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Children's Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
No Head Fred Said: Stay Safe
Stephanie Keegan, author
Page Publishing Inc.
101 Tyrellan Avenue Suite 100 New York, NY 10309
www.pagepublishing.com
9781684095629, $12.95 PB, $9.99 Kindle, 22pp, www.amazon.com
"No Heed Fred Said: Stay Safe" is a vivid safety instruction manual for young children age 4 and
up written in memorable verse and illustrated in bright clear rainbow colors. The story offers
brief scenes to children that pose danger or possible threat, and asks or offers two possible
choices for the best way to react. Some examples are: "No Head Fred Said: if strangers offer you
a ride do this instead: Jump inside? Or Run to a friendly adult and hide? (Turn page) Run to a
friendly adult and hide!!" There are five separate scenarios offered with clear choices
recommended by No Head Fred. Although some of the situations are potentially dangerous and
scary, the reassuring patterns of rhyme, color cued illustrations showing best choices, and
empowered child figures making wise choices and staying safe all help to send the message of
safety first. At the end, five different children who have encountered the five scary, potentially
dangerous situations are shown cheering, "You did it !! Yay!!" Racial and cultural diversity are
reinforced, as are gender free strengths and survival skills practice. "No Head Fred Said: Stay
Safe" is part of an excellent safety series for young children.
Tummy Rumble Quake
Heather L. Beal, author
Jubayda Sagor, illustrator
Train 4 Safety Press
9780998791258, $18.95, HC, www.train4safety.com
9780998791227, $10.99, PB, $4.99 Kindle, www.amazon.com
Second title in a successful juvenile safety series, "Tummy Rumble Quake" is a child's safety
procedures manual for earthquakes drills. Written for children ages 4-8 by a military veteran with
over 20 years of crisis management and operational planning experience, "Tummy Rumble
Quake" sets up a children's classroom for adorable animal children students as a laboratory for
teaching accepted standard safety procedures to practice during earthquakes. Along with a class
full of eager students, Lily and Niko Rabbit learn to "drop, cover, and hold on," when caught
indoors during an earthquake. The also learn similar safety steps to take if caught outside during
an earthquake, or even in a car. Procedures are taught in simple statements such as "drop, cover,
and hold on," and also in song. "If the room starts to rock, stop what you're doing and drop. Get
under cover on the floor; hold on till it's safe once more." Bright colored, cheery illustrations
show animal students practicing Great ShakeOut moves and safety procedures with their teacher,
Ms Mandy. A calm, non-frightening tone and approach is emphasized throughout the story,
which is helpful for kids in dealing with the scary issue of earthquake drills and procedures. At
the end of "Tummy Rumble Quake" there are learning questions and activities from Lily and
Niko Rabbit, plus safety resources at, www.train4safety.com/ready-tots/ to print out a certificate
of training completion and more reference information about earthquake safety. Like the first title
in this series, "Elephant Wind," "Tummy Rumble Quake" addresses its audience of readers ages
4-8 directly, with gentleness, warmth and caring. Watch for more disaster preparedness titles for
tots by this author at Train 4 Safety Press.
Grandma Forgets
Paul Russell, author
Nicky Johnston, illustrator
EK Books
c/o Exisle Publishing
www.exislepublishing.com.au
9781925335477, $17.99, HC, 24pp, www.amazon.com
When your grandmother can't remember your name it should be sad, but maybe it is just an
opportunity to tell her more often how much you love her. The collaborative effort of author Paul
Russell and illustrator Nick Johnson, "Grandma Forgets' is the heart-warming picture book story
of a family bound by love as they cope with their grandma's dementia. Over the years, the little
girl has built up a treasure trove of memories of time spent with Grandma: sausages for Sunday
lunch, driving in her sky-blue car to the beach, climbing her apple trees while she baked a
delicious apple pie, and her comforting hugs during wild storms. But now, Grandma can't
remember those memories. She makes up new rules for old games and often hides Dad's keys.
Sometimes Dad is sad because he has to hold onto the memories for both him and his mother
now, but fortunately his daughter is only too happy to help him make new memories to share.
She might not remember any of their names but she will always know how much she is loved. A
warm, hopeful, charming story about a family who sometimes needs to remind their grandmother
a little more often than they used to about how much they care, "Grandma Forgets" is
unreservedly recommended and a critically important addition to family, daycare center,
preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4
to 8. It should be noted that "Grandma Forgets" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$4.99).
The Girl Who Said Sorry
Hayoung Yim, author
Marta M., illustrator
Rhyming Reason Books
www.rhymingreason.com
9780993717482, $9.99 PB, $2.99 Kindle, www.amazon.com
"The Girl Who Said Sorry" is an appealing story in verse about sorting through confusing or
conflicting gender expectations, especially for girls. It is a story to inspire girls and help them feel
confident and empowered. The examples given reveal a girl trying to understand a complex
series of strong double messages frequently encountered by girls as they grow up. Speak your
mind, but don't be bossy. Be a winner, but don't make anyone else feel bad. Be yourself, but be a
lady... On and on the versed descriptions go, with one response, "So I said sorry..." The turning
point comes when the girl realizes it is silly to be apologizing all of the time. She says instead: "If
something is my fault, If it was within my power, I will own up to my mistakes Without ever
being sour. But for my words and choices That don't hurt anybody else, I will not say 'Sorry' -
They're an expression of myself. While I want everyone around me To certainly be happy, All I
can do is be myself Without apology!" Whimsical black and white drawings with single colors
per page touches of pink, red, yellow, and orange draw the reader into the world of "The Girl
Who Said Sorry." This powerful book delivers its message clearly with grace and style, an
excellent addition to reading shelves of kids and grownups everywhere.
The Halloween Shelf
Halloween
Allan Morey, author
Doreen Mulryan, illustrator
Mark Oblinger, music composer
Capstone Publishers
1905 Lookout Drive, N. Mankato, MN 56003
www.cantatalearning.com
9781684100316, $33.99, Library Binding, www.amazon.com
"Halloween" is an imaginative book and CD combo from the Cantata Learning juvenile series
that explains and celebrates the holiday of Halloween in verse, song, and appropriately spooky
illustrations. The exciting, jaunty song story exemplifies a philosophy of learning that combines
music with reading to teach children through physical learning, cognitive learning, and social and
emotional learning channels simultaneously. "Halloween" explores unforgettable holiday history
and customs while inviting children to celebrate with song, dance and mummery. The poem and
song story finishes with a page of printed song lyrics, the written song notation, a glossary, and
suggested guided reading activities. Reference to other resources for information on how children
celebrate Halloween is included under the To Learn More section. "Pirates dance and witches
laugh, "It's time to trick-or-treat!" Vampires prowl and werewolves howl, "Tonight is
Halloween!" (Boo) It's time to trick-or-treat! Tonight is Halloween!" For additional Cantata
Learning book CD combo titles which are also very highly recommended, please explore the
following titles with young readers/singers: "Stop, Drop, and Roll!" (9781684100514, $33.99),
by Charles Ghigna, illustrated by Glenn Thomas, music composed by Drew Temperante,
"Staying Safe Online" (9781684100491, $33.99), by Shannon McClintock Miller, illustrated by
Kathryn Durst, music composed by Emily Arrow, "Making New Friends!" (978163907783,
$33.99), by Vita Jimenez, illustrated by Janet Cheeseman, music composed by Drew
Temperante, "Birds Can Fly and A Fly Goes Buzz: Tricky, Sticky Words" (9781632907950,
$33.99), by Stephen O'Connor, illustrated by Annabel Tempest, music composed by Mark
Oblinger, "Alphabet Safari: A Song About Drawing with Letters" (9781684100095, $33.99), by
Blake Hoena, illustrated by Tim Palin, music composed by Emily Arrow, "Hop On the Water
Cycle" (9781684100354, $33.99), by Nadia Higgins, illustrated by Sara Infante, music composed
by Drew Temperante, and "Count by 10 to 100" (9781684100170, $33.99), by Charles Ghigna,
illustrated by Misa Saburi, music composed by Mark Oblinger. All titles with accompanying
CDs are highly recommended for children between the ages of three and nine years.
The Psychology Shelf
A Feel Better Book for Little Worriers
Holly Brochmann & Leah Bowen, authors
Shirley Ng-Benitez, illustrator
Magination Press
c/o American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242
www.maginationpress.com
9781433827181, $15.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
The collaborative work of authors Holly Brochman, Leah Bowen, and illustrator Shirely
Ng-Benitez, "A Feel Better Book for Little Worriers" is a gentle rhyming picture book for
children ages 3 to 6 who may be developing anxious feelings but are too young to comprehend
the implications. Whether as a family counseling tool or as an aid for parents, "A Feel Better
Book for Little Worriers" is easy to use, appealing, and effective for parents to use with their
stressed out little ones, and includes calming tools based on science-based strategies such as
cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness principles. The "Note to Caregivers" gives
information about recognizing and distinguishing worries and managing anxiety. Unique, special,
thoroughly 'kid friendly' in tone, organization and presentation, "A Feel Better Book for Little
Worriers" is highly and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections.
My Incredible Talking Body
Rebecca Bowen, author
Lauren Bowen, illustrator
Mascot Publishing
560 Herndon Parkway, #120, Herndon, VA 20170
http://mascotbooks.com
www.emotionalwellnessproject.com
9780997196207, $18.95, HC, 46pp, www.amazon.com
The collaborative work of author Rebecca Bowen and artist Lauren Bowen, "My Incredible
Talking Body: Learning to Be Calm" is a beautifully illustrated picture book specifically created
to help young children understand their emotions and how to manage them. The primary focus of
"My Incredible Talking Body" is on cultivating mindfulness of the body's signals about feelings,
encouraging acceptance of all types of emotions, and developing strategies for calming strong or
uncomfortable feelings. Included in "My Incredible Talking Body" is a learning guide designed
especially for parents, educators, counselors, and other adults that are supporting children as they
build skills to manage their emotions. Thoroughly 'kid friendly' in organized and presentation,
"My Incredible Talking Body" is unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended for family,
school, and community library collections.
The Memory Box: A Book About Grief
Joanna Rowland, author
Thea Baker, illustrator
Sparkhouse Family
510 Marquette Ave. 7th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402
www.sparkhouse.org
9781506426723, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"The Memory Box: A Book About Grief" is told from the perspective of a young child by Joanna
Rowland and artfully describes what it is like to remember and grieve a loved one who has died.
The child in the story creates a memory box to keep mementos and written memories of the
loved one, to help in the grieving process. Heartfelt and comforting, "The Memory Box" is
beautifully illustrated by Thea Baker and will help adults talk about this very difficult topic with
children ages 4 to 8. The unique point of view allows the children to imagine the loss of any they
have loved, be it a friend, family member, or even a pet. Of special note is a parent guide in the
back of this outstanding picture4book that includes information on helping children manage the
complex and difficult emotions they feel when they lose someone they love, as well as
suggestions on how to create their own memory box. "The Memory Box: A Book About Grief" is
unreservedly and strongly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary
school, and community library collections.
The Biography Shelf
Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library
Carole Boston Weatherford, author
Eric Velasquez, illustrator
Candlewick Press
99 Dover Street, Somerville, MA 02144
www.candlewick.com
9780763680466 $16.99 amazon.com
Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library is a full-color children's picturebook about Arturo
Alfonso Schomburg (1874-1938), an Afro-Puerto Rican man who devoted his life to collecting
books, letters, music, and art from Africa and the African diaspora. His goal was to shine light on
the accomplishments of people of African descent, and their contributions to history. His
collection became so large that he turned to the New York Public library, and became curator of
the new Division of Negro History Literature and Prints. Today, his legacy is the Schomburg
Center for Research in Black Culture. Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library is a true-life
story about the importance of preserving and sharing history, and highly recommended especially
for school and public library children's collections.
Muddy
Michael Mahin, author
Evan Turk, illustrator
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 4th floor, New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781481443494, $17.99, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com
Muddy Waters was an African-American blues musician whose fierce and electric sound laid the
groundwork for what would become rock and roll. But Muddy Waters was never good at doing
what he was told. When Grandma Della said the blues wouldn't put food on the table, Muddy
didn't listen. And when record producers told him no one wanted to listen to a country boy
playing country blues, Muddy ignored them as well. This tenacious streak carried Muddy from
the hardscrabble fields of Mississippi to the smoky juke joints of Chicago and finally to a
recording studio where a landmark record was made. Soon the world fell in love with the tough
spirit of Muddy Waters. In blues-infused prose by Michael Mahin and soulful illustrations by
evan Turk, "Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters" fascinating and inspiring picture
book story of struggle, determination, and hope. While unreservedly and enthusiastically
recommended for family, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book
collections for children ages 4 to 8, it should be noted that "Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend
Muddy Waters" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
The Picturebook Shelf
The Adventures of Alexander T. Frog
Michael Brian O'Hara, author
Thinkstock, illustrations
Archway Publishing
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.archwaypublishing.com
9781480844582, $13.95 PB, $3.99 Kindle, 26pp, www.amazon.com
"The Adventures of Alexander T. Frog" is a delightful children's animal fable that encourages
self acceptance, self esteem, and celebration of differences and diversity. Alexander was an
extremely smart frog, who also became bored easily with his life. Although Alexander could
outswim, outjump, and outcatch flies better than any other frog, this was no longer enough for
him. He began to wish he could float like a butterfly, fly like a bird, swim underwater like a fish,
hop like a bunny rabbit, and run fast like a horse. However, as Alexander T. Frog spoke with
each of these creatures, he began to change his mind. Each of them told him he had many special
gifts already, and that he was really so much better off than they were. Finally Alexander T. Frog
believed his friends, and was convinced that he really was better off being exactly who he was.
The bright colored illustrations make pleasant page turning in this contemporary fable of
cultivating gratitude and finding contentment with one's lot.
There's A Dragon in my Closet
Dorothea Taylor, author
Charly Palmer, illustrator
Bolden
c/o Agate Publishing
1328 Greenleaf Street, Evanston, IL 60202
9781572842274 $17.95 www.agatepublishing.com
There's A Dragon in my Closet is a charming picturebook about a young boy and the great green
dragon that lives in his closet. The dragon always seems to be stirring up messes and making
trouble, despite the boy's parents' insistence that dragons are imaginary! Beautiful color artwork
adds just the right touch to this delightful read-aloud story that will especially appeal to young
dragon fans.
Chicken in the Kitchen
Nnedi Okorafor, author
Mehrdokht Amini, illustrator
Lantana Publishing Ltd
www.lantanapublishing.com
9781911373155, $17.99 HC, $8.99 PB, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"Chicken in the Kitchen" is a fascinating, fantastic glimpse of the brilliant, colorful pageantry of
a West African, Nigerian Yam Festival holiday through the wide brown eyes of a brave girl
named Anyaugo. One night Anyaugo was startled awake by the sounds of a gigantic chicken in
her kitchen. Although the size and overwhelming colors and noise of the mega-chicken were
frightening, Anyaugo bravely chose to ask the strange Wood Wit who dwelled in all things made
of wood to help her make the giant chicken leave the kitchen. Anyaugo was fearful that the giant
chicken might eat some of the fantastic yam dishes prepared in the fridge for the New Yam
Festival, when all families danced, sang, and celebrated with joy and thankfulness for the harvest.
The obscure Wood Wit advised Anyaugo to speak to the chicken in Chickenese, whatever that
might sound like. In a brilliant two page painting, small brown Anyauga (wearing a green print
dress) and her cat look up at the huge, red, orange, and crimson giant chicken and said,
bedazzled, "Hello!" Guess what happened next? The chicken smiled, "the sunniest, shiniest,
sweetest smile Anyaugo had ever seen!" Then the Wood Wit began to hum with a drumbeat
sound and the chicken signaled to Anyaugo a desire to dance! Anyauga instinctively understood
then that the great, brilliant chicken was a powerful masquerade spirit who came to dance and
have a midnight snack at the great New Yam Festival. Such visitants are like spirits of the land or
water, or ancestors returning to the dance, confirming that death is simply a natural part of life.
"Chicken in the Kitchen" ends with a visual riddle, even a cliffhanger that will delight and
intrigue young readers ages 4-8. The combination of expert storytelling and fantastic, vivid art
make "Chicken in the Kitchen" a powerful and magical experience that enriches the spirits of all
who read it.
Little Rosa
Mr. E., author
Colette Alexandratos, illustrator
Perky Penguin Press
9780578180465, $13.95 PB, $20.95, HC, www.amazon.com
"Little Rosa" is a charming modern day fable based on the life of the black woman, Rosa Parks,
who began the Civil Rights Movement in 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama, by refusing to give up
her seat on the bus to a white man. Delicately illustrated with delightful, humorous colored pencil
drawings of Rosa on the bus with various exotic animals, "Little Rosa" tells a perfectly
believable story about a little girl who rode the bus to school each day. Monday, when she got on
the bus there was a bus full of dirty, pudgy pigs, who shouted at her, "You are not dirty and
pudgy like us!...To the back of the bus!" Grudgingly, irritated by the rudeness of the pigs, Rosa
walked to the back of the bus. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, it was the same story
when Rosa got on the bus, except the bus was filled with rude zebras, seals, and monkeys, all of
whom made Rosa sit at the back of the bus because she was not like them. Rosa became more
and more annoyed at the animals' rude behavior. On Friday, Rosa confronted a pride of ferocious
lions on the bus who began to roar rudely at her "You cannot roar like us!" This time she
responded loudly, immediately: "OH YES I CAN! NOW STEP ASIDE AND GIVE ME MY
FRONT SEAT!" Amazed, the lions let her sit. From then on little Rosa, who later became big
Rosa, knew she could handle anything. The wonderful fable of "Little Rosa" is appealing and
funny for young children to read. It also lays the ground work for important dialogues and
discussions about differences, discrimination, racial oppression, and equal rights. It is a
wonderful teaching opportunity as well as a fun modern fable for kids of all ages.
Please Turn Green!
Donald W. Kruse, author
Mattea and Sajen Grandaw, illustrators
Zaccheus Entertainment
9780998519111, $14.95, PB, 45 pages, www.amazon.com
"Please Turn Green!" is a fun, exciting story about practicing courtesy even with mechanical
servants. Written in humorous narrative verse, "Please Turn Green!" chronicles a long story
about a stubborn traffic light which resisted all attempts to force it to change from red to green. A
little girl who wants to ride her tricycle across the street to the drugstore to buy gum asked the
stoplight, "Why are you different ... from other lights I've seen?" "Because I'm stubborn," said the
light, "and I'm feeling mean!" A cavalcade of mechanics, policemen, light fixers and engineers
arrive in succession, attempting to fix the stubborn traffic light, but to no avail. Cars, trucks, and
a school bus pile up waiting impatiently for the light to turn green. Hours go by and frustration
mounts. Finally, the little girl remembers a lesson in manners taught to her by her mother. She
asks the traffic light, "Will you turn green, please?" "Suddenly the light hummed and whirred/
and it shook, it seemed./ And then that light/ turned bright green!" The best part comes when the
little girl remembers to say "Thank you," to the light. In fact, she says it twice for emphasis.
"Please Turn Green!" is filled with charming, expressive crayola portraits of cars, pedestrians,
drivers, and cranky stoplights. All art was created by sisters Mattea (age 6) and Sajen (age 8)
Grandaw, the younger of whom has an upper limb difference of missing three fingers. "Please
Turn Green!" is a fantastic new title by a beloved and prolific children's book author.
Elliot and the Impossible Fish
Rebecca North, author
Laurel Keating, illustrator
Tuckamore Books
c/o Creative Publishers
www.creativebookpublishing.ca
9781771031028, $12.95, PB, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"Elliot and the Impossible Fish" is a tall tale of the Northern Atlantic, involving a boy's dream of
going fishing with his father on the ocean. Elliot's father was a fisherman, but when Elliot asked
him to take him ocean fishing, he said "No, Elliot. You can come when you are older. Right now
you are too little." But Elliot did not want to go fishing on a lake. He wanted to go on the ocean
where he could catch a GIGANTIC fish. So Elliot drifted off to sleep without realizing it and had
an incredible fishing adventure! His bed became a boat, his friends became sea creatures and
birds, like a puffin, a jaeger, a seal, and even a whale. Elliot had wonderful conversations with
each creature about his dream of catching the biggest fish. Just when Elliot thought he was
catching the biggest fish ever in his boat, ...... he woke up. A fantastic two page illustration shows
an amazed little boy sitting in his bed, which is dripping with seaweed, littered with crabs,
feathers, shells, stones, and his stuffed puffin and whale toys. Young readers will marvel at the
power of a boy's dreams, while they enjoy Elliot's dream adventures on the high seas.
Moose's Roof
Jennifer Maruno, author
Laurel Keating, illustrator
Tuckamore Books
c/o Creative Publishers
www.creativebookpublishing.ca
9781771031004, $12.95, PB, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"Moose's Roof" is a humorous children's story about a moose who wished for a roof, only to
discover that having a permanent roof fixture attached to his antlers was to become an
uncomfortable burden. Moose had kind friends, including Bear, Squirrel, and Beaver. they kindly
assisted Moose by building a roof of sticks, branches, leaves, earth, and grass. However, Moose
discovered living with a permanent roof fixture on his antlers became a serious handicap in the
comfort department. "Moose's Roof" is illustrated with comic, expressive animal friends who
care almost too much about each other. Children' will enjoy the ridiculous situations Moose
encounters with his friend-made roof, only to agree wholeheartedly with the conclusion: "The
sky over my head is roof enough for me!"
Night Creepers
Linda Stanek, author
Shennen Bersani, illustrator
Arbordale Publishing
612 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite A2, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
www.arbordalepublishing.com
9781607183228, $17.95, www.amazon.com
"Night Creepers" is a beautifully illustrated, natural nocturnal animals litany presented in a sleepy
succession of poetry -illuminated portraits with additional animal facts in sidebars on each page.
Children will love being prepared for their sleeping time while learning about these species of
nocturnal animals. Animals included in "Night Creepers" include red fox, wolf, bat, flying
squirrel, skunk, opossum, bullfrog, firefly, racoon, owl, bobcat, and white-tailed deer. Like all
titles of this natural educational series, "Night Creepers" ends with a section called For Creative
Minds which offers further teaching activities for use in a classroom or at home, including
sorting, diurnal, crepuscular and nocturnal animal activities, animal activities, and a matching
game called Match the Eyes. Additional educational resources are available online at,
www.ArbordalePublishing.com. "Night Creepers" is highly recommended for children age 3 and
up.
Goodnight Spaceman
Michelle Robinson, author
Nick East, illustrator
Cady Coleman, forward
Barron's Educational Series
250 Wireless Blvd., Hauppage, NY 11788
9781438010861, $7.99 pb, www.barronseduc.com
"Goodnight Spaceman" is a bedtime story from an educational series with a payload of space age
information and education, in addition to glamorous space related skills, knowledge, and
activities. An inspiring forward written by Colonel Cady Coleman, PH.D. and former NASA
astronaut invites children to imagine themselves as explorers on the crew of Spaceship Earth,
with abilities to do many fun jobs that explorers must do. Written in daring, descriptive verse and
illustrated in a splash of starry, night-colored skies of space with travelers featured, "Goodnight
Spaceman" is the perfect bedtime story for kids who dream of space and other exploration. The
image of a goodnight space trip on a rocket ship pervades this bedtime adventure, with featured
illustrations of genuine space shuttles, personnel, and equipment. Inclusive in its message,
encouraging both sexes to follow their dreams of space exploration, "Goodnight Spaceman"
promises to help young readers "blast off to dreamland " with this unique space lullaby story.
"Goodnight shuttle, Goodnight base,/ Goodnight deepest, darkest space./ Zooming through the
Milky Way...../ Goodnight spaceman, far away."
Prisoner #147
Diane S. Mautner, author
Nazar Horokhivskyi, illustrator
Mascot Publishing
560 Herndon Parkway, #120, Herndon, VA 20170
http://mascotbooks.com
9781631778544, $14.95, HC, 38pp, www.amazon.com
Engagingly written by Diane S. Mautner and charmingly illustrated by Nazar Horokhivskyi,
"Prisoner #147" is the original and 'kid friendly' story of how a raccoon got and arrested for
stealing food, and ended up being held in a dark cell. Will he ever be released? Impressively
original and consistently entertaining from beginning to end, "Prisoner #147" will prove to be an
enduringly popular addition to family, elementary school, and community library picture book
collections for young readers.
Zelda's Big Adventure
Marie Alafaci, author
Shane McG, illustrator
Clarion Books
c/o Houghton Mifflin
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
9781328660817, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Zelda has big plans -- she wants to be the first chicken in space. She leaves nothing to chance as
she builds her spaceship, plans her experiments, and packs for the journey. All she needs now is
a little help from her friends, and if they won't step up, Zelda will just have to manage on her
own! Eye-popping art by Shane McG showcases an original picture book story by Marie Alafaci
of perseverance and ingenuity proving that for a plucky hen like Zelda, the sky is never the limit!
An absolutely charming and unfailingly entertaining read for children ages 4 to 7, "Zelda's Big
Adventure" is especially recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school,
and community library picture book collections.
Hooray for Books!
Brian Won
Houghton Mifflin Company
215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com
9780544748026, $16.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Turtle has looked everywhere for his favorite book, but it's nowhere to be found! Maybe his book
was borrowed by Zebra, Owl, Giraffe, Elephant, or Lion. As Turtle searches, his friends offer to
share their own favorite stories, but other books just won't do. Or is it time for Turtle to try
something different? Charmingly written and illustrated by Brian Won, "Hooray for Books!" is a
simply wonderful picture book tribute for children ages 4 to 7 to books, reading, and the
enjoyment of sharing stories with others. Original, entertaining, thoroughly 'kid friendly',
"Hooray for Books!" is enthusiastically and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare
center, preschool, elementary school and community library collections. It should be noted for
personal reading lists that "Hooray for Books!" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$12.99).
Learning to Fly: By Mebo
Agatha Bobblesbee
Sophie's Tale Publishing
www.sophiestale.com
9780998962801, $16.95, HC, 24pp, www.amazon.com
In this colorful and endearing read-to-me children's picture book, Mebo the blue panda looks,
thinks, and dreams a little different than the average bear. Independent little Mebo doesn't see
limitations in the world around him, or in the sky. When Mebo sees other animals and insects
flying, the curious little blue bear wonders, "Why can't I fly?" . Agatha Bobblesbee is an author,
illustrator, conservationist and world renown expert in the study of the elusive blue panda bear.
With "Learning to Fly: By Mebo" she shares with children ages 1 to 6 the story of Mebo, a young
panda who wants to join the butterflies, birds, and balloons in the sky. But, first Mebo has to
learn how to fly. With a wink from the moon, Mebo finds a way to soar through the skies. An
enthusiastically recommended and charmingly original picture book story, "Learning to Fly: By
Mebo" will prove to be an enduringly popular and entertaining addition to family, daycare center,
preschool, elementary school, and community library collections. It should be noted for personal
reading lists that "Learning to Fly: By Mebo" is available in a paperback edition
(9780998962818, $11.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Edmond, The Thing
Astrid Desbordes, author
Marc Boutavant, illustrator
Enchanted Lion Books
67 West Street, Studio 317A, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11222
9781592702176, $17.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Edmond and George Owl encounter a mysterious Thing while out walking. Terrified, they run to
take cover in Edmond's house. But with the help of some fortifying green cookies and an
excellent disguise, they come to understand that the Thing is not so terrifying after all. An
impressively original and wonderfully entertaining picture book tale for children ages 4 to 8,
"Edmond, The Thing" is the collaborative effort of author Astrid Desbordes and illustrator Marc
Boutavant. Certain to be an enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections, "Edmond, The Thing" is
unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended!
When a Wolf Is Hungry
Christine Naumann-Villemin, author
Kris Di Glacomo, illustrator
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
c/o Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
2140 Oak Industrial Drive, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.eerdmans.com/youngreaders
9780802854827, $16.00, HC, 34pp, www.amazon.com
Edmond Bigsnout, lone wolf that he is, loves his solitary cabin in the woods. But lately he's been
craving urban rabbit for dinner, so he travels into the city to catch one. Unfortunately, the rabbit
has a lot of neighbors -- some of whom mistake Edmond for a kind and helpful resident! Perhaps
Edmond can become a good neighbor, despite his bad intentions! "When a Wolf Is Hungry" is a
darkly humorous and original tale with a clever twist ending. The collaborative storytelling effort
of author Christine Naumann-Villemin, supported by the unique art of illustrator Kris Di
Glacomo, "When a Wolf Is Hungry" is appropriate and recommended for children ages 4 to 8.
Family, school, and community library picture book collections will appreciated the addition of
"When a Wolf Is Hungry" for young children who will devour this original story about a wolf
who decides that if you can't eat them, join them!
Fergus Barnaby Goes on Vacation
David Barrow
Barron's
250 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.barronseduc.com
9781438050096, $12.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Fergus Barnaby is so excited! Mom, Dad, and Fergus are about to go away on vacation for a few
days of fun in the sun. But first his Dad tells him to pack everything he needs, and now Fergus
has a problem. Fred has his bucket and shovel, Emily Rose has his swimming goggles, and
Teddy has his kite. Fergus lives on the first floor, but his friends -- and the toys he let them
borrow are all upstairs! So many stairs, so little time! Will Fergus and Daddy remember to pack
everything they need to bring? It is interesting to note that author/illustrator David Barrow has an
MA in Children's Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art at Anglia Ruskin
University. He won the prestigious Sebastian Walker Award for most promising new illustrator
in his final year at Cambridge. That helps explain the bold illustrations that bring to life an
enchanting picture book story for children ages 2 to 5 about friendship and life in the city.
"Fergus Barnaby Goes on Vacation" is fully and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare
center, preschool, elementary school, and community library children's picture book
collections.
Mackenzie Goes Adventuring
J. L. Bauman, author
Gabriel Roman, illustrator
Post Mortem Publications
www.postmortempublications.com
9781941880166, $24.95, PB, 92pp, www.amazon.com
"Snookton was a happy town, full of Snookies, snooking all around. There were Snookie shops
full of Snookie toys for all the Snookie girls and boys." But was this enough for a young girl
named Mackenzie who one day decided that after being let out of school she would not take her
usual path home? After convincing another friend to adventure with her through the enchanted
woods they soon find out why the teacher had told them "to stay on the right path". From the
dangers of the Snarfling Snarfle to the delights of the Snookberry jelly roll at the Snookie
Exchange, they encounter a whole new world out there, but, even after having met a whole new
set of friends and learned the value of paying attention, they still had to find their way home. An
original and wonderfully entertain picture book story by author J. L. Bauman and illustrator
Gabriel Roman, "Mackenzie Goes Adventuring" will prove to be an enduringly popular and
appreciated addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community
library picture book collections for children ages 4 to 12. It should be noted that "Mackenzie
Goes Adventuring" is also available in a paperback edition (9781941880159, $19.95).
Chippy Chipmunk Feels Empathy
Kathy M. Miller
Celtic Sunrise
PO Box 174, New Ringgold, PA 17960
www.celticsunrise.com
www.chippychipmunk.com
9780984089338, $19.95, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com
In Chippy's first encounter with Harriet, she explains that a flood destroyed her burrow, so she is
searching for a new place to dig. She asks for help, but Chippy refuses and chases her away. He
is preoccupied with his goal of having a record-setting day collecting acorns, and he is skeptical
that the newcomer is a chipmunk since she has no stripes. Chippy's friends show him that there is
diversity in every species. "Diversity makes the world more beautiful," a blue peacock tells
Chippy. "My friend and I may look different on the outside, but inside we are the same," adds a
peacock that is an all-white variety. Chippy's friends help him to understand empathy and the
need to show compassion. Chippy imagines what it would be like to be other wildlife. He
thoughtfully observes other creatures. He pretends to be like them and echoes their calls as a way
to develop empathy. He pictures himself in Harriet's situation. The light of a new day gives
Chippy a fresh beginning. Feeling empathy changes his heart. He helps Harriet build a new
burrow and shares his acorns with her. The two become friends. Written and illustrated with full
color photography by Kathy M. Miller, "Chippy Chipmunk Feels Empathy" includes fun facts
and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4 to 8.
When the Wind Blew
Petra Brown
Sleeping Bear Press
315 East Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
www.sleepingbearpress.com
9781585369690, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
While Big Bear and Little Bear are snuggled up for the night, a wild storm rages. The bears wake
up to find that the wind has knocked down all of the trees in their forest, they'll have to move.
Little Bear is distraught. He loves their home! But Big Bear helps him understand that home isn't
where you are, but who you're with. Author and illustrator Petra Brown's sweet, superbly
rendered characters and tender story are perfect for helping little ones deal with a move or
change. Certain to be enduringly popular with children ages 5 to 8, "When The Wind Blew" is
unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended for family, elementary school, and community
library picture book collections. It should be noted that "When The Wind Blew" is also available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.53).
Take Ted Instead
Cassandra Webb, author
Amanda Francey, illustrator
Kane/Miller Book Publishers
4901 Morena Blvd, Suite 213, San Diego, CA 92117
www.kanemiller.com
9781610676182, $11.99, HC, 32pp
It's bedtime for one tired little boy, but why should he go to bed when everyone else in the house
is still awake? He has a plan -- and it involves his teddy bear, his baby brother, his next door
neighbor, and some toys. Great to read aloud and filled with Cassandra Webb's narrative rhymes,
repetition, and Amanda Francey's bright illustrations packed with details, "Take Ted Instead" is a
unique approach to bedtime picture book storytelling. Very highly recommended for family,
elementary school, and community library collections, "Take Ted Instead" is one that will
resonate with both tired parents and their wide-awake children ages 4 to 6.
Stolen Words
Melanie Florence, author
Gabrielle Grimard, illustrator
Second Story Press
20 Maud Street, Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5V 2M5
http://secondstorypress.ca
9781772600377, $17.95, HC, 24pp, www.amazon.com
"Stolen Words" by Melanie Florence is the captivating picture book story of the beautiful
relationship between a little Native American girl and her grandfather. When she asks her
grandfather how to say something in his language, Cree, he admits that his language was stolen
from him when he was a boy. The little girl then sets out to help her grandfather find his
language again. This sensitive, beautifully illustrated picture book for children ages 4 to 8
features the artwork of Gabrielle Grimard as it deftly explores the inter-generational impact of
Canada's residential school system, which separated young Indigenous children from their
families. "Stolen Words" is unreservedly and emphatically recommended for family, preschool,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections.
All About Cats
Monika Filipina
Child's Play
250 Minot Avenue, Auburn, ME 04210
www.childs-play.com
9781846439346, $16.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Cats spend the whole day asleep in a chair. Or do they? Charmingly written illustrated by Monika
Filipina, "All About Cats" is hilarious look at what felines might get up to when we leave the
house is full of humorous and wild possibilities. You'll never look at cats in quite the same way
again! Certain to be an enduringly fun and popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 3 to 7, "All
About Cats" is enthusiastically and unreservedly recommended. It should be noted that "All
About Cats" is also available in a paperback edition (9781846439339, $7.99).
The Book of Gold
Bob Staake
Schwartz & Wade
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9780553510775, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Young Isaac Gutenberg isn't a particularly curious boy until he meets an old shopkeeper who tells
him about The Book of Gold. This special book, hidden somewhere in the world, holds all the
answers to every question and turns to solid gold when opened. Isaac is determined to find the
book because it will make him rich! He opens many books in his search, but quickly closes them
when they don't turn to gold. That changes one day when he opens a book, looks at the page, and
a question pops into his mind. From then on, he reads every word. Time passes and Isaac ages,
but he still scours dusty attics and flea markets, crisscrossing the world, searching for The Book
of Gold. Artfully written and charmingly illustrated by Bob Staake, this sweeping picture book
asks important questions: Is searching for knowledge better than having it? How important is
curiosity? And what makes a life meaningful? A beautifully crafted picture book for children
ages 4 to 8, "The Book of Gold" is very highly recommended for family, daycare center,
preschool, elementary school, and community library collections. It should be noted that "The
Book of Gold" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Little Mouse's Sweet Treat
Shana Hollowell, author
Jennifer Finch, illustrator
Privately Published
www.facebook/authorshanahollowell
9780997878516, $18.99, HC, 30pp, www.amazon.com
Little Mouse goes on an adventure in search of something sweet. He meets lots of friends along
the way that share treats with him, but none are quite right. He is disappointed until he arrives
home and realizes his Mommy baked the sweetest treat just for him - cookies! The collaboration
of author Shana Hollowell and illustrator Jennifer Finch, "Little Mouse's Sweet Treat" is an
original and charmingly delightful children's picture book for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
While unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended, especially for family, daycare center,
preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4
to 6, it should be noted that "Little Mouse's Sweet Treat" is also available in a paperback edition
(9780997878509, $8.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
My Love Is with You Wherever You Go
Debra Buchanan, author
Nataly Vits, illustrator
Dancing Pen Publishers
9780692851371, $14.99, HC, 32pp, www.dancingpenpublishers.com
From spotting monkeys at the zoo and picnicking at the beach, to whispering sweet prayers at
night, "My Love Is with You Wherever You Go" is told in the style of a lyrical poem and
tenderly assures unconditional love for a little one wherever he or she may go. Comforting as a
hug, with delightful verse by Debra Buchanan and charming illustrations by Nataly Vits, "My
Love Is with You" is a warm and cozy love letter to every child. A very special and original
picture book for children ages 4 to 6, "My Love Is with You" is an especially and unreservedly
recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community
library collections.
Peanut Butter & Aliens
Joe McGee, author
Charles Santoso, illustrator
Abrams
c/o Henry R. Abrams
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
www.abramsyoungreaders.com
9781419725302, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
All is peaceful between the zombies and the humans of Quirkville until an unexpected alien
invasion causes widespread panic and chaos! As the aliens run rampant, demanding something
mysterious in their alien language and coating the town in cosmic grape jelly when they're not
understood, the mayor declares a state of emergency. Once again, Reginald the zombie comes to
the rescue, bravely suggesting that the seemingly evil aliens try pairing their jelly with some of
his favorite peanut butter. Despite their differences, the residents of Quirkville, the zombies, and
the aliens work together to create the greatest sandwich in the universe! Full of lots of humor and
heart, "Peanut Butter & Aliens" is entertaining sequel to author Joe McGee and illustrator
Charles Santoso's "Peanut Butter & Brains" will satisfy young readers ages 3 to 7 who are
craving more of their Zombie picture book stories. While highly recommended, especially for
family, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections, it should
be noted that "Peanut Butter & Aliens" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$9.99).
Counterfeit Country Queen Dreams
Cheryl K. Warner, author
Ashley Teets, illustrator
Privately Published
www.cherylkwarner.net
9780998197708, $17.99, HC, www.amazon.com
"Counterfeit Country Queen Dreams" is a beautifully illustrated children's book suitable for
children of all ages. It is an inspiring story based on Cheryl K. Warner's recent "Top Ten"
self-penned, hit single on Pop and Country Radio, "Counterfeit Country Queen", a picture book
story that demonstrates that following your dreams with faith, family, friends, belief and
perseverance can lead to amazing results. A CD of the hit single is included with the hard cover
edition of this unique and outstanding picture book. While very highly recommended, especially
for family, elementary school, and community library collections, it should be noted that
"Counterfeit Country Queen Dreams" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99)
and that the CD song is availably individually (MP3, $0.99).
Monkey: Not Ready for Bedtime
Marc Brown
Knopf
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9781101937624, $19.99 library binding
9781101937617, $16.99 hc, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Every night at bedtime, it's the same problem. Monkey puts on his pajamas. He brushes his teeth.
He makes sure his favorite stuffed toy is safely tucked in. He says "good night!" to Mom and
Dad. But no matter what, Monkey is NOT ready to go to sleep. Finally, though, with the help of
his big brother, a little imagination, and a few friendly dinosaurs, Monkey might just get ready
for bed. An original and thoroughly entertaining picture book story that is engagingly written and
charmingly illustrated by Marc Brown, "Monkey: Not Ready for Bedtime" is wholeheartedly and
enthusiastically recommended as an enduringly popular and entertaining addition to family,
daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections for children ages
3 to 7. It should be noted that "Monkey: Not Ready for Bedtime" is also available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Nu Dang and His Kite
Jacqueline Ayer
Enchanted Lion Books
67 West Street, Studio 317A, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11222
www.enchantedlionbooks.com
9781592702312, $16.95, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
More than anything, Nu Dang is a little boy in Siam who loves to fly his kite. But on one
particularly windy day the string slips and his kite disappears. Charmingly written and elegantly
illustrated by Jacqueline Ayer, "Nu Dang and His Kite" is an engaging and entertainingly original
picture book story that follows Nu Dang as he searches for his kite. In his small boat he paddles
down the long brown river asking the sweet-cakes vendor, the cloth merchant, the butcher and
others if they've seen his kite, but no one has. At last he sadly makes his way home, where a
joyous surprise awaits him. "Nu Dang and His Kite" is very highly recommended for family, preschool, elementary
school, and community library picture book collections for young children ages 4 to 8.
The Board Book Shelf
Beep, Beep, Maisy!
Lucy Cousins, author/illustrator
Candlewick Press
94 Dover St., Somerville, Massachusetts 02149
www.candlewick.com
www.maisyfunclub.com
9780763694074, $12.99, Board Book, www.amazon.com
Over 50 lifting flaps provide interactive reading fun for children ages 2-5 years in this bright,
colorful board book about Maisy the little white mouse discovering different modes of
transportation. There are tractors, bikes, trains, boats, helicopters, fire engines, buses, even
airplanes and more modes of transport to be explored by little fingers lifting tempting door flaps
to trace the exciting story of "Beep, Beep, Maisy!" Followers of this beloved preschool series
will love the bright, action pictures of Maisy and pals exploring all the wonderful ways to get
from here to there. Little readers learn skills of tracing illustrations, story lines, finding and
peeking underneath flaps, remembering hidden secrets, and enjoying a board page- turning
festival all their own in their very own Maisy story book. "Beep, Beep, Maisy!" is an exciting
early readers' book for young children to explore, encouraging their developing reading skills
with a fun story and disguised, delightful doors to open and explore the world of transpiration
and reading.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Mad Scientist Academy: The Space Disaster
Matthew McElligott
Crown
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9780553523829, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
When Dr. Cosmic's class meets Commander Nova, the school astronomer, they know their next
lesson will be out of this world! With the help of Dr. Cosmic's latest invention (a planetarium)
the class must complete four challenges. Each time the planetarium shifts and the atmosphere
changes, the students find themselves floating from planet to planet. They put their new magnetic
antigravity belts and trusted handbooks to the test to figure out where in the solar system Dr.
Cosmic's invention has "sent" them -- and how to land safely back on Earth. The newest volume
in author/illustrator Matthew McElligott's outstanding graphic novel like 'Mad Scientist
Academy' series, "Mad Scientist Academy: The Space Disaster" is an especially recommended
addition to family, school, and community libraries picture book collections for children ages 5
to 8. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Mad Scientist Academy: The Space
Disaster" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True
Amy Krouse Rosenthal, author
Brigette Barrager, illustrator
Random House
c/o Random House Children's Books
1745 Broadway, 10-1, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com/kids
9781101936597, $17.99, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
The Land of Unicorns is in trouble -- it has been raining and raining for what seems like forever.
This is a big problem because there are only three ways that unicorns can get their magic: from
the golden sun, from magnificent rainbows, and from the sparkle of believing. Luckily, Uni the
Unicorn has always, always, always believed that little girls are REAL. In "Uni the Unicorn and
the Dream Come True", children ages 3 to 7 will join this very special unicorn and the little girl
who believes right back as they finally meet and work together to save a magical land and all
who live there! A wonderfully charming, unfailingly entertaining, deftly crafted picture book by
author Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrator Brigette Barrager, "Uni the Unicorn and the Dream
Come True" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool,
elementary school, and community library picture book collections. It should be noted that "Uni
the Unicorn and the Dream Come True" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$10.99).
The ABC Shelf
F is for Florida
Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida
WestWinds Press
c/o Graphic Arts Books
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.graphicartsbooks.com
9781513260495, $14.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Written by kids for kids, "F is for Florida" ranges from manatees to mermaids, to Florida's
Indigenous peoples, to the Daytona 500, in a state-themed ABC book for children ages 4 to 8.
Featuring captivating color photographs, each lively page highlights a unique aspect of the state's
beauty and culture. For each letter, a short poem describes the pictured word. This picture book's
vivid design and educational content will hold the child's interest throughout countless readings,
making it an ideal and highly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool,
elementary school, and community library collections.
The Counting Shelf
Counting on Fall
Lizann Flatt, author
Ashley Barron, illustrator
Owlkids Books Inc.
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.owlkidsbooks.com
9781771473101, $7.95, PB, www.amazon.com
"Counting on Fall" is a Math in Nature series teaching book for children in grades K-2. This
suggestive semi verse-narrated story is filled with stunning, colorful collage creations depicting
countable and uncountable animals, leaves and objects commonly found in nature. Little pikas
pack away stacks of wildflower hay, bears gobble berries, grackles flock on trees, pronghorns
parade and prance across the prairie by twos, geese fill the skies in formations of ten, whales
swim, flowers and seeds and fruits fall, and acorns are stashed by busy squirrels. Young readers
are asked to guess without counting how many leaves fall or blow from a tree and pile on the
ground. Every fall image is drawn from nature, and math skills are sharpened in observation of
the bounty. Further lessons are suggested in the Nature Notes about trees and animals shown in
illustrations on the last three to four pages, with miniature image reminders by each note.
"Counting on Fall" is a beautiful resource for K-2 cross curricular fall learning activities
involving number sense and numeration.
Jump, Leap, Count Sheep!
Garaldo Valerio
Owlkids Books Inc.
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.owlkidsbooks.com
9781771472890, $16.95, HC, 24pp, www.amazon.com
Written and illustrated by Garaldo Valerio, "Jump, Leap, Count Sheep!: A Canadian Wildlife
123" features one bighorn sheep jumping, two grebes dancing, three mantids hunting, and a great
many more Canadian critters for children ages 2 to 5 to count! Each page spread presents a
number from 1 to 10, along with a playful depiction of the corresponding amount of Canadian
wildlife. Each number is shown as a figure and a word, to support comprehension. Every spread
also includes a lively phrase with an action verb and one other element to count. Featured
wildlife includes mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and fish creatures from diverse
environments across Canada. Valerio's signature paper collage illustrations make counting fun:
they are simple yet sophisticated, full of color and movement. An informational spread at the end
includes spot art and facts about the featured wildlife. Original, unique, fun and factual, "Jump,
Leap, Count Sheep!: A Canadian Wildlife 123" is unreservedly recommended for family, daycare
center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.
The Business Shelf
I Can Start a Business!
Ruth Owens
Windmill Books
c/o The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
29 East 21st Street, New York, NY 10010
www.rosenpublishing.com
9781499483482, $28.50 List / $21.45 Library, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Behind every business is a passionate person with a big idea. Anyone of any age can turn their
interest into a product or service with a good work ethic and some guidance! Ambitious young
readers ages 7 to 10 will gravitate to this awesome guide to business building when they read "I
Can Start a Business!" by entrepreneur Ruth Owens. Step-by-step instructions accompanied by
photographs give young entrepreneurs the basic skills that go into any successful business.
Incredible ideas and tips are springboards for readers creativity. They will learn how to create a
unique business while also learning valuable life skills, such as communication, money
management, organization, and commitment. Accessible, fun, and rewarding, and thoroughly 'kid
friendly in organization and presentation, "I Can Start a Business!" is the perfect guide to
becoming a business success for young entrepreneurs in grades 2 to 5. While very highly
recommended for family, elementary school, and community library collections, it should be
noted for personal reading lists that "I Can Start a Business!" is also available in a paperback
edition (9781499483543, $11.75).
The Fiction Shelf
Veronica and the Volcano
Geoffrey Cook, author
Gabrielle Shamsey, illustrator
Violet Moon
www.violetmoon.com
9780692894484 $7.99 pbk / $1.99 Kindle amazon.com
Veronica and the Volcano is a novel for young adults about a young girl who happens to live on a
volcano. Veronica's adventures include a trip to search for pearls on the far side of the majestic
Mount Mystery. Occasional black-and-white illustrations intersperse this adventure, which takes
Veronica on a dangerous journey past geysers, mud pots, smoking stones, leading to a discovery
that could potentially change the world! High-spirited and exciting, Veronica and the Volcano is
a choice pick for personal and public library children's collections.
The Adventures of Sigi: A Day on Safari
Candace Carson, author/illustrator
Sigi and Lulu Productions
9781937339166, $11.99, www.amazon.com
"The Adventures of Sigi: A Day on Safari" is the latest title about a little brave dog who travels
with human friends on an African Safari in Tanzania. Written in humorous verse, with different
color type for each important animal character, "A Day on Safari" follows Sigi in a chase after
his safari hat, stolen by a mischievous Vervet monkey, on a mini safari in which he meets a
succession of African plains animals and eventually returns to his guide, Sarwar. Some of the
animals Sigi meets are helpful and kind, some are mischievous and some are hungry to eat him
for dinner. The animals encountered include: Vervet monkeys, zebras, an ostrich, a cheetah, an
elephant, a rhinoceros, a giraffe, a leopard, a hippopotamus, and a lion. At the end of the story, a
list of fauna gives additional background and facts about each species, plus an additional list of
all flora fauna shown in background photos by page number. Like all title in The Adventures of
Sigi series, "A Day on Safari" is written in verse, with color type to match animal characters
speaking, shown against a photoshopped color background showing actual scenes of Tanzanian
flora and fauna. Kids of all ages will love reading "A Day on Safari," while they learn more about
the diverse species of flora and fauna that still thrive on the African plains.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
The Mystery at Hilton Head Island
Carole Marsh
www.carolemarshmysteries.com
Gallopade
PO Box 2779, Peachtree City, GA 30269
www.gallopade.com
9780635127747 $7.99 pbk / $7.99 Kindle amazon.com
Intended for young adult readers ages 5-14, The Mystery at Hilton Head Island is the fifty-first
title of the "Real Kids, Real Places" mystery series, where each title is a self-contained story set
in an accurately described, real-world location. In The Mystery at Hilton Head Island, Mimi and
four friends visit Hilton Head Island in South Carolina and wonder if the Harbour Town
Lighthouse is really haunted... but that's only the beginning of their adventures, culminating in a
scavenger hunt to solve a mystery by the light of the full moon! The Mystery at Hilton Head
Island is a delightful blend of adventurous storytelling and fascinating facts, highly recommended
for school and public library children's collections.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Tamara Turtle's Life So Far
Regan W. H. Macaulay, author
Javier Duarte, illustrator
Mirror Publishing
4062 Plains Ave S.W. Fort Payne, AL 35967
www.pagesofwonder.com
http://reganwhmacaulay.weebly.com
9781612253688, $12.99, PB, www.amazon.com
Written for children ages 4-7, "Tamara Turtle's Life So Far" describes a rough beginning of the
life of a Red-eared Slider turtle. Tamara is adopted as a baby turtle from a large group of similar
baby Red-eared Sliders in a pet store. At first her family's boy took care of her and kept her water
clean. Then she outgrew her aquarium, and her owner lost interest in caring for her, so her water
became dirty and her shell felt funny, and she was hungry. One day, the boy's mother took
Tamara to a creek nearby and dumped her in, saying she was sorry but she didn't know what else
to do. Tamara was scared and hungry, and she met many Painted Turtles who told her she did not
belong in that creek in that place. finally, Tamara left the creek and crept to a sidewalk, where
she was eventually found by a kind man who took her to a Humane Society, where she was well
cared for, fed, and given clean water to swim in. She also met many other Red-eared Turtles like
herself. One day, a kind lady came to adopt her and take her home, along with her friend, Apple.
This time she was going to a good home, with a large 500 gallon set-up with full spectrum UV
lighting and a basking lamp. Her new owner was a herpetologist, who knew exactly how to care
for Red-eared Sliders. "Tamara's Life So Far" was written to help teach children the importance
of providing care and proper maintenance of pet turtles or other animals for their life span, a
question of ongoing responsibility. Further information and resources about turtle care are
included, as well as turtle rescue resources.
Animalsaurus
Tracey Turner, author
Harriet Russell, illustrator
Bloomsbury Children's Books
175 Fifth Avenue, 8th floor, New York, NY 10010-7728
www.bloomsburyusa.com
9781681195445 $14.99 amazon.com
Animalsaurus is a children's book that spotlights extinct dinosaurs and animals of the past, and
compares them to related species alive in the modern day. Simple artwork of the bygone
creatures alongside full-color photography of the living species makes every two-page spread of
Animalsaurus stand out. Highly recommended, especially for school and public library nonfiction
picturebook collections.
Worzel Says Hello!
Catherine Pickles, author
Chantai Bourgonje, illustrator
Hubble & Hattie
www.hubbleandhattie.com
9781787111608, $9.99, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Children and dogs are often best friends. Many adults will fondly remember a childhood dog who
helped them through a hard time simply by being a companion, or curling up with them when
they needed comfort. Sadly, though, dogs are often misunderstood by both adults and children;
their behavior being misread. It is important to remember that dogs and children should always
be supervised when together, so that everyone stays happy and safe. In "Worzel Says Hello!: Will
you be my friend?", Catherine and her Lurcher, Worzel, take children ages 4 to 7 on a journey,
where they will gain an understanding of how dogs think and feel, so that all kids can have a
wonderful relationship with the dogs in their lives, and all dogs can feel happy, safe, and loved.
Deftly written by Catherine Pickles in an engagingly rhythmic poetry that is charmingly
illustrated by Chantai Bourgonje, "Worzel Says Hello!: Will you be my friend?" is unreservedly
and enthusiastically recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and
community library Picture Book collections for children.
Seven Songs for Seven Dogs
L. Meredith Averitt, DVM, author
Maegan Penley, illustrator
Belle Isle Books
c/o Brandylane Publishers
5 S. 1st St., Richmond, VA 23219
www.belleislebooks.com
9781939930927, $19.95, HC, 31 pages, www.amazon.com
"Seven Songs for Seven Dogs" is a heartwarming tribute in portraits, prose, and melody to seven
beloved dogs, adopted by DVM/author L. Meredith Averitt. Each dog has its own story and
special little song with adapted lyrics and familiar tune. First there is Lady Alexis of Cadbury, or
Lexi, mother of five little dachshunds (song "Lexi's a Momma" sung to "Laughter in the Rain" by
Neil Sedaka). Then there are Topher, Caddie and Carly (Cadbury and Charlotte), Sera (Sienna
Seguin), Chester (Lord Chesterfield), Stevie (Lord Stefan), and Grady (Here Comes Grady), the
rescued apricot poodle who joined a family of dachshunds. Every dog has its own personality and
traits, which are reflected in both its biography and its special song. Beautiful full color portraits
of each dog and the full family of dogs enhance this delightful collection, which invites kids and
adults to consider the joys and responsibilities of adopting and owning a pet, dog or cat.
Dogs, A Kid's Book of Dog Breeds
Eve Heidi Bine-Stock, author
Jean Batzell Fitzgerald, illustrator
Eve Heidi Bine Stock, publisher
P.O. Box 3346, Omaha, Nebraska 68103
9780983149934, $15.95, PB, 49pp, www.amazon.com
"Dogs, A Kid's Book of Dog Breeds" is a very informative, factual, entertaining dog breed book
for young readers age 9 and up. 20 of the most popular dog breeds are catalogued, described, and
celebrated in brief dog history tales. Dog breeds and their background, history, geographical
origins, and popular culture referents are described in brief, entertaining chapters. Some of the
breeds covered include Beagles, Bloodhounds, Chihuahuas, Collies, Dachshunds, German
Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Saint Bernards, West Highland White Terrier, and Yorkshire
Terriers. Other important features of each breed of dog described include behavior, size, whether
or not they are good with children, how the breed has helped people, heroic deeds of various
breeds, famous people who owned the breed, and the origin of each breed. An interesting section
at the end covers Jobs with Dogs, suggesting different types of employment for people who like
being with dogs. "Dogs, A Kid's Book of Dog Breeds" invites readers to browse, sample, dip, or
read cover to cover the fascinating stories and historical facts about 20 popular breeds of man's
best friend.
Daytime Nighttime, All Through the Year
Diane Lang, author
Andrea Gabriel, illustrator
Dawn Publications
12402 Bitney Way, Nevada City, CA 95959
www.dawnpub.com
9781584696063, $16.95, HC, 32pp, www.amazon.com
Animals are so busy! In daytime eagles dive for fish, lizards gobble insects, and tortoises dine on
cactus flowers. When night falls, bats catch moths, crickets sing, and cougars prowl. Engaging
rhymes describe the action through the cycle of every day and night, as well as through each
month of the year. Of special note is the inclusion of an "Explore More" section that provides
teachers and parents with lots of ideas to expand on the seasonal and nocturnal themes.
Informatively engaging, impressively informative, while thoroughly entertaining from cover to
cover, "Daytime Nighttime, All Through the Year" is a unique and unreservedly recommended
addition for young children ages 4 to 8. While certain to be an enduringly popular addition to
family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library wildlife picture
book collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Daytime Nighttime, All
Through the Year" is also available in a paperback edition (9781584696070, $8.95) and in a
digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).
The Music Shelf
What Is Hip-Hop?
Eric Morse, author
Anny Yi, illustrator
Nelson George, producer
Black Sheep
c/o Akashic Books
232 Third Street, #A115, Brooklyn, NY 11215
www.akashicbooks.com
9781617755842, $15.95, HC, 40pp, www.amazon.com
Hip-Hop is a subculture and art movement developed in South Bronx in New York City during
the late 1970s. While people unfamiliar with Hip Hop culture often use the expression "hip hop"
to refer exclusively to hip hop music (also called "rap"), Hip Hop is characterized by nine distinct
elements or expressive realms, of which Hip Hop music is only four elements (rapping, djaying,
beatboxing and breaking). In "What Is Hip-Hop?" author Eric Morse and artist Anny Yi celebrate
the music that changed their lives and the voices that achieved iconic status along the way. See
Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Salt-N-Pepa, Biggie and Tupac, Eminem, and even Nicki
Minaj and Kendrick Lamar, as they have never been seen before! An ideal picture book for
children ages 3 to 7, "What Is Hip-Hop?" is as entertaining as it is informative and will prove to
be an enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and
community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "What Is
Hip-Hop?" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
The Christian Shelf
Metamorphosis: An Invitation to Fly
Michael G. Booth, author
Thinkstock, images/illustrations
WestBow Press
c/o Thomas Nelson
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.westbowpress.com
9781512768497, $16.95, PB, www.amazon.com
"Metamorphosis: An Invitation to Fly" is a warm inspiring comparison between the life of a
caterpillar- becoming- a butterfly to the promise of eternal life in the transfiguration of Jesus
Christ. Written in appealing and humorous verse, "Metamorphosis" has a friendly, casual tone
that comfortably explores the magic of a choice to lead a transformed life. This choice is offered
to a caterpillar who is weary of the torment of his existence by a magical, flying butterfly, who
promises: "Oh no, it's within you brother/ For you to fly like me./ Just taste the fruit of the tree of
life,/ and believe what you will see." His promise continues: "A promised life of liberty/ Free of
tears and woe,/ Bondage of earthbound life/ From you will have to go... You'll join the ranks of
freeborn flight/ And leave your dust behind/ To adopt a new perspective/ With others of your
kind." The lovely transformation poem continues with the caterpillar describing all he
experiences in his journey to become a free, flying being. "Metamorphosis" ends with a
personalized invitation, with a blank for the reader to add his name: "Just like the caterpillar that
became a butterfly I, ___ accept the invitation to 'fly.' I believe that through the power of God's
love in my life I will become and achieve all that He has in store for me, that I too will 'fly.' And
when I do I will inspire others to accept the invitation to 'fly' also. "Metamorphosis" has a
redemptive faith message that is further enhanced by the clear, colorful, creative illustrations of
caterpillars and butterflies on their journeys through life and change. "Metamorphosis" is a
beautiful faith based story that will appeal to children of all ages.
The Literary Shelf
Mark Twain's The Diaries of Eve and Adam
Adapted by Jerome Tiller
Illustrated by Marc Johnson-Pencook
Art Write Productions
artwriteproductions.com
9781939846150 $16.99 hc adaptedclassics.com
Part of the Adapted Classics series of timeless stories adapted for young readers in middle
school, Mark Twain's The Diaries of Eve and Adam retells Mark Twain's timeless take on the
Biblical story of the Garden of Eden from Adam's and Eve's perspectives. Full-page, black-and-
white illustrations enhance this accessible rendition that stays true to the spirit of the original.
"She says the snake advises her to try the fruit of the tree, and says the result will be a great and
fine and noble education. I told her there would be another result, too - it would introduce death
inot the world." Mark Twain's The Diaries of Eve and Adam is highly recommended for public
and school library middle grade collections. Other excellent titles in the "Adapted Classics"
series include, "Nathaniel Hawthorne's Dr. Heidegger's Experiment", "Edlar Allan Poe's Thou
Art the Man", "Nathaniel Hawthorne's Mr. Higginbotham's Catastrophe", "Mark Twain's The
Facts Concerning the Recent Carnival of Crime in Connecticut", and "Edgar Allan Poe's Hop-
Frog".
The Activity Shelf
The Awful Air Travel Activity Book
Andy Robbins, author/illustrator
Farcountry Press
P.O. Box 5630, Helena, MT 59604
www.farcountrypress.com
9781560377085, $8.95, PB, 32pp, www.amazon.com
"The Awful Air Travel Activity Book" is a far from awful collection of black and white
illustrated puzzles, mazes, bizarre air travel scenes (Security Nightmare!), connect the dots, and
other creative coloring and interactive activities that should provide quiet, unplugged
entertainment for children ages 10 and up. A kid's sense of humor pervades all illustrations and
activities, such as finding the 20 hidden snakes in all the pages of black and white illustrations.
Everything relates to air travel and some of the related frustrations. Some of the humor is grim.
In fact, this may be an adult air travel activity book. Of course, that will make it all the more
attractive to kids. There are airport scavenger hunts, color by number, subtly hidden Fun Facts
("Fun Fact: Food tastes different on an airplane because the change in air pressure numbs about a
third of your taste buds!") There is even a passenger quiz and a color by number airplane scene
that has two suggested coloring schemes: The Worst -Case Scenario and the Ack No Way!
Happy Ending Scenario. "The Awful Air Travel Activity Book" is delightful, witty, amusing, and
possibly true on many exaggerated points. It is surely worth the investment of its price of, $8.95
to ensure some happy (or at least smiling) down time for travelers of various ages (10 and
above).
The Graphic Novel Shelf
Cucumber Quest 1: The Doughnut Kingdom
Gigi D.G.
First Second
175 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.firstsecondbooks.com
9781626728325 $14.99 / $9.99 www.scholastic.com
Cucumber Quest 1: The Doughnut Kingdom is the first full-color graphic novel compilation of
the popular and heartwarming Cucumber Quest webcomic. Drawing inspiration from fairy tales
(and role-playing games), the story follows the practical-minded, aspiring wizard Cucumber and
his far more heroic little sister Almond as they are swept into a grand quest to save the seven
kingdoms (Cucumber quite reluctantly, Almond much more enthusiastically). Cucumber Quest
features tongue-in-cheek humor, as time and again Almond questions exactly why his heroic
quest has to play out just so; after all, his brave little sister is so much better at wielding a sword
than he is, and if the ultimate menace can be awakened with the Disaster Stones, then wouldn't it
be more prudent to just destroy them? Although Cucumber Quest is a choice pick for young
adults ages 9-12, its delightful wit and swashbuckling action will appeal to readers of all ages!
Highly recommended, especially for public library collections and fantasy graphic novel
connoisseurs.
The Witch Boy
Molly Knox Ostertag
Graphix
c/o Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999
www.scholastic.com
9781338089516 $12.99 pbk / $7.99 Kindle amazon.com
The Witch Boy is a full-color fantasy graphic novel about the difficulties caused by culturally
imposed gender barriers. Aster is a young man born into a family of magic-users. In his family, it
is an absolute rule that boys grow up to be shapeshifters and girls grow up to be witches. But
Aster has no talent for communicating with animal spirits; instead, he has an innate knack for
casting witch spells and wants to learn more. Time and again he is told "this magic isn't for you."
The other boys treat him with suspicion, and the only person he can confide in is Charlie, an
African-American tomboy from a completely non-magical family. But when a mysterious enemy
starts kidnapping Aster's cousins, neither the male shapeshifters nor the female witches can find
the culprit. Aster, a boy with the powers of a witch, may be the only one who can save them! A
thoughtful coming-of-age story that encourages the reader to question gender-based restrictions
on what a person can or cannot do, The Witch Boy is highly recommended for school and public
library collections, as well as fantasy graphic novel connoisseurs of all ages.
Musnet the Mouse of Monet
Kickliy, author/illustrator
ODOD Books
c/o Uncivilized Books
P.O. Box 6534, Minneapolis, MN 55406
www.ododbooks.com
9781941250099, $19.95, HC, 54pp, www.amazon.com
"Musnet the Mouse of Monet" is the beginning volume of the exciting life of an artistic mouse
named Musnet who begins his art apprenticeship with a master mouse artist on the estate of
Giverny, the home of Monet. Exciting, amusing, gawky Musnet meets a friend, the spunky,
impetuous Mya, a schoolgirl mouse who introduces him to his grumpy Master artist, Remi.
Follow Musnet through the twisted secret passages and gardens and ghostly cavernous studio
rooms of Giverny as he learns the underpinnings of Rodent Art first hand. Musnet learns first
hand about details of the daily life of an artist, like cleaning brushes, arranging a studio with
northern light, preparing paints, and finding canvas and art supplies. There are dangers, such as
wild predators, and a large black cat, but there are also jaunty friends to help Musnet travel a
mysterious, protected path through his quest for learning to paint. Dark -toned background art
examples echo and refresh the painting styles of Monet, while the mouse adventure of learning
the ways of Rodent Art production (and the ways of mouse love) intrigue readers of all ages.
"Musnet the Mouse of Monet" is sure to be a popular underground hit with middle grade readers
and up. Nominated for the 2017 prix Angouleme in the Youth Category, the "Musnet" series is a
sure success. Also highly recommended are the following titles of this series: "Musnet The
Impressions of the Master" (9781941250136, $19.95), and "Musnet The Flames of the
Limelight" (9781941250150, $19.95), both also by Kickliy.
Musnet: The Tears of the Painter
Kickliy
Odod Books
ododbooks.com
9781941250198 $19.95
Musnet: The Tears of the Painter is the fourth and final graphic novel in an all-ages series set in
19th century France, following the anthropomorphic Mus Musculous (his name is from the Latin
term for a field mouse) in his quest to become the greatest mouse painter of all. Musnet cares for
a squirrel master artist who is dying of old age; Musnet's best friend Mya has her own adventure
(including an encounter with a carnivorous split-personality owl); and the Japanese spider Chiby
gets in a scrap with a muscular rat. A dreamlike story about the perils and joys of being an artist
(as well as the hardships of being prey in a predator's world), Musnet: The Tears of the Painter is
highly recommended.
Ghost Hunt: Lucky Luke #65
Lo Hartog Van Banda, author
Morris, artist
Cinebook Ltd.
www.cinebook.com
c/o National Book Network (dist.)
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.nbnbooks.com
9781849183536, $11.95, PB, 48pp, www.amazon.com
This time Lucky Luke finds himself teamed up with the infamous Calamity Jane as they go off in
search of a missing stagecoach and Calamity Jane's brand new rifle that was being delivered to
her by that same mysteriously missing coach in "Ghost Hunt", the latest graphic novel presenting
the adventures of that sharp-shooting, fast draw cowboy who 'shoots faster than his shadow'. A
terrifically entertaining read from cover to cover, "Ghost Hunt" is an absolute 'must' for the
legions of Luck Luke fans and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community
library Graphic Novel collections for readers of all ages.
The Music CD Shelf
Walking Around with Giants
The Dilly Dallies
thedillydallies.com
Privately Published
$12.98 CD / $9.99 download cdbaby.com
Walking Around with Giants is a children's music album of 13 original songs from The Dilly
Dallies, featuring ukulele, glockenspiel, and vocal harmonies. Peppy, comedic, and perfectly
accented by the interplay between baritone ukulele and bass ukulele (with highlights from
vibraphone, marimba, vibraslap, shakers, finger cymbals, wood block, kazoo, and more),
Walking Around with Giants is a delight for families to share, especially during car trips or rainy
day fun time. Highly recommended. The tracks are "Superhero", "Little Tiny Toes", "Walking
Around With Giants", "I Get Up", "Share The Sun", "School Day", "Rainy Day", "Dreams
Await", "Closet Monster", "We Could Be", "Taken Over By Robots", "One Big Heart", and "You
Are Me and I Am You."
Songs of Peace & Love for Kids & Parents Around the World
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Privately Published
$12.97 cdbaby.com
Four-time Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo (a talented and popular South
African singing group) present Songs of Peace & Love for Kids & Parents Around the World, an
all-ages, family-friendly album brimming with positive, feel-good music and thoughtful civic
messages. Promoting tolerance and compassion, Songs of Peace & Love for Kids & Parents
Around the World is a joy to listen to and share, and makes an excellent gift. Highly
recommended. The tracks are "We are LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO from South Africa!",
"Everything's So Stupid!", "Different Colors Mean Nothing To Me", "All Women Are
Beautiful", "Because I Love You", "Sit Down And Make Peace", "Love Your Neighbor", "Long
Walk To Freedom", "Homeless", "Old MacDonald", and "Go Well And Peace Be With
You".
Songs from the Monkey House
Jack Forman
www.jackformanmusic.com
Privately Published
$12.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 amazon.com
Jack Forman (lead singer of the Grammy- nominated Seattle band Recess Monkey) presents
Songs from the Monkey House, his first solo album featuring 12 original songs inspired by kid-
calls on the "Live from the Monkey House" show, the live-show Monkeynauts, and Jack's own
children. Upbeat, lively, and playful, Songs from the Monkey House is brimming with energy,
imagination, and pure fun. Highly recommended! The tracks are "Dog Park", "Yodeling Yoda",
"A Little Cheese", "No Name", "Watermelon", "Candy Tour", "Not a Cloud", "Stand-in", "Blue
Cheese", "I Lost My Lunch", "Sportball Anthem", and "This Is The End".
The DVD Shelf
School's First Day of School
Story by Adam Rex
Pictures by Christian Robinson
Weston Woods
90 Old Sherman Turnpike, Danbury, CT 06816
9781338201574 $59.95 www.scholastic.com/westonwoods
School's First Day of School (10 min.) is the animated DVD adaptation of a picturebook for
children ages 4-8 (grades PreK-3). The story is about the first day of school - from the
perspective of the school itself! Frederick Douglass Elementary is quite nervous - will the
children like their new school? Will they be nice? The school has a hard time at first, but soon it
realizes that's not the only one worried about the first day! Warmly narrated by Erin Bennett, Ron
Butler and Pierce Cravens, and enhanced with music by Ernest Troost, School's First Day of
School is a choice pick for public school library collections or homeroom viewing. Highly
recommended! It should be noted that School's First Day of School is also available as a
hardcover book and CD (9781338201598, $29.95), an audio CD (9781338201598, $12.95), or a
hardcover picturebook (9781596439641, $17.95).
Peter H. Reynolds' "Creatrilogy"
Peter H. Reynolds, author
Weston Woods
90 Old Sherman Turnpike, Danbury, CT 06816
9781338200478 $59.95 www.scholastic.com/westonwoods
Intended for young viewers ages 4-9, Peter H. Reynolds' "Creatrilogy" is a DVD anthology
adapting three children's picturebooks by award-winning author Peter H. Reynolds. The titles are
"The Dot" (7 min.), about a young girl's journey of discovery to reveal her hidden artistic talent;
"Ish" (8 min.), about a boy who, with encouragement from his sister, learns to develop his
creativity instead of worrying about getting things "just right"; and "Sky Color" (6 min.), about a
girl who realizes the color blue is missing from her paint when she is about to create a sky scene
for her class mural. An interview with Peter Reynolds rounds out this delightful anthology about
broadening one's horizons as an artist and creative person. Peter H. Reynolds' "Creatrilogy" is
highly recommended especially for grade school library DVD shelves or homeroom
viewing.
The Hobby Shelf
The LEGO Trains Book
Holger Matthes
No Starch Press
245 - 8th Street, San Francisco, CO 94103-3910
www.nostarch.com
9781593278199, $24.95, HC, 248pp, www.amazon.com
Holger Matthes is a hobbyist who has been building with LEGO since 2000. He was involved in
the creation of various official LEGO projects such as the Hobby Train set #10183 and frequently
presents his models and gives workshops at LEGO exhibitions worldwide. With "The LEGO
Trains Book" he draws upon his years of experience and expertise to help LEGO enthusiasts
from ages 10 and up learn the model-making process from start to finish, including the best ways
to choose scale, wheels, motors, and track layout. Readers will be able to take advantage of the
professional insights and advice for building steam engines, locomotives, and passenger cars, and
discover fresh ideas and inspiration for your own LEGO train designs. Profusely illustrated
throughout with color photography, "The LEGO Train Books" presents: An historical tour of
LEGO trains; Step-by-step building instructions for models of the German Inter-City Express
(ICE), the Swiss "Crocodile," and a vintage passenger car; Tips for controlling your trains with
transformers, receivers, and motors; Advice on advanced building techniques like SNOT (studs
not on top), micro-striping, creating textures, and making offset connections; Case studies of the
design process; Ways to use older LEGO pieces in modern designs. While very highly
recommended for school and community library collections, it should be noted for personal
reading lists that "The LEGO Trains Book" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$14.99).
The Science Shelf
Ultimate Space Atlas
Carolyn DeCristofano, author
National Geographic Kids
c/o National Geographic Press
101 West 104th Street, Suite 8, New York, NY 10025
www.kids.nationalgeographic.com
9781426328022, $12.99, PB, 160 pages, www.amazon.com
Filled with maps, games, activities, and fun facts about space and related topics, the "Ultimate
Space Atlas" is a fantastic kids guide to the exploration and mapping of the solar system, our
galaxy, and space beyond. The book is filled with helpful color illustrations of space and many
informative sidebars and commentaries. It is filled with double page spreads with headings and
subheadings to inform the reader of the content of each article. A section in the beginning on
How To Use This Atlas is very helpful. The reading level appears to be about grade 4 and above.
Good guidelines include Aunt Bertha's Important Safety Information, which advises that a
trustworthy adult supervise the student's quest for related information online etc. or also outside.
Topics covered include the planets of our solar system, our galaxy, patterns in the sky, mapped
and subdivided into the Northern Sky, and Southern Sky, mapping the universe, stars and their
life cycle, nebulas, star clusters, galaxies, and more. Further pages cover scanning the skies and
backyard observation for amateur astronomers. There are even two pages on the signs of the
zodiac. The "Ultimate Space Atlas" ends with a Galaxy Quest map game, two pages of fabulous
space facts, a game of Lost In Space, and a glossary, index, and answer key. "Ultimate Space
Atlas" has unlimited appeal for elementary and middle school readers who have an interest in
exploring space.
The American History Shelf
The Great Space Race: The Story of How America Put a Man On the Moon
Jeff Attinella, author
David Capalungan, illustrator
It Had to Be Told! Publishers
9780998944029, $17.99, PB, www.ithadtobetold.com
"The Great Space Race" is an imaginative retelling of the story of how America put a man on the
moon for young readers. Written in galloping verse and dramatically illustrated with exciting
rockets and smiling moon images against a dark space background, "The Great Space Race"
begins in 1955 when the United States and Russia were at the start of continuing a race to put a
man on the moon. First, Russia launched Sputnik One, a satellite in 1957. One year later, the U.
S. launched Explorer 1 to match this feat. Then the Russian scientists put the first human
astronaut into space, followed by the U.S. launch containing John Glenn into space. President
John F. Kennedy gave an encouraging speech in 1962, determined that the U. S. should be the
first country to land a man on the moon. This effort began with Apollo 1, but it did not make it to
the launch pad. There was a successful launch of Apollo 7 in 1968, but it was on July 16 of 1969
that the U. S. successfully launched Apollo 11, which landed on the moon on July 24, with
astronaut Neil Armstrong taking the first stride onto the lunar surface. His historic words were
"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." An American flag was placed on the
surface of the moon. Later on Russia and the U.S. worked together on space exploration
missions. Here is the final quotation from "The Great Space Race:" "The Race to the moon
taught everyone/ to think big and reach for the stars./ Neil Armstrong was the first man on the
moon -/ maybe YOU could be the first person on Mars!" Final pages are dedicated to Did You
Know? interesting facts about the lunar flights, a diagram of the Apollo Saturn 5 rocket, the
Apollo Command Service Module, and the Apollo Lunar (Moon) Module.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Based on the film written by Melissa Mathison
Based on the film directed by Steven Spielberg
Illustrated by Kim Smith
Quirk Books
215 Church Street, Philadelphia PA 19106
www.quirkbooks.com
9781683690108 $18.99 hc / $10.99 Kindle amazon.com
Featuring charming, cartoony artwork, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is a modern-day picturebook
adaptation of the classic all-ages movie, directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1982.
When a young boy encounters a strange yet adorable alien in his family's tool shed, he befriends
the visitor from another world, and tries to help him "phone home" before government scientists
close in! Heartwarming and beautiful, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is highly recommended for gift-
giving, storytime, and children's public library picturebook collections.
The LGBT Shelf
Dracula Marries Frankenstein!
Susan Schade and Jon Buller
www.bullersooz.com
Papercutz
160 Broadway, Suite 700E, New York, NY 10038
www.papercutz.com
9781629918150 $12.99 pbk / $9.22 Kindle amazon.com
Dracula Marries Frankenstein! An Anne of Green Bagels Story is a hybrid text and graphic novel
story, periodically shifting from black-and-white comic panels to paragraphs and back again.
Anne and her friends have an idea for an off-the-wall horror movie - what if Dracula married
Frankenstein? They make a deal with Augusta Herringbone to film the movie at her creepy
castle. But when Augusta realizes that the movie about two monstrous *men* getting married,
she flips out in a severe case of homophobia, and a sudden outbreak of fire turns matters from
bad to worse. Dracula Marries Frankenstein candidly addresses the hot-button topic of marriage
equality and does not talk down to young adults; readers of all ages will enjoy both the wacky
humor and the contemplation of social issues. Also highly recommended is the first book
featuring the plucky Anne and her friends, "Anne of Green Bagels" (9781629914657 $14.99 pbk
/ $2.99 Kindle).
Books in Series
The Cold War Chronicles
Cavendish Square
243 - 5th Avenue, Suite 136, New York, NY 10016
https://cavendishsq.com
9781502628787, $342.32 List / $239.60 Library, HC, 112pp
Spanning decades, the Cold War shaped politics in the United States, spurred technological
development in America and the Soviet Union, and led to proxy wars in places like Vietnam and
Korea. "The Cold War Chronicles" is a seven volume set that provides young readers an in-depth
look at each component of the conflict, including the role of nuclear weapons, the advent of the
space race, specific diplomatic actions and policy shifts in both nations, and the clash between
political ideologies. The series explores how tensions between the United States and the Soviet
Union had a profound effect on people's lives around the world, a legacy that continues to
influence international relations today. Each individual volume comprising this outstanding set
includes: Biographies of the military leaders, diplomats, presidents/party leaders, and inventors
who played key roles in the conflict; Explanations of the technology used to wage war and to
make scientific discoveries; Maps, photographs, and primary source information; Context for
modern relationships and tensions between nations; Curriculum Connections; Encourages critical
thinking about how large-scale wars (like World War II) can lead to subsequent conflicts;
Includes content that aligns with US history curriculum; Challenges students to draw connections
between the Cold War and US/Russia relations today. The volumes comprising "The Cold War
Chronicles" include: "NATO, the Warsaw Pact, and the Iron Curtain" (9781502627216); "The
Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missel Crisis" (9781502628633); "Sputnik and the Space Race"
(9781502627322); "The Collapse of Communism and the Breakup of the Soviet Union"
(9781502627285); "Nuclear Proliferation, the Military-Industrial Complex, and the Arms Race"
(9781502627308); "The Marshall Plan and the Truman Doctrine" (9781502627230); and
"Superpower Rivalries and Proxy Warfare" (9781502627254).
Understanding the Brain
Joanne Randolph, editor
Enslow Publishing LLC
101 West 23rd Street, Suite #240, New York, NY 10011
www.enslow.com
9780766090033, $25.27/$18.95, HC, 48pp, www.amazon.com
The brain is the most complex and amazing organ of the human body. It is the command center
that keeps the body functioning properly with respect to both the voluntary and involuntary
systems. Exceptionally informative and specifically written for children ages 10 to 13,
"Understanding the Brain" is part of the outstanding 'The Amazing Human Body" series from
Enslow Publishers intended for students in grades 5 to 8. Also highly recommended for both
school and community library collections are the other titles in this extraordinary series:
"Learning About the Nervous System" (9780766041608, $25.27/$18.95); "Growth and Aging"
(9780766089839, $25.27, $18.95); "Microbes: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly" (9780766089990,
$25.27/$18.95); "Taste and Digestion" (9780766089914, $25.27, $18.95). It should be noted that
all four volumes in this exceptional and unreservedly recommended series feature library binding
for an extended shelf life.
Making Maps
Gareth Stevens Publishing
111 East 14th Street, Suite 349, New York, NY 10003
www.garethstevens.com
9781482464276, $22.60 List / $16.95 Library, HC, 24pp, www.amazon.com
Part of the outstanding "Where On Earth?: Mapping Parts of the World" series from Gareth
Stevens Publishing, "Making Maps" Is a fun and effective way for children ages 5 to 8 in
developing spatial awareness skills. Students in grades K-3 will engage in and expand their
understanding of the world around them through a creative, rewarding map-making activity
developed with learning and fun in mind! Step-by-step instructions guide them through this
rewarding exercise, while a simple history and explanation of cartography allows them to feel a
part of something both fascinating and epic. Other highly recommended companion titles for
both school and community libraries in this thoroughly 'kid friendly' series include Todd
Bluthenthal's "Earth's Continents" (9781482464153, $16.95 Library/$22.60 List); "Earth's
Hemispheres" (9781482464191, $16.95 Library/$22.60 List); "The South Pole"
(9781482464351, $16.95 Library/$22.60 List); "The Equator" (9781482464238, $16.95
Library/$22.60 List); "The North Pole" (9781482464313, $16.95 Library/$22.60 List).
All About Money
Maddie Spalding
The Child's World, Inc.
1980 Lookout Drive, Mankato, MN 56003
www.childsworld.com
9781503822825, 12 Volume Set., HC, $237.40
Understanding the basic concept of money is essential for young children of elementary school
age. "All About Money" is an impressive twelve volume informative series in which young
readers ages 5 to 8 will learn about the coins and bills that Americans use every day. Children
will discover the fundamental facts of familiar pieces of money, learn about the history of each
commonplace coin and bill, and study the various physical aspects of U.S. currency. Each spread
contains colorful photos that highlight features of each bill and coin. Additional features to aid
comprehension include informative sidebars, a section on fast facts, a timeline, a map of U.S.
Mint locations, a phonetic glossary, sources for further research, and an index. The individual
titles comprising this truly outstanding and thoroughly 'kid friendly' series include: Dimes;
Fifty-Cent Pieces; Five-Dollar Bills; Nickels: One Hundred-Dollar Bills; One-Dollar Bills;
Pennies; Quarters; Silver Dollars; Ten-Dollar Bills; Twenty-Dollar Bills; and Two-Dollar Bills.
Although each title can be obtained individually ($18.95 each), school and community libraries
will want to obtain the entire series intact. It should be noted for homeschoolers that the "All
About Money" series is also available in a digital book format (Multi-user eBook: $29.95
individual titles, $359.40 for the complete set).
Making Friends
Steffi Cavell-Clarke, author
Crabtree Publishing Company
PMB 59051, 350 Fifth Avenue, 59th Floor, New York, NY 10118
www.crabtreebooks.com
9780778737209, $25.58 HC /, $7.95 PB, 24pp, www.amazon.com
Written especially to appeal to readers ages 8-11 years, "Making Friends" is an exploration of the
significance or making and keeping friends for all children. From the series Our Values, "Making
Friends" uses multi-colored paragraph/caption backgrounds plus picture portraits of children of
diverse backgrounds interacting respectfully and supportively with each other to underline a
message of kindness towards all. how can you make new friends? How can you be a good friend?
Why are friends important? How can you make a difference by listening to others? How should
you respond to peer pressure? What are important friendship values? All these and other
questions about pro social behaviors in children are addressed in this easy to read book. An anti
bullying message is also featured prominently. A Glossary of terms and index complete this
positive, helpful juvenile health series title, "Making Friends". Also highly recommended are the
following titles from the Our Values series: "Helping Others" (9789780778737032, $25.58 HC /,
$7.95 PB), by Steffi Cavell-Clarke, "My Choices" (9780778737018, $25.58 HC /, $7.95 PB), by
Grace Jones, and "My Community" (9780778737025, $25.58 HC /, $7.95 PB), by Grace
Jones.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
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e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
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