of sharing and celebration. Chris Mouse goes on an adventure
through the Christmas House, and learns important lessons of love and holiday spirit to take home
with him. Engagingly illustrated by JoAnn A. Woytek, the Christmas colors of red, green, and
white
abound on each page of this heartwarming journey.
Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus - In Latin!
Francis Pharcellus Church
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
1000 Brown St., Unit 101, Wauconda, IL 60084
0-86516506-8 $14.95 bolchazy.com
It's going to be hard to peg this but small but elegant picturebook, which looks like a child's
reader
but contains an all-Latin version of Church's story, translated by Walter Sauer and Hermann
Wiegand and illustrated by Matthias Kringe. Suffice it to say that students of Latin - of all ages -
will
find Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus - In Latin! both whimsical and a challenge to a
student's
elementary-level Latin knowledge. A fun little book.
The Miraculous Child
Alvin Aleksi Currier, author & Nadezda Glazunova, illustrator
Conciliar Press
Box 76, Ben Lomond, CA 95005-0076
1888212209 $7.95
In The Miraculous Child, Alvin Aleksi Currier ably retells a Christmas folktale from old Russia.
With
colorful and stylistically appropriate illustrations by Nadezda Glazunova, The Miraculous Child is
a
timeless tale of a poor Russian family in a humble log home where a woodcutter, his mother, wife
and children have almost nothing to eat, very little to trade or sell, and nothing for the Christmas
Feast. The woodcutter encounters a little boy out in a field, shivering and cold. When he brings
the
lad into his home to share what little poor fare the family has, they discover that it's an angel they
have invited in from the cold and a Christmas Feast is held that will never be forgotten. Very
highly
recommended for the Christmas and folktale collections at grade schools and in community library
collections.
The Legend Of The Christmas Tree
Rick Osborne & Bill Dodge
Zonderkidz
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530
0310700434 $14.99 zonderkidz.com
Rick Osborne's The Legend Of The Christmas Tree: The Inspirational Story Of A Treasured
Tradition is a delightful kids' book, for which every page spread has charming text on the left and
a
full-color, realistically painted illustration by Bill dodge of a family celebrating the joy of
Christmas
on the right. The story is about the legend behind the tradition of searching for a Christmas tree,
which dates back to the Reformation: when Martin Luther brought a tree into his house, he set
candles on it to celebrate Jesus, the Light of the World. The Legend Of The Christmas Tree is in
many ways about the need to make Jesus Christ a larger part of Christmas. Since the Biblical
foundations of Christmas are often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of rampant consumerism that
marks the season, The Legend Of The Christmas Tree is a very good introduction for young
Christian readers to the holiday's origin. Also very highly recommended are the other fine books
in
this educational series: The Legend Of The Candy Cane (0310212472, $14.99), The Legend Of
The
Easter Egg (0310224470, $14.99), and The Legend Of The Valentine (0310700396,
$14.99).
The Picturebook Shelf
Singing The Dark
Gail Sproule & Sheena Lott
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
c/o Media Masters Publicity
1957 Trafalger Dr., Romeoville, IL 60446
1550416480 $16.95 1-800-805-1083
When a young girl asks her mother to "sing the dark tonight", she and her mother begin a special
ritual. With nightgown on, teeth brushed, face washed, hair tangles brushed, the girl and her
mother
go out into the garden to welcome the night. While crickets call and dew falls, Mother sings a
song
to the coming dark. As her daughter joins in they both watch the black night settle around them.
With the song over, it's time for bed. Gail Sproule's original and wonderfully narrated picturebook
story is marvelously illustrated with gorgeous watercolor paintings by Sheena Lott. The result is a
classic, enchanting, highly recommended story that is perfect bedtime reading for parent/child
bonding -- and a true literary treasure for future generations of parents and children.
Fannie In The Kitchen
Deborah Hopkinson
Atheneum
1230 Avenue of Americas, NY NY 10030
0-689-81965-X $16.00 1-800-223-2336
Marcia is trying to help her mother cook, but is doing a terrible job until Fannie Farmer steps in
and
teaches her about cooking. Nancy Carpenter's whimsical drawings accompany Fannie's lessons in
this inviting beginner's guide to both cooking and how Fannie Farmer invented the recipe.
The Very First Christians
Paul L. Maier & Francisco Ordaz
Concordia Publishing House
3558 South Jefferson Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63118-3968
0570071755 $14.99 1-800-325-3040
In The Very First Christians, twelve-year-old Christopher is taught by his grandfather about the
drama of Pentecost and the powerful changes God brought to the world through Peter, Paul, and
the
very first Christians following the death and resurrection of Jesus. Paul Maier (professor of
ancient
history at Western Michigan University) ably retells a classic and engaging story drawn from
Christian history, and one which is superbly enhanced throughout by Francisco Ordaz's "museum
quality" paintings. The Very First Christians is an enthusiastically recommended picturebook for
family, parochial school, Sunday School, Bible Camp, and community library collections.
The Adventures Of Little Al: The Lie
Allan Burd & Lisa Linbrunner
Bed Bug Publishing, Inc.
44 Executive Boulevard, Suite E, Farmingdale, NY 11735
0970558880 $16.95 www.littleal.com
Little Al is a young boy playing pirate with his dog when suddenly his pretend adventure becomes
all
too real. To get out of a sudden and unexpected precarious situation he chooses the only weapon
readily available to him: The Lie. But he soon learns that, like the pretend sword he wields, The
Lie
is double-edged and cuts both ways. Allan Burd's original story is told in verse and teaches a
valuable life lesson within the context of an engaging and entertaining story. Very highly
recommended for school and community library collections, The Adventures Of Little Al: The Lie
is
enhanced for young readers ages 5 to 10 with a glossary, as well as lively and colorful illustrations
by Lisa Linbrunner.
Marsupial Sue
John Lithgow
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, NY, NY 10020
0-689-84394-1 $17.95 1-800-223-2336
A music cd and a score comes with this zany story, with fun drawings by Jack Davis, which tells
of a
young kangaroo who doesn't like being a marsupial. She tries tree climbing, swimming, and other
activities which don't appeal either - only to find some satisfaction in her original design. A fun
story.
The Kingdom Of Fu Fu
Robert Spalding Jr. & Chris Lyle
The Chattanooga Fu Fu Factory
1225 Taft Highway, Signal Mountain, TN 37377
0971106800 $15.95 fufufactory.com
The Kingdom Of Fu Fu reveals a whimsical land of creatures who live in a blue and yellow island
home. When a young little Fu Fu is swept away by a sudden storm from his home and finds
himself
on a distant shore, he learns that Fu Fus are just blue and yellow, but come in every color and live
happily together. Robert Spalding's engaging, imaginative, and entertaining story is aptly
illustrated
by Chris Lyle and subtly teaches young readers about diversity and friendship. With its strong
theme
of friendship and diversity, The Kingdom Of Fu Fu is highly recommended for school and library
picturebook collections.
Brave As A Bunny Can Be
Alison Julian
Waldman House Press
525 N. Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55401
0931674468 $15.95 1-888-700-7333
Cooper is a young and not very brave bunny just beginning to learn the ways of the world he lives
in.
When he overhears his brother and sisters talking he becomes downhearted and sets off into the
world on his own. Lonely and sad, Cooper is determined to learn to be brave so that he can rejoin
his family. When he ventures into the Dark Green and faces Fox, he learns a lesson that all young
readers (and their parents!) can learn: It's okay to be scared, being scared is a necessary part of
being
brave. Very highly recommended for family, school, and community library collections, Brave As
A
Bunny Can Be is Alison Julian's debut picturebook for young readers and her gift for narrative
storytelling, combined with an remarkable and undeniable talent for breathtaking illustration
clearly
marks her as a children's author to be eagerly sought for in the future.
Hoot And Holler
Alan Brown
Knopf/Random House
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
0-375-81417-5 $15.95 1-800-726-0600
Hoot and Holler are two owl best friends who love to play games, but are never abe to say they
love
one another. When Hoot is lost in the woods, Holler worries he'll never have a chance to express
his
affection. Rimantas Rolia's drawings are unique and whimsical.
Who Asked The Moon To Dinner?
Joe Murray
Tallfellow Press
1180 South Beverly Drive, Suite 320, Los Angeles, CA 90035
0967606187 $16.95 1-310-203-3837
When Isaac invites the Moon to be his guest at his Aunt Fay and Uncle Snog's house, the
luminary
guest arrives as the largest, rudest visitor anyone has ever met! After putting his stinky-socked
feet
on the table, sampling everyone else's dinner, and blowing his nose on the tablecloth, Isaac finally
has ask the Moon to leave. That's when poor Mr. Moon admits he had never been asked to dinner
before and didn't know what to do. Isaac offers to teach Mr. Moon how to behave and this unique
and remarkable picturebook story ends with Uncle Snog remarking as to how Mr. Moon had so
improved into being a lovely guest that perhaps they should invite the Sun to breakfast! Highly
recommended for family, school, and community library collections, Who Asked The Moon To
Dinner? is a thoroughly charming story by Joe Murray, whose accompanying art work also
features
a "glow in the dark" cover!
In Search Of The Perfect Pumpkin
Gloria Evangelista & Shawn Shea
Fulcrum Publishing
16100 Table Mountain Parkway, #300, Golden, Colorado 80403
1555919944 $17.95 1-800-992-2908
Gloria Evangelista's In Search Of The Perfect Pumpkin Is the lively and entertaining story of the
Pucci family as they go in search for the perfect pumpkin -- only to find it in their own garden!
The
wonderfully crafted text is superbly enhanced with Shawn Shea's colorful, cartoon-style
illustrations.
Especially recommended for young readers ages 4 to 10, and preschool through fourth grade, In
Search Of The Perfect Pumpkin also features a splendid recipe for kids to make their own perfect
pumpkin pie!
Hooray For You!
Marianne Richmond
Waldman House Press
525 North Third Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401
0931674441 $15.95 1-888-700-7333
Written and illustrated by Marianne Richmond, Hooray for You!: A Celebration of "You-ness" is
a
delightful and recommended picturebook that teaches very young readers a lifelong lesson: to
take
pride in themselves, rather than degrade their own esteem in a futile quest to copy someone else's
individuality. Bold, full-color illustrations in the style of what a preschooler could draw with
crayons
or paints drive the point home: that each of us is a unique individual, and that uniqueness is to be
celebrated. The simple text is written entirely in charming, singsong rhyme. Highly recommended
for
beginning readers, or as an excellent bedtime moral.
Jazz Cats
David R. Davis & Chuck Galey
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster St., Gretna, LA 70053
1565548590 $14.95 1-800-843-1724
Jazz Cats is a rhythmic story told in verse about some real cool cats that knowhow to entertain.
Their New Orleans jazz combo plays together in the streets as these cats know how to have fun!
David Davis' lively and entertaining picturebook story is brought vividly to live with the detailed
artwork of Chuck Galey against such New Orleans backgrounds as Preservation hall, Cafe du
Monde, and Jackson Square. Jazz Cats is an enthusiastically recommended addition to family,
school, and community library picturebook collections for young readers.
Everybody Moos At Cows
Lisa Funari Willever, author; Elaine Poller & Glenn Byrne, illustrators
Franklin Mason Press
PO Box 3808, Trenton, NJ 08629
0967922704 $11.95 1-609-396-5473
In Everybody Moos At Cows! - Even Matthew Mcfarland, Lisa Willever asks and answers the
critically important question: "Does anyone moo at cows anymore?" The debut title in the
Franklin
Mason Press "Matthew McFarland" picturebook series, we are introduced to Matthew and the
McFarland Family -- a bit old fashioned by today's standards, but in this family the parents are the
bosses and the kids (whether they like it or not) do the listening. And Matthew, despite his many
efforts, simply cannot talk his parents out of what they know is best! Lisa Willever's humorous,
rhyming text is very nicely reinforced and showcased by the lively illustrations of Elaine Poller
and
Glenn Byrne. A special feature is the reservation of two pages for a "Guest Young Author &
Illustrator". Highly recommended for young readers ages 3 to 8, and Preschool through third
grade.
The Computer Shelf
Easy Design On Your Computer
Anna Claybourne
EDC
Box 470663, Tulsa, OK 74147-0663
0-7945-0034-X $9.95
While Easy Design On Your Computer is intended for young audiences, its easy instructions will
reach all ages: any who want to use Microsoft Word and Office 97 to design newsletters, leaflets,
and projects on the computer. 48 pages of instruction include tips on everything from making
stickers to producing newsletters. Young users with some Microsoft Word knowledge who want
to
fine-tune it for projects will be delighted with this easy approach.
The Fiction Shelf
A Step From Heaven
Anna
Front Street
20 Battery Park Ave., Asheville SC 28801
1-886910-58-8 $15.95
Four year old Young Ju believes America must be heaven even though there are many
adjustments
to be made from life in Korea; but as she and her family face problems in the new world, they find
both family life and traditions challenged. A moving first-person story of a young girl's struggles
with change and a new culture.
An UnCivil War
Rebecca Clark Cornwell
Ampersand Press
PO Box 3827, Parker, CO 80134
0970244908 $9.99 1-303-841-6125
An UnCivil War: The Boys Who Were Left Behind is a superbly written work of historical fiction
for young readers ages 10 through 15. When the American Civil War intruded upon their lives
and
families, the twelve year old cousins Johnny and Silas Were compelled by circumstance to take on
the responsibilities of manhood much sooner than anyone had ever expected. Author Rebecca
Cornwell vividly recreates what living through the horrors of the Civil War Were like and pays
meticulous attention to getting the historical background and details down correctly. A vivid and
totally engaging adventure, An UnCivil War is an enthusiastically recommended addition to
middle
school and community library collections.
One Unhappy Horse
C.S. Alder
Clarion Books
215 Park Avenue South NY, NY 10003
0-618-04912-6 $15.00 1-800-225-3362
Jan's life has changed since her father died; now her horse needs an operation she and her mother
can't afford. As she watches her horse sicken she also struggles with the kindly offer of an old
lady
who lives nearby. Can she accept charity from someone who may not be in her right mind? A
warm
story of a girl's love for her horse.
Dustin's Debut
Charley Scholl
Press-Tige Publishing Company
9240 Hwy. "N", Marshfield, WI 54449
1575322889 $8.99 cscholl@wctc.net
An 8th grader, Dustin Davis is growing up fast in an uncertain world. His father is an
accomplished
surgeon and Dustin feels the pressure to live up to his father's expectations. Dustin feels
compelled
to plan his future and excel at everything his father does so well -- including flying. Just when
Dustin
is certain that his life is finally on tack with great friends, a cute girlfriend, and a possible career
track, his personal world comes crashing down around in him in an unexpected instant and the
future
of several people's lives are in his hands. Charley Scholl's Dustin's Debut is a superbly written,
contemporary, and highly recommend young adult novel that is totally engaging from first page to
last!
Gwyneth's Secret Grandpa
Annie Morris Williams
Field Stone Publishers
331 Fields Hill Road, Conway, MA 01341
0964527278 $10.95 crocket.com/fieldstn
Gwyneth is courageous, curious, resourceful, stubborn, and twelve years old when she learns that
there is a secret to be discovered about her family's history. Annie Williams' Gwyneth's Secret
Grandpa debuts the new Field Stone Publishers' "Family History Adventures for Young Readers"
series. The setting is a World War II era homefront and the secret has to do with a young girl
whose
older Brother Davie goest off to fight in World War II while she searches for a grandfather they
never knew. Annie Williams heartfelt and engaging story is nicely illustrated by Linsey Doolittle
and
a highly recommended and welcome addition to any grade school or community library
collection.
Replica: Dreamcrusher
Marilyn Kaye
Bantam Books
1540 Broadway, New York NY 10036
0-553-48747-7 $4.50 1-800-726-0600
This is an ongoing series but requires no familiarity with previous books in order to prove
immediately accessible to newcomers. Amy is hit by lightning and develops the power to read
minds:
suddenly she finds both popularity and trouble as her newfound talent gains her friends and
enemies.
Easy leisure reading.
Revenge Of The Randal Reese-Rat
Tor Seidler
Farrar Straus Giroux
19 Union Square West, NY, NY 10003
0-374-36257-2 $16.00 1-888-330-8477
Randal Reese-Rat is jealous of Montague Mad-Rat, who has saved the wharf rats of New York
and
won the girl of his dreams. When disaster strikes Montague, Randal is the prime suspect and he
plans revenge on the entire rat colony - until an exotic female rat enters his life. Intriguing black
and
white drawings by Brett Helquist pepper this lively story.
The Boys Return
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Delacorte Press
1540 Broadway, New York NY 10036
0-385-32737-4 $15.95 1-800-726-0600
It's spring break and not only are the friendly/feuding Hatford and Malloy children up to their
usual
tricks, but they're joined by the Benson boys, visiting their old hometown. Trouble starts when the
boys decide to concoct a ghost story to share the girls - and the savvy girls respond with one
better.
Perhaps not as hilarious as some of the others in the series; but still fun leisure reading.
The Silver Crown
Robert O'Brien
Atheneum
1230 Avenue of Americas, NY NY 10030
0-689-84106-X $17.00 1-800-223-2336
Ellen awakens on her tenth birthday to discover a silver crown on her pillow, but when she wears
it
her world changes. Orphaned and dazed, Ellen stumbles across an evil castle where only her silver
crown protects her from the mind control of a dangerous world conqueror. The reprint of this
classic assures new generations will thrill to O'Brien's finest work.
Girl In Blue
Ann Rinaldi
Scholastic Inc.
555 Broadway, New York NY 10012
0-439-07336-7 $15.95 1-800-242-7737
Sarah runs away from home when she learns she's to be given in marriage to a hated older
neighbor,
and she joins the army disguised as a man and becomes part of the Civil War and its battles. When
she's eventually discovered, she moves on to become a spy in a household where information
smuggling is taking place even while under occupation. Civil war history comes alive under
Rinaldi's hand in this fine story, based on real events.
Folklore/Fairytale Shelf
Maressa And Merlone
Shaeri Richards
Heartfull Productions
Box 2563, Sedona, AZ 96339
0-9711377-0-6 $16.95
The story and music are by Richards, who also sings in this fairy tale of Princess Maressa, who
visits
a forest pool and discovers friendships in unusual places. This provides all the elements of a fine
fantasy: a quest, the use of intuition and personal power to succeed in a goal, and magical,
positive
adventures. Parents and kids will find it enchanting.
Classic Fairy Tales
Bernard Cribbins
Naxos Audio
416 Mary Lindsay Polk Drive #509, Franklin, TN 37067
9-62634-722-8 $13.98 1-877-629-6723
Bernard Cribbins is best known for his BBC productions, but his strong British voice lends well to
this collection of classic fair tales; from the story of a brave little tailor who becomes a king to
that
of a little pig's determination to fight a wiley fox. Classical music adds the final touch to fairy
stories
which will appeal to all ages.
Creative Editions
125 S. Broad St., Mankato, MN 56001
Three new classics take on new life in editions which pair unusual color drawings with retellings
which are lively in tone. The Seven Dwarfs (1-56846-139-9, $17.95) retells the Snow White
legend
from the perspective of the forest-dwelling dwarfs. Illustrator/storyteller Etienne Delessert
provides
beautiful embellishment. Grimm and Monique Felix's Hansel And Gretel (137-2, $17.95) reissues
the
classic with colorful drawings by artist Felix, making for a new keepsake edition for the young.
Grimm and John Howe's Fisherman & His Wife (140-2, $17.95) achieves similar for this classic,
with Howe's aquatic images bringing the Grimm classic to new life. All are beautiful,
recommended
picks.
The Biography Shelf
Tiger Woods
Libby Hughes
Genesis Press
315 Third Av. North Columbus MS 39703
1585710032 $5.95 1-800-444-2524
Tiger Woods first came to fame in 1997 when he won a spectacular victory at the Master Golf
Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. He went on to be one of the most successful professional
golfers
the game has ever known and won the admiration of a whole new generation of young men and
women for the game. Indeed, because of Tiger Woods, the game of golf has a degree of
popularity
within minority communities that it has never before held in its entire history. Libby Hughes' Tiger
Woods is a splendidly written biography of their remarkable young man's career from when he hit
his
first golf ball at the age of 9 months, through his days as a junior champion in grad school and
high
school, on to his years at Stanford University (when Tiger turned pro in his second year of
college)
and down to the present with a representative sampling drawn from his spectacular pro
tournament
victories. Tiger Woods is a great biography for young readers and will serve to inspire children
with
one of the most genuinely praiseworthy young men in professional sports today!
Morgan Reynolds
620 South Elm Street, #223, Greensboro, NC 27406
These will appeal to advanced elementary through early middle school grade levels: they read like
novels with all the dramatic descriptions and characterizations of a novel, but are nonfiction
presentations. Mary Furbee's Anne Bailey, Frontier Scout (1-883846-70-6, $20.95) explores the
life
of a woman who during the Revolutionary War tracked enemy movements on the frontier.
Furbee's
Wild Rose (71-4 , $20.95) reveals the life of Nancy Ward, a Cherokee girl whose job was to
protect
her people from harm and to guide them down roads of peace. She served as a negotiator
between
her tribe and the white man: this explores her life and contributions.
Vincent Van Gogh
Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Delacorte Press
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
0-385-32806-0 $14.95 1-800-726-0600
Vincent Van Gogh only painted for ten years of his life but his paintings are still compelling to
modern audiences. This biography of the painter is directed to ages 10 and older and provides a
discussion of not only his works, but why he went mad and why he cut off his ear. Letters from
Vincent to his brother and patron explore his behaviors and thinking.
Books In Series
Twenty-First Century Books
2 Old New Milford Rd., Brookfield, CT 06804
These will reach middle school age levels on up, providing important subjects key to history,
social
science or political science classes. Ted Gottfried's Teen Fathers Today (0-7613-1901-8, $23.90)
provides the latest facts about teen fathers, from analyses of issues and family problems to case
histories and quotes from teens. Jacqueline Harris' Sickle Cell Disease (1459-8, $24.90) will reach
ages 12 and older but also will attract "high/low" readers with its basic information on the effects
of
this genetically inherited disease, from its history to its symptoms and the potential for a cure.
Victoria Sherrow's Cuba (1404-0, $23.90) describes Cuba's history and its struggles for
independence. A wide age range will find this a useful study guide. Kieran Doherty's To Conquer
Is
To Live (1820-8, $23.90) provides a biography of Captain John Smith, an adventurer who
traversed
the world. Primarily known for his activities in Jamestown, this provides a much-increased scope.
Carol Hipperson's The Belly Gunner (1873-9, $27.90) provides a first-person story of a World
War
II gunner who flew missions over occupied Europe, was shot down and captured, and survived a
Nazi POW camp. Black and white photos spice and pack the presentation. Margaret Hyde and
John
Setaro MD's Medicine's Brave New World (1706-6, $27.90) covers the ethics and genetics of
bioengineering, with chapters considering the various new technologies and their effects on ethics
and science. Thomas Billitteri's Alternative Medicine (0965-9, $24.90) highlights the major areas
of
alternative medicine and their various therapies. Elizabeth Marshall's Student's Guide To The
Internet (1661-2, $23.90) appears in an updated edition to provide the latest details on the
internet.
Almost 60 percent of the book has been rewritten and includes new material. Ted Gottfried's
ongoing focus on the Holocaust continues with Displaced Persons (1924-7, $28.90), focussing on
the liberation and abuse of Holocaust survivors, and Denier Of The Holocaust (1950-6, $28.90),
which focuses n who they are and why they deny Holocaust facts. These are in-depth coverages
which allow for further study on Holocaust facts. All are outstanding presentations.
DK Inc.
95 Madison, New York NY 10016
DK produces a range of wonderful books for young readers, and these are some prime
recommendations from their latest batch. The Ultimate Barbie Hobbies Sticker Book
(0-7894-7337-2, $6.95) will appeal to parents who want their kids to enjoy stickers. Hobby ideas
accompany peel-off stickers which can be reused. Accompany this gift with the Barbie Fun To
Cook
book (7335-6, $12.95), which blends color photos of the doll and her friends with recipes which
will
be easy for ages 5-8 to follow. Picture instructions help kids learn how to cook. Simon Adams'
World War I (7939-7, $15.95) provides an Eyewitness guide to life and death on the Western
Front,
blending first-hand reports with modern photos of the battles for a powerful visual impact. It's
getting harder to locate World War I information for the young and this fills a gap. Three
'Experiments in Science' guides for ages 5 and older provide colorful pages of hands-on
experiments
which illuminate basic science concepts. How Do Things Grow (7848-X, $24.95) covers the
science
of life cycles, What Is It Made Of? (7850-1) reveals materials and how they change; How Does It
Work? (7849-8) covers forces, electricity, sound and music. All are excellent and
recommended.
EDC
Box 472037, Tulsa, OK 74147
Three excellent internet-linked books bring together the printed page and the computer screen,
using
the written word and the screen to reinforce learning. Snakes by Rachel Firth and Jonathan
Sheikh-Miller (0-7945-0004-8, $8.95) blends snake facts and natural history with internet sites
containing further information, downloadable images, and museum features. Peoples Of The
World
(0025-0, $14.95) by Gillian Doherty and Anna Claybourne uses a colorful format to provide an
introduction to different native peoples around the world. Maps, color photos and detail make this
a
stand-alone reference with internet notes providing further research options. Introduction To
Music
(3769-4, $14.95) covers a history of different music genres, eras, and the musicians notable for
fostering them. Usborne maintains a main link site to reflect any out of date or changed web sites
within these books, assuring that the Internet link will not fail.
Marshall Cavendish
99 White Plains Rd. Tarrytown NY 10591
Four reference sets promise libraries lasting value, covering topics which are unlikely to become
rapidly outdated and creating reference sets which will receive repeated consultation. The
ten-volume Exploring Earth And Space Science series (11, with index; 0-7614-7219-3,
$329.95/set)
packs in details for grades 3-6, supplementing plenty of contemporary color photos with basic
facts,
sidebars of information, and an uncluttered, attractive appearance. An index, glossary and table of
contents for each book makes these easy to use and inviting to browse. The 'Blastoff' set of space
titles ($18.95 each) present little over 60 pages of detail: included on this basic set are Martin
Schwabacher's Jupiter (1236-0), Rebecca Stefoff's Neptune (1232-8) and Earth And The Moon
(1235-2), and Tanya Lee Stone's Mars (1233-6) and Saturn (1234-4). Each title blends history
with
science, color and black and white photos, and inviting facts about each planet. Six volumes in
James Castner's Deep In The Amazon ($18.95 each) provides opportunity for close focus with a
little over sixty pages of detail in each. Included in the set are Partners And Rivals (1131-3),
Layers
Of Life (1130-5), Rainforest Researchers (1129-1), Native Peoples (1128-3), River Life (1127-5),
and Surviving In The Rain Forest (1126-7). Kids in grades 4-6 will find these inviting for both
projects and leisure reading. Adding to the expanding series on 'The Elements' series ($15.95
each)
consists of Silicon (1274-3), Lead (1273-5), Chlorine (1272-7) and Sodium (1271-9). Each holds
a
little over 30 pages of science detail for grades 3-5. All are top picks.
Blackbirch Press
260 Amity Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525
A little over 23 pages to each of these 'Speed' titles offers the very young an excellent
introduction
to planes, boats, cars and other fast equipment. Vivid color cover photos invite leisure browsers,
while inside pages are surprisingly loaded with facts for grades 2-3. Included in the series are
Planes
(1-56711-466-0), Boats (468-7), Cars (467-9), Motorcycles (470-9), Military Vehicles (471-7)
and
Trains (469-5). All are beautiful presentations.
The Law/Justice Shelf
Drugs Crime And Criminal Justice
Linda Bayer
Chelsea House
1974 Sproul Rd. #400 Broomall PA 19008
0-7910-4262-6 $21.95 1-800-848-2665
Kids ages 13 and older will find Linda Bayer's Drugs Crime And Criminal Justice to be a 100+
page
title essential for social studies classes studying issues of drugs and the justice system. The
chapters
comprising Drugs Crime And Criminal Justice cover America's early drug history to present-day
legal and social systems, with black and white photos providing illustration. Highly recommended
for both Law/Justice and Social Issues reference collections.
The Preschool Shelf
Star Bright Books
325 W. 38th St., #511, NY, NY 10018
1-212-564-3981
Brian Wildsmith and Star Bright Books offer a series of truly outstanding, full color board books
ideal for preschool children. Brian Wildsmith's Farm Animals (188773450‘3, $4.95) and Brian
Wildsmith's Animal Colors (1887734481, $4.95) offer simple one-word per page, splendidly
drawn
themes that are ideal for parent/child quality playtime. Other very highly recommended Brian
Wildsmith's board book titles include ABC; Animals To Count; and Opposite.
The Audiobook Shelf
Chivers Audio
Box 1450, Hampton, NH 03843-1450
Two excellent, appealing audios will appeal to a range of young listeners from advanced
elementary
through middle school. Geraldine McCaughrean's The Crystal Pool (0-7540-5211-7, $32.95),
which
appears unabridged, presents a delightful fairy story collection powered by Christian Rodska's
strong
voice and background in television and drama. It offers over twenty short tales from around the
world. Enid Blyton's Shock For The Secret Seven (5225-7, $18.95) tells of a new investigation by
the kids, who find their own dog in danger in a village of disappearing canines. Can they resolve
their differences long enough to locate the missing mutts? Sarah Greene provides the lively
reading.
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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